#current bitcoin value

[dencyemily]

Analyst Identifies Key Levels for Bitcoin's Uptrend in Market Movement Analysis

In the ever-evolving landscape of Bitcoin's market activities, analysts like Skew point to the need for robust spot bid support to fortify Bitcoin's price effectively. Breaking the short-term downtrend and reclaiming the 1-hour pivot point could signal a positive turn, but the market remains in a cautious wait-and-see mode.

A detailed 15-minute breakdown reveals Bitcoin attempting an uplift, sweeping the yearly open. The $42,500 mark emerges as a pivotal juncture, potentially shaping future price movements. Analysts underscore the significance of this level, contributing to cautious optimism among investors and traders navigating the complexities of Bitcoin's price dynamics.

The interplay between spot bids, trading platform activities, and technical pivot points creates a multifaceted landscape for cryptocurrency market participants. Bitcoin's current market value at $42,722, coupled with a 24-hour trading volume of $20 billion, reflects the ongoing battle between bullish and bearish forces, emphasizing the pivotal role of the $45,000 resistance level in recent market dynamics.

[dostoyevsky-official]

The Crypto Plot Against America’s Gold Reserves

The crypto “industry” was one of the biggest spenders in the 2024 election. It practically single-handedly bought a U.S. Senate seat in Ohio, turfing out labor’s most reliable senator, Sherrod Brown, with $40 million in advertising. And it convinced Donald Trump to make a 180 with a big sack of campaign contributions. Back in 2021, Trump said crypto was a “scam,” but now he has his own coin, his media site is in discussions to buy a crypto exchange, and he’s fully bought into the claims that the industry is overregulated.

So now that crypto has bought great political influence, it’s time to cash in. How might this happen? The basic idea is to turn the American government into the biggest crypto bag-holder of all time. If the plan goes through, hundreds of billions of dollars of public assets will be spent or leveraged to buy a million Bitcoins, allowing the tiny minority of Bitcoin moguls to finally cash out their holdings into real money. It would be one of the biggest upward transfers of wealth in world history.

[...] Crypto shill Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) proposes the Treasury issue new gold certificates based on the market price [of American gold reserves], and use the resulting cash—$677 billion at current prices—to buy up Bitcoins. In total, her bill would require the government to buy up 200,000 Bitcoins a year for five years, until a “strategic reserve” of a million would be accumulated.

This is revealing on several levels. The whole ideology of cryptocurrency is that it’s supposed to be outside the alleged corruption of governments or the extant financial system. Instead of transactions taking place on platforms run by Wall Street and regulated by the D.C. swamp, fiercely independent crypto entrepreneurs would build new businesses doing … something … out in a fresh economic Wild West.

So why on earth would buccaneering crypto people want the government scooping up a million Bitcoins—or about 5 percent of all that exist? The reason is obvious: so paper Bitcoin billionaires can cash out their holdings into real money without tanking the market. [...] The fundamental value of Bitcoin is zero. Even by crypto standards, the coin is terrible.

[...] Therefore, for early Bitcoin adopters sitting on vast piles of purely speculative assets, there is a huge structural need to get new suckers into the market. For anyone concerned about the corrosive role of money in politics, think about what this means: The crypto industry spent something on the order of $100 million in this election to install a government that will lure sacrificial lambs to a digital asset slaughterhouse, and make a handful of big Bitcoin hoarders generationally wealthy in the exchange.

[...] No one has deeper pockets than the federal government. No need to directly pick the pockets of suckers looking for a get-rich-quick scheme if you can pick everyone’s pockets indirectly by looting a vast store of treasure held in trust for the American people. It’s a logical end point for a technology whose sole meaningful use case is enabling criminal extortion and money laundering: finally carrying out the bank robber’s dream of draining the value in Fort Knox.

[valuentumbrian]

How Does 37% Sound?

Image: The Schwab U.S. Large Cap Growth ETF (SCHG) is up more than 37% so far in 2024.

By Brian Nelson, CFA

How does 37% sound? That was the price-only performance of the Schwab U.S. Large Cap Growth ETF (SCHG) thus far in 2024. Over the preceding 5-year period, the SCHG is up over 140%.

For years, I have pounded the table on the theory that there are not value or growth stocks, but rather undervalued, fairly valued, or overvalued stocks. It’s why many growth stocks can be undervalued. It’s the Theory of Universal Valuation found in Value Trap that ties myriad areas of finance to the well-known discounted cash-flow [DCF] model. Growth is a component of value. Hook, line, and sinker.

For years, I have been pounding the table on large cap growth as my favorite area for idea generation (given its Valuentum stock tendencies), and I have put my money where my mouth is, too, with a meaningful portion of my net worth in SCHG. You’ll find that a lot of the top holdings in SCHG are top considerations in the Best Ideas Newsletter portfolio, too, so there’s some good overlap between what I consider Valuentum stocks and where I’m putting my money.

But why don’t I actually own all the stocks I like? It’s the question I have been asked for more than a decade. Here’s what I wrote back in September 2023. I’m an old school analyst that cut my teeth in this business following the Global Analyst Settlement, meaning I believe that writers should generally not be taking stakes in the individual stocks they write about. Writers with positions in the stocks they write about can lead to biased research, or worse, terrible outcomes.

So what’s the playbook for 2025? You can probably guess that I think large cap growth and big cap tech will continue to lead the markets to new heights. 2024 was a boring year, if a 37% return can be considered boring for large cap growth. Frankly, with the market focusing on macro data and the Fed during 2024, there wasn’t much material to write about. We all already know the story: Inflation is under control, the job market remains healthy, the Fed is cutting, and artificial intelligence will be the name of the game this decade.

I think it’s worth clarifying some of our offerings every now and then, as each one focuses on a unique vertical. For those seeking capital appreciation, the Best Ideas Newsletter portfolio may be of interest. For those seeking dividend growth, the Dividend Growth Newsletter portfolio includes our favorite ideas, while for those seeking high yield, the High Yield Dividend Newsletter may be your cup of tea. Dividend growth focuses on dividend growth potential; high yield focuses on current high yield, and so on and so forth.

