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Bitcoin price risks 'critical' gold breakdown after 20% annual gains

Gold has been a popular investment choice for centuries, and it continues to hold its value in today’s ever-changing market. Despite the strength of the US dollar, gold has managed to outperform the S&P 500 in year-to-date returns. This is a significant achievement, especially considering the current economic climate and the rise of alternative investments such as Bitcoin.

While the US dollar has been a dominant force in the global economy, its strength has not deterred gold from maintaining its position as a safe haven asset. In fact, gold has proven to be a reliable hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty, making it a valuable addition to any investment portfolio.

One of the main reasons for gold’s success is its intrinsic value. Unlike fiat currencies, which are backed by governments and subject to inflation, gold has a limited supply and cannot be easily manipulated. This makes it a more stable and secure store of wealth, especially during times of economic turmoil.

In contrast, the S&P 500, a popular stock market index, has faced significant challenges this year due to the ongoing pandemic and its impact on the global economy. While the index has shown some recovery, it has not been able to match the impressive returns of gold.

At the same time, Bitcoin, a digital currency that has gained popularity in recent years, has also faced its own set of challenges. Its price analysis has flagged new risks, causing some investors to turn to gold as a more reliable and stable investment option.

In conclusion, gold’s ability to outperform the S&P 500 in year-to-date returns, despite the strength of the US dollar, is a testament to its enduring value and appeal as a safe haven asset. As the world continues to navigate uncertain economic times, gold remains a solid choice for investors looking to protect and grow their wealth.

Hong Kong SFC grants first crypto licenses of 2025

Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has recently granted two new licenses to cryptocurrency trading platforms, bringing the total number of licensed platforms to seven since mid-2024. This move highlights the growing acceptance and regulation of the cryptocurrency industry in Hong Kong.

The SFC, which is responsible for regulating the securities and futures markets in Hong Kong, has been actively working towards creating a regulatory framework for cryptocurrency trading platforms. This is in line with the government’s efforts to position Hong Kong as a leading global financial hub for digital assets.

The two newly licensed platforms, Diginex and OSL, have met the SFC’s strict regulatory requirements and have been granted Type 1 and Type 7 licenses, respectively. These licenses allow them to operate as virtual asset trading platforms and provide services such as trading, asset management, and advisory services.

This is a significant step towards creating a more secure and transparent environment for cryptocurrency trading in Hong Kong. With the SFC’s oversight, investors can have more confidence in the legitimacy and reliability of these platforms. This, in turn, can attract more institutional investors and boost the growth of the cryptocurrency market in Hong Kong.

The SFC has also been actively cracking down on unlicensed cryptocurrency trading activities, demonstrating their commitment to protecting investors and maintaining the integrity of the market. This regulatory approach has been praised by industry experts, who believe that it strikes a balance between promoting innovation and safeguarding investors’ interests.

With the increasing number of licensed cryptocurrency trading platforms in Hong Kong, the city is well on its way to becoming a major player in the global digital asset market. This is a positive development for the industry and further solidifies Hong Kong’s position as a leading financial center in the world.

ai16z rebrands to ElizaOS to shed Andreessen Horowitz confusion

The world of artificial intelligence is constantly evolving, and with it, the companies and organizations that are leading the way. One such company, AI DAO ai16z, has recently undergone a rebranding to better reflect its mission and goals. The company, now known as ElizaOS, has made this change in order to avoid confusion with another well-known entity, Andreessen Horowitz.

The decision to rebrand was not taken lightly by ElizaOS. The company has been at the forefront of AI development and has gained a strong reputation in the industry. However, with the growing popularity of AI and the increasing number of companies using similar names, it became clear that a change was necessary. By distancing itself from the name confusion with Andreessen Horowitz, ElizaOS is able to establish its own unique identity and stand out in the competitive AI market.

But the rebranding is not just about a name change. ElizaOS has also taken this opportunity to redefine its mission and vision. The company is now focused on creating a more human-centered approach to AI, with the goal of making it more accessible and beneficial to society. This shift in focus aligns with the company’s core values of innovation, collaboration, and ethical AI development.

In addition to the rebranding, ElizaOS has also announced the launch of its new platform, which will serve as a hub for AI development and collaboration. This platform, also named ElizaOS, will bring together experts, researchers, and developers from around the world to work towards advancing AI technology in a responsible and ethical manner.

The rebranding of AI DAO ai16z to ElizaOS marks an exciting new chapter for the company and the AI industry as a whole. With a renewed focus on human-centered AI and a new platform for collaboration, ElizaOS is poised to make a significant impact in the world of artificial intelligence.

Crypto.com to delist Tether USDT, 9 other tokens in Europe on Jan. 31

Crypto.com will delist USDT and nine other tokens in Europe on Jan. 31 to comply with MiCA regulations, giving users until March 31 to convert assets.

