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    Brussels turns up the heat on Big Tech

    Standard DigitalWeekend Print + Standard Digitalwasnow $75 per monthComplete digital access to quality FT journalism with expert analysis from industry leaders. Pay a year upfront and save 20%.What’s included Global news & analysisExpert opinionFT App on Android & iOSFT Edit appFirstFT: the day’s biggest stories20+ curated newslettersFollow topics & set alerts with myFTFT Videos & Podcasts20 monthly gift articles to shareLex: FT’s flagship investment column15+ Premium newsletters by leading expertsFT Digital Edition: our digitised print editionWeekday Print EditionFT WeekendFT Digital EditionGlobal news & analysisExpert opinionSpecial featuresExclusive FT analysisFT Digital EditionGlobal news & analysisExpert opinionSpecial featuresExclusive FT analysisGlobal news & analysisExpert opinionFT App on Android & iOSFT Edit appFirstFT: the day’s biggest stories20+ curated newslettersFollow topics & set alerts with myFTFT Videos & Podcasts10 monthly gift articles to shareGlobal news & analysisExpert opinionFT App on Android & iOSFT Edit appFirstFT: the day’s biggest stories20+ curated newslettersFollow topics & set alerts with myFTFT Videos & Podcasts20 monthly gift articles to shareLex: FT’s flagship investment column15+ Premium newsletters by leading expertsFT Digital Edition: our digitised print editionEverything in PrintWeekday Print EditionFT WeekendFT Digital EditionGlobal news & analysisExpert opinionSpecial featuresExclusive FT analysisPlusEverything in Premium DigitalEverything in Standard DigitalGlobal news & analysisExpert opinionSpecial featuresFirstFT newsletterVideos & PodcastsFT App on Android & iOSFT Edit app10 gift articles per monthExclusive FT analysisPremium newslettersFT Digital Edition10 additional gift articles per monthMake and share highlightsFT WorkspaceMarkets data widgetSubscription ManagerWorkflow integrationsOccasional readers go freeVolume discountFT Weekend Print deliveryPlusEverything in Standard DigitalFT Weekend Print deliveryPlusEverything in Premium Digital More

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    Bitcoin Ten-Year Prediction: Michael Saylor Hints at Price Boom Ahead

    These results indicate that nearly half of the respondents are extremely optimistic about Bitcoin’s future, anticipating a substantial annual appreciation that could see the cryptocurrency reaching unprecedented levels.According to the poll results, 22.4% of participants foresee a steady rise of 10% to 19% annually. Meanwhile, 18% are even more bullish, predicting an annual surge of 20% to 29%. A hopeful 10.8% of respondents anticipate a 30% to 39% increase each year. However, it is the majority, a whopping 48.8%, who envision a staggering 40% annual appreciation for over a decade.This sentiment comes at a time when Bitcoin is experiencing a significant downturn, having extended its drop near $60,000 — a stark contrast to the hopeful predictions.Bitcoin recently extended its decline to lows of $60,581 in the early trading session today, following one of the worst weeks for the cryptocurrency in 2024. As of press time, Bitcoin traded at $61,076, marking a more than one-month low and a roughly 6% drop.Losses are building up on the cryptocurrency market following its second-worst weekly fall in 2024, reflecting lower demand for Bitcoin exchange-traded funds and monetary policy concerns. The decline in crypto comes amid concerns about the Federal Reserve’s scope to quickly reduce interest rates from a two-decade high.Bitcoin reached an all-time high of $73,798 in mid-March, but it is behind traditional investments like equities, bonds and gold this quarter.As the crypto community keeps an eye on Bitcoin’s price movement in the short term, Saylor’s poll reflects expectations for Bitcoin’s growth over the next decade.This article was originally published on U.Today More

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    Bitcoin (BTC) Can Easily Hit $72,500, Here’s Why

