hodler

24 Feb 2026, 14:48

Wall Street’s big blockchain win: SEC gives WisdomTree the green light for instant, around-the-clock trading

The move adds momentum to the $10 billion large tokenized Treasury market led by BlackRock, Circle and others.

24 Feb 2026, 14:16

Flow Foundation Shares Commitment to FLOW; Announces Buyback and Burn of 50 Million FLOW

BitcoinWorld Flow Foundation Shares Commitment to FLOW; Announces Buyback and Burn of 50 Million FLOW Vancouver, Canada – Flow Foundation is taking a series of concrete actions to strengthen FLOW. This post outlines three initiatives: a token buyback & burn, continuous token acquisition with structural improvements to liquidity, and long-term inflation management. Why This Matters A healthy token economy underpins everything built on the network. Developers evaluate where to build based on the economic strength and sustainability of the ecosystem. Validators commit resources to networks where the economics are structurally sound. Users engage with applications where they trust the underlying infrastructure. When the token economy functions well, every participant benefits. The Foundation recognizes its responsibility here. Protocol development alone does not sustain a healthy network economy. The network requires deliberate economic management to ensure that FLOW functions effectively as a staking asset, a transaction currency, and a medium of exchange across the ecosystem. The actions outlined below represent a commitment by the Foundation to deploy capital toward the long-term economic health of FLOW. These represent the initial phase of an ongoing commitment, not a one-time intervention. ‍ 1. Buyback and burn of 50 million FLOW On February 23, 2026 at 12:00 PM PT , the Foundation will permanently destroy 50,343,896.87 FLOW tokens, removing them from circulation entirely. These tokens were acquired through a combination of open-market purchases and Foundation treasury funds collected over a two-month period from December 27, 2025 through February 22, 2026. This represents approximately 3% of total FLOW supply. Once burned, these tokens cannot be recovered or reintroduced to circulation. The burn transaction will be permanent, irreversible, and verifiable on-chain via block explorers. Transaction hashes will be added to this article following execution. Update – This burn has now been completed, and you can see that onchain here: https://www.flowscan.io/tx/1dbba95678f7b61e392cb4ed3f528f187fd7c34ac749daaa01864dcc3bcfa403 2. Continued Accumulation and Improved Liquidity Flow Foundation is committing to acquiring a minimum of an additional 50,000,000 FLOW from the open market over the coming months, to be held in the Foundation treasury. This is a direct, sustained investment in the long-term health of FLOW. Alongside this, the Foundation is working to secure improved liquidity infrastructure and market-making partnerships across multiple platforms, with the goal of ensuring healthy order book depth and efficient price discovery for participants globally. ‍ 3. Reducing Effective Inflation Through Protocol Economics In December 2025, a network-wide transaction fee update went live on mainnet, transitioning Flow from subsidized growth to a self-sustaining economic model. The update increased transaction fees so that a greater share of validator rewards is funded by network activity rather than new token issuance. This model is designed to make FLOW net deflationary at a sustained throughput of 250 transactions per second, the point at which fees collected exceed new tokens issued for staking rewards. The network is expected to reach this threshold through the growth of consumer applications including Peak Money, NBA Top Shot, Flowty, and others. Even with the fee increase, transaction costs on Flow remain among the lowest of any Layer 1 network. ‍ What this means for FLOW holders No action is required. Staking and FLOW token mechanics remain unchanged. Staking rewards continue to be distributed at the current rate (approximately 9% APY). None of these actions affect user assets, staking operations, or reward calculations. ‍ Summary Action Detail 1: Buyback & Burn 50,343,896.87 FLOW permanently destroyed on Feb 23, 2026 2: Accumulation & Liquidity Minimum 50M additional FLOW purchased for long-term treasury + improved market making 3: Inflation Management FLOW becomes net deflationary at sustained 250 TPS This combination of a buyback & burn, ongoing accumulation, improved liquidity, and inflation management collectively strengthens the long-term economics of the FLOW token. These activities will happen over the course of 2026, with the first one – the permanent destruction of 50M FLOW – scheduled for Monday, February 23, 2026. ‍ For more on the token economics of FLOW, visit flow.com/flow-tokenomics/technical-overview . Contact : [email protected] This post Flow Foundation Shares Commitment to FLOW; Announces Buyback and Burn of 50 Million FLOW first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

