Pension Funds in U.S., UK, and Australia Turn to Crypto After Bitcoin Surge Pension funds in the U.S. , UK , and Australia have begun investing in Bitcoin , highlighting a growing recognition of the cryptocurrency’s potential even within traditionally conservative finance sectors. According to the Financial Times , pension systems in Wisconsin and Michigan have invested in crypto ETFs , while UK and Australian schemes have made smaller allocations through funds and derivatives. This shift comes in the wake of Bitcoin’s strong rally last year, despite setbacks from high-profile failures like FTX and Celsius Network . U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s pro-Bitcoin stance has further bolstered sentiment, with his vision to make the U.S. the “bitcoin superpower of the world” influencing institutional confidence. What’s Driving Pension Fund Interest in Crypto? 1. Bitcoin’s 2024 Rally Performance: Bitcoin’s price surged over 125% in 2024, renewing confidence in its long-term growth potential. Volatility Acceptance: Despite its risks, Bitcoin’s rally has demonstrated its ability to deliver significant returns. 2. Changing Sentiment Among Institutional Investors Broader Adoption: Pension funds, traditionally cautious investors, are now exploring Bitcoin due to its mainstream adoption. Risk vs. Reward: Crypto’s high-risk, high-reward profile is becoming increasingly attractive for diversification. 3. Political and Regulatory Tailwinds Pro-Crypto Policies: Trump’s administration is expected to introduce favorable regulations, creating a supportive environment for institutional adoption. Global Trends: Countries like the UK and Australia are also providing clearer frameworks, encouraging investments. Regional Highlights United States Wisconsin and Michigan Pension Systems: Have invested in crypto ETFs , reflecting growing confidence in regulated crypto products. Trump’s Influence: His pro-Bitcoin stance has encouraged U.S. funds to explore cryptocurrency as a strategic asset. United Kingdom Small Allocations: UK pension schemes have begun experimenting with Bitcoin, using funds and derivatives to minimize direct exposure risks. Australia Cautious Adoption: Australian pension funds are making conservative investments in Bitcoin, citing its growing relevance in the global financial ecosystem. Challenges and Concerns 1. Market Volatility High Risk: Bitcoin’s price swings remain a significant concern for pension funds, which prioritize stability. Lessons from Past Failures: The FTX collapse and Celsius Network bankruptcy have left some investors wary. 2. Regulatory Uncertainty Compliance Risks: While regulations are improving, gaps and ambiguities in crypto oversight persist, particularly for derivatives. 3. Public Scrutiny Stakeholder Concerns: Pension fund investments in Bitcoin may face criticism from stakeholders questioning the asset’s reliability. Benefits of Bitcoin for Pension Funds 1. Diversification Portfolio Balance: Adding Bitcoin introduces an uncorrelated asset class, enhancing risk-adjusted returns. 2. Inflation Hedge Value Preservation: Bitcoin’s finite supply makes it an attractive hedge against inflation, especially in uncertain economic times. 3. Growth Potential Future Returns: Bitcoin’s historical performance and adoption trends suggest strong long-term growth prospects. Comparison of Pension Fund Investments Region Investment Vehicle Approach U.S. Crypto ETFs Moderate exposure to regulated assets. UK Funds and derivatives Conservative, indirect investments. Australia Direct and fund-based holdings Experimental, small-scale allocations. Expert Opinions Steve Flegg, AMP Senior Portfolio Manager Quote: “Crypto has become too big and promising to ignore, even though it remains risky and unproven.” Perspective: While acknowledging the risks, Flegg sees crypto’s rapid growth as an indicator of its potential as a strategic asset. Industry Analysts Many believe pension fund interest in Bitcoin reflects broader institutional acceptance, signaling crypto’s evolution into a mainstream investment class. Future Implications 1. Increased Institutional Adoption Pension fund participation could inspire other institutional players, such as mutual funds and sovereign wealth funds, to explore crypto. 2. Boost to Market Legitimacy Investments from conservative entities like pension funds add credibility to Bitcoin and the broader cryptocurrency market. 3. Enhanced Regulatory Focus With pension funds entering the space, regulators may prioritize creating more robust frameworks to safeguard investments. Conclusion The entry of pension funds in the U.S., UK, and Australia into Bitcoin investments marks a significant milestone in the evolution of cryptocurrency. While challenges like volatility and regulatory ambiguity remain, the growing interest highlights Bitcoin’s potential as a strategic asset for long-term portfolios. As pension funds adopt crypto, they pave the way for broader institutional participation, further legitimizing the market and driving innovation in financial products. To learn more about the innovative startups shaping the future of the crypto industry, explore our article on latest news, where we delve into the most promising ventures and their potential to disrupt traditional industries.
