Making Sense of the State of Crypto in 2024 – PYMNTS.com

There might be as many opinions about crypto as there are cryptocurrency tokens. And with tens of thousands of digital assets populating the crypto market, thats certainly a lot of opinions.

That sheer scale of noise is in part why it can be so challenging to get a clear view of the Web3 landscape something that holds true for regulators, retail investors, consumers and businesses alike.

This, as the regulatory environment surrounding cryptocurrencies is becoming increasingly complex within the U.S., with the House of Representatives voting Wednesday (May 8) to approvea resolutionrejecting U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) cryptocurrency accounting guidance alleged to have deterred banks from handling crypto customers.

Almost immediately, President Biden released a statement saying that he would veto the resolution if it made it so far as to reach his desk.

The Administration strongly opposes passage of H.J. Res. 109, which would disrupt the SECs work to protect investors in crypto-asset markets and to safeguard the broader financial system as explained in staffs accompanying release, SAB 121 was issued in response to demonstrated technological, legal, and regulatory risks that have caused substantial losses to consumers, said the Executive Office of the President in a Wednesday statement.

If the President were presented with H.J. Res. 109, he would veto it, the release concluded.

If you want Americans to be able to engage with digital assets safely and securely, banks which are some of the most regulated businesses in our country are probably the best way,Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.), chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, said in response.

Read more: This Week in Web3: Wells Notices, Crypto Payments and Usability

Still, amid regulatory and political developments, crypto still has its prominent adherents. One of whom is Block Chairman and Co-founder Jack Dorsey, a leading figure in the payments industry, who has made the bold prediction that bitcoins price could reach $1 million by 2030. As PYMNTS reported, Blocks existing $200 million investment in bitcoin grew by around 160% during the companys most recent financial quarter, $573 million.

All thats to say that Dorsey may not be the most objective source when discussing the growth of a currency with no backing. His optimistic forecast is in part based on the belief that Bitcoin will play a crucial role in the future of finance, serving as the internets native currency.

And, of course, for bitcoin or any crypto asset to reach such a valuation, the regulatory stars will need to align. A situation that continues to look unlikely, at least in the U.S.

For example, Web3 company Ripple is running into fresh SEC trouble following the April announcement of its own dollar-pegged stablecoin, as the company moves forward with its plan to expand itspayments business in the U.S.

In a Tuesday (May 7) filing, the SEC wrote, Ripples primary business continues to be, as it has been since 2013, unregistered sales of XRP. It also plans to issue a new unregistered crypto asset, arguing that Ripple has built its Web3 business by leveraging the sale of unregistered securities, and that the stablecoin project can be painted with the same brush, too.

Read more: What CFOs Should Know About the Growing Use of Stablecoins

Still, in todays post-bitcoin-ETF landscape, crypto is working hard on making further inroads into the traditional financial sector.

Big banks and financial institutions are much more interested today than they certainly were five or six years ago, when we rolled out some products for the first time,Brooks Entwistle, senior VP of global customer success and managing director atRipple, told PYMNTS this fall. You certainly almost never saw the boardroom when you brought up the topic of blockchain and especially crypto in the early days.

And this receptivity is having repercussions across the marketplace. Online brokerageRobinhood Marketson Wednesday (May 8) reported first-quarter profits that exceeded expectations, driven bystrong cryptotrading volumes boosted by positive sentiment toward the crypto industry.

However, Robinhood faces challenges in the form of aWells noticefrom the SEC, indicating potential enforcement action against the company. This development raises concerns about the future of Robinhoods crypto trading arm.

That, it seems, exemplifies the state of the crypto sector in 2024: two steps forward, and three steps back. Or maybe, it is the other way around only time will tell.

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Making Sense of the State of Crypto in 2024 - PYMNTS.com

Cryptocurrency Market News: Spot Bitcoin ETFs Shift to Outflows Ahead of Halving – Investopedia

Key Takeaways

Bitcoin (BTCUSD) traded flat while spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which have been driving up bitcoin demand and consequently its price, experienced a rare week of net outflows as the markets geared up for the halving event later this week.

Uniswap Labs received a Wells notice from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Monad Labs raised $225 million from Paradigm and others.

Last week, U.S. spot bitcoin ETFs experienced net outflows, a rare occurrence that has only happened three times since these funds were introduced in January.

Between April 8 and April 12, the category, which comprises 11 funds, reported a loss of about $83 million in assets, according to data from BitMEX Research. This represents a significant swing from the previous week's net inflows of $485 million. Despite this setback, spot bitcoin ETFs have amassed $12.5 billion in net positive inflows since they were launched.

Notably, the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust ETF (GBTC) continued to post a decline, with $767 million exiting the fund last week alone. In contrast, other leading funds such as BlackRocks iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) and the Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC) brought in $487 million and $90 million, respectively, but these gains were insufficient to counterbalance the substantial outflows from GBTC.

Demand generated by spot bitcoin ETFs has been credited for the recent rally in bitcoin prices, and it is also considered a key differentiator for the upcoming bitcoin halving versus prior instances.

Decentralized crypto exchange Uniswap last week disclosed receiving a Wells notice from the SEC, indicating impending enforcement actions.

This led to a sharp drop in the price of Uniswap's native token, UNI, falling from above $11 before the news broke to under $8. Uniswap Labs CEO Hayden Adams shared his disappointment and readiness to contest the charges on X. Wells notices serve as preliminary alerts about potential regulatory charges and often precede formal enforcement actions.

The SEC's concerns centered on allegations of Uniswap operating as both an unregistered securities broker and exchange, Uniswap executives Mary-Catherine Lader and Marvin Ammori clarified at a press conference, according to CoinDesk. The specifics of whether UNI itself might be classified as a security weren't clear from the notice. Ammori referenced a favorable recent court decision for Coinbase, which he sees as a positive indicator for Uniswap's defense against similar charges.

Monad Labs has secured $225 million in a funding round led by Paradigm, enabling the company to expand its team and advance the development of its blockchain, which is designed to contend with Ethereum.

This financial backing aims to transition Monad's test version of its blockchain into a full production stage. Its Layer 1 blockchain maintains compatibility with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). According to Monad's announcement on Substack, the EVM processes more than 96% of all investments in decentralized finance (DeFi).

While Ethereum is currently limited to processing fewer than 20 transactions per second, Monad's newly operational testnet, launched in March, demonstrates a capacity to handle approximately 10,000 transactions per second. This significant increase in transaction throughput is part of a broader trend in the crypto community, which sees various entities, including both Layer 1 and Layer 2 solutions, striving to enhance DeFi's efficiency. Monad's approach incorporates parallel execution to significantly boost performance across the protocol.

