by | Mar 18, 2025 | Business
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is calling for the public’s help in its investigation into the suspected mass poisoning of hundreds of native Corella birds across multiple Newcastle suburbs, including Hamilton, Carrington, Waratah, Broadmeadow, Lambton, and near Newcastle University.
The EPA received initial reports on Monday 17 March 2025 of 14 sick and dead birds in Hamilton but by midday reports had escalated to hundreds of affected birds in Carrington and surrounding areas.
NSW EPA Executive Director of Regulatory Operations, Jason Gordon, said the EPA is investigating pesticide misuse as the possible cause based on EPA observations and advice from local veterinarians.
“This is a serious incident, and any assistance from the public could be critical to our investigation,” Mr Gordon said.
“This is a very distressing situation for everybody involved, particularly the wildlife carers and residents who are finding and collecting the birds as well as the vets who are treating them.
“The birds are exhibiting symptoms such as bleeding, staggering, paralysis, and an inability to fly and so far, we understand that veterinary clinics across Newcastle have reported over 200 bird deaths.
“We have collected samples for testing, and our officers will be visiting all sites where sick or dead birds have been found over the coming days. Anyone who thinks they may have information on how the birds have died or on potential pesticides misuse is strongly encouraged to call the EPA on 131 555.
“The misuse of pesticides, whether deliberate or unintentional, is completely unacceptable and carries heavy penalties. If you use pesticides, it is essential to follow label directions and be mindful of the surrounding environment and wildlife.”
Wildlife volunteers from Hunter Wildlife Rescue and WIRES, along with members of the public, have been assisting in the response and transporting sick birds to veterinary clinics. Members of the public should avoid handling affected wildlife.
The negligent use of pesticides in a manner that harms any non-target animal, or plant can attract penalties of up to $500,000 for an individual and $2,000,000 for a corporation.
by | Mar 18, 2025 | Business
Asuene, a leading provider of carbon accounting and decarbonization solutions, and Artemeter LLC, a premier carbon investment manager, today announced a strategic partnership to enhance corporate sustainability efforts in the Asia Pacific region. This collaboration brings together Asueneʼs expertise in carbon accounting and emissions reduction planning with Artemeterʼs cost-effective carbon portfolio management and investment strategies, offering businesses a holistic approach to achieving their sustainability goals.
Key Highlights of the Partnership
・Integrated Decarbonization Solutions: Asueneʼs carbon accounting platform, which supports companies in measuring, reducing, and reporting Scope 1-3 emissions, will integrate with Artemeterʼs carbon portfolio management services, enabling businesses to seamlessly transition to sustainable practices.
・Cost-Effective Transition Solutions: Artemeterʼs strategies will help corporate clients manage the financial challenges of decarbonization, making sustainable transitions more affordable and accessible.
・Access to High-Quality Carbon Projects: The partnership will provide access to Artemeterʼs portfolio of high-quality carbon projects, ensuring businesses can secure affordable carbon credits from Africa and South East Asia to offset emissions effectively while supporting impactful environmental initiatives.
What the partnership offers Asia Pacific businesses
・CO2-Marketing Activities: Asuene and Artemeter will collaborate on joint marketing campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of decarbonization and the benefits of their combined solutions. This includes webinars, industry events, and thought leadership content to engage corporate clients across the Asia Pacific region.
・Collaboration for Seamless Client Solutions: The partnership will focus on developing tailored solutions for corporate clients, integrating Asueneʼs carbon accounting platform with Artemeterʼs carbon credit investment strategies. This will enable businesses to not only measure and reduce their emissions but also invest in high-quality carbon projects to offset their remaining carbon footprint.
・Access to Artemeterʼs High-Integrity Carbon Credit Projects on CarbonEX: Artemeterʼs portfolio of high-integrity carbon projects will be listed on CarbonEX, Asueneʼs carbon credit and emissions trading platform. This provides Southeast Asia and Africa carbon project developers with unique access to Japanese corporate clients who have an emerging interest in the voluntary carbon market outside the JCM, fostering greater collaboration and investment in high-impact carbon projects in the region.