24 Feb 2026, 14:15

Federal Reserve’s Crucial Stance: Goolsbee Insists on Clear Path to 2% Inflation Before Rate Cuts

BitcoinWorld Federal Reserve’s Crucial Stance: Goolsbee Insists on Clear Path to 2% Inflation Before Rate Cuts WASHINGTON, D.C., March 2025 – In a defining moment for U.S. monetary policy, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago President Austan Goolsbee has articulated a clear and measured precondition for easing monetary policy. The central bank, Goolsbee emphasized, must witness convincing evidence that inflation is on a sustained trajectory back to its 2% target before considering interest rate cuts. This statement arrives at a critical juncture, as financial markets eagerly parse every signal from the Fed for clues on the timing of policy normalization. Consequently, his remarks provide crucial insight into the Federal Reserve’s current analytical framework and its unwavering commitment to price stability. Decoding the Federal Reserve’s Inflation Mandate The Federal Reserve operates under a dual mandate from Congress: to foster maximum employment and stable prices. For decades, the Fed has defined price stability as an annual inflation rate of 2%, as measured by the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index. This target is not arbitrary. Furthermore, it serves as a benchmark that anchors consumer and business expectations, which are vital for long-term economic planning. When inflation runs persistently above or below this level, it can distort investment decisions and erode purchasing power. Therefore, the journey back to 2% is not merely a numerical goal but a foundational requirement for sustainable economic health. Recent economic data presents a complex picture. While headline inflation has retreated significantly from its multi-decade highs, certain core components remain stubborn. Services inflation, particularly in housing and healthcare, has shown notable persistence. The labor market, though cooling, continues to exhibit strength with wage growth above pre-pandemic trends. This environment creates a challenging landscape for policymakers. They must balance the risks of overtightening, which could trigger a recession, against the risks of cutting rates too soon, which could reignite inflationary pressures. Goolsbee’s comments directly address this delicate balance, prioritizing the assurance of defeated inflation over premature stimulus. The Analytical Framework Behind “Sustained” Progress President Goolsbee’s insistence on being “sure” implies a need for multiple confirming data points across various metrics. The Fed does not rely on a single monthly report. Instead, officials analyze a dashboard of indicators: Core PCE Inflation: The primary gauge, which excludes volatile food and energy prices. Services Inflation: A key focus area due to its stickiness and linkage to wage growth. Inflation Expectations: Surveys from consumers, businesses, and market-derived measures. Wage Growth Trends: Data from the Employment Cost Index (ECI) and average hourly earnings. This multi-faceted approach ensures that a decline in inflation is broad-based and durable, not a temporary statistical anomaly. For instance, three consecutive months of benign core PCE readings, coupled with stabilized inflation expectations, would likely constitute the “sustained” progress Goolsbee referenced. The table below contrasts the current inflationary environment with the Fed’s ideal target conditions. Economic Indicator Current Trend (Early 2025) Fed’s Target Condition Core PCE Inflation Moderating but above 2% At or near 2% consistently Services Inflation Elevated, slowing gradually Aligned with 2% target 1-Year Inflation Expectations Anchored, slightly elevated Firmly anchored at 2% Labor Market Slack Moderate, wages growing Balanced, sustainable wage growth Historical Context and the Perils of Premature Pivots Goolsbee’s cautious stance is deeply informed by monetary policy history. Notably, the Federal Reserve has faced criticism in the past for shifting policy too abruptly in response to short-term data fluctuations. A prominent example occurred in the 1970s, when the Fed prematurely loosened policy, allowing inflation to become entrenched and leading to the painful Volcker disinflation era. More recently, central banks globally have highlighted the mistake of describing post-pandemic inflation as “transitory” without sufficient evidence. This historical backdrop underscores why current Fed officials, including Goolsbee, emphasize data-dependent patience. Comparatively, other major central banks are navigating similar challenges. The European Central Bank (ECB) and the Bank of England (BoE) have also communicated a high bar for rate cuts, prioritizing the containment of inflation above all else. This globally synchronized cautious approach reduces the risk of divergent policies causing disruptive capital flows or currency volatility. It signals a collective learned response from the central banking community: restoring price stability is a painful but necessary process that cannot be shortcut. Goolsbee’s message aligns firmly with this international consensus on prudent policy conduct. Market Implications and Forward Guidance The immediate impact of this communication is on financial market pricing. Futures markets, which had previously priced