Research Summary
The report covers a range of topics including MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin profits, the postponement of a criminal judgment against Binance founder CZ, and the performance of various cryptocurrencies. It also discusses the inflation rate in the US, the submission of a spot Ethereum ETF application by Franklin Templeton to the SEC, and the warning issued by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand on stablecoins and other cryptocurrencies.
Key Takeaways
MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin Profits
- MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin Holdings: MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin holdings have surpassed $10 billion, with profits exceeding $4 billion. The company held 190,000 Bitcoins at the end of January, purchased for a total of $5.93 billion, equating to $31,224 per token.
Spot Ethereum ETF Application
- Franklin Templeton’s Application: Franklin Templeton has submitted an application to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for a spot Ethereum ETF. The asset management firm joins the ranks of BlackRock, Fidelity, Ark and 21Shares, Grayscale, VanEck, Invesco, Galaxy, and Hashdex, among others, which have all submitted applications in recent months.
Warning on Stablecoins and Other Cryptocurrencies
- Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s Warning: New Zealand Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr has issued a warning regarding stablecoins and other cryptocurrencies, asserting that they cannot replace fiat currencies. Orr stated that stablecoins are the “biggest misnomer” and a “contradictory concept.” Stablecoins are not stable, as their value entirely depends on the balance sheet of their issuer. Fiat currencies are more trustworthy than stablecoins because they are backed by government support.
Criminal Judgment Against CZ Postponed
- Postponement of CZ’s Criminal Judgment: The criminal sentencing regarding money laundering charges against Binance founder CZ has been postponed until April 30th. The reason for the sentencing delay remains unclear. CZ’s lawyer, William Burck, declined to comment on the postponement, and the U.S. Department of Justice has not responded to this delay. CZ was originally scheduled to be sentenced on February 23rd.
Bitcoin Denominated in Yen Hits Historic High
- Bitcoin’s Historic High in Yen: Bitcoin reached a historic high of 7.9 million yen on the Japanese cryptocurrency exchange bitFLYER earlier this week. In comparison, the price of Bitcoin in USD stands at $52,000, marking a 32% difference from its all-time high of $69,000 set in November 2021. This price differential reflects the pressure on the Japanese yen amid the Bank of Japan’s (BOJ) sustained loose monetary policy and inflationary resurgence. Japan’s core inflation climbed by 3.1% in 2023, marking the largest increase since 1982, while the yen depreciated by 8% in 2023.
Actionable Insights
- Monitor MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin Holdings: Given the significant profits MicroStrategy has made from its Bitcoin holdings, it may be beneficial to monitor the company’s future cryptocurrency investments and strategies.
- Track Progress of Spot Ethereum ETF Applications: With Franklin Templeton and other major firms submitting applications for a spot Ethereum ETF to the SEC, tracking the progress of these applications could provide insights into the potential future of Ethereum and its acceptance in the mainstream financial market.
- Consider Warnings on Stablecoins: The warning issued by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand regarding stablecoins and other cryptocurrencies highlights the potential risks associated with these digital assets. It may be prudent to consider these warnings when evaluating investment strategies in the cryptocurrency market.
- Follow Legal Developments Around Binance Founder: The postponement of the criminal judgment against Binance founder CZ could have implications for Binance, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges. Following these legal developments could provide insights into the potential impact on the cryptocurrency market.
- Observe Bitcoin’s Performance in Different Currencies: The historic high of Bitcoin denominated in yen, compared to its value in USD, underscores the influence of monetary policies and inflation rates on cryptocurrency prices. Observing Bitcoin’s performance in different currencies could offer a more nuanced understanding of its value and potential future trends.
