Aurelia Butler

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  • 125 Shares99 Views

    in Cryptocurrency

    BTC, XRP, DOGE Communities Abuzz Over Elon Musk’s X Message

    The tweet, which offered a perspective on the workings of the Federal Reserve, has sparked a reaction from the crypto community. In a compelling tweet, Musk drew an analogy between the United States Federal Reserve and the popular board game Monopoly.Musk compared the Federal Reserve’s ability to create money to the Monopoly game’s rule that allows the bank to never go bankrupt, implying that, like the game, the Fed can always print more money. This metaphor emphasizes concerns about the Fed’s quantitative easing (QE) program and its impact on inflation and currency value.In the aftermath of Musk’s X post, cryptocurrency communities like Bitcoin, XRP and Dogecoin responded in a variety of ways, offering their perspectives.In response to Musk’s post, financial analyst Michaël van de Poppe advocates Bitcoin, silver and gold, predicting that QE might be reintroduced.Some members of the Bitcoin community interpreted Musk’s post on how the Federal Reserve works as a recognition of the need for sound monetary policies and the potential benefits of a deflationary digital asset like Bitcoin. “Bitcoin fixes this,” they said. This belief stems from the idea that Bitcoin is sound money due to its supply cap and predictable issuance schedule.Some Dogecoin community members replied, including co-founder Billy Markus, also known as “Shibetoshi Nakamoto” on X. Prominent Dogecoin community member “Sir Doge of the coin” also noted, “Dogecoin fixes this.”XRP influencer “XRP crypto wolf” said, “Save yourself with XRP and crypto.”This article was originally published on U.Today More

  • 138 Shares189 Views

    in Cryptocurrency

    Tron DAO Unexpectedly Shifts $65 Million in Bitcoin to Unknown Entity

    What adds to the mystery is the alleged involvement of Huobi, a prominent exchange platform, in the chain of transfers. Sources indicate that the unknown Bitcoin wallet may indeed be linked to Huobi, deepening the mystery surrounding the destination of the digital funds.Shortly after, the same 1,000 BTC made its way from one of Huobi’s wallets to another undisclosed address labeled “1Fbsri.” This intricate movement of funds raises questions about the motivations behind such maneuvers and the identities of those orchestrating them.Remarkably, the journey of this substantial volume of cryptocurrency did not end there. On-chain data reveals that the Bitcoin eventually found its way to Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange, further amplifying curiosity about the ultimate destination and purpose of these transfers.What prompted Tron DAO to initiate this significant transfer? Who are the intended recipients of these funds, and what are their intentions? These are the questions whose answers could lift the veil of mystery over these movements of millions of dollars in BTC on an ordinary Sunday afternoon.This article was originally published on U.Today More

  • 150 Shares199 Views

    in Economy

    Chinese companies win more bids to explore for Iraq oil and gas

    BAGHDAD (Reuters) -Chinese companies won five more bids to explore Iraqi oil and gas fields, Iraq’s oil minister said on Sunday, as the Middle Eastern country’s hydrocarbon exploration licensing round continued into its second day. Chinese companies have been the only foreign players to win bids so far, taking licenses covering 10 oil and gas fields since Saturday, while Iraqi Kurdish company KAR Group took two.The oil and gas licences for 29 projects in total are mainly aimed at ramping up output for domestic use, with more than 20 companies pre-qualifying, including European, Chinese, Arab and Iraqi groups.Iraq wanted this licensing round – the country’s sixth – in particular to increase output of natural gas, that it wants to use to fire power plants that rely heavily on gas imported from Iran. However, no bids were made on at least six fields with gas potential, potentially undermining those efforts. Also notably no U.S. oil majors have been involved, even after Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia met representatives of U.S. companies on an official visit to the United States last month.Among specific awards, China’s CNOOC (NYSE:CEO) Iraq won a bid to develop for oil exploration Iraq’s Block 7, that extends across the country’s central and southern provinces of Diwaniya, Babil, Najaf, Wasit and Muthanna, said oil minister Hayan Abdul Ghani. ZhenHua, Anton Oilfield Services and Sinopec (OTC:SHIIY) won bids to develop the Abu Khaymah oilfield in Muthanna, the Dhufriya field in Wasit and the Sumer field in Muthanna, respectively, the minister said. China’s Geo-Jade won a bid to develop Iraq’s Jabal Sanam field for oil exploration in Basra province, Iraq’s oil minister added.Iraq, OPEC’s second-largest oil producer behind Saudi Arabia, has been hampered in its oil sector development by contract terms viewed as unfavourable by many major oil companies, as well as recurring military conflicts and growing investor focus on environmental, social and governance criteria. More

  • 138 Shares139 Views

    in Economy

    Trump case reaches a climax and strike threats premiere at Cannes

    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 monthFT Weekend Print deliveryPlusEverything in Standard DigitalFT Weekend Print deliveryPlusEverything in Premium Digital More

