NEARUSD NEAR Protocol

Bitcoin ETFs in the US attract inflows for seven consecutive days

On July 16, Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the United States saw a net inflow of $422.5 million, marking the most robust investment day since early June. This phenomenon occurred during a streak of seven consecutive days of gains, during which the funds accumulated over $1 billion in investments. BlackRock’s ETF (NASDAQ:IBIT) dominated the inflows, garnering over $260 million, representing a significant portion of the day’s total. Fidelity’s ETF (AMEX:FBTC) also stood out, attracting $61.1 million. Other funds received less than $30 million each, except for GBTC, DEFI, and BTCW, which saw neither inflows nor outflows.

Grayscale launches fund focused on decentralized AI

Grayscale, a leader in crypto asset management, announced a new fund targeting decentralized artificial intelligence. The Grayscale Decentralized AI Fund LLC offers investors the opportunity to explore the promising niche of AI in the crypto world. The fund, which will be adjusted quarterly, includes various AI protocols like Bittensor (COIN:TAOBUST) and Filecoin (COIN:FILUSD), along with other assets focused on decentralized AI services, solutions for centralized AI challenges, and essential infrastructures like data storage and cloud computing.

Bitcoin eyes $70,000 and XRP outperforms other cryptocurrencies in bullish week

Bitcoin (COIN:BTCUSD) experienced a slight decline of 1.2% in the last 24 hours, trading at $64,318.81, but the outlook remains positive with traders setting a target of $70,000. The cryptocurrency reached an intraday high of $66,139.00, driven by Donald Trump’s choice of a pro-crypto vice president, signaling potential favorable policies in the future. Reduced selling pressure, motivated by payments initiated to Mt. Gox creditors, also helps boost market sentiment. Fernando Pereira of Bitget suggests caution, advising investors to wait for a correction before buying due to the current resistance zone. “Despite the bullish sentiment analysis for BTC, it’s ideal to wait for a pullback to enter long positions on BTC, as we are in the strongest price resistance zone, between 61.8% and 78.6% of fibo. Don’t let greed take over; patience is key in the market,” Pereira commented.

Meanwhile, Ripple (COIN:XRPUSD) stands out, outperforming other major cryptocurrencies with a 40.7% increase in one week. This jump occurred after the introduction of new indices and reference rates for XRP by CME and CF Benchmarks, which helped form a triangular pattern on the charts. Currently, XRP is up 6.17%, trading at $0.615700, after reaching a peak of $0.6347.

Trump considers Jamie Dimon for Treasury Secretary in future term

Donald Trump, former US president and Republican candidate, indicated in an interview with Bloomberg that he might nominate Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan, as his Treasury Secretary if re-elected. Trump also intends to keep Jerome Powell as chairman of the Federal Reserve. Despite past tense relations and mutual criticisms, Trump expressed respect for Dimon, highlighting a possible shift in stance toward figures he previously criticized. Jamie Dimon, the CEO of JPMorgan, is known for his strongly critical views on cryptocurrencies. He has been vocal about the risks and limitations he sees in cryptocurrencies, often describing them as tools for illicit activities like money laundering, tax evasion, and trafficking.

German government prioritized liquidity in bitcoin sale without optimizing return

According to Miguel Morel of Arkham Intelligence, the German government focused on quickly selling its Bitcoin reserve without aiming to minimize market impact or maximize profits. The sales were conducted through transfers to various cryptocurrency exchanges to leverage available liquidity. This method suggests a strategy focused on immediate liquidity without considering the optimization of the sales process, which negatively influenced Bitcoin’s price (COIN:BTCUSD) until the resources were exhausted.

Core Scientific predicted as leader in high-performance computing hosting

Brokerage firm B Riley highlighted Core Scientific (NASDAQ:CORZ) as a future leader in high-performance computing (HPC) hosting after the company secured significant contracts with CoreWeave and demonstrated experienced management. The brokerage upgraded the company’s rating to “Buy,” raising its stock price target from $0.50 to $13. This optimism is based on HPC agreements and the expectation of more lucrative deals, reflecting a positive long-term outlook for the digital mining sector.

Charles Hoskinson proposes decentralized identity solutions for security on X

After a hacking incident involving AI developer Ben Goertzel on X (formerly Twitter), Charles Hoskinson, founder of Cardano (COIN:ADAUSD), suggested to Elon Musk the implementation of decentralized identifiers (DIDs) to enhance the platform’s security. Hoskinson believes that DIDs could verify and protect digital identities, reducing the risks of hacks and unauthorized access. He offered to integrate the solution at no cost, emphasizing the need for robust identity infrastructure for X.

