Over the last few years, Bitcoin (BTC) has garnered mainstream acceptance by major Wall Street institutions and continues to attract curious retail investors with each halving cycle. Crypto market observers will be monitoring the upcoming halving with great interest and scrutiny, recognizing its significance for the crypto industry going forward.

The halving takes place on the Bitcoin Network approximately every four years, reducing the supply of the cryptocurrency by half to create a scarcity effect and combat inflation, likening it to digital gold. Historically, it signals the start of a new cycle and bull market, but this time around, there are some unique aspects.

Supply And Demand

Bitcoin has historically experienced substantial price increases following previous halvings in 2012, 2016, and 2020, with gains of approximately 93x, 30x, and 8x, respectively. However, some caution that the days of such significant impacts on the price due to halvings may be waning as the supply diminishes every four years.

Nevertheless, Steven Lubka, head of private clients and family offices at Swan Bitcoin, suggests that this year might warrant a more optimistic outlook for post-halving returns, especially given the accelerated start of the Bitcoin bull cycle due to the approval of spot ETFs in January. In fact, many experts believe that this Bitcoin bull cycle may very well be shorter and more explosive by comparison, reaching its peak in late 2024 or early 2025.

Traditionally, whale demand for Bitcoin has spiked following each halving, driving prices upward. However, this year, whale demand, comprising original Bitcoin enthusiasts, new investors, and BTC ETF holders, is at an all-time high even before the block reward reduction.

Impact On Miners

The halving occurs when incentives for BTC miners are halved, approximately every 210,000 blocks or four years, as dictated by the code of the Bitcoin blockchain. These miners, who validate and record new blocks of Bitcoin transactions on the blockchain by solving complex mathematical problems, have two main incentives, namely transaction fees paid by senders for faster processing and mining rewards, currently 6.25 BTC, or roughly $437,500.

Sometime between April 18th and April 21st, the mining rewards will decrease to 3.125 BTC. This reduction in block rewards decreases the supply of BTC by slowing down the creation of new Bitcoins, reinforcing the concept of the crypto as digital gold with a finite supply, ultimately capped at 21 million BTC as per the Bitcoin code.

Lastly, the key aspect investors need to grasp about the halving and its potential market impact is that miners regularly sell a significant portion of the Bitcoin they earn to cover operational expenses.

April 15th, 2024, marked the filing day for taxes in the United States, so in honor of the occasion, and given how popular cryptocurrencies have become over the years, various tax experts have provided their top advice for American cryptocurrency holders and expatriates.

For starters, Tyler Menzer, a CPA, warns against using default settings on online tax-preparation software, especially concerning cryptocurrency gains. Many platforms use the highest-in, first-out (HIFO) method, which may inadvertently increase taxes. Selling long-term assets, held for over a year, can result in lower tax rates compared to short-term assets. Taxpayers can opt for the specific identification method to sell long-term assets first, potentially reducing their tax liability significantly.

An Extension May Be Beneficial

Robert W. Wood, a tax attorney at Wood LLP, suggests considering an extension until Oct 15th, which does not necessarily raise the likelihood of an audit. Extending the tax filing deadline is an option at no cost, however, keep in mind that the six-month extension will not postpone the payment deadline.

While there are different opinions on what triggers an audit, there is currently no data indicating that tax returns filed on extension face higher audit chances. In fact, filing for an extension might even lower the risk of an audit. Rushed filings at the deadline can sometimes lead to mistakes or oversights that might prompt an audit. Extensions provide time to gather records, explore reporting options, and seek professional advice, ensuring accurate filing immediately.

Concerning Foreigners

Justin Wilcox, a partner at FML CPAs, provided useful information for foreigners. He highlighted the potential for tax exemption under the foreign earned income exclusion for those earning income abroad and spending fewer than 35 days annually in the United States.

According to Justin, if an individual has worked overseas as a U.S. citizen in 2023, they could potentially exclude up to $120,000 in wages in federal taxes, along with a housing exclusion, which varies by country. However, eligibility requires meeting the tax home test and one of two residency requirements, namely the physical presence test or bona fide residence test.

