NTT DATA collaborates with Meta Pool to promote data sovereignty, ID, AI, and governance in NEAR
Blockchain: data sovereignty, identity, security, governance, and decentralized AI. NTT DATA becomes the first global consulting company to operate a validator node on the NEAR network. The collaboration strengthens the security, decentralization, and scalability of the NEAR protocol through Meta Pool's Enterprise Node Operators (ENO) program. This milestone drives the integration of decentralized AI and data sovereignty, marking a new era for blockchain and Web3.
Where will the biggest Christmas rally be?: Hong Kong tops the ranking for strong gains
● The Spanish index is the only analyzed index with a lower performance in the last month of the year, compared to the previous 11 months ● The markets in Hong Kong and the UK record the highest returns at Christmas, averaging 3.1% and 1.93%, respectively ● Overall, the performance in December exceeds the average of other months by 1.06%, which corresponds to 23% of annual profits Tuesday, December 9, 2024. Investors in the major stock markets around the world earn nearly a quarter of their annual profits in December. However, the Ibex 35 usually deviates from this trend and is one of the indices least likely to report higher gains at Christmas. In contrast, the markets in the UK and Hong Kong tend to exceed the profits of the rest of the year in December, according to findings from an analysis conducted by the investment and trading platform eToro.
Cardano and Atómico 3 are preparing to launch the first global crypto lithium index
Cardano and Atómico 3 are working on the development of the first global crypto lithium index. Key points Cardano and Atómico 3 are working together to launch the first crypto lithium index, promising transparency in price formation and stability in a strategic market. The index facilitates long-term planning, promotes responsible practices, and supports the energy transition through the efficient use of lithium. The alliance between Atómico 3, Cardano, and zenGate combines industrial expertise and blockchain technology to transform the digital economy and electromobility.
Bitcoin retreats below its historic high of $100,000
Last week, Bitcoin marked a historic milestone by surpassing the symbolic level of $100,000, establishing a new all-time high and reaching a market capitalization of over $2 trillion for the first time.
Reaching six figures (in US dollars) is no small feat and demonstrates how far Bitcoin has come in recent years. More and more investors want exposure to this asset class, which has driven greater capital inflows into the sector.
This is especially reflected in spot Bitcoin ETFs, which continue to break records. BlackRock's IBIT ETF, the largest among spot Bitcoin ETFs, now has over $50 billion in assets and achieved this milestone in just 228 days, five times faster than any previous ETF.
Despite this, reaching $100,000, given the psychological significance of this price level, could lead some investors to take profits. We are already seeing signs of this this week, with the price falling slightly below $100,000, currently trading at $97,500.
Typical pullbacks in bullish Bitcoin markets usually range between 20% and 40%, so while the drop below $100,000 is small so far, it would not be surprising to see a deeper correction of this magnitude, especially as we approach the holiday season when investors often rebalance their portfolios in preparation for the new year. #btc #bitcoin $BTC
ECB Interest Rate Decision: Trump Adds Uncertainty to the Situation
The year-end rally is gaining momentum, and the DAX has recorded its largest gains since September. This week, the European Central Bank (ECB) holds the key to determining the next market movements. Its decision could extend the rise or bring it to a sudden halt. As the ECB continues its rate-cutting cycle, the main question remains: how much will rates drop? It is unlikely that a clear roadmap will emerge from this meeting, as ECB President Christine Lagarde is expected to dodge the most pressing issues. Investors should temper their expectations for concrete guidance.
Microsoft will put to a vote a proposal to invest in Bitcoin as part of its financial strategy.
Although Microsoft's board of directors opposes it, the debate has generated strong media interest and could influence the institutional narrative of crypto adoption.
If approved, it could mark a before and after in the relationship of big tech with cryptocurrencies.
MicroStrategy proposal to Microsoft
Michael Saylor has formally proposed that Microsoft adopt Bitcoin in its balance sheets and financial operations, highlighting the potential to add significant market value in the long term.
Although there is no official response, this initiative underlines the growing interest of leading corporations to explore cryptocurrencies as a viable financial strategy.
Bitcoin reached $100K, analysis by Guilherme Nazar, VP Binance Latam
Bitcoin has surpassed $100,000, bringing its market capitalization to over $2 trillion, positioning it alongside giants like gold and Apple. Driven by institutional adoption, ETFs, and favorable regulatory changes in the U.S., this achievement reflects Bitcoin's transition into conventional financial markets.
