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"Meta AI Launches: Could This Be the Next ChatGPT Rival?"
BLOCKMEDIA
BLOCKMEDIA

"Meta AI Launches: Could This Be the Next ChatGPT Rival?"

2025-04-30 11:50
# Meta Unveils New AI App, 'Meta AI,' Enhancing Personalized User Experience Meta Platforms has launched its latest artificial intelligence (AI) app, "Meta AI," powered by its advanced large language model, Llama 3. This standalone app, revealed on the 29th (local time), is designed to deliver highly personalized user experiences. While Meta AI was previously integrated into Meta's suite of apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Messenger, it will now offer users the ability to directly interact with the AI assistant through its dedicated application. # Social Features Enhanced with AI Chat Meta AI features a chat interface similar to OpenAI's ChatGPT, but introduces a unique social feature called "Discover." This allows users to explore conversation feeds and see interactions between others and Meta AI. The social layer supports shared learning, creative exploration, and open beta testing of AI tools, broadening the app's user-centric functionality. # Practical Tools and Versatility Meta highlighted that the app was built with practical use in mind. Meta AI can handle tasks such as drafting emails, summarizing news, organizing travel itineraries, and composing poetry. The app's capabilities are further expanded with integrated image generation and search functionalities. A standout feature is the next-generation voice interaction system, "Full Duplex." It enables seamless, simultaneous voice conversations between users and Meta AI, fostering natural and fluid interactions. This feature is currently being tested in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, with plans for a global release. # Extending AI Beyond the App Meta AI also integrates with Ray-Ban smart glasses, providing hands-free AI functionality. Users can ask questions about their surroundings or use the built-in camera for object identification, blending AI support into physical environments for enhanced utility. Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, stated in an Instagram video, "Meta AI is your personal AI assistant, capable of engaging in conversations on any topic." ### Takeaway Meta AI marks a strategic move by Meta into the burgeoning AI market, offering individualized experiences alongside innovative features like full-duplex voice interaction and seamless hardware integration. Though currently available in limited markets, the app underscores Meta's vision to transform user interaction with technology in both personal and professional domains.
"US Prediction Platforms Forecast Negative Growth for Economy"
BLOCKMEDIA
BLOCKMEDIA

"US Prediction Platforms Forecast Negative Growth for Economy"

2025-04-30 11:20
Investors forecast U.S. Economic Downturn as Economic Forecasts Worsen The outlook for the U.S. economy is increasingly bleak, with prediction platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi indicating a slowdown in economic growth. Recent data from these platforms reveal a significant decline in expectations for U.S. GDP growth. # Sharp Decline in U.S. Growth Forecasts Kalshi, a derivatives exchange, reported that as of October 29, the forecasted U.S. economic growth rate plunged from 0.5% the previous day to -0.4%. Likewise, Polymarket assessed the likelihood of a U.S. economic contraction at about 70% on the same day. Although the U.S. has seen positive GDP growth every quarter since 2022, this data could signal the beginning of a recession. # Canadian Prime Minister’s Speech Raises Concerns The worsening economic forecasts follow a controversial announcement by Mark Carney, the newly elected Prime Minister of Canada and leader of the Liberal Party. In his victory speech in Ottawa, Carney pledged a hardline stance against the U.S. in ongoing trade disputes, raising concerns over potential economic fallout. “We will sit down with President Trump to discuss the future of economic and security relations between our two sovereign nations,” Carney told supporters. He declared, “The old relationship with the U.S. is over. While we’ve overcome the shock of America’s betrayal, the lessons learned must not be forgotten.” # U.S. GDP Data Under Scrutiny Market participants are eagerly anticipating the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) GDP report, set to be released on October 30. This report is expected to offer crucial insights into the economic impact of President Donald Trump’s trade policies and could shape future forecasts. # Prediction Markets: Established Track Record Platforms such as Polymarket operate by trading contracts tied to specific events, with prices varying based on outcomes. These prediction markets have evolved into reliable indicators of public opinion, often rivaling traditional polling methods. In 2020, for instance, these platforms accurately predicted President Trump’s re-election loss as well as Republican wins in congressional elections. Investors and market observers will be closely monitoring these platforms and upcoming economic data as the U.S. navigates rising uncertainties on both economic and geopolitical fronts.
Bitcoin Stalls, but Altcoins Surge: Upbit's Top 6 Gainers Revealed – Drift, Akash, Zeta, Magic Eden, Bana, Kaeb
BLOCKMEDIA
BLOCKMEDIA

