Alternative News for You

by Cointelegraph by Dilip Kumar Patairya on April 23, 2025 at 8:05 am

What are spot Solana ETFs and why are they important? A spot Solana ETF is an exchange-traded fund that holds Solana (SOL) tokens directly, providing investors real-time exposure to the asset’s market price. Rather than using complex trading platforms or crypto wallets, you can access Solana via a regulated financial product traded on a traditional stock exchange. The value of Solana ETFs is directly tied to the open market price of SOL, offering a simple way to gain exposure to the blockchain’s performance without directly holding the asset. Unlike futures-based ETFs that use derivative contracts to speculate on Solana’s future prices, a spot ETF tracks the performance of the actual asset. This distinction is significant because futures products may face pricing inefficiencies, leading to performance mismatches over time. Spot ETFs are more transparent and directly reflect SOL's real-time supply and demand on the Solana blockchain.Spot Solana ETFs mark a significant step toward mainstream crypto adoption. These products enable retail and institutional investors to gain exposure to the Solana ecosystem while operating within the bounds of securities regulations.Like spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, spot Solana exchange-traded funds are expected to expand market access and serve as another entry point to decentralized finance (DeFi) for traditional investors.Did you know? Spot ETFs aim to mirror an asset’s current price by directly holding the asset, while futures ETFs use derivative contracts to speculate on future price movements. Launch of spot Solana ETFs on the Toronto Stock Exchange On April 16, 2025, four spot Solana ETFs started trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange, following approval from the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC). With this, Canada became the first country to launch spot SOL ETFs with staking. The OSC granted approval to the spot Solana ETFs of four asset managers: 3iQ, Purpose, Evolve and CI Financial. Unlike products that only track Solana’s price, these funds hold SOL tokens, giving investors direct ownership of the asset. The funds are secured via institutional-grade cold storage custody. Each fund tracks a distinct Solana-related index, offering diverse strategies with onchain asset backing. Despite their structural differences, these ETFs are all designed for long-term investment, reflecting the issuers' strong belief in Solana's future in DeFi.By incorporating staking, these spot Solana ETFs provide an active way for investors to earn returns in the cryptocurrency market, all within a regulatory framework and secure, institutional-grade custody services.These ETFs enable staking through a partnership with TD Bank, allowing the SOL they hold to actively support and secure the Solana network. In return, the network issues staking rewards, which can be passed on to investors. Since Solana typically offers higher staking yields than Ethereum, this structure may translate into greater potential returns for investors. How does staking boost returns for Solana ETF investors? By offering staking, these spot Solana ETFs may boost returns for investors by an estimated 2%-3.5% annually, in addition to the performance of the underlying SOL. The ETFs generate yield by working with staking partners that delegate up to 50% of the fund’s assets for staking. Staking rewards generated by the ETF are typically shared between shareholders and the fund manager, with the specific allocation varying depending on the ETF issuer.Management fees of these spot Solana ETFs vary from 0.15% to 1%, with some providers offering fee waivers during the initial launch phase. After two days of trading, the combined assets under management for the four ETFs total about $73.5 million.Staking Solana may yield higher returns than staking Ether (ETH). The ETFs intend to pass these additional rewards on to investors, potentially reducing the long-term cost of owning the ETF.Here is a comparison between the various spot Solana ETFs with staking approved in Canada:Cathie Wood’s ARK Invest has incorporated staked Solana into its ARKW and ARKF ETFs, with both funds now holding shares of Canada’s 3iQ Solana Staking ETF (SOLQ).Did you know? Altcoin ETFs track the prices of one or more cryptocurrencies other than Bitcoin (BTC). They diversify investor exposure within the cryptocurrency market, as various altcoins exhibit different price behaviors and underlying strengths. How Canada’s spot Solana ETFs unlock passive income opportunities Canada offering spot Solana ETFs with staking is an innovative step. Existing SOL investment products, such as the crypto ETFs in Europe and the futures-based ETFs in the US do not offer an opportunity to earn staking yield.Incorporating yield into a regulated crypto ETF structure addresses a long-standing demand from investors and asset managers interested in proof-of-stake (PoS) networks like Solana and Ethereum. As staking is central to these tokens’ value, its inclusion enables SOL ETFs to offer a passive income component, making them more appealing to traditional investors seeking income-generating opportunities. The OSC’s approval of the staking feature for spot Solana ETFs may boost SOL’s position. However, staking carries risks, such as potential losses from validator penalties (slashing) or network disruptions, which could affect returns.Nonetheless, this approval reinforces Canada’s pioneering role in crypto ETF innovation, having launched the world’s first spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs in 2021, ahead of many other jurisdictions. By allowing staking rewards in spot Solana ETFs, Canadian regulators have signalled a growing acceptance of crypto-powered finance. Did you know? ETFs aren’t without risks. Market fluctuations can lead to losses, and tracking errors can cause an ETF'’s performance to differ from its benchmark index, affecting investor outcome. What Canada’s launch of Solana ETFs with staking means for pending SEC applications Canada’s decision provides alternative cryptocurrency investment choices for its investors and may serve as an example for other countries considering spot ETFs for cryptocurrencies other than Bitcoin.Despite a subdued global macroeconomic climate — partly shaped by trade tensions during Donald Trump’s presidency — Canada’s regulators have taken a proactive stance, embracing innovation in the digital asset space. The greenlighting of Solana ETFs with staking reflects a maturing approach to crypto policy and signals confidence in alternative layer-1 networks.Meanwhile, in the United States, anticipation is building. The launch of Solana futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) on March 17, 2025, is seen as a stepping stone toward a US spot ETF. The SEC is currently reviewing 72 crypto-related ETF applications as of April 21, covering a spectrum of assets from major altcoins like XRP (XRP) to memecoins like Dogecoin (DOGE), including proposals for leveraged and derivative products.As of April 21, 2025, the SEC is reviewing 72 crypto-related ETF applications, including derivatives. The filings range from major cap altcoins to memecoins and include leveraged products and options. The outcome of Canada’s pioneering approach may offer valuable insights to regulators and could potentially influence the SEC’s decisions regarding these filings.However, the SEC’s stance may differ significantly from Canada’s due to structural and regulatory complexities within the US financial system. Unlike Canada's more unified regulatory framework, the US divides oversight between multiple agencies — including the SEC, CFTC, and state regulators — creating friction in crypto policymaking.Canada’s trailblazing move could nonetheless offer a valuable case study for US regulators. As markets await the SEC’s decisions, the key question remains whether Washington will follow Ottawa’s lead — or chart its own course and a slower timeline for non-Bitcoin spot ETFs.

by Jean Kennedy on April 23, 2025 at 7:54 am

NSW Police have charged a man over a major data breach involving the alleged downloading of thousands of sensitive court documents.

by Andrew Greene on April 23, 2025 at 7:25 am

Senior opposition figure Andrew Hastie has warned Australia's long-standing military alliance with the United States faces uncertainty under President Donald Trump's "unpredictable" America First agenda.

by Digby Werthmuller on April 23, 2025 at 7:17 am

An elderly man is in hospital after allegedly being assaulted by a teenager outside a polling booth in Sydney's inner west.

by Georgia Hargreaves and Chela Williams on April 23, 2025 at 7:11 am

WA's largest and oldest dairy company is looking for new owners after its Chinese owner defaulted a $200 million loan.

by David Claughton on April 23, 2025 at 7:06 am

Bunnings plant suppliers will now have written agreements under a new statement of principles designed to protect growers, following complaints about the hardware giant during last year's supermarket inquiry.

on April 23, 2025 at 7:04 am

The 66-year-old woman was helping her husband into a hospital in Berwick when she tried to stop a thief from stealing their car.

by Charmayne Allison on April 23, 2025 at 7:02 am

The ACCC alleges that in advertising cars driving through water and rough terrains, LDV has misrepresented their "durability".

