Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Monday Morning 2-10-25

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

TOP ECONOMIC EVENTS TO WATCH NEXT WEEK: US CPI & PPI REPORT, POWELL’S TESTIMONY MIGHT SET CRYPTO MARKET’S TREND

▪️Crypto markets brace for key economic events, including CPI, PPI data, and Jerome Powell’s testimony, which could impact price trends.

▪️Fed interest rate outlook and U.S. tariff updates may influence investor sentiment, with inflation reports playing a crucial role next week.

Next week is important for the crypto market because a few major events are happening. These include the release of the CPI and PPI data, speeches from important Federal Reserve officials, and testimony from Jerome Powell, which could all influence the direction of the crypto market in the coming week.

Jobs Report and Tariff Concerns Shake Markets Before Inflation Data

After the January jobs report came out on February 7, the dollar and bond yields increased, but stock and crypto prices dropped. These market changes were influenced by more than just the jobs report.

 It concluded a week filled with strong economic data and growing concerns about upcoming U.S. tariffs. The January 2024 jobs report was a key highlight of last week, but other economic data also came in strong and exceeded expectations.

At its latest meeting, the Federal Reserve kept its main interest rate steady at 4.25%-4.50%, stressing that they need to see continuous improvement in inflation before thinking about reducing rates.

Several Fed officials also mentioned that prices pushed up by tariffs might lead to keeping their policies stricter for a longer period than what the markets anticipate.

CPI Report on 12 February

U.S. inflation figures and remarks from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell will play a crucial role in deciding the direction of U.S. interest rates. Additionally, any new updates on tariffs from the Trump administration will be closely watched.

With the first central bank decisions of 2025 behind us, this week might be quieter. However, there’s still significant news for investors, as the crucial CPI report from the United States is coming up.

In December, the main CPI rate slightly increased to 2.9% year-over-year, while the core rate decreased to 3.2%. According to predictions from the Cleveland Fed’s Inflation Nowcasting model, the main CPI rate is expected to have dropped to 2.85% in January, and the core rate to have slightly decreased to 3.13%.

On February 11, key figures from the Federal Reserve, including Hammack, Williams, and Powell, along with the Bank of England’s Mann and Bailey, will deliver speeches.

The next day, February 12, will feature talks from the Fed’s Bostic and Powell, as well as the ECB’s Nagel and the BoE’s Greene, potentially impacting financial markets with their insights on monetary policy.

Attention will also turn to inflation numbers from China, economic statistics from Japan, and data on the U.K.’s gross domestic product.

Jerome Powell’s Testimony to Take Place

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell probably won’t share much new information this week during his twice-a-year report to Congress, but his appearance could still affect the markets.

Powell will testify in the House of Representatives on Wednesday and then in the Senate on Thursday, discussing the Fed’s view on the economy.

Deutsche Bank analysts said,

“He will likely stick to the January FOMC script but the market always seems to get something new out of these appearances, which include a lot of congressional Q&A.”

Economists believe he will echo a common theme from recent Federal Reserve meetings: there is currently no hurry to lower the key fed funds interest rate.

US PPI Report

If the US releases strong producer price index (PPI) or retail sales figures, it could boost the dollar by making investors think that interest rate cuts might be delayed. Although markets have been doing well lately, any unexpectedly high inflation could make investors feel less bullish.

Additionally, if industrial production numbers are strong, it could increase the prices of oil and metals. However, if retail sales are weak, it could reduce demand for commodities driven by consumer spending and could also negatively impact the dollar. As a result, we might see a bullish comeback in the crypto market.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Coinpedia

~~~~~~~~~

BRICS CURRENCY PLAN IS OFFICIALLY NO MORE: WILL TRUMP LIFT TARIFFS

The ongoing tensions between the United States and the BRICS alliance have reached a fever pitch. With the world concerned about a burgeoning trade war, both sides seem no closer to any sort of resolution. However, a recent statement confirmed that the BRICS currency plan is officially no ore, but will US President Donald Trump lift his proposed tariffs?

During his campaign for re-election, Trump originally warned tariffs to dissuade the nation from embracing de-dollarization. He targeted the BRICS bloc specifically because they had so blatantly embraced the native currency settlement of their trade. Yet, with them confirming they are no longer a threat to the world’s currency, will Trump relent?

BRICS Currency Plan Confirmed to be Done, but Will Trump No Longer Target Alliance?

Donald Trump once said that the US dollar ceasing to be the world’s global reserve currency would be akin to the nation losing a war. That is what first placed the BRICS alliance in his crosshairs. For years, the nation has sought to implement its very own currency. Although never announced, the rumor had been present for much of 2024.

That caused the current US President to threaten significant tariffs on these nations. Specifically, he targeted those who would not commit to ensuring the status of the greenback. However, BRICS has officially confirmed its currency plan is no more, but will a Trump tariff also be rejected?

Dimitry Peskov, a Russian spokesperson, recently confirmed that “the BRICS are not discussing the creation of a common currency.” Indeed, the statement looked to put to rest the popular rumor. Alternatively, Peskov confirmed that the bloc was simply focused on joint investment and economic cooperation.

The question is, how will Trump respond? He is already planning reciprocal tariffs to match those imposed by other countries. 

Additionally, China has already responded to its 25% tariff with a 10% import tax on the US. With these nations already deeply embedded in an ongoing trade war, it is difficult to imagine Donald Trump would end the policy before it truly was implemented.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Watcher Guru

~~~~~~~~~

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Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Sunday Afternoon 2-9-25

Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,

THE LESSONS LEARNED AT "OPERATION CHOKEPOINT 2.0" CONGRESSIONAL HEARINGS

The new majority party cast the former administration’s bank regulators as bullies operating in the shadows, yet surprising agreements were found.

The deep political divisions in the United States were apparent once again during the recent Congressional hearings on Operation Chokepoint 2.0, the alleged top-down initiative by former US President Joe Biden’s administration to “de-bank” crypto firms.

For much of Thursday afternoon (Feb. 6), it seemed that members of the Republican and Democratic parties were inhabiting different universes. 

Had Biden administration regulators really pressured US financial institutions to deny bank accounts to cryptocurrency firms in 2023, as Republicans asserted? Or was this whole construct of Chokepoint 2.0 “a fake program,” one never initiated by the Biden administration, as Democratic Representative Al Green stated?

Interestingly, at the end of the two-hour hearing, titled “Operation Choke Point 2.0: The Biden administration’s Efforts to Put Crypto in the Crosshairs,” the two political parties actually seemed to be in agreement on steps to be taken to prevent future regulatory ‘overreach’ — even while arguing about past practices.

For the most part, though, the Republicans cast the former Biden administration’s bank regulators as bullies operating in the shadows.

Bitter back-and-forth at Operation Chokepoint hearing

Paul Grewal, chief legal officer at Coinbase, testified that the US Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) “bludgeoned the banks” with an onslaught of examinations and questions “until the banks relented under the pressure.” Regulators forced banks to deny stablecoin issuers bank accounts for their reserves, for instance.

There was some drama, too, when Republican Rep. Ann Wagner questioned Fred Thiel, CEO of MARA Holdings, a leading Bitcoin mining firm, about events in 2023 when several large US banks failed:

“Mr. Thiel, has your bank ever stated whether their prudential regulators told them that they should refrain from providing services to digital asset firms?”

“We banked with Signature Bank and when the FDIC shut them down [in March 2023] and Flagstar took over the accounts, none of the crypto accounts were allowed to be part of those assets acquired,” answered Thiel, continuing:

“We were forced to immediately seek accounts with other banks. We were able to open an account with another bank, deposited $70 million after going through the approval processes, and six days later, we were told we have to shut down the accounts because our bank no longer will bank crypto companies.”