TON to launch bitcoin bridge for DeFi expansion

The TON Foundation, which supports The Open Network (COIN:TONCOINUSD), announced the imminent launch of TON Teleport BTC, a bridge for secure Bitcoin transfers, facilitating user interaction with the DeFi world on the TON network. This system aims to enable Bitcoin owners to engage in decentralized finance (DeFi) activities in the TON ecosystem while maintaining asset security. The implementation will be characterized by transparency and will not require a central issuer, with each Bitcoin being fully backed and transactions validated through smart contracts.

Valor launches ETP for NEAR token in Swedish market

Valor, part of DeFi Technologies, announced the launch of an exchange-traded product (ETP) for the native token of the Near Protocol (COIN:NEARUSD), to be traded on Sweden’s Spotlight Stock Market. The Near Protocol is known for its decentralized platform that facilitates app development, and Valor is a company of DeFi Technologies, which manages approximately $600 million in assets. This ETP allows investors to bet on the native NEAR token, which has an impressive market capitalization of around $6.8 billion, positioning NEAR among the top 20 global digital assets. The initiative reflects growing acceptance and interest in more diversified crypto investments.

Worldcoin faces price manipulation allegations after token schedule change

The Worldcoin project (COIN:WLDUSD), which uses eye-scanning technology for identification, is facing accusations of price manipulation and fraud. After announcing a delay in the release of 80% of its native tokens, extending the unlock period from three to five years, the WLD token price rose significantly. Accusations have emerged suggesting that changes in emissions and contracts could be influencing prices, raising suspicions of insider trading by the team.

OKX announces support for The Open Network in its wallet, marking 100th blockchain integration

OKX, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, expanded its wallet capabilities by adding support for The Open Network (COIN:TONCOINUSD), reaching 100 blockchain integrations on the mainnet. The OKX wallet now supports over 10,000 decentralized applications and 300,000 tokens, offering users access to a vast crypto ecosystem.

Nansen and Aptos collaborate to enhance blockchain analytics

Nansen, a leader in blockchain analytics, partnered with Aptos (COIN:APTUSD) to provide onchain analytics and data for the Aptos ecosystem. This collaboration aims to strengthen the Aptos network, providing users with advanced analytical tools that can drive growth and identify emerging trends. The newly launched Aptos Growth Dashboard by Nansen will offer valuable insights into network activities, such as transactions, active addresses, and contract deployments, helping monitor the health of the Aptos ecosystem.

Polymarket hires Nate Silver to enhance prediction market analytics

As the US presidential campaign heats up, Polymarket, a crypto-based prediction market platform, hired Nate Silver, renowned statistician, as a consultant, revealed Axios. Silver is known for his accurate election analyses previously done by FiveThirtyEight. The platform has already moved $265 million in bets for this election, positioning Donald Trump as the favorite with a 70% chance. With Silver on board, an expansion in prediction markets is expected.

Binance executive detained in Nigeria until October after trial adjournment

Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance executive, will remain detained in Nigeria until October after his money laundering trial was adjourned by the Supreme Federal Court. Judge Emeka Nwite postponed the trial to October 11 due to the lack of a crucial medical report. Gambaryan, who has been in custody since February, is facing deteriorating health and was seen in a wheelchair during the last hearing.

Nigeria begins reassessment of its national blockchain policy

The Nigeria Steering Committee has begun reassessing the policies guiding the implementation of the National Blockchain Policy, announced Chimesie Chuta, committee chairman. The process, initiated on July 17, is part of an effort to update and expand the scope of the country’s blockchain strategy, covering sectors such as health and education, and integrating cutting-edge technologies to strengthen both the public and private sectors.

Rise of layer 2 bitcoin solutions in Asia boosts miners post-halving

In the Asian tech landscape, layer 2 (L2) bitcoin solutions are gaining prominence, especially after the recent halving event that halved mining rewards. This adjustment has motivated miners, who still dominate over 50% of the global hashrate, to seek alternative revenue streams. L2 solutions, like Bitlayer and other emerging projects in the region, are standing out by offering new opportunities to maintain miners’ profitability while contributing to innovation in the Asian crypto ecosystem.

Hong Kong prepares legislation to regulate stablecoins

Hong Kong financial authorities announced plans to introduce legislation focused on fiat-backed stablecoins later this year. The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, after a public consultation, concluded that the regulatory regime should cover decentralized stablecoins. The bill will require stablecoin issuers to obtain a license and considers maintaining reserves in local banks to enhance user security.