Raoul Pal Explains Why He Now Has a Different Opinion on Bitcoin

Although Pal believes that Bitcoin remains active, he has observed that the network is not attracting new people. The executive said that a shift among institutions indicates that BTC is no longer the only crypto asset taken seriously.

Raoul Pal, a former Goldman Sachs hedge fund manager and the CEO of Real Vision, is a renowned cryptocurrency expert. The executive recently explained why he has always shown more confidence in Ether (ETH) than Bitcoin (BTC).

Pal said that he believes the Ethereum network cryptocurrency would outperform Bitcoin, although he was very optimistic about the latter at first.

Raoul Pal Reveals Why He Bets on Ether Instead of Bitcoin

Cryptocurrency guru Raoul Pal recently expressed his views on Bitcoin and Ether. He stated that he had changed his opinion of them since he entered the world of cryptocurrencies.

The expert noted he initially thought that Bitcoin would prevail but said that large institutional investors convinced him that it will not.

Although Pal admitted that his position on Bitcoin changed significantly, he stated that he does not consider it less active. However, by looking at it in terms of community, he thought it was not attracting new people. Since he observed that the network was actively rejecting people, he believed it would underperform.

He added that this surprised him, as he was initially very optimistic about Bitcoin and considered it would have a more prominent place. However, he changed his mind because he sensed it was leaving the institutional side almost immediately. Since he did not understand that space, he decided to buy Ether.

The Inter-institutional Change Indicates BTC Is No Longer the Only Crypto Asset

Raoul Pal said a shift was occurring among institutions in which Bitcoin (BTC) is no longer the only crypto asset taken seriously.

The expert stated that he speaks practically every two days with the investment committees of the leading financial institutions worldwide. He pointed out he discussed with them about the crypto world and how to invest, noting that the narrative change that always surprised him was Bitcoin.

However, Pal believes that the power of Ethereum to generate network effects makes it the biggest bet in the crypto space.

The former Goldman Sachs hedge fund manager sees Ether as the best option in the crypto market. For that reason, he decided to change Bitcoin for the cryptocurrency of the Ethereum network and then take other bets.

Raoul Pal Had Predicted the Price of Bitcoin Would Reach USD 1 Million

In 2020, Raoul Pal was very bullish on Bitcoin, but his view on the stock market was bleak. He believed the value of the pioneering cryptocurrency could reach USD 1 million in just five years.

Pal admitted that he realized that Bitcoin was superior to gold after a conversation with Michael Saylor, the CEO of MicroStrategy.

The CEO of Real Vision predicted that the price of Bitcoin would continue to rise thanks to mass adoption by large groups of investors.

By Alexander Salazar

Sellers Could Cause the Bitcoin Price to Drop Even Further

Although the metrics related to supply, demand and accumulation are mainly neutral, a good part of them are bullish. A significant bullish rejection indicates a short-term bearish outlook, but support remains near USD 32,000.

The price of Bitcoin (BTC) jumped as high as USD 45,300 at the beginning of the last week, with sellers putting heavy pressure on it once again. For that reason, the short-term forecast for the pioneering cryptocurrency does not look very encouraging.

BTC is trading at around USD 39.90 and has accumulated a 1.0% gain in the last 24 hours. Its daily trading volume is above USD 19.90 billion, and its market capitalization is about USD 743.70 billion, according to CoinGecko.

The value of Bitcoin is only 0.08% higher than it was a week ago. The bears recently wrapped up the bullish intent, cutting off the chance for momentum to generate further gains.

Metrics Tilt toward Buyers, Indicating a Potential Bottom

The summary of metrics indicates that there is a slightly neutral outlook tilted to the upside.

Most technical oscillators are neutral, but those showing a slope signal a short-term downward trend.

The metrics related to supply/demand and whale accumulation are also mainly neutral, but a good part of them are bullish. The 3.5-year low that BTC reserves on cryptocurrency exchanges reached is one of the most relevant signs.

The most optimistic part of this analysis is the behavior of on-chain indicators since 4 out of 9 are bullish. That could mean that the drop in the price has bottomed out or is about to do it.

Weekly Analysis and Forecast of the Price of Bitcoin

The daily BTC/USDT chart shows the bears regaining control in the short term after wrapping up almost all of the recent upside moves.

However, the price of Bitcoin is still in a broader range, between USD 36,000 and USD 44,500. For that reason, any fluctuation within that rectangle is not a very determining factor.

It seems that the price continues to test the support of that range, as it will not very likely lose it yet. There may be some volatility towards the USD 33,000 area, which may cause some buying pressure. Right now, the probabilities slightly tilt towards a short-term scenario.

The Price of BTC Remains above Its Most Significant Support Zone

The closing of the weekly candlestick showed a significant bullish rejection, so a short-term bearish Bitcoin forecast is most likely to occur.

However, the price remains above the support zone nearing USD 32,000. For that reason, the bulls will continue to dominate the long-term upward trend and may surprise the crypto community any time soon.

At this time, the weekly chart shows increasingly low lows, which suggests that there will be more problems in the short term. However, the reluctance of sellers to drive prices lower indicates an increasingly brief selling space.