Wagner: “So the answer is yes.”

Elsewhere, Meuser asserted that the former administration’s regulators “resorted to vague interpretive regulatory letters, threatening banks with negative examination scores and fines if they continue their partnership with digital asset companies.”

Not surprisingly, the minority party resisted these characterizations. Ranking minority party member Green asked if anyone “had read a document from someone in the Biden administration or some regulator saying that there was a Chokepoint 2.0 operation.”

No one raised their hand.

“So this is a made-up statement. Somebody concluded that this was something that sells.”

Democratic Representative Nikema Williams said the matter under discussion, Choke Point 2.0, isn’t a serious issue — unlike, say, the continuing racial wealth gap or “Elon Musk dismantling our federal government.” 

Williams questioned why the subcommittee was even meeting to discuss the crypto policy of former president Biden when “he isn’t in power anymore.”

Meuser asked another witness, Austin Campbell, adjunct professor at NYU’s Stern School of Business, for some details on just how “Operation Chokepoint operated in the past” (e.g., Chokepoint 1.0, invented by the Obama administration, supposedly), given he was a former bank risk manager. How exactly did regulators pressure banks into severing ties with legally operating businesses?

Campbell answered that when communicating with regulators, “you are getting fundamentally several layers of guidance,” both written and verbal.

On the verbal level, regulators might say: “Well, we have reputational concerns about you banking crypto clients…. We’re still not sure. Maybe we’ll answer you on that. Maybe we won’t, but we still find it risky.”

“You understand that to mean no,” explained Campbell.

“Rhetorical red meat” or genuine overreach?

Cointelegraph queried several outside sources in the wake of the hearings, including Dru Stevenson, professor of law at South Texas College of Law Houston. Was debanking the crypto industry a serious problem in the US, or is it just something dreamed up by the crypto industry?

“The invocation of ‘Chokepoint’ is pure political theater, rhetorical red meat for the GOP base,” Stevenson answered.

The reality is that all rules and regulations, even the most wholesome and helpful, involve some tradeoffs, such as compliance checks and a little bit of overdeterrence at the margins, which may have happened in the last administration, he said.

Stephen Gannon, a partner at law firm Davis Wright Tremaine, disagreed. The “evidence is now overwhelming” that regulators overreached in the previous administration.

He cited numerous factors, including Senate Banking Committee testimony this past week from Nathan McCauley regarding a Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) internal document brought forward at the hearing by Sen. Lummis. Also, the FDIC “pause” documents recently released and statements from Acting FDIC Chair Travis Hill acknowledging such pressures existed.

In addition, there was the aforesaid testimony before the House Financial Services subcommittee, “particularly that of Fred Thiel,” as well as “my own personal experience with crypto clients who have been de-banked,” continued Gannon. Add to that “information compiled by Marc Andreessen and Nic Carter.”

Steven Kelly, associate director of research at the Yale Program on Financial Stability at the Yale School of Management, highlighted problems associated with reputational risk, a particular concern expressed during the subcommittee hearing. Kelly told Cointelegraph:

“Supervisors’ ability to press banks on their ‘reputation risk’ is a black box authority that can give way to something like an Operation Chokepoint.”

Still, Kelly was doubtful there was any premeditated, secret plan to de-bank the crypto industry. The fact that “the accusation has only been focused on the crypto industry thus far is telling and less suggestive of a chokepoint operation.

There are clearly real prudential concerns with crypto, which were borne out in the collapses of the 2022 crypto winter and the subsequent runs on Silvergate Bank and Signature Bank.”

Both parties find points of agreement

One surprise regarding the hearings: there were actually some points of agreement among the majority and minority members and their witnesses. Campbell, the former bank risk manager, whose testimony was generally well received by the majority party, highlighted some reforms the subcommittee might consider moving forward, and these seemed to meet broad approval:

“A simple one is that all banking guidance should be written. Do not allow verbal guidance. Do not allow hearsay and subjective statements. Write it down.”

“Secondly, that guidance should be made public on some trailing basis. Once you have a paper trail of what the regulators are doing, we will be having many less of these hearings.”

“When banks refuse people services, they should have to tell them why. And those statements should be written complete and transparent.”

“They should abolish management and reputational risk as components of the rating of banks. Those are subjective, rife for abuse, and can be used for really any ends that a banking regulator would like to wedge into an otherwise relatively objective framework.”

It wouldn’t hurt either if bank agency decisions were subject to outside oversight. Added Campbell:

“I’m a professor. I wouldn’t let any of my students grade their own homework. You should not be letting the banking regulators grade their own work here either.”  

Shayna Oleszek, director of banking policy at Better Markets, and a witness called by the minority party, agreed with many of Campbell’s recommendations.

Green, too, seemed to be seeking consensus in his closing remarks.

“Wouldn’t everyone agree that we need better crypto guardrails? If you agree, raise your hands.” All the witnesses raised their hands.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  CoinTelegraph

~~~~~~~~~

BRICS: IRAN CALLS FOR A ‘UNIFIED CURRENCY’ TO CHALLENGE THE US DOLLAR

The new BRICS member Iran is calling for a ‘unified currency’ to challenge the US dollar’s global reserve currency status.

The Islamic Republic is pulling several options to dim the prospects of the US dollar’s hegemony. Iran is reeling under sanctions from the US and is desperate to find a viable option to lift its economy. The desperation comes after several countries ended conducting business with Iran that stalled its economy leading to a lackluster GDP.

After China and Russia, Iran is now spearheading the de-dollarization agenda as a way to take on the US dollar.  The move could make the US dollar lose out in the supply and demand mechanism in the currency markets. It could lead to hyperinflation if the US fails to make other countries use the dollar for trade.

BRICS: Iran Wants a ‘Unified Currency’ To Pull the US Dollar Down

BRICS member Iran revealed that they are open to the formation of a new ‘unified currency’ as an alternative payment option to the US dollar. The Islamic Republic revealed that if BRICS come to a consensus about the formation, they will wholeheartedly support the initiative.

“If BRICS member countries come to a consensus to use a single and unified currency, we are all for it. We will proceed from national interests,” said the Iranian government’s spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani.

However, BRICS might not launch a ‘unified currency’ as Trump would impose 100% tariffs if they ditch the US dollar.

In addition, not every BRICS member has cordial relations with Iran except for China and Russia. This puts the ‘unified currency’ initiative under question as it does not fit their national agendas. The idea could most likely be stalled in the upcoming summit as other countries might not come to a consensus.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Watcher Guru

~~~~~~~~~

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Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Sunday Morning 2-9-25

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

HOW THE GENIUS ACT WILL LEAD TO CRYPTO-DOLLARS

The pace of regulatory and executive actions pertaining to the cryptoasset and blockchain sectors continues to accelerate, with the first ever U.S. digital asset press conference, the Senate Banking Committee continuing to discuss and roll back debanking initiatives, and SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce’s Crypto Task Force already making progress in establishing guidelines and frameworks for crypto regulation.

With the flurry of headlines and soundbites it would be easy for investors and policy advocates to overlook an important throughline in virtually every policy move under the new Trump administration to date; strengthening and improving the U.S. dollar’s place as the global reserve currency via dollar backed stablecoins.

Senator Bill Hagerty introduced the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act, aiming to regulate US dollar-pegged crypto tokens, which according to public comments will focus on creating a safe and pro-growth environment for cryptoassets.

The GENIUS Act builds on previous efforts to integrate stablecoins into the U.S. financial markets and banking system, including the Clarity for Payment Stablecoins Act.

The GENIUS Act details several important aspects of potential forthcoming stablecoin regulation, but will also help accelerate the policy conversation around a crypto-dollar.

The GENIUS Act Increases Specificity To Stablecoins

Some of the much-needed specifics and clarity that the stablecoin sector has been searching for include, but are not limited to, the following. 

