TL;DR
UK voters are increasingly concerned about the lack of crypto policy discussion ahead of the general elections, while Bitcoin’s price struggles with potential Mt. Gox repayments. Ethereum is poised to outperform Bitcoin with the launch of US spot ETFs. President Biden faces rising odds of dropping out of the race amidst campaign concerns. Federal Reserve Chair Powell warns of economic risks due to the unsustainable debt path, with interest rates likely to remain high.
UK Voters Raise Concerns Over Crypto Policies
As the United Kingdom approaches its general elections, a significant portion of the electorate is voicing concerns about the absence of clear crypto policies. A recent survey commissioned by digital asset platform Zumo reveals that roughly one-third of the 3,124 adults surveyed, aged between 18 and 34, are apprehensive about the future of digital assets in their country.
Under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the UK government had unveiled plans to develop a regulatory framework for digital assets and stablecoins. However, these plans have been delayed following Sunak’s call for a general election. Both major political parties have expressed support for pro-innovation regulatory frameworks, but tangible and detailed plans are yet to be seen. This uncertainty leaves voters in a state of limbo, eager for more definitive policy commitments.
Bitcoin’s Price Pressured by Mt. Gox Repayment
The delay in Bitcoin reaching the $70,000 mark is speculated to be influenced by the impending $9 billion Mt. Gox repayment. The once-defunct exchange owes over $9.4 billion worth of Bitcoin to approximately 127,000 creditors, a decade after the initial collapse. This substantial release of Bitcoin into the market could extend the current price consolidation and further suppress the asset’s value.
Additionally, recent sell-offs by Bitcoin whales have contributed to the downward trajectory of Bitcoin’s price. These factors combined create a challenging environment for Bitcoin to break its current barriers, reflecting the volatility and unpredictability inherent in the crypto markets.
Ethereum ETF Boosts Price Prospects
Ethereum (ETH) is expected to outperform Bitcoin following the launch of US spot ETH exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Analysts from K33 Research suggest that the influx of investments into these ETFs could significantly boost Ether’s value, mirroring the price action observed with Bitcoin’s spot ETFs.
The ETH/BTC ratio, which had been on a steady decline, saw a quick reversal after the SEC’s surprising approval of Ether ETFs. This approval marks a pivotal moment for Ethereum, potentially setting the stage for substantial price gains as investor confidence grows.
Biden’s Campaign Faces Rising Odds of Dropout Amid Concerns
President Joe Biden’s campaign is under scrutiny as Polymarket bettors give a 55% chance of him dropping out of the presidential race. This speculation follows concerns expressed by former President Barack Obama over Biden’s campaign performance. The probability of Biden withdrawing before the Democratic convention stands at 42%, further fueling the uncertainty.
In the event of Biden’s withdrawal, Vice President Kamala Harris is seen as the most likely successor, with her odds of becoming the Democratic nominee rising to 31%. The Democratic Party faces a complex scenario in securing a new nominee, reflecting the high stakes and political maneuvering involved in the upcoming elections.
Federal Reserve Chair Powell Warns of Economic Risks
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has issued a critical warning about the unsustainable path of US debt. Speaking at the European Central Bank’s Portugal conference, Powell highlighted the excessive risks taken by the Biden administration due to the large deficit at a time of full employment. He emphasized that maintaining such levels during good economic times is unsustainable.
The Fed’s cautious approach to cutting interest rates is driven by the need to manage persistent inflationary pressures. Analysts have revised their expectations from seven cuts in 2024 to just one or two, underscoring the delicate balance the Fed must achieve. The upcoming jobs report and the release of the Fed’s June meeting minutes are anticipated to further influence market expectations regarding interest rate adjustments.
In a world driven by centralized control and fluctuating economic policies, the call for decentralization and self-sovereignty grows louder. Cryptocurrencies embody the spirit of financial freedom, offering an alternative to traditional systems. As the crypto landscape evolves, it challenges the status quo, promoting a future where individuals have greater control over their assets and destinies.
Thank you for reading “Today’s Highlights From Within the Crypto World“.
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Sources:
- Zumo Survey
- CoinMarketCap
- TradingView
- Polymarket
- The Washington Post
- Financial Times
- Associated Press
- AJ Bell
- MarketWatch
- Pepperstone
- BlackRock Report