Gold Price Prediction XAU/USD Hits New ATH as Crypto Markets Sink

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🇬🇭Ghana's Blockchain Initiative for Gold Tracking

🌍 Ghana is set to revolutionize its gold sector with a blockchain-based tracking system aimed at curbing illegal exports. Sammy Gyamfi, the acting Managing Director of the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC), highlighted that this initiative is linked to the Gold Board Bill currently under parliamentary review.

📜 The proposed system will register all licensed miners in a national database, assign unique digital codes to production batches, and record transactions on a blockchain. The new Gold Board is expected to oversee purchases from small-scale miners, regulate pricing, and address smuggling issues.

💰 This move could potentially help Ghana recover an estimated $2 billion lost annually to illegal trade while also boosting revenue, stabilizing the cedi, and ensuring fair pricing for miners. An anti-smuggling task force is also planned to enforce compliance.

📊 Pilot projects have shown promising results, and if approved, this system would represent one of Ghana’s first large-scale applications of blockchain in its mineral sector.

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💰 Kidnapping for Cryptocurrency: The $50 Million Heist of Rodrigo Perez

🚔 Rodrigo Perez, a Spanish businessman wanted by Interpol for financial crimes, was kidnapped in Brazil on March 24 by individuals posing as police officers. The kidnappers, dressed in fake police uniforms, used an official-looking truck to transport him to a makeshift prison where he was drugged, handcuffed, and held for five days.

According to local media, he drugged the man assigned to watch him with the same sleeping drugs used on him.

🆘 Perez managed to escape by gaining the trust of his captors. He drugged the guard watching him with the same sleeping pills they had used on him. However, when he reported his kidnapping to the authorities, it was revealed that he was wanted by Interpol for his alleged involvement in various cryptocurrency schemes in Latin America. Perez claimed that the kidnappers had stolen nearly $50 million in cryptocurrency from him.

👮 Ronaldo Batista, a retired military policeman, was arrested during the police raid on the location where Perez was held. Batista confessed to his role in the kidnapping, but the second kidnapper remains at large.

🔍 Authorities are investigating the possibility of gang involvement in the kidnapping due to Perez's history of financial fraud. While they are treating him as a victim, they are also aware of his alleged participation in fraudulent schemes in other countries.

📈 This incident highlights the growing trend of $5 wrench attacks in the cryptocurrency industry. As cryptocurrency becomes more mainstream, criminals are increasingly aware of its value and are resorting to extreme measures to steal it.

🚨 MicroStrategy Halts Bitcoin Purchase, MSTR Stock Slides 13%

MicroStrategy, now Strategy, has halted its Bitcoin purchase, as it failed to acquire any BTC last week while MSTR stock has declined.

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💰 Ripple's $1.25 Billion Acquisition of Hidden Road: A Strategic Move for Institutional Growth

🚀 Ripple has announced a significant acquisition of $1.25 billion for crypto prime broker Hidden Road, aiming to enhance its institutional offerings and integrate its blockchain ecosystem. This deal, one of the largest in the crypto space, signifies Ripple's strategy to expand beyond payments and attract major financial institutions.

💵 The acquisition will be financed through a combination of cash, stock, and XRP, and is expected to finalize soon, pending regulatory approval. Prime brokers like Hidden Road play a vital role in the financial ecosystem by providing trading, custody, and lending services to large entities such as hedge funds and banks. Ripple plans to inject billions in capital to scale Hidden Road's operations immediately.

🗣 Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse emphasized the importance of infrastructure, stating,

Ripple needs to make sure we have the infrastructure in place to appeal and expand to a larger segment of the biggest bracket institutions.

As part of the integration, Ripple's RLUSD stablecoin will be used as collateral within Hidden Road's platform, and the XRP Ledger will be utilized to improve settlement speed and efficiency.

📈 This acquisition comes at a time when the U.S. regulatory climate for crypto is becoming more favorable, with institutions like Fidelity and BNY Mellon showing increased interest in the crypto space. Hidden Road, founded in 2018, processed $3 trillion in transfers last year and has notable backers such as Citadel Securities and Coinbase Ventures.

