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U.S. House to Vote on Overturning Biden’s SAB 121 Veto

Introduction

The U.S. House of Representatives will vote on a resolution to overturn President Joe Biden’s veto on a bill related to crypto custody rules. This bill had aimed to cancel the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)’s Staff Accounting Bulletin 121 (SAB 121).

Background on SAB 121

SAB 121 is a rule from the SEC that mandates banks holding crypto assets to record these holdings as liabilities on their balance sheets. Because of this rule, many banks and other institutional providers have avoided getting involved in the crypto asset class.

Biden’s Veto and Initial House Vote

President Biden vetoed the legislation after the House initially voted against the SEC’s crypto custody guidance. In May, the House voted 228-182 to strike down SAB 121, with support from both Republicans and 21 Democrats. The Senate also voted to overturn the guidance with a 60-38 vote, again showing bipartisan support.

Scheduled Vote to Overturn the Veto

Last week, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise added the vetoed legislation to the weekly schedule. A new vote is set for Wednesday, July 10, as reported by Fox Business journalist Eleanor Terret. This vote is critical because it requires a two-thirds majority to overturn the president’s veto. This means that around 60 more votes are needed in addition to the initial 228.

Importance of Two-Thirds Majority

For the veto to be overturned, the vote must achieve a two-thirds majority in both houses. This requirement makes the task challenging, as it is a significant increase from a simple majority. However, it is not impossible. The U.S. House has achieved such a feat before with other crypto-related bills.

Previous Crypto Legislation Success

In May, the House successfully passed the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act (FIT21) with a 279-136 vote. This bill aimed to provide a clear regulatory framework for the crypto industry and received strong bipartisan support, with 71 Democrats voting in favor.

Challenges Ahead

Despite previous successes, experts believe achieving the two-thirds majority to overturn Biden’s SAB 121 veto is a tough challenge. The crypto industry and its supporters are keenly watching, hoping for a positive outcome on Wednesday.

Implications for the Crypto Industry

If the House vote succeeds in overturning the veto, it could have significant implications for the crypto industry. It would mean that banks and other financial institutions might start offering crypto custody services, expanding the market and possibly leading to greater adoption of crypto assets.

Conclusion

The upcoming vote in the U.S. House of Representatives to overturn President Biden’s veto on SAB 121 is a crucial event for the crypto industry. With a two-thirds majority needed, the outcome is uncertain, but the potential impact on crypto regulations and market adoption is significant. The industry will be watching closely as the vote unfolds on Wednesday.

Summary of Key Points

• U.S. House Vote: Set to overturn Biden’s SAB 121 veto.
• SAB 121: Requires banks to record crypto assets as liabilities.
• Initial Votes: House voted 228-182; Senate voted 60-38 to strike down SAB 121.
• Scheduled Vote: New vote set for Wednesday, July 10.
• Two-Thirds Majority: Needed to overturn the veto, requiring around 60 more votes.
• Previous Success: House achieved two-thirds majority for FIT21 in May.
• Challenges: Experts believe achieving the required majority is tough.
• Implications: Success could lead to banks offering crypto custody services and greater market adoption.

The crypto industry is keenly awaiting the results of the U.S. House vote on Wednesday. Whether or not the two-thirds majority is achieved will have a lasting impact on the future of crypto regulations in the United States.

Bitcoin Price Drop

Bitcoin dipped below $55,000, falling by 6% to $54,600 over the weekend. This drop came despite some recovery from the losses at the end of the previous week. Bitcoin is the world’s largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization and fell to a low of $54,000 on Friday, according to Decrypt data. Currently, Bitcoin is trading at around $55,300.

Market Uncertainty and Selling Pressure

Several factors are causing uncertainty in the crypto market. One major factor is potential selling pressure from the German government. Germany holds 39,826 BTC, worth about $2.2 billion at current prices, according to Arkham Intelligence. Additionally, 127,000 creditors from the Mt. Gox bankruptcy estate are awaiting their crypto funds.

