IBIT flips to in-kind creations: what it means for spreads, taxes and flows

Bitcoin is currently holding steady above the $109,500 EMA, but its weekly chart shows bearish signs as investors are closely watching for signals regarding potential rate cuts from the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC). This situation is significant as it reflects the ongoing tension in the financial markets, where interest rate changes can greatly influence cryptocurrency prices and investor sentiment.

Strategy has announced an increase in its annual dividend rate for the STRC Preferred Stock from 10% to 10.25%, effective October 1. This change, disclosed in a recent SEC filing, also includes a cash dividend of $0.854166667 per share, which will be paid out on October 31 to stockholders of record. This is significant as it reflects the company's commitment to providing value to its investors, potentially attracting more interest in their stock.

The SEC has suspended trading in QMMM after its price skyrocketed by 1,000%, raising concerns about market manipulation and investor protection. This move highlights the regulatory challenges in the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency landscape, as authorities strive to maintain order amid extreme volatility. The suspension serves as a reminder for investors to exercise caution and stay informed about the risks associated with trading in such unpredictable markets.

Starknet has launched an innovative feature allowing Bitcoin holders to stake their assets on its Ethereum-based Layer 2 network. This update, announced on September 30, is significant as it introduces a trustless method for staking BTC outside its original blockchain. By participating, users can delegate tokenized versions of Bitcoin, earn rewards, and support Starknet's ecosystem, potentially enhancing the utility of Bitcoin in the broader crypto landscape.

Bitcoin's price closed September at around $113,400, slightly down from its intraday high of $114,842. This pause in trading coincided with gold reaching new all-time highs, sparking discussions about whether Bitcoin will follow gold's upward trend into the fourth quarter. The performance of gold seems to influence Bitcoin's market sentiment, making this an important moment for investors to watch.

Bloomberg's senior ETF analyst Eric Balchunas has stated that tokenized stocks are not likely to significantly disrupt exchange-traded funds (ETFs), even as the SEC is considering a rule change that may allow companies like Tesla and Nvidia to be traded on crypto exchanges. Balchunas views this potential change as a convenience for digital asset investors rather than a threat to traditional ETFs, highlighting the evolving landscape of investment options.

The recent alignment between the SEC and CFTC marks a significant shift in the crypto market, signaling a more unified regulatory approach. This collaboration is crucial as it aims to provide clearer guidelines for cryptocurrency operations, fostering a safer environment for investors and businesses alike. With both agencies working together, the industry can expect more consistent regulations, which could lead to increased confidence and growth in the crypto space.

Michael Saylor is making headlines with his ambitious goal of building a trillion-dollar Bitcoin balance sheet. This move is significant as it highlights the growing acceptance and potential of Bitcoin as a major asset class. Saylor's vision not only reflects his confidence in Bitcoin's future but also encourages other investors to consider the cryptocurrency seriously. As more institutional players enter the market, the implications for the financial landscape could be profound.

The SEC's Crypto Task Force and the NYSE are collaborating to explore innovative rules for cryptocurrency products, which could significantly reshape the market. This partnership is crucial as it aims to establish clearer regulations that can enhance investor protection and foster growth in the crypto sector. By addressing regulatory uncertainties, this initiative could attract more institutional investors and legitimize the cryptocurrency landscape, making it a pivotal moment for the industry.

The SEC's recent decision to allow DoubleZero's token distributions is a significant step forward for decentralized infrastructure, according to Commissioner Hester Peirce. This move reflects a more accommodating approach from regulators, which could foster innovation and growth in the blockchain space. By stepping back, the SEC is enabling projects like DoubleZero to thrive, potentially paving the way for a more robust decentralized economy.

Pro Bitcoin traders are analyzing the recent flash crash of BTC to $112.6K, noting that despite the volatility, there are signs of bullish sentiment in the market. Increased ETF inflows and corporate accumulation suggest that investors remain optimistic about Bitcoin's future, even as macroeconomic data raises concerns. This perspective is crucial as it highlights the resilience of Bitcoin amidst market fluctuations and could influence trading strategies moving forward.

IREN stock saw a significant boost of over 2%, nearing its all-time high, following a major $14 billion deal between Meta Platforms and CoreWeave. This surge is further supported by a positive report from Citi on AI spending, highlighting the growing interest and investment in technology sectors. This news is important as it reflects investor confidence in IREN and the broader implications of AI and cryptocurrency markets.

Starknet has launched an innovative feature allowing Bitcoin holders to stake their assets on its Ethereum-based Layer 2 network. This update, announced on September 30, is significant as it introduces a trustless method for staking BTC outside its original blockchain. By participating, users can delegate tokenized versions of Bitcoin, earn rewards, and support Starknet's ecosystem, potentially enhancing the utility of Bitcoin in the broader crypto landscape.

A recent discussion on X has sparked debate over the valuation of XRP compared to Chainlink's LINK. CoinRoutes founder Dave Weisberger questioned why XRP is valued over ten times higher than LINK, despite Chainlink's significant role in financial markets. This conversation highlights differing perspectives on how value is captured in the cryptocurrency space, especially following Swift's announcement of a blockchain-based ledger at Sibos. Understanding these valuations is crucial for investors and enthusiasts navigating the evolving crypto landscape.

The Trump administration has decided to withdraw Brian Quintenz as its nominee to chair the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), according to a report by Politico. This move is significant as it reflects ongoing shifts within the administration and raises questions about the future direction of the CFTC, an important regulatory body overseeing the commodities markets. The withdrawal could impact regulatory policies and the overall stability of the financial markets.

The White House has withdrawn the nomination of Brian Quintenz for chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), a move that could significantly impact the regulation of cryptocurrencies and innovation in the sector. This decision raises concerns about the future direction of the CFTC's oversight of digital assets, which is crucial for the evolving crypto market and its participants.

Turkey is taking significant steps to enhance its financial oversight by proposing expanded powers for its financial watchdog. This move aims to allow the agency to freeze accounts and blacklist crypto wallets, which could help combat financial crimes and improve the security of digital transactions. By tightening regulations in the cryptocurrency space, Turkey is positioning itself to better protect consumers and maintain the integrity of its financial system, which is crucial as digital currencies continue to gain popularity.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has taken a significant preliminary step towards expanding the universe of crypto custody by considering the inclusion of state trusts. This move is crucial as it could enhance the regulatory framework for cryptocurrency, providing more security and legitimacy to investors. By allowing state trusts to hold digital assets, the SEC aims to foster a safer environment for crypto investments, which could attract more institutional players into the market.