MicroStrategy Bitcoin Holdings: risks and opportunities

MicroStrategy stocks (MSTR) have become a unique market case closely linked to Bitcoin’s performance. But how sustainable is this strategy?

Under Michael Saylor’s leadership, MicroStrategy has transformed its business model to integrate Bitcoin deeply. As the largest corporate holder of Bitcoin, MicroStrategy has created a unique connection between its stock price (MSTR) and the cryptocurrency’s value. This article examines the risks and opportunities of this strategy and evaluates whether the approach can be sustained in volatile markets.

MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin holdings: a bold business model

MicroStrategy holds over 402,000 bitcoins, valued at approximately $38.3 billion. The company finances these purchases through innovative convertible bonds, allowing investors to convert bonds into shares or claim repayment at maturity. This model effectively positions MicroStrategy as a proxy for Bitcoin investments.

Key Highlights:

  • Convertible Bonds: These bonds help MicroStrategy raise capital for Bitcoin purchases without direct risk to investors.
  • Stock Price Multiplier Effect: Historically, MicroStrategy’s stock price has risen 3–5x relative to Bitcoin’s growth. For example, a 10% BTC increase could lead to a 30%-50% rise in $MSTR.

The link between MicroStrategy Bitcoin holdings and stock value

MicroStrategy’s stock performance reflects Bitcoin’s market trends. As of today, the company holds Bitcoin worth $36 billion, yet its market cap exceeds $83 billion. This multiplier effect makes $MSTR an attractive investment for those seeking leveraged exposure to Bitcoin.

Additionally, MicroStrategy recently announced a $42 billion Bitcoin purchase plan over the next three years, reinforcing its commitment to this strategy.

Risks of MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin strategy

Despite the impressive returns, this model is not without vulnerabilities. Below are the primary risks:

  1. Interest Rate Sensitivity: Rising inflation and interest rates could make financing through bonds more expensive.
  2. Bitcoin Price Drops: A significant BTC downturn could rapidly devalue $MSTR shares. For instance, a 10% BTC decline might trigger a 30%- 50% drop in MicroStrategy’s stock price.
  3. Unsustainable Debt: Failure to meet stock price targets could compel MicroStrategy to repay bondholders in cash, requiring it to liquidate Bitcoin holdings.
  4. Market Impact: Forced sales of Bitcoin could further depress BTC prices, creating a negative feedback loop that affects MicroStrategy and the broader crypto market.
  5. Systemic Risk: MicroStrategy holds 1.84% of all Bitcoins, and its collapse could destabilise the cryptocurrency ecosystem.

Can MicroStrategy trigger a crypto market collapse?

While an extreme scenario where MicroStrategy triggers a crypto market crash is conceivable, it remains unlikely. Bitcoin has become a resilient asset, and even if MicroStrategy faced significant challenges, the cryptocurrency market is robust enough to weather the storm.

In a more plausible scenario, MicroStrategy might experience a steep stock price decline without needing to liquidate its Bitcoin reserves. However, this would still serve as a cautionary tale for heavily leveraged strategies tied to volatile assets like Bitcoin.

Conclusion

MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin holdings strategy offers a high-risk, high-reward opportunity. For investors, $MSTR provides leveraged exposure to Bitcoin’s performance, but it also carries risks tied to market volatility and financial obligations. While the company’s bold approach has yielded impressive returns, potential vulnerabilities warrant careful consideration.

Bitcoin’s value might not hinge on MicroStrategy, but the inverse could hold true: MicroStrategy’s fate is deeply tied to Bitcoin.

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Bitcoin 2050 forecasts: VanEck’s analysis

Bitcoin forecast 2050: what value will it reach?

VanEck’s forecast of Bitcoin’s value in 2050 offers an in-depth look at the cryptocurrency’s potential to become a central element in the international monetary system.

What does the future hold for us? What do VanEck’s predictions for 2050 contained in a recently published analysis say? According to the investment fund, Bitcoin could establish itself as a key component of the global monetary system, ‘stealing market share’ from major fiat currencies globally. 

Specifically, Van Eck predicts that Bitcoin will be widely used in international trade, become one of the most commonly used means of exchange and an even more valuable store of value.  Here are VanEck’s Bitcoin predictions for 2050.

Bitcoin: the future of the international monetary system

To produce his predictions on the price of Bitcoin by 2050, Van Eck started with some estimates on global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and growth. The scenario drawn by the hedge fund predicts that populist movements and the desire for re-shorting will cause global GDP growth to slow from 3 to -2%

He then analysed the international monetary system (IMS) in a broader sense, predicting a shift of world economies away from traditional reserve currencies

The US, EU, UK and Japan are gradually losing share in this respect. In addition, the decline of confidence in fiat currencies as long-term stores of value due to continuous and excessive deficit spending – when a government (and thus a central bank) or a company spends more than it collects by financing itself through the issuance of debt, be it public or private – is increasingly evident.

