Bitcoin experienced a significant drop, falling to $56,000 amid a broader sell-off in the stock market led by Nvidia. The decline in Bitcoin’s value came as Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) saw its shares plummet due to concerns over its future growth prospects and supply chain issues.

The sell-off in Nvidia stocks created a ripple effect across the market, impacting various sectors and leading to a decline in investor confidence. As a result, many investors turned to liquidating their cryptocurrency holdings, including Bitcoin, to cover losses or shift their portfolios to less volatile assets.

Nvidia’s recent quarterly earnings report highlighted several challenges, including supply chain disruptions and increased competition. These factors contributed to the company’s inability to meet market expectations, causing its stock price to drop significantly. Investors, already jittery from inflation concerns and potential interest rate hikes, reacted swiftly, leading to a broader market sell-off.

Bitcoin, often seen as a hedge against traditional market fluctuations, was not immune to the effects of the stock sell-off. The cryptocurrency’s value dropped as investors sought liquidity and stability. Despite this downturn, some market analysts believe that Bitcoin’s long-term prospects remain positive, citing its growing acceptance and integration into mainstream financial systems.

The drop in Bitcoin’s value also reignited debates about the cryptocurrency’s volatility and its role in a diversified investment portfolio. While some investors view Bitcoin as a digital gold, offering protection against economic instability, others are wary of its unpredictable price swings.

Moreover, the correlation between Bitcoin and stock market movements has been a topic of interest among financial experts. The recent sell-off suggests that Bitcoin’s price may be more closely tied to traditional financial markets than previously thought, challenging the notion of its independence as an asset class.

In the wake of the sell-off, several cryptocurrency exchanges reported increased trading volumes as investors scrambled to adjust their positions. This heightened activity underscores the growing influence of cryptocurrencies in the broader financial landscape and the need for robust trading platforms to handle market volatility.

Looking ahead, the market will be closely watching Nvidia’s next moves and any potential recovery in its stock price. Additionally, investors will be monitoring the broader economic indicators, such as inflation rates and central bank policies, which could further impact both traditional and cryptocurrency markets.

In conclusion, the recent drop in Bitcoin to $56,000 amid the Nvidia-driven stock sell-off highlights the interconnectedness of financial markets and the ongoing challenges faced by both traditional and digital assets. While volatility remains a key concern, the evolving dynamics of cryptocurrencies continue to attract attention and interest from a diverse range of investors.

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Bitcoin ATM scams have become a significant concern for both regulators and investors, with losses skyrocketing by 10 times in just three years. This alarming trend underscores the increasing sophistication of scammers and the vulnerabilities within the cryptocurrency ecosystem.

A recent report from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) revealed that Bitcoin ATM scam losses surged from $3 million in 2019 to over $30 million in 2022¹. This dramatic increase in losses is attributed to the growing popularity of Bitcoin ATMs and the lack of robust security measures in place to protect users.

Bitcoin ATMs, which allow users to buy and sell Bitcoin using cash or debit cards, have proliferated across the United States and other countries. However, their convenience comes with significant risks. Scammers have exploited these machines to defraud unsuspecting users, often by posing as legitimate businesses or government agencies.

One common scam involves fraudsters instructing victims to withdraw cash from their bank accounts and deposit it into a Bitcoin ATM. The scammers then provide a QR code for the victim to scan, which transfers the Bitcoin to the scammer’s wallet. Once the transaction is complete, it is nearly impossible to recover the funds.

The FTC has identified several red flags that can help users avoid falling victim to Bitcoin ATM scams. These include unsolicited calls or messages from individuals claiming to be from a government agency or a well-known company, requests for payment in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies, and high-pressure tactics to make immediate payments.

To combat the rise in Bitcoin ATM scams, regulators and industry stakeholders are calling for stricter security measures and better consumer education. This includes implementing Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols, which require users to verify their identity before using a Bitcoin ATM, and enhancing the monitoring and reporting of suspicious transactions.

Moreover, partnerships between law enforcement agencies and cryptocurrency companies are crucial in tracking down and prosecuting scammers. The collaboration between these entities can help in the swift identification and dismantling of fraudulent operations.

