CryptoCurrency
Exploring Crypto's Potential: 6 Creative Uses Beyond Just Trading
A close up of two coins on a table photo – Free Coin Image on Unsplash
Cryptocurrency has evolved significantly since the launch of Bitcoin in 2009. Initially viewed as a digital currency for speculation and investment, crypto has expanded its reach into various sectors, creating unique opportunities that go far beyond just trading. Today, cryptocurrency is shaping new industries, offering innovative solutions to everyday problems, and providing creative ways for individuals to engage with technology.
1. Charitable Donations and Fundraising
Cryptocurrency is making waves in the world of philanthropy, offering a new way for individuals and organizations to donate to causes they care about. Crypto donations are becoming increasingly popular, as they offer several advantages over traditional charitable giving methods. One of the biggest benefits is that cryptocurrency donations are often faster and cheaper than traditional payment methods, as they bypass intermediaries like banks and payment processors.
Cryptocurrency also allows for greater transparency in donations. Since blockchain technology is public and immutable, charitable organizations can track how funds are being spent, ensuring that donations go directly to the intended cause. This level of transparency builds trust between donors and organizations, making it easier for people to feel confident in their contributions.
2. Crypto Gaming
Cryptocurrency is transforming the gaming industry, offering new ways for players to earn rewards and enjoy secure, fast transactions. In play-to-earn (P2E) games, players can earn cryptocurrency or NFTs by participating in in-game activities, allowing them to monetize their time and efforts. These games are built on decentralized networks that ensure transparency and security, with rewards tied to the value of digital assets, which can be traded or used for in-game purchases.
Online crypto casinos are also growing in popularity, enabling players to deposit and withdraw cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. This provides faster transactions, increased privacy, and a more secure experience than traditional payment methods. Bitcoin casinos offer a wide variety of games, from blackjack to slots, with live dealer options available. With exclusive bonuses and lower fees, crypto casinos are quickly becoming the preferred choice for many players.
3. Decentralized Finance (DeFi)
Cryptocurrency has introduced a new era of decentralized finance (DeFi), a system that allows users to lend, borrow, and earn interest on their digital assets without the need for traditional intermediaries like banks. DeFi platforms leverage blockchain technology to create open, permissionless financial services that are accessible to anyone with an internet connection.
Through DeFi, individuals can participate in activities such as yield farming, staking, and liquidity provision. Yield farming allows users to earn passive income by lending their cryptocurrency to others in exchange for interest, while staking involves locking up digital assets in a network to support its security in exchange for rewards. Liquidity provision involves adding funds to a decentralized exchange (DEX) to facilitate trades and earn a share of the transaction fees.
4. Tokenizing Real-World Assets
Another innovative application of cryptocurrency is the tokenization of real-world assets. Tokenization refers to the process of converting ownership of real-world assets—like real estate, art, or even stocks—into virtual tokens that can be traded via the blockchain. These tokens represent ownership or a stake in the underlying asset and can be bought, sold, or exchanged with greater ease.
For example, a real estate property could be tokenized, with each token representing a fractional share of the property. Investors can then buy or sell these tokens without needing to go through traditional property buying or selling processes, which can be time-consuming and costly. Tokenization opens up investment opportunities to a wider audience, allowing individuals to invest in assets that were previously out of reach due to high entry costs.
5. Digital Identity and Authentication
Cryptocurrency and blockchain technology are also paving the way for more secure and privacy-focused digital identities. With concerns over data privacy and security becoming increasingly prevalent, blockchain-based identity solutions are gaining traction. These decentralized digital identities give individuals greater control over their personal information and reduce the risk of data breaches.
Blockchain-powered digital identity systems can be used for a variety of purposes, including secure login processes, online voting, and identity verification in financial services. By using cryptographic methods to secure personal data, these systems allow users to authenticate their identity without relying on centralized institutions or risking their sensitive information being compromised.
6. Tokenized Rewards and Loyalty Programs
Loyalty programs have long been a staple of consumer engagement, but cryptocurrency is now transforming how rewards and incentives are offered. Brands are exploring ways to tokenize loyalty points, offering customers cryptocurrency-based rewards that can be redeemed across multiple platforms. These tokens can also be traded or sold, adding value to the loyalty program beyond simple discounts or gifts.
By tokenizing rewards, businesses create a more flexible, transparent, and transferable incentive system that benefits both customers and companies. Customers can earn tokens for purchasing products, sharing content, or engaging with brands, and these tokens can then be used to access special perks, products, or experiences within a decentralized ecosystem.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
CryptoCurrency
What Is Grok Crypto – Coinlabz
Grok Crypto, a platform that mixes funny memes with cryptocurrency, creates a special place where digital assets meet internet culture. The **GROK token** runs this space, thriving in an environment shaped by viral content and blockchain tech. Folks like Grok Crypto because it combines humor with financial tools, providing a fresh take on digital money.
This platform allows users to engage with memes while also participating in the cryptocurrency market, combining entertainment with potential financial opportunities. By exploring the intersection of memes and blockchain technology, Grok Crypto provides a distinctive approach to understanding and navigating the ever-changing landscape of digital assets.
While the surface of Grok Crypto may appear light-hearted and meme-centric, delving deeper reveals a complex ecosystem that involves community engagement, market dynamics, and technological innovation. Through its unique blend of humor and finance, Grok Crypto offers a fresh take on the evolving world of digital currencies.
Key Takeaways
- Grok Crypto is a meme-based cryptocurrency that has gained attention within the crypto community. The GROK token is known for its incorporation of humor and novelty, distinguishing it from other cryptocurrencies.
- Whether individuals choose to invest in $GROK or not, it is important to recognize that the cryptocurrency market is constantly changing, presenting opportunities for those who can navigate its volatility.
