Benefit – Earlybirds Invest https://earlybirdsinvest.com Latest Crypto News Fri, 08 Aug 2025 20:50:00 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.7 https://i0.wp.com/earlybirdsinvest.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cropped-New-Project-2024-12-17T235703.455.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Benefit – Earlybirds Invest https://earlybirdsinvest.com 32 32 240146708 Saylor: Bitcoin to Benefit from Tariffs on Gold https://earlybirdsinvest.com/saylor-bitcoin-to-benefit-from-tariffs-on-gold/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/saylor-bitcoin-to-benefit-from-tariffs-on-gold/#respond Fri, 08 Aug 2025 20:50:00 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/saylor-bitcoin-to-benefit-from-tariffs-on-gold/

During a Friday appearance on Bloomberg, Michael Saylor, executive chairman at Strategy, opined that the tariffs on Swiss gold bars will accelerate migration to Bitcoin. 

He has stressed that the big appeal of Bitcoin is that it is not physical, quipping that there are “no tariffs in cyberspace.” “It doesn’t have weight. You can settle anywhere with anybody in a few minutes. Gold has always been too heavy, too slow, and you can’t ship it across an ocean. And if you do, now you are getting tariffed,” Saylor commented. 

Saylor has opined that this will be a new catalyst that will result in another wave of institutional adoption. 

Earlier this week, the news of the U.S. imposing tariffs on gold bars sent shockwaves across the bullion market. 

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Title news

The White House now intends to issue an executive order clarifying what has been described as “misinformation,” Reuters reports

Unbothered by altcoin hype

Saylor says that he is convinced that the vast majority of capital is still currently flowing into Bitcoin while addressing the growing number of treasury companies that are pivoting to altcoins. 

The number of Bitcoin treasury companies has grown from 60 to about 160 over the past six months, he says.

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Here's the Maximum Possible Social Security Benefit at 62, 66, 67, and 70 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/heres-the-maximum-possible-social-security-benefit-at-62-66-67-and-70/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/heres-the-maximum-possible-social-security-benefit-at-62-66-67-and-70/#respond Sun, 27 Jul 2025 16:47:30 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/heres-the-maximum-possible-social-security-benefit-at-62-66-67-and-70/ The age you claim may be even more important if you were a high earner.

One of the biggest factors impacting your monthly Social Security benefit is when you decide to apply for benefits.

Most people become eligible for retirement benefits starting at age 62. But claiming as soon as possible will result in a much smaller monthly check than if you wait. That’s why many retirees wait until they reach their full retirement age, between the ages of 66 and 67 for most Americans. But that title is a bit of a misnomer because you can get an even bigger monthly benefit by waiting until age 70 to file.

The discrepancy between how much you can receive from Social Security at each age is amplified when you look at the maximum possible benefit. And if you aim to truly maximize your Social Security benefits for yourself and your family, there’s a clear winner for which age is best for most people.

Social Security card buried in $100 bills.

Image source: Getty Images.

What it takes to maximize your Social Security benefits

When the Social Security Administration goes to calculate your monthly retirement benefit, it first looks at your entire earnings history, starting from the first year you started working and filed income taxes. After adjusting each year’s earnings for inflation, it selects the 35 highest-earning years and plugs them into the Social Security benefits formula.

The formula will have some slight variations depending on what year you were born. The year you were born will also determine your full retirement age. Anyone born between 1943 and 1954 reached full retirement age at 66. It then increases by two months for each year you were born after 1954 until maxing out at age 67 for anyone born in 1960 or later.

Your full retirement age is important because that’s when you’ll receive the primary insurance amount calculated by the Social Security benefits formula. If you claim before you reach the required age, you’ll receive a smaller monthly benefit. If you wait, you’ll receive an increase in benefits for each month you delay up until age 70.

There’s one more detail to know about how your benefit gets calculated, though. If you’re a high earner, the Social Security Administration might not count every dollar you earned during your career when calculating your benefit. That’s because it caps the amount of earnings subject to Social Security taxes each year. If you don’t pay Social Security taxes on the income, it won’t count toward your earnings for calculating your benefit.

Here’s the last 50 years of the maximum taxable earnings for Social Security.

Year Earnings Year Earnings
1976 $15,300 2001 $80,400
1977 $16,500 2002 $84,900
1978 $17,700 2003 $87,000
1979 $22,900 2004 $87,900
1980 $25,900 2005 $90,000
1981 $29,700 2006 $94,200
1982 $32,400 2007 $97,500
1983 $35,700 2008 $102,000
1984 $37,800 2009 $106,800
1985 $39,600 2010 $106,800
1986 $42,000 2011 $106,800
1987 $43,800 2012 $110,100
1988 $45,000 2013 $113,700
1989 $48,000 2014 $117,000
1990 $51,300 2015 $118,500
1991 $53,400 2016 $118,500
1992 $55,500 2017 $127,200
1993 $57,600 2018 $128,400
1994 $60,600 2019 $132,900
1995 $61,200 2020 $137,700
1996 $62,700 2021 $142,800
1997 $65,400 2022 $147,000
1998 $68,400 2023 $160,200
1999 $72,600 2024 $168,600
2000 $76,200 2025 $176,100

Data source: Social Security Administration.

