π Alleged Hacker Of SEC Account Granted Holiday Travel
#Hacker #SEC #Bitcoin #ETFs #Court #Travel #Crypto #Fraud #IdentityTheft #SIMSwap #MarketUphaval #Trial #BTC #ETH
According to Cointelegraph, Eric Council Jr., accused of hacking the United States Securities and Exchange Commission's X account in January, has been permitted to travel for the holidays. A recent court filing on December 13 by Judge Amy Berman Jackson of the US District Court for the District of Columbia allows Council to travel to North Carolina with a third-party custodian from December 23 to December 29. The judge stipulated that Council must provide Pre-Trial Services with his detailed itinerary and accommodation information at least two business days before his travel.
Council has pleaded not guilty to charges related to hacking the SEC's X account on January 9, where he allegedly posted a false message claiming the approval of spot Bitcoin (BTC) exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This message, which included a fabricated quote from SEC Chair Gary Gensler, caused a temporary market upheaval before the SEC officially approved the investment vehicles approximately 24 hours later. The misleading post has since been deleted.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested Council in Alabama on October 17. He faces charges of conspiracy to commit aggravated identity theft and access device fraud, to which he has pleaded not guilty. As of now, a trial date has not been set, but the judge indicated that a plea agreement could be filed by January 17, requiring Council's in-person court appearance.
Prior to the alleged hacking incident, there was significant anticipation within the crypto industry regarding the SEC's decision on allowing US exchanges to list spot ETFs linked to Bitcoin. Authorities claim that Council was part of a group that executed a SIM swap attack to gain control of the SEC's X account, leading to a brief surge in Bitcoin's price by over $1,000. Following the hack, it was reported that the SEC's X account lacked two-factor authentication. The commission did not report any issues with its social media accounts in May when it approved spot Ether (ETH) exchange-traded products.#Hacker #SEC #Bitcoin #ETFs #Court #Travel #Crypto #Fraud #IdentityTheft #SIMSwap #MarketUphaval #Trial #BTC #ETH
π Federal Reserve Lowers Interest Rates Amid Economic Growth
#FederalReserve #InterestRates #EconomicGrowth #Inflation #LaborMarket #PressConference #JeromePowell #Bitcoin
According to PANews, the Federal Reserve has announced its latest interest rate decision, reducing rates by 25 basis points as anticipated. This adjustment brings the federal funds rate target range down to 4.25%-4.5%. The upper limit of the interest rate is now set at 4.50%, aligning with expectations and down from the previous 4.75%.
The Federal Reserve's statement highlights that recent data indicates steady economic growth, with some easing in the labor market. Although the unemployment rate has risen, it remains relatively low. Inflation is close to the target but has shown a slight increase. The committee plans to continue reducing the balance sheet, with the decision receiving majority support. However, Beth Hammack opposed the decision, advocating for maintaining the rate between 4.5%-4.75%.
During a press conference, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell stated that the institution is not permitted to hold Bitcoin and does not intend to change the law regarding this matter.#FederalReserve #InterestRates #EconomicGrowth #Inflation #LaborMarket #PressConference #JeromePowell #Bitcoin
π ChatGPT Introduces Phone Interaction for U.S. Users
#ChatGPT #PhoneInteraction #OpenAI #VoiceCalls #WhatsApp #UserExperience #Accessibility #Technology #AI
According to PANews, OpenAI has announced that ChatGPT now supports interaction via phone calls for users in the United States. By dialing the dedicated number 1-800-CHAT-GPT (1-800-242-8478), users can engage with ChatGPT using both landlines and traditional mobile phones. This new feature is also integrated with WhatsApp, allowing users to send inquiries through the same number, offering functionality similar to the existing web and mobile versions.
