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Cryptos,
Markets and Culture
Friday
Into The Weekend Edition!
October
3/4, 2025
Cryptos
Today: (Near Live)
Bitcoin
$122,667.92 +2.23%
Ethereum $4,506.29 +0.60%
Tether $1.0005 flat
Binance Coin $1,177.34 +7.54%
XRP $3.0270 +0.11%
Solana $230.17 -0.54%
USDC $0.9996 flat
TRON $0.3408 -0.88%
Dogecoin $0.2542 - 1.31%
Cardano $0.8572 -0.14%
Market
bullish! Mood joyful
News
October
3, 2025
Markets
(Sydney to New York)
Australian
Dollar: $0.6590 USD (down $0.0020 USD)
Iron Ore: $103.40 USD (down $0.20 USD)
Oil: $60.68 USD (down $1.12 USD)
Gold: $3,856.37 USD (down $9.29 USD)
Copper: $4.9540 USD (up 0.0595 USD)
Bitcoin: $120,564.31 USD (up 2.56%)
Dow Jones: 46,519.72 (up 78.62 points)
Stocks
Media
Man Favs:
TKO
Group $197.35 -0.65 -0.33%
Formula One Group Series C $104.83 +0.68 +0.65%
NVIDIA Corp $187.62 -1.32 -0.70%
Alphabet Inc Class A $245.35 -0.34 -0.14%
News Corp Class A $28.38 -0.17 -0.60%
Netflix Inc $1,153.32 -9.21 -0.79%
Caterpillar Inc $497.85 +7.28 +1.48%
Trump Media & Technology Group Corp $17.34 +0.14
+0.81%
Tesla Inc $429.83 -6.17 -1.42%
Walt Disney Co $112.47 +0.33 +0.29%
Wynn Resorts Ltd $123.66 -9.68 -7.26%
Meta Platforms Inc $710.56 -16.49 -2.27%
BHP Group Ltd $42.08 +0.14 +0.33%
Mercedes Benz Group ADR $16.24 +0.18 +1.11%
News
Crypto
October
2
The
cryptocurrency market soared to extremes
Market
Overview
The
cryptocurrency market capitalisation soared by 4%
over the past day to $4.07 trillion. The capitalisation
has soared into the extreme zone, above which it was
only briefly in mid-August and mid-September.
Cryptocurrency
investors are convinced that the US government shutdown
is not dampening risk appetite, and macroeconomic
data is pushing the Fed to ease its policy further.
The
sentiment index rose to 64 (greed), reaching its highest
level in the last six weeks. However, the index is
far from extreme greed, leaving significant potential
for further strengthening.
On
Thursday morning, Bitcoin exceeded $118K, surpassing
the previous highs, which indicates an important technical
breakthrough of the established range. The next step
could well be an attempt to update historical highs
approaching $125K. At the same time, it is worth paying
attention to the activity of long-term sellers, who
have been actively selling near these levels since
July: we may see a new episode of selling on the rise.
News
Background
The
total supply of stablecoins grew by a record $45 billion
in the third quarter, according to http://CEX.io.
At the same time, 69% of the ‘printed’ volume
was issued on the main Ethereum network.
According
to CryptoQuant, the growth in the supply of stablecoins
creates a powerful foundation for a bull market. Historically,
Bitcoin has rallied not only in October but throughout
the last quarter of the year.
The
main factors that could trigger a crypto market rally
in the fourth quarter could be changes in digital
asset regulation in the US and expanded access to
the crypto market through products on stock exchanges,
according to Grayscale.
The
total Bitcoin reserves of Japanese company Metaplanet
reached 30,823 coins, placing it in fourth place among
all corporate BTC holders.
According
to Onchain Lens, Tether, the issuer of USDT, has replenished
its Bitcoin reserve with 8,889 BTC worth $1 billion.
Since May 2023, the company has been allocating 15%
of its net profit to the purchase of BTC as part of
its long-term asset diversification strategy.
Stani
Kulechov, founder of leading lending platform Aave,
said lower interest rates by global central banks
will create favourable conditions for yield growth
in the DeFi sector and may drive renewed interest
in decentralised finance. (FxPro)
News
Oct
3
ASX
rallies 1.1pc as miners and CBA jump
The
Australian sharemarket posted a strong gain on Thursday,
with the S&P/ASX 200 adding 1.1 per cent to close
at 8,945.9 points. BHP rose 1.1 per cent to $41.94,
Westgold Resources was up 8.3 per cent at $5.37 and
the Commonwealth Bank finished 1.7 per cent higher
at $169.82. However, profit-taking saw DroneShield
fall 9.8 per cent to $5.18 following a rally in recent
days, while REA Group was down 1.9 per cent at $224.99.
(RMS)
News
Pop
Culture News
Dream
Matches: Fantasy Booking/Sports; Media Man Group Dream
Match Series; Crack The Code!
Million
Dollar Man vs IRS
Michael Wall Street vs Billionaire Ted
Mr X vs Mr BTC
Mr Green vs Mr Cash
VKM vs Easy E
Vinnie Vegas vs Mr Corbin
Mr Corp Merch vs Mr Freelance
Masked Superstar vs John McAfee
Sid Justice vs Mr Blood Diamond
Mr Bluey Chipper vs Street Fighter - King Of The Streets
Mr Dotcom vs Mr Wiki
Mr Gold vs Mr Green - Money In The Bank Ladder Match
Khan vs Khan - Winner Take All Match
Mr Wolff vs The Cleaner
Mr News vs Mr Vice - U.S Market Footprint Stipulation
Mr Paramount vs Mr Netflix
Mr ESPN vs Mr Fox
Mr Kross vs Mr H
Cesaro vs Rollins
Dirty Dom vs Mr AAA
Punks vs Egos
Kross vs H
L. Murdoch
Title vs Title
Mr Black Coffee vs Mr Claudio's Cafe Blend
Mr Warner vs Mr Netflix: Broadway draw thus far! Re-match!
Winner take all?!
TMZ vs Riddle
UFC vs PFL
The Oracle vs Cincinnati, Ohio
Mr X vs Hollyweird
Succession vs Billions
Mouse House vs Art House
NFL vs UFL
ABC vs Mainstream Aussies
Reigns vs Blanka
Cody Rhodes vs Joe
E. Honda vs NJPW
Capcom vs Warner
Cena vs ACME
Combat Sports Players vs Father Time
NXT vs TNA Wrestling (Showdown, not Invasion)!
News
Cryptocurrency
Movies
Documentaries
The
Rise and Rise of Bitcoin (2014) Follows early Bitcoin
adopter Daniel Mross, exploring Bitcoin’s origins,
its volatile rise, and the community behind it. Great
for understanding Bitcoin’s early days and its
potential to disrupt finance.
Banking
on Bitcoin (2016) Examines Bitcoin’s history,
ideological roots, and impact on global financial
systems through interviews with pioneers and experts.
A solid primer for newcomers.
Cryptopia:
Bitcoin, Blockchains, and the Future of the Internet
(2020)
Directed
by Torsten Hoffmann, this documentary dives into blockchain’s
broader applications beyond cryptocurrency, addressing
scalability and regulatory challenges. Ideal for those
interested in blockchain’s transformative potential.
Trust
Machine: The Story of Blockchain (2018) Narrated by
Rosario Dawson, it explores blockchain’s societal
impact, from financial inclusion to voting systems.
A comprehensive look at real-world applications.
Bitcoin:
The End of Money as We Know It (2015) Traces the history
of money and introduces Bitcoin as a decentralized
alternative, critiquing centralized financial systems.
Features interviews with crypto experts.
Deep
Web (2015) Narrated by Keanu Reeves, this documentary
focuses on the Silk Road marketplace and its creator,
Ross Ulbricht, highlighting Bitcoin’s role in
dark web transactions.
Bitconned
(2024) Explores the Centra Tech crypto scam, detailing
how three individuals defrauded investors during the
2010s crypto boom. A cautionary tale about unregulated
markets.
Feature
Films
Crypto
(2019) A crime thriller starring Beau Knapp, Luke
Hemsworth, and Kurt Russell. It follows a young anti-money
laundering agent investigating corruption and cryptocurrency
in his hometown. Critics note its exaggerated portrayal
but praise its entertainment value.
Silk
Road (2021) A dramatization of Ross Ulbricht’s
creation of the Silk Road, a dark web marketplace
using Bitcoin. It explores his rise and fall, blending
crime and drama.
Dope
(2015) A coming-of-age comedy-drama featuring Bitcoin
as a plot device. High schooler Malcolm uses Bitcoin
for a dark web transaction, reflecting its early association
with illicit activities.
Bonus
Mentions
Life
on Bitcoin (2014): Follows a couple attempting to
live solely on Bitcoin for 100 days, showcasing early
adoption challenges.
Bitcoin
Heist (2016): A Vietnamese action-comedy about hackers
chasing a crypto criminal, blending humor and thrills.
Notes
Documentaries
are generally more educational, focusing on Bitcoin’s
history, blockchain technology, and real-world implications.
They’re great for beginners and enthusiasts alike.
Feature
films often dramatize crypto’s association with
crime or scams, sometimes oversimplifying or exaggerating
for effect. They prioritize entertainment over accuracy.
For
a deeper dive, check streaming platforms like Prime
Video, Fandango at Home, or YouTube, where many of
these are available.
News
Wall
Street (Movie)
Wall
Street (1987), directed by Oliver Stone, is a drama
about ambition and greed in the 1980s financial world.
It follows Bud Fox (Charlie Sheen), a young stockbroker
desperate to succeed, who gets entangled with Gordon
Gekko (Michael Douglas), a ruthless corporate raider.
Gekko’s mantra, “Greed is good,” drives
the story as Bud is lured into insider trading and
unethical deals, compromising his morals for wealth
and power. The film explores themes of capitalism,
loyalty, and betrayal, with Bud navigating pressures
from Gekko, his father (Martin Sheen), and his own
conscience.
Key
Details:
Cast:
Michael Douglas (Gordon Gekko), Charlie Sheen (Bud
Fox), Daryl Hannah (Darien Taylor), Martin Sheen (Carl
Fox). Runtime: 2h 6m. Genre: Drama/Crime. Rating:
R. Box Office: ~$44 million (US).
Awards:
Michael Douglas won the Academy Award for Best Actor.
Notable
Aspects:
Gekko’s
“Greed is good” speech is iconic, reflecting
1980s excess.
Inspired
by real-life figures like Ivan Boesky and Michael
Milken.
A
sequel, Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (2010), continued
the story.
Where
to Watch (as of 2025):
Streaming:
Available on platforms like Peacock or rentable on
Amazon, YouTube, or Apple TV (check current availability).
Physical: DVD/Blu-ray via retailers like Amazon.
News
Flashback
Gold,
copper, & silver: How metals are moving this year
Metal
futures have made some pretty dramatic moves lately
from safe haven gold to tariff sensitive copper. So
let's take a look at the longer term trends. I'm Jared
Blikre, host of Stocks in Translation. And I'm going
to start by charting some of the moves in Dr. Copper
because this is where we have the most zig and zags
over the last 25 years. So this goes back to the beginning
of the century and we can see right now, we're at
$5.51 per pound. That is a record high. But if we
go back to the beginning of the century, guess what?
Uh we had a little bit of a slump in the wake of the
dot com boom and then bust, but starting in 2003,
we saw a big rise there. And that was as China actually
joined the World Trade Organization or the WTO. That
lasted into the global financial crisis. Then we had
a pretty big bust in in Dr. Copper, and then we had
another rise. And that rise was due to unprecedented
stimulus, not only from the Chinese government, but
also from the United States government, QE was in
force, and then we saw kind of a strong dollar play.
That weighed on this metal all the way into the beginning
of 2016. The entire world, most of the world indices
went through a bear market in 2015, and then 2016,
we found the footing. And that was actually the year
that Trump won, began his first presidency. And from
there, we saw some zig and zags, and then we saw a
shock into the pandemic. A couple of, a couple of
years of deflation or a semi-deflation, disinflation,
that caught up with it in 2022, but then it was off
to the races again. And especially with the Trump
tariffs now on copper, threatening to be threatening
to be 50% on August 1st, we're seeing a lot of front
running in this trade. Now, I also want to show you
gold futures and I'm going to show you silver as well.
And they follow a very similar pattern. We're not
seeing the dramatic zig and zags that we did in copper,
but we did see the same pattern of China joining the
WTO, contributing to that huge rise in price to 1800,
almost $2,000 an ounce by the beginning of the global
financial crisis. So a little bit of a meltdown there.
But in 2016 into 2018, we saw a bit of a rise into
the pandemic, a little bit of a whipsaw there, and
consolidation over a few years. Again, that 2022 bare
market in US stocks that contributed to some deflation
and disinflation globally, supply chain chain shocks
came into force again, and then we saw this huge rise
beginning in late 2023, and we are now at 3353. We've
seen a high of as much as $3,500 per ounce. And gold
is kind of unique among the precious metals and also
the industrial metals, and this is because central
banks have been a huge determining force in their
buying of it. This is a bar chart that shows central
bank buying in tons going back all the way to 2010.
And what you notice here is the last three years,
2022, 2023, 2024, all of those had gold being bought
by central banks of in the amount of over 1,000 tons.
And so that's a pretty big dramatic increase from
the prior years. And this has to do with the ongoing
dedollarization in China, as well as Russia, but also
a host of other countries, even some in western and
eastern Europe. So this is a trend that we want to
follow. Uh, I want to close out here with silver,
and I'm going to just chart the price action. Again,
very similar chart to gold and copper in terms of
the big movements here. We saw a big price spike into
almost $50 per ounce, and that was just as the global
financial crisis was getting underway. And then the
QE area in 2011, that's when we saw that high. Then
we saw a dramatic, dramatic crash into 2016, kind
of found its footing, saw a big squeeze in the early
pandemic, 2020 was a great year for silver, but then
we saw a little bit of a fallout. And again, silver
is on the rise here at $38. It's still off of that
$50 record high, but it is increasing very quickly.
To round out the conversation, I want to just put
on a table here. I have all three medals and just
kind of grouping them together. I want to display
how they are moving with their specific patterns with
a trigger, and then to tell you which one of these
is featured in these specific criteria. So here, under
the pattern, we have acceleration. So that would be
an economic acceleration. The trigger would be liquidity.
And when that happens, we see all metals benefiting
from that. And then when there's a safe haven scare,
and that trigger would be a crisis of some sorts,
you're going to see gold and silver outperforming
the most, kind of leaving Dr. Copper behind. And then
here's a bearish one, industrial drags, that affects
copper disproportionately here, and the trigger there
is typically a stronger US dollar because the US dollar
surges when global global industrials tend to drag,
and that's because the US is the least dirty shirt
in the laundry basket of the world. And then finally
here, we have a policy shock. This will affect all
three medals, but especially copper and gold here.
Um, arguably, the biggest reason is tariffs and debt,
and we've seen both of those contribute to silver
rising. So we could put all three in that basket as
well. But when you put it all together, we have the
perfect explosive mix for all three of these metals,
including palladium and also platinum, which we didn't
get to have time for, but all of these are experiencing
huge thrust in 2025. And we'll have to see how these
tariffs play out, especially on Dr. Copper with respect
to that August 1st deadline. Remember, 50% there.
So tune into Stocks in Translation for more jargon
busting deep dives, new episodes on Tuesdays and Thursdays
on Yahoo Finances website, or wherever you find your
podcast. (Transcript from Yahoo! Finance podcast)
News
Best
Quotes
An
investment in knowledge pays the best interest."
— Benjamin Franklin
"Bottoms
in the investment world don't end with four-year lows;
they end with 10- or 15-year lows." — Jim
Rogers
Be
fearful when others are greedy and greedy only when
others are fearful." — Warren Buffett
Media
Man
"Bullish
is a mindset"
Markets
October
1, 2025
Sydney,
Australia
ASX
futures down 5 points or 0.1% to 8868
Wall
Street: S&P 500 +0.4%, Dow Jones +0.2%, Nasdaq
+0.3%
Europe:
Stoxx 50 +0.4%, FTSE +0.5%, DAX +0.6%, CAC +0.2%
Bitcoin
+0.3% to $US114,743
Gold
+0.7% to $US3858.98 per ounce
US
oil -1.6% to $US62.46 a barrel
Brent
crude -1.4% to $US67.02 a barrel
Iron
ore +0.5% to $US103.55 per tonne
10-year
yield: US 4.15% Australia 4.29% Germany 2.71%
Markets,
Crypto and Culture
September
15, 2025
Sydney,
Australia
Markets
ASX
futures down 59 points/0.7% to 8804
Wall Street:
S&P 500 -0.1%
Dow Jones -0.6%
Nasdaq +0.4%
Europe:
Stoxx 50 +0.1%
FTSE -0.2%
DAX flat
CAC flat
Bitcoin
-0.1% to $US115,849
Gold
+0.3% to $US3643.14 per ounce
Oil +0.5% to $US62.69 a barrel
Brent crude oil +0.9% to $US66.99 a barrel
Iron ore +0.4% to $US105.90 per ton
10-year yield:
US 4.06%
Australia 4.21%
Germany 2.71%
News
Cryptos
Today: (Near Live)
Bitcoin
$116,036.73 USD +0.28%
Ethereum $4,624.75 USD -0.60%
Tether $0.9998 USD +0.14%
XRP $3.04 USD -2.20%
BNB $933.05 USD +0.18%
Solana $243.15 USD +1.40%
TRON $0.3491 USD +0.06%
Dogecoin $0.2799 USD -3.15%
Market
Cautious, Mood/vibe rising!
Markets
and Cryptos
June
13, 2025
Markets
ASX
futures up 48 points/0.6 per cent to 8607
AUD +0.5% to US65.30¢
Bitcoin -1.9% to $US106,805
Wall St:
Dow +0.2% S&P +0.4% Nasdaq +0.2%
VIX +0.73 to 17.99
Gold +1% to $US3388.31 an ounce
Oil +0.4% to $US70.06 a barrel
Iron ore -0.7% to $US94.45 a ton
10-yr yield: US 4.36% Australia 4.23%
Cryptos
Cryptos
Today: (Near Live)
Bitcoin
$106,586.75 USD -2.33%
Ethereum $2,662.28 USD -5.95%
Tether $1.00 USD +0.07%
XRP $2.21 USD -3.99%
BNB $657.30 USD -1.68%
Solana $153.75 USD -5.97%
USD Coin $0.9999 USD +0.05%
Dogecoin $0.1828 USD -6.65%
TRON $0.2722 USD -2.28%
Cardano $0.6651 USD -5.68%
Wrapped Bitcoin $106,528.01 USD -2.20%
News
Bitcoin
fails to consolidate above $110K
Market
Picture
The
crypto market has lost 1.6% of its capitalisation
over the past 24 hours to $3.39 trillion. Technically,
this is a retreat from previous highs, which provided
resistance. The sell-off was triggered by pressure
on risky assets due to renewed tensions in the Middle
East. However, this should be seen as a temporary
setback.
Bitcoin
fell below $108K, once again encountering a sell-off
after touching $110K. This downward move caused a
broad group of altcoins to give back some of their
recent gains. Nevertheless, the sell-off appears to
be limited and technical for now. The dollar's proximity
to multi-year lows reinforces the bullish sentiment
for the near term.
News
Background
Bitcoin
Core developers will remove the default limit on the
amount of OP_RETURN data published in the v30 client
release scheduled for October. The actual limit will
be a block size of 4 MB.
The
Ethereum Foundation team has published its first report
as part of the Trillion Dollar Security initiative.
Researchers have identified six key areas that require
significant improvements to ensure the security of
the network in the future.
The
value of tokenised RWA assets has grown 245 times
over the past five years to $21 billion, according
to Coinbase. Private loans on the blockchain (61%)
and US government bonds (30%) accounted for more than
90% of the RWA market share.