Quotes from Key Executives
Masaaki Hamada, Managing Director of Asuene APAC
Our partnership with Artemeter is a significant step forward in helping South East Asia businesses navigate the complexities of decarbonization. By combining our carbon accounting expertise with Artemeterʼs cost-management strategies, we can empower companies to achieve their sustainability goals in a financially viable way.
Olivia Albrecht, CEO and Founder of Artemeter
We are excited to collaborate with Asuene, a true leader in carbon accounting and emissions reduction. Together, we can provide businesses with the tools and strategies they need to make a sustainable transition without compromising their financial health.
About Artemeter
Artemeter is a carbon investment manager that connects capital to high-quality carbon projects globally. Backed by DRW, Artemeter leverages financial markets to drive measurable environmental and financial impact, helping businesses achieve their sustainability targets while capitalizing on the growth potential of carbon credits.
Company Name: Artemeter
Representative: CEO and Founder Olivia Albrecht
Website: https://www.drw.com/artemeter
by | Mar 17, 2025 | Business
Stay updated on the latest XRP news! The SEC vs. Ripple case enters a critical phase, with speculation on whether the SEC will withdraw its appeal. Discover how regulatory changes, XRP’s price outlook, ETF prospects, and Ethereum’s declining market share could shape the crypto landscape.
The legal battle between the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Ripple is approaching a decisive phase. As of Monday, March 17, the one-month countdown begins for Ripple to file its appeal-related reply brief, countering the SEC’s arguments.
Ripple’s deadline is set for April 16, while the SEC’s opening brief was filed on January 15, challenging Judge Torres’ ruling on the Programmatic Sales of XRP.
SEC Shake-Up Raises Uncertainty Over Appeal
Since the SEC’s opening brief, a wave of leadership changes has reshaped the agency’s stance on crypto regulation:
- Gary Gensler stepped down as SEC Chair.
- Former SEC Commissioner Paul Atkins, known for his crypto-friendly stance, was nominated as the new Chair by President Trump.
- Mark Uyeda was appointed as Acting SEC Chair.
-
Commissioner Hester Peirce was appointed to head the newly established Crypto Task Force.
-
The SEC reassigned its lead crypto litigator, Jorge Tenreiro, to the IT department, signaling a shift in crypto enforcement strategies.
-
The Crypto Assets and Cyber Unit was disbanded, giving rise to the Cyber and Emerging Technologies Unit (CETU), focused on fraud cases.
If Paul Atkins is confirmed, this restructuring could signify the SEC’s withdrawal from non-fraud-related crypto cases, leading to speculation that the agency may abandon its appeal against Ripple.
Will the SEC Withdraw Its Appeal?
With no confirmation hearing scheduled for Atkins, the decision on the appeal may rest with Acting Chair Uyeda and Crypto Task Force Head Peirce.
Uyeda’s previous statements suggest a likelihood of withdrawal: “The Commission’s war on crypto must end, including crypto enforcement actions solely based on a failure to register with no allegation of fraud or harm. President Trump and the American electorate have sent a clear message. Starting in 2025, the SEC’s role is to carry out that mandate.”
Judge Analisa Torres’ Final Judgment in August 2024 fined Ripple $125 million for securities law violations—a fraction of the SEC’s $2 billion demand. The absence of fraud allegations could be a decisive factor in whether the SEC continues its appeal.
XRP Price Outlook: Legal Clarity Could Influence Demand
On Sunday, March 16, XRP ended its five-day winning streak, dropping 4.07% to close at $2.2952. The broader crypto market also declined by 2.39%, with total market capitalization falling to $2.65 trillion. But today, on Monday, March 17, XRP traded at $2.3324
Key factors influencing XRP’s price:
1. SEC Appeal Strategy: A withdrawal could push XRP above its all-time high of $3.55, while prolonged legal uncertainty may drop it below $1.50.
2. XRP-Spot ETF Prospects: Approval could drive prices toward $5, but unresolved legal issues may delay this process.
3. Macro Risks: Trade tensions and Federal Reserve policies could push XRP to $1.7938, while easing tensions may support recovery to $2.50.
Crypto Investment Trends: A Tough Period for ETPs
Crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs) faced significant outflows, with $1.7 billion exiting the market last week. This marks the fifth consecutive week of losses, bringing total outflows to $6.4 billion—an all-time high.
