Crypto Daily Roundup, 03 Nov: Sam Bankman-Fried Guilty of FTX Fraud

The top 5 cryptocurrencies with the most significant 24-hour losses

TOP 5 Losers Coins

Crypto News Key Highlights:

Following the US Federal Reserve's decision to maintain steady rates and a temporary reduction in Treasury debt auctions, bond investors found respite as yields on 10-year Treasuries reached a three-week low. Although optimism for longer-term bonds is emerging, strong US payroll data, should it exceed expectations, may alter the sentiment. This shift comes after a recent bond market selloff that pushed yields beyond 5%, and it coincided with a 1% gain in the S&P 500.

US job growth is expected to slow in October, with economists forecasting 189,000 new jobs after a strong September. Slowdowns in leisure and hospitality, along with manufacturing employment affected by auto strikes, are anticipated. This report is crucial ahead of the Federal Reserve's December meeting, where interest rate decisions will be made, as Fed Chairman Jerome Powell has hinted at the potential for another interest rate hike. Wage growth and revisions to past months' figures will also be monitored.

The US Court has found FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried guilty of seven criminal charges, with sentencing in March 2024. Bankman-Fried's inner circle, including Caroline Ellison, Gary Wang, and Nishad Singh, cooperated as witnesses, likely receiving light sentences. The government may require them to compensate victims for losses, with Singh already agreeing to give up assets.

Celestia, a blockchain project, launched amid anticipation but faced a 20% drop in its coin, TIA. Airdrop recipients, including suspected Sybil groups, are selling on exchanges, adding bearish pressure. Celestia allocated 60 million TIA for the airdrop, attracting Sybil groups that may influence future prices.

The Bank of England keeps interest rates unchanged, emphasizing the necessity of prolonged tight monetary policy due to persistent 6.7% inflation, well above the 2% target, and the aim to restore it.

Initial jobless claims in the United States rose by 5,000 to 217,000 for the week ending October 28, slightly exceeding economist expectations. Despite a gradual labor market cooldown, it remains robust, with continuing claims reflecting seasonal fluctuations. Layoffs remain low, with 36,836 job cuts announced in October, a 22% decrease from September. This report doesn't affect October's employment report, which is expected to show an increase of 180,000 nonfarm payrolls, influenced by recently ended United Auto Workers strikes.

MicroStrategy reported a substantial $900 million gain on its Bitcoin holdings, with 6,067 BTC added in Q3, reinforcing its trust in the cryptocurrency. The company holds 158,245 BTC worth around $5.43 billion, although its net loss raised questions about profitability from its Bitcoin holdings. CFO Andrew Kang expressed the intent to continue purchasing Bitcoin.

ProShares has launched an ETF designed to profit from falling Ethereum prices. The ProShares Short Ether Strategy ETF seeks to provide returns inversely related to the S&P CME Ether Futures Index. It offers a bearish position on Ethereum without directly shorting the cryptocurrency.

Ripple's Chief Legal Officer, Stuart Alderoty, has expressed concerns about the U.S. SEC's recent legal losses in crypto-related cases, questioning whether the SEC is adhering to the law. The SEC has faced several defeats in cases involving cryptocurrency companies, including its ongoing legal battle with Ripple.

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