The Exclusive publication is one of my favorite publications, where we highlight an income idea, a capital appreciation idea and a short idea consideration each month. You can read more about the Exclusive publication here. As of the date of the release of the December edition of the Exclusive publication, success rates for Capital Appreciation Ideas were 90.1%, while success rates for Short Idea Considerations were 88.1%. If you haven’t yet tried out the Exclusive, please do so.

Okay – so what about dividends? Unfortunately, I think we’re in for another difficult year for dividend growth investing. The SPDR S&P Dividend ETF (SDY) is only up 6% year-to-date, trailing both the equal-weight and market-cap weighted S&P 500 indices by sizable margins. With the 10-year Treasury yield at 4.6% and certificate-of-deposit rates still elevated, dividend-only-focused investors will likely continue to trail the broader markets. Remember: dividends are capital appreciation that otherwise would have been achieved, so don’t let the dividend tail wag the total return dog.

What about Bitcoin? I really don’t know. It’s definitely a greater fool asset like gold, but I have totally underestimated the number of fools there are these days. Haha. Just kidding, but seriously, with the regulatory environment easing with respect to crypto and with President-elect Donald Trump supporting crypto assets, who really knows how high Bitcoin can get or just how volatile the asset may become as institutional money ebbs and flows.

So what about small cap value? Well, year-to-date, the iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF (IWN) is up a meager 6%, and it is up just 28% over the past 5 years, trailing large cap growth considerably. With a near 30% weighting in financials and 10% weighting in real estate in the IWN, for me, it’s a no-brainer to avoid. The only way I believe the gap between large cap growth and small cap value narrows is if large cap growth falls on difficult times, which can never be ruled out. But that said, there’s no reason to believe in the IWN, no matter what the statisticians say about quantitative value. I tackle the issue of the pitfalls of falling in love with historical data in Value Trap, too.

All things considered, 2024 was an absolutely amazing year for our core research exposure (i.e. large cap growth). Do I think the SCHG will repeat its dazzling performance in 2025? Probably not to the same extent, but it’s hard to bet against some of the strongest net-cash-rich, free-cash-flow generating powerhouses on the market today. Give me Apple (AAPL), Nvidia (NVDA), Microsoft (MSFT), Amazon (AMZN), Alphabet (GOOG) any day of the week, especially over any financials-heavy index. Enjoy the rest of 2024 folks!

Leave a comment >>

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The High Yield Dividend Newsletter, Best Ideas Newsletter, Dividend Growth Newsletter, Valuentum Exclusive publication, ESG Newsletter, and any reports, data and content found on this website are for information purposes only and should not be considered a solicitation to buy or sell any security. Valuentum is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for results obtained from the use of its newsletters, reports, commentary, data or publications and accepts no liability for how readers may choose to utilize the content. Valuentum is not a money manager, is not a registered investment advisor, and does not offer brokerage or investment banking services. The sources of the data used on this website and reports are believed by Valuentum to be reliable, but the data’s accuracy, completeness or interpretation cannot be guaranteed. Valuentum, its employees, and independent contractors may have long, short or derivative positions in the securities mentioned on this website. The High Yield Dividend Newsletter portfolio, ESG Newsletter portfolio, Best Ideas Newsletter portfolio and Dividend Growth Newsletter portfolio are not real money portfolios. Performance, including that in the Valuentum Exclusive publication and additional options commentary feature, is hypothetical and does not represent actual trading. Actual results may differ from simulated information, results, or performance being presented. For more information about Valuentum and the products and services it offers, please contact us at info@valuentum.com.

[collapsedsquid]

The U.S. is already the biggest nation-state holder of bitcoin, so it has a strong head start. It currently holds around 210,000 bitcoins with a current value of just over $66,000 per token, due to the Department of Justice seizing large sums from illicit actors over the years.

That's right it's not just that Big Government is the largest holder of bitcoin, it got that bitcoin through confiscation.

[ausp-ice]

Profit (he/they/any), an Edeia representing the Idea of Profit.

This all started with me having a silly thought of using the name "Rob Banks" based on a video I saw...

Edeia Site | Edeia Discord | Personal Website

Profit

"Everyone should profit. But of course, I should profit the most." 

At present, Profit is charismatic and persuasive, creating mutually beneficial arrangements where they still came out ahead. They became more patient, willing to invest in long-term growth rather than immediate exploitation. Profit developed genuine curiosity about innovation and began to enjoy watching their investments flourish. Their demeanor was often inviting, rather than threatening, though they always carried an undertone of calculation with them. At present, he is more forthright about his profit motives, but he is more honest about his practices and always follows through on his promises to partners. 

He has quite the sense of humor, though he cares more about what's amusing to him than what's amusing to others. So long as there's no real harm, he delights in others' ruffled feathers (for instance, by making puns). He enjoys peppering his speech with business jargon, often for humorous effect, but avoids using it so excessively that others can't understand him.

While still fundamentally self-interested, Profit now values sustainable profit over destructive exploitation, understanding that a healthy economic ecosystem yields greater returns than a series of depleted targets. He creates transparent but advantageous deals where all parties benefit—though, of course, he benefits the most. He considers himself an investor, finding promising individuals and ventures to provide all sorts of resources, with the intention of getting a return in the future. He does still participate in black markets and corruption, but only when it generates new growth and value—not when it simply transfers opportunity from one individual to another. 

Abilities

Market Intelligence

Profit can sense untapped value and potential profit in people, places, objects, and situations. He also has an innate awareness of past and current market trends, as well as a predictive sense for future market movements. This ability can be temporarily granted to others as an intuitive sense for good deals and profitable ventures. 

Seed Capital

Profit can create one "whole unit" (e.g. 1 USD, 1 bitcoin, etc.) of any currency that exists in his current dimension, so long as he has any amount of information on its existence, if he does not own any physically or in assets.

Binding Proposition

Profit can create magically binding contracts for deals involving currency or valued assets. These contracts cannot be broken by conventional means and ensure that all parties fulfill their obligations or pay the penalties agreed upon.