by Hamish Cole on April 23, 2025 at 6:32 am

Two candidates for the federal seat of Calare believe their campaign posters may have been damaged by people who have "an issue with a woman running in the election".

by Brett Worthington on April 23, 2025 at 6:30 am

Andrew Hastie is back on the campaign trail and the politicians the government and opposition are sending to Pope Francis's funeral have been revealed. 

by Jamie McKinnell on April 23, 2025 at 6:27 am

The former SAS soldier has accused Nine journalist Nick McKenzie of improper access to his legal strategy during the long-running defamation case.

on April 23, 2025 at 6:11 am

Jock Campbell will start for the first time this year as the refreshed Queensland Reds brace for a Blues backlash in their Anzac Day clash.

by Cointelegraph by Martin Young on April 23, 2025 at 6:02 am

Ethereum’s price has surged after having been in the doldrums for weeks, helping boost its market share after it hit record lows.Ether (ETH) has surged almost 15% over the past 24 hours, topping $1,800 on April 23. It has outperformed Bitcoin, which notched a 6% gain, and the wider crypto market, which has climbed almost 5% to reclaim a total market value of $3 trillion. Ether has now managed to recover almost 30% since its April 9 crash to $1,400, leading some analysts to suggest that the worst may be over for the world’s second-largest crypto asset.“You can hate Ethereum all you want, but when it has a big day, the entire crypto ecosystem goes up,” crypto trader and analyst “Income Sharks” commented to their 640,000 X followers.Market analyst “Ash Crypto” said ETH was “about to explode,” drawing comparison from the current chart pattern for Ether to that for Bitcoin’s performance in late 2024. BTC vs ETH performance and prediction. Source: Ash Crypto Jeff Mei, chief operating officer at the crypto exchange BTSE, was not conviced Ethereum was moving idependently, and told Cointelegraph that Ether’s gain “was largely due to it tracking the price of Bitcoin and the overall market,” and that that Paul Atkins’ confirmation as chair of the US Securities and Exchange Commission had boosted overall market sentiment.Earlier this month, ETH had fallen back to bear market prices and had seen its market share dwindle amid a wide market downturn marred by fears of a trade war. On April 22, analyst “Rekt Capital” said that ETH’s market dominance has fallen back to all-time lows but “managed to protect 2019 all-time lows as support.” ETH dominance fell to its September 2019 low of 7% on April 22, according to TradingView. However, its subsequent price pump has seen that share bounce off this critical support level and return above 7.5% on April 23. ETH dominance lows. Source: Rekt CapitalFundamental catalysts supporting the move10x Research’s Markus Thielen told Cointelegraph that it hasn’t taken much to drive Ethereum higher, as a “heavily shorted market is now experiencing a squeeze.” Related: Ethereum Foundation shifts focus to user experience, layer-1 scaling Technically, Ethereum was oversold on both daily and weekly timeframes, setting the stage for a rebound, he said. “With the upcoming upgrade moving to mainnet, there’s also a fundamental catalyst supporting the move.” Magazine: Altcoin season to hit in Q2? Mantra’s plan to win trust: Hodler’s Digest

by Catherine Taylor on April 23, 2025 at 5:58 am

Mykola Bychok is the youngest cardinal in the Catholic Church and the only one with a link to Australia. He will join the conclave to elect a new pope.

by Chris De Silva on April 23, 2025 at 5:57 am

The AFL does not pull punches when it comes to on-field incidents, but its soft handling of the Noah Balta case shows it is time to get just as serious about matters off the field.

by Cointelegraph by Ciaran Lyons on April 23, 2025 at 5:51 am

Bitcoin’s 12% rally over the week and a surge in related exchange-traded fund inflows have analysts thinking it could soon reach $100,000, but one crypto analyst has said to temper hopes as a key indicator is still giving mixed signals.“Given that our stablecoin minting indicator has yet to return to high-activity levels, we remain cautious about the sustainability of the current Bitcoin rally,” 10x Research head of research Markus Thielen said in an April 23 markets report.Stablecoin absence may limit Bitcoin upsideThielen explained that a measured move from the falling wedge pattern, which traders perceive as a potential bullish reversal signal, shows that Bitcoin (BTC) may reclaim $99,000.He added, however, that “the absence of strong stablecoin inflows raises questions about follow-through.”Markus Thielen is watching the stablecoin minting indicator before confirming the Bitcoin uptrend is sustainable. Source: 10x ResearchBitcoin was trading at $93,133 at the time of writing, up 11.42% over the past seven days, according to CoinMarketCap. Thielen told Cointelegraph that stablecoin inflows “tend to correlate strongly with stickier money, while an increase in futures leverage could simply mean that fast traders are taking advantage of a quick move higher.” Spot Bitcoin ETF inflows surge, a true “demand-led rally”It comes as spot Bitcoin ETFs in the US posted inflows of $912.7 million on April 22, the highest level since Jan. 17, according to Farside data.Swyftx lead analyst Pav Hundal told Cointelegraph that the inflows suggest “this is a true, demand-led rally. Not just a hot flash of excited futures traders moving price.”“If the news headlines finally quieten, we could break new highs sooner than everyone thinks. A fast track to $100,000 looks plausible, but things change quickly in a Trump presidency.”Thielen said if uncertainty continues to decline, “a further acceleration could provide the liquidity needed to support a more sustained rally.”Related: Bitcoin risks 10%-15% BTC price dip after key rejection near $89KThe crypto market has experienced volatility and broader financial markets since US President Donald Trump imposed tariffs in early February. However, Trump’s recent comments have traders speculating that he’s softening his stance on the trade war, with some seeing this as bullish for markets.Thielen said the $95,000 price level is a key resistance level for Bitcoin and a “potential trigger point for short-stop liquidations.”He said it could push Bitcoin’s price higher if market strength continues.Magazine: Former Love Island star’s tips on how to go viral in crypto: Van00sa, X Hall of FlameThis article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.

on April 23, 2025 at 5:18 am

Four people, including a patched member of the Rebels Outlaw Motorcycle Gang, are arrested as part of a police operation into an alleged drug trafficking syndicate in regional Victoria.

by Cointelegraph by Stephen Katte on April 23, 2025 at 5:15 am

Brandon Lutnick, chair of investment banking firm Cantor Fitzgerald, is reportedly partnering with SoftBank, Tether and Bitfinex to create a $3 billion crypto acquisition company.Lutnick and the consortium hope to create a publicly listed crypto acquisition company to capitalize on the market under crypto-friendly US President Donald Trump, and replicate Michael Saylor’s company Strategy, the Financial Times reported on April 23, citing three people who have been briefed on the plan.Cantor Equity Partners raised $200 million in January for the new firm called 21 Capital. At the same time, stablecoin issuer Tether will fork out $1.5 billion in Bitcoin (BTC), Japanese investment holding firm Softbank Group will contribute $900 million, and the crypto exchange Bitfinex will add $600 million.Lutnick’s new venture hopes to raise another $350 million in convertible bonds and a separate $200 million private equity placement to buy additional Bitcoin.Eventually, Tether, Bitfinex, and SoftBank’s Bitcoin investments will be converted into 21 Capital shares, with the value of the Bitcoin locked in at $85,000 per coin and shares costing $10 a pop.However, the deal hasn’t been finalized yet, and some details could change before it’s officially announced. Brandon Lutnick was named chair of Cantor Fitzgerald when his father, Howard Lutnick, stepped down to become the US Secretary of Commerce.Brandon Lutnick was named chair of Cantor Fitzgerald when his father, Howard Lutnick (right), became the US Secretary of Commerce. Source: White HouseCantor Fitzgerald, SoftBank, Tether and Bitfinex didn’t immediately respond to Cointelegraph’s request for comment.Cantor already well versed in crypto market Cantor Fitzgerald has managed Tether’s Treasury portfolio and $134 billion of reserves, mainly in US Treasury bills, since 2021. The firm also owns a 5% stake in the stablecoin issuer.Previously, Cantor acted in an advisory role for Tether’s $775 million investment in YouTube alternative Rumble in December last year.Related: Commerce Secretary Lutnick walks back tariff relief on electronicsMeanwhile, on March 11, Cantor Fitzgerald said it was rolling out a Bitcoin financing business with $2 billion in initial capital to help institutional investors borrow against their crypto holdings. Anchorage Digital and Copper were selected as Bitcoin custodians and collateral managers.Cantor Fitzgerald currently holds over $5 billion worth of assets across 275 total holdings, according to Fintel data.Magazine: XRP win leaves Ripple and industry with no crypto legal precedent set

by Jordanna Schriever on April 23, 2025 at 5:10 am

WARNING: This story contains details that readers may find distressing. The family of a baby who died 42 hours after being "violently shaken" by his father has been left with "silence, grief and an emptiness that will never fully go away", a court has heard.

