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South Korea’s Financial Services Commission (FSC) is launching an investigation into the transaction fees charged by local cryptocurrency exchanges, aiming to lower trading costs for users, as reported by Herald Economy. This initiative aligns with the pro-crypto stance of newly elected President Lee Jae-myung, who pledged during his campaign to reduce fees to support young traders. The FSC will survey domestic platforms to evaluate their fee structures, charging methods, and collected amounts, comparing them to international standards to determine if they impose an excessive burden on consumers. While no specific target commission rate has been established, the FSC intends to develop policy standards based on this comparative analysis and user preferences. The investigation was announced during a policy briefing before the State Affairs Planning Committee, part of the presidential transition team for Lee’s administration. This move reflects South Korea’s broader effort to create a more user-friendly crypto trading environment amidst growing interest in digital assets.
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Crypto markets faced further declines on Thursday as major cryptocurrencies like XRP, Cardano’s ADA, and Solana’s SOL dropped over 1% in 24 hours, while dogecoin fell 10% for the week, erasing June gains. Ether also lost 0.7%, reversing earlier progress. The downturn coincides with heightened fears of conflict in the Middle East and a strengthening dollar. Despite the slump, U.S. spot bitcoin ETFs attracted $389 million in inflows on Wednesday, and spot ETH ETFs saw $19 million in positive flows. Meanwhile, U.S. officials are reportedly considering a strike on Iran, and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell warned that tariffs and global tensions could worsen inflation, impacting consumers directly. With rates unchanged, the Fed seeks more data before cuts, adding to market uncertainty. Altcoins, seen as riskier, are often first to be sold off during macroeconomic stress. Bitcoin, up 13% year-to-date due to ETF inflows and dollar weakness, remains stuck in a range, neither reacting to risk appetite nor surging like gold amid conflict, according to FxPro analyst Alex Kuptsikevich.
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Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH) is staging a notable comeback, surging 30% in the last 90 days after underperforming in 2023 and 2024. Four key catalysts suggest this rally could be the start of a longer-term trend. First, cooling inflation at 2.4% and potential Federal Reserve rate cuts are creating a favorable macro environment for riskier assets like crypto. Second, institutional investors are pouring in, with $205 million flowing into Ethereum products in a single week in May and nearly $900 million over 16 days by mid-June, signaling long-term commitment. Third, the Pectra upgrade, set for late 2025, promises to enhance user experience, security, and cost stability, likely driving demand. Lastly, staking has hit a record 34.6 million coins (29% of supply), locking up supply and supporting price growth as investors prioritize yield. While risks like macro shocks or upgrade issues remain, Ethereum’s outlook appears stronger than it has in months, bolstered by easing inflation, institutional backing, technological advancements, and staking trends.
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Bitmain, Canaan, and MicroBT, which dominate over 99% of the global Bitcoin mining ASIC market, are establishing production facilities in the US to evade steep tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on Chinese imports, currently at 25% after previously surpassing 100%. According to a Reuters report, this strategic shift aims to mitigate the economic burden of these tariffs amid a thriving US Bitcoin industry. A University of Cambridge study highlights the market's oligopolistic structure, with Bitmain leading at 82%, followed by MicroBT at 15%, and Canaan at 2%. However, geopolitical tensions and tariffs could dampen US demand for mining rigs, potentially pushing surplus inventory to cheaper foreign markets, as noted by Hashlabs Mining CEO Jaran Mellerud. Additionally, Bitmain has faced US customs challenges, including a seizure of 10,000 ASICs in late 2024 due to ties with a sanctioned Chinese firm, resolved only in March. The move to US production raises questions about cost competitiveness compared to China, while the broader impact of geopolitics on Bitcoin mining continues to unfold.
