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24 Apr 2026, 19:50

Tether's $344 million USDT freeze linked to U.S. 'Economic Fury' against Iran regime

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the U.S. is seeking to choke off "all financial lifelines" for the regime.

24 Apr 2026, 19:20

Prices are rising fast, and 70% of Americans say the economy is getting worse

Business activity picked up in April, but Americans are paying more for almost everything, and most say things are only getting worse. The U.S. composite PMI is at 52.0 this month, a three-month high that suggests a slight recovery following a sluggish March, according to new data from S&P Global. However, the average price of goods and services increased at its quickest rate since July 2022, a signal that should concern both consumers and legislators. On paper, the report’s manufacturing section appeared solid. The manufacturing PMI reached its highest level in 47 months at 54.0. However, economists advise being cautious. Much of that growth came not from people actually buying more, but from companies rushing to stock up before prices climb further or supply chains buckle. Surveys were filled with phrases like “panic buying” and “emergency buying,” language that points to fear, not confidence. Services told a quieter story. The services PMI edged up to 51.3, but that is still the second-lowest reading of the past year. New orders barely grew. Businesses and households across tourism, financial services, and other sectors are holding back spending. People are waiting to see what happens next, weighed down by geopolitical tensions and stretched budgets. Supply chains under pressure Supply chains are showing real strain. Delays from factory suppliers in April were the worst since August 2022. Shipping difficulties related to continuing hostilities overseas account for a portion of that. A portion of it stems from businesses purchasing excess inventory just to be safe, which further restricts supply and drives up costs. The report’s pricing information is uncomfortable to read. Inflation in manufacturing products reached a ten-month high. The service sector’s price rises hit a 45-month high. Input costs rose at their fastest rate in 11 months. Taken together, the inflation picture is getting harder to dismiss. Regular Americans are feeling it. A new Fox poll found that 70% of respondents believe the economy is getting worse, up sharply from 55% a year ago. Only 26% said conditions have improved. The pessimism cuts across party lines. Even among Republicans, 56% described the state of the economy as bad. Approval ratings fall as energy costs rise President Trump’s economic approval rating has taken a hit. It dropped to 30% in April, down from 38% in March. The consumer price index rose 3.3% in March, slightly above the level when he took office. Roughly one in four Americans approves of how he is handling the cost of living. One major driver of that frustration is energy costs, pushed higher by the ongoing conflict with Iran. That conflict is also shaping what comes next for the broader economy. The U.S. has imposed a naval blockade on Iran, while Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz has pushed oil prices toward $90 a barrel. The prospect of gasoline hitting $5 a gallon is now a real concern for both the White House and the Federal Reserve. For the Fed, the situation is getting harder to navigate. Chris Williamson, chief business economist at S&P Global, said that if inflation keeps moving in the direction the PMI data suggests, it becomes much harder for the central bank to make a case for cutting interest rates. The gap between what the numbers show and what people feel is hard to ignore. A manufacturing PMI of 54.0 normally signals solid growth. However, rather than being motivated by actual customer demand, this reading is being driven by defensive actions taken by businesses to create buffers against uncertainty. There might not be enough actual demand to sustain the trend when stockpiling eventually decreases. For the time being, the Fed is torn between an economy that appears to be doing well and inflation that is being driven up more by fear than by growth. Any discussion of rate cuts will remain firmly on hold until that changes. Your keys, your card. Spend without giving up custody and earn 8%+ yield on your balance with Ether.fi Cash.

