Cybercriminals use various ways to hide their [misdeeds](/news/article/cryptocurrency-crime-rise), such as masking their transaction history and [laundering money](/news/article/crypto-aml) through cryptocurrencies. Fortunately, investigators are now well-equipped with fraud detection tools and software, including the Bitcoin extractor. 

This article explores what BTC extractors are and how they work to extract addresses from numerous data sources. 

## What is a Bitcoin extractor? 

It is a tool designed to obtain BTC addresses from a string of text or code. Addresses can be extracted from numerous sources, such as text documents, websites, emails, chat logs, and images. The primary function of a BTC address extractor is to locate strings of characters that match the structure of a Bitcoin address.  

Moreover, these scripting tools can work for deducing both public and private keys. These tools can scan any data source and gather crypto addresses from them. After that, they present the output in a CSV file to easily be used to track transactions or recover stolen assets. 

## How does a Bitcoin extractor work? 

These extractors rely on different types of machine-learning algorithms that are trained to detect crypto addresses. Generally, the first stage in gathering BTC addresses is pattern recognition. They get familiar with the alphanumeric structure of a BTC address and look for patterns in them.  

Secondly, the tools thoroughly scan sources to find strings that fit the recognised pattern. The scanning then reveals potential BTC addresses, but there can be some false positives, too.  

Some tools may also run multiple verification checks to ensure that the outcome they provide is a genuine Bitcoin address. The verification process may include performing cryptographic calculations. 

Finally, the extractor compiles the list of all the addresses found in the source data in a CSV file. It also includes the file path where the address was found, along with a globally unique identifier (GUID). Users can then use this list for various purposes, such as verifying transactions, conducting audits, or managing user accounts. 

## What is Nuix Bitcoin Extractor? 

It is a [Bitcoin extractor](https://github.com/Nuix/Bitcoin-Extractor) designed by the UK South West Regional Cyber Crime Unit (SWRCCU). It is one of the most trusted tools for obtaining BTC addresses and public and private keys (xPubs/xPrvs). 

Nuix is a powerful software that relies on the data indexed by Nuix Workstation and can locate help in fraud investigations. 

It is a Ruby script developed for scanning plain texts. However, it can work with varying datasets from cloud storage, smartphones, laptops, or other devices. For pattern recognition, it uses a regular expression method that helps find the hidden addresses in the source data. 

After that, Nuix uses a Python script to validate the output. It can also gather further details like transaction history, wallet balance, and throughput value. Then, it sorts out all the findings and presents them in a CSV format.  

## Why do we need a BTC extractor? 

A BTC key extractor can be used for a wide range of purposes. Here are a few of them: 

1. It can be used for fraud detection as it can detect an address involved in fraud.  
2. Forensics can use it to find an address from retrieved data that may be helpful in asset recovery. 
3. Investigators can use it to track the flow of Bitcoins between different wallets to prevent illegal activities.   
4. You can track your own transactions, which can help manage personal finances.  

## Final thoughts 

A Bitcoin address extractor is a valuable tool that enhances the efficiency of handling Bitcoin addresses. 

Recognising and validating addresses from various sources empowers you to verify transactions, prevent fraud, and ensure accuracy. You can also manage your finances through these tools by keeping track of transactions. 

What is a Bitcoin extractor and how does it work? 

This article is a B[itcoin Era](https://bitcoinera.app/) review, examining the robotic crypto trading system that has left many wary about its legitimacy. 

Crypto trading has recently become a prevalent way of generating passive income. Due to this, many platforms have emerged that use advanced algorithms and artificial intelligence to assist investors in trading. However, it is never risk-free to trade crypto, particularly on these platforms. Therefore, it is advisable to be careful while dealing with such trading forums.  

Let's delve to find out whether Bitcoin Era is a safe option to trade cryptocurrencies or not. 

## Bitcoin Era review: What is it? 

Bitcoin Era is a trading bot for cryptocurrencies that claims to use advanced AI algorithms to automate trades. It allows the traders to develop a simple[ crypto trading strategy](/news/article/simple-cryptocurrency-trading) that requires minimal observation and follow-ups. It is a web-based platform that can make trades on your behalf, so you do not constantly have to monitor market trends. 

According to the website, investors can buy or sell more than 15 coins, including popular ones like[ Bitcoin](/coins/btc), [Ethereum](/coins/eth), [Ripple](/coins/xrp), and [Litecoin](/coins/ltc). It also gives you four options for fiat currencies: USD, GBP, JPY, and Euro.  

It does not cost you to set up an account on Bitcoin Era. Still, you need a minimum deposit of $250 to start automated trading. Meanwhile, the trading web app only charges a trading fee of 2%, and there are no fees for withdrawals and deposits.  

The website maintains that the investors using its unique services have a success rate of around 85%. However, this claim is not backed by any sources or independent Bitcoin Era review. Therefore, the legitimacy of the platform remains in doubt. 

## Bitcoin Era review: Pros and cons 

Now, let's look at some of the pros and cons in our Bitcoin Era review. 

### Pros 

- Easy-to-navigate interface. 

- Supports buying and selling of multiple assets. 

- Offers demo accounts. 

- No deposit or withdrawal fees. 

### Cons 

- Unverifiable claims of success rates. 

- Lack of positive reviews for the platform. 

- The initial deposit amount is relatively higher. 

## Which features does Bitcoin Era offer? 

Here are the main features that the web app claims to offer to its clients: 

### Intuitive interface 

The web app asserts that it provides an easy-to-use interface to make trades. The automated trading feature creates further ease for investors as they can start with virtual assets without prior knowledge.  

### Multi-asset trading 

The trading forum also supports around 15 cryptocurrencies, including the leading ones like BTC, ETH, ADA, and DASH. It lets you build a diverse portfolio of all the popular coins in the market. 

### Options for both manual and automated trades 

The platform is known for its copy or automated crypto trading services. It holds that its AI-based trading services can make up to 85% of investor profits. Nevertheless, this tall claim is not supported by any data.  

It also allows you to trade manually based on your own market insights. You can even use the forum to educate yourself about market trends. It offers real-time market analytics that makes [crypto investing strategies ](/news/article/crypto-invest-strategy)even for beginners. 

### Demo accounts to gain experience 

You can have a demo account if you are a novice trader and need more confidence about entering the real market. You can avail yourself of this free service by registering on the platform. 

The demo account enables you to hone your skills and gain knowledge about how the crypto market works. A demonstration account can also be useful for seasoned traders as they may test their different trading strategies. 

### Minimal fees 

The platform also claims to have a no-fee policy. It does not charge any fee for creating an account. Similarly, no additional charges exist for withdrawing or depositing money in your account. It only charges a trading fee of 2% of the amount you transfer or receive. However, the Bitcoin Era app does require an upfront deposit of at least $250.  

### Swift registration process 

The cryptocurrency exchange forum has a swift registration process. Even though it follows the Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements, the signup procedure is instant. You only need to provide basic personal details and can get started on the platform. 

## Bitcoin Era review: Is it a scam? 

A review of the web app suggests that it is an automated cryptocurrency trading system that offers advanced market insights. It caters to seasoned and novice traders by offering automated and manual trades. Besides, it seems an inexpensive option as it does not charge any fees for registration, withdrawals, or deposits. Plus, you will have enough cryptocurrencies to diversify your portfolio with options ranging from Bitcoin to Binance Coin.  