First, the bill as it is currently written and being discussed defines stablecoins as digital assets pegged to the U.S. dollar, which would seem to undermine efforts for commodity based or algorithmic-based stablecoins. 

Second, the bill seems to be advocating federal level regulation for two stablecoins in particular via the $10 billion market capitalization threshold for federal regulation; USDT and USDC. 

Since these two stablecoins combined have a market capitalization of nearly $200 billion, obtaining greater regulatory clarity over these two dollar-backed stablecoins is imperative toward greater adoption and utilization by both individuals and institutions.

An additional point of clarity embedded in the bill is the requirement that stablecoin issuers will have to undergo financial audits of reserves on a monthly basis. Seemingly a simple requirement, this addition highlights one of most difficult aspects of stablecoin regulation to date. 

Tether and the USDT token have been, and remain, the dominant dollar-backed stablecoin by a large margin but have been beset by (justifiable) questions around the accounting for reserves and other financial reporting practices for years. 

The GENIUS Act, by (in essence) specifying these reporting requirements and oversight at the federal level, are setting the groundwork for comprehensive, consistent, and comparable regulation for stablecoins seeking to operate in U.S. markets.

The GENIUS Act Will Lead To Crypto Dollars

One of the most important discussions connected to tokenized assets and especially stablecoins is something that is outside of the crypto; how can the United States take effective action to maintain the reserve currency status of the U.S. dollar? 

The dollar has faced challenges to its geo-political dominance in the past, but few instances of these challenges have been combined with the shifting political landscape unfolding at the present. 

The European Union, partially due to increasingly strident language by the U.S. related to tariffs and NATO-affiliated defense spending, is looking to expand the use of the euro on a global basis. 

China, the second largest economy in the world and definitive rival to the United States, is expanding trade, infrastructure, and use of the yuan on a continuous basis.

Lastly, the BRIC nations are actively seeking to develop and deploy a joint currency, which would seek to serve as an international medium of exchange.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Forbes

~~~~~~~~~

BRICS: US SIGNALLING RECESSION AS TRUMP TARIFF IMPACT LOOMS

There is no understating of the concern that is taking place within geopolitics this month. As the BRICS and US face-off, the latter is signaling an incoming recession with the potential impact of President Donald Trump’s 100% tariff plan looming large. Indeed, he had already instituted and delayed such import taxes on Mexico and Canada.

Now, the country is set to contend with China on implemented 25% tariffs. All the while, the United States is facing increased economic uncertainty across a host of sectors. Moreover, one key facet of its financial standing is showing evidence that a recession may be incoming.
BRICS Facing Tariffs and US Facing Recession as Geopolitical Tensions Grow

During his campaign for reelection, Donald Trump warned of 100% tariffs on BRICS nations. He justified the action as a way to preserve the US dollar, targeting a collective that has sought to settle trade in their local currencies. Yet he has since expanded that as he prepares to tariff Mexico, Canada, and others.

With the economic policy proving to be his weapon of choice, the United States economy is set to feel the effects. More importantly, as BRICS prepare to face those policies, the US is signaling a recession as those Trump tariff impacts loom large over the nation.

According to data from Global Markets Investors this week, the US job market is flashing recession signals. Specifically, the Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows that the hiring rates as a percentage of total employment dropped in December. Specifically, the figure fell to 3.2%, its second lowest market since the 2020 COVID-19 crisis.

This drop is concerning. It places hiring well below the pre-pandemic 3.8% average that was present from 2015 to 2019. Additionally, it fuels the ongoing concern regarding a labor market that is cooling extensively. For so long, the Federal Reserve had used a thriving labor market to justify its interest rate cuts. Its slowdown could have dire consequences for an economy coping with much more nuanced issues.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Watcher Guru

~~~~~~~~~

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The “Wait and See” Phase for Gold is Over

The “Wait and See” Phase for Gold is Over

Notes From the Field By James Hickman (Simon Black)  February 6, 2025

In the year 1025, the Byzantine Empire stood at the height of its final golden age.

Basil II had just died, leaving behind a vast and wealthy empire stretching from Southern Italy to Armenia.  At the heart of its economy was the solidus, a gold coin that had served as the bedrock of Mediterranean trade for centuries. Merchants from Venice to Baghdad had so much confidence in its purity that the solidus became the primary currency for international trade as far away as China.

And this ‘reserve currency’ status allowed Byzantium to project economic power far beyond its borders.

But as the empire declined, so did its currency. Successors debased the solidus to cover military costs, mixing in copper and silver until it was barely recognizable.

By the late 11th century, merchants could no longer rely on the Byzantine government to maintain the purity of the solidus... so traders turned to a new, up-and-coming alternative: the Venetian ducat.

This pattern has repeated itself for thousands of years: reserve currencies come and go, and are eventually displaced by another.

Before the solidus, Rome had set the standard with its denarius, but centuries of inflation and political collapse led to its demise.

After Venice, the Spanish real de ocho became the world’s preferred trade currency, thanks to galleons loaded with New World silver. When Spanish power faded, the Dutch guilder took over, only to be replaced by the British pound sterling, which reigned until two world wars left Britain financially exhausted.

Even the US dollar, during its first two and a half decades as the global reserve currency, was based on gold, until in 1971, the dollar was removed from the gold standard.

The whole concept of fiat currency (i.e. paper currency which relies entirely on trust and confidence of the issuing government) holding coveted reserve status is a new phenomenon.

That means trusting the largest debtor in the history of the world, trusting the US financial system, abiding by the US government’s regulations, and dealing with the whims of their central bank—despite its mismanagement, soaring debt, and reckless policies.

So much can go wrong. And at some point in the future—whether years or decades from now—the US dollar will lose its status as the world’s reserve currency.

No currency has ever held that title forever, and it’s naive to assume the dollar will be the exception.

When that moment comes, future historians will look back in astonishment, wondering how it lasted as long as it did. Because a system built entirely on trust can only survive as long as that trust remains.

And for most of this century, the US government has proven time and again that it cannot be trusted.

We explore this topic in depth in today’s podcast, and discuss how and why gold will be the beneficiary of the dollar’s loss.

We also discuss:

• The short term “wins” possible by using tariffs as a political tool

• The long term damage to the dollar done by threatening allies

• What could replace the dollar as the global reserve currency

• The benefits of holding physical gold (for individuals and central banks)

• Investments that offer exposure to gold’s upside, without paying all time highs for physical bullion

We also mention a gold company that we are profiling this month for subscribers to our investment research newsletter, The 4th Pillar, which focuses on real asset investments.

You can listen to the podcast here.

(For the audio-only version, check out our online post here.)

To your freedom,  James Hickman  Co-Founder, Schiff Sovereign LLC

https://www.schiffsovereign.com/trends/the-wait-and-see-phase-for-gold-is-over-podcast-152055/

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Saturday Afternoon 2-8-25

Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,

COINBASE TO FACE LAWSUIT OVER UNREGISTERED SECURITIES SALES, JUDGE RULES

Coinbase said the judge’s opinion “narrowed the scope of discovery in this case,” adding, “We look forward to vindicating the remaining claims” in court.

A US federal judge has rejected Coinbase’s argument that it does not meet the definition of a “statutory seller” under federal law, forcing the cryptocurrency exchange to face an investor lawsuit in the state of New York.

According to a Feb. 7 Reuters report, US District Judge Paul Engelmayer has compelled Coinbase to face plaintiffs’ allegations that it sold securities without registering as a broker-dealer. Specifically, the plaintiffs accused Coinbase of selling 79 cryptocurrencies that were securities without proper registration.

As Cointelegraph reported, the class-action lawsuit was initially dismissed in the District Court of Southern New York in February 2023. However, the Circuit Court of Appeals revived parts of the lawsuit more than one year later.