This round of funding also attracted investments from several notable firms, including Electric Capital, Castle Island Ventures, Animoca Ventures, Coinbase Ventures, and CoinFund, underscoring broad industry support for Monad's technology.

All eyes are on the anticipated bitcoin halving this week, as the fourth iteration of the scheduled decrease in the cryptocurrency's issuance rate is expected to take place by the end of the month.

Halving, which occurs after every 210,000 blocks, or roughly every four years, cuts the pace of new bitcoin mined and halves miner incentives.

While previous halvings have led to bull runs for bitcoin in the past, multiple industry reports have indicated the spot bitcoin ETF market may have a bigger impact on the cryptocurrency's supply-and-demand dynamics at this point.

Despite the upcoming decline in bitcoin-denominated revenue for miners, it's possible miners could enjoy an increase in revenue in dollar terms due to the potential for a bitcoin price run-up combined with the developments of Ordinals and various Layer 2 networks.

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Cryptocurrency Market News: Spot Bitcoin ETFs Shift to Outflows Ahead of Halving - Investopedia

Cryptocurrency Aptos Falls More Than 4% In 24 hours – Investing.com UK

Benzinga - by Benzinga Insights, Benzinga Staff Writer.

Aptos's (CRYPTO: APT) price has decreased 4.79% over the past 24 hours to $7.88, continuing its downward trend over the past week of -12.0%, moving from $8.94 to its current price.

The chart below compares the price movement and volatility for Aptos over the past 24 hours (left) to its price movement over the past week (right). The gray bands are Bollinger Bands, measuring the volatility for both the daily and weekly price movements. The wider the bands are, or the larger the gray area is at any given moment, the larger the volatility.

The trading volume for the coin has increased 6.0% over the past week while the overall circulating supply of the coin has increased 1.33% to over 433.96 million. The current market cap ranking for APT is #32 at $3.42 billion.

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This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

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Cryptocurrency Aptos Falls More Than 4% In 24 hours - Investing.com UK

Obscure Cryptocurrency Rollblock Poised for Unprecedented 100x Jump by 2024 – West Island Blog

Breathing in a renewed aura of anticipation, the cryptocurrency realm is witnessing an intriguing turn of events. Astute investors appear less enchanted by renowned cryptocurrencies like Ripple (XRP) and Cardano (ADA) as they inch towards an underdog interestRollblock (RBLK). RBLK, a relatively obscure player, is gaining an increasingly larger share of the investors attention. This crypto nugget is only $0.01, but market maestros are speculating that it could soar to a staggering $1 by 2024, positioning it as one of the most promising investment opportunities.

Cardano (ADA), the brainchild of Charles Hoskinson, is evincing a fascinating momentum. Hoskinson recently rolled out a hypothetical poll and posed an interesting conundrum to the crypto guruswhether or not Cardano should integrate Bitcoin Cash. Garnering an encouraging response, the poll has amassed over 15,000 votes with the majority advocating for integration.

ADA continues its upward trajectory, vacillating around a 20% rise in price over the past year. Additionally, its market cap witnessed a remarkable $3B leap, rocketing from $12B to $15B. The future of Cardano seems rosy, as buttressed by four bullish technical indicators. Consequently, crypto connoisseurs envision a potential surge to $0.58 before the second quarter of 2024 concludes.

Simultaneously, Ripple (XRP) is resounding its presence loud and clear. CoinMarketCap reports showcase that Ripples price underwent close to a 20% augmentation over the preceding 12 months while its market cap remains unaltered at $28B. Renowned analyst Mikybull posits that Ripple appears extremely bullish on the back of a confirmed price bottom. Echoing Mikybulls sentiments, several technical analysis reports also hint towards a bright future for Ripple, forecasting a potential uplift to $0.63 during the second quarter of 2024.

Catching the eye of keen investors, Rollblock is a distinctive player. Unlike the crypto behemoths Cardano and Ripple, Rollblocks allure primarily emanates from its unique revenue-sharing model, which sets it apart from the mainstream cryptos. Pioneering GambleFi protocol, Rollblock envisages reigning over the $450B gambling industry.

Moreover, Rollblock holds a distinctive advantage over rivals like Stake.com and Fairspin. Rollblock simplifies the process and eliminates the need for a traditional sign-up KYC checks, thereby promising user airtight privacy and ensuring comprehensive data leak prevention.

However, the most enticing aspect of Rollblock lies in its appeal as a dual investment. This innovative crypto casino ensures to generously disburse up to 30% of its revenue amongst RBLK holders or stakers. These sweeping reformations cement Rollblocks stand apart from conventional casinos where the house always wins. With Rollblocks novel practices, the RBLK token holders seize control. As a result, just holding onto the RBLK tokens could lead to massive capital gains.

At this stage, RBLK is valued at only $0.01, rendering it an extremely attractive presale investment prospect. As it progresses alongside price pumps, market analysts estimate a whopping 1200% increase in the presale period alone. The stakes are high and getting even higher with myriad estimates speculating a remarkable 100x jump rocketing RBLK value to $1 by the third quarter of 2024. This places RBLK as a phenomenal long-term investment opportunity in the crypto cosmos.

Rollblocks current market cap of $10M demonstrates its potential to revolutionize the crypto scene. Although it may require a 2000x increment to match the likes of Cardano and Ripple, it presents itself as a gamechanger for investors searching for accelerated returns. As Rollblock rapidly ascends to prominence, the question remainscould it ultimately eclipse the crypto giants Cardano and Ripple? The answer may lie in the exciting presale opportunities available for Rollblock. Its anyones game in the electrifying world of cryptocurrency.

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Obscure Cryptocurrency Rollblock Poised for Unprecedented 100x Jump by 2024 - West Island Blog

Bitcoin price might not rally after halving event, JPMorgan says – Quartz

This years Bitcoin halving event will be different than past ones, as the top cryptocurrency might actually lose value in the aftermath instead of rallying. Thats according to an analysis from JPMorgan, CoinDesk reports. The bank has predicted a decline in the value of the worlds largest cryptocurrency due to overbought market conditions.

TSMC beat on Q2 expectations driven by AI boom, Nvidia, and Apple

Moreover, the current cryptocurrency price of approximately $61,200 remains above the banks volatility-adjusted comparison with gold of $45,000, CoinDesk reports.

The Bitcoin halving will occur around April 19-20, cutting the current mining rate to 3.125 Bitcoin from 6.25 Bitcoin. Halving is an integral part of the Bitcoin blockchain system, which creates a monetary system that controls inflation.

After briefly dropping below $60,000 a day earlier, Bitcoin was down 1.17% on Thursday morning, hovering around $62,000, according to CoinMarketCap.