In short, VanEck argues that the gradual erosion of trust in traditional fiat currencies and the emergence of Bitcoin as a store of value are the main catalysts for a radical change in the global monetary system. BTC is set to carve out a prominent role in international transactions and within state reserves.

Why will Bitcoin emerge?

VanEck predicts that Bitcoin could establish itself as one of the main instruments for exchanging value globally while at the same time attaining the status of a universally recognised store of value, a role historically held by gold. This is mainly because of the growing erosion of confidence in fiat currencies that we analysed in the previous section, but also due to a substantial change in the global monetary balance of power.

The foundation of Bitcoin’s success lies in some unique characteristics that make it particularly relevant, especially in developing countries:

  • Immutable property rights: Thanks to its decentralised blockchain, Bitcoin cannot be censored, confiscated, or stolen. This feature is particularly relevant in contexts where traditional systems are vulnerable to manipulation, corruption, or political instability.
  • Sound money principles: This concept describes a currency that retains its value over time and is not subject to uncontrolled inflation or manipulation by governments and central banks. With a supply limited to 21 million units, Bitcoin represents an ideal model of sound money.

One of the main obstacles to the adoption of Bitcoin is the limited scalability of its network, a critical issue that is finding solutions through the implementation of Layer-2 blockchain

These networks improve Bitcoin’s scalability, allowing more transactions to be finalised without compromising its fundamental characteristics. The combination of immutable property rights, sound money principles, and technological innovation provided by Layer-2s paves the way for the creation of a global financial system capable of effectively responding to the needs of emerging countries.

Bitcoin 2050 predictions: what does VanEck tell us?

After analysing where BTC might be during the next chapter of its evolutionary history, let’s see what VanEck’s predictions say about Bitcoin’s price. According to VanEck’s estimates, by 2050, Bitcoin could be used to settle 10% of international trade. Furthermore, the investment fund predicts that many central banks will hold at least 2.5% of their assets in BTC. 

This scenario, at least as far as the US is concerned, is on its way to becoming reality. A proposal under discussion in the US Congress, known as the Bitcoin ACT, aims to convert part of the US’s gold reserves into Bitcoin.

In any case, VanEck’s forecast takes three main factors into account: first, the GDP of local and international trade regulated on Bitcoin; then, the circulating supply and velocity of the asset. The latter represents the frequency with which a monetary unit, in this case BTC, is used to conduct transactions within an economic system in a given period. It measures how quickly money or its equivalents ‘circulate’.

Bearing in mind Bitcoin’s possible role as one of the cornerstones of international trade and an asset in most of the world’s central bank coffers, and applying a given velocity coefficient to this scenario, VanEck stated that Bitcoin’s value could reach $2.9 million per unit, with a total market capitalisation of $61 trillion.

Bitcoin price surpassed $100,000

Bitcoin price surpasses $100,000, where can it go?

The price of Bitcoin has surpassed $100,000, a historic milestone that was unreachable for many until a few years ago. How far can it go?

It happened! This morning, the price of Bitcoin surpassed $100,000. BTC managed to break the resistance most coveted by crypto investors in only two attempts. The first, which was unsuccessful, was made on 22 November.

Of course, the achievement of this very important milestone has sparked euphoria among enthusiasts who have been and are still celebrating the event. Find out how Bitcoin reached $100,000 and the cryptocurrency’s next price target.

Bitcoin price at $100,000: how did it get there?

Bitcoin’s price reached and surpassed $100,000 in a sprint. Until Monday, its price was orbiting the $96,000 zone, and after the first attempt to break through, the only resistance on its chart had failed. Then yesterday, after an unexciting first part of the day, BTC suddenly woke up, recording two consecutive +3% movements, the first from 17:00 to 21:00 and the second from 21:00 to 24:00. (Italian time). But it was from 1:00 a.m. onwards that Bitcoin exploded to the upside. It scored a massive +5% in about four hours, touching the $104,000 level.

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We take the opportunity to sum up this incredible milestone in the last 30 days, as Bitcoin’s explosive price movement started precisely one month ago, after Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election. In this period, the price of Bitcoin has risen by $35,000. Never before had Bitcoin seen such a significant increase in monetary terms in a single month.

After its price surpassed $100,000, Bitcoin entered another order of magnitude, which, as those familiar with mathematics will know, is measured in powers of ten. It has been exactly seven years since this last happened, as BTC surpassed $10,000 on 29 November 2017.

What caused the latest Bitcoin price movement?

It is difficult to answer this question in the very short term, i.e. tonight’s price increase. At the same time, it is much easier to understand the logic that has made Bitcoin shine since January 2024. The approval of spot ETFs, which recorded $556 million in inflow yesterday, was the first spark that started this bull market cycle. Today, financial instruments issued by US investment funds hold about 1.1 million BTC or 5.5 per cent of its circulating supply.