Polygon
co-founder Sandeep Nailwal has taken full control
of the Polygon Foundation (PF) as its first CEO and
presented changes to the project's strategic priorities.
According
to Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas, the SEC could
approve spot ETFs based on a basket of cryptocurrencies
as early as July and then decide on Solana-based funds.
Another Bloomberg analyst, James Seyffart, does not
expect a decision from the SEC before early October.
(FxPro)
News
Oil
jumps amid a bear market
Several
pieces of bullish news converged on oil on Wednesday,
causing prices to jump more than 6% during the day,
but a 3% pullback on Thursday shows that bears are
still in charge.
Among
the important drivers for oil at the end of the day
on Wednesday were reports of the evacuation of part
of the US embassy in Iraq due to instability in the
region. This is a reaction to Israel's intensified
preparations for an attack on Iran, which sharply
increases the risks of retaliatory measures and a
reduction in oil supplies from the region.
In
addition, news of a trade agreement between China
and the US is positively impacting oil, potentially
increasing energy demand and overall risk appetite.
Soft US inflation data also contributed to the dollar's
weakening, facilitating oil price growth.
However,
important industry indicators also emerged. Commercial
crude oil inventories fell by 3.6 million barrels
last week after declining by 4.3 million and 2.8 million
barrels in the previous two weeks.
Earlier
reports from Baker Hughes pointed to a significant
reduction in active oil rigs to 442 (the lowest in
almost four years) compared to an average of approximately
486 in March-April. This is a clear shift towards
reduction after a period of stabilisation, which promises
a decline in production in the coming quarters.
It
appears that America will return to Saudi Arabia or
OPEC+, which is the market share gained after 2020.
In
its rise, the price of WTI crude oil approached the
200-day average, as we saw at the beginning of April.
The impressive sell-off as it approached this level
suggests that bears remain in control of the market,
regardless of the news. Except for a couple of weeks
at the beginning of the year, this downward trend
line has acted as effective resistance since August
last year. The bears' territory extends all the way
to the $70 level, which, if broken, would be an important
signal of a change in sentiment. Until then, the rise
of oil may remain an opportunity to sell at a higher
price. (FxPro)
News
Gold
News
Gold
Price Movements:
Gold
prices have been volatile due to global economic uncertainties
and trade tensions. On June 11, 2025, gold August
contracts on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) in
India opened at ?97,249 per 10 grams, reflecting a
rebound amid global uncertainties.
In
the U.S., spot gold prices fell 1.1% to $3,316.13
per ounce on June 6, after a stronger-than-expected
U.S. jobs report (139K jobs added in May) reduced
expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts. U.S. gold
futures settled 0.8% lower at $3,346.60.
On
June 12, gold prices in Chennai were reported at ?97,234
per 10 grams for 24-carat gold, with silver at ?1,06,900
per kg.
Gold
has risen approximately 28-30% year-to-date in 2025,
driven by geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty,
though it faced selling pressure after the U.S. jobs
data.
Central
Bank Gold Purchases:
Central banks globally are projected to buy 1,000
metric tons of gold in 2025, marking the fourth consecutive
year of significant purchases as they diversify reserves
away from U.S. dollar-denominated assets.
The
European Central Bank noted that gold has surpassed
the euro as the world’s second-most important
reserve asset for central banks, signaling a shift
in global financial strategies.
China’s
Gold Strategy:
China is pursuing a strategy to weaken the U.S. dollar’s
dominance by increasing gold reserves and promoting
gold-based trade, including through the Shanghai Gold
Exchange. In March 2025, the China Banking and Insurance
Regulatory Commission mandated insurance firms to
allocate at least 1% of their assets (worth over $4.5
trillion) to physical gold.
India’s
Gold Market:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has tightened rules
for gold loan collaterals, impacting the gold loan
market. India also maintains high import duties on
gold, though the RBI continues to accumulate gold
reserves.
On
June 3, 2025, 24-carat gold in India increased by
?282 to ?96,962 per 10 grams, while silver rose by
?2,178 to ?99,939 per kg. Gold remains ?2,138 below
its April 22 peak of ?99,100 per 10 grams.
Silver
Outperformance:
Silver prices have surged, reaching above $36.06 per
ounce on June 6, the highest since February 2012,
driven by technical momentum and investor interest
in precious metals as safe-haven assets. Silver has
gained over 20-25% in 2025 but trails gold’s
28-30% rise.
U.S.
Gold Reserves Audit:
U.S. Congressman Thomas Massie introduced legislation
to audit America’s gold reserves at Fort Knox,
the first comprehensive audit since 1953. Posts on
X suggest controversy, with some claiming U.S. Treasury
officials resisted the audit, raising speculation
about the reserves’ status. However, these claims
are unverified and inconclusive.
Investment
Trends:
Gold funds saw their first outflow in 15 months ($678
million in May), as investors shifted toward crypto
and other assets for diversification amid easing trade
tensions.
Experts
recommend holding 5-20% of portfolios in gold to hedge
against inflation and volatility, with some predicting
further price increases due to potential trade tariffs
and economic policies.
Other
Developments:
Tanzania plans to mandate that large-scale miners
refine and trade at least 20% of their gold output
domestically.
Concerns
about illegal gold mining in South Africa persist,
with a focus on a fugitive alleged kingpin linked
to a disused mine where 78 corpses were found.
Note:
Gold prices are influenced by factors like U.S. dollar
strength, Federal Reserve policies, geopolitical tensions
(e.g., U.S.-China trade disputes), and potential tariff
impacts. Investors are advised to consult certified
experts before making investment decisions. (Grok)
News
Best
Quotes
“Gold
is the money of kings.” – Anonymous.
“He
who has the gold makes the rules.” – Unknown.
“Gold
is a living god and rules in scorn, all earthly things
but virtue.” – Percy Bysshe Shelley.
“Gold
is a deep and liquid subject.” – Anonymous.
“Gold
is forever.” – Anonymous
News
Best
Quotes
"Journalism
allows its readers to witness history; fiction gives
its readers an opportunity to live it." - John
Hersey
"In
America, the president reigns for four years, and
journalism governs forever and ever." - Oscar
Wilde
"The
world is changing very fast. Big will not beat small
anymore. It will be the fast beating the slow"
Rupert Murdoch
Cryptocurrency
News
Cryptos
(Near live)
Bitcoin
$109,704.32 USD +2.504%
ETH $2,558.37 USD +1.27%
Tether $0.9999 USD -0.11%
XRP $2.39 USD +1.66%
BNB $673.18 USD +3.52%
Solana $173.67 USD +3.43%
USD Coin $164.36 USD -0.05%
Dogecoin $0.2364 USD +4.67%
Cardano $0.7729 USD +3.94%
TRON $0.2678 USD -0.57%
Wrapped Bitcoin $109,317.98 USD +2.46%
News
Bitcoin
close to the top
Market
Picture
Market
capitalisation has risen 2% in the last 24 hours to
$3.37 trillion, 8.5% below January's all-time peaks.
However, Bitcoin buyers are showing more confidence,
trading above the $107k area (+2.9%). Ethereum and
many other altcoins saw stronger intraday gains but
still have a lot to recover after retreating significantly
following the broader market pullback after Trump’s
inauguration.
Bitcoin
is forming its fourth consecutive daily growth candle.
Bulls continue their attempts to secure a foothold
above the $107K level. While the first cryptocurrency
has briefly reached higher levels, it has yet to establish
a sustained hold above them.
Last
week, there was a stabilisation around $103k, which
now looks like a foundation for further growth. The
realistic near-term target for the bulls looks to
be the area of $113K, which would be an extension
to 161.8% of the growth impulse from early May and
the subsequent mini correction at the beginning of
last week.
Bitcoin's
upward move is gradually waking up altcoins, although
they still have considerable room to rise to previous
highs, making them increasingly attractive to retail
traders. The trend of a weakening dollar can also
be seen as a breeding ground for growth.
News
Background
On-chain
signals and market data for Bitcoin remain constructive.
Buying sentiment continues to support further growth,
indicating that it may not yet be time to cash in,
according to CryptoQuant.
Strategy
bought an additional 7,390 BTC ($764.9 million) last
week at an average price of $103,498 per coin. The
company now owns 576,230 BTC bought at an average
price of $69,726. The total investment is valued at
$40.18 billion.
Major
players via options have bet on Ethereum's significant
growth, said CoinDesk analyst Omkar Godbole. The strategy
will yield the biggest profits if ETH rises to $6,000
or higher by 26 December.
The
Binance exchange has filed a motion to dismiss FTX's
$1.76 bn lawsuit. The company's lawyers called the
claims ‘legally untenable’ and asked for
the case to be dismissed.
According
to Fortune, Circle's IPO may not take place as the
USDC issuer is in talks with Coinbase and Ripple to
sell the business for at least $5bn. (FxPro)
News
Cryptocurrency
News
Bitcoin
Price Surge: Bitcoin has risen from $94,000 to over
$106,000 in May, a 13% increase, driven by strong
institutional interest and ETF inflows ($3.3 billion
this month). Analysts predict it could hit $110,000
by month's end, with some forecasting $220,000-$250,000
by year-end due to regulatory tailwinds and reduced
volatility.
Regulatory
Developments: The U.S. Senate advanced the GENIUS
Act on May 20 with a 66-32 vote, aiming to regulate
stablecoins and establish a federal framework for
digital currencies. A final vote is pending post the
May 26 holiday. Texas may become the second U.S. state
to allow a Bitcoin reserve if SB 21 is signed, following
New Hampshire’s lead.
XRP
Momentum: XRP briefly overtook Tether as the third-largest
cryptocurrency. Its price surged 15% in 2025, trading
at $2.40, with South Korean investors driving demand.
The launch of XRP futures ETFs by CME Group on May
19 is seen as a pivotal moment. Predictions suggest
XRP could reach $3-$20 by 2030.
Cybersecurity
Concerns: Coinbase reported a cyberattack costing
$180-$400 million, affecting a small subset of users’
data. Bybit faced a $1.5 billion heist in February,
the largest ever. In France, crypto-related kidnappings
targeting wealthy investors have raised alarms.
Institutional
Adoption: Blackstone disclosed holding 23,094 shares
of the iShares Bitcoin Trust, marking its first public
bitcoin position. JPMorgan, Ondo, and Chainlink announced
a $100 billion blockchain platform for tokenizing
real-world assets.
Market
Trends: The crypto market cap rose 1.2% to $3.46 trillion,
with $124 billion in trading volume. However, concerns
about overconfidence and potential corrections persist.
Galaxy’s Nasdaq listing ($GLXY) has sparked enthusiasm,
with potential to rival other crypto stocks. (Grok)
News
Blockchain
News
Regulatory
Moves in the U.S.: The U.S. Senate advanced the GENIUS
Act, a bipartisan bill to regulate stablecoins, with
new consumer protections and limits on tech companies
issuing them. This follows a previous Democratic block,
signaling growing acceptance of blockchain’s
role in finance, though concerns about oversight and
corruption persist.
Coinbase
Joins S&P 500: Crypto exchange Coinbase was added
to the S&P 500, a milestone for the crypto industry,
though it faced a cyberattack compromising customer
data, with remediation costs estimated at $180–400
million.
New
Hampshire’s Crypto Push: New Hampshire became
the first U.S. state to allow its treasury to invest
in cryptocurrency. Proposed bills aim to prevent discrimination
against digital assets and establish blockchain-specific
legal frameworks, though their fate remains uncertain.
Cardano
Embezzlement Allegations: Cardano faces claims of
$600 million in ADA embezzlement. Founder Charles
Hoskinson promised an audit to restore trust, potentially
setting a precedent for blockchain self-governance.
Ripple
and XRP Developments: Ripple warned XRP holders about
scams amid a market uptick. XRP is expanding into
multichain interoperability with Cosmos and EVM sidechains,
positioning it as a key player in blockchain connectivity.
Chainlink
and Stablecoin Integration: World Liberty Financial’s
USD1 stablecoin, backed by U.S. treasuries, hit $2
billion in market cap and is now cross-chain with
Chainlink’s CCIP, enabling secure transfers across
Ethereum and BNB Chain.
Security
Concerns: French crypto entrepreneurs, including Paymium’s
CEO, face rising targeted attacks, prompting enhanced
security measures. Global threats to crypto executives
are increasing, with organized crime targeting digital
wealth.
Blockchain
in Gaming: Blockchain gaming saw a 10% drop in user
activity in April, but the ecosystem is maturing.
Mainstream companies like Ubisoft and Sega are experimenting
with NFTs and play-to-earn mechanics.
JP
Morgan’s Blockchain Milestone: JP Morgan used
Ondo and Chainlink for its first public blockchain
deal, a historic step for institutional crypto adoption.
Ethereum
Node Storage Solution: Vitalik Buterin proposed a
local-first design to reduce Ethereum node storage
requirements from 1.3TB, aiming to lower barriers
for users. (Grok)
News
XRP
News
Latest
XRP News Summary (as of May 22, 2025)
Price
Movement: XRP is currently trading around $2.31-$2.55,
experiencing a 4% weekly drop but holding key support
levels. Analysts suggest a potential rebound to $3.40,
with some optimistic predictions targeting $11.34
by year-end or even $123 based on historical patterns,
though short-term forecasts indicate limited gains
until October 2025. A critical support level is at
$2.30; a drop below could lead to a crash to $2.00.
SEC
Lawsuit Developments: Ripple and the SEC are nearing
a settlement in their long-standing legal battle,
with the SEC filing a motion to lift the injunction
on XRP sales to institutional investors and reduce
a $125 million penalty. A recent court ruling on May
18 rejected the SEC’s request for an indicative
ruling, but Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer downplayed
it as procedural. The outcome could clear the path
for XRP-spot ETF approval, a significant bullish catalyst.
XRP
Futures and ETF Speculation: The CME Group launched
cash-settled XRP futures on May 19, boosting institutional
interest and speculation about spot ETF approvals.
Firms like 21Shares, Bitwise, and Grayscale have filed
for XRP ETFs, with Polymarket bettors giving an 83%
chance of approval. However, BlackRock’s silence
and a recent court decision have delayed ETF momentum,
causing some bearish pressure.
Technological
Advancements: Ripple is integrating XRP with Cosmos
and developing EVM sidechains for better blockchain
interoperability. Its custody service now supports
shared MPC wallets, and the XRP Ledger is seeing growth
in tokenization and DeFi, with rising Total Value
Locked (TVL). StraitsX launched a Singapore-dollar
stablecoin (XSGD) on the XRP Ledger, enhancing its
utility.
Market
Sentiment and Political Support: XRP sentiment remains
mixed but leans bullish due to legal optimism and
endorsements, notably from President Donald Trump,
who suggested XRP as a potential strategic reserve
currency. Posts on X highlight community excitement,
with Ripple announcing an XRP Rewards Event to engage
holders. However, some analysts warn of regulatory
scrutiny and market volatility impacting short-term
performance.
Ripple
IPO Speculation: Market speculation suggests a Ripple
IPO could value the company at over $100 billion,
potentially boosting XRP’s price, though XRP
in Ripple’s escrow won’t count toward valuation
until the IPO.
Critical
Note: While bullish catalysts like ETF prospects and
legal clarity exist, ongoing regulatory uncertainty
and market dynamics could pose risks. Some community
predictions (e.g., $250 by 2026) appear speculative
and lack robust evidence. Always conduct thorough
research before making investment decisions, as market
conditions are volatile. (Grok)
News
Best
Quotes Of The Day
"Banking
now is like sending a letter: you send it, you don't
know if it reached there. Ripple is more like sending
an iMessage: you send it, and you immediately know"
Chris Larsen
"Bitcoin
is a swarm of cyber hornets serving the goddess of
wisdom, feeding on the fire of truth, exponentially
growing ever smarter, faster, and stronger behind
a wall of encrypted energy" Michael J. Saylor
News
Elon
Musk quotes
“Fundamentally,
bitcoin is not a good substitute for transactional
currency,” Musk told Time Magazine after being
named Time’s 2021 Person of the Year. “Even
though it was created as a silly joke, dogecoin is
better suited for transactions.”
"The
transaction volume of bitcoin is low, and the cost
per transaction is high,” he said. Musk added
that bitcoin is more suitable as a store of value,
which is why its investors want to hold onto it and
not sell it or use it for transactions.
Dogecoin,
on the other hand, is a currency that “encourages
people to spend, rather than sort of hoard as a store
of value” Elon Musk
News/Intel
What
Is A Cryptocurrency ETF? A Guide For Crypto Investors
Looking To Diversify
A
cryptocurrency exchange-traded fund (ETF) is an investment
vehicle that allows investors to gain exposure to
digital assets without directly holding them. Crypto
ETFs can be a simpler, highly regulated way to invest
in the volatile crypto world, offering diversification
and ease of trading.
This
guide will explain what crypto ETFs are, how they
work, their advantages and the potential risks investors
should consider.
What
Is A Crypto ETF?
A
crypto ETF is a financial product that provides investors
with indirect exposure to digital assets like bitcoin
and ether. Instead of directly purchasing and storing
these cryptos, investors can buy shares of a crypto
ETF, which tracks the value of one or more digital
currencies. These ETFs trade on traditional stock
exchanges, making them accessible through regular
brokerage accounts.
Crypto
ETFs are available in two main forms: spot ETFs and
futures ETFs.
Spot
ETFs directly hold the underlying crypto, while futures
ETFs rely on contracts that speculate on future crypto
prices. This difference can impact an ETF’s performance,
with spot ETFs offering more direct price exposure
and futures ETFs providing a way to trade on expected
price movements.
Investing
in crypto ETFs offers simplified access to digital
assets. However, these funds are not without risks.
Investors should know potential issues, including
counterparty risks, management fees and limited control
over the underlying digital assets. Understanding
these factors can help investors make informed decisions.
How
Does A Cryptocurrency ETF Work?
A cryptocurrency ETF functions like a traditional
exchange-traded fund, trading on major stock exchanges.
Investors can buy and sell shares of a crypto ETF
throughout the trading day, with prices fluctuating
based on the value of the underlying crypto it tracks.
Crypto ETFs offer real-time pricing, which provides
greater flexibility for investors.
Crypto
ETFs are structured to hold either the actual crypto
in the case of spot ETFs or derivative contracts,
as in futures ETFs, that reflect crypto prices. The
fund’s manager ensures the ETF maintains its
target exposure by buying or selling assets as needed.
This allows investors to gain exposure to digital
assets without directly managing crypto wallets or
navigating complex exchanges.
Types
Of Cryptocurrency ETFs
Crypto ETFs come in several forms, offering different
ways to invest in the digital asset market. Bitcoin
ETFs focus solely on bitcoin, providing direct exposure
to its price. Ethereum ETFs are dedicated to tracking
the value of Ethereum. Blockchain ETFs invest in companies
involved in blockchain technology rather than holding
crypto directly. Multi-Crypto ETFs provide access
to a mix of several cryptos within a single fund.
These
options allow investors to choose between a single-asset
focus or a diversified approach that reduces the risk
of relying on one asset.
Bitcoin
ETFs: Spot Vs. Futures
There are two kinds of Bitcoin ETFs, spot and futures.
Spot bitcoin ETFs hold actual bitcoin reserves, with
each share backed by actual crypto. This means investors
gain direct exposure to bitcoin’s price movements
without needing to manage or store bitcoin themselves.
Spot ETFs are regulated financial instruments, with
custodians securely storing the underlying bitcoin
to protect against risks like hacking or theft.
In
contrast, bitcoin futures ETFs do not hold actual
bitcoin. Instead, they invest in futures contracts
speculating on bitcoin’s future price. These
contracts are agreements to buy or sell bitcoin at
a set price on a future date. While this approach
offers bitcoin exposure, it introduces added complexity.