- Similar to Dogecoin’s journey from a meme to a prominent player in the crypto sphere, Grok Crypto has the potential to establish itself within the industry.
The Meaning of Grok
Grok Crypto’s significance lies in its connection to Elon Musk’s AI project and its incorporation of meme culture elements within the cryptocurrency space. The GROK token, inspired by Musk’s AI program Grok, aims to infuse a sense of playfulness into the realms of artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency.
Functioning as a meme coin, GROK seeks to generate interest and enhance its value, while also emphasizing transparency standards. Despite lacking explicit endorsement from Musk, GROK benefits from the public’s curiosity about Musk’s Grok project, using humor and community involvement as key elements in its marketing approach.
The name ‘GROK’ is a nod to Musk’s vision of humor in AI chatbots and aligns its launch with Musk’s Grok initiative to leverage interest in Musk’s diverse projects. The term ‘grok,’ derived from Robert A. Heinlein’s novel, ‘Stranger in a Strange Land,’ conveys a profound, intuitive comprehension through empathy, making it a fitting choice for an AI tool striving for comprehensive understanding.
Understanding GROK
GROK distinguishes itself in the cryptocurrency sphere through its humorous and engaging approach to AI and blockchain technology. The GROK token, inspired by Elon Musk’s Grok AI program, pays tribute to Musk’s concept of integrating humor into AI chatbots. This cryptocurrency, renowned for its meme-centric marketing strategy, aims to inject a light-hearted element into the typically serious realm of AI and cryptocurrency. While it lacks official endorsement from Musk, GROK capitalizes on public interest in Musk’s Grok project, indirectly enhancing its appeal.
GROK’s infrastructure exhibits potential for market expansion by tapping into the public’s intrigue with Musk’s initiatives. The distribution and circulation of the GROK cryptocurrency are influenced by its meme-driven status, sparking conversations on the significance of meme coins within the broader cryptocurrency landscape. By examining the connections between Elon Musk’s Grok AI, the GROK token, and the meme-driven nature of GROK cryptocurrency, one can gain a deeper understanding of this distinctive digital asset.
Understanding the Tokenomics of GROK
GROK functions as a cryptocurrency token, similar to Shiba Inu, attracting crypto investors interested in distinct market opportunities. The token operates on the Ethereum network through its ERC-20 contract address, facilitating transactions and user interactions.
Understanding GROK’s tokenomics involves grasping its buy/sell tax mechanisms, which influence its value and circulating supply. By engaging with the GROK token, investors become part of a community-driven ecosystem rooted in meme culture and internet trends, akin to successful meme coins.
The Price of Grok Crypto
The recent price rally of GROK tokens in the cryptocurrency market can be attributed to various factors, including increased investor interest, the utilization of language models in meme creation, and the general enthusiasm surrounding meme-based cryptocurrencies. This surge led to GROK tokens reaching an all-time high, reflecting the unique positioning of GROK as a meme coin influenced by internet culture trends and humor.
As of today, the 29th of April 2024, GROK ‘s price stands at $0.01312 with an all-time high at $0.02982 achieved on the 28th of November, 2023.
As with any cryptocurrency, the value of GROK tokens is subject to fluctuations, and it’s crucial to monitor market trends and developments closely. Understanding the dynamics of meme coins like GROK can provide valuable insights for investors navigating the cryptocurrency space.
Should I Buy $GROK?
When considering the potential purchase of $GROK, it’s important to approach it with caution due to the volatile nature of meme coins. $GROK operates on the Ethereum blockchain, allowing it to be traded on various centralized exchanges. Prior to making any investment in $GROK, it’s advisable to carefully evaluate factors such as the token’s trading volume, market trends, and the general sentiment surrounding meme coins.
Before deciding to buy $GROK, it’s crucial to consider the community’s perception and engagement, as these aspects can impact the token’s value. Monitoring how $GROK performs against Ethereum and other cryptocurrencies can also provide insights into its potential for growth or decline. It’s essential to bear in mind that meme coins, like $GROK, are characterized by rapid price fluctuations and speculative trading, so it’s wise to invest only what you can afford to lose.
The decision to invest in $GROK should align with your risk tolerance, investment objectives, and comprehension of the meme coin market. Engaging in thorough research, staying informed about market dynamics, and making well-informed decisions based on your financial circumstances are recommended steps to take before considering the purchase of $GROK.
Where to Buy GROK?
To acquire GROK, investors can access various centralized exchanges (CEXs) and decentralized exchanges (DEXs).
GROK has gained attention in the cryptocurrency community, drawing parallels to its origins in the satirical work ‘Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.’
Uniswap emerges as a prominent platform for trading GROK, boasting the highest trading volume for this token.
For a swift acquisition of GROK, Moralis Money offers an instant crypto swap service. To purchase GROK on Moralis Money, users can visit the $GROK page, connect their Web3 wallet (such as MetaMask), select the token from their wallet, specify the desired amount for the swap, and securely complete the transaction.
GROKs Controversial Reputation
The controversial reputation surrounding the meme coin GROK has sparked debates within the cryptocurrency community. GROK’s involvement in various controversies, including its tumultuous financial performance and the revelation of a scam that caused a significant 74% value collapse, has led to mixed reactions among enthusiasts. While some view GROK skeptically as a dubious scheme, others defend it as a legitimate meme coin with potential for market growth.
The unique infrastructure of GROK has attracted interest, but concerns have been raised about its indirect association with Elon Musk‘s Grok project, leading to worries about misleading connections. Additionally, regulatory scrutiny following the scam incident has brought attention to the risks present in the cryptocurrency market, resulting in a loss of investor confidence in GROK.
The debates surrounding GROK continue, highlighting the divided perception of the coin within the cryptocurrency community. This underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in meme coin projects to address concerns and build trust among investors.