Crystal Stranger, CEO of Optic Tax, advises against confusing the foreign earned income exclusion with the foreign tax credit. While the FEIE excludes foreign income concerning U.S. taxes, the FTC offsets U.S. taxes with foreign taxes paid. The choice between them depends on various factors, including the tax rates in the host country and potential future tax changes in the U.S.

A wave of significant funding rounds is reshaping the landscape of blockchain and DeFi innovation. Inference Labs has secured an impressive $2.3M in Pre-Seed funding, poised to redefine Blockchain Infrastructure, with backing by the esteemed Delphi Digital. Aligned Layer celebrates a milestone with a $2.6M Seed round, solidifying its position in the sector, supported by Lemniscap. Gull Network pioneers the DeFi landscape, closing a successful $1.6M Private Token Sale with support by Morningstar Ventures. Multisynq joins the ranks of innovators with a $2.2M Seed round, backed by Manifold. Berachain makes headlines with a monumental $100M Series B round, garnering support by Framework Ventures. Mayan positions itself for success with a $3M Seed round backed by 6th Man Ventures. BounceBit forms a strategic alliance with Binance Labs, paving the way for future growth in the DeFi landscape. NavyAI spearheads innovation with crucial support by AlfaDAO at the Seed stage. Bored Slot celebrates success with a $10M Strategic investment by LD Capital, poised for expansion in the GameFi sector. Sortium gains confidence in its vision for the GameFi space with a $4M undisclosed funding round backed by Signum Capital. Tomo advances the social landscape with a $3.5M Seed round supported by Polychain Capital. Auradine surges forward with an $80M Series B round, backed by Mayfield, signaling its transformative vision for blockchain services. GPU Network receives crucial support with a $5.25M Series A round by Exnetwork Capital. Alpen Labs drives innovation with a $10.6M Seed round supported by Ribbit Capital. Lastly, Zoth sets the stage for future growth and innovation in the DeFi sector with a $2.5M Seed round, backed by Blockchain Founders Fund.

Brazilian UFC fighter Renato Moicano clinched victory in a UFC 300 bout on April 13th, 2024, delivering a memorable speech. More interestingly though, Moicano expressed his desire for his $300,000 bonus to be paid in Bitcoin (BTC), should he win it. Taking to X (formerly Twitter),the request stirred interest among cryptocurrency market participants and enthusiasts.

A Need To Self-Educate

Regardless of the request though, Max Holloway ended up securing the $300K Performance of the Night bonus following an impressive win against Justin Gaethje. Despite missing out on the bonus, Renato Moicano displayed sportsmanship, stating that Max was well deserving of the prize.

Max went on to say that he loves America, the Constitution, the First Amendment, and owning property, before telling his fans that if they truly care about their country and financial wellbeing, they must read Ludwig Von Mises and the Six Lessons of the Austrian Economic School. The reference to Ludwig Von Mises and the Austrian Economic School stems via the book titled Economic Policy: Thoughts for Today and Tomorrow, by Mises.

Looking Ahead

Notably, Bitcoin embodies many Austrian Economic principles applied to the concept of money. The insights by Mises into inflation and its detrimental impacts on global economies highlight the significance of Bitcoin as a financial tool capable of addressing such issues while simultaneously serving as an inflation hedge.

Despite Satoshi Nakamoto originally designing Bitcoin to be a P2P electronic cash system, BTC encounters challenges as a medium of exchange. For instance, average network fees have surged to levels comparable to the global average daily income, as reported by Finbold.

Yet, Bitcoin enthusiasts like Renato Moicano persist in utilizing BTC as money, keeping the vision alive. The question arises whether the UFC will indeed entertain payments using the leading cryptocurrency in the near future.

Cryptocurrency influencer Yomi recently offered insights on the anticipated Golden Cross pertaining to Dogecoin (DOGE), emphasizing the necessity of a positive week to regain momentum. Yomi updated followers on the impending weekly Golden Cross after noting two consecutive red weeks causing a slight deviation. Despite this, the meme cryptocurrency has yet to reach this bullish milestone, with Yomi stressing the importance of a green week for recovery.

DOGE Is Back

The tweet is significant given the recent performance of Dogecoin. Despite a notable drop compared to its all-time high, the canine themed cryptocurrency has surged over 77% year-to-date after gaining traction on social media during the 2020 and 2021 bull market.