Bitcoin Stalls, but Altcoins Surge: Upbit's Top 6 Gainers Revealed – Drift, Akash, Zeta, Magic Eden, Bana, Kaeb

2025-04-30 11:00
**Bitcoin (BTC) Holds Steady While Drift (DRIFT), Akash Network (AKT), and ZetaChain (ZETA) Surge on Upbit** Bitcoin (BTC) has maintained a stable position. Nonetheless, altcoins such as Drift (DRIFT), Akash Network (AKT), ZetaChain (ZETA), Magic Eden (ME), Vana (VANA), and CARV (CARV) have caught investors' eyes with impressive gains on Upbit. As of 10:15 a.m. on April 30, 2025, these tokens top the charts in terms of price gains and trading volume on the exchange. **Drift (DRIFT): Leading the Pack with a 23.82% Rise** Drift (DRIFT) surged by 23.82%, trading at 1,027 KRW with a trading volume of 9.85 billion KRW. This decentralized perpetual futures exchange on the Solana (SOL) blockchain is attracting users with features like its Just-In-Time (JIT) matching mechanism and AMM backup system for fast order execution. Additional features include limit orders, decentralized order books, and social login capabilities, positioning Drift as a significant DeFi contender. **Akash Network (AKT): Gaining Momentum on Cloud Computing Potential** Akash Network (AKT) saw a 9.98% increase to 2,050 KRW, with a trading volume of 5.98 billion KRW. Akash functions as a blockchain-based marketplace for computing resources, such as CPU, GPU, and memory. Running on a Tendermint-based mainnet using the Cosmos (ATOM) SDK, Akash supports staking, transaction fees, and governance. With the rising demand for computing resources due to AI development, Akash's potential is capturing significant investor interest. **ZetaChain (ZETA): Growing with Omnichain Smart Contracts** ZetaChain (ZETA) rose by 7.00%, trading at 402.1 KRW with a volume of 7.27 billion KRW. This Layer 1 network enables omnichain smart contracts for seamless interoperability across various blockchains. Featuring TSS technology, ZetaChain enables the use of native assets from other chains on its platform. The ZETA token is integral for transaction fees, staking, and governance. **Magic Eden (ME): Sustained Growth as a Leading NFT Marketplace** Magic Eden (ME) experienced a 4.62% growth, reaching 1,496 KRW. Initially an NFT marketplace, Magic Eden supports multiple chains like Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), and Bitcoin, facilitating smooth NFT trading. The platform's token is essential for governance, staking, and rewards. Magic Eden continues expanding its ecosystem, introducing features such as a proprietary wallet and inscription tools. **Vana (VANA): Fueling the AI Data Economy** Vana (VANA) climbed by 4.39%, trading at 8,844 KRW. Vana is building a data DAO ecosystem where users can contribute data for AI training in return for rewards. Through a Data Liquidity Pool (DLP) and a TEE-based verification system, Vana ensures data reliability and utility. The VANA token plays a crucial role in various ecosystem operations. **CARV (CARV): Enhancing Gaming and AI Data Integration** CARV (CARV) increased by 4.30% to 547.9 KRW. CARV, a modular data layer protocol, focuses on the gaming and AI sectors. By integrating decentralized user data, CARV creates an ecosystem that supports applications like "CARV Play," which connects with various gaming platforms. The CARV token is fundamental for governance and utility within the ecosystem. These altcoins' robust performance indicates growing investor interest and recognition of their unique ecosystem offerings. As the cryptocurrency market evolves, these tokens are establishing significant positions in their respective sectors.
Melania Memecoin Sees Another Fund Transfer, 1.4 Billion Withdrawn
BLOCKMEDIA
BLOCKMEDIA