Czech National Bank governor to propose $7B Bitcoin reserve plan

The Czech National Bank is making headlines with its bold move to potentially invest up to 5% of its reserves in Bitcoin. This could mean acquiring a whopping $7.3 billion in BTC, making it one of the largest institutional investments in the cryptocurrency to date. This decision comes as part of the bank’s diversification strategy, as it seeks to protect its reserves against potential economic uncertainties.

The news has sparked excitement and speculation in the crypto community, with many seeing it as a major step towards mainstream adoption of Bitcoin. The Czech National Bank’s move could pave the way for other central banks to follow suit, further legitimizing the digital currency and potentially driving its value even higher.

But why is the Czech National Bank turning to Bitcoin? The answer lies in the unique properties of this decentralized currency. Unlike traditional fiat currencies, Bitcoin is not controlled by any government or central authority. Its limited supply and decentralized nature make it a hedge against inflation and economic instability. This is especially appealing to central banks, who are constantly looking for ways to diversify their reserves and protect against potential risks.

While some may view this move as risky, others see it as a smart and forward-thinking decision. With Bitcoin’s value reaching new heights in recent months, the Czech National Bank could potentially see significant returns on its investment. And even if the value were to fluctuate, the bank’s diversification strategy would ensure that its reserves remain protected.

This news is yet another sign of the growing acceptance and adoption of Bitcoin in the mainstream financial world. As more institutions and governments recognize the potential of this digital currency, it is clear that Bitcoin is here to stay. And with the Czech National Bank potentially joining the ranks of Bitcoin investors, the future looks bright for this revolutionary form of money.

Bitcoin drop under $75K before April has under 10% chance: Analyst

Bitcoin, the world’s most popular cryptocurrency, has been on a wild ride in recent months. After reaching an all-time high of over $64,000 in mid-April, it experienced a sharp pullback, dropping to around $30,000 in just a matter of weeks. This volatility has left many investors wondering what the future holds for Bitcoin and whether it will continue to climb or fall.

According to Sean Dawson, a market analyst at Derive, the recent pullback has slightly increased the chances of Bitcoin hitting $75,000 in the first quarter of 2021. However, he also notes that the likelihood of this happening is still under 10%. So, what does this mean for Bitcoin and its investors?

First, it’s important to understand that Bitcoin’s price is influenced by a variety of factors, including market sentiment, adoption, and regulatory changes. While the recent pullback may have dampened some investors’ confidence, there are still many positive indicators for Bitcoin’s future.

One of the main drivers of Bitcoin’s potential growth is its increasing adoption by major companies and institutions. In the past year, we’ve seen companies like Tesla, Square, and MicroStrategy invest billions of dollars in Bitcoin, signaling a growing acceptance of the cryptocurrency in the mainstream financial world.

Additionally, the ongoing economic uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has led many investors to seek alternative assets, such as Bitcoin, as a hedge against inflation. This increased demand for Bitcoin could potentially drive its price higher in the coming months.

Of course, as with any investment, there are also risks involved with Bitcoin. Its volatility and lack of regulation make it a high-risk asset, and investors should always do their own research and proceed with caution.

In conclusion, while the recent pullback may have raised some doubts about Bitcoin’s potential, there are still many positive factors that could lead to its continued growth. Whether it reaches $75,000 in the first quarter of 2021 remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: Bitcoin’s journey is far from over.

Warren probes Trump’s commerce chief pick Lutnick over Tether dealings

Senator Elizabeth Warren has recently raised concerns over the potential conflicts of interest surrounding Howard Lutnick, the nominee to run the Department of Commerce under the Trump administration. Lutnick, who is currently the CEO of financial services firm Cantor Fitzgerald, has been questioned about his ties and involvement with the controversial stablecoin issuer Tether.

Tether, a digital currency pegged to the US dollar, has been under scrutiny for its lack of transparency and potential market manipulation. The company has faced numerous allegations of artificially inflating the price of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, leading to concerns about the stability and legitimacy of the entire crypto market.

Warren, a vocal critic of the cryptocurrency industry, has expressed her concerns about Lutnick’s potential conflicts of interest and the impact it could have on the regulation of stablecoins. In a recent hearing, she pressed Lutnick on his ties to Tether and questioned whether he would recuse himself from any decisions related to the company if confirmed as the head of the Department of Commerce.

Lutnick, who has previously invested in Tether and serves on the board of its parent company, has assured Warren that he would follow all ethical guidelines and recuse himself from any matters involving the stablecoin issuer. However, Warren remains skeptical and has called for further investigation into Lutnick’s ties to Tether.

This latest development highlights the growing concerns surrounding the regulation of stablecoins and the potential conflicts of interest within the cryptocurrency industry. As the use of stablecoins continues to rise, it is crucial for regulators to address these issues and ensure transparency and accountability in the market.

In the meantime, the fate of Lutnick’s nomination remains uncertain as the Senate continues to deliberate on his confirmation. With the growing influence of cryptocurrencies in the global economy, it is essential for government officials to be held to the highest ethical standards to avoid any potential conflicts of interest that could undermine the integrity of the market.