- U.S. Investors Led the Exodus: U.S. investors accounted for 93% of last week’s outflows ($1.16 billion).
-
Bitcoin-related investment products recorded $978 million in outflows.
-
Ethereum and Solana investment products lost $175 million and $2.2 million, respectively.
-
Blockchain equity funds faced a $40 million sell-off.
However, XRP bucked the trend, attracting $1.8 million in fresh inflows, bringing its monthly total to $7.4 million. Year-to-date, XRP has amassed $212 million in inflows, trailing only Bitcoin ($612 million) and Ethereum ($412 million).
XRP Defies the Trend and Challenges Ethereum
XRP’s price against Etherium (ETH) reached its highest level in five years, touching 0.00128 ETH on March 15—a 925% rebound from its all-time low in June 2024. Market watchers speculate that XRP could surpass ETH’s market capitalization if the current trend continues.
- Analyst Dom highlights 0.0012 ETH as a key resistance level, historically preceding explosive XRP rallies.
-
If XRP repeats past performances, an 80% rally could position it above Ethereum’s market capitalization.
-
XRP’s market cap is currently $138 billion, less than $100 billion short of Ethereum’s.
-
XRP’s Fully Diluted Valuation (FDV) briefly surpassed Ethereum’s earlier this week.
Ethereum’s Declining Market Share
Ethereum has struggled against competitors like Solana, with its market dominance shrinking by over 35.5% since Trump’s reelection. Several factors contribute to Ethereum’s underperformance:
1. Regulatory Sentiment: Trump’s pro-crypto stance has benefited XRP, while Ethereum remains under scrutiny.
2. Competition from Solana: Solana’s faster, cheaper transactions have drawn developers and traders away from Ethereum.
3. Ethereum’s Dencun Upgrade: While reducing transaction fees by 95%, the upgrade has weakened Ethereum’s deflationary appeal.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for XRP and Crypto Markets
The SEC vs. Ripple case remains a critical driver for XRP’s price movement and market positioning. With leadership changes at the SEC and shifting regulatory priorities, the likelihood of the SEC withdrawing its appeal has increased.
This could provide long-awaited legal clarity, potentially driving XRP to new highs and strengthening its position in the crypto market. Meanwhile, Ethereum’s declining dominance highlights the growing competition in the layer-1 blockchain space.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining XRP’s trajectory and its ability to challenge Ethereum’s market position.
by | Mar 17, 2025 | Business
Could U.S. crypto investors soon enjoy tax-free gains? Trump’s potential tax cuts spark speculation, while a federal Bitcoin reserve raises new questions. Discover the latest on crypto taxation and policy shifts.
The possibility of eliminating federal taxes for individuals earning under $150,000 annually has sparked intense speculation in the cryptocurrency community.
This discussion arose following Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s announcement that President Donald Trump is considering such a tax cut as part of a broader strategy to provide financial relief to middle-class Americans.
Now, crypto investors are wondering if Trump might extend similar benefits to digital assets.
A Potential Turning Point for Crypto
The idea of eliminating taxes on cryptocurrency gains has been floating around for weeks, with heightened anticipation leading up to a recent crypto summit. Many expected Trump to make a major announcement regarding tax cuts for digital assets, but no such declaration was made.
However, as tax reform continues to dominate discussions within the administration, the hope for a crypto tax exemption remains alive.
If Trump were to implement such a policy, it could mark a significant turning point for the industry.
Lowering or eliminating crypto taxes would likely attract more investors, accelerate mainstream adoption, and position the U.S. as a global leader in digital assets. Given Trump’s previous pro-crypto remarks, such a move wouldn’t be entirely surprising.
Potential Challenges and Concerns
Despite the excitement, significant hurdles remain. Critics argue that removing taxes on crypto gains would disproportionately benefit wealthy investors while increasing economic inequality.
Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz has warned about the dangers of self-dealing and corruption within Trump’s administration, raising concerns about policies that primarily serve billionaires and financial elites.
Adding fuel to these concerns is the strong financial backing Trump has received from the crypto industry. Wealthy investors and executives have poured millions into his campaign, and some speculate that crypto-friendly policies could be a form of political repayment.