Brief Price Rally

Over the weekend, Bitcoin attempted a brief price rally, trying to regain a footing above $58,000 by Sunday. However, it couldn’t hold onto those gains and ended up trading at its lowest point since late February.

Impact of Mt. Gox Repayments

Users from the defunct Japanese exchange Mt. Gox are waiting to receive up to $7.7 billion in funds lost due to a hack over 10 years ago. Repayments from Mt. Gox are set to begin this month, with the exchange planning to distribute around 142,000 BTC and 143,000 Bitcoin Cash. This large distribution could add significant selling pressure to the Bitcoin market.

Summer Trading and Market Trends

Summer usually brings a lull in the crypto markets. However, this year might be different. With an excess supply of Bitcoin and downward momentum, traders could see a busier period than expected. More supply flooding the market can lead to a significant impact on prices, especially if the order books are thinly traded.

Crypto Market Liquidations

Liquidations across the crypto market show that long positions have been wiped out to the tune of $175 million, according to CoinGlass data. Short positions have also been hit, with $35 million erased, amounting to some $210 million in total. This followed an extensive sell-off on Thursday and Friday, which saw $600 million in liquidations after Bitcoin briefly dropped below $55,000.

Broader Market Impact

The broader financial markets are also experiencing a liquidity shortfall in Q2 2024. The Federal Reserve’s reverse repo balance surged by over $200 billion last week to $664.5 billion. This hints at a significant liquidity drain, affecting various markets, including cryptocurrencies.

Conclusion

The current Bitcoin market is facing several challenges. Between government holdings, Mt. Gox repayments, and general market uncertainty, Bitcoin traders should brace for possible significant selling pressure in the months ahead. With summer typically bringing a lull, this year’s excess supply might create a different trading environment. Keep an eye on the broader financial impacts as well, as they play a crucial role in shaping the crypto market’s future.

Bitcoin Price Correction Sparks ETF Inflows

After Bitcoin’s price dropped below $54,000 on July 4, Spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the United States saw a big jump in inflows. On July 6, these Spot Bitcoin ETFs experienced record inflows, with $143.1 million coming in, according to Farside Investors. This surge happened after Bitcoin’s price correction, which created a great opportunity for ETF investors to buy the dip.

Major ETFs See Large Inflows

The Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC) led the way with $117 million in inflows. Following close behind, the Bitwise Bitcoin ETF (BITB) recorded a net inflow of $30.2 million. The ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB) and VanEck Bitcoin Trust (HODL) ETFs saw inflows of $11.3 million and $12.8 million, respectively. However, not all funds saw gains. The Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) had a net outflow of $28.6 million during this period.

Institutional Investors Take Advantage of the Dip

The strong inflows into Spot Bitcoin ETFs indicate that institutional investors and large-scale buyers are using the Bitcoin price dip to accumulate BTC at lower prices. Hunter Horsley, CEO of Bitwise Asset Management, emphasized his team’s efficiency in buying Bitcoin at a very low cost. He pointed out that the current market conditions offer a prime opportunity for both new and existing investors to buy Bitcoin. “The outlook for Bitcoin has never been stronger. For many who don’t yet have exposure, this week is a chance to buy the dip,” Horsley stated.

Bitwise Bitcoin ETF’s Growing Holdings

During the first week of July, the Bitwise Bitcoin ETF (BITB) registered inflows of over $66 million. This increase brought BITB’s total Bitcoin holdings to over 38,000 BTC. This demonstrates the strong confidence investors have in this ETF despite recent market fluctuations.

Bitcoin Ichimoku Cloud and Market Bounce

Related to the positive sentiment, the Bitcoin Ichimoku cloud provided reassurance as BTC prices bounced back from a four-month low. Renowned Bitcoin critic Peter Schiff also weighed in, noting that Bitcoin ETF investors have shown resilience. Despite recent market turbulence, Schiff observed that these investors remain committed to holding their assets, showing no signs of panic. “So far, there’s no sign of panic. It will likely take a much larger drop in Bitcoin before they finally capitulate,” Schiff commented. He further predicted a significant sell-off might happen soon, potentially leading to a capitulation among Bitcoin holders.