24 Apr 2026, 19:20

GBP/USD Analysis: UK Retail Data Drives Modest Upside, Scotiabank Says

BitcoinWorld GBP/USD Analysis: UK Retail Data Drives Modest Upside, Scotiabank Says The GBP/USD currency pair experienced a modest uptick on Tuesday, following the release of stronger-than-expected UK retail sales data. According to analysts at Scotiabank, the data provides a temporary underpinning for sterling, though broader macroeconomic headwinds persist. This GBP/USD movement reflects a complex interplay between domestic economic signals and global risk sentiment. UK Retail Data Surprises to the Upside The Office for National Statistics reported a 0.5% month-on-month increase in retail sales volumes for January, surpassing the consensus forecast of 0.2%. This marks a rebound from December’s revised decline of 0.3%. The data suggests that consumer spending, a key driver of the UK economy, is holding up better than many analysts anticipated. Scotiabank’s chief currency strategist, Shaun Osborne, noted that the retail figures provide a ‘modest positive’ for sterling. However, he cautioned that the data does not fundamentally alter the broader picture of sluggish economic growth. The bank’s analysis highlights that the improvement is largely driven by non-store retailing and food sales, while department stores continue to struggle. Market Reaction and Immediate Impact The immediate market reaction saw GBP/USD climb from 1.2640 to a session high of 1.2685. This move reversed some of the losses incurred earlier in the week. The pair currently trades near 1.2670, reflecting a gain of approximately 0.3% on the day. Traders remain cautious, however. The dollar index remains supported by expectations that the Federal Reserve will maintain higher interest rates for longer. This creates a persistent headwind for GBP/USD. The retail data, while positive, does not change the fundamental divergence in monetary policy between the Bank of England and the Federal Reserve. Scotiabank’s Technical and Fundamental View Scotiabank’s analysis provides a detailed framework for understanding the pair’s trajectory. The bank employs a combination of technical indicators and fundamental drivers to assess the outlook. Key technical levels include support at 1.2600 and resistance at 1.2720. From a fundamental perspective, the bank emphasizes the importance of relative interest rate expectations. The market currently prices in a higher terminal rate for the Fed compared to the BoE. This interest rate differential continues to favor the dollar. The retail data, while supportive, does not narrow this gap. Key factors influencing GBP/USD according to Scotiabank: UK economic data: Retail sales, GDP, and inflation reports US economic data: Non-farm payrolls, CPI, and retail sales Central bank policy: BoE and Fed interest rate decisions Risk sentiment: Global trade tensions and geopolitical events Technical levels: Support and resistance zones on daily charts Broader Economic Context and Background The UK economy faces a challenging environment. Inflation remains above the BoE’s 2% target, though it has moderated from peak levels. The labor market remains tight, with unemployment near historic lows. However, wage growth is not keeping pace with inflation, squeezing household incomes. Retail sales data is a critical indicator of consumer health. January’s rebound offers a glimmer of hope. However, economists caution against reading too much into a single month’s data. The trend over the past six months shows a flat-to-declining pattern, consistent with the broader economic slowdown. The US economy, by contrast, has shown remarkable resilience. GDP growth exceeded expectations in the fourth quarter. The labor market remains robust, with unemployment at 3.7%. This economic outperformance supports the dollar. It also gives the Fed more room to keep rates higher for longer. Timeline of Recent GBP/USD Movements Understanding the recent trajectory provides context for the current move. January 2025: GBP/USD trades in a 1.2600-1.2800 range, supported by hopes of a UK economic recovery. Early February: Strong US jobs data pushes the pair below 1.2700. Mid-February: UK inflation data comes