There has been a lot of discussion about this years Bitcoin halving being different from all the previous such events, primarily because the top cryptocurrencys price reached its peak a month before the halving event, which has never happened before.

Historically, Bitcoin halving has boosted the price of the cryptocurrency. For instance, after the first Bitcoin halving in 2012, the price was $12. It went up to $44 100 days after the event and $135 after 300 days.

Similarly, after the 2016 halving event, the cryptocurrency went from $658 to $1,551 in 300 days. And in the most recent halving of 2020, the price of $8,601 went to $50,941 within 300 days.

Read more: The big Bitcoin halving event is almost here. Weve got answers to all your questions

This time around, banking giants are not sure that the trend will continue given the market conditions. Recently, Goldman Sachs warned caution due to unpredictable macroeconomic factors regarding Bitcoins upcoming halving.

Historically, the previous three halvings have been accompanied by BTC price appreciation after the halving, although the time it took to reach the all-time highs differs significantly, said Goldmans Fixed Income, Currencies and Commodities (FICC) and Equities team, per CoinDesk. Caution should be taken against extrapolating the past cycles and the impact of halving, given the respective prevailing macro conditions.

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Bitcoin price might not rally after halving event, JPMorgan says - Quartz

Cryptocurrency: 3 Coins To Buy for Long-Term (10x) Profits This Bull Run – Watcher Guru

The realm of cryptocurrency is dubbed volatile and exciting at the same time. There are times when dependable altcoins fail to perform their best while the underrated gems emerge as the ultimate winners of the race. It can be particularly hard to dissect notable coins that may deliver stable returns as compared to volatile ones, which may steal away all your savings and investments.

With that thought in mind, heres our pick of the top three crypto coins that may deliver stabler profits this bull season.

Solana led the current bull run in all its glory, projecting a stellar price stance. The SOL ecosystem was rife with new presale coins and projects that helped the token sail to new highs.

The Solana ecosystem has recently deployed a congestion bug fix in its blockchain, which is bound to keep the network from crashing due to heavy traffic and trading.

This may help Solana onboard new users, as the network is primarily known as a hassle-free, low-cost, effective blockchain in the Web3 vertical. This will help SOL recover all its lost value at a rapid pace, crowning itself as a leading player in the web3 space.

According to CoinCodex, Solana may experience a notable price surge post-Bitcoin halving. Per CC, SOL may gain 13% to trade at $150 by the end of April 2024.

The price of Solana may rise by 13.54% and reach $150.73 by May 18, 2024. Per our technical indicators, the current sentiment is bearish, while the Fear & Greed Index is showing 57 (greed). Solana recorded 15/30 (50%) green days with 9.78% price volatility over the last 30 days.

XRP has long been embroiled with the SEC in a heated legal spat. Despite its sluggish pace and the prolonged legal warfare with the SEC, the token continues to hold its ground steady. XRPs magical price road is progressing primarily due to Ripple, its parent company, which is relentlessly pursuing monumental new partnerships with leading financial players in the space.

These new partnerships are key pathways for Ripple to gain further prominence, helping its token XRP to recover its lost fortunes sooner or later. Once the legal warfare with the SEC concludes, XRP may recover and regain its value, which makes it a great asset to hold and explore.

According to CoinCodex, XRP will gain 15% by the end of April, trading at $0.56 by May 17.

The price of XRP may rise by 15.83% and reach $0.568167 by May 18, 2024. Per our technical indicators, the current sentiment is bearish, while the Fear & Greed Index is showing 57 (greed). XRP recorded 14/30 (47%) green days with 7.50% price volatility over the last 30 days.

Ethereum is dubbed as the second-best cryptocurrency after Bitcoin. With the Bitcoin Halving event knocking on the door, the event may trigger a chain reaction, leading the altcoins to document a notable price spike.

Ethereum might also benefit from this change, assisting the token to seek stability in its price levels.

According to CoinCodex, Ethereum may spike 2% to trade at $3,107 by May 17. The slow yet steady price pace is what promises stable profit margins to its investors in the long term.

The price of Ethereum may rise by 2.87% and reach $3,105.24 by May 18, 2024. Per our technical indicators, the current sentiment is bearish, while the Fear & Greed Index is showing 57 (greed). Ethereum recorded 16/30 (53%) green days with 4.90% price volatility over the last 30 days.

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Cryptocurrency: 3 Coins To Buy for Long-Term (10x) Profits This Bull Run - Watcher Guru

Countdown Is On for the Bitcoin ‘Halving’ – The New York Times

Cryptocurrency enthusiasts have eagerly anticipated the third week of April, counting down the days until a potentially crucial moment in Bitcoins development called the halving.

Essentially, the halving is a scheduled reduction in the number of new Bitcoin that go into circulation. As the supply falls, some analysts anticipate that the digital currencys price will soar.

These reductions happen every four years or so. But this years halving has drawn especially enthusiastic attention as the crypto industry rebounds from years of falling prices and corporate implosions.

In recent months, Bitcoins price has surged to record highs, reaching $73,000 in March. Much of that increase was driven by the approval of new financial products tied to Bitcoin, which spurred billions of dollars in new investment. Crypto investors are hoping that the halving will create a similar effect, causing Bitcoins price to climb further.

Heres what to know about the halving.

A key purpose of Bitcoin is to enable people to exchange money without any sort of intermediary, like a bank, verifying the transaction.

In place of a bank, a distributed network of computers scattered around the world, all running Bitcoins software, performs the verification. To confirm a transaction, the computers solve complicated puzzles, racing one another to guess the answer. This process is designed to ensure that Person A has sufficient funds to send money to Person B.

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Countdown Is On for the Bitcoin 'Halving' - The New York Times

Cryptocurrency: Top 3 Coins That Could 10X In The Bull Run – Watcher Guru

As the cryptocurrency market gears up for another potential bull run, investors are eagerly searching for the next big opportunity. While the market is filled with countless coins and tokens, three cryptocurrencies stand out as top contenders for achieving a 10X return during the upcoming bull market: Solana (SOL), Aptos (APT), and Dogecoin (DOGE).

Despite the current market downturn, Solana is trading at $130.87, down 6.21% in the past 24 hours, and many experts believe that Solana has the potential to skyrocket during the next bull run.

One of the key factors contributing to Solanas potential for explosive growth is its ability to process thousands of transactions per second, making it an attractive option for developers and users alike. Additionally, the platforms recent update and growing meme coin sector could push it higher.

Also read: Binance Launches Megadrop: An Airdrops and Web3 Quests Platform

While Solanas all-time high of $260.06, reached in November 2021, may seem distant, the current market conditions could provide an excellent opportunity for investors to accumulate SOL before the next bull run takes off.

