Bitcoin hits $120,000 milestone as US Congress readies for ‘crypto week’

New record price comes as lawmakers prepare series of bills designed to make US ‘world’s crypto capital’

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Czech Bank Adds Coinbase as Stock Gains Momentum

The Bank’s strategic shift also included increased holdings in AI-focused Palantir. Despite a decline in revenue and trading volume, Coinbase saw a 55% YTD stock price gain, driven by strong EPS and expansion into tokenization and derivatives through acquisitions like Deribit and Liquifi. CEO Brian Armstrong also announced a major partnership with Perplexity AI to integrate Coinbase market data into AI tools. Meanwhile, controversy erupted after allegations that Coinbase targeted Binance and Trump’s crypto project. However, the company very strongly denies the claims. Czech Central Bank Bets on Coinbase The Czech National Bank adjusted its US investment portfolio in the second quarter by increasing its exposure to technology and crypto-related stocks. This is according to its latest Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The filing reveals that the bank added 51,732 shares of Coinbase Global, valued at over $18 million. It also boosted its holdings in Palantir Technologies by purchasing an additional 49,135 shares, bringing its total stake in the data analytics company to 519,950 shares as of the end of June. Czech National Bank Palantir experienced a strong performance in 2025, with its stock surging 80% in the first half of the year. This means that it even outpaces the S&P 500’s 5.5% gain. The company’s rally has been fueled by solid earnings and growing investor interest in artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, Coinbase made headlines in May by becoming the first crypto-native company to be included in the S&P 500 index, which tracks the largest publicly traded companies in the United States. Despite a 10% drop in quarterly revenue to $2 billion and a steep 95% decline in net income to $66 million, Coinbase has seen its share price rise sharply. It gained 55% in the first half of the year, with an overall monthly increase of around 60%, according to Google Finance. Coinbase YTD share price (Source: Google Finance ) The drop in Coinbase’s transaction revenue by 18.9% to $1.26 billion and a 10.5% dip in trading volume to $393 billion reflect some of the broader market pressures, including reduced investor activity and the impact of tariffs under the Trump administration. Still, the company managed to outperform analyst expectations with earnings per share of $1.94. As part of its growth strategy, Coinbase has been expanding into the derivatives and tokenization space. In May, it agreed to acquire crypto options trading platform Deribit for $2.9 billion. More recently, it purchased Liquifi , a token management platform that is geared toward early-stage tokenization projects. This acquisition enhances Coinbase’s capabilities in managing token cap tables, vesting schedules, and regulatory compliance, which positions it well to support token creators from the earliest stages of development. Coinbase Teams Up with Perplexity AI Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong also recently announced a new partnership with AI-powered search engine Perplexity. The goal of the partnership is to merge real-time crypto market data with artificial intelligence tools. The collaboration will see Perplexity integrate Coinbase’s market data, including the COIN50 index, into its platform to power market analysis in its newly launched Comet browser. In the next phase, user queries on Perplexity will be directly linked to Coinbase’s market data, which will create a more seamless bridge between AI-driven search and digital asset platforms. Armstrong explained that this partnership is a step toward deeper integration between AI and crypto, and could even potentially lead to a future where AI bots can execute trades, manage portfolios, and handle staking operations. This vision aligns with Armstrong’s previous comments from August of 2024 when he advocated for LLMs to have crypto wallets. Shortly after that, he oversaw the first crypto transaction that was executed entirely by AI. Perplexity was founded in August of 2022 by former OpenAI researcher Aravind Srinivas. It attracted more than $900 million in funding and was valued at $9 billion by the end of 2024. While the platform’s current user base is unknown, it surpassed 10 million users by early 2024. Coinbase Denies Targeting Binance and Trump Although there are many positive developments surrounding Coinbase, Binance co-founder and former CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao recently reignited controversy after reposting a claim that Coinbase was the anonymous source behind a Bloomberg article targeting Trump’s crypto venture, World Liberty Financial, and Binance. The allegation was made by crypto commentator Matt Wallace on X , and suggested that Coinbase executives feared a potential pardon for Zhao and Binance’s re-entry into the US market, which could threaten their dominance. Wallace accused Coinbase of orchestrating a smear campaign to damage competitors and even indirectly targeting President Trump, calling the move “anti-American.” Zhao shared Wallace’s post without providing any direct comment. Coinbase’s chief legal officer, Paul Grewal, publicly denied the claims by labeling them as misinformation. Grewal insisted that Coinbase had no involvement in the story. The Bloomberg article in question alleged that Binance was behind the creation of the USD1 stablecoin, linked to Trump’s World Liberty Financial. It also claimed that Zhao wanted a presidential pardon shortly after a $2 billion investment deal involving a UAE fund and the USD1 token, of which over 90% remains in Binance wallets, reportedly generating millions in annual interest. Zhao criticized the article as a competitor-sponsored “hit piece” that is riddled with inaccuracies. He also hinted at legal action for defamation. Zhao pleaded guilty to a felony in 2023 and served four months in prison. Since then, he expressed interest in receiving a pardon from Trump, which could open the door for his return to the US crypto scene. After his release, Zhao took on advisory roles with crypto regulators in Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan.

