### **A Shocking Scam in New Jersey**  
A New Jersey resident became a victim of a **sophisticated scam**, paying nearly **$300,000 worth of Bitcoin** to two European men in exchange for **counterfeit gold**.  
  
### **The Alleged Fraudsters**  
The suspects, **Ciprian A. Tiber** (33) and **Ahmed Zarei** (43), both from Romania, face **two counts of money laundering** and **one count of theft by deception**. As of now, they remain at large following the issuance of arrest warrants on **October 25**.  
  
### **The Deceptive Transaction**  
In **September 2023**, the two men met the victim in Bergen County to discuss selling **gold coils**. The victim transferred approximately **11 Bitcoins**, valued at around **$289,000** at the time, only to find out later that the gold coils were fake.  
  
### **Tracing the Funds**  
Investigators traced the transaction and discovered that the Bitcoin was sent to a **crypto wallet** owned by Tiber and Zarei, who allegedly transferred the funds to various **cryptocurrency exchanges** under **fake names**.  
  
### **A Warning from Authorities**  
Bergen County Prosecutor **Mark Musella** emphasized the difficulty in detecting cryptocurrency scams but reassured the community that investigators are committed to exposing such schemes.  
  
### **Call for Information**  
The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office urges anyone with information about the whereabouts of Tiber and Zarei to contact their tip line at **201-226-5532**.

The alleged fraudsters are also accused of transferring the funds to crypto accounts registered under fake names. 

Beware of Cryptocurrency Scams: New Jersey Resident Loses $289K in Bitcoin for Fake Gold

## Bearish Outlook on BTC/USD 
- **Sell the BTC/USD pair** and set a take-profit at **$90,000**.  
- Add a **stop-loss at $97,000**.  
- **Timeline**: 1-2 days.  

## Bullish Outlook on BTC/USD  
- **Buy the BTC/USD pair** and set a take-profit at **$97,000**.  
- Add a **stop-loss at $90,000**.  

![BTC/USD Chart](https://www.dailyforex.com/files/btcusd1-crisps-241224.webp)  

Bitcoin's price has **dipped to $92,600** as profit-taking continues and momentum fades. The anticipated **Santa Claus rally** failed to materialize, pushing the BTC/USD pair to crucial support levels.  

Despite recent positive developments in the crypto space, including new appointees to the crypto and AI councils by **Donald Trump**, Bitcoin's value continued to fall. Analysts anticipate a change in the SEC's approach under Trump's appointees compared to the previous focus on lawsuits by **Gary Gensler**.  

Notably, major companies like **MicroStrategy** and **MetaPlanet** are still accumulating Bitcoin, with MicroStrategy having spent **$561 million** over the past seven weeks.  

The decline in Bitcoin's price follows a record high of over **$108,000** last week, exacerbated by ongoing profit-taking after the **Federal Reserve** hinted at further interest rate cuts in 2025.  

## BTC/USD Technical Analysis  
The BTC/USD pair has experienced a significant reversal from its high of **$108,375** on December 17. The price has dropped below the ascending channel's lower side, indicating a bearish trend.  

Indicators like the **Relative Strength Index (RSI)** and **MACD** suggest continued downward movement. A loss of the **50-day moving average at $92,450** could lead to further declines, with the next key support at **$87,500**. Conversely, a rise above **$97,000** could invalidate the bearish outlook.

Bitcoin dips to $92,600 amid profit-taking and fading momentum. BTC/USD outlook targets $90,000 on bearish moves or $97,000 on bullish reversals.

Bitcoin's Recent Slide: What You Need to Know About the BTC/USD Outlook

### **High Volatility: A Double-Edged Sword for Traders**  
High volatility can be good for option buyers because it increases the chance that the option will be **“in-the-money”** (profitable) at some point before expiry — creating profit for buyers.  
  
Traders expect **Bitcoin's (BTC) choppiness** to continue with a possible rotation to **altcoins**, as a major options expiry weighs on market dynamics in the festive week ahead.  
  
**“All eyes are on the massive expiry this Friday, where almost $20B notional across BTC and ETH options will expire,”** Singapore-based QCP Capital said in a broadcast message early Tuesday. “This represents almost half the total **open interest (OI)** on Deribit. We believe it's quite possible especially if spot continues to range here and as option sellers continue to roll their shorts out.”  
  
**Rolling** means that instead of letting their options expire, traders shift their positions to later expiration dates. This is often done to keep the trade active if they still believe in their market forecast.  
  
As BTC continues to struggle below **$100K**, QCP noted, **alts** might start to play catch up again. A similar trend was observed a month ago when Bitcoin was trading at current price levels. The **ether/bitcoin** ratio bounced off a **0.032 support**, spurring movement in altcoins.  
  