The analysis by Yomi is relevant amid recent bullish sentiment, with the cryptocurrency surpassing Pinterest and DraftKings in market cap. Traders anticipate DOGE Day on April 20th, an event celebrating the unveiling of the Bronze Dog, likely initiating another meme coin season if the circumstances are right.

SHIB On The Come Up

Meanwhile, the Shiba Inu (SHIB) community has witnessed a surprising surge in whale activity despite a 12% price drop and market turmoil. Large holders have accumulated SHIB tokens by 570%, suggesting strategic planning for future gains.

Coinciding with this influx, SHIB experienced a 276.25% surge in large transaction volume, indicative of institutional or whale activity. Potential scenarios driving this include strategic accumulation at discounted prices and movement to cold storage for long-term gains. Despite market volatility, the resilience and whale activity displayed by SHIB hint at bullish sentiment, with influencers like Rekt Capital and CRYPTO SHERIFF predicting significant price rallies.

Bitcoin (BTC) encountered a substantial downturn recently, witnessing a decline that pushed its value downward by approximately $5,000 within hours. Numerous altcoins also experienced significant price drops exceeding 10% within a 24 hour timeframe. The rising dominance of Bitcoin during this correction signifies poor performance by altcoins. Though some have rebounded, various 24 hour charts still reflect significant losses.

Major losers among higher-cap altcoins include XRP (-11%), SOL (-13%), DOGE (-13%), ADA (-13%), AVAX (-18%), SHIB (-12.5%), BCH (-10.5%), DOT (-13.5%), LINK (-14%), among others. Meme coins were also heavily affected, experiencing losses of up to 30% in certain cases. At one point, the total crypto market cap dropped by over $200 billion, and although it has slightly recovered since, it remains below $2.6 trillion.

An Inevitable Decline

The week had initially shown promise for the flagship cryptocurrency. Starting strong on Monday, Bitcoin surged to a four-week peak of over $72,500 amidst rising demand for spot ETFs. However, it failed to sustain this momentum, retracing to $67,500 by Wednesday following the announcement of higher-than-expected March inflation data in the US. Despite some recovery in the following days, with a brief challenge of $71,000 on Friday, Bitcoin faced a sharp correction triggered by recent US Fed statements on monetary policy, resulting in a massive drop and nearly $1 billion in liquidations.

Despite Bitcoin managing to recover some ground, its market capitalization has fallen to $1.330 trillion on CoinMarketCap. A silver lining is the increase in the dominance of Bitcoin to 51.7%, up over 1% in a day. The crash also impacted other financial markets, including gold.

Other Markets

El Salvador saw its economy show resilience recently, surpassing GDP projections. Elsewhere, Wall Street grapples with uncertainty amid a barrage of adverse news especially after the Iranian attack. The European Central Bank hints at interest rate cuts in June, while tech giants face financial strains, leading to aggressive creditor actions. Latin America emerges as a promising center for food oil production.

Geopolitically, Iran extends its influence through allied groups, and Ukraine engages in bond restructuring amidst tensions with Russia. Commodity markets react to bans on Russian metal imports. Former US President Trump remains active in SPAC deals despite financial setbacks. Notably, Ghana secures IMF funds amidst economic challenges, and the Qatar Royal Family bolsters its position with a substantial fortune. Lastly, India implements emergency measures to manage summer energy demand, while Ukraine reports escalating conflicts in the east amidst Russian aggression.

The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) is reportedly poised to greenlight spot ETFs directly investing in Bitcoin and Ethereum as of this coming Monday, as per insider sources. CryptoWeekly previously reported how Chinese equity funds were chasing spot Bitcoin ETF approval via Hong Kong, and it looks like that goal is now turning into a reality.

Awaiting Approval

The international arm of Harvest Fund Management Co., namely Bosera Asset Management (International) Co., and HashKey Capital are anticipated issuers gaining SFC approval for these spot to crypto ETFs. Anonymity was requested by sources due to the non-public nature of this information.

In any case, both entities currently await SFC and Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Ltd. approval, aiming to finalize listing particulars and launch the ETFs by the end of the month. The schedule remains fluid, subject to potential last-minute adjustments.