Costs like roll premiums – expenses an ETF is
required to pay when replacing expiring futures contracts
with new ones – can reduce investor returns.
Futures contracts may not perfectly track bitcoin’s
spot price, causing price differences between the
ETF and the actual bitcoin market.
Ethereum
ETFs
Similar to bitcoin ETFs, ether ETFs come in two main
types, spot and futures-based. Spot ether ETFs hold
actual ETH in a secure, regulated custody account,
giving investors direct exposure to the cryptocurrency's
price. When purchasing ether ETFs, investors buy shares
representing a portion of the ETF's Ethereum holdings.
Futures-based
ether ETFs do not hold ETH directly. Instead, they
invest in futures contracts speculating on Ethereum's
future price. These ETFs are easier to regulate and
avoid custody risks, but may experience tracking errors
and higher costs due to frequent contract rollovers.
Blockchain
ETFs
Blockchain ETFs invest in companies using blockchain
technology instead of holding cryptocurrencies directly.
These funds provide exposure to industries like supply
chain management, cybersecurity and digital identity.
Unlike crypto ETFs, which focus on digital assets
like bitcoin or ether, blockchain ETFs diversify across
multiple sectors.
Examples
include Robinhood, which offers crypto trading and
blockchain services; Metaplanet, an investor in blockchain
startups; and Cleanspark, a bitcoin mining company
operating energy-efficient mining facilities. Blockchain
ETFs let investors benefit from blockchain’s
growth without direct ownership.
Multi-Crypto
ETFs
Multi-Crypto ETFs expose a range of digital assets
rather than focusing on a single one. These funds
offer investors a balanced approach, allowing them
to invest in multiple coins, such as bitcoin, ethereum,
and solana, all within one investment product.
Grayscale's
Digital Large Cap Fund is a notable example, holding
a mix of major digital assets. Roughly 75% of the
fund is allocated to bitcoin, 19% to ether, and the
remainder to solana, ripple and avalanche. This approach
helps spread risk and gives investors broader exposure
to the evolving crypto market.
Why
Are Investors Interested In Crypto ETFs?
Investors are drawn to crypto ETFs because they provide
a straightforward method to gain exposure to digital
assets without directly owning them. Through crypto
ETFs, investors can access crypto through traditional
brokerage accounts, avoiding the complexities of managing
digital wallets, private keys or secure storage. Crypto
ETFs also offer the security of institutional-grade
funds, which are managed by professional fund managers
and operate under regulatory guidance.
One
of crypto ETFs' most appealing aspects is their portfolio
diversification. Instead of investing in a single
cryptocurrency, investors can choose multi-asset ETFs
that spread risk across the crypto market.
Pros
And Cons Of Crypto ETFs
Crypto ETFs offer a convenient way to gain exposure
to digital assets without directly managing cryptocurrency.
However, like any investment, they come with benefits
and drawbacks. Understanding these pros and cons can
help investors make informed decisions.
Pros
Of Cryptocurrency ETFs
Accessibility: Crypto ETFs can be traded through traditional
brokerage accounts, making it easy for investors to
gain exposure without using crypto exchanges.
Diversification:
Investors can choose multi-crypto ETFs, spreading
their risk across multiple digital assets instead
of relying on a single cryptocurrency.
Regulatory
Oversight: Crypto ETFs are managed by regulated financial
institutions, providing regulated security compared
to direct crypto ownership, which can be challenging.
Cons
Of Cryptocurrency ETFs
Limited Control: Investors do not own actual crypto,
meaning they cannot use it for transactions or transfer
it to a private wallet.
Management
Fees: Crypto ETFs often have management fees that
can reduce returns over time, especially futures-based
ETFs with frequent contract rollovers.
Tracking
Errors: Futures-based crypto ETFs may not perfectly
mirror the spot price of cryptocurrencies due to price
differences between futures and actual assets.
Cryptocurrency
ETFs Vs. Direct Crypto Investments
Crypto ETFs offer investors a way to gain exposure
to digital assets without direct ownership. Investors
do not need to manage private keys or secure digital
wallets, making ETFs a simpler option for those who
want crypto exposure without the technical complexities.
In
contrast, direct crypto investments allow investors
to buy, hold and control actual digital assets. This
approach provides complete ownership, enabling investors
to transfer, spend or stake their crypto as they see
fit. Direct investments also avoid management fees
but come with responsibilities like wallet security,
exposure to hacking risks and the need to manage transactions
on crypto exchanges.
Who
Are Crypto ETFs Right For?
Crypto ETFs are ideal for beginner investors who want
exposure to digital assets without the complexity
of directly buying, storing or managing cryptocurrencies.
These funds offer a simple, regulated way to invest,
making them suitable for those new to the crypto market
who are more comfortable with traditional financial
products.
They
are also well-suited for traditional investors familiar
with stock markets but wanting to explore crypto.
By trading on exchanges like the NYSE or Nasdaq, crypto
ETFs provide a convenient option for those who prefer
to avoid the security risks of crypto exchanges.
The
Future Outlook Of Cryptocurrency ETFs
The future of cryptocurrency ETFs looks bright, with
BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF posting $356 million
in inflows, the longest streak of 2025, and bitcoin
flirting with new highs. As regulatory clarity improves,
driven by bullish sentiment from SEC Commissioner
Paul Atkins, more funds are launching, providing investors
with greater choice and confidence.
Bottom
Line
Crypto
ETFs make it easier to invest in digital assets without
directly buying and managing cryptocurrencies. They
are a good option for beginners, traditional investors
and those looking for diversified exposure. With choices
like bitcoin, ether, multi-crypto and blockchain ETFs,
investors can find a fund that fits their goals while
reducing some risks of direct ownership.
The
future of crypto ETFs looks promising as more funds
emerge and regulatory clarity improves. BlackRock’s
Bitcoin ETF is seeing record inflows, showing strong
investor interest. As the market grows, crypto ETFs
offer a straightforward way to participate in the
digital asset space.
Markets
and Cryptos
May
10, 2025
Sydney, Australia
Markets:
ASX
futures up 12 points/0.2% to 8261
AUD +0.1% at US64.09¢
Bitcoin +1.8% to $US103,152
Dow -0.3%
S&P -0.1%
Nasdaq -0.00%
Gold +0.6% to $US3326.57 an ounce
Oil +1.7% at $US63.92 a barrel
Iron ore +0.5% at $US97.00 a tonne
Cryptos
Today: (Near Live)
Bitcoin.
$102,887.02 USD. - 0.18%
Ethereum. $2,331.30. +6.50%
Tether $1 USD -0.10%
XRP. $2.35. +1.83. +2.4%
BNB. $638.149. +2.35%
Solana. $172.18. +6.56%
USD Coin. $1 USD -0.17%
Dogecoin: $0.2045 USD +5.52%
TRON. $0.2562 USD +3.06%
Cardano $0.7801 USD +2.20%
Wrapped Bitcoin $102,930.51 -0.28%
News
Crypto
News
Bitcoin
Surges Past $100,000: Bitcoin reclaimed the $100,000
mark for the first time since February, driven by
optimism around a U.S.-UK trade deal announced by
President Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The deal, which includes a 10% U.S. tariff on UK goods
and reduced UK tariffs, has fueled a broader market
rally. Bitcoin was trading at $102,700 late Thursday,
with analysts noting potential support at $100,000
and resistance near $107,000.
Other
Cryptocurrencies Rally: Ether surged over 14% to $2,050.46,
its highest since late March, while Solana and Dogecoin
gained 10% and 12%, respectively. The total crypto
market cap rose 2.5% to $3.09 trillion.
Stablecoin
Bill Blocked: The GENIUS Act of 2025, aimed at regulating
stablecoins, was stalled in the U.S. Senate on May
8 by Democratic lawmakers, citing concerns over President
Trump’s ties to the crypto industry, including
his family’s World Liberty Financial stablecoin
venture.
German
Seizure of Crypto Assets: German authorities seized
€34 million ($38 million) in cryptocurrencies,
including Bitcoin, Ether, Litecoin, and Dash, from
the eXch platform, linked to laundering funds from
Bybit’s $1.4 billion hack in February 2025.
SEC
and Ripple Settlement: The SEC and Ripple filed a
joint letter on May 8 to dissolve an August 2024 injunction
against Ripple and return $75 million of $125 million
in penalties held in escrow.
Trump’s
Crypto Ventures: World Liberty Financial, a Trump-affiliated
firm, unveiled a stablecoin and secured a $2 billion
deposit deal with an Emirati fund. However, Democratic
senators, including Elizabeth Warren, are pushing
back against crypto legislation, alleging corruption
tied to Trump’s crypto ventures.
Bitcoin
Investment Moves: Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy)
announced a $180 million Bitcoin purchase, adding
1,895 BTC, while a new whale withdrew $50 million
in Bitcoin from Binance.
Ethereum
Upgrades: Ethereum’s Pectra protocol upgrade
went live on May 7, boosting investor interest. Analysts
predict ETH could hit $5,925 in 2025, with long-term
forecasts up to $15,575 by 2030.
Market
Sentiment: The crypto market is in a transitional
phase, with Bitcoin down 14% from its January 2025
high of $109,079. Analysts like Standard Chartered’s
Geoff Kendrick forecast Bitcoin reaching $120,000
by Q2 2025 and $200,000 by year-end. (Grok)
News
A
sharp crypto market awakening
Market
Picture
TThe
crypto market has added about 5.8% to its capitalisation
over the past 24 hours, bringing it to $3.24 trillion.
This is roughly the area where the market has been
consolidating for most of February. A pause halfway
to the area of historical highs above 3.50 looks like
a logical respite. Back in November, the market surged
without major pauses—but this time, the momentum
appears more measured, with less of the earlier excitement.
The
crypto market sentiment index reached 73, which is
only a couple of steps away from extreme greed and
is the highest since late January. Often, this is
a working sentiment for continued growth.
Bitcoin
has been reaching levels above 104000 this morning,
adding an impressive 5% in the last 24 hours and 33%
in 30 days. At current highs, all eyes are on how
soon it will reach the all-time highs, which are less
than 6% away, and whether or not it can overcome them
outright. While similar rallies have broken records
in the past, we still expect some consolidation near
the highs before any decisive move higher.
The
rocket of the last few days has certainly been Ethereum,
which soared 23% in the last 24 hours, strengthening
twice as fast as Bitcoin over the month. The technique
worked perfectly. ETHUSD stomped around the 50-day
moving average for a long time and rose in value by
a third in less than two days to $2380. The rise to
2700 looks like an ‘easy part’ of the growth.
Further upside will already have to be fought for.
News
Background
On
May 8, bitcoin's realised capitalisation reached a
record $890.74 billion, which could indicate that
BTC is poised for significant growth, CryptoQuant
noted. The metric is the aggregate value of all coins
in circulation based on the quotes at which they were
last transferred.
Ethereum
shows the best weekly performance in the top 20 cryptocurrencies.
Nansen notes the accumulation of ‘smart money’
by institutions like Wintermute.
U.S.
banks can perform crypto transactions on customer
requests, provide custodial services through third
parties, and generate tax returns on digital assets.
This is stated in a clarification from the US Office
of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC).
Payments
company Stripe has launched a product called Stablecoin
Financial Accounts. It will allow businesses in 101
countries to hold balances in dollar-denominated Stablecoins
and receive and send fiat and cryptocurrencies. (FxPro)
Best
Quotes Of The Day
An
investment in knowledge pays the best interest."
— Benjamin Franklin
"Bottoms
in the investment world don't end with four-year lows;
they end with 10- or 15-year lows." — Jim
Rogers
"Be
fearful when others are greedy and greedy only when
others are fearful." — Warren Buffett
Markets
and Cryptos
May
7, 2025
Sydney, Australia
Markets
ASX
futures down 23 points/0.3% to 8146
AUD
+0.3% to US64.87¢
Bitcoin
flat at $US94,534
Wall
St:
Dow -1.0%
S&P -0.7%
Nasdaq -0.9%
VIX +1.18 to 24.82
Gold +2.4% to $US3414.77 an ounce
Oil +3.4% to $US62.26 a barrel
Iron ore +1.2% to $US97.70 a tonne
10-year yield: US 4.31% Australia 4.33%
News
Bitcoin.
$95,096. 2.41%
Ethereum. $1,789.65. 1.60%
Tether. $1.99. +0.16%
XRP. $2.14. -0.46%
BNB. $599.88. 0.05%
Solana. $144.79. 1.351%
News
Crypto
News Today
Bitcoin
Price Outlook: Binance founder Changpeng "CZ"
Zhao predicts Bitcoin could reach $500,000 to $1 million
this market cycle, citing institutional adoption,
government accumulation, and pro-crypto U.S. policies.
Bitcoin is currently trading around $94,376, with
some analysts forecasting a 2025 high of ~$168,000.
Florida
Bitcoin Reserve Bills Withdrawn: Florida’s House
Bill 487 and Senate Bill 550, which aimed to establish
a state Bitcoin reserve, were withdrawn from consideration
on May 3, marking a setback for state-level crypto
initiatives.
Trump
Family Crypto Ventures: The Trump-affiliated World
Liberty Financial (WLFI) is gaining traction. Its
stablecoin, USD1, is being used for a $2 billion investment
by Abu Dhabi’s MGX into Binance. The Trump family’s
crypto activities, including a $TRUMP meme coin, have
sparked Senate backlash, with Democrats raising concerns
over conflicts of interest and pushing for stricter
stablecoin regulations.
BNB
ETF Filing: VanEck has filed for the first U.S. BNB
exchange-traded fund, which could stake BNB tokens,
signaling growing institutional interest in Binance’s
native token.
Crypto
Market Trends: Bitcoin remains steady at ~$93,831,
while Ethereum (ETH) and XRP are seeing slight declines.
Analysts suggest ETH may outperform XRP in May due
to stronger technical setups. The broader crypto market
cap dipped slightly, with mixed altcoin performance.
Regulatory
and Institutional Moves: Morgan Stanley plans to offer
crypto trading on its E*Trade platform by 2026. U.S.
banks no longer need Federal Reserve notification
for crypto activities, a significant regulatory win.
Crypto-Related
Crime: French police rescued the father of a crypto
entrepreneur kidnapped for ransom, highlighting a
rise in crypto-related abductions in France. (Grok)
News
Blockchain
News Today
Ethereum
Pectra Upgrade: Ethereum’s mainnet is undergoing
the Pectra upgrade today, marking its most significant
code change since the Merge in 2022. This upgrade
includes 11 Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs)
aimed at enhancing user-friendliness, staking experiences,
wallet features, and overall blockchain efficiency.
Originally planned for 2024, the upgrade was delayed
due to its complexity.
Crypto
Market Trends: As of May 6, Bitcoin remains stable
at around $93,831, while Ethereum and XRP have seen
slight declines. Analysts are watching for potential
bigger moves in 2025, with Bitcoin predicted to possibly
hit $167,598.22 this year and surpass $900,000 by
2030, driven by increased adoption and whale activity.
Maldives
Blockchain Hub: A $9 billion blockchain hub project
in the Maldives is gaining attention as a transformative
initiative for the region’s crypto ecosystem,
highlighting blockchain’s growing global infrastructure.
Tether’s
AI Platform: Tether’s CEO, Paolo Ardoino, has
unveiled a new AI platform with crypto payment support,
building on their December 2024 announcement. This
move signals further integration of blockchain with
AI technologies.
Regulatory
Shifts: Recent U.S. policy changes allow banks to
offer Bitcoin and crypto services without Federal
Reserve notification, a significant win for crypto
adoption. This has sparked bullish sentiment, particularly
for Ethereum, which is seen as a hub for stablecoin
and onchain services.
Worldcoin’s
U.S. Expansion: Sam Altman’s Worldcoin is deploying
biometric “orbs” in U.S. cities to streamline
crypto wallet security, aiming to make transactions
more user-friendly and secure. (Grok)
News
The
US ran a record trade deficit in March. It will be
worse in April
In
March, the US trade deficit with other countries reached
unprecedented levels, driven by a rush to purchase
goods ahead of anticipated tariffs. This surge comes
amidst the backdrop of the US President’s striking
‘America’s Liberation Day’ tariff announcement,
with retaliatory tariffs following in April.
The
trade deficit is an important fundamental pressure
factor on the dollar, and it promises to become even
stronger in April’s data. As a result, we are
seeing temporary anomalies in the import numbers,
which have been on a tear since December, adding over
27% to March last year.
Exports,
on the other hand, are still within the trend of the
last three years, adding 6.7% YoY to $278.5bn. Still,
it doesn’t quite match the record-breaking $140.5
billion deficit and $419 billion in imports.
These
alarming numbers are likely just a preview, with a
downturn expected in the coming months—though
it will probably be less dramatic. This will give
the illusion that tariffs are working. However, it’s
more accurate to take a long-term view, factoring
in both the unusual spike in imports and the potential
drop that may follow. It would not be surprising if
the net effect is very controversial. (FxPro)
News
Gold
News Today
Gold
prices rose to a two-week high on Tuesday, May 6,
2025, driven by post-holiday buying from China and
concerns over potential U.S. tariffs on pharmaceutical
imports. Spot gold gained over 2%, reaching around
$3,317 per ounce, supported by a weaker U.S. dollar
and safe-haven demand. Investors are focused on the
Federal Reserve’s policy meeting outcome on May
7, as higher interest rates typically reduce the appeal
of non-yielding gold. In India, 24-carat gold prices
climbed to ?95,740 per 10 grams, while silver saw
a slight decline to ?96,900 per kilogram. Geopolitical
tensions, including Middle East conflicts, and uncertainty
over U.S.-China trade talks continue to bolster gold’s
appeal.
Markets
and Cryptos
May
2, 2025
Sydney,
Australia
Markets:
ASX
futures down 9 points/0.1% to 8153
AUD -0.3% at US63.86¢
Bitcoin +2.6% to $US96,560
Dow +0.7% S&P +1.2% Nasdaq +2.1%
Gold -1.9% to $US3227.23 an ounce
Oil +1.5% at $US61.95 a barrel
Iron ore -1.2% at $US95.20 a ton
Crypto
Today:
Bitcoin.
$96,857.23. 2.30%
Ethereum. $1,848.94. 2.43%
XRP. $2.2249. 0.71%
BNB. $599.84 USD +0.01%
Solana. $150.61 USD +2.64%
USD Coin. $1.00 USD -0.01%
Dogecoin. $0.1816 USD +4.87%
Crypto
News
Ripple’s
Regulatory Milestone: Ripple became the first blockchain-powered
payments provider licensed by Dubai’s DFSA, enabling
regulated cross-border crypto payments in the UAE,
a key global trade hub.
XRP
Market Dynamics: Despite a 30% price drop, XRP analysts
highlight strong fundamentals and institutional integration,
suggesting the dip may be a strategic shakeout before
a potential rally to $3.
SoFi’s
Crypto Push: Fintech SoFi plans to reintroduce crypto
investing by year-end, leveraging new U.S. regulatory
guidance. They aim to integrate blockchain across
lending, savings, and payments within 24 months.
UK
and US Regulatory Alignment: The UK announced draft
rules to regulate crypto exchanges and dealers, aiming
to align with the U.S. under Trump’s pro-crypto
policies, despite EU concerns.
Stablecoin
Developments: Visa and Bridge partnered to launch
stablecoin-linked cards in Latin America, while Abu
Dhabi’s ADQ, IHC, and First Abu Dhabi Bank plan
a dirham-backed stablecoin.
Worldcoin’s
U.S. Entry: Sam Altman’s Worldcoin (now World)
will debut in U.S. cities like Atlanta and San Francisco,
offering its WLD token for identity verification via
Orb scans.
Security
Concerns: North Korea’s Lazarus Group is targeting
crypto developers with malware through fake U.S. companies,
escalating cyber threats.