Portfolio Diversification

Profit can maintain countless business ventures, investments, and assets across multiple dimensions simultaneously without loss of oversight or control. This allows them to spread risk and maximize returns by operating in various economies with different rules and growth patterns. They can mentally "check in" on any of their ventures at will.

Return on Investment

After investing time, energy, or resources into a person or venture, Profit is guaranteed some form of return. This doesn't guarantee success, but it does mean that even failures will yield valuable lessons, connections, or alternative opportunities that can be monetized in some way. Nothing Profit invests is ever truly lost. This is a passive ability, but Profit can focus to apply it to others, guaranteeing a "return" for those individuals.

Asset Empowerment

Profit can designate individuals as "Associates" through magical contracts, granting them enhanced abilities related to their role in Profit's ventures. These enhancements are tied to performance conditions and limitations:

Associates must share a percentage of all gains with Profit.

They cannot act against Profit's interests.

Their abilities cannot be used for unauthorized ventures.

The magic enforces compliance, with abilities failing or backfiring if terms are violated.

Successful Associates may see their capabilities grow over time, creating a mutually beneficial relationship while allowing Profit to extend their influence through a network of empowered agents across markets and dimensions.

Abstraction

Profit's original Abstraction took the form of a large building of countless rooms, filled with all sorts of things. After those were lost in Profit's transition to the Main Continuity, that building was rebuilt alongside a sprawling, glittering city of modern skyscrapers and glass buildings. The sky is in an eternal golden twilight. Streams of gold light pour from the sky in straight lines, and the air is filled with glittering gold particles. 

The city, referred to as Gold, is inhabited by residents from all across Ideation and other dimensions, including humans and non-humans. Every resident is in the pursuit of profit, though they are more cooperative than competitive. There are corporations and small businesses, artists and consultants—any occupation, any role, so long as they hold a doctrine of "profit for all, profit for Profit" in their hearts. 

Time is strange and nonlinear—those who need more time will have more time, and those who wish for time to pass faster will experience time passing faster. Those who wish to rest can rest as long as they like, and still be on time for work. In some cases, some will be able to be present in multiple places at once or step back in time to remedy a mistake, though this requires authorization from Associates that handle governance of the city. Associates can also authorize a "storefront," which involves that business merging a door, room, or other part of their venture with a physical location to interact with united society or extradimensional societies. 

Gold is considered an independent magical society by united society. 

Story Synposis

Profit began as Robert "Rob" Banks in the Calamity Continuity, where he rose from a business prodigy to become a ruthless financial mastermind who eventually gained control of the nation of Adamant. As reality began crumbling around him—partially due to his own exploitative tactics—Profit faced the meaninglessness of his accumulated wealth and power. Given a second chance by Possibility, he abandoned his Abstraction's contents and transferred to the Main Continuity in 1805, where he embraced a more sustainable approach to wealth creation. In this new timeline, Profit established himself as "the Prophet of Profit," building ventures across magical and mundane societies while creating a golden city in his Abstraction for those who shared his values of "profit for all, profit for Profit."

For more, see his profile.

[thsyu-global]

Thsyu Alert: Bitcoin Pauses Near $69k as Weakening Yuan Tests China's Capital Controls – Policy Impact Analysis

Bitcoin's (BTC) recent upward momentum stalled Tuesday, consolidating around the $69,000 mark despite a potentially potent bullish catalyst emerging from Asia: the weakening Chinese Yuan (CNH). While BTC initially dipped nearly 2% over 24 hours to ~$68,900, the offshore Yuan slid further against the US Dollar, trading above 7.27, reflecting persistent depreciation pressures potentially linked to PBoC policy divergence and broader economic headwinds.

Data Point: USD/CNH > 7.27 vs. BTC ~$69k (April 8-9).

Policy Impact: The core tension lies between the Yuan's weakness potentially driving capital flight towards alternative stores of value like Bitcoin, and Beijing's stringent Capital Controls and existing ban on cryptocurrency trading within the mainland. Historically, significant Yuan devaluation has correlated with increased BTC buying pressure, interpreted as a hedge against currency depreciation by Chinese investors accessing offshore markets. However, the effectiveness of this channel is constantly tested by regulatory enforcement. Market observers on global platforms, including Thsyu, are closely monitoring flows for signs of this dynamic re-emerging despite policy barriers.

The current Bitcoin price consolidation, however, suggests the Yuan's influence is currently muted or offset by other factors. Analysts point to normalizing spot Bitcoin ETF inflows in the US, pre-halving profit-taking (with the event estimated mid-April), and general macroeconomic uncertainty tempering aggressive bids. Bitcoin failed to sustain moves above the critical $71,500 resistance level earlier this week, indicating trader caution.

Geopolitical Context: The PBoC's accommodative stance contrasts sharply with the Federal Reserve's data-dependent approach, contributing to yield differentials pressuring the Yuan. This divergence occurs amidst ongoing global trade frictions and geopolitical maneuvering, making currency stability a key policy focus for Beijing. Any perceived increase in capital outflows triggered by Yuan weakness could invite tighter enforcement actions, impacting crypto sentiment indirectly. For traders using platforms like Thsyu, understanding these policy crosscurrents is vital.

Market Reaction: While the "weak Yuan = strong Bitcoin" narrative persists, current price action suggests the market is weighing regulatory friction and other dominant crypto-native factors more heavily. The immediate impact of Yuan depreciation appears contained by China's policy framework for now. Yet, sustained currency weakness remains a key variable; a significant break lower in the Yuan could still test the resilience of capital controls and potentially fuel demand visible on exchanges like Thsyu.

Outlook: The interplay between PBoC policy, Yuan stability, China's regulatory grip, and global crypto market drivers like the upcoming halving and ETF flows creates a complex outlook. Monitoring Beijing's policy signals regarding capital flows and enforcement alongside broader crypto market indicators remains crucial for navigating potential volatility. Users on the Thsyu platform are advised to stay informed on these fast-moving geopolitical and regulatory developments impacting digital asset valuations. The coming weeks will be critical in determining if the Yuan slide translates from a theoretical catalyst into tangible market momentum.