As Reuters reported, Judge Engelmayer said that “customers on Coinbase transact solely with Coinbase itself,” which suggests that the exchange was a seller.

In a written response to Cointelegraph, a Coinbase spokesperson said:

“Coinbase does not list, offer or sell securities on its exchange. Today’s opinion importantly narrowed the scope of discovery in this case, which is significant. We look forward to vindicating the remaining claims in the district court.”

Ongoing lawsuit with the SEC

Coinbase has been mired in a lawsuit with the US Securities and Exchange Commission since June 2023, when the regulator accused the exchange of operating an unregistered securities platform and failing to register as a broker.

In January, Coinbase asked a US appeals court to rule that cryptocurrency trades are not securities. In the filing, Coinbase argued that trades facilitated on its platform should not be classified as securities trades “but asset sales of digital assets rather than physical ones.”

Coinbase has also sued the SEC and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation for allegedly attempting to “cut off digital-asset firms from essential banking services.” The exchange also alleged that both agencies failed to comply with Freedom of Information Act requests.

Coinbase plays a major role in the US cryptocurrency market. It’s not only the country’s largest crypto exchange by trading volume but is also the largest custodian for the US spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  CoinTelegraph

~~~~~~~~~

PETER SCHIFF SLAMS BITCOIN SUPER BOWL AD, SPARKS DEBATE

Peter Schiff criticized a Bitcoin Super Bowl ad, accusing it of false advertising for claiming Bitcoin is backed by energy.

He argued Bitcoin neither stores nor can be redeemed for energy, urging FTC intervention. 

In response, Dan Victor, CFA, highlighted that Bitcoin relies on decentralized computing power, which requires energy. 

Schiff dismissed this as semantics, asserting Bitcoin resembles fiat currency, backed by faith rather than tangible assets like gold. 

This sparked renewed debate over Bitcoin’s intrinsic value, especially as mainstream promotions like Super Bowl ads amplify crypto’s reach.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Coinpedia

~~~~~~~~~

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Gold Shortage Coming? Why $82 Billion Left London Ahead of Trump Tariffs

Gold Shortage Coming? Why $82 Billion Left London Ahead of Trump Tariffs

Daniela Cambone:  2-7-2025

A dramatic shift is occurring in the global gold market as a significant amount of bullion, estimated at $82 billion, is being withdrawn from the vaults of the Bank of England and shipped across the Atlantic to New York.

This exodus raises questions about the stability of London as a gold trading hub and highlights growing anxieties surrounding potential trade disruptions.

The primary driver behind this movement appears to be the looming threat of new tariffs on gold imports into the United States. According to veteran gold market analyst Adrian Day, as interviewed by Daniela Cambone on ITM Trading, the fear is that a future Trump Administration could impose hefty tariffs on gold coming from Europe and Britain.

“No one wants to import gold from Europe or Britain… if there’s a 10 or 20 or 30 percent tariff, no one’s going to do that,” Day explained.

Traders are preemptively relocating their gold reserves to the U.S. in anticipation of these potential levies, effectively stockpiling the precious metal within American borders.

This mass migration could temporarily create premiums due to supply and demand imbalances. However, Day emphasizes that this is likely a short-term phenomenon and won’t fundamentally alter the long-term demand or price of gold.

He believes that more significant drivers are at play, including continued central bank buying, robust consumer demand from China, and the potential for a weakening U.S. dollar. These factors, he argues, will continue to underpin gold’s value regardless of short-term tariff-related fluctuations.

While Day believes the tariff-driven gold shift is a noteworthy development, he is far more concerned about the overall health of the U.S. stock market.

He paints a concerning picture, stating that the market is in a “very dangerous situation” with what he describes as “the worst breadth in its history.” This suggests a growing divergence between the performance of a few mega-cap stocks and the overall market, potentially indicating a bubble waiting to burst.

The current gold rush from London to New York, fueled by fears of impending tariffs, underscores the sensitivity of global markets to political uncertainty and potential trade wars.

While the shift may create temporary market distortions, experts like Adrian Day believe that the long-term fundamentals driving gold demand remain strong. However, his warnings about the U.S. stock market’s fragility should serve as a reminder that macroeconomic risks extend beyond the precious metals market.

The coming months will be crucial in determining whether these fears materialize and how the global economy will respond.

https://youtu.be/w6sQ91pboIw

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Saturday Morning 2-8-25

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

INDIA OFFICIALLY REJECTS BRICS CURRENCY, CALLS IT ‘IMPOSSIBLE’

India officially confirmed that they do not support the formation of a BRICS currency to challenge the US dollar. The Modi government made it clear that India embraces the US dollar and will use the currency for cross-border transactions.

The country will settle payments in local currencies with other developing nations only when it seems fit. The U-turn comes after Trump spared India from tariffs but imposed them on Canada, Mexico, and China.

BRICS member China might not take India’s stance lightly as the Communist country wants to launch the new currency. It is working closely with Russia and Iran for the formation of the currency to uproot the US dollar’s global dominance.

BRICS: India Says ‘Cannot Share a Currency With China’

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal confirmed that India does not support any form of BRICS currency. He made it clear that India does not want to share a common currency with China. 

For the uninitiated, India and China have been at loggerheads for more than five decades with border disputes and trade wars. Accepting China’s stance would make the Modi government look weaker and hamper its electoral prospects.

“We are on record—We don’t support any BRICS currency. Imagine us having a currency shared with China. We have no plans. It is impossible to think of a BRICS currency,” said India’s Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal during a press conference at the IT-BT roundtable 2025 in New Delhi, reported Business Today.

However, the plans to launch a BRICS currency are still alive as China, Russia, and Iran are pursuing the idea. De-dollarization is the first and foremost goal of the trio as they aim to end reliance on the US dollar.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Watcher Guru

~~~~~~~~~

RIPPLE NEWS: XRP DEPOSITORY RECEIPTS TO BE OFFERED TO ACCREDITED INVESTORS

▪️XRP DRs Launch – Accredited investors can now gain regulated XRP exposure via Depository Receipts, simplifying institutional crypto access.

▪️Secure & Regulated – XRP DRs are held by Anchorage, a federally regulated bank, ensuring safe custody and compliance for institutional investors.

XRP depository receipts (DRs) will soon be available for purchase by accredited investors through Receipts Depositary and DWP Advisors, according to reports from Fox Business Eleanor Terrett. This new financial product offers a regulated way for investors to gain exposure to XRP without purchasing the cryptocurrency directly from exchanges.

The concept of XRP DRs is similar to traditional American Depository Receipts (ADRs), which represent shares of foreign companies listed on U.S. exchanges. 

The XRP DRs will represent ownership of the underlying XRP, providing investors an easy way to gain exposure to the asset without the complexities of directly trading it on crypto exchanges.

These DRs offer similar benefits to exchange-traded funds (ETFs), making it easier for institutional investors to access crypto assets. 

This launch is considered a major step in bridging the gap between traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralized finance (DeFi), as it makes digital assets more accessible to a broader audience.

Custody and Regulation: Anchorage and the OCC

The XRP DRs will be held by Anchorage, a federally chartered bank regulated by the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC).

Anchorage is a trusted institution specializing in secure custody for crypto assets, ensuring that the XRP behind the DRs is safely managed within a regulated framework. This adds a layer of security and confidence for institutional investors looking to enter the crypto space.

Expanding Product Offerings

Receipts Depositary Corporation (RDC), the company behind the XRP-backed securities, has been steadily expanding its product offerings. This expansion offers institutional investors more ways to engage with cryptocurrency in a regulated market environment.

The Advantages of XRP Depository Receipts

Unlike ETFs, where shares are redeemed for cash, XRP DRs provide accredited investors with direct ownership of XRP. This gives investors the opportunity to hold the asset directly while benefiting from a structured and regulated investment vehicle. This difference could appeal to institutions that seek direct ownership of digital assets but require compliance with traditional financial market regulations.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Coinpedia

~~~~~~~~~

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How to Buy Gold at Just $1,500 an Ounce

How to Buy Gold at Just $1,500 an Ounce

Notes From the Field By James Hickman (Simon Black)  February 5, 2025

In the late 1990s, the Internet was brand new... and sizzling hot. And most people thought it would bring radical change to the world, practically overnight.

