Arthur Hayes: Stablecoins will fund U.S. debt and boost Bitcoin

A U.S. bankruptcy judge just gave Celsius Network the green light to go after Tether in a $4 billion lawsuit. Celsius, the collapsed crypto lender, claims Tether forced a "fire sale" of Bitcoin (BTC) to meet a sudden collateral demand, which allegedly worsened Celsius’ financial meltdown. This could get messy—Tether’s the giant behind USDT, the crypto world’s most-used stablecoin, and Celsius is digging in for a legal fight.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a corporate spat—it’s a high-stakes drama that could ripple through crypto markets. If Celsius proves Tether’s actions deepened its collapse, it might shake confidence in stablecoin issuers’ power over volatile assets. Plus, with billions on the line, the outcome could set precedents for how crypto firms handle (or mishandle) collateral during crises. Buckle up.

Crypto traders are pitting ChatGPT against X (formerly Twitter) to see which platform can sniff out the next big crypto trend faster. ChatGPT offers AI-powered analysis to spot patterns, while X delivers real-time chatter and sentiment. But both have their pitfalls—AI can hallucinate, and social media buzz isn’t always reliable.

Editor’s Note: In the fast-moving world of crypto, getting ahead of the next big narrative can mean big gains—or big losses. Traders are weighing whether AI insights or crowd vibes give them the edge, but neither’s a sure bet. It’s a high-stakes game of digital soothsaying.

The DOJ is giving a nod to Tether for playing a key role in clawing back over $40,000 in crypto stolen by scammers who pretended to be fundraising for Trump's 2024 inaugural committee. While the amount recovered is relatively small, it highlights how crypto companies can assist law enforcement in tracking illicit funds—even when political figures are unwittingly involved.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about recovering a few thousand dollars—it’s a sign that even in the Wild West of crypto, cooperation between regulators and companies can work. With scams constantly evolving, Tether’s involvement here sets a precedent for how stablecoin issuers might help combat fraud, especially when high-profile names are used to lure victims.

Two of China’s biggest tech players, JD.com and Ant Group, are pushing regulators to greenlight yuan-backed stablecoins—digital currencies pegged to the Chinese yuan. Their goal? To chip away at the U.S. dollar’s stronghold in the fast-growing world of digital payments and finance.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about tech—it’s a power play in the global financial arena. If China rolls out its own stablecoins, it could reshape how money moves digitally, giving the yuan more clout against the dollar. For everyday folks, it might mean smoother cross-border transactions, but it also signals how fiercely countries are competing behind the scenes in the crypto space.

Bitcoin is flirting with another potential surge, as traders eye a breakthrough toward $111,000 despite a stubborn resistance zone. The bulls are pushing hard, and if they can crack this ceiling, we could see fresh all-time highs. The chart setup suggests a tightening battle between buyers and sellers—so buckle up.

Editor’s Note: Bitcoin’s price action is always a rollercoaster, but this push toward $111K isn’t just another blip. If it breaks through, it could signal renewed confidence in crypto after months of sideways movement. For investors, that means watching this resistance level like a hawk—it’s either fuel for FOMO or a reality check if the rally fizzles. Either way, it’s a big moment for the market.