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Sequans Communications: Focused Execution In A Growing Market

Summary Sequans is a focused IoT chipmaker with sticky products, strong customer relationships, and a $480M pipeline, positioning it well in a fast-growing market. Revenue and margins are trending positively, with product sales up 42% YoY and recurring licensing income providing stability despite ongoing cash burn. The company's bold Bitcoin treasury strategy adds long-term optionality, but does not distract from its core IoT business or financial health. Valuation is fair for a high-leverage IoT play; I'm leaning buy as module ramp, licensing growth, and cost control could drive future upside. Introduction I like companies that know exactly what they do and stay in their lane, and Sequans Communications S.A. ( SQNS ) is one of them. It’s a fabless semiconductor company that builds 4G and 5G chips and modules for IoT devices. These aren’t chips for phones or laptops. They’re built for devices that need reliable, low-power, always-on connectivity: things like smart meters, industrial sensors, and asset trackers. The business has two main parts. The first is the hardware side (cellular IoT chipsets and fully integrated modules), with products like the Monarch 2 and Calliope 2. The second is a growing platform business that includes licensing, embedded software, and support services. Most customers come to Sequans for more than the silicon, though, because it offers the full package: security, carrier certification, software stacks, and long-term support. That means that the company has sticky products, which is crucial, especially in regulated and utility-focused markets. Also, Sequans is doing a great job focusing on the main growth drivers. Think winning long-cycle deals in smart grid deployments, public infrastructure, and connected industrial systems. It’s already working with names like Microchip, Renesas, and NTT Docomo, and according to what I found in the company’s latest investor presentation , it has a three-year pipeline worth around $480 million. More than half of that is already locked in through design wins. In my view, the most important thing to consider is the big picture. The cellular IoT market is growing fast, and Sequans is still relatively early in its monetization arc. Still, we have signs that the company has carved out a clear position in that space. It’s steadily expanding its share, particularly in those verticals that care about performance, longevity, and compliance. That’s what gives the company leverage over time. One more thing: the company has also added Bitcoin to its balance sheet as a long-term treasury asset. I don’t think that changes the core business story, but it reflects how management is thinking about long-term value and asymmetric upside. Financial Momentum & Product Ramp I like seeing a consistent story, and Sequans has shown that over the last few quarters. Author: SQNS Revenue Trends If we look at the data above, we can see that over the past five quarters, revenue has moved in the right direction, even if it’s not been a straight line. It went from $6.1 million in Q1 2024 to $11 million in Q4, before pulling back to $8.1 million in Q1 2025. That drop looks like seasonality to me, not weakness. On the product side, it looks like demand is picking up. Product revenue grew 42% year over year in Q1, hitting $3.5 million, and now makes up about 44% of the total. That’s important because this is the higher-volume, higher-visibility part of the business. Simply put, the more Monarch 2 and Calliope 2 units in the field, the more leverage Sequans gets from scale. License and service revenue came in at $4.5 million. That is up 25% from a year ago. To be clear, it isn’t flashy growth, but it’s consistent, and it gives the company something a lot of small chipmakers don’t have: recurring revenue and real software margins. Now, speaking of margins, gross margin has stayed strong, too. It’s not gone below 64% over the last 5 quarters, and the company even recorded a peak of 84% back in June 2024 (Q2 24). Q1 2025 landed at 64.5%, which is more than respectable for a company that is still scaling its product shipments. If we look at costs, the picture is also encouraging. Operating spend dropped to $11 million in Q1 25 , and management says they’re aiming to get that below $10 million per quarter soon. That will help to offset the cash burn we’re seeing, which came in at about $6 to $7 million this past quarter. Cash is at $45.9 million. In my opinion, that should be just about adequate, for now, but it also puts some pressure on the company’s execution. All the same, the plan is to increase product volume and licensing revenue, so if those happen, we will see the cash burn start to reduce, and that should stretch out Sequans’ runway a bit longer. All things considered, then, the trend lines look good. Sales are growing year over year, margins are holding up, and costs are coming down. That’s the kind of setup I like to see when I’m leaning Buy. Capital Strategy: The Bitcoin Move Is An Interesting One I think this Bitcoin treasury move is fascinating on several levels. It doesn’t change anything about Sequans’s core business, but it says a lot about how the company thinks. The company raised close to $384 million in a private placement earlier this year , with about half of that coming from equity and the rest from convertible debentures. The money wasn’t raised for R&D, manufacturing, or M&A. It was raised to buy Bitcoin and hold it as a Treasury reserve. As of July 10, 2025, the company has already bought 370 BTC, and management says they’re targeting up to 3,000 BTC over time. If they can pull it off, that would put Sequans near the top of the list of corporate Bitcoin holders, just behind names like MicroStrategy. Not to worry, the purchases are handled through Coinbase Prime, so the custody is institutional-grade. But what matters to me isn’t the platform. It’s the message. The Bitcoin move is a Treasury strategy . According to management, they clearly see Bitcoin as a long-term store