Crypto
No Capital Gains On Bitcoin – A Good Idea?
POLAND – 2024/11/06: In this photo illustration, Donald Trump’s X account is displayed on a … [+]
The question of whether Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies should be subject to capital gains taxation has been bandied about for years, but has found renewed interest since former President Trump won a second term. The typical argument for capital gains treatment being inappropriate for cryptocurrencies is an assumption, in contravention of current tax policy, that they are currencies—and that currencies are not subject to capital gains tax.
This is partly true, but not for the reasons proponents think, as profits from currency exchanges are by default taxed as ordinary income under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 988. This would mean any profit made from currency exchanges, including cryptocurrencies if they gain currency treatment, would be subject to taxation at ordinary income tax rates. Of course, as the top capital gain rate is 20% while the top income tax bracket is 37%, holders of cryptocurrencies in the upper income brackets would be none too pleased with this outcome.
That said, if a foreign currency is held as an investment and an election is made by a taxpayer under IRC Section 988(a)(1)(B) prior to any transaction occurring, it is possible for currency exchanges to receive capital treatment.
Advocates for excluding cryptocurrencies from the capital gains regime in favor of treating them as more traditional currencies, however, seem to be misunderstanding the effect and assuming that would mean gains on cryptocurrencies would not be taxed. In fact, by default, they’d be taxed at the potentially higher ordinary income rates.
Eliminating Tax on Bitcoin
It is clear what advocates for cryptocurrency tax reform are really hoping for is tax exemption.
However, there is no policy rationale for eliminating taxes on Bitcoin or any other cryptocurrency. At best, cryptocurrencies function as currencies—but ones with an incredibly inefficient and resource-intensive minting process and for which the very use creates externalities.
Unlike traditional fiat currencies, whose creation and transaction costs are relatively minimal, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin require significant computing power, electricity, and the resulting environmental impact to maintain. Even cryptocurrencies that rely on more efficient systems than Bitcoin’s proof-of-work are still more resource-intensive than minting a nickel. This inefficiency undermines the argument that cryptocurrencies should enjoy the incentivizing power of complete exemption from taxation.
Moreover, cryptocurrencies lack the stability and governmental backing of traditional currencies, which makes them speculative assets rather than conventional mediums of exchange—regardless of what you call them.
Given that cryptocurrencies can and do function in the economy in a manner similar to other investment assets—like stocks or real estate—exempting them from taxation would create an inequitable tax environment. Other investment vehicles that generate a profit are subject to tax, and granting an exception for cryptocurrencies would simply endorse them as a special class of untaxed speculative wealth—a precedent with no underlying policy goal beyond boosting the wealth of those that hold it.
Economic and Social Realities of Tax-Exempt Crypto
There’s no precedent for the special treatment proposed for cryptocurrency gains, as no other asset class is exempted from tax solely for speculation. Municipal bonds are the closest comparison, but they differ in purpose and impact.
Municipal bonds are traditionally tax-advantaged to encourage investment in local and state infrastructure and keep the cost of municipal borrowing as low as possible. Tax exemptions on the interest from these bonds incentivize investors to support public projects which benefit society as a whole. Cryptocurrency holdings provide no such benefits.
A tax exemption for cryptocurrencies would almost certainly disproportionately benefit high-income individuals, further exacerbating wealth inequality. Much of cryptocurrency wealth is highly concentrated among a small group—with large holdings by early adopted and institutional investors. Placing cryptocurrencies on par with municipal bonds in terms of tax treatment would be a huge tax break grant to well-capitalized groups, rather than toward investments in social projects—depending economic divides.
There is also the tax revenue loss to contend with—as capital gains from cryptocurrencies are a growing revenue source for governments, particularly as the market for these assets expands. This revenue loss would likely need to be offset by shifting the tax burden onto wage earners and businesses or by reducing public services and infrastructure investments. I
Cryptocurrency Tax Policy Realities
The reality is that most of the proponents of eliminating capital gains tax treatment on cryptocurrencies—beginning with former President Trump and extending to others in his political sphere—likely do not fully understand the implications of their proposals. Statements from these advocates reveal a fundamental misunderstanding of the current tax system as they seem to believe that by treating assets like Bitcoin as currency, their gains would be rendered tax-free. In reality, however, shifting cryptocurrencies to “currency” treatment would, by default, subject profits to higher tax rates.