[mariacallous]

US president Donald Trump has ordered his government to establish two national cryptocurrency reserves set to be worth many billions of dollars. In an executive order signed Thursday, Trump formalized the creation of a “strategic bitcoin reserve,” composed entirely of bitcoin, and a separate “national digital asset stockpile” featuring various other crypto coins. Both will be populated with coins seized by US government agencies in the course of law enforcement activities.

At present, the US is estimated to hold around 200,000 bitcoin, worth roughly $17 billion at current prices, but the precise figure has never been confirmed. The executive order requires government agencies to conduct a full audit of their crypto holdings.

The order confirms that the US will not use money raised through taxation to purchase additional crypto for the reserves. Though it leaves the door open for the Treasury and Department of Commerce to expand the bitcoin reserve by unspecified alternative means, provided they “do not impose incremental costs on United States taxpayers.”

“The Reserve will be capitalized with Bitcoin owned by the federal government that was forfeited as part of criminal or civil asset forfeiture proceedings. This means it will not cost taxpayers a dime,” wrote David Sacks, who as the newly appointed AI and crypto czar is responsible for developing new crypto policy, in an X post. “This Executive Order underscores President Trump’s commitment to making the U.S. the ‘crypto capital of the world.’”

The price of bitcoin slid by around 6 percent in the hour following the announcement.

The formation of the national crypto stockpiles in the US could be made complicated by the fact that around 95,000 bitcoin in the US government’s possession was seized as part of an investigation into the 2016 hack of crypto exchange Bitfinex. “[That crypto] rightfully belongs to Bitfinex,” Jameson Lopp, cofounder of crypto custody firm Casa, told WIRED last year. “From a moral standpoint, I don’t believe the United States has the right to hold on to that any longer than necessary.” In January, US prosecutors petitioned a federal judge to approve the return of the stolen bitcoin to Bitfinex.

(The White House press office did not immediately respond when asked whether the Bitfinex coins had been included in the estimate of the government’s bitcoin holdings.)

Equally, Trump will require an act of Congress to make sure that any crypto reserve he sets up during his tenure in the White House is not disbanded by his successor. “There has to be real legislation,” says Patrick Hillmann, former chief strategy officer at crypto exchange Binance. “[Crypto businesses] need to know that in four years when a new president is elected, they don’t undo all of the EOs that President Trump has signed.”

Trump first announced his intention to establish a bitcoin reserve on the campaign trail last July, in front of a crowd of rabid bitcoiners at a conference in Nashville, Tennessee.

He pitched the reserve as a way to offset losses in spending power caused by inflation in the US dollar. On Thursday, Sacks reiterated that line of argument, posting on X, “The U.S. will not sell any bitcoin deposited into the Reserve. It will be kept as a store of value. The Reserve is like a digital Fort Knox for the cryptocurrency often called ‘digital gold.’”

The plan to establish a reserve was met with jubilation by the crypto faithful, who saw it as a signal of their industry’s new legitimacy and stand to benefit financially from what amounts to a pledge by the US government not to depress the price of bitcoin by selling large quantities into the market.

But the plan has confounded economists, who say the idea relies on two flawed assumptions: that the price of bitcoin is guaranteed to rise and, second, that the government would be able to at some stage sell bitcoin back into US dollars without tipping the market into a nosedive. Choosing to hoard instead of sell bitcoin seized by law enforcement also comes with opportunity cost; whereas assets like stocks and bonds generate income, bitcoin does not, making it expensive to hold.

“Having a reserve that only consists of bitcoin the government possesses is less obnoxious [than using tax dollars to purchase additional coins] but still costly,” says George Selgin, director emeritus for the Center for Monetary and Financial Alternatives at the Cato Institute, a US think tank that promotes libertarian principles. “There is simply no good rationale.”

Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers have registered concern about potential conflicts of interest related to previous investments by Sacks and other members of the Trump administration in coins set to be included in the US stockpiles. “Lawmakers deserve strong leaders who will prioritize the public interest ahead of their own bottom lines,” wrote Elizabeth Warren, senator for Massachusetts, in a letter addressed to Sacks on March 6.

One possible effect of Trump following through on the crypto reserve plan might be that individual US states and other national governments set out to form their own, says Hillmann. “I expect that US states will also start to buy some of these assets. Because if the US government is going to hold them, states are more likely to do it too,” says Hillmann. “And guess what? Other governments across the globe are going to do the same thing. The United States has always been the bellwether in finance.”

Already, members of Congress in states including Texas, Ohio and New Hampshire have introduced bills that would authorize their respective state treasuries to purchase bitcoin; as have politicians and authority figures in Brazil, the Czech Republic, Hong Kong and elsewhere.

Once the two US crypto stockpiles have been established, particularly if Trump succeeds in enshrining them in law, they are unlikely ever to be disbanded—held in place by the same political forces that brought them into being. The same firehose of crypto industry dollars used to lobby for their creation, claims Selgin, will be turned on any politician who might try to put the assets to use.

“Even if either reserve were to appreciate [in value], there’s no telling the government would ever take advantage of that appreciation by selling,” claims Selgin. “If anything, it’s quite likely the same people in the crypto community that lobbied to create them are going to lobby intensively against ever realizing them. They are interested in their own capital gains.”

[unpluggedfinancial]

The Cost of Trust: Why Bitcoin Was Inevitable

Every empire collapses under the weight of its own lies. Ours just happens to print theirs on paper.

For centuries, money has demanded trust. Trust in kings. Trust in banks. Trust in central banks. We were told the system worked, that the dollar was strong, that inflation was natural. We trusted the experts, the economists, the suits behind the curtain. But time and again, that trust has been betrayed.

First, they backed our money with gold. Then they removed the gold. Then they removed the brakes. By 1971, the U.S. dollar was no longer backed by anything but promises. And when the promises broke, they printed more. More money, more debt, more control. And somehow, we were expected to say thank you.

