Cryptocurrency
Bitcoin's Post-Election Surge: Impact on Portfolio Strategy
2024-12-11
Bitcoin's journey in the financial world reached a new zenith in December 2024. It soared to an all-time high of $103,647, leaving investors in awe. This remarkable milestone came on the heels of former President Donald Trump's reelection and his crypto-friendly policy promises. The approval of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in January 2024 opened up new avenues for mainstream investors, allowing them to access this asset through traditional brokerage accounts.

Unraveling Bitcoin's Post-Election Rollercoaster

Bitcoin's New All-Time High

The surge from around $70,000 before the election was a sight to behold. Investor exuberance ran high as they anticipated a more favorable regulatory environment under Trump. His appointment of Paul Atkins as the SEC chair and the addition of other crypto-friendly personnel to his administration further fueled this optimism. Atkins, with his background and stance on regulation, was seen as a boon for the cryptocurrency sector.However, it's important to remember that such rapid price movements are not without their risks. Bitcoin's history is marked by massive price drops, as evidenced by its 70% crash after the 2021 high. This serves as a stark reminder of the need for caution and risk management.

Should You Invest in Bitcoin Now?

Wealth advisor Peter Hughes of Evolve Investing emphasizes the importance of staying mindful of Bitcoin's historical volatility. When faced with a post-election run-up like the one we've seen, clients often show increased interest. But Hughes is quick to show them the drawdown risk. He points to the cryptocurrency's previous peak in November 2021 and the subsequent more than 70% decline over the following year.For those comfortable with the risk, Hughes suggests allocating no more than 5% of their portfolio to cryptocurrencies. Studies have shown that a Bitcoin or crypto allocation above this threshold can significantly increase the volatility of an overall investment portfolio.For newer investors, Aditi Kapadia of Wealth IQ recommends starting with small allocations to spot ETFs or regulated platforms. This is a prudent first step that allows them to dip their toes into the cryptocurrency world while maintaining a long-term perspective and keeping emotions in check during volatile periods.

The Bottom Line

Investing in Bitcoin after its post-election surge is enticing, but it's crucial to stay grounded. The cryptocurrency's volatility is a fact that cannot be ignored. Investors should focus on balancing risk and reward, maintaining a long-term perspective, and avoiding impulsive decisions driven by market hype.Hughes offers a sobering reality check. If you're feeling bullish on Bitcoin after this incredible run, consider how you would react if the price dropped by half. Your answer will reveal whether you're truly prepared for cryptocurrency's inherent volatility.In conclusion, while Bitcoin's recent success is remarkable, it's essential to approach it with a rational and cautious mindset. By doing so, investors can navigate the volatile waters of the cryptocurrency market more effectively.
Nvidia Facing Lawsuit for Understating Crypto's Impact on Success
2024-12-11
The Supreme Court's recent decision has significant implications for Nvidia, a leading chipmaker. By Lauren Feiner, a senior policy reporter at The Verge with 5 years of experience covering tech policy at CNBC, this article delves into the details.

Unraveling the Supreme Court's Impact on Nvidia's Crypto Dispute

Nvidia's Investor Lawsuit and the Supreme Court's Role

The Supreme Court's decision to decline saving Nvidia from claims it misled investors about its crypto ties has set the stage for a complex legal battle. Nvidia must now face an investor lawsuit that alleges the company downplayed the impact of the cryptocurrency market on its sales. This case stems from a pair of 2018 investor lawsuits, where it was claimed that Nvidia and its top executives made materially false claims. The appeals court had allowed a portion of the consolidated case to move forward, but with the Supreme Court's dismissal of Nvidia's appeal, the case will continue in the lower courts.During oral arguments last month, some justices showed skepticism about whether it was appropriate for them to weigh in on the case. They questioned if it was more of a dispute over facts rather than a legal question, as reported by Reuters. This raises questions about the future of the lawsuit and the role of the Supreme Court in such matters.

Nvidia's Past Settlements and Legal Scrutiny

In a separate 2022 case, Nvidia settled charges with the Securities and Exchange Commission for $5.5 million over claims it obscured how its success was linked to the volatile cryptocurrency market. However, the company did not admit to any wrongdoing in the settlement. This shows that Nvidia has faced legal issues related to its crypto ties in the past and is now facing increased legal scrutiny alongside its business success.The company is reportedly facing antitrust investigations from both Chinese authorities and the US Department of Justice. This adds another layer of complexity to Nvidia's situation and highlights the need for the company to navigate these legal challenges carefully.

Nvidia's Response and Commitment

Nvidia spokesperson John Rizzo states in a statement that the company would have preferred a decision on the merits affirming the trial court's dismissal of the case. However, they are fully prepared to continue their defense. This shows Nvidia's determination to stand by its actions and defend itself against the investor lawsuit.Consistent and predictable standards in securities litigation are essential to protecting shareholders and ensuring a strong economy, and Nvidia remains committed to supporting these standards. This shows that Nvidia understands the importance of maintaining trust with its shareholders and the broader market.In conclusion, the Supreme Court's decision has put Nvidia in a difficult position, facing an investor lawsuit and increased legal scrutiny. The company's response and commitment to defending itself and maintaining standards will be closely watched in the coming months.
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Nvidia's Supreme Court Appeal Rejected in Cryptocurrency Lawsuit
2024-12-11
The U.S. Supreme Court's decision on Wednesday regarding Nvidia Corp's NVDA appeal in a securities fraud lawsuit has significant implications. This case, brought by Swedish investment firm E. Ohman J:or Fonder AB, centers around accusations that the chipmaker misled investors about the extent of its cryptocurrency-related sales. Reuters reports that this decision allows the lower court's ruling, which revived the 2018 class action, to remain in place.

Key Players and Allegations

The plaintiffs assert that Nvidia and its CEO Jensen Huang downplayed the impact of cryptocurrency sales on the company's revenue during 2017 and 2018. As digital currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum experienced a surge, Nvidia's graphics chips became popular among cryptocurrency miners. However, when crypto profitability declined in late 2018, Nvidia's revenue fell below projections, resulting in a drop in its stock price. This decline was a significant event that affected both the company and its investors.Nvidia had previously agreed to a $5.5 million settlement with U.S. regulators in 2022 over similar disclosure issues, without admitting wrongdoing. The Supreme Court's one-line order did not provide further details, leaving many questions unanswered.

Impact on Nvidia's Stock

Nvidia stock has seen remarkable growth this year. Thanks to the artificial intelligence frenzy, it has surged 174% year-to-date. Bitcoin, on the other hand, has gained 138%. In the last five years, Nvidia surged 2,436% compared to Bitcoin's 1,292%. At the last check on Wednesday, NVDA stock was up 2.5% at $138.45. This shows the complex relationship between Nvidia's business and the cryptocurrency market.

Legal Battle and Regulatory Scrutiny

The legal battle between Nvidia and the plaintiffs has been intense. Nvidia argued that the plaintiffs failed to prove the company's statements were false or intentionally misleading. This highlights the importance of accurate financial reporting and disclosure in the corporate world. The regulatory scrutiny on Nvidia's cryptocurrency-related activities also raises questions about the future of such businesses and the need for stricter regulations.In conclusion, the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on Nvidia's securities fraud appeal has far-reaching implications for the company and the market. It remains to be seen how this decision will impact Nvidia's future and the cryptocurrency industry as a whole.
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