However, what makes one suspicious about the platform is its exaggerated claims and marketing tactics. For instance, its claim of 85% profit seems grossly inflated as it is not substantiated with data. Moreover, only a few independent reviews support these claims. As a result, the entire image of the platform becomes dubious. 

## Final verdict 

Although there are no direct signs of a scam, it provides misleading information. This is what makes such platforms quite risky. So, considering the Bitcoin Era as an investment opportunity, it's crucial to be aware of the risks involved. Ensure to follow a robust risk management strategy and carry out thorough research. 

Bitcoin Era review: Is it a legit trading platform? 

To short a crypto, such as Bitcoin, refers to the process of borrowing and selling a cryptocurrency with the hope that its price will decrease in the future. 

It allows one to buy the asset at even lower prices later to gain profits. It is a profitable short-term investment plan that involves higher risks. 

However, you do not have to deal with individual cryptocurrencies for shorting. Instead, you can invest in derivatives such as [21Shares Short Bitcoin ETP](https://21shares.com/product/SBTC). It is an exchange-traded product (ETP) that enables you to get daily inverse profits. Let's find out what it is and how it works. 

## What does it mean to short Bitcoin?  

Before we move on to 21Shares short BTC, let's first discuss what exactly shorting BTC is. Shorting is a technique that enables you to make daily profits when the BTC price is depreciating. This way, you can make gains even when market conditions are tough. 

It is a way of leveraging the dipping price of the coin by getting inverse profits. It means you can sell the borrowed crypto at a higher price, considering it will depreciate continually. 

So, when the price of Bitcoin declines, you can buy it back and return it to the lender. This allows you to make gains from the fluctuating price of Bitcoin. 

Now, many crypto trading platforms offer various types of derivatives in the form of contracts for difference (CFDs). These may also include exchange-traded products (ETPs). 

## What are ETPs? 

A crypto ETP is an investment vehicle that uses crypto tokens as its backing. It is quite similar to traditional investment vehicles, usually backed by gold. Similarly, these products can be traded on exchanges like any other stock.  

The main difference here is that they are backed by cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and allow you to track their performance in the market daily. A prominent example of a crypto ETP is Fidelity Physical Bitcoin (FBTC). 

## What’s 21Shares Short Bitcoin ETP? 

It is an offering by the 21Shares platform denoted by the ticker SBTC. SBTC is a product through which you can get inverse BTC returns of -1x. The returns are based on daily price fluctuations and are multiplied by -1. Since they depend on daily price variations, you cannot hold Bitcoins for longer periods. Therefore, you must know the right holding spans and the risks involved in shorting.  

The procedure of short Bitcoin involves borrowing BTCs from the platform and selling it at the same time before the value is expected to decrease. Through this, you can generate profit from the declining price of BTC. You have to use USD or US Dollar Coin (USDC) along with BTCs as collateral for using the SBTC product. 

## Benefits of using SBTC 

There are various upsides to opting for the SBTC product by 21Shares. Firstly, it allows you to navigate [the bear cycles](/news/article/crypto-bear-market-survival) by offering inverse returns. Secondly, it gives you daily liquidity that can assist you in day-to-day trading. You can open and close trades within 24 hours.  

Apart from that, inverse returns can also help you in rebalancing your portfolio. Since the -1x factor resets after each day, your portfolio can adjust to the price fluctuations easily. Moreover, the platform offers an institutional standard system that can facilitate you in terms of crypto custody, trading features, and analytics. This smoothes out the entire procedure and creates convenience for you.  

## What are the costs of 21Shares Short Bitcoin ETP? 

According to Boerse Frankfurt, the current price of the ETP is 0.7197 for 84,845 pieces. Yesterday, the closing price was 0.7201, and there was a difference of around 0.22%, whereas the spread absolute was around 0.0015. Aside from that, the daily turnover in the number of pieces has been 13,614.  

In the past 52 weeks, the lowest difference has been 0.6794. Meanwhile, in the same period, SBTC observed the highest difference of 1.8631. 

Here’s what the one-year chart for the Short Bitcoin looks like: 

![Chart of Short Bitcoin](https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/prod-monitalks-media/Screenshot_2023_08_04_at_15_47_59_5b2c09e8a2.png)

The chart shows that with the start of 2023, the cost of the ETP started to fall. The main reason behind it is that Bitcoin’s price has made substantial gains this year and has maintained [an upward trend that started in December 2022](/news/article/btc-price-today). It affected the inverse return mechanism, which performs best when the market shows bearish signals. On the other hand, SBTC performed comparatively higher in the last five months of 2022.  

## Closing thoughts 

21Shares Short BTC product presents a unique investment opportunity for those looking to hedge against potential downward movements in the price of Bitcoin. The product’s inverse performance makes it highly competent for the bearish market. That’s why if you use it strategically, you can generate high returns even in bearish cycles.  

However, short Bitcoin is a high-risk and high-reward strategy. So, if you are looking to invest in SBTC, you must have an advanced level of trading knowledge. But it is advisable to be fully prepared for risk management and only invest according to your risk appetite.  

21Shares Short Bitcoin ETP: All you need to know 

[BlackRock Bitcoin](https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/blackrock-close-filing-bitcoin-etf-coindesk-2023-06-15/) exchange-traded fund (ETF) trended on all investment newswires in June after BlackRock, the biggest asset manager worldwide, filed for an [ETF](/news/article/chamber-of-digital-commerce) backed by BTC, the largest digital asset by market capitalization.  

The move for a Blackrock Bitcoin ETF was made by the investment firm to give clients exposure to the flagship coin. 

The company disclosed that [Coinbase Custody](https://www.coinbase.com/custody/assets), a New York-based business that provides cold-storage services for the digital assets of third parties, will serve as custodian for its iShares Bitcoin Trust, details of its filing with the US SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) showed.  

While this has been seen as a great move by a large investment company, the SEC has shown resistance when it comes to the approval of spot BTC ETFs.  

## BlackRock Bitcoin ETF: What is it? 

To understand this what the Blackrock Bitcoin ETF is, you should know what ETF means. According to [Investopedia](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/etf.asp), ETF is a kind of investment security pool that operates similarly to a mutual fund. It tracks commodities, particular sectors, indexes, and other assets like cryptocurrencies. 

It differs from mutual funds because it can be bought and sold on a stock exchange in the same way as the regular stocks of Mastercard, Visa Inc., and other major corporations with ticker symbols on the London Stock Exchange (LSE), New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), and others.  

SPDR S&P 500 ETF is the first exchange-traded fund, and it continues to track the S&P 500 Index. 

With this in mind, what BlackRock has applied for is a spot BTC ETF. This would track the underlying market price of the first blockchain-backed digital currency.  

Analysts at [Forbes Advisor ](https://www.forbes.com/advisor/investing/cryptocurrency/best-bitcoin-etfs/)believe this product will expose investors to the coin without becoming crypto asset holders.   

## BlackRock Bitcoin ETF is not the first being considered by the SEC  

As of July 2023, the SEC has not approved any ETFs that directly own [BTC](/news/article/bitcoin-rally-sees-gain-this-week). Instead, existing Bitcoin ETFs only hold futures contracts or other ETFs and stocks of companies that have direct exposure to Satoshi Nakamoto’s innovation.  

In 2022, [Grayscale Investment LLC](https://techcrunch.com/2022/06/30/the-sec-rejected-bitcoin-spot-etfs-again-now-what/), the largest digital asset management firm, saw its request to convert its Grayscale Bitcoin Trust into an ETF rejected by the SEC. 

