September 17, 2025

Crypto

Economist Jeff Booth argues that individuals are anxious about financial futures due to a hidden war between technology's deflationary power and global fiat currency systems' inflationary force. This disconnect leads to rising costs despite technological progress, creating a cycle of empires and currencies with profound implications for individual futures and the world.

Bitcoin's recent surge appears to be losing steam as investors increasingly shift their attention to alternative cryptocurrencies. Ethereum and altcoins have seen a significant rise in futures trading volume, with combined shares surpassing 85%, according to CryptoQuant community analyst Maartunn. This trend suggests investors are exploring beyond Bitcoin for growth opportunities.

PayPal is set to integrate cryptocurrencies into its peer-to-peer system, allowing US users to transfer Bitcoin and other digital assets using personalized payment links. This new feature, PayPal Links, will enable easy sending and receiving of cryptocurrencies, catering to the growing demand for digital transactions and further enhancing P2P offerings.

Pantera Capital founder Dan Morehead predicts Bitcoin's price will surge to $750,000 within four to five years, citing its historical performance as a major factor. Despite making up only a low percentage of global wealth, Bitcoin has consistently doubled in value roughly every year over the past 12 years, suggesting strong growth potential.

Bitcoin mining stocks have outperformed Bitcoin, with Cipher and Terawulf among the notable gainers in September. Despite rising costs and difficulty, investors are optimistic about AI's potential benefits for the sector, driving a sharp rally among companies adopting or utilizing AI-powered solutions. Shares of these firms have surged as investors bet on innovation.

Digital asset investment products saw a significant surge in inflows last week, with $3.3 billion pouring into the market, bringing AuM to $239 billion. This rebound indicates a strengthening trend as investors continue to show interest despite recent volatility and market fluctuations, narrowly missing August's all-time high of $244 billion.

Swiss banks have made a breakthrough by successfully completing a blockchain-based payment system. UBS, Sygnum Bank, and PostFinance conducted a comprehensive study demonstrating the effectiveness of blockchain in supporting bank deposits and institutional payments, marking a significant milestone in integrating this technology into mainstream financial systems.

Michael Saylor, a prominent Bitcoin figure, has developed a unique investment strategy driven by his obsession with the cryptocurrency. His corporate crypto investments, including debt-fueled purchases by Strategy, have garnered attention for their scale and ambition. The future of corporate crypto investing may be shaped by Saylor's playbook, its impact uncertain.

The US Securities and Exchange Commission is considering changes to its listing rules to facilitate cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs), potentially boosting adoption. A streamlined process could lead to more crypto ETFs being listed, but it doesn't guarantee significant inflows of capital, according to Bitwise CEO Matt Hougan, highlighting the complexities involved.

The US Securities and Exchange Commission is reviewing a proposal to prepare the crypto industry for quantum computing threats. The Post-Quantum Financial Infrastructure Framework aims to transition digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum to quantum-resistant standards by 2035, warning trillions of dollars are at risk from future attacks, starting as early as 2028.

ARK Invest has increased its holdings in Bullish shares to nearly $130 million following a recent $8.2 million purchase. This acquisition solidifies Cathie Wood's firm's bullish stance on the investment, with total ETF holdings nearing $130 million. The move further cements ARK Invest's confidence in Bullish shares as a promising investment opportunity.

The UK and US are reportedly set to announce a significant agreement promoting closer collaboration on cryptocurrencies. Officials from both countries will unveil the proposal, with details revealed in a Financial Times report. The meeting is seen as a major development for the industry, marking a shift towards greater global cooperation.

LMAX has entered the crypto derivatives market with perpetual futures contracts for Bitcoin and Ethereum, targeting institutional traders seeking leveraged investment options. The new product offerings come with a 100x leverage ratio, designed to meet growing demand among professional investors, providing a high-growth platform for leveraged investments in the cryptocurrency space.

Google has announced a new payment protocol aimed at simplifying transactions for artificial intelligence applications. The open-source initiative expands beyond traditional methods like credit and debit cards to include stablecoins, streamlining payments for developers to integrate into their AI applications, potentially expanding further in the future.

Bitcoin has rebounded from its August drop and reclaimed above $115,000, sparking renewed upward strength. This surge appears to have triggered a notable increase in investor adoption, resulting in a spike in Bitcoin's Scarcity Index. As a result, the largest digital asset is poised to reassert its bull market momentum once again.

Rex Shares plans to launch the first US exchange-traded fund (ETF) offering direct exposure to XRP, trading under XRPR. This new product provides investors with "spot exposure" to the cryptocurrency, currently held by investors in positions. It's a significant development in the US ETF market for XRP, marking a key milestone.

The cyclical nature of empires rising and falling is often attributed to unstable monetary systems prone to inflation, as seen in ancient Rome's decline due to debased silver coinage. History repeats itself with patterns of economic folly, including debt, corruption, and hyperinflation, but Bitcoin offers a decentralized alternative resistant to seizure and control.