Then, after several months of laterality, came the second major catalyst: the election of Donald Trump. If we stopped here, it would seem, especially if we focus only on the second event mentioned, that political events manipulated the price of Bitcoin. In reality, BTC has risen thanks to the endorsement of the future president and, above all, to the change in global attitudes towards him. Certainly, however, the election of a pro-crypto US president helped crypto supporters within institutions and governments to emerge.

In a few weeks, many countries other than the United States have declared that they want to integrate Bitcoin into their central banks as a reserve asset. The same can be said of some states or regions that want to use it as an inflation hedge within pension funds or investment funds.

In short, the future looks brighter than ever for Bitcoin and the cryptocurrency world. Although, after tonight, crypto enthusiasts need to find another shared goal. Since we’ve been talking orders of magnitude, why not take the million-dollar threshold as a reference? Surely, it will take time, but if there is one thing Bitcoin has proved, nothing is impossible. On the other hand, VanEck, one of the world’s leading crypto investment funds, expects the price of Bitcoin to exceed $2 million by 2050.

Will the United States’ gold reserves be converted to Bitcoin?

Bitcoin News: Will the USA sell gold to buy BTC?

The latest Bitcoin news reveals that Senator Cynthia Lummis has proposed converting part of the USA’s gold reserves into BTC.

In recent days, the cryptocurrency landscape has been shaken by not only a dramatic price surge but also by significant news concerning Bitcoin, primarily from the United States. Wyoming Senator Cynthia Lummis has introduced a bill proposing the conversion of a portion of the U.S. gold reserves into Bitcoin.

If approved, this initiative could mark a historic shift in the economic and financial trajectory of the United States and the world.

A New Era for State Reserves

Senator Lummis’ proposal aims to create a “Strategic Bitcoin Reserve” for the United States by converting a fraction of the country’s vast gold reserves into BTC. Currently, the United States holds the largest gold reserves in the world, totaling over 8,000 metric tons. Germany ranks second with 3,352 tons, followed by Italy with 2,452 tons.

According to the latest financial report by the Bureau of the Fiscal Service, the U.S. holds approximately $5.4 trillion in assets, while liabilities amount to $42 trillion. Of this, $26.5 trillion represents public debt and its associated interest. Lummis’ proposal includes the accumulation of 1 million BTC for 20 years, aiming to support the dollar against its gradual and inevitable devaluation.

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A strategic Bitcoin reserve: Trump’s vision

The bill, widely discussed in Bitcoin news outlets, comes months after former U.S. President Donald Trump announced his intention to establish a “Strategic Bitcoin Reserve” to strengthen the country’s financial position. During his campaign, Trump accepted cryptocurrency donations, participated in Bitcoin 2024—the world’s premier cryptocurrency conference—and pledged to make the United States a global leader in blockchain technology.

Additionally, Trump has stated plans to dismiss Gary Gensler, the current chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), known for his regulatory stance against cryptocurrencies.

A historical parallel: Bretton Woods

This proposal recalls 1971, when the United States abandoned the Bretton Woods Agreement, effectively ending the gold standard. The introduction of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve could serve as a “third chapter” in the Bretton Woods saga, established in 1944, heralding a new era in global monetary history.

It’s worth noting that since the abandonment of Bretton Woods in 1971, the U.S. dollar has lost approximately 98% of its value. Establishing an alternative asset or store of value to support the dollar might be necessary.

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A global influence

The U.S. proposals are already impacting other nations. In Poland, Sławomir Mentzen, a candidate in the 2025 presidential elections, has pledged to create a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve if elected. A long-time cryptocurrency advocate, Mentzen revealed that he invested all his savings in Bitcoin in 2013, showcasing his confidence in its potential.

These recent political initiatives in the United States and Poland indicate the growing acceptance of Bitcoin as a state-level store of value. If implemented, these proposals could mark a turning point in global economic history, redefining the role of cryptocurrencies in the international financial system.

Bull Market and Altseason in Crypto: How to Navigate and Maximise Potential

Bull Market and Crypto Altseason: How to Manage Them

What is a Bull Market and Altseason?

Navigating a crypto bull market and altseason can be both exhilarating and challenging for investors. Historically, these cycles have presented significant opportunities, but managing these favourable moments isn’t easy. This guide offers practical strategies to help you approach the bull market and altseason, helping you avoid common pitfalls driven by emotions such as greed and unchecked optimism.

Before diving in, note that while we reference historical data, past events may not replicate exactly in future cycles.

When do Bull Markets and altseasons begin?

Determining when a bull market or an altseason begins takes a lot of work. Typically, each cycle starts with Bitcoin’s price moving upwards, sparking widespread predictions. However, understanding the timing of a market cycle is often more valuable than chasing arbitrary price targets.

Key indicators to monitor include Bitcoin dominance, which reflects BTC’s market weight relative to other cryptos, and the ETH/BTC ratio, which compares Bitcoin’s performance to Ethereum. Another essential metric is the time elapsed since the last Bitcoin halving event, which often correlates with shifts in market phases.