Aptos is trading at $9.04, down 2.84% in the past 24 hours, APT has already shown impressive growth since its launch, reaching an all-time high of $19.90 in January 2023.

Aptos distinguishes itself by utilizing the Move programming language, originally created by Facebook (now Meta) for their Libra (now Diem) project. Developers building decentralized applications find the Move language attractive due to its secure, scalable, and flexible design.

Also read: Dogecoin Forecasted To Reclaim $0.2 Level: Heres When

As the Aptos ecosystem continues to grow and more airdrops are set to launch in its ecosystem, the potential for APT to achieve a 10X return during the next bull run becomes increasingly likely.

Dogecoin, the meme-inspired cryptocurrency, is another top contender for explosive growth during the next bull run. Despite the current market downturn, with DOGE trading at $0.1438, down 8.88% in the past 24 hours, the coin has demonstrated its ability to generate massive returns in the past.

During the previous bull run, Dogecoin reached an all-time high of $0.7376 in May 2021, representing an impressive 80.41% increase from its current price.

Also read: Shiba Inu Forecasted To Hit $0.0003: Heres When

With a strong and loyal community behind it, DOGE has the potential to once again capture the attention of investors and achieve significant growth during the next bull market.

Moreover, the endorsement of high-profile individuals, such as Elon Musk, could further fuel its growth in the coming months and years.

However, as with any investment, it is crucial to conduct thorough research and exercise caution before making any financial decisions.

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Cryptocurrency: Top 3 Coins That Could 10X In The Bull Run - Watcher Guru

Cryptocurrency: Top 3 Coins To Watch This Weekend – Watcher Guru

The cryptocurrency market has witnessed a significant correction over the last few days, with Bitcoin (BTC) falling below $62,000. The global market cap dipped 2.5% in the previous 24 hours, currently at $2.36 trillion.

However, with BTCs halving just around the corner, lets look at three crypto assets investors should watch this weekend.

Bitcoin (BTC):

Bitcoin (BTC), the original crypto, is expected to undergo its next halving cycle either on the 19th or 20th of this month. Halvings are considered bullish as they reduce the supply of an asset. Historically, the crypto market has always rallied following BTCs halving. A similar pattern might play out this time as well.

According to CoinCodex, the original cryptocurrency could surge to $69,604 on Sunday, Apr. 21, 2024. Hitting $69,604 from current levels would translate to a growth of about 13.06%.

Also Read: Top 3 Cryptocurrencies That May Hit All-Time Highs In Q2 2024

Furthermore, CoinCodex predicts BTC to hit a new all-time high of $82,964 on May 15, 2024. Reaching $82,964 from current levels would translate to a growth of about 34.76%.

Shiba Inu (SHIB):

Shiba Inu (SHIB) is another popular cryptocurrency that could surge following BTCs halving. According to CoinCodex, SHIB could surge to $0.00002506 on Sunday, Apr. 21, 2024. Reaching $0.00002506 from current levels would translate to a growth of about 14.85%.

Furthermore, CoinCodex anticipates the dog-themed crypto to hit $0.00007560 on May 16, 2024.

Toncoin (TON):

TON is another cryptocurrency that has witnessed massive gains over the last few weeks. The asset recently hit an all-time high of $7.63 on Apr. 11, 2024. According to CoinCodex, TON will continue to surge over the next few weeks, hitting $19.68 on May 16, 2024.

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Cryptocurrency: Top 3 Coins To Watch This Weekend - Watcher Guru

RANAEX Revolutionizes Cryptocurrency Trading with Team Introduction and Licensing Milestone – AccessWire

POMPANO BEACH, FL / ACCESSWIRE / April 18, 2024 / RANAEX, the newly launched cryptocurrency exchange based in the United States, is making waves in the industry with its team of seasoned developers and a groundbreaking licensing milestone. Founded by former developers from Bybit and Binance, RANAEX brings a wealth of expertise and innovation to the table.

The recent acquisition of Money Services Business (MSB) licenses marks a significant step forward for RANAEX, opening doors for investors eager to engage in cryptocurrency trading on a platform known for its reliability and security. This licensing achievement sets RANAEX apart from competitors and establishes it as a trusted player in the market.

What sets RANAEX apart is its offering of perpetual futures, a service unmatched by other exchanges. This feature provides traders with unique opportunities for long-term investment strategies and hedging against market fluctuations.

Ethan Carter, CEO of RANAEX, envisions a bright future for the exchange, fueled by ambitious goals and a talented team. With the upcoming Bitcoin halving event in 2024 on the horizon, Carter is determined to lead RANAEX to new heights, drawing inspiration from the rapid success of Binance during the 2020 Bitcoin halving.

In an exciting development, Carter announced RANAEX's plans to release its own platform coins, promising further innovation and growth for the exchange. More details about this initiative will be unveiled in the upcoming press conference, underscoring RANAEX's commitment to pushing the boundaries of the cryptocurrency industry.

As RANAEX continues to disrupt the status quo and pave the way for the future of cryptocurrency trading, investors can expect unparalleled opportunities and advancements on the horizon.

Stay tuned for more updates from RANAEX as it embarks on its journey towards becoming a leading force in the global cryptocurrency market.

Media Information

For additional information and media inquiries, please contact:

Name: Ethan Carter Organization: RANAEX Website: https://ranaex.com Website: https://h5.ranaex.com/ Email: [emailprotected] Address: 817 West Sample Road, Pompano Beach, FLORIDA 33064 IG: https://www.instagram.com/ranaex_official/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RANAEX_Official

Disclaimer

As a committed entity in the cryptocurrency trading space, RANAEX underscores the importance of a secure and decentralized trading environment. Nonetheless, it's crucial for investors to recognize that digital currency trading is not devoid of risks, including potential market volatility and losses. RANAEX encourages all users to undertake comprehensive research and possibly seek financial advice before engaging in investment decisions, acknowledging and understanding the inherent risks involved.

SOURCE: RANAEX

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RANAEX Revolutionizes Cryptocurrency Trading with Team Introduction and Licensing Milestone - AccessWire

Crypto Takes Flight: Monarch Air Group Sees 32% Rise in Cryptocurrency Transactions Year-Over-Year – AccessWire

Premiere private jet charter provider, Monarch Air Group, sees a 32% rise in cryptocurrency transactions this year to date. The company attributes the growth to both the increase in value of cryptocurrency along with the downward movement of private jet charter rates.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL / ACCESSWIRE / April 18, 2024 / Monarch Air Group, a key player in the private charter aviation industry, has been accepting cryptocurrency as a form of payment since 2017. This forward-thinking approach has positioned the company as a leader in the industry, servicing private jet clients both within the United States and internationally.