Leveraging the Musk Factor: GROKs Unofficial Connection
GROK cryptocurrency has an unofficial connection to Elon Musk’s AI program Grok, which has sparked interest within the crypto community due to Musk’s prominent reputation in the tech industry. While GROK isn’t officially endorsed by Musk, it leverages the association with his projects to attract attention and engage investors and enthusiasts.
This indirect link to Musk’s innovative work adds an element of intrigue to GROK’s brand, positioning it as a nod to the tech mogul’s impactful ventures in AI and other fields. By embracing the Musk factor, GROK aligns itself with the broader narrative of technological advancement and disruption promoted by Elon Musk.
The unofficial tie to Musk’s Grok project serves as a marketing strategy for GROK, enhancing its visibility and appeal within the crypto community, where connections to notable figures can influence sentiment and engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Use of Grok Coin?
Grok Coin’s utility stems from its meme-inspired community involvement and unconventional cryptocurrency model. It acts as a satirical reflection on established coins, prompting discussions and dialogues in the cryptocurrency sphere regarding the potential of meme-based tokens.
What Does a Grok Token Do?
A Grok token is a cryptocurrency issued by Grok Crypto, known as GROK token. As a meme coin, its value largely depends on trading activities and price fluctuations in the market. Unlike some other cryptocurrencies that have specific use cases or utility, the GROK token primarily serves as a speculative asset driven by market sentiment and trends in meme culture.
Conclusion
Grok Crypto is a unique cryptocurrency platform that combines internet culture, memes, and blockchain technology, offering a distinct approach to digital assets. The platform’s central token, GROK, operates within this meme-centric environment, tapping into humor and novelty to attract attention in the cryptocurrency space.
While it lacks official endorsement from Musk, GROK has capitalized on public interest in Musk’s ventures, leveraging the “Musk factor” to boost its appeal.
Despite its playful and light-hearted surface, Grok Crypto’s deeper ecosystem involves community engagement, market dynamics, and technology innovation. The token’s price fluctuations and market performance reflect the speculative nature of meme coins, with potential risks and rewards.
Grok Crypto represents a fusion of entertainment and financial opportunity, inviting users to explore a playful yet complex space within the world of digital currencies.
Other cryptocurrencies that you might find interesting:
Qubic Crypto, PushD Crypto, TitanX Crypto, Renq Crypto and Retik Crypto.
Angel Marinov is the Managing Editor at Coinlabz. With extensive knowledge of crypto payments and blockchain use cases, Angel is a trusted source of accurate and timely information
CryptoCurrency
Crypto fails as money and what needs to change
Disclosure: The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to the author and do not represent the views and opinions of crypto.news’ editorial.
In December 2024, the price of Bitcoin (BTC) passed $100,000 for the first time. This surge, driven by optimism over a pro-crypto US administration, marked a historic moment. Yet, despite the excitement, it also highlighted an ongoing problem—cryptocurrencies still aren’t ready for everyday use.
Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have become popular as investments, similar to stocks or as some experts call it—Bitcoin is the ‘digital gold.’ But when it comes to being used as real money, they fall short. High fees, slow transactions, and often overcomplicated systems keep crypto from being practical for most people. If the industry wants to see mass adoption, it needs to fix these problems and focus on making crypto easy to use and accessible to everyone.
Old blockchain systems are holding crypto back
When Bitcoin launched, its decentralized design was groundbreaking. It showed the world a new way to secure and transfer money without relying on banks that are prone to external factors such as inflation and geopolitical constraints. Yet, over a decade later, its original system is struggling to keep up.
Bitcoin’s block creation process, which happens every 10 minutes, limits how many transactions it can handle. During busy times, fees go up, and transactions take longer to confirm. This makes using Bitcoin for small, everyday payments inconvenient and expensive.
L2 solutions like the Lightning Network try to make Bitcoin faster and cheaper, but such solutions still depend on the same slow base layer. This means the core problem remains unsolved. As a result, Bitcoin is mostly used as a store of value or an investment rather than as a way to pay for everyday commodities. For crypto to be widely adopted, it needs to move beyond this basic limitation.
Crypto needs to scale for everyday use
If cryptocurrencies are to work as money for everyone, they need to scale up in a big way. Today’s leading flagships like Bitcoin and Ethereum (ETH) can’t handle the volume of transactions that a global payment system requires. Congestion and high fees make them impractical for daily use.
Traditional payment systems like Visa and Mastercard, on the other hand, process millions of transactions every day with ease. For crypto to compete, it must match or exceed this level of performance. Small improvements aren’t enough. The industry needs bold new designs for blockchains that can handle massive transaction volumes without breaking a sweat.
Without this kind of scalability, crypto will stay stuck as a niche tool – good for speculation but not for replacing traditional financial systems.
The case for hybrid models and stablecoins
One way forward might be through hybrid systems that combine crypto’s strengths with the stability of fiat money. Stablecoins, which are tied to fiat currencies like the US dollar, already show promise. They provide the speed and privacy of crypto while avoiding the price swings of coins like Bitcoin.
Stablecoins are gaining traction in countries where local currencies are unstable, offering people a safe and practical way to store and transfer value. However, they’re only part of the solution. The industry needs a seamless system that integrates stablecoins, traditional cryptocurrencies, and even digital fiat currencies.
Such a system would give users the flexibility to choose what works best for them while keeping the key benefits of decentralization, speed, and security.
Changing how people see crypto
Another big hurdle to crypto adoption is how people view it. Bitcoin is often called ‘digital gold,’ which makes people think of it as an investment to hold onto rather than spend. While this idea has helped Bitcoin grow in value, it has also hurt its potential to be fully integrated into everyday transactions for lesser commodities.