of value, and they’re using it to strengthen the balance sheet. Now, the capital raise is done, and the company’s operations are still fully funded, so this doesn’t threaten the business. If Bitcoin appreciates, that adds value. If it doesn’t, the core IoT business stays untouched. What I also like is how this decision fits the company’s mindset. Sequans has always been a lean operator, and it definitely pushes that angle publicly. It sells to long-cycle customers, avoids flashy product pivots, and targets markets where performance and reliability matter. In my view, that is the same kind of thinking that is behind this move. It looks like management has decided that they’re planning for a future where having a hard, global reserve asset on the books gives them optionality. Now, I have a few questions about the validity of cryptocurrency as a long-term store of value, but I’m not going to discuss them here. More importantly, I think it’s reasonable to consider questions like whether this Bitcoin reserve will eventually support more flexible financing or allow them to self-fund future projects without dilution. Maybe. Alternatively, could it attract investors who want exposure to both hard assets and growth-stage tech? Possibly. I’m not building the buy case around Bitcoin, but I think it gives Sequans a bit more long-term leverage than the market seems to be pricing in. Growth Catalysts: What Could Fuel the Next Leg Up I highlighted a few of these in the intro and financial sections, but I thought I’d just discuss them here, too. Module Volume Ramp (Monarch 2 & Calliope 2) I believe this is core to the thesis. These latest-generation modules are finally shipping at scale. We’ve seen product revenue jump 42% year over year in Q1. If Monarch 2 and Calliope 2 continue rolling into commercial deployments across smart meters, trackers, and IoT devices, that will form the basis for sustainable growth. Industrial & IoT Vertical Tailwinds Sequans is focused on reliable, long-life devices. The global cellular IoT module market has a 27% CAGR between 2024 and 2034 , and it looks like industrial customers (utilities, smart buildings, and fleet operators) are moving to cellular connectivity. From all indications, then, Sequans is in a fantastic position to gain even more market share with its low-power, ultra-reliable modules designed for multi-year battery life and rugged environments. Platform Pipeline Conversion ($480 Million) Finally, the company has a real revenue pipeline that is tied to multi-year uses and recurring deployments. As of Q1 2025, over half of that $480 million pipeline is in confirmed design wins. That gives me confidence we're not banking on vaporware. If even half of that converts over the next two years, we’re looking at a sizable growth boost. Valuation Check: Reasonable for the Risk Sequans is still a relatively small-cap company, but it's not flying under the radar anymore. As of July 12, the stock trades around $4.50, and that number reflects the sharp rise we’ve seen in recent weeks. A lot of it is probably tied to the Bitcoin news, so let’s look at the multiples. At that price, the company is valued at just under three times trailing revenue. To be fair, it might sound rich, especially for a company that isn't profitable yet, but I think there’s more to the story. Seeking Alpha: SQNS Stock Chart I’m not looking at Sequans through the lens of a typical hardware company. This is a platform business in the making. Yes, it sells chips and modules, but it also earns recurring licensing revenue, provides embedded software, and supports long-cycle deployments. That gives it margin potential and visibility that most low-end chipmakers don’t have. Seeking Alpha The current price-to-sales multiple of ~2.9x puts it a bit closer to the higher end of the IoT module space. Peer companies like u-blox ( UBLXF ) and even Sierra Wireless (before it got acquired) usually trade between 1x and 2x sales, albeit the former is currently at 3.35x. Still, those businesses are heavier on hardware, thinner on software, and less focused on long-life industrial use cases. Sequans is worth the current price, in my view, because it's playing in a more defensible corner of the market. What we don’t have yet are clean earnings or EBITDA figures. The company is still investing in growth, and it’s not breaking even. So there’s no EV/EBITDA metric that really tells the full story right now. What we can work with are the signs: a narrowing operating loss, a clear path to cash efficiency, and a backlog of high-quality contracts that could convert into revenue over the next few quarters. No, the stock isn’t cheap, but for what it is (a small, strategic, high-leverage play on cellular IoT), I think the current price is fair. The valuation reflects the early payoff of a long-term plan. If the module ramp stays on track and licensing revenue continues to grow, this multiple will start to look conservative in hindsight. The Risks These are the things I’m watching most closely: Module adoption could stall if Monarch 2 or Calliope 2 don’t scale as expected, revenue growth slows, and the story weakens. Sequans isn’t profitable yet. Margins are solid, but the company is still burning cash. It needs to keep expenses tight while growing revenue, or the cash runway becomes much shorter. Bitcoin volatility hits the balance sheet. Holding Bitcoin adds optionality, but also adds noise. If the price crashes, it won’t affect operations directly, but it may scare investors and complicate financing. Investor Takeaway I’m leaning towards a Buy on Sequans because I see a focused business doing the hard things well. It’s growing product revenue, building recurring licensing income, and keeping margins healthy. We can also throw in a sticky customer base, growing end markets, and the company has a real shot at reaching cash efficiency over the next few quarters. Again, the Bitcoin strategy doesn’t drive this thesis, but it tells me that management is thinking long-term, bold, and unafraid of optionality. That’s a mindset I like, as long as it doesn’t distract from execution.

