Bitcoin’s Ascent: Potential New Reserve Currency Amid US Dollar Shifts
As the United States contemplates reducing its twin deficits, potentially sacrificing the dollar’s strength, Bitcoin emerges as a strong candidate for the next international reserve currency. This shift could mark the end of U.S. monetary hegemony, with Bitcoin briefly becoming the fifth most valuable asset globally. The cryptocurrency’s rise is further fueled by President Trump’s ambitions to revive production and exports, challenging traditional markets and currencies.
US May Abandon Dollar Privilege, Good News for Bitcoin
The United States aims to reduce its twin deficits and is willing to sacrifice the dollar’s strength. This could mark the end of U.S. monetary hegemony, potentially making Bitcoin the next international reserve currency. Stock markets and the dollar are struggling against President Trump’s ambition to reduce the trade deficit, which could revive production and exports.
Bitcoin Briefly Becomes Fifth Most Valuable Asset Globally
Bitcoin momentarily climbed to become the world’s fifth most valuable asset, edging past Google’s parent company, Alphabet. According to data from CompaniesMarketCap, Bitcoin’s valuation reached approximately $1.87 trillion, just ahead of Alphabet’s $1.859 trillion. The achievement sparked excitement across the crypto industry, with analysts viewing it as a sign of Bitcoin’s growing acceptance in traditional finance. Andre Dragosch, Head of Research at Bitwise Europe, remarked that Bitcoin’s position makes it increasingly difficult for institutional investors to ignore in their portfolios. However, Alphabet has since regained its position.
Bitcoin Open Interest Jumps 9% on Potential US-China Trade Agreement
The price of Bitcoin (BTC) rallied due to optimism surrounding a potential US-China trade agreement. This sentiment was supported by a softening stance from the Trump administration on tariffs. Consequently, open interest in Bitcoin perpetual futures rose by 9%, indicating strong investor confidence. Total open interest in Bitcoin futures across major exchanges reached 715,710 BTC, valued at $66.98 billion, marking an 8.54% increase. Notional open interest in BTC perpetual futures climbed 10% to $17.83 billion, the largest single-day jump since March 2.
Riot Platforms Secures $100M Bitcoin-Backed Credit Line From Coinbase
Riot Platforms, a Bitcoin miner, has secured a $100 million credit agreement with Coinbase’s credit arm. The deal uses Bitcoin as collateral to secure short-term funding for its ongoing expansion. Riot, which currently holds 19,223 BTC worth over $1.8 billion, will draw on the facility over the next two months. This avoids issuing new shares. The loan, issued by Coinbase Credit, comes with a variable interest rate of at least 7.75% annually.
Kuwait Bans Bitcoin Mining
Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior has banned Bitcoin mining due to excessive power consumption and violations of national regulations. The government warned that crypto mining operations are unauthorized and breach multiple existing laws, including the penal code, communication and IT regulations, industrial laws, and municipal rules. The Ministry stated that these operations place an unsustainable burden on the nation’s electrical grid and potentially threaten public safety.