in slightly higher than expected, providing temporary support. Late February: Fed minutes reinforce hawkish stance, pushing GBP/USD towards 1.2600. Current: UK retail data provides a modest bounce, but resistance remains at 1.2720. Expert Analysis and Evidence-Based Reasoning Scotiabank’s analysis is grounded in data and established economic relationships. The bank’s currency strategists use models that incorporate interest rate differentials, purchasing power parity, and risk appetite indicators. This systematic approach provides a disciplined framework for forecasting. The bank’s view on GBP/USD is not an outlier. Many other major institutions, including Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan, also see the dollar remaining strong in the near term. The consensus view is that the Fed’s policy stance will continue to support the greenback. The UK’s structural challenges, including Brexit-related trade frictions and weak productivity growth, will continue to weigh on sterling. However, there are upside risks for GBP/USD. If UK inflation proves stickier than expected, the BoE may be forced to keep rates higher for longer. This could narrow the interest rate differential and support sterling. Additionally, any signs of a US economic slowdown could trigger a dollar sell-off. Impact on Traders and Investors The modest upside in GBP/USD has implications for various market participants. For importers and exporters, the current level of the exchange rate affects competitiveness and profit margins. A stronger pound benefits UK importers but hurts exporters. A weaker pound has the opposite effect. For forex traders, the key question is whether the retail data marks a turning point or just a temporary pause in the dollar’s uptrend. Short-term traders may look to buy dips towards 1.2600. Longer-term investors may wait for a clearer signal before committing capital. For multinational corporations with exposure to both currencies, hedging decisions become critical. The current environment of elevated volatility requires active risk management. Companies may use options or forward contracts to lock in exchange rates. Conclusion The GBP/USD pair’s modest upside, driven by stronger UK retail data, highlights the sensitivity of currency markets to economic releases. Scotiabank’s analysis underscores that while the data provides a temporary boost, the broader fundamental picture remains challenging for sterling. The interest rate differential between the Fed and the BoE continues to favor the dollar. Traders should monitor upcoming US inflation and employment data for further direction. The retail data offers a glimmer of hope for the UK economy, but it does not change the underlying dynamics that have kept GBP/USD under pressure. FAQs Q1: What caused the GBP/USD to move higher? The move was triggered by stronger-than-expected UK retail sales data for January, which showed a 0.5% month-on-month increase, beating the consensus forecast of 0.2%. Q2: What is Scotiabank’s outlook for GBP/USD? Scotiabank views the retail data as providing a ‘modest positive’ for sterling but maintains that the broader fundamental picture, particularly the interest rate differential between the Fed and the BoE, continues to favor the dollar. Q3: What are the key support and resistance levels for GBP/USD? According to Scotiabank’s technical analysis, key support is at 1.2600, while resistance is at 1.2720. A break above 1.2720 could open the door to further gains. Q4: How does the UK retail data affect the Bank of England’s policy? The data suggests consumer spending is holding up, which may reduce the urgency for the BoE to cut rates. However, the central bank’s primary focus remains on inflation, which is still above target. Q5: What other factors should traders watch for GBP/USD? Traders should monitor upcoming US economic data, including non-farm payrolls and CPI, as well as any comments from Fed and BoE officials regarding the future path of interest rates. Global risk sentiment and geopolitical events also play a role. This post GBP/USD Analysis: UK Retail Data Drives Modest Upside, Scotiabank Says first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