Mt. Gox Bitcoin Transfer

Bitcoin’s price recently fell to $55,200 on Coinbase. This drop followed a major transfer of 47,229 Bitcoin, worth around $2.71 billion, by the collapsed Japanese crypto exchange Mt. Gox. This was Mt. Gox’s first significant transaction since May and added to the market’s volatility.

Germany’s $111 Million Bitcoin Buyback

In an unexpected move, the German government, known for its recent large-scale Bitcoin sell-offs, bought back a significant amount of Bitcoin. Arkham Intelligence revealed that Germany purchased 1,915 BTC, worth $111.5 million, from major exchanges like Kraken, Bitstamp, and Coinbase. This buyback came after weeks of high-profile Bitcoin sales by the German government, which had sparked market volatility and raised questions about their crypto strategy. The sudden buyback has ignited speculation and renewed optimism among Bitcoin investors worldwide.

Government Bitcoin Transfers and Market Impact

On Friday morning, the German government transferred 1,047.4 BTC out of their wallets, worth $57.2 million. Of this, 547.4 BTC valued at $30.1 million was transferred to Flow Traders. Another 500 BTC, worth $27.1 million, is believed to have been sent for institutional or OTC services. Earlier in the month, the German government made another significant move, transferring 832.7 Bitcoins valued at approximately $52 million to major exchanges such as Bitstamp, Coinbase, and Kraken. Just two days later, they made another massive transfer of 3,000 Bitcoins, worth approximately $174 million. These moves have kept the market on edge, with Bitcoin’s value hitting a low of $53,700 yesterday.

Justin Sun’s Proposal to Stabilize the Market

In response to these significant transfers, Justin Sun, the founder of Tron (TRX), expressed his intention to negotiate with the German Government. Sun aims to minimize the impact of their sales on the market by suggesting off-market transactions. His goal is to find a solution that benefits all parties involved and prevents significant price fluctuations.

Conclusion

The recent Bitcoin price correction has led to record inflows for Spot Bitcoin ETFs, showing strong confidence among institutional investors. Major ETFs like the Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund, Bitwise Bitcoin ETF, ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF, and VanEck Bitcoin Trust have seen significant investments. Despite market turbulence and major transactions by entities like Mt. Gox and the German government, investor sentiment remains positive. The moves by the German government, especially their surprising buyback, have sparked renewed interest and optimism in the Bitcoin market.

Bitcoin Prices Rally Nearly 6% After Recent Low

Bitcoin prices went up almost 6% today after hitting their lowest point since February. This increase comes after a tough market period for the world’s most well-known digital currency.

Market Conditions and Price Data

Earlier today, Bitcoin reached as high as $56,856.61, according to CoinMarketCap data. This was a big jump from its low of $53,717.34, which it hit just after midnight EST. This low was the lowest value Bitcoin had seen in over four months. After reaching its high, Bitcoin experienced some ups and downs but managed to keep most of its gains.

Reasons Behind Price Fluctuations

Several analysts shared their thoughts on why Bitcoin prices have been changing so much. They believe the digital currency became oversold in the last 24 hours, which led to today’s rally.

One major reason for the recent drop was the news that the Mt. Gox trustee started paying some creditors. Mt. Gox was a major Bitcoin exchange that collapsed years ago, and its creditors have been waiting a long time to get their money back.

Analysts’ Opinions

Tom Anyking, managing partner, talked about the different factors that caused Bitcoin to drop. He mentioned the market was already weak because of a few reasons: the usual summer slowdown, post-ATH (All-Time High) consolidation, and the SEC delaying the start of spot ETH ETF trading. The Mt. Gox payments added more pressure, causing Bitcoin prices to fall below $60,000 and nearly reach $53,000.