The truth is this: every fiat system ends in the same way—with the people holding the bag while the architects slip out the back door. We’ve seen it in Zimbabwe, Venezuela, Argentina. And we’re watching the slow bleed happen again across the so-called "developed" world. Wages stay flat. Prices climb. Savings evaporate. The middle class is quietly being erased.

Meanwhile, the top gets richer. Insiders play with house money. The system isn’t broken. It’s working exactly as designed—to benefit those closest to the money printer and drain everyone else. You work harder, but your money works less. And when the next crisis hits, they bail out the banks again, not the people.

But something changed.

In 2009, during the smoldering aftermath of the last financial crisis, someone—or someones—built a way out. Bitcoin didn’t ask for your permission. It didn’t ask for your trust. It offered something different: rules without rulers. A system where no central authority could inflate away your time, your effort, your life’s work.

Bitcoin flips the script. Instead of trusting humans, it relies on math. Instead of secrecy, it offers transparency. Instead of inflation, it has hard-coded scarcity. It’s not perfect—but it doesn’t pretend to be fair while rigging the game behind closed doors. It’s honest money in a dishonest world.

Proof-of-Work is more than a protocol. It’s a philosophy. A declaration that truth must be earned, not granted. That value comes from effort, not decree. Bitcoin didn’t just show up—it emerged, precisely when it was needed most. And for many of us, it felt like destiny.

Because once you see how broken the system is, you can’t unsee it. Once you understand that the cost of trust is your future, your time, your children’s chances—you realize why Bitcoin was not just a good idea. It was inevitable.

The cost of trust was too damn high. So we built something better.

Tick tock. Next block.

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bc1qpn98s4gtlvy686jne0sr8ccvfaxz646kk2tl8lu38zz4dvyyvflqgddylk

[beardedmrbean]

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran’s capital and outlying provinces have faced rolling power blackouts for weeks in October and November, with electricity cuts disrupting people’s lives and businesses. And while several factors are likely involved, some suspect cryptocurrency mining has played a role in the outages.

Iran economy has been hobbled for years by international sanctions over its advancing nuclear program. The country’s fuel reserves have plummeted, with the government selling off more to cover budget shortfalls as wars rage in the Middle East and Tehran grapples with mismanagement.

The demand on the grid has not let up, however — even as Iranians stopped using air conditioners as the weather cooled in the fall and before winter months set in, when people fire up their gas heaters.

Meanwhile, bitcoin’s value has rocketed to all-time highs after the U.S. election was clinched by Donald Trump. It hit the $100,000 mark for the first time last week, just hours after the president-elect said he intends to nominate cryptocurrency advocate Paul Atkins to be the next chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The surge has led some to suspect that organized cryptocurrency mining — sucking away huge amounts of power — has played a part in the outages in Iran.

“Unfortunately, some opportunistic and exploitative individuals use subsidized electricity, public networks and other resources for cryptocurrency mining without authorization,” Mostafa Rajabi, the CEO of Iran’s government-owned power company, said back in August.

Iran’s state energy company did not respond to a request for comment.

Power outages have come and gone in the past in Iran, which struggles with aging equipment at many of its plants. Over the summer, sustained blackouts struck industrial parks near Tehran and other cities. Then in October and November, rolling power cuts across Tehran’s neighborhoods became the norm in daylight hours.

Climate change has been blamed in part, with persisting droughts and less water running through Iranian hydroelectric dams.

Iran’s reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian ordered several power plants to stop burning mazut, a high-polluting heavy fuel common in the former Soviet Union countries. Tehran has used it in the past to make up the difference in electricity generation.

Fuel reserves, both in diesel and natural gas, also remain low even though Iran is an OPEC member and home to one of the world’s second-largest reserves of natural gas, behind only Russia. There’s been no explanation for the decision to keep those reserves low, though critics have suggested Iran likely sold the fuel to cover budget shortfalls.

For his part, Pezeshkian has said that he must “honestly tell the public about the energy situation.”

“We have no choice but to consume energy economically, especially gas, in the current conditions and the cold weather,” he said in mid-November. “I myself use warm clothes at home; others can do the same.”

Still, winter heating isn’t in full swing quite yet on Tehran — raising questions where the power is going.

In many poor and densely populated neighborhoods across the country, people have access to free, unmetered electricity. Mosques, schools, hospitals and other sites also receive free power.

And with electricity in general sold at subsidized rates, bitcoin processing centers have boomed. They require immense amounts of electricity to power specialized computers and to keep them cool.

Determining how much power is used up by mining is difficult, particularly as miners now use virtual private networks that mask their location, said Masih Alavi, the CEO of an Iranian-government-licensed mining company called Viraminer.

Also, miners have been renting apartments to hide their rigs inside of empty homes. “They distribute their machines across several apartments to avoid being detected,” Alavi said.

In 2021, one estimate suggested Iran processed as much as $1 billion in bitcoin transactions. That value likely has spiked, given bitcoin’s rise. Meanwhile, Iran’s blackouts began in earnest as bitcoin spiked from around $67,000 to over $100,000 in its historic rally.

Rajabi, the state electricity company CEO, said his firm would offer rewards of $725 for people to report unlicensed bitcoin farms.

The farms have caused “an abnormal increase in consumption, disruptions, and problems in power networks,” Rajabi said.

The amount of power used by some 230,000 unlicensed devices is equivalent, he said, to the entire power needs of Iran’s Markazi province — one of the country’s chief manufacturing sites.

Iranian officials and media have not linked bitcoin’s surge and the ongoing blackouts but the public has, with social media users resharing a video showing a massive bitcoin farm earlier this year uncovered in Iran. A voice off camera asks how it was possible the electrical company did not discover the farm sooner.

The U.S. Treasury and Israel have targeted bitcoin wallets that they’ve alleged are affiliated with operations run by Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard to finance allied militant groups in Mideast war zones.

That suggests the Guard itself — one of the most-powerful forces within Iran — may be involved in the mining.

In contrast, Iranian media nearly every day report on individual mining operations being raided by police.