in aggressive rate cut cycles, have recalibrated expectations toward a later and potentially shallower easing path. This recalibration affects asset valuations across the board. For example, longer-duration Treasury yields may remain elevated, and equity markets, particularly growth stocks, may face headwinds until the path to cuts becomes clearer. However, this market adjustment is viewed by many analysts as healthy. It aligns investor expectations with the Fed’s likely policy path, reducing the risk of destabilizing volatility later. Forward guidance, the tool the Fed uses to shape market expectations, is now squarely focused on the “how” and “when” of inflation’s return to target. Goolsbee’s remarks serve as a form of open-mouth operations, steering the market away from speculative timing debates and toward a focus on the underlying economic data. This transparency aims to enhance the effectiveness of monetary policy. By managing expectations, the Fed can achieve some of its goals—such as tightening financial conditions—through communication, not just through official rate changes. Ultimately, clear guidance helps smooth the economic adjustment process for businesses and households. The Road Ahead: Data, Patience, and Policy Credibility The coming months will be dictated by the incoming economic data flow. Key reports on employment, consumer prices, and spending will be scrutinized like never before. Each release will be evaluated against the standard Goolsbee outlined: does it increase confidence that inflation is durably returning to 2%? The Fed’s next policy meetings will involve intense debate around the interpretation of this data. Some officials may argue for patience well into the year, while others might see emerging evidence warranting an earlier shift. Goolsbee, representing the Chicago Fed’s research-driven approach, has staked out a clearly patient position. This patient stance is fundamentally about preserving the Federal Reserve’s hard-won credibility. After the inflation surge, the central bank’s commitment to its target was tested. Following through on that commitment by ensuring the job is complete is essential for long-term economic stability. If the public and markets believe the Fed will relent at the first sign of economic softening, inflation expectations could become unanchored again, making future stabilization efforts far more costly. Therefore, Goolsbee’s message reinforces that the Fed’s primary goal remains restoring price stability, a prerequisite for achieving its maximum employment mandate over the longer term. Conclusion Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago President Austan Goolsbee has delivered a unambiguous message to markets and the public: the path to interest rate cuts runs directly through sustained evidence of inflation returning to the 2% target. This position, grounded in data dependence, historical caution, and a commitment to policy credibility, defines the current phase of U.S. monetary policy. While financial markets may adjust their timing expectations, this clear communication aims to foster stability and align expectations with economic reality. The Federal Reserve’s journey toward rate cuts will be deliberate, measured, and entirely contingent on the incoming data confirming that the battle against inflation is decisively won. FAQs Q1: What specific inflation measure is the Federal Reserve targeting? The Federal Reserve’s primary inflation target is the annual change in the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index , with a particular focus on the Core PCE index which excludes volatile food and energy prices. Their long-run goal is 2% inflation. Q2: Why is the Fed so focused on reaching exactly 2% inflation before cutting rates? Maintaining the 2% target is crucial for anchoring inflation expectations . Cutting rates before convincingly reaching the target could signal a lack of commitment, potentially unanchoring expectations and making future inflation control more difficult and economically painful. Q3: How does the current labor market affect the Fed’s decision on rate cuts? A strong labor market with elevated wage growth can contribute to persistent inflation, particularly in services. The Fed will want to see labor market conditions cool to a sustainable pace where wage growth is compatible with the 2% inflation target before easing policy. Q4: What are the risks if the Fed waits too long to cut interest rates? The primary risk of overtightening is inducing an unnecessary recession. Keeping policy restrictive for too long could dampen economic activity, increase unemployment beyond the natural rate, and create financial stress, particularly in interest-rate-sensitive sectors like housing and commercial real estate. Q5: How do Goolsbee’s views compare to other Federal Reserve officials? While all Fed officials agree on the 2% goal, there is a spectrum of views on the timing and pace of cuts. Goolsbee’s comments place him in the more cautious, patient camp, emphasizing the need for conclusive evidence. Other officials may place more weight on rising unemployment risks or believe progress on inflation is already sufficient. This post Federal Reserve’s Crucial Stance: Goolsbee Insists on Clear Path to 2% Inflation Before Rate Cuts first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