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AI Refugee Avatars: A Controversial Step in United Nations’ Digital Empathy Quest

BitcoinWorld AI Refugee Avatars: A Controversial Step in United Nations’ Digital Empathy Quest In an era where digital innovation is reshaping every facet of our lives, from finance to communication, the intersection of artificial intelligence and humanitarian aid presents fascinating, often complex, challenges and opportunities. For those deeply invested in the cryptocurrency space, where decentralized technologies and virtual identities are commonplace, the concept of AI-powered digital representations might not be entirely new. However, a recent initiative by a United Nations research institute has pushed these boundaries into a deeply sensitive domain: creating AI refugee avatars . This development sparks critical conversations about digital empathy, representation, and the future of advocacy. Understanding the AI Refugee Avatars Initiative The United Nations University Center for Policy Research (UNU-CPR), a research institute closely affiliated with the United Nations, has embarked on an experimental journey into the realm of artificial intelligence. Their project involved the creation of two distinct AI-powered avatars, each designed with a specific purpose: to educate the public on the multifaceted challenges faced by refugees and those involved in conflict. This initiative, while experimental, represents a novel approach to humanizing complex global crises through digital means. The two AI agents, Amina and Abdalla, are fictional constructs, yet their narratives are rooted in the stark realities of humanitarian crises. Amina is depicted as a woman who fled Sudan, now residing in a refugee camp in Chad. Her avatar is intended to offer insights into the daily struggles, resilience, and hopes of displaced persons. Conversely, Abdalla is a fictional soldier from the Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary group in Sudan. His avatar aims to provide a different perspective, potentially exploring the motivations, realities, and ethical dilemmas from within a conflict zone. The ambition was for users to interact directly with these avatars via a dedicated website, fostering a deeper, more personal understanding of these complex issues. It is important to note that this was explicitly framed as an academic exploration. Eduardo Albrecht, a Columbia professor and a senior fellow at the UNU-CPR, clarified that he and his students were “just playing around with the concept” and not proposing this as a definitive solution for the broader UN system. This distinction is crucial, as it positions the project as a learning exercise, probing the potential and limitations of AI in sensitive humanitarian contexts, rather than a fully endorsed UN policy tool. Despite the initial technical hiccups, such as error messages encountered by those attempting to register, the underlying concept raises profound questions about how technology can bridge understanding gaps. The United Nations AI Experiment: What It Entails The core objective behind this particular United Nations AI experiment was to explore innovative ways of engaging the public and, crucially, potential donors, with the realities of refugee situations. Traditional methods of advocacy often rely on statistics, reports, or direct testimonials, which, while powerful, may not always resonate deeply with a broad audience. The hypothesis here was that an interactive, conversational AI avatar could offer a more accessible and personalized gateway into understanding these human stories. A paper summarizing the work suggested that these avatars could eventually serve a practical purpose: “to quickly make a case to donors.” Imagine a scenario where a potential donor could engage in a brief, simulated conversation with Amina, hearing (or reading) her story directly, albeit through an AI interface. This immediate, almost intimate, interaction could potentially evoke a stronger emotional response and a greater willingness to contribute, compared to simply reading a factual brief. The idea is to leverage AI’s capacity for personalized interaction to enhance the impact of humanitarian appeals. However, the experiment also brought forth significant feedback, highlighting the delicate balance between innovation and ethical considerations. While the intent was to foster empathy and understanding, the implementation of such a sensitive tool is fraught with complexities. The very nature of simulating human experience, especially one as profound as that of a refugee, demands careful consideration of authenticity, respect, and potential misrepresentation. This pioneering step by the United Nations, even as an experiment, sets a precedent for how global organizations might consider using advanced AI in their outreach and advocacy efforts. Raising Refugee Awareness Through Digital Twins The ambition to use refugee awareness as a primary goal for these AI avatars is commendable. In a world saturated with information, finding novel ways to cut through the noise and genuinely connect people with distant realities is a constant challenge for humanitarian organizations. Digital twins, or AI representations, offer a scalable and potentially widely accessible medium for education. They can theoretically be available 24/7, across different languages, providing consistent information and narratives to a global audience. Consider the traditional methods of raising awareness: documentaries, news reports, charity appeals, and personal testimonies from refugees themselves. While invaluable, each has its limitations in terms of reach, cost, and the ability to provide personalized interaction. An AI avatar, theoretically, could allow millions of individuals to have a simulated one-on-one conversation, asking questions and receiving immediate, tailored responses about the refugee experience. This could democratize access to information and foster a broader understanding of the issues. However, a crucial question arises: Can an AI truly convey the nuanced human experience of a refugee? The feedback from workshop attendees who interacted with Amina and Abdalla suggests a strong reservation. Many expressed sentiments such as refugees “are very capable of speaking for themselves in real life.” This highlights a fundamental tension: while AI can simulate, it cannot genuinely feel or represent lived experience. The power of a refugee’s testimony lies in their authentic voice, their personal story, their resilience, and their direct agency. Relying on an AI, no matter how sophisticated, risks stripping away that authenticity and potentially commodifying or trivializing their profound journeys. Navigating the Nuances of Digital Empathy The creation of AI