by Amy Sheehan on April 23, 2025 at 5:01 am

Experts' practical advice on keeping mozzies away when you're outdoors or at home.

by Cointelegraph by Martin Young on April 23, 2025 at 4:45 am

The US Securities and Exchange Commission has said it doesn't intend to refile its securities fraud complaint against Hex founder Richard Schueler, who goes by Richard Heart.“Plaintiff Securities and Exchange Commission provides this notice that it does not intend to file an amended complaint in this matter,” the regulator’s lawyer, Matthew Gulde, stated in an April 21 letter to New York District Court Judge Carol Bagley Amon. The court had previously dismissed the SEC’s original complaint on Feb. 28 as Judge Amon said the regulator failed to establish that it had jurisdiction over Heart’s activities, which she said were not specifically targeted at US investors.She granted leave for the SEC to file an amended complaint by March 20, later extending the deadline to April 21.Heart posted to X on April 22 that “Richard Heart, PulseChain, PulseX, and HEX have defeated the SEC completely and have achieved regulatory clarity that nearly no other coins have.”Letter from the SEC to Judge Amon. Source: PACERHeart added that the SEC walked away from some of its other cryptocurrency cases voluntarily, but claimed his was the only case where “the SEC lost and crypto won across the board, with a dismissal in court of every single claim the SEC brought.”Heart said it was a victory for open-source software, cryptocurrency and free speech because the SEC “actually sued software code itself in this case.” SEC hunted Heart in FinlandThe SEC sued Heart in July 2023 for alleged unregistered securities offerings of three tokens, HEX, PulseChain (PLS), and PulseX (PSLX), claiming he made more than $1 billion by touting the tokens as a “pathway to grandiose wealth for investors.”In April 2024, Heart tried to have the suit tossed, claiming the regulator “has no sway over him,” because he didn’t reside in the United States. Related: Finnish police seize watches worth $2.6M from Hex founder Richard Heart: ReportThe SEC opposed this in August, claiming he touted the tokens at a Las Vegas event. In December 2024, Interpol issued a Red Notice for Heart, seeking his arrest in Finland, where he was also suspected of tax evasion. The PulseChain native token (HEX) hit an all-time high of $0.031 in December 2024 but has since tanked 76% as most altcoins have failed to follow Bitcoin’s momentum this year. The SEC has dropped or suspended several cases against crypto firms so far this year under the Trump administration.Magazine: Altcoin season to hit in Q2? Mantra’s plan to win trust: Hodler’s Digest

by Jack Hislop on April 23, 2025 at 4:37 am

The Coalition has promised to allow overseas airlines to fly domestic routes between Darwin and the east coast if it wins government. But would that reduce prices?

by Cointelegraph by Brayden Lindrea on April 23, 2025 at 4:36 am

Tesla has held onto its Bitcoin during the first quarter of 2025 as CEO Elon Musk promised shareholders that he would scale back his time working as the Trump administration’s cost-cutting czar.Musk’s comment appears to have been the main catalyst behind Tesla’s (TSLA) 5.4% price jump in after-hours trading on April 22 to $250.80 after closing the trading day up 4.6%, according to Google Finance. It comes as the automaker’s Q1 results released the same day show revenues hit $19.34 billion, missing Wall Street estimates by 7.85% and marking a 9.2% fall from the same period last year.Tesla’s net income of $409 million also marked an 80.8% quarter-on-quarter drop and a 70.5% fall from Q1 2024.Source: TeslaTesla’s digital asset holdings dropped 11.61% in value from $1.076 billion to $951 million in Q1, alongside Bitcoin’s (BTC) 11.56% price fall to $82,514 over the same time, according to CoinGecko data.A new rule from the Financial Accounting Standards Board allows public companies to report their crypto holdings at market value. Before, only losses were recorded — unless the crypto was sold. Tesla’s 11,509 Bitcoin stash is now worth over $1.07 billion as a result of the market rebound over the last week, according to Bitcoin Treasuries data. Tesla’s Bitcoin holdings haven’t changed since June 30, 2022.Musk to ease up on DOGE dutiesIn an April 22 earnings call, Musk promised that he would scale back his time working at the Trump administration's so-called Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, to focus more on Tesla.“Starting probably next month, May, my time allocation to DOGE will drop significantly,” Musk said. “I’ll be allocating far more of my time to Tesla now that the major work of establishing the Department of Government Efficiency is done.”Musk said he’ll continue to spend “a day or two per week” on DOGE-related matters for as long as US President Donald Trump needs to ensure the “waste and fraud that we stop does not come roaring back.”Related: Peirce signals SEC ‘reorientation’ under new chair Paul AtkinsTesla’s 5.4% rise in after-hours came on the back of a 4.6% increase to nearly $237 during the April 22 trading day as the broader market clawed back some losses from earlier in the week.Tesla shares are still down over 37% year-to-date, driven partially by declining sales, Musk’s increased political presence and economic uncertainty stemming from Trump’s tariffs.Magazine: Crypto fans are obsessed with longevity and biohacking: Here’s why

by Sundance on April 23, 2025 at 4:20 am

In an effort to keep the Daily Open Thread a little more open topic we are going to start a new daily thread for “Presidential Politics”. Please use this thread to post anything relating to the Donald Trump Administration and Presidency. This thread will refresh daily and appear above the Open Discussion Thread. Posted in The post April 23rd – 2025 Presidential Politics – Trump Administration Day 94 appeared first on The Last Refuge.

by Sundance on April 23, 2025 at 4:15 am

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. THY WILL BE DONE, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but DELIVER US FROM EVIL. The post April 23rd – Open Thread appeared first on The Last Refuge.

by Jack McKay on April 23, 2025 at 4:13 am

Queensland's new government has announced it will overhaul the state's hospital expansion plan, promising to deliver 2,600 beds. But it won't yet reveal the cost or time frame.

by Sundance on April 23, 2025 at 4:05 am

President Trump takes questions from the assembled press pool in the oval office at the conclusion of the ceremony swearing in Paul Atkins as SEC Chairman.  WATCH (prompted): . Posted in President Trump, Press Secretary - Trump The post President Trump Takes Media Questions Following Swearing in Ceremony for Paul Atkins as U.S SEC Chairman appeared first on The Last Refuge.