Angered by the decision, [Grayscale sued](https://www.cnbc.com/2022/06/30/grayscale-sues-sec-after-rejected-bid-to-turn-bitcoin-fund-into-etf.html) because the regulatory body had already approved BTC futures ETFs, as earlier highlighted. 

Aside from Grayscale, CBOE Global Markets, New York Digital Investments Group (NYDIG), and Fidelity have also had their spot BTC ETFs rejected by the apex regulatory institution in the USA. 

## Impact of the filing on the coin  

In crypto, there are three major price drivers; the triggering of a staking feature that helps investors earn passive income, the listing of a virtual asset on a major exchange, and the acceptance of a coin as a transactional currency by a mainstream company.  

Ordinarily, due to the SEC's rejection of other companies’ attempts, a filing of an exchange-traded fund related to the most popular cryptocurrency should have been discarded by millions of traders across the globe.  

After trading below $30,000 for two months, the asset rebounded strongly from $25,576.28 on 16 June and tested a then-high of $31,460.05 on 6 July. 

As of 21:00 on 13 July 2023, it was exchanging hands for $31,484.21, a 23% rise in less than one month, data from crypto price tracker CoinMarketCap showed.  

Such bullishness is the reason why analyst [Richard Adrian ](https://www.fxleaders.com/forecasts/crypto/bitcoin-price-forecast/)at FX Leaders foresees a substantial rise in the price of the crypto.  

According to him, the digital currency could reach the maximum price of $85,000 due to positive market sentiment, hawkish central bank decisions, and mainstream adoption of the decentralized finance sector by the year's close. 

## The latest on spot Bitcoin ETFs globally 

On 13 July 2023, multiple news outlets reported that London-based multi-asset investment platform [Jacobi Asset Management ](https://cointelegraph.com/news/bitcoin-etf-europe-s-first-spot-bitcoin-etf-eyes-2023-debut-after-a-year-long-delay)would launch the first spot BTC ETF in Europe before the close of the year. 

This announcement comes exactly a year after it was scheduled to premiere on the Euronext exchange in Amsterdam in July 2022.  

The asset manager said it chose to launch its product in the fall due to improved demand for [crypto assets](/news/article/crypto-watch-guide).  

Since security has become an integral issue in this sector due to the billions of pounds worth of stolen digital assets, Jacobi has chosen Fidelity Digital Assets as the custodian.  

## Conclusion 

The SEC may not grant exchange-traded funds related to the spot market due to the agency's consistent consideration of many of the assets, including [BTC](/coins/btc), being securities in disguise. 

Whatever happens, [BlackRock](/news/article/blackrock-etf) has created an impressive base on which other potential applicants can thrive to see this hurdle through.  

That said, [Ripple](https://www.cnbc.com/2023/07/13/xrp-surges-after-judge-delivers-a-huge-win-to-ripple-in-its-case-against-the-sec.html) has won its two and half year case against the agency. This could be a turning point in the type of products it could approve for trading in the future. 

Blackrock Bitcoin ETFs: The Latest

[Token vs Coin ](https://www.analyticsinsight.net/crypto-coin-vs-crypto-token-understanding-the-difference/)yields millions of results across search engines like Bing and Google due to a demand for answers on the real differences between two terms, mostly used interchangeably. 

Why are certain digital assets referred to as coins, and why do some have tokens attached to them on crypto-tracking websites such as [CoinMarketCap](/news/article/coin-marketcap-analysis) and others?  

Below, we examine what they are, their differences, and examples that will help you categorize numerous cryptocurrencies you have been coming across on crypto news portals and exchanges. 

## Token vs Coin: What does coin mean? 

To explain the terms, let us understand that the two exist and came into being through the power of blockchain technology.  

Coins are primarily cryptocurrencies that are native to a particular blockchain. They are exclusive to a particular chain and cannot be used on other blockchains due to a lack of interoperability.  

They have several use cases, including serving as a store of value, exchange medium, and unit of account. 

You may have come across a term called mining. This is the process by which coins are produced. Mining allows computers relying on application-specified integrated circuits (ASICs) to solve complex math puzzles, which helps validate transactions to create coins. 

Miners are rewarded with newly minted coins, and their contributions are highly invaluable to the decentralization and security of a network. 

On having a decentralized feature, no intermediaries (central banks, clearinghouses, or insurance companies) are in charge of the coin's circulation. Instead, they are governed by their protocol's rules and the project's community's consensus. 

With this, users enjoy privacy and freedom over their funds and transactions – something many, like Satoshi Nakamoto (creator of [BTC](/news/article/how-to-invest-in-bitcoin-uk)), felt centralized financial institutions have taken away from people. 

On security, to prevent cybercriminals from engaging in unscrupulous activities using virtual currencies in fraud, censorship, and hacking, cryptography and encryption are used to protect coins.  

This way, users do not need to entrust the safety and authenticity of their coins to third parties.  

The last and most recognizable feature of coins is scarcity. Digital coins were created to challenge the status quo (fiat currency system), so they must possess all the attributes of currency money. 

Predetermined by their respective algorithms, most coins have a total and maximum supply, which positively reflects their value over time. 

With this in mind, you should know that four types of coins categorize the assets you have been reading about or trading online. They are native, forked, wrapped, and stable.  

Native coins run on independent blockchains and oversee all the activities of that particular network. Great examples are Bitcoin (BTC), Litecoin ([LTC](/news/article/litecoin-predictions)), Dash (DASH), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), Cardano (ADA), and Dogecoin ([DOGE](/news/article/dogecoin-twitter-doge-payments)), among others. 

Stablecoins are pegged to the value of fiat currencies (USD, EUR, and GBP), commodities (gold, silver), and other cryptocurrencies. Examples are [USDC, USDT](/news/article/usdc-vs-usdt), BUSD, and DAI.  

Wrapped coins represent different assets on different blockchains. This was introduced to allow liquidity and cross-chain functionality for users. Wrapped Ether ([WETH](https://www.forbes.com/advisor/investing/cryptocurrency/wrapped-ethereum-weth/)) and Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) are examples.  

Ethereum Classic (ETC), Bitcoin Satoshi Version (BSV), Ethereum Proof-of-Work (ETHPoW), and Bitcoin Cash (BCH) are examples of Forked Coins – they were derived from their originally existing chains.  

    
## Token vs Coin: What does token mean? 

Unlike coins, tokens are housed in existing blockchains and rely on the possibilities of the technology for their operations.  

While coins are mined, tokens are pre-mined, and this means that the development team behind a protocol employs smart contracts to issue and distribute new tokens to their users.  

With the explanation of tokens in mind, you should know that there are four types; utility, governance, security, and non-fungible. Non-fungible tokens ([NFTs](https://trading-education.com/what-are-nfts-non-fungible-tokens-explained)) represent indivisible, indestructible, verifiable, and non-interoperable digital items such as collectables and art. Many popular NFTs are issued through Ethereum, including the [Bored Ape Yacht Club](/news/article/bored-ape-whale-buys-69-degods-nft), Axie Infinity, Otherdeeds from the Otherside Metaverse, NBA Top Shots, and Azuki.  

Utility tokens help users access functions and services on a blockchain or decentralized application (DApp). Examples include Uniswap ([UNI](/news/article/uniswap-ledger-connect-guide)). Governance tokens confer something like voting rights to users where they have a say in the governance of a particular DApp or chain. Compound (COMP), Aave (AAVE), and Maker (MKR) are examples of governance tokens. 