avatars for humanitarian education immediately plunges into the complex waters of digital empathy . Can a machine truly foster empathy, or does it merely simulate an interaction that might lead to a superficial understanding? The negative responses received during the UNU-CPR’s experiment underscore this critical debate. While the intent might be noble—to make complex issues more accessible—the method itself can be perceived as problematic. Here’s a breakdown of the potential benefits and significant challenges associated with using AI avatars for sensitive advocacy: Potential Benefits Significant Challenges Scalability: Reach a vast global audience simultaneously. Authenticity: Cannot truly represent lived human experience. Accessibility: Available 24/7, overcoming geographical barriers. Misrepresentation: Risk of oversimplifying or stereotyping complex realities. Engagement: Interactive format may capture attention more effectively. Ethical Concerns: Exploitation, commodification of suffering. Educational Tool: Provide consistent information and answer common questions. Displacement of Voices: Undermining the agency of actual refugees. Donor Engagement: Potentially a novel way to make a case for funding. Loss of Nuance: Inability to convey emotion, tone, and personal history. The core of the ethical dilemma lies in the question of agency. When an AI speaks on behalf of a marginalized group, whose voice is truly being heard? Is it the voice of the developers, the researchers, or a genuine reflection of the experiences of those it purports to represent? For digital empathy to be truly effective and ethical, it must supplement, not supplant, the direct voices of those affected. Any tool, especially one leveraging powerful AI, must be designed with extreme caution, ensuring that it empowers rather than silences the very people it aims to help. Broader Implications for AI Governance and Policy The UNU-CPR’s experiment, while specific to refugee advocacy, fits into a much larger global conversation about AI governance . The United Nations itself has been actively exploring the societal implications of AI. For instance, a high-level board was formed, including representatives from OpenAI, Google, and digital anthropologists, specifically to delve into AI governance frameworks. This indicates a proactive, albeit cautious, approach by international bodies to understand and potentially regulate the rapidly evolving AI landscape. Recent calls from governments for spyware regulations in UN Security Council meetings further underscore the urgency of establishing clear ethical guidelines and policy frameworks for AI. When AI can be used for surveillance, misinformation, or, as in this case, representing vulnerable populations, the need for robust governance becomes paramount. Without proper oversight, there is a risk that powerful AI tools, even those developed with good intentions, could inadvertently cause harm or perpetuate existing inequalities. For organizations, governments, and even tech companies, the UNU-CPR’s experiment offers crucial actionable insights: Prioritize Co-creation: Any AI tool intended to represent a community must be developed in close collaboration with that community, ensuring their voices, perspectives, and consent are central to its design. Transparency and Disclosure: Users must be fully aware that they are interacting with an AI and not a real person. The boundaries between simulation and reality must be clear. Ethical Guidelines: Develop and adhere to strict ethical guidelines that address issues of representation, bias, data privacy, and potential misuse when deploying AI in sensitive humanitarian or social contexts. Human Oversight: AI tools should always be seen as complements to, not replacements for, human interaction and direct advocacy. Human oversight and intervention remain critical. Continuous Feedback Loops: Implement robust mechanisms for collecting and acting upon user feedback, especially from the communities being represented, to refine and improve the ethical deployment of AI. The path forward for AI in humanitarian aid is complex. It requires not just technological innovation but profound ethical reflection and a commitment to human dignity and agency. The UN’s ongoing exploration of AI, from climate change discussions at COP28 acknowledging the obvious, to regulating spyware, demonstrates a growing recognition that AI is not just a technological tool but a force that demands careful global stewardship. A New Frontier for Empathy or a Step Too Far? The United Nations University Center for Policy Research’s venture into creating AI refugee avatars like Amina and Abdalla is undeniably a groundbreaking experiment. It represents a bold attempt to harness the power of artificial intelligence to foster greater understanding and empathy for some of the world’s most vulnerable populations. In a digital age, where attention spans are short and information overload is common, the idea of an interactive AI agent providing personalized insights into complex humanitarian crises holds significant appeal, especially for engaging new audiences and potential donors. However, the immediate feedback from workshop attendees highlights a critical ethical tightrope. The very notion of an AI speaking on behalf of refugees, who possess their own powerful, authentic voices, raises legitimate concerns about authenticity, representation, and the potential for inadvertently diminishing human agency. While the intention was to educate and raise awareness, the experiment underscores the profound responsibility that comes with deploying advanced AI in deeply human and sensitive contexts. It compels us to ask: where do we draw the line between using technology as a tool for empathy and allowing it to inadvertently overshadow the very human experiences it seeks to represent? This initiative serves as a powerful case study for the broader discussion on AI governance and the ethical deployment of artificial intelligence across all sectors, including the dynamic world of cryptocurrency and decentralized applications. As AI continues to evolve, the challenge lies in developing frameworks that prioritize human dignity, ensure authentic representation, and empower individuals, rather than creating simulations that risk replacing genuine human connection. The future of AI in humanitarian aid will depend on a delicate balance between technological innovation and unwavering ethical commitment, ensuring that technology truly serves humanity’s best interests. To learn more about the latest AI trends, explore our article on key developments shaping AI features. This post AI Refugee Avatars: A Controversial Step in United Nations’ Digital Empathy Quest first appeared on BitcoinWorld and is written by Editorial Team