Reporting a 32% rise in cryptocurrency transactions this year to date, CEO David Gitman attributes the increase in these transactions to the escalating value of cryptocurrencies and the downward movement of private charter prices. Combining these factors provides an overall higher value to the customer, leading to a 32% year-over-year growth.

Additionally, Monarch Air Group's innovative Online Quoting Tool simplifies the booking process by offering personalized quotes instantaneously. By utilizing this technology, customers can browse available charters in real time and make selections based on various factors, such as price, aircraft amenities, type and model, age, cabin size, location and dates, passenger count, and other preferences. You can easily pay with Bitcoin for a private jet charter or with any other popular cryptocurrency.

The integration of Monarch's Online Quoting Tool supports the growing trend of digitalization in luxury travel services, offering customers easy access to private jet charter rates while maintaining a high level of personal service. The application follows Monarch's 2017 decision to accept cryptocurrency as payment to help enhance and streamline the booking process.

For real-time pricing and immediate bookings, customers can access Monarch Air Group's online quoting tool at https://monarchairgroup.com/private-jet-charter-flights-cost-calculator.

About Monarch Air Group

Monarch Air Group is a leading private jet provider based in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The company specializes in providing personalized and luxurious air travel solutions to a discerning clientele. With a commitment to excellence, attention to detail, and unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction, Monarch Air Group is the preferred choice for private charter flights.

Monarchairgroup.com Instagram: @monarchairgroup Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monarchairgroup TikTok: @monarch.air.group X: @monarchairgroup

Contact Information

Mackenzie Smith Director, PR & Marketing [emailprotected] 7723218785

SOURCE: Monarch Air Group

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Crypto Takes Flight: Monarch Air Group Sees 32% Rise in Cryptocurrency Transactions Year-Over-Year - AccessWire

Bitcoin halving on deck here’s what to expect (Cryptocurrency:BTC-USD) – Seeking Alpha

JuSun

Bitcoin (BTC-USD) is a little ways away from undergoing a once-every-four-years software update in the blockchain that has historically been hyped as a positive catalyst for the highest-profile cryptocurrency.

The quadrennial halving event, due as soon as Friday, occurs when bitcoin (BTC-USD) miners reward for validating transactions is slashed in half, essentially reducing the rate at which new tokens are created by 50%. As such, the technical event reduces the supply of new bitcoins entering the market, a move that could drive up the coins price should demand remain constant or rise.

And, given the fixed supply of 21M bitcoins (BTC-USD), the halving event reinforces scarcity by reducing the rate at which new BTCs are introduced into circulation.

If history serves as a guide (that is, the halving has preceded big price gains), the event could boost the price of bitcoin (BTC-USD) to more than $115K, crypto tax-reporting firm CoinLedger said in a study last month. Since there have only been three halvings so far, it should be taken with a grain of salt that bitcoin (BTC-USD) tends to rise after the event. SA analyst Florian Grummes had warned that BTC typically weakens for about 15 to 45 days immediately before and after the halving.

Bitcoin (BTC-USD) had already reached a record high of $73.8K in mid-March, as the green light for spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) has spurred strong and persistent demand for the token. Now, volatility has spiraled amid the countdown to the halving (as well as jitters about higher-for-longer interest rates), with bitcoin dropping some 17% since hitting its record.

H.C. Wainwright analyst Mike Colonnese is in the camp that the halving will prove to be a positive development for the price of bitcoin (BTC-USD). But the supply shock impact could take months to materialize, and we are now cautious on BTC prices over the short term given geopolitical issues in the Middle East and re-accelerating inflation.

He wouldnt be surprised to see BTC retreat to the low-to-mid $50K range over the near-term, before rebounding and resuming its longer-term bull run. Should that come to fruition, he added, there could be some short-term pressure on mining stocks (MARA) (RIOT) (HUT)(HIVE)(BTBT)(BITF) if we were to see such drawdown in BTC prices.

Note that miners profitability generally suffers after a halving as their miner reward gets cut in half. This fourth halving will lower the reward to 3.125 BTC from the current 6.25. The overall halving process is expected to end in 2140, when the number of bitcoins (BTC-USD) in circulation are expected to reach its programmed cap of 21M. There are currently about 19.7M BTC in circulation.

Still, publicly-traded miners are well positioned to take advantage of the new environment, mainly due to greater access to funding and in particular financing, J.P. Morgan analyst Nikolaos Panigirtzoglou wrote in a Thursday note. This helps them to scale their operations and invest into more efficient equipment.

Deutsche Banks Marion Laboure argued that bitcoins (BTC-USD) price likely wont see a significant increase post-halving, as the event is already partially priced in by the market. The analyst does expect prices to stay high, though, amid expectations of spot ether (ETH-USD) ETF approvals, central bank policy easing and regulatory changes.

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Bitcoin halving on deck here's what to expect (Cryptocurrency:BTC-USD) - Seeking Alpha

Marijuana Banking, Cryptocurrency Regulation May Be Combined Into Single Bill – PYMNTS.com

Proposed rules for marijuana banking and cryptocurrency regulation may be combined into a single bill.

The legislation has not been finalized, but there have been talks in the U.S. Congress about combining a cannabis bill, the Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation (SAFER) Banking Act, and a stablecoin measure, Marijuana MomentreportedSunday (April 14).

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has said that he aims to pass legislation to safeguard cannabis banking and achieve that in the weeks and months ahead, according to the report.

The SAFER Banking Bill has been awaiting action by the Senate since being passed by the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs in September 2023, Seeking AlphareportedMonday (April 15).

The bill could impact a number of multistate operators and cannabis exchange-traded funds (ETFs), according to the report.

It was reported April 1 that while more than half of all Americans live in a state that has legalized marijuana, banks wont work withcannabis sellersbecause the drug is still illegal under federal law.

As a result, legitimate cannabis businesses still find themselves wondering what to do with all their cash, as it is nearly impossible for them to accept payments in anything other than cash.

While the U.S. House has passed a bipartisan bill that would make it easier for cannabis companies to find banking services, the Senate has never voted on its version. However, that vote could come this year.

Some saw a possible opening of the door to more cohesive payments systems in the sector in August 2023, when U.S. health officials recommended easingrestrictions on cannabisand reclassifying it as a Schedule III drug under the Controlled Substances Act.

Currently, cannabis is classified as a Schedule I substance, which implies a high risk of abuse and no accepted medical use. If cannabis were to be reclassified as a Schedule III drug, it would be seen as less dangerous and could be obtained legally with a prescription.