🔍 Minimal Risk of Crypto Assets to Financial Stability

📉 The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has stated that crypto assets currently pose a minimal risk to financial stability due to their small market size and limited integration with traditional financial systems. As of April 9, the crypto asset market had a capitalization of $2.45 trillion, representing only about 1% of global financial assets.

🛑 Natasha Cazenave, an ESMA executive director, emphasized that crypto assets are not widely used in essential financial services like payments, which reduces their potential to disrupt financial markets. She noted that while there are concerns about the increase in crypto funds and derivatives potentially transmitting risk to traditional markets, their small size mitigates these concerns.

We do not believe these products represent a major risk to financial stability at this point, owing to their small size,

Cazenave told the European Parliament’s Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee. However, she acknowledged that as EU residents adopt crypto assets more, the risk to financial stability will increase. She pointed out that stablecoins, along with bitcoin and ethereum, are assets that require continuous monitoring.

🔧 In her opening statement on April 8, Cazenave highlighted the need for a robust global regulatory framework for the stablecoin market to address issues such as depegging or runs on stablecoins. Under the EU’s Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) legislation, stablecoin issuers face strict rules regarding prudential governance and reserve management.

⚖️ Cazenave acknowledged that MiCA may need adjustments to address emerging risks and stressed the importance of regulatory collaboration. She stated,

International work, to which ESMA is contributing, is also important to ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place not only in the EU but also globally to protect financial stability.

🚨 Crypto Scams Target Hawaii Residents

👥 Hawaii is facing a surge in cryptocurrency scams that exploit emotional manipulation, particularly targeting older residents. The Kauai Police Department (KPD) issued a public warning on April 11 about scammers posing as romantic interests or new friends to lure victims into fraudulent investment schemes.

📱 These scammers often initiate contact through social media, texts, or phone calls, gradually building an emotional connection before urging their targets to invest. KPD officials stated,

However, the investment is fake, and once the victim transfers their funds, the scammers disappear with the money.

They further described this tactic as a “pig butchering” scam, where trust is built over time to emotionally manipulate victims into making financial decisions.

⚠️ The FBI has also raised alarms about the increasing prevalence of pig butchering scams. In one notable case, a woman from Maryland lost over $3 million after being drawn into a fake crypto investment by a scammer who gained her trust over weeks through a messaging app. These scams often originate from Southeast Asia, where victims are approached via social media or dating apps and then directed to invest in fraudulent platforms showcasing fictitious profits. Once substantial funds are deposited, the scammers disappear, leaving victims in financial ruin. The FBI reports that such schemes have resulted in billions of dollars in losses, with many victims unaware of the fraud until it is too late. Authorities advise individuals to be wary of unsolicited messages and to verify any investment opportunities through trusted financial advisors.

🚩 Red flags to watch out for include unsolicited messages from strangers offering friendship or romance, unrealistic promises of high returns, pressure to act quickly or secretly, and requests to use unfamiliar cryptocurrency tools.

👮‍♂️ Local police are urging residents to take precautions to protect themselves and their elderly family members. Officials recommend never sending money or cryptocurrency to individuals known only through online communication, avoiding suspicious links and apps, and discussing any financial decisions with trusted individuals. While these incidents highlight the dangers associated with crypto-related fraud, proponents of digital currency argue that the underlying technology remains legitimate and secure when used appropriately.

📢 Michael Saylor’s MicroStrategy Acquires 3,459 Bitcoin For $285M, MSTR Stock Surges 🚀

Michael Saylor's MicroStrategy acquired 3,459 Bitcoin for $285 million, bringing total holdings to 531,644 BTC, while MSTR stock has surged.

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💰 Semler Scientific Plans $500 Million Bitcoin Acquisition

🚀 Semler Scientific, Inc. has announced a $500 million mixed-securities offering aimed at funding further bitcoin acquisitions. This move solidifies the company's strategy to make cryptocurrency its primary treasury reserve asset. According to an S-3 filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the medical technology firm plans to raise these funds through a shelf registration.

