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The Top 5 Defining Trends for Crypto in Late 2020

The Top 5 Defining Trends for Crypto in Late 2020

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What are some trends in the crypto and blockchain space that may take hold and remain ongoing throughout the rest of 2020?

The cryptocurrency field is a place where everything changes in the blink of an eye. New technologies, key market players and trends shift much faster than in any other industry. From the current point of view, many exciting developments seem viable. Still, this chaotic industry can bring more opportunities within the upcoming months, and everything we’ve seen before will be surpassed by something truly outstanding. However, let’s quickly check in.

The shift toward a cashless society

One of the most society-redefining trends of 2020 came unexpectedly. Right after Christmas, the world seemed safe and sound despite dreadful news from China. Later in the winter though, it had been taken over by a deadly virus in the blink of an eye. The COVID-19 pandemic has paralyzed, disrupted and stopped a lot of industries and made people rethink their attitude toward many things in life. Such previously questionable practices like remote jobs or crypto payments have become of significant importance and seem like they will remain present even after the pandemic ends. Why work from the office when everything can be efficiently managed from any spot in the world? Does it make sense to continue to overspend on luxurious offices if there is simply no need for that in the digital age?

Moreover, it’s about time to get rid of cash — we have to take a step toward a new quality of life. Meanwhile, the blockchain field has also blossomed, as a new era requires more professionals in the field of distributed ledger technology. In today’s world, apps for interaction with the crypto world have become advanced and straightforward enough to enable the purchase of digital assets with just a credit card. Stablecoin wallets are in high demand, and this evident trend is no more a millennial-only kind of thing as institutions join the club in substantial numbers.

Crypto is not for geeks anymore

The image of cryptocurrency is changing globally faster than ever. Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) are not a bubble anymore, as BTC’s market capitalization is now bigger than Coca-Cola and Intel, and blockchain is integrated into many fields and operations. Moreover, institutional crypto involvement is rising as the demand for Bitcoin soars amid the coronavirus crisis, with Grayscale experiencing a drastic increase in assets this year. More hedge funds are accumulating digital wealth fast — and that is sure to continue this year.

While the Facebook-led Libra project still has many stumbling blocks in the face of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and other regulators, its launch is continually delayed. Because mixing different monetary policies is questionable for the project’s success, we’re not sure that Libra will ever see the light of the day in the current condition.

One thing is undoubtedly evident: The world of mainstream users needs more convenient interfaces to interact with crypto — and they are coming. The digital divide steadily reduces, as in 2020, it’s easier to open a checking account in dollars or euros than ever before. 

Growing DeFi adoption 

Decentralized finance, or DeFi, has become one of the most prominent trends in crypto since late 2019. The sector has been growing at a fast pace over the past six months, and a new milestone was recently reached by the sector as the total value locked in DeFi hit an astonishing new height of $4 billion.

Many companies that operate in the blockchain field have already introduced their DeFi products. Popular protocols such as Compound, Balancer, Curve and other platforms have opened the door to a whole new world of crypto opportunities for investors looking for deep liquidity, varying risk-reward ratios, and exciting, affordable modern financial instruments.

We’re about to see further adoption alongside user-base growth as institutional capital comes to the digital asset field. DeFi is growing insanely fast, and it’s of crucial importance to have a simple, effective, inexpensive on-ramp and off-ramp solution for this segment.

The advent of CBDCs 

Nowadays, central bank digital currencies, or CBDCs, are either a hot topic to talk about or a solution in development in many countries. China, one of the world’s most extensive tech breeding grounds, has started to engage in creating the local digital asset. It would be exciting to see how a digital yuan launch and implementation could change the crypto world and shift the balance of economic power, taking out the dollar’s status as a global reserve currency. Could this example inspire other leading countries? The competition may be fierce in this field.

Stablecoins initiatives are still massively underappreciated throughout the world — most crypto holders are subject to volatility and counterparty risk. It’s not only global or local bank-lead projects that will be in the space in the future, as private companies are continuing developments as well. Projects such as USD Coin (USDC), Paxos Standard (PAX) and Stasis’ Eurs combine the benefits of blockchain with the reputation and relative stability of fiat. 

