Germany has approximately 6,146 bitcoins ($350 million) left to sell after recent transfers to and from crypto exchanges and market makers. These bitcoins are part of the 50,000 bitcoins seized from the film piracy platform Movie2K in January. On Friday, German authorities moved bitcoins to wallets associated with Bitstamp, Coinbase, Kraken, B2C2 Group, Cumberland DRW, and an unlabeled OTC service, with some funds being returned. The transfers included 500 BTC to an OTC service, 400 BTC each to Coinbase, Kraken, and Bitstamp, and 1,000 BTC to B2C2 Group. However, 250 BTC were returned from both Bitstamp and Kraken. Additionally, 748.25 BTC were sent to Cumberland DRW. Despite these transactions, the German government previously attempted to transfer 10,627 bitcoins but received 4,169 BTC back, possibly due to a failed sale. Joana Cotar, a bitcoin advocate, has criticized these sales as counterproductive. Bitcoin's value dropped 2.4% to $56,902 over the past 24 hours and is down 12% since Germany began its sales.
The U.S. Supreme Court’s Loper Bright vs. Raimondo decision could significantly impact the cryptocurrency industry by overturning the Chevron deference, which previously required courts to defer to federal agencies in interpreting ambiguous statutes. This broad ruling shifts power from federal agencies to the courts, encouraging more companies to challenge agency decisions. Particularly for the crypto sector, this could lead to fewer regulatory barriers and more litigation against agencies like the SEC. However, while the ruling changes the regulatory landscape, it does not eliminate regulatory oversight or rulemaking by agencies.
Crypto trading volume is expected to exceed $108 trillion in 2024, driven primarily by Europe, which leads in global transaction value at 37.32%. The projected trading volume represents a 90% increase from 2022. Europe’s proactive regulatory framework, including the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation, has positioned it as a key player in the market, with an anticipated trading volume of $40.5 trillion in 2024. Meanwhile, Asia accounts for 36.17% of global transaction value. Binance remains the dominant exchange worldwide, operating in over 100 countries with a trading volume of $2.77 trillion. Other major exchanges include OKX, Cex.io, Coinbase, and Bybit.
Earlier today, Bitcoin was trading around $56,500, reflecting a pullback from the critical $60,000 resistance level that has been a focal point for some time. BTC experienced a rise above $59,000 on Thursday, driven by the U.S. reporting its first decrease in consumer prices in four years—a development that signals potential interest-rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. However, Bitcoin's inability to sustain a rally despite favorable macroeconomic news indicates potential further price weakness. Yet, the downside may be constrained as the recent supply from Germany's Saxony state has depleted. A breakout above $60,500 could initiate a rally toward $64,000, with an extension to $67,000.
On Thursday, CME and CF Benchmarks introduced indexes and reference rates for XRP and Internet Computer (ICP), enhancing price transparency and reliability. This development is poised to bolster credibility and liquidity, likely attracting substantial interest from institutional investors. The increased market stability and reduced volatility could pave the way for new financial products such as futures and options.
The equity market saw gains on Friday following a challenging session for the S&P 500, its worst since April, caused by a shift away from megacap technology stocks. Investors focused on the commencement of the second-quarter earnings season, particularly with banks. Despite a slightly higher-than-expected wholesale inflation reading this morning, Wall Street largely dismissed these figures. The prior day's decline in the consumer price index fueled optimism for a Federal Reserve rate cut in September.
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