Currently, U.S. users are entitled to 15 minutes of free voice calls per month, although OpenAI notes that specific rules and limitations may be subject to change. The company advises users seeking a more comprehensive experience, including additional features like search capabilities, higher usage limits, and personalized interactions, to continue accessing ChatGPT directly through their accounts. This development marks a significant expansion in the accessibility of ChatGPT, aiming to enhance user interaction through diverse communication channels.#ChatGPT #PhoneInteraction #OpenAI #VoiceCalls #WhatsApp #UserExperience #Accessibility #Technology #AI
π Hong Kong Monetary Authority Lowers Benchmark Rate Following Federal Reserve's Decision
#HongKong #MonetaryAuthority #BenchmarkRate #InterestRate #FederalReserve #EconomicStability #BorrowingCosts #GlobalFinancialSystems #PolicyAdjustment #CurrencyPeg
According to PANews, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has reduced its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points, bringing it down to 4.75%. This decision follows the U.S. Federal Reserve's announcement earlier in the day to cut its interest rate by the same margin.
The move by the HKMA aligns with its policy of maintaining a stable monetary environment in Hong Kong, which is closely tied to the U.S. dollar due to the currency peg. The adjustment in the benchmark rate is expected to influence borrowing costs and economic activity in the region, reflecting the HKMA's response to global economic conditions and monetary policy trends set by the Federal Reserve.
This rate cut is part of a broader strategy to support economic stability and growth, as central banks worldwide adjust their policies in response to changing economic indicators. The HKMA's decision underscores the interconnectedness of global financial systems and the impact of major economies' monetary policies on smaller, open economies like Hong Kong.#HongKong #MonetaryAuthority #BenchmarkRate #InterestRate #FederalReserve #EconomicStability #BorrowingCosts #GlobalFinancialSystems #PolicyAdjustment #CurrencyPeg
π SEC Prioritizes Addressing 2018 Hinman Speech Amid Market Confusion
#SEC #HinmanSpeech #TokenAlliance #DigitalCommerce #Cryptocurrency #HoweyTest #MarketConfusion #PolicyChange #DeFi #ExchangeDefinition #InvestorProtection
According to Odaily, a recent meeting between the Token Alliance of the Chamber of Digital Commerce and staff members of U.S. SEC Commissioners Hester Peirce and Mark Uyeda highlighted the need to address the handling of the 2018 Hinman speech. The Token Alliance emphasized that this issue should be a top priority for the Corporation Finance division due to its lack of relevance to the Howey Test, which has led to market confusion and an "improper creation of winners and losers."
The SEC's priority list for each department is outlined in a timeline from the first to the 90th day of the new administration under President Trump. This list identifies policy changes that the industry believes could foster a new, more positive relationship between cryptocurrency market participants and the agency. Among the key first-day priorities are initiating a review of all existing crypto-related investigations, Wells notices, and ongoing litigation, with a focus on suspending cases that do not involve actual fraud or harm to investors. Additionally, the withdrawal of SAB 121 and the issuance of a rescission order in the Federal Register are highlighted, along with the formal withdrawal and reconsideration of the proposed amendment to Rule 3b-16, which seeks to expand the definition of "exchange" to include DeFi protocols.
Notably, the Chamber of Digital Commerce expressed satisfaction with the open dialogue with the commissioners' teams, indicating a willingness to engage in ongoing discussions.#SEC #HinmanSpeech #TokenAlliance #DigitalCommerce #Cryptocurrency #HoweyTest #MarketConfusion #PolicyChange #DeFi #ExchangeDefinition #InvestorProtection
π Gold And Bitcoin Positions May Increase Amid Short-Term Stability
#Gold #Bitcoin #JeffreyGundlach #Investment #MonetaryPolicy #EnergyPrices #FederalReserve #BTC
According to Odaily, renowned investor Jeffrey Gundlach, often referred to as the "New Bond King," has expressed that positions in gold and Bitcoin might continue to rise. However, he anticipates that both assets will experience sideways movement in the short term. Gundlach also mentioned his personal stance on Bitcoin, stating, "I will never hold Bitcoin before a new government takes office."