The crypto market cycle and the role of Bitcoin halving

The crypto market cycle is closely tied to Bitcoin’s halving events, which occur approximately every four years. Halving halves the mining rewards, effectively reducing BTC’s supply growth. Each halving has historically set off a new cycle, usually lasting about 1,000 days. Peaks generally occur a year after the previous all-time high (ATH).

Bitcoin’s market cycles usually follow this structure:

  • Bull Market: A prolonged upward trend, with BTC leading initially.
  • Altseason: Often a sub-phase within a bull market where alternative cryptocurrencies, or “altcoins,” outperform Bitcoin.

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Key phases of a Bull Market

Everyone now knows that we are in a bull market. The price of BTC has just surpassed $90,000 and seems poised to continue rising. However, let’s take a look—drawing on historical data—at the main phases of past bullish cycles.

Phase 1: Bitcoin takes the lead

At the beginning of a bull market, Bitcoin typically absorbs the majority of new liquidity entering the market. Other cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum, often need help keeping up with Bitcoin’s explosive gains.

Phase 2: Ethereum gains momentum

Once Bitcoin’s price stabilises or reaches a local peak, liquidity matures into Ethereum. This marks the beginning of Ethereum’s outperformance relative to Bitcoin, often accompanied by gains in promising altcoins.

Phase 3: altseason begins

As Ethereum gains traction, confidence in higher-cap altcoins rises, igniting altseason. In recent cycles, altcoins with lower market capitalisations have experienced significant price increases during this period, driven by a renewed interest in diversifying beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum.

During the last bull market, the undisputed standouts were Solana (SOL), which rose by +1,200% from May to November 2021, and Avalanche (AVAX), which increased by +1,500% from June to December 2021.

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Phase 4: altseason peaks

The end of altseason often coincides with high-risk, explosive price movements in smaller, less established cryptocurrencies. This period is high in FOMO (fear of missing out) and requires caution. Once prices start to decline, it may signal the end of the bull market, and holding riskier assets can lead to substantial losses.

Why Ethereum often lags behind Bitcoin early in the cycle

Ethereum’s initial lag behind Bitcoin has become even more pronounced in recent cycles. This disparity is largely due to Bitcoin’s status as the most established and “safer” asset within the crypto space. During the early stages of a bull market, investors typically favour Bitcoin over altcoins, including Ethereum. This preference has been amplified with the launch of Bitcoin spot ETFs by major investment funds, enhancing Bitcoin’s appeal as a lower-risk investment.

A concept called “capital rotation” explains this pattern: initially, liquidity flows into Bitcoin, and as Bitcoin stabilises, investors begin to allocate funds to Ethereum and, later, other altcoins. For this reason, tracking Bitcoin dominance and the ETH/BTC ratio is crucial, as they often provide early signals of altseason onset.

Historical Timeline of Market Cycles

Examining the timing of previous cycles is helpful for effectively managing a bull market and all seasons. While exact patterns don’t repeat, they can offer valuable insights into potential timelines.

2017 Bull Market

  • Halving Date: 11 July 2016, BTC price at $650.
  • First ATH Post-Halving: 225 days later, on 21 February 2017, at $1,115.
  • Peak ATH: 297 days after halving, on 15 December 2017, at $19,000.
  • Overall Return: Approximately +2,800% from ATH to ATH.

2020 Bull Market

  • Halving Date: 11 May 2020, BTC price at $9,000.
  • First ATH Post-Halving: 216 days later, on 13 December 2020, at $19,200.
  • Peak ATH: 330 days post-halving, on 8 November 2021, at $69,000.
  • Overall Return: +259% from ATH to ATH.

2024 Bull Market

  • Halving Date: 22 April 2024, BTC price around $65,000.
  • First ATH Post-Halving: 195 days later, on 5 November 2024, BTC reached $80,000.
  • Speculative Projection: Bitcoin might reach the peak ATH for this cycle around September 2025 if history repeats.

Ethereum’s Timeline

Ethereum, launched in 2015, has less historical data, but in the previous bull market, it exceeded its ATH from January 2018 to January 2021. If the pattern holds, Ethereum could reach a new ATH soon.

Conclusion 

A disciplined approach to timing and strategy can be a significant advantage during bull markets and altseasons. Remember that while the crypto market tends to follow cyclical patterns, these cycles don’t guarantee identical outcomes. Tracking market indicators like Bitcoin dominance and the ETH/BTC ratio can be instrumental in spotting the onset of altseason. However, as the end of the cycle nears, it’s essential to reassess exposure to high-risk assets to avoid potential losses when the market reverses.

Stay mindful of these cycles, adapt strategies accordingly, and remember to balance optimism with caution.


Bitcoin price forecast for 2025: expert predictions and future trends

Bitcoin price forecast

What does the 2025 bitcoin price forecast look like?