Bitcoin always leads the way of the rest of the crypto market, which investors in that digital asset do not overlook. The above analysis helps understand the behavior of the leading cryptocurrency and where its price might head next.

By Alexander Salazar

UK FinTech Neobank Revolut Stated that it would Stop its Services to Customers from Russia and Belarus

The measure Revolut adopted takes advantage of the series of punishments applied by many governments and international entities against Russia and Belarus, precisely due to the armed operations of the Soviet nation into Ukrainian regions.

The UK-based FinTech company and bank that also operates with cryptocurrencies, Revolut, revealed the suspension of its services for clients living in Russia and Belarus, adhering to the international sanctions imposed by many countries and financial entities worldwide.

Revolut Stops Services to Users from Russia and Belarus

According to various reports, the decision means that Revolut will stop backing up funds transfers to entities in Russia and Belarus. This information got revealed by an internal source, who explained in detail the procedures the bank would implement regarding the situation.

The source also highlighted that those users with Revolut cards from financial entities located in Russia or Belarus wouldn’t have permission to use these items and other services brought by the FinTech company.

According to various reports, the founders of Revolut, Nikolay Storonsky, and Vlad Yatsenko, both from Russian and Ukrainian nationality respectively, said the conflict that is currently ongoing between the two countries touches both entities. Hence, the procedure is also part of these chairmen’s position towards the situation. These directors are also British, so they act according to the legal status in that European nation.

More Punishments Strike Against Russia and Belarus

The current situation and considering how Russia has increased its offensive against Ukraine have led many international entities to implement economic sanctions on the Soviet nation, aiming to close spaces to finance more offensive actions and incursions.

These sanctions aim at Russia and its closest ally, Belarus; both administrations are increasingly experiencing a massive blockade in terms of their capital channels, a situation that impacts their local economies and causes a lot of struggles regarding the price of their assets.

Many organizations in the crypto world have agreed to these policies. On the other hand, exchanges and entities assured that they would not block their services, at least in Russia, as with Coinbase, Binance, and Kraken.

The representatives of those companies said they do not consider it fair to judge residents outside the conflict by closing channels to deal with the harsh economic situation that comes from these measures.

However, Brian Armstrong explained that as a company based in the US, if the local government decrees a blockade on Russia, unfortunately, this and other entities must proceed according to said opinion, although in a personal capacity, he would not proceed to apply such complicated actions.

By: Jenson Nuñez

There Could Be another Drop in the Price of Binance Coin

The price will not confirm a new bullish formation above USD 330 unless it breaks through the neckline at USD 420. The bullish force will continue to dominate unless the value of BNB loses the support around USD 250.

It seems that the price of Binance Coin (BNB) will continue to drop further as greed begins to fade in the crypto market. The following analysis shows how dangerous that fall could be for investors in the cryptocurrency.

BNB is trading at around USD 382.42 and has accumulated a 2.3% gain over the last week. Its daily trading volume is above USD 1.17 billion, and its market capitalization is about USD 64.29 billion, according to CoinGecko.

The price is losing the attempt to resume the bullish trend starting earlier in the week, as the bears have almost wiped out recent gains.

The daily BNB/USDT chart indicates that the price crossed the moving averages EMA of 8 and SMA of 18 to the downside again. For that reason, there will not quite likely be a new considerable rally in the short term.

There could be further pressure from the bearish direction of the last few months in the near term. However, the space for investors to sell their holdings is shorter.

The Price of BNB Is Heading towards Support around USD 330

The recent drop in prices in the crypto market indicates that there could be further selling.

The weekly BNB price chart shows a technical scenario indicating a possible search for immediate support at USD 330

There is a new bullish double top formation above that support level. However, the price will not confirm that trend unless it breaks through the neckline at USD 420.

A retest of the immediate support would not be a good sign, and the price could break through it in this opportunity. If that happened, the ground would be clear for USD 260.

There Is Little Space for Sellers

Although the price of Binance Coin will quite likely be in trouble for a while longer, the long-term trend remains bullish. For that reason, it would not be a surprise to see the bulls taking control over the market soon.

The price crosses the 8-month EMA and the 18-month SMA to the upside, and they serve as dynamic supports following the above trend.

Many cryptocurrencies are currently testing those strong trends, and the reluctance of sellers predicts that the bullish cycle is likely to resume.

There is a well-defined double top formation on the BNB monthly chart, which could be heralding the start of a considerable correction. However, the dominant force will remain bullish if the price does not lose the large support zone around USD 250.

Bitcoin always affects the rest of the cryptocurrency market, and altcoins like Binance Coin are not an exception. Besides, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has also contributed to the drop in its price. However, the bulls might resume control over the market if the price of BNB does not lose its current support zone.

By Alexander Salazar

Plan B to Make This Swiss City the Bitcoin Capital of Europe

The authorities of Lugano created a USD 3 million fund to support businesses wanting to integrate Bitcoin payments. There are 500 scholarships available for studies on Bitcoin and the Lightning network in local universities.