by Cointelegraph by Ciaran Lyons on April 23, 2025 at 3:55 am

Bitcoin has broken above $93,000 for the first time in seven weeks, extending its post-Easter rally as recent macro events have analysts expecting more upside.Bitcoin (BTC) has climbed 5.62% over the past 24 hours and surpassed $93,000 on April 22 for the first time since March 3, continuing a 12% price rally its seen over the past seven days, according to CoinMarketCap.Bitcoin traders eye “craziest one-minute candle”Bitcoin quickly jumped from just below $91,500 to $93,000 in minutes, leaving traders guessing where the rally could go next.“This is the craziest one-minute candle I’ve ever seen on the Bitcoin chart,” Bitcoin commentator Michael Sullivan said in an April 22 X post.Edit the caption here or remove the textPseudonymous crypto trader Crypto General said Bitcoin “is going as planned, as stated in the last post, a breakout was eyes and today we witnessed our breakout.”Just hours before Bitcoin’s upside swing, crypto commentator “Ted” told his 158,200 X followers that Bitcoin is “going to catch up” with gold and the $100,000 price level, which it hasn’t seen since Feb. 3, is “loading.”It comes amid an improvement in crypto market sentiment, more money flowing into spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds and US President Donald Trump’s softer tone on the trade war.On the same day, Trump said he had “no intention of firing” US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell after previously criticizing him for not cutting interest rates. It comes only days after Trump called for his termination again in an April 17 Truth Social post, which led to speculation that he would follow through on threats and find a way to remove Powell.Trump just ticked “bullish boxes,” says traderAlongside this, Trump said tariffs on Chinese goods will “come down substantially,” though they “won’t be zero,” which led to an uptick in positive sentiment among crypto analysts.Related: Bitcoin-to-gold ratio risks 35% decline following Wall Street’s $13T wipeoutIn an April 22 X post, economist and crypto trader Alex Kruger said, “Trump just ticked most de-escalation/bullish boxes.” Investing with Brandon said the news was “bullish” too. Meanwhile, the day before, the 11 US spot Bitcoin ETFs saw a joint net inflow of $381.3 million.Traditional financial markets also ended the April 22 trading day in the green, with the S&P 500 up 2.51%, the Nasdaq rising 2.87%, and the Dow Jones gaining 2.66%, according to Google Finance data.Magazine:  Former Love Island star’s tips on how to go viral in crypto: Van00sa, X Hall of FlameThis article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.

by Cointelegraph by Martin Young on April 23, 2025 at 3:21 am

US President Donald Trump’s media conglomerate, Trump Media and Technology Group, has signed an agreement with crypto exchange Crypto.com to launch exchange-traded funds “with a Made in America focus.”Trump Media, which operates the social media site Truth Social, said on April 22 that it signed a binding agreement with Crypto.com and asset manager Yorkville America Digital to launch ETFs, which “are expected to comprise digital assets as well as securities with a Made in America focus spanning diverse industries such as energy.”The funds will launch through Trump Media’s decentralized finance brand, Truth.Fi, and will be available through Crypto.com’s broker-dealer, Foris Capital. The funds are expected to go live later in 2025, subject to regulatory approval. Trump Media plans to invest some of its cash reserves into the ETFs, which will be launched alongside a number of Truth.Fi Separately Managed Accounts. The US law firm Davis Polk will be advising on the development and launch of the products.The initiative is part of the firm’s financial services and fintech strategy, using up to $250 million custodied by Charles Schwab following a partnership agreement with the bank in January. The finalization of the agreement follows Trump Media and Crypto.com signing a non-binding deal in March.It's set to be the latest crypto-related venture involving Trump and his family. The Trumps helped launch a crypto platform, World Liberty Financial, in October, which has a linked token and plans for a stablecoin.President Trump’s sons, Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., have also gone in on a crypto mining venture called American Bitcoin.Spot crypto ETFs rebounding Spot Bitcoin ETFs in the US have seen a turnaround in institutional interest, with more than $1 billion in aggregate inflows so far this week as crypto markets rebounded. Spot Bitcoin ETF flows turn positive. Source: CoinGlassRelated: Trump’s next crypto play will be Monopoly-style game — ReportIt comes after Bitcoin ETFs have been plagued by outflows over the past few weeks as the wider market entered a downturn, as Trump ramped up fears of a trade war with threats of tariffs, which were eventually implemented in early April.Meanwhile, Crypto.com’s native token, Cronos (CRO), has surged 12% after the company inked the deal with Trump Media, reaching $0.09. However, the exchange token remains down 90% from its 2021 all-time high of just under a dollar. Magazine: Altcoin season to hit in Q2? Mantra’s plan to win trust: Hodler’s Digest

by Cason Ho on April 23, 2025 at 3:14 am

WA's premier says he "hasn't been advised" a lack of staffing has led to gaps in the tracking of some alleged domestic violence offenders, despite the Department of Justice actively recruiting to fill roles.

by Cointelegraph by Jody McDonald on April 23, 2025 at 3:09 am

The US Securities and Exchange Commission and federal prosecutors have charged a man they allege created a crypto scheme that swindled 90,000 people out of $200 million in the hopes of earning returns from Bitcoin and forex trading.The SEC said on April 22 that it had charged Ramil Palafox, a dual citizen of the US and the Philippines, claiming he misappropriated over $57 million in investor funds gained through his company, PGI Global, between January 2020 and October 2021.The regulator alleged Palafox used a multilevel marketing model to execute a “Ponzi-like” scam until the company’s collapse in 2021. The SEC said he lured investors through “false claims of crypto industry expertise and a supposed AI-powered auto-trading platform.”The SEC claimed Palafox hosted lavish events in Dubai and Las Vegas to recruit new members who were offered referral bonuses to recruit others and used investor funds to pay other investors to further promote the scheme, as well as to line his own pockets.Excerpt from the SEC’s complaint against Ramil Palafox. Source: SEC“Palafox attracted investors with the allure of guaranteed profits from sophisticated crypto asset and foreign exchange trading, but instead of trading, Palafox bought himself and his family cars, watches, and homes using millions of dollars of investor funds,” said Scott Thompson, associate director of the SEC’s Philadelphia office. The SEC is charging Palafox with violating the anti-fraud and registration provisions of the federal securities laws and is seeking a permanent injunction to ban him from the future sale of securities and crypto assets, repayment of ill-gotten gains and civil penalties. Justice Department files twin actionThe SEC’s complaint is running parallel to action brought by the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, which arraigned Ramil Palafox on criminal charges. According to an indictment filed under seal on March 13, federal prosecutors charged Palafox with wire fraud, money laundering and unlawful monetary transactions.Prosecutors alleged Palafox misled investors with false promises of daily returns ranging from 0.5% to 3% from Bitcoin trading and hid information about PGI’s profitability, licenses, and business activity. The indictment said Palafox told investors that substantial returns were being generated via the company’s crypto exchanges and that “his traders were able to make money regardless of whether the price of Bitcoin was going up or down.” However, the Justice Department alleged that, in reality, most investors' money was never used to buy or trade Bitcoin, and many lost some or all of their funds.Property listed in the indictment that would be forfeited by Palafox if convicted includes over $1 million in cash, 17 vehicles, including two Teslas, a Ferrari 458 Special, two Lamborghinis, and two Porsches, plus a variety of designer bags, wallets, shoes, jewellery and watches.Related: Crypto crime goes industrial as gangs launch coins, launder billions — UNVarious linked companies were included in the scheme, including the Praetorian Group International Trading Inc., the website for which was seized by the Department of Justice in 2021, leading to its UK-based operations being shut down by the UK’s High Court.  It’s the agency’s first crypto-related case under its crypto-friendly SEC chair, Paul Atkins, who was sworn in on April 22.The SEC had brought a case against Nova Labs in January, accusing it of selling unregistered securities by offering devices that mined the Helium (HNT) token. The SEC reached a settlement with Nova Labs in April that resulted in the lawsuit being dismissed and a $200,000 civil penalty.Magazine: Uni students crypto ‘grooming’ scandal, 67K scammed by fake women: Asia Express

on April 23, 2025 at 3:08 am

NSW have named a 20-woman squad for Game I of State of Origin, including four players yet to make their debut for the Blues. 

