August 23, 2024

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Sony Group Hints at Launch of Ethereum Layer 2 Blockchain

Sony Group's blockchain venture with Startale, Sony Block Solutions Labs, has announced the development of Soneium, an Ethereum Layer 2 blockchain aimed at mainstream adoption. Soneium will focus on delivering scalable and user-friendly Web3 applications across entertainment, gaming, and finance, leveraging Sony's global presence. The venture is preparing for a testnet launch, with Astar Network's zkEVM integration set to boost initial liquidity. Future plans for Soneium include content rights protection and new profit-sharing mechanisms for creators. Sony is also reportedly preparing to launch a cryptocurrency trading platform in Japan.

MakerDAO proposes optional redenomination of 1 MKR into 24,000 NGT tokens as part of Endgame strategy.

As part of its strategic endgame plan, MakerDAO has proposed an optional redenomination of its MKR governance token, converting each MKR into 24,000 NewGovToken (NGT) tokens. This move aims to broaden participation in MakerDAO's governance by enabling more users to hold significant amounts of NGT. Alongside this, MakerDAO will introduce a new stablecoin, NewStable (NST), pegged 1:1 with Dai. The original Dai and MKR tokens will remain active, allowing users to choose between the old and new tokens, ensuring flexibility within the ecosystem.

$24M CryptoPunk Sale Sparks Debate: ‘NFTs Are Over’ or ‘This Is the Bottom’

CryptoPunk #5822, once sold for $23.7 million, was recently transferred to an unlabelled wallet, sparking concerns about the NFT market's future. Web3 professionals, including Andreas Brekken of SideShift.ai, believe the NFT was sold at a loss, reflecting a broader decline in NFT values as speculative interest wanes. Some experts see this as a potential bottom for the market, while others, like Brekken, suggest NFTs might be "going to zero." Additionally, there's a shift in speculative capital from NFTs to memecoins, signaling changing investor priorities.

Trading Desk Insights

Bitcoin and equity markets experienced a notable uptick today following remarks from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, signaling that interest rate cuts may be on the horizon. Speaking at the Jackson Hole Economic Symposium, Powell noted that the U.S. economy is showing signs of cooling, and with inflation gradually being brought under control, the Federal Reserve is poised to shift from its previously aggressive stance on rate hikes. Powell emphasized the Fed's commitment to a cautious approach, balancing the need to foster economic growth while maintaining inflation stability.

"Policy adjustments are now necessary," Powell stated during the Fed’s annual retreat. "The trajectory is clear, but the timing and pace of rate cuts will be guided by incoming data, the evolving economic outlook, and the balance of risks."

In the market, U.S.-listed ETFs saw contrasting trends. Bitcoin continued its positive momentum, marking its sixth consecutive day of inflows, with $64.8 million added yesterday alone. Conversely, Ethereum faced its sixth straight day of outflows, shedding $0.8 million yesterday.

Altcoins are showing strong performance, with notable movements in the market as Bitcoin initially surpassed the $60,000 mark. POPCAT and BRETT experienced significant rebounds, while AAVE, FTM, LINK, and AVAX have all seen gains since the beginning of the week.

With today’s market gains, the three major stock indices are on track to close the week on a positive note, despite some volatility. Technology stocks led the rally, buoyed by investor optimism that a lower interest rate environment will favor this sector.

Crypto Charts

Disclaimer

This research is for informational use only. This is not investment advice. Other than disclosures relating to Secure Digital Markets this research is based on current public information that we consider reliable, but we do not represent it is accurate or complete, and it should not be relied on as such. The information, opinions, estimates, and forecasts contained herein are as of the date hereof and are subject to change without prior notification. We seek to update our research as appropriate.

Any forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be relied upon as advice or interpreted as a recommendation. The price of crypto assets may rise or fall because of changes in the broad market or changes in a company's financial condition, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably. Past performance is not a guide to future performance, future returns are not guaranteed, and a loss of original capital may occur. Fluctuations in exchange rates could have adverse effects on the value or price of, or income derived from, certain investments. We and our affiliates, officers, directors, and employees, excluding equity and credit analysts, will from time to time have long or short positions in, act as principal in, and buy or sell, the securities or derivatives, if any, referred to in this research.

The information on which the analysis is based has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable such as, for example, the company’s financial statements filed with a regulator, company website, company white paper, pitchbook and any other sources. While Secure Digital Markets has obtained data, statistics, and information from sources it believes to be reliable, it does not perform an audit or seek independent verification of any of the data, statistics, and information it receives.

Unless otherwise provided in a separate agreement, Secure Digital Markets does not represent that the report contents meet all of the presentation and/or disclosure standards applicable in the jurisdiction the recipient is located. Secure Digital Markets and their officers, directors and employees shall not be responsible or liable for any trading decisions, damages or other losses resulting from, or related to, the information, data, analyses, or opinions within the report.

Crypto and/or digital currencies involve substantial risk, are speculative in nature and may not perform as expected. Many digital currency platforms are not subject to regulatory supervision, unlike regulated exchanges. Some platforms may commingle customer assets in shared accounts and provide inadequate custody, which may affect whether or how investors can withdraw their currency and/or subject them to money laundering. Digital currencies may be vulnerable to hacks and cyber fraud as well as significant volatility and price swings.

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