24 Feb 2026, 14:00

WisdomTree Instant Settlement: Revolutionary 24/7 Digital Money Market Fund Launch Transforms Finance

BitcoinWorld WisdomTree Instant Settlement: Revolutionary 24/7 Digital Money Market Fund Launch Transforms Finance NEW YORK, March 2025 – WisdomTree, a prominent U.S. asset manager, has fundamentally transformed digital finance by implementing instant settlement and 24-hour trading for its digital money market fund, WTGXX. This groundbreaking development leverages stablecoin technology to provide unprecedented around-the-clock liquidity, marking a significant evolution from traditional market structures. Consequently, this move follows the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) earlier approval for the fund to trade at a stable $1 price point, creating a new paradigm for institutional and retail investors seeking efficiency and accessibility. WisdomTree Instant Settlement: A Technical Breakdown WisdomTree’s implementation of instant settlement for the WTGXX fund represents a major technological leap. Traditionally, money market fund transactions settle on a T+1 or T+2 basis, meaning the exchange of cash and securities completes one or two business days after the trade date. However, WisdomTree now utilizes blockchain-based stablecoins to facilitate immediate finality. This process eliminates counterparty risk and frees up capital almost instantly. Moreover, the fund’s architecture integrates with existing regulatory frameworks, ensuring compliance while delivering enhanced speed. The key components of this system include: Stablecoin Infrastructure: The fund uses regulated, dollar-pegged stablecoins for settlement, ensuring price stability and reducing volatility exposure. Smart Contract Execution: Automated contracts on a permissioned blockchain handle the issuance and redemption of fund shares, triggering settlements in seconds. 24/7 Operational Layer: Unlike traditional market hours, the digital infrastructure operates continuously, allowing for trading and settlement at any time. The Evolution of Tokenized Money Market Funds The journey to this instant settlement capability began with foundational regulatory progress. In 2023, the SEC granted WisdomTree permission to launch its tokenized money market fund, the WisdomTree Treasury Money Market Digital Fund. This approval was crucial because it allowed the fund to maintain a stable net asset value (NAV) of $1 per share. Maintaining this fixed price is essential for a money market fund’s role as a cash-equivalent vehicle. Furthermore, this regulatory green light signaled a growing acceptance of digital asset structures within mainstream finance. Other asset managers, including BlackRock and Franklin Templeton, have since explored similar tokenized offerings, creating a competitive landscape focused on efficiency and innovation. Expert Analysis: The Impact on Market Liquidity Financial analysts highlight the profound implications of 24/7 liquidity. “The traditional financial system’s operating hours are a relic of physical trading floors,” notes Dr. Anya Sharma, a fintech researcher at Stanford University. “WisdomTree’s model demonstrates that digital assets can provide genuine utility by matching the global, non-stop nature of modern commerce and information flow.” Data from the Investment Company Institute shows U.S. money market fund assets exceeding $6 trillion, underscoring the massive market ripe for digital transformation. This innovation particularly benefits corporate treasurers, hedge funds, and international investors who require constant access to liquid, low-risk assets for cash management and collateral purposes. Comparing Traditional and Digital Fund Mechanics The operational differences between traditional and WisdomTree’s digital fund are stark. The table below illustrates the core distinctions: Feature Traditional Money Market Fund WisdomTree Digital Fund (WTGXX) Settlement Time T+1 or T+2 (1-2 business days) Instant (seconds) Trading Hours Market hours (9:30 AM – 4:00 PM ET) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Settlement