by Cointelegraph by Stephen Katte on April 23, 2025 at 2:58 am

The Federal Court of Australia has sided with fintech firm Block Earner in an appeal against a ruling that found it was required to hold a financial services license for its now-discontinued crypto-related products. Block Earner’s crypto-linked fixed-yield earning product is not a financial product, or a managed investment scheme, and is not a derivative under the Corporations Act, Justices David O’Callaghan, Wendy Abraham and Catherine Button said in an April 22 judgment. The trio said Block Earner’s yield product couldn’t be classed as an investment or financial product because users loaned crypto under fixed terms for interest payments and didn’t pool contributions to generate further benefits. The terms and conditions framed it as a loan, and users had no exposure to the firm’s business outside of the agreed interest rate, they added.A court has dismissed the legal proceedings against Block Earner and ordered Australia's financial regulator to pay costs. Source: ASICThe Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC), which first brought the case, has been ordered by the court to pay costs for the proceedings, including appeals. The regulator said in an April 22 press release that it is currently “considering this decision.”Block Earner’s chief commercial officer, James Coombes, told Cointelegraph the court decision brings clarity that crypto assets shouldn’t be treated differently from other asset classes when applying existing laws. “Our product was simply defined as one where customers would lend their assets to us for a fixed return, there was no share in the upside of the pool of assets and as such no Managed Investment Scheme existed,” he said. “The fact that it included crypto assets should not alter that simple definition, and I believe this case forms a bedrock for ambitious brands around Australia to build from.”An ASIC spokesperson declined further comment.Earner product won’t make a return Despite the win in court, Block Earner will not be reviving its Earner product after axing it when legal proceedings began, but Coombes said that “crypto-backed loans products remain the core focus of the company.”“Regulation going forward is not an easy task, and we empathise with the regulators on this point,” Coombes added. “We hope a collaborative process can bring about positive change.” Related: Australia outlines crypto regulation plan, promises action on debankingASIC launched civil legal proceedings in November 2022, arguing that Block Earner needed an Australian Financial Services License to offer its three crypto-linked fixed-yield earning products.In February 2024, an Australian court initially found the fintech firm would need a financial services license to operate its crypto yield-bearing products. Another June 2024 ruling released Block Earner from any financial penalties because it had “acted honestly” and pursued its legal opinions before launching the products, which ASIC appealed.Magazine: SEC’s U-turn on crypto leaves key questions unanswered

by Stephanie Chalmers on April 23, 2025 at 2:37 am

Tesla boss Elon Musk will cut back on his commitment to the Trump administration's DOGE and recommit to the carmaker, in a move cheered by investors after what analysts have called a "disaster" result.

by Sally Brooks, Kai Feng, and Bang Xiao on April 23, 2025 at 2:08 am

As leaders from around the world pay tribute to the late Pope Francis, China's President Xi Jinping has not offered his condolences.

by Max Walden on April 23, 2025 at 2:04 am

Despite warm relations with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Donald Trump has slammed the South Asian country as a "tariff abuser".

by Hayden Smith and Emily JB Smith on April 23, 2025 at 1:37 am

For many regional and remote Australians, reliable mobile coverage can be life-saving. They are desperate for both sides of politics to take meaningful action towards eliminating black spots. 

on April 23, 2025 at 1:34 am

Former Australia Test opener Keith Stackpole dies, aged 84, after a dynamic career including seven centuries and a brilliant Ashes double ton.

by Cointelegraph by Brayden Lindrea on April 23, 2025 at 12:51 am

Former SEC Chair Jay Clayton confirmed that he has been appointed as the interim US Attorney for the Southern District of New York after the Democratic Party’s Senate leader used a “blue slip” to block a vote confirming Clayton’s position.The appointment comes a little over five months after US President Donald Trump nominated Clayton to take on the role. He replaces Damian Williams, who played a major role in the conviction of former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried and other high-profile crypto cases.Clayton said on April 22 his top priorities would be to protect public safety, ensure the integrity of the US financial system, defend national security interests and combat fraud, particularly against the elderly and most vulnerable.The temporary nature of Clayton’s appointment resulted from Democrat Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s use of a blue slip to block Clayton’s confirmation on April 16, effectively preventing a Senate vote and official confirmation of his position. Blue slips can be used by senators to block US attorney or district court judicial nominees in their home states. Clayton is allowed to serve as interim US attorney for up to 120 days without Senate confirmation. After that, he will need to be approved in a Senate vote or receive a temporary extension of his interim status from Manhattan’s federal court.Trump criticized Schumer’s move in an April 17 Truth Social post, pointing out that Clayton received bipartisan support in the Senate and that Clayton complied with all requests asked of him.Source: Donald TrumpThe interim status of Clayton’s position will last until around Aug. 20. The role will see him as the top law enforcement officer for New York’s Southern District, encompassing the counties of New York, Bronx, Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Orange, Dutchess and Sullivan.The Southern District of New York is the oldest federal court district in the US, and its location in the country’s financial epicenter means it often handles high-profile cases involving white-collar crime.Clayton has shared mostly positive views on cryptoClayton served as SEC chair between May 4, 2017, and Dec. 23, 2020, and brought 56 cases against crypto firms during his tenure.Related: Oregon AG lawsuit against Coinbase calls XRP unregistered securityHe stated in a December 2021 CNBC interview that he’s a “huge believer in crypto technology,” adding that “the efficiency benefits in the financial system and otherwise from tokenization are immense.”Clayton has also praised Bitcoin (BTC) as a prominent store of value, but didn’t allow Bitcoin exchange-traded products during his time as SEC chair.The first US Bitcoin investment product was approved in 2021 under former SEC Chair Gary Gensler.Magazine: XRP win leaves Ripple and industry with no crypto legal precedent set

by Cointelegraph by Christopher Tepedino on April 22, 2025 at 10:00 pm

Chiliz, a SportsFi company, has met with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to discuss an investment and reentry into the US crypto market under the crypto-friendly White House and increased push for regulatory clarity surrounding digital assets.According to the meeting request made public by the SEC, Chiliz plans a reentry into the US market around the time of the 2026 FIFA World Cup international football (soccer) tournament. The comeback would be accompanied by a $50 million to $100 million investment in the local market. National Basketball Association and National Football League teams are said to be interested in launching fan tokens if regulatory clarity improves.The meeting with the federal agency was held on April 22 — the same day Chiliz CEO Alexandre Dreyfus shared a photo with Bo Hines, executive director of Trump’s Council of Advisors for Digital Assets, suggesting a second meeting with White House officials.Source: Alexandre DreyfusAccording to the meeting document, Chiliz discussed the proposed structure of a fan token and why “it should not be classified as a security.” Broadly, a security is an investment wherein the investor expects a profit due to the efforts of someone other than the investor.Whether cryptocurrencies and related assets are securities has been a key issue in the regulation of Web3 within the United States.Related: Chiliz’ Socios.com secures in-principle license approval in MaltaChiliz ecosystem sees lower TVL in 2025Chiliz, despite its partnerships with football clubs, gaming teams, and racing companies, has seen a significant drop in activity within its ecosystem. DefiLlama data shows the protocols’ total value locked has fallen from $17.8 million on Dec. 9, 2024, to $6.5 million on April 22, 2025, marking a 63.5% drop.Chiliz TVL. Source: DefiLlamaIts governance token hasn’t fared particularly well, either. According to CoinMarketCap, the Chiliz (CHZ) token price has declined 67% over the past 12 months. The company is known for its fan tokens, which allow enthusiasts to own the official cryptocurrencies of their favorite sports clubs.The company has made headway into the soccer market, partnering with Football Club Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester City, among others.Related: FIFA launches NFT collection amid 2023 Club World CupChiliz invested $80 million in partnerships within the US market in 2021, the document shows. However, regulatory uncertainty and the fallout from FTX’s collapse led to a “strategic exit” in the following year.The next World Cup is expected to take place in June 2026. The United States will be the main host of the tournament, while Canada and Mexico will act as auxiliary hosts.Magazine: ‘Normie degens’ go all in on sports fan crypto tokens for the rewardsChiliz, a SportsFi company, has met with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to discuss an investment and reentry into the US crypto market under the crypto-friendly White House and increased push for regulatory clarity surrounding digital assets.According to the proposed meeting request made public by the SEC, Chiliz plans a reentry into the US market around the time of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The comeback would be accompanied by a $50 million to $100 million investment in the local market. NBA and NFL teams are allegedly interested in launching fan tokens if regulatory clarity improves.The meeting with the federal agency was held on April 22 — the same day Chiliz CEO Alexandre Dreyfus shared a photo with Bo Hines, executive director of Trump’s Council of Advisors for Digital Assets, suggesting a second meeting with White House officials. Source: Alexandre DreyfusAccording to the meeting document, Chiliz discussed the proposed structure of a fan token and why “it should not be classified as a security.” Broadly, a security is an investment wherein the investor expects a profit due to the efforts of someone other than the investor.Whether cryptocurrencies and related assets are securities has been a key issue in the regulation of Web3 within the United States.Related: Chiliz’ Socios.com secures in-principle license approval in MaltaChiliz ecosystem sees lower TVL in 2025Chiliz, despite its partnerships with football clubs, gaming teams, and racing companies, has seen a significant drop in activity within its ecosystem. DefiLlama data shows the protocols’ total value locked has fallen from $17.8 million on Dec. 9, 2024, to $6.5 million on April 22, 2025, marking a 63.5% drop.Chiliz TVL. Source: DefiLlamaIts governance token hasn’t fared particularly well either. According to CoinMarketCap, the Chiliz (CHZ) token price has declined 67% over the past 12 months. The company is known for its fan tokens, which allow enthusiasts to own the official cryptocurrencies of their favorite sports clubs.The company has made headway into the soccer market, partnering with Football Club Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester City, among others.Related: FIFA launches NFT collection amid 2023 Club World CupChiliz invested $80 million in partnerships within the US market in 2021, the document shows. However, regulatory uncertainty and the fallout from FTX’s collapse led to a “strategic exit” in the following year. The next World Cup is expected to take place in June 2026. The United States will be the main host of the tournament, while Canada and Mexico will act as auxiliary hosts. Magazine: ‘Normie degens’ go all in on sports fan crypto tokens for the rewards