The crypto market often goes through cycles where Bitcoin leads the charge, followed by altcoins. Investors sitting on fresh market gains seek additional returns, leading to wild rallies in short periods.  
  
Currently, Bitcoin is experiencing one of its worst December months, dampening a seasonally bullish period with a **2% drop** over the past 30 days. Hopes of a **“Santa rally”** — where the asset tends to surge in the festive week — have been dented amid profit-taking and a cautious mood after weeks of price bumps.  
  
Some analysts are warning of further declines as the **U.S. Federal Reserve** signaled fewer rate cuts for next year while stressing that it prohibits state holdings of BTC and doesn't seek a change in the law to do so.  
  
However, a drop to the **$90,000** level could spell renewed opportunity for market traders. **FxPro’s Alex Kuptsikevich** mentioned,  
**“In a potential shock scenario, bitcoin could suddenly dip into the $70K area. However, there are more chances that a pullback to $90K in the next couple of weeks will be attractive enough for buyers to stop the sell-off.”** Markets continue to digest the Fed's tougher tone, reinforced by the urge to lock in profits after a strong year.

High volatility can be good for option buyers because it increases the chance that the option will be “in-the-money” (profitable) at some point before expiry — creating profit for buyers.

Is Bitcoin's Dip to $90K the Key to Unlocking an Altcoin Surge?

## Matador Technologies Embraces Bitcoin as a Treasury Reserve

Matador Technologies, a Canadian crypto firm, has announced plans to adopt **Bitcoin** as a treasury reserve asset, initiating this strategy with a **$4.5 million** purchase later this month. The company is also developing a platform built on Bitcoin's network, allowing users to trade **digital representations of gold**, with a targeted launch in **early 2025**.

### Market Dynamics and Stock Performance

Since transitioning from its former identity as Scaling Capital 1, Matador began trading on the TSX Venture Exchange last week. However, the stock has seen a **35% drop**, from **$0.90 to $0.58** per share.

### Following in the Footsteps of Industry Leaders

Matador's move comes as **MicroStrategy** has led the way in corporate Bitcoin adoption, accumulating more than **$41 billion** in Bitcoin since 2020. While larger firms like **Microsoft** have hesitated, smaller companies like Matador are stepping up to follow the trend.

### Future Plans and Innovations

The firm plans to launch a mobile app enabling users to buy, sell, and store gold around the clock. Matador aims to create a comprehensive portfolio of products beyond just gold. The company has chosen Bitcoin over other platforms like **Ethereum** and **Solana** due to its **security and stability**. Physical gold reserves will be managed by the **Royal Canadian Mint**.

### Leadership and Strategic Moves

Matador's Bitcoin strategy has received unanimous approval from its board of directors. The firm will also shift its cash reserves predominantly to the **U.S. dollar** while moving away from the **Canadian dollar**. Matador's president, **Sunny Ray**, emphasized the importance of using Bitcoin to **future-proof** their treasury and support the company's mission.

### Connections in the Bitcoin Ecosystem

Notably, **Metaplanet**, a Japanese investment firm, has also made significant Bitcoin investments this year, showcasing a growing trend among firms embracing cryptocurrency. The interconnections between Matador and Metaplanet are highlighted by shared board members, including **Tyler Evans**, who is involved with both entities.

For more on Matador Technologies and their innovative strategies in the cryptocurrency space, stay tuned as they continue to evolve in this dynamic market.

Matador Technologies is following in MicroStrategy’s footsteps, sharing a board member with Japanese firm Metaplanet—another Bitcoin buyer.

Matador Technologies Joins the Bitcoin Revolution: A New Era for Publicly Traded Firms

![Bitcoin ETFs had the most successful launch of all-time: Natalie Brunell](https://cf-images.us-east-1.prod.boltdns.net/v1/static/854081161001/e68c6174-bc8a-4e40-b9a7-7b24b50c59ed/2341b8cb-c8ac-4e73-966f-021d029d98f9/1280x720/match/image.jpg)

In a recent episode of the **Coin Stories podcast**, host **Natalie Brunell** discussed the unprecedented success of **Bitcoin ETFs** and their launch. This milestone event has sparked numerous discussions about the future of Bitcoin and the strategies surrounding it.

Brunell delves into the implications of this success, particularly in light of **Michael Saylor's Bitcoin investment strategy**. She analyzes whether Saylor's approach will yield significant returns amidst the evolving market landscape. 

The conversation highlights the **growing acceptance** of cryptocurrency in mainstream finance, particularly how ETFs have made it more accessible to traditional investors. Brunell's insights provide a comprehensive look at how these developments may shape the future of Bitcoin and the broader cryptocurrency market.

