Education

August 17, 2023

For Travelers and Holiday Makers: Cash vs. Card vs. Crypto

3.5 min read

Travel has become more exciting and diverse, not just in destinations but also in how we fund our adventures. The digital age has added a new dimension to our traditional payment modes. For the jet-setter or even the occasional holidaymaker, it's essential to know the advantages and drawbacks of cash, card, and cryptocurrency.

Cash: The Time-Honored Choice

Advantages

- Universal Acceptance: Cash speaks a universal language. Whether you're bartering in a local market or grabbing a quick coffee, cash is always welcome.

- Budget Control: Physically handling money gives a tangible sense of expenditure, helping to manage budgets better.

- No Additional Fees: No worries about transaction or withdrawal fees when paying with cash.

Drawbacks

- Safety Concerns: Lost or stolen cash can't be reclaimed.

- Bulk and Weight: Carrying significant sums can be cumbersome and risky.

- Currency Exchange: Fluctuating exchange rates and service charges can affect the value of exchanged money.

Card (Credit/Debit): The Contemporary Standard

Advantages

- Convenience: Swipe or tap, and you're done. No fumbling for change or dealing with unfamiliar currency.

- Security: In case of theft or loss, cards can be blocked instantly. Many also offer insurance against unauthorized transactions.

- Rewards: Many cards provide cashbacks, points, or travel rewards, making spending more rewarding.

Drawbacks

- Foreign Transaction Fees: These can add up, increasing your expenditure, especially if unaware.

- Not Always Accepted: Many places, especially in remote locations, still don't accept cards.

- Dependence on Technology: If the card machine is down or there's no internet, your card becomes useless.

Cryptocurrency: The Future Frontier

Advantages

- Decentralization: Crypto operates beyond borders. No need for currency exchange or dealing with local banking norms.

- Low Fees: Cryptocurrency often has reduced transaction fees, especially for international transfers.

- Privacy and Security: Encrypted transactions mean enhanced security, and crypto offers more transactional privacy.

Drawbacks

- Potential Price Volatility: The value of cryptocurrencies (Non - Stablecoins) can swing drastically within short periods.

- Limited Acceptance: Despite growing interest, many establishments globally still don't accept cryptocurrencies.

- Requires Tech-Savviness: Setting up wallets, ensuring security, and understanding blockchain can be overwhelming for some.

Comparative Table

In Conclusion

A combination of all three might suit most travelers:

- Have local currency in cash for immediate and small expenses.

- Use a card for majority transactions, ensuring you have one that's travel-friendly.

- Integrate cryptocurrency into your spending in crypto-advanced destinations or for specific services that accept them.

Choosing the best method will always depend on individual comfort, destination specifics, and the nature of the trip. Safe travels!

XRP registers disappointing decline post-court ruling$BNB $$XRP

TL;DR Breakdown

XRP has registered a disappointing performance over the last few weeks since its court ruling.

Analysts are still optimistic about the token's chances of reaching $1.

In the wake of a favorable court ruling for XRP, the digital currency community has been closely watching its price movement, with some anticipating significant gains. Despite a brief rally, the token’s price has not reached the anticipated levels, leaving investors and enthusiasts pondering the factors influencing its trajectory. After Judge Analisa Torres’ ruling that XRP is not considered a security in certain circumstances, the cryptocurrency witnessed a notable surge in price within the broader Web3 ecosystem.

XRP price fails to reach anticipated levels

This ruling provided a much-needed boost for XRP, as it grappled with regulatory uncertainties for some time. Among those closely monitoring XRP’s performance is pro-XRP lawyer John Deaton, who has expressed optimism about the token’s potential. Deaton, however, acknowledged that some users’ disappointment could be attributed to their high expectations following the court ruling. While he didn’t foresee XRP reaching a new all-time high, he did anticipate the price surpassing the $1 resistance level.

The reality, however, has been different. Despite experiencing a significant surge of over 70% immediately after the ruling, its price peaked at $0.84. This pales in comparison to its all-time high of $3.84, achieved over six years ago. The question now is whether the token can reach the coveted $1 mark and what factors might influence its journey. Deaton’s optimism for its future growth is closely tied to the performance of Bitcoin. He suggests that unless BTC retests its own all-time high, its bullish momentum is unlikely to witness a substantial surge.

This notion underscores the interconnected nature of the cryptocurrency market, where Bitcoin often sets the tone for other tokens. It is worth noting that XRP has not been stagnant this year, despite not meeting the lofty expectations set by some. Moon Lambo, an active participant in the digital currency community, highlighted that XRP has grown by 85% year-to-date. This figure indicates a positive overall trend, even if it falls short of the ambitious price targets that some had in mind.