Furthermore, Gundlach highlighted concerns regarding energy prices. He suggested that if there is a significant surge in energy costs, it is unlikely that the Federal Reserve will implement interest rate cuts by 2025. This perspective underscores the potential impact of energy market fluctuations on monetary policy decisions. Gundlach's insights reflect a cautious outlook on the economic landscape, emphasizing the interplay between asset positions and broader economic factors.#Gold #Bitcoin #JeffreyGundlach #Investment #MonetaryPolicy #EnergyPrices #FederalReserve #BTC
π Analyst Discusses Potential Impact Of U.S. Government Policies On Inflation
#USGovernmentPolicies #Inflation #InterestRates #FederalReserve #YieldCurve #EconomicImpact #MonetaryPolicy
According to Odaily, analyst Jersey has expressed concerns regarding the potential impact of the new U.S. government's policies on inflation. Some individuals worry that these policies might lead to inflationary pressures, prompting the Federal Reserve to consider raising interest rates by the end of 2025. However, Jersey suggests that such concerns may be premature, as the implementation of new policies typically requires a significant amount of time.
Despite these apprehensions, there is a possibility that the next move could be an interest rate hike, a scenario that seemed unlikely just four months ago. This potential shift could result in a steepening of the yield curve. Nonetheless, Jersey emphasizes that such actions are unlikely to occur until more data becomes available, indicating that immediate changes in monetary policy are not expected.#USGovernmentPolicies #Inflation #InterestRates #FederalReserve #YieldCurve #EconomicImpact #MonetaryPolicy
π Grayscale Opens Bittensor Trust to Qualified Investors
#Grayscale #Bittensor #Investors #TAO #Securities #NAV #AssetsUnderManagement
According to PANews, Grayscale has announced the opening of its Grayscale Bittensor Trust to qualified investors, allowing them to invest in $TAO in the form of securities. As of December 18, the fund's net asset value (NAV) per share stood at $9.95, with total assets under management amounting to $4,956,773.19.#Grayscale #Bittensor #Investors #TAO #Securities #NAV #AssetsUnderManagement
π Federal Reserve Officials Express Concerns Over Core PCE Inflation Risks
#FederalReserve #PCEinflation #monetarypolicy #inflationrisks #economicuncertainty #interestrates #inflationtrends #economicgrowth #financialstability
According to BlockBeats, Nick Timiraos, often referred to as the 'Federal Reserve's mouthpiece,' reported on December 19 that there has been a shift in the perception of inflation risks among Federal Reserve officials. In September, out of 19 officials, three believed that the risks to the core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) inflation forecast were tilted to the upside, suggesting that if the forecasts were incorrect, they might be too low.
Today, the sentiment has changed significantly, with 15 out of the 19 officials now expressing concerns that the risks associated with the already revised upward core PCE inflation remain skewed to the upside. This indicates a growing consensus within the Federal Reserve that inflationary pressures could be more persistent than previously anticipated. The core PCE inflation is a critical measure for the Federal Reserve as it excludes volatile food and energy prices, providing a clearer picture of underlying inflation trends.
The shift in the Federal Reserve officials' outlook reflects ongoing economic uncertainties and the challenges in accurately forecasting inflation in a dynamic economic environment. The increased concern over inflation risks suggests that the Federal Reserve may need to consider further adjustments to its monetary policy to address potential inflationary pressures. This development is crucial as it could influence future interest rate decisions and impact economic growth and stability.#FederalReserve #PCEinflation #monetarypolicy #inflationrisks #economicuncertainty #interestrates #inflationtrends #economicgrowth #financialstability
π Fed's Dovish Stance Expected To Weaken In 2025, Impacting Crypto Market
#Fed #DovishStance #CryptoMarket #InterestRates #RiskAssets #Bitcoin #MarketTrends #MacroeconomicFactors #PolicyChanges
According to Odaily, Zaheer Ebtikar, founder of the crypto fund Split Capital, has indicated that the global market anticipates a weakening of the Federal Reserve's dovish stance by 2025. This expectation is prompting crypto event traders and market makers to reduce their risk exposure. On Wednesday, Federal Reserve officials lowered the benchmark interest rate for the third consecutive time, while also controlling the number of rate cuts expected in 2025. Typically, lower interest rates boost demand for higher-risk assets, such as cryptocurrencies.