SPY
Performance (S&P 500 Proxy)
Current
Price (as of April 8 close): $496.48 USD
Previous
Day Close (April 7): $504.38 USD
1-Day
Change: Down $7.90 (-1.57%)
Metrics
from April 8:
Open: $521.86
High:
$524.79
Low:
$487.8821-Month Trend: Down from $557.001 on March
31, a decline of approximately 10.85%
Context:
The S&P 500 has been under pressure, with a significant
drop in early April, including a reported 4.8% plunge
on April 3 due to Trump’s tariff announcements
(per Investopedia). The April 8 close of $496.48 reflects
continued volatility.Top 10 Stocks in the S&P
500 (General Context)
Since I don’t have real-time intraday data for
April 9 or a specific "Top 10" list for
today (e.g., gainers or most active), I’ll highlight
the top 10 S&P 500 constituents by index weight
as of recent data (typically dominated by tech and
large-cap firms). These are often key market movers
and may align with what you’re seeking. Their
performance would influence SPY and the broader market:
Apple
(AAPL) - A major S&P 500 component, recently hit
by tariff concerns (down nearly 8% on April 3 per
CNBC).
Microsoft
(MSFT) - Cloud and AI leader, volatile amid tech sell-offs.
Nvidia
(NVDA) - AI darling, heavily impacted by market swings
(noted as “horrendous” on April 3 by CNBC).
Amazon
(AMZN) - E-commerce and cloud strength, seen as a
safer bet by some analysts (Motley Fool).
Alphabet
(GOOGL) - Search giant, cautious outlook from Wells
Fargo (price target cut to $167).
Meta
Platforms (META) - Social media titan, sensitive to
ad revenue shifts.
Tesla
(TSLA) - High trading volume stock, often trending
(Yahoo Finance).
Berkshire
Hathaway (BRK.B) - Buffett’s conglomerate, more
stable amid turmoil.
JPMorgan
Chase (JPM) - Financial giant, down with banking sector
fears (e.g., BAC fell 11% on April 3).
UnitedHealth
Group (UNH) - Healthcare leader, defensive play in
a shaky market.Observations from April 8 Data
SPY
1-Day Movement: The intraday data shows SPY peaked
at $524.79 but closed at $496.48, indicating late-day
selling pressure. By 19:30 on April 8, it hit $488.105,
suggesting a rocky session.
Market
Mood: Recent reports (e.g., Reuters, Investopedia)
highlight tariff-driven uncertainty, with tech and
discretionary stocks hit hardest, while consumer staples
(e.g., Procter & Gamble) gained.What’s Happening
Today (April 9)?
Without real-time intraday data for April 9, I can’t
pinpoint today’s top 10 performers yet. However:
Futures data from Yahoo Finance (April 7) showed S&P
Futures at 5,013.75, down 1.89%, suggesting a weak
open on April 8, consistent with the eventual close
of $496.48.
Given
the ongoing tariff fallout and recession fears (Bloomberg,
Reuters), expect continued volatility. Tech stocks
like Nvidia and Apple, and high-volume names like
Tesla and Palantir (Yahoo Finance), are likely focal
points.
Markets
April
8, 2025
Australian
Dollar: $0.5990 USD (down $0.0004 USD)
Iron Ore May Spot Price (SGX): $98.15 USD (down $1.30
USD)
Oil Price (WTI): $60.96 USD (down $1.03 USD)
Gold: $2,983.20 USD (down $54.45 USD)
Copper (CME): $4.3050 USD (down $0.0830 USD)
Bitcoin: $78,993.34 USD (down 0.56%)
Dow Jones: 37,965.60 (down 349.26 points from Friday)
Cryptos
Today:
BTC.
$79,852.35. 3.70%
ETH. $1,590.17. 3.02.
USDT. $0.9997. 0.03%
XRP. $1.8972. 6.93%
BNB. $563.53. 3.41%
USDC. $1.0001. - 0.00%
SOL. $110.52. 8.19%
DOGE. $0.1509. 6.66%
Stock
Market News
April
9, 2025
As
of today, April 9, 2025, the stock market is experiencing
significant turbulence due to ongoing developments
surrounding President Donald Trump's tariff policies.
Here's a summary of the latest stock market news based
on available information:
Global
markets have been reeling since Trump announced sweeping
tariffs on imports last week, with a minimum 10% tariff
on all U.S. imports and higher rates on goods from
countries like China (set to face a 104% tariff starting
at midnight EDT tonight). This escalation has triggered
widespread sell-offs, with the S&P 500 nearing
bear market territory—defined as a 20% drop from
its recent peak—after briefly dipping into it
earlier this week. The index is currently down nearly
18% from its mid-February high, while the Dow Jones
Industrial Average has shed over 1,600 points in recent
days, and the Nasdaq Composite has entered a bear
market with a decline exceeding 20% from its peak.
Yesterday,
April 8, U.S. stocks saw volatile trading. The Dow
closed down 349 points (0.91%) at 37,965.60 after
falling as much as 1,700 points intraday, while the
S&P 500 ended 0.2% lower, and the Nasdaq eked
out a slight 0.1% gain, buoyed by some buying in megacap
tech stocks like Nvidia and Palantir. Trading volume
hit an 18-year high with approximately 29 billion
shares exchanged, reflecting intense market activity.
Internationally,
the fallout has been severe. Asian markets posted
their worst session since 2008 on Monday, with Hong
Kong’s main index plunging 13% and Taiwan’s
tech-heavy market dropping 10%. European indices also
saw sharp declines, with Germany’s DAX falling
10% and the UK’s FTSE 100 down 6%. Oil prices
have slid to four-year lows, exacerbating recession
fears.
Investor
sentiment is shaky, with hopes of tariff delays dashed
after Trump reiterated his commitment to the policy,
dismissing a rumored 90-day pause as "fake news."
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has indicated negotiations
with over 50 countries are underway, but no immediate
relief is expected. Analysts warn of potential further
declines—some predict another 20% drop in stock
values—citing risks of inflation, disrupted supply
chains, and a global recession. The market’s
reaction reflects deep concern over the economic impact
of these tariffs, with more volatility anticipated
as corporate earnings season begins this week. (Grok)
Cryptocurrency,
Fintech, Markets, Comms, Biz, Politics
April
7, 2025
Markets
ASX
futures down 331 points/4.3% to 7388
AUD -0.3% at US60.21¢
Bitcoin -4.3% to $US79,283
Dow -5.5%
S&P -6.0%
Nasdaq -5.8%
Gold -2.5% to $US3038.24 an ounce
Brent oil -6.5% at $US65.58 a barrel
Iron ore flat at $US98.00 a tonne
News
April
7, 2025
Crypto
Today:
BTC.
$78,820.93. 4.67%
ETH. $1,577.20. 10.02.
USDT. $0.9998. 0.03%
XRP. $1.9566. 7.10%
BNB. $552.66. 6.00%
USDC. $1.0002. 0.03%
SOL. $106.55. 9.74%
DOGE. $0.1499. 9.96%
News
Countries
Respond to U.S. Tariffs with Negotiation Offers
Following
President Trump's announcement of new tariff policies,
Vietnam and Taiwan have both offered to eliminate
all tariffs on U.S. goods. Additionally, over 50 countries
have reached out to the U.S. to begin trade negotiations,
as stated by U.S. National Economic Council Director
Kevin Hassett. These actions are in response to the
U.S. imposing tariffs, with countries seeking to negotiate
new trade deals to mitigate the impact of these tariffs.
(Grok)
News
Bitcoin
Dips Below $80,000, Hits $78,000 Amid Market Liquidation
On
April 6, 2025, Bitcoin experienced a significant price
drop, falling below $80,000 and reaching as low as
approximately $78,000. This decline was accompanied
by a $200 million liquidation from the cryptocurrency
market within the past hour. Ethereum also saw a decrease,
falling below $1,700, marking a notable downturn in
the broader crypto market. (Grok)
News
Trump's
Tariffs Prompt Global Trade Shifts
President
Trump has recently imposed tariffs on several countries,
prompting a variety of responses globally. Vietnam
has proposed eliminating tariffs on U.S. goods following
discussions with Trump, with plans to send diplomats
to Mar-a-Lago to finalize the agreement. In the UK,
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has acknowledged the failure
of globalization and expressed understanding of Trump's
tariff strategy. Meanwhile, business leaders like
Elon Musk have advocated for a zero-tariff system
between the U.S. and Europe to establish a free trade
zone. Public opinion on these tariffs is divided,
with some seeing an increase in Trump's approval ratings,
while others, including investors, express concerns
over economic impacts. (Grok)
World
News, Biz, Markets, Resources, Politics, Media
April
4, 2025
Tariff
wars made the dollar a risky asset
Gold
Movements
in metals have been monumental. A 3% rise deep into
the region of all-time highs for Gold was followed
by a collapse of more than $100 from $3,170 to $3,050
an ounce. On Friday, trading stabilised near $3100,
minimally adding to levels at the opening of the week.
Tactically,
this is a good time for the bulls to exhale and lock
in profits. This is confirmed by the fulfilment of
an important growth target and the entry into extreme
overbought on weekly timeframes on RSI. Multi-week
corrections started in similar conditions in 2024.
Oil
Oil
took a double hit in the week in less than 24 hours
when it came under pressure from the macroeconomy
due to tariffs and OPEC+ actions. Tired of waiting
for the global economy to accelerate, the Cartel switched
gears in the battle for market share, pledging to
ramp up production faster than the previously announced
plan.
Similar
moments occurred in March 2020 and December 2014.
On both occasions, oil dipped below $30 a barrel before
finding support in the form of coordinated action
by global producers. In theory, coordination is now
at a higher level, but that doesn't negate the powerful
pressures expected due to the trade shock and supply
expansion.
Technically,
oil is breaking through the bottom of the three-year
range, and the 50-week moving average worked as resistance
for the third time since September. (FxPro)
News
Cryptos
Today
BTC.
$83,789.09. 0.70%
ETH. $1,812.44. 0.36.
USDT. $0.9997. 0.00%
XRP. $2.1330. 2.61%
BNB. $596.22. 0.09%
SOL. $120.95. 3.74%
USDC. $1.0000. 0.01%
DOGE. $0.1696. 3.20%
News
Markets
ASX
200 futures are pointing down 93 points/1.2 per cent
to 7786
AUD
+0.4% to US63.22¢
Bitcoin
-4.7% to $US82,018
Wall
St:
Dow -4%
S&P -4.8%
Nasdaq -6%
VIX +8.26 to 29.77
Gold -0.9% to $US3108.38 an ounce
Brent oil -6.7% to $US69.91 a barrel
Iron ore -1.5% to $US101.25 a tonne
10-year yield: US 4.04% Australia 4.26%
News
Germany
Considers Gold Withdrawal from U.S. Vault
Germany
is contemplating the withdrawal of approximately 1,200
tons of gold, valued at around $124 billion, from
a U.S. Federal Reserve vault in New York. This consideration
comes in the context of recent U.S. tariffs imposed
by President Trump. The decision-making process involves
senior officials from the Christian Democratic Union
(CDU) Party, who are set to lead the next German government
in the Bundestag. The potential repatriation of gold
has not occurred since World War II, highlighting
the significance of the current deliberations. (Grok)
News
Bitcoin
Holds Steady Amid Stock Market Turmoil
On
April 4, 2025, the US stock market experienced a significant
drop, with over $1.5 trillion in value being erased.
Amidst this turmoil, Bitcoin has shown resilience,
maintaining its value around $80,000. Some observers
and investors view this as a sign of Bitcoin decoupling
from traditional financial markets and emerging as
a potential safe haven asset, similar to gold. US
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has publicly stated
that 'Bitcoin is becoming a store of value,' reflecting
a viewpoint that is gaining traction among some in
the financial community. (Grok)
News
Coffee
Tariffs Prompt Debate on U.S. Production
The
United States is currently facing a discussion around
proposed tariffs on imported coffee, which could impact
consumer prices. While coffee is grown in the U.S.,
primarily in Hawaii, the production volume is significantly
less than the national demand. Increasing domestic
production to meet this demand presents logistical
and time-related challenges, as coffee plants require
several years to mature and produce a full crop. Opinions
vary on the feasibility and desirability of relying
more heavily on American-grown coffee to circumvent
the potential tariff-induced price increases.
Markets
April
4, 2025
ASX
futures down 74 points or 0.9% to 7805
AUD
+0.6% to US63.35¢
Bitcoin
-4.6% to $US82,296
Wall
St:
Dow
-3.3%
S&P -4.1%
Nasdaq -5.2%
VIX +6.02 to 27.53
Gold -0.7% to $US3112.12 an ounce
Brent oil -6.5% to $US70.09 a barrel
Iron ore -1.5% to $US101.25 a tonne
10-year yield: US 4.05% Australia 4.26%
Cryptos
Today:
BTC.
$81,846.87. 5.49%
ETH. $1,774.30. 6.24.
USDT. $0.9997. 0.02%
XRP. $2.0101. 6.23%
BNB. $587.77. 2.64%
USDC. $1.0000. 0.01%
SOL. $113.95. 12.19%
DOGE. $0.1581. 8.06%
Markets
April
4, 2025
ASX
futures down 74 points or 0.9% to 7805
AUD
+0.6% to US63.35¢
Bitcoin
-4.6% to $US82,296
Wall
St:
Dow
-3.3%
S&P -4.1%
Nasdaq -5.2%
VIX +6.02 to 27.53
Gold -0.7% to $US3112.12 an ounce
Brent oil -6.5% to $US70.09 a barrel
Iron ore -1.5% to $US101.25 a tonne
10-year yield: US 4.05% Australia 4.26%
Cryptos
Today:
BTC.
$81,846.87. 5.49%
ETH. $1,774.30. 6.24.
USDT. $0.9997. 0.02%
XRP. $2.0101. 6.23%
BNB. $587.77. 2.64%
USDC. $1.0000. 0.01%
SOL. $113.95. 12.19%
DOGE. $0.1581. 8.06%
Markets
March
24, 2025
ASX
futuresdown 0.5 per cent or 41 points to 7945
AUD
flat at US62.73¢
Bitcoin
+1.2% to $US85,147
Wall
St:
Dow +0.1%
S&P
+0.1%
Nasdaq
+0.5%
VIX
-0.52 points to 19.28
Gold
-0.8% to $US3022.15 an ounce
Brent
oil +0.2% to $US72.16 a barrel
Iron
ore -0.5% to $US100 a tonne
10-year
yield: US 4.25% Australia 4.39%
Crypto
Today
BTC.
$85,293.57. 1.15%
ETH. $2,001.72. 0.75.
USDT. $1.0001. 0.03%
XRP. $2.4026. 0.56%
BNB. $622.52. 0.78%
SOL. $132.21. 2.11%
USDC. $1.0003. 0.02%
ADA. $0.7082. 0.59%
Markets
March
24, 2025
ASX
futuresdown 0.5 per cent or 41 points to 7945
AUD
flat at US62.73¢
Bitcoin
+1.2% to $US85,147
Wall
St:
Dow +0.1%
S&P
+0.1%
Nasdaq
+0.5%
VIX
-0.52 points to 19.28
Gold
-0.8% to $US3022.15 an ounce
Brent
oil +0.2% to $US72.16 a barrel
Iron
ore -0.5% to $US100 a tonne
10-year
yield: US 4.25% Australia 4.39%
Crypto
Today
BTC.
$85,293.57. 1.15%
ETH. $2,001.72. 0.75.
USDT. $1.0001. 0.03%
XRP. $2.4026. 0.56%
BNB. $622.52. 0.78%
SOL. $132.21. 2.11%
USDC. $1.0003. 0.02%
ADA. $0.7082. 0.59%
News
Media
Man Group Market Feed
News,
Crypto, Markets, Biz, Politics, Media
March
13/14, 2025
Crypto:
just a bumpy downtrend
Market
picture
The
crypto market declined during the week to a total
capitalisation of $2.5 trillion, a third lower than
the peaks in December last year. However, towards
the end of the week, we could see attempts to stabilise
the market, with a rebound of $2.67 trillion.
Despite
the growth attempts, only if the market breaks above
its 200-day moving average will we be able to take
it as a signal of a return to growth. For now, the
market dynamics resemble no more than just a bumpy
downtrend.
The
story is similar in Bitcoin, where the bears are regaining
control of the market on bounces to the $83,500 area.
A 200-day moving average is near this level.
Ethereum
is in a steep decline, having pulled back below $1900.
At its low point, it was below $1750. It hasn't been
this cheap since October 2023, losing over half of
its price since its peak in mid-December.
News
Background
Outflows
from spot bitcoin-ETFs in the US continue for the
seventh day in a row, with 19 trading sessions out
of 21 already.
CryptoQuant
calls the range of $75,000 - 78,000 as support, which
coincides with the lower boundary of the realised
price. If the quotes are fixed below this zone, the
$63,000 mark may become a benchmark.
Senator
Cynthia Lummis introduced an updated Bitcoin Act bill
in the US Senate that would allow the government to
store more than 1 million bitcoins as part of a newly
created crypto reserve. The US can buy 200,000 BTC
each year for five years, reallocating funds from
the Fed and Treasury Department.
The
US SEC has extended the deadlines for several applications
to launch spot ETFs based on XRP, Solana, Litecoin
and Dogecoin. Bloomberg called the regulator's move
‘expected’ and in line with standard procedures.
(FxPro)
News
The
crypto bounces back from extreme fear
Market
picture
The
cryptocurrency market bounced 2% in the last 24 hours
to $2.67 trillion. So far, the situation looks like
a small rebound after the collapse. We should not
talk about the beginning of recovery as long as the
market is below its 200-day moving average of $2.83
trillion.
Sentiment
in the crypto market has shifted from dread to fear
at 34. The indicator was last higher more than three
weeks ago, indicating that now is a good time to buy.
However, it's worth paying attention to the nervous
stock market before considering investments in more
volatile cryptocurrencies.
Bitcoin
was climbing above $83,000 on Tuesday, hitting resistance
in the form of the 200-day moving average. If a long-term
trend line is repurposed as resistance, that's a worrisome
bearish fact.
Ethereum
ended Tuesday with growth and was trading near $1900
at the start of Wednesday, but this is a timid rebound
within the steep peak the coin has been in since February
24th and the broader downtrend of the past three months.
News
Background
CryptoQuant
states a sharp drop in open interest in Bitcoin and
Ethereum futures, suggesting a ‘leverage washout’
and a chance of market stabilisation. The Kobeissi
Letter admits a wave of short position unwinding in
risk assets after extreme fear levels are reached.
Clearstream,
the post-trading arm of Deutsche Börse, will
offer cryptocurrency settlement and custody services
to institutional clients as early as next month, starting
with Bitcoin and Ethereum. It then plans to add support
for other cryptocurrencies and services for staking,
lending and brokerage.
Glassnode notes that Solana fell below its realised
price of $134 for the first time in three years. The
metrics show the average cost for investors to purchase
the coin.
According
to Arkham Intelligence, on 11 March, bankrupt exchange
Mt. Gox transferred 11,501 BTC (~$905 million) to
an unknown address. Mt. Gox-related addresses hold
a total of 35,915 BTC worth $2.89bn. (FxPro)
News
Gold
hits fresh record
March
14, 2025
Spot
gold hit a fresh record high on Friday after the US
threatened higher tariffs on the EU, adding to growing
concerns that levies could hamper economic growth.Prices
rose as high as $US2990.02. It came after spot gold
notched its biggest intraday gain this year on Thursday,
rising 1.9 per cent. US President Donald Trump overnight
threatened to impose 200 per cent tariffs on alcohol
from the European Union, after the block set a 50
per cent tariff on American whisky.
News
Trump
crypto venture has talked to Binance about doing business
March
14, 2025
World
Liberty Financial, one of the Trump family’s
crypto ventures, has discussed doing business with
the world’s largest digital-asset exchange, Binance
Holdings, according to four people with knowledge
of the talks.