This misconception stems from an incomplete, or wholly lacking, grasp of tax law fundamentals. By framing cryptocurrencies as currency without understanding the tax implications, they risk promoting a policy that would, in practice, often result in taxing these assets more heavily—rather than less. This is emblematic of their broader policy understanding and corresponding vision.
In conclusion, while cryptocurrency itself is undoubtedly volatile, tax policy should be anything but. Any fundamental alteration to cryptocurrency tax treatment should be based on a thorough analysis and a compelling rationale, rather than mere hunch or political impulses.
Crypto
Bitcoin, Cerebras IPO mania, and the SpaceX speculation angle traders are watching | investingLive
Bitcoin is trading near $81,750, up around 2.5% at the time of publication, after rising almost 3.5% from today’s open to its session high. The move comes on the same day that Cerebras Systems (CBRS) delivered one of the most aggressive AI IPO debuts of the year, reinforcing a broader risk-on mood across speculative technology assets.
Cerebras priced its IPO at $185 per share, raising about $5.55 billion by selling 30 million shares, according to Reuters. The stock began trading on Nasdaq under the ticker CBRS, opened sharply higher, and traded as high as $385, more than 100% above the IPO price. (Reuters)
That matters beyond the semiconductor sector. A debut like this tells traders that the market is still willing to pay extreme premiums for scarce AI-related growth assets. When that happens, the same speculative psychology can spread into adjacent themes: AI infrastructure, private-market mega-valuations, Elon Musk-linked companies, and sometimes Bitcoin.
Why does the Cerebras IPO matter for Bitcoin sentiment?
The direct link between Cerebras and Bitcoin is weak. Cerebras is an AI semiconductor company, not a crypto company. But the sentiment link is more interesting.
A 108% intraday IPO move suggests that investors are again rewarding high-growth, high-narrative assets. Bitcoin often responds well when markets move into a risk-on liquidity environment, especially when the leadership is coming from technology, AI, and speculative growth.
This does not mean the Cerebras IPO “caused” Bitcoin to rally. It means the IPO may be part of the same broader market condition: investors are willing to chase upside when the narrative is powerful enough.
How does SpaceX fit into the Bitcoin story?
The confirmed SpaceX-Bitcoin connection is simple: Elon Musk said in July 2021 that SpaceX owned Bitcoin. During “The B Word” event with Jack Dorsey and Cathie Wood, Musk said he personally owned Bitcoin, Tesla owned Bitcoin, and SpaceX owned Bitcoin. (CoinDesk)
However, there is no confirmed operational SpaceX-Bitcoin integration. SpaceX does not appear to use Bitcoin for launches, Starlink is not known to be built on Bitcoin rails, and there has been no confirmed public disclosure showing that Bitcoin is central to SpaceX’s business model.
The stronger factual connection is treasury exposure, not infrastructure.
A second important point is that in 2023, the Wall Street Journal reported that SpaceX had written down the value of its Bitcoin holdings by $373 million across 2021 and 2022 and had sold Bitcoin, based on internal financial documents reviewed by the publication. (The Wall Street Journal)
So the clean timeline is:
| Year | SpaceX and Bitcoin development |
|---|---|
| 2021 | Musk publicly says SpaceX owns Bitcoin |
| 2023 | Reports say SpaceX wrote down and sold Bitcoin exposure |
| 2025-2026 | Crypto-market speculation continues around possible wallet activity and Musk-linked payment infrastructure, but wallet attribution is not audited corporate confirmation |
Why is the SpaceX IPO angle relevant now for crypto investors and traders?
SpaceX is widely viewed as one of the most anticipated potential IPOs in global markets. Some market commentary has discussed possible trillion-dollar valuation scenarios, although investors should treat specific valuation numbers carefully unless confirmed through official filings or reliable primary reporting. (Capital.com)
The connection for Bitcoin is not that SpaceX itself is necessarily buying Bitcoin today. The connection is more psychological:
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Cerebras shows that AI and deep-tech IPO demand is extremely strong.
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SpaceX would likely be seen as an even bigger narrative asset if it lists.
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Elon Musk remains strongly associated with crypto markets.
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Bitcoin can benefit when speculative capital rotates into scarce, high-conviction assets.
In other words, a huge Cerebras IPO does not prove anything about SpaceX or Bitcoin, but it does support the idea that the market’s appetite for mega-narrative assets is alive.
What is the most actionable Musk crypto angle?
For traders, the more actionable Musk-related crypto optionality may be X Money, not SpaceX.