Note the maximum earnings subject to Social Security taxes increases every year with the rise in the standard of living and inflation. As a result, you’ll have to ensure your salary keeps up with the rising wage inflation over time. But if you can earn above the threshold for at least 35 years, you’ll put yourself in line for a maximum or near-maximum possible Social Security benefit.

Here’s the maximum possible benefit at 62, 66, 67, and 70

Even if you max out your taxable earnings throughout your career for Social Security, there’s still a huge gap in the monthly benefit you can receive at 62 versus waiting until age 70. While claiming at 62 will allow you to collect benefits for longer, waiting until age 70 ensures you receive the biggest possible monthly benefit. Splitting the difference at full retirement age can be a good compromise for some.

Here’s what the maximum possible benefit looks like for each of those ages in 2025.

Retirement Age 62 66 67 70
Maximum monthly benefit $2,831 $3,795 $4,043 $5,108

Data source: Social Security Administration.

The differences between the ages are substantial. A 62-year-old and a 70-year-old who each earned similar amounts throughout their careers can receive significantly different amounts of Social Security each month if they claim at the same time. As you can see, the 70-year-old’s max benefit is about 80% higher than their 62-year-old counterpart’s.

Should you wait to claim benefits?

If you’re in line for the maximum possible Social Security benefit, you may be wondering if it makes sense to delay Social Security to increase the size of your monthly check. In fact, high earners stand to benefit the most from waiting as long as possible before claiming their benefits.

If you were fortunate enough to have a high-paying career, hopefully you’ve also set aside some of your earnings in personal retirement accounts. If so, you won’t be entirely reliant on Social Security for income in retirement, so waiting to claim your benefits can help protect your wealth later in life.

If you were the main breadwinner in your household, you also need to consider survivor benefits. If you pass away before your spouse, they’re eligible to collect the same amount you were receiving from Social Security before your passing. As such, it’s important to consider your spouse’s life expectancy as well as your own when determining the best age to claim benefits. Delaying until age 70 is usually the best option for maximizing total benefits paid.

Even if you haven’t earned enough to receive the maximum possible benefit from Social Security, it often makes sense to wait until age 70. As long as you can afford to delay your benefits, it will usually pay off with a more secure retirement.

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Altcoins benefit from capital rotation as Bitcoin dominance slides amid consolidation https://earlybirdsinvest.com/altcoins-benefit-from-capital-rotation-as-bitcoin-dominance-slides-amid-consolidation/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/altcoins-benefit-from-capital-rotation-as-bitcoin-dominance-slides-amid-consolidation/#respond Tue, 22 Jul 2025 05:35:22 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/altcoins-benefit-from-capital-rotation-as-bitcoin-dominance-slides-amid-consolidation/

Altcoins advanced sharply last week while Bitcoin (BTC) held near record levels, shifting market leadership toward higher-beta tokens, according to the latest edition of the “Bitfinex Alpha” report

Bitcoin reached an all-time high of $123,054, a 65% climb from its April low, before entering a sideways range between $116,000 and $120,000.

As the flagship crypto entered a phase of consolidation, its share of the total crypto market cap fell 6.9% after seven consecutive daily declines in the dominance index, the steepest decline since December 2023. 

Such dominance contractions without a concurrent BTC sell-off have historically marked the onset of altcoin-led phases.

Large-caps spearhead the catch-up rally

Ethereum (ETH) rallied 19.45% and XRP 21.4% over the week. Meanwhile, the market index excluding stablecoins and the top ten assets, referred to as the “Others” index, climbed 35%, equating to approximately $85 billion.

Solana (SOL) also outperformed, drawing liquidity from Bitcoin as traders sought greater upside. The breadth of the move signals broader participation beyond early-cycle BTC accumulation, a pattern typical in mid-cycle expansions when investors raise risk tolerance.

Despite losing relative share, Bitcoin still trades above the cost basis of 95% of coins in circulation.

Long-term holders have shifted to net distribution, transferring coins to shorter-term wallets, ETFs, and retail entrants.

The spot price now sits just below the short-term holder band near $120,000, a level that historically attracts profit-taking. The next statistical resistance lies near $136,000.

This structure leaves Bitcoin fundamentally firm yet more reactive to dips, while altcoins capture incremental flows.

Market outlook

Market mechanics suggest a baton pass rather than a reversal. Bitcoin’s consolidation above realized cost maintains a supportive floor, but relative momentum rests with altcoins as capital rotates. 

Whether the rotation endures will rely on continued spot demand for Bitcoin and sustained liquidity in large-cap tokens. 

For now, performance dispersion defines the landscape, with altcoins setting the pace while Bitcoin digests earlier gains.

