Author: Stephanie Bedard-Chateauneuf

Donald Trump has officially launched his family’s cryptocurrency venture, World Liberty Financial, during a livestreamed interview on the social media platform X. This announcement comes as Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, seeks to expand his influence in the digital currency space. However, the details surrounding the venture remain vague, sparking curiosity and skepticism alike.

Limited Details on World Liberty Financial

In the livestream, Trump did not elaborate on the specifics of World Liberty Financial or how it would function as a cryptocurrency trading platform. Instead, he pivoted to discussions on artificial intelligence and recounted a recent alarming incident—a shooting he described as an apparent assassination attempt. While he expressed gratitude to law enforcement and the Secret Service for their quick response, his comments on the venture itself were largely overshadowed.

World Liberty Financial is anticipated to serve as a borrowing and lending service for trading cryptocurrencies. This would allow users to transact in digital currencies without reliance on traditional banking systems. Exchanges typically charge fees for transactions, which could potentially position Trump’s venture as a cost-effective alternative for cryptocurrency users.

Political Context and Ethical Concerns

The launch of Trump’s cryptocurrency venture has raised ethical questions, particularly regarding the timing of such a business initiative during his presidential campaign. Critics, including Jordan Libowitz from the watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, highlight the potential for conflicts of interest. “Taking a pro-crypto stance is not necessarily troubling, the troubling aspect is doing it while starting a way to personally benefit from it,” he noted.

Interestingly, during his presidency, Trump had expressed skepticism about cryptocurrencies, stating he was “not a fan” and warning about the potential for illegal activities associated with unregulated digital assets. However, his recent remarks indicate a notable shift in his stance, aligning himself more closely with cryptocurrency supporters.

Shift in Trump’s Stance on Cryptocurrencies

Throughout this election cycle, Trump has adopted a more favorable view of digital currencies. Earlier this year, he announced that his campaign would accept cryptocurrency donations as part of a strategy to build a “crypto army” in anticipation of the upcoming election. His appearance at a bitcoin conference in Nashville, where he promised to make the U.S. the “crypto capital of the planet,” further reflects this shift.

Law professor Hilary Allen, who specializes in cryptocurrency research, has expressed skepticism about Trump’s newfound enthusiasm for digital assets. “I think it’s fair to say that that reversal has been motivated in part by financial interests,” she stated, suggesting that the shift may not be purely ideological.

Implications for Crypto Enthusiasts

For crypto enthusiasts, Trump’s pivot could be seen as a positive development, especially if he regains the presidency. Many believe that his administration could usher in more favorable regulations for digital currencies, potentially benefiting investors in the long run. Meanwhile, other political figures, such as Vice President Kamala Harris, have yet to present clear policies regarding cryptocurrency regulation, leaving the market in a state of uncertainty.

In August, a group of Democratic lawmakers, including Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, engaged with crypto supporters in an online event called Crypto 4 Harris. However, neither Harris nor her campaign team attended, raising questions about the Democrats’ commitment to addressing cryptocurrency issues.

Conclusion

The launch of Trump’s cryptocurrency venture marks a significant development in the intersection of politics and digital finance. While the specifics of World Liberty Financial remain unclear, the venture reflects Trump’s evolving views on cryptocurrencies and their role in the financial landscape. As the political climate continues to shift, the implications for both cryptocurrency investors and the broader market will unfold in the coming months, particularly as the election approaches. The coming weeks will be crucial as stakeholders evaluate how this venture aligns with Trump’s political ambitions and the future of cryptocurrency regulation in the United States.

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Worldcoin, a rising player in the decentralized identity space, recently made headlines with a significant expansion of its World ID feature to the Solana blockchain through the Wormhole interoperability platform. This development, announced on September 13, comes as part of the Worldcoin Foundation’s efforts to extend its decentralized identity verification system across multiple blockchains.