🗣 Eric Semler, the company's chairman, expressed enthusiasm about the plan, stating,

We have reached a settlement in principle, EXCITED TO BUY MORE BTC!

Semler Scientific views bitcoin as a long-term store of value, likening it to gold but with greater growth potential due to its finite supply and increasing institutional adoption.

📄 The filing permits Semler Scientific to sell various securities, including debt securities, common stock, and warrants. While proceeds may be allocated for general corporate purposes, the primary focus remains on bitcoin acquisition. The company has previously used funds from equity and debt offerings to expand its bitcoin holdings.

💼 For example, Semler has utilized capital from its senior convertible notes offering and the sale of a minority stake to acquire bitcoin. It has also strengthened its BTC treasury through an at-the-market (ATM) equity program and operational cash flow. As of April 15, 2025, Semler Scientific holds 3,192 BTC.

📈 The filing acknowledges bitcoin's volatile price fluctuations, which have ranged from $50,000 to $109,000 over the past year. Despite recognizing risks such as regulatory changes and digital security issues, Semler remains committed to its bitcoin strategy. The company did not disclose a timeline for the completion of the offering.

Daily View

1️⃣ Bitcoin Stats
$BTC is experiencing heightened volatility, with recent analyses suggesting the market might be in a longer-term downtrend as it has dipped below crucial support levels.

2️⃣ Token to Watch
$ORA $0.4958 +64.27%
$DARK $0.0255 +53.83%

3️⃣ Daily Focus
- The sentiment among traders is mixed, leaning towards caution due to potential regulatory changes and macroeconomic pressures, especially given the optimistic outlook for securities like Bitcoin bonds in aiding debt refinancing.

CoinEx: Your Crypto Trading Expert

Know more trends on CoinEx 👉 https://www.coinex.com/s/4HKZ

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🇨🇳 China's Increased Purchases of U.S. Treasuries Amid Tariff Measures

📈 In February, Chinese purchases of U.S. Treasuries rose significantly despite the Trump Administration's implementation of a 10% tariff on imports from China. According to the Treasury International Capital (TIC) reporting system, China's U.S. debt holdings increased from $760.8 billion to $784.3 billion. Japan, another country impacted by these tariffs, also boosted its U.S. Treasury holdings during the same period.

🛡 Lou Brien, a market strategist at DRW, suggested that this behavior could be a form of self-preservation for these countries. He emphasized,

In particular, Japan and China have a lot to lose if they were to decide to sell Treasuries and make it known that they’re selling Treasuries.

🚨 Michael Saylor’s MicroStrategy Acquires 6,556 Bitcoins For $555 Million 📢

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🛡 Telegram's Commitment to User Privacy Amid EU Regulations

🗣 Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, recently defended the platform's commitment to user privacy in light of European Union regulations and France's controversial stance on encryption. He emphasized that Telegram has never shared user message data with authorities throughout its 12-year history. Durov stated,

In its 12-year history, Telegram has never disclosed a single byte of private messages.

📜 Durov pointed out that a proposed law in France aimed at banning encryption was halted by the National Assembly after passing the Senate. He warned that if such a law were enacted, it would require all messaging apps in France to implement backdoors for government access to user messages. He argued that

It’s technically impossible to guarantee that only the police can access a backdoor. Once introduced, a backdoor can be exploited by other parties — from foreign agents to hackers.

🔍 He further noted that this approach could drive criminal groups to smaller, less regulated apps, undermining the law's intended purpose. Despite the pressures from EU regulations, Durov affirmed that Telegram respects its users' privacy rights. He clarified that under the EU Digital Services Act, the platform would only disclose IP addresses and phone numbers of criminal suspects if presented with a valid court order, not the content of their messages.

🚨 Durov also addressed rumors regarding his arrest in France and its impact on Telegram's compliance with EU privacy laws. He clarified that it was the French police who began to enforce the law following his arrest, not Telegram yielding to pressure.

🚀 Russia's Bold Move: Legalizing Crypto for Elite Investors

🗣 A significant shift in the cryptocurrency landscape is occurring as Russia prepares to launch a regulated crypto exchange aimed at elite investors. This initiative, spearheaded by the Finance Ministry and the Central Bank, seeks to bring digital assets into the legal framework, moving them out of the shadows of ambiguity.