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GameStop Upsizes Convertible Note Offering to $2.25B — How Could BTC Benefit? https://earlybirdsinvest.com/gamestop-upsizes-convertible-note-offering-to-2-25b-how-could-btc-benefit/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/gamestop-upsizes-convertible-note-offering-to-2-25b-how-could-btc-benefit/#respond Sun, 15 Jun 2025 04:13:50 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/gamestop-upsizes-convertible-note-offering-to-2-25b-how-could-btc-benefit/

Crypto Journalist

Amin Ayan

Crypto Journalist

Amin Ayan

About Author

Amin Ayan is a crypto journalist with over four years of experience in the industry. He has contributed to leading publications such as Cryptonews, Investing.com, 99Bitcoins, and 24/7 Wall St. He has…

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Why Trust Cryptonews

Cryptonews has covered the cryptocurrency industry topics since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights to our readers. Our journalists and analysts have extensive experience in market analysis and blockchain technologies. We strive to maintain high editorial standards, focusing on factual accuracy and balanced reporting across all areas – from cryptocurrencies and blockchain projects to industry events, products, and technological developments. Our ongoing presence in the industry reflects our commitment to delivering relevant information in the evolving world of digital assets. Read more about Cryptonews

GameStop has increased its convertible note offering to $2.25 billion, up from the $1.75 billion announced earlier this week, according to a Thursday evening press release.

Key Takeaways:

  • GameStop upsized its convertible note offering to $2.25B, with a 32.5% premium conversion price.
  • The company holds 4,710 BTC but remains noncommittal about future crypto purchases.
  • Proceeds may fund investments or acquisitions, with trading cards now a core revenue focus.

The move comes just months after a similar $1.5 billion raise in April and follows the company’s recent entry into Bitcoin.

Shares of the Texas-based retailer dropped 24% over the past week, closing Friday at $22.14, despite holding steady after the announcement.

GameStop’s Zero-Coupon Notes Come with 32.5% Conversion Premium

The notes, which bear no interest, carry a conversion price of around $28.91 per share — a 32.5% premium over the stock’s Thursday afternoon average.

The structure mirrors the strategy employed by MicroStrategy, which has used premium note offerings to expand its Bitcoin holdings without immediate dilution.

GameStop first disclosed it had purchased 4,710 Bitcoin in March, pushing the stock above $28 at the time. Whether the company plans to expand its crypto reserves remains uncertain.

CEO Ryan Cohen has made it clear that GameStop won’t emulate other firms or signal its buying patterns. In a recent interview, he declined to say whether more BTC purchases were planned.

The press release kept options open, stating that proceeds would be used for “general corporate purposes,” including investments aligned with GameStop’s investment policy and “potential acquisitions.”

While vague, the language leaves the door open for further digital asset moves.

GameStop’s previous crypto ventures have been mixed. The company launched an NFT marketplace during the last market cycle but shut it down early last year.

At its annual shareholder meeting, Cohen pivoted focus toward trading cards—now making up nearly 30% of quarterly revenue.

“We’re focusing on trading cards as a natural extension of our existing business,” he said.

With capital in hand and crypto already on its books, GameStop could revisit Bitcoin when market conditions align.

223 Companies Hold Bitcoin

A growing list of firms is embracing Bitcoin as a balance sheet hedge or strategic investment. Recent data shows 223 public companies now hold Bitcoin, up from 124 just days earlier.

In total, more than 819,000 BTC, approximately 3.9% of the total supply, is currently held by public firms, according to BitcoinTreasuries.NET.

MicroStrategy remains the largest corporate Bitcoin holder, with 580,250 BTC worth approximately $60.9 billion.

Other major holders include Marathon Digital Holdings and Tesla, both with over $1 billion in Bitcoin.

Last week, Japanese investment firm Metaplanet unveiled an ambitious new target to amass 210,000 Bitcoin by the end of 2027.

As reported, digital asset companies are flooding capital markets to raise funds for large-scale Bitcoin acquisitions, spurred by the cryptocurrency’s rally to a record $111,965 last week.

The surge, up more than 50% from early April, has ignited a wave of listings and mergers as firms race to secure funding while investor appetite remains strong.


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Crypto in eCommerce: How Retailers Can Benefit from Digital Currency https://earlybirdsinvest.com/crypto-in-ecommerce-how-retailers-can-benefit-from-digital-currency/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/crypto-in-ecommerce-how-retailers-can-benefit-from-digital-currency/#respond Mon, 19 May 2025 23:30:17 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/crypto-in-ecommerce-how-retailers-can-benefit-from-digital-currency/
Codezeros

Crypto in eCommerce

The digital economy is evolving rapidly, and cryptocurrency is no longer just a buzzword among tech enthusiasts. For eCommerce retailers, digital currencies present practical opportunities that can drive growth, improve efficiency, and attract new customer segments. This blog explores how cryptocurrency is shaping the future of online retail, the benefits and challenges for merchants, and actionable insights for businesses considering crypto payment integration. If you’re a business owner or decision-maker looking for a Crypto exchange Development Company, this comprehensive guide will help you make informed choices and stay ahead in the competitive eCommerce market.

