BLOCKCHAIN NEWS
A real-time news provider, sharing live updates on cryptocurrency price movements, events, and industry milestones.
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OpenAI has unveiled a new ChatGPT feature called "deep research," designed for intensive knowledge tasks in fields like finance and science. This tool scours the internet to produce detailed reports, complete with citations, in 5 to 30 minutes. It's part of OpenAI's recent innovations, following the launch of Operator, which can perform tasks like ordering groceries. The deep research agent, powered by the OpenAI o3 model, aims for accuracy but may occasionally misinterpret information. Available on the Pro plan, it's a step forward in AI-driven research, rivaling other models like DeepSeek.
Thailand's SEC is set to launch a distributed ledger technology (DLT) trading platform for securities firms to trade digital tokens. This initiative aims to capitalize on the growing interest in token investments and leverage technology to enhance market efficiency. New regulations will support the issuance of electronic securities and online debentures.
The platform will fully digitalize bond trading, covering settlement, trading, and investor registration, with multiple chain support. Two types of securities will be issued: tokenized traditional and electronic securities. Meanwhile, Thailand plans a Bitcoin payment sandbox in Phuket to explore crypto payment options for tourists.
The platform will fully digitalize bond trading, covering settlement, trading, and investor registration, with multiple chain support. Two types of securities will be issued: tokenized traditional and electronic securities. Meanwhile, Thailand plans a Bitcoin payment sandbox in Phuket to explore crypto payment options for tourists.
Bitcoin ETFs are off to a strong start in 2025, with nearly $5 billion in inflows in January alone, according to Bitwise's Matt Hougan. If this trend continues, annual inflows could surpass $50 billion, a significant increase from 2024's $35.2 billion.
Leading the charge, BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF attracted $3.2 billion, while Fidelity's Wise Origin Fund saw $1.3 billion. Bitwise's own ETF ranked fifth with $125 million.
Hougan and Bitwise's Ryan Rasmussen predict even greater inflows in 2025 as institutional investors increase their stakes, potentially unlocking vast new capital.
Leading the charge, BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF attracted $3.2 billion, while Fidelity's Wise Origin Fund saw $1.3 billion. Bitwise's own ETF ranked fifth with $125 million.
Hougan and Bitwise's Ryan Rasmussen predict even greater inflows in 2025 as institutional investors increase their stakes, potentially unlocking vast new capital.
Utah is on the brink of becoming the first US state to establish a Bitcoin reserve, driven by a tight 45-day legislative window and strong political momentum. The Utah House Economic Development Committee recently voted 8-1 in favor of a bill allowing the state to invest in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies with a market cap above $500 billion. This move positions Utah ahead of other states like Arizona, which is also progressing in this direction. Meanwhile, at the federal level, Senator Cynthia Lummis is pushing for a Bitcoin reserve bill, aiming for bipartisan support in the Senate.
Bitcoin's price dipped below $100,000 on February 2 following new tariffs imposed by the US on imports from China, Canada, and Mexico. These tariffs could drive inflation, potentially leading to higher interest rates and a risk-off sentiment impacting crypto markets. Analysts like Bitget's Ryan Lee predict Bitcoin might correct to $95,000, a key support level. Despite short-term uncertainty, many remain optimistic about Bitcoin's long-term prospects. Meanwhile, altcoins may also face pressure if Bitcoin continues to slide. Traders are closely watching support levels to gauge potential market movements.
**Crypto Market Shake-Up: Bitcoin Dominance Surges Amid Tariffs**
Bitcoin's market dominance has surged past 60% as the crypto world reels from President Trump's new trade tariffs. The tariffs, which include a 25% tax on imports from Canada and Mexico and 10% on Chinese goods, have sparked a trade war, leading investors to seek safer assets like US government securities.
Altcoins are feeling the heat, with Ether down 9.3%, XRP dropping 13.8%, and Solana losing 19.3% over the past week. Analysts predict more volatility, with potential further dips as US futures markets open.
Meanwhile, macroeconomic factors and upcoming federal policies are expected to heavily influence Bitcoin's price trajectory.