Melania Memecoin Sees Another Fund Transfer, 1.4 Billion Withdrawn

2025-04-30 10:40
# Melania Meme Coin Team Withdraws $1 Million in Tokens, Raising Investor Concerns The Melania Meme Coin (MELANIA) development team has withdrawn about $1 million worth of tokens, transferring them to a new wallet, heightening investor concerns about the project's credibility. Blockchain analytics platform Arkham reported on October 29 that the team removed approximately $1 million worth of MELANIA tokens from the liquidity pool on Meteora and moved them to a newly created wallet. Meteora operates as a decentralized trading platform, using a dynamic Automated Market Maker (AMM) pool to enhance capital efficiency and flexible asset compositions. # Pattern of Token Movements and Liquidation Strategies Historically, the Melania team has liquidated withdrawn tokens through the decentralized exchange aggregator Jupiter, converting them into Solana (SOL) and depositing the proceeds onto the MEXC exchange. This recent transaction is widely seen as part of a profit-taking or liquidity management strategy. On October 28, the team reportedly used a Dollar Cost Averaging (DCA) approach, selling about $1.5 million worth of tokens. The DCA method involves breaking transactions into smaller, regular intervals to lessen market impact. # Mounting Concerns Over Transparency and Sell-off Risks The Melania team’s repeated token liquidations have intensified concerns regarding more potential sell-offs. Allegations have emerged that the team has been consistently disposing of internal funds. Recently, evidence indicated that approximately $30 million in community funds were sold, raising more questions about the project's transparency and trustworthiness. Investors worry that these practices could disproportionately harm retail investors. However, some industry defenders argue that no losses have been incurred from these profit-taking strategies, considering them legitimate operations. # MELANIA Token Sees Price Decline Amid Growing Skepticism Following these revelations, the price of Melania Meme Coin has dropped. As of October 30, 10 a.m. KST, MELANIA traded at $0.4055 on Meteora, a 9.8% decrease from the previous day. Trading volume and market capitalization have also declined by over 9%, reflecting growing uncertainties about the project's future. Investors are closely monitoring the situation, as the project’s actions could set a precedent for transparency and accountability in the fast-growing meme coin space.
Sustainable Energy Growth Raises 'Concern' in Mining Industry
BLOCKMEDIA
BLOCKMEDIA

Sustainable Energy Growth Raises 'Concern' in Mining Industry

2025-04-30 10:10
# Bitcoin Miners Embrace Sustainable Energy, Battle Rising Costs The move towards sustainable energy in Bitcoin (BTC) mining is accelerating, with renewable energy sources becoming increasingly integral. However, companies face significant challenges due to escalating energy costs, creating financial pressures within the industry. ## Sustainable Energy Utilization Climbs to 52.4% The latest Digital Mining Industry Report from the University of Cambridge, published on Oct. 30, reveals that sustainable energy constitutes 52.4% of the total energy used in Bitcoin mining. This includes about 9.8% from nuclear power and 42.6% from renewable sources such as hydroelectric, wind, and solar power. Notably, the proportion of sustainable energy now exceeds that of fossil fuels, highlighting the industry's shift towards greener energy solutions. ## Enhanced ASIC Efficiency and Reduced E-Waste Significant progress has been made in mining hardware efficiency. As of June 2024, ASIC (SHA-256) mining rigs achieved an energy efficiency of 28.2 joules per terahash (J/TH), marking a 24% improvement year-over-year. Moreover, around 90% of retired mining equipment is projected to be recycled or repurposed, potentially reducing e-waste to approximately 2.3 kilotons, indicating strides towards lowering the industry's environmental impact. ## Increased Energy Costs Affect Mining Profitability Despite technological advances, Bitcoin miners are increasingly concerned about operating costs. A report from Cryptopolitan on Oct. 29 pointed out that 57% of mining firms identify rising energy expenses as their primary challenge. Additionally, 47% of respondents expressed worries about local and federal government regulations, reflecting the sector's complex policy landscape. ## U.S. Department of Commerce Launches Support Initiative To mitigate these issues, the U.S. Department of Commerce introduced an "Investment Accelerator Program" on March 31, aimed at facilitating Bitcoin mining operations and attracting investments. Secretary Howard Lutnick emphasized the administration's dedication to enabling companies to develop their own energy infrastructure, reinforcing the aim to position the United States as a favorable environment for Bitcoin mining. As miners and policymakers grapple with the dual pressures of rising energy costs and regulatory challenges, balancing sustainability with economic viability remains a critical focus for the industry.
Stablecoins Exceed Visa with $1.5 Trillion in Q1 Transaction Volume
BLOCKMEDIA
BLOCKMEDIA