Bitcoin’s price forecast for 2025 is a hot topic, with experts and analysts closely watching BTC’s trajectory. In 2024, Bitcoin achieved impressive gains, starting the year at approximately $40,000 following a strong rally in 2023. From January to March 2024, Bitcoin experienced one of its most explosive movements, climbing to an all-time high of $73,700. Following Donald Trump’s U.S. election victory in early November, Bitcoin’s price broke record after record, demonstrating the currency’s resilience and appeal.

Here, we’ll explore expert forecasts and potential price movements for BTC in 2025. Will Bitcoin reach the ambitious target of $100,000 or more?

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Bitcoin price forecast for 2025: optimistic predictions

Among the most bullish Bitcoin forecasts for 2025 are some eye-catching targets from well-known figures in the crypto space.

  • Himanshu Maradiya, founder of CIFDAQ Blockchain, forecasts that BTC could reach $1 million by the end of 2025. While this projection may seem highly optimistic, various factors support it. These include rising adoption, the approval of spot ETFs in January 2024, hyperinflation weakening fiat currencies, and increased profitability for miners.
  • Michael Saylor, CEO of MicroStrategy and one of Bitcoin’s most dedicated advocates, echoes this sentiment. Saylor believes Bitcoin could reach the million-dollar mark due to its strength as a global store of value, particularly in times of economic uncertainty.
  • Chamath Palihapitiya, a prominent venture capitalist, also envisions Bitcoin as a potential safe haven from global economic instability. His BTC price forecast aligns with the $1 million mark, citing Bitcoin’s unique resilience and finite supply as key factors.

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Mid-range predictions: a realistic take on Bitcoin’s price potential

Not every expert is aiming for the $1 million mark in their Bitcoin price forecast for 2025. Others offer more conservative yet still ambitious estimates.

  • Anthony Scaramucci, founder of SkyBridge Capital, predicts BTC could hit $170,000. He attributes this to Bitcoin’s limited supply and growing demand, particularly as spot ETFs make Bitcoin more accessible within global stock markets. Scaramucci notes, “Bitcoin under $100,000 will soon be a thing of the past.”
  • Pantera Capital has reiterated its Bitcoin price forecast of $114,000 by August 2025. Pantera’s projections hinge on factors such as potential Federal Reserve interest rate cuts and improvements in Middle Eastern stability. Pantera’s analysis also considers Bitcoin’s stock-to-flow model, where the BTC supply was cut by 50% following the April 2024 halving, further increasing its scarcity.
  • Tim Draper, founder of Draper Fisher Jurvetson, targets a BTC price of $250,000 by 2025, emphasising Bitcoin’s acceptance as both a financial and technological asset.

Cautious bitcoin price forecasts for 2025

While bullish predictions dominate, some voices remain cautious or sceptical about Bitcoin’s long-term value.

  • The European Central Bank (ECB) has historically expressed scepticism. In 2022, following the FTX collapse, ECB representatives predicted Bitcoin’s decline, suggesting its stabilisation was artificially driven and claiming that BTC would become irrelevant. However, Bitcoin has more than tripled since its November 2022 low, contradicting such pessimistic views.
  • Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan, has repeatedly criticised Bitcoin, describing it as a “waste of time” and comparing it to a Ponzi scheme. Dimon argues that BTC’s value will diminish as mining rewards decrease, though he recently pledged to refrain from further commentary after Bitcoin’s recent price surge.

What could influence Bitcoin’s price in 2025?

Numerous factors could impact Bitcoin’s price forecast, including:

  1. Global economic conditions
    Bitcoin often thrives during inflationary periods, and with concerns over fiat currency devaluation, demand for BTC as a hedge may rise.
  2. Spot ETFs and institutional adoption
    The approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs has already boosted demand, providing an accessible way for traditional investors to enter the crypto market. Greater institutional involvement could further drive up BTC’s price.
  3. Regulatory developments
    Clearer regulatory frameworks in major markets could support adoption, though overly restrictive policies could hinder growth.
  4. Market cycles and halving effects
    The April 2024 halving reduced Bitcoin’s supply rate by half, and historical patterns suggest that supply shocks can lead to price increases.

Conclusion: what’s next for Bitcoin in 2025?

The 2025 Bitcoin price forecast remains varied, with experts predicting prices from $100,000 to $1 million per BTC. Regardless of the exact figure, Bitcoin’s fundamentals remain solid, and its appeal as an asset seems resilient in the face of both economic and regulatory challenges. While some sceptics remain unconvinced, the majority of analysts agree that BTC’s role as a store of value is likely to grow.
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Donald Trump wins the 2024 election: a look at the new U.S. president’s agenda

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Donald Trump is the new president of the United States

Donald Trump won the 2024 presidential election and returned to the White House. His decisive victory reflects a clear shift in American priorities, with voters drawn to his tough stance on immigration, expansive economic policies, and a more isolationist foreign policy. Trump will officially take office in January 2025, ready to lead with a strengthened Republican majority in Congress. Here’s a closer look at his win and what his administration could mean for America’s future.

How did Donald Trump win the presidency?