Bitcoin's market dominance has surged past 60% as the crypto world reels from President Trump's new trade tariffs. The tariffs, which include a 25% tax on imports from Canada and Mexico and 10% on Chinese goods, have sparked a trade war, leading investors to seek safer assets like US government securities.
Altcoins are feeling the heat, with Ether down 9.3%, XRP dropping 13.8%, and Solana losing 19.3% over the past week. Analysts predict more volatility, with potential further dips as US futures markets open.
Meanwhile, macroeconomic factors and upcoming federal policies are expected to heavily influence Bitcoin's price trajectory.
India is rethinking its crypto stance as other countries embrace digital assets. Economic Affairs Secretary Ajay Seth highlighted the borderless nature of digital currencies, suggesting India doesn't want to miss out on this revolution. Despite this, India imposes a hefty 30% tax on crypto gains, which critics say discourages blockchain innovation. Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank of India is pushing forward with a central bank digital currency (CBDC) pilot, seeing it as the future of currency. This shift signals India's dual approach: taxing crypto while exploring CBDCs.
**Crypto Tax Shake-Up in India**
- Indian crypto traders could face hefty tax penalties on undisclosed profits due to new amendments in the tax laws.
- Cryptocurrencies will now be included under Section 158B of the Income Tax Act, treating them like traditional assets.
- Gains not reported could be subject to block assessments, with potential penalties up to 70% for undisclosed income.
- These changes will be retrospectively applicable from February 1, 2025.
- The move follows significant findings of unpaid taxes by crypto exchanges and reflects a global trend towards stricter crypto tax regulations.
- Indian crypto traders could face hefty tax penalties on undisclosed profits due to new amendments in the tax laws.
- Cryptocurrencies will now be included under Section 158B of the Income Tax Act, treating them like traditional assets.
- Gains not reported could be subject to block assessments, with potential penalties up to 70% for undisclosed income.
- These changes will be retrospectively applicable from February 1, 2025.
- The move follows significant findings of unpaid taxes by crypto exchanges and reflects a global trend towards stricter crypto tax regulations.
**Bitcoin's Rollercoaster: Bear Trap or Bullish Future?**
Bitcoin recently dipped below the $100,000 mark, raising eyebrows in the crypto community. This drop, the first since late January, comes amid inflation worries linked to past tariffs imposed by former President Trump. Despite this, Bitcoin closed January at a record high above $102,000.
Analysts, like Ryan Lee from Bitget Research, suggest this could be a bear trap, with critical support at $95,000. Upcoming U.S. labor market data might influence Bitcoin's trajectory, potentially supporting a bullish outlook if economic sluggishness prompts Fed rate cuts. Looking ahead, Bitcoin's future remains optimistic, with predictions reaching up to $180,000 by 2025.
Bitcoin recently dipped below the $100,000 mark, raising eyebrows in the crypto community. This drop, the first since late January, comes amid inflation worries linked to past tariffs imposed by former President Trump. Despite this, Bitcoin closed January at a record high above $102,000.
Analysts, like Ryan Lee from Bitget Research, suggest this could be a bear trap, with critical support at $95,000. Upcoming U.S. labor market data might influence Bitcoin's trajectory, potentially supporting a bullish outlook if economic sluggishness prompts Fed rate cuts. Looking ahead, Bitcoin's future remains optimistic, with predictions reaching up to $180,000 by 2025.
A cryptocurrency trader has made headlines by securing nearly $16 million in unrealized profit through a leveraged short position on Ether (ETH). By betting on ETH's price decline, the trader opened a 50x leveraged position when ETH was at $3,388, with a liquidation point at $4,645. This move also earned them $2.3 million in funding fees. While this highlights the potential gains of leveraged trading, it also underscores the risks, as seen in a January 2024 case where a trader lost over $161,000. Meanwhile, Ethereum needs more adoption to reverse its downtrend, with experts suggesting increased collaboration and activity.