For crypto to succeed as money, this perception needs to change. People should see it as a tool for everyday transactions, whether they’re buying coffee or sending money abroad. This requires not just better technology but also better communication and transparency from the industry. The message should be clear—crypto is simple, reliable, and ready to use in the real world.
The path ahead
We should, of course, consider that the industry keeps focusing on speculation and addressing crypto as a stock market while playing around with price gains, in that case, the industry and crypto will fail to reach their full potential and remain as a niche tool. But if the priorities were to shift into practical solutions, crypto could truly become the money of the future.
The road ahead isn’t easy, but the goal is worth it. Crypto doesn’t just need new technology—it needs a new mindset. The question isn’t whether crypto can change the world. The question is whether we’re ready to make it happen.
CryptoCurrency
Nibiru EVM (Nibiru V2) Codebase Finalized Following Rigorous Security Audits
[PRESS RELEASE – Tortola, British Virgin Islands, January 23rd, 2025]
Nibiru, a secure and high-performance blockchain, has reached successful code completion for its upcoming Nibiru EVM (Nibiru V2) upgrade.
“This milestone marks a key step in the evolution of Nibiru. Smoothly launching an initiative like this is about doing small things right to make a big difference. Nibiru places a heavy emphasis on security for users and their digital assets. The audits and resulting mitigation changes help ensure that the new generation of apps on Nibiru will deploy in a secure and efficient environment, stated Unique Divine, Co-founder of Nibiru and CEO of Nibi, Inc.”
These security audits of Nibiru focused on the core L1 logic. The team started with a consultative security audit in October 2024 by Zenith, where Code4rena assembled a curated team of auditors tailored to the project’s specific codebase and needs. After addressing potential security findings from this audit, the team sponsored a competitive Code4rena audit in November 2024. This second audit expanded its scope to include Nibiru’s Ethereum JSON-RPC, in addition to the core L1 and the Nibiru EVM.
What is Nibiru EVM (Nibiru V2)?
The Nibiru EVM Upgrade, also called Nibiru V2, is a “purely additive” enhancement to Nibiru that makes it an EVM-equivalent execution engine. This allows Ethereum-based application development teams to more easily build on Nibiru and take advantage of widely used tools like MetaMask and Coinbase Wallet.
The team’s Jan 2025 Ecosystem Update also mentions the launch of several products on top of Nibiru V2, including a Uniswap V3 deployment by Oku, Astrovault’s cross-chain value capture DEX, tokenized private credit and T-bills, and Bridged USDC.
Nibiru Lagrange Point: A Glimpse into the Future
Building upon the progress of the Nibiru EVM upgrade, Nibiru is unveiling the initial stages of its ambitious “Nibiru Lagrange Point” roadmap. This roadmap outlines a series of innovative advancements designed to further enhance the scalability, decentralization, and user experience on Nibiru.
Nibiru Lagrange Point combines:
- FunToken Mechanism, a unification of EVM and non-EVM tokens that don’t rely on third-party bridges
- Pipeline-Aware Reordered Execution (PARE) for higher throughput
- Optimized validator dynamics in NibiruBFT, including Boneh–Lynn–Shacham (BLS) Signatures and novel grouping algorithms to reduce overhead and speed up block times.
- Mempool Lanes for orderly transaction flow
These design innovations are meant to “address bottlenecks across every layer of the stack, paving the way for advanced DeFi, real-world assets (RWAs), AI-driven bots, and high-traffic cultural projects—all running seamlessly on a single platform”, according to Harvey Liu, Research Engineer at Nibi, Inc.
About Nibiru
Nibiru is a high-performance MultiVM blockchain that achieves fast finality, a block time of less than 1.8 seconds, and robust security. Backed by $20.5 million in funding from NGC Ventures, HashKey Capital, Kraken Ventures, and Tribe Capital, Nibiru enables developers to build and deploy smart contract applications interoperable across multiple virtual machines, such as the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) and WebAssembly (Wasm).
Binance Free $600 (CryptoPotato Exclusive): Use this link to register a new account and receive $600 exclusive welcome offer on Binance (full details).
LIMITED OFFER for CryptoPotato readers at Bybit: Use this link to register and open a $500 FREE position on any coin!
CryptoCurrency
Bitcoin’s (BTC) Outlook is Bullish, Prices Expected to Remain Elevated: Deutsche Bank
The outlook for bitcoin (BTC), the world’s largest cryptocurrency, is positive, and its price is expected to remain elevated in 2025, German lender Deutsche Bank (DB) said in a report Wednesday.
A more favorable regulatory and political backdrop in the U.S., growing institutional adoption, and looser Federal Reserve monetary policy, are all expected to support the cryptocurrency’s price, the report said.
The Trump administration’s support for crypto means the market’s current bull run should continue, and ongoing presidential backing is key for the “continuation of crypto’s golden era,” analyst Marion Laboure wrote.
While President Trump didn’t sign any crypto-related executive orders on his first day in office, the announcement that the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) will develop a regulatory framework for digital assets is a first step towards an overhaul of the industry, the report said.
The appointment of Paul Atkins as SEC chair is also indicative of a “shift towards an innovation-friendly approach,” Deutsche Bank noted.
With the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation coming into force in the EU in December, the European crypto market now enjoys increased legitimacy and security, the report added.
More clarity about the potential establishment of a U.S. bitcoin reserve could be forthcoming in the first quarter, the bank said.
Read more: Bitcoin No Longer a Niche Investment as Institutional Adoption Takes Off: WisdomTree
CryptoCurrency
BitMEX Launches Chinese New Year Competition: Win a 188,888 USDT Prize Pool
Mahe, Seychelles, January 23rd, 2025, Chainwire
BitMEX, the OG crypto derivatives exchange, today launched the Slither to Success Trading Competition to kick off the Lunar New Year. Participants can compete for a share of 188,888 USDT.