David Lawant, Head of Research at crypto prime broker FalconX, noted that while the current rate cut forecasts are influencing prices, they may not have a lasting impact due to the decreasing correlation between Bitcoin and major stock indices. Lawant explained that the anticipated slowdown in rate cuts by 2025 is not entirely unexpected, but it does exert some pressure on risk assets, including cryptocurrencies. Although macroeconomic factors have traditionally influenced cryptocurrency price trends, industry-specific factors may become more dominant in the coming weeks and months, especially as the market anticipates policy changes from a new administration.#Fed #DovishStance #CryptoMarket #InterestRates #RiskAssets #Bitcoin #MarketTrends #MacroeconomicFactors #PolicyChanges
π Marathon Digital Acquires 1,627 BTC Worth $166 Million
#MarathonDigital #Bitcoin #BTC #Cryptocurrency #InstitutionalInvestors #DigitalAssets #CryptoMarket #Investment #Acquisition #MarketTrends
According to Odaily, recent on-chain data reveals that Marathon Digital has significantly increased its Bitcoin holdings. Over the past eight hours, the company has acquired 1,627 BTC, valued at approximately $166 million. This substantial purchase highlights Marathon Digital's ongoing commitment to expanding its cryptocurrency portfolio.
The acquisition comes amid a period of heightened interest and activity in the cryptocurrency market. Marathon Digital's strategic move to bolster its Bitcoin reserves reflects a broader trend among institutional investors seeking to capitalize on the potential long-term value of digital assets. As the market continues to evolve, such acquisitions are becoming increasingly common, underscoring the growing acceptance and integration of cryptocurrencies into mainstream financial strategies.
This development is noteworthy as it demonstrates the scale at which major players in the industry are operating. Marathon Digital's decision to invest heavily in Bitcoin aligns with its business objectives and signals confidence in the future of the cryptocurrency market. The company's actions may influence other institutional investors to consider similar strategies, potentially impacting market dynamics and Bitcoin's valuation in the coming months.#MarathonDigital #Bitcoin #BTC #Cryptocurrency #InstitutionalInvestors #DigitalAssets #CryptoMarket #Investment #Acquisition #MarketTrends
π Marathon Digital Increases Bitcoin Holdings by $166 Million
#MarathonDigital #Bitcoin #BTC #cryptocurrency #institutionalinvestors #digitalassets #cryptomarket #investment
According to PANews, recent data monitored by Lookonchain reveals that Marathon Digital has significantly increased its Bitcoin holdings. Over the past eight hours, the company has acquired an additional 1,627 BTC, which is valued at approximately $166 million. This move highlights Marathon Digital's ongoing strategy to expand its cryptocurrency portfolio, reflecting a growing trend among institutional investors to bolster their digital asset reserves. The acquisition underscores the company's commitment to strengthening its position in the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency market.#MarathonDigital #Bitcoin #BTC #cryptocurrency #institutionalinvestors #digitalassets #cryptomarket #investment
π Bitcoin(BTC) Drops Below 100,000 USDT with a 5.11% Decrease in 24 Hours
#Bitcoin #BTC #USDT #cryptocurrency #Binance #marketdata #priceδΈι
On Dec 19, 2024, 01:58 AM(UTC). According to Binance Market Data, Bitcoin has dropped below 100,000 USDT and is now trading at 99,782.828125 USDT, with a narrowed 5.11% decrease in 24 hours.#Bitcoin #BTC #USDT #cryptocurrency #Binance #marketdata #priceδΈι
π Bitcoin Falls Below 100,000 USDT Amid Market Volatility
#Bitcoin #Cryptocurrency #MarketVolatility #DigitalCurrency #Investment #EconomicFactors #RegulatoryDevelopments #PriceDecline #InvestorSentiment #RiskManagement #BTC
According to Odaily, Bitcoin's value has dropped below the 100,000 USDT mark, currently trading at 99,963.6 USDT. This represents a 24-hour decline of 4.96%. The recent downturn in Bitcoin's price highlights ongoing volatility in the cryptocurrency market, which has been experiencing fluctuations due to various economic factors and investor sentiment.
