Crypto Roundup 14 Dec: Powell Delivers a Merry Christmas to Investors

The cryptocurrencies with the highest gains in the last 24 hours.

TOP 5 Gainers Coins

Crypto News Key Highlights:

• The US Federal Reserve, after a two-day meeting, maintained benchmark interest rates at 5.25% - 5.50%, aligning with expectations. While acknowledging elevated inflation, the Fed hinted at the conclusion of tightening measures, foreseeing three interest rate cuts in 2024, emphasizing a vigilant stance on economic developments.

• Bitwise's spot Bitcoin ETF, BITB, is now listed on the DTCC's active and pre-launch roster, signaling progress in obtaining U.S. SEC approval. The inclusion, alongside ETFs from BlackRock, Fidelity, and Invesco Galaxy, has sparked optimism, though experts caution that listing doesn't guarantee regulatory approval. Bitwise anticipates a positive SEC decision, foreseeing a potential surge in Bitcoin prices amid inflation hedging.

• Russia's Ministry of Finance considers allowing cryptocurrency miners to export their mined products, akin to natural gas exports. Deputy Minister Chebeskov disclosed the legislative initiative, emphasizing unity with the Bank of Russia. Proposed bills aim to legalize mining and enable miners to sell cryptocurrency abroad, while ensuring compliance with reporting and taxation.

• The SEC has reportedly delayed the decision on Invesco and Galaxy Digital's Ethereum ETF beyond the expected date of December 23rd. Invesco, a contender for an Ethereum spot ETF, faces a similar extension as the SEC extends timelines for Grayscale Ethereum Trust. The crypto industry awaits decisions on spot Bitcoin ETFs from various firms in January.

• Post-FOMC announcement, financial markets showed a bullish trend. U.S. stocks surged, crypto gained 3.66%, and gold and silver rose. Powell's cautious stance on potential rate hikes and the economy's status received mixed expert reactions. While some criticize Powell for a "phony economy," others see a shift in the Fed's policy, suggesting a potential peak in the current tightening cycle.

• Coinbase is expanding its international exchange services to include spot crypto trading, initially focusing on derivatives. The phased rollout starts on December 14 with bitcoin and ether against USDC stablecoin for institutional clients. The move is seen as strategic, allowing Coinbase to gain experience and assess demand for spot products.

• IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva urged urgent global crypto regulations in a Seoul conference, citing risks to financial stability. While acknowledging innovation, she stressed the need for frameworks to address potential disruptions in monetary policy and fiscal sustainability. Georgieva emphasized the dual role of rules in fostering innovation and highlighted policymakers' choice to actively participate or risk falling behind. South Korea, with its balanced regulatory approach, played a prominent role at the conference.

• The Indian government, responding to queries in parliament, highlighted its commitment to developing effective crypto regulations in line with the G20 Leaders’ Declaration. Minister Pankaj Chaudhary referenced the IMF-FSB synthesis paper, emphasizing its valuable guidance for G20 and non-G20 nations, allowing flexibility for emerging markets to adopt measures based on country-specific characteristics and risks. The government aims to evaluate and implement appropriate measures for crypto assets in India.

Also read - 24 Crypto Update, 13 Dec: Fed Rate Cut Sets Crypto Markets Ablaze