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Bitcoin Price Breaks 8-Year Resistance Line That Failed In 2017-2021

With the Bitcoin price rising to new all-time highs every other day, more crypto analysts have come forth with their predictions for where the pioneer cryptocurrency could be headed next. One analyst in particular points out an incredibly bullish development on the Bitcoin price chart that suggests that the rally is far from over. As the trend continues to play out, it is possible that the rise above $118,000 is only the start of the uptrend. Bitcoin Enters Full Price Discovery After clearing the resistance at $117,000, the Bitcoin price has now entered what crypto analysts are referring to as price discovery. This term refers to buyers and sellers determining the price of Bitcoin, and there seems to be a consensus that the digital asset is worth more, and this could trigger the next uptrend. Related Reading: Bitcoin Price Break Above $118,000 Just The Start, Analyst Unveils ‘Golden Number’ An analysis from crypto analyst AltcoinGordon focuses on a particular resistance line that has persisted for the Bitcoin price for the last eight years. This resistance line went through the highs from both March and November 2021, and was not broken. Then again, through the nights in May 2025, and remained unbroken. However, the resistance line has finally succumbed to pressure from the bulls and has been broken through after Bitcoin made it through $117,000. This simply means that there is nothing now holding back the digital asset, allowing it to climb freely from here. Due to this, the analyst believes that this breakout is no ordinary breakout, but rather one that triggers the start of parabolas. In this case, a parabolic rally would lead the Bitcoin price above the $130,000 level if the momentum is maintained. BTC Price Discovery Is Good For Altcoins Altcoin Gordon points out that the Bitcoin price discovery is particularly good for altcoins, as they will rally harder. “Price discovery is in full effect now. And when that happens… alts go wild,” the post read. This has already started playing out as altcoins have been outperforming the Bitcoin price recently. Related Reading: Dogecoin Megaphone Pattern Confirms Price Blowup, ‘Don’t Miss This Last Rally’—Analyst According to the Altcoin Season Index by CoinMarketCap, 27 of the top 50 altcoins have outperformed the Bitcoin price over the last 90 days. This brings the index closer to the 50 top altcoins that are required to outperform Bitcoin over a 90-day period to kickstart the altcoin season. When this happens, the altcoin season will be in full bloom. Once the index crosses the 50 mark, then the parabola for alts is expected to fully begin. For example, back in 2021, the Altcoin Season Index reached a score of 98 before marking the top, and this high figure has been consistence throughout the last three bull markets. Therefore, it is natural to expect that this altcoin season will follow the same trend. Featured image from Dall.E, chart from TradingView.com

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Mutuum Finance (MUTM) Could Quietly 10X as Bitcoin (BTC) ETFs Pull in $1.2 Billion, Early Buyers Already Up 200%

Bitcoin (BTC) exchange-traded funds (ETFs) recorded a record-breaking $1.2 billion in net inflows on July 10, 2025, the highest since November 7, 2024. BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin (BTC) Trust (IBIT) led with $445.47M, followed by Fidelity’s FBTC ($324.34M) and ARK 21Shares’ ARKB ($268.7M). This surge, amid Bitcoin (BTC)’s price stabilizing at ~$108K, reflects strong institutional and retail investor confidence, driven by easing U.S.-BRICS trade tensions and optimism around potential Federal Reserve rate cuts. The massive ETF inflows bolster Bitcoin (BTC)’s safe-haven status, potentially lifting altcoins like ETH and SOL in crypto markets. In stocks, blockchain and fintech firms may see gains, though tariff-related volatility persists. In forex, a stronger dollar could cap crypto gains, but sustained ETF demand and institutional adoption (e.g., MicroStrategy’s $3B BTC holdings) could drive Bitcoin (BTC) toward $110K–$120K, reinforcing its market dominance. Mutuum Finance (MUTM)’s Real Yield, Real Assets, Full Control With over $1.2 billion flowing into Bitcoin (BTC) ETFs in just a few weeks, crypto sentiment is once again turning bullish. But while the headlines focus on Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum, the real gems are forming beneath the surface. Mutuum Finance (MUTM) , a decentralized finance protocol still in its presale phase, is gaining serious traction—and early backers are already seeing returns of up to 200%. Those who bought in at $0.01 during Phase 1 are now holding tokens worth $0.03 in Phase 5, and the next price jump is locked in at $0.035. The question now is: how long before the rest of the market catches on? Mutuum Finance (MUTM) will introduce a Peer-to-Contract (P2C) lending system where users supply assets like LINK, USDT, or ETH into smart contracts and earn passive income. These assets are then made available to borrowers who must provide overcollateralized positions, ensuring system solvency and safety. The interest rates will adjust dynamically based on pool utilization—creating a market-driven balance of supply and demand. A user who supplies 1,000 LINK, valued at approximately $15,000, into a lending pool will be able to earn a 9.1% APY. This is made possible by borrower demand, particularly when someone uses the pool to borrow against SOL at an 80% loan-to-value ratio. That results in $1,300 per year in passive income, all while the original LINK remains intact and exposed to price appreciation. Depositors will receive mtTokens in return—ERC-20 compliant tokens that represent both their share in the pool and the growing interest over time. In parallel, the Peer-to-Peer (P2P) model on Mutuum Finance (MUTM) is being designed for more volatile or unconventional tokens, such as meme coins. Instead of relying on a shared pool, users will negotiate terms directly. A SHIB holder, for instance, will be able to lock 1 million tokens—currently worth about $17,000—and borrow 10,000 USDC at an interest rate of 6.5%. Since the loan terms are fully customizable, this user can choose to repay the debt early and reduce interest, all without any intermediaries or platform bias. This level of flexibility, combined with overcollateralized loan structures and smart contract automation, sets Mutuum Finance (MUTM) apart from traditional DeFi projects. It will provide users with full control of their deposits, allowing them to earn or borrow on their own terms while avoiding custodial risk. Presale Momentum and Growing Trust With the presale in Phase 5, Mutuum Finance (MUTM) has already raised $12.2 million. Tokens are currently priced at $0.03, and more than 73% of the current phase’s allocation has already been sold. Over 13,100 holders have joined so far, anticipating the next price increase to $0.035. As the token prepares for its eventual listing at $0.06, those entering now are still looking at a 2x upside on launch day—and that’s before factoring in long-term projections. To reinforce platform security and earn developer trust, Mutuum Finance (MUTM) has launched a $50,000 Bug Bounty Program in collaboration with CertiK. The bounty is split into four severity levels, encouraging ethical hackers to test every layer of the platform’s code before full deployment. This open, transparent approach aims to build confidence while strengthening core infrastructure. At the same time, the team is celebrating its early community with a $100,000 giveaway . Ten winners will be selected to receive $10,000 worth of MUTM tokens each—a gesture of appreciation toward those who believed in the project early and helped drive momentum. DeFi growth is returning, and it won’t be long before institutional money begins exploring beyond Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). Smart investors are already hunting for undervalued projects with strong utility and sound economics. A $5,000 investment in Phase 1 of Mutuum Finance (MUTM) is now worth $15,000. Once the token hits its listing price of $0.06, that same investment will reach $30,000. And with analysts projecting a rise to $0.12 or even $0.15 by 2026, the numbers speak for themselves—10x returns are absolutely on the table. Mutuum Finance (MUTM) is still flying under the radar, but for those paying attention, this is the calm before the storm. When the platform goes live and utility meets demand, today’s price will look like a bargain. Don’t be the one reading about it in hindsight. For more information about Mutuum Finance (MUTM) visit the links below: Website: https://mutuum.com/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/mutuumfinance Disclaimer: This is a sponsored press release for informational purposes only. It does not reflect the views of Times Tabloid, nor is it intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, or financial advice. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. The post Mutuum Finance (MUTM) Could Quietly 10X as Bitcoin (BTC) ETFs Pull in $1.2 Billion, Early Buyers Already Up 200% appeared first on Times Tabloid .