The decline in Bitcoin's value is part of a broader trend affecting digital currencies, as market participants react to global economic conditions and regulatory developments. Investors are closely monitoring these changes, which have contributed to the recent price movements. The cryptocurrency market remains highly sensitive to external influences, and Bitcoin's performance is often seen as an indicator of the overall market health.
As the market continues to evolve, stakeholders are advised to stay informed about the latest developments and consider the potential risks and opportunities associated with cryptocurrency investments. The current market environment underscores the importance of strategic decision-making and risk management for investors navigating the digital asset landscape.#Bitcoin #Cryptocurrency #MarketVolatility #DigitalCurrency #Investment #EconomicFactors #RegulatoryDevelopments #PriceDecline #InvestorSentiment #RiskManagement #BTC
π Ethereum(ETH) Drops Below 3,600 USDT with a 6.58% Decrease in 24 Hours
#Ethereum #ETH #cryptocurrency # Binance #USDT #priceupdate #marketdata
On Dec 19, 2024, 02:04 AM(UTC). According to Binance Market Data, Ethereum has dropped below 3,600 USDT and is now trading at 3,598.459961 USDT, with a narrowed 6.58% decrease in 24 hours.#Ethereum #ETH #cryptocurrency # Binance #USDT #priceupdate #marketdata
π Teen Awarded Bitcoin Scholarship for Core Code Contributions
#Bitcoin #Scholarship #CoreCodeContributor #ChaincodeLabs #IshaanaMisra #OpenSourceDevelopment #YoungDevelopers #Cplusplus #BTC
According to PANews, 17-year-old Ishaana Misra has been awarded the inaugural Bitcoin Scholarship by New York's Chaincode Labs, making her the youngest core code contributor in Bitcoin's 15-year history. The scholarship was awarded from a pool of 232 global applicants and covers her tuition for one year, with the possibility of annual renewal to support her entire undergraduate education.
Misra began programming at the age of 12 and entered the Bitcoin field after reading the Bitcoin white paper before high school. Through self-study, she learned C++ and transitioned from running nodes to contributing to the Bitcoin Core codebase. Misra noted that the Bitcoin community values work results over age, creating a welcoming environment for young developers.
Adam Jonas, CEO of Chaincode Labs, stated that the scholarship aims to encourage young individuals to engage in Bitcoin open-source development and provide them with the necessary experience and educational support.#Bitcoin #Scholarship #CoreCodeContributor #ChaincodeLabs #IshaanaMisra #OpenSourceDevelopment #YoungDevelopers #Cplusplus #BTC
π BNB Drops Below 680 USDT with a 5.04% Decrease in 24 Hours
#BNB #Binance #cryptocurrency #USDT #pricedrop #decrease #marketdata
On Dec 19, 2024, 02:08 AM(UTC). According to Binance Market Data, BNB has dropped below 680 USDT and is now trading at 678.390015 USDT, with a narrowed 5.04% decrease in 24 hours.#BNB #Binance #cryptocurrency #USDT #pricedrop #decrease #marketdata
π Investors Withdraw Over 200,000 BTC From Exchanges in Two Months
#Bitcoin #BTC #exchanges #cryptocurrency #investors #marketdynamics #liquidity #pricevolatility #privatewallets
According to Odaily, recent data from HODL15Capital reveals that investors have withdrawn a significant amount of Bitcoin from exchanges over the past 60 days. A total of 204,772 BTC has been moved out of these platforms, indicating a notable shift in investor behavior.
This trend of withdrawing Bitcoin from exchanges could suggest a growing preference among investors to hold their assets in private wallets rather than keeping them on trading platforms. Such movements are often interpreted as a sign of confidence in the long-term value of Bitcoin, as investors may be opting to secure their holdings in anticipation of future price increases.
