Crypto markets remain under pressure as Bitcoin hovers around $61,000, but signs are emerging that volatility may be cooling. Matt breaks down the latest market data, including declining derivatives volume, lower liquidation levels, and why some analysts believe Strategy should pause its aggressive Bitcoin buying and rebuild cash reserves before continuing its accumulation strategy.

The episode also covers 21Shares' prediction that Bitcoin could recover to $100,000 by year-end, Standard Chartered's surprisingly bullish long-term outlook for Aave, and growing activity on the Bitcoin network as Rune transactions surge to two-year highs. Matt also examines the Ethereum Foundation's staff reductions and what they signal about the project's future priorities.

Finally, Matt dives into the politics of digital money as Congress advances legislation banning a Federal Reserve CBDC through 2030. While many in crypto celebrate the move, Matt questions whether blocking a government-issued digital dollar while promoting private stablecoins could simply shift control from public institutions to corporations like Circle, Tether, and major banks. The episode closes with a discussion about who should ultimately control the future of digital money and why that debate may be more important than Bitcoin's price action.

Happy Hodling, Everyone.

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