The U.S. electoral system is indirect, meaning American citizens do not elect the president directly. Instead, each state appoints a set of “electors” based on population. With 538 total electors nationwide, a candidate needs a majority—at least 270—to win.

In the U.S., most states operate under a “winner-takes-all” rule, meaning that the candidate who receives the majority of votes in a state claims all its electors (with Maine and Nebraska as exceptions). Key swing states—including Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin—played a critical role in Trump’s victory. Traditionally unpredictable, these states were ultimately decisive in the election outcome.

The role of swing states in Trump’s victory

Until election night, polling showed a close race, with neither candidate emerging as a clear frontrunner. However, in the early morning, Trump claimed enough swing states to clinch victory. With its 19 electoral votes, Pennsylvania was particularly important, where Trump won by a slim 2% margin. He also secured North Carolina with 51% and Georgia with 50.7%.

Currently, as votes are still being counted in a few remaining states, Trump has a solid lead with 266 electoral votes to Kamala Harris’s 219. He is also leading in other key states, meaning a Trump presidency is almost certain.

Key policies in Donald Trump’s agenda: immigration, economy, and foreign affairs

Now that Trump is set to lead, his platform promises significant changes. Americans voted for a shift in direction, so what does Trump’s agenda entail? His policies have been designed to appeal to a conservative base and are likely to have a broad impact given the Republican majority in Congress. This means he will have substantial freedom to enact his plans, both economically and socially.

Immigration: tighter policies and enforcement

Trump has pledged to take strong action on immigration, a top concern for 61% of Americans. His rhetoric on the campaign trail has been strict, portraying immigrants as a source of crime and economic burden. Trump’s vice president, J.D. Vance, has even suggested that the administration could pursue one of the largest deportation plans in recent history. This policy could lead to a major crackdown on immigration, though Trump will need to consider constitutional protections.

Economy: protectionist policies and crypto-friendly initiatives

On the economic front, Trump has promised protectionist policies, including tariffs aimed at reducing dependence on foreign goods, particularly from China. His approach could lead to what some experts call a “trade war,” potentially impacting international markets and raising prices domestically, which could further strain inflation rates.

Trump’s stance on cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin, has drawn attention. His administration has hinted at using U.S.-held Bitcoin reserves to bolster the national economy and supporting BTC mining in the U.S. The initial market reaction has been positive, with Bitcoin surging to an all-time high of $75,000 following the election news. Some states, like Florida, have already supported Bitcoin, proposing to include it in public pension funds. Other areas, like Michigan and Wisconsin, have begun to invest in Bitcoin ETFs.

Foreign policy: a shift toward isolationism

Regarding international relations, Trump’s foreign policy is expected to take an isolationist approach. He has indicated that he may scale back economic support to Ukraine, potentially destabilising U.S. relations with NATO allies. During Biden’s presidency, the U.S. gave Ukraine approximately $174 billion in aid. Trump’s stance could mean a significant shift, reducing American involvement in global conflicts and focusing on domestic priorities instead.

Trump’s administration has also signalled support for Israel in the Middle East but may reduce the scope of U.S. involvement. His approach could reshape U.S. alliances, especially in Europe, where many countries rely on U.S. support for strategic stability.

What’s next for Trump’s America?

As Donald Trump prepares to re-enter the White House, America is set for substantial changes. His policies on immigration, the economy, and foreign relations reflect a bold vision aimed at strengthening U.S. interests and security, albeit with potential challenges in terms of international diplomacy and market stability.


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The Fed cut interest rates by 25 basis points

meeting-fed-2024-november

The FED meeting on 7 November: the US central bank cut rates by 25 basis points. Discover the impact on markets and future rate expectations

The Federal Reserve met on 7 November 2024 to decide on interest rates. Since the FOMC did not meet in October, what happened after the 50 basis point cut in September? Could the combination of Donald Trump’s victory and the reduction in the cost of money further boost the price of Bitcoin?

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Economic indicators are influencing Fed decisions.

Before analysing what happened at the 7 November 2024 FED meeting, it is good to list the economic indicators that the US central bank assesses before deciding on interest rates.

One of the main objectives of the Fed’s monetary policy is to contain inflation. When prices rise excessively, the central bank raises interest rates to curb and stabilise demand. From August to October, the consumer price index (CPI), the main indicator used to estimate inflation, fell 50 basis points to an annual rate of 2.4 %, down from 2.9 %. 

This slowdown in inflation was made possible by the restrictive monetary policies implemented by most Western countries in the past two years. Since, today, the situation seems to be under control, central banks are proceeding with progressive interest rate cuts in order to stimulate the economy after having previously cooled it down.

Employment and, thus, the health of the labour market also plays an important role in the Fed’s decisions. In recent months, the unemployment rate has been stable at around 4.2%, but if it had risen, it would have been necessary to intervene with a tighter plan of interest rate cuts. However, since this did not happen, the Fed could, and probably will, proceed gradually.