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Sandeep Nailwal, co-founder of Polygon, has assumed sole leadership as CEO of the Polygon Foundation, dissolving the board to address inefficiencies and bring clear direction to the Ethereum scaling project. In an interview with Cointelegraph, Nailwal explained that this shift is crucial for Polygon’s relevance in a maturing crypto ecosystem. The network will phase out its underperforming zkEVM chain by 2026, focusing instead on real-world assets (RWAs) and stablecoin payments through Polygon PoS, while using AggLayer to pursue blockchain interoperability. Despite claiming financial stability, Polygon faces challenges with zkEVM’s declining assets and negative revenue, alongside a significant drop in POL’s market cap from $20 billion to $1.7 billion. Nailwal’s “Gigagas” roadmap aims to scale Polygon to 100,000 transactions per second to compete with modern rivals. His leadership style, rooted in a “servitude mentality” from his upbringing, is evolving from community engagement to prioritizing product excellence, even if it means making unpopular decisions. Community reactions to his takeover are mixed, with some praising his decisive approach and others questioning past strategic missteps. As Polygon refocuses on tangible results and real-world traction, Nailwal sees this as his chance to “go all in,” with the network’s success hinging on meeting ambitious milestones by year-end.
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Robinhood Markets (HOOD) is making waves with its focus on cryptocurrency and robust growth metrics, as highlighted in a recent article on TheStreet. The company's CEO, Vlad Tenev, announced the upcoming "To Catch a Token" event on June 30 in France, marking Robinhood’s first international crypto-focused initiative with promises of groundbreaking reveals. Despite a slight dip in Q1 crypto revenue to $252 million, it still accounts for 43% of transaction revenue, showcasing its significance. May metrics were impressive, with platform assets reaching $255 billion (up 89% year-over-year) and funded customers growing to 25.9 million. Analysts are optimistic, with Mizuho and Goldman Sachs raising price targets to $80 and $82, respectively, driven by strong performance and growth potential in a $600 billion market. Additionally, Robinhood is enhancing its mobile app with tools for simulated options returns and advanced charting. Despite missing an S&P 500 inclusion, the company’s stock has surged over 250% in 2024, bolstered by strategic acquisitions like Bitstamp and a favorable crypto environment under President Trump’s policies. Robinhood continues to position itself as a fintech leader with innovative products and expanding market share.
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ARK Invest, under the leadership of Bitcoin advocate Cathie Wood, has sold nearly $100 million worth of Circle shares in just two days, totaling 642,766 shares, which is 14% of its initial 4.49 million CRCL purchase during Circle’s public launch on June 5. The most recent sale on Tuesday involved 300,108 shares across ARK’s three funds—ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK), ARK Next Generation Internet ETF (ARKW), and ARK Fintech Innovation ETF (ARKF)—for $44.7 million, despite a 1.3% drop in Circle’s stock price to $149. This sell-off coincides with positive developments in the stablecoin sector, including the US Senate’s passage of the GENIUS stablecoin bill by a 68–30 vote. However, the stock decline persisted. While ARK has significantly reduced its holdings, other major Circle investors like BlackRock have not reported any sales. Circle’s CEO Jeremy Allaire and other executives had planned to sell portions of their stakes during the IPO, but ARK remains the most prominent seller currently. This move comes as Wood continues to express bullish sentiments on Bitcoin, predicting a potential rise to $1.5 million by 2030 due to increasing institutional adoption.
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Bitcoin has demonstrated significant resilience to geopolitical conflicts over the past ten years, often maintaining stability or recovering swiftly after initial price drops, as seen in recent events like the Israel-Iran conflict in June 2025. Despite short-term volatility following the outbreak of wars, such as brief declines after missile strikes or embassy bombings, Bitcoin's price tends to stabilize or even rise over time. Analysts suggest that while it is viewed as a risky asset and may be sold off during immediate uncertainty, long-term factors like inflation from increased fiscal spending and supply-chain issues during conflicts could benefit Bitcoin. Historical data from conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine invasion in 2022, where Bitcoin spiked 16% shortly after, and the Israel-Gaza war in 2023, where it performed strongly, support this trend. However, Bitcoin's response varies based on adoption levels, institutional involvement, and proximity to traditional markets impacted by conflict, with less reaction to underreported internal wars like those in Ethiopia and Myanmar. Overall, while not a definitive hedge against uncertainty, Bitcoin's price dynamics during global tensions highlight its complex role in financial markets.