As an indicator of the size of potential business payments, the business-to-business (B2B) cannabis platform LeafLinkreported that it passed the $1 billion transaction mark in September 2022 with its payment solutions and expected more growth.

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Marijuana Banking, Cryptocurrency Regulation May Be Combined Into Single Bill - PYMNTS.com

72 arrested, HK$228 million in assets frozen in Hong Kong JPEX crypto scandal – South China Morning Post

Police Commissioner Raymond Siu Chak-yee updated the legislature with the forces latest progress in the investigation on Thursday, saying the number of arrests related to the case had shot up to 72 and about HK$228 million had been frozen.

The force has received 2,636 reports with regard to the case as of today, and the amount involved is about HK$1.6 billion, he said.

Among those previously arrested were social media influencers who had appeared in adverts for the trading platform and set up their own over-the-counter shops. They included Chan Wing-yee, Joseph Lam Chok and Sheena Leung.

In his reply to lawmaker Johnny Ng Kit-chong who had been following the issue, Siu also said the force recorded 6,330 investment scams both offline and online last year, with more than HK$5.93 billion lost. Among them, 2,342 cases were related to cryptocurrency and involved about HK$3.16 billion.

Separately, the meeting also touched on the governments proposed amendments to the Fire Safety (Buildings) Ordinance, which came under public scrutiny following the fatal blaze at New Lucky House in Yau Ma Tei.

Authorities are seeking to increase the penalty for non-compliance with fire-safety orders from a maximum of HK$50,000 to HK$200,000.

The amendments also seek further fines for every day the offences continued, ranging from HK$5,000 to HK$20,000.

Hong Kong JPEX cryptocurrency scandal exposes regulatory loopholes: victims

Security minister Chris Tang Ping-keung said the government would expedite the legislative process by tabling the amendments in the second quarter of this year instead of the fourth following the recent fire.

The blaze at the mixed-use 60-year-old building in Yau Ma Tei filled with guest houses and subdivided flats killed five people and injured 43 last Wednesday.

The fire-stricken block was one of 9,578 buildings that had failed to comply with fire safety notices as of last December. It also had failed to follow a compulsory building inspection order for six years.

Lawmakers at Thursdays meeting grilled authorities on whether they would consider adding a jail term as one of the penalties for non-compliance with the Fire Safety (Buildings) Ordinance.

Deadly Hong Kong blaze prompts switch of fire safety focus to high-risk sites

But Tang said that it would be difficult for the government to consider imprisonment as a punishment for not following fire safety instructions as it would mostly be a collective responsibility, rather than guilt falling on a single person.

For instance, not fixing the fireproof door, not placing a fire hose, there being obstructions in a passageway it is very hard to find a personal responsibility here, he said.

As it is not a personal responsibility, it is easier to issue a fine. If they cant find a person who is responsible, how do you determine who goes to jail? This is the difficulty here.

The security minister also noted that buildings that did not follow fire safety instructions did not mean they were unsafe for residents, but rather they had not reached current standards.

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72 arrested, HK$228 million in assets frozen in Hong Kong JPEX crypto scandal - South China Morning Post

Cryptocurrency: 3 Coins That Could 2X Post Bitcoin Halving – Watcher Guru

As the highly anticipated Bitcoin halving event approaches, the cryptocurrency market is abuzz with speculation about which coins could potentially double in value in the aftermath.

While Bitcoin is expected to experience significant price movements, several altcoins are also garnering attention for their potential to deliver substantial gains.

In this article, we will explore three coins that could potentially 2X post-Bitcoin halving: Solana (SOL), Shiba Inu (SHIB), and Dogwifhat (WIF).

Also read: Can Ethereum (ETH) Hit All-Time High After Bitcoin Halving?

Solana is a high-performance blockchain platform with impressive technical capabilities and a growing ecosystem. Currently trading at $139.28, SOL has experienced a 2.86% increase in the past 24 hours. Over the last month, Solana has seen a low of $119.83 and a high of $209.70, demonstrating its potential for significant price movements.

As the Bitcoin halving event draws near, many experts believe that Solana could benefit from the increased attention and investment flowing into the cryptocurrency market.

Also read: Can Solana (SOL) Hit $200 After Bitcoin Halving?

Shiba Inu, the meme-inspired cryptocurrency that has captured the hearts of many investors, is another coin that could potentially see significant gains post-Bitcoin halving.

Currently trading at $0.00002259, SHIB has experienced a 4.66% increase in the past 24 hours. Over the last month, Shiba Inu has seen a low of $0.00001853 and a high of $0.00003272, highlighting its potential for volatility and substantial price movements.

With a loyal and enthusiastic community behind it, Shiba Inu has demonstrated its ability to generate hype and attract investors. As the Bitcoin halving event brings increased attention to the cryptocurrency market, SHIB could benefit from the renewed interest in altcoins.

Also read: Shiba Inu (SHIB) & Dogecoin (DOGE) Price Prediction This Week

Dogwifhat, a relatively new entrant to the cryptocurrency scene, has been making impressive strides and could potentially deliver significant returns post-Bitcoin halving. Currently trading at $2.67, WIF has experienced a 0.92% increase in the past 24 hours. Over the last month, Dogwifhat has seen a low of $1.96 and a high of $4.85, showcasing its potential for growth.

As the Bitcoin halving event approaches, Dogwifhats unique features and growing community could help it stand out in the crowded cryptocurrency market.

Also read: Cryptocurrency: Whales Scooped Up These Coins Amidst Market Dip

In conclusion, several altcoins, such as Solana, Shiba Inu, and Dogwifhat, are poised for potential gains, despite the anticipated significant impact of the Bitcoin halving event on the cryptocurrency market as a whole.

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Cryptocurrency: 3 Coins That Could 2X Post Bitcoin Halving - Watcher Guru

Today’s cryptocurrency prices: Check rates of Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, Solana – NewsBytes

Next Article

What's the story

Bitcoin has climbed 1.13% over the last 24 hours, trading at $62,486.64. It is 11.99% lower than the previous week. Ethereum, the second most popular token, is down 0.65% from yesterday and now trades at $3,003.89. It is down 15.22% from last week. The market capitalization of Bitcoin and Ethereum is now at $1,204.02 billion and $361.86 billion, respectively.

BNB is trading at $546.02, which is 0.94% lower than yesterday and 11.84% down since last week. The current price of XRP is $0.44, down 1.28% in the last 24 hours. It is 19.79% lower compared to last week. Cardano and Dogecoin are trading at $0.44 (down 0.67%) and $0.11 (down 0.14%), respectively.

