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As many of you know from our previous issues, the SEC has been mulling over a Bitcoin Spot ETF for awhile now. They’ve rejected all applications multiple times, but now, they seem to be out of ammo. Many think they can delay no longer.

Blackrock, the largest asset manager in the world, applied for a Bitcoin Spot ETF awhile back. Their record on getting their ETF applications approved is a whopping 575 approvals and just 1 rejection.

And get this - the 1 that got rejected, was a non-standard, non-transparent ETF.

Let me repeat: 575-1. So needless to say, they only apply for these ETFs when they’re absoultely sure they will go through. That’s why the crypto community is so excited about the Bitcoin filing… it’s almost a guarantee that it goes through.

😃 Big News in the World of Crypto Investment

The streets of “crypto X” are thrilled with the news - Blackrock has officially filed for an Ethereum Spot ETF. Yes, you heard that right – Ethereum, the silver to Bitcoin's gold, is now in the big leagues!

🤔 What's an Ethereum Spot ETF?

For those scratching their heads, let's break it down. An ETF, or Exchange-Traded Fund, is like a basket of investments that you can buy and sell on stock exchanges. A Spot ETF means this basket directly holds the asset it tracks – in this case, Ethereum. This means that for every share of the ETF that gets bought, Blackrock will need to buy some Ethereum on the open market.

This is EXTREMELY bullish for Ethereum

🔍 Why Does This Matter?

1. Mainstream Adoption: This move by BlackRock is like a giant neon sign saying, "Crypto is here to stay!" It's a major nod towards the mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies.

2. Increased Accessibility: With an Ethereum Spot ETF, regular investors can jump into Ethereum without the hassle of managing a crypto wallet. Think of it as crypto investment with training wheels.

3. Market Impact: This could mean big things for Ethereum's price and demand. When a giant like BlackRock steps in, it's not just a ripple – it's a tidal wave.

💫 A Step Towards Crypto Diversification

BlackRock isn't just dipping a toe; they're diving headfirst. This move signals a broader acceptance and diversification into different cryptocurrencies, not just Bitcoin. Ethereum's unique features, like smart contracts, make it a juicy pick for investors.

🚦 What's Next?

👀 Keep an eye on this space. The approval process for an ETF can be like watching paint dry, but the implications are enormous. I expect this to go over similarly to the Bitcoin ETF saga.

• Other players jump in and file for one too

• The SEC rejects the applications

• The filers re-file

• The SEC rejects again, or delays

• The filers re-file

• The SEC delays

• The market waits, and watches (we’re here with the BTC one)

• The SEC approves

• Prices skyrocket over the ensuing months

💯 The Bottom Line

These things will get approved sooner or later. It’s likely that ETH wont be the last one, either. What could be next? Solana? Chainlink?

Prepare your bags accordingly.

💰 The Bet of the Century?

Talk about a gamble paying off! Michael Saylor, the mastermind behind business software giant MicroStrategy, has turned his Bitcoin bet into a spectacle of gains. The company's Bitcoin holdings have blasted past unrealized gains of over $1.1 billion. Yes, that's billion with a 'B'!

🤔 How Did He Do It?

• MicroStrategy has been scooping up Bitcoin since 2020. They've amassed over 158,000 bitcoins through company funds and bond sales.

• MicroStrategy’s latest purchase was earlier this fall, when it added 5,445 BTC for just under $150 million - an average price of $27,053 each.

• This digital gold rush wasn't without its ups and downs. MicroStrategy's Bitcoin holdings were once deep in the red, but the recent price surge to over $37,000 a pop has flipped the scrip​​​t.

🏠 Saylor's Strategy: Go Big or Go Home

• Bold Moves: Saylor's been a major Bitcoin bull, making over 30 separate Bitcoin purchases since 2020. His commitment? A cool $4.6 billion!

• Market Impact: MicroStrategy's Bitcoin stash now accounts for over 80% of its whopping $7.1 billion stock market capitalization. That's a staggering level of investment in Bitcoin compared to other institutional holder​​​​​s.

🌠 Why It Matters

• Confidence in Crypto: Saylor's big bet is a massive vote of confidence in Bitcoin. It shows serious belief in the cryptocurrency's long-term value.

• Influence and Inspiration: This isn't just about the numbers. Saylor's move has inspired other companies and investors to consider cryptocurrency as a legitimate asset class.

💯 The Bottom Line

Saylor and MicroStrategy aren't the only ones hoarding Bitcoin, and they won't be the last to join the race either. This trend is catching on like wildfire among forward-thinking companies. From tech giants to financial institutions, the allure of Bitcoin as a digital reserve asset is growing.

It's not just about following a fad; it's about strategic positioning in a digital future. These companies recognize Bitcoin's potential as a hedge against inflation and a new form of 'digital gold.' As more organizations jump on the Bitcoin bandwagon, we could see a significant shift in how corporate reserves are managed, further solidifying Bitcoin's role in the modern financial landscape.

Don’t be late to the party!

💡 What are Oracles in Crypto?

Welcome to the fascinating intersection of the real world and blockchain technology – the realm of crypto oracles! For the uninitiated, oracles in the crypto world are not mystical fortune-tellers, but they're just as intriguing.

1. Data Messengers: Think of oracles as the messengers that fetch real-world information and feed it into the blockchain. They act as a bridge, connecting the blockchain to external data.

2. Why Necessary? Smart contracts on blockchains are great at self-execution but they're like closed boxes, unable to access or verify external data on their own. Oracles are the key to unlocking this limitation.

📊 Types of Oracles

• Software Oracles: These focus on online data sources like temperatures, prices, flight statuses, etc.

• Hardware Oracles: They gather data from the physical world, like scanning a QR code on a shipped package.

• Consensus Oracles: These use a group of sources to validate data, reducing the chance of inaccuracies.

📜 Oracle's Role in Smart Contracts

• Trigger Actions: They can activate smart contracts when certain conditions are met in the real world, like changes in weather, stock prices, or flight timings.

• Provide Reliability: Oracles ensure that the data feeding into smart contracts is accurate and timely, a critical factor for contracts that hinge on real-world events.

🔥 Challenges Faced by Oracles

While oracles are crucial, they're not without challenges:

1. Accuracy Concerns: The data's only as good as its source. Inaccurate or delayed information can trigger incorrect contract outcomes.

2. Security Risks: If an oracle gets compromised, it could feed false data, potentially leading to fraud or losses.

🎮 How Oracles are Changing the Game in Crypto

• Enabling Complex Contracts: With real-world data integration, smart contracts can now execute more complex, real-life agreements, like insurance policies based on weather conditions.

• Expanding Use Cases: They're opening doors to new blockchain applications in finance, supply chain, and beyond, where accurate real-world data is key.

🌐 Famous Oracle Projects

• Chainlink: A leader in the oracle space, known for providing reliable data to smart contracts.

• Band Protocol: Offers a decentralized approach to data handling, aiming to ensure data integrity.

🔮