The Strategic Crypto Reserve: A Boon or a Burden?
One of the most controversial aspects of Trump’s crypto strategy is the proposal for a federal crypto reserve. The idea, championed by newly appointed AI and crypto czar David Sacks, involves consolidating government-owned crypto assets into a digital stockpile for “responsible stewardship.”
Sacks highlighted that the U.S. government previously held approximately 400,000 Bitcoin, a significant portion of which was sold for around $360 million. Had those holdings been retained, they would now be worth over $17 billion.
To prevent further missed opportunities, Trump recently signed an executive order to create a strategic Bitcoin reserve using seized crypto holdings. However, the administration has opted for a budget-neutral approach, meaning new Bitcoin purchases will be limited.
This decision has created uncertainty within the market. Some investors see it as a strategic effort to enhance government-held crypto value, while others question the administration’s long-term commitment to digital assets.
Experts believe that the establishment of Bitcoin reserves by countries like China and the U.S. could trigger a global race to adopt digital assets as part of national financial strategies.
Broader Economic Implications
Beyond crypto, Trump’s broader economic policies—including extending the 2017 tax cuts, implementing new tariffs, and deregulating industries—are expected to deepen economic inequality.
Analysts predict that the administration’s tax plans will primarily benefit the wealthy while adding trillions to the national deficit.
Similarly, Trump’s proposed tariffs could cost the average American household an additional $2,600 annually, burdening middle-class families while benefiting corporate elites.
Further complicating matters is Trump’s alliance with billionaires like Elon Musk, who is leading a campaign to cut $2 trillion in government spending through a new initiative called the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Critics argue that this initiative is another step toward deregulation and privatization, ultimately weakening consumer protections.
Conclusion: The Future of U.S. Crypto Policy
As Trump’s administration pushes forward with its economic and crypto-related strategies, the future of digital assets in the U.S. remains uncertain.
While the potential elimination of crypto taxes could provide a major boost to the industry, concerns about wealth redistribution, economic inequality, and political favoritism continue to loom large.
With other nations establishing Bitcoin reserves, the U.S. must decide whether it will fully embrace crypto as part of its financial framework.
If the administration follows through with its strategic reserve initiative, Bitcoin could eventually compete with gold for global reserve status. Whether this shift benefits the average American or primarily serves the interests of the wealthy remains to be seen.
by | Mar 17, 2025 | Business
BlackRock’s potential XRP ETF filing sparks excitement, pushing XRP prices up 6% to $2.46. Investors anticipate SEC decisions and ETF approvals, eyeing a $5 target. Will XRP break new highs? Read the latest analysis now!
The cryptocurrency market has witnessed an enthusiastic response as BlackRock considers filing an exchange-traded fund (ETF) featuring XRP. Speculation regarding a potential BlackRock XRP ETF launch has driven XRP prices upward by nearly 6%, reaching a trading value of $2.46. Traders achieved a 24-hour high of $2.47, reflecting strong confidence in XRP’s potential.
Investors are eagerly anticipating regulated institutional-grade investment products that could enhance market stability. Market analysts believe such products could attract conservative investors and transform the traditionally volatile crypto sector into a more structured financial market.
BlackRock’s Entry: A Game-Changer for XRP and Institutional Investments
BlackRock continues to innovate by venturing boldly into the cryptocurrency space, significantly influencing market dynamics through its regulated investment options.
The firm’s interest in XRP has resulted in a 6% increase in XRP Futures Open Interest, now valued at $3.38 billion. Recent data from CoinGlass suggests that traders maintain a bullish outlook on XRP, viewing BlackRock’s involvement as a catalyst for sustained growth.
The company’s strategic actions in the ETF market indicate its intention to expand its portfolio beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum, actively filing for new ETFs. With regulatory concerns regarding XRP being resolved, BlackRock’s market entry could signify a major milestone in legitimizing XRP as a stable asset.
XRP Eyes $5 Milestone Amid Bullish Forecasts
Optimism surrounding a potential BlackRock XRP ETF has fueled speculation that XRP could soon reach new heights. Market analysts have identified crucial support levels at $2.1 and $2.2, with future targets set at $3, $4.2, and ultimately $5.