by Cointelegraph by Cointelegraph on April 22, 2025 at 9:53 pm

Today in crypto, Trump Media has finalized its ETF deal with Crypto.com, publicly listed companies are broadening their crypto reserves to include more tokens, and Oregon’s attorney general labels XRP and other digital assets as unregistered securities in a lawsuit.Trump Media inks deal with Crypto.com for crypto, ‘Made in America’ ETFsUS President Donald Trump’s company, Trump Media and Technology Group, signed a binding agreement with crypto exchange Crypto.com on April 22 to launch exchange-traded funds (ETFs) “with a Made in America focus.”Trump Media said the funds, set to go live later this year, will launch through its decentralized finance brand Truth.Fi and will be available through Crypto.com’s broker-dealer, Foris Capital. The company said the ETFs “are expected to comprise digital assets as well as securities with a Made in America focus spanning diverse industries such as energy.”The finalization of the agreement follows Trump Media and Crypto.com signing a non-binding deal in March.The ETFs will be the latest crypto-related venture involving Trump or his family. The president has financial ties to the crypto platform World Liberty Financial, which has a token and plans for a stablecoin, and he and First Lady Melania Trump both launched memecoins days before entering office.President Trump’s sons, Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., have also gone in on a crypto mining venture called American Bitcoin.DeFi Development Corp adds $11.5M SOL, shares jump 12%DeFi Development Corporation, formerly known as Janover, is ramping up its Solana treasury strategy following a buyout led by Kraken executives.According to an April 22 announcement, the company added 88,164 Solana (SOL) to its treasury, worth $11.5 million and bringing its Solana stake to $34.4 million.On April 7, DeFi Development Corporation was acquired by a group of former Kraken executives. As part of the deal, the company announced a shift toward crypto, including a rebrand and a Solana-based reserve treasury. Before the transition, Janover operated in the real estate financing space, linking lenders with commercial property buyers.Since the takeover, the company has made multiple purchases of SOL, including a buy of $10.5 million on April 16. With the latest purchase, DeFi Development Corporation’s total holdings stand at 251,842. The company plans to stake the tokens to generate additional yield.Shares of DeFi Development Corporation (JNVR) were up 12.83% on the news, according to Google Finance.DeFi Development Corporation's intraday performance. Source: Google FinanceOregon AG lawsuit against Coinbase calls XRP unregistered securityOregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield’s lawsuit against Coinbase argues that XRP and other digital assets are unregistered securities.Rayield sued US-based, publicly traded crypto exchange Coinbase for allegedly violating Oregon’s securities law. In an April 18 announcement, the Oregon Department of Justice said the suit was part of an effort to fill what it described as a regulatory vacuum left by federal agencies under the Trump administration:“States must fill enforcement vacuum being left by federal regulators who are abandoning these cases under Trump administration,“ the department said.Coinbase chief legal officer Paul Grewal voiced his frustration over the lawsuit in an April 21 X post. Justin Slaughter, the vice president of regulatory affairs at crypto investment firm Paradigm, pointed out that the lawsuit claims a long list of digital assets, including XRP (XRP), are unregistered securities.Source: Paul GrewalYarden Noy, partner at crypto legal firm DLT Law, told Cointelegraph that if the court ruled these assets are securities, it “would mostly create more confusion in this regard.” It would not be a binding precedent in other cases, not even within Oregon, he added.

by Cointelegraph by Alex O’Donnell on April 22, 2025 at 9:47 pm

The XRP Ledger Foundation has identified a “serious vulnerability” in the official JavaScript library used for interacting with the XRP Ledger blockchain network, the nonprofit said.On April 22, blockchain security specialist Aikido said in a blog post that XRP Ledger’s open-source JavaScript library was “compromised by sophisticated attackers who put in a backdoor to steal cryptocurrency private keys and gain access to cryptocurrency wallets.” The JavaScript library includes programs enabling developers to interact with the XRP Ledger and is distinct from the blockchain network itself. ‘“[T]his package is used by hundreds of thousands of applications and websites making it a potentially catastrophic supply chain attack on the cryptocurrency ecosystem,” Aikido said. The XRP Ledger Foundation has already upgraded the code repository to “remove the previously compromised version,” it said in an April 22 post on the X platform.Aikido identified unusual code in XRP’s JavaScript package. Source: AikidoRelated: Coinbase Derivatives lists XRP futuresIt added that several XRP Ledger ecosystem projects — including XRPScan, First Ledger, and Gen3 Games — confirmed that they were not impacted by the incident. The XRP (XRP) token ended the US trading day up more than 3.5% despite news of the security breach, according to CoinGecko. The token has a market capitalization of more than $125 billion and a fully diluted value of approximately $215 billion. XRP’s token price on April 22. Source: CoinGeckoInstitutional adoptionLaunched in 2012, XRP Ledger is among the oldest blockchain networks and specializes in payments and decentralized finance (DeFi) applications for institutions. It has been gaining prominence in recent months as a friendlier US regulatory environment paves the way for broader institutional adoption of the network’s token and ecosystem projects. The XRP token’s price increased by upward of 300% after crypto-friendly US President Donald Trump prevailed in the November presidential election, according to CoinGecko. Since then, several asset managers have asked the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to approve US-listed exchange-traded funds (ETFs) holding the XRP token. On April 21, Coinbase listed futures contracts for the XRP token on its US derivatives exchange. Magazine: Crypto ‘more taboo than OnlyFans,’ says Violetta Zironi, who sold song for 1 BTC

by Sundance on April 22, 2025 at 9:40 pm

Interesting series of events converging.  According to multiple media outlets, a delegation from the U.S, Europe and Ukraine are scheduled to meet again in London tomorrow for further discussions of the peace proposal. President Trump said Monday they had “very good meetings” about Ukraine and Russia recently as Trump was likely debriefed from the meeting The post UPDATE: Russia -v- Ukraine, Delegations Expected to Meet in London Tomorrow, Then Witkoff Heads to Moscow appeared first on The Last Refuge.