    Liquidity in the $70,000-$80,000 range indicates a significant concentration of liquidation leverage. Given the upper-level liquidity, it is possible that Bitcoin will rise swiftly to reach these high-liquidity zones once it starts to rally. Below these levels, the selling pressure becomes much less, which fosters an environment that is favorable to price growth. Right now, Bitcoin is finding support slightly above its 200-day moving average at $57,000. The bullish momentum needs to hold onto this level of technical support. The path to $72,500 and higher becomes more accessible if Bitcoin can maintain this support, and buyers intervene. In this case, the dynamics of market liquidity are crucial. Significant buying activity can set off a chain reaction of liquidations that will quickly drive the price higher because there is ample liquidity sitting above $70,000. Furthermore, historical patterns and the behavior of the market indicate that when liquidity is strongly skewed to the topside, Bitcoin frequently sees abrupt increases in value. Increased buying volume and upbeat market sentiment could act as catalysts for this upward trajectory, so traders and investors should keep an eye out for them. In conclusion, there is a good opportunity for Bitcoin to possibly reach $72,500 based on liquidity distribution and technical support levels. Despite recent price declines making the market sentiment seem bearish, the underlying liquidity indicates that a significant rally may be approaching. It is advisable to remain vigilant regarding purchasing opportunities and market indicators that may signify the start of this expected movement.This article was originally published on U.Today More

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    iRA Blocks Unveils Vision to Democratize Real-World Asset Investment

    In an industry where traditional barriers often exclude the average investor from high-value assets, iRA Blocks emerges as a game-changer, leveraging blockchain to bring real-world assets within reach of the masses.The financial industry has long been characterized by its exclusivity, particularly when it comes to investing in high-value assets like real estate, luxury items, and aviation. Historically, these investment opportunities have been accessible only to a select few. iRA Blocks is set to change this narrative by introducing fractional ownership of tokenized assets. This innovative approach breaks down these assets into smaller, affordable units, allowing a broader range of investors to participate. For instance, iRA Blocks enables investors to own a fraction of a luxury yacht or a piece of prime real estate, starting with investments as low as $100.Digital Frontier for RWAsOne of the standout features of iRA Blocks is its ability to bring liquidity to traditionally illiquid markets. In real estate, for example, the cumbersome processes involved in buying and selling properties have always been a challenge. With iRA Blocks’ tokenization, transactions become simpler and faster, giving investors more flexibility in managing their portfolios.The platform uses smart contracts to automate many aspects of asset management, including dividend distributions and voting rights. This ensures that fractional owners have a say in the management of the assets they’ve invested in, proportional to their ownership stake.Empowering Web3 Users and EnterprisesFor Web3 users, iRA Blocks offers a seamless integration of blockchain with tangible asset investment. It bridges the gap between digital and physical assets, providing a secure and efficient way to diversify portfolios. The IRB Token, the platform’s native utility token, facilitates smooth transactions and offers staking mechanisms, rewarding active participants and fostering a vibrant community.The platform also features a secondary market where tokenized assets can be traded, providing liquidity even for traditionally illiquid assets. This feature allows investors to easily enter or exit investments based on their financial goals and market conditions.Enterprises, especially those in real estate, aviation, and luxury goods, also stand to benefit from iRA Blocks. Tokenizing their assets allows them to attract a broader investor base, enhancing capital inflow and operational liquidity. This democratization of asset ownership opens up new revenue streams and paves the way for more innovative financial products and services.A Sustainable and Inclusive ApproachiRA Blocks also emphasizes sustainability in its investment strategy. By supporting projects that contribute to a sustainable future, such as green real estate developments or eco-friendly luxury items, the platform aligns with the growing demand for responsible investing. This focus on environmental consciousness not only appeals to ethically-minded investors but also ensures that the platform’s growth is in harmony with global sustainability goals.The Visionary Team Behind iRA BlocksThe visionary team behind iRA Blocks is instrumental in driving its mission forward. Sandeep Mule, along with co-founders Dr. Anil Mundhe and Prakash Shinde, brings a wealth of experience in blockchain and asset management. Their strategic insights and commitment to innovation are critical in navigating the complexities of integrating blockchain with traditional asset investment.Unearthing Web3’s Boundless PotentialAs the blockchain ecosystem continues to evolve, platforms like iRA Blocks are at the forefront of this transformation. By making high-value assets accessible to everyday investors and enhancing liquidity and transparency, iRA Blocks is poised to reshape the investment landscape fundamentally.The future of investment lies in inclusivity and accessibility, and iRA Blocks is leading the charge. For investors, enterprises, and Web3 users alike, this platform represents a significant step towards a more democratized and transparent financial ecosystem.About iRA BlocksiRA Blocks is a cutting-edge blockchain platform enabling fractional ownership of high-value real-world assets. By tokenizing assets such as real estate, art, and luxury goods, the platform democratizes investment opportunities, allowing a wider range of investors to participate in previously inaccessible markets.For more information, visit iRA Blocks’ Official Website | Telegram | TwitterContactIRA BLOCKS Revolutionising RWAsTeam IRA BlocksIRA [email protected] article was originally published on Chainwire More