Analysts are still optimistic about the token’s chances of reaching $1

The relationship between the token’s price and its legal status has also been a point of discussion. The court ruling undoubtedly provided a degree of clarity and relief for its proponents, as it eliminated a significant regulatory overhang. However, the extent to which this ruling would directly translate into price gains remains a subject of debate. XRP’s recent price performance serves as a reminder of the inherent volatility within the cryptocurrency market.

While favorable news and developments can trigger short-term rallies, they may not always lead to sustained upward trajectories. The market’s unpredictable nature underscores the need for investors and enthusiasts to temper their expectations and approach with caution. Looking ahead, the road to $1 for the token remains uncertain. While Deaton’s optimism persists, the price’s correlation with Bitcoin’s movements adds layer of complexity.

As the cryptocurrency market continues to evolve and mature, market participants will closely monitor the interplay between various tokens and external factors. The recent court ruling provided a boost for XRP, but the token’s price movement has not met the ambitious expectations set by some. Proponents like John Deaton remain hopeful about XRP’s future growth, with a keen eye on Bitcoin’s performance. The broader digital currency community continues to navigate the ever-changing landscape, recognizing that market dynamics and external influences play a pivotal role in shaping price trajectories.

Disclaimer. The information provided is not trading advice. #ARTECH holds no liability for any investments made based on the information provided on this page. We strongly recommend independent research and/or consultation with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions.

Enphase (ENPH)

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once a shining star with impressive growth over the past decade, now finds itself among the year's worst-performing stocks.

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The answer lies predominantly in the company's key market, California.

It has recently made significant legislative changes, specifically to the Net Energy Metering (NEM) policy. The revised policy reduces incentives for homeowners with solar panels, dropping the rate paid for surplus electricity fed back into the grid by 70-80%.

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Despite the company management has attempted to downplay the impact of this policy change, the effects are quite apparent. Previously, Enphase was considered a high-growth stock, boasting an annual growth rate of 30-40%. Today, however, the company is facing contraction. The current price appears to have factored in this diminished growth trajectory.

#GOATMoments #Binanceturns6

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Firstmover

Im not doing it for the money..

Im not doing it to impress somebody..

Im not doing it to be respected by somebody..

Im not doing it because I wanna flex some fancy clothes..

Im doing it because I want to retire my mother

Im doing it because I want a safe future for my family

Im doing it because I want freedom of time

You gotta understand that you live in a era of time where it is easier than ever to make money..

This doesen't meant that you won't have to do a damn thing

But if you got a phone and access to the internet

There is no excuse anymore..

You are either lazy or lying to yourself

Make your future self proud and start to put in the work!

The right day will never come

It is now or never

You got this!

1/ Have you ever wondered how your #crypto2023 wallet works under the hood?

Our latest piece dives into the sophisticated algorithms that power Multi-Party Computation (#MPC ) technology... let's summarize 👇

2/ Threshold Signature Schemes (TSS) are the backbone of transaction signing in MPC wallets.

TSS allow a group of participants to collectively generate a signature. A minimum threshold of participants must be met to generate a valid signature.

3/ ECDSA is a widely adopted signature algorithm in the #crypto world, used by #bitcoin     and #Ethereum.

Adapting it for a threshold scheme, though, comes with unique challenges due to its unique one-time-use random component.

4/ Yehuda Lindell's work presents a solution to ECDSA's TSS challenge, by confining the signing parties to two.

This algorithm is in active use in a number of cryptographic libraries.

5/ Another interesting ECDSA alternative was recently updated to introduce an efficient MPC protocol for ECDSA in a t-out-of-n setting. With three of its authors linked to @Coinbase, it's an indication of where industry interest is directed.

6/ We also inspect the Edwards-curve Digital Signature Algorithm (EdDSA), which offers a high degree of security with faster operations.

It’s particularly adaptable for TSS, requiring only a protocol to formalize messages, without the need for custom cryptographic tools.

7/ These cutting-edge solutions are shaping the future of decentralized Web3 wallet interactions. Stay tuned for more, and check out some of our previous work on MPC.

Gold Daily Analysis

Gold opened at $1962 and closed at $1954, showing a continued downside move📉. The impending USA interest rate announcement adds uncertainty to the market. Yesterday marked the fourth consecutive day of the bearish move, triggered after the price got rejected from $1988. As the week began, the price faced multiple rejections at $1965, including a false breakout to $1968 that was quickly neutralized. The significance of $1965 lies in its strong support resistance level, reinforced by the presence of the 50 EMA of the one-hour and two-hour time frames.

The price is expected to retest the $1965 level today, but it has gained even more strength as it is now accompanied by trendline channel resistance📊. Moreover, bearish divergences are evident at the one-hour and two-hour time frames, signaling potential downward pressure🐻.

Given the current scenario, the price may attempt to test the $1965 level again, but caution is warranted due to the added resistance and bearish signals. A quote from legendary trader Jesse Livermore comes to mind: "The speculator's deadly enemies are: Ignorance, greed, fear, and hope."