Coinbase has acquired Spindl, an onchain advertising platform, to boost projects on its Ethereum layer-2 network, Base. Spindl, led by Antonio García Martínez, aims to replicate the viral success of Facebook ads but onchain, using smart contracts. Coinbase's Jesse Pollak and Shan Aggarwal highlighted Spindl's potential to help builders reach wider audiences. Investor Eric Seufert expressed excitement about Spindl's vision for onchain advertising. Additionally, Coinbase is exploring tokenized shares of its stock for US Base users, expanding its innovative offerings.
**Crypto News Flash**
- **Binance Lawsuit Update**: Binance is pushing to dismiss a lawsuit alleging it facilitated transactions for Hamas. The exchange argues there's no special relationship with Hamas and that crypto isn't inherently dangerous.
- **Kraken Resumes Staking**: After a two-year pause due to a settlement with the SEC, Kraken has reintroduced staking services for US clients across 37 states, offering options for 17 digital assets.
- **SBF Pardon Efforts**: Reports suggest Sam Bankman-Fried's parents are seeking a presidential pardon for their son, who was sentenced to 25 years for fraud related to the FTX collapse.
- **MicroStrategy's Stock Offering**: MicroStrategy plans to issue perpetual strike preferred stock at $80 per share, aiming to raise $563.4 million to fund Bitcoin acquisitions and operations.
- **Binance Lawsuit Update**: Binance is pushing to dismiss a lawsuit alleging it facilitated transactions for Hamas. The exchange argues there's no special relationship with Hamas and that crypto isn't inherently dangerous.
- **Kraken Resumes Staking**: After a two-year pause due to a settlement with the SEC, Kraken has reintroduced staking services for US clients across 37 states, offering options for 17 digital assets.
- **SBF Pardon Efforts**: Reports suggest Sam Bankman-Fried's parents are seeking a presidential pardon for their son, who was sentenced to 25 years for fraud related to the FTX collapse.
- **MicroStrategy's Stock Offering**: MicroStrategy plans to issue perpetual strike preferred stock at $80 per share, aiming to raise $563.4 million to fund Bitcoin acquisitions and operations.
**El Salvador Accelerates Bitcoin Purchases Amid IMF Deal**
El Salvador is ramping up its Bitcoin acquisitions, purchasing two more BTC on February 1st. This move is part of their strategy to bolster the national Bitcoin reserve, now totaling 6,055 BTC, valued at over $612 million. Despite a recent $1.4 billion deal with the IMF, which required making BTC payments voluntary and privatizing the Chivo wallet, the country continues its Bitcoin buying spree. The strategy has sparked interest from crypto firms like Fidelity Digital Assets, which sees it as a potential catalyst for broader adoption by other nations.
El Salvador is ramping up its Bitcoin acquisitions, purchasing two more BTC on February 1st. This move is part of their strategy to bolster the national Bitcoin reserve, now totaling 6,055 BTC, valued at over $612 million. Despite a recent $1.4 billion deal with the IMF, which required making BTC payments voluntary and privatizing the Chivo wallet, the country continues its Bitcoin buying spree. The strategy has sparked interest from crypto firms like Fidelity Digital Assets, which sees it as a potential catalyst for broader adoption by other nations.
Biometric data collection is under fire as several countries crack down on World, formerly Worldcoin, for privacy concerns. The project, which verifies identity by scanning irises, has faced bans and suspensions globally. Kenya led the charge in August 2023, citing data security issues. Spain and Portugal followed suit in March 2024, halting operations over data collection from minors and privacy investigations. In May 2024, Hong Kong also stopped Worldcoin, and Brazil joined in January 2025, criticizing crypto incentives for compromising consent. The debate over digital ID systems and data ethics continues to heat up.
Crypto enthusiasts are exploring the concept of network states, which could one day challenge traditional nations. Dr. Corey Petty from Logos highlights that blockchain technology enables the creation of self-governing communities in cyberspace, offering trustless ownership, legal structures, and decentralized communication. Unlike physical nations, these digital entities aren't bound by geographical constraints, potentially granting them global economic influence. Inspired by Balaji Srinivasan's "The Network State," this idea envisions decentralized governance through blockchain. However, challenges remain, including governance issues and geopolitical resistance.