The last are security tokens, representing a share of ownership or claim on an income stream or asset. Polymath (POLY) is part of security tokens and, unlike the others, is subject to third-party influence such as regulation and compliance. 


Token vs Coin: What is the Difference?

If you're interested in trading crypto, you may have wondered how to invest in Bitcoin in the UK. 

Bitcoin is a decentralised digital currency functioning autonomously, free from the power of central authorities or government regulations. It operates using peer-to-peer software technology and relies on cryptographic principles. 

Being an open-source system, the coin is accessible to the general public. This inclusive nature allows anyone to engage in Bitcoin transactions. The distinctive features of Bitcoin offer unprecedented possibilities for various innovative applications that were not feasible with traditional payment systems. 

The coin has always been a volatile asset, rising and falling like tides, presenting opportunities to investors alongside heavy risk. However, BTC has been the investor's top choice in the investment portfolio. 

Buying Bitcoin has always been the best move when investing in the crypto industry. Below, in the article, we've explored how to invest in Bitcoin in the UK and where to store it. 

## How to invest in Bitcoin UK 

### 1.    Choose a crypto exchange 

To purchase and invest in Bitcoin (BTC), individuals must choose a crypto exchange, a platform where trades meet to exchange their pounds sterling for the digital coin. 

Crypto exchanges offer investors the opportunity to purchase, sell, and retain cryptocurrencies and facilitate the transfer of digital assets to secure wallets. 

While multiple exchanges exist, new investors should prioritise selecting an exchange that balances user-friendliness, low transaction fees, and robust security measures. Monitalks has conducted detailed research to help new investors choose [the best exchange](/news/article/best-crypto-exchange-uk-reddit) platform. 

### 2.    Link your payment method to the exchange platform 

After selecting an exchange, you must deposit funds into your account to initiate Bitcoin investments. The options for funding your account may vary depending on the exchange, including bank transfers from a current or savings account or using a cryptocurrency wallet. 

Considering that fees directly impact the amount of money available for investment and subsequently affect the potential for growth and compounding, it is generally advisable to opt for electronic transfers from a bank account over alternative methods. 

### 3.    Place your Bitcoin order 

Once you have successfully deposited funds into your account, you can initiate your first purchase of Bitcoin. The process varies depending on the platform. Some allow you to buy Bitcoin by simply tapping a button. In contrast, others may require you to enter Bitcoin's ticker symbol (BTC). Following that, you must specify the amount you wish to invest. 

Upon completing the transaction, you will become a partial owner of a Bitcoin. This is due to the significant initial investment required to purchase a complete Bitcoin. For example, if the Bitcoin price is £30,000, you would need to invest that amount in acquiring one Bitcoin. In the scenario where you invested a lesser amount, say £1,000, you would receive a proportionate percentage of a Bitcoin, which in this case would be 3.33%. 

## 4.    Store your coin in a Bitcoin wallet 

Cryptocurrency exchanges commonly offer integrated [Bitcoin wallets ](/news/article/top-rated-bitcoin-wallets-uk)or establish partnerships with trusted entities that provide secure storage for Bitcoin. However, some individuals may be concerned about leaving their digital assets connected to the internet, as it increases the risk of potential theft by hackers. 

To address such concerns, many reputable exchanges have implemented private insurance policies that offer compensation to clients in case of theft. Furthermore, these exchanges are increasingly adopting storing most customer funds in offline storage solutions known as 'cold storage,' which provides an additional layer of security. 

For those seeking the highest level of security, storing Bitcoin in a personal online or offline wallet is possible. Nevertheless, it is important to note that transferring crypto from an exchange to a personal wallet may incur a small withdrawal fee. Moreover, if a third-party crypto wallet custodian is utilised, losing the private key, which is the wallet password, may result in losing permanent access to the stored coins. 

## Hot wallets vs. cold wallets 

Hot wallets store personal and private keys online in a password-protected account, typically with a crypto exchange. Hackers target them to gain access to assets for trading. While hot [wallet](/news/article/best-crypto-wallet) providers have improved security measures, hackers pose a threat. 

Hot wallets offer convenience as they can be accessed from anywhere, and the provider can help restore access through identity verification if login details are forgotten. 

[Cold wallets](/news/article/cryptocurrency-hardware-wallet) are offline and disconnected from the internet, making them potentially more secure than hot wallets. They are like thumb drives that require a seed phrase, a randomly generated private key, to unlock the wallet, which is difficult to crack without prior knowledge. 

However, connecting a cold wallet to an internet-connected device eliminates the security advantage, exposing vulnerabilities to hackers. Also, if a user loses their private key, it becomes nearly impossible to recover the cold wallet. 

Lastly, cold wallets must be purchased, while hot wallets are often free. 

### Ledger Nano X 

[Ledger Nano X ](https://shop.ledger.com/products/ledger-nano-x)is the best cold Bitcoin wallet available in the market. It is a highly suitable choice for most investors due to its extensive support for over 5,000 coins and its ability to manage NFTs. Moreover, it includes an integrated exchange feature that enables secure cryptocurrency purchases using the wallet. This device can be efficiently operated on any 64-bit PC, iOS, or Android platform. 

The Ledger Live app, accompanying the Nano X, provides additional features such as payment options and DApps. Furthermore, it allows the seamless transfer of assets from multiple exchanges to the Nano X, offering enhanced convenience for asset management and trading while prioritising their safety. 

### Coinbase 

[Coinbase](https://www.coinbase.com/wallet)- the most chosen hot wallet, provides an exceptional user experience and caters to various user needs in the UK. It ensures accessibility and assists new users in navigating the crypto world. Cutting-edge security technologies protect virtual assets, and web and mobile wallets offer flexible access. The decentralised platform enables users to have complete control over their crypto assets. Features like staking, lending, and Yield Farming are also available. 

How to invest in Bitcoin in the UK? 

[Marathon Digital Holdings](https://marathondh.com/) (MDH) aims to ease economic freedom, financial inclusion, and greater transparency by improving the security and development of the world's first and largest public blockchain ledger, Bitcoin (BTC), a block at a time. 

The organisation believes in a more fair, inclusive, and open financial system—Bitcoin is crucial to making it happen. MDH is committed to supporting the Bitcoin ecosystem by building sustainable, agile, and large, [green Bitcoin mining ](/news/article/norway-bitcoin-mining)systems in North America. 

## Sustainable BTC mining powered by Marathon Digital 

MDH is in the process of building one of the largest green BTC mining systems in North America. The organisation aims to achieve its goal of [sustainable, green BTC mining](/news/article/sustainable-mining) by focusing on increasing computing power (or hashrate) rather than building and operating data centres. 

The business intends to stay lean and green while becoming more energy efficient. A key component of its strategy is to co-locate operations at feasible, sustainable energy sites. This ensures that its power source is sustainable and reduces the stress placed on traditional electrical grid infrastructure. 

In a nutshell, the company deploys more robust BTC miners to increase hashrate and hence, the possibility of earning more Bitcoin. By employing sustainable energy sources, leveraging its scale, and remaining agile, MDH can negotiate favourable contracts, swiftly adapt to altering circumstances, and ‘de-risk’. 

This enables the business to better cope with the impacts of potential declines in the price of Bitcoin. 

## Marathon Digital: the latest financial news 

The current value of the Marathon Digital Holding Inc. stock, MARA, is $5.33, with a market valuation of nearly $622.8M. It should be noted that one year ago, MARA was trading above $30 (30 March, 2022)! 

