Crypto Daily Roundup, 04 Nov: Weak NFP Boosts Crypto Amid USD Drop

Top 5 Cryptocurrencies Leading the 24-Hour Gains

TOP 5 Gainers Coins

Crypto News Key Highlights:

October's non-farm payroll data fell short, recording 150k jobs versus the 180k forecast. The unemployment rate ticked up from 3.8% to 3.9%, and average hourly earnings showed mixed results, with yearly gains but a slight monthly dip. The FOMC meeting earlier raised both hawkish and dovish concerns, including ongoing tightening and economic prospects.

This week, ADP employment change and the JOLTs report fell short of expectations, while the Fed seeks below-trend growth and a slight rise in unemployment to curb inflation. Bond market sell-off may have peaked, with lower treasury yields and the dollar. Fed funds futures imply reduced odds of a year-end rate hike and potential rate cuts. The market will closely watch upcoming economic data for signs of US interest rates potentially having already reached their peak.

Elon Musk's startup xAI, unrelated to the XAI crypto, witnessed a 175% price surge after introducing its AI technology. Musk emphasized that xAI won't create a cryptocurrency. xAI is focused on competing with OpenAI and Google, with a primary focus on deep learning mathematics and advancing AI on the X platform for experimental purposes.

The US Department of the Treasury's OFAC imposed sanctions on Ekaterina Zhdanova, a Russian national allegedly involved in cryptocurrency-based money laundering for Russian elites. These actions align with G7's commitment to close loopholes allowing sanctions evasion. Zhdanova facilitated illicit financial activities, enabling evasion of multilateral sanctions using cryptocurrencies and traditional businesses. Her services extended to the Russian Ryuk ransomware group. US individuals must report Zhdanova's property, with transactions typically prohibited without OFAC authorization.

US authorities, led by US Attorney Philip R. Sellinger, seized $54 million in Ethereum (ETH) from drug dealer Christopher Castelluzzo in Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey. Castelluzzo had obtained the cryptocurrency from illegal drug sales and attempted to move it to a tax haven or USDT. The seizure reflects law enforcement's commitment to pursuing criminal gains in various forms, including cryptocurrencies. Castelluzzo is currently serving prison sentences for drug distribution convictions. ETH continues to show strong bullish momentum in the market.

Bitcoin Magazine, known for Bitcoin news, is facing a trademark dispute with the U.S. Federal Reserve over satirical Fednow merchandise. The Fed claims the merchandise infringes on its image and trademarks. Bitcoin Magazine refutes the allegations, citing First Amendment rights and its intent for social commentary and satire. The Fed has requested the magazine cease using the Fednow mark and similar designations. Bitcoin Magazine has refused to comply with the cease and desist request.

Bitcoin mining revenue surged in October, with a $131.45 million increase over September. Despite a slight dip in fee earnings, it marked the second-highest monthly revenue in 2023, bolstered by a Bitcoin price surge. Foundry USA led in block rewards, and network difficulty reached a record 62.46 trillion.

Crypto trader Avi Eisenberg's trial for alleged commodities manipulation and wire fraud related to Mango Markets exploitation has been postponed to April 8, 2024, due to difficulties in preparing his defense and the complexity of the case, after originally being scheduled for December 8, 2023, in the Southern District of New York.

Also read - 24 Crypto Update, 03 Nov: Crypto market goes green as US labor cools