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1 The leading cryptocurrency will rise by 116%, according to Standard Chartered. Is it a purchase?
An analyst at Standard Chartered predicts Ethereum will more than double by the end of the year. Here’s how the bullish analysis plays out and how it moved the markets this week.
Analysts from a large British bank say so Ethereum (ET 0.02%) is expected to more than double between now and the end of 2024. Does this projection make sense?
Bullish Ethereum Analysis by Standard Chartered
Geoff Kendrick, Head of Cryptocurrency and Emerging Markets Research at Standard charter (OTC: SCBF.F), set a year-end price target of $8,000 Ethereum (ET 0.02%) earlier this week.
Speaking to cryptocurrency news site The Block on Tuesday, Kendrick predicted that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will approve the first exchange-traded funds (ETF) monitoring The spot price of Ethereum. He argued that the approval would inspire large inflows of money into the Ethereum cryptocurrency, similar to the inflows that followed the approval of Spot Bitcoin ETF in January.
The analyst also emphasized that he correctly defined the money flow effects of the Bitcoin ETF approval and underlined the long-term price increases that are expected to result from these substantial investment moves.
Mind you, Kendrick based his Ethereum price target on his latest Bitcoin (Bitcoin 0.47%) target. In other words, Ethereum ETFs seem like good news to him for the cryptocurrency market as a whole, not necessarily pushing Ethereum prices faster than the rest of the industry. Historically, Ethereum has closely followed Bitcoin’s price movements due to their strong market correlation and shared investor sentiment.
“Given that we now see Bitcoin reaching the $150,000 level by the end of 2024, this would imply an $8,000 level for Ether,” the Standard Chartered analyst said.
SEC Gets Closer to Approving Ethereum ETFs
Two days later, the SEC approved a rule change that will lead to the first Ethereum-based ETFs on American markets. The funds won’t hit the market right away, as the SEC has to review each request in detail before approving anything. While this process could take months, the established precedent of Bitcoin ETFs suggests that SEC approval could be expedited. It’s still a big step towards final approvals, which now seem like a matter of time.
Cryptocurrency investors were thrilled with Standard Chartered’s forecast, which sent the price of Ethereum up 23% the next day while Bitcoin rose as much as 7%.
Market reactions to ETF forecasts and news
However, the two largest cryptocurrencies barely moved on the actual ETF news. Ethereum held steady versus Kendrick’s forecast, and Bitcoin fell a couple of percentage points on Friday.
But Kendrick’s analysis still seems directionally correct. The combination of ETF approvals and the recent halving of Bitcoin should actually fuel another surge in prices for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many others smaller altcoins over the next year or so. Rising investing star Cathie Wood from Ark Invest also set its year-end Bitcoin target at around $150,000, with much more ambitious long-term goals in mind.
Evaluate Kendrick’s analysis and its implications
From a logical point of view, the idea of rising cryptocurrency prices makes sense.
Bitcoin’s market value is receiving increases from both sides the calculation of supply and demand. Halving Bitcoin mining rewards makes it harder to get freshly minted digital coins. At the same time, the new ETFs open the door to almost direct investments in Bitcoin by several new types of buyers: retail investors can now access Bitcoin ETFs (and soon Ethereum ETFs) in their retirement accounts, while asset managers Institutional financial institutions can rely on familiar tools. ETFs instead of opening new accounts at unapproved cryptocurrency exchanges.
Burning the value candle at both ends, Bitcoin is experiencing higher demand and tightly limited supply. This is a recipe for higher prices, especially as the necessary Bitcoin mining process stops making economic sense unless coin prices rise enough to offset the smaller rewards.
And where Bitcoin goes, other cryptocurrencies tend to follow. Notably, Ethereum tends to follow Bitcoin’s price chart quite closely:
Balancing your portfolio with cryptocurrency investments
Standard Chartered’s Ethereum target is 116% above the smart contract pioneer’s current price (and 160% above the level it was at before Kendrick spoke to The Block). I can’t promise that it will reach this exact goal, but I am convinced that both Ethereum and Bitcoin will rise over the course of the year.
Of course, unexpected twists can throw a spanner in the works, and other unplanned events could instead push cryptocurrencies even higher. You never really know what will happen in this young and volatile market until it happens.
Therefore, I would not recommend backing down, betting on the literal farm, or going overboard with cryptocurrency investing at this time. A diversified approach with Cryptocurrencies play a modest role in a diversified portfolio will allow you to enjoy the benefits of a price increase without risking everything. Ethereum looks like a solid buy today, but I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for Kendrick’s specific $8,000 target to materialize.
Anders Bylund has positions in Bitcoin and Ethereum. The Motley Fool has positions and recommends Bitcoin and Ethereum. The Motley Fool recommends Standard Chartered Plc. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
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US Cryptocurrency Rules Delayed by ‘Never-Ending’ Lawsuits
Ripple CEO says cryptocurrency industry still seeking regulatory clarity from US
Speaking to Bloomberg News on Wednesday (July 17), Author: Brad Garlinghouse he said America is behind behind other countries which have already adopted cryptocurrency regulations.