 ![marathon digital holdings stock graph screenshot](https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/prod-monitalks-media/Marathon_2023_03_30_at_09_15_01_f9736160b9.png)


According to the latest financial result filed by Marathon Digital (Q3 2022), the organisation recorded a net loss of $75.4M in Q3 2022. Therefore, the latest news governing Marathon Digital's prepayment of its whole-term loan should be music to the ears of investors. 

In early February 2023, the organisation gave Silvergate Bank the necessary 30-day notice, indicating its intent to repay and terminate the term loan facility. The prepayment was completed on 8 March, 2023, and the organisation's facilities with Silvergate Bank were ended (talk about timing!). 

This resulted in an enormous debt reduction of $50M and an increase in unrestricted BTC holdings by 3,132 tokens - the BTC held as collateral by a third-party custodian as part of the term loan deal was returned to Marathon Digital. 

To put this into perspective, this move alone has resulted in the company reducing its leverage by $50M, freeing up more than $70M in BTC at the time of writing, and reducing facility fees and annual cash interest costs by around $5M. Other interesting statistics include: 

- The company’s mining facilities produced 683 Bitcoin in February 2023. 

- MDH enhanced the BTC hash rate by 30% compared to January 2023 by energising nearly 19,000 miners. 

- Figures related to unrestricted cash and BTC holdings are subject to change following the latest term loan deal. But if we are talking about figures in February exclusively, the company has unrestricted cash holdings of $219.7M and unrestricted BTC holdings of 8,260 tokens. 

With a push for sustainable, [green mining measures](/news/article/new-york-crypto-mining) the need of the hour, leaders like Marathon Digital is making more than a splash. Follow the latest updates from MDH by signing up for email alerts. 



green image of marathon  digital holdings logo

Marathon Digital: Sustainable Bitcoin Mining

A [Bitcoin](/news/article/forked-bitcoin-ordinals-brought-to-litecoin) rally in the trading week of 13 to 17 March saw the cryptocurrency bring around 20% in gains to investors, data from [crypto](/news/article/silvergate-bank-crisis-sees-crypto-tank) price tracker CoinMarketCap showed. 

As of 09:30 UTC on Friday, BTC was exchanging hands for [$26,085.37](https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/bitcoin/historical-data/). It reached a weekly high price of $26,514.72 on 14 March after opening the week at $22,156.41. 

The substantial increment in price has seen the largest digital asset by market capitalization spike by 60% year-to-date (YTD) from the year's opening price of $16,547.91.

## Bitcoin rally attributed to convulsions in banking sector and interest rate cuts

The cryptocurrency industry is largely affected by events in the banking sector as well as activities by the Federal Reserve in the US.
Reports of a collapse of three regional lenders in the US and liquidity problems at Credit Suisse Group AG are leading to expectations of an end to the monetary tightening that destabilized the decentralized finance industry in 2022.

According to many industry experts, the renewed interest in BTC reinforces the digital currency's dual role as a credible risk asset and a hedge against inflation.

Amid the Russia/Ukraine crisis, the Federal Reserve consistently hiked interest rates, leading to a demand for government bills and bonds. This did not augur well for the digital currency market, which has thrived on offering its stakeholders above-average annual percentage yield (APYs). This contributed to the market's nosedive for the majority of 2022.

Multiple reports point out that the Feds will pause interest rate hikes by the summer of 2023 and begin cutting the federal-fund rates around the end of 2023. This anticipation has also played a role in the significant ascension of the cryptocurrency.  

## Bitcoin dominance pushes the crypto market above $1.1 trillion

The crypto market has seen a trading volume of approximately $69 billion in the past 24 hours. This has taken its capitalization to $1.12 trillion.

Despite a fall in its historic values, BTCs fully diluted market capitalization of around $552 billion sees it control 45% of this market. In second place is the native asset of Ethereum, Ether (ETH), which has an 18% crypto market share.


bitcoins falling from sky with green filter overlayed

Bitcoin Rally Sees Almost 20% Gain This Week 

BTC has improved its value by 11% over the past 24 hours, according to data from Asia trading. This increase has effectively erased all losses suffered over 10-12 March, 2023. [Multiple reports](https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2023/03/14/bitcoin-crosses-247k-sees-highest-liquidations-in-two-months/) say the price spike is due to [Bitcoin](/news/article/forked-bitcoin-ordinals-brought-to-litecoin) liquidations emanating from betting on the decline of cryptocurrency prices after [Silvergate Bank](/news/article/silvergate-bank-crisis-sees-crypto-tank) and other crypto-related financial institutions fell into crisis last week. 

Overall, more than $100 million in BTC shorts (in trading, shorting refers to selling, while long means buying) were liquidated on 13 March. While this figure looks like a significant sum, it is nowhere near the 14 January Bitcoin liquidations, which saw around $500 million cleared from several crypto futures. 

[Cryptocurrency futures](https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/012215/how-invest-bitcoin-exchange-futures.asp) constitute an agreement between two parties to buy and sell an agreed amount of a particular crypto asset at a future price within a given timeframe.

## Bitcoin liquidations lead to a year-high trading volume 

As exchanges such as [Binance](/news/article/binance-us-cleared-to-buy-voyager), Bybit, Huobi, and OKX spread losses from the liquidations, interest in BTC rose as many traders saw a positive signal from the crypto market activity.

By the close of Monday, 13 March, BTC recorded a trading volume of approximately [$49.5 billion](https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/bitcoin/historical-data/), the year's high and the largest since November 2022.

Overall, the crypto economy has been on a rebound in 2023. As always, the first digital currency has made up for gains lost during 2022 when it was crippled by Russia/Ukraine crisis, rising interest rates which led to renewed interest in government bonds and bills, and, of course, the crash of TerraUSD (UST). As of 10:00 UTC, BTC was up 48% year-to-date (YTD).

Despite the ups and downs of the crypto market, analyst Freddie Max at [Price Prediction.net](https://priceprediction.net/en/price-prediction/bitcoin) foresees BTC climbing to an average price of $31,243, testing the smallest possible price of $30,356, and reaching the best possible price of $34,916 by the end of the year.


Bitcoin Liquidations Spark Price Spike 

[POLi Payments](https://www.polipayments.com/index.html) is an online payment system that provides customers with a secure and convenient payment method, and allows them to buy cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin.

This payment system is a subsidiary of Australia Post, one of the world's largest postal services. The company has been operating since 2010 and is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia.

The platform enables users to purchase [Bitcoin](/news/article/bitcoin-fear-and-greed-index) or crypto using POLi deposits through trusted exchanges regulated in Australia by AUSTRAC. It employs a direct connection to the user's bank account, meaning there is no need to provide credit card details when making a payment. The only requirement is the user's internet banking login details.

Once the user has logged into their bank account via the POLi platform, they can select the amount of money they want to transfer. The funds are transferred immediately from the user's bank account to the merchant's account.

## How to buy Bitcoin with POLi Payments

In Australia, it is advisable to purchase Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies using POLi through a broker registered with AUSTRAC (the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre) and regulated by ASIC (the Australian Securities and Investments Commission).

[eToro](/news/article/etoro-uk-review) is a trusted multi-asset investing platform that meets these requirements, offering a broad range of more than 70 cryptocurrencies. The platform is ideal to buy Bitcoin with POLi. Below is the step-by-step process:

•	Step 1: Register an account with [eToro](/news/article/etoro-fees) and complete the verification process, whether for personal or company use.

•	Step 2: Input the desired amount in AUD that you wish to deposit on the eToro platform.