Centralized Crypto Exchanges Hit Record $11.3 Trillion Monthly Trading Volume Cryptocurrency trading volumes on major centralized exchanges (CEXs) have reached an all-time high, according to CCData . In December 2024, the total spot and derivatives trading volume hit $11.3 trillion , a 7.58% increase from the previous month’s $10 trillion milestone. This surge reflects growing market activity fueled by renewed investor interest in cryptocurrencies. Despite retaining its leadership in both spot and derivatives markets, Binance’s market share declined , marking a notable shift in exchange dynamics. Key Metrics from December’s Record Trading Volume Metric Volume % Change from November 2024 Total Trading Volume $11.3 trillion +7.58% Spot Trading Volume $3.73 trillion +8.10% Derivatives Volume $7.58 trillion +7.33% Binance Leads But Sees Market Share Decline Spot Trading Volume: Binance led with $946 billion in spot trading. Market Share: Dropped to 25.4% , its lowest since January 2021. Derivatives Trading Volume: Binance accounted for 39.9% of derivatives trading. Market Share: Also saw a decline as competitors gained traction. Reasons Behind the Volume Surge 1. Increased Market Participation Institutional Inflows: Renewed interest from institutional investors has driven volumes across spot and derivatives markets. Retail Activity: Improved sentiment following Bitcoin’s surge to nearly $100,000 has reinvigorated retail trading. 2. Derivatives Market Growth Hedging and Speculation: Derivatives continue to dominate trading activity, offering tools for hedging and leveraging positions. 3. Crypto ETF Launches The approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs and other crypto ETFs has drawn significant capital into the market, bolstering trading volumes. Market Dynamics: Binance’s Declining Share Factors Contributing to Binance’s Decline Increased Competition: Exchanges like OKX , Bybit , and Bitget are gaining market share by offering competitive fees and innovative products. Regulatory Scrutiny: Binance has faced regulatory challenges in multiple jurisdictions, affecting its global dominance. Key Competitors OKX: Notable growth in both spot and derivatives trading, particularly in Asia. Bybit and Bitget: Strong performance among professional traders due to their advanced features and liquidity. Comparison: Spot vs. Derivatives Markets Market December 2024 Volume % of Total Volume Growth Trend Spot Trading $3.73 trillion 33% Stable Growth Derivatives Trading $7.58 trillion 67% Rapid Expansion Implications of the Record Trading Volumes 1. Increased Liquidity Higher trading volumes enhance market liquidity, improving price stability and execution speeds. 2. Strengthened Institutional Adoption Record volumes signal that institutional players are increasingly comfortable participating in the crypto market. 3. Competitive Pressures on Exchanges With Binance’s market share under pressure, competitors are likely to innovate further to attract users. Future Outlook 1. Sustained Growth in Derivatives Markets As derivatives trading continues to dominate, exchanges may introduce more sophisticated products, such as perpetual futures and options. 2. Expansion of Spot ETFs The rise of spot Bitcoin ETFs could further boost spot trading volumes in 2025. 3. Regional Growth Opportunities Emerging markets, particularly in Asia and Latin America, are expected to drive future volume growth. Conclusion The record-breaking $11.3 trillion trading volume on centralized crypto exchanges underscores the growing maturity and adoption of the cryptocurrency market. While Binance remains a leader , its declining market share highlights the increasing competitiveness of the sector. As institutional interest and product innovation continue to shape the industry, centralized exchanges are poised for further growth, even as they face challenges from competitors and regulatory pressures. To learn more about the innovative startups shaping the future of the crypto industry, explore our article on latest news, where we delve into the most promising ventures and their potential to disrupt traditional industries.
