Harris' Shocking Secret Alliance with Crypto Unveiled!
September 27, 2024
As the winds of political and economic change blow across the globe, two notable instances have raised eyebrows. Vice President Kamala Harris seems to be taking a more welcoming stance towards the cryptocurrency industry, as reported by Common Dreams. On the other side of the world, the People's Bank of China has reportedly released the largest stimulus package since the COVID-19 pandemic. While these developments might seem unrelated, they are both significant in the evolving narrative of cryptocurrencies and their role in the global economy.
In her 2024 bid for the White House, Harris has raised alarms among progressives for her open embrace of the still-nascent cryptocurrency industry. The industry is riddled with fraud and opposition to regulatory control, causing many to question the wisdom of her approach. However, Harris is not alone in her stance. Former President Donald Trump has also expressed support for cryptocurrencies, suggesting that the U.S. could pay off national debts with digital assets.
Harris' economic policy suggests a balancing act between fostering innovation and protecting consumers and investors. She aims to keep the U.S. dominant in emerging technologies, such as blockchain, while ensuring the protection of American interests. However, critics are quick to point out the potential pitfalls of her approach. The cryptocurrency industry's track record of flouting longstanding securities laws and robust SEC oversight, as well as aiding illicit activities, is a cause for concern.
One of the most vocal critics of Harris' stance is Jeff Hauser, the executive director of the Revolving Door Project (RDP). Hauser warns that any acquiescence to the crypto industry will lead to disaster. He argues that allowing industries to purchase a regulatory framework that suits their interests would set a dangerous precedent. Furthermore, it could expose Americans to fraud and other illicit behavior pervasive across the cryptocurrency industry.
However, the crypto industry is relentless in its pursuit of political influence. Crypto industry spending on federal lobbying reached an all-time high of $24.7 million in 2023, according to OpenSecrets. The industry's financial clout is increasingly visible in the run-up to the 2024 elections, with crypto firms pouring more than $119 million directly into federal elections so far this year.
Meanwhile, in China, the central bank's recent stimulus package has sparked speculation among cryptocurrency enthusiasts. The stimulus measures included slashing the amount of funds that banks are required to hold as reserves and the mortgage rate for existing housing by 50 basis points. According to Decrypt, this large-scale embrace of stimulus measures has led crypto fans to wonder if China's move to "print money" would ultimately benefit Bitcoin and crypto prices.
Su Zhu, founder of the now-defunct crypto hedge fund Three Arrows Capital, suggests that the measures enacted by China’s central bank would be supportive of digital asset prices. Since Zhu's post, the price of Bitcoin has only slightly increased, rising from $63,000 to about $63,200. However, the central bank’s sudden easing is expected to boost global liquidity, which typically bodes well for Bitcoin’s price, according to crypto analyst Lyn Alden.
The central bank's moves also aim to boost the region’s economy, which has faced a significant slowdown in consumer spending and housing. This includes supporting Chinese stocks with 800 billion yuan ($113 billion) and releasing plans for a so-called stock stabilization fund. However, despite these efforts, some believe the stimulus package may not be enough to reverse the trends of souring consumer confidence and demand.
Interestingly, the Chinese central bank's stimulus blitz follows the Federal Reserve’s first rate cut in four years, which analysts viewed as a catalyst for risk assets like stocks and crypto. However, Brian Rudick, a senior strategist at the market maker GSR, suggests that Bitcoin's reaction could prove muted due to crypto trading being banned in China since 2021.
It's clear that the narratives of political positioning and economic stimulus are woven tightly with the fabric of cryptocurrency. As global leaders like Harris and central banks like China's navigate these tumultuous waters, the future of cryptocurrencies hangs in the balance.
Here are links to the stories discussed: - Jaw-Dropping: Progressives Sound Alarm as Harris Courts Crypto Industry - China's Money Printer Goes Brrr—Will It Give Bitcoin a Boost?