This is a common theme with disruptive technology. Enthusiasts often overestimate the impact of new technology in the short run, and underestimate its impact in the long run. Such is the case with AI today.

But the euphoria over the Internet in the 1990s compelled investors to pour money into Internet startups— companies with no profits, no cash flow, and no real business model.

In fact, a joke emerged from this era which perfectly described many of these infamous dot-coms: “We lose money on every sale, but we make up for it in volume.”

But it didn’t matter. Dot-coms were the meme companies of their day. And even the most ridiculous businesses that claimed to have anything to do with the Internet commanded outrageously high valuations.

Meanwhile, actual real businesses that didn’t have anything to do with the Internet, like boring old ExxonMobil, were completely ignored by investors.

Exxon was a great example because oil prices at the time sat at a modest $30 per barrel, and most people simply assumed that oil would stay cheap forever. So Exxon traded at just 11 times earnings, generated over $17 billion per year, and even paid a healthy dividend to the shareholders who had the foresight to own it.

Common sense eventually prevailed, and all of the pie-in-the-sky dot-coms went to money heaven. And the real businesses, like Exxon, survived the hype cycle and prospered.

Today, there are plenty of super sexy businesses which have become incredibly popular with investors. A lot of them are really overvalued.

And just like Exxon back in the late 1990s, nobody is paying attention to other profitable, extremely undervalued, real asset businesses.

Personally I think oil could get a lot more expensive from here. And there are some really undervalued oil companies to consider, just like there were in the 90s.

But the really obvious example I want to talk about today is gold.

Gold is still hovering near its all time high. And as we’ve discussed many times before, there are a number of catalysts which could drive the price much higher from here.

There has already been a coordinated effort by several countries to de-dollarize.

BRICS— Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa— hold conferences explicitly discussing how to move away from the US dollar. And both the amount of global trade in dollars, as well as the share of American dollars held as reserves by central banks, has been steadily declining.

Central banks and foreign governments own trillions worth of US dollar reserves. And the reason the gold price reached this all time high, is because those foreign governments and central banks traded a tiny percentage of their dollars for gold.

That additional demand was enough to send the gold price soaring to almost $3,000.

So if this anti-dollar trend continues—or even accelerates— we could see $5,000 or even $10,000 plus gold.

These foreign governments and central banks, however, only buy physical gold. They do not buy shares in gold companies.

So while the gold price is near its all time high, gold companies are trading at ridiculously low levels.

Here’s a great example.

The company that we’re profiling in the upcoming edition of our investment research newsletter, The 4th Pillar, is one such undervalued gold business.

It’s a mining company with outstanding properties and a fantastic long term earnings horizon. It operates in an absolutely tier-one jurisdiction with minimal geopolitical risk— i.e. not the Congo or Nicaragua.

Its balance sheet is pristine with no debt. Yet they have a very strong cash position.

Due to their operating efficiencies, their production cost is quite reasonable at around $1,500 for every ounce of gold that they mine.

Yet the market is valuing them at a low, single digit multiple.

I would encourage you to check out our research to find out more.

I think it’s well worth the price of a subscription— especially because right now we’re having a limited time promotion on The 4th Pillar.

The full report on this particular gold company will be sent to 4th Pillar subscribers over the next few days.

To your freedom,  James Hickman   Co-Founder, Schiff Sovereign LLC

https://www.schiffsovereign.com/trends/how-to-buy-gold-at-just-1500-an-ounce-152049/

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Friday Afternoon 2-7-25

Good Afernoon Dinar Recaps,

HOUSE REPUBLICANS PUSH FORWARD ON STABLECOIN REGULATION WITH NEW DRAFT BILL

▪️Earlier in the week, Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., introduced a bill to regulate stablecoins.

▪️The House’s draft version will be brought up in a hearing next week.

House Financial Services Committee Republican Chair French Hill, R-Ark., released draft legislation to regulate stablecoins as U.S. lawmakers forge ahead on rules for those assets.

Hill, alongside Rep. Bryan Steill, R-Wis., posted a discussion draft for stablecoins on Thursday, which builds on work done over the years in the House Financial Services Committee.

 Steil leads that committee's digital asset-focused panel. Hill and Steil are seeking feedback on the draft, which will be brought up in a hearing next week in the House Financial Services Committee.

“By implementing a clear regulatory structure for payment stablecoins, we can support continued innovation, bolster the U.S. dollar’s position as the world’s reserve currency, and protect consumers and investors," Steil said in the statement. 

"I look forward to getting feedback from consumers, issuers, and stakeholders on this draft legislation as we work to provide clear rules of the road for this innovative technology.”

Lawmakers have been working to pass a stablecoin bill for years, with work focused primarily in the House. Now retired former House Financial Services Committee Chair Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., was working with top Democrat Maxine Waters, D-Calif, to create a regulatory framework for stablecoins since 2022. A sticking point for that bill was a provision that allows state regulators to approve stablecoin issuances without Federal Reserve input.

The discussion draft differs slightly from the previous stablecoin bill. For example, it gives the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency the authority to "approve and supervise federally qualified nonbank payment stablecoin issuers " instead of including a federal path through the Federal Reserve for "payment stablecoin issuers."

Work on the Senate side

Earlier in the week, Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., introduced a bill to regulate stablecoins called the "Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins" ahead of a press conference on Tuesday where lawmakers announced they would be forming a working group to write rules for crypto and stablecoins. That working group included members from the House Financial Services Committee, Senate Agriculture Committee, House Agriculture Committee and the Senate Banking Committee.

Senate Banking Committee Chair Tim Scott, R-S.C., highlighted the need to keep innovation in the U.S. while protecting consumers and working on financial inclusion.

"That’s why I’ve led stablecoin legislation with my colleagues in the Senate, and I look forward to working with Chairman Hill and our House counterparts to advance a solution to President Trump’s desk," Scott said.

The discussion draft is not a companion to Hagerty's bill, but Hill and Steil said both show an effort among Republicans to work on key issues.