Despite the risks, the popularity of Bitcoin ATMs continues to grow. According to Coin ATM Radar, there are over 30,000 Bitcoin ATMs worldwide, with the majority located in the United States. The convenience and accessibility of these machines make them an attractive option for both novice and experienced cryptocurrency users.

However, as the number of Bitcoin ATMs increases, so do the opportunities for scammers. It is essential for users to stay informed about the latest scam tactics and take necessary precautions to protect their investments. This includes being skeptical of unsolicited requests for payment, verifying the identity of individuals or entities before making transactions, and using secure and reputable Bitcoin ATMs.

In conclusion, the surge in Bitcoin ATM scam losses highlights the need for greater vigilance and security in the cryptocurrency market. By implementing stronger safeguards and raising awareness about potential scams, regulators and industry stakeholders can help protect users and maintain the integrity of the Bitcoin ecosystem.

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As the financial world braces for the next U.S. jobs report and the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision, Bitcoin (BTC) traders are keenly watching several critical price levels. These events are expected to significantly influence Bitcoin’s trajectory, potentially leading to heightened volatility in the cryptocurrency market.

The jobs report, scheduled for release shortly, will provide insight into the health of the U.S. labor market. A strong report could bolster the U.S. dollar, putting downward pressure on Bitcoin prices. Conversely, a weaker-than-expected report might weaken the dollar, potentially pushing Bitcoin higher.

Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve’s upcoming decision on interest rates is another pivotal factor. If the Fed signals a more hawkish stance, it could strengthen the dollar and weigh on Bitcoin. Conversely, a dovish tone could support Bitcoin by weakening the dollar and boosting risk assets.

Bitcoin’s current technical setup suggests that traders are eyeing several key levels. On the downside, the $20,000 mark remains a crucial support level. If Bitcoin falls below this level, it could trigger a wave of selling pressure, pushing prices lower. On the upside, the $25,000 level is seen as a significant resistance point. A break above this level could signal a new bullish phase for Bitcoin.

Market sentiment also plays a crucial role. Recent data indicates that institutional investors are increasingly showing interest in Bitcoin. This growing institutional involvement is seen as a positive signal, potentially providing a floor for Bitcoin prices during periods of market turbulence.

Additionally, the broader macroeconomic environment continues to influence Bitcoin. Inflationary pressures, geopolitical tensions, and regulatory developments are all factors that could impact Bitcoin’s price trajectory. Investors are closely monitoring these dynamics as they navigate the uncertain landscape.

In conclusion, the upcoming jobs report and the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision are poised to be key drivers for Bitcoin in the near term. Traders should keep a close eye on the critical support and resistance levels, as well as broader market sentiment and macroeconomic factors, to make informed decisions in this volatile market.

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In recent trading sessions, various crypto stocks have shown signs of recovery as Bitcoin manages to trim some of its earlier losses. This follows a tumultuous period where the leading cryptocurrency had seen significant declines in value.

Key players in the crypto industry, such as Marathon Digital Holdings (NASDAQ:MARA) and Riot Blockchain (NASDAQ:RIOT), have experienced notable rebounds. These companies, heavily invested in Bitcoin mining, are often seen as barometers for the sector’s health.

Marathon Digital Holdings reported a surge in its stock price, echoing the partial recovery seen in Bitcoin. Analysts suggest that renewed interest in the digital asset space and strategic moves by these companies to optimize their mining operations could be contributing factors.

Similarly, Riot Blockchain has also seen its stock price climb. The company has been making strides in expanding its mining capacity, which might be paying off as the market starts to stabilize.

It’s not just the miners that are benefiting. Coinbase Global, Inc. (NASDAQ:COIN), a major cryptocurrency exchange, has also seen an uptick in its stock price. This could be attributed to the increased trading volumes on its platform as investors take advantage of the lower prices to buy into the market.

However, despite the positive momentum, experts warn that the volatility in the crypto market is far from over. Factors such as regulatory developments, technological advancements, and macroeconomic trends continue to play significant roles in the overall market dynamics.