Cryptocurrency, once viewed as a speculative asset, is now a viable payment option for businesses worldwide. With the rise of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and a growing list of altcoins, digital currencies are steadily gaining acceptance in mainstream commerce. Major eCommerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce already offer integrations for crypto payments, signaling a shift in how retailers and consumers transact online.

The integration of cryptocurrency into eCommerce is not just a trend-it’s a response to the demands of a global, digital-first customer base. As more consumers seek alternatives to traditional banking and payment systems, retailers who adapt early can position themselves as industry leaders.

What is Cryptocurrency?

Cryptocurrency is a form of digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for security. Unlike traditional currencies issued by governments (fiat money), cryptocurrencies operate on decentralized blockchain networks. This means transactions are recorded on a public ledger, providing transparency and security without the need for central authorities like banks.

How Does Crypto Work in eCommerce?

In eCommerce, cryptocurrency functions as an alternative payment method. Customers can pay for goods and services using their digital wallets, and transactions are processed almost instantly through blockchain technology. Payment gateways like BitPay, Coinbase Commerce, and NOWPayments facilitate these transactions, converting crypto to fiat if needed and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

Access to a Global Customer Base

Cryptocurrency knows no borders. By accepting digital currencies, retailers can reach customers in regions where traditional banking is limited or where cross-border payments are costly and slow. This opens up new markets and increases sales opportunities.

Reduced Transaction Fees

Traditional payment processors and credit card companies often charge fees ranging from 1.5% to 5% per transaction. Crypto transactions typically incur much lower fees, sometimes as low as a fraction of a percent. This cost saving can significantly impact profit margins, especially for high-volume retailers.

Faster Payment Processing

Unlike bank transfers, which can take days-especially for international transactions-cryptocurrency payments are processed nearly instantly. This speed benefits both merchants and customers, enabling quicker order fulfillment and improved cash flow.

Enhanced Security and Fraud Prevention

Blockchain technology provides robust security features. Transactions are encrypted and irreversible, reducing the risk of chargebacks and fraudulent activities. This gives peace of mind to both retailers and shoppers.

Attracting Tech-Savvy and Privacy-Conscious Customers

A growing segment of consumers values privacy and innovation. Accepting crypto signals that your business is forward-thinking and respects customer data privacy, attracting a loyal, tech-savvy audience.

Marketing and Differentiation

Being an early adopter of crypto payments can set your brand apart from competitors. It provides a unique marketing angle and positions your business as innovative and responsive to digital trends.

Future-Proofing Your Business

The adoption of cryptocurrency is expected to grow as regulatory frameworks mature and consumer trust increases. Integrating crypto payments now helps businesses stay relevant and prepared for future shifts in payment preferences.

Shopify

Shopify merchants can accept Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins through integrations with BitPay, Coinbase Commerce, and NOWPayments. This flexibility allows businesses to tap into the growing crypto market and offer secure, fast payment options.

WooCommerce

WooCommerce, a popular WordPress plugin, supports crypto payments via plugins like CryptoWoo and BitPay. This makes it easy for small and medium-sized businesses to expand their payment options with minimal technical effort.

BigCommerce

BigCommerce offers integrations with CoinPayments, BitPay, and OpenNode, making it suitable for larger retailers seeking scalable crypto payment solutions. The platform emphasizes security and low transaction fees, helping merchants access new customer segments.

Blockchain is a decentralized digital ledger that records transactions across multiple computers, ensuring transparency, security, and immutability. Each block contains a list of transactions, and once recorded, data cannot be altered without consensus from the network.

  • Transparency: All transactions are recorded and verifiable, reducing disputes and building trust with customers.
  • Data Security: Decentralized storage makes it difficult for hackers to compromise data, protecting sensitive customer information.
  • Supply Chain Visibility: Blockchain can track products from origin to sale, improving inventory management and authenticity verification.
  • Smart Contracts: Automated agreements can streamline processes like payments, refunds, and loyalty programs, reducing administrative overhead.

Volatility

Cryptocurrency prices can fluctuate significantly, posing risks for both merchants and consumers. Some payment processors offer instant conversion to fiat currencies, mitigating this risk and providing price stability for retailers.

Regulatory Uncertainty

The legal status of cryptocurrencies varies by country, and regulations are still evolving. Businesses must stay informed about local compliance requirements and work with reputable payment processors to ensure adherence to laws.

Security Concerns

While blockchain is secure, digital wallets and exchanges can be targets for cyberattacks. Retailers should implement robust security protocols, educate staff, and choose trusted partners for crypto payment processing.

Technical Integration

Integrating crypto payments may require technical expertise, especially for custom eCommerce platforms. Working with a Crypto exchange Development Company can simplify the process and provide ongoing support.