Arman Feire, an independent cryptocurrency analyst, also pointed out several factors. He noted that the new supply from the Mt. Gox trustee showed Bitcoin transfers to unknown addresses. He also mentioned that the German government was preparing to sell more Bitcoin. Combined with a low fear and greed index, these factors scared the market, leading to price drops across the board.

Market Rebound

Once Bitcoin prices fell, the digital currency became oversold, which caused a rally. Feire explained that this overselling made Bitcoin prices jump back up.

Julio Moreno, head of research for CryptoQuant, had a different view. He said that the price drop was mainly due to large investors (known as whales) and mid-size miners selling or taking profits. According to Moreno, the selling from Mt. Gox and other entities like the German government was small compared to the overall amount of money in Bitcoin.

On-Chain Metrics and Oversold Territory

Moreno also pointed out that several on-chain metrics showed Bitcoin was in oversold territory after hitting $53,000. This could explain why prices rebounded sharply. For instance, traders’ unrealized profits hit negative levels not seen since the FTX collapse.

Impact of Government Seizures

Moreno shared that the amount of money seized by the U.S. and German governments was only a tiny fraction (about 1.6%) of Bitcoin’s total realized value. This small amount helped prevent a larger impact on Bitcoin prices.

Future Predictions

Looking ahead, Enneking suggested that the Mt. Gox sales might not hurt the cryptocurrency market as much as some people think. He believes that the investors getting their Bitcoin back will probably hold onto it instead of selling right away. Since they’ve already waited 10 years, they might wait a few more months for the price to recover.

Enneking thinks Bitcoin is oversold and the market seems to agree that its fair value is in the mid-to-high $50,000 range. Once the Bitcoin from Mt. Gox is distributed and if nothing drastic happens, he predicts Bitcoin will see a healthy rebound.

Conclusion

In summary, Bitcoin prices rallied nearly 6% today after hitting their lowest point since February. Several factors, including the Mt. Gox payments, a weak market, and a low fear and greed index, contributed to the recent price drops. However, overselling led to a market rebound. Analysts believe that there is still room to rebound.

Bitcoin Hits Lowest Point Since February

Bitcoin, the world’s largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, has dropped to its lowest level since February. The price fell to $54,000, causing a massive wave of liquidations worth hundreds of millions of dollars. This decline has shaken the crypto market, with many investors worried about future prices.

Massive Liquidations in the Crypto Market

Due to Bitcoin’s price drop, there have been huge liquidations in long positions. Long positions are bets that the price of Bitcoin will go up. According to CoinGlass data, these liquidations have totaled over $500 million in the past 24 hours. This is the biggest single-day wipeout for the crypto market since mid-April. Short positions, which are bets that the price will go down, have also been affected, with $80 million being liquidated.

Bitcoin’s Price Recovery Attempts

After falling to $54,000, Bitcoin has managed to recover slightly. It is now trading around $54,550, according to CoinGecko data. However, it is still struggling to regain a stable position above $60,000. The drop in price has been attributed to a lack of investor confidence and other concerns in the market.

Concerns Over Mt. Gox Bitcoin Transfer

One major issue causing worry among investors is the recent transfer of Bitcoin from the Mt. Gox bankruptcy estate. Mt. Gox, a defunct Bitcoin exchange, has moved $2.7 billion worth of Bitcoin from cold storage to an unidentified wallet. This transfer has added to the fears of declining crypto prices. Blockchain analytics firm Arkham Intelligence reported that the estate transferred 47,228 BTC, worth roughly $2.71 billion. This move followed several smaller test transactions conducted by the estate.

Impact on Other Cryptocurrencies

The decline in Bitcoin’s price has also affected other cryptocurrencies. Ethereum, the second-largest cryptocurrency, fell more than 4% and is now below $2,900. This is the first time Ethereum has fallen below this level since May 17. The overall uncertainty in the market has had a negative impact on the prices of various cryptocurrencies.