Enhanced privacy with blockchain technology

Real progress happens when a crisis looms ahead. Back in the 90s, the internet was something of a miracle, magic or an arcane invention. Today, in the mobile-driven age of social media networks, we can hardly imagine our daily existence without the need to interact or communicate online. But with the growing engagement in digital life, we forget that all the available services, which are being used not only by casual users but also by most well-known CEOs and even presidents, are still too fragile, despite technological advances.

The latest Twitter hack compromised many high-level politicians, celebrities and individuals in technology. The problem leads to the question of what to do next. Discussions on blockchain-based improvements have heated up in a blink of an eye. We may see more problems, as hacking activity and ransom demands in crypto will not vanish anytime soon. Still, DLT will surely be noted when developing a shield for this particular dagger.

Looking into 2020 and beyond

Many analysts make distant forecasts for the crypto field and the price of Bitcoin, envisioning the further possible trends of the next decade. It’s undeniable that this once niche field is set to transform into a global mainstream ecosystem. Be sure to expect more price records, more inventions and more adoption.

What will the world be like in 10 years? Back in the 20th century, this question was much easier to address, but any predictions made today will highly likely become obsolete after a year. However, we can be sure that decentralized technologies and DLT-driven services will shape humanity’s further progress and development.

The views, thoughts and opinions expressed here are the author’s alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph.

Gregory Klumov is a stablecoin expert whose insights and opinions appear regularly in numerous international publications. He is the founder and CEO of Stasis, a technology provider that issues the most widely used euro-backed stablecoins with a high transparency standard in the digital-asset industry.

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Apple’s iPhone can actually diagnose this common health issue

New improvements and updates to Apple’s hallmark product come with strides in the health and wellness field.

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Each year, Apple  (AAPL) - Get Free Report releases a new iPhone that promises to be higher-powered, broadly better, and oftentimes bigger, than previous models. 

The 2023 iteration of the coveted tech comes as no exception. 

Related: Apple addresses iPhone radiation allegations with a swift update (here's what to do)

Cupertino's Sept. 12 Wonderlust event unveiled the latest lineup of iPhones, an upgraded Apple Watch 9, new operating systems, updated software for popular accessories, and more.

The iPhone 15 lineup offers a slick new set of features including an improved camera. And with the top-of-the-line iPhone 15 Pro Max selling for $1,199 in the U.S., many users expect it to be just that: the very best.

While plenty of us continue to fawn over its zoom capabilities and crisp video quality, other users are finding more utilitarian ways to leverage the new iOS 17 and improve their lives markedly. 

A particularly useful new iPhone feature

Apple's latest operating system, iOS 17, features a new tool to help users improve and diagnose their mental well being. 

If you've got the latest operating system downloaded onto your phone, you can fill out a preloaded mental-health questionnaire to probe how you're doing. 

Here's how to do it: 

  1. Open the health app
  2. Click browse -> mental wellbeing
  3. Choose your age range and begin
  4. Answer all 16 questions to the best of your ability
  5. Complete questionnaire
  6. View your results and complete
  7. (Optional) export as a PDF and share with your doctor or trusted mental health expert. 

Sample questions include: "Over the last two weeks, how often have you been bothered by the following problems?" and lists factors like "feeling nervous, anxious or on edge." Users are prompted to select from a sliding scale of multiple-choice answers ranging from "not at all" to "nearly every day."

Based on your answers, Apple will give you a range of risks and markers to determine things like anxiety and depression levels. The scale ranges from none (little to no risk) to severe. 

AliveCor President and CEO Vic Gundotra rests his thumb on a wristband sensor to check his heart rate in Mountain View, Calif. on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017. AliveCor just received FDA approval for its Kardia Band EKG-monitoring wristband for the Apple Watch. (Photo By Paul Chinn.

San Francisco Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers via Getty Images/Getty Images

This move marks yet another concerted effort by Apple to seamlessly integrate current users in its push toward wellness. 