The
exchange’s founder pleaded guilty to failing
to take required measures to prevent terrorists, child
abusers and entities in sanctioned nations from using
its services.
It’s
not clear what stage the discussions have reached
or whether they’ll result in any transactions
or ventures, said the people, who asked not to be
named because the talks are private.
Two
of the people who spoke said conversations have included
the possibility of Binance developing a stablecoin
– a dollar-backed cryptocurrency – with
World Liberty, which President Donald Trump and his
sons began promoting in September. The Trumps receive
three-quarters of World Liberty’s net revenue,
according to its founding documents.
In
addition, representatives of the Trump family have
held talks with Binance about taking a stake in its
US arm, Binance US, The Wall Street Journal reported
on Thursday (Friday AEDT), citing people familiar
with the matter. In a post on X, Binance founder Changpeng
Zhao said he has not held discussions about a Binance
US deal with anyone.
Zhao
pleaded guilty in 2023 to anti-money laundering failures
that allowed Binance to be used by criminal groups
and terrorist organisations, including Hamas.
Zhao,
known as “CZ”, was released from a halfway
house in Long Beach, California, in September after
serving a four-month sentence. Binance paid a $US4.3
billion fine. Zhao has been pushing for the Trump
administration to grant him a pardon, according to
the Wall Street Journal’s report.
Three
months after leaving the halfway house, Zhao met with
Steve Witkoff, a co-founder of World Liberty, in Abu
Dhabi at the Bitcoin MENA 2024 conference, two of
the people said. Witkoff is the president’s Middle
East envoy. He is slated to meet with Russian President
Vladimir Putin this week as part of the Trump administration’s
efforts to halt the fighting that began when Russia
invaded Ukraine three years ago.
The
substance of Witkoff’s meeting with Zhao in December
is not clear. Talks between the crypto companies they
founded have taken place since then, according to
the four people with knowledge of the matter.
Witkoff
did not immediately respond to a request for comment,
nor did a White House spokesperson. Witkoff has said
he’s in the process of divesting from his crypto
assets as well as his holdings in real estate, transferring
holdings to his sons to manage potential conflicts
of interest.
A
representative for Binance US declined to comment
on Thursday, and representatives for World Liberty
did not respond to requests for comment.
Zhao
is still Binance’s controlling shareholder, with
a net worth of $US36.9 billion ($58.7 billion), according
to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. He stepped down
as its chief executive officer in November 2023, when
he pleaded guilty to failing to maintain an anti-money
laundering program.
Richard
Teng, who replaced Zhao, said in February that he
sees an opportunity for a “fresh reset and a
restart” under Trump, though he did not specify
any plans. (Full article and coverage via subscription
to The Australian Financial Review)
News
SEC
Proposes XRP as Key U.S. Financial Asset
The
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has
released a document titled 'Comprehensive Proposal:
XRP as a Strategic Financial Asset for the U.S.' This
proposal explores the potential for XRP to become
a key financial asset, discussing the replacement
of the SWIFT system, legal clarity for XRP, and economic
benefits like unlocking $1.5 trillion in banking liquidity.
Discussions are also underway regarding whether XRP
should be classified as a commodity, similar to Ethereum,
which could influence its regulatory and market future.
News
Rumble's
Strategic Bitcoin Acquisition
March
13, 2025
Rumble,
a video platform and competitor to YouTube, has announced
the purchase of 188 Bitcoins for approximately $17.1
million. This acquisition is part of Rumble's strategy
to integrate Bitcoin into its treasury management,
aiming to hedge against inflation and participate
in the growing trend of corporate cryptocurrency adoption.
The move reflects a broader acceptance of Bitcoin
as a legitimate financial asset among companies.
March
11, 2025
Bitcoin
Plunge and U.S. Crypto Reserve Plan
Bitcoin
experienced a significant price drop, falling below
$80,000 after reaching a high of over $84,000. This
decline contributed to a market cap loss of $100 billion
in the cryptocurrency sector. Concurrently, the U.S.
government has announced plans for a Strategic Bitcoin
Reserve, intended to hold cryptocurrency forfeited
through legal actions, sparking discussions on market
stability and government involvement in crypto. (Grok)
News
US
confirms its critical minerals agenda as fallen miner
AVZ chases an improbable African prize
A
spokesman for the US State Department has confirmed
that the Trump administration is interested in entering
into a critical minerals partnership with the Democratic
Republic of the Congo (DRC). DRC President Felix Tshisekedi
is said to want to strike a deal with the US to help
resolve a conflict with Rwanda-backed M23 rebels,
while any deal between the DRC and the US could help
Australian company AVZ Minerals. AVZ is seeking to
regain control of the Manono lithium deposit, which
it contends was illegally seized from it by Chinese
company Zijin, and it is understood that the Trump
administration would want to see AVZ regain control
of at least some part of Manono as part of any deal
with the DRC. (Roy Morgan Summary)
News
Markets
Australian
Dollar: $0.6282 USD (down $0.0035 USD)
Iron Ore Apr Spot Price (SGX): $102.20 USD (up $1.60
USD)
Oil: (WTI): $66.61 USD (down $1.09 USD)
Gold: $2,983.88 USD (up $52.14 USD)
Copper (CME): $4.9240 USD (up $0.0815 USD)
Bitcoin: $80,472.06 USD (down 2.82% in last 24 hours)
Dow Jones: 40,813.57 (down 537.35 points)
News
Roy
Morgan wins Media Man 'News Services Company Of The
Month' award
News Media
Australia
Peter Dutton More Crypto Friendly And Switched On
Than Albanese (Media Man Group)
News
"Dutton
A Genuine Contender" (Sky News Australia)
Crypto,
Fintech, Markets, News and Politics via Media Man
March
12/13, 2025
The
crypto bounces back from extreme fear
Market
picture
The
cryptocurrency market bounced 2% in the last 24 hours
to $2.67 trillion. So far, the situation looks like
a small rebound after the collapse. We should not
talk about the beginning of recovery as long as the
market is below its 200-day moving average of $2.83
trillion.
Sentiment
in the crypto market has shifted from dread to fear
at 34. The indicator was last higher more than three
weeks ago, indicating that now is a good time to buy.
However, it's worth paying attention to the nervous
stock market before considering investments in more
volatile cryptocurrencies.
Bitcoin
was climbing above $83,000 on Tuesday, hitting resistance
in the form of the 200-day moving average. If a long-term
trend line is repurposed as resistance, that's a worrisome
bearish fact.
Ethereum
ended Tuesday with growth and was trading near $1900
at the start of Wednesday, but this is a timid rebound
within the steep peak the coin has been in since February
24th and the broader downtrend of the past three months.
News
Background
CryptoQuant
states a sharp drop in open interest in Bitcoin and
Ethereum futures, suggesting a ‘leverage washout’
and a chance of market stabilisation. The Kobeissi
Letter admits a wave of short position unwinding in
risk assets after extreme fear levels are reached.
Clearstream,
the post-trading arm of Deutsche Börse, will
offer cryptocurrency settlement and custody services
to institutional clients as early as next month, starting
with Bitcoin and Ethereum. It then plans to add support
for other cryptocurrencies and services for staking,
lending and brokerage.
Glassnode
notes that Solana fell below its realised price of
$134 for the first time in three years. The metrics
show the average cost for investors to purchase the
coin.
According
to Arkham Intelligence, on 11 March, bankrupt exchange
Mt. Gox transferred 11,501 BTC (~$905 million) to
an unknown address. Mt. Gox-related addresses hold
a total of 35,915 BTC worth $2.89bn. (FxPro)
News
SEC
vs Ripple Case: Negotiations Underway for Settlement
Recent
developments indicate that the legal dispute between
Ripple Labs and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
(SEC) could be nearing a conclusion. Reports suggest
that Ripple's legal team is currently negotiating
more favorable terms related to a $125 million fine
and an injunction on XRP sales to institutional investors.
The anticipation of a settlement has led to increased
interest and speculation within the cryptocurrency
community regarding the outcome and its potential
impact on XRP. (Grok)
News
U.S.
Plans Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Acquisition
Senator
Cynthia Lummis has reintroduced the BITCOIN Act, which
proposes that the United States government purchase
one million Bitcoins over five years to create a strategic
reserve. This legislative move reflects a growing
acknowledgment of Bitcoin as a digital asset for national
economic strategy, garnering support from both traditional
financial sectors and cryptocurrency advocates. Alongside
this, there is an ongoing debate about the implications,
risks, and potential benefits of such a reserve. (Grok)
News
Trump's
Crypto Banking Deregulation
President
Donald Trump is reportedly planning to sign an executive
order that would reverse regulations set by the Biden
administration aimed at restricting banking activities
for cryptocurrency firms. This move could impact how
crypto companies interact with the Federal Reserve,
potentially leading to greater integration of cryptocurrencies
within the traditional financial system. (Grok)
News
Rumble's
Strategic Bitcoin Acquisition
Rumble,
a video platform and competitor to YouTube, has announced
the purchase of 188 Bitcoins for approximately $17.1
million. This acquisition is part of Rumble's strategy
to integrate Bitcoin into its treasury management,
aiming to hedge against inflation and participate
in the growing trend of corporate cryptocurrency adoption.
The move reflects a broader acceptance of Bitcoin
as a legitimate financial asset among companies. (Grok)
News
Trump
Predicts Market Surge Amid Economic Indicators
President
Trump has publicly stated his belief that the U.S.
financial markets are poised for significant growth,
making his comments at an event with business leaders.
This optimistic forecast follows recent economic indicators
showing inflation cooling to levels not seen in years,
despite mixed responses from markets regarding Trump's
economic policies including tariffs. (Grok)
News
Ethereum's
Lowest BTC Ratio Since 2020 Triggers Liquidation Risk
The
Ethereum Foundation faces potential liquidation of
over $100 million in assets if Ethereum's price drops
to $1,100, amidst a historic low in the ETH/BTC trading
ratio not seen since May 2020. This financial maneuver
is part of Ethereum's strategy to manage its treasury
through decentralized finance (DeFi), highlighting
both the risks and innovative approaches to crypto-asset
management in a volatile market. (Grok)
News
Gold
funds burst out of the blocks in 2025 as returns rocket
Australian
gold funds are shaping up for a bumper year as mining
companies start to capitalise on record prices, helping
the stocks to finally catch up to the performance
of the precious metal.
Portfolio
managers were left frustrated last year after a jump
in production costs held back ASX-listed gold producers
from riding the rally in the spot prices to record
levels. The VanEck Gold Miners exchange-traded fund
climbed nearly 20 per cent in 2024 versus a 38 per
cent rally for the gold price in Australian dollars.
But
easing cost inflation that has plagued the mining
sector for the last three years and an ongoing surge
in prices has seen the trend reverse course. VanEck’s
Gold Miners ETF is up 17 per cent already this year
while the Aussie dollar spot price has climbed 6.3
per cent.
Local
fund managers are bullish that gold has much further
to run after the US dollar price climbed above $US2942
an ounce for the first time and the Australian dollar
gold price breached $4500 an ounce.
Victor
Smorgon Partners’ Resource Gold Fund returned
a chunky 13.3 per cent in January and portfolio manager
Cameron Judd believes the valuations of ASX gold stocks
still don’t reflect the outlook for the yellow
metal.
“Gold’s
performance in times of uncertainty or crisis could
see it push towards $US3600,” Mr Judd said. “Despite
the strong gold price performance and fundamentals
supporting further appreciation, gold miners are trading
at discounted valuations on the ASX.”
Wall
Street’s biggest banks believe a $US3000 price
tag is imminent. Citi said it was possible within
the next three months, while JPMorgan has a year-end
target of $US3150. Bank of America said on Thursday
that gold could reach $US3500 an ounce if investment
demand rises 10 per cent this year.
The
unprecedented surge in the gold price has been fuelled
by investors seeking safe haven assets as US President
Donald Trump unleashes aggressive trade and geopolitical
policies. There are fears the president will accelerate
inflation, forcing central banks to raise rates in
a way that damages global growth.
Victor
Smorgon’s top holdings include ASX-listed Vault
Minerals and the world’s largest gold miner,
US-based Newmont, which recently acquired Newcrest.
The fund also owns Australia’s biggest gold miner
Northern Star, which agreed to buy rival De Grey in
a $5 billion deal. (AFR) *Full article and coverag
via subscription to The Australian Financial Review.
News
Australia
Northern
Star paying top dollar for gold rival
Northern
Star has offered $5 billion to buy De Grey Mining,
with De Grey shareholders to vote on the offer on
16 April. De Grey is the company behind the Hemi gold
prospect in Western Australia, which is thought to
hold at least 11 million ounces of gold and which
is slated to produce 530,000 ounces annually in its
first decade of operation. KPMG, which was engaged
to provide an independent assessment of Northern Star's
offer, has valued DeGrey at between $4 billion and
$4.79 billion, inclusive of a premium for control.
It concludes that the offer is "fair and reasonable
and therefore is in the best interests of De Grey
shareholders, in the absence of a superior proposal".
(Roy Morgan Summary)
News
March
12, 2025
Crypto
market tumbles after stocks
Market
picture
Crypto
market capitalisation has been falling to $2.5 trillion
following the rumbling fall of the US stock market.
It is dipping below the peaks of early 2024 and late
2021. Previously, a similar decline would complete
a corrective pullback, attracting buyers. However,
the chances of such an outcome are now lower than
in previous years due to the powerful influence of
traditional financial companies, which has strengthened
the link between the crypto market and stock dynamics.
For
now, though, we can argue that there is less terror
in crypto. The Fear and Greed Index is at 24 (+4 points
for the day), while the low point was a week earlier
at 10.
Bitcoin
slipped towards $76.5K in the early hours of Tuesday
but has popped above $80K at the time of writing,
approaching Monday’s consolidation levels. A
bearish pattern persists on the daily timeframes,
which suggests a strengthening sell-off after a failure
under the 200-day moving average. The scenario of
a pullback to the $70-74K area still looks the most
probable for us. This is all the truer as the consolidation
and rebound in early March has taken the short-term
oversold stance out of the market.
Ethereum
is trying to find a pivot point after falling towards
$1750 at the start of Tuesday. These were the lowest
values in the last 17 months. On weekly timeframes,
the RSI oscillator hit its lowest point since mid-2022
- near the bottom of the bear market. Does this signify
an opportunity for the recklessly bold or a breakdown
in the leading altcoin? We will find out in the coming
days.
News
Background
According
to CoinShares, global crypto fund investments fell
by $876 million last week after record outflows of
$2.911 billion a week earlier. Investments in Bitcoin
fell by $756 million; in Ethereum, by $89 million.
Investments in Solana rose by $16 million, in XRP
by $6 million, and in Sui by $3 million.
As
a result of another recalculation, Bitcoin mining
difficulty increased by 1.43% to 112.15T. The growth
did not compensate for a 3.15% drop two weeks ago.
However, the figure came close to the all-time high
of 114.17T reached in January.
Strategy
(former MicroStrategy) intends to raise $21bn through
the sale of preferred shares as part of its At-The-Market
program. The proceeds will be used to buy Bitcoin
and other corporate purposes. (FxPro)
News
March
11, 2025
US
Senator And Congressman Introduce Strategic Bitcoin
Reserve Bills To Buy One Million BTC
Speaking
at the “Bitcoin for America” summit, lawmakers
announced their plans to create a federal bitcoin
reserve that would see the U.S. buy one million BTC.
Today
at the Bitcoin Policy Institute’s “Bitcoin
for America” summit in Washington DC, U.S. Senator
from Wyoming Cynthia Lummis announced that she is
going to reintroduce her strategic Bitcoin reserve
legislation in the Senate today.
“I
am so pleased to announce that today I will be reintroducing
The Bitcoin Act,” Senator Lummis stated. “And
I’ll be joined here shortly by Senator Justice
of West Virginia, who is one of the cosponsors. And
we have several other additional cosponsors. And a
lot of it is a result of the excitement that’s
been building.” (Bitcoin Magazine). *Full article
via Bitcoin Magazine
News
XRP
wins Media Man 'Crypto Of The Month' award
News
Markets
Australian
Dollar: $0.6317 USD (up $0.0020 USD)
Iron Ore Apr Spot Price (SGX): $100.60 USD (up $0.15
USD)
Oil (WTI): $67.70 USD (up $1.14 USD)
Gold: $2,931.74 USD (up $13.03 USD)
Copper (CME): $4.8425 USD (up $0.0500 USD)
Bitcoin: $82,880.91USD (up 0.32% in last 24 hours)
Dow Jones: 41,350.93 (down 82.55 points)
News
Roy
Morgan wins Media Man 'News Services Company Of The
Month' award
News
Media
Australia
Peter
Dutton More Crypto Friendly And Switched On Than Albanese
(Media Man Group)
News
"Dutton
A Genuine Contender" (Sky News Australia)
March
10, 2025
ASX
futures are pointing up 69 points, or by 0.9 per cent,
to 8011.
All
US prices are as of 4.15pm Sunday in New York:
Bitcoin
-3.7% to $US83,138
On
Wall St: Dow +0.5% S&P +0.6% Nasdaq +0.7%
VIX -1.5 to 23.37
Gold -0.1% to $US2909.10 an ounce
Brent oil +1.3% to $US70.36 a barrel
Iron ore +0.3% to $US100.70 a tonne
10-year yield: US 4.3% Australia 4.4%
January
10, 2025
ASX
futures up 33 points or 0.4%
AUD
-0.3% to 61.98 US cents
UK pound -0.4% to $US1.2309
Bitcoin -2.9% to $US91,275 at 7.23am AEDT
US markets closed for Jimmy Carter’s funeral
Stoxx 50 +0.4% FTSE +0.8% DAX -0.1% CAC +0.5%
Spot gold +0.3% to $US2671.00/oz at 1.55pm in New
York
Brent crude +1.2% to $US77.08 a barrel
Iron ore +1% to $US97.40 a tonne
10-year yield: US 4.69% Australia 4.48% Germany 2.56%
US prices as of 1.59pm in New York
Media
Man Group Market Feed
Markets
March
12, 2025
ASX
futures down 72 points/0.9% to 7812
AUD +0.5% at US63.08¢
Bitcoin +7.1% to $US83,122
Dow -0.5%
S&P -0.5%
Nasdaq +0.8%
Gold +1.1% to $US2919.09 an ounce
Oil +0.6% at $US69.66 a barrel
Iron ore +0.6% at $US100.45 a tonne
March
10, 2025
ASX
futures are pointing up 69 points, or by 0.9 per cent,
to 8011.
All
US prices are as of 4.15pm Sunday in New York:
Bitcoin
-3.7% to $US83,138
On
Wall St: Dow +0.5% S&P +0.6% Nasdaq +0.7%
VIX -1.5 to 23.37
Gold -0.1% to $US2909.10 an ounce
Brent oil +1.3% to $US70.36 a barrel
Iron ore +0.3% to $US100.70 a tonne
10-year yield: US 4.3% Australia 4.4%
Markets
March
1, 2025
ASX
futures down 12 points or 0.2% to 8120
AUD -0.6% at US61.96¢
Bitcoin +0.4% to $US84,447
Dow flat
S&P -0.1%
Nasdaq -0.2%
Gold -1.1% to $US2845.82 an ounce
Oil -1% at $US73.3o a barrel
Iron ore -2.2% at $US102.00 a tonne
The
Australian Financial Review - Markets
The
Australian Financial Review - Markets Live
The
Australian Financial Review - Commodities
News
The
Australian Financial Review wins Media Man 'Newspaper
Of the Month' award
Google
Finance
Yahoo!