The competition will run from 23 January 2025 at 11:00 AM (UTC) to 16 February 2025 at 11:59 PM (UTC). Users can participate in the competition anytime during the campaign period.
Rewards will be distributed across three leaderboards:
- Highest Trading Volume: 70% of the total prize pool will be shared by the Top 50 Traders ranked by trading volume
- Highest PnL: 15% of the total prize pool will be shared by the Top 50 Traders ranked by PnL
- Highest ROI%: 15% of the total prize pool will be shared by the Top 50 Traders ranked by ROI%
Traders can compete for the highest trading volume, PnL, or ROI%, with each trader eligible to win rewards across all three leaderboards.
Bottom traders will also stand to benefit, with an opportunity for a 1,000 USDT bonus available to the bottom 5 traders with the highest loss in PnL.
To participate in the Slither to Success Trading Competition, new customers must be fully verified on BitMEX. For full details and registration, users can visit here.
About BitMEX
BitMEX is the OG crypto derivatives exchange, providing professional crypto traders with a platform that caters to their needs through low latency, deep crypto native liquidity, and unmatched reliability.
Since its founding, no cryptocurrency has been lost through intrusion or hacking, allowing BitMEX users to trade safely in the knowledge that their funds are secure. So too that they have access to the products and tools they require to be profitable.
BitMEX was also one of the first exchanges to publish their on-chain Proof of Reserves and Proof of Liabilities data. The exchange continues to publish this data twice a week – providing assurance that they safely store and segregate the funds they are entrusted with.
For more information on BitMEX, users can visit the BitMEX Blog or www.bitmex.com, and follow Telegram, Twitter, Discord, and its online communities. For further inquiries, users may contact press@bitmex.com.
ContactBitMEX PressBitMEXpress@bitmex.com
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored press release and is for informational purposes only. It does not reflect the views of Crypto Daily, nor is it intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, or financial advice.
CryptoCurrency
Upbit, Bithumb compensate users after service outages during martial law
Upbit and Bithumb will compensate investors $2.5 million after service outages caused by a surge in crypto activity during South Korea’s martial law declaration.
CryptoCurrency
Calls for DOUBLE-DIGIT tax rises up to 35% as local authorities struggle to hit Labour targets
Britons are warned that their council tax bills could rise by at least 10 per cent as local authorities call for double-digit increases to meet Labour’s targets.
These figures far exceed the normal 4.99 per cent cap, with local authorities grappling with mounting financial pressures.
Eight councils are seeking dramatic double-digit increases of up to 35.7 per cent.
Households in areas from Yorkshire to Birmingham, London and the South face the prospect of inflation-busting rises that could take effect from April 1, 2025.
The proposed increases come amid rising pressure, with housing high on Labour’s agenda and the party setting an ambitious target of 1.5 million new homes over the course of this Government.
Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge have already approved a staggering 35.7 per cent rise, while The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead is proposing a 25 per cent increase.
Bradford Council is pursuing a potential 14.99 per cent increase. For struggling residents, the Council has promised additional support measures, though details will only be confirmed once the Government approves the final increase level.
In Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge, councillors have approved a 35.7 per cent rise
GETTY
Birmingham is also plotting a 10 per cent hike amid ongoing service challenges.
Other authorities seeking double-digit rises include Hampshire pushing for a 15 per cent increase, Carmarthenshire and Cheshire East wanting 10 per cent, and Newham in London at 10 per cent.
The unprecedented wave of proposed increases comes as councils struggle to maintain essential services and manage mounting financial difficulties.
In Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge, councillors have approved a 35.7 per cent rise, increasing Band D properties from £143.41 to £194.62 per year.
Do you have a money story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing money@gbnews.uk.
The council cited Somerset Council’s financial emergency as forcing them to take on additional costs, including highway maintenance, CCTV, and public facilities.
Bradford Council is awaiting Government response on their proposed 14.99 per cent increase, with council leader Susan Hinchcliffe writing to request permission for various options between 9.99 per cent and 14.99 per cent.
Birmingham City Council’s proposed 10 per cent increase comes as the authority faces significant financial challenges and service disruptions.
Their financial crisis has deepened, with plans to cut £153million from its public services despite being embroiled in an ongoing ‘rat tax’ row as well as a bin crew strike that has affected local services a bin crew strike that has affected local services.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
The authority’s financial situation has reached a critical point, with the council now officially classified as bankrupt.
The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead’s proposed 25 per cent rise would represent one of the largest increases among English councils.
The average council tax for a Band D property in England currently stands at £1,668 per year, approximately £169 monthly. A 25 per cent increase, as proposed in some areas, could add £42.25 to monthly bills, bringing the total to £211.25. Higher band properties would face even steeper increases under the proposed changes.
All councils seeking to exceed the standard 4.99 per cent cap must obtain special permission from the Ministry of Housing and Local Communities. This process typically requires a local referendum alongside the formal Government application.
Bradford Council leader Susan Hinchcliffe acknowledged the impact on residents, stating: “We realise that no one wants to see an increase in council tax when other bills are also rising. That’s why, if approved, we’d put in place a fund to support the least well-off.”
Last year town halls warned they may not meet the Government’s house-building targets unless council tax is raised by 10 per cent
GETTY
Last year town halls warned they may not meet the Government’s house-building targets unless council tax is raised by 10 per cent. Around 84 per cent of district councils can’t afford enough planning officers to support Labour’s pledge of 1.5 million new homes over the next five years, according to research.
The District Council Network (DCN) called on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to provide additional funding for planning departments in her upcoming Budget and allow council tax hikes of up to 10 per cent, double the current limit.
Richard Wright, DCN’s planning and growth spokesman, emphasized that underfunded planning departments risk subpar developments.