Investor confidence continues to rise, with expectations that an ETF approval will significantly boost market liquidity and trading volume. Some analysts even predict that under favorable market conditions, XRP could attain double-digit values, reinforcing its long-term growth potential.
Institutional Interest and Market Sentiments Strengthen
BlackRock’s possible inclusion of XRP in an ETF has intensified institutional interest, with many investors expecting this move to redefine public and institutional perceptions of XRP’s value. Analysts have noted a surge in market sentiment, as evidenced by increasing trading volumes and XRP futures open interest.
The excitement surrounding the XRP ETF launch suggests a significant transformation in the crypto industry, where major institutions could play a leading role in shaping the next era of digital asset investments.
SEC Appeal Withdrawal Hopes Drive XRP Demand
Recent speculation about the SEC possibly withdrawing its appeal in the Ripple case has added further momentum to XRP demand. On March 17, XRP recorded a 1.74% gain, extending its five-day winning streak and outperforming the broader crypto market.
Notably, XRP briefly surpassed Ethereum (ETH) in fully diluted valuation, highlighting its growing prominence.
SEC Actions and Ripple Case Developments
The SEC’s recent actions have fueled speculation that the agency may withdraw its appeal against Ripple. These actions include:
- Dismissing enforcement cases against major crypto firms like Coinbase and Kraken.
- Closing investigations into OpenSea, Robinhood, and Uniswap.
- Requesting additional time in the Binance and Lejilex cases.
Fox Business journalist Eleanor Terrett reported that the SEC and Ripple were negotiating a final judgment, further boosting market optimism.
A potential $125 million settlement would eliminate the SEC’s appeal against Ripple’s programmatic sales ruling. However, Ripple’s absence from the Crypto Task Force’s meeting list raises doubts about the immediacy of a settlement agreement.
XRP Price Trends: ETF Approvals and Regulatory Decisions
XRP’s price trajectory remains tied to regulatory developments, with two key factors influencing its future:
1. Bullish Scenario: If the SEC withdraws its appeal, XRP could surpass its all-time high of $3.55, with further ETF approvals potentially pushing it toward $5.
2. Bearish Scenario: If the SEC proceeds with its appeal and rejects XRP-spot ETFs, XRP’s price could drop below $1.50.
Technical Analysis: Price Resistance and Support Levels
Despite its five-day rally, XRP remains below the 50-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA), indicating potential resistance. However, it holds above the 200-day EMA, signaling strong long-term support.
1. Resistance Levels: Breaking above the 50-day EMA could push XRP toward $3.0153, with a potential rise to $3.3999 and ultimately $3.5505 if favorable news emerges.
2. Support Levels: A drop below $1.9299 and the 200-day EMA could bring XRP down to $1.7024.
With a 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) reading of 49.68, XRP remains in neutral territory, suggesting further movement could be dictated by market sentiment and regulatory developments.
XRP On-Chain Activity and Market Revival
XRP’s network activity has seen a significant boost, with transaction counts surpassing two million, indicating renewed investor interest. Historically, surges in transaction volumes have led to price recoveries, suggesting that XRP could be on the path to sustained growth.
Legendary Trader John Bollinger Weighs in on XRP’s Future
Renowned trader John Bollinger recently suggested that XRP could become a new market leader, citing its resilience during recent market downturns. While Bitcoin experienced a 4% drop, XRP managed to gain 0.58%, reinforcing its strength amid broader market volatility.
Further excitement surrounds Franklin Templeton’s potential XRP ETF filing, joining industry giants like Bitwise, 21Shares, and WisdomTree in the race to launch similar products in the U.S.
Conclusion
As speculation around BlackRock’s XRP ETF continues to grow, investors remain optimistic about XRP’s potential for long-term gains. Regulatory clarity and institutional adoption could propel XRP beyond its previous all-time highs, while uncertainty in the SEC case remains a lingering factor.
The coming weeks will be crucial for XRP’s trajectory, with market participants closely monitoring BlackRock’s ETF filing, SEC actions, and broader macroeconomic factors that could shape the cryptocurrency landscape.
If institutional demand continues to rise and regulatory hurdles are resolved, XRP may soon establish itself as a dominant force in the digital asset space.
You must be logged in to post a comment.