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4 Feb 2026, 20:16

Evening digest: AMD’s crash, US-Iran tensions, Bitcoin may slump to $66K level

Markets are ending the day on edge as sharp moves ripple across stocks, commodities, and crypto. AMD slumped despite an earnings beat, underscoring how unforgiving investors have become around AI expectations. Oil prices jumped as US–Iran tensions flared back into focus, while gold and silver staged a violent rebound after last week’s washout. In crypto, bitcoin slid deeper into correction territory, with traders eyeing key support levels amid heavy liquidations. AMD stock crashes despite earnings beat AMD CEO Lisa Su moved to calm nerves after the chipmaker’s shares slumped , insisting AI demand is running far hotter than its latest outlook suggests. Speaking to CNBC a day after AMD beat fourth‑quarter estimates but issued what investors saw as cautious guidance, Su said orders for data‑center chips and CPUs have “exploded” over the past two to three months. AMD forecast first‑quarter revenue of about 9.8 billion dollars, slightly above Wall Street’s consensus, but below the hype that had built around AI. Su argued the company is still early in a multi‑year growth cycle as new AI systems ramp up. Oil prices soar on US-Iran tensions Oil prices jumped on Wednesday after a report said planned US-Iran nuclear talks were on the verge of collapsing, reigniting fears of supply disruptions in the Middle East. US West Texas Intermediate crude climbed about 3% to trade near 65 dollars a barrel, while Brent pushed toward 69 dollars. The move reversed Monday’s pullback, when hopes of negotiations had briefly eased tension premiums. The Axios report said Washington and Tehran were deadlocked over the venue and format of this week’s meeting, just days after the US military shot down an Iranian drone near a US aircraft carrier. Gold, silver extend rebound Gold and silver extended their dramatic rebound on Wednesday as bargain hunters and short‑covering piled in after last week’s crash, but traders are still bracing for wild swings. Spot gold jumped more than 2% to trade back above 5,000 dollars an ounce, while silver rallied nearly 6% toward the 90‑dollar mark, clawing back a chunk of Friday’s 30% plunge. Analysts say the move looks more like a technical snapback than the start of a fresh vertical leg higher. With the dollar, bond yields, and Fed expectations all in flux, few expect the recent, nerve‑shredding volatility to disappear quickly. Bitcoin looks at the $66,000 support level Bitcoin is back under pressure after a sharp 19% slide over the past month, dropping from a local peak near $95,000 to about $75,000. That level is crucial support, but leverage is still unwinding. CoinGlass data show more than $6 billion of positions have been liquidated in recent days, including a single-session hit of $2.4 billion in longs on January 30. Futures open interest has climbed even as prices fell, pointing to increasingly one‑sided bearish bets. If $75,000 gives way, chart watchers flag $66,000 as the next obvious downside target before any durable bottom can form. The post Evening digest: AMD's crash, US-Iran tensions, Bitcoin may slump to $66K level appeared first on Invezz