1. Assess Your Business Needs

Evaluate your target audience, transaction volumes, and geographic reach. Determine which cryptocurrencies align with your customer base and business goals.

2. Choose a Payment Processor

Select a reliable crypto payment gateway that supports the coins you want to accept, offers instant conversion options, and complies with regulatory standards.

3. Integrate with Your eCommerce Platform

Most leading eCommerce platforms offer plugins or APIs for crypto payments. Work with your development team or a Crypto exchange Development Company to ensure smooth integration.

4. Update Policies and Train Staff

Revise your terms of service, privacy policy, and refund procedures to reflect crypto payment options. Train customer service teams to handle crypto-related inquiries.

5. Promote Your New Payment Option

Highlight your acceptance of cryptocurrency on your website, marketing materials, and social media channels to attract crypto users and differentiate your brand.

Cryptocurrency is particularly advantageous for cross-border transactions. Traditional methods often involve high fees, currency conversion costs, and delays. Crypto payments eliminate intermediaries, reduce costs, and provide instant settlement, making international commerce more accessible for both retailers and customers.

  • Privacy: Customers can transact without sharing sensitive financial details.
  • Speed: Orders are processed quickly, with immediate payment confirmation.
  • Global Access: Shoppers from countries with limited banking infrastructure can participate in global eCommerce.
  • Lower Costs: Reduced transaction fees can translate into better prices or value-added services.

Retailers can use blockchain to create transparent, automated loyalty programs. Smart contracts can issue rewards instantly when customers complete qualifying actions, improving engagement and retention. These programs can also be tokenized, allowing customers to trade or redeem points across partner businesses.

The adoption of cryptocurrency in eCommerce is expected to accelerate as technology matures and regulatory clarity improves. Decentralized eCommerce platforms, powered by blockchain, may become more common, enabling peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries.

Emerging trends include:

  • Integration with IoT and AI: Smart devices can autonomously process payments and verify transactions.
  • Sustainable Commerce: Blockchain enables transparent tracking of product origins, supporting ethical and sustainable shopping.
  • Decentralized Marketplaces: New business models may emerge, giving consumers more control and choice.

Selecting a trusted partner is crucial for successful crypto payment integration. A professional Crypto exchange Development Company can:

  • Assess your business requirements and recommend suitable crypto solutions.
  • Ensure secure, compliant, and scalable integration with your eCommerce platform.
  • Provide ongoing support, updates, and security enhancements.
  • Help you navigate regulatory challenges and stay ahead of industry developments.

Q: Is it legal to accept cryptocurrency in my country?
A: Regulations vary. Consult local authorities and choose a payment processor that complies with relevant laws.

Q: Can I convert crypto payments to fiat instantly?
A: Yes, many payment gateways offer instant conversion, protecting you from price volatility.

Q: What cryptocurrencies should I accept?
A: Bitcoin and Ethereum are the most popular, but stablecoins like USDT or USDC are gaining traction for their price stability.

Q: How do I handle refunds for crypto payments?
A: Refunds can be processed in crypto or fiat, depending on your policy and payment processor capabilities.

Cryptocurrency offers eCommerce retailers a powerful tool to expand their customer base, reduce costs, and improve security. By understanding the benefits and challenges, and partnering with a reputable Crypto exchange Development Company, businesses can position themselves for long-term success in the digital economy.

Ready to accept cryptocurrency and unlock new opportunities for your eCommerce business? Codezeros specializes in Crypto exchange Development, helping retailers integrate secure, scalable, and user-friendly crypto payment solutions. Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, our team will guide you through every step-from strategy to implementation and ongoing support.

Contact Codezeros today to learn how our Crypto exchange Development Company can help your business thrive in the digital age.

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Wells Fargo To Pay $185,000,000 To Customers in Massive New Settlement – Here’s Who Will Benefit https://earlybirdsinvest.com/wells-fargo-to-pay-185000000-to-customers-in-massive-new-settlement-heres-who-will-benefit/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/wells-fargo-to-pay-185000000-to-customers-in-massive-new-settlement-heres-who-will-benefit/#respond Sat, 26 Apr 2025 14:56:06 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/wells-fargo-to-pay-185000000-to-customers-in-massive-new-settlement-heres-who-will-benefit/

Wells Fargo customers may be eligible to be beneficiaries of a $185 million payout from the bank following a court’s approval of a massive class action settlement.

A lawsuit initiated last year claims that during the Covid-19 era, Wells Fargo issued mortgage forbearances to its customers when they didn’t want them, causing unnecessary hardship while also negatively affecting credit scores due to halted payments.

Plaintiffs alleged that the bank decided to provide mortgage forbearances to certain clients who had made an inquiry or expressed hardship but didn’t explicitly request a forbearance.

While Wells Fargo did not admit to any wrongdoing, the bank has agreed to pay $185 million to affected customers.