In addition, companies like MicroStrategy (NASDAQ:MSTR), which has substantial Bitcoin holdings, are also feeling the effects of the crypto market’s movements. The enterprise analytics firm’s stock has mirrored Bitcoin’s price trends, underscoring the interconnectedness of their value propositions.

Looking ahead, industry watchers will be keeping a close eye on upcoming regulatory announcements and market trends that could influence the crypto landscape. The resilience of crypto stocks in the face of Bitcoin’s fluctuations will be a critical indicator of the sector’s long-term viability.

Investors are advised to stay informed and consider the inherent risks associated with the volatile nature of cryptocurrencies and related stocks. Diversification and a clear understanding of market dynamics remain essential components of a robust investment strategy.

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SINGAPORE, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Zilliqa, the established layer-1 blockchain platform that pioneered sharding technology, is excited to announce the launch of the Jasper proto-testnet for Zilliqa 2.0, the first release on its roadmap for its new, upgraded network designed to drive mass adoption of Web3.

This significant milestone sees the first Zilliqa 2.0 proto-testnet become available to the public, marking a crucial first step in the rollout of its new network, which promises to deliver an efficient and scalable blockchain designed to make Web3 as easy to use as the internet. The release of Jasper is the first step on the roadmap for Zilliqa 2.0, each of which will see the network expanded with further functionality according to the protocol’s whitepaper.

The Jasper proto-testnet introduces Zilliqa 2.0’s new Proof-of-Stake consensus mechanism, which delivers lightning-fast transactions at low cost, all while remaining energy efficient and capable of scaling to the needs of businesses and developers globally. This early version of the Zilliqa 2.0 network allows developers and validators to explore the new network’s enhanced capabilities and experiment with running a validator node and earning rewards for helping to secure the network.

The proto-testnet offers other foundational features such as EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine) compatibility and support for Scilla smart contracts, and the network will continue to undergo active development as work progresses on Zilliqa 2.0. The Zilliqa tech team will work closely with developers and validators to discuss their feedback and mitigate the impact of any bugs or downtime they encounter when testing this early, proto-testnet version of the Zilliqa 2.0 network.

Future milestones include the release of the Zilliqa 2.0 mainnet and the progressive introduction of features such as x-shards and smart accounts, which will deliver unprecedented customisation and accessibility.

A core feature of Zilliqa 2.0’s design is to be able to adapt to the scaling and security needs of the applications running on it, allowing businesses and developers to build on a platform that works for them while being seamlessly integrated with the global Web3 ecosystem and audience. Zilliqa 2.0’s simplicity and powerful customisation positions it as the ideal white-label solution for businesses looking to leverage the benefits of Web3.

Whether a company or developer wants to launch their own digital assets, build decentralised applications (dApps), or create new digital experiences, Zilliqa 2.0 will provide the infrastructure to do so efficiently and at scale.

Commenting on the release of the Jasper proto-testnet for Zilliqa 2.0, Zilliqa Head of Research Zoltan Fazekas said:

“This launch marks a significant step forward in realising our vision for Zilliqa 2.0. The Jasper proto-testnet is not just a test environment – it’s the beginning of a new era in blockchain technology, where speed, efficiency, and user-friendliness converge. We invite developers and businesses to join us in exploring the possibilities of this groundbreaking network.”
With the launch of Jasper, Zilliqa is calling on potential new validators worldwide to onboard and test the network as pioneers of Zilliqa 2.0. This is an opportunity to play a key role in the future of the network and earn sustainable rewards by contributing to its security and resilience. Developers and potential validators are encouraged to read the docs for Zilliqa 2.0 to get started with the Jasper proto-testnet.

About Zilliqa

Zilliqa is the industry-recognised layer-1 blockchain founded in Singapore in 2018. The blockchain serves as a versatile foundation that facilitates a broad array of Web3 applications and services across a multitude of sectors including luxury and entertainment, providing a robust platform for emerging startups and established enterprises alike.

The next evolution of the network, Zilliqa 2.0 offers a user-centric and customisable layer 1 infrastructure  designed to drive the mass adoption of Web3. Currently rolling out testnet with the mainnet launch in Q4’2024.

For more information, visit roadmap.zilliqa.com.

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SOURCE Zilliqa Research Pte. Ltd.

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