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Coinbase and Circle saw significant stock surges, with Coinbase (COIN) closing up 16.32% at $295.29 and Circle (CRCL) up 33.82% at $199.59, following US lawmakers’ support for the GENIUS Act, a bill aimed at regulating stablecoins. Passed by the Senate with a 68-30 vote just six weeks after its introduction by Senator Bill Hagerty, the Act is viewed as a positive development for the crypto industry. President Donald Trump expressed urgency for the bill’s final approval, aligning with his goal to position the USA as the global crypto leader. Circle, issuer of the second-largest stablecoin USDC, and Coinbase, which earns substantial revenue from USDC, stand to gain from the regulatory clarity. Crypto entrepreneur Anthony Pompliano noted Coinbase’s stock rise as a sign of Wall Street’s growing interest in Bitcoin and crypto. However, concerns linger, with BitMEX founder Arthur Hayes warning that Circle’s stock may be overvalued and that many new stablecoin companies going public could fail. The market’s enthusiasm, dubbed a “Stablecoin Summer” by traders, reflects optimism about the sector’s future, though risks remain as the industry navigates evolving regulations and market dynamics.
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US President Donald Trump is pushing for the swift passage of the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act, calling on the House to act "LIGHTNING FAST" after the Senate approved it 68-30. Trump believes the bill will cement America’s leadership in digital assets and bolster US dollar dominance globally. The GENIUS Act aims to regulate dollar-pegged stablecoins with strict requirements like full reserve backing, licensing, and consumer protections to prevent financial risks. Proponents, including Senator Bill Hagerty, highlight its potential to revolutionize payment systems with near-instant settlements. However, the bill faced earlier Senate setbacks and criticism from Democrats like Elizabeth Warren, who warn of conflicts of interest tied to Trump’s crypto ventures. Despite opposition, some Democrats acknowledge the need to engage with the evolving crypto industry. The House, where Republicans hold a slim majority, will vote next on this pivotal legislation.
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Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) stands out as a compelling investment due to its unique scarcity and rising demand, as detailed in a recent Motley Fool article. With a fixed supply cap of 21 million coins, nearly 95% are already in circulation, and an estimated 20% are lost forever, tightening the available float. This scarcity, combined with halving events that reduce new supply every four years, sets the stage for price surges with even small demand spikes. Institutional adoption is accelerating, with U.S. Bitcoin ETFs holding over $10 billion in assets and corporations like Strategy amassing significant reserves, signaling a long-term holding mindset. Governments, including El Salvador, are also building Bitcoin reserves, adding stability. Miners are ramping up computing power, betting on future price increases, while long-term holders control 75% of the supply, minimizing selling pressure. Despite risks and volatility, the article suggests Bitcoin could be a millionaire-maker for patient investors willing to hold for at least five years, capitalizing on these supply-demand dynamics and growing mainstream acceptance. However, it advises thoughtful position sizing to weather market fluctuations and notes that sentiment can shift rapidly, urging caution alongside optimism.
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GameStop (NYSE: GME), once a meme stock phenomenon, has recently raised substantial capital and invested over $500 million in 4,710 Bitcoins between May 3 and June 10, marking a pivot toward digital assets. This move mirrors MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin-heavy strategy, though GameStop’s holdings currently represent just 5% of its $10 billion market cap. Despite a robust cash position of $6.4 billion in Q1 2025 and plans for a $2.25 billion convertible debt offering, Bitcoin’s impact on GameStop’s stock value remains limited for now. However, the company’s core retail business continues to struggle, with U.S. sales dropping 12.9% year-over-year, as digital gaming and subscriptions dominate. Investors are cautioned against over-optimism, as MicroStrategy’s success—trading at a premium to its Bitcoin holdings—may not be replicable, and GameStop’s Bitcoin bet adds risk to an already speculative stock. If Bitcoin prices decline, it could strain the company’s capital and dilute shareholder value through potential bond conversions. While the Bitcoin strategy garners headlines, it does not yet address GameStop’s long-term challenges, leaving the stock’s future uncertain and risky.