“What we’re seeing, where it’s the UK, Japan, Singapore… even the European Union, more than two dozen countries have come together to provide a framework for cryptocurrency regulation,” Garlinghouse said.
“It’s frustrating that we as a country can’t get that regulatory framework in place. And instead, we have this never-ending lawsuit coming from the SEC that doesn’t really address the problem.”
Ripple has been the target of some of these legal disputes. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) sued the company in 2020, accusing it of conducting a $1.3 billion operation offering of unregistered securities tied to its XRP token.
However, last year a judge ruled that only Ripple’s institutional sales of XRP, not retail sales, violated the law, a decision widely seen as a victory for the cryptocurrency industry.
As PYMNTS noted at the time, that ruling has “far-reaching repercussions impact across the digital asset ecosystem, which has long maintained that its tokens do not represent securities contracts.”
However, Garlinghouse told Bloomberg on Wednesday that the company cannot wage multimillion-dollar legal battles over each token.
He spoke to the news agency from the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, where the party is backing the candidacies of former President Donald Trump and Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, both of whom are considered pro-cryptocurrency.
But Garlinghouse argued that cryptocurrencies “should not be a partisan issue,” and noted that he had recently attended a conference in Washington that included Democrats, including White House officials.
“I think they were there, listening to the industry… it was refreshing to start having that conversation,” she said.
President Joe Biden earlier this year he vetoed a measure which would have ended the SEC’s special rules for crypto-asset custodians. This legislation was supported by both the digital asset industry and the banking industry.
Ripple early this year donated $25 million to the cryptocurrency industry’s super PAC Fair Smoothiewith Garlinghouse stating at the time that such donations would continue every year, as long as the industry had its detractors.
Second Open SecretsWhich monitor spending For campaigns, the PAC has spent $13.4 million this year, much of it to help defeat Rep. Katie Porter’s (D-Calif.) U.S. Senate campaign.
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The Future of Cybersecurity in the Cryptocurrency Industry
The cryptocurrency space has had a tumultuous journey, with its fair share of ups and downs. As we look to the future, one area that remains a constant focus is cybersecurity. The digital nature of cryptocurrencies makes them inherently vulnerable to cyber threats, and as the industry evolves, so does the landscape of potential risks.
In 2022, the cryptocurrency market faced significant challenges, with over $2 trillion in market value lost. This event served as a wake-up call for the industry, highlighting the need for robust cybersecurity measures. The future of cryptocurrency security is expected to see a shift towards more regulated and established institutions taking the reins of crypto technology and blockchain infrastructure.
The decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies offers numerous benefits, such as transparency and financial inclusion. However, it also introduces unique security challenges. The risk landscape is filled with threats such as hacking, phishing, ransomware attacks, malware, and social engineering. These threats not only lead to financial losses, but also damage the reputation and trust within the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
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The decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies offers many benefits, but it also presents unique security challenges. Cyber risks such as hacking, phishing, and ransomware pose threats to the integrity of digital assets. The infrastructure that supports cryptocurrencies is not immune to vulnerabilities, including smart contract flaws and exchange hacks.
To address these vulnerabilities, the infrastructure that supports cryptocurrencies must be strengthened. Smart contract vulnerabilities, exchange hacks, wallet breaches, and flaws in the underlying blockchain technology are significant concerns that must be addressed to ensure the security and integrity of digital assets.
As cybercriminal tactics and techniques become more sophisticated, the cryptocurrency industry must stay ahead of the curve. The future will likely see more targeted attacks, exploiting weaknesses in infrastructure, networks, and human factors. This requires a proactive and multifaceted approach to cybersecurity.
To mitigate these risks, several measures must be adopted:
Strengthening security measures: Developers, exchanges, and wallet providers must improve security protocols, use strong encryption, implement multi-factor authentication, and conduct regular security audits.
Education and awareness: Users should be educated on best practices for protecting their digital assets, including using strong passwords, recognizing phishing attempts, and using hardware wallets for secure storage.
Looking ahead, the cryptocurrency industry is expected to see an increased focus on robust security measures. Blockchain projects and exchanges are likely to invest in advanced encryption techniques and decentralized storage solutions to protect user assets. The future impact of cyber risk on cryptocurrencies will depend on the collective efforts of stakeholders to address vulnerabilities and strengthen security measures.
Collective efforts by stakeholders in the cryptocurrency space are crucial to address vulnerabilities and strengthen security measures. While challenges persist, advances in cybersecurity technologies and practices offer hope for a more secure and resilient cryptocurrency ecosystem.
The future of cybersecurity in the cryptocurrency industry depends on finding a balance between innovation and regulation. It requires a collaborative effort from all parties involved, from developers to end users, to create a secure environment that fosters trust and growth in the industry. As we move forward, it is critical that lessons learned from past events guide the development of stronger security measures, ensuring the longevity and stability of cryptocurrencies as a vital part of the modern economic toolkit.
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Bullish XRP and RLBK price predictions rise, outpacing the broader cryptocurrency market, prompting Shiba Inu holders to switch!