Context: Almost 16 years since its first block was mined in 2009, Bitcoin has reached the milestone of $100K per coin, placing the asset at a total market capitalization of over $2 trillion. This also firmly places Bitcoin on the very short list of only seven assets or companies that have surpassed $2 trillion in market capitalization, with the others being gold and tech giants NVIDIA, Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet (Google), and Amazon.
"We are still at the beginning of this bull market"
Simon Peters, expert analyst in crypto assets, notes that 'we are still relatively at the beginning of this bull market' as historically, the peak forms 'between 12 and 18 months after the halving of the block reward.' Therefore, 'it should be reached by the end of 2025 or early 2026.' However, Josh Gilbert, market analyst, emphasizes that 'investors should remember that an asset does not rise in a straight line forever. Bitcoin's drops are normal, but it seems that something significant will be needed right now to halt Bitcoin.'
Binance Spain Statements on Bitcoin Reaching 100K Dollars
Javier de la Torre, Binance Spain .- Nearly 16 years after its first block was mined in 2009, Bitcoin has reached the milestone of 100,000 dollars per coin, placing the asset at a total market capitalization of 2.1 trillion dollars.
This also places Bitcoin firmly on the very limited list of just seven assets or companies that have reached over 2 trillion dollars in market capitalization, with the others being gold and tech giants NVIDIA, Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet (Google), and Amazon.
The DOGS token, known for its focus on charitable causes, has launched a global platform that allows registered nonprofits to apply for funding.
$DOGS will allocate $4.5 million in tokens to global charities after a selection process. The alliance with Best Friends Animal Society includes $150,000 to support shelters and save more animals. With its mascot Spotty, DOGS unites blockchain and solidarity to achieve a save rate of 90% in shelters by 2025.
What awaits us in late 2024 and early 2025 for BTC?
The crypto market is full of confidence. Proof of this is the brutal fall in dominance in recent days, from 63% to 56%. This is very important because it shows the great confidence that exists in this market. In addition, this will mean that many cryptocurrencies that were at very low prices will resume their bullish paths, and even surpass their ATH (All Time High).
Right now, the 2 most important charts to look at in the crypto market are Dominance and Total Market CAP.
Donald Trump plans major tax cuts to stimulate economic growth and boost corporate profits. However, this strategy comes at a significant cost: reduced tax revenues are likely to widen the budget deficit and further increase the $36 trillion national debt.
To address the resulting funding shortfall, Trump appears to be relying on increased import tariffs. However, trade wars present substantial risks:
1) They are notoriously difficult, if not impossible, to “win.”
2) American consumers end up bearing the burden of rising prices, 3) Economic weakness limits the effectiveness of protectionist policies.
Tariffs could also push up inflation, limiting the Federal Reserve's ability to lower interest rates further.
Combined with rising debt, reduced fiscal flexibility, and increased market risks, these factors pose significant threats to economic stability.
Scott Bessent's appointment as Treasury Secretary offers hope for stability. The hedge fund manager, known for his pragmatic approach, is expected to focus on safeguarding the economy rather than wholeheartedly pushing Trump's political agenda.
The Chancellor of the United Kingdom reveals plans for a digital bond pilot
In her first speech at Mansion House last week, the new Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, announced the launch of a pilot to implement a digital bond instrument called Digital Gilt Instrument (DIGIT), which uses distributed ledger technology.
The pilot builds on the foundations laid by the previous government and is part of the new Growth and Competitiveness Strategy for Financial Services of the government.
The Labour Party, which took power in July, has said little about its plans for the crypto industry in the UK so far. However, Reeves' speech provides confidence to businesses that the UK still plans to innovate in the financial services sector under the new government leadership.
BlackRock expands its tokenized fund BUIDL to multiple blockchains
BlackRock announced last week the expansion of its tokenized fund BUIDL (BlackRock USD Institutional Digital Liquidity Fund), initially introduced on Ethereum in March 2024, to new blockchains.
The added blockchains include Aptos, Arbitrum, Avalanche, Optimism’s OP Mainnet, and Polygon.
BUIDL, tokenized by Securitize, has become the largest fund in the tokenized government securities market, with $517 million in assets under management, representing 22% of a $2.3 billion market.
This expansion offers greater accessibility for investors, decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), and other digital asset-native companies, allowing developers to build on BlackRock's fund in their preferred ecosystem, according to the press release.