"Both approaches represent an effort among Republicans to provide the robust protections and transparency consumers expect, provide for federal and state pathways for stablecoin issuance, and secure the United States as the leader in digital finance," they said.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  The Block

~~~~~~~~~

A THIRD OF ALL US STATES NOW EXPLORING BITCOIN, CRYPTO FOR PUBLIC FUNDS

Utah stands out as the state closest to a potential implementation. Its bill would authorize the allocation of 5% to "qualifying digital assets."

A growing wave of U.S. states are pursuing legislation to establish strategic Bitcoin reserves or enable crypto investments for public funds, opening a shift in state-level fiscal policy.

Out of 50 U.S. states, 16 have ongoing legislative considerations and varying statuses.

Utah stands out as the state closest to a potential implementation.

The state's Blockchain and Digital Innovation Amendments bill was passed and recommended on third reading by the Economic Development and Workforce Services Committee through the House, with a majority vote of 8 to 1 on January 28.

Utah's bill would authorize the state treasurer to allocate up to 5% of certain public funds to "qualifying digital assets," as long as they meet the main requirement of having over $500 billion in market capitalization, averaged over the past 12 months.

While the bill does not explicitly mention Bitcoin in its language, only Bitcoin categorically passes the core requirement in terms of market capitalization.

Dennis Porter, CEO of Satoshi Act Fund, pointed out this contention on X after Justin Bechler, a Bitcoin advocate, argued that Porter's characterization of the bill was misleading due to Utah's Money Transmitter Act.

On the Bitcoin trail

Though a total of 17 states have filed for similar proposals,North Dakota's proposal was notably rejected on February 4, according to data visualized by the Bitcoin Reserve Monitor.

Several other states are considering similar moves to allow Bitcoin or crypto for use in public funds.

State-level momentum continues building, with New Mexico becoming the latest entrant. Senator Anthony L. Thornton introduced the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act (SB275) on February 4, proposing a 5% allocation of public funds to Bitcoin.

Arizona's Senate Finance Committee has advanced similar legislation, passing SB1025 which would permit up to 10% of public funds, including pension systems, to invest in cryptocurrencies.

Wyoming and Massachusetts have also joined the race, with the latter opening its rainy day funds to be invested in Bitcoin or any digital asset for up to 10% of its stabilization fund.

Texas, meanwhile, has taken a different approach with dual proposals. The state has a Senate bill in the works that would allow up to 1% allocation from its general revenue fund balance.

It also has a separate House bill focused on Bitcoin donations, with provisions for crypto payment conversions to Bitcoin. So far, neither has advanced to law.

From Oklahoma and Missouri to New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, various states in the U.S. have either proposed or pending bills, with the legislative status of these bills across 16 participating states actively being tracked by Bitcoin Reserve Monitor.

@ Newshounds News™
Source:  Decrypt

~~~~~~~~~

SEC OFFICIALS INSTRUCTED TO SHRINK CRYPTOCURRENCY ENFORCEMENT TEAM: REPORT

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is reportedly downsizing a special unit of more than 50 lawyers and staff members tasked to bring crypto enforcement actions.

Citing five people familiar with the matter, The New York Times reports that a leading lawyer in the unit was pulled out from the enforcement division and some were assigned to other departments within the agency.

The crypto enforcement unit was created during the first Trump administration but it nearly doubled its size in 2022 under previous SEC chair Gary Gensler, who initiated a crackdown on the US crypto industry.

A recent tally reveals that the unit brought more than 100 crypto-related actions during the Biden administration.

It is not yet clear though if the shake-up will affect pending enforcement actions, which include a case involving Coinbase. The crypto exchange is charged with violating federal securities laws by operating an unregistered platform.

The report says some people think that the reorganization constitutes unfair demotion. Corey Frayer, who served as senior adviser to Gensler on crypto issues, also criticizes the SEC’s friendlier stance on digital assets.

“What the new SEC leadership proposes to do for crypto is remove the speed limits and guardrails that have made our capital markets the strongest in the world.”

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  DailyHodl

~~~~~~~~~

TRUMP’S ECONOMIC MOVES SHAKE THE CRYPTOCURRENCY MARKET

▪️The BTC price reacted negatively to Trump's comments.

▪️Trump's tariffs are causing turmoil in the cryptocurrency market.

▪️Next week promises further trade announcements impacting global economies.

BTC price dropped again while Trump was speaking. He is making statements regarding the trade war, viewing it as a weapon and leverage for improving the US economy.

The seriousness of the situation became evident recently. Although issues with Mexico and Canada were resolved temporarily, the new president is opening new fronts.

Trump and Cryptocurrencies

Trump’s arrival was fantastic for cryptocurrencies in terms of regulation. However, it is turning out to be disastrous for the global economy. Following China, Mexico, and Canada, he announced that there would be additional tariffs on Japan as well. Moreover, he promises much more. Trump mentioned that he would announce decisions on additional tariffs with several countries next week.

As the weekend approaches with low trading volume, Trump essentially dropped a bomb in the cryptocurrency space.

▪️I will talk with Putin.
▪️I will meet with the President of China.
▪️I will discuss the Nippon agreement with Ishiba.
▪️I will make an announcement regarding mutual trade next week.
▪️Tariffs on Japan are an option.
▪️Tariffs are a way to cover the budget deficit.
▪️Next week, I will announce mutual tariffs for many countries.
▪️I hope to meet with Zelenskiy next week to discuss the security of their rare earth elements.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  CoinTurk News

~~~~~~~~~

MISSOURI BILL PROPOSES BITCOIN RESERVE FUND FOR STATE INVESTMENTS

House Bill 1217, introduced by Representative Ben Keathley, aims to establish a Bitcoin reserve fund for Missouri and mandate crypto acceptance for state payments.

Missouri Representative Ben Keathley introduced House Bill 1217, which proposes the creation of a Bitcoin Strategic Reserve Fund to diversify the state’s investment portfolio.

On Feb. 6, Keathley filed HB 1217, proposing the US state of Missouri diversify its portfolio to include Bitcoin as a hedge against fiat currency inflation. If signed into law, the bill will allow the Missouri treasurer “to receive, invest, and hold Bitcoin under certain circumstances.”

Additionally, Keathley’s HB 1217 proposed a long-term Bitcoin hodl strategy for the state:

“The treasurer shall store all Bitcoin collected under sub-section 2 of this section for a minimum of five years from the date that the Bitcoin enters the state’s custody.”

@ Newshounds News™

Read more: CoinTelegraph

~~~~~~~~~

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Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Friday Morning 2-7-25

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

RIPPLE’S GARLINGHOUSE TO JOIN TRUMP’S U.S. CRYPTO ADVISORY COUNCIL? HERE’S WHO IS IN THE RUNNING

▪️Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse is shortlisted for a key role on President Trump’s U.S. Crypto Advisory Council.
▪️The council will address crucial debates, including whether cryptocurrencies should be classified as commodities or securities.
▪️Other prominent crypto leaders, including figures from Kraken, Coinbase, and Circle, are also considered for council positions.

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse is reportedly on the shortlist for a key role on President Donald Trump’s U.S. Crypto Advisory Council. This council, formed by executive order in Trump’s first week back in office, promises to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of cryptocurrency policies in the U.S.

Crypto regulations are certainly going to get a new look now. Is Ripple now on the fast-track to success?

U.S. Crypto Regulations Under Review

Under the Biden administration, many crypto companies faced challenges due to unclear and strict regulations. However, Trump’s push for innovation in digital assets is leading to a new direction.

The advisory council aims to bring industry leaders together to discuss the future of crypto in the U.S. and craft policies that foster innovation while ensuring proper regulation.

Commodities or Securities: A Critical Debate

One of the council’s biggest tasks will be determining whether cryptocurrencies should be classified as commodities or securities. This decision will have a direct impact on which regulatory body—the SEC or CFTC—will oversee the industry.

Garlinghouse’s Impact on Crypto Regulations

Garlinghouse’s potential role on the council has sparked much discussion about Ripple’s influence in shaping crypto policy. Known for his long-time advocacy for clearer regulations, Garlinghouse could play a key part in creating a more defined and fair regulatory environment for the entire crypto industry.

Other Crypto Leaders in the Running

Garlinghouse is not the only one being considered for a position on the council. Other well-known figures in the crypto world, including Kraken’s former general counsel Marco Santori, crypto podcast host Frank Chaparro, and CEOs from major companies like Circle’s Jeremy Allaire, Coinbase’s Brian Armstrong, and Crypto.com’s Kris Marszalek, are also under consideration.

Could XRP Join a National Reserve List?

There are also rumors that XRP could be included in a national reserve list, although nothing has been confirmed. Some speculate that Trump’s previous meeting with Ripple executives before his inauguration could be related to this development. If true, this move could position Ripple as an important player in the U.S. financial system.

With key players like Garlinghouse in the mix, the future of U.S. cryptocurrency regulation is bound to take a more defined and innovative turn.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Coinpedia

~~~~~~~~~

OHIO LAWMAKERS PUSH FOR STATE BITCOIN RESERVE AND CRYPTOCURRENCY PAYMENTS

Ohio introduces a bill to create a Bitcoin reserve fund, allowing public funds and tax payments to be handled in cryptocurrency.