Federal Reserve’s Influence on Crypto Prices

Another factor influencing crypto prices is the U.S. Federal Reserve’s efforts to control inflation. The Fed’s ability to manage inflation this year is causing concern among investors. This uncertainty is taking a toll on risk assets, including cryptocurrencies. As a result, crypto prices might continue to fall. Some experts predict that Bitcoin could drop further to $52,000.

Investor Confidence and Market Instability

Investor confidence has been shaken by the recent events in the crypto market. The large-scale liquidations and the Mt. Gox Bitcoin transfer have caused many to question the stability of the market. Bitcoin’s struggle to stay above $60,000 is a sign of this instability. The crypto market’s future remains uncertain, with many investors watching closely for any signs of recovery or further decline.

Future Predictions for Bitcoin and the Crypto Market

Looking ahead, the future of Bitcoin and the broader crypto market remains uncertain. The combination of large liquidations, the Mt. Gox transfer, and concerns over inflation control by the Federal Reserve are creating a volatile environment. Some experts believe that Bitcoin could see further declines, potentially reaching $52,000. Others are hopeful that the market will stabilize and recover in the coming months.

Where to from here?

Bitcoin’s price drop to $54,000 has triggered significant liquidations in the crypto market, totaling $600 million. The transfer of $2.7 billion in Bitcoin from the Mt. Gox estate has added to investor concerns. With the influence of the Federal Reserve’s inflation control efforts, the market is facing a challenging period. The future of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies remains uncertain, with potential for further declines or recovery depending on various factors. Investors are advised to stay informed and cautious during this volatile time in the crypto market.

Bolivia’s central bank, Banco Central de Bolivia, has lifted its ban on Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. This change in regulation ends a ban on crypto use that has been in place since 2014. Now, financial entities can conduct transactions with digital assets to modernize Bolivia’s payment system.

New Cryptocurrency Regulations

The central bank’s decision aims to help Bolivia’s struggling economy and align its regulations with other Latin American countries. Bolivia prohibited banks from interacting with cryptocurrencies in December 2020 under Board Resolution N°144/2020. The new rules now allow banks to transact in cryptocurrencies through approved electronic channels. However, cryptocurrencies are not recognized as legal tender, meaning businesses are not required to accept them as payment.

Economic Impact

Bolivia’s move to lift the ban on Bitcoin is part of a broader effort to boost the economy. By allowing financial entities to engage in digital asset transactions, Bolivia hopes to attract more investment and improve financial inclusion. The central bank believes this will help modernize the national payment system and support economic development.

Financial Education and Awareness

As part of its Economic and Financial Education Plan, the Banco Central de Bolivia plans to create an awareness program for the public. This program will inform people about the risks and benefits of cryptocurrencies and how to manage them responsibly. Education is crucial to ensure that the public understands the potential dangers and uses of digital assets.

Collaboration with Financial Authorities

The new legislation was introduced in collaboration with the Financial Investigations Unit and the Financial System Supervisory Authority. These three government bodies worked together to update the regulations, which became effective on June 26, 2024. The updated rules align with the suggestions of the Latin American Financial Action Task Force.

Latin America’s Pro-Crypto Stance

Many Latin American countries have turned to cryptocurrencies to address economic challenges. For example, El Salvador adopted Bitcoin as legal tender in 2021, while Mexico allows cryptocurrency for value transfers and taxes profits from crypto sales. Brazil introduced income-tax regulations for crypto profits, and Argentina recently elected a pro-Bitcoin president to combat inflation.

Bolivia’s Press Release

In a press release on June 26, 2024, the Central Bank of Bolivia announced the repeal of Board Resolution No. 144/2020, allowing transactions involving virtual assets. The decision was made in coordination with the Financial System Supervisory Authority and the Financial Investigations Unit. This move follows recommendations from the Latin American Financial Action Task Force.