Stablecoins Exceed Visa with $1.5 Trillion in Q1 Transaction Volume

2025-04-30 09:40
# Stablecoins Overtake Visa in Transaction Volume as Major Financial Players Invest Heavily in the Market Major financial institutions are making significant investments in the stablecoin sector, marking a milestone where blockchain-based assets now surpass Visa's transaction volume. On April 29, digital asset analyst Crypto Rover revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that stablecoin transaction volumes reached $1.5 trillion in Q1 2025, exceeding Visa’s $1.4 trillion. "WOWW ???? FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, STABLECOINS OUTPACED VISA IN VOLUME. INSANELY BULLISH ????" Crypto Rover (@rovercrc) exclaimed on April 17, 2025, underscoring this significant achievement. # Key Players Fueling Stablecoin Adoption Top financial institutions, including Visa, Mastercard, and Stripe, are actively participating in stablecoin initiatives to tap into this rapidly growing market. Visa introduced the Visa Tokenized Asset Platform (VTAP), which supports the issuance and management of stablecoins and tokenized deposits. Stripe has begun piloting stablecoin payment programs to enhance dollar accessibility for businesses outside the U.S. and Europe. Additionally, Mastercard has implemented functionality enabling consumers to use stablecoins for payments, which merchants worldwide can now accept. # Rapid Growth of the Stablecoin Market The stablecoin market is experiencing rapid growth. As per CoinGecko data from April 28, 2025, the total market capitalization of stablecoins is approximately $237.4 billion. Tether (USDT), the leading stablecoin by market cap, stands at about $148 billion, followed by USD Coin (USDC) at $62 billion, and USDS at $7.6 billion. In terms of 24-hour trading volume, Tether leads with $52.3 billion, with USDC following at $6.3 billion. # Experts Anticipate Stablecoin Surge Chamath Palihapitiya, founder of Social Capital, forecasts explosive growth for the stablecoin sector by 2025. On April 28, 2025, he stated on X: “Dollar-based stablecoins will emerge as the biggest beneficiaries. They are poised to become a critical backbone of the global financial system.” Highlighting Visa's Tokenized Asset Platform and Stripe's pilot programs, Palihapitiya emphasized the optimistic outlook for stablecoin adoption within existing financial and payment infrastructures. "Deep Dive: A Primer on Stablecoins Last year, Visa announced the launch of the Visa Tokenized Asset Platform, aiding banks in issuing and managing stablecoins and tokenized deposits. This week, Stripe started testing a stablecoin pilot to assist..." Chamath Palihapitiya (@chamath) reiterated on X on April 28, 2025. # Future Prospects As financial giants like Visa, Mastercard, and Stripe increase their integration of stablecoin technologies, these digital assets are likely to gain broader acceptance in traditional finance and global commerce. Backed by leading market players and significant transaction volumes, stablecoins are set to become a central component of the evolving financial ecosystem.
[Crypto Market Update] Bitcoin Dips Slightly as U.S. Stock Market Surges, Trading Near 130 Million Won
BLOCKMEDIA
BLOCKMEDIA

[Crypto Market Update] Bitcoin Dips Slightly as U.S. Stock Market Surges, Trading Near 130 Million Won