▪️Ohio plans to create a Bitcoin reserve fund managed by the state treasurer.

▪️The bill requires Bitcoin investments to be held for at least five years.

▪️Ohio aims to lead the nation in government-backed Bitcoin initiatives.

Ohio is advancing plans to create a Bitcoin reserve fund. Senate Bill 57 introduced by Senator Sandra O’Brien on January 28 grants authority to the state treasurer to invest public funds exclusively into Bitcoin.

The proposal moved to the Financial Institutions, Insurance, and Technology Committee for additional evaluation the day after its introduction. The proposed law would mandate that all Bitcoin investments stay in the fund for at least five years.

The proposal mandates Ohio’s treasury oversee Bitcoin investments through secure safekeeping systems. The law also requires state agencies to receive Bitcoin as payment for taxes, fines and other government fees. All cryptocurrency payments that state agencies receive will be converted to Bitcoin before being deposited into the reserve.

Under the bill’s provisions Ohio residents, government bodies and universities can contribute Bitcoin donations to the fund.

Previous Crypto Initiatives in Ohio  

Ohio has explored cryptocurrency adoption in the past. In December, House Republican leader Derek Merrin introduced House Bill 703 to support Bitcoin investments in state reserves.

Additionally, state senator Niraj Antani proposed a bill to enable tax and fee payments using cryptocurrency. The latest Bitcoin reserve bill builds on these earlier efforts, introducing a structured approach for state-level Bitcoin investment and storage.

National and Statewide Trends  

The initiative aligns with federal discussions on digital asset adoption. President Donald Trump’s executive order called for research into a national digital asset reserve. Ohio lawmakers view these federal developments as potential catalysts for state policy adjustments. The bill seeks to position Ohio as a leader in government-backed Bitcoin initiatives.

Several other U.S. states are also considering Bitcoin reserve legislation. Utah, Arizona, and South Dakota have introduced similar bills. Utah’s House committee approved a bill allowing treasury funds to include digital assets.

Texas passed the Texas Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act, requiring the state to hold Bitcoin as a reserve asset for at least five years. On January 28, Arizona’s Senate approved its own Bitcoin reserve bill, permitting public funds to invest up to 10% of assets in virtual currencies.

According to Bitcoin Reserve Monitor, at least twelve states have proposed legislation for Bitcoin reserves. The increasing interest in state Bitcoin holdings reflects a broader trend of cryptocurrency adoption at the government level. Ohio’s new proposal could establish the state as a key player in this movement.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  CryptoNewsLand

~~~~~~~~~

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Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Thursday Evening 2-6-25

Good Evening Dinar Recaps,

US SENATE PANEL APPROVES CRYPTO ADVOCATE, BILLIONAIRE HOWARD LUTNICK FOR COMMERCE SECRETARY

The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee advanced the candidacy of Howard Lutnick, a crypto proponent and billionaire entrepreneur, to the position of Commerce secretary by a vote of 16–12.

America’s technological and financial scene undergoes a radical change and a wealthy man with strong ties to cryptocurrencies is leading important national initiatives valued in hundreds of billions of dollars.

Lutnick: Major Tech Programs Hang In The Balance

Lutnick’s appointment places him in charge of the $280 billion CHIPS and Science Act and the massive $42.5 billion BEAD program. These figures don’t only appear on paper; they reflect America’s determined efforts to transform its semiconductor sector and technical infrastructure. With global tech supremacy on the line, the stakes are higher than ever

Warren’s Crypto Concerns Spark Fierce Debate

The confirmation hasn’t been without its share of fireworks. Senator Elizabeth Warren has thrown down the gauntlet, demanding answers about Lutnick’s ties to Tether, the controversial stablecoin issuer.

Her January 28 letter pulled no punches, questioning everything from Cantor Fitzgerald’s investment in Tether to potential compliance issues. The plot thickened when it emerged that Lutnick’s financial disclosure form detailed assets worth over $806 million and involvement in 800 entities.

Washington is split by the confirmation as Ranking Member Maria Cantwell voted against Lutnick, citing inadequate dedication to current program goals. One thing is evident as this billionaire entrepreneur takes on his new position: the tech and crypto scene of America is set to change and might even completely alter the digital future of the country.

Cruz Champions Tech Policy

While Warren raises red flags, fellow Senator Ted Cruz is upbeat about what he sees as a victory for tech innovation. His vision? A complete reimagining of the BEAD program, moving away from its fiber-optic focus to embrace alternatives like satellite internet and fixed wireless. It’s a stark departure from previous policies, with Cruz dismissing the former Biden administration’s approach as riddled with “lawless conditions.”

Bitcoin Dreams And Stablecoin Schemes

Lutnick is open about his plans for cryptocurrency. At the 2024 Bitcoin Conference in Nashville, he confidently stated that cryptocurrency is “the future of financial independence.” He wants to require checks for stablecoins and might create a national Bitcoin reserve. This idea has made crypto fans excited but has worried traditional finance regulators.

The newly formed SEC Crypto Task Force, under Commissioner Hester Peirce, will work closely with Lutnick to navigate these uncharted waters.

@ Newshounds News™
Source:  Bitcoinist

~~~~~~~~~

CZECH REPUBLIC PASSES CRYPTO-FRIENDLY LAW, EXEMPTS BITCOIN FROM CAPITAL GAINS

The Czech Republic has passed legislation exempting Bitcoin and other digital assets from capital gains tax if held for more than three years.

President Petr Pavel signed the law, according to BTC Prague, aligning the country’s crypto taxation with traditional securities.

The tax exemption applies to individuals and non-business activities, eliminating previous tax disadvantages for long-term crypto investors. The amendment, set to take effect in mid-2025, brings the Czech Republic’s regulatory framework in line with the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets rules.

The Chamber of Deputies approved the law in January as part of broader efforts to modernize the country’s financial regulations. Under the new rules, Bitcoin holders who sell their assets after three years will no longer owe income tax on profits, mirroring the tax treatment of long-term stock investments.

Czech Bitcoin reserve

The Czech National Bank is reviewing a proposal to add Bitcoin to its reserves, but the process may take months, and any exposure would be far lower than the initially suggested 5%, sources say.

Governor Ales Michl introduced the idea, but European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde dismissed the proposal, emphasizing the need for liquidity and security in reserves.

In response, the Czech National Bank commissioned a study to evaluate Bitcoin’s feasibility, with Michl stating he would accept its findings, even if they reject the plan.