Bitcoin’s one-week surge from $60,000 has pushed other cryptocurrencies into an uptrend. However, for many altcoins, this trend has been temporary. Altcoins such as XRP and Shiba Inu (SHIB) have experienced price drops. However, Rollblock, a new altcoin on the Ethereum blockchain, has thrived during this period, attracting thousands of investors looking for long-term growth.
XRP’s Nearly 30% Growth Over Last Week Drops as Selling Pressure Increases
XRP is seeing further price decline as Ripple investors withdraw their profits from the token. The surge in XRP’s price to $0.64 in the past week has provided investors with a perfect opportunity to increase their returns in the short term. With the ongoing sell-off in XRP, XRP has jumped over 8% in the past day and is now trading at $0.59. However, analysts tracking XRP indicators predict that XRP could still extend its gains by over 30% in the coming weeks.
Shiba Inu (SHIB) marks its third consecutive day of losses
Shiba Inu (SHIB) is in a period of adjustment after a week of strong gains. In the last 24 hours, SHIB has seen a jump of over 7%, reflecting a natural market fluctuation. Analysts are observing a death cross on the Shiba Inu chart, which historically signals the potential for future opportunities as the market stabilizes. As investors explore new possibilities, some are diversifying into promising altcoins like Rollblock (RBLK) to strategically rebalance their portfolios and capitalize on the emerging trend.
Rollblock (RBLK) Up Another 7% as New Investors Join Pre-Sale
Rollblock (RBLK) has taken the cryptocurrency market by storm, having attracted investors from more popular altcoins like Shiba Inu (SHIB) and XRP. Rollblock’s growth is attributed to its utility in the $450 billion global gaming industry.
Rollblock aims to use blockchain technology to bridge the gap between centralized and decentralized gambling. With blockchain technology, Rollblock secures every transaction in its online casino, providing transparency and convenience to millions of players who are uncomfortable placing bets on other iGaming platforms.
This innovative use of blockchain technology in the industry has grown Rollblock to over 4,000 new users in less than two months. With plans to add sports betting, this number is expected to grow exponentially in Q3.
Rollblock uses a revenue sharing model that splits up to 30% of its casino’s weekly profits with token holders. This happens after Rollblock buys back $RBLK from the open market and uses half of it for rewards. The other half is burned to increase the price of $RBLK.
Rollblock price has seen four increases in the past month with $RBLK tokens now selling for $0.017. Analysts predict that at the current growth rate, Rollblock could increase by over 800% before the presale ends. For investors looking for a long-term token with growth potential, phase four is the best time to buy Rollblock before its price skyrockets!
Discover the exciting Rollblock (RBLK) pre-sale opportunities now!
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Texas Crypto Miners Turn to AI as Crypto Declines
As cryptocurrency mining becomes less profitable, Texas cryptocurrency mining companies are switching to supporting artificial intelligence companies.
Bitcoin miners, with their sprawling data centers and access to significant energy resources, are ideally suited for computationally intensive AI operations, and as cryptocurrency mining becomes less profitable, companies see this shift as a logical answer to their problems.
On Thursday, Houston-based Lancium and Denver-based Crusoe Energy Systems announced a multibillion-dollar deal to build a 200-megawatt data center near the West Texas city of Abilene to support advanced artificial intelligence applications such as medical research and aircraft design, CNBC reported. The plant represents the first phase of a larger 1.2 gigawatt project.
Lancium and Crusoe’s move into AI mirrors a broader trend among bitcoin miners. The combined market capitalization of the top U.S.-listed bitcoin miners hit a record $22.8 billion in June. Companies like Bit Digital and Hut 8 are diversifying into AI, with Bit Digital securing a $92 million annual revenue deal to supply Nvidia GPUs and Hut 8 raising $150 million to expand its AI data center.
But the growing popularity of these operations also presents challenges, particularly for the Texas power grid. Last month, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas announced that the state is expected to nearly double its energy production by 2030 to meet the high energy demands of data centers and cryptocurrency operations.
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick expressed concern about the projections.
“Cryptocurrency miners and data centers will account for more than 50% of the additional growth. We need to take a close look at these two sectors,” He wrote on Twitter/X. “They produce very few jobs compared to the incredible demands they place on our network. Cryptocurrency miners could actually make more money selling electricity to the network than they do from their cryptocurrency mining operations.”
Analysts predict significant growth in data center power capacity, which is expected to account for up to 9% of U.S. electricity consumption by 2030.
The operations also pose challenges for nearby cities. Earlier this month, TIME reported that a crypto-mining facility was seriously compromising the health of residents in the city of Granbury. TIME reported more than 40 people with serious health problems, including cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and hearing loss. At least 10 of the residents needed to go to the emergency room or an urgent care facility.
The disturbances were caused by the extreme noise generated by the crypto-mining facility’s fans, which are used to keep the machines cool. While the proposed data center in Abilene would use liquid cooling systems, it’s still unclear whether the facility’s operations would pose a health risk to local residents.
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