Modernizing the Payment System

The Banco Central de Bolivia has been promoting the modernization of the national payment system. By adopting new payment schemes and technological innovations, the central bank aims to improve financial infrastructure. This includes promoting interconnection, interoperability, and digital financial inclusion.

Regulatory Oversight and Education

The Financial System Supervisory Authority will oversee financial entities and ensure they comply with the new regulations. Additionally, the authority will offer financial education to inform the public about purchasing virtual assets. The Financial Investigations Unit will apply measures to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing through cryptocurrency transactions.

Legal Framework and Risks

The Central Bank of Bolivia emphasized that the Boliviano is the only legal tender in the country. Virtual assets are not recognized as legal tender and are not considered cash. Users of digital assets will bear the risks associated with their use. The central bank plans to incorporate information about these risks into its Economic and Financial Education Plan.

Benefits of Cryptocurrency Adoption

The adoption of cryptocurrencies can bring several benefits to Bolivia. Digital assets can provide a new economic model, helping to address inflation and economic instability. By embracing cryptocurrencies, Bolivia joins other Latin American nations in seeking alternative solutions to economic challenges.Conclusion

Bolivia’s decision to lift the ban on Bitcoin and authorize crypto transactions via banks marks a significant shift in the country’s approach to digital assets. By modernizing its payment system and aligning with Latin American crypto regulations, Bolivia aims to boost its economy and improve financial inclusion. The new regulations and educational initiatives will help the public understand and manage the risks associated with cryptocurrencies, ensuring a responsible approach to digital asset use.

Recent Developments in Government’s Bitcoin Management

In a significant move, the US government recently transferred approximately 4,000 BTC, equivalent to about $241 million, to Coinbase. This action highlights the ongoing strategy of the government in managing the Bitcoin assets it seized, particularly those from the notorious Silk Road case.

The Silk Road Connection

It’s crucial to understand that the Bitcoins in question link back to the infamous Silk Road, an illegal online marketplace on the dark web that was shut down in 2013. This marketplace dealt in illicit goods ranging from drugs to weapons. The recent transaction involves the Bitcoins confiscated from this site, demonstrating the government’s continued efforts to manage and liquidate seized assets responsibly.

Insight into the Bitcoin Transaction

This latest transaction by the government is part of a larger scheme of managing digital assets effectively. Initially, a small test transfer of 0.001 BTC ($65) was sent to a Coinbase Prime deposit address. This was followed by the primary transfer of 1,999 BTC, worth around $130 million, and the remaining 28,176 BTC were moved to another government-controlled wallet, likely as part of a strategic plan to eventually sell these assets.

Market Reactions and Speculations

The movement of such a large number of Bitcoins can have a significant impact on the Bitcoin market. Given Bitcoin’s already bearish momentum earlier this week, these transfers could potentially exacerbate the downward trend. This is especially pertinent as the transfers come at a time when Bitcoin prices are showing signs of stress, having dipped back to around $61,108.25 per coin.

Additionally, the German government also made similar transactions, transferring 400 BTC to Coinbase and Kraken, further stirring the market dynamics. These moves have caught the attention of the cryptocurrency community, leading to speculations regarding the strategies behind these government Bitcoin transactions.

Background on Government’s Bitcoin Assets

The US government controls a Bitcoin wallet that holds a substantial amount of the cryptocurrency, currently valued at approximately $13.3 billion. This wallet contains Bitcoins seized from various operations, most notably from Silk Road. In April earlier this year, the government moved 30,175 BTC, which was worth approximately $2 billion at the time, showcasing the scale at which the government operates in the cryptocurrency space.

Impact of Large-Scale Bitcoin Movements

Such large-scale movements of Bitcoin by the government are not without consequence. They often lead to increased selling pressure in the market, which can depress prices further. This is evident from the recent price trends where Bitcoin continues to struggle, showing a decrease in value.

US and BTC From Silk Road

From a historical perspective, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) seized a staggering $3.6 billion worth of BTC linked to the Silk Road in 2013. This accounted for more than 50,000 BTC at the time. Subsequent sales and management of these assets have been carefully executed, with a recent filing indicating plans to off-load additional Bitcoins throughout the year.