El Salvador is still the only country that has adopted Bitcoin (BTC) as legal tender. However, there is a plan for making the pioneering cryptocurrency more widely accepted among the locals of Lugano, a city in southeastern Switzerland.

Michele Foletti, the mayor of Lugano, recently announced an innovative project based on Bitcoin and Tether, which he calls Plan B. He seeks to turn the city into a hub to conceive new blockchain-based projects.

Plan B aims to make Lugano a hub to adopt Bitcoin in Europe and a global model of financial freedom, said J.L. Van der Velde. The Bitfinex CEO, who is also on board the project, added they would lay the groundwork to embark on that task in the coming months.

The local authorities have created a fund of over USD 3 million to encourage adopting Bitcoin and Tether in all businesses.

Paolo Ardoino, the CTO of Tether, said that a team of people would assist stores interested in integrating a cryptocurrency payment system. He explained that they would have funds available to enable everything their business requires.

Creating a Bitcoin Hub in the Center of Europe

The municipality of Lugano has also created a fund of USD 100 million. It aims to support startups wanting to establish themselves in the city and relocate their staff.

Pietro Poretti, the director of economic development of Lugano, said that they would make Lugano an excellent place for businesses to thrive. He stated that they would minimize bureaucratic obstacles to allow companies and individuals to concentrate on their jobs.

In that regard, Poretti commented that Plan B integrates various guidelines approved by the municipal executive of the city. However, the official did not provide any details about those regulations.

Lugano also wants to improve academic relations through a specially-designed curriculum on Bitcoin and the Lightning network in local universities. To boost those studies, they have made 500 scholarships available to those citizens interested.

El Salvador Leads the Way in Adopting Bitcoin

Besides the Swiss city of Lugano, there is a similar Bitcoin-based project in Latin America. Nayib Bukele, president of El Salvador, introduced Bitcoin City to the population in November.

They will use geothermal energy to power Bitcoin City, which will also be nearly tax-free. There might be a square with a huge carved B in the center of that city to remind of the pioneering cryptocurrency.

There will also be the Bitcoin Museum, an institution for people to learn about the evolution of money from stones to cryptocurrencies. The president of the Central American country was in charge of giving all the details about that project based on the pioneering cryptocurrency.

Bitcoin plays a relevant role in the economy, which countries like Switzerland and El Salvador have not overlooked. Both countries have created projects to promote the wide adoption of the cryptocurrency among citizens.

BTC is trading at around USD 39,227 and has accumulated a 0.2% gain in the last seven days. Its daily trading volume is above USD 15.61 billion, and its market capitalization is about USD 735.13 billion, according to CoinGecko.

By Alexander Salazar

Scooter Braun Sells His Luxurious House at USD 18 Million Worth of Bitcoin

The manager of singers like Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber accepted Bitcoin as a means of payment for his property. There have been negotiations in which people have received crypto assets for selling their properties in other countries.

The manager of Justin Bieber, Scooter Braun, sold a luxurious house in Austin, Texas, US, at over USD 18 million worth of Bitcoin. That has been one of the most prominent real estate negotiations in cryptocurrencies over the last few months.

Braun, who also manages Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, and J Balvin, sold his property to Wayne Vaughan, the CEO of Tierion. Although the transaction for the house took place in 2020, there had been no reports on it until recently.

The 25,226-square-foot property, which is close to Lake Austin, has six rooms and wooden floors. Besides, the house has an annex, a swimming pool, and glass-walled cabins.

The sale of the property of Braun reinforces the narrative that Austin has become a market for negotiating luxurious real estate. Cryptocurrency investors have taken advantage of that niche, like those personalities that have opened up to trading with digital assets.

Real Estate Sales in Cryptocurrency are on the Rise

There have been sales of houses and apartments in cryptocurrencies for a few years, but they have gained momentum since 2021.

Gene Simmons, the famous rocker of KISS, accepted cryptocurrencies for selling his mansion in Las Vegas, Nevada. He sold his 3,280-square-foot house inside a property exceeding 13,123 ft² at over USD 13 million worth of Bitcoin.

Real estate negotiations in cryptocurrencies have become common since companies in this sector announced they would work with those assets. One of those firms said it would enter the BTC market through a leading exchange.

There have also been negotiations in cryptocurrencies in countries like Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, and Chile. Several people have accepted digital assets as a means of payment for the sale of their properties.

After the movement of the manager of Justin Bieber, the trend of home sales in Bitcoin could continue to rise. There could be more news on those transactions in the United States as the market advances.

Some Famous Singers Support and Buy Cryptocurrencies

In 2021, American pop singer Mariah Carey told her 10 million Instagram followers that she wanted to drive Bitcoin adoption. In that way, she sought to help African American girls get a university degree in areas like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Madonna, a cryptocurrency advocate since 2018, has used digital assets to make donations to the charity project Raising Malawi. The CEO of Ripple has also contributed with her initiative to help orphan children in the United States.

Gene Simmons, the famous singer of KISS, has expressed his support for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ether, and Litecoin. Although he does not recommend buying any of them, he stated that he has bought them and will continue to have them.

By Alexander Salazar