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Crypto Presales Live News Today: Latest Opportunities & Updates (July 14)

Get an Up-To-Date Analysis of Today’s Best Crypto Presales Check out our Live Update Coverage on the Best Crypto Presales for Monday, July 14, 2025! With Bitcoin still powering up the charts, currently over the $122K level, crypto presales are heating up. These early-stage crypto projects are often significantly more profitable than established coins like Bitcoin. We’ll give you live updates on the trending presales, whale activities, projected funding and development rounds, and critical alerts—everything you’ll need to get an edge. We update this page frequently throughout the day, as we get the latest insider insights on the hottest presales, so keep checking in! Disclaimer: Crypto is a high-risk investment, and you may lose your capital. Our content is informational only, and it does not constitute financial advice. We may earn affiliate commissions at no extra cost to you. Bitcoin Breaks $122K as Greed Index Hits 74 – What It Means for the Best Crypto Presales in 2025 July 14, 2025 • 10:00 UTC Yesterday, the Crypto Fear & Greed Index hit a high of 74, signaling strong Greed in the market. Meanwhile, Bitcoin marched past $120K, reaching highs around $122K. CoinMarketCap’s Fear & Greed Index measures market sentiment by analyzing volatility, trading volume, social media, dominance, and trends to determine whether investors feel fearful (bearish) or greedy (bullish). The surge was fueled by institutional ETF inflows and decreasing supply, setting a decidedly bullish tone heading into the week. “Greed” mode, like we’re seeing, creates ideal conditions for crypto presales to explode. Liquidity is up, FOMO is real, and early-stage tokens are back on the menu. TOKEN6900 and Bitcoin Hyper are just some top crypto presales seeing upticks in early-stage capital raises. While TOKEN6900 puts the meme back in meme coin with its nihilistic narrative and FOMO-driven funding, Bitcoin Hyper is capitalizing on $BTC’s momentum with its Layer‑2 utility pitch. Get more candidates for the next big crypto coin here. Saylor’s Back with Another $BTC Buy, Could the Best Presales Blow? July 14, 2025 • 10:00 UTC Michael Saylor hinted that Strategy might get back to buying $BTC today after a week-long hiatus. Strategy has led the pack in Bitcoin stacking. Before the pause, the firm had accumulated $BTC every week for 12 consecutive weeks, amassing nearly 597,325 $BTC (worth ~$70B). Its massive holdings and relentless buying have inspired other firms to follow suit, with some 42 major companies increasing their holdings in June , totaling 61,309 $BTC. This $BTC buying frenzy is prime time for the top presales. Retail investors, whales, and even institutional investors are chasing higher-beta plays, looking to early-stage, low-cap gems that may just deliver. As the $BTC arms race continues, early-stage tokens with 10x+ potential include $T6900 and $SNORT – you’ll find the full list of top presales here .

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Dogecoin Price Surges Past $0.20 Eyeing $0.50 By August, But Could This $0.08 Crypto Be Set To Beat It?