According to Top Class Actions, Wells Fargo customers who had a mortgage placed into COVID mortgage forbearance without informed consent between March 1, 2020, and Dec. 31, 2021 are eligible for compensation.

Some customers have reportedly already received letters from Wells Fargo in the mail in regards to the payout.

In an emailed statement to marketplace.org, a Wells Fargo spokesperson said,

“During the early stages of the pandemic, Wells Fargo worked hard to help customers who expressed concern about financial hardship and their ability to make their next mortgage payments… We support this settlement because we believe it is in the best interests of our customers.”

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Arthur Hayes Says Bitcoin Primed To Benefit Amid Trade War, Deglobalization and US-China Decoupling – Here’s How https://earlybirdsinvest.com/arthur-hayes-says-bitcoin-primed-to-benefit-amid-trade-war-deglobalization-and-us-china-decoupling-heres-how/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/arthur-hayes-says-bitcoin-primed-to-benefit-amid-trade-war-deglobalization-and-us-china-decoupling-heres-how/#respond Sat, 26 Apr 2025 10:26:48 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/arthur-hayes-says-bitcoin-primed-to-benefit-amid-trade-war-deglobalization-and-us-china-decoupling-heres-how/

BitMEX founder Arthur Hayes says Bitcoin (BTC) will likely benefit from the ongoing trade war and a US-China decoupling.

In a new interview with the host of the Forward Guidance YouTube channel, Felix Jauvin, Hayes says governments around the world will likely have to print money to offset the impacts of the trade war, which has ignited massive Bitcoin rallies in the past.

“China’s not alone. It’s every major economy needs to print a bunch of money to basically cushion the effects of this attempted divorce, this decline in globalization. But at the end of the day, yeah, they’re going to print money – Bitcoin benefits.

Now the reciprocal of the current account deficit in the US is our financial account surplus. And so all these dollars that got earned, the trillions of dollars that got earned selling stuff to America, got recycled into Treasury bonds and stocks and Mag 7, all the big US tech stocks. So mathematically, if [US President Donald] Trump is serious about reducing the current account to zero, then foreigners have to sell stocks – period. It’s just math.

And then the question is, okay, well, can the US government survive financially if there’s a big decline in capital gains taxes because the market’s not going up? I don’t think so. Therefore, we get a printing money function and Bitcoin benefits. It finally decouples from tech because of the structural flows and what needs to happen from an affordability standpoint for the US government.”

While some in the crypto space suggest the market turmoil may prompt central banks to start accumulating Bitcoin to diversify their asset holdings, Hayes believes central banks will continue to turn to gold as a hedge, not the flagship crypto asset.

“I actually don’t think that they’re mentally prepared for that sort of leap. They understand gold. They’ve been trained in gold. They’ve read history books about gold.”

Bitcoin is trading for $94,832 at time of writing, up 1.2% in the last 24 hours.

 

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Can Bitcoin Benefit From Trump Firing Powell? Turkey's Lira Crisis May Provide Clues https://earlybirdsinvest.com/can-bitcoin-benefit-from-trump-firing-powell-turkeys-lira-crisis-may-provide-clues/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/can-bitcoin-benefit-from-trump-firing-powell-turkeys-lira-crisis-may-provide-clues/#respond Mon, 21 Apr 2025 23:55:26 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/can-bitcoin-benefit-from-trump-firing-powell-turkeys-lira-crisis-may-provide-clues/

The week has begun on an interesting note, with the U.S. dollar crashing to three-year lows alongside losses on Wall Street, yet bitcoin, which usually follows the sentiment on Wall Street, stands tall.

[PLEASE CAN HAVE A PRICE HERE AND A QUANTIIFICATION – THE BTC PRICE ISN’T THAT TALL]

This could just be the beginning. [BEGINNING OF WHAT]

The shift away from the USD and toward seizure and censorship-resistant assets like BTC and stablecoins could accelerate if President Donald Trump follows through with his reported plans to fire Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, which have pushed the DXY and U.S. stock markets lower today.

That’s the lesson from Turkey, which has seen its currency, the lira (TRY), collapse over the years mainly due to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s repeated interference in the central bank’s operations. The sliding lira has triggered a capital flight into BTC and stablecoins since at least 2020-21.

Trump’s issues with the Fed

Trump has feuded publicly with the Federal Reserve and its chairman, Jerome Powell, for years, criticizing Powell for being too late on rate cuts even during his first term when interest rates were way lower than today.

However, Trump’s criticism has recently reached a fever pitch with reports suggesting he is looking for ways to get rid of Powell, who recently warned of stagflation even as the President reiterated calls for lower borrowing costs while suggesting there is no inflation.

Powell’s patient approach follows a trade war-led spike in survey-based measures of inflation expectations, which could always become self-fulfilling.

Still, on Monday, Trump went further, calling Powell a “major loser” and warning that the economy could slow down unless interest rates are immediately lowered.

