Cryptocurrency
Ripple CTO on XRP's Ascent to Third-Biggest Cryptocurrency
2024-12-02
David Schwartz, the chief technology officer at Ripple, has pointed out an interesting coincidence. XRP's rise to become the third-biggest cryptocurrency happened precisely when he officially completed 12 years at the company. This significant event has set the stage for further developments in the cryptocurrency world.

Ripple's XRP Surges to New Heights

XRP's Blistering Rally on Sunday

On Sunday, the XRP continued its remarkable rally, surging by more than 28%. This surge has propelled the token to a new multi-year high of $2.48. It has managed to reclaim one of the top spots in the cryptocurrency market after coming close to dropping out of the top 10 following the SEC lawsuit against Ripple. This shows the resilience and potential of XRP in the face of challenges.The Ripple-affiliated cryptocurrency's ascent is not without significance. It has now surpassed stablecoin giant Tether (USDT) and "Ethereum killer" Solana (SOL) to take the third place by market capitalization. This is a major achievement that highlights XRP's growing influence in the crypto space.

XRP's Market Capitalization and Comparisons

With a current market cap of $139 billion, XRP is now larger than major companies like Citigroup, Airbus, and Sony. This demonstrates the value and potential of XRP as an investment. However, despite its significant gains, it is not the best-performing cryptocurrency in the top 100. Hedera (HBAR) managed to outstrip it with an astonishing 42% gain. This shows that the cryptocurrency market is highly competitive and that XRP still has room for growth.Traders have also shown their preference for other O.G. altcoins. EOS (EOS) and Litecoin (LTC) have both seen gains of 20.5% and 20.2%, respectively. XRP has also lagged behind HBAR in terms of weekly gains, with 78% and 69% respectively. But this does not diminish the potential of XRP.

The Major Catalyst on the Horizon

The Ripple-affiliated token has another major catalyst in the offing. As reported by U.Today, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse recently recorded an interview with "60 Minutes," one of the most prominent TV programs in the US. This interview could potentially bring more attention and credibility to XRP and Ripple. In a recent social media post, Garlinghouse confirmed that there is no official air date yet, but this only adds to the anticipation.The combination of XRP's current success and the upcoming interview with "60 Minutes" makes for an exciting time in the cryptocurrency world. It remains to be seen how these developments will impact the future of XRP and Ripple.
Dogecoin Surges 9% as Bernie Sanders Backs Elon Musk's 'DOGE' Dept
2024-12-02
Popular dog-themed cryptocurrency Dogecoin DOGE/USD has been making significant waves in the financial markets. Its recent rally after Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) seemingly supported Elon Musk's upcoming Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, has caught the attention of both crypto enthusiasts and traditional investors alike.

Unraveling the Mystery Behind Dogecoin's Surging Value

DOGE's Market Capitalization Leap

The world's largest meme coin by market capitalization has seen an astonishing over 9% jump in the last 24 hours. This surge has not only surpassed the gains made by blue-chip cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin BTC/USD and Ethereum ETH/USD but has also led to a significant increase in its trading volume. DOGE's trading volume has jumped a remarkable 40% to $8.93 billion, making it the fifth-most traded cryptocurrency in the same period. This remarkable growth showcases the immense popularity and potential of Dogecoin in the highly volatile cryptocurrency market.

It is fascinating to observe how a seemingly simple tweet or a political statement can have such a profound impact on the value and trading patterns of a cryptocurrency. Dogecoin, with its unique charm and widespread adoption, has managed to carve a niche for itself in the competitive crypto space.

The rally comes at a time when the cryptocurrency market is experiencing both highs and lows. While other major cryptocurrencies struggle to maintain their momentum, Dogecoin has emerged as a strong contender, attracting a large number of investors and traders.

The Role of Sen. Bernie Sanders

Veteran left-leaning politician Sanders sharing concerns about the Pentagon's financial management with Musk has played a crucial role in fueling the DOGE rally. The independent senator's highlighting of the Pentagon's $886 billion budget and its failure to pass audits for the seventh consecutive year has resonated with Musk's position on wasteful government spending.