Peter Brandt predicts significant price movements for Bitcoin and Cardano. He warns of potential declines despite expected growth opportunities. Continue Reading: Peter Brandt Predicts Bitcoin’s Soaring Potential and Possible Downturn The post Peter Brandt Predicts Bitcoin’s Soaring Potential and Possible Downturn appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .
With President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration just days away, speculation is mounting over his administration’s crypto policies, particularly th...
Bullish momentum in crypto is strong and thriving as Bitcoin hovers around $100K. BTC is not the sole beneficiary of greens, though, as the total cryptocurrency market cap has hit record highs , drawing attention from retail and institutional players alike. Amid this traction, web3 startups pulled in $2 billion in Q3 2024, with Crunchbase data showing over 300 deals closed. Although Funding is up, the deal counts are falling. It’s the lowest since Q2 2020. This marks two straight quarters of decline. While some may find this downturn disappointing, this investor behavior suggests that investors are being picky about which projects they put their money into. Against this backdrop, Ape Terminal , the industry’s leading open-access launchpad, has spearheaded a $3.4 million funding round for the crypto project NULS. Known for helping hundreds of blockchain startups secure funding, Ape Terminal connects them with a global network of investors. It’s a driving force in Web3 innovation. The funding will support NULS in its strategic shift toward advancing AI applications within its fast-growing network. With AI emerging as one of the year’s biggest narratives , alongside DeFi, memes, GameFi, ETF, RWA, and ZK, NULS is making its big move. The timing couldn’t be better. Blockchain and AI are on a collision course, and NULS aims to be at the center. “We are excited to support NULS in its next growth phase. Their commitment to fostering AI innovation aligns with the market’s evolving needs,” said Hassan “Hatu” Sheikh, founder of Ape Terminal. This funding strengthens Ape Terminal’s position in the Web3 ecosystem, providing startups with a powerful tool to scale faster. With a focus on transformative technologies like AI, Ape Terminal is driving innovation and enabling growth. NULS, in its part, is known for its ‘microservices-based architecture.’ It offers fast speed and low transaction costs and allows projects to take advantage of innovative technologies and develop promising products. Its native token, meanwhile, can be used to set up nodes and create tokens in addition to voting and staking. Last month, the NULS blockchain saw a sharp rise in $BTC-holding addresses. As a result, liquidity improved, security got stronger, and community engagement grew. These shifts reflect increasing trust in NULS, and Ape Terminal’s strategy and global investor reach were key drivers behind this momentum. Overall, as NULS advances in the AI sector, Ape Terminal leads the funding round. Their aim is to support projects aligned with market shifts. And together, they target untapped opportunities in the rapidly growing blockchain-AI landscape.
