August 30, 2023

Markets Insights

Next FOMC meeting: Sept 20th 2023.

  • Probability of a 0bps hike → 90.5%
  • Probability of a 25bps hike → 9.5%

The News Room

Grayscale Wins Legal Battle for Bitcoin ETF Review, Sparks Optimism for Approval

Grayscale achieved a significant legal victory against the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as the DC Circuit of Appeals approved a review of the SEC's decision to deny its spot Bitcoin ETF conversion bid. This decision reignited optimism for a potential Bitcoin ETF approval, leading Grayscale's Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) to surge by almost 17% in secondary trading. The positive sentiment extended to the broader Bitcoin market, with BTC appreciating approximately 7% by the close of New York trading. This landmark ruling could pave the way for other major asset managers, such as BlackRock and Fidelity, to pursue similar Bitcoin ETF initiatives.


X Obtains Currency Transmitter License in Rhode Island, Paving the Way for Cryptocurrency Integration

X, previously known as Twitter, has acquired a currency transmitter license in Rhode Island, advancing its ambition of incorporating cryptocurrencies into its platform and evolving into a multifunctional app, similar to China's WeChat. Rhode Island mandates that entities handling digital currency on behalf of users must be licensed.

Having registered with the Treasury Department's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) last year, the platform is securing licenses across various states. This initiative reflects the growing trend of social media platforms integrating digital payments. X’s latest Rhode Island license marks a significant step towards its comprehensive digital platform goals.


SEBA Bank's Hong Kong Branch Receives Preliminary Approval for Regulated Crypto Investment Services

SEBA Bank's branch in Hong Kong has secured preliminary approval from the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), positioning it to offer regulated cryptocurrency investment services in Hong Kong. Once the license is fully granted, SEBA will join a select group of entities in Hong Kong licensed for crypto services. Amy Yu, CEO of Asia Pacific at SEBA Hong Kong, expects the full license to be achieved by Q4 2023, dependent on meeting SFC's specific requirements. SEBA is also eyeing expansions into other crypto hubs, such as Singapore.

This development comes after Hong Kong introduced a crypto licensing system earlier this year and encouraged banks to accept crypto exchanges as clients, indicating its evolving role as a major crypto market player. Presently, HashKey and OSL Exchange are the only entities on the SFC's licensed crypto platform list.

Trading Desk Insights

Stock futures remained steady on Wednesday morning, following a consecutive positive session, underlining the recent surge as market participants work to offset August's downturns. Tuesday's advancements were driven by data suggesting a potential economic deceleration, a scenario where "bad news is good news". The Consumer Sentiment Index fell short of projections, and July's open job listings witnessed a dip. Furthermore, this morning's ADP non-farm payroll data and preliminary GDP results both failed to meet expectations, pointing to an economic slowdown.

Bitcoin started to pull back yesterday afternoon after its rise from $26k to $28.1k (+8.25%). Interesting how prices started to trade lower after reaching the 61.8% Fibonacci level which has acted as resistance. Volatility levels have also come down a bit after the recent pop yesterday.

Following the positive news between Grayscale and the SEC, the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) discount to NAV jumped to -18%, its highest level since December 2021.

Most altcoins have started to pull back, especially Bitcoin Cash (BCH) trading -4% this morning after having squeezed 20% higher yesterday to $229. This coin has been a high Beta play compared to Bitcoin. When BTC squeezed by +27% in June, BCH traded +200% higher. As much as it goes up more than BTC, it also goes down by a lot more as well as prices dropped 50% from the yearly highs of $330 to $166 on August 17th.

Economic calendar:

MONDAY

TUESDAY

  • US S&P Home Price Index
  • US JOLTS Job Openings

WEDNESDAY

  • US ADP Non-Farm Employment
  • US prelim GDP
  • China manufacturing + services PMI

THURSDAY

  • EU flash CPI
  • US Core PCE
  • US unemployment claims

FRIDAY

  • CAD GDP
  • US nonfarm payrolls
  • US unemployment rate
  • US ISM manufacturing PMI

Technical 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.

Contact Us

Start trading with Secure Digital Markets today by e-mailing:

Trading@securedigitalmarkets.com

SECUREDIGITALMARKETS.COM

Was this content helpful?
Announcing the Release of the 2023 Market Outlook
April 23, 2023
9 min
April 23, 2023
Awards
Crypto
Crypto Industry Reeling After 3 Banks Collapsed Over the Weekend
March 24, 2023
9 min
March 24, 2023
Awards
Crypto