Other features in the Health app include medication reminders and trackers, emotional mood logging, and mindful minute tracking.

Apple has long said it wants to get a strong foothold in the health-and-wellness space. What had initially been met by surprise and skepticism is now largely accepted as the tech giant's next frontier; Chief Executive Tim Cook predicts the company's health strides will be its "greatest contribution to mankind." 

Receive full access to real-time market analysis along with stock, commodities, and options trading recommendations. Sign up for Real Money Pro now.

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SEC plans scrutiny of crypto dealer-brokers, transfer agents, per 2024 exam guide

The SEC sets examination priorities based on feedback from examiners and input from investors and the industry.
The United States Securities…

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The SEC sets examination priorities based on feedback from examiners and input from investors and the industry.

The United States Securities and Exchange Commission released its 2024 examination priorities report on Oct. 16. The agency’s Division of Examinations has been publishing similar reports for over a decade to let its registrants know the emerging risks it will be focusing on. Crypto dealer-brokers, among others, have been given notice.

The SEC’s examinations division expanded its capacity and set up teams within its various programs to address crypto, fintech, AI and cybersecurity in 2023, the report said. It added that the SEC was continuing to observe broker-dealers and advisers working in crypto.

The division was looking at registrants that offer new practices, “particularly technological and online solutions that service online accounts aimed at meeting the demands of compliance and marketing,” such as “automated investment tools, artificial intelligence, and trading algorithms or platforms.”

Related: Coinbase continues push to compel SEC to act on crypto rulemaking petition

Examinations will look at how well registrants meet standards of conduct regarding customer advice and their understanding of the products the registrants offer. The report mentioned older investors and retirement assets specifically. They will also ensure that registrants are complying with the latest guidance. Here, “custody requirements under the Advisers Act” were singled out. The handling of risks associated with using blockchain and distributed ledger technology will also be assessed.

Examinations of transfer agents servicing crypto asset securities issuers or using emerging technologies in their work were mentioned separately.

The Division of Examinations has published examination updates before, but this is the first time one has appeared at the beginning of the new fiscal year. Division irector Richard Best said:

“Continuing to make our examination priorities public increases transparency into the examination program and encourages firms to focus their compliance and surveillance efforts on areas of potentially heightened risk to retail investors.”

According to the SEC, examination priorities are determined based on feedback from examination staff in the previous year, as well as from investors, industry groups and similar sources.

Magazine: Crypto Wendy on trashing the SEC, sexism, and how underdogs can win: Hall of Flame

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4 Hot Penny Stocks To Watch With The Stock Market Up Today

Hot penny stocks today. Are they on your watch list this week?
The post 4 Hot Penny Stocks To Watch With The Stock Market Up Today appeared first on Penny…

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Whether you’re trading penny stocks or stocks over $100, it’s hard to miss that the stock market is up today. That’s in stark contrast to last week, when markets appeared to be heading toward another downtrend.

A mix of Israel-Hamas War headlines and an upbeat sentiment heading into earnings season have helped lift stocks so far this week. More than 10% of the S&P 500 companies are set to report financial results this week.

Tesla, Johnson & Johnson, and Netflix are among the headliners. The results come after the start of Q3 earnings season launched on Friday with strong reports from banks like JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, and Charles Schwab.

This doesn’t mean the Israel-Hamas conflict is entirely out of the news. The weekend saw Israel’s military push residents to leave the northern Gaza region. Military aid packages are being prepared aiming to help Israel fight Hamas. The geopolitical news that rocked markets last week has not had the same impact on the stock market today to start the week.

However, with the slew of earnings and economic data set to come out, traders have remained cautious when developing their longer-term strategy. This hasn’t stopped them from focusing on short-term opportunities with things like finding their own penny stock picks. Today, we look at some of the hot penny stocks to watch with the stock market up on October 16th.