Finance
News.com.au
- Business
Media
Man Group Market Feed
January
10, 2025
ASX
futures up 33 points or 0.4%
AUD
-0.3% to 61.98 US cents
UK pound -0.4% to $US1.2309
Bitcoin -2.9% to $US91,275 at 7.23am AEDT
US markets closed for Jimmy Carter’s funeral
Stoxx 50 +0.4% FTSE +0.8% DAX -0.1% CAC +0.5%
Spot gold +0.3% to $US2671.00/oz at 1.55pm in New
York
Brent crude +1.2% to $US77.08 a barrel
Iron ore +1% to $US97.40 a tonne
10-year yield: US 4.69% Australia 4.48% Germany 2.56%
US prices as of 1.59pm in New York
News
Stock
Market News via Grok
Stock
Market Overview:
Recent
Market Movements: The U.S. stock market saw significant
volatility recently. The Dow Jones Industrial Average
experienced a notable decline, marking its longest
losing streak since 1974, primarily triggered by a
Federal Reserve interest rate decision that was more
hawkish than anticipated. This led to a spike in bond
yields and a surge in the dollar value, affecting
global markets.
ASX
Performance: In Australia, the ASX 200 has been subject
to various influences. There was a recovery in trading,
with gains noted after a period of losses, particularly
highlighted by a $3.4 billion sale of Foxtel to a
British streaming company. The market has been navigating
through economic growth expectations, potential impacts
from international politics, and local economic indicators.
Global
Market Trends: European markets have seen elevated
bond yields impacting share openings, while the Swiss
central bank reported a significant profit due to
rising gold and stock prices. The global economic
growth is projected at 2.8% for 2025 by the UN, indicating
a stable but cautious market environment.
Sector
and Company News: Inari Medical's acquisition by Stryker
for $80 per share has been a significant event, setting
a tone for potential M&A activities in the medical
technology sector. This deal reflects strategic moves
to tap into high-growth markets.
Tech
and AI Influence: There's a growing trend of misinformation
in AI-generated news, with Apple's AI news alerts
being a recent example. This issue is becoming a focal
point for investors, especially in tech stocks, as
accuracy in information impacts market sentiment.
Economic
Indicators and Fed Policy: The Federal Reserve's latest
rate decisions continue to influence market dynamics.
After lowering the overnight borrowing rate by a quarter
point, the Fed's outlook on future rate cuts has led
to market adjustments, showing increased uncertainty
and volatility.
Investor
Sentiment: There's a mix of optimism and caution among
investors, with some sectors like tech and semiconductors
experiencing significant movements based on company-specific
news like partnerships or product launches. The market's
reaction to Fed policies and global economic news
is closely watched.
Current
Trends on X:
Discussions
on X highlight notable pre-market movements, record
trading volumes, and significant corporate announcements
that are driving stock market discussions. The interaction
between individual stock performances and broader
market trends is a key focus for the community on
X.
This
snapshot provides a view into the current state of
the stock market, driven by economic policies, corporate
news, and investor reactions to global and local events.
(Grok)
Media
Man: Traditional type investments in Gold and Silver
looking good. Word on the street is that BTC is looking
good for the next few months but may be in for a dive
or crash in approx Mid March - April 2025. Lithium
and Iron Ore looking good as Australian political
season heats up. *Not financial advice. Op based on
speaking to numerous people in and around the industry
and researching dozens of papers and industry journals.
Markets
January
7, 2025
Under
The Media Man Watercooler And On The Floor
ASX
futures up 12 points or 0.2%
AUD
+0.5% to 62.46 US cents
Bitcoin +3.7% to $US102,068 at 8.33am AEDT
On Wall St: Dow -0.1% S&P +0.6% Nasdaq +1.2%
In New York: BHP -0.7% Rio -0.4% Atlassian +1.7%
Tesla +0.2% Apple +0.7% Nvidia +3.4% Microsoft +1.1%
Alphabet +2.5% Amazon +1.5% Meta +4.2%
VIX -0.09 to 16.04 QQQ +1.2% TLT -0.5%
Stoxx 50 +2.4% FTSE +0.3% DAX +1.6% CAC +2.2%
Spot gold -0.2% to $US2635.63/oz at 1.53pm in New
York
Brent crude -0.7% to $US76.00 a barrel
Iron ore -1.2% to $US97.00 a tonne
10-year yield: US 4.61% Australia 4.47% Germany 2.44%
US prices as of 4.29pm in New York
Markets
January
4, 2025
ASX
futures up 23 points or 0.3% near 8am AEDT
AUD
+0.2% to 62.16 US cents
Bitcoin
+1.2% to $US98,195 at 8.27am AEDT
On
Wall St at 4pm: Dow +0.8% S&P +1.3% Nasdaq +1.8%
In
New York: BHP -0.8% Rio -0.3% Atlassian +3.3%
Tesla
+8.2% Apple -0.2% Nvidia +4.7% Microsoft +1.1%
Alphabet
+1.3% Amazon +1.8% Meta +0.9%
Mara
+14.1% MicroStrategy +13.2% Iren +8.4%
VIX
-1.8 to 16.13 QQQ +1.6% TLT -0.3%
Stoxx
50 -0.9% FTSE -0.4% DAX -0.6% CAC -1.5%
Spot
gold -0.7% to $US2639.37oz at 4.51pm in New York
Brent
crude +0.9% to $US76.58 a barrel
Iron
ore -2.6% to $US98.30 a tonne
10-year
yield: US 4.60% Australia 4.38% Germany 2.42%
US
prices as of 4.54pm in New York
Market
Highlights
Under
The Media Man Watercooler
November
26, 2024
ASX
futures up 18 points or 0.2% near 8am AEDT
AUD
+0.03% to 65.03 US cents
Bitcoin
-2.5% to $US94,320 at 8.40am AEDT
On
Wall St at 4pm: Dow +1% S&P +0.3% Nasdaq +0.3%
In
New York: BHP +0.2% Rio +1% Atlassian +0.2%
Tesla
-4% Apple +1.3% Nvidia -4.2% Microsoft +0.4%
Alphabet
+1.7% Amazon +2.2% Meta +1.1%
VIX
-0.64 to 14.60 QQQ +0.2% TLT +2.6%
Stoxx
50 +0.2% FTSE +0.4% DAX +0.4% CAC +0.03%
Spot
gold -3.4% to $US2623.72/oz at 2.31pm in New York
Brent
crude -2.8% to $US73.05 a barrel
US
oil -3.2% to $US68.96 a barrel
Iron
ore +2% to $US102.55 a tonne
10-year
yield: US 4.27% Australia 4.48% Germany 2.21%
US
prices as of 4.38pm in New York
News
via Grok
Financial
Markets via Grok
Financial
markets are broad arenas where buyers and sellers
engage in trading securities such as stocks, bonds,
currencies, and derivatives. Here's an overview:
Definition
and Function:
Financial
markets are platforms or systems where the trading
of financial assets occurs. They facilitate the flow
of capital between those who have it and those who
need it. This interaction aids in capital raising,
risk management through derivatives, and promotes
commerce. Financial markets can be physical (like
stock exchanges) or electronic.
Types
of Financial Markets:
Stock
Markets: Where shares of publicly traded companies
are bought and sold, allowing companies to raise money
and investors to gain equity in businesses.
Bond
Markets: Companies, municipalities, and governments
issue bonds to borrow funds, with investors lending
money in exchange for interest over time.
Money
Markets: Deals in short-term, high-liquidity financial
instruments like Treasury bills, commercial paper,
and certificates of deposit.
Derivatives
Markets: Instruments like futures, options, and swaps
that derive value from underlying assets, used for
hedging or speculation.
Foreign
Exchange (Forex) Markets: The marketplace for trading
different currencies, known for high liquidity.
Commodities
Markets: For trading raw materials like gold, oil,
or agricultural products.
Importance:
Capital
Allocation: Financial markets help in efficiently
directing savings towards productive investments,
fostering economic growth.
Price
Discovery: They provide a mechanism to determine the
price of securities based on supply and demand, reflecting
the perceived value of assets.
Liquidity
Provision: They offer liquidity, allowing investors
to convert assets into cash quickly.
Risk
Management: Through mechanisms like derivatives, markets
help in managing financial risks.
Current
Trends (as of November 2024):
Market
Volatility: There's been observed volatility in stock
markets, with some indicators suggesting frothy valuations
and market reactions to policy changes.
Yield
Spreads: Unusual movements in bond yields, like high-yield
corporate bonds having wider spreads than fixed-rate
mortgages, indicate market distortions.
Economic
Policy Expectations: Markets are pricing in expected
economic policies, with mixed signals on the impact
of new administrative policies on growth and inflation.
Understanding
financial markets involves recognizing their complexity
and their role in the global economy, where they serve
as mechanisms for both investment and risk management.
(Grok)
News
Markets
News via Grok
Here's
a concise update on markets news, reflecting recent
trends and events:
U.S.
Markets: The U.S. stock markets recently closed with
mixed results. The S&P 500 saw a slight increase,
while the NASDAQ rose more significantly, but the
Dow Jones Industrial Average experienced a small decline.
Tesla and Alphabet were among the gainers, whereas
NVIDIA faced some pressure ahead of its earnings report.
There's cautious optimism in the market, with sectors
like technology leading the gains.
Global
Trends: India: The Indian stock market staged a notable
recovery with the Sensex and Nifty indices showing
significant gains, surpassing 78,000 and 23,700 respectively.
This surge affected all sectoral indices, particularly
IT and Realty, amidst discussions about the potential
influences of political events on market dynamics.
ASX
200: The Australian market saw an uptick, driven by
commodity prices with uranium and iron ore stocks
leading due to external factors like Russia's uranium
export limits.
Commodities
and Currencies: Gold and Silver: Precious metals like
gold and silver have seen price increases, reflecting
investor interest in safe-haven assets.
Iranian
Rial: Iran's currency hit an all-time low due to economic
pressures from international sanctions.
Policy
and Economic News: U.S. Federal Reserve: There have
been adjustments in interest rates with a quarter-point
cut amid post-election uncertainties, indicating a
response to economic conditions but also concerns
about inflation control.
Energy
Sector: Decisions affecting gas allocation in India
have impacted city gas distribution companies, leading
to significant drops in their stock prices due to
fears of rising CNG prices and broader economic implications.
Market
Sentiment: The market is navigating through a phase
where recovery signs are visible, yet there's a careful
watch on how long these trends will last, especially
with upcoming economic data and corporate earnings
influencing investor behavior.
These
insights are drawn from recent market movements and
discussions, highlighting the dynamic nature of global
financial markets and the various factors influencing
them. (Grok)
Markets
and Commodities
November
1, 2024
Australian
Dollar: $0.6579 USD (up $0.0009 USD)
Iron
Ore Nov Spot Price (SGX): $104.10 USD (up $0.30 USD)
Iron
Ore Dec Spot Price (SGX): $103.80 USD (up $0.28 USD)
Oil
Price (WTI): $70.51 USD (up $1.57 USD)
Gold
Price: $2,746.76 USD (down $38.62 USD)
Copper
Price (CME): $4.3600 USD (up $0.0030 USD)
Bitcoin:
$69,991.53 USD (down 2.58% in last 24 hours)
Dow
Jones: 41,763.46 at 4.09pm NY time (down378.08 points
on yesterday's close)
Markets
and Commodities
October
24, 2024
Australian
Dollar: $0.6630 USD (down $0.0050 USD)
Iron
Ore Nov Spot Price (SGX): $98.80 USD (down $1.90 USD)
Oil
Price (WTI): $70.99 USD (down $1.25 USD)
Gold
Price: $2,716.17 USD (down $31.21 USD)
Copper
Price (CME): $4.3330 USD (down $0.0520 USD)
Bitcoin:
$66,436.33 USD (down 1.50% in last 24 hours)
Dow
Jones: 42,514.95 at 4.20pm NY time (down 409.94 points
on yesterday's close)
Markets
and Commodities
October
17, 2024
Australian
Dollar: $0.6670 USD (down $0.0030 USD)
Iron
Ore Nov Spot Price (SGX): $104.55 USD (down $1.85
USD)
Oil
Price (WTI): $70.52 USD (down $0.39 USD)
Gold
Price: $2,673.95 USD (up $12.93 USD)
Copper
Price (CME): $4.3665 USD (up 0.0270 USD)
Bitcoin:
$67,856.42 USD (up 1.50% in last 24 hours)
Dow
Jones: 43,077.70 at 4.20pm NY time (up 337.28 points
on yesterday's close)
Markets
and Commodities
October
10, 2024
Australian
Dollar: $0.6710 USD (down $0.0040 USD)
Iron
Ore Nov Spot Price (SGX): $105.15 USD (unchanged -
public holiday)
Oil
Price (WTI): $73.36 USD (down $0.55 USD)
Gold
Price: $2,607.14 USD (down $15.75 USD)
Copper
Price (CME): $4.4080 USD (down 0.0605 USD)
Bitcoin:
$60,908.07 USD (down 2.11% in last 24 hours)
Dow
Jones: 42,512.00 at 4.20pm NY time (up 431.63 points
on yesterday's close)
Market,
Commodities and Financial News Snapshot via Media
Man
October
7, 2024
ASX
futures up 26 points or 0.3% to 8215 near 6am AEST
AUD
+0.1% to US68.01¢
Bitcoin
+1.3% to $US62,692
US
10-year yield +13bp to 3.97%
Dow
+0.8% S&P +0.9% Nasdaq +1.2%
FTSE
flat DAX +0.6% CAC +0.9%
Gold
-0.1% to $US2653.60 an ounce
Brent
oil +0.6% to $US78.05 a barrel
Iron
ore -0.3% to $US108.70 a tonne
Markets
and Commodities
October
7, 2024
Australian
Dollar: $0.6786 USD (down $.0054 USD)
Iron
Ore Nov Spot Price (SGX): $108.70 USD (down $0.05
USD)
Oil
Price (WTI): $74.38 USD (up $0.67 USD)
Gold
Price: $2,653.25 USD (down $2.79 USD)
Copper
Price (CME): $4.5675 USD (up 0.0240 USD)
Bitcoin:
$62,679.21USD (up 1.48% in last 24 hours)
Dow
Jones: 42,352.75 (up 341.16 points on Thursday's close)
Markets
and Commodities
October
4, 2024
Australian
Dollar: $0.6840 USD (down $.0040 USD)
Iron
Ore Nov Spot Price (SGX): $108.75 USD (down $0.20
USD)
Oil
Price (WTI): $73.71 USD (up $2.70 USD)
Gold
Price: $2,656.04 USD (down $2.97 USD)
Copper
Price (CME): $4.5435 USD (down 0.1195 USD)
Bitcoin:
$60,801.67 USD (up 0.09% in last 24 hours)
Dow
Jones: 42,011.59 (down 184.93 points on yesterday's
close)
Market,
Commodities and Financial News
Snapshot
via Media Man
October
4, 2024
ASX
futures down 33 points or 0.4% to 8209 near 6am AEST
AUD
-0.6% to $US68.44¢
Bitcoin
+1.3% to $US60,954
Dow
-0.6%
S&P
-0.4%
Nasdaq
-0.3%
FTSE
-0.1%
DAX
-0.8%
CAC
-1.3%
Gold
-0.1% to $US2657.32 an ounce
Brent
oil +5.2% to $US77.77 a barrel
Iron
ore +0.6% to $US108.75 a tonne
Markets
and Commodities
September
11, 2024
Australian
Dollar: $0.6650 USD (down $0.0010 USD)
Iron
Ore Oct Spot Price (SGX): $91.00 USD (down $1.35 USD)
Oil
Price (WTI): $66.31 USD (down $2.49 USD)
Gold
Price: $2,516.51 USD (up $11.13 USD
Copper
Price (CME): $4.1050 USD (down 0.0365 USD)
Bitcoin:
$57,669.72 USD (down 0.38% in last 24 hours)
Dow
Jones: 40,736.96 at 4.59pm NY time (down 92.63 points
on yesterday's close)
Market,
Commodities and Financial News
Snapshot
via Media Man
September
11, 2024
ASX
futures down 3 points or 0.04% to 7997 near 6am AEST
AUD
-0.1% to 66.58 US cents
Bitcoin
+1.4% to $US57,885
Dow
-0.3%
S&P
+0.4%
Nasdaq
+0.8%
FTSE
-0.8%
DAX
-1.0%
CAC
-0.2%
Gold
+0.3% to $US2514.88 an ounce
Brent
oil -3.2% to $US69.52 a barrel
Iron
ore -0.8% to $US91.00 a tonne
Markets
And Commodities
August
20, 2024
Australian
Dollar: $0.6728 USD (up $0.0063 USD)
Iron
Ore Sep Spot Price (SGX): $95.00 USD (up $2.70 USD)
Oil
Price (WTI): $74.43 USD (down $2.22 USD)
Gold
Price: $2,504.11 USD (down $4.07 USD)
Copper
Price (CME): $4.1975 USD (up $0.0470 USD)
Bitcoin:
$59,144.75 USD (down 1.09% in last 24 hours)
Dow
Jones: 40,896.53 (up 236.77 points on Friday's close)
Markets
And Commodities
August
19, 2024
Australian
Dollar: $0.6665 USD (up $0.0055 USD)
Iron
Ore Sep Spot Price (SGX): $92.30 USD (down $1.25 USD)
Oil
Price (WTI): $76.65 USD (down $1.46 USD)
Gold
Price: $2,508.18 USD (up $51.88 USD)
Copper
Price (CME): $4.1505 USD (up $0.0100 USD)
Bitcoin:
$59,792.97 USD (up 0.64% in last 24 hours)
Dow
Jones: 440,659.76 (up 96.70 points on Thursday's close)
Market,
Commodities and Financial News
Snapshot
via Media Man
July
29, 2024
ASX
futures up 60 points or 0.8% to 7938 near 3am AEST
AUD
+0.2% to 65.48 US cents
Bitcoin
-0.6% to $US67,636
Dow
+1.6%
S&P
+1.1%
Nasdaq
+1%
FTSE
+1.2%
DAX
+0.7%
CAC
+1.2%
Gold
+1.0% to $US2387.19 an ounce
Brent
oil -1.5% to $US81.13 a barrel
Iron
ore +2.5% to $US102.40 a tonne
Markets
and Commodities
July
18, 2024
Australian
Dollar: $0.6730 USD (unchanged)
Iron
Ore Aug Spot Price (SGX): $105.05 USD (down $2.10
USD)
Oil
Price (WTI): $83.10 USD (up $2.28 USD)
Gold
Price: $2,458.69 USD (down $10.15 USD)
Copper
Price (CME): $4.4165 USD (down $0.0405 USD)
Bitcoin:
$64,196.81 USD (down 0.80% in last 24 hours)
Dow
Jones: 41,198.08 at 4.20pm NY time (up 243.60 points
on yesterday's close)
(Roy
Morgan Summary)
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In Hot Fintch Company Block Fall After Latest Hindenburg
Report
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July
8, 2024
Crypto
Bargain-hunters are back
Market
picture
Bargain
hunters are showing themselves in full force in crypto.
Cryptocurrency market capitalisation rose 3.6% in
24 hours to $2.11 trillion, climbing back to the top
of the range of the past five days. It will take the
market to rise another 2% before we can say that the
bear attack has been repelled. Until then, we can
only talk about consolidation after the sell-off.
Bitcoin
rebounded to $57.3K after a couple of dips to $54K,
sticking to its descending channel that has been in
force since March, but the price is very dangerously
stuck at the bottom of this corridor. This situation
makes us fear an acceleration of the sell-off with
a potential target in the $50-51K area, where the
crypto market was stagnant in February.
Ethereum
trades at $3050 and remains below the 200-day moving
average but has not given up trying to climb higher.
Here, ETH has a strong support line, which also attracted
buyers in April and May. More on the bulls' side is
that the RSI on daily timeframes rises from oversold
territory. These are promising technical signals,
but the sustained sell-off from the US and German
governments and the overhang of selling from Mt Gox
lenders is clearly undermining the confidence of too
many buyers.