**News Flash: UBS Embraces Blockchain for Digital Gold Investments**
Switzerland's largest bank, UBS, is diving into blockchain to modernize digital gold investments for retail clients. With $5.7 trillion in assets, UBS has completed a proof-of-concept for its fractional gold product, Key4 Gold, on the Ethereum layer-2 network, ZKsync Validium. This move aims to enhance scalability, privacy, and interoperability.
ZKsync's ambitious 2025 roadmap targets 10,000 transactions per second and minimal fees, potentially boosting blockchain adoption. UBS's blockchain pilot reflects its ongoing exploration of blockchain's potential in finance.
Switzerland's largest bank, UBS, is diving into blockchain to modernize digital gold investments for retail clients. With $5.7 trillion in assets, UBS has completed a proof-of-concept for its fractional gold product, Key4 Gold, on the Ethereum layer-2 network, ZKsync Validium. This move aims to enhance scalability, privacy, and interoperability.
ZKsync's ambitious 2025 roadmap targets 10,000 transactions per second and minimal fees, potentially boosting blockchain adoption. UBS's blockchain pilot reflects its ongoing exploration of blockchain's potential in finance.
**Crypto Alert: Understanding Sandwich Attacks**
Sandwich attacks are a sneaky form of market manipulation on decentralized exchanges (DEXs), where attackers profit by exploiting price slippage around a victim's trade. Here's how it works:
- **Spotting Opportunity**: Attackers monitor the mempool for large trades.
- **Strategic Moves**: They place a buy order before and a sell order after the victim's trade.
- **Profit**: The victim's trade inflates the price, allowing attackers to sell at a profit.
These attacks impact traders by reducing trust, profits, and fairness in the DeFi space. To combat this, traders can use slippage settings, break down trades, and opt for private transactions.
Sandwich attacks are a sneaky form of market manipulation on decentralized exchanges (DEXs), where attackers profit by exploiting price slippage around a victim's trade. Here's how it works:
- **Spotting Opportunity**: Attackers monitor the mempool for large trades.
- **Strategic Moves**: They place a buy order before and a sell order after the victim's trade.
- **Profit**: The victim's trade inflates the price, allowing attackers to sell at a profit.
These attacks impact traders by reducing trust, profits, and fairness in the DeFi space. To combat this, traders can use slippage settings, break down trades, and opt for private transactions.
Ethereum is striving to regain its former glory as it faces a downtrend, with prices dipping below $4,000. Analysts suggest that stronger blockchain activity and new use cases are crucial for recovery. Collaboration with public and private sectors, especially in the US, could also boost Ethereum's prospects.
Meanwhile, Ether options trading is on the rise, hinting at a potential market rebound. However, ETH faces resistance at $3,400, a critical level for further gains. Industry experts remain optimistic, citing institutional interest and potential ventures as catalysts for Ethereum's resurgence.
Meanwhile, Ether options trading is on the rise, hinting at a potential market rebound. However, ETH faces resistance at $3,400, a critical level for further gains. Industry experts remain optimistic, citing institutional interest and potential ventures as catalysts for Ethereum's resurgence.
Bitcoin has hit a milestone with BTC/USD closing at $102,400 on Bitstamp for the first time ever in January. Despite a last-minute dip due to macroeconomic factors, Bitcoin managed to close above $100,000, sparking optimism among analysts. Market experts like Aksel Kibar and Michaël van de Poppe remain positive, suggesting this is not the market top. February is historically a strong month for Bitcoin, with average gains of 14.4%. Analysts anticipate a potential big move, with past post-halving Februarys showing significant price increases.
Bitcoin bears might face challenges as optimism in the crypto market grows. Swyftx analyst Pav Hundal suggests Bitcoin could hit new highs by March, citing a pro-crypto macro environment. Current volatility mirrors levels seen during the US election, which could impact market dynamics. Bitcoin is trading at $102,470, with volatility poised to rise, potentially affecting both bulls and bears. Opinions on Bitcoin's Q1 performance vary, with some predicting a pullback to $70,000-$75,000, while others see a slim chance of such a dip. The crypto market is entering a notably supportive policy phase.