Penny Stocks To Watch

Virgin Galactic Holdings (SPCE)

Space stocks were once a popular topic, but the trend cooled off significantly with the shift in market sentiment. The latest risk-on environment, however, has brought interest back to companies in the niche. Virgin Galactic most notably has taken an appeal from investors as the company continues launching civilians into space.

Penny Stocks To Buy Now? 8 To Watch With Unusual Options Action

Earlier this month, the company completed its fifth successful human space mission in the last five months. Michael Colglazier, CEO of Virgin Galactic, said: “Our teams in New Mexico and California have delivered on our monthly spaceflight objectives. Three new astronauts journeyed to space today and brought back incredible memories and stories of their experience above the Earth. These early missions with our initial ship, VSS Unity, have informed and confirmed the design and maintenance objectives for our Delta class spaceships, and the production tooling for those ships is on track to commence later in the fourth quarter.”

This week, as the market has risen, so have shares of SPCE stock. While it’s a positive for the company following a long stint of selling, Virgin is still hovering around 52-week lows.

JetBlue Airways Inc. (JBLU)

We wrote about JBLU stock (See: Will JetBlue (JBLU) Be On Your List Of Penny Stocks In 2023?) before gracing the penny stock stage and as share prices took a nosedive last quarter. Now, it may seem that some hope for the penny stock to finally take flight. As share prices rebound, options action has picked up. More than 5,800 contracts have traded in the 10/20 $5.50 Calls in the stock market today, which is where the bulk of the action appears.

Last week, JetBlue announced the record and payment dates for October’s prepayment to Spirit stockholders. This is related to the plan of merger with Spirit Airlines. The end of September saw JetBlue announcing it would raise flight attendant pay next year and provide other bonuses, which appealed to the unions. Flight attendants will get 5% raises starting in November. A JetBlue spokesman said, “Because our inflight crewmembers play a significant role in delivering the JetBlue experience, it’s important that we’re able to attract and retain high-quality crewmembers with competitive pay and benefits.”

With this, JBLU stock has slowly clawed back some of its losses over the last month but is still trading significantly lower than in June.

Momentus Inc. (MNTS)

Shares of Momentus are starting to live up to their name over the last week. Shares of MNTS stock have now rallied from $1.03 on October 6 to highs this week of $5.50. One of the catalysts that seems to have helped the second space stock on this list is news of its latest contract.

Momentus announced that it signed a deal for orbital delivery services with C35, a repeat customer of the company. C3S CEO Gyula Horváth said, “This solution allows further optimization of the satellite’s profit-generating phase during its lifespan, complemented well by our platform’s high availability. In this regard, the solution of Momentus can provide great assistance, which we had the opportunity to try in the spring.”

3 Top Penny Stocks to Buy According To Insiders In October

The company also inked a deal late last week with RIDE! Space for transportation and orbital delivery services starting in Q1 of 2024.RIDE! Space will fly its Gaindesat and Djibouti payloads on a single mission.

FuboTV ( FUBO)

Pile of pennies and coins in the shape of an upward arrow illustrates the growth potential of penny stocks

Sports entertainment stocks are gaining ground as the latest professional seasons continue. FuboTV is an online pay-TV service offering traditional channels without a cable subscription. The company’s platform also provides a level of interactivity as a sports-first outlet.

It allows viewers to engage with the content they’re watching through features like FanView, which lists stats and scores in real-time. It also allows streaming four separate channels simultaneously and in 4K HDR resolution.

FUBO stock has maintained strong trading levels over the last few months compared to earlier this year. This week, prices hover around the 50-day moving average, $2.42, with the market shaking off most of the concern from last month’s Disney-Charter news. Meanwhile, short interest has attracted attention from some searching for short-squeeze penny stocks. According to TD Ameritrade, the short float percentage on FUBO stock is around 18%.

Thanks to the kick-off of earnings season, there will be plenty to pay attention to. Fubo announced it will deliver its results at the beginning of November. So, if FUBO stock is on your watch list, keep November 3 in mind.

The post 4 Hot Penny Stocks To Watch With The Stock Market Up Today appeared first on Penny Stocks to Buy, Picks, News and Information | PennyStocks.com.

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