Finally, when the Fed decides on interest rates, it also considers Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Excessively fast economic growth may fuel inflation, while weak growth may suggest the need for economic stimulus, such as rate cuts. In October, economic growth in the US slowed, and the Fed responded with a 25 basis point rate cut.

Has the election of Donald Trump affected rates?

The election of Donald Trump did not affect the Federal Reserve’s November meeting, whose decision was in line with expectations on interest rates. Some experts thought that the FED might leave rates unchanged given the new US president’s willingness to apply tariffs on goods from abroad, particularly from China, which might raise inflation again in the future.

However, the majority still expected a 25 basis point cut, which, in fact, happened. Polymarket, the crypto world’s leading prediction market, effectively summarised the consensus view, which, as with the presidential election, guessed correctly.

Gregory Daco, Chief Economist of Ernest Young, one of the world’s leading consulting firms, was also of this view, stating on Wednesday: “Declining inflation and wage and productivity growth should favour a gradual recalibration of the Fed’s monetary policy with a 25 basis point rate cut after the election.”

November 2024 FED meeting: the impact on the market

It is very difficult to estimate the possible impact of the rate cut at the Fed’s meeting on 7 November 2024, mainly because it comes after the two most important days of the year. Wednesday saw the conclusion of the US elections, in which Donald Trump emerged as the winner, who will return to Capitol Hill after the Democratic interlude of the last four years.

Had Kamala Harris won, the situation would probably have been different. Still, the Republicans in power from January onwards will be the ones who have also won a majority in Congress. What has happened and all the promises associated with a new Trump mandate have caused the price of major assets, especially Bitcoin and Tesla shares, to explode upwards. Less than twenty minutes after the opening of the markets, spot ETFs on Bitcoin recorded $1 billion in volume, while on the day of 7 November, the absolute record of capital inflows was $1.38 billion.

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However, the last word has yet to be said. Regarding the crypto world, what happened this week seems to have rekindled the bull market, which was abruptly interrupted in April after the all-time highs (ATH) were reached—historical highs which, again, have been updated in recent hours. Analysing the stock market, one can see that the main indices, above all, the S&P 500 and NASDAQ, have been recording bullish price movements at a very sustained pace for quite some time.

In short, the million-dollar question related to the FED meeting on 7 November is one: will the interest rate cut make the markets rise further, especially Bitcoin? Or will the major assets slow down after the bull run of the last few days?

What Will Happen to the Stock Market in Q4 2024?

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How is the stock market faring, and what can we expect in Q4 2024? An analysis based on BlackRock’s quarterly report

BlackRock’s latest quarterly report on the stock market opens with a thought-provoking quote from Tony DeSpirito, the Global Chief Investment Officer: “The economy is not the stock market. And that’s good news.” This line suggests that the stock market may not necessarily follow suit even if the real economy slows down. Here, we break down BlackRock’s outlook for the stock market over the final quarter of 2024.

Stock Market: General Observations

The fourth quarter of 2024 promises to be a dynamic period for both the stock market and cryptocurrencies. BlackRock analysts predict that risk assets may experience heightened volatility, driven primarily by the upcoming U.S. elections and central banks’ potential rate cuts, especially by the Federal Reserve (Fed). Overall, BlackRock’s experts anticipate that rate cuts could bolster the stock market and create fresh investment opportunities.

However, the third quarter of 2024 was also marked by significant volatility, largely due to concerns over economic deceleration and recession risks. The Fed’s seemingly delayed response to these issues has added to market uncertainties. Despite these challenges, BlackRock’s report underscores that the fundamentals of the stock market have remained strong.

Two Sides of Volatility

The report delves into the topic of volatility, a critical factor in understanding the stock market’s outlook for the months ahead. BlackRock’s analysts remind us that while investor sentiment can move markets in the short term, fundamentals ultimately prevail over time. Investors should therefore stay focused on long-term value creation, even if the coming months bring sharp price swings.

Tony DeSpirito elaborates on the benefits of volatility with four key insights:

  1. Volatility can be advantageous: Market corrections allow investors to increase their exposure to high-quality assets, particularly when these price drops stem from sentiment-driven events that don’t alter the asset’s underlying fundamentals. By taking advantage of dips, investors may strengthen their portfolios.
  2. Volatility is normal: The stock market has always relied on its ups and downs to recover from major downturns, such as the 2008 financial crisis. BlackRock expects a similar scenario in the coming months, with peaks in volatility likely due to the Fed’s decisions.
  3. Market corrections are common: Over the past 35 years, the S&P 500 has experienced 20 corrections of over 10%, yet it has delivered an average annual return of +14%. The takeaway is clear: investing with a long-term perspective can help investors ride out market fluctuations effectively.
  4. Higher volatility can yield better returns: BlackRock’s data show that periods of increased volatility often lead to superior returns when the Volatility Index (VIX) remains below 12 points and six-month returns for the S&P 500 average around 5%. However, when the VIX hits 29 or higher, these returns jump to 16%. In short, volatility can drive short-term returns.