•	Step 3: Log in to your bank account via the POLi platform and deposit your preferred fiat currency.

•	Step 4: Locate the cryptocurrency you wish to purchase and execute your trade.

## Is the payment platform safe?

The platform provides a secure and reliable online payment system to safeguard your personal and financial information. The company employs cutting-edge security protocols such as 128-bit SSL encryption to ensure the safety of your data. 

Furthermore, your transactions are processed through a secure connection to your bank, and your bank login details are never stored on the server. This makes it an ideal option for online payments, particularly if you do not possess a credit card or do not wish to use one for online transactions.

## Bottom line

POLi Payments is a reliable and efficient option for individuals purchasing cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin in [Australia](/news/article/australia-crypto-regulation). This payment method is characterized by its fast, secure, and user-friendly process. Using POLi deposits, customers can securely buy digital assets through the eToro exchange at low transaction costs.

For those searching for a viable alternative to traditional payment methods when acquiring cryptocurrencies within Australia, POLi payments could be the ideal solution.


How to Buy Bitcoin with POLi

US Government law enforcement has transferred some 50,000 Bitcoin seized from Silk Road hackers in the past two years. The Bitcoins are worth around $1 billion and are related to multiple US government wallets.
On 8 March, addresses connected to US law enforcement transferred BTC to the second largest crypto exchange, Coinbase. Currently, some of the confiscated assets are on sale on the Coinbase exchange, while others were moved to new addresses.

The news has also triggered a dip in the price of BTC. Is the [Bitcoin bull](/news/article/bitcoin-bull-or-bubble-debate) over?

## Silk Road Bitcoin transfers

A blockchain analytical firm, [PeckShield](https://twitter.com/PeckShieldAlert/status/1633331891347820544?s=20), has shared the details of the seized [BTC](/coins/btc) transfers. According to the firm's data, a law enforcement office of the US Government made three transfers. More than 50,000 BTCs were in these wallets.

Among these transfers, most were internal. However, PeckShield pointed out that the US Government wallets transferred 9,861 Bitcoins to the Coinbase cryptocurrency exchange.

The law enforcement department also made two other transfers. One included the movement of more than 30,000 BTCs to a wallet bc1qf2…fsv. The second transfer involved around 9,000 BTCs moved to an address bc1qe7…rdg.

The firm also revealed that the US Government confiscated Bitcoins from a marketplace on the Silk Road. According to PeckShield, the agencies [seized the unlawful assets](/news/article/feds-seize-bitcoin-stolen-crypto-scam) in November 2021 and March 2022.

## BTC transfer to Coinbase may trigger a sell-off

After the announcement of the transfer of seized BTCs to the Coinbase exchange, [BTC prices dropped](/news/article/bitcoin-volatility-price-drops) significantly. Usually, the increase in the inflow of an asset in the market results in high selling pressure. A high selling pressure means the asset price is going to decrease.

![btctransfer.png](https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/prod-monitalks-media/btctransfer_4db9344793.png)
 
Source: [CryptoQuant](https://cryptoquant.com/asset/btc/chart/exchange-flows/exchange-inflow-total?exchange=all_exchange&window=DAY&sma=0&ema=0&priceScale=log&metricScale=linear&chartStyle=column)

This chart shows that the rise in BTC inflow has triggered the fall in its price. Though it does not indicate a continued sell-off in the market, it has certainly affected the current price. In the past 24 hours, the Bitcoin price dropped from $22,469 to just above $22,000.


green image of bitcoins with silk road coin and coinbase logo on top

Coinbase Receives Silk Road Bitcoin 

Anyone invested in or trading Bitcoin will understand the [power of technical analysis and accurate data](/news/article/how-does-crypto-trading-work), including the Fear and Greed Index.

Suffice it to say, there are a variety of sources, all of which profess to provide the most up-to-date information.

Bitcoin Fear and Greed Index is one such leading indicator popular with the online community.

The index appears as a Twitter account that claims to amalgamate data from various sources and provide a score based on trader and investor emotion and sentiment. The score ranges from 0 (extreme fear) to 100 (extreme greed), with a score of 50 representing neutral bias.

## ChatGPT

According to ChatGPT, the index considers factors such as volatility, market trends, social media sentiment, and trading volume in determining its score.

It must be remembered that this is only ever intended as an indicator and should never solely be used to base your investment decisions. That said, many successful investors use the index as part of their decision-making strategy. Technical analysis alone doesn't often paint an accurate picture, making the index a potentially handy tool to have at your disposal.

As you might imagine, higher scores suggest the market is overbought, whereas lower scores indicate a good time to buy.

The tool is free to access. Although it doesn't have a website, it uses Twitter to publish regular updates. I must admit that this does set off some alarm bells. Without concrete evidence, such as an API or data oracle, that demonstrates how these variables influence the indicator, the accuracy of the index must be called into question.

Although there is nothing to support the Twitter account 'Bitcoin Fear and Greed Index', [Alternative.Me](https://alternative.me/crypto/fear-and-greed-index/) produces a similar 'Crypto Fear and Greed Index', which gives ratings for the whole market.

## Sources

According to the analytics site [Look into Bitcoin](https://www.lookintobitcoin.com/charts/bitcoin-fear-and-greed-index/), the index is derived from six variables on a daily basis. These are:

•	Volatility (25%) – The current rate of volatility over the previous 30 and 90 days. It is widely accepted that higher volatility rates generally indicate an anxious market.

•	Volume (25%) – Again, relative to the previous 30 and 90 days, exceptionally high levels of trading volume can indicate high levels of greed in the market.

•	Sentiment (15%) – The index looks at general social media sentiment towards crypto with relevance to historical norms.

•	Surveys (15%) - Public polling platform StrawPoll was conducting weekly opinion surveys to garner the sentiment of a series of investors. However, this has been paused for the foreseeable future.

•	Dominance (10%) – BTC's overall market dominance is recorded and taken into account.

•	Trends (10%) – Google trends are viewed and analysed to identify strong periods of growth and decline in the market.

## Investment advice

When you overlay the index across the BTC price history chart, the usefulness of the indicator becomes apparent. While this tool may not be laser accurate, it becomes clear that when the indicator enters the lowest 10%, historically, this is the best time to buy BTC. Likewise, when scores reach the upper bands, this is a great time to consolidate profits and sell.

Users of the Crypto Fear and Greed version by Alternative.Me can install and embed the indicator widget to their website with minimal coding skills. However, Alternative.Me claims that despite listing the sources of its information, it is not 'investment advice, financial advice, trading advice, or any other sort of advice'.

## Other options

There are a wide variety of indicators available to the conscientious crypto investor. Models such as Stock to Flow, Pi Cycle Top Indicator, and the Rainbow Price Chart Indicator are all helpful in improving overall decision making.

It is important to view the Bitcoin Fear and Greed Index as a part of your crypto toolbox. It is a tool that, together with others, helps to form a picture of the current state of market conditions.


scared man and greedy man on blue background

Bitcoin Fear and Greed Index Explained 

Among the most popular Bitcoin mining pools available on the market today is MetaMining Club.

Based in Abuja, Nigeria, MetaMining Club is Africa's fastest growing blockchain mining operation and provides its clients with the opportunity to benefit from the mining of Bitcoin with minimal effort.

## Why mining?

The rise of Bitcoin has left many asking, "how do I get involved?". The recent volatility of crypto market trading means the search for Bitcoin passive income has never been greater.