The withdrawal of such a large volume of Bitcoin could also impact the liquidity available on exchanges, potentially influencing market dynamics. With fewer Bitcoins available for trading, there could be implications for price volatility and trading activity. This development is being closely monitored by market analysts and participants, as it may have broader implications for the cryptocurrency market.#Bitcoin #BTC #exchanges #cryptocurrency #investors #marketdynamics #liquidity #pricevolatility #privatewallets
π Europol Dismantles Major Drug Trafficking Network Using Cryptocurrency
#Europol #DrugTrafficking #Cryptocurrency #MoneyLaundering #LawEnforcement #Arrests #Seizure #UndergroundBanking #Dubai #Malaga #CriminalNetworks #Albania
According to PANews, Europol, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies from six countries, has successfully dismantled a large-scale drug trafficking network that utilized cryptocurrency for money laundering. The operation led to the arrest of nine suspects and the seizure of gold, luxury goods, β¬35,000 in cash, and β¬25 million (approximately $26.23 million) in cryptocurrency, totaling a value of β¬27.2 million.
The network operated through an underground banking system controlled from Dubai, with financial transactions involving cryptocurrency. The coordinated action took place on November 4, 2024, in Malaga, Spain, targeting key members associated with criminal networks in Albania and southern Spain.#Europol #DrugTrafficking #Cryptocurrency #MoneyLaundering #LawEnforcement #Arrests #Seizure #UndergroundBanking #Dubai #Malaga #CriminalNetworks #Albania
π Ethereum Gas Fees Surge Amid Network Activity
#Ethereum #GasFees #Blockchain #SmartContracts #Etherscan #TransactionCosts #Ethereum2.0 #Scalability #DecentralizedApplications #NetworkActivity #ETH
According to Foresight News, recent data from Etherscan indicates a significant increase in Ethereum mainnet gas fees, reaching 33 Gwei. This rise in transaction costs means that executing a swap operation on the network now incurs a fee of approximately $45. The surge in gas fees reflects heightened activity on the Ethereum blockchain, which can lead to increased costs for users engaging in transactions or smart contract interactions.
The Ethereum network, known for its decentralized applications and smart contracts, often experiences fluctuations in gas fees based on network demand. As more users and developers interact with the blockchain, the demand for processing power increases, leading to higher fees. This recent spike highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Ethereum users, particularly those involved in frequent transactions or complex operations that require substantial computational resources.
Efforts to address these issues are ongoing, with Ethereum developers working on various solutions to improve scalability and reduce transaction costs. The upcoming Ethereum 2.0 upgrade, which aims to transition the network from a proof-of-work to a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, is expected to alleviate some of these concerns by enhancing network efficiency and capacity. However, until these upgrades are fully implemented, users may continue to experience variable gas fees based on network activity levels.#Ethereum #GasFees #Blockchain #SmartContracts #Etherscan #TransactionCosts #Ethereum2.0 #Scalability #DecentralizedApplications #NetworkActivity #ETH
π Whale Trader Profits $800,000 From Bitcoin Shorting Strategy
#Bitcoin #ShortSelling #WhaleTrader #Profit #Aave #WBTC #CryptoTrading #JeromePowell #BTC
According to Odaily, a notable whale trader has recently completed a profitable Bitcoin shorting operation, earning $800,000. The trader initially borrowed 420 Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) from Aave on the 16th and sold them at a price of $103,402 per BTC. This strategic move was part of a short-selling plan.
Today, influenced by comments from Jerome Powell, Bitcoin experienced a slight pullback. Seizing this opportunity, the trader repurchased the 420 WBTC at a lower price of $101,482 per BTC, effectively closing the short position and securing the profit. This transaction marks the 21st round of operations for the trader, who has achieved 17 wins and 4 losses in their trading activities.#Bitcoin #ShortSelling #WhaleTrader #Profit #Aave #WBTC #CryptoTrading #JeromePowell #BTC