Reuters reported in March 2026 that Musk said X Money would enter early public access in April, as part of the broader effort to turn X into a payments-enabled “everything app.” X previously partnered with Visa for payment functionality. (Reuters)
That does not confirm Bitcoin integration. But if X Money ever adds Bitcoin, Dogecoin, or broader crypto rails, that would likely be more directly relevant to crypto-market pricing than a speculative SpaceX IPO narrative.
Bitcoin trading read today
Bitcoin’s move to around $81,750 keeps the short-term tone constructive. The day is positive, the market is reacting well to broader risk-on signals, and the Cerebras IPO adds another data point showing that investors are willing to chase high-growth narratives.
Still, traders should separate confirmed facts from speculative fuel:
| Factor | Confirmed? | Bitcoin relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Cerebras priced IPO at $185 | Yes | Shows strong AI risk appetite |
| CBRS traded up to $385 | Yes | Reinforces speculative momentum |
| SpaceX has owned Bitcoin | Yes, based on Musk’s 2021 comments | Real but historical balance-sheet link |
| SpaceX sold or reduced Bitcoin exposure | Reported by WSJ in 2023 | Reduces certainty around current exposure |
| SpaceX IPO will directly lift Bitcoin | No | Speculative sentiment link only |
| X Money may eventually support crypto | Not confirmed | More actionable if verified |
Make or Break for Bitcoin: Inside the Psychological Battle at the 200-Day Moving Average and What It Means for the Broader Trend
BTSUSD (spot) daily chart with the 200 SMA indicator
Why Bitcoin traders watch the daily chart first
Short-term traders often live on the 1-minute, 5-minute, or 15-minute chart. That makes sense if they are scalping small moves. But for the bigger Bitcoin picture, the daily chart is still the main reference point.
The daily chart matters because it filters out a lot of the noise.
On smaller timeframes, Bitcoin can look bullish in the morning, bearish two hours later, and neutral by the end of the day. A single headline, a liquidation flush, or a short-term algorithmic move can distort the picture. The daily candle gives a cleaner view because it compresses the full trading day into one clear message: who controlled the session, buyers or sellers?
That is why the daily chart tends to carry more weight for serious market participants. Large funds, institutional desks, and longer-term crypto investors are not usually making major allocation decisions based on a 5-minute pattern. They are looking at the broader trend, the key daily levels, and whether Bitcoin is being accumulated or distributed over several sessions.
There is also a crowd psychology element. Because so many traders and investors look at the daily chart, the levels on that chart become important simply because everyone is watching them. When Bitcoin approaches a major daily moving average, a prior daily high, or a key daily support zone, it often attracts real order flow. Traders place entries there, stops gather there, and algorithms react there.
In crypto, that matters even more because Bitcoin trades 24/7. The daily chart gives the market a shared reference point in a market that never really sleeps.
Why the 200-day SMA matters more than a random moving average
There is nothing magical about the number 200 from a pure math perspective. A 157-day moving average, a 180-day moving average, or a 220-day moving average can sometimes fit price better during a specific period.
But markets are not driven by math alone. They are driven by human behavior, institutional habits, and widely followed reference points.
That is why the 200-day simple moving average matters.
It is one of the most watched long-term trend indicators in global markets. Stocks, commodities, crypto, ETFs, and indexes are all judged against it. When Bitcoin trades above the 200-day SMA, many market participants view it as healthier. When Bitcoin trades below it, the tone often becomes more cautious.
For many traders, the 200-day SMA acts like a macro line in the sand:
| Bitcoin vs. 200-day SMA | Common market interpretation |
|---|---|
| Above the 200-day SMA | Trend looks healthier, dips may attract buyers |
| Below the 200-day SMA | Market remains more defensive, rallies may be sold |
| Testing the 200-day SMA from below | A major trend-repair test |
| Rejecting from the 200-day SMA | Bears may still control the bigger structure |
This does not mean Bitcoin automatically becomes bullish the moment it touches the 200-day SMA. It means the market starts paying closer attention.
Why not use a 157-day SMA instead?
A 157-day SMA might look good on a backtest. It might even fit Bitcoin perfectly for a few months. But it does not have the same market weight.
The 200-day SMA has a network effect.
That means it matters because so many people use it. Retail traders watch it. Fund managers watch it. Analysts talk about it. Financial media report on it. Trading systems often include it. Risk models may also reference it.