For some time, one of the most popular methods for making money in crypto has been to get involved in mining. Crypto mining is the validation of transactions across a Proof of Work (PoW) network.

Computers battle to solve complex algorithmic math problems in a competition to process the next block of data on the chain – hence the term blockchain. For doing this, miners are [rewarded a portion of the fees](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptocurrency#Mining) charged to those sending crypto.

Mining Bitcoin has proven to be a very lucrative business, with large mining 'farms' set up worldwide. Some of these operations consist of thousands of mining rigs processing many transactions a day.

As you are probably all aware, mining [Bitcoin uses a massive amount of electricity](/news/article/crypto-mining), so much so that many Bitcoin mining farms look to locate their rigs in cold climates (negating the need for expensive air conditioning) with low electricity rates.

## Pool mining

Mining crypto has become increasingly difficult with recent rises in the cost of electricity and the hardware needed to compute ever-complex calculations. There is, however, a cheaper alternative to setting up your own mining operation. This is what is known as Bitcoin pool mining. With pool mining, no technical knowledge is needed. As the name suggests, you simply contribute to a pooled mining operation that conducts [all the hard work for you](https://river.com/learn/how-bitcoin-mining-pools-work).

[MetaMining Club](https://metaminingclub.com/) can manage the entire process for you – all you have to do is invest your money with them.

MetaMining Club has 10 'packages' to choose from, costing from under £2,500 up to £39,000. Each option promises varied levels of returns. For example, if you opt for the CityBoy package costing 7 million Naira (£12,618), you can expect payouts of somewhere between 480,000 and 880,000 (£865 - £1586). Calculations are a little vague, but the website shows that the expected monthly mining output is somewhere between 0.0029 and 0.0043 BTC. All machines used are S91 Antminers, which can process up to 15.2 Terra hashes per second.

## Risks

MetaMining Club offers the customer the chance to get involved with Bitcoin mining without getting their hands dirty. MetaMining Club hosts machines on their own mining farms and, in turn, connects these machines to major mining pools. This way, MMC can ensure that its returns are among the best in the business.

The high hash rate output is also one of the main reasons MetaMining lub can provide above-average rates of return.

Obviously, investing in crypto comes with risks. However, as miners are not actively trading, the volatility associated with crypto does not have any bearing in this situation. Furthermore, because MetaMining Club connects to mining farms abroad, they do not have to comply with restricting legislation in your resident country.

With any investment, it is important to conduct your own research and due diligence before you decide to part with your hard-earned cash. I advise the same in this situation


Metamining: Earning Passive Income from Bitcoin

Bitcoin has now completed its 11th straight day outside the "Fear" zone on the Crypto Fear and Greed Index, extending its longest stretch since late March. What is today's price?

## What is today's Bitcoin price?

Today's Bitcoin price reached $23,955, its highest level of the year. It has now dropped marginally to $23,687 as of this writing. Meanwhile, sentiment is solidly in the Greed zone, with a score of 61, its highest level since bull run peak on around 16 November, 2021, when it was about $65,000.

## Will the Bitcoin price last? 

Despite the coin's recent strong rebound, market players continue to discuss whether the current price rise is part of a [bull trap](https://seekingalpha.com/article/4573410-bitcoin-bull-trap-fully-loaded-technical-analysis) or whether there is a genuine opportunity for a [bull run.](/news/article/bitcoin-forecast-2023)

The current rise has brought many more holders back into the green. 64% of BTC investors are currently profiting, [according](https://app.intotheblock.com/coin/BTC) to statistics from the blockchain intelligence portal IntoTheBlock. According to on-chain analytics firm Glassnode, those who initially purchased BTC in 2019 are also back in profit. 

## What will be today's BTC price?

The average first-time purchase price for [BTC](/news/article/bitcoin-to-pounds) investors in 2019 was $21,800, implying that those investors are up nearly 9% at $23,687. 

Meanwhile, according to a [survey](https://twitter.com/coingecko/status/1619790705567895552) conducted on 29 January by crypto market platform CoinGecko, 57.7% of 3,725 respondents expect BTC will reach $25,000 this week, while just 21.2% believe BTC will fall below $22,000.

## Analyst views on BTC resurgence

Dr Jeff Ross, the founder and CEO of Vailshire Capital, also gave a technical analysis, predicting that a short-term spike toward $25,000 is possible. 

On 29 January, Blockware's head analyst Joe Burnett warned his 43,900 Twitter followers that BTC will not reach and surpass its all-time high of $69,000 until after the second halving event, which takes place in March 2024.

According to Lyn Alden, a macroeconomist and financial consultant, there may be significant danger ahead, with [potentially risky liquidity circumstances](https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2023/01/10/poor-bitcoin-market-liquidity-keeps-crypto-whales-at-bay/) predicted to jolt the market in the second half of 2023.


What is today's Bitcoin price?

Mercado [Bitcoin](/news/article/btc-price-today) is a Brazilian cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2016. It is centralised, has almost 1 million traders, and has a 24-hour trading volume of around 89.91 from 146 coins and 146 trading pairings. BTC/BRL (42.04) is the most active trading pair on the Mercado Bitcoin exchange. 

With more than 2 million registered clients and over 12 billion reais in transactions through 2019, the company's platform usage volume has increased 15-fold in the last 18 months. Expectations for the following two to three years are considerably higher, with a 100-200x increase predicted.

## How does Mercado Bitcoin expect to grow?

After extensive research into Google Cloud products, it was discovered that they were ideal for the demands of its IT team, particularly in terms of performance, security, stability, and support. Such expansion necessitates a highly scalable infrastructure, increased security, and enhanced application administration. The firm already utilised [Google](/news/article/solana-news-google-becomes-validator) Cloud for a few data storage functions and hosted its platform servers elsewhere.

## Mercado Bitcoin announces first stablecoin

Mercado Bitcoin (MB), [Brazil's](https://www.crypto-news-flash.com/stellar-lumens-gets-first-stablecoin-from-brazil-with-mercado-bitcoin-fostering-ecosystem-growth/) largest cryptocurrency exchange, has announced the debut of its first stablecoin, the MBRL, which is purportedly backed by reais. According to the release, the MBRL stablecoin is on the Stellar (XLM) network. 

However, the cryptocurrency exchange has stated that the MBRL stablecoin would be available on other blockchains. Furthermore, the success of a stablecoin is directly proportional to the number of chains it traverses. The objective is to accelerate the potential for the adoption of blockchain applications in Brazil, and produce solutions that empower clients' daily transactions, stated Reinaldo Rabelo, CEO of MB.

The Stellar community will benefit significantly from Mercado Bitcoin's MBRL stablecoin due to increased on-chain activity. Furthermore, the MBRL stablecoins will pay Stellar Lumens blockchain fees using XLM.

## Partnership with Druid

[Mercado Bitcoin](https://forbes.com.br/forbes-tech/2022/12/mercado-bitcoin-amplia-atuacao-e-estrutura-frente-de-games-e-e-sports/), one of Latin America's leading Bitcoin marketplaces, has launched a gaming and e-sports front, with the first announcement being the sponsorship of the INTZ squad. Druid Creative Gaming, a specialised agency, will be responsible for the strategy, conception, and implementation of MB activities for games, metaverse, activations, and sponsorships for the e-sports market.

Druid and Panamera worked together to create a film that features the streamer Sher as an ambassador. She is the first trans streamer of INTZ and was responsible for organising the first League of Legends for transgender people championship, in addition to winning the 'Best Female Streamer' award at the CCXP Awards. 