2025-04-30 09:20
# Trump Administration’s Tariff Easing Boosts U.S. Stocks While Bitcoin Stumbles The Trump administration issued an executive order to reduce overlapping tariffs on automobiles, pushing U.S. stock markets higher, while digital assets like Bitcoin experienced slight declines. At 8:40 a.m. local time on the 30th, Bitcoin (BTC) traded at 1,359,900 KRW on Upbit, reflecting a 0.6% decrease from the previous day. On Binance, BTC decreased by 0.38% to $93,930. Ethereum (ETH) and Solana (SOL) fell by 0.56% and 1.61%, respectively, with XRP experiencing a steeper decline of 2.78%. According to CoinGlass, around $38.49 million (551 billion KRW) worth of Bitcoin positions were liquidated in the last 24 hours, with 61% being long positions. Total liquidations in the digital asset market amounted to $180.75 million (2.59 trillion KRW). # Trump Administration Tariff Easing Sparks Stock Market Rally Bloomberg reported that the Trump administration issued a new executive order to ease tariff burdens on imported vehicles by exempting aluminum and steel tariffs. Automakers previously faced significant costs due to these tariffs, in addition to general import duties. The announcement boosted investor sentiment, leading to a rally on the New York Stock Exchange. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed up 0.75% at 40,527.62. The S&P 500 index rose by 0.58% to 5,560.83, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq gained 0.55% to settle at 17,461.32. # U.S. Economic Data Weighs on Bitcoin Despite the stock market rally, Bitcoin and the broader digital asset market struggled due to weak U.S. economic data hindering upward momentum. The U.S. Department of Labor reported on the 29th that the March Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) showed 7.192 million job openings at the end of last month, a drop of 288,000 from February and below the market expectation of 7.5 million. Consumer confidence data released the same day added to the market challenges. According to the Conference Board, the U.S. Consumer Confidence Index dropped to 86.0 in April, a decrease of 7.9 points from the prior month and the lowest level since May 2020. The Expectations Index also fell to 54.4, its lowest reading since 2011. The series of weak economic indicators has amplified market uncertainty. Jeff Park, Head of Alpha Strategy at Bitwise, stated, “The market is overly focused on the Federal Reserve’s potential rate cuts, but the real risk lies in the potential destabilization of the U.S. government’s creditworthiness. Concentrating too much on short-term policy shifts distracts from addressing core systemic risks.” # Fear-Greed Index Reflects Moderating Greed The Alternative Fear & Greed Index, measuring investor sentiment in the digital asset market, stood at 56 (“Greed”) on the same day, up slightly from the previous day’s 60. A reading closer to 0 indicates strong investor selling sentiment, while a score near 100 suggests a higher tendency for buying.
"Japanese Firm ANAP Acquires 35 Bitcoins as Part of Investment Strategy"
BLOCKMEDIA
BLOCKMEDIA

"Japanese Firm ANAP Acquires 35 Bitcoins as Part of Investment Strategy"

2025-04-30 09:03
# Japanese Fashion Company ANAP Holdings Invests in Bitcoin ANAP Holdings, a well-known publicly traded fashion company in Japan, has officially announced the acquisition of Bitcoin (BTC) as part of a comprehensive group-level investment strategy. This move highlights the growing interest of Japanese publicly listed companies in cryptocurrency investments. On April 28, 2025, ANAP Holdings revealed that its subsidiary, ANAP Lighting Capital, purchased 35.0 BTC. The transaction amounted to approximately 477.94 million yen (around $3.3 million), as confirmed in a public release. This investment elevates ANAP Group's total Bitcoin holdings to 51.6578 BTC. The average acquisition price is roughly 13.123 million yen per BTC, with the cumulative investment surpassing 677 million yen. The company has emphasized the implementation of structured policies for Bitcoin investment and risk management. These policies include setting operational and valuation guidelines, conducting evaluations and disclosures of held assets, and seeking third-party expert reviews to assess investments. "For future operations, the valuation of Bitcoin held by the company may fluctuate based on price volatility and evolving market conditions," ANAP Holdings stated. They further added that Bitcoin would be viewed from a mid- to long-term perspective and incorporated into financial statements in line with accounting standards. Listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange’s Standard Market, ANAP Holdings is known for operating relatively small-scale fashion brands. This move to invest in Bitcoin sets a notable precedent, showcasing the potential for broader cryptocurrency adoption among Japan's publicly listed companies.
SafePal (SFP) April Community Call with Viction and Monad: Key Highlights
BLOCKMEDIA
BLOCKMEDIA