He said: “If the Government’s house-building revolution is to succeed, we need a step change in the recruitment and retention of planners.”
He warned that without proper resources, housing could be built in undesirable locations, undermining long-term success.
CryptoCurrency
Coins to watch for big gains
Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.
Trump’s inauguration sparks crypto market frenzy, with Bitcoin surging to $106,000 and emerging tokens like Yeti Ouro poised for explosive growth.
President Trump’s inauguration has caused a big move in the crypto market. His inaugural speech didn’t mention crypto, but creating an SEC “crypto task force” under Acting Chairman Mark Uyeda was a big plus. This has pushed Bitcoin price to $106,000 this week, and the overall market looks promising.
Since we’re likely entering a bull market, it is natural that investors will be looking for the cryptocurrencies with the most potential for the highest returns. Two interesting choices this year are XRP and Yeti Ouro (YETIO).
XRP price: Limited upside
The popular XRP token is a cryptocurrency created by Ripple Labs for fast, low-cost international payments. Its adoption by financial institutions has cemented its position in the cross-border payment space. As of January 22, 2025, XRP price is at $3.19 on Coinmarketcap, a high of $3.23, and a low of $3.02.
XRP’s utility in global transactions and its partnerships with financial institutions make it a stable choice for investors looking for stability. However, there is still some regulatory uncertainty, especially with the SEC’s scrutiny. The new crypto task force may bring clarity, but the timeline and outcome are unknown.
Predictions for XRP are through the roof. $33 is 1000% above the current XRP price, which is unlikely to happen in the short term. XRP is a stable investment with not much upside.
Yeti Ouro: High growth potential
Yeti Ouro, a new ERC-20 token on the Ethereum blockchain, combines meme virality with Play-to-Earn (P2E) gaming. Its main game, Yeti Go, allows players to earn YETIO tokens by racing in immersive gameplay built with Unreal Engine. This Meme & Play To Earn hybrid taps into the booming blockchain gaming market, projected to reach $65.7 billion by 2027.
Currently priced at $0.017 in Stage 2 of its presale, YETIO is a great entry point for early investors. The best time to invest in a cryptocurrency is during the early stages, especially after a presale, before the retail investors catch wind of any promising tokens. Early investors in Yetio Ouro have already seen a more than 40% ROI.
Once retail investors find out about a coin, it usually surges due to the high number of investors buying into the coin; the Trump memecoin is a good example.
Also, experts and analysts predict YETIO will reach $5 by the end of 2025, a 5000% gain. This is based on Yeti Ouro’s innovative concept, early adoption, and alignment with growing market trends. Yeti Ouro has validated its security stance with an audit from Solid Proof.
XRP vs. YETIO: Which one will grow more?
When it comes to returns, Yeti Ouro is the clear winner for exponential growth. It has a much lower market cap of only $13 million compared to XRP’s $183 billion, which is 14,077 times larger.
The combination of gaming and meme virality could attract a wide audience and will keep demand for YETIO tokens high.
XRP is an established cryptocurrency, but its growth is limited by market saturation and regulatory issues. In addition to this, due to XRP being a blue chip cryptocurrency with a huge market cap of over 183 billion, it would need a market cap of 2.013 trillion, which is close to the market cap of Bitcoin (2.09 Trillion), to see a 1000% return.
Conclusion
The cryptocurrency market post-Trump inauguration has many risks and opportunities. For those who want stability, XRP is a safe choice. However, it does not have the same growth potential as smaller, emerging coins that are attached to large and growing industries in the crypto space.
For those who want high-reward opportunities, Yeti Ouro is a great choice. Its P2E gaming and meme narratives work well with the growing market trends, and that makes it a risky but promising investment for those who want exponential returns.
For more information on Yeti Ouro, visit their website, X, Telegram, or Discord.
Disclosure: This content is provided by a third party. crypto.news does not endorse any product mentioned on this page. Users must do their own research before taking any actions related to the company.
CryptoCurrency
Bitcoin Realized Cap Hits $832B As $100K Inflows Begin To Slow
They say journalists never truly clock out. But for Christian, that’s not just a metaphor, it’s a lifestyle. By day, he navigates the ever-shifting tides of the cryptocurrency market, wielding words like a seasoned editor and crafting articles that decipher the jargon for the masses. When the PC goes on hibernate mode, however, his pursuits take a more mechanical (and sometimes philosophical) turn.
Christian’s journey with the written word began long before the age of Bitcoin. In the hallowed halls of academia, he honed his craft as a feature writer for his college paper. This early love for storytelling paved the way for a successful stint as an editor at a data engineering firm, where his first-month essay win funded a months-long supply of doggie and kitty treats – a testament to his dedication to his furry companions (more on that later).
Christian then roamed the world of journalism, working at newspapers in Canada and even South Korea. He finally settled down at a local news giant in his hometown in the Philippines for a decade, becoming a total news junkie. But then, something new caught his eye: cryptocurrency. It was like a treasure hunt mixed with storytelling – right up his alley!
So, he landed a killer gig at NewsBTC, where he’s one of the go-to guys for all things crypto. He breaks down this confusing stuff into bite-sized pieces, making it easy for anyone to understand (he salutes his management team for teaching him this skill).
Think Christian’s all work and no play? Not a chance! When he’s not at his computer, you’ll find him indulging his passion for motorbikes. A true gearhead, Christian loves tinkering with his bike and savoring the joy of the open road on his 320-cc Yamaha R3. Once a speed demon who hit 120mph (a feat he vowed never to repeat), he now prefers leisurely rides along the coast, enjoying the wind in his thinning hair.