Open Campus, the decentralized autonomous organization building an on-chain education network, has launched the EDU Chain mainnet on Arbitrum Orbit. Designed for education-focused decentralized applications and EduFi, the EDU Chain on Arbitrum ( ARB ) Orbit has quickly become the leading Layer 3 blockchain, surpassing $150 million in total value locked, according to L2beat. The blockchain’s TVL includes contributions from Open Campus’s treasury and liquidity providers bridging assets to the platform, according to a release shared with crypto.news. During its testnet phase, EDU Chain processed over 86.2 million transactions and engaged 358,684 unique active wallets. With 47 dApps already live on the testnet, many are now preparing to deploy on the mainnet. You might also like: MEXC deepens support for Bitcoin staking innovation with Solv Protocol token launch Open Campus’s initiatives To drive dApp development, Open Campus ( EDU ) has launched two initiatives. The first is an ongoing hackathon series with $1 million in prizes, which has already attracted thousands of developers. The second initiative, the Open Campus Incubator, is a 12-week program designed to help hackathon winners scale their projects. Participants gain access to grants, venture capital funding opportunities, and resources to grow on EDU Chain. Additionally, the platform introduced Season 1 of its Yuzu Points rewards program. By interacting with mainnet dApps, users can earn Yuzu Points, which unlock EDU token emissions. Open Campus has allocated up to 150 million EDU tokens for these rewards. The launch positions EDU Chain as a leader in blockchain-based education solutions, combining decentralized finance, gamified learning, and developer support to foster innovation in on-chain education. You might also like: Bitcoin’s resurgence: A regulatory reset and a path to innovation | Opinion
Dogecoin Rally May Be Imminent, Says Analyst Dogecoin (DOGE) could be on the verge of a significant rally, according to cryptocurrency analyst and trader Ali Martinez . In a recent post on X , Martinez noted a striking similarity between DOGE’s current price movement and its behavior during the 2021 bull cycle . In January 2021, Dogecoin underwent a 56% price correction before embarking on a massive upward move. With DOGE recently experiencing a 46% correction , Martinez predicts that a rally could begin as early as next week , provided the historical pattern repeats itself. Historical Patterns in Dogecoin’s Price Movements 1. 2021 Bull Cycle Comparison Event: In the week of January 25, 2021, Dogecoin began a major rally after a 56% price drop. Outcome: This upward move saw Dogecoin’s value skyrocket, driven by increased retail interest and social media hype. 2. Current Market Context Correction Size: DOGE has recently corrected by 46% , a pattern reminiscent of its pre-rally behavior in 2021. Potential Timing: If history repeats, a new rally could commence in the coming days. Factors Supporting a Potential Rally 1. Increased Social Media Activity Dogecoin often benefits from viral campaigns and mentions by influencers, including notable supporters like Elon Musk . 2. Positive Market Sentiment With Bitcoin and other major cryptocurrencies showing strength, a bullish spillover effect could benefit Dogecoin. 3. Technical Indicators Oversold Conditions: Technical analysis indicates that DOGE may be entering oversold territory, often a precursor to a price rebound. Support Levels: DOGE has established a strong support zone around $0.06, providing a potential base for upward movement. Risks to Consider 1. Market Volatility Cryptocurrencies, including Dogecoin, remain highly volatile, and historical patterns are not guarantees of future performance. 2. Lack of Fundamental Drivers While Dogecoin benefits from community support, it lacks the fundamental use cases of more utility-focused cryptocurrencies. 3. External Influences Regulatory news or macroeconomic factors could impact Dogecoin’s price, regardless of technical patterns. Comparison: 2021 vs. 2025 Market Conditions Factor 2021 Market 2025 Market Correction Size 56% 46% Market Sentiment Bullish, fueled by retail FOMO Bullish, driven by institutional interest Social Media Influence High, led by Elon Musk tweets Moderate, with sustained retail engagement What Traders Should Watch 1. Key Resistance Levels Price Targets: A breakout above $0.07 and $0.08 could signal the start of a broader rally. 2. Trading Volume Increased trading activity often precedes significant price movements in Dogecoin. 3. Bitcoin’s Performance Dogecoin’s price often correlates with broader market trends, making Bitcoin’s performance a key indicator. Conclusion While no prediction is certain, Ali Martinez’s analysis highlights the possibility of a Dogecoin rally based on historical patterns. With DOGE having undergone a substantial correction and positive sentiment building across the crypto market, traders and investors should remain vigilant for potential breakout signals. As always, approach the market with caution, consider the risks, and base decisions on a combination of technical analysis and broader market trends. To learn more about the innovative startups shaping the future of the crypto industry, explore our article on latest news , where we delve into the most promising ventures and their potential to disrupt traditional industries.