Iran may see bitcoin as a hedge against increased pressure from the incoming Trump administration and as regional allies are engulfed in turmoil, said Richard Nephew, an adjunct fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

“The question for the economists inside Iran is do we trust this enough to fund the government,” said Nephew, who has long worked on Iran issues and sanction strategies in the U.S. government.

However, he cautioned against thinking of bitcoin as a magic bullet for Iran, particularly as bitcoin wallets can be targeted in sanctions.

“A pattern of behavior screams out to intelligence services,” Nephew said. “It screams out to bank compliance departments.”

[darkmaga-returns]

The old antiquated system of paper documents is being dismantled and replaced with Artificial Intelligence. And millions of MAGA fans are celebrating this without even considering the replacement. Which will be digital.

Blockchain technology, which appeared mysteriously in the Bitcoin white paper, is well suited for tagging and tracing every living person on the planet, and every transaction we make. In the current system, a birth certificate of title is registered for every child born. This has provided a paper record with minimal information. But with bio-metric data, the new system is capable of assigning a digital ID to every living man, woman, and child born. Locked into the blockchain from day one, every person’s carbon footprint can be monitored, their compliance measured, and their overall value to the system can be calculated in real time.

Blockchain is an immutable, time-stamped record of every interaction and exchange. And it’s not just individuals who will have a digital ID. Every business, every product, and everything we interact with will have a digital ID. This is called, tokenization. And it’s happening right now.

[bitcoinmemes]

🍊 Lo-Fee.com Bitcoin Exchange Fee Comparison Tool for Canadian Traders

As a Canadian crypto enthusiast, I'm excited to announce the launch of Lo-Fee.com, a comprehensive comparison tool designed specifically for Canadian Bitcoin traders looking to maximize their investments by minimizing exchange fees.

Our platform offers a clear, side-by-side comparison of leading Canadian Bitcoin exchanges, providing real-time data on trading fees, withdrawal costs, and available payment methods. With the current BTC price sitting at $131,817 CAD (up 1.69% in the last 24 hours), even small fee differences can significantly impact investment returns.

Lo-Fee.com allows users to easily filter exchanges by type—showing all exchanges, custodial-only options, or non-custodial alternatives—depending on their trading preferences and security requirements. Our intuitive interface displays critical information including exact BTC/CAD rates, fee structures, and the actual amount of Bitcoin received per transaction.

From our analysis, Coinbase Pro currently offers the best value for Canadian traders with a 0.3% spread and no withdrawal fees, allowing users to maximize their Bitcoin acquisition. Other competitive options include Kraken Pro and Newton, each with their own fee advantages depending on trading volume and withdrawal preferences.

The platform also highlights special promotions, such as Shakepay's current $20 bonus for new users, and various referral bonuses available across different exchanges.

"We created Lo-Fee.com because we believe transparency in fee structures is essential for Canadian crypto investors," said our founder. "Even small percentage differences in fees can translate to thousands of dollars over time, especially for regular traders."

Lo-Fee.com updates pricing information every minute to ensure Canadians always have access to the most current data when making trading decisions.

Visit Lo-Fee.com today to compare exchange options and find the most cost-effective platform for your Bitcoin transactions in Canada.

https://lo-fee.com/

[aexsst]

Breaking News: Tether’s Bitcoin Reserves Hit $8 Billion in Q1 2025 – A Look at Stablecoins and the AEXSST Ecosystem

Tether, the dominant stablecoin issuer, has made waves in the crypto market by adding a staggering 66,000 BTC to its reserves in Q1 2025, bringing its total Bitcoin holdings to an impressive 123,000 BTC, valued at over $8 billion. This move has sparked conversations across the crypto landscape, raising questions about Tether's strategic intentions: is it a hedge, a long-term investment, or just another demonstration of their growing influence in the crypto space?

This acquisition reflects Tether's continued approach to strengthening the value of its USDT token, maintaining its peg to the dollar while increasing its Bitcoin exposure. By purchasing Bitcoin during market dips and locking it in reserve, Tether is positioning itself to capitalize on Bitcoin’s potential upside while ensuring the stability of its stablecoin. Analysts from AEXSST have suggested that this strategy signals confidence in Bitcoin's future, providing Tether with a more robust balance sheet and reducing the impact of market volatility on USDT.

However, the move has not gone without criticism. Some critics argue that Tether’s growing Bitcoin reserves could pose risks if the company's financial transparency continues to be questioned. While Tether's market dominance and significant BTC holdings suggest financial strength, the crypto community remains divided on the long-term sustainability of such a strategy. The risks associated with centralization and the lack of clarity around Tether’s reserve audits are key concerns that are often highlighted in discussions.

Tether’s current position, holding approximately 1.5% of Bitcoin's circulating supply, places it in a unique position within the market. This is comparable to other large Bitcoin holders like MicroStrategy and Binance, but Tether’s approach differs in that it directly uses Bitcoin to back its stablecoin, ensuring stability for USDT users. As Bitcoin continues to perform well, with its value staying above $65,000, the potential for further BTC acquisitions could strengthen Tether’s position even more. However, there is a question of whether this accumulation is sustainable if Bitcoin’s price sees a downturn.

Despite the skepticism surrounding Tether's Bitcoin strategy, the market appears to be reacting positively. With Bitcoin's price trending upwards and greater interest in stablecoins, Tether’s move could be seen as an attempt to bolster confidence in its operations while contributing to the overall stability of the broader crypto ecosystem. Still, the crypto community remains cautious, waiting to see if Tether’s strategy will yield long-term rewards or if it will face regulatory challenges as its influence grows.

For those navigating the crypto landscape, it’s essential to keep an eye on the larger trends. Whether Tether continues to build its Bitcoin reserves or takes a different approach, the market will undoubtedly continue to monitor its actions closely.

Get the full scoop on the market’s movements and how AEXSST is entering the stablecoin game at https://www.aexsst.com/.

[cryptowealthnet]

As we enter 2025, the cryptocurrency market is poised for significant growth and innovation. With numerous options available, it can be challenging to determine which cryptocurrencies are worth your investment.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best cryptocurrencies to buy now, focusing on their unique features, growth potential, and current market trends.