U.S. Elections and Their Impact on the Stock Market

The November U.S. elections are another major event that could influence the stock market this quarter. BlackRock has analysed how previous elections have affected stock performance, concluding that while election results often cause immediate price swings, the longer-term effects tend to be muted. Since 1996, only two out of seven elections have triggered post-election volatility lasting more than eleven months.

BlackRock’s message is clear: even during times of political uncertainty, investors should maintain a long-term view. History shows that the market has overcome many challenges since 1974, from presidential resignations to stagflation, the 1987 crash, the dot-com bubble, the 2008 crisis, and COVID-19. Patience, it seems, remains an invaluable virtue in the world of investing.

The Impact of Fed Rate Cuts

BlackRock’s report also explores the potential impact of Fed rate cuts on the stock market. The analysis confirms that stock markets tend to perform well when rates are reduced, especially if these cuts do not coincide with a recession. Historically, large-cap stocks have typically outperformed smaller-cap stocks for up to three years following the first rate cut.

When broken down by sector, the report shows that healthcare and consumer goods stocks tend to experience above-average growth in the year following an initial rate cut. This insight could benefit investors seeking defensive exposure in an uncertain environment.

And What About the Crypto Market?

In recent months, BlackRock and its CEO, Larry Fink, have shown a growing interest in cryptocurrency. BlackRock’s latest report highlights Bitcoin’s unique potential as a portfolio diversifier. Unlike traditional stock market assets, Bitcoin is largely uncorrelated with equities, which can provide additional resilience to a portfolio. Bitcoin’s rallies tend to be more explosive, offering investors a high-growth asset option with its own distinctive cycle.

Thanks to its secure, immutable blockchain technology, Bitcoin is viewed as a reliable store of value. Its Proof of Work system ensures that thousands of nodes and miners verify each transaction, providing unmatched security. This immutability and transparency set Bitcoin apart, cementing its position as a unique alternative asset for long-term investors.

Conclusion

The fourth quarter of 2024 presents both challenges and opportunities for the stock market. Investors can expect volatility to continue with the upcoming U.S. elections, potential rate cuts by the Fed, and ongoing global economic shifts. However, BlackRock’s analysis suggests that a long-term perspective and focus on fundamentals can help investors make the most of these market conditions.

Download the Young Platform app for more insights on the stock market and how to navigate Q4. Stay informed with our weekly updates and make smart choices for your portfolio in the dynamic investing world.


Bitcoin Rises on China’s Economic Stimulus and ETF Inflows

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Bitcoin’s price surges on Chinese economic stimulus measures and strong ETF inflows. What’s next for Bitcoin this October?

Bitcoin has recently shown a surprising upturn, closing September with an impressive 8% increase. This performance defies the usual trend, as September is typically a weak month for the cryptocurrency. The drivers behind this growth are strong ETF inflows and significant liquidity injections from China, which have sparked optimism across global markets.

China Injects Capital and Cuts Repo Rates

Last Wednesday, China’s central bank announced a reduction in its interbank lending rates (repo rate) from 1.95% to 1.85%, complemented by a $10 billion liquidity injection and a 50-basis-point cut in the required reserve ratio (RRR) for banks. This move appears to be part of a larger economic stimulus package aimed at revitalising the economy with an anticipated ¥1 trillion (around $150 billion) in increased credit availability for banks.

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This intervention seeks to counteract key economic challenges, including deflation driven by low consumer demand, a struggling real estate market, and high public debt. The effects have been immediate, with Asian stock indices like Hong Kong’s Hang Seng and Shanghai’s SSE surging 14% and 20%, respectively, since Thursday. This positive momentum also boosted the U.S. and crypto markets, although Bitcoin and other major cryptocurrencies have since eased, with BTC down by about 3% today.

China’s liquidity boost not only lifted Asian financial markets but also generated optimism among global investors. The repo rate cut and other measures are expected to increase the global money supply, with many analysts speculating that a portion of this liquidity may flow into riskier assets, including stocks and cryptocurrencies, in the coming weeks.

Impact on Investor Sentiment and Bitcoin’s Price

Bitcoin’s recent price surge is also tied to rising inflows into Bitcoin ETFs, further strengthening investor confidence. Last Friday, ETF inflows reached nearly $500 million, a level not seen since July. This significant capital flow into Bitcoin funds suggests renewed market optimism after prolonged stagnation.

Ethereum has also shown promising signs, with ETF inflows totalling $150 million over the past four trading days. This uptick comes after two challenging months for Ethereum ETFs, hinting at a potential shift in sentiment for the broader crypto market.

Will October Bring Renewed Momentum?

Despite minor pullbacks over the past 24 hours, optimism persists across markets. As we enter October, a historically bullish month for Bitcoin (often dubbed “Uptober”), will this mark the beginning of a sustained uptrend after over six months of sideways movement?Download the Young Platform app to stay updated on Bitcoin’s market dynamics and the global economic factors influencing cryptocurrency prices. Follow our weekly updates to stay ahead in the world of crypto investing.