SafePal (SFP) April Community Call with Viction and Monad: Key Highlights

2025-04-30 08:37
# [SafePal (SFP)](https://api.blockmedia.co.kr/binance/outlink/?path=safepal) Hosts Community Call: Addressing Security Threats, Announcing New Features, and Expanding Partnerships [SafePal (SFP)](https://api.blockmedia.co.kr/binance/outlink/?path=safepal) convened a community call on April 28, offering a comprehensive update on security concerns, new product features, and upcoming partnerships. The event, led by SafePal CEO Veronica, included contributions from Viction and Monad Foundation representatives. ## Escalating Security Threats Warn Users SafePal initiated the call with a stern alert regarding the rising security threats in the blockchain arena. Veronica pointed out, “Hackers are now employing advanced tactics targeting software supply chains rather than blockchain itself.” She highlighted alarming incidents involving compromised Bitcoin library and wallet software deployment channels. To combat these risks, SafePal recommended robust security measures such as utilizing hardware wallets, isolating devices for diverse activities, performing periodic security audits, and judiciously managing DApp permissions. Veronica emphasized, “AI-powered coding trends have heightened the risk of open-source contamination, necessitating rigorous vetting of external code by developers.” ## Enhanced Security with EAL 6+ Chipset In a key announcement, SafePal disclosed an upgrade to its hardware wallets, transitioning from the EAL 5+ to the superior EAL 6+ security standard. This upgrade underscores SafePal’s dedication to providing premier asset protection, with new wallet models already integrating EAL 6+ chipsets. “Our security protocols now exceed those of banking credit cards,” Veronica asserted. “We’re committed to delivering exceptional protection for users’ digital assets.” ## Introduction of SafePal MiniApp on Telegram and Expanded Banking Gateway SafePal introduced “SafePal Mini,” a Telegram MiniApp enabling users to manage wallet functions within the Telegram app. The MiniApp supports cryptocurrency buys through an expanded banking gateway, accommodating various fiat currencies like the US Dollar, Euro, Swiss Franc, and Chinese Yuan. The wallet’s swap feature has also been enhanced. Users can now enter a contract address for specific tokens, streamlining asset trading operations. ## Partnerships with Viction and Monad Key ecosystem partners Viction and Monad joined the call to share their perspectives. Viction, known for its zero gas blockchain technology, is progressing in NFTs, gaming, and digital solutions. Nina, Viction’s Ecosystem Lead, remarked, “Our collaboration with SafePal will amplify access to the Viction ecosystem, fostering ownership-centric experiences for both creators and users.” Monad, an innovative Layer-1 blockchain with EVM compatibility, aims to achieve high transaction throughput, targeting one billion gas per second. Edwin, Monad’s APAC Ecosystem Lead, stated, “Monad’s testnet is accessible via SafePal, and we aim for a mainnet launch by year-end, alongside infrastructure and project expansions.” ## Future Outlook Veronica elaborated on SafePal’s developmental ethos: “Our user-centric approach drives our product creation, ensuring open-source transparency and rigorous security assessments. This year, we are advancing an integrated wallet strategy across hardware, software, and social platforms.” SafePal will also engage with its global user base at Token 2049, an industry event scheduled for September in Singapore, reinforcing the company’s commitment to innovation and user interaction.
"Top 5 Trump Blunders: From 'Liberation Day' Tariffs to Hiring Musk" – The Hill
BLOCKMEDIA
BLOCKMEDIA

