It has been a busy day in terms of news, so let us catch you up on the latest and greatest.

Today’s Agenda:

• Market Watch
• Highlights of the Day
  • Bitcoin Halving is Right Around the Corner
  • CEO of JPMorgan Voices his Strong Opinion about BTC
  • Faraway Acquires HV-MTL and LoTM IPs from Yuga Labs
• Project of the Day
• Crypto Corner
• Market Sentiment & Insights
• Business & Political Insights 

Market Watch

Top Gainers

• NEO ($NEO): +15.5%
• GALA ($GALA): +13.3%
• Immutable ($IMX): +10.5%

Top Losers

• Zevec Protocol ($ZBC): -13.2%
• Maker ($MKR): -3.8%
• Ondo ($ONDO): -2.1%

Trending Crypto Sectors/Categories

• Gaming Platform
• Base Meme Coins
• BRC-20

Total Crypto Market Cap – 2.408 Trillion

Fear and Greed Index – 66

Top NFT Sale

• CryptoPunks #2079 Sold for 40 ETH 

Highlights of the Day

Bitcoin Halving is Right Around the Corner

As the Bitcoin halving event rapidly approaches, the cryptocurrency community is buzzing with anticipation. Scheduled for either April 19 or 20, this phenomenon, which occurs approximately every four years, is poised to shake up the digital currency market once again.

Mining Industry Impact

Meanwhile, the halving also has significant implications for Bitcoin miners. With the reward for mining a block set to halve from 6.25 Bitcoin to 3.125, miners are bracing for a reduction in their earnings. This could particularly affect smaller mining operations, potentially leading to industry consolidation as larger players seek to maintain profitability in a changing landscape.

CEO of JPMorgan Voices his Strong Opinion about BTC

Jamie Dimon, the CEO of JPMorgan, has once again stirred controversy with his recent comments on Bitcoin. In an interview with Bloomberg TV, Dimon did not hold back, labeling the popular cryptocurrency as a fraud and drawing comparisons to Ponzi schemes. His criticism of Bitcoin aligns with his long-standing skepticism towards digital currencies, particularly those striving to mimic traditional monetary systems.

Damien’s View of Crypto Market as a Whole

However, Dimon’s viewpoint on the broader crypto market is not entirely bleak. While he remains critical of Bitcoin, he acknowledges the potential of blockchain technology and certain cryptocurrencies with tangible utility. Dimon highlights the value of cryptocurrencies involved in facilitating smart contracts, recognizing their ability to offer practical solutions within the blockchain ecosystem.

Faraway Acquires HV-MTL and LoTM IPs from Yuga Labs

Faraway, a leading gaming studio, has made a strategic move by acquiring the HV-MTL and Legends of the Mara (LoTM) IPs from Yuga Labs. This acquisition marks a significant shift in direction for both companies, generating considerable interest among players and investors.

Acquisition Details

After extensive negotiations spanning over a year, Faraway has finalized the acquisition of the HV-MTL and LoTM IPs, including associated NFT collections, from Yuga Labs. The acquisition not only expands Faraway’s portfolio but also brings onboard Yuga Labs’ Chief Gaming Officer, Spencer Tucker, who will assume the role of Faraway’s Chief Product Officer. This move ensures continuity in game development and expertise integration within Faraway’s team.

Project of the Day

Gala Games

Gala Games ($GALA) is making waves in the blockchain gaming space as a play-to-earn platform rewarding players with digital assets for their in-game achievements. Boasting a lineup of Web3 games, including several well-known IPs, Gala Games is positioning itself as a formidable contender in the Web3 gaming ecosystem.

Currently, $GALA is riding high with a market cap exceeding $1.35 billion, with its price hovering around $0.045. The token’s price movements suggest potential for growth, as it fluctuates between resistance and support levels. Notable collaborations and adoptions could spark a surge in demand, attracting substantial investments from whales. All in all, with roadmap milestones and speculation of creating a unique blockchain just for Gala games, the long-term outlook on the cryptocurrency is positive.

Crazy Day in Crypto

• Bitcoin outperformed traditional asset classes with a remarkable 69% return, contradicting expectations that the introduction of BTC ETFs would strengthen its correlation with conventional finance.
• Coinbase recently debuted a new advertising campaign titled “Less is More Bitcoin,” strategically timed just before the anticipated halving event.
• Magic Eden announced that its highly anticipated Bitcoin Runes platform will launch on April 23rd, marking a significant milestone in the evolving Web3 landscape.

Market Sentiment & Insights

• Moody’s Analytics chief economist Mark Zandi suggests Federal Reserve rate cuts may be delayed until March 2025.
• According to a Finder survey, 31 fintech experts anticipate Bitcoin to reach $122,000 in 2024 and stabilize at $110,000 by the year’s end, representing a 2x from current prices.
• Deutsche Bank reports that the market has already factored in the upcoming Bitcoin halving, predicting no significant price increase after the event in May 2020.
• CNN characterizes the Bitcoin Halving as the “World Cup” for crypto enthusiasts, underscoring its profound significance and global impact among enthusiasts and investors alike.

Business Talks & Political Insights

• Binance aims to re-enter the Indian market, intending to comply with local regulations after a government ban in January.
• Senator Elizabeth Warren has proposed extending anti-money laundering rules to cover crypto miners and validators, sparking debates within the cryptocurrency community about the broader implications of such regulatory measures.