FOMC Meet: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH) in correction mode?

CoingapePubblicato 2023-01-31Pubblicato ultima volta 2023-01-31

Introduzione

If the FOMC meet gives out the 25 bps rate hike as expected, the crypto prices could still go either ways in reaction to the announcement.

U.S. stock futures were trading in the red on Tuesday in an apparent anticipation of the Fed’s rate hike decision. As against the bullish flow the crypto market showed this month, Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) are currently going through the correction phase. However, following the interest rate decision and the subsequent press conference by Jerome Powell, there could be a narrative shift n trader sentiment. Hence, any price drop before and after the announcement may not sustain, as was seen after previous Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meetings.
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How Markets Will React To Hawkish Statement
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Despite a hawkish statement on the state of the U.S. economy by Powell in July 2022, the markets responded in a bullish manner. In subsequent Fed meetings, the investors appeared to have gotten used to the rate hike phenomenon and the markets responded mildly. Similarly, the crypto market could respond either ways in reaction to the economic outlook and future plan of action from the central bank. However, there could be room for reversal in trend, considering the strong bullish momentum cryptocurrencies saw since January 1, 2023.

Meanwhile, the US Dollar Index (DXY) is on an upward curve with a slight rise of 0.18%. Although this is negative for crypto prices, there could be scope for recovery post Powell’s statement.

While the stocks turned red on Monday ahead of the central bank meeting, the crypto market lost its gains from earlier in the week. Both BTC and ETH lost nearly 1.50% in value in the last 24 hours. As of writing, BTC price stands at $22,855, down 1.56% in the last 24 hours, according to CoinGape price tracker. Whereas ETH price stands at $1571, down 0.85% in the last 24 hours. In this context, the crypto market is poised to move either ways in the current scenario in anticipation of a 25 bps rate hike. The CME Fed watch tool suggests that the traders almost certain of a 0.25% rate hike with a 98.1% target rate probabilities.

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This article details serious allegations of fraud against Bitcoin infrastructure company Blockstream, founded by Bitcoin pioneer Adam Back. In June 2024, investigative account NatInfoSec published a report accusing Blockstream's mining note (BMN) program of potentially operating a multi-billion dollar scheme with Ponzi-like characteristics. The core allegations focus on Blockstream Mining Notes (BMNs), which offer investors fixed annual yields up to approximately 20% from Bitcoin mining. NatInfoSec's investigation raises several key issues: 1. **Suspicious Hashrate & Payout Capacity**: The analysis suggests Blockstream would need 20-45 EH/s of mining power to cover its BMN obligations, but its public dashboard shows only around 15 EH/s. Furthermore, no verifiable public evidence (e.g., grid connection records, import data) was found to support the massive mining operation required. 2. **Questionable Payout Source**: The BMN contract allows Blockstream to use Bitcoin from *any source* (Substitute Performance BTC) to fulfill investor payouts, raising concerns that payouts may not come from actual mining revenue. 3. **High-Risk, Fixed Returns**: Offering ~20% fixed yields in the volatile, cyclical Bitcoin mining industry is viewed as highly unusual and requires clear explanation. 4. **Undisclosed Criminal Record of Key Figure**: Christopher William Cook, a key figure in Blockstream's mining operations and CEO of spin-off Exacore, was found to have a federal felony conviction for mail fraud in 2008, a fact not disclosed in BMN offering documents. His background was also allegedly embellished. 5. **Potential Contagion to BSTR SPAC**: Questions were raised about whether these liabilities and Cook's record should have been disclosed in the SEC filings for Bitcoin Standard Treasury Company (BSTR), a separate Adam Back-associated firm planning a SPAC merger. The crypto community is divided. BitMEX Research validated Cook's criminal record and expressed concern over the high yields but found other evidence lacking or misleading, noting the legal separation between BMN, Blockstream, and BSTR. Blockstream defenders, like Samson Mow, argue the mining is real. Critics, however, emphasize the lack of independent, verifiable proof of the mining operation's scale and the true source of investor payouts. The article concludes that BMN remains shrouded in key unanswered questions regarding its actual size, the verifiability of its underlying mining assets and payouts, the source of its high yields, and the full role and disclosure concerning Chris Cook. Blockstream had not issued a comprehensive response at the time of writing.

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This article details allegations of serious fraud surrounding the crypto company Blockstream, founded by Bitcoin pioneer Adam Back. Investigation account NatInfoSec accuses Blockstream of raising billions through its Blockstream Mining Note (BMN) products, which offer high fixed yields of up to 20% from purported mining revenue. The core allegations are: 1) Blockstream's public mining hash rate (15 EH/s) appears insufficient to cover the massive payout obligations from sold BMN notes, raising questions about the true source of investor payouts. 2) Key executive Christopher William Cook, central to the mining operations, has a prior federal conviction for mail fraud, a fact not disclosed to investors. Cook's background and lavish lifestyle are highlighted as red flags. 3) The structure allows payouts from any source of BTC, not necessarily mining revenue, which critics argue gives it Ponzi-like characteristics. The controversy also touches on Bitcoin Standard Treasury Company (BSTR), a related entity planning a SPAC上市. Critics question whether BMN's liabilities and Cook's record should be disclosed in BSTR's filings. BitMEX Research offered a tempered analysis, confirming Cook's criminal record is likely true and the high yields concerning, but found other claims like insufficient抵押证据 less substantiated. Community debate centers on the need for verifiable proof of Blockstream's mining output and revenue. The article concludes that while fraud is not proven, BMN presents significant, unresolved questions regarding its actual scale, the source of its high fixed returns, the verifiability of its mining operations and payouts, and the full disclosure of associated risks and personnel backgrounds. Blockstream has not yet issued a formal response.

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