4 Feb 2026, 18:02

Peter Schiff says Bitcoin is in a long-term bear market against gold

Peter Schiff argues that Bitcoin is in a long-term bear market when priced in gold. This statement from Schiff comes after gold has rebounded back to over $5,000 and BTC has fallen under $74,000 for the first time since late 2024. Bitcoin collapsed to a new low of under $73,000 this Wednesday as the larger cryptocurrency market continues to experience a downward spiral. Veteran investor Peter Schiff took to X shortly after the news broke to share his opinion on the matter, stating that BTC is in a long-term bear market if priced in gold. He went on to say that it is now worth only 15 ounces of the precious metal after falling below $76,000. Schiff has been a long-term critic of Bitcoin, rejecting comparisons between it and gold as he believes cryptocurrency does not hold intrinsic value. He has remained very adamant in his opposition to BTC despite the surge in institutional adoption that has been seen in the past year. Regardless, his stance does hold a new weight, as Bitcoin continues to plunge in value while gold has rebounded above $5,000 after falling to around $4,650 yesterday. The asset is up over 15% since the beginning of the new year, while Bitcoin, on the other hand, is down by over 20% and is showing no sign of recovery in the near term. Digital gold vs physical gold The debate of Bitcoin versus gold has emerged as a topic of hot debate once again as crypto prices are in freefall while gold surges in value. The gap in performance between gold and BTC was very pronounced in 2025, with gold prices appreciating by 65% while BTC price lost 6% of its value. This scenario has given quite a bit of ammunition to someone like Peter Schiff, who has long criticized cryptocurrencies while being a strong advocate of gold. However, the question of whether BTC or gold is a better investment is not an easy question to answer and comes with a lot of nuances. One must consider various factors like personal risk preference, historical returns, and price volatility to get a better picture of the issue. Between 2011 and 2025, Bitcoin had a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 90% compared to roughly 6% for gold, with an individual standard deviation of around 150%, roughly ten times higher than gold. This shows that while Bitcoin has been a much better-performing asset since 2011, it has also shown a great deal more price volatility. While this has decreased over the years as Bitcoin matures, gold still proves to be a more stable asset that provides relatively predictable and consistent returns. Gold is also tangible, while Bitcoin is not, although this does not seem to be as much of a decisive issue anymore for potential investors of BTC as it once was due to the growing legitimization of the asset. Why Gold is currently outperforming BTC Ark Investment Management published a report in January 2026 examining why gold has been outperforming Bitcoin recently. They stated that the long-term ascent of gold prices is largely due to its supply being outpaced by global wealth creation. This is contrary to the idea that gold’s strong performance in 2025 is due to fears of inflation. Gold supply has also been increasing at a modest pace, which creates a supply-demand imbalance, ushering in higher prices. Conversely, Bitcoin has a fixed supply schedule that does not respond to price increases. While Ark’s Cathie Wood claims that this makes the asset more structurally scarce, it also means that its price performance is much more reliant on investor demand rather than supply-side constraints. Additionally, current global economic uncertainty has created a risk-off environment, which historically drives investors away from risk assets like cryptocurrency and into historically safe assets like gold. The macro environment right now is simply more favorable to precious metals like gold, and until risk appetite shifts, this means it will continue to outperform BTC. The smartest crypto minds already read our newsletter. Want in? Join them .

4 Feb 2026, 17:45

Strategic Bitcoin Reserve: Treasury Secretary’s Bold Proposal for Government Crypto Assets

