Crypto Daily Roundup, 29 Nov: Is the Santa Claus Rally Kicking In

Top-performing cryptocurrencies in the past 24 hours

Top-performing cryptocurrencies in the past 24 hours:

TOP 5 Gainers Coins

Crypto News Key Highlights:

• Federal Reserve officials Waller and Bowman, who previously advocated for higher interest rates, now suggest a possible pause in rate hikes. Waller sees current policy as effective in slowing the economy and targeting a 2% inflation goal. Bowman remains open to rate hikes based on inflation progress but doesn't explicitly endorse an increase next month. The softer stance signals potential for a pause in December amid economic cooling.

• The SEC has taken the next steps in evaluating Franklin Templeton and Hashdex's Bitcoin ETF proposals, requesting written comments on the Forms 19b-4. The open 35-day period invites input on issues such as susceptibility to manipulation and the size of hosting exchanges. The SEC extended the deadline for the decision to approve or deny the ETFs.

• A media report alleges serious ties between Noah Perlman, Binance's Chief Compliance Officer, and Jeffrey Epstein, Gemini's troubled Earn program, and Moonstone Bank. Perlman faces scrutiny over family connections to Epstein, Gemini's alleged fraud, and his role in Moonstone Bank, adding potential trouble for Binance.

• Decentralized Bitcoin mining pool OCEAN secured $6.2 million in a seed funding round led by Jack Dorsey. OCEAN's non-custodial payout system aims to decentralize Bitcoin mining, eliminating risks associated with traditional pools. Dorsey expressed support for OCEAN's mission, emphasizing the importance of decentralization in preserving key Bitcoin attributes.

• Bitcoin (BTC) strengthens, gaining 3% and nearing $38,000 in the last 24 hours, extending weekly gains to 4.5%. On-chain data reveals a significant outflow of Bitcoins from exchanges, reaching a five-year low. Analysts note Bitcoin's resilience and potential for a bullish trend, despite regulatory scrutiny and absence of ETF approval.

• An unidentified whale transferred 25 million XRP, valued at $15.19 million, to Bitstamp, as per data from blockchain tracker Whale Alert. The wallet, noted for significant XRP movements to exchanges, suggests increased supply. Despite this, XRP experienced a 2.08% price increase in the last 24 hours, reaching $0.6112, conflicting with traditional market expectations.

• Coinbase notified users of a subpoena from the CFTC in its inquiry into Dubai-based crypto exchange Bybit. Analysts suggest the CFTC, shifting focus from Binance, may be probing Bybit's dealings with U.S. users, potentially scrutinizing transfers to Coinbase. Bybit's 'AA' rating underscores its standing in the global crypto derivatives market.

• Digital Currency Group (DCG) and its subsidiary, Genesis Global Holdco LLC, have agreed to a revised payment arrangement settling a lawsuit seeking $620 million. Genesis will receive approximately $200 million by early 2024, with DCG obligated to fulfill the outstanding payments. The resolution aims to avoid protracted litigation amid Genesis's bankruptcy proceedings.

• Attorney John Deaton predicts that BlackRock may increase its equity investment in Coinbase ($COIN) due to the exchange's potential role as a preferred custodian for institutional spot Bitcoin ETF filings. This follows BlackRock's existing 7.82% ownership of Coinbase shares.

Also read - 24 Crypto Update, 28 Nov: Fed's Waller's Dovish Talk Boosts Crypto