This agreement between Sanders and Musk has led to the creation of the planned DOGE department, which aims to cut through the complexity of federal bureaucracy and filter out "nonsensical" regulations. Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy's oversight of this department is expected to bring about significant changes in the way government spending is managed.

The DOGE department's mission to fix government waste and inefficiency has gained significant traction, not only among crypto enthusiasts but also among those who are concerned about the state of the economy and government spending.

Price Action and Future Outlook

At the time of writing, DOGE was trading at $0.4568, up 9.27% in the last 24 hours, according to data from Benzinga Pro. This upward trend indicates the continued strength and potential of Dogecoin in the future.

However, it is important to note that the cryptocurrency market is highly volatile and unpredictable. While Dogecoin has shown remarkable growth in recent days, it is essential for investors to exercise caution and conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions.

The future of Dogecoin remains uncertain, but its recent rally has certainly opened up new opportunities and possibilities for both investors and the cryptocurrency industry as a whole.

Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs© 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
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Understanding Cryptocurrency: Vital for a Complex World
2024-12-02
Cryptocurrency has emerged as a significant force in today's world, captivating the attention of both financial markets and the environment. Its digital nature and alternative payment system have brought about a wave of change, yet its very vagueness and complexity have left many confused. Whether seen as a positive or negative, it is crucial to understand the ripple effects it is producing.

Unraveling the Mysteries and Consequences of Cryptocurrency

Understanding Cryptocurrency Basics

Cryptocurrency is a digital currency created through encryption algorithms. It serves as a form of currency and a virtual accounting system. To use it, one needs a cryptocurrency wallet, which is software stored on a computer or mobile device. These wallets hold encryption keys that grant access to funds. Bitcoin, one of the more well-known cryptocurrencies, has gained popularity as an alternative online payment method. However, it is important to note that cryptocurrencies are relatively new and more volatile than traditional currencies. They lack regulation from banks or third parties, making them uninsured and difficult to convert into tangible currencies like the US dollar.

Moreover, as intangible assets, they are vulnerable to hacking like any other electronic device. Losing a crypto wallet means losing one's entire investment. Incidents like the 2022 bankruptcy of the FTX crypto exchange, which cost customers $8 billion and led to the imprisonment of founder Sam Bankman-Fried for 25 years, have highlighted the dangers.

The Rise of Bitcoin and Its Impact

Bitcoin was launched in 2009 and has seen its value soar in recent years, especially after Donald Trump's re-election. The belief is that as more people use cryptocurrencies, they will become more stable. This surge in value has attracted a lot of attention and investment.

However, the environmental impact of Bitcoin mining cannot be ignored. Large-scale crypto mines like Greenidge Generation consume huge quantities of electricity to solve complex equations. To power their servers, they use former coal-burning plants that now run on natural gas, pumping millions of pounds of carbon dioxide into the air and contaminating nearby Seneca Lake with heated water discharges.

Global Cryptocurrency Footprints

A study by the United Nations University and Earth's Future found that between 2020 and 2021, 173.42 terawatt hours of electricity were consumed by Bitcoin mining globally. This is enough to rank Bitcoin as a nation in the top 30 in terms of electricity consumption. The carbon footprint is equivalent to burning 84 billion pounds of coal, and to offset this, almost 4 billion trees would need to be planted. The water footprint is roughly the same as filling 660,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Greenidge Generation in central New York was a test case for the state's ability to enforce climate laws. With Trump's re-election, it may become even more challenging as he has received billions of dollars from the crypto industry. It is clear which groups are benefiting and which nations will bear the environmental consequences.

To prevent these inequities, it is vital that people educate themselves about the nature of this complex industry and its future impact. Only by understanding cryptocurrency can we make informed decisions and work towards a more sustainable future.

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