📅 During a recent event, Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov announced that the Ministry is collaborating with the Bank of Russia to establish a cryptocurrency exchange specifically for super-qualified investors. He stated,

Together with the central bank, we will launch a crypto exchange for super-qualified investors. Crypto assets will be legalized, and crypto operations will be brought out of the shadows.

This initiative aims to align crypto-related activities with the country's experimental legal regime (ELR).

💰 The eligibility criteria for this exclusive group of investors include holding over 100 million rubles ($1.2 million) in investments or having an annual income exceeding 50 million rubles. However, these thresholds are subject to change. Osman Kabaloev, Deputy Director of the Financial Policy Department, mentioned the possibility of adjusting these requirements, stating,

Perhaps it will be in this format or these indicators will be somehow adjusted in one direction or another — this is possible. I think there will be a wide range of discussions.

🔄 Under the ELR, super-qualified investors will be able to engage in cryptocurrency transactions directly, while standard qualified investors can only access crypto through non-deliverable derivatives linked to its price. The Moscow Exchange is preparing for this transition, with plans to start trading cryptocurrency-linked derivatives in 2025, pending regulatory approval.

🤔 Despite the optimism surrounding this development, there are voices of skepticism. Igor Danilenko, head of asset management at Renaissance Capital, expressed concerns about the fundamental basis of cryptocurrencies. He argued that there are better alternatives for hedging against inflation that do not involve tokens lacking real collateral. He cautioned that such tokens depend on a constant influx of new buyers and resemble pyramid schemes.

💰 Loopscale Offers Deal to Hacker Behind $5.7 Million Exploit

🔍 Loopscale, an on-chain borrowing and lending platform, has proposed a deal to the hacker responsible for a recent exploit involving $5.7 million in USDC and 1,200 SOL. The platform is offering the hacker the opportunity to return 90% of the stolen funds while keeping 10% as a bounty reward. Additionally, Loopscale promises to grant the hacker "full immunity from liability regarding the attack."

🚨 Despite this offer, Loopscale has made it clear that it is actively collaborating with law enforcement and exchanges to monitor and freeze the stolen funds. This announcement came less than 24 hours after the platform revealed the exploit, which involved manipulation of its Ratex PT token pricing functions. As a result of the incident, Loopscale temporarily halted all its markets.

📉 The exploit affected approximately 12% of the funds on the platform and specifically targeted depositors in the Loopscale USDC and SOL vaults. While loan repayments and other functions have been partially restored, some features remain temporarily restricted. Loopscale clarified that the root cause of the exploit was an isolated issue with its pricing of RateX-based collateral, emphasizing that there was no problem with RateX itself.

⏳ Loopscale has set a deadline for the hacker to accept the bounty offer, stating that failure to comply by April 28 at 6 a.m. EST will result in legal action. The platform also noted that the attacker's addresses have been traced and shared with relevant exchanges and off-ramps.

🚨 USDC Issuer Circle Hits Major Regulatory Milestone In Abu Dhabi 🇦🇪

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Daily View

1️⃣ Bitcoin Stats

$BTC is experiencing a modest rebound with speculative funds returning to the market, amid analysis focusing on key price support levels.

2️⃣ Token to Watch

$HOSICO $0.0365 +53.20%
$HOUSE $0.0895 +48.23%

3️⃣Daily Focus

- Institutional interest remains evident, with large inflows into Bitcoin and Ethereum spot ETFs occurring recently.
- On the macro front, uncertainty persists as tariffs and economic conditions raise questions about near-term growth, while Federal Reserve policies and inflation data continue to influence market sentiment.

CoinEx: Your Crypto Trading Expert

Know more trends on CoinEx 👉 https://www.coinex.com/s/4HJB

🌐 MEXC's $30 Million Web3 Initiative: A Commitment to Blockchain Innovation

💰 MEXC, a prominent cryptocurrency exchange, has launched a $30 million initiative called IgniteX to support the development of Web3 talent globally. In an interview, COO Tracy Jin emphasized the importance of people in building the future of Web3, stating,

We believe the future of web3 depends on the people building it.