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    Exclusive-KKR seeks $20 billion for new North America buyout fund

    (Reuters) – KKR is seeking about $20 billion from investors for its latest flagship North America private equity fund, according to people familiar with the matter, three years after it launched its predecessor fund of similar size. The New York-based firm, which had $578 billion in assets under management as of the end of March, is returning to a tougher fundraising market for buyout funds. Some investors have been reluctant to make new commitments because they have received less capital back from private equity firms, as high interest rates make refinancing companies or selling them to other buyout firms more challenging.The new KKR fund is called North America Fund XIV and began its marketing to investors earlier this month, the sources said. It is targeting a net internal rate of return (IRR), as a percentage, of at least high-teens, and a steady annual deployment of 20% to 25% of its amassed capital, the sources added.The sources requested anonymity because the fundraising process is confidential. KKR declined to comment. The fundraising will be a test of how KKR’s investors view its recent record with buyouts in the region. The last North American private equity fund that KKR has fully deployed, which it launched in 2017, reported an IRR net of fees of 20.5% as of the end of March, according to a regulatory filing. By comparison, a rival North American private equity fund launched by Carlyle Group (NASDAQ:CG) in 2018 reported a net IRR of 8% as of the end of March, according to a separate regulatory filing. Bain Capital’s North America private equity fund, that launched in 2017, reported a net IRR of 17.1% as of the end of September, according to the most recent public disclosure of the Public School Employees’ Retirement System, one of its investors.KKR said in April that its $19 billion predecessor fund, KKR North America Fund XIII, has deployed 64% of its capital, three years into its six-year investment period. KKR also said it has achieved steady annual deployment in its previous North American funds and that it has distributed to its investors twice as much capital as it has received from them for private equity investments in the Americas over the last seven years.CHALLENGING MARKETThe challenges in the fundraising market have led to overall activity slowing down. A total of 90 U.S. buyout fundraising closures took place during the first quarter of 2024, attracting a combined $55 billion in commitments, down 57% from a year earlier, according to LSEG data.KKR’s chief financial officer Robert Lewin acknowledged the challenging landscape at the TD Cowen financial services summit earlier this month, but said conditions were improving.”It feels a little bit better today on the fundraising side than it felt maybe 12 or 18 months ago,” Lewin said. KKR raised about $180 billion from investors from the beginning of 2022 through the first quarter of 2024, Lewin said.KKR has also committed to offering rank-and-file employees of its portfolio companies in North America equity in these companies, an incentive the corporate world traditionally reserved only for senior executives. This broad-based employee ownership program was started by KKR’s global private equity co-head Pete Stavros in the firm’s investments in the industrial sector, and was then expanded in North America and globally.KKR says the program has led to higher revenue, improved productivity and lower turnover at its portfolio companies. KKR co-founder and co-executive chair Henry Kravis told the firm’s investor day in April that the scheme has resulted in about $175,000 of additional income per employee.(This story has been corrected to say $578 billion instead of $578 million in paragraph 2) More