Coin Stories podcast host Natalie Brunell discusses whether Michael Saylor's Bitcoin strategy will payoff on 'Making Money.'

The Groundbreaking Success of Bitcoin ETFs: Insights from Natalie Brunell

Cryptocurrencies experienced a downturn this weekend, with **investors** reacting to a potentially more **hawkish Federal Reserve**. This shift raises concerns about fewer **rate cuts** than anticipated in 2025.

### Current Market Status
As of Monday afternoon, **Bitcoin** *(CRYPTO: BTC)* was trading approximately **4% lower**, having dropped significantly over the weekend. After reaching a high of **$102,000** last Thursday, it is now around **$93,260**. Similarly, **Dogecoin** *(CRYPTO: DOGE)* decreased by **3.2%**, and **XRP** *(CRYPTO: XRP)* fell **3.1%**.

### Macro Economic Outlook
The recent **Federal Reserve** meeting concluded with a projection of only **two rate cuts** in the upcoming year, a reduction from the previously anticipated four. This revelation caught many investors off guard and contributed to the market's downward trend.

Despite some good news regarding **Stephen Miran**, a **pro-crypto** economist appointed to chair the president's **Council of Economic Advisers**, the focus remained on the broader economic outlook. **Durable goods orders** for November fell short of expectations, and rising **Treasury yields** typically signal bearish trends for cryptocurrencies.

### Bitcoin and Inflation
While Bitcoin is often viewed as a hedge against inflation, its performance is influenced by various factors, including the strength of the **dollar**. As the dollar strengthens, Bitcoin tends to decline, exhibiting an inverse relationship.

![Bitcoin Price Chart](https://media.ycharts.com/charts/debd6f7fa8da6622f6b061c4c87277bb.png)

### Future Expectations
With Bitcoin's substantial rise this year, it is more vulnerable to pullbacks. The market anticipates ongoing volatility as it adapts to inflation trends and interest rate trajectories. Most traders believe **inflation** will remain above the Fed's **2% target**, influenced by Trump's proposed **tax cuts** and **tariffs**.

Despite these challenges, **MicroStrategy** continues to invest in Bitcoin, purchasing **5,262 tokens** for **$561 million** last week. **Michael Saylor**, the company's CEO, has expressed bullish predictions for Bitcoin, forecasting prices as high as **$13 million** by **2045**.

### Summary of Positions
I maintain a favorable view on Bitcoin and suggest a small, speculative position in XRP, while currently having no interest in Dogecoin. With the new year approaching, expect **turbulence** in the cryptocurrency market as it reacts to economic indicators.


Cryptocurrencies fell this weekend and into today, as investors grappled with a potentially more hawkish Federal Reserve, which could lead to fewer rate cuts than hoped for in 2025.

Bitcoin, Dogecoin, and XRP Face Market Turbulence Amid Fed's Hawkish Signals

If you're an **Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH)** investor, there's some **good news**: the world's second-largest cryptocurrency is up an impressive **50% for the year**. Recently, Ethereum broke through the **$4,000 price level** and is within striking distance of its all-time high of **$4,891** from November 2021.

However, there's a flip side. Ethereum continues to **underperform** against other cryptocurrencies. For instance, **Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC)** is up **131% for the year**, with many other top cryptocurrencies also posting **triple-digit returns**. This raises the critical question: **Should you buy Ethereum as we head into 2025?**

The **catalyst** that was expected to boost Ethereum this year was the launch of new **exchange-traded funds (ETFs)**. Following the successful launch of **spot Bitcoin ETFs** in January, investors had high hopes for **spot Ethereum ETFs** in July. Unfortunately, while spot Bitcoin ETFs are still receiving rave reviews, the feedback for spot Ethereum ETFs has been mixed. The largest, the **iShares Ethereum Trust (NASDAQ: ETHA)**, currently has just **$3.5 billion** in assets under management, compared to over **$53.5 billion** for the **iShares Bitcoin Trust (NASDAQ: IBIT)**.

Despite the **50% increase** in Ethereum's value this year, its performance has been lackluster since the launch of the spot Ethereum ETFs, actually declining **1%** since July 23. This is particularly disappointing as this period included a post-election rally that saw Ethereum briefly soar past **$4,000**.

Adding to the concerns, new competitor blockchains are steadily taking market share from Ethereum in areas like **decentralized finance (DeFi)** and **blockchain gaming**. These new blockchains are generally **faster, cheaper, and easier to use** than Ethereum. For example, while Ethereum can process only **15 transactions per second**, **Solana (CRYPTO: SOL)** can handle **65,000 transactions per second**, and **Sui** can even manage **297,000 transactions per second**.