A 157-day SMA does not have that same crowd behind it. If Bitcoin touches a 157-day SMA, most of the market will not notice. There are probably fewer orders around it, fewer stops around it, and less emotional reaction around it.
But when Bitcoin tests the 200-day SMA, the market notices.
That is why Bitcoin can often pause, reverse, accelerate, or consolidate around this level. It is not because the line itself has power. It is because the market gives it power.
Why the Golden Cross and Death Cross still get attention
The 200-day SMA is also important because it is part of two of the most famous long-term trend signals:
| Signal | What it means |
|---|---|
| Golden Cross | The 50-day SMA crosses above the 200-day SMA. This is usually viewed as a bullish macro signal. |
| Death Cross | The 50-day SMA crosses below the 200-day SMA. This is usually viewed as a bearish macro signal. |
These signals are not perfect. They can arrive late. They can also fail. But they still matter because they are widely followed and often reported by mainstream financial media.
In Bitcoin, these signals can influence sentiment, especially when they appear near major price levels, after a long correction, or during a broad risk-on move in tech and crypto.
What Bitcoin’s current 200-day SMA test means
Bitcoin is now testing the underside of its declining 200-day SMA. That makes this a major trend-repair moment.
A clean daily close above the 200-day SMA would not guarantee a new bull market, but it would send an important message: Bitcoin is trying to neutralize the broader downtrend. That could encourage more buyers to step in, especially if the breakout is supported by volume, stronger risk appetite, and follow-through in the next few sessions.
On the other hand, if Bitcoin fails at the 200-day SMA and rolls over, the market may read that as a sign that the bigger trend is still not fully repaired. In that case, traders may treat the move as another rally into resistance rather than a confirmed bullish shift.
For now, the key point is simple: Bitcoin is not just testing another moving average. It is testing one of the most watched macro trend lines in the market. That is why the reaction around this level matters
Today’s takeaway for Bitcoin investors and traders
Bitcoin’s positive session is not only about crypto. It is happening during a broader moment of aggressive risk appetite, with the Cerebras IPO showing how much capital is willing to chase AI and scarcity-driven growth stories.
The SpaceX angle is worth monitoring, but it should not be overstated. The confirmed connection is historical Bitcoin ownership. The speculative connection is that a future SpaceX IPO, especially one linked to Elon Musk, AI, Starlink, space infrastructure, and private-market scarcity, could strengthen the broader “Musk premium” across speculative assets.
For now, Bitcoin bulls want to see today’s strength hold into the close. A sustained hold above the current acceptance area would support the view that buyers are still in control. A failure to hold the day’s gains would suggest that the Cerebras-SpaceX-Bitcoin narrative is more of a sentiment spark than a durable driver.
Always do your own research and trade Bitcoin at your own risk only. The above is for educational purposes only.
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Crypto
ADI Foundation and Settlemint Launch ADGM Tokenization Rail for $30.9B RWAs
- ADI Foundation and Settlemint launched a digital securities hub under ADGM’s 2026 regulatory framework.
- BCG projects digital assets will grow to $18.9 trillion by 2033 as institutional RWA adoption accelerates.
- Van Niekerk says the Settlemint blueprint allows global exchanges to launch 24/7 tokenized trading next.
Integrated Infrastructure for Institutional Adoption
ADI Foundation and Settlemint announced a partnership on May 13 to launch a new digital securities infrastructure on the ADI Chain, aiming to streamline the tokenization of assets within the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) regulatory framework.
The collaboration integrates ADI Foundation’s compliance-ready Layer-2 blockchain with Settlemint’s digital asset lifecycle platform (DALP). The combined system is designed to handle the entire lifespan of a digital security, from initial token creation and on-chain recording to post-trade servicing and management.
The move addresses a primary hurdle for institutional investors: the difficulty of coordinating issuance, trading, settlement, and custody across fragmented jurisdictions. By providing an integrated architecture, the partners aim to offer a unified pathway for institutions to move traditional assets onto the blockchain.
“The future of investment and trading will not only be digitized, but also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,” said Andrey Lazorenko, CEO of ADI Foundation. “Our partnership brings together market infrastructure, institutional-grade blockchain, and a digital asset lifecycle platform to tokenize equities and trade them on secondary platforms.”
According to a media statement, the platform utilizes Settlemint’s implementation of the ERC-3643 standard—a protocol specifically designed for security tokens to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. While the partnership is initially focusing on equity tokenization, the infrastructure is built to support a variety of other tokenized securities and financial instruments, pending regulatory approval.