Mechanism ACH, Wire Transfers Blockchain-based Stablecoins Price Transparency End-of-day NAV Real-time, on-chain verification Primary Use Case Cash management within market hours Global, continuous liquidity management Regulatory Landscape and Future Trajectory The SEC’s role in this innovation cannot be overstated. Its approval of the fund’s fixed $1 price was a prerequisite for creating a viable digital money market product. This regulatory oversight ensures investor protections remain intact despite the novel technology. Looking ahead, industry observers anticipate further guidance from regulators like the SEC and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) on the classification and treatment of tokenized securities and the stablecoins used to settle them. Additionally, the development may influence pending legislation, such as the Digital Asset Market Structure Bill, which seeks to clarify jurisdictional boundaries and consumer safeguards for digital financial products. The Broader Shift Toward Tokenized Assets WisdomTree’s move is part of a wider institutional shift toward asset tokenization. Major financial institutions are actively developing platforms to represent bonds, equities, and private funds as digital tokens on blockchains. This trend promises to reduce costs, increase transparency, and unlock liquidity in traditionally illiquid markets. For instance, J.P. Morgan’s Onyx network has processed billions in tokenized collateral transactions. Similarly, the European Investment Bank has issued digital bonds on public blockchains. Therefore, WisdomTree’s instant settlement fund is not an isolated experiment but a significant data point in the systemic modernization of global capital markets. Conclusion WisdomTree’s launch of instant settlement for its digital money market fund using stablecoins marks a pivotal moment in financial technology. By enabling 24-hour trading and immediate settlement, the WTGXX fund addresses long-standing inefficiencies in traditional finance. This development, built upon prior SEC approvals, demonstrates a maturing convergence between regulated investment products and blockchain infrastructure. Ultimately, the success of this WisdomTree instant settlement model will likely accelerate the broader adoption of tokenized assets, reshaping how institutions and individuals manage liquidity and access markets in an increasingly digital global economy. FAQs Q1: What is the WisdomTree WTGXX fund? The WisdomTree WTGXX is a digital money market fund. It is a tokenized investment product that holds short-term U.S. Treasury securities and uses stablecoins for instant settlement and 24/7 trading. Q2: How does instant settlement with stablecoins work? When an investor buys or sells shares of the fund, the transaction is executed using a blockchain. Smart contracts automatically exchange the fund’s tokenized shares for a regulated, dollar-pegged stablecoin, finalizing the settlement in seconds instead of days. Q3: Is the fund’s $1 price guaranteed? No price is guaranteed. However, the fund operates under an SEC order that allows it to use amortized cost accounting to maintain a stable net asset value (NAV) of $1 per share. This is standard for money market funds but does not eliminate all risk. Q4: Who can invest in this digital fund? Initially, the product is likely targeted at institutional investors and accredited individuals due to its novel structure. Investors should consult the fund’s prospectus and their financial advisor to understand eligibility and suitability. Q5: What are the main benefits of 24-hour trading? It provides constant liquidity, allowing investors to respond to global market events or manage cash needs outside traditional U.S. market hours. This is particularly valuable for international corporations and asset managers operating across multiple time zones. This post WisdomTree Instant Settlement: Revolutionary 24/7 Digital Money Market Fund Launch Transforms Finance first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