Investors are noticing these developments. While Ethereum is up **50%** this year, **Cardano** is up **60%**, **Solana** is up **88%**, and **Sui** has skyrocketed by an astonishing **505%**. Additionally, many of the **Layer-2 scaling solutions** on Ethereum's blockchain, such as **Arbitrum, Optimism,** and **Polygon**, are down **50% or more** for the year.

If you're an Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH) investor, the good news is that the world's second-largest cryptocurrency is up an impressive 50% for the year.  Ethereum recently broke through the $4,000 price level and, even with a recent pullback, is within striking distance of regaining its all-time high of $4,891 from November 2021.  The bad news, however, is that Ethereum continues to underperform against other cryptocurrencies.

Is Ethereum Still a Smart Investment? Analyzing Its Performance and Competition

### Georgia's Emergency Action Against Cryptocurrency Fraud

ATLANTA — In a decisive move, the **Georgia Secretary of State’s Office** has issued an **emergency cease and desist order** against **Trage Technologies Limited**, a cryptocurrency firm accused of **engaging in unregistered securities offerings** that harm investors.

### Allegations of Fraud

According to the Secretary of State’s office, Trage Technologies Limited is accused of violating the **Georgia Uniform Securities Act** by promoting fraudulent investment schemes through **automated cryptocurrency trading programs**. State officials revealed that the firm, operated by **Graeme Gary Hearn**, **Michael Holloway**, and **Eric Ture Muhammad**, misled investors by falsely claiming to be registered with the **U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)**.

### Misrepresentation and Unrealistic Returns

Georgia officials clarified that Trage has never been registered with the SEC or the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office. The individuals behind Trage allegedly marketed their trading program using **aggressive marketing tactics**, claiming **unrealistic returns** such as **daily profits of $120** and **annual returns of $43,800** on a **$10,000 investment**. This misleading information led many investors to believe they were making a safe investment.

### Investigation Findings

An ongoing investigation has revealed that **investor assets amounting to $79 million** may have been misappropriated and transferred to undisclosed recipients instead of being utilized for legitimate trading activities. The investigation raised serious **concerns of fraud**.

### Previous Violations

The Secretary of State’s Office noted that Muhammad was previously under an active **emergency cease and desist order** for broker-dealer activities but continued to promote investment schemes, including those from Trage. His promotions included **false claims** regarding regulatory settlements, further misleading investors.

### Immediate Actions Taken

To prevent further harm, Georgia officials have taken immediate actions, including removing Trage’s website and blocking investor account access through the emergency order. Secretary of State **Brad Raffensperger** emphasized the commitment to protect Georgia’s investors from such fraudulent schemes, urging anyone affected to come forward for assistance.

### Ongoing Investigation

The investigation into Trage remains ongoing, and anyone who may have been impacted is encouraged to contact the **Georgia Securities Division** at **470-312-2640** for support.

The Georgia Secretary of State’s Office issued an emergency cease and desist order against a cryptocurrency firm accused of engaging in unregistered securities offerings to Georgia investors.

Beware of Cryptocurrency Scams: New Jersey Resident Loses $289K in Bitcoin for Fake Gold

Summary:

A Shocking Scam in New Jersey

The Alleged Fraudsters

The Deceptive Transaction

Tracing the Funds

A Warning from Authorities

Call for Information

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Other Latest News

Bitcoin's Recent Slide: What You Need to Know About the BTC/USD Outlook

Is Bitcoin's Dip to $90K the Key to Unlocking an Altcoin Surge?

Matador Technologies Joins the Bitcoin Revolution: A New Era for Publicly Traded Firms

The Groundbreaking Success of Bitcoin ETFs: Insights from Natalie Brunell

Bitcoin, Dogecoin, and XRP Face Market Turbulence Amid Fed's Hawkish Signals

Is Ethereum Still a Smart Investment? Analyzing Its Performance and Competition

Georgia Takes Action Against Cryptocurrency Fraud: What You Need to Know

Other Latest News

Bitcoin's Recent Slide: What You Need to Know About the BTC/USD Outlook

Is Bitcoin's Dip to $90K the Key to Unlocking an Altcoin Surge?

Matador Technologies Joins the Bitcoin Revolution: A New Era for Publicly Traded Firms

The Groundbreaking Success of Bitcoin ETFs: Insights from Natalie Brunell

Bitcoin, Dogecoin, and XRP Face Market Turbulence Amid Fed's Hawkish Signals

Is Ethereum Still a Smart Investment? Analyzing Its Performance and Competition

Georgia Takes Action Against Cryptocurrency Fraud: What You Need to Know