U.S. Embraces Bitcoin ETFs: A New Chapter
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently made history by approving the country's first Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). This landmark decision includes an ETF from Brazilian firm Hashdex. This follows years of SEC rejections of Bitcoin ETF applications. BlackRock's proposal earlier in 2023 marked a turning point, generating widespread interest due to their market influence. Standard Chartered Bank predicts these ETFs could attract up to $100 billion in the first year.
Marcelo Sampaio, CEO of Hashdex, views the launch as a significant regulatory step in the U.S. and a victory for digital assets. Despite the approval, SEC Chair Gary Gensler cautions investors, clarifying that the SEC doesn't endorse Bitcoin. To lure investors, companies like BlackRock are cutting administration fees, with some even offering zero fees.
The anticipation of ETF approvals has already boosted Bitcoin's value significantly, with a more than 160% increase over the past year. However, after the announcement, Bitcoin's value momentarily dipped. Analysts predict the ETFs could drive Bitcoin's value to new heights, potentially reaching $50,000 soon and possibly its all-time high later in the year. They also anticipate a favorable impact from the upcoming Bitcoin halving event, which reduces its inflation rate. But there is caution about potential profit-taking once it reaches certain levels.
Nicole Dyskant from Fireblocks notes that the SEC's decision influences more than just market liquidity. It could transform the broader financial and capital markets. The days leading up to the ETF launch saw cybersecurity incidents and criticism. The SEC's Twitter account was hacked, falsely announcing the ETF approvals, which the SEC later denied and began investigating. Gensler has also warned about risks in the crypto market, emphasizing the importance of understanding risks and legal compliance.
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🛢📈 — Reuters reports that oil is approaching $100 per barrel following the latest exchange of attacks between Americans and Iranians on oil tankers.
▶️The price of Brent crude has risen to $97.07 per barrel, while American WTI crude has risen to $92.28. In the past week, Brent has risen by 7.8%, while WTI has risen by nearly 10%.
▶️On Saturday, U.S. forces attacked three Iranian oil tankers, one of which was stationed near the island of Kharg, a key center for Iranian oil exports. In response, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced attacks on three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and three more U.S. ships.
▶️In this context, traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has sharply declined. Over the past 10 days, an average of only 10 cargo ships have transited the strait per day – the lowest level since May.
The WHO now states on its website:
Vaccination against COVID-19 can trigger multiple sclerosis through cross-reactive CD4+-T cells that recognize the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 and myelin peptides.
In other words: Your own immune system destroys the nerve pathways and then attacks your brain and spinal cord.