News
background
According
to CoinShares, investments in crypto funds rose by
$441 million last week for the first time after three
weeks of outflows. Bitcoin investments increased by
$398 million, Solana by $16 million, Ethereum by $10
million.
Recent
price declines, driven by potential selling pressure
from Mt Gox and the German government, were probably
seen as a buying opportunity. Inflows into BTC accounted
for only 90% of the total inflows, as investors chose
to invest in a much broader set of altcoins. The most
notable of these was Solana, which has received $57
million in investments since the beginning of the
year, making it the most efficient altcoin in terms
of flows, CoinShares noted.
German
authorities continue to transfer Bitcoins to exchanges.
On 8 July, two 250 BTC transfers were made to Coinbase
and Bitstamp platforms. Transactions of 700 BTC and
500 BTC followed to unidentified Arkham numbers.
The
Bitstamp exchange promised to distribute the payments
from Mt Gox "as soon as possible," despite
having a 60-day deadline. So far, only Japanese BitBank
and SBI VC Trade addresses have been distributed coins.
The three remaining recipients - Bitstamp, Kraken
and BitGo - are still awaiting their turn. The trustee
has 94,771 BTC (~$5.4bn) left to send.
Bitfinex
points out signs of a potential end to the market
correction. Short-term investor selling is potentially
close to exhaustion. Meanwhile, the funding rate for
perpetual BTC contracts has turned negative for the
first time since 1 May.
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Donald
Trump to Headline Bitcoin 2024 Conference in Nashville
July
11, 2024
Former
President Donald Trump has been confirmed as a keynote
speaker at the upcoming Bitcoin 2024 conference set
to take place in Nashville, Tennessee.
This
news comes as a significant development for the event,
known for its major industry announcements and influential
speakers. The conference, which has previously been
hosted in Miami, has established itself as a platform
for groundbreaking news within the cryptocurrency
space.
Bitcoin
2021, the inaugural conference, made headlines when
El Salvador officially declared Bitcoin as legal tender.
The subsequent Bitcoin 2022 and Bitcoin 2023 conferences
continued the trend of notable moments, including
a powerful speech by U.S. Presidential candidate Robert
F. Kennedy Jr. in support of the Bitcoin industry.
This
year, the shift of the conference location from Miami
to Nashville signifies its increasing prominence on
the global stage. With two former U.S. Presidential
candidates, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Donald Trump,
slated to speak, Bitcoin 2024 is anticipated to be
a pivotal event that could potentially impact the
future trajectory of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency policies
in the United States.
Donald
Trump’s participation in the conference is especially
noteworthy considering his recent engagements with
the Bitcoin community. Earlier this year, Trump met
with prominent U.S. Bitcoin miners, including representatives
from CleanSpark, where he reiterated his support for
Bitcoin mining both domestically and internationally.
In a statement, Trump pledged to prioritize the development
of Bitcoin and crypto initiatives in the United States
and safeguard the rights of the nation’s 50 million
crypto holders if re-elected as president.
As
Trump embarks on his presidential campaign, his alignment
with the Bitcoin industry stands in contrast to the
position of his potential rival, President Joe Biden,
who has shown less enthusiasm towards the cryptocurrency
sector. While Biden’s participation in Bitcoin
2024 remains unconfirmed, the event could underscore
the divergent approaches of the two candidates towards
Bitcoin and its implications for U.S. policies.
For
additional details on the Bitcoin 2024 conference
and to secure a discounted ticket using a promotional
code, interested individuals can visit the official
event website. Bitcoin Magazine, a subsidiary of BTC
Inc, the organizer of the largest Bitcoin conference,
The Bitcoin Conference, will be overseeing the event.
Websites
Bitcoin
2024
https://b.tc/conference/2024
Bitcoin
Magazine
https://bitcoinmagazine.com
July
1, 2024
Buyers
failed to pick up on the crypto market
Market
picture
The
crypto market has been enjoying an influx of buyers
since Saturday, with a visible acceleration on Monday.
Over the past 24 hours, capitalisation has risen 3.6%
to $2.33 trillion. Last week’s drop in the crypto
sentiment index to 30 (fear zone) reversed the price
twice, showing that the market is dominated by a ‘buy
the dip’ pattern.
Bitcoin
is trading near $63.3K, adding 5% since Saturday morning
and reaffirming the importance of support at 61.8%
of the Jan-March rally. From another perspective,
Bitcoin is adding and bouncing off the lower boundary
of the downward channel. Likely, the price is now
moving towards the upper boundary at $67K. However,
cautious buyers may prefer to wait for confirmation
with the price rising above $72-73K - the pivot area
of the last four months - which would be confirmation
of the start of a new impulsive wave of growth.
Bitcoin
ended June down 8.5% to $61.9K. In terms of seasonality,
July is considered quite successful for BTC, adding
eight times (22.3% on average) out of the last 13
and declining on five occasions (-7.8% on average).
News
background
In
terms of on-chain analysis, quotes have crossed the
realised price level of short-term holders at $62,000,
which historically can act as support during corrections
in bull markets.
According
to Arkham data, German authorities sent another 595
BTC worth ~$36.6 million to crypto exchanges on 26
June. Authorities began actively moving the cryptocurrency
on 19 June, when some of it first hit the Kraken and
Bitstamp exchanges.
Bitwise
forecasts net inflows into spot ETH-ETFs in the US
of $15bn in the first 18 months. Bloomberg expects
trading in the new product to start on 2 July.
Solana
Foundation has launched tools that enable it to turn
any website or app into a gateway for cryptocurrency
payments and other blockchain transactions.
On
26 June, the Blast development team completed the
first phase of an airdrop, distributing 17 billion
BLAST tokens (17% of the total issuance). Blast is
an Ethereum-based layer 2 (L2) network that was launched
in November 2023 by Blur founder under the pseudonym
Pacman. In terms of blockchain value locked (TVL),
the Blast ecosystem is ranked sixth in the DeFi Llama
ranking with a value of $1.58bn.
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News
Finance
/ World Business News
Euro,
Gold, Crypto and more via Media Man and FX Pro
A
strong current account surplus may not help euro
The
eurozone's current account surplus climbed to a six-month
high of 31.9bn in December. Analysts, on average,
had expected a decline to 20.3 bn from 22.5 bn the
previous month. The current level was seen in the
eurozone during the relatively benign pre-Covid period
and sometime before Natural Gas prices spiked in the
second half of 2021.
The
normalisation of the surplus is good news for the
single currency, as it means more net capital inflows
into the region. But this growth has been fuelled
by falling imports, which can be the result of lower
commodity and energy prices (which is a very good
thing), but also partly indicative of a slowdown in
domestic demand. This threatens to translate into
economic contraction in the coming months.
The
euro area experienced periods of severe import contraction
in late 2008 and early 2010, and in both cases, the
economy experienced a severe downturn. Back in 2008,
all this was accompanied by the collapse of the euro.
Gold
Gold
rises but within a downward channel
Gold
rallied for the fourth consecutive session to reach
$2023, recovering almost all the losses suffered the
week before on the back of the inflation report. Gold's
ability to rally suggests continued domestic demand,
as some investors are clearly rushing to buy back
any losses.
At
the same time, however, we note that since the beginning
of the year, gold has been characterised by solid
selloffs on the news, forming a smooth downtrend.
In the context of this downtrend, a rise to $2040-2045,
which is the upper boundary of the bearish range,
looks quite acceptable.
The
area around $2035 - the highs of two weeks ago - also
appears to be a crucial intermediate level. Confident
buying from this level would be the first important
signal that the recent correction is over and that
gold is ready to make a fresh assault on the highs.
Much
more important, however, will be the behaviour of
gold as it approaches the $2050 level, where the reversal
of the decline in late January took place.
Consolidation
at this level would confirm the breakdown of the downtrend
and set the stage for a move towards $2100 and the
subsequent renewal of historic highs.
However,
as long as gold is trading within the downtrend, there
is a greater chance of a breakdown or even an acceleration
of the downtrend.
Among
the fundamental factors, the potential for growth
could be provided by the fall in the dollar if Fed
officials show a softening of their position, bringing
the start of interest rate cuts closer.
On
the bearish side, equities could come under pressure
following the optimistic rally in the tech giants
and the news of a sharp slowdown in economic activity.
We also do not rule out the possibility that the recent
support measures for the Chinese stock market and
property sector will cool demand for gold as a safe-haven
for investors from that part of the world.
Cryptocurrency
Crypto
market growth halted amid capital inflows
Market
picture
The
crypto market has corrected 0.46% in the last 24 hours,
fluctuating within a narrow range without a clear
direction. Bitcoin is down 1% but up 3.7% over seven
days, Ethereum is flat for the day but up 10.6% over
the week. The top coins are mixed with BNB +2% and
Solana -2.5%.
Bitcoin
is currently drawing its fourth daily candle with
opening and closing levels close to each other. Such
sideways consolidations are characteristic of strong
bull markets, as opposed to corrective pullbacks on
smoother rallies.
Ethereum
hit local highs on rumours of a positive regulatory
decision before the end of March. Bloomberg analyst
James Seyffarth bet 4 ETH that the SEC will not approve
a spot Ethereum ETF next month.
According
to data from CoinShares, investment in crypto funds
rose by a record $2.452 billion last week, following
inflows of $1.116 billion the previous week.
Bitcoin investments increased by $2.424 billion, Ethereum
by $21 million, Cardano lost $6 million, and Solana
lost $1.6 million.
Since
the beginning of the year, crypto funds have seen
inflows of an impressive $5.2 billion, with total
AUM rising to $67 billion, the highest since December
2021.
News
background
Bitcoin
will see institutional support in the next three to
six months, according to Coinbase. Bitcoin ETFs could
eventually become a major competitor to gold funds.
According to IntoTheBlock, there is an 85% chance
that Bitcoin will reach a new all-time high within
the next six months. Five factors could contribute
to this: the halving of the price, ETFs, monetary
easing, the US election, and companies accumulating
BTC as part of their treasuries.
Former
CIA contractor Edward Snowden, who has been living
in Russia since 2013, called bitcoin the most significant
achievement of the financial system in the entire
existence of money and means of exchange.
Amberdata
admitted that Ethereum will outpace Bitcoin in terms
of growth due to more constructive deflationary policies.
The supply of ETH has been decreasing since September
2022, thanks to the update of The Merge, as well as
the implementation of a mechanism to burn part of
the commissions. During this time, around 0.36 million
ETH, or 0.3% of the total supply of 120 million coins,
have been removed from circulation.
Via
Roy Morgan Research and Media Man social media
Copper,
gold, and Bitcoin rise; Iron ore and oil fall; ASX
to fall in response to selling on Wall Street; US
vetoes Arab-backed UN resolution demanding ceasefire
in Gaza; Assange's lawyers warn that he risks 'flagrant
denial of justice' if he is tried in US
Latest
updates on Key Economic Indicators
21
February 2024
Roy
Morgan Summary
Australian
Dollar: $0.6550 USD (up 0.0011 USD)
Iron Ore Mar Spot Price (SGX): $120.85 USD (down $6.40
USD)
Oil
Price (WTI): $78.27 USD (down $1.02 USD)
Gold
Price: $2,024.37 USD (up $6.43 USD)
Copper
Price (CME): $3.8595 (up $0.0465 USD)
Bitcoin:
$52,059.35 (up 0.35% in last 24 hours)
New
report reveals Roy Morgan is one of Australia's leading
data companies - with in-depth information on millions
of Australians based on their Helix Personas
Market
Research Update
20
February 2024
Roy
Morgan Summary
Roy
Morgan leads the way as one of Australia's leading
data companies. A special in-depth report into Australia's
leading data companies interviewed Roy Morgan CEO
Michele Levine and Executive Chairman Gary Morgan
about the role the company plays in compiling data
and building profiles of different Australians. One
of Roy Morgan's key products is 'Helix Personas' which
profiles people under headings such as "young
and platinum", "smart money", "cautious
conservatives", "fair go", "working
hard" and nearly 50 other personas. For example,
the "young and platinum" group love their
mobile devices and are "always on the hunt for
the shiny, new and cool" and "making the
rent". Their income is around the $64,000 a year
mark and they can often be found "living a conventional
life centred around family".
Roy
Morgan CEO Michele Levine confirmed that the Helix
Personas market segments are based on statistical
information, not data from individual people. "It's
totally ethical. Unlike Facebook or any of these things,
it's not any particular individual", Roy Morgan's
chief executive Michele Levine, said.: 38,582.12 at
3.22pm NY time (down 45.87 points on Friday's close)
Roy
Morgan wins three-year contract to deliver domestic
tourism statistics for Austrade
21
February 2024
Roy
Morgan Summary
From
2025, Roy Morgan will provide Austrade with the world's
best practice survey methodology, big data integration
and modelling techniques to deliver accurate domestic
tourism statistics. Roy Morgan has reimagined the
future of domestic tourism statistics to move Austrade
and its stakeholders to the forefront of tourism intelligence
with a new platform that will drive the future of
Australia's tourism industry, which is estimated to
be worth in excess of $160 billion. Portia Morgan,
the Head of Client Services at Roy Morgan, says that
using face-to-face interviewing, which is the gold-standard
for surveying the population, enhanced with big data
and cutting-edge data science techniques, Roy Morgan
will be delivering a future-proofed system that will
be cost effective, reliable, and accurate. She adds
that Roy Morgan has been delivering survey-based tourism
insights via its Holiday Tracking Survey for 20+ years
and the company is thrilled to be working with Austrade
and the broader industry to provide a deeper of understanding
of how many people are travelling, where they go,
what they do and how they spend their valuable tourism
dollars.
Anti-mining
PM pushes BHP's cash offshore
Roy
Morgan Summary
It
is somewhat hypocritical of the federal government
to flag possible support for Australia's nickel industry,
given that Labor's anti-mining legislation may jeopardise
the expansion of BHP's copper operations in South
Australia. BHP is still likely to proceed with an
expansion, but the previously touted investment of
between $10bn and $15bn is now only a 50 per cent
chance. The new labour laws in the government's industrial
relations reforms mean that BHP is now more likely
to redirect much of this capital investment to its
criticals minerals projects in other countries; rival
miner Rio Tinto is already doing this.
More
than 2.7 million New Zealanders now read newspapers
and magazine audiences surge to over 1.7 million
21
February 2024
Roy
Morgan has released its readership results for New
Zealand's newspapers and magazines for the 12 months
to December 2023. The data shows that 2.73 million
New Zealanders aged 14+ (64.4%) now read or access
newspapers in an average 7-day period via print or
online (website or app) platforms. In addition, 1.71
million New Zealanders aged 14+ (40.3%) read magazines,
whether in print or online either via the web or an
app. The New Zealand Herald is still the nation's
most widely-read publication, with a total cross-platform
audience of 1,720,000 in the 12 months to June 2023
- almost five times as many as the second placed Dominion
Post with a readership of 341,000. Meanwhile, New
Zealand's most widely read magazine is still the driving
magazine AA Directions, which had an average issue
readership of 379,000 during the year to December
(an increase of 63,000 on a year ago).
These
are the latest findings from the Roy Morgan New Zealand
Single Source survey of 6,254 New Zealanders aged
14+ over the 12 months to December 2023.
New
report reveals Roy Morgan is one of Australia's leading
data companies - with in-depth information on millions
of Australians based on their Helix Personas
Market
Research Update
20
February 2024
Roy
Morgan Summary
Roy
Morgan leads the way as one of Australia's leading
data companies. A special in-depth report into Australia's
leading data companies interviewed Roy Morgan CEO
Michele Levine and Executive Chairman Gary Morgan
about the role the company plays in compiling data
and building profiles of different Australians. One
of Roy Morgan's key products is 'Helix Personas' which
profiles people under headings such as "young
and platinum", "smart money", "cautious
conservatives", "fair go", "working
hard" and nearly 50 other personas. For example,
the "young and platinum" group love their
mobile devices and are "always on the hunt for
the shiny, new and cool" and "making the
rent". Their income is around the $64,000 a year
mark and they can often be found "living a conventional
life centred around family". Roy Morgan CEO Michele
Levine confirmed that the Helix Personas market segments
are based on statistical information, not data from
individual people. "It's totally ethical. Unlike
Facebook or any of these things, it's not any particular
individual", Roy Morgan's chief executive Michele
Levine, said.
(Credit:
Roy Morgan Research)
Roy
Morgan Summary
Roy
Morgan leads the way as one of Australia's leading
data companies. A special in-depth report into Australia's
leading data companies interviewed Roy Morgan CEO
Michele Levine and Executive Chairman Gary Morgan
about the role the company plays in compiling data
and building profiles of different Australians.
One
of Roy Morgan's key products is 'Helix Personas' which
profiles people under headings such as "young
and platinum", "smart money", "cautious
conservatives", "fair go", "working
hard" and nearly 50 other personas. For example,
the "young and platinum" group love their
mobile devices and are "always on the hunt for
the shiny, new and cool" and "making the
rent". Their income is around the $64,000 a year
mark and they can often be found "living a conventional
life centred around family". Roy Morgan CEO Michele
Levine confirmed that the Helix Personas market segments
are based on statistical information, not data from
individual people. "It's totally ethical. Unlike
Facebook or any of these things, it's not any particular
individual", Roy Morgan's chief executive Michele
Levine, said.
(Credit:
Roy Morgan Research)
The
Saudi National Manual for Assets and Facilities Management
Released by EXPRO
It
will serve as a comprehensive reference enhancing
quality, efficiency, and sustainability in Saudi Arabia
Government entities.
RIYADH,
SAUDI ARABIA, June 5, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The
National Manual for Assets and Facilities Management
(NMA&FM) represents a comprehensive reference
that enhances quality, efficiency, and sustainability
in the management of assets and facilities in Saudi
government entities. This reflects the value of the
citizens’ combined efforts to establish a unified
reference in this field, which is considered the first
of its kind on the national and regional levels.
The
manual, which is prepared by the Government Expenditure
& Projects Efficiency Authority “EXPRO”
combined effort with success partners from the concerned
government entities, aims to unify the different procedures
for managing assets and public facilities, ensuring
compliance with local legislation, and building asset
management systems by registering and evaluating them
to support optimal decision-making. The goal is to
extend the life cycle of assets, manage public facilities
effectively and efficiently based on the principle
of cost and quality and relying on continuous improvement,
and preserve resources by activating the concept of
financial planning for asset and facility management
and effective management of supply chains and contracts.
The
manual serves as a technical reference for public
entities on how to utilize each entity’s asset
and facility management resources impeccably and manage
them efficiently. It also covers the entire business
life cycle of assets and facilities, starting with
planning, constructing, and receiving the project,
through contracting and purchasing stages, to operating
and maintaining and ending with the decision to stop
using and dispose of the facility or asset.
The
implementation of this manual has documented success
stories in various government entities, Including
the Hygiene Performance Contracts transformation Initiative
For Riyadh City in cooperation with Riyadh Region
Municipality. This initiative resulted in the preparation
and development of 16 integrated performance contract
brochures for the hygiene of Riyadh city, with an
estimated value of over 6 billion riyals, and the
development of 11 performance indicators to improve
service implementation and quality.
To
increase operational efficiency and service quality
at the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture,
a system for facilities management was established
according to best practices. This included automating
assets and facilities management processes, creating
an indicator board with over 10 indicators, and setting
a standard for classifying dams based on urgency and
risk levels according to the global best practices.
Additionally, a complete asset registry for dams was
built, and the computerized operations and maintenance
system was activated.
The
collaboration with the Ministry of Human Resources
and Social Development led to an increase in operating
efficiency and improvement in the quality of service
by establishing a facilities management system based
on best practices and automating five main and supportive
processes for managing assets and facilities. This
reduced operational and maintenance costs and increased
beneficiary satisfaction rates.