by Cointelegraph by Marcel Pechman on April 22, 2025 at 9:21 pm

Bitcoin (BTC) surged to a 45-day high above $91,000 on April 22, and the upward movement coincided with gold reaching a new all-time high. The price gains reflect investors' concerns over a potential economic recession amid ongoing global trade tensions.The tides are shifting, but does data support a Bitcoin price rally above $95,000?Bitcoin 2-month futures annualized premium. Source: Laevitas.chIn neutral markets, the Bitcoin futures premium typically ranges between 5% and 10% to compensate for the longer settlement period. At present, the annualized premium stands at 6%, which is not considered particularly bullish, even though BTC appreciated by $6,840 between April 20 and April 22. Some analysts interpret this as a sign that Bitcoin is beginning to decouple from the stock market.Traders’ PTSD could emerge around BTC’s $90K zonePart of this skepticism among traders stems from Bitcoin’s repeated inability to sustain levels above $90,000 in early March. For example, Bitcoin tested the $95,000 mark on March 3, only to fall to $81,464 the following day. This inconsistent performance since the $109,346 peak on Jan. 20 has contributed to a lack of conviction among bullish investors, especially as gold has continued to set new all-time highs during the same period.S&P 500 futures (left) vs. Bitcoin/USD. Source: TradingView / CointelegraphCurrently, Bitcoin is trading 16% below its all-time high, a figure that closely mirrors the S&P 500’s decline of 14.5%. This suggests that the recent era of excessive risk-taking may be behind us. Notably, even at its lowest point below $75,000, Bitcoin’s 32% drawdown was less severe than those experienced by Nvidia (NVDA), Amazon (AMZN), Facebook (META), and Tesla (TSLA).Comments from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on April 22 contributed to easing investor concerns. As reported by Bloomberg, Bessent described the ongoing tariff standoff with China as “unsustainable,” suggesting an increased likelihood of de-escalation. In contrast, US President Donald Trump took to social media to assert that US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is hindering economic growth by not reducing interest rates.Bitcoin’s gains contrast with investors’ shift to government bondsRegardless of where the blame lies for the subdued economic growth in the United States, demand for short-term US Treasurys has risen, as evidenced by the yield on the 2-year note declining to 3.81% from 4.04% a month earlier. Essentially, investors are accepting lower returns in exchange for the perceived safety of government bonds. Against this backdrop, Bitcoin’s 6.3% price increase over the past 30 days stands out as particularly notable.To determine whether these recent gains have affected professional traders’ sentiment, it is important to examine the BTC options markets. If traders expect a correction, put (sell) options tend to trade at a premium, causing the 25% delta skew metric to rise above 6%. Conversely, bullish sentiment pushes the indicator below -6%.Bitcoin 30-day options skew (put-call) at Deribit. Source: Laevitas.chCurrently, the Bitcoin options market reflects limited enthusiasm following the recent surge to $91,000, with the 25% delta skew indicator at -2%, which remains within the neutral range. According to this metric, the last period of bullish sentiment occurred on Jan. 30, when Bitcoin traded near $105,000. Therefore, there is no clear evidence that large investors or market makers are anticipating a sustained rally above $95,000.Related: Institutional demand could push BTC past $200k in 2025 — AnalystsDespite some weak macroeconomic data, market participants expect a relatively strong first-quarter earnings season. FactSet reports that the “Magnificent 7” companies are projected to achieve earnings growth of 14.8% for the first quarter compared to the prior year.While Bitcoin still has a reasonable chance of revisiting $95,000 or higher, many traders appear to be waiting for further developments in the US-China trade war before placing additional bullish bets.This article is for general information purposes and is not intended to be and should not be taken as legal or investment advice. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed here are the author’s alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph.

by Cointelegraph by Turner Wright on April 22, 2025 at 9:09 pm

US Securities and Exchange Commission member Hester Peirce, currently leading the agency’s crypto task force, offered a preview of what the industry could expect now that Paul Atkins has been sworn in as the regulatory body’s chairman.Speaking to Cointelegraph before the US Senate confirmed Atkins’ nomination and he took his position as SEC chair, Peirce said she welcomed the opportunity to work again with the incoming agency leader. Peirce worked as Atkins’ counsel from 2004 to 2008 during the then-commissioner’s first term at the SEC.“He cares about economic growth and how the markets that we regulate can support economic growth,” Peirce told Cointelegraph. “I would love the chance to work with [Atkins] on trying to reorient the agency so that it does take into consideration all aspects of our mission.”Related: Atkins becomes next SEC chair: What’s next for the crypto industryAtkins, appointed by US President Donald Trump in what many saw as a nod to the crypto industry to replace former chair Gary Gensler, was sworn in on April 21. During his confirmation hearing in the Senate Banking Committee, lawmakers questioned Atkins on his ties to the crypto industry, potentially presenting conflicts of interest in his role helping regulate digital assets. “I expect that he will continue to follow the ethics rules,” said Peirce on Atkins. “I worked for [him] and I have very high regard for his integrity.” SEC’s priorities under new leadership Atkins, now chair, comes to the SEC as the fourth commissioner, with five members typically filling the agency’s leadership positions. Gensler and former Commissioner Jaime Lizárraga stepped down in January. Commissioner Caroline Crenshaw is expected to be the next to depart before 2026, leaving a panel of only three Republican commissioners unless Trump nominates a Democrat.Commissioner Mark Uyeda, whom Trump named as acting chair on Jan. 20, was still scheduled to oversee some of the SEC’s proceedings, including an April 25 roundtable event discussing crypto custody. Uyeda said on April 21 that he was planning to return to his “regular role” as a commissioner, suggesting that Atkins may soon assume all his responsibilities as chair. The shakeup in leadership comes amid many in the industry looking for clarity from the SEC, the courts, and lawmakers after Gensler’s departure. Under the former chair, many accused the SEC of enacting a “regulation by enforcement” approach to crypto, resulting in several high-profile lawsuits against firms including Coinbase, Ripple Labs, and Binance. Since January, the commission has dropped many of the cases.“I think we’re all trying to get to a good place, which is putting some clarity around crypto, some regulatory clarity,” said Peirce.Magazine: SEC’s U-turn on crypto leaves key questions unanswered

by Sundance on April 22, 2025 at 8:52 pm

CBS 60-Minutes has been one of the most deliberately manipulated news and opinion programs in the past several years.  They have been so over-the-top in their gaslighting and biased media coverage, that all credibility within the weekly broadcast TV show has been eviscerated. Bill Owens has been the executive producer of the show since 2019, The post CBS 60-Minutes Executive Producer Resigns Citing New Constraints Blocking Anti-Trump Propaganda Efforts appeared first on The Last Refuge.