A Resurgence

In related developments, HSBC recently released a statement regarding cryptocurrencies, affirming rigorous testing procedures. This approval expectation follows reports earlier this week of Harvest intending to pursue a spot Bitcoin ETF launch in the region. On April 9th, the SFC authorized Harvest and China Asset Management to offer virtual asset fund management services.

The US introduction of spot Bitcoin ETFs on January 11th triggered a crypto market resurgence this year. Collectively, these 11 ETFs have amassed nearly $59 billion in assets, propelling BTC prices to a record high of $73,798 in mid-March.

Cryptocurrency analyst Michaël van de Poppe predicts the potential for Bitcoin (BTC) to reach a new all-time high (ATH) against the USD before the upcoming halving event, while alternative cryptocurrencies face a challenging period.

New Potential ATH

In a recent tweet, van de Poppe shared his analysis of the current crypto market, highlighting an encounter by Bitcoin with a crucial resistance level. He anticipates that if the flagship crypto manages to breach the $71,000 to 72,000 range, it could set a new ATH before the halving event. Additionally, he observed a significant decline in altcoins compared to Bitcoin, suggesting an imminent rotation.

The timing of the tweet coincides with Bitcoin surpassing the $70,000 milestone on Thursday, as seen on CoinGecko. Bitcoin has recorded a 4.6% gain this week, with a substantial 67.8% increase since the beginning of the year.

Excitement For The Halving

In any case, the recent surge exhibited by Bitcoin when it went above $70,000 has been linked to various factors, including positive Producer Price Index (PPI) data and increased interest shown by wealthy investors, such as the R360 investment club.

The upcoming Bitcoin halving event, scheduled for April 20th, 2024, is anticipated to have a significant impact on the mining industry, according to a recent JPMorgan report. The aforementioned tweet suggests that this event could play a crucial role in the future price trajectory for BTC. Elsewhere, the rise in daily transactions of Shiba Inu (SHIB) by 1,082% indicates continued bullish sentiment towards SHIB, according to CoinMarketCap.

A groundbreaking political development has unfolded regarding the integration of cryptocurrency into the daily lives of London residents, spearheaded by a mayoral candidate. The plan entails distributing £100 worth of a new digital token, dubbed the LONDON token, to every individual residing in the city.

Following The Trend

This initiative, fueled by a billion-pound fund sourced through a one-time tax on financial sector profits, aims not only to introduce cryptocurrency into the economic landscape of London but also to pilot its use in urban administration and everyday transactions.

The LONDON token, championed by mayoral candidate Brian Benedict Rose, aims to revolutionize the local political and economic landscape, enabling its use for transportation, council payments, and parking charges. Funded through a 1% tax on financial sector profits, the initiative seeks to provide all London residents with equitable access to financial activities, positioning London as a leading crypto capital.

Beyond its practical applications, Rose plans aims to enhance financial literacy and empower Londoners financially. By partnering with crypto leaders and establishing an education platform, the initiative seeks to educate residents on digital wallets, asset purchase, and blockchain participation, targeting all demographics.

Enhancing Universal Access

The proposal, part of the broader mayoral campaign, not only introduces cryptocurrency innovation but also strives for universal financial literacy and access. The integration of the LONDON token into the London infrastructure aims to enhance domestic financial literacy and empowerment.

The reception of this proposal among Londoners remains uncertain, and its impact on the economic future of London and the monetary relationship between residents and their city remains to be seen. However, its emergence in political discourse signals a growing acceptance of digital financial solutions at the local level, potentially inspiring confidence in cities worldwide.

Longtime MarginFi leader Edgar Pavlovsky has stepped down amidst various reports of internal discord at mrgn, which is the builder of the protocol. The former CEO of MarginFi resigned on Wednesday as internal fissures at the major Solana DeFi project became public.

Pavlovsky cited disagreements with internal and external practices as reasons for his resignation. MarginFi experienced a tumultuous day with significant capital outflows following the departure of Pavlovsky.

The Pressure Is Mounting

The protocol is under intense pressure to launch a new crypto asset for its users. The pressure stems via Telegram, X, and various other sources. In addition, a lot of individuals feel as if they have been farmed for TVL without actually receiving the airdrop which they would have expected through a points program.

MarginFi, MacBrennan, and mrgn had little to say about when, if at all, they would launch a governance token that decentralizes decision-making. Such an asset would theoretically allow holders to vote on operations concerning MarginFi. If it were airdropped to users, it would most likely result in a windfall for the thousands of point earners who have farmed MarginFi since July 2023.