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Ubyx, a startup focused on standardizing stablecoin redemption, has secured $10 million in seed funding led by Galaxy Ventures, with support from Coinbase Ventures, Founders Fund, VanEck, and Paxos. Set to launch in Q4 2025, the platform aims to drive stablecoin adoption by enabling regulated banks and fintechs to redeem stablecoins for fiat at par value, reducing usage friction. Ubyx addresses market fragmentation by connecting multiple stablecoin issuers and institutions, enhancing interoperability and supporting cash-equivalent accounting treatment. The service will integrate stablecoins into traditional finance and initially support various blockchains like Aptos, Polygon, and Solana, alongside infrastructure partners such as BitGo and Chainalysis. With stablecoin transaction volumes surpassing PayPal by 19.4 times in the past year, Ubyx’s initiative comes at a pivotal moment. The company, led by CEO Tony McLaughlin, envisions a unified network for multiple issuers and currencies, fostering broader acceptance of stablecoins as a payment method akin to card networks.
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Bitcoin (BTC) faced downward pressure on June 17, slipping below $105,000 to intraday lows of $104,401 after the Wall Street open, as reported by Cointelegraph. Analysis from trading resource Material Indicators highlighted potential manipulation in the BTC order book, warning of a “rug pull” at $104,000 if the price dips further below $105,000. Liquidity spoofing, a tactic used by large-volume traders to influence price trends, was noted as a contributing factor. Despite the volatility, trader Skew observed that Bitcoin bulls are showing more restraint compared to previous pullbacks, though a significant market move is still anticipated. Meanwhile, the US dollar index (DXY), which often moves inversely to Bitcoin, showed signs of recovery from multiyear lows, with analysts pointing to oversold conditions and bullish divergence. Gold prices fell, and market perspectives on Middle East tensions, particularly between Israel and Iran, remained relatively calm, dismissing fears of a broader conflict. The article emphasizes the ongoing volatility in crypto markets and the need for investors to conduct thorough research before making decisions, as external factors like dollar strength and geopolitical events continue to influence Bitcoin’s trajectory.
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Spokane, Washington’s second-largest city, has banned cryptocurrency ATMs following a unanimous City Council vote, becoming the first in the state to do so. The decision, proposed by Council member Paul Dillon, aims to protect vulnerable residents from a rising wave of scams associated with these kiosks, often located in poorer neighborhoods. Scammers frequently target unsuspecting individuals, including the elderly, by impersonating officials and coercing victims to transfer money into cryptocurrency to "protect" it, resulting in significant losses. The FBI reported over $246 million in losses from nearly 11,000 complaints related to crypto ATM scams in 2024, a 31% increase from the previous year. Operators in Spokane have 60 days to remove dozens of kiosks or face penalties, including business license revocation. The city plans to monitor the ban’s impact on reducing crypto-related crimes and will report on its effectiveness. This move reflects broader concerns about the misuse of crypto ATMs by fraudsters, with funds often traced to countries like China, North Korea, and Russia, as noted by local police.
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Bitcoin's price is currently hovering around $105,000, showing resilience as the likelihood of falling below $100,000 diminishes, according to recent market analysis. Despite a 4% drop to $103,400 during late New York trading hours on Tuesday, triggered by US President Donald Trump’s remarks on the Iran-Israel conflict, BTC has maintained its position above the critical $100,000 psychological support level since reclaiming it on May 8. Traders, including Michael van de Poppe, suggest that while a correction to $100,000-$103,000 remains possible, a drop below $100,000 is less likely. Liquidity is building above $106,000, a key resistance level that, if flipped to support, could propel prices higher. Data from CoinGlass indicates significant ask orders clustering between $106,500 and $110,000, hinting at a potential liquidation squeeze that might drive Bitcoin toward $110,000 if $106,000 is breached. Analysts like CrypNuevo remain optimistic as long as the $100,000 support holds, emphasizing the importance of this level for market sentiment. The article underscores the volatility in the crypto market and advises readers to conduct their own research before making investment decisions, highlighting the inherent risks involved.