by Cointelegraph by Marie Poteriaieva on April 22, 2025 at 8:09 pm

Bitcoin (BTC) price surged over the Easter weekend, jumping 9% and crossing the $91,000 threshold on April 22. This strong performance diverged sharply from the stock market’s lukewarm rebound and mirrored gold’s bullish behavior, which briefly touched a new all-time high of $3,500. While the BTC rally and its growing decoupling from equities are noteworthy, it's the derivatives market that offers an even more bullish signal.According to data from CoinGlass, Bitcoin open interest (OI) soared by 17%, reaching a 2-month high at $68.3. OI measures the total capital invested in BTC derivatives, and such an uptick shows a growing bullish sentiment among traders. The market is currently in contango — a situation where futures prices (notably CME Bitcoin futures) are higher than the spot price. This typically occurs because investors anticipate rising prices and take advantage of leverage tools offered by exchanges, allowing them to gain greater exposure through futures than they could with direct spot purchases.This raises two questions: Who is buying, and why?Institutional interest reawakensA key metric for understanding investor composition is the Coinbase Bitcoin Premium Index. It measures the percentage price difference between Bitcoin on Coinbase Pro (BTC/USD) and Binance (BTC/USDT). Since Coinbase Pro caters predominantly to US-based institutional investors, while Binance has a broader global retail audience, this premium can indicate where the buying pressure is coming from.While the first half of April showed strong retail dominance, April 21–22 saw institutional demand kick in, with the Coinbase premium rising to 0.16%, per CoinGlass.Coinbase Bitcoin premium index. Source: CoinGlassMichael Saylor’s Strategy could be among those buyers. On April 21, Saylor announced the acquisition of 6,556 more BTC for approximately $555.8 million at an average price of ~$84,785 per coin. This brings MicroStrategy’s total holdings to an eye-watering 538,200 BTC, worth approximately $48.4 billion at current prices. On a smaller scale, Japan-based Metaplanet also added 330 BTC to its treasury, pushing its total to 4,855 BTC, the company’s CEO announced on the same day.Meanwhile, investors who favor traditional financial instruments over direct Bitcoin holding have also begun to renew their interest. According to the CoinGlass data, on April 21, BTC ETFs recorded $381 million in inflows — a much-needed reversal after a prolonged period of heavy outflows. Since February, ETFs had suffered 33 days of net outflows versus just 21 days of inflows, with outflows strongly dominating in volume. The recent reversal suggests renewed confidence, particularly from TradFi-aligned investors.Related: Bitcoin risks 10%-15% BTC price dip after key rejection near $89KThe dollar fades as Bitcoin rises Since tariff fears took grip of the market, institutional investors have kept Bitcoin and equities at arm’s length, but something shifted over the Easter weekend.Crypto analyst Rekt Capital noted that Bitcoin has decisively broken out of its multimonth downtrend“The multimonth downtrend is over. And when a technical downtrend is broken, technical uptrends emerge.”BTC/USD 1-day chart. Source: Rekt CapitalAnother, more macroeconomic, factor may be the increasing tension between US President Donald Trump and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Their growing rift, centered on concerns about inflationary pressure from tariffs and the Fed’s reluctance to cut rates, has cast a shadow over the US dollar.The US Dollar Index, which tracks the dollar’s value against a basket of currencies, has been in freefall since February, reaching lows last seen in 2022. Trump’s public pressure on Powell, and speculation that he might attempt to remove him or other Fed officials, is fueling anxiety over the Fed’s independence — a foundational pillar of the US financial system. The potential consequences of a falling dollar for the global economy are difficult to predict, but one thing is clear: Bitcoin stands poised to be a major beneficiary. A decentralized, censorship-resistant money governed solely by code, with a fixed supply schedule and no central authority to manipulate its issuance. As confidence in traditional monetary systems continues to erode, Bitcoin’s narrative grows ever stronger.This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.

by Cointelegraph by Christopher Tepedino on April 22, 2025 at 7:36 pm

DeFi Development Corporation, formerly known as Janover, is ramping up its Solana treasury strategy following a buyout led by Kraken executives.According to an April 22 announcement, the company added 88,164 Solana (SOL) to its treasury, worth $11.5 million and bringing its Solana stake to $34.4 million.On April 7, DeFi Development Corporation was acquired by a group of former Kraken executives. As part of the deal, the company announced a shift toward crypto, including a rebrand and a Solana-based reserve treasury. Before the transition, Janover operated in the real estate financing space, linking lenders with commercial property buyers.Since the takeover, the company has made multiple purchases of SOL, including a buy of $10.5 million on April 16. With the latest purchase, DeFi Development Corporation’s total holdings stand at 251,842. The company plans to stake the tokens to generate additional yield.As of this writing, shares of DeFi Development Corporation (JNVR) are up 12.83% on the news, according to Google Finance.DeFi Development Corporation's intraday performance. Source: Google FinanceStaking is the process of locking up cryptocurrency to help secure a blockchain network and earn rewards in return. Solana briefly surpassed Ethereum in total staked value on April 21, with over $53.9 billion worth of SOL staked by more than 500,000 unique wallet holders, yielding an 8.31% annualized return.Crypto treasury strategies gaining tractionSince Michael Saylor’s Strategy began adding Bitcoin (BTC) to its balance sheet in August 2020, more companies have followed suit with crypto treasuries, often seeing a boost in their stock prices as a result.Japanese company Metaplanet announced its Bitcoin treasury in 2024 and recorded a 4800% rise in its share price as of Feb. 10, though it has fallen since then. Semler Scientific, a healthcare technology company, saw a 30% stock price rise after it announced its BTC reserve treasury.Other companies are expanding their digital assets approach to other cryptocurrencies, such as SOL. Upexi, a Nasdaq-listed supply chain firm, recently announced the creation of a SOL treasury to diversify its assets.Magazine: Memecoins are ded — But Solana ‘100x better’ despite revenue plunge

by Sundance on April 22, 2025 at 7:35 pm

I said right after the election the foreign policy and econ institutions would be the first and easiest to deconstruct.  I also said the Intelligence, Main Justice, National Security and Defense apparatus would be the most difficult. Here’s the high elevation picture of how it works.  The more President Trump (the Executive Branch) doesn’t use The post Secretary Rubio Starts Downsizing the Department of State appeared first on The Last Refuge.

by Cointelegraph by Turner Wright on April 22, 2025 at 7:06 pm

A lawyer representing one of the co-founders of crypto mining service Hashflare has addressed how their criminal case may move forward after the pair received “self-deport” letters from the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS).In an April 11 filing in the US District Court for the Western District of Washington, Hashflare co-founders Sergei Potapenko and Ivan Turogin reported they had received a DHS letter directing them to “leave the United States” as part of a push by the Trump administration to effect mass deportations. The government letter contradicted orders from Judge Robert Lasnik, who restricted travel for Potapenko and Turogin as part of their bail conditions.In February, the Estonian nationals pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud as part of a deal with authorities. Between 2015 and 2019, the two were responsible for defrauding Hashflare users out of more than $550 million. They also raised $25 million from investors in 2017, claiming they would establish a digital bank called Polybius. The firm was never created.Indicted in October 2022, Potapenko and Turogin were arrested and held in Estonia before their extradition to the US in May 2024. Both have been free on bail since July 2024 but could face up to 20 years in prison each at sentencing.Ordered to leave, forced to stay“[Potapenko and Turogin each] got letters from DHS to their personal email saying ‘deport immediately,’” Reed Smith partner and defense counsel Mark Bini told Cointelegraph. “It caused some angst because [our client and his co-defendant], their conditions of release include that they comply with the law. And here you have this letter saying if you stay in the country, you’re breaking the law. And of course, their bail conditions say they can’t leave the Seattle area.” Related: Russian Gotbit founder strikes $23M plea deal with US prosecutorsThe DHS letters ordering certain people to “depart the United States immediately” were reportedly sent to thousands of immigrants who had used the government’s CBP One app to enter the country legally. However, some citizens reported receiving the same letter in US President Donald Trump’s attempts to effect deportations through his office.  Bini initially thought it was a possibility that the US government was suggesting that Potapenko or Turogin “self-deport” to Estonia after the Justice Department issued a memo hinting it would change its enforcement policy in criminal cases involving crypto. The Hashflare co-founders had been expected to remain in the jurisdiction until at least Aug. 14 for their sentencing hearings.“I have not encountered this situation before, where you have essentially two folks in the federal government telling you conflicting things,” said Bini. The attorney added that Potapenko or Turogin now carried letters with them at all times that stated DHS had deferred action on their “self-deportation” for one year in the event that authorities mistakenly tried to detain them and remove them from the country. Though the pair could still receive prison time, Potapenko, Turogin and Hashflare reported returning $400 million in crypto payments to users and “agreed to forfeit their interests in assets that the government froze in 2022.”“We’re going to try and convince the judge to frankly side with DHS and let them self-deport to Estonia to their families because we believe that there was no actual financial harm to the customers of Hashflare,” said Bini. “It’s a weird [case] because for our clients, we want to be deported. Our clients are Estonian. Their families are Estonian.” Magazine: XRP win leaves Ripple and industry with no crypto legal precedent set