@ Newshounds News™
Source:  CryptoNews

~~~~~~~~~

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Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Thursday Afternoon 2-6-25

Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,

BRICS: TRUMP SPARES INDIA AFTER THEY OFFICIALLY EMBRACE THE US DOLLAR

US President Donald Trump has spared BRICS member India from tariffs as they officially embraced the US dollar for trade. Trump imposed 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada and ignited a global trade war. He also imposed 10% tariffs on China and could go further if they advance the de-dollarization agenda.

However, BRICS member India has been spared from tariffs as they spoke positively about using the US dollar for cross-border transactions. India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar repeatedly said in multiple interviews that they do not support the de-dollarization initiative. He explained that India will settle trade in local currencies with other countries only when it fits the trade agreement.

Jaishankar also praised Trump and said that India has a good relationship with the new White House administration. “We’ve always said that India has never been for de-dollarization,” he said at various press conferences.

He made it clear that India will work closely with the US and will use the dollar for payment settlements. The Minister also revealed that India is not working towards the formation of a new BRICS currency and will not support bringing the US dollar down.

BRICS: India Plays It Safe By Supporting the US Dollar

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das also pitched in saying that India does not support de-dollarization. “Nobody is talking about or thinking about de-dollarization. There is no step we have taken to de-dollarize,” said Das to Bloomberg. “De-dollarization is certainly not our objective and is not on the table. BRICS currency was an idea raised by one of the members and was discussed but no decision has been taken.”

All these statements made Trump spare BRICS member India as they fully support the US dollar’s prospects. India also needs the US dollar as its economy depends on America’s progress through Information Technology and other sectors. The US has invested heavily in India as backend offices and meddling with businesses could prove costly for the Modi government.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Watcher Guru

~~~~~~~~~

CFTC ACTING CHAIR SAYS THE AGENCY IS ENDING REGULATION BY ENFORCEMENT

The commission will divide its enforcement responsibilities into two task forces focused mainly on “complex fraud” and retail fraud.

Caroline Pham, acting chair of the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), announced that the agency would be winding down its practice of regulation by enforcement, likely impacting its approach to crypto firms during the Trump administration.

In a Feb. 4 notice, Pham said the CFTC was restructuring the priorities for its Division of Enforcement to focus on fraud, suggesting that the move “will stop regulation by enforcement” against “good citizens.” 

The commission will divide its responsibilities into two task forces focused mainly on retail fraud and violations of the Commodity Exchange Act and “complex fraud and manipulation.”

“This taskforce realignment will enhance our vigorous and energetic enforcement program by empowering our talented staff to focus their expertise on matters that secure justice for victims and uphold public confidence in the integrity of our markets,” said acting enforcement director Brian Young.

The shift in the commission’s approach to enforcement was one of Pham’s first actions since becoming the CFTC acting chair on Jan. 20 following former chair Rostin Behnam’s stepping down. At the time of publication, it was unclear whom US President Donald Trump intended to nominate to fill Behnam’s seat at the CFTC once he leaves on Feb. 7.

@ Newshounds News™
Source:  CoinTelegraph

~~~~~~~~~

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Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Thursday Morning 2-6-25

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

CFTC’S PHAM SEEKS ‘COMMON-SENSE’ REGULATION OF PREDICTION MARKETS IN NEW ROUNDTABLE

▪️The CFTC will hold a public forum to discuss prediction markets, though it did not name any specific marketplace in its announcement.

▪️CFTC Acting Chair Pham said past years of anti-innovation policies have restricted “common-sense” regulations of prediction markets.

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission announced Wednesday that it will hold a public roundtable to examine prediction markets, where its acting chair Caroline D. Pham expressed the need for more clarity in regulating such platforms.

“Unfortunately, the undue delay and anti-innovation policies of the past several years have severely restricted the CFTC’s ability to pivot to common-sense regulation of prediction markets,” said CFTC Acting Chairman Caroline D. Pham.

Pham said prediction markets are an “important new frontier” that can bring truth to the information age by utilizing the power of markets.

“The current Commission interpretations regarding event contracts are a sinkhole of legal uncertainty and an inappropriate constraint on the new administration,” Pham said.

Last year, the commission requested a district court to review a previous ruling in Kalshi’s favor in an attempt to block U.S. election bets on the prediction market. The two have been in a legal dispute since 2023 over the offerings of event contracts linked to congressional matters.

Earlier this week, it was reported that the CFTC was questioning prediction market Kalshi and Singapore-based crypto exchange Crypto.com over whether their derivatives-based Super Bowl sports events contracts were compliant.

“CFTC must break with its past hostility to innovation and take a forward-looking approach to the possibilities of the future,” Pham stated.

The roundtable

The public roundtable is a necessary first step in establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for prediction markets, Pham said, as the new framework aims to promote the platforms while protecting users from deceptive market practices.

The forum will tackle several key roadblocks in establishing the framework, including past CFTC decisions, court orders and enforcement actions, and interpretations of event contracts on prediction markets in general.

“Participants will include a wide variety of experts and stakeholders representing numerous and diverse interests in these issues,” the statement said.

However, the release did not mention names of prediction markets that would be discussed at the public roundtable.

The roundtable is scheduled to be held at the CFTC headquarters in Washington, D.C., with further details on the event yet to be announced.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  The Block

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RIPPLE EXPANDS US WORKFORCE BY 75% AFTER ELECTIONS: IS THE SEC LAWSUIT ENDING SOON?

Ripple’s CLO, Stuart Alderoty, recently shared his thoughts on the new U.S. administration’s approach to cryptocurrency.  In an interview with CNBC, Alderoty expressed his satisfaction with the changes brought about by the new administration.

He explained that the previous administration had essentially waged a “war” on crypto, pushing the industry out of the U.S. in favor of restrictive policies. However, since the inauguration, Alderoty praised the new administration for embracing cryptocurrency and clearing obstacles that had been stifling innovation.

Ripple’s Onshore Hiring Surge Amid SEC Case

Alderoty revealed that Ripple, which has been based in the U.S. for over 12 years, is benefiting from these shifts. He said that following the election, 75% of Ripple’s hiring efforts, which were previously offshore, are now being brought back onshore in the U.S. 

The company is eager to build and expand its operations domestically, with the belief that the U.S. can once again become the global leader in cryptocurrency technology.

These changes come amid the ongoing SEC case, which has been dragging on for four years. The updates have left many wondering if the case might be coming to an end soon.

Ripple’s Response to U.S. Crypto Reform

When discussing U.S. crypto reform, Alderoty outlined three major forces shaping the landscape: President Trump’s executive order, changes in federal regulation, and legislative action from Congress. 

He stressed the importance of the executive order, which reaffirms the U.S.’s goal of becoming the “crypto capital of the world.” The order has sparked a series of positive regulatory developments, including the appointment of David Sachs as the “crypto czar,” who is leading a task force to review and update crypto regulations.

Additionally, Alderoty praised the actions of the SEC’s acting chair, Mark Uyeda, who recently acknowledged the regulatory confusion of the past few years. Alderoty is optimistic that these changes will make it easier for banks to engage with crypto, further positioning the U.S. as a favorable environment for crypto innovation.

@ Newshounds News™
Source:  Coinpedia

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RIPPLE’S RLUSD TOKEN SECURES MAJOR LISTINGS

The Ripple USD (RLUSD) stablecoin has secured several new listings, according to a Wednesday announcement.  

The much-hyped stablecoin is now available for trading on Revolut and Zero Hash. These recent additions are likely to result in substantially broader RLUSD adoption.

London-based fintech firm Revolut boasts more than 50 million customers across the globe. Last September, it was reported that the company planned to launch its own stablecoin. In November, it also obtained the approval to expand its services across the EU after securing a banking license in the UK.

Zero Hash is a prominent cryptocurrency infrastructure platform. With the addition of RLUSD, the platform now supports five stablecoins across various chains.

RLUSD is, of course, available on both Ethereum and the XRP Ledger, and the stablecoin is expected to add more platforms in the future.  The Zero Hash integration is significant for the RLUSD since it means that Ripple's stablecoin is now part of the stablecoin engine that is powering various fintech firms in the realm of payments (remittances, payouts, AI agents) and trading.

Zero Hash CEO Edward Woodford says that the listing of Ripple's RLUSD token shows that the company is committed to offering its customers the most "innovative and regulated" stablecoin products.  

As reported by U.Today, the Ripple stablecoin recently surpassed $100 million in market capitalization.  

The token was also recently listed on Bitstamp, one of the oldest cryptocurrency exchanges.  

According to CoinGecko, the market cap of RLUSD currently stands at $108 million.

@ Newshounds News™
Source:  U Today

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