The announcement comes as institutional interest in real-world assets ( RWAs) on-chain continues to accelerate. According to data from RWA.xyz, tokenized RWAs currently represent approximately $30.92 billion in on-chain value, with tokenized U.S. Treasuries accounting for roughly $15.20 billion of that total. Market analysts expect this trend to scale significantly. A 2026 analysis by BCG suggests the digital asset market could surge from $0.6 trillion in 2025 to $18.9 trillion by 2033.
Matthew Van Niekerk, co-founder and president of Settlemint, characterized the partnership as a “blueprint” for the broader financial industry.
“This partnership proves that regulated, multi-asset tokenization at national scale on public blockchains is not just feasible, but live,” Van Niekerk said. He added that the infrastructure is intended to be a model that central securities depositories (CSDs), exchanges, and clearing houses can adopt to integrate digital assets into existing operations.
Crypto
BlackRock COO: Cryptocurrency Demand Surpasses Firm’s Expectations, Signaling a Shift in Value
BlackRock Chief Operating Officer Rob Goldstein revealed that demand for cryptocurrency has significantly exceeded the firm’s initial projections, marking a notable shift in institutional sentiment toward digital assets. Speaking during a Binance online stream, Goldstein addressed the market’s reception of BlackRock’s spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF), IBIT, and outlined the asset manager’s broader strategic outlook on blockchain-based finance.
Demand Driven by Value Proposition, Not Speculation
Goldstein emphasized that the global demand for IBIT was stronger than anticipated, describing the interest not as fleeting speculative enthusiasm but as a recognition of a new value proposition rooted in emerging technology. He noted that investors are increasingly viewing cryptocurrency as a distinct asset class with potential for long-term portfolio diversification, rather than a short-term trading vehicle. This perspective aligns with BlackRock’s broader push to integrate digital assets into traditional investment frameworks.
Tokenization and the Future of Capital Markets
Goldstein predicted that the tokenization of capital market instruments remains in its early stages, with future growth expected to be measured in multiples rather than incremental percentages. He argued that blockchain infrastructure could fundamentally reshape how assets are issued, traded, and settled, reducing friction and increasing transparency. This view is consistent with growing industry interest in real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, a trend that major financial institutions are beginning to explore.
AI Agents and Digital Rail Transactions
In a forward-looking comment, Goldstein suggested that artificial intelligence agents will eventually conduct transactions directly via digital rails, or blockchain infrastructure, rather than logging into traditional bank accounts. This vision points to a future where automated systems interact with decentralized finance protocols, potentially streamlining operations across supply chains, payments, and asset management. While still conceptual, the statement underscores BlackRock’s attention to the convergence of AI and blockchain technologies.
The Education Gap Remains a Key Obstacle
Goldstein identified the primary barrier to broader adoption as a lack of investor education regarding the technical aspects of virtual assets and efficient portfolio allocation. Many institutional and retail investors remain uncertain about how to evaluate cryptocurrencies, assess risks, and integrate them into existing investment strategies. BlackRock’s emphasis on education suggests that the firm sees informed participation as critical to sustainable market growth.
Conclusion
BlackRock’s acknowledgment that cryptocurrency demand has exceeded expectations carries significant weight, given the firm’s status as the world’s largest asset manager with over $10 trillion in assets under management. Goldstein’s comments reflect a maturing institutional perspective that views digital assets not as a passing trend but as a structural evolution in finance. For investors, the key takeaway is that major financial players are moving beyond skepticism and actively building infrastructure for a tokenized future, even as educational gaps persist.
FAQs
Q1: What did BlackRock’s COO say about cryptocurrency demand?
Rob Goldstein stated that demand for cryptocurrency, particularly through BlackRock’s IBIT Bitcoin ETF, has exceeded the firm’s expectations, driven by a recognition of its value as an emerging technology rather than mere speculation.
Q2: What is BlackRock’s view on tokenization?
Goldstein described tokenization of capital market tools as still in its infancy, with future growth expected to be exponential. He believes blockchain infrastructure will play a key role in transforming how assets are managed and traded.
Q3: What is the biggest obstacle to cryptocurrency adoption according to BlackRock?
The main challenge is a lack of investor education on the technical aspects of virtual assets and how to allocate them effectively within a portfolio, according to Goldstein.
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