Dogecoin Price, DOGE has surged past $0.20 in the past 24 hours as meme coins outperformed the broader crypto market. DOGE trading volume topped $7.2 billion, with derivatives open interest hitting $2.65 billion, signaling strong participation. The rally in DOGE comes amid a week of increased volatility across major tokens. Bitcoin’s climb above $117,000 sparked fresh buying, while Ethereum staking rates and DeFi activity ramped up on Layer 2 solutions. This backdrop of heightened interest set the stage for a new DeFi project that is touted as the next big crypto launch to claim the spotlight in 2025. Dogecoin Price Momentum: DOGE Eyes $0.50 Dogecoin Price has shown a fresh increase above key resistance zones at $0.1750 and $0.1800. Bulls pushed DOGE close to $0.214 before a slight pullback and technical analysts now point to $0.225 as the next hurdle. Experts like Ali Charts on X (formerly Twitter) have stated that DOGE must hold above $0.19. The sentiment is that the level is acting as key support that leads the path toward $0.25. DOGE’s performance highlights why it remains one of the top crypto under $1, capturing attention as a potential next big altcoin 2025 play. Stellar Sails Higher: Could XLM Surge Beyond $0.08? Stellar’s price climbed from $0.26 to a high of $0.3597 on July 11, driven by a network upgrade that boosted institutional volume. Despite a slight retracement, XLM is consolidating above $0.30 and eyeing further gains. An expert on X has stated that if XLM can clear $0.40, it could be on its way to $0.60 before a significant correction in the short term. However, if it cannot clear, then a retest of $0.30 is possible. As a low gas fee crypto and a cross-chain DeFi project pioneer, Stellar continues to attract attention as a crypto with real utility. Why Remittix Is the Best Crypto Presale to Buy and Poised for Growth Remittix is finalizing its Q3 wallet launch with native Solana integration, setting the stage for instant swaps and near-zero settlement fees. It boasts a rich set of features including Cross-chain support: Enjoy a convenient way of handling your ETH, SOL, XRP, DOGE and a range of stablecoins through a single non-custodial environment. Low Gas fees: The ability to take advantage of scalable Solana gas fees that cost less than a cent. PayFi utility: Merchants and individual customers receive local fiat within 10 seconds. Compared to legacy tokens, this DeFi project excels in real-world application. Community engagement around its wallet reveal has driven strong token demand, with over $16 million raised and more than 549 million tokens sold at $0.0811 each. Such metrics underscore why it may outperform other contenders in terms of technology and growth potential. Ready to Embrace Change Dogecoin Price and Stellar’s performance highlight the resilience of meme coins and Layer-1 networks in a bullish cycle. Yet, for investors seeking the next opportunity, this innovative platform offers a compelling blend of low gas fees, cross-chain functionality and genuine fiat-crypto bridging. With a planned Q3 wallet launch and proven community momentum, it’s a project primed for real-world impact making now the best time to consider staking and participation. Discover the future of PayFi with Remittix by checking out their presale here : Website : https://remittix.io/ Socials : https://linktr.ee/remittix

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Crypto markets set Bitcoin’s next record high after BTC clinches $123,000 ATH

Sentiments across the cryptocurrency market remain elevated on the bullish side after Bitcoin ( BTC ) reached an all-time high of over $123,000. To this end, prediction markets are suggesting that the maiden cryptocurrency is likely to see more upside in the coming months. Specifically, traders on cryptocurrency betting platform Polymarket see an 84% chance that BTC will reach at least $130,000, the highest-probability outcome, according to the latest data retrieved by Finbold on July 13. The next most likely level is $150,000, with a 53% chance. Beyond that, optimism wanes but remains notable, with a 20% probability that Bitcoin will reach $200,000 and a 10% chance of surpassing $250,000. At the extreme end, the platform assigns a 3% chance that Bitcoin will reach $1 million by 2025. Bitcoin price prediction for end of 2025. Source: Polymarket Meanwhile, some traders are hedging for a potential correction, as lower price targets like $70,000 (13%), $50,000 (8%), and $20,000 (2%) remain on the board, though each has seen a slight decline in likelihood in the aftermath of Bitcoin’s new record high. Why Bitcoin is breaking out It’s worth noting that several factors drove the Bitcoin and broader cryptocurrency market rally. The asset’s valuation received a major boost following continued institutional inflows after Japan’s Metaplanet snapped up 797 BTC worth $93.6 million on July 14, as part of its plan to hold 1% of Bitcoin’s total supply by 2027. 🇯🇵JUST IN: Metaplanet acquires 797 more $BTC , bringing total holdings to 16,352 BTC. One of Asia’s boldest Bitcoin balance sheets just got bigger. 💪 pic.twitter.com/SjIiyhEqvL — CryptosRus (@CryptosR_Us) July 14, 2025 Meanwhile, spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $1.3 billion in net inflows over the week, led by BlackRock’s, which now holds 700,000 BTC, pushing demand to nearly 20 times the amount of Bitcoin mined daily. Finally, macroeconomic trends have added momentum to Bitcoin’s ongoing rally. Investors are turning to the asset amid a weakening U.S. dollar, which has declined by 11% over the past six months, and renewed geopolitical tensions triggered by President Donald Trump’s tariffs and sanctions threats. These factors have seen investors view Bitcoin as a potential safe-haven asset. Bitcoin price analysis At the time of reporting, Bitcoin was valued at $122,165, having rallied 3.6% in the last 24 hours. On the weekly timeline, the asset is up 12%. Bitcoin seven-day price chart. Source: Finbold While bullish sentiment around Bitcoin appears to be prevailing, investors and traders should be mindful of signs of exhaustion in the asset. On this note, the 14-day relative strength index ( RSI ) stands at 74, entering the overbought zone and signaling a possible retracement in valuation or consolidation. Featured image via Shutterstock The post Crypto markets set Bitcoin’s next record high after BTC clinches $123,000 ATH appeared first on Finbold .

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Ripple Leads Crypto Firms in Pursuit of National Trust Bank Licenses Amid US Regulatory Shift

On July 14, the Financial Times reported a notable surge in cryptocurrency firms entering the traditional US banking sector, leveraging the Trump administration’s accommodating regulatory stance on digital assets. Prominent

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