As a first initiative, Druid is launching a campaign announcing a relationship with INTZ, intending to merge the segment's present expanding strength with the crypto world's advances.


Green image of mercado bitcoin logo on abstract background

What is Mercado Bitcoin?

Bitcoin (BTC) had a significant price increase at the start of the new year.

However, some experts are still determining if the cryptocurrency will maintain its upward trend in the near to medium term. The significant price increase of BTC, with 14 consecutive days of price rises earlier this month, has [sparked debate](https://cointelegraph.com/news/bitcoin-price-surge-breakthrough-or-bull-trap-pundits-weigh-in) among many as to whether it marks a significant "breakthrough" or is simply a [Bitcoin](/news/article/bitcoin-surge-hits-new-heights) bull trap.

## Experts opinions on the potential for a Bitcoin bull trap

On January 23, James Edwards, a cryptocurrency analyst from the Australian fintech company Finder, told Cointelegraph that the possibility of a "bull trap" is increasing and that the recent surge in the market could be temporary. He explained that as a result, we would see more companies selling off assets as they try to manage their debt by releasing tokens onto the market and remaining financially stable.

Edwards stated that several significant obstacles must be overcome before a new bull market in cryptocurrency can start.

According to Bloomberg Intelligence Senior Commodity Strategist Mike McGlone, the primary obstacle for Bitcoin and cryptocurrency prices is the global economic recession and tightening policies by central banks. He also stated that the macroeconomic ebbing tide is still the primary headwind for Bitcoin and crypto prices.

On January 21, cryptocurrency analyst and swing trader "Capo of Crypto" warned his 710,000 Twitter followers that the past push resistance for [BTC](/news/article/scaramucci-bitcoin-price-prediction) looked like "the biggest bull trap" he has ever seen.

IncomeSharks has a positive outlook, and they shared a chart titled "Wall St. Cheat Sheet" to its 379,300 Twitter followers on January 22, mocking those who believe that the recent price movements are a sign of a "bull trap".

Recently, Sem Agterberg, the CEO and co-founder of CryptoSea, suggested a possible "Bull Flag Breakout" towards $25,000 may be imminent. His series of [tweets](https://twitter.com/rovercrc/status/1616528285164343297) expressed a bullish sentiment toward BTC price action.

Some individuals have chosen not to predict the future price of Bitcoin due to the market's volatility.

## What does the Fear and Greed Index say?

According to [Alternative.me](https://alternative.me/crypto/fear-and-greed-index/), the current value of Bitcoin (BTC) is $22,738 and the Bitcoin Fear and Greed Index is at a neutral level with a score of 50 out of 100. On January 13, the cryptocurrency broke away from the "Fear" zone, recorded at 31, as the BTC price rose for seven consecutive days.


green image f bitcoin and pile of gold with Bitcoin trading image on a mobile phone

Bitcoin Bull or Bubble? The Debate

In the early days of 2023, Bitcoin drives the crypto market and Bonk, a new meme coin, is making waves with its surge.

BTC, the top cryptocurrency, has gained 26% so far this month, including 22% in the past week, rising back above $20,000 and setting it up for its best month since October 2021, shortly before the Big Crypto Crash.

Ether has risen 29% this year, helping push the global cryptocurrency market past $1 trillion, according to CoinGecko. "After a tough year last year for cryptos, we are seeing a type of mean reversion," [said Bespoke Investment Group analyst Jake Gordon](https://www.reuters.com/technology/cryptoverse-bitcoin-is-back-with-bonk-2023-01-17/), referring to asset values returning to long-term norms.

Bitcoin surge drags crypto market up with it
Dogecoin and Shiba Inu have risen by 19% and 27% in 2023. But buyers beware.

Wave Financial co-founder Les Borsai advised investors to be wary of altcoins like DOGE, Shiba Inu, and Bonk. However, speculators are speculating on these tokens.

[Since FTX, the crypto exchange, filed for bankruptcy in November](/news/article/is-crypto-dead), the Solana blockchain has lost funds and users. However, Bonk, a dog-inspired Solana meme coin, is gaining popularity. The Solana token has risen 131% in the first few weeks of 2023, the largest gainer among significant cryptos.

Tom Dunleavy, senior research analyst at data firm Messari, said talk of Solana's death have been "highly overblown". The ecology is strong despite speculation driving price appreciation.

## Crypto reversal too early

Crypto gains were attributed to anticipation that inflation had peaked, decreasing the need for tighter central bank policy. "Bitcoin and crypto tend to front-run everything," said Wave Financial's Borsai.

According to Blockchain.com, Bitcoin trading volumes on major exchanges reached $151 million in a week, the largest in nearly two months. Chainalysis data showed a Bitcoin surge with total BTC flows, including trading and payments, rising by 13,130 BTC in the last seven days, the greatest increase in 64 days.

Market watchers cautioned against premature celebration due to low trading volumes and macroeconomic uncertainty.

"Despite the recent surge we've observed, it's too early to proclaim a definitive reversal for the crypto market," said Prometheum co-founder Aaron Kaplan. He added that if interest rate increases are below market expectations, there will be a benefit to risk assets. This could, he said, see crypto prices continue to trend upward.

Kaplan, however, warned: "There's too much uncertainty right now."


green bitcoin token with transaction background

Bitcoin Surge Hits New Heights for early 2023

Hopes for a cryptocurrency market recovery have created a bullish Bitcoin price prediction for 2025.

In 2022, the cryptocurrency market experienced a significant decline in value, losing around $1.4 trillion. The industry was plagued by liquidity problems and several bankruptcies, culminating in [the failure of the exchange FTX](/news/article/is-crypto-dead).

However, according to Anthony Scaramucci, 2023 will be a year of recovery for Bitcoin. He predicts it could reach $50,000 to $100,000 within the next two to three years. He also emphasized that investing in Bitcoin involves taking on risk, but as we have faith in its increasing adoption, we could see things going the right way.

## Why are experts expecting a bull run in 2024-2025?

Interviews with industry experts by [CNBC revealed](https://www.cnbc.com/2023/01/16/bitcoin-price-prediction-2023-investors-see-12000-to-30000.html) that the crypto market goes through regular cycles every four years. These cycles involve the cryptocurrency reaching an all-time high, followed by a significant correction and a period of recovery. The key event that precedes these cycles is known as "halving," where the rewards for mining Bitcoin are cut in half.

This slows down the supply of Bitcoin in the market, as there will only ever be a maximum of 21 million in circulation. Halving events, historically, have been followed by a bullish market trend, with the next halving set to occur in 2024. And for that reason, when we see a Bitcoin price prediction 2025, we tend to have a [bullish outlook](/news/article/will-bitcoin-go-back-up).

Nevertheless, Meltem Demirors cautioned that the events of 2022 have inflicted severe harm to the reputation of the cryptocurrency industry and the asset class as a whole. He said it would require some time for trust to be restored.

## Other factors that could influence Bitcoin pricing

As well as watching the cryptocurrency market, it is worth paying attention to the broader economic situation. We have already seen a strong correlation between crypto and risk-oriented assets such as stocks, specifically the technology-heavy Nasdaq. These assets are impacted by fluctuations in interest rates determined by the Federal Reserve and other macroeconomic factors.

Last year, the Federal Reserve's attempts to decrease inflation by raising interest rates resulted in negative effects on risk assets.

green image of anthony Scaramucci pointing at falling bitcoins

Bitcoin price prediction 2025: Scaramucci's view