Crypto Daily Roundup 03 Jan: Market Resets as Daily Gains Disappear

Cryptocurrencies have fallen in price throughout the last 24 hours.

TOP 5 Losers Coins

Crypto News Key Highlights:

• Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas indicates that a potential rejection of a spot Bitcoin ETF this month is more likely to be a result of the SEC requiring additional time rather than an outright denial. Despite a 90% approval chance by Jan. 10, concerns persist. Balchunas believes a complete rejection would be unprecedented given the substantial efforts from both the SEC and Bitcoin ETF issuers. In the event of an outright denial, legal challenges from fund issuers are anticipated.

• The new U.S. infrastructure bill has officially kicked in, making it mandatory for crypto brokers to report transactions exceeding $10,000 to the IRS. This regulation necessitates the disclosure of personal details, sparking worries about the difficulties in compliance and the potential for felony charges. 

• CBOE expects a spot Bitcoin ETF approval to attract institutional investors, with president John Palmer foreseeing accessibility for pension and RIA-based funds to enter the Bitcoin market. He anticipates heightened interest in Bitcoin derivatives and expanded derivative products if the ARK Invest 21 Shares Bitcoin ETF is approved by the SEC by the January 10 deadline.

• MicroStrategy's executive chairman, Michael Saylor, has initiated the sale of $216 million in company shares over four months, intending to use the proceeds to acquire more Bitcoin. Saylor plans to sell 5,000 MicroStrategy shares daily, aiming to address personal obligations and increase his Bitcoin holdings, currently at 189,150 BTC.

• CleanSpark, a U.S. Bitcoin miner, aims to create an in-house trading desk in 2024 to maximize returns from its 2,575 BTC holdings. CEO Zachary Bradford sees internal trading as financially wise, emphasizing strategies with regulated crypto offerings. The company's shares rose 440% in 2023, rebounding from an 80% dip in 2022.

• Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin outlined the 2024 roadmap, emphasizing key components like the Merge, Surge for scalability, Scourge addressing MEV risks, and others. The Dencun upgrade, scheduled for January, aims to enhance data availability and reduce transaction costs, making Ethereum more competitive against rivals like Solana and Avalanche.

• The first spot Bitcoin ETF approval is anticipated between January 8 and 10, prompting discussions about a potential sell-off in the crypto market. Analysts, including Vetle Lunde, suggest a 75% probability of a sell-the-news event, citing frothy market indicators and excessive premiums in derivatives.

Also read - 24 Crypto Update, 02 Jan: Crypto's Roller Coaster Ride in a Day