Luc Jose A.

As Bitcoin appears to slide below 70,000 USD, a wave of panic is settling among short-term speculators. In just a few hours, nearly 54,000 BTC, worth about 3.76 billion dollars, were transferred to exchanges, marking one of the largest sell-offs in recent months. This massive influx of assets reflects a negative dynamic for the market, particularly among short-term holders who, faced with volatility, choose to liquidate their positions. Such a situation results not only from a temporary market adjustment but from a sense of urgency that raises concerns about the future price movement of the flagship cryptocurrency.

Peter Brandt's pessimistic forecasts, one of the most seasoned traders on the financial scene, plunge the crypto community into palpable anxiety. Indeed, the price of Ethereum could well collapse to $1550, a level rarely seen in recent years. In a context of widespread correction in the crypto market, this prediction shocks as much as it raises concerns. Ethereum, often considered one of the cornerstones of the sector, is indeed mired in a pronounced downward spiral, with no signs of recovery appearing on the horizon.

The extent of the fine imposed on Google by Russia leaves the world speechless. For the first time, a sanction with 36 zeros falls on a tech giant, defying all known economic measures. This insane amount, which far exceeds the global GDP, marks an unprecedented step in the war for digital sovereignty. Through this unprecedented penalty, Russia denounces the removal of Russian accounts and media channels by Google on its YouTube platform, an action it sees as a direct encroachment on its media sovereignty.

Could the veil over the identity of Satoshi Nakamoto, the anonymous creator of Bitcoin, finally be lifted? This is at least what Stephen Mollah, a British macroeconomist of Asian descent, claims during an unexpected announcement in London on Thursday, October 31, 2024. In a crypto world where every rumor can destabilize markets and reignite debates, one man's claim to be the mysterious inventor of Bitcoin sparks particular interest, straddling fascination and skepticism. As the debate over the true identity of Satoshi Nakamoto continues to captivate experts and investors, this assertion could well reopen the hunt for one of the best-kept secrets of the modern financial universe.

At the occasion of the World Congress on Innovation and Technology 2024, in Armenia from October 5 to 7, Nvidia unveiled ambitious projects to democratize humanoid robots that incorporate advanced artificial intelligence. "Soon, these machines could live and work alongside us," said Rev Lebaredian, Nvidia's Vice President. This announcement echoes the rise of AI across all sectors of society. At the heart of this ambition, Nvidia envisions a revolution similar to that of smartphones, making all these robots that will imitate both human appearance and behavior accessible.

As Bitcoin flirts with the symbolic threshold of $72,000, investors, energized by recent gains, are showing signs of "extreme greed." The "Fear and Greed Index," traditionally monitored by them to anticipate corrections, is reaching alarming levels. This momentum is further exacerbated by an explosion of short position liquidations, with $48 million evaporated in a single day.

While the market is experiencing a resurgence, Ripple's cryptocurrency unfortunately stands out due to significant stagnation. If the soaring prices of Bitcoin and other altcoins invigorate traders' enthusiasm, XRP seems unable to keep up with the trend. Once among the most promising cryptos, it now shows the worst performance in the top 10 of the market.

On Tuesday, October 29, 2024, Brussels approved a drastic increase in customs tariffs on electric vehicles imported from China. Such a measure follows a thorough investigation into the massive subsidies granted by Beijing to its national manufacturers. For Europe, it is a matter of industrial survival. While some applaud a necessary step to protect a struggling automotive market, others fear global economic repercussions.

On Tuesday, October 29, 2024, Saudi Arabia took a major strategic step by launching the largest ETF in the Middle East, backed by Chinese stocks listed in Hong Kong. Indeed, this exchange-traded fund, named Albilad CSOP MSCI Hong Kong China Equity ETF, goes beyond a mere financial operation, as it is part of a long-term vision aimed at consolidating the relationships between these two economic powers. In the face of volatility in the Chinese markets and global economic uncertainties, this launch is a clear indicator of Saudi ambitions to diversify their partnerships and increase their influence on the international financial stage.

Indonesia, one of the most dynamic economies in Southeast Asia, has made a radical decision by banning the sale of the latest iPhone 16. While Apple was counting on this new model, boosted by artificial intelligence, to drive its global sales, this setback shows how local geopolitical and economic stakes can disrupt the strategies of tech giants. The measure, taken by the Indonesian government, marks a sudden halt in Apple's quest for expansion in this region, which is essential for its future growth.

Bitcoin has shown spectacular performance in recent weeks, on the eve of the 2024 U.S. presidential elections. Indeed, the price of Bitcoin, which surpassed the $71,000 mark in October, seems to benefit from a particular economic context and increased attention from investors. But is this renewed interest in Bitcoin merely temporary, or does it reveal a deeper trend, particularly related to the imminent American election? According to VanEck, a major player in the investment field, current signals suggest a "very bullish" configuration for Bitcoin, a situation that strangely resembles the 2020 election.

Solana, one of Ethereum's most dynamic challengers, has reached a significant milestone by generating more daily fees than Ethereum this Monday, October 28, 2024. In a context where speed and transaction costs are becoming major selling points to attract users, Solana seems to be making a decisive mark.

As the debate over budgetary receipts rages on and tensions mount, a new tax of 40 billion euros could further destabilize France's already fragile economy. In a statement this Sunday, October 27, Pierre Lellouche, former minister, sounded the alarm: "the French economy will suffer a shock that will bring it to a halt at the worst possible moment." This heavy statement comes in a context where economic recovery is more necessary than ever, but where room for maneuver is shrinking day by day.