BitcoinWorld Strategic Bitcoin Reserve: Treasury Secretary’s Bold Proposal for Government Crypto Assets WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a significant development for national financial strategy, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has publicly advocated for the formal establishment of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR), framing the cryptocurrency not merely as seized property but as a legitimate government asset. This proposal follows the Treasury’s retention of approximately $500 million in Bitcoin from law enforcement seizures, a holding that public reports indicate has appreciated to a value exceeding $15 billion. The potential institutionalization of Bitcoin marks a pivotal moment in the relationship between sovereign states and decentralized digital assets. The Genesis of the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Proposal Secretary Bessent’s comments, initially highlighted in a report by Bitcoin Magazine on the social media platform X, center on a pragmatic reassessment of seized cryptocurrency assets. Traditionally, government agencies like the U.S. Marshals Service have auctioned seized Bitcoin to convert it into U.S. dollars. However, Bessent’s advocacy suggests a strategic shift toward long-term holding. This perspective is grounded in the substantial appreciation witnessed in the Treasury’s experimental retention. The move from a $500 million book value to a $15 billion market valuation provides a compelling, data-driven argument for reconsidering asset management protocols. Furthermore, this proposal did not emerge in a vacuum. It arrives amid broader global discussions about central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and the role of crypto in sovereign wealth funds. Nations like El Salvador have already adopted Bitcoin as legal tender, while others explore adding it to national reserves. The U.S. Treasury’s deliberation, therefore, represents a potentially more conservative yet impactful middle path—treating Bitcoin as a strategic financial asset rather than a circulating currency. Operational and Legal Framework for a Government Bitcoin Vault Establishing a formal Strategic Bitcoin Reserve would necessitate a complex new operational framework. Currently, seized cryptocurrencies fall under the jurisdiction of several agencies, including the Department of Justice and the Internal Revenue Service. A dedicated SBR would require clear legislation or executive action to define its purpose, management structure, and custody solutions. Experts point to the need for unparalleled security measures, likely involving a combination of cold storage hardware, multi-signature protocols, and rigorous audit trails to mitigate the risks of theft or loss. Legally, the government would need to clarify the asset’s status. Is it a commodity, a security, or a new class of strategic reserve? This classification affects accounting standards, tax implications, and congressional oversight. The precedent set by the Treasury holding gold in Fort Knox provides a conceptual model, but the technological and regulatory differences are profound. A 2024 report by the Congressional Research Service already questioned the legal authorities for long-term crypto holdings, indicating that Bessent’s proposal would likely spark significant legislative debate. Expert Analysis on Reserve Management and Market Impact Financial analysts and former policy makers have begun weighing the implications. “The sheer scale of the appreciation on the seized Bitcoin is a powerful economic signal,” notes Dr. Anya Petrova, a Georgetown University professor of financial technology. “It forces a conversation about opportunity cost. Selling an appreciating asset for immediate fiat may not align with long-term fiscal strategy.” However, skeptics highlight volatility. Bitcoin’s price history shows dramatic drawdowns following peaks, which could expose the government’s balance sheet to significant paper losses and public scrutiny. The market impact of a U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve could be substantial. Institutional validation from the Treasury might reduce perceived regulatory risk for other large investors. Conversely, the knowledge that the U.S. government holds a massive, potentially sellable position could create a persistent overhang in the market, influencing trader psychology. The proposal also raises questions about the government’s role in the crypto ecosystem—would it become a passive holder, or could its actions be viewed as market manipulation? Historical Context and International Precedents The concept of a strategic reserve is deeply rooted in U.S. history, most notably with the Strategic Petroleum Reserve established in the 1970s. That reserve was created as a buffer against geopolitical supply shocks. A Strategic Bitcoin Reserve could be viewed through a similar lens—a hedge against potential disruptions in the traditional financial system or against the devaluation of fiat currencies. However, the comparison is imperfect, as oil is a consumable physical commodity with direct industrial utility, whereas Bitcoin’s value is purely monetary and belief-based. Internationally, several approaches offer precedent. As mentioned, El Salvador holds Bitcoin on its national balance sheet. More recently, reports suggest the sovereign wealth funds of nations like Norway and Singapore have allocated small percentages to digital asset funds. China, while banning public cryptocurrency trading, has been actively developing its digital yuan. The U.S. approach, as suggested by Bessent, appears distinct: leveraging assets obtained through law enforcement to build a position, rather than allocating taxpayer funds to purchase coins on the open market. Potential Economic and Policy Ramifications The creation of an SBR would have wide-ranging ramifications. From a fiscal perspective, it could create a new, non-tax revenue stream. The government could, in theory, spend Bitcoin appreciation by selling portions of its holdings, though this would require careful management to avoid market disruption. It also introduces Bitcoin as a potential tool in foreign policy, such as in sanctions regimes where traditional dollar-based systems are circumvented. On the regulatory front, the government becoming a direct stakeholder in Bitcoin’s success could create conflicts of interest. Would it regulate the asset class neutrally if its own portfolio’s health depended on its adoption? This “too big to fail” dynamic could influence future legislation like the fitful progress of comprehensive crypto market structure bills. The proposal inherently blurs the line between regulator and participant. Conclusion Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s advocacy for a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve represents a profound evolution in official U.S. engagement with cryptocurrency. Moving from viewing Bitcoin solely as a subject of law enforcement to a potential strategic government asset acknowledges its growing stature in the global financial landscape. The staggering appreciation of the Treasury’s retained Bitcoin provides a powerful financial rationale. However, implementing such a reserve would demand navigating a thicket of legal, operational, and ethical challenges. Whether this proposal gains political traction will be a critical story to watch, as it could fundamentally alter the relationship between the world’s largest economy and the pioneering digital asset. FAQs Q1: What is a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR)? A Strategic Bitcoin Reserve is a formal proposal for the U.S. government to hold Bitcoin as a long-term asset on its balance sheet, similar to strategic reserves of commodities like oil, rather than immediately auctioning seized cryptocurrencies. Q2: How much Bitcoin does the U.S. government currently hold? According to public reports cited by Bitcoin Magazine, the U.S. government retained roughly $500 million worth of Bitcoin from seizures. That holding has reportedly appreciated to a market value of over $15 billion. Q3: Why would the government create a Bitcoin reserve? Proponents argue it could serve as a strategic financial asset, a hedge against systemic risk, and a way to capture value from appreciating seized property. The massive unrealized gains on current holdings provide a economic incentive. Q4: What are the biggest challenges to creating an SBR? Key challenges include establishing a legal framework, ensuring ultra-secure custody, managing the asset’s extreme price volatility, and navigating potential conflicts of interest between being a regulator and a market participant. Q5: Have other countries done this? El Salvador holds Bitcoin as a national asset. Other nations’ sovereign funds have small exposures. The U.S. proposal is unique in suggesting a reserve built significantly from law enforcement seizures rather than direct purchases. This post Strategic Bitcoin Reserve: Treasury Secretary’s Bold Proposal for Government Crypto Assets first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