Michael Lewellen, a blockchain developer, has sued the U.S. Department of Justice, alleging the agency was overly broadening its analysis of federal money transmission laws and criminalizing crypto development. The lawsuit , filed Thursday, aims to block the prosecution of his decentralized crowdfunding platform, Pharos. He says the platform falls beyond these regulations. Built on Ethereum, Pharos uses “assurance contracts,” which are smart contracts that hold funds and automatically refund donors if funding targets are not fulfilled. The lawsuit states that the platform is “non–custodial,” meaning Lewellen does not hold or control user funds as described in the lawsuit. Lewellen says the DOJ’s interpretation of 18 U.S.C. §1960 “Prohibition of illegal money transmitting businesses” incorrectly targets non-custodial software developers as unlicensed money transmitters. The lawsuit calls the DOJ’s stance a betrayal of “its own representations to the public by criminally prosecuting people who publish noncustodial cryptocurrency software.” The filing says those laws against unlicensed money transmission have nothing to do with “technologists who create tools that allow users to move money themselves.” DOJ is violating First and Fifth Amendments as per the lawsuit The lawsuit argues that the DOJ’s conduct violates the First Amendment by criminalizing the publishing of software code, as well as the Fifth Amendment, by enforcing laws based on no discernible standards. The case will fall to Attorney General Merrick Garland’s successor, as he is preparing to resign. On Wednesday, former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, who is set to become the incoming Attorney General, underwent a Senate confirmation hearing. Today, I’m taking a stand against the Biden administration’s unjust crackdown on crypto development. I’ve filed a lawsuit against the DOJ to challenge their flawed and unjust interpretation of the law. My work on Pharos—a non-custodial protocol for public goods… — Michael Lewellen (@LewellenMichael) January 16, 2025 Lewellen mentions in an X post that the DOJ’s broad approach to money transmission laws threatens the ability to build freely. He adds, “This isn’t just about Pharos; it’s about the future of cryptocurrency innovation in America.” The case also cites the high-profile cases of Samourai Wallet co-founders Keonne Rodriguez and William Lonergan Hill and Tornado Cash developer Roman Storm as proof of a troubling expansion of federal authority over non-custodial crypto tools. Storm was among those charged in 2023 with Roman Semenov on the crypto mixer Tornado Cash, which was accused of money laundering and violating sanctions laws. Storm was arrested and is facing trial in New York, but Semenov remains out of custody. Federal authorities also arrested Rodriguez and Hill in April 2024 for claiming that their non-custody Bitcoin wallet application, Samourai Wallet, was used for unauthorized transactions. Prosecutors claim the wallet contained more than $2 billion in suspicious transfers, more than $100 million of which are associated with the illicit marketplaces on the dark web. Lewellen’s lawsuit stands on these references, arguing that these types of prosecutions essentially criminalize the creation of privacy-oriented tools rather than the users that use these tools for criminal purposes. Land a High-Paying Web3 Job in 90 Days: The Ultimate Roadmap
Bloomberg Analyst Predicts Litecoin Could Be 2025’s First Altcoin ETF Eric Balchunas , a prominent exchange-traded fund (ETF) analyst at Bloomberg, has suggested that Litecoin (LTC) could become the first altcoin ETF of 2025. In a recent post on X , Balchunas noted that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has expressed its views on the S-1 filing for the proposed Litecoin ETF, affirming its classification as a commodity . This development coincides with the anticipated arrival of a new SEC chairman, further bolstering the likelihood of approval. Additionally, Nasdaq has reportedly submitted documentation for Canary Capital’s proposed Litecoin ETF , according to CoinNess . Key Factors Supporting Litecoin ETF Approval 1. Commodity Classification The SEC’s opinion aligns Litecoin with commodities , similar to Bitcoin, increasing its eligibility for an ETF structure. This classification could simplify the regulatory process compared to other altcoins with less clear designations. 