Lesson From Turkey

Erdogan began interfering in the central bank’s operations in 2019, and since then, the lira has collapsed sevenfold from 5.3 per dollar to 38 per dollar.

It all started with Turkey’s inflation rate reaching double digits in 2017. It remained elevated in the subsequent year, which prompted the country’s central bank to increase the one-week repo rate from 17.5% to 24% in September 2018.

The move likely didn’t go well with Erodgan, who issued the first decree dismissing Central Bank of Turkey (CBT) governor Murat Cetinkaya in July 2019. From then on until the end of 2021, Erdogan issued multiple decrees dismissing and hiring several CBT officials. Amid all this, inflation remained elevated, and the lira continued to depreciate at an alarming rate.

“We certainly don’t believe in high interest rates. We will pull down inflation and exchange rates with low-rate policy … High rates make the rich richer, the poor poorer. We won’t let that happen,” Erdogan said in 2021.

As of 2025, Turkey faces an inflation rate of nearly 40%, according to data source TradingEconomics.

This episode serves as a cautionary tale for Trump, highlighting that tampering with central bank independence — especially in the face of looming inflation — can erode investor confidence and send the domestic currency into a tailspin.

This does not necessarily mean that the USD will crash exactly like lira but may see significant devaluation.

Perhaps it could prove even more destabilizing for global markets, considering the dollar is a global reserve currency, and the U.S. Treasury market is the bedrock for international finance.

If better sense fails to prevail, U.S. investors may feel incentivized to move away from U.S. assets and into BTC and other alternative investments, just as Turks did.

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Digital assets make a difference in war-torn countries — here’s the benefit to consumers and businesses https://earlybirdsinvest.com/digital-assets-make-a-difference-in-war-torn-countries-heres-the-benefit-to-consumers-and-businesses/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/digital-assets-make-a-difference-in-war-torn-countries-heres-the-benefit-to-consumers-and-businesses/#respond Sun, 20 Apr 2025 18:29:08 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/digital-assets-make-a-difference-in-war-torn-countries-heres-the-benefit-to-consumers-and-businesses/

The following is a guest post and opinion from Sergii Malomuzh, Founder of Rewump.

War-torn nations are among the most financially marginalized regions in the world: destructive conflicts impact people’s living standards and harm local economies. With traditional banking often inaccessible, digital assets emerge as crucial legal tender in conflict zones.

Satoshi Nakamoto designed Bitcoin (BTC) to empower people with peer-to-peer (P2P) transactions free from centralized oversight. Bitcoin has inspired other digital currencies, including stablecoins, which serve as the last hope for people living in war-affected countries.

Despite the challenges in crypto adoption, ranging from regulatory concerns to user literacy, the asset class remains indispensable to distressed nations.

The Need for Crypto in Warring Nations and Backing Regulations

Banking systems might face severe disruption, depending on the nature of a conflict. Since most businesses cannot operate in active war zones, they relocate to safer regions. Those that stay charge steep premiums for their services, passing the cost burden to civilians.

This shift is poised to affect both living standards and business viability. As a result, users increasingly turn to Bitcoin, stablecoins, and altcoins to cushion the impact posed by digital transaction restrictions and cross-border settlement constraints.

Moving cash is essential for residents’ survival in distressed economies. Cryptocurrencies’ speed, low cost, and easy accessibility make them a viable alternative to traditional currencies.

These digital assets also enable users to bypass sanctions imposed by Western banking systems. The key concern is ensuring that the quality of life is not compromised and businesses can still easily transfer value.

In regions like Ukraine and Syria, governments are pushing to legitimize cryptocurrencies. Such measures may lead to greater institutional recognition of the nascent asset class, building public confidence.

In 2022, Ukraine passed the “On Virtual Assets” law, formally establishing crypto’s legal status. The legislation classifies virtual assets as property, granting individuals and businesses legal rights to own, use, and trade digital assets. Regulatory oversight falls to both the National Bank of Ukraine and the National Securities and Stock Market Commission.

Syria currently lacks formal crypto regulations; however, the government is actively drafting legislation. These measures aim to reignite the local economy and attract foreign investment.

Key Benefits of Crypto in War-Torn Regions

The adoption of cryptocurrencies in conflict zones has defined distinct advantages to individuals, businesses, and governments.

A primary benefit of using digital currencies in war-torn nations is their accessibility. These assets remain functional even when traditional banking infrastructure has collapsed.

Beyond that, stablecoins — accounting for about 70% of daily crypto transactions — serve as an inflation hedge, maintaining a 1:1 peg to the US dollar, which typically sees lower inflation than domestic currencies in conflict-affected regions.

Crypto’s lower barriers to entry — requiring only a digital wallet with minimal verification — make them particularly valuable for displaced populations in conflict areas who may lack access to conventional banking services. Businesses can execute cross-border payments without settlement concerns, drawing on the robust liquidity in crypto markets.