In July, the government sold over 9,000 BTC, leaving the wallet with about 30,000 units. The most recent significant activity was spotted in April, involving a transaction worth about $2 billion.

Continued Monitoring and Future Sales

Looking ahead, the ongoing management and planned sales of Bitcoin by the US government are likely to continue influencing the cryptocurrency market. As these assets are liquidated, it will be crucial to monitor the impact on Bitcoin’s price and overall market stability.

Bitcoin Heading Back to $60K

After showing a slight recovery earlier, Bitcoin’s price is on a downward slope again, indicating a volatile period for the leading cryptocurrency. With the government’s active role in managing seized Bitcoin assets, market watchers remain vigilant, closely monitoring any movements that could suggest another sell-off.

The US government’s recent transfer of Bitcoins to Coinbase is a significant event that reflects broader trends in cryptocurrency regulation and market dynamics. As these developments unfold, they will likely continue to attract attention and speculation from both the government and cryptocurrency enthusiasts alike.

What is the Bitcoin Crypto Fear and Greed Index?

The Crypto Fear and Greed Index is a measure of market sentiment for Bitcoin (BTC) and the broader crypto market. Recently, the index has dropped to 30, which is the lowest score it has reached in 18 months. This drop indicates that the market is currently in the “fear” zone.

Current Market Sentiment

Bitcoin (BTC) sentiment has hit its lowest point in nearly 18 months, with the Crypto Fear and Greed Index scoring just 30. This marks the first time the index has been this low since January last year. The index is used to gauge the emotions and sentiments of the market, with a lower score indicating more fear and a higher score indicating more greed.

Recent Bitcoin Price Trends

On June 24, Bitcoin’s price fell below $60,000, causing the index to drop more than 20 points into the fear zone. Earlier this year, in May, Bitcoin’s price had fallen to lows of $56,500, which also caused the index to dip from neutral to fear. However, a bounce in Bitcoin’s price saw the index rise to 74, indicating greed, before dropping back down to 30.

Impact of Market Events

Several events have contributed to the recent decline in the Crypto Fear and Greed Index. One major factor is the news about Mt. Gox repayments. Mt. Gox, a former Bitcoin exchange, will start repaying customers who lost their funds in a 2014 hack. Over $8.5 billion worth of BTC is with the exchange’s trustee. Analysts at K33 Research warned that these repayments could impact Bitcoin prices.

Another factor is the selling of Bitcoin by the German government. Recently, the government sent 1,700 BTC to exchanges like Coinbase and Kraken. This selling activity has further contributed to the market’s fear. On-chain data from Lookonchain showed another 400 BTC deposited into centralized exchanges (CEXs), adding to the negative sentiment.

Details on German Government Bitcoin Seizure

The German police have seized 50,000 Bitcoin (BTC) worth over $2.1 billion. This seizure is part of an investigation into a website piracy operation that began in 2013. The suspects used proceeds from their piracy operation to purchase Bitcoin, which they voluntarily transferred to police wallets. The investigation into money laundering related to this case is still ongoing. Authorities have not yet decided what to do with the seized Bitcoins.

US Government Bitcoin Holdings

In addition to the German government’s actions, the US government has also made headlines with its Bitcoin holdings. Recently, the US government announced plans to sell over $130 million in BTC seized from individuals connected to the Silk Road, a dark net marketplace. Blockchain analytics firm Arkham reported that US authorities currently hold more than 216,000 BTC, worth over $9.3 billion, seized from various individuals over the past few years.Conclusion

The Crypto Fear and Greed Index’s drop to 30 highlights the current fearful sentiment in the Bitcoin and broader crypto market. Factors like the Mt. Gox repayments and the German government’s selling of seized Bitcoin have contributed to this decline. As the market reacts to these events, it will be important to monitor the index and Bitcoin’s price trends to gauge future market sentiment.