4 Feb 2026, 17:08

Is Bitcoin seeing the end of the ‘Tinkerbell effect?' – Deutsche Bank

More on Bitcoin USD Risk-Off Flows And A Tech/AI Panic - Market Reactions Bitcoin Breaks $80,000; Altcoins Suffer - BTC, ETH And SOL Outlook How U.S. Trade Policy Could Delay Bitcoin's Reversal Bitcoin falls again as the selloff looks to deepen Bitcoin holds steady after huge selloff

4 Feb 2026, 16:25

Bitcoin Treasury Purchase: Republican Lawmakers Boldly Push for Historic US Gold Reserve Diversification

BitcoinWorld Bitcoin Treasury Purchase: Republican Lawmakers Boldly Push for Historic US Gold Reserve Diversification WASHINGTON, D.C. – March 2025: Republican lawmakers have launched a bold initiative urging the Treasury Department to purchase Bitcoin, marking a significant development in the ongoing debate about America’s strategic reserves. Senator Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming has specifically proposed using a portion of the nation’s gold reserves to acquire the cryptocurrency, according to reporting by Walter Bloomberg. This proposal represents the most direct legislative effort yet to incorporate digital assets into the United States’ official reserve strategy. Bitcoin Treasury Purchase Proposal Gains Momentum Several Republican legislators have formally advocated for Treasury Department Bitcoin acquisitions. Senator Lummis, a well-known cryptocurrency advocate, has taken the lead in this initiative. She previously suggested similar measures last year, but the current proposal carries more weight due to increased bipartisan interest in digital asset policy. The Treasury Department currently manages approximately $11 billion in gold reserves, stored primarily at Fort Knox and other secure locations. This proposal emerges during a period of significant global central bank activity regarding digital assets. Notably, the Federal Reserve has maintained a cautious stance toward cryptocurrency adoption for official purposes. However, other nations have begun exploring similar strategies. For instance, El Salvador made Bitcoin legal tender in 2021, while several European central banks have conducted digital currency experiments. Historical Context of Reserve Asset Management The United States has historically maintained gold as a primary reserve asset since the early 20th century. The Gold Reserve Act of 1934 formally established federal control over monetary gold. Today, the Treasury Department manages these assets through the Exchange Stabilization Fund. Proponents of the Bitcoin purchase argue that digital assets represent a natural evolution of reserve management. Senator Lummis has consistently advocated for clearer cryptocurrency regulations throughout her legislative career. She co-sponsored the Responsible Financial Innovation Act in 2022, which sought to establish comprehensive digital asset frameworks. Her current proposal specifically suggests allocating a small percentage of gold reserves to Bitcoin, potentially creating a diversified reserve portfolio. Expert Perspectives on Reserve Diversification Financial analysts have offered varying assessments of the proposal’s potential impacts. Dr. Michael Carter, a monetary policy researcher at Stanford University, notes that “central banks worldwide are reevaluating reserve compositions in response to digital asset growth.” He emphasizes that any allocation would likely begin cautiously, perhaps with 1-2% of total reserves initially. Conversely, traditional economists express concerns about volatility and security considerations. The Bitcoin market has experienced significant price fluctuations historically, though proponents argue that long-term trends show appreciation. Security protocols for storing digital assets at the federal level would require substantial infrastructure development, according to cybersecurity experts consulted for this analysis. The following table compares traditional and proposed reserve assets: Asset Type Current US Holdings Proposed Addition Key Considerations Gold Reserves ~261.5 million ounces Potential reduction Physical storage, historical stability Bitcoin None officially Potential acquisition Digital storage, price volatility Foreign Currency Various currencies No change proposed Liquidity, exchange rates Political and Economic Implications The proposal has generated significant discussion within political circles. Republican supporters argue that early Bitcoin adoption could provide several advantages: Strategic positioning in emerging digital asset markets Portfolio diversification beyond traditional assets Technological innovation signaling to financial markets Hedge potential against currency devaluation concerns Democratic responses have been more measured, with several legislators emphasizing the need for comprehensive regulatory frameworks first. Treasury Secretary Becent has not issued an official statement