Weekly Crypto Recap (Aug 19 - Aug 26)

Here’s your weekly update from Metaverse.SG, spotlighting the hottest crypto happenings of the week:

• SEC, China & Crypto
• FOMC meeting & market predictions
• $TRX Network is gaining hype
• Pavel Durov arrested in France
• How to analyze crypto charts?
• $DAWN Airdrop Strategy

Jump into the latest crypto buzz!

Market Overview

BTC-ETF:

• Monday: +$61M
• Tuesday: +$88M
• Wednesday: +$39M
• Thursday: +$64M
• Friday: +$252M

ETH-ETF: 

• Monday: -$13M
• Tuesday: -$6M
• Wednesday: -$17M
• Thursday: -$0.8M
• Friday: -$5M

SEC, China & Crypto: Regulatory Uncertainty Clouds the Future of Digital Assets

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently withdrew applications for a Solana (SOL) exchange-traded fund (ETF), signaling ongoing regulatory uncertainty surrounding cryptocurrencies. The withdrawal follows the SEC’s concerns regarding the classification of SOL, which the agency may consider a security. This decision emerged after discussions with potential issuers, and as a result, Form 19b-4 for the Solana ETF is no longer visible on the Cboe website nor in the Federal Register. This move highlights the SEC’s cautious stance on digital assets, particularly those that could fall under securities law, adding to the complex regulatory environment in the U.S.

Meanwhile, in China, the government has taken a significant step by incorporating "virtual assets" into its anti-money laundering (AML) laws. This change implies that transactions involving cryptocurrencies could now lead to criminal liability, further tightening the country's already stringent crypto regulations. China's amendment is part of a broader effort to curb financial crimes and maintain strict control over digital currencies, which are seen as a potential threat to the nation’s financial stability. This development places China at the forefront of global regulatory crackdowns on digital assets, with implications for international crypto markets.

Summary from the Last FOMC Meeting: Cautious Optimism and Underlying Risks

In the most recent Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, the consensus among members was to maintain the current interest rate range, with most participants signaling readiness to consider rate cuts at the next meeting. This decision reflects a careful balancing act as the Federal Reserve aims to guide the economy toward sustained growth while achieving its 2% inflation target. However, concerns were raised that any delay or insufficient easing of monetary policy could unjustifiably weaken economic activity or employment, highlighting the need for timely interventions.

Despite a steady decline in inflation, the Fed has revised its economic growth forecast for the second half of 2024, citing weaker-than-expected labor market data as a key factor. This cautious outlook is accompanied by warnings about the risks of lowering rates too soon or too significantly, which could reverse the progress made in combating inflation. Critics, such as economist Peter Schiff, argue that the Fed’s strategy may be flawed, warning that the strong dollar, which has been instrumental in curbing inflation, could collapse if rates are cut. Schiff also contends that the U.S. economy and labor market are weaker than perceived, with inflationary pressures likely to resurface, potentially leading to stagflation in the near future.

Tron Network is Gaining Hype: Record Revenues and $TRX Momentum

The Tron Network is experiencing a surge in popularity, largely driven by the recent launch of the Sun Pump platform. This new platform has significantly boosted Tron’s daily network revenue, which has now reached record highs, according to data from Dropstab. The Sun Pump platform is designed to enhance liquidity and incentivize participation, attracting more users and increasing transaction volume across the network.

As a result of this heightened activity, Tron’s native token, $TRX, has continued its upward trajectory and is now approaching its historical peaks. The growing momentum around $TRX reflects increasing investor confidence in the Tron ecosystem, further fueled by the network’s expanding use cases and consistent performance. With the network’s revenue and token value on the rise, Tron is solidifying its position as a leading player in the blockchain space, attracting both users and developers to its robust and scalable platform.

Pavel Durov Arrested in France: Unconfirmed Reports Stir Speculation

Reports have surfaced that Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, has been arrested in France. This information, currently circulating through French media, has yet to be confirmed by official authorities. The Paris prosecutor's office is expected to make a statement later today, which may shed light on the situation. For now, the details surrounding Durov's alleged detention, including the reasons behind it, remain unclear.

The silence from French officials has only fueled speculation, with many questioning the legitimacy of the reports and the possible motivations behind Durov's arrest. As the founder of one of the world's most popular encrypted messaging platforms, Durov's legal troubles could have significant implications, not just for him personally but also for the broader tech and privacy communities. The upcoming statement from the prosecutor's office is eagerly anticipated, as it may either confirm or dispel the rumors currently swirling in the media.

DAWN Airdrop Guide

How to analyze crypto charts?