Speaking of chill, Christian’s got a crew of furry friends waiting for him at home. Two cats and a dog. He swears cats are way smarter than dogs (sorry, Grizzly), but he adores them all anyway. Apparently, watching his pets just chillin’ helps him analyze and write meticulously formatted articles even better.
Here’s the thing about this guy: He works a lot, but he keeps himself fueled by enough coffee to make it through the day – and some seriously delicious (Filipino) food. He says a delectable meal is the secret ingredient to a killer article. And after a long day of crypto crusading, he unwinds with some rum (mixed with milk) while watching slapstick movies.
Looking ahead, Christian sees a bright future with NewsBTC. He says he sees himself privileged to be part of an awesome organization, sharing his expertise and passion with a community he values, and fellow editors – and bosses – he deeply respects.
So, the next time you tread into the world of cryptocurrency, remember the man behind the words – the crypto crusader, the grease monkey, and the feline philosopher, all rolled into one.
CryptoCurrency
Retail Demand for BTC Provides Firm Underpinning in Weaker Crypto Market
By Omkar Godbole (All times ET unless indicated otherwise)
Bitcoin and most major cryptocurrencies are weaker after Chicago Mercantile Exchange, a proxy for institutional activity, denied reports of listing futures tied to XRP and SOL. Traditional markets are also holding their breath for the expected Bank of Japan interest-rate increase on Friday.
Despite BTC’s continued range play above $100,000, retail demand remains robust. Glassnode’s shrimp-Crab cohort, which includes addresses holding up to 10 BTC, have absorbed 1.9 times the newly mined supply last month, totaling over 25,600 BTC. Meanwhile, long-term holders have slowed their spending and profit-taking activities, indicating a cautious, but firm, commitment to their investments.
Still, dropping below $100,000 might prove costly. According to Wintermute’s OTC trader Jake Ostrovskis, that would “frame Monday’s inauguration as a sell-the-news event and the narrative could switch pretty quickly.”
Reports suggest the number of whale wallets holding between 1 million and 10 million XRP has surged to an all-time high of 2,083, signaling increased accumulation and confidence in its future performance.
In the world of innovation, chatter around Bitcoin Synths is gaining traction on X. These synthetic assets allow users to benefit from bitcoin’s price movements without actually owning the cryptocurrency. Bitcoin Synths can be traded or used as collateral in lending protocols, avoiding the complexities associated with wrapped tokens and specialized bridges.
Ethereum layer-2 protocols are also making headlines with record transaction volumes, even as concerns about their capacity nearing limits persist.
On the macroeconomic front, recent data from the Labor Department shows that the “all tenant rent” index, an indicator of shelter inflation in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), rose at a slower pace last quarter. The data suggest that recent worries about inflation may be overdone and the Fed could pivot away from its hawkish forecast, which would be a positive sign for risk assets. Stay alert!
What to Watch
- Crypto
- Macro
- Jan. 23, 8:30 a.m.: The U.S. Department of Labor releases the Unemployment Insurance Weekly Claims Report for the week ended Jan. 18.
- Initial Jobless Claims Est. 215K vs. Prev. 217K.
- Jan. 23, 10:00 a.m.: The National Association of Realtors releases December 2024 U.S. Existing Home Sales report.
- Existing Home Sales Est. 4.16M vs. Prev. 4.15M.
- Existing Home Sales MoM Prev. 4.8%.
- Jan. 23, 4:30 p.m.: The Fed releases the H.4.1 report, the central bank balance sheet, for the week ended Jan. 22.
- Total Reserves Prev. $6.83T.
- Jan. 23, 6:30 p.m.: Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications releases December 2024’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) report.
- Inflation Rate MoM Prev. 0.6%.
- Core Inflation Rate YoY Est. 3% vs. Prev. 2.7%.
- Inflation Rate YoY Prev. 2.9%.
- Jan. 23, 10:00 p.m.: The Bank of Japan (BoJ) releases Statement on Monetary Policy.
- Interest Rate Decision Est. 0.5% vs. Prev. 0.25%.
- Jan. 23, 8:30 a.m.: The U.S. Department of Labor releases the Unemployment Insurance Weekly Claims Report for the week ended Jan. 18.
Token Events
- Governance votes & calls
- Morpho DAO is discussing reducing incentives by 30% across all networks and assets.
- Yearn DAO is discussing funding and endorsing a subDAO called Bearn to focus on building and launching products on Berachain.
- Frax DAO is discussing a $5 million investment in World Liberty Financial (WLFI), the crypto project backed by the family of U.S. President Donald Trump.
- Jan. 23: Livepeer (LPT) is hosting a Core Dev call.
- Jan. 24: Arbitrum BoLD’s activation vote deadline. BoLD allows anyone to participate in validation and defend against malicious claims to an Arbitrum chain’s state.
- Jan. 24: Hedera (HBAR) is hosting a community call at 11 a.m.
- Unlocks
- Jan. 31: Optimism (OP) to unlock 2.32% of circulating supply worth $52.9 million.
- Jan. 31: Jupiter (JUP) to unlock 41.5% of circulating supply worth $626 million.
- Token Launches
- Jan. 23: Sky (SKY) is being listed on Bitget.
- Jan. 23: Animecoin (ANIME) is launching, with claims starting at 8 a.m. The token will be listed on multiple exchanges including Binance, OKX and KuCoin.
Conferences:
Token Talk
By Francisco Rodrigues
- Azuki, a non-fungible token (NFT) collection, is introducing its Animecoin (ANIME) today on Ethereum and Arbitrum. The token was announced on Jan. 13.
- An airdrop will encompass Azuki NFT holders, Hyperliquid HYPE stakes, some Arbitrum ecosystem participants and Kaito yappers.
- It will also include certain anime communities and BNB token holders who, between Jan. 17 and Jan. 20, subscribed to Simple Earn with their tokens on Binance.