2. SEC Leadership Transition A new SEC chairman is expected to bring a more crypto-friendly stance , potentially easing approval hurdles. Previous SEC leadership had been criticized for its stringent policies on cryptocurrency ETFs. 3. Nasdaq’s Involvement Nasdaq’s filing for Canary Capital’s Litecoin ETF indicates strong institutional support for the project. If approved, it would mark a significant milestone for the altcoin market, following Bitcoin’s ETF successes. Litecoin’s ETF Potential: What It Means for the Market 1. Increased Institutional Adoption A Litecoin ETF would provide institutional investors with a regulated and convenient avenue to gain exposure to LTC. This could significantly boost trading volumes and mainstream adoption. 2. Altcoin Market Validation Approval of an altcoin ETF would represent a major step toward recognizing the broader cryptocurrency market’s legitimacy. It could pave the way for ETFs linked to other altcoins such as Ethereum, Solana, or XRP. 3. Enhanced Liquidity and Price Stability ETFs typically improve liquidity by attracting a larger pool of participants, including long-term institutional holders. This could help reduce Litecoin’s volatility , making it a more stable investment vehicle. Why Litecoin? 1. Established Market Presence Litecoin has been a consistent performer in the cryptocurrency market since its inception in 2011 , earning the moniker “silver to Bitcoin’s gold.” 2. Proven Use Cases LTC is widely used for low-cost, fast transactions , making it a practical option for both investors and users. 3. Regulatory Clarity Unlike many newer altcoins, Litecoin has faced minimal regulatory scrutiny, making it a safer bet for ETF approval. Challenges and Considerations 1. Market Competition While Litecoin has a strong case, other altcoins like Ethereum or Solana may also vie for ETF approval, complicating the timeline. 2. SEC’s Stance on Altcoins Despite Litecoin’s commodity status, the SEC’s broader view on altcoins could influence the decision-making process. 3. Investor Demand The success of a Litecoin ETF will ultimately depend on whether institutional and retail investors show sufficient interest. Comparison: Litecoin vs. Bitcoin ETFs Feature Bitcoin ETF Litecoin ETF (Proposed) Market Size $1 trillion+ ~$15 billion Regulatory Status Well-established as a commodity Commodity classification confirmed Institutional Interest High Emerging Volatility Moderate Higher than Bitcoin What’s Next for Litecoin ETF Approval? 1. SEC Review Process The S-1 filing for the Litecoin ETF will undergo thorough review by the SEC before approval is granted. 2. Market Response The crypto market will closely watch for indications of approval, which could trigger increased Litecoin buying activity . 3. Competitive Filings Other asset managers may submit competing applications, leading to broader discussions about altcoin ETFs. Conclusion The prospect of a Litecoin ETF in 2025 marks a significant development for the cryptocurrency market. Backed by a clear commodity classification, growing institutional interest, and a potentially favorable regulatory environment, Litecoin is well-positioned to become the first altcoin ETF of the year. If approved, the ETF could bring greater legitimacy and liquidity to the altcoin space, reinforcing Litecoin’s position as a key player in the cryptocurrency ecosystem. To learn more about the innovative startups shaping the future of the crypto industry, explore our article on latest news, where we delve into the most promising ventures and their potential to disrupt traditional industries.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who will head the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in the Donald Trump administration, made a reference to Bitcoin to US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen due to a recent Chinese hacking incident. Musk's post came as the investigation into the alleged Chinese hack of the US Treasury Department continues earlier this month. New reports into the investigation have claimed that Chinese hackers gained access to US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen's computer in the breach. In response to these latest reports, Elon Musk commented on his X account: “Maybe he clicked on the 'Send me 1 BTC, I'll send you 2 BTC' email.” Musk, known for his support of Dogecoin, humorously commented that Janet Yellen may have fallen for an email scam where hackers asked for 1 Bitcoin in exchange for sending 2 Bitcoin back. The attackers also hacked the computers of Janet Yellen and two of her aides, Wally Adeyemo and Brad Smith, sources told Bloomberg. One of the sources said fewer than 50 files on Yellen’s computer were accessed. Maybe she clicked on the “send me 1 btc, I send you 2btc” email https://t.co/mtIfZ4Cd4Z — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 17, 2025 *This is not investment advice. Continue Reading: Elon Musk Sends Bitcoin (BTC) to Janet Yellen!