24 Apr 2026, 19:15

Iran Wants Dialogue: Trump Reveals Potential Deal Talks in Surprise Diplomatic Shift

BitcoinWorld Iran Wants Dialogue: Trump Reveals Potential Deal Talks in Surprise Diplomatic Shift In a significant diplomatic development, U.S. President Donald Trump revealed that Iran wants dialogue with the United States, signaling a potential shift in the long-stalled negotiations between the two nations. Speaking exclusively to Reuters, Trump stated that Tehran has expressed interest in discussing a possible deal, raising hopes for renewed talks amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. Trump Confirms Iran Wants Dialogue: Key Details from the Reuters Interview During the interview, Trump did not disclose specific details about the timing or format of the proposed discussions. However, he emphasized that Iran wants dialogue and that the United States remains open to exploring a path toward de-escalation. This marks a notable departure from previous rhetoric, where both sides exchanged harsh warnings over Iran’s nuclear program and regional activities. Analysts view this as a strategic opening. The statement comes weeks after reports suggested that backchannel communications had resumed between U.S. and Iranian officials. Trump’s acknowledgment lends credibility to those rumors. He stated, “They want to talk. They want to make a deal.” This direct confirmation from the U.S. president carries weight in diplomatic circles. Background: The Long Road to US-Iran Negotiations Relations between Washington and Tehran have been fraught for decades. The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) offered a brief period of cooperation. However, Trump withdrew the U.S. from the deal in 2018, calling it “the worst deal ever.” He reimposed harsh economic sanctions, crippling Iran’s economy. In response, Iran gradually violated the deal’s nuclear limits. Since then, efforts to revive the agreement have stalled. Iran wants dialogue now, but it insists on guarantees that future U.S. administrations will not abandon any new agreement. This demand stems from the experience of the JCPOA’s collapse. Trump’s current openness suggests a possible change in approach, though his administration has not outlined specific preconditions. What Does Iran Want? Understanding Tehran’s Position Iran’s leadership has consistently called for the lifting of sanctions as a prerequisite for any meaningful talks. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has previously banned direct negotiations with the U.S., but pragmatic factions within Iran’s government have pushed for engagement to relieve economic pressure. The statement that Iran wants dialogue may reflect this internal power struggle. Key Iranian demands include: Full removal of all sanctions imposed after 2018 Guarantees that no future U.S. president will unilaterally withdraw from a deal Verification mechanisms for nuclear activities Security assurances against regime change efforts These conditions present a complex negotiating landscape. The U.S. has historically insisted on broader talks covering Iran’s ballistic missile program and regional proxy forces. Trump’s statement that Iran wants dialogue does not clarify whether these issues are on the table. Expert Analysis: What a Potential Deal Could Look Like Dr. Sarah Miller, a Middle East scholar at the Council on Foreign Relations, notes that “Iran wants dialogue, but the gap between expectations remains wide. A new deal would likely be less comprehensive than the JCPOA, focusing on nuclear restrictions in exchange for limited sanctions relief.” She adds that any agreement would require congressional buy-in, which is uncertain given bipartisan skepticism toward Iran. Former U.S. negotiator Richard Dalton suggests that “Trump’s statement may be a trial balloon. He is testing domestic and international reactions before committing to formal talks.” The timing is also critical. Iran’s presidential elections are scheduled for June 2025, and a moderate candidate could gain momentum from a diplomatic breakthrough. Regional and Global Implications of US-Iran Talks The prospect of renewed talks has immediate ripple effects across the Middle East. Israel, a staunch opponent of the JCPOA, views any deal with deep suspicion. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly warned against trusting Tehran. Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which have recently normalized ties with Israel, are watching closely. They fear that a U.S.