As the market unfolds, it is vital to be mindful of upcoming events and technical levels. Stay informed, exercise prudence, and stick to your trading plan📈💼.

today's plan includes sell entry at rejection of 1963 with targets of 1955 and 1940 while buy entry at break and retest of 1965 with entry at second retest fo 1965 and target of 1980 and 1988

According to one Twitter user, he managed to bag a brand new base Tesla Model 3 for under $14,000 before taxes and fees by simply using multiple discounts.

If this story’s true – and there’s no reason to believe it isn’t – then this guy got the deal of the century.

According to one Twitter user, he managed to purchase a brand new Tesla Model 3 for less than $15,000 before taxes and fees

The customer, known as Zohar on Twitter, says he acquired a base Model 3 with white interior from inventory.

To kick things off, he received a $4,120 discount off the sticker price of $37,120.

Most people would be happy with that, but Zohar went on to receive further discounts.

He was eligible for multiple incentives totalling a staggering $23,000.

These came via the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project, Central Coast Community Energy’s Electrify Your Ride program, and Monterey Bay Air Resources District Electric Vehicle Incentive Program, along with a federal tax credit.

Apparently, Zohar qualified for increased rebates under each program due to his low-income status.

That’s not all, though, as he also used a referral discount of $500 to knock down the price.

Going some quick maths, all the discounts brought the final vehicle price to $13,620 before taxes and fees.

That means the total cost of the Tesla Model 3 after taxes and delivery fees amounted to just $18,525.93, which is an absolute steal.

The base Model 3 starts at $40,240 and qualifies for a $7,500 credit, along with all other versions of the vehicle, as of last month.

That might be shortlived, though, as Tesla’s already started warning potential customers on its website that the tax credit may be reduced starting next year.

The Model 3, Tesla’s most affordable EV, was first produced six years ago this month.

In the latest second quarter, Tesla delivered 446,915 Model 3 and Y vehicles, accounting for a whopping majority of its 466,140 total deliveries worldwide.

July 24, 2023

ArbitrumDAO, a decentralized autonomous organization overseeing the Arbitrum ecosystem, is gearing up for an important constitutional change. A new proposal aims to revamp the Security Council election process, providing greater security and flexibility for all stakeholders involved.

In this article, we'll delve into the key aspects of the proposal and explore how it will impact the community and the future of Arbitrum.

The Need for Change

The current ArbitrumDAO Constitution mandates that the first Security Council election must commence on September 15th. However, the implementation of an on-chain election process is still a work in progress. To ensure a smooth and secure election, the proposal advocates for an update to the Constitution, allowing for flexibility in the election start date.

What's at Stake?

At the heart of this proposal lies the fundamental importance of a robust and trustworthy election process. The Security Council plays a critical role in governing the Arbitrum ecosystem, making decisions that impact the entire community.

To instill confidence and transparency, the proposal advocates for comprehensive security audits and a well-tested on-chain smart contract implementation.

Path to an On-Chain Election

The proposal sets clear criteria that must be met before the on-chain election process is activated. These include:

Complete Implementation of On-Chain Smart Contracts

The foundational infrastructure for the on-chain election must be fully developed, ensuring a seamless and reliable voting process.

User Interface Enhancements

Alongside smart contracts, a user-friendly interface will be built, enabling community members to cast their votes with ease.

Security Audits by Reputable Firms

The proposed system will undergo rigorous security audits conducted by trusted third-party firms to minimize risks and vulnerabilities.

Community Confidence

The ArbitrumDAO community's support is vital. A successful Constitutional Vote by the DAO members will pave the way for implementing the new election software.

Flexibility for a Secure Future

The proposed revision addresses concerns regarding potential bugs and security risks in the election process. By allowing for an appropriate amount of time after the initial deadline, the ArbitrumDAO aims to minimize risks and ensure all stakeholders are confident in the system's security and effectiveness.

The Future of Security Council Elections

The revised Constitution sets the stage for a smarter, more secure, and flexible election system. Moving forward, all Security Council elections will begin six months after the previous election has concluded. This systematic approach will maintain continuity while allowing the community ample time to assess and prepare for each election.

Renaming Cohorts for Clarity

To enhance clarity, the proposal suggests renaming the "September Cohort" to "First Cohort" and the "March Cohort" to "Second Cohort." This straightforward nomenclature ensures that members and the community easily understand the election cycles.

Continuity and Commitment

A crucial aspect of the proposal is the commitment expected from current Security Council members. They will continue to serve their terms until new members are elected and installed into the respective smart contracts. This continuity ensures that governance remains stable and effective during the election process.

Conclusion

The proposed constitutional update represents a significant step forward for the ArbitrumDAO and the entire community. As the Arbitrum ecosystem continues to grow and thrive, this smarter approach to governance will pave the way for a more decentralized and secure future. The fate of this proposal now rests in the hands of the DAO members, who will decide the path to a more resilient and democratic ecosystem.