- The debut builds on a growing trend of NFT collections launching their own tokens, a trend that started in 2021 when Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) launched ApeCoin.
- Other examples include DeGods’ DUST and Pudgy Penguins’ PENGU tokens, which have a $1.6 billion market capitalization.
- Other signs indicate the NFT market is heating up, with Nansen recently pointing out that a Crypto Punk was sold for 170 ETH (around $540,000) while an Azuki was sold for 165 ETH. The Azuki NFT had been bought a month before for 105 ETH.
Derivatives Positioning
- The cumulative volume delta indicator reveals that major cryptocurrencies, with the exception of TON, have experienced net selling pressure in the perpetual futures markets over the past 24 hours.
- Block flows on Deribit and Paradigm featured long positions in short-dated BTC puts at $100K, $95K and $70K. An entity bought ETH put at $2.9K.
- Front-end BTC and ETH calls now traded at par with puts.
Market Movements:
- BTC is down 4.1 % from 4 p.m. ET Wednesday to $102,020 (24hrs: -2.71%)
- ETH is down 3.85% at $3,206.18 (24hrs: -2.83%)
- CoinDesk 20 is down 3.61% to 3,799.21 (24hrs: -3.58%)
- CESR Composite Ether Staking Rate is down 15 bps to 3.15%
- BTC funding rate is at -0.0019% (-2.08% annualized) on OKX
- DXY is unchanged at 108.25
- Gold is down 0.35% at $2,761.10/oz
- Silver is down 0.73% to $30.57/oz
- Nikkei 225 closed up 0.79% at 39,958.87
- Hang Seng closed down 0.4% at 19,700.56
- FTSE is unchanged at 8,538.7
- Euro Stoxx 50 is unchangedat 5203.6
- DJIA closed +0.3% to 44,156.73
- S&P 500 closed +0.61% at 6,086.37
- Nasdaq closed +1.28% at 20,009.34
- S&P/TSX Composite Index closed +0.12% at 25,311.5
- S&P 40 Latin America closed +1.21% at 2,297.32
- U.S. 10-year Treasury is up 3 bps at 4.59%
- E-mini S&P 500 futures are down 0.19% to 6,109.00
- E-mini Nasdaq-100 futures are down 0.56% to 21,876.75
- E-mini Dow Jones Industrial Average Index futures are unchaged at 44,384.00
Bitcoin Stats:
- BTC Dominance: 58.59
- Ethereum to bitcoin ratio: 0.031
- Hashrate (seven-day moving average): 781 EH/s
- Hashprice (spot): $58.9
- Total Fees: 8.5 BTC/ $876,410
- CME Futures Open Interest: 188,396 BTC
- BTC priced in gold: 37.1 oz
- BTC vs gold market cap: 10.56%
Technical Analysis
- BTC’s retreat from Monday’s high is teasing a formation of a double top bearish reversal pattern.
- A move below the horizontal line would confirm the pattern, potentially bringing more chart-led sellers to the market.
Crypto Equities
- MicroStrategy (MSTR): closed on Wednesday at $377.31 (-3.03%), down 1.89% at $370.19 in pre-market.
- Coinbase Global (COIN): closed at $295.85 (+0.56%), down 2.59% at $288.18 in pre-market.
- Galaxy Digital Holdings (GLXY): closed at C$32.81 (+4.99%)
- MARA Holdings (MARA): closed at $19.69 (+0.66%), down 2.54% at $19.19 in pre-market.
- Riot Platforms (RIOT): closed at $13.14 (+3.14%), down 1.75% at $12.91 in pre-market.
- Core Scientific (CORZ): closed at $15.97 (+4.58%%), down 1.63% at $15.71 in pre-market.
- CleanSpark (CLSK): closed at $11.14 (+1.64%), down 2.51% at $10.86 in pre-market.
- CoinShares Valkyrie Bitcoin Miners ETF (WGMI): closed at $25.53 (+2.24%), up 2.58% at $28.27 in pre-market.
- Semler Scientific (SMLR): closed at $62.11 (-4.36%), up 2% at $64.90 in pre-market.
- Exodus Movement (EXOD): closed at $41.00 (+2.5%), down 2.07% at $40.15 in pre-market.
ETF Flows
Spot BTC ETFs:
- Daily net flow: $248.7 million
- Cumulative net flows: $39.23 billion
- Total BTC holdings ~ 1.161 million.
Spot ETH ETFs
- Daily net flow: $70.7 million
- Cumulative net flows: $2.81 billion
- Total ETH holdings ~ 3.648 million.
Source: Farside Investors
Overnight Flows
Chart of the Day
- The chart shows a spike in the number of active addresses on Solana.
- Addresses holding USDC led the growth as TRUMP token frenzy gripped the market over the weekend.
While You Were Sleeping
In the Ether
-
Fashion8 years ago
These ’90s fashion trends are making a comeback in 2025
-
Entertainment8 years ago
The Season 9 ‘ Game of Thrones’ is here.
-
Fashion8 years ago
9 spring/summer 2025 fashion trends to know for next season
-
Entertainment8 years ago
The old and New Edition cast comes together to perform You’re Not My Kind of Girl.
-
Sports8 years ago
Ethical Hacker: “I’ll Show You Why Google Has Just Shut Down Their Quantum Chip”
-
Business8 years ago
Uber and Lyft are finally available in all of New York State
-
Entertainment8 years ago
Disney’s live-action Aladdin finally finds its stars
-
Sports8 years ago
Steph Curry finally got the contract he deserves from the Warriors
-
Entertainment8 years ago
Mod turns ‘Counter-Strike’ into a ‘Tekken’ clone with fighting chickens
-
Fashion8 years ago
Your comprehensive guide to this fall’s biggest trends
You must be logged in to post a comment Login