"Top 5 Trump Blunders: From 'Liberation Day' Tariffs to Hiring Musk" – The Hill

2025-04-30 08:10
# Trump's First 100 Days Dominated by Policy Missteps, Reports The Hill As President Donald Trump commemorated his 100th day in office, U.S. political media outlet *The Hill* spotlighted five notable policy missteps of his administration. Key issues include his tariff policies, granting extensive authority to Elon Musk, harsh immigration policies, culture wars, and management of the Ukraine crisis. # Tariff Policies: The 'Liberation Day' Shockwave *The Hill* identified Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs as his most significant blunder. The announcement of steep tariffs on multiple countries unsettled financial markets. This policy led to a drop in asset values, threats of retaliatory tariffs from trade partners, and warnings from retailers about price hikes. Economists forecasted that these tariffs would heighten inflation risks. Public opinion was largely disapproving, with 58% opposing the tariff policy, according to polls. Broadly, 56% of voters viewed the overall economy negatively under Trump, while only 38% had a positive outlook. # Granting Overreach to Musk Sparks Internal Turmoil Trump’s decision to appoint Elon Musk to lead the Office of Government Efficiency and oversee federal restructuring sparked controversy. Musk’s authoritative and unilateral decision-making style created internal conflicts. *The Hill* reported that Musk clashed with key administration figures, escalating internal dissent and diminishing policy effectiveness. “Musk’s confrontations with top officials caused divisions within the administration,” the outlet noted. # Harsh Immigration Policies Face Legal and Social Backlash Trump’s immigration policies also faced sharp criticism. While efforts to enhance border security found some support, his stringent deportation policies encountered significant resistance. The deportation of Venezuelans and legal battles over the removal of undocumented immigrants were particularly contentious. Critics argued these actions threatened the rule of law. Trump’s approach provoked fears of excessive government overreach and further alienated moderate voters. # Culture Wars and Retaliation Against Opponents Trump’s governance, characterized by retaliatory measures against dissenters and an emphasis on cultural conflict, received widespread disapproval beyond his core base. A CNN poll indicated that 54% of respondents believed Trump abused his power. His divisive rhetoric and combative policies alienated many voters while energizing his staunchest supporters. # Ukraine Crisis and Diplomatic Missteps Trump’s foreign policy, especially concerning Ukraine, also drew criticism. During a February meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump stirred controversy by suggesting Ukraine was responsible for the ongoing war within its borders. This statement provoked public backlash and doubts about his diplomatic skills. A *New York Times* and Siena College poll showed that only 35% of voters approved of Trump’s handling of the Ukraine issue, highlighting widespread disapproval of his foreign policy approach. Scrutiny of Trump’s first 100 days in office revealed policies that provoked polarized reactions and significant controversies. Analysts suggest that these early missteps could have lasting implications for his political standing and the broader U.S. policy environment.
Bitcoin Still 'Undervalued' Even As Institutional Investor Interest Grows
BLOCKMEDIA
BLOCKMEDIA

Bitcoin Still 'Undervalued' Even As Institutional Investor Interest Grows

2025-04-30 08:01
# Bitcoin's Recent Rally Indicates Undervaluation Amidst Growing Institutional Interest Bitcoin (BTC), buoyed by increasing institutional investment, remains undervalued despite its recent price surge, according to a Cointelegraph report dated April 29. Fidelity Digital Assets echoed this sentiment, suggesting that Bitcoin is underpriced with a promising medium-term outlook. Additionally, weaker U.S. job openings data for March 2025 has heightened speculation about potential Federal Reserve rate cuts, further enhancing Bitcoin’s appeal. # 'Bitcoin Yardstick' Highlights Undervaluation Fidelity Digital Assets identified the undervaluation using its "Bitcoin Yardstick" index, which compares Bitcoin’s market capitalization to its hash rate (a measure of mining difficulty and network security). A lower yardstick score suggests Bitcoin is inexpensive relative to the security of its network. During the first quarter of 2025, the yardstick ranged from -1 to 3 standard deviations, stabilizing after an overheated previous quarter. The frequency of days exceeding +2 standard deviations fell from 22 to 15, with no days surpassing +3 standard deviations. Fidelity described Bitcoin as entering an "acceleration phase," potentially paving the way for new all-time highs, though they cautioned about possible price corrections following significant gains. On-chain data indicates a rise in long-term holder dominance, with illiquid Bitcoin supply increasing from 61.50% to 63.49%, while liquid supply decreased by 4%. # BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin ETF Records Massive Inflows On April 28, 2025, BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) ETF saw a significant inflow of $970.9 million, marking the second-largest daily inflow since its launch in January 2024. Since April 22, over $4.5 billion has been funneled into IBIT, securing a 51% market share amid outflows from rival ETFs like Fidelity's FBTC and ARK Invest’s ARKB. # Bitcoin Boosted by U.S. JOLTS Data The U.S. Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) for March 2025 reported 7.19 million job openings, a decline from 7.57 million in February and below the forecast of 7.48 million. This suggests a cooling labor market, raising expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts. Such cuts typically weaken the U.S. dollar, thereby making Bitcoin and other risk assets more attractive. Economist and Bitcoin analyst Alex Krüger noted that the JOLTS data provided short-term momentum for Bitcoin. He remarked, “Bitcoin, combining traits of gold and a risk asset, benefits from rate cuts and other favorable conditions.” On social media platform X, Krüger pointed out that while markets concentrate on corporate earnings and hawkish signals, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell might address the timing of rate cuts at the upcoming FOMC meeting. He anticipates reduced economic growth in Q3 with accompanying market volatility, but asserts that Bitcoin’s unique risk-reward profile gives it an advantage over overbought altcoins.

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