Best Cryptocurrency to Buy Now in 2025

Based on recent research and market trends, here are some of the best cryptocurrencies to consider investing in now:

Before investing in these cryptocurrencies, you need to know how to invest in the Primary Crypto Market.

Bitcoin (BTC)

Bitcoin remains the most recognized cryptocurrency and is often considered a safe investment due to its established reputation. As the first digital currency, it has paved the way for others and continues to dominate the market with a significant share of total market capitalization. Its limited supply of 21 million coins creates scarcity, which can drive demand and increase its value over time.

Ethereum (ETH)

Ethereum is not just a cryptocurrency; it’s a platform that enables developers to build decentralized applications (dApps) using smart contracts. With its transition to Ethereum 2.0, it promises lower fees and faster transaction speeds, making it an attractive option for investors looking for growth potential. The growing number of projects built on Ethereum enhances its utility and value.

Polkadot (DOT)

Polkadot aims to facilitate interoperability between different blockchains through its unique parachain technology. This capability allows multiple blockchains to work together seamlessly, making it essential for future blockchain development. As more projects adopt Polkadot’s technology, its value is expected to rise significantly.

Solana (SOL)

Solana has gained popularity due to its high transaction speeds and low costs. Known for its efficiency, Solana is becoming a favorite among developers in the DeFi and NFT spaces. Its ability to handle thousands of transactions per second without compromising security makes it an appealing choice for those looking to invest in innovative technology.

Avalanche (AVAX)

Avalanche is making waves with its unique consensus mechanism that allows for high throughput and low latency transactions. This scalability makes it an attractive option for developers looking to build decentralized applications without sacrificing speed or security. With a robust ecosystem and increasing adoption among various projects, Avalanche is carving out a name for itself as one of the top cryptos for 2025.

Cardano (ADA)

Cardano takes a research-driven approach to blockchain development, focusing on sustainability and scalability. Its commitment to peer-reviewed research sets it apart from many other cryptocurrencies, making it an attractive option for long-term investors. Cardano’s strong community support enhances its credibility in the crypto space.

Chainlink (LINK)

Chainlink plays a vital role in connecting smart contracts with real-world data through oracles. As more projects rely on accurate data feeds for their operations, Chainlink’s importance continues to grow within the blockchain ecosystem. Investing in Chainlink could be wise if you see the value of decentralized finance expanding significantly over the next few years.

JetBolt (JBOLT)

JetBolt is emerging as an exciting player in the cryptocurrency space with its innovative zero-gas technology! This feature allows users to make transactions without incurring gas fees—a game-changer for many crypto enthusiasts. Its successful presale performance indicates strong investor interest, positioning JetBolt as one of the most promising altcoins to watch in 2025.

Ripple (XRP)

Ripple focuses on facilitating cross-border payments efficiently and at low costs. Its partnerships with financial institutions enhance its credibility and potential for growth as digital payments become increasingly important globally. Ripple’s unique technology allows it to process transactions quickly while keeping fees low—making it an appealing choice for investors interested in practical applications of cryptocurrency.

Kaspa (KAS)

Kaspa stands out with its instant transaction capabilities using the GHOSTDAG protocol! This unique feature positions it well for future growth as users seek fast and secure transactions without long waiting times. As more people become aware of Kaspa’s advantages over traditional blockchain technologies, its popularity may rise significantly in 2025.

Emerging Cryptocurrencies to Watch

In addition to established coins, keep an eye on emerging cryptocurrencies that show promise:

Sei (SEI): A new player focusing on scalability.

XRP: Known for cross-border payment solutions.

Pepe (PEPE): A meme coin capturing community interest.

Bonk (BONK): Another meme coin showing potential growth.

Aave (AAVE): A leader in decentralized finance lending.

Beam (BEAM): Focused on privacy features.

These coins may not have widespread recognition yet, but could offer significant growth potential as they develop their technologies and communities.

[trump-executive-orders]

Establishment of The Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and United States Digital Asset Stockpile

Issued March 6, 2025.

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:

Section 1.  Background.  Bitcoin is the original cryptocurrency.  The Bitcoin protocol permanently caps the total supply of bitcoin (BTC) at 21 million coins, and has never been hacked.  As a result of its scarcity and security, Bitcoin is often referred to as “digital gold”.  Because there is a fixed supply of BTC, there is a strategic advantage to being among the first nations to create a strategic bitcoin reserve.  The United States Government currently holds a significant amount of BTC, but has not implemented a policy to maximize BTC’s strategic position as a unique store of value in the global financial system.  Just as it is in our country’s interest to thoughtfully manage national ownership and control of any other resource, our Nation must harness, not limit, the power of digital assets for our prosperity.

Sec. 2.  Policy.  It is the policy of the United States to establish a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.  It is further the policy of the United States to establish a United States Digital Asset Stockpile that can serve as a secure account for orderly and strategic management of the United States’ other digital asset holdings.

Sec. 3.  Creation and Administration of the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and United States Digital Asset Stockpile.  

(a)  The Secretary of the Treasury shall establish an office to administer and maintain control of custodial accounts collectively known as the “Strategic Bitcoin Reserve,” capitalized with all BTC held by the Department of the Treasury that was finally forfeited as part of criminal or civil asset forfeiture proceedings or in satisfaction of any civil money penalty imposed by any executive department or agency (agency) and that is not needed to satisfy requirements under 31 U.S.C. 9705 or released pursuant to subsection (d) of this section (Government BTC).  Within 30 days of the date of this order, each agency shall review its authorities to transfer any Government BTC held by it to the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and shall submit a report reflecting the result of that review to the Secretary of the Treasury.  Government BTC deposited into the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve shall not be sold and shall be maintained as reserve assets of the United States utilized to meet governmental objectives in accordance with applicable law.  