Today, more than $52 billion Tether (USDT) has been traded, according to CoinMarketCap. The stablecoin market has recorded over $66 billion in 24-hour trading. This implies that no matter how big a transaction is, there is good reason to believe there are enough funds to settle it.

At the national level, turning excess energy into a Bitcoin mining resource is also a major advantage of crypto during the war. Using untapped energy resources for Bitcoin mining could deliver multiple economic benefits, including monetizing excess energy, attracting foreign investment, creating jobs, and generating supplemental government revenue.

The global and decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies has proven effective for fundraising efforts. This has particularly helped Ukraine generate as much as $225 million in various digital currencies.

Digital currencies can serve as a hedge against hyperinflation. When profiled over the longer term, Bitcoin has consistently outperformed fiat currencies and traditional assets in long-term percentage gains. While the coin exhibits intense volatility, its overall trajectory has trended positively in the long run.

In Syria, annual inflation has averaged 100% over the past four years, with the national currency depreciating by 30-fold. By contrast, Bitcoin’s inflation rate stands at just 1.5%, while its value has increased by 240% during this period.

These benefits signify that digital currencies play a critical role in sustaining both individuals and national economies during geopolitical conflicts.

Are There Downsides to Crypto Adoption?

As with any innovation, there are limitations and downsides to using digital currencies in warring countries. One of the most obvious is the potential for inadvertent financing of terrorist organizations.

Western regulators particularly emphasize this vulnerability, making it a key focus of Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance frameworks.

The absence of centralized oversight also means there are challenges in transaction protection and recovering funds in case of fraud. Additionally, existing regulatory frameworks often prove inadequate, creating many gray areas that businesses may exploit against the average consumer.

At the business level, depressed economic activities may incentivize unauthorized crypto mining operations that strain national energy infrastructure.

Poor digital infrastructure and low levels of financial literacy among local populations can make adoption even harder. Nevertheless, cryptocurrencies and digital asset service providers remain the first line of contact in distressed regions.

Cryptocurrencies present more agile solutions to financial challenges compared to traditional systems. This responsiveness positions digital assets as potential drivers for economic transformation in warring countries and hyperinflationary economies.

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Tether to benefit greatly from current US stablecoin regulation https://earlybirdsinvest.com/tether-to-benefit-greatly-from-current-us-stablecoin-regulation/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/tether-to-benefit-greatly-from-current-us-stablecoin-regulation/#respond Sat, 15 Mar 2025 11:28:10 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/tether-to-benefit-greatly-from-current-us-stablecoin-regulation/

Galaxy head of research Alex Thorn believes the GENIUS Act could favor Tether by allowing it to operate under relatively flexible conditions.

Thorn assessed that the bill would open a pathway for Tether to register onshore but would not require it to do so to continue operations.

Limited restrictions for offshore issuers

Based on the bill’s current text, if Tether chooses not to register under the new framework, it would not be violating any laws. 

Under the bill’s current language, the primary restrictions on non-registered stablecoin issuers like Tether would include interbank settlement prohibitions and marketing their tokens as “stablecoins” within the US. 

Thorn said the first restriction is not currently a significant issue for Tether but could impact future adoption in institutional finance. 

The second restriction, which was reportedly introduced as an amendment during a recent Senate Banking Committee session, would prevent Tether from advertising USDT as a stablecoin within the US market but would not stop it from being traded onshore.

The GENIUS Act proposes a regulatory framework for stablecoins, defining rules for issuance and oversight. The regulation includes a 1:1 reserves requirement, consisting of US dollars, insured bank deposits, or short-term Treasury bills.

The Senate Banking Committee approved the bill on March 13 with bipartisan support. It is now clear for a full Senate vote.

Registration pathways

The GENIUS Act appears to provide Tether with a clear option to register as a stablecoin issuer in the US, likely through the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). If it chooses this route, Tether could either register USDT fully or create a subsidiary that issues a compliant version of the token. 

However, if Tether does not register, it can still operate in the US if it adheres to compliance requirements set by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), which it already does.

Thorn added that the bill provides important clarifications regarding anti-money laundering protections. The US Treasury will only designate a foreign, non-registered issuer as non-compliant if it fails to comply with lawful orders to freeze or seize assets. 

This designation would not be automatic for all non-registered stablecoin issuers. Tether has a history of complying with such orders and has frozen at least 2,150 addresses to date, which suggests it would not be at immediate risk of being classified as non-compliant under the GENIUS Act.

Additional restrictions

The analyst also highlighted new amendments to the bill that introduce further limitations on offshore, non-registered stablecoins. 

Specifically, stablecoins issued by entities not registered under the framework would not be treated as cash equivalents for accounting purposes.

They would not be eligible for margin or cash equivalency treatment by broker-dealers, swap dealers, futures commission merchants (FCMs), or derivatives clearing organizations (DCOs). 

Thorn reiterated that these measures would limit unregistered stablecoins’ financial and institutional use but would not bar their existence or prevent trading within the US market.

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XRP Turbo
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