24 Feb 2026, 13:31

XRP Reserve Bill Update

Crypto investor and trader Xaif Crypto has issued an update regarding a key legislative development in Arizona, stating that a hearing for what he described as an “$XRP Reserve Bill” is scheduled for February 23. The hearing will take place at 8:45 AM (MST) in Caucus Room 1 before the Rules Committee, according to the official notice shown in the images attached. The documents referenced in the tweet identify the legislation as Senate Bill 1649, introduced during the Fifty-seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session of 2026. The title of the bill is “digital assets strategic reserve fund.” The measure was introduced by Senator Finchem. It proposes an amendment to Title 41, Chapter 1, Article 4 of the Arizona Revised Statutes by adding Section 41-181, relating to the State Treasurer. UPDATE: $XRP Reserve Bill Hearing – Feb 23 When governments move on-chain, they need speed, liquidity And rails that scale. $XRP was built for state-level flow. https://t.co/mim4Y8Fl2l pic.twitter.com/er6BW6OHCX — Xaif Crypto | (@Xaif_Crypto) February 22, 2026 Strategic Reserve Structure and Treasury Oversight The wording “digital assets strategic reserve fund” suggests that Arizona is considering a formal mechanism to hold digital assets as part of its state-managed reserves . The inclusion of the State Treasurer in the amendment indicates that the Treasurer would likely be responsible for oversight, custody, or management of any assets acquired under this provision. Although the visible portion of the bill does not specify XRP , Xaif Crypto’s commentary positions the asset as a strong candidate for use in such a reserve. His emphasis on transaction speed, liquidity, and scalability reflects ongoing discussions within the digital asset sector about which networks can handle institutional-scale transfers and settlements. Arizona has previously explored crypto-related legislation, including measures to integrate digital assets into state operations. If SB 1649 advances beyond committee review, it could represent a significant policy decision to institutionalize digital assets at the state treasury level. Economic Considerations and Potential Impact The establishment of a digital assets reserve fund carries both potential benefits and risks. Supporters may argue that allocating a portion of state reserves to digital assets could offer long-term growth potential and position Arizona as a competitive jurisdiction for financial technology development. Such a move may also signal confidence in blockchain-based financial systems at the government level. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 Opponents are expected to raise concerns about price volatility and the risks associated with holding cryptocurrencies in public funds. Questions about risk management, asset allocation limits, and custodial safeguards would likely become central topics if the bill progresses. Xaif Crypto’s update places the February 23 hearing at the center of the discussion, presenting it as a meaningful step in the legislative process. The outcome of the Rules Committee review will determine whether SB 1649 continues through Arizona’s legislative pathway and whether the concept of a state-managed digital assets strategic reserve moves closer to implementation. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on X , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post XRP Reserve Bill Update appeared first on Times Tabloid .

24 Feb 2026, 13:00

Could A Stablecoin Fund Gaza Relief? Trump’s Board Of Peace Is Considering It

US President Donald Trump’s advisory group is looking at a plan to issue a US dollar-backed stablecoin to help people in Gaza who face severe cash shortages and broken banking services. The plan is being talked about by the Board of Peace and a handful of outside advisers. Based on reports by the Financial Times, the pitch aims to let aid and basic trade carry on even when ATMs and regular banks are offline. $1 Billion Membership Membership in the board requires a $1 billion contribution, according to reports, a condition that has fueled debate over influence and oversight. Trump announced the assembly of the board in January. The effort has technical backers. One name tied to early planning is Liran Tancman, who has been linked to discussions with the territory’s technocratic team, the National Committee For The Administration Of Gaza. They have talked about a currency token that would be pegged to the dollar, with reserves and systems that would allow people and aid groups to buy food, medicine, and fuel without needing functioning local banks. Officials advising Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” are exploring a US dollar-backed crypto stablecoin for Gaza. According to the Financial Times, this crypto concept is in an exploratory phase, but it could spell the rebuilding of Gaza being tied to a crypto experiment. — More Perfect Union (@MorePerfectUS) February 23, 2026 Stablecoin Support For Transactions Supporters say a token could cut some friction. When cash runs low and banks are down, people cannot get what they need. A simple digital token held on phones could move value quickly between traders and charities. It might also let international donors send help with fewer middlemen. There are questions about how to store the reserves, who would audit them, and what legal system would enforce payments. None of those issues has been solved. Concerns About Control And Isolation Critics warn of political and practical risks. Some worry that a special token for the strip could deepen separation from nearby markets and make coordination with the West Bank harder. Others point to patchy internet access and the risk that a digital system could be shut down or manipulated during fighting. There is also debate over which institutions would hold the funds and who would be allowed to issue or burn tokens if things go wrong. How It Would Work In Practice Reports say the plan is still preliminary and that no issuing authority has been chosen. Proposals vary. One model uses a trusted third party outside the region to hold dollar reserves and run the ledger. Another relies on local partners to manage day-to-day distribution. In both cases, safeguards have been suggested: independent audits, multi-party control of reserves, and strict rules for spending on essential goods only. These are ideas on paper more than firm plans. Featured image from Crypto Valley Journal, chart from TradingView