(b)  The Secretary of the Treasury shall establish an office to administer and maintain control of custodial accounts collectively known as the “United States Digital Asset Stockpile,” capitalized with all digital assets owned by the Department of the Treasury, other than BTC, that were finally forfeited as part of criminal or civil asset forfeiture proceedings and that are not needed to satisfy requirements under 31 U.S.C. 9705 or released pursuant to subsection (d) of this section (Stockpile Assets).  Within 30 days of the date of this order, each agency shall review its authorities to transfer any Stockpile Assets held by it to the United States Digital Asset Stockpile and shall submit a report reflecting the result of that review to the Secretary of the Treasury.  The Secretary of the Treasury shall determine strategies for responsible stewardship of the United States Digital Asset Stockpile in accordance with applicable law.

(c)  The Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of Commerce shall develop strategies for acquiring additional Government BTC provided that such strategies are budget neutral and do not impose incremental costs on United States taxpayers.  However, the United States Government shall not acquire additional Stockpile Assets other than in connection with criminal or civil asset forfeiture proceedings or in satisfaction of any civil money penalty imposed by any agency without further executive or legislative action.  

(d)  “Government Digital Assets” means all Government BTC and all Stockpile Assets.  The head of each agency shall not sell or otherwise dispose of any Government Digital Assets, except in connection with the Secretary of the Treasury’s exercise of his lawful authority and responsible stewardship of the United States Digital Asset Stockpile pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, or pursuant to an order from a court of competent jurisdiction, as required by law, or in cases where the Attorney General or other relevant agency head determines that the Government Digital Assets (or the proceeds from the sale or disposition thereof) can and should: 

(i)    be returned to identifiable and verifiable victims of crime; 

(ii)   be used for law enforcement operations;  

(iii)  be equitably shared with State and local law enforcement partners; or 

(iv)   be released to satisfy requirements under 31 U.S.C. 9705, 28 U.S.C. 524(c), 18 U.S.C. 981, or 21 U.S.C. 881. 

(e)  Within 60 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of the Treasury shall deliver an evaluation of the legal and investment considerations for establishing and managing the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and United States Digital Asset Stockpile going forward, including the accounts in which the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and United States Digital Asset Stockpile should be located and the need for any legislation to operationalize any aspect of this order or the proper management and administration of such accounts.

Sec. 4.  Accounting.  Within 30 days of the date of this order, the head of each agency shall provide the Secretary of the Treasury and the President’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets with a full accounting of all Government Digital Assets in such agency’s possession, including any information regarding the custodial accounts in which such Government Digital Assets are currently held that would be necessary to facilitate a transfer of the Government Digital Assets to the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve or the United States Digital Asset Stockpile.  If such agency holds no Government Digital Assets, such agency shall confirm such fact to the Secretary of the Treasury and the President’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets within 30 days of the date of this order.  

Sec. 5.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals

(b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

[itsbryanblake]

The cryptocurrency market, led by Bitcoin, has been characterized by its volatility and potential for high returns. As we move through 2025, market analysts and crypto enthusiasts are buzzing with predictions about Bitcoin’s price trajectory. This article delves into the current market sentiment, price predictions for Bitcoin reaching $170,000 by 2025, and the speculative discourse on Bitcoin potentially surpassing gold’s market value by 2030.

[fuzileirotrader]

Retirement with Bitcoin

Introduction to Bitcoin Retirement Planning

The concept of planning for retirement with Bitcoin involves using cryptocurrencies as a means to secure one's financial future. Bitcoin, known for its volatility, offers both opportunities and challenges when considered as part of a retirement portfolio. Here's a detailed exploration of how one might approach retirement with Bitcoin:

Understanding Bitcoin's Role in Retirement

Volatility: Bitcoin is known for significant price swings. While this can lead to substantial gains, it also poses a risk of substantial losses, making it a high-risk component in a retirement strategy.

Long-term Appreciation: Despite its volatility, Bitcoin has shown a tendency for long-term appreciation. Some analysts predict it could reach new highs in the coming years, suggesting that early investments might mature into significant nest eggs.

Decentralization and Security: Bitcoin operates on a decentralized blockchain, offering security against traditional financial system failures or inflation. However, this also means you are responsible for your own security - losing access to your wallet could mean losing your retirement savings.

Calculating How Much Bitcoin You'll Need

Cost of Living: Start by estimating your annual living expenses in your retirement years. This includes housing, food, healthcare, and leisure, potentially adjusted for inflation.

Bitcoin's Current and Projected Value: With Bitcoin's price at around R$ 652,431.96 (as of the last known data), and considering optimistic projections where it might reach values between US$ 99,926.37 and US$ 200,000 by the end of 2025, you can estimate how much Bitcoin you'd need.

Simple Lifestyle: If you need R$ 100,000 annually, you would need about 0.15 BTC per year at today's price. For 30 years of retirement, this would be roughly 4.5 BTC.

Luxurious or Family Lifestyle: For an annual budget of R$ 300,000, you'd need about 0.46 BTC per year, totaling around 13.8 BTC for 30 years.

Strategies for Accumulating Bitcoin for Retirement

Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA): Invest a fixed amount in Bitcoin regularly, regardless of its price, to average out the cost over time.

Diversification: While Bitcoin might be part of your strategy, diversifying with other assets like stocks, bonds, or real estate can mitigate risk.

Security Measures: Use hardware wallets to store your Bitcoin securely. Regularly update security practices as technology evolves.

Risks and Considerations

Market Fluctuations: Bitcoin's price can plummet, affecting your retirement funds.

Regulatory Changes: Future regulations could impact how Bitcoin is taxed, used, or even if it remains legal to own.

Liquidity: Converting Bitcoin back to fiat currency might not always be straightforward or without loss, especially if you need funds urgently.

Conclusion

Retiring with Bitcoin involves a speculative gamble on the future of cryptocurrency. While it could lead to a prosperous retirement if Bitcoin continues to appreciate, it also requires a careful strategy to manage risk. Regular reassessment of your investment strategy, understanding the cryptocurrency market, and perhaps most importantly, ensuring you have other forms of income or savings to fall back on, are all crucial steps.

In essence, Bitcoin retirement planning is not for the faint-hearted but can be rewarding for those who are well-informed and vigilant about their investments.