BlackRock CEO Larry Fink: Crypto's Role is Digitizing Gold
BlackRock CEO Larry Fink: Crypto's Role is Digitizing Gold
🤔 Larry Fink Changes Tune
Key market updates for December 21, 2024:
- $HYPE token reaches $9B market capitalization, continuing its upward trend
- Ripple announces $5M XRP donation to Trump's inaugural fund according to Fox
- BlackRock CEO Larry Fink frames crypto as digital gold alternative
- MetaMask expands pilot testing of crypto payment card across US markets
This follows recent developments including Bitcoin's new ATH of $106.6k and significant movements in the memecoin sector. MetaMask's payment card expansion signals growing mainstream adoption of crypto payment solutions.
What's new? • BTC reaches new $106.6k ATH • Trump may use BTC as reserve asset on ‘day one’ • Abstract announced its mainnet launch for January 2025 • HYPE hits new ATH of $27bn FDV as volume hits ATH • Ethereum NFTs soar
What's new? • Bitcoin reclaims $100K • Alts soar as Trump team buys ETH, LINK, AAVE • AI market cap approaches $10B as development accelerates • Pudgy Penguins reach a $100k floor for the first time • Phantom is now surfacing Pump Fun memecoins within minutes of launching
X Account Restorations and Suspensions Update
Several prominent Web3 accounts on X (formerly Twitter) have experienced recent disruptions: - PumpFun and Alon's accounts were successfully restored on June 18, 2025 - Multiple other community accounts remain in suspended status - Previous incident: December 16, 2024 account compromise was resolved *Current Status*: Partial restoration of affected accounts, with ongoing suspensions for some community members. **Note**: This situation continues to develop and may require monitoring for further updates.
Fed Maintains Interest Rates Steady at 4.25-4.50%
The Federal Reserve has maintained its steady course on monetary policy, keeping interest rates unchanged at 4.25% to 4.50%. This marks the third consecutive decision to hold rates stable, following similar votes in March 2025. The Fed's consistent approach suggests confidence in current economic conditions while maintaining vigilance on inflation targets. - Current rate range: 4.25-4.50% - Previous decision: March 2025 - Status: Unchanged *This continues the Fed's cautious stance on monetary policy adjustments in 2025.*
FOMC Press Conference Announcement
The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) press conference is scheduled for live broadcast. Fed Chair Jerome Powell will provide insights into U.S. central bank policy direction. - Key focus will be on future monetary policy guidance - Market participants await potential signals about interest rate decisions - Press conference follows recent FOMC meeting deliberations *Watch the live stream to stay informed about crucial economic policy developments that could impact markets.*
Coinbase USDC Payments Now Live on Shopify
Coinbase has launched USDC payment integration with Shopify, marking a significant step in mainstream crypto adoption. The feature is currently available to select early access stores. Key features: - 24/7 borderless payment capabilities - Reduced transaction costs - Fiat offramp options - Future programmable rewards system The integration is powered by Stripe and operates on the Base network. Merchants worldwide will soon have access to this payment solution, with the Coinbase Shop already implementing USDC checkout functionality.
Major Crypto Updates: GENIUS Act, JPMorgan's Move, and Market Activity
Key developments in the crypto space today: - BTC dips slightly to $104.2K amid broader 1-2% market decline - GENIUS Act clears Senate hurdle, marking significant regulatory progress - JPMorgan advances crypto adoption with task force meeting and JPMD pilot on Base - Coinbase seeks SEC approval for tokenized stock trading platform - Israeli hackers claim $81.7M from Iranian exchange Nobitex - Corporate treasury moves: DDC Enterprise ($528M BTC buy), Eyenovia ($50M HYPE acquisition) - New launches: PAWSE debuts at $70M FDV, Kraken's INK token airdrop announced - EigenLayer secures $70M from a16z for EigenCloud launch *Notable token movements*: USELESS surges to $92M post-Coindesk coverage, while PAWSE, RASMR, and USDUC show strong momentum.