Worldcoin Solana Integration: What You Need to Know

The expansion of Worldcoin’s World ID feature to Solana is the result of a grant from the Worldcoin Foundation aimed at broadening the reach of its identity solution. The World ID feature is designed to verify human identity using advanced biometric technology, specifically eye scans, to create unique IrisCodes. These codes are then used to generate World IDs, which are crucial for verifying human identities and combating the growing issue of bots in digital environments.

Although the integration has been announced, World ID is not yet active on Solana. The project’s smart contracts are currently undergoing a rigorous security audit, expected to be completed in the coming weeks. Despite this, the market reacted positively to the news, with WLD tokens surging by 10% to reach $1.61 before settling at around $1.51, according to CryptoSlate.

The Role of Wormhole in Worldcoin’s Expansion

At the heart of this integration is Wormhole, a leading cross-chain platform that facilitates interoperability between different blockchain ecosystems. Wormhole allows tokens, data, and smart contracts to move seamlessly across multiple blockchains, enabling developers to create applications that transcend a single network.

Through this integration, Solana developers will now have the opportunity to build decentralized applications (dApps) that prioritize human verification via World ID, while leveraging Solana’s speed and efficiency. Wormhole will facilitate this by enabling Solana-based protocols to authenticate World IDs that were originally verified on Ethereum, where World ID was first deployed.

Robinson Burkey, co-founder of the Wormhole Foundation, stated, “Bringing World ID to Solana is a big step forward for identity verification. With the integration of World ID and Wormhole Queries, developers can now easily build applications that prioritize real users across chains, improving trust in decentralized ecosystems.”

World ID and the Fight Against Bots

Worldcoin’s mission, centered around the World ID, aims to tackle one of the most pressing challenges in the digital age: verifying human identity in an increasingly automated world. Bots have become a widespread problem across various online platforms, often engaging in activities like spamming, fraudulent transactions, and manipulating online voting or feedback systems.

World ID uses Orb devices to scan users’ irises, generating a unique IrisCode that acts as proof of their identity. This biometric verification ensures that the person interacting with decentralized applications or digital services is a real human, helping to build trust in decentralized systems.

By expanding this capability to Solana, Worldcoin hopes to empower developers on the Solana network to build applications that can differentiate between real users and bots. This move could enhance the quality of decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms, non-fungible token (NFT) marketplaces, and other dApps by ensuring that interactions within these ecosystems are genuine.

Solana’s Growing Role in Decentralized Identity

Solana has long been praised for its high-speed transactions and low fees, making it one of the top blockchain networks for DeFi, NFTs, and gaming applications. The integration of Worldcoin Solana identity verification through World ID is expected to add a new layer of trust and security to the network.

With the introduction of World ID, Solana developers will be able to create applications that require identity verification, opening up new possibilities for use cases such as voting systems, fair NFT drops, and more secure financial transactions. Moreover, by utilizing the Wormhole platform, these applications can tap into cross-chain functionality, potentially enabling a new level of interoperability for identity verification across blockchain networks.

The Broader Implications for Blockchain and Digital Identity

The integration of World ID into the Solana ecosystem represents a broader shift toward decentralized identity solutions in the blockchain space. As the world becomes more digitally connected, the need for secure, verifiable, and decentralized ways to prove one’s identity will only grow.

With the addition of Solana, Worldcoin is making strides in positioning itself as a key player in this emerging sector, offering a solution that could be widely adopted across various blockchains and applications.

As the security audit of the smart contracts is finalized and World ID becomes fully operational on Solana, the true impact of this integration will be seen. For now, the positive market reaction suggests that investors and developers alike are optimistic about the potential of Worldcoin’s vision for decentralized identity.

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Former U.S. President Donald Trump has faced a steep decline in his cryptocurrency portfolio, shedding $19.27 million in value over the last three months. This downturn, confirmed by blockchain intelligence firm Arkham, underscores the volatility of the cryptocurrency market and the risks associated with digital assets.