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    More Than 140,000 BTC From Mt.Gox Hack to Be Repaid: Market Effect

    After losing more than 700,000 BTC in a hack, the Mt. Gox exchange, which was formerly the biggest Bitcoin exchange in the world, shut down. Ever since, there have been considerable legal and administrative obstacles in the way of the ongoing process of paying investors. It is a significant turning point in this ongoing problem that repayments are now officially beginning. We might see a significant effect on the market from the redistribution of Mt. Gox funds. The release of these funds may result in significant selling pressure for Bitcoin, which is currently finding it difficult to keep its price above important price levels. The return of Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash to investors is now in the final stages, according to Mt. Gox trustee Nobuaki Kobayashi. The repayment schedule will start in early July 2024. The trustee has stated that in accordance with the Rehabilitation Plan, the repayments will be made in Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash. Repayments will be executed in collaboration with multiple cryptocurrency exchanges, guaranteeing that the exchange and verification of essential data are finished prior to the money being released. Kobayashi underlined that the group has done a lot of work to make sure the repayments are dependable and safe. This involves putting in place technological solutions for safe transactions abiding by financial laws in each nation and working with cryptocurrency exchanges to arrange repayment terms.This article was originally published on U.Today More

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    Bitcoin price today: slid to $61k amid dollar pressure, inflation jitters

    Broader cryptocurrency prices were also pressured by a strong dollar, as the greenback came close to a two-month high following robust U.S. purchasing managers index data.Bitcoin fell 4.9% in the past 24 hours to $61,233.4 by 08:37 ET (12:37 GMT).The world’s largest cryptocurrency was nursing steep losses over the past week as traders grew skeptical over the timing of interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.This sentiment is likely to see little signs of improvement this week, especially ahead of key PCE price index data due this Friday.The reading is the preferred inflation gauge of the Fed, and is likely to factor into the central bank’s outlook on interest rates in the coming months. While Friday’s data is expected to show some mild cooling in inflation, the reading is still expected to remain well above the Fed’s 2% annual target- giving the central bank more headroom to keep rates high.High rates bode poorly for crypto, given that they diminish the appeal of speculative, risk-driven assets such as crypto. Major altcoins saw much deeper losses than Bitcoin, as a slew of token unlocks, dwindling institutional demand and a healthy dose of profit-taking pressured crypto prices. Recent capital flow data showed institutional demand, especially for crypto investment products, remained centered largely around Bitcoin. But even Bitcoin was seen logging heavy outflows earlier in June. World no.2 token Ether dropped more than 5% to $3,320.76, hitting a one-month low as it largely consolidated gains made on hype over a spot Ether exchange-traded fund.XRP slipped 1.9%, while ADA and SOL slid 3.5% and 4.6%, respectively. Both tokens had seen some gains in recent sessions. Among meme tokens, DOGE and SHIB fell 5.5% and 6.5%, respectively.Defunct bitcoin exchange Mt. Gox said on Monday that it will begin distributing assets stolen from clients during a 2014 hack starting in the first week of July, a move that comes after years of moving deadlines.Nobuaki Kobayashi, the Rehabilitation Trustee, stated on the Mt. Gox website, “The Rehabilitation Trustee has been preparing to make repayments in Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash under the Rehabilitation Plan. The repayments will be made from the beginning of July 2024,” adding that due diligence and safety steps are necessary before payments can proceed.These repayments are expected to increase selling pressure on the bitcoin market. Early investors will receive assets now valued much higher than their pre-2013 entries, leading many to sell at least part of their holdings, according to traders.Mt. Gox, once the world’s leading crypto exchange, handled over 70% of all bitcoin transactions in its early years. In early 2014, a hack resulted in the loss of approximately 740,000 bitcoin (worth $15 billion today). This was the largest of several attacks on the exchange between 2010 and 2013. More