regarding the proposal, though department officials have acknowledged receiving the recommendations. The Treasury Department’s approach to digital assets has evolved gradually, with increased monitoring of cryptocurrency markets in recent years. Market analysts observe that even discussion of such proposals can influence cryptocurrency valuations. Bitcoin prices have shown sensitivity to regulatory developments historically. However, the direct impact of this specific proposal remains uncertain pending further legislative action. The proposal would require multiple approval stages before implementation, including congressional authorization and executive branch coordination. Implementation Challenges and Considerations Several practical challenges would accompany any Treasury Department Bitcoin acquisition. Storage security represents a primary concern, as digital assets require sophisticated cybersecurity measures. The government would need to develop or contract secure custody solutions, potentially involving multiple verification layers and geographic distribution of keys. Valuation methodology presents another consideration. Unlike gold, which has established pricing mechanisms, Bitcoin valuation involves greater volatility. Accounting standards for digital asset holdings would require development, as current government accounting practices don’t adequately address cryptocurrency assets. Additionally, liquidation procedures for potential future sales would need establishment to ensure market stability during transactions. Global Precedents and Comparisons Several nations have explored official cryptocurrency holdings, providing potential models for US consideration. El Salvador’s Bitcoin adoption, while controversial, offers operational insights regarding public sector digital asset management. The country has implemented both citizen accessibility programs and treasury holding strategies since 2021. Other approaches include China’s digital yuan development and various European central bank digital currency experiments. However, direct Bitcoin acquisition by major reserve managers remains limited. This makes the US proposal particularly noteworthy within international financial circles. Analysts suggest that American adoption could influence other G7 nations to reconsider their digital asset reserve policies. The International Monetary Fund has issued guidance regarding cryptocurrency reserve management, emphasizing risk assessment frameworks. Their recommendations include thorough volatility analysis and security protocol development before any significant allocations. These guidelines likely inform Treasury Department deliberations regarding the Republican proposal. Conclusion The Bitcoin Treasury purchase proposal represents a significant moment in digital asset policy development. Republican lawmakers, led by Senator Cynthia Lummis, have advanced concrete suggestions for incorporating cryptocurrency into US reserve strategy. This initiative reflects broader trends toward digital asset integration within traditional financial systems. While implementation faces substantial hurdles, the proposal has stimulated important discussions about reserve management evolution. The Treasury Department’s response will likely influence both domestic policy and international financial practices regarding digital assets. FAQs Q1: What exactly are Republican lawmakers proposing regarding Bitcoin? Republican legislators, particularly Senator Cynthia Lummis, propose that the Treasury Department use a portion of US gold reserves to purchase Bitcoin as part of the nation’s official reserves. Q2: How much Bitcoin would the Treasury potentially acquire? The proposal doesn’t specify exact amounts, but financial experts suggest any initial allocation would likely represent 1-2% of total reserves, potentially amounting to several billion dollars worth of Bitcoin. Q3: Has the Treasury Department responded to this proposal? As of March 2025, Treasury Secretary Becent hasn’t issued an official statement, though department officials acknowledge receiving the recommendations and are reviewing them through standard channels. Q4: What are the main arguments against this Bitcoin purchase proposal? Opponents cite Bitcoin’s price volatility, security concerns regarding digital asset storage, regulatory uncertainties, and potential market manipulation risks as primary objections to Treasury Department acquisition. Q5: Have other countries implemented similar Bitcoin reserve strategies? El Salvador has made Bitcoin legal tender and holds some in treasury reserves, but no major economic power has yet allocated significant portions of national reserves to cryptocurrency assets. This post Bitcoin Treasury Purchase: Republican Lawmakers Boldly Push for Historic US Gold Reserve Diversification first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