Furthermore,
the cooperation with King Saud University has improved
operational efficiency and service quality. The university’s
assets were counted and inventoried, the effectiveness
of the computerized asset management program system
was enhanced, and it was linked to other systems at
the university in line with the requirements of the
national manual. Additionally, an occupational health
and safety policy was developed and approved, measurement
indicators were identified, and seven procedures for
operation and maintenance were implemented. These
measures contributed to accelerating and facilitating
the operation and field maintenance processes, as
well as merging with inventory management to raise
the efficiency of purchasing operations.
In
addition, Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University
has succeeded in developing and launching a computerized
system for managing assets and facilities. This system
includes the operation automation and maintenance
processes and ordering spare parts through computerised
systems, increasing spending efficiency on annual
operation and maintenance costs. It also accelerated
service provision, monitored implementation, and provided
data and technical and financial indicator panels
to support decision-makers. This cooperation resulted
in a qualitative leap in the satisfaction rate of
users of university facilities, as well as the complete
automation of the inventory and spare parts management
process.
The
Riyadh Region Municipality developed 13 integrated
performance contract brochures for the operation and
maintenance of Riyadh’s roads, with an estimated
value of 2 billion riyals, and established nine performance
indicators to measure the service performance, implementation,
and quality.
EXPRO
has made the manual available to its partners from
public entities, their asset and facility departments,
and specialized contractors and consulting offices
via the website. EXPRO is committed to providing partners
with all necessary knowledge for the manual's application
through a training package for each volume, on-the-job
training, and experiential learning.
The
manual consists of 17 volumes upon which the asset
and facilities management methodology is based. Each
volume addresses a specific function of asset and
facilities management and takes into account the best
global practices for accomplishing these functions.
It is reviewed and updated periodically based on accumulated
experiences and the contributions of a committee of
government entities’ representatives, as well
as global developments in the field of asset and facilities
management.
The
first volume includes an introduction to the manual,
covering the calibres and guidelines necessary for
management. The second volume is devoted to managing
assets and the business requirements while achieving
a balance between risks, performance and cost to ensure
the proper use of assets. It also focuses on effectively
monitoring assets during their life cycle to guarantee
proper utilization, as well as relying on specialized
asset management systems and software.
The
third volume explains how assessment, as an organizational
process, is useful in determining an asset's condition
and establishing an appropriate life cycle. This supports
the proper direction of the asset and subsequent maintenance
activities, ultimately achieving the required value.
The
fourth volume includes guidelines for defining the
financial policy framework, including planning the
asset’s life cycle with regard to the necessary
funding to maintain its operation at the required
service level. It also covers the integration of strategic
asset management with financial planning procedures,
which helps in making decisions between investment
and funding options and determining the achievable
service level.
The
fifth volume focuses on managing the processes of
planning, organizing, and work control, as well as
maximizing the use of resources to manage facilities
and assets. This is based on written procedures that
support the preservation of resources and limit any
shortcomings or inconsistencies in the services provided,
thus helping to avoid a negative impact on the entity’s
reputation. It also emphasizes aspects that must be
taken into account in future planning and development.
The
sixth volume is concerned with managing maintenance
by applying best practices to develop tools for planning
maintenance and applying methodologies in their management.
This contributes to determining the design life of
the assets and the continuity of their services to
maintain the safe and reliable operation of the assets.
Additionally, it focuses on optimizing the benefits
of its operational processes.
The
seventh volume guides the procedures for adjusting
the work and managing the requests related to maintenance
activities. It prioritizes and plans these activities,
fixes malfunctions, estimates costs, schedules work,
and oversees testing and closure.
The
supply chain management volume focuses on the strategic
planning, implementation, control, and monitoring
of supply chain activities, such as warehouse and
inventory management. Effective supply chain management
contributes to achieving optimal value and promotes
competitive infrastructure as well as logistics services
worldwide while measuring performance and linking
supply to demand.
The
Contract Management volume focuses on planning, implementing,
managing and supplying asset and facility contracts
that ensure legal compliance, meet required service
levels, maximize financial and operational performance,
and reduce potential risks.
The
tenth volume focuses on safety, health, and the environment
by providing a guideline to the procedures and controls
relied upon to protect employees, visitors, public
property, and the environment. It includes procedures
for monitoring compliance, risk assessment, safety
reviews, and safety training.
The
eleventh volume presents the core pillars of quality
management, which include monitoring daily work, conducting
audits to measure the service provider’s compliance
with its contractual obligations, and addressing inconsistencies.
The effective application of quality management promotes
strategies, policies, procedures, and plans.
The
manual makers devoted a volume to managing risks and
reducing the potential impact of events that may hinder
the stakeholder or user from achieving asset and facilities
management objectives, with the possibility of applying
risk management to all comprehensive management procedures.
The
thirteenth volume guides and directs users on the
procedures and principles that must be applied to
establish effective document management. Document
and records management services are useful for obtaining,
circulating and retrieving approved information when
needed.
Volume
Fourteen pays attention to emergency management, strategic
organization of personnel, and allocation of resources
to reduce the impact of emergencies and restore operations
effectively.
The
performance control volume explains the foundations
of operating and managing operations and activities
in accordance with the entity’s mission, vision,
goals and requirements. This allows changes to be
made when needed in order to maintain the consistency
and effectiveness of performance to achieve the desired
business objectives.
The
asset and facility management of construction project
volume identifies the procedures required during the
construction stages to ensure the best results of
operation and maintenance throughout the life cycle
of the asset’s construction or restoration project.
The
Energy Management and Sustainability Guideline outlines
the optimal means for the strategic application of
energy efficiency in buildings, in addition to sustainability,
which represents an approach to integrating the environment,
human needs, and costs.
EXPRO
has recently launched the “Evolution of Tradition”
awareness campaign to publicize the importance of
the National Manual for Assets and Facilities Management.
This includes a series of multimedia explaining the
importance of following the manual’s guidelines
to organize and facilitate the work of government
entities, achieving many benefits on the national
level in terms of efficiency and quality. These have
a direct impact on performance of the entity and citizens.
The campaign presents some government entities’
success stories following the implementation of Manual.
Expenditure efficiency teams within government entities
also organize activities to publicize the importance
and content of the manual.
For
more details, contact Turki Bukhari, Executive vice
president, A&FM at media@expro.gov.sa.
Learn
more at: https://expro.gov.sa
Turki
Bukhari
Expenditure & Projects Efficiency Authority (EXPRO)
Media
Man
Warrner
Bros
Profile
In
2010, the Warner Bros. Pictures Group broke the all-time
industry worldwide box office record with receipts
of $4.814 billion, which surpassed the prior record
of $4.010 billion (set by the Studio in 2009). Warner
Bros. also established a new industry benchmark for
the international box office with a total of $2.93
billion (marking a record third time of crossing the
$2 billion threshold) and retained its leading domestic
box office ranking with receipts of $1.884 billion.
2010 also marked the 10th consecutive year Warner
Bros. Pictures passed the billion dollar mark at both
the domestic and international box offices. Warner
Home Video was, once again, the industry’s leader,
with an overall 20.6 percent marketshare in total
DVD and Blu-ray sales. The companies comprising the
Warner Bros. Television Group and Warner Bros. Home
Entertainment Group remain category leaders, working
across all platforms and outlets, and are trendsetters
in the digital realm with video-on-demand (transaction
and ad-supported), branded channels, original content,
anti-piracy technology and broadband and wireless
destinations.
The
Warner Bros. Pictures Group brings together the Studio’s
motion picture production, marketing and distribution
operations into a single entity. The Group, which
includes Warner Bros. Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures
International, was formed to streamline the Studio’s
film production process and bring those businesses’
organizational structures in line with Warner Bros.’
television and home entertainment operations.
Warner
Bros. Pictures produces and distributes a wide-ranging
slate of some 18-22 films each year, employing a business
paradigm that mitigates risk while maximizing productivity
and capital. Warner Bros. Pictures either fully finances
or co-finances the films it produces and maintains
worldwide distribution rights. It also monetizes its
distribution and marketing operations by distributing
films that are totally financed and produced by third-parties.
The Studio’s 2011 slate includes “Sucker
Punch,” “The Hangover Part II,” “Green
Lantern,” “Harry Potter and the Deathly
Hallows – Part 2,” “Happy Feet 2”
and “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.”
Warner
Bros. Pictures International is a global leader in
the marketing and distribution of feature films, operating
offices in more than 30 countries and releasing films
in over 120 international territories, either directly
to theaters or in conjunction with partner companies
and co-ventures.
New
Line Cinema, part of Warner Bros. Entertainment since
2008, coordinates its development, production, marketing,
distribution and business affairs activities with
Warner Bros. Pictures to maximize film performance
and operating efficiencies. Highlights of New Line’s
2011 release slate, distributed by Warner Bros., include
“Horrible Bosses,” “Final Destination
5,” “A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas”
and “New Year’s Eve.”
The
Warner Bros. Television Group oversees and grows the
entire portfolio of Warner Bros.’ television
businesses, including worldwide production, traditional
and digital distribution, and broadcasting. In the
traditional television arena, WBTVG produces primetime
and cable (Warner Bros. Television and Warner Horizon
Television), first-run syndication (Telepictures Productions)
and animated (Warner Bros. Animation) programming,
which is distributed worldwide by two category-leading
distribution arms/operations (Warner Bros. Domestic
Television Distribution and Warner Bros. International
Television Distribution).
Among
the primetime series produced by divisions of the
Warner Bros. Television Group are “Two and a
Half Men,” “The Big Bang Theory,” “The
Mentalist,” “Mike & Molly,” “Fringe,”
“Gossip Girl,” “The Vampire Diaries,”
“Nikita,” “The Middle,” “Southland,”
“The Closer,” “Rizzoli & Isles,”
“Supernatural,” “The Bachelor,”
“Pretty Little Liars,” “Randy Jackson
Presents America’s Best Dance Crew” and
many more. Also produced by the company are first-run
syndicated programs such as “The Ellen DeGeneres
Show,” “TMZ” and “Extra,”
among others, as well as animated shows “Scooby-Doo!
Mystery Incorporated” and “Young Justice.”
WBTVG
is an innovative leader in developing new business
models for the evolving television landscape, including
ad-supported video-on-demand, broadband and wireless,
and has digital distribution agreements in place with
all of the broadcast networks. Internationally, the
Studio is one of the world’s largest distributors
of feature films, television programs and animation
to the worldwide television marketplace, licensing
some 50,000 hours of television programming, including
more than 6,000 feature films and 50 current series,
dubbed or subtitled in more than 40 languages, to
telecasters and cablecasters in more than 175 countries.
WBTVG
provides original shortform programming for the broadband
and wireless marketplace through its Studio 2.0 digital
venture, and its digital media sales unit is devoted
specifically to multiplatform domestic advertiser
sales for both broadband and wireless. WBTVG continues
its strategic expansion into digital production and
distribution with the launch of several advertiser-supported
entertainment destinations, including TheWB.com, a
premium, video-on-demand interactive and personalized
network and KidsWB.com, a premium destination built
around youth-oriented immersive entertainment.
The
final component of WBTVG is broadcasting: The CW Television
Network, launched (in partnership with CBS) in September
2006 with quality, diverse programming, is targeted
to the 18–34 audience.
Warner
Bros. Animation’s combined classic and contemporary
library currently boasts 14,000 animated episodes
and shorts which air on domestic broadcast networks,
as well as cable networks and in direct-to-video releases
around the world. The classic library includes such
brands as Looney Tunes, Merrie Melodies, Hanna-Barbera
and Ruby-Spears as well as such beloved characters
as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Sylvester, Tweety, Taz,
Tom and Jerry, Popeye, Batman, Superman, the Flintstones,
the Jetsons and Scooby-Doo.
Warner
Bros. Home Entertainment Group brings together Warner
Bros. Entertainment’s home video (Warner Home
Video), digital distribution (Warner Bros. Digital
Distribution), interactive entertainment/videogames
(Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment), direct-to-consumer
production (Warner Premiere), technical operations
(Warner Bros. Technical Operations) and anti-piracy
(Warner Bros. Anti-Piracy Operations) businesses in
order to maximize current and next-generation distribution
scenarios. WBHEG is responsible for the global distribution
of content through DVD, electronic sell-through and
transactional VOD, and delivery of theatrical content
to wireless and online channels. It is also a significant
worldwide publisher for both internal and third party
videogame titles.
In
2010, Warner Home Video dominated the U.S. market
as the number one company in total sell-through video
(DVD and Blu-ray combined) with 20.6% marketshare,
theatrical catalog, TV on DVD, non-theatrical family
and animation, Blu-ray and VOD. WHV has been the number
one studio in overall DVD sales 14 consecutive years,
and is also the leading studio in the international
home video space.
With
more than 3,700 active licensees worldwide, Warner
Bros. Consumer Products licenses the rights to names,
likenesses and logos for all of the intellectual properties
in Warner Bros. Entertainment’s vast film and
television library. With a global network of offices
and agents in key regions throughout the world, including
North America, Latin America, Asia and Europe, WBCP
maintains an ongoing commitment to expand and build
the power of its core brands’ recognition in
the international marketplace through strong and creative
merchandising, promotional marketing and retail programs.
DC
Entertainment’s DC Comics has been in continuous
publication for more than 60 years, and is the leading
comic book publisher in the industry and the creator
of some of the world’s most recognized icons.
DC’s characters continue to headline blockbuster
feature films, live-action and animated television
series, direct-to-video releases, collectors’
books, online entertainment, digital publishing, countless
licensing and marketing arrangements and, most recently,
graphic novels. DC continues to attract new readers
and fans all over the world with its signature characters
Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and Justice League
leading the way.
Warner
Bros. International Cinemas provides a true state-of-the-art
movie experience to audiences in Japan with more than
60 multiplex cinemas and more than 600 screens internationally.
One of the pioneers in multiplex development for the
international marketplace, WBIC is continually exploring
new markets for expansion. (Credit: Warner Bros. Entertainment)
Press
Release
09
August 2010
MICROGAMING SET TO LAUNCH THE LORD OF THE RINGS™:
THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING ONLINE VIDEO SLOT GAME
First Title to Utilize Proprietary Cinematic Spins™
Technology Allowing Players to Experience the Film
with Every Spin
ISLE
OF MAN – Microgaming today announced the imminent
launch of a new flagship game, The Lord of the Rings:
The Fellowship of the Ring Online Video Slot Game.
This slot game is the first to utilise Microgaming’s
new Cinematic Spins™ technology, allowing gamers
to see clips from the films with every spin.
The
Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is a
new online slot game that is part of a multi-year
licensing agreement Microgaming signed with Warner
Bros. Digital Distribution in 2009. The company is
developing a series of cutting-edge, graphic rich
video slots based on this popular movie trilogy and
will use animation material, themes, and characters,
from the trilogy of The Lord of the Rings™ motion
pictures that include The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship
of the Ring, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.
These online slot games will be available to adults
only in countries where online gaming is permitted.
The
Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is the
first online video slot to use Microgaming’s
Cinematic Spins™ state-of-the-art gaming technology.
This allows movie clips to act as moving backgrounds
behind the reels during spins providing players an
unprecedented level of excitement and immersion.
Win sequences and expanding wilds also use cinematic
clips, instead of traditional animated graphics. The
slots feature famous scenes from the film including
Ringwraiths during the attack at Weathertop, Balrog
in the Mines of Moria, and Uruk-hai in the woods of
Middle-earth. Players will also enjoy seeing characters
from the films that include Frodo, Aragorn, Saruman
and the deadly Black Riders.
Roger
Raatgever, CEO Microgaming comments: “Microgaming
has always been ahead of the curve with innovative
offerings, but this game really does push the boundaries
of what an online slot can do. The Lord of the Rings:
The Fellowship of the Ring looks and feels like an
extension of the big screen film experience and we’re
confident that our operators will see a great deal
of demand from their players, when the game is released.
This is an important deal for Microgaming and highlights
our commitment to partner with the right brands, at
the right time. The Lord of the Rings is one of the
most successful and well loved brands on the planet
and we are excited about combining this widespread
appeal with Microgaming’s groundbreaking software.”
The
Lord of the Rings Trilogy generated $3 billion in
worldwide box office receipts and was nominated for
a total of 30 Academy Awards®; of which they won
17, including Best Picture.
-
Ends -
Notes to editors:
*Cinematic Spins is a trademark held by Microgaming
©
2010 New Line Productions, Inc. All rights reserved.
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring,
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, The Lord of
the Rings: The Return of the King and the names of
the characters, items, events and places therein are
trademarks of The Saul Zaentz Company d/b/a Middle-earth
Enterprises under license to New Line Productions,
Inc.
For
further information please contact:
Duncan Skehens / Laura Moss/ Lyndsay Haywood
Lansons Communications
020 7490 8828
DuncanS@lansons.com / LauraM@lansons.com / LyndsayH@lansons.com
Warner Bros. Digital Distribution
Peter
Binazeski
818-977-5701
peter.binazeski@warnerbros.com
About Microgaming (www.microgaming.com)
Since the company developed the first true online
Casino software over a decade ago, it has led the
industry in providing innovative, reliable gaming
solutions. Thanks to an unrivalled R&D programme,
that averages 60 games per year and a unique ‘partnership’
approach to working with operators; Microgaming software
powers over 160 market-leading online gaming sites.
The company’s front and back-end software supports
multi-player, multi-language games - over 500 of them,
all uniquely branded and provides platforms for land-based
and wireless gaming. Microgaming powers the world’s
largest Progressive Jackpot Network and has paid out
over €265million. In May 2009 it created the
biggest ever online jackpot winner with a single payment
win of €6.37m.
As
a founding member of eCOGRA, Microgaming is at the
forefront of an initiative focused on setting the
highest standards in the gaming industry, and leads
in the areas of fair gaming, responsible operator
conduct and player protection. Microgaming has been
awarded eCOGRA’s Certified Software Seal following
a rigorous onsite assessment to ensure that the development,
implementation and maintenance of the software is
representative of industry best practice standards
Microgaming licensees are therefore eligible to apply
for the eCOGRA Safe & Fair Seal.
About
Warner Bros. Digital Distribution
Warner Bros. Digital Distribution (WBDD) manages Warner
Bros. Home Entertainment Group's (WBHEG) electronic
distribution over existing, new and emerging digital
platforms, including pay-per-view, electronic sell-through,
video-on-demand, wireless and more. WBDD also oversees
the WBHEG's worldwide digital strategy, partnerships
in digital services and emerging new clients and business
activities in the digital space.
News
2009
With
Time Warner sitting on $7 billion in cash, the
Marvel deal has ignited rumours of a second wave
of consolidation in the media industry. Dream
Works Animation, home of Shrek, is seen as a potential
takeover candidate, as is MGM with its huge library
of classic films. The games firms Electronic Arts
and Take Two Interactive, with its Grand Theft
Auto franchise, are also being touted as potential
buys.
Profile
Warner
Bros. Entertainment, Inc. (also known as Warner
Bros. Pictures, or simply Warner Bros.) is one
of the world's largest producers of film and television
entertainment.
It is a subsidiary of Time Warner, with its headquarters
in Burbank, California and New York City. Warner Bros.
has several subsidiary companies, including Warner
Bros. Studios, Warner Bros. Pictures, Warner Bros.
Interactive Entertainment, Warner Bros. Television,
Warner Bros. Animation, Warner Home Video, TheWB.com
and DC Comics. Warner owns half of The CW Television
Network.
Founded in 1918 by Jewish immigrants from Poland,
Warner Bros. is the third-oldest American movie studio
in continuous operation, after Paramount Pictures,
founded in 1912 as Famous Players, and Universal Studios,
also founded in 1912.
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