-Iran deal could empower Tehran’s regional proxies. European allies, including France, Germany, and the UK, have pushed for a return to negotiations. They have maintained the JCPOA’s framework and kept diplomatic channels open. Trump’s statement that Iran wants dialogue aligns with European efforts to revive talks. The EU’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, welcomed the news, calling it “a positive signal.” On the economic front, oil markets reacted immediately. Brent crude prices dropped 2% following the Reuters report, as traders priced in the possibility of increased Iranian oil exports if sanctions are eased. Iran holds the world’s fourth-largest oil reserves, and its return to global markets could significantly impact supply dynamics. Timeline: Key Events Leading to This Moment Date Event 2015 JCPOA signed between Iran and P5+1 2018 U.S. withdraws from JCPOA, reimposes sanctions 2020 U.S. kills Qasem Soleimani; tensions peak 2021-2024 Indirect talks in Vienna fail to revive deal 2025 Trump confirms Iran wants dialogue Challenges Ahead: Obstacles to a Successful US-Iran Deal Despite the positive rhetoric, significant hurdles remain. Iran’s nuclear program has advanced considerably since 2018. The IAEA reports that Iran now enriches uranium to 60% purity, close to weapons-grade levels. This gives Tehran significant leverage but also raises the stakes. Any deal must address these advancements. Domestic politics in both countries pose additional challenges. In the U.S., hardline Republicans oppose any concessions to Iran. They view the regime as untrustworthy and argue that sanctions should remain until Iran changes its behavior. Democrats are divided, with some supporting a return to diplomacy and others demanding stricter terms. In Iran, hardliners control key institutions, including the Revolutionary Guard. They benefit from the status quo of sanctions and isolation. Iran wants dialogue, but the Supreme Leader must balance internal factions. Any agreement could be portrayed as a concession to the “Great Satan,” weakening the regime’s legitimacy. What Experts Are Saying About the Negotiation Prospects Vali Nasr, a professor of international affairs at Johns Hopkins University, argues that “Iran wants dialogue because its economy is in crisis. Inflation exceeds 40%, and unemployment is high. The regime needs relief to prevent social unrest.” He believes that economic desperation could push Tehran to accept a less favorable deal than it previously demanded. Conversely, Karim Sadjadpour of the Carnegie Endowment warns that “Iran’s leadership may use talks to buy time while continuing nuclear advancements. The U.S. must insist on verifiable steps before offering sanctions relief.” He points to past negotiations where Iran used stalling tactics to advance its program. Conclusion Trump’s revelation that Iran wants dialogue marks a potential turning point in US-Iran relations. The path to a deal remains fraught with obstacles, including nuclear advancements, domestic opposition, and regional rivalries. However, the mere acknowledgment of mutual interest in talks represents a shift from the brinkmanship of recent years. The coming weeks will test whether both sides can translate words into action. The world watches closely as these two longtime adversaries explore a new chapter in their fraught relationship. FAQs Q1: Did Trump say Iran wants dialogue directly? Yes, President Trump told Reuters that Iran wants dialogue and a potential deal with the United States. He did not provide specific details about the timing or format of the talks. Q2: What are Iran’s main demands for a new deal? Iran wants dialogue but insists on full sanctions removal, guarantees against future U.S. withdrawal, verification mechanisms, and security assurances. These conditions have been consistent since the JCPOA collapse. Q3: How has the nuclear program changed since 2018? Iran now enriches uranium to 60% purity, close to weapons-grade. It has also installed advanced centrifuges and reduced IAEA access. This gives Tehran leverage but complicates any new agreement. Q4: What is the reaction from Israel and Gulf states? Israel opposes any deal with Iran, viewing it as a threat to its security. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are cautious, fearing that a deal could empower Iranian proxies in the region. Q5: Could a deal impact oil prices? Yes. If sanctions are eased, Iran could increase oil exports by 1-2 million barrels per day. This would likely lower global oil prices, benefiting consumers but challenging OPEC+ production cuts. Q6: When could formal negotiations begin? No timeline has been announced. Trump’s statement suggests preliminary discussions may be underway. Formal talks would likely require preparatory meetings, possibly mediated by European or Gulf states. This post Iran Wants Dialogue: Trump Reveals Potential Deal Talks in Surprise Diplomatic Shift first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