4 Feb 2026, 15:51

Eurozone inflation falls in January, boosting rate-pause hopes

The eurozone’s annual inflation decreased in January, according to interim data compiled and released by the Eurostat agency. The slower price increases are expected to influence interest rate decisions in the region and ultimately benefit declining crypto markets, an analysis suggests. Euro inflation falls in the first month of the year Annual inflation in the area of the common European currency stood at 1.7% in January 2026, Eurostat announced in an early estimate. The indicator is down 0.3 percentage points, from 2.0% in December, the European Statistical Office noted in a press release published Wednesday. Inflation in the services sector is had the highest rate last month, at 3.2% compared to 3.4% in the previous, followed by the food, alcohol and tobacco category (2.7% vs. 2.5%). Next are non-energy industrial goods, with 0.4%, compared with 0.3% in December, while energy inflation is -4.1%, after last month’s -1.9%. At 1.7%, inflation of all tracked items, in terms of harmonized indices of consumer prices (HICP), is down from 2.5% in January last year, the announcement detailed. Measured by the HICP, Slovakia (4.2%) and Croatia (3.6) had the highest inflation, while France had the lowest by far, at 0.4%, followed by Italy and Finland, each with 1.0%. According to Eurostat’s HICP estimate, the eurozone’s newest member, Bulgaria , had a 2.3% annual inflation in January. The country’s statistical bureau said this week that prices continued to rise in January, although at a slower pace. They grew by 0.7% over December, the month before the nation joined the area. The complete HICP set will be out around mid-February, Eurostat remarked, and the full data for January should be published on the 25th. Inflation rates (%) in eurozone countries measured by the harmonized indices of consumer prices (HICP) | Source: Eurostat Declining inflation expected to affect rates, stocks and crypto markets The preliminary release of inflation data comes amid an appreciating euro against other major currencies, most notably the U.S. dollar . At the end of January, a top official at the European Central Bank (ECB) admitted that European officials are worried that the current strength of the euro could push prices down even further. Francois Villeroy de Galhau, member of the bank’s Governing Council, stated that the regulator is closely monitoring the situation, as reported by Cryptopolitan. He emphasized that the gains of the common European currency will be factored into the ECB’s future interest rate decisions. According to an analysis published by BTC Echo, if Eurostat’s preliminary estimate is confirmed by the final numbers, or if inflation turns out to be even lower than expected, this would support the central bank’s expectations for a longer interest rate break. The leading German-language crypto information source anticipates a “moderately positive” effect for both European stock markets and those of riskier assets such as cryptocurrencies. At the same time, the authors acknowledge that the monetary policy across the Atlantic will have a more pronounced impact, citing the stronger influence of the U.S. dollar on capital flows, liquidity, and pricing in the space occupied by Bitcoin and the like. Meanwhile, the cryptocurrency with the largest market cap fell to its lowest level since President Donald Trump’s election win last year, briefly dropping below $73,000. BTC has gone down more than 40% from its peak last fall. At the time of writing, it’s hovering around the $75,000 per coin mark. Join a premium crypto trading community free for 30 days - normally $100/mo.