The program will offer scholarships, blockchain courses, hackathons, technical mentorship, and startup accelerator programs.

🌍 MEXC's approach is global, with Jin stating,

We don’t care where you are, if you have a good idea and it solves a real-world problem, we will be there.

This reflects the exchange's commitment to being more than just a marketplace; it aims to be an active catalyst for real-world innovation.

⚠️ However, Jin also addressed the risks associated with the booming real-world asset (RWA) tokenization sector. She noted that while the total value locked in on-chain RWAs has surged past $21 billion and is projected to reach $16 trillion by 2030, this growth comes with fragility. She warned,

The recent collapse of OM token... showed how quickly confidence can vanish when transparency or utility is compromised.

Jin urged investors to focus on fundamentals like asset backing, regulatory clarity, and transparent teams, stating,

RWA tokenization is not just a tech play, it’s built on trust.

📈 On the topic of Bitcoin, Jin pointed to recent price movements that suggest a potential rebound in Q2 2025. She reported a 25% increase in spot trading volume and a 15% bump in futures trading volume, noting that traders are reducing leverage and moving into spot positions. She said,

All of this suggests shifting market sentiment and the potential for new price discovery.

Additionally, Jin mentioned increasing capital inflows and renewed institutional interest in Bitcoin as a hedge and store of value.

📜 As global regulations tighten, MEXC is proactively strengthening its compliance teams across all regions. Jin stated,

We’re not waiting to react. We’re working with local regulators and legal partners to align with new policies.

She argued that regulatory clarity will filter out bad actors, protect users, and create a stable foundation for tokenized assets and institutional trading.

🔗 Looking ahead, Jin highlighted the emerging trend of Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN), which allow communities to own and operate real-world infrastructure and get rewarded in crypto. She sees massive long-term potential in this model for lowering costs and shifting ownership from corporations to communities.

🚀 With its significant funding initiatives, proactive regulatory stance, and strong market insights, MEXC is positioning itself as a leader in ecosystem development under Jin’s leadership. The exchange is taking a proactive role in shaping the future of Web3 by supporting builders, identifying risks, and staying ahead of industry narratives.

🌍 BRICS Nations Accelerate Shift from Western Finance

💬 The BRICS countries are intensifying their efforts to move away from Western-dominated financial systems by promoting local currency trade, cross-border payment systems, and innovative investment platforms. During a recent meeting in Rio de Janeiro, foreign ministers from these nations emphasized their commitment to reducing reliance on dominant global currencies.

📜 The official Chair’s Statement from the meeting highlighted the importance of expanding the use of local currencies in trade and financial transactions within the BRICS bloc and with partner countries. Hosted under Brazil’s 2025 BRICS Chairship, the meeting underscored the group's intention to enhance economic sovereignty and regional cooperation through new monetary tools.

The ministers underscored the importance of the enhanced use of local currencies in trade and financial settlements between BRICS countries and their trade partners.

🔍 The statement referenced paragraph 66 of the Kazan Declaration, which directs finance ministers and central bank governors to continue examining the use of local currencies and payment instruments. This includes assessing the feasibility of a BRICS cross-border payments initiative, BRICS Clear, and enhancing the bloc’s reinsurance capacity. These initiatives are seen as crucial for deepening financial integration among BRICS members and reducing vulnerabilities to external economic shocks.

💰 The group also reaffirmed its commitment to fostering investment within its own ranks and across the Global South. The statement noted:

They emphasized the importance of continuously expanding local currency financing and strengthening innovation in investment and financing tools.

🌐 This strategy aligns with broader goals of financial inclusivity, economic resilience, and a transition toward a multipolar economic system that better reflects the interests of emerging markets and developing countries.

💡 The focus on local currencies and financial platforms complements ongoing discussions about BRICS-led alternatives to existing global payment systems. Ministers are expected to present concrete proposals for BRICS leaders to review, building on the momentum created by prior declarations and new institutional frameworks designed to accelerate intra-bloc economic collaboration.