Solana, Polka Dot, Shiba Inu, and Polygon are currently trading at $139.4 (up 3.35%), $6.58 (down 1.1%), $0.000022 (down 0.22%), and $0.66 (down 2.82%), respectively. Based on the weekly chart, Solana has slipped 20.04%, while Polka Dot has declined by 22.37%. In the past week, Shiba Inu's value has decreased by 20.6%, whereas Polygon has lost 26.7%.

Based on the 24 hourly movement, the top gainers are Toncoin, Neo, Gala, Jupiter, and Immutable. They are trading at $6.99 (up 14.81%), $18.94 (up 11.67%), $0.044 (up 8.26%), $1.02 (up 6.26%), and $2.02 (up 5.53%), respectively.

A stablecoin is a cryptocurrency with extremely low volatility. Its value is pegged to a real-world asset such as fiat currency or gold. Talking about some of the prominent tokens, Tether and USD Coin are trading at $1 (up 0.01%) and $1 (down 0%), respectively.

The biggest losers of the day are Core, Maker, Nervos Network, Ondo, and Chiliz. They are trading at $1.95 (down 8.30%), $2,964.12 (down 8.10%), $0.011 (down 6.58%), $0.77 (down 5.04%), and $0.11 (down 5.03%), respectively.

DeFi, short for decentralized finance, refers to all global, peer-to-peer financial services on public blockchains. Some of the prominent DeFi tokens are Avalanche, Chainlink, Internet Computer, Dai, and Uniswap. They are trading at $34.26 (down 0.65%), $13.50 (up 1.35%), $12.70 (up 4.29%), $1 (up 0.03%), and $7.21 (up 1.46%), respectively.

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are cryptocurrencies that lack the attribute of fungibility, which means they cannot be exchanged for one another like other tokens. Internet Computer, Stacks, Render, Immutable, and Theta Network are among the prominent NFT tokens. They are currently trading at $12.68 (up 4.37%), $2.36 (up 2.01%), $7.68 (down 1.79%), $2.02 (up 5.51%), and $2.02 (down 0.02%), respectively.

The current global crypto market cap is $2.31 trillion, a 3.33% increase over the last day. The total crypto market volume over the last 24 hours is $85.38 billion, which marks a 12.0% increase. Last month, the global crypto market valuation was $2.54 trillion, while the total capitalization stood at $1.63 trillion three months ago.

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Today's cryptocurrency prices: Check rates of Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, Solana - NewsBytes

SOAI Announces a Secure MSB License from FinCEN, Setting New Standards in the Global Cryptocurrency Industry – AccessWire

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / April 18, 2024 / SOAI (SoAI Co., Ltd), a leading platform, has announced that it has received a Money Services Business (MSB) license from the U.S. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).

(MSB Inquiry URL: https://www.fincen.gov/msb-state-selector. Enter the license number 31000268620477 to search the official system.)

To address the latest approach, SOAI marks a significant milestone with an announcement that it has received a Money Services Business (MSB) license from the U.S. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). This news has drawn widespread attention in the global cryptocurrency industry, marking further international recognition of SOAI's compliance and professionalism.

The platform achieved an MSB license, issued and regulated by the United States Department of the Treasury, which is essential for businesses involved in financial services, covering activities related to cryptocurrencies, digital assets, ICOs, foreign exchange, international remittances, and more. SOAI gains the trust of global investors through regulatory compliance and supports its global operations strategy by obtaining an MSB license.

Including more, SOAI, based in Silicon Valley, focuses on leveraging AI to revolutionize human social interactions, emphasizing compliance and globalization. It enhances credibility through regulatory transparency and fosters partnerships with platforms like Google Play and Apple Store. SOAI also uses blockchain technology to deploy smart contracts, ensuring users' privacy is robustly protected.

With the MSB license, SOAI stands as a testament to regulatory compliance within the cryptocurrency sector. This achievement contributes to the overall legitimacy and acceptance of cryptocurrencies on a global scale. The platform employs cutting-edge encryption technologies and security protocols to secure users' funds and confidential information. With its unwavering dedication and commitment, the platform remains vigilant in its efforts to reduce risks and protect users from security breaches.

Furthermore, SOAI's mission is to create a safe, transparent, regulated, and trustworthy environment that is sustainable for cryptocurrency trading. SOAI will revolutionize the integration of artificial intelligence and emotional interaction, paving the way for a new era.

SOAI ((SoAI Co., Ltd):

SOAI ((SoAI Co., Ltd), a top-tier platform, represents a significant milestone in artificial intelligence technology. It will become an invaluable resource for research and teaching, offering students engaging and interactive learning experiences. The platform provides robust technical support for entrepreneurial ventures.

Additionally, the hot presale of SOAI tokens is about to start. Follow @SOAI_web3 on Twitter to stay updated on this rising star!

CONTACT:

Project official website: https://www.soai.org/ Project official Twitter: https://twitter.com/SOAI_web3 Email: [emailprotected] Contact person: Ellison Blake

SOURCE: SOAI

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SOAI Announces a Secure MSB License from FinCEN, Setting New Standards in the Global Cryptocurrency Industry - AccessWire

Cryptocurrency: Top 3 Coins to Watch This Week – Watcher Guru

The cryptocurrency market underwent a slight correction over the weekend, with the global market cap falling to $2.48 trillion. The correction could be due to high inflation numbers in the US and escalating global conflicts between Iran and Israel.

However, we may witness a market rebound, with Bitcoins (BTC) halving right around the corner. Lets look at three crypto assets to watch this week.

Bitcoin (BTC):

Bitcoin (BTC) is the current market leader, and other assets are following in its footsteps. BTC has fallen 6.2% in the weekly charts, and its price hovers just over $65k. However, BTC will undergo its next halving cycle later this month. Many consider halvings bullish as they reduce the supply of an asset. There is a possibility that BTC will rebound from its current slump and reclaim its all-time high of $73,737, which it attained in March of this year.

Also Read: Top 3 Cryptocurrencies That May Hit All-Time Highs In Q2 2024

Furthermore, if inflation in the US cools down, we may see a further price appreciation. The latest Iranian attack on Israel has further strained global economics. If the conflict comes to an end, the markets may recover faster.

Toncoin (TON):

While other assets faced a price correction, TON continued to rally. The cryptocurrency is up by 16.4% in the daily charts and nearly 31% in the weekly. TON has also overtaken Dogecoin (DOGE) as the 9th largest cryptocurrency by market cap.

Also Read: Top 3 US Stocks To Watch in April 2024

TONs latest rally could be due to positive ecosystem news. The asset may continue to surge over the next few weeks, especially given BTCs halving later this month.

dogwifhat (WIF):

WIF is another cryptocurrency that witnessed a massive rally in the last 24 hours. The popular memecoin is up by 14.3% in the daily charts and 20.2% over the previous month. However, the cryptocurrency is down by 17.8% in the weekly charts and over 30% in the 14 day charts.