Damage Control

The company assured users that operations would continue unaffected despite the leadership transition. MarginFi had faced issues with its withdrawal function and a lack of communication regarding reward payouts, leading to dissatisfaction among some users. Pavlovsky acknowledged organizational shortcomings as a primary issue.

Now that Edgar has stepped down, the future of MarginFi is uncertain, with potential successors like MacBrennan Peet emerging. Solend, a competitor, capitalized on these struggles by offering an airdrop to users who switched to their platform. Moreover, the future plans of MarginFi regarding a governance token remain unclear. Despite the upheaval, the collaborative event between MarginFi and Cypher, mtnDAO, will proceed as scheduled. Pavlovsky expressed a willingness to reflect and evolve following his resignation.

The SEC recently initiated legal proceedings against UniSwap (UNI) with the aim of impeding the rapid expansion of the DeFi sector. The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has served a Wells Notice to Uniswap, the primary platform in decentralized finance (DeFi), notifying the company of its intention to initiate legal action.

Another Investigation

Uniswap is currently under investigation by the SEC. The specific allegations against Uniswap Labs, the entity behind the Uniswap protocol but lacking control over it, remain unclear. However, drawing on recent lawsuits against other cryptocurrency firms such as Coinbase, it is possible that the SEC may assert that Uniswap Labs is offering unregistered securities to the public or operating without registration as a broker or exchange.

Recently, Uniswap announced that its protocol has facilitated over $2 trillion in transactions, indicating the increasing interest from mainstream finance in this technology. Sources close to Uniswap Labs informed Fortune that the company is gearing up for a legal battle in court, asserting that its decision to operate transparently in New York rather than offshore underscores its legitimacy.

Fighting Back

In response to the litigation threat by the SEC, UniSwap founder Hayden Adams confirmed that Uniswap Labs indeed received a Wells notice courtesy of the SEC. Hayden went on to say that he is not taken aback, but rather, he is simply infuriated, frustrated, and ready to defend both Uniswap and its community.

However, the founder continued, it has become evident over time that the SEC has opted to target reputable organizations like Uniswap and Coinbase instead of establishing clear and informed regulations. Meanwhile, entities like FTX have been overlooked. This legal battle will likely extend over years, possibly reaching the Supreme Court, with the future of financial technology and the crypto sector hanging in the balance.

Hayden concluded his statement by stating that together, the community can emerge victorious and that the pursuit of freedom is indeed worth fighting for.

The recent prohibition imposed by the Philippines Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Binance has sparked concern among Filipino crypto investors regarding the status of their digital assets. According to Attorney Paolo Ong, representing the SEC, the ban forms part of broader regulatory measures aimed at ensuring compliance, encompassing not only Binance but also other platforms operating without adherence to regulations.

A Major Crackdown

The situation surrounding Binance reflects the wider regulatory crackdown on crypto exchanges in the Philippines, with about 14 platforms barred in 2023 for similar non-compliance issues. Ong stressed that the SEC is not solely targeting Binance, indicating a uniform approach to safeguarding investors.

In a similar context, eToro received warnings for lacking necessary registrations and licenses, echoing regulatory challenges faced by Binance. Both platforms were flagged for operating without SEC approval, underscoring the importance of adhering to regulatory standards in the region. Regarding concerns of Binance users regarding accessing their funds, Ong mentioned the existence of a grace period initiated through a November advisory, providing ample time for users to transfer their assets from the platform.

Mixed Opinions

The SEC is in the process of drafting regulations to regulate the burgeoning crypto transactions in the Philippines, which amounted to $80 billion in 2023. The establishment of the Innovation Office aims to educate the public on the risks and opportunities associated with new financial technologies, while finalizing the regulatory framework.

Despite the clear stance of the SEC, neither Binance nor eToro has sought a license to operate in the Philippines, indicating a gap in efforts to comply with local financial regulations. While some would claim that this situation underscores the commitment by the SEC to protecting investors and ensuring that financial platforms operate within the confines of the legal framework, others believe that this is simply another attempt by the authorities to curb freedom and financial independence, two aspects which the cryptocurrency community deem crucial.