  • 125 Shares99 Views

    in Economy

    British newspaper groups warn Apple over ad-blocking plans, FT reports

    Apple is preparing to include an AI-based privacy feature in the Safari browser in the next iOS 18 software update that will remove ads or other unwanted website content, the newspaper reported.News Media Association (NMA), an industry body, raised concerns about how the planned tool would affect digital revenues in the industry, the FT said, citing a letter sent to Apple’s UK government affairs chief on Friday.The letter, according to the report, added that professional journalism required funding and “advertising is a key revenue stream for many publishers”.In the letter, the NMA expressed concerns over editorial accountability if artificial intelligence tools were used to selectively remove or change the content of articles.NMA has called for a meeting between publishers and Apple to discuss the potential implications of the web eraser, according to the report.Apple and NMA did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment. NMA is an association of UK-based national, regional and local news media organizations, according to its website. More

  • 138 Shares169 Views

    in Cryptocurrency

    Ancient Bitcoin Whales Suddenly Awake After 10.7 Years With 49,274.2% Profit

    According to Lookonchain’s latest findings, these wallets, inactive for precisely 10.7 years, have swiftly transferred their entire holdings of 1,000 BTC, currently valued at a staggering $60.9 million, within a mere 20-minute window.The wallets in question, identified as “16vRqA” and “1DUJuH,” received their initial deposits of 500 BTC each back in September 2013, when Bitcoin was valued at a modest $124 per coin.Fast forward to today, and these addresses have witnessed an extraordinary surge in value, boasting an astronomical profit margin of 49,274.2%. In monetary terms, this translates to a jaw-dropping $60.8 million windfall, equating to an astonishing $5.7 million in profit accrued annually over the past 11 years.The sudden reactivation of these dormant BTC whales has sparked intense speculation within the cryptocurrency community. Many analysts posit that such a move could signify a pivotal shift in market sentiment.Historically, the emergence of long-dormant Bitcoin holders has often been interpreted as a bearish signal, suggesting a potential sell-off to lock in profits. However, the unique circumstances surrounding these ancient wallets leave the market eagerly anticipating their next move.This article was originally published on U.Today More

  • 88 Shares149 Views

    in Cryptocurrency

    Peter Schiff Doesn’t Own Any Bitcoin: Statement

    Schiff has been vocal about his views on Bitcoin, often contrasting its value and utility against traditional assets like gold. His latest remarks emphasize his disbelief in the cryptocurrency’s value, likening the enthusiasm around it to being “drunk on the Kool-Aid.” Schiff’s analogy to “the emperor’s new clothes” suggests he sees Bitcoin’s value as largely imaginary, promoted by collective belief rather than intrinsic worth.This perspective is consistent with his previous statements on the dynamics of Bitcoin’s price. He has commented on the launch of Bitcoin ETFs, noting that initial lack of sellers due to overwhelming buyer interest had temporarily buoyed prices.However, he predicted that as more investors hold these ETFs, the increase in potential sellers would outstrip buying demand, leading to price declines. This viewpoint aligns with his broader skepticism about the sustainability of Bitcoin’s market performance.Critics of Schiff often argue that his continual critiques of Bitcoin are part of a personal branding strategy. They speculate that he might secretly own Bitcoin, using his public disparagement as a way to draw attention to himself and his preferred investment, gold. This theory suggests that Schiff’s criticism could be a calculated move to maintain relevance in social channels.Ultimately, whether Schiff’s position is a marketing strategy or a genuine philosophy, his statements are being noticed and analyzed. He has been right on numerous cases when criticizing Bitcoin and the path it has chosen. However, it’s important to note that Schiff predicted Bitcoin’s fall to all-time lows, ahead of mind-blowing rallies toward ATHs.This article was originally published on U.Today More

  • 150 Shares119 Views

    in Economy

    Australia says inflation could ease to RBA target range by year end

    The Labor government also lowered down its economic growth forecasts.In the December economic and fiscal outlook, the government projected consumer price inflation would slow to 3.75% by mid-2024 and 2.75% by mid-2025, putting it back in the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) target band.On Sunday the government said in a statement that official forecasts were now that headline inflation could hit the target band by the end of 2024.RBA economists, by contrast, forecast inflation, at 3.6% in the first quarter, to pick up to 3.8% by June and stay there until the end of the year.Treasurer Jim Chalmers said on Sunday the budget he will present on Tuesday will prioritise efforts to fight stubbornly high inflation, which has put many Australians under sustained cost-of-living pressure.”Inflation is moderating in welcome ways but it’s not mission accomplished because people are still under pressure,” Chalmers said in the statement. “The Budget will put downward pressure on inflation, not upward pressure on inflation.”On economic growth the government said its forecast was for real gross domestic product to grow 2.0% in fiscal 2024/25, below the 2.25% forecast in the December outlook, and 2.25% in 2025/26, down from the previous 2.5% forecast.The economy has slowed due to the impact of global economic uncertainty, moderating but high inflation and higher interest rates, the government said.The RBA has fought persistently high inflation by raising interest rates 425 basis points since May 2022 to a 12-year high of 4.35%.  More