24 Apr 2026, 19:13

Bitcoin May Not Infact Be A “Safe Haven” In Its Entirety — Analyst Willy Woo‬

For years, Bitcoin has been championed by its most ardent supporters as the ultimate “safe haven” or a digital gold capable of hedging against rampant inflation.

24 Apr 2026, 19:10

Trump Confirms Iran Plans to Present Proposal to Resolve US Demands – A Critical Diplomatic Shift

BitcoinWorld Trump Confirms Iran Plans to Present Proposal to Resolve US Demands – A Critical Diplomatic Shift In a significant diplomatic development, President Donald Trump has confirmed that Iran plans to present a proposal to address key demands from the United States. This announcement signals a potential shift in the long-stalled negotiations between the two nations. Trump stated that Iran wants to talk, and the world now watches to see if a deal can be reached. Trump Confirms Iran Proposal on US Demands Speaking from the White House, President Trump revealed that Iranian officials have communicated their intention to submit a formal proposal. This proposal aims to resolve outstanding US demands, particularly regarding Iran’s nuclear program and regional activities. Trump emphasized that Iran is seeking dialogue, but he remained cautious, noting that the outcome depends on the proposal’s content. This marks a rare moment of direct engagement. For years, the US and Iran have been locked in a cycle of sanctions and countermeasures. The Trump administration has maintained a policy of maximum pressure, demanding strict compliance from Tehran. Now, with Iran signaling a willingness to negotiate, the diplomatic landscape could change dramatically. Analysts view this as a potential breakthrough. The proposal could cover a range of issues, including uranium enrichment limits, ballistic missile development, and support for proxy groups. However, the specifics remain undisclosed. Both sides have a history of mistrust, making the upcoming talks a high-stakes gamble. Background of US Iran Demands The US demands on Iran have been consistent for decades. They include a complete halt to nuclear enrichment, full transparency from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and an end to support for militant groups in the Middle East. The Trump administration has also called for a renegotiation of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which Trump withdrew from in 2018. Since the withdrawal, the US has imposed severe economic sanctions. These sanctions have crippled Iran’s economy, leading to inflation and unemployment. In response, Iran has increased its uranium enrichment levels, surpassing JCPOA limits. This tit-for-tat cycle has raised fears of a military confrontation. Now, Iran’s offer to present a proposal suggests a possible de-escalation. Experts believe that Tehran may be seeking relief from sanctions. The Iranian economy is under immense pressure, and internal protests have increased. A diplomatic solution could stabilize the region and provide economic relief. Key Issues on the Table Nuclear Enrichment: Iran must cap enrichment at 3.67% and reduce its stockpile of enriched uranium. Ballistic Missiles: The US demands a halt to missile tests and development of long-range systems. Regional Proxies: Iran must end support for groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and Houthi rebels. IAEA Access: Full and unfettered access for IAEA inspectors to all nuclear sites. Sanctions Relief: Iran seeks the removal of US sanctions in exchange for compliance. Expert Analysis on the Trump Iran Talks Political analysts have weighed in on this development. Dr. James Miller, a former State Department official, described the announcement as a ‘positive but fragile step.’ He noted that both sides have strong incentives to negotiate. ‘The US wants to avoid another Middle East conflict, and Iran needs economic relief,’ he said. Other experts caution against optimism. The history of US-Iran negotiations is fraught with failure. The 2015 JCPOA took years to negotiate and was ultimately abandoned. Trust remains the biggest obstacle. Iran has repeatedly denied seeking nuclear weapons, but the US and Israel remain skeptical. Furthermore, domestic politics play a role. In the US, hardliners oppose any deal with Iran. In Iran, conservatives view negotiations as a sign of weakness. Both leaders must navigate these pressures while pursuing a diplomatic path. Timeline of US Iran Diplomatic Efforts Year Event 2015 JCPOA signed between Iran and P5+1 (US, UK, France, Russia, China, Germany) 2018 Trump withdraws US from JCPOA, reimposes sanctions 2019 Iran begins exceeding JCPOA enrichment limits 2020 US kills Iranian General Qasem Soleimani; tensions spike 2021 Biden administration attempts to revive JCPOA; talks stall 2023 Iran enriches uranium to 60%, near weapons-grade 2025 Trump announces Iran plans to present a proposal Impact on Global Markets and Energy The announcement has already affected global markets. Oil prices dipped slightly on the news, as traders anticipate a potential easing of sanctions. Iran holds one of the world’s largest oil reserves, and its return to global markets could increase supply. However, any deal will take time, and uncertainty remains high. European allies have welcomed the development. The EU has long advocated for a diplomatic solution. A successful negotiation could reduce tensions in the Middle East, benefiting global security. Conversely, failure could lead to further escalation, including potential military action by Israel or the US. The impact on cryptocurrencies is also notable. Bitcoin and other digital assets often react to geopolitical instability. A peaceful resolution could reduce safe-haven demand, while a breakdown could drive investors toward decentralized assets. Conclusion President Trump’s confirmation that Iran plans to present a proposal to resolve US demands marks a pivotal moment in international diplomacy. The world now awaits the details of this proposal. Success could lead to a new era of US-Iran relations, regional stability, and economic benefits. Failure, however, could reignite tensions and push the region closer to conflict. The coming weeks will be critical as both sides test the waters for a potential deal. Stay informed as this story develops. FAQs Q1: What did Trump say about Iran’s proposal? Trump confirmed that Iran plans to present a proposal to address US demands, and that Iran wants to talk. He stated that the US will see if a deal can be reached. Q2: What are the main US demands on Iran? The US demands include a halt to nuclear enrichment, an end to ballistic missile development, cessation of support for regional proxy groups, and full IAEA access to nuclear sites. Q3: Why is Iran willing to negotiate now? Iran faces severe economic pressure from US sanctions, internal protests, and a struggling economy. A diplomatic solution could provide sanctions relief and stabilize the country. Q4: What is the JCPOA, and why did the US withdraw? The JCPOA is the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers. Trump withdrew in 2018, arguing it did not address Iran’s missile program or regional activities, and gave Iran too much sanctions relief. Q5: How might this affect oil prices? If a deal is reached and sanctions are lifted, Iran could increase oil exports, potentially lowering global oil prices. However, negotiations are fragile, and any failure could cause price volatility. Q6: What are the risks if talks fail? Failure could lead to increased uranium enrichment by Iran, potential military strikes by Israel or the US, and a broader regional conflict. It would also strengthen hardliners on both sides. This post Trump Confirms Iran Plans to Present Proposal to Resolve US Demands – A Critical Diplomatic Shift first appeared on BitcoinWorld .