According to CoinCodex, WIF will continue to rally over the next few weeks, hitting $5.48 on May 1, 2024.

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Cryptocurrency: Top 3 Coins to Watch This Week - Watcher Guru

Schumer And Key House Lawmakers Discuss Merging Marijuana Banking Bill With Cryptocurrency Reform – Marijuana Moment

Bipartisan congressional lawmakers from the House and Senate are discussing the possibility of combining cyptocurrency regulation legislation with a marijuana banking bill.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) raised the topic with House Financial Services Committee Chairman Patrick McHenry (R-CA) and Ranking Member Maxine Waters (D-CA) on Thursday, a source familiar with the conversation confirmed with Marijuana Moment.

The legislation has yet to be finalized, but the prospect of merging the Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation (SAFER) Banking Act with the stablecoin measure comes amid heightened expectations about the Senate moving the cannabis bill as a standalone, months after it cleared committee.

Politico reported that the package under consideration could potentially be attached to a Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill that needs to pass before May 10.

Schumer recently reiterated his intent to pass legislation to safeguard cannabis banking as part of a busy agenda that he hopes to achieve in the weeks and months ahead, though he again stressed the need for bipartisan cooperation.

He also recently asked people toshow their support for the SAFER Banking Act by signing a petitionas he steps up his push for the legislation. A poll released last month by the American Bankers Association (ABA) shows that roughly three out of five Americanssupport allowing marijuana industry access to the banking system.

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) said last week that that if Republicans want to keep the House, they should pass the marijuana banking bill, arguing that there are votes to approve it.

Schumer told Marijuana Moment last month thatthe bill remains a very high priority for the Senate, and members are having very productive bicameral talks to reach a final agreement.

Marijuana Moment is tracking more than 1,400 cannabis, psychedelics and drug policy bills in state legislatures and Congress this year. Patreon supporters pledging at least $25/month get access to our interactive maps, charts and hearing calendar so they dont miss any developments. Learn more about our marijuana bill tracker and become a supporter on Patreon to get access.

Senate Banking Committee Chairman Sherrod Brown (D-OH) also said last month thatpassing the SAFER Banking Act off the floor is a high priority.However, he also recently said in a separate interview thatadvancing the legislation is complicated by current House dynamics.

House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN) separately said during a recent American Bankers Association (ABA) summit that he wants to see the SAFER Banking Act move.

He said that, for whatever reason, the federal government has been slow to act on the incremental reform that he supports even though he doesnt identify as a marijuana guy.

One key factor thats kept the bill from the Senate floor is disagreement over mostly non-cannabis provisions dealing with broader banking regulations, primarily those contained in Section 10 of the legislation.

Bicameral negotiations have been ongoing, however, and recent reporting suggests that a final deal could be just over the horizon.

The Democratic Senate sponsor of the SAFER Banking Act, Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), told Marijuana Moment last month that the legislation is gaining momentum as lawmakers work to bring it to the floor and pass it this year.

The office of the Republican SAFER Banking prime sponsor, Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT), separately told Marijuana Moment that conversations have been productive and Senator Daines is working to get the bill across the finish line.

At the close of the first half of the 118th Congress in December, Schumer said in a floor speech that lawmakers would hit the ground running in 2024, aiming tobuild on bipartisan progress on several key issues, including marijuana banking reformthough he noted it wont be easy.

Biden, Harris And Top DOJ Official Promote Marijuana Pardons While Commemorating Second Chance Month

Photo courtesy of Mike Latimer.

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Schumer And Key House Lawmakers Discuss Merging Marijuana Banking Bill With Cryptocurrency Reform - Marijuana Moment

Bitcoin drops below $60,000 before the big ‘halving’ event – Quartz

Bitcoin is getting jittery before the big halving event scheduled for Friday. The top cryptocurrency fell to $59,900 on Wednesday for the first time since early March, almost 17% below its all-time high.

TSMC beat on Q2 expectations driven by AI boom, Nvidia, and Apple

Many of the other major cryptocurrencies also dropped Wednesday, including the second-largest, Ether, which has gone below $3,000, according to crypto tracking website CoinMarketCap.

The Bitcoin halving is due on April 19, cutting the current mining rate to 3.125 Bitcoin from 6.25 Bitcoin. Halving is an integral part of the Bitcoin blockchain system, which creates a monetary system that controls inflation. While this major event has been projected to possibly increase Bitcoins price in the long term, Bitcoins price has been increasingly volatile recently and will likely continue to be going into the halving.

There has been a lot of discussion about this years Bitcoin halving being different from all the previous such events. The cryptocurrencys price reached its peak a month before the halving event, which has never happened before.

Sam Callahan, a senior analyst at Swan Bitcoin, a Bitcoin financial services firm, says Bitcoin is currently in a consolidation phase. The recent volatility is likely a result of short-term traders placing bets on the outcome of the highly anticipated halving event, Callahan said in an email.

If an investor chooses to own Bitcoin, short-term volatility should be expected, but if they zoom out, Bitcoins long-term trend remains clear.

Bitcoin halving has historically boosted the price of the cryptocurrency.

For instance, after the first Bitcoin halving in 2012, the price was $12. It went up to $44 100 days after the event and $135 after 300 days.

Similarly, after the 2016 halving event, the cryptocurrency went from $658 to $1,551 in 300 days.

And in the most recent halving of 2020, the price of $8,601 went to $50,941 within 300 days.

Read more: The big Bitcoin halving event is almost here. Weve got answers to all your questions

CoinDesk reports that Goldman Sachs warns caution due to unpredictable macroeconomic factors regarding Bitcoins upcoming halving.

Historically, the previous three halvings have been accompanied by BTC price appreciation after the halving, although the time it took to reach the all-time highs differs significantly, said Goldmans Fixed Income, Currencies and Commodities (FICC) and Equities team per CoinDesk. Caution should be taken against extrapolating the past cycles and the impact of halving, given the respective prevailing macro conditions.

In the midst of investor nervousness as well as Bitcoins volatility, Rennick Palley, a Founding Partner at Stratos, a crypto venture capital firm, remains optimistic about Bitcoins long-term performance.

There are two headwinds for Bitcoin in the short term, the volatile pre-halving period as well as prior all-time highs, which typically take 2 to 3 attempts to definitively breach, he said in an email.

However we expect bitcoin to break through this by mid summer and continue towards 150k plus by 2025.

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Bitcoin drops below $60,000 before the big 'halving' event - Quartz