Major Losses in Donald Trump’s Cryptocurrency Holdings

As of September 13, Donald Trump’s cryptocurrency portfolio is valued at $5.87 million, a sharp decline from its peak of $25.16 million on June 6. This represents a staggering 76.6% loss in value. The losses are spread across a range of digital assets, with some tokens experiencing particularly significant devaluations. Among his holdings, the TRUMP/USD token, created as part of the Maga Memecoin project, is now worth $1.41 million, while Ethereum (ETH/USD) has dropped to $1.19 million.

Other digital assets in Trump’s portfolio include Wrapped Ethereum (WETH/USD), GUA/USD, TROG/USD, USD Coin (USDC/USD), and MAGAA/USD. However, the largest losses came from TROG, which plummeted by 95.73%, and the TRUMP token itself, which fell by 79.24%. Even more established cryptocurrencies like Ethereum and Wrapped Ethereum saw significant declines, losing around 35-36% of their value.

What’s Behind the Decline?

The steep drop in Donald Trump’s cryptocurrency portfolio can be attributed to the highly speculative nature of the assets he holds. While the overall cryptocurrency market has seen a downturn, certain coins in his portfolio, such as TROG and TRUMP, are particularly vulnerable to large price swings given their relatively niche status.

This level of volatility is common in the cryptocurrency world, where market sentiment can drastically change within a short period. The broader market’s downturn, exacerbated by regulatory concerns in the U.S., may have contributed to this steep decline in value across Trump’s assets.

Trump’s Crypto Project: World Liberty Financial

Despite the significant losses in his portfolio, Trump has doubled down on his involvement in the cryptocurrency space. On September 16, Trump and his family are set to launch a new cryptocurrency initiative, World Liberty Financial. This project has already stirred up discussions in both political and financial circles, with supporters and critics alike debating the potential implications.

Announced on Trump’s social media platform, the project promises to challenge traditional financial systems. In a video statement, Trump emphasized the revolutionary potential of cryptocurrency, claiming that “we’re embracing the future with crypto and leaving the slow and outdated big banks behind.”

This statement signals a significant shift in Trump’s position on cryptocurrency. Previously, Trump had been an outspoken critic of digital currencies, famously calling Bitcoin a “scam” and a “disaster waiting to happen.” His newfound support for digital assets is a clear attempt to reframe his approach, positioning himself as a forward-thinking leader in the rapidly evolving financial landscape.

Shifting Views on Cryptocurrency

Trump’s evolving stance on digital currencies may reflect his strategic ambitions to keep the U.S. competitive in this sector. Earlier this year, Trump warned that the United States risks falling behind China in the race to dominate the cryptocurrency market. He stressed that the U.S. must embrace digital currencies “made in the USA” to counteract China’s growing influence in the space.

This rhetoric, while politically charged, highlights a growing concern among many in the tech and finance industries about the future of cryptocurrency. With China making significant strides in developing a digital yuan and advancing blockchain technologies, Trump’s newfound support for U.S.-backed digital currencies aligns with his broader strategy to assert U.S. leadership in the field of emerging technologies.

Future Implications for Trump and Cryptocurrency

Despite the heavy losses in his cryptocurrency portfolio, Trump’s focus on digital assets and their potential role in reshaping the financial landscape is clear. His involvement in World Liberty Financial and his calls for U.S. leadership in cryptocurrency suggest that he sees digital assets as a vital component of future economic growth.

Whether Trump’s crypto portfolio will recover remains uncertain, but his recent moves demonstrate a commitment to staying at the forefront of the cryptocurrency movement. As this space continues to evolve, both his supporters and critics will be closely watching to see how Trump navigates the volatile world of digital currencies.

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The latest consumer price index (CPI) data released for August shows a continued slowdown in inflation growth, and this could signal more upside for the cryptocurrency market. As inflation nears the Federal Reserve’s 2% target, traders are becoming increasingly optimistic about future rate cuts, which could lead to long-term rallies in risk assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum. In this article, we explore the inflation impact on crypto markets and why slowing inflation could drive prices higher.

Inflation Continues to Cool in August

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that headline inflation growth in August dropped to 2.5% from July’s 2.9%, marking the lowest level since March 2021. This decrease suggests that the Federal Reserve is making progress toward its inflation target of 2%, and it comes at a crucial time, just ahead of the Fed’s September 17-18 policy meeting. With other economic indicators, such as the Beige Book survey and weak employment growth numbers, pointing toward slower growth, the case for Federal Reserve rate cuts is strengthening.

If inflation continues to cool, it could encourage a more dovish stance from the central bank. A potential rate cut could be as much as 50 basis points, and that would support an accommodative economic environment. Lower interest rates reduce the cost of borrowing, weaken the dollar, and make risk-on assets like crypto more appealing. This positions the crypto market for growth as the economic conditions become more favorable for investment in riskier assets.

Impact of Inflation on Crypto Prices

Bitcoin and Ethereum are among the most closely watched cryptocurrencies, and their prices are often influenced by macroeconomic factors such as inflation and interest rates. When inflation is high, central banks tend to raise interest rates, which makes risk assets like crypto less attractive. However, as inflation falls and the possibility of rate cuts increases, traders are anticipating a rally in digital assets.

As Scott Garliss pointed out, “Slowing inflation could be good news for crypto,” particularly as rate cuts drive demand for assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum. The decline in inflation growth for August further strengthens the case for long-term rallies in the crypto market.

Regional Manufacturing Data and CPI Forecast

Another important indicator of inflation trends is the regional manufacturing data compiled by various Federal Reserve Banks, such as Dallas, Kansas City, New York, and Philadelphia. These surveys track key economic activities like new orders, backlog, inventories, and prices received. The “prices received” reading is crucial because it provides an early look at what manufacturers are charging for their goods, offering a glimpse of where inflation might be heading before the official CPI numbers are released.

In August, the prices received data suggested that inflation growth would continue to slow, which was confirmed by the CPI report. As prices ease across various sectors, this signals that inflation is likely to stabilize or decline further in the coming months. This trend supports the argument that inflation is no longer a significant threat to economic growth, clearing the path for rate cuts and, in turn, a potential rise in crypto prices.

Gas Prices and Their Effect on Inflation

One of the most telling factors in the August inflation data was the drop in gas prices. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average price for a gallon of gasoline fell to $3.51 in August, down from $3.60 in July, and significantly lower than the $3.95 average from August 2023. This 11% year-over-year drop in gas prices is an important signal for inflation because energy costs make up a considerable portion of the CPI.

As gas prices fall, so does the headline CPI, which further supports the case for a reduction in interest rates. This could lead to a weaker dollar, which tends to benefit assets priced in dollars, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. The correlation between gas prices and inflation suggests that as fuel costs continue to drop, inflation will ease even further, creating a favorable environment for crypto-based investments.

Crypto Market Outlook

As inflation slows and the likelihood of rate cuts grows, the crypto market is positioned to benefit from increased investor interest in riskier assets. With Bitcoin currently trading at $56,954, the potential for further upside is strong. Ethereum, while slightly down 0.1% over the past 24 hours, is trading at $2,335 and remains well-positioned to benefit from any positive economic developments.

Experts are also bullish on the fourth quarter for Bitcoin, which has historically been one of its best-performing periods. With inflation declining and rate cuts on the horizon, traders are looking for Bitcoin and Ethereum to rally as economic conditions turn in favor of risk assets.

Conclusion: The Inflation Impact on Crypto Markets

The latest CPI data showing slowing inflation growth provides a strong signal that rate cuts are on the way, which could drive a long-term rally in the crypto market. As the Federal Reserve moves toward a more accommodative policy, Bitcoin and Ethereum stand to benefit from increased demand for risk assets. With gas prices falling and inflation nearing the Fed’s target, the future looks bright for crypto investors.

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As Bitcoin enters the final quarter of 2024, traders are becoming increasingly optimistic about the cryptocurrency’s future, despite a historically challenging September. Although Bitcoin has experienced a tough month—down 4.3% so far—many market watchers believe that several factors, including anticipated Federal Reserve rate cuts and the U.S. presidential election, could help Bitcoin pull out of its slump. This article will explore the key reasons behind traders’ bullish sentiment and the factors driving the Bitcoin market outlook.

Bitcoin’s Seasonal Struggles in September

Historically, September has been one of the worst-performing months for Bitcoin. Since the cryptocurrency began trading in 2010, it has fallen by an average of 4.5% in September. This year has been no exception, with Bitcoin down 4.3% so far this month. As Matt Hougan, Chief Investment Officer at Bitwise, explained, “Bitcoin’s average September performance is negative, and it’s often a month traders dread.”

Despite this pattern, many traders are looking ahead to more favorable conditions. Historically, Bitcoin tends to rebound in the fourth quarter, with October being nicknamed “Uptober” for its average 30% rise during the month. Traders are hopeful that this trend will continue in 2024.

The Federal Reserve’s Role in Bitcoin’s Market Outlook

One of the most significant factors shaping Bitcoin’s market outlook is the Federal Reserve’s upcoming decision on interest rates. The Fed is expected to announce its first rate cut in four years this September, signaling a return to a more accommodative monetary policy. Lower interest rates tend to boost interest in riskier assets, including cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, as they reduce the appeal of safer, low-yield investments.

CME Group’s FedWatch tool shows that there is a high likelihood of a 0.25% rate cut, with an 83% probability. However, the chance of a more aggressive 0.5% cut has dropped to 17%, down from 31% just last week. “While there’s broad consensus that easier money is coming, investors are feverishly recalibrating their bets,” Hougan noted.

Traders expect that a rate cut will help stabilize consumer prices and manage inflation, creating a more favorable environment for Bitcoin. Lower interest rates typically increase demand for risk-on assets, which could provide a tailwind for Bitcoin’s price as the year progresses.

The U.S. Presidential Election and Its Impact on Bitcoin

Beyond the Federal Reserve, the upcoming U.S. presidential election is another factor driving optimism in the Bitcoin market outlook. Political events, especially major elections, often introduce volatility into financial markets, and Bitcoin is no exception. Both the Republican and Democratic candidates are likely to influence the cryptocurrency’s price based on their stances toward crypto regulations.

Former President Donald Trump, a Republican contender, has embraced the cryptocurrency industry in his current campaign, promising to make the U.S. a global leader in crypto if he is elected. He has also pledged to remove Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler, a well-known critic of the crypto sector. In contrast, Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris has not publicly outlined her views on cryptocurrency, though her campaign has indicated a desire to “reset” the relationship between the government and the crypto industry.

Traders are keeping a close eye on how the election will unfold, as the winner’s approach to cryptocurrency regulation could have a significant impact on the market. The uncertainty surrounding the election is also contributing to Bitcoin’s volatility this month, as the cryptocurrency has seen increased market participation amid political developments.

Bitcoin’s Volatility and Fourth Quarter Prospects

Although Bitcoin has experienced high levels of volatility in September, this could be a positive indicator for future price movement. According to Kaiko, a crypto analytics provider, Bitcoin’s 30-day volatility has surged to 70%, nearly double last year’s levels. “While volatility is challenging, it often signals increased market participation,” Kaiko noted in a recent research report.

Traders are looking forward to October, which has historically been one of Bitcoin’s best-performing months. “Bitcoin investors love October,” said Hougan. “It’s nicknamed ‘Uptober’ for a reason. Historically, Bitcoin has risen by an average of 30% during the month.”

With Federal Reserve rate cuts on the horizon and a pivotal U.S. election ahead, traders are optimistic that Bitcoin could experience a strong fourth-quarter rally, reversing the downturn it has seen in September.

Conclusion: A Bullish Market Outlook for Bitcoin

Despite Bitcoin’s current struggles in September, traders remain optimistic about the cryptocurrency’s prospects for the remainder of 2024. With the Federal Reserve set to cut interest rates and the U.S. presidential election introducing new dynamics into the market, Bitcoin’s market outlook is looking increasingly bullish. As the fourth quarter approaches, the combination of historical trends and key economic factors suggests that Bitcoin could be poised for a significant rebound in the coming months.

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