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Cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase acquired a minority stake in Circle Internet Financial, causing the dissolution of their Centre Consortium venture, responsible for issuing USD Coin (USDC). Despite this, Circle plans to continue in-house issuance and governance of USDC, which is expanding its support network to include six additional blockchains. Notably, no cash was involved in the transaction between Coinbase and Circle.

“The Bitcoin value recently slipped to its lowest since June 21, trading just above $28,346, related to Wall Street’s drop caused by banking apprehensions and interest rate fears. Meanwhile, PayPal suspended crypto purchases in the UK until early 2024 due to new FCA regulations, but continues its crypto push in the US.”

“The flagship cryptocurrency, BTC, is currently embroiled in a surprising pullback amidst market apprehensions sparked by banking sector worries and a potential recession in China. Meanwhile, leverage funds have increased bearish wagers in cash-settled Bitcoin futures, indicating a possible shift of sentiment in the crypto space.”

“A Q2 2023 report indicates a significant expansion in crypto-derivatives fueled by decreased spot market liquidity and a shift towards using derivative instruments. This is a result of regulatory scrutiny, significant SEC actions, and a complex interplay of market factors. Consequently, the emerging crypto derivatives market holds substantial potential for global institutional adoption, even amid regulatory uncertainty.”

The market is prepping for the US Consumer Price Index (CPI) results, affecting Bitcoin’s price stability. A CPI increase could pressure crypto assets due to their relationship with the Federal Reserve policy. Anticipation surrounding the CPI report and job numbers could impact market values, with looming predictions of a potential drop.

The latest data reveals that 13.3 million Bitcoins, about 68.54% of the total circulating supply, remained unspent for a year, indicative of a bias towards holding for long-term gains. However, these positive implications must also consider Bitcoin’s increasing financialization, which might disrupt potential market upswing.

The CME’s regulated bitcoin and ether futures experienced heightened involvement from large traders in Q2 amid financial market volatility, indicating growing trust in such platforms. However, the credibility of key crypto market players is under the scanner as FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried faces allegations from the DOJ of witness interference. Meanwhile, despite financial struggles, Meta remains committed to its metaverse vision.

“The FOMC meeting is expected to continue the trend of increasing interest rates due to persistent inflation concerns. Meanwhile, despite macroeconomic shifts, Bitcoin and crypto markets remain stable. The Fed’s attempts to align a thriving job market with price reduction strategies pose considerable challenges.”

Chainlink’s recent unpredictable market trajectory has led to investor anxiety, with short-term risks and volatility influencing investment decisions. Meanwhile, proof-of-stake project, BTC20, offers a sustainable network and passive income generation, already attracting $1.5 million in a presale, and gaining traction among Bitcoin enthusiasts.

“Bitcoin stands at a watershed moment, expecting significant price alterations. The crypto market monitors fluctuations below $30k, concerned about a substantial decline. The upcoming seven days add to this volatility as the US Federal Reserve’s decision on interest rates could trigger significant Bitcoin’s price changes. Stakeholders wait, ready to capitalize on Bitcoin and crypto market’s direction.”

Bitcoin continues to hover around the $29,500 support level amid a lack of major economic events or institutional adoption updates. Traders are closely monitoring BTC’s 21-Day Moving Average, a critical barrier for short-term gains. Meanwhile, upcoming Federal Reserve policy changes could trigger movement in Bitcoin markets. Optimism about potential institutional adoption, positive technical indicators, and easing financial conditions could drive Bitcoin’s performance.

The ProShares Bitcoin Strategy Fund, a pioneer ETF, allows investors to gain bitcoin exposure without owning the cryptocurrency. Contrary to early predictions of underperformance, the fund has closely tracked bitcoin’s price, potentially negating perceived risks of such ETFs.

In October 2021, ProShares launched Bitcoin Strategy Fund, the first futures-linked ETF trading as BITO on NYSE, offering bitcoin exposure without owning the cryptocurrency. Recently, speculation ignited that futures-based ETFs could underperform due to ‘contango bleed’. However, ProShares argued that BITO is maintaining key parity with the spot price. The potential arrival of spot-based ETFs might unlock institutional money channels.

Bitcoin exchange-traded products (ETPs) have seen significant growth, with the BTC-equivalent exposure of ETPs globally increasing by around $757 million in just four weeks. However, the report also cautions that surges in such activities often coincide with local market peaks, indicating potential risk.

“Bitcoin struggles amid the release of U.S. economic data affirming continued growth, and prospect of another interest rate hike by the Federal Reserve. Despite lacklustre retail sales, a deeper look into consumer spending shows optimism. Questions arise regarding Bitcoin’s ability to withstand another Fed rate hike.”

The surge in spread between the CME-listed July futures contract and the now-expired June futures contract raises the cost of pre-expiry futures rollover. This impedes futures-based products’ financial outcomes, affecting investors relying on futures-based ETFs. Spot-based ETFs, closely resembling owning bitcoin directly, eliminate rollover expense and secure the cryptocurrency without the need for a digital wallet.

“The U.S. Federal Reserve’s scheduled meeting this week could strongly affect the crypto scene. Rate hikes and employment data from this meeting will be under heavy scrutiny from crypto enthusiasts. As shifts in interest rates and economic trends raise anticipation, the impact on digital coins remains uncertain.”

“Crypto trading volumes surged 14% in June, attributed to anticipation of spot bitcoin ETF proposals. However, regulatory scrutiny shadows this optimism, emphasizing a need for investor safeguards potentially conflicting with the autonomy inherent to crypto enthusiasts. The path to wider acceptance is complex.”

Optimism is growing within the crypto community as institutional interest in Bitcoin and ETF proposals rise. Crypto trading volumes increased 14% to $2.71 trillion in June 2021, the first monthly increase since March. Despite this, spot trading volumes remain on the low side, indicating stagnation. Recent ETF filings have, however, stimulated trading activities, showing a positive market projection.

“In the first six months of the year, Ether experienced a robust 61% rise. A trader made a significant move recently, acquiring around 63,250 “bull call spreads” linked to Ether. The SEC’s position on spot bitcoin exchange traded funds (ETF) is reportedly moving from steep to promising with futures-based bitcoin ETFs already permitted.”

Bitcoin has seen a significant rally as U.S. institutional activity surges. Financial giants like BlackRock, Fidelity, and Citadel have substantially invested in Bitcoin, driving increased trading volumes and price gains. Despite regulatory concerns around other cryptos, Bitcoin’s popularity endures, suggesting a crucial ‘generational moment’ for sustained, long-term institutional adoption.

Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire anticipates regulatory approvals for Bitcoin ETFs as concerns raised by financial watchdogs are addressed, creating a more mature market environment. Regulated custody infrastructure and efficient market surveillance contribute to the growing optimism for approval.

Volatility Shares is set to launch its 2x Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITX) this week, offering leveraged exposure to bitcoin futures. This eliminates the need for crypto exchange accounts amid legal uncertainties and follows multiple ETF applications, highlighting the importance of regulation and oversight in the evolving cryptocurrency landscape.

HSBC Hong Kong now offers customers the ability to trade Bitcoin and Ethereum futures Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), expanding access to digital asset derivatives in the Asia crypto hub. The ETFs include CSOP Bitcoin Futures ETF, CSOP Ethereum Futures ETF, and Samsung Bitcoin Futures Active ETF.

Bitcoin experiences a 3% decline after a 20% surge initiated by BlackRock’s bitcoin ETF filing. NEAR Protocol’s NEAR token gains 10% following a partnership with Alibaba Cloud. Challenges, including Binance’s regulatory standoff, may impact the market.

The ProShares’ Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITO) recorded the highest weekly inflow in over a year as Bitcoin prices crossed $30,000, with investors pumping $65 million into the fund. This surge suggests a growing desire for Bitcoin exposure among institutional investors amidst the ongoing U.S. Bitcoin ETF frenzy.

The upcoming week brings major events that may impact stocks and crypto markets, including speeches by ECB President Christine Lagarde and US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, US GDP and PCE inflation data releases, and the expiration of 145k BTC options worth $4.5 billion. Market volatility is anticipated; investors must stay informed.

Bitcoin hit a one-year high of $31,400, but Bloomberg Intelligence’s Mike McGlone cautions headwinds could impede progress towards $40,000. Factors like the potential US recession, equity bear market, and hawkish central banks could influence Bitcoin’s performance.

Volatility Shares Trust filed with the SEC for a leveraged Bitcoin futures ETF under the ticker symbol BITX. If approved, this would be the first leveraged BTC futures ETF in the United States, marking a significant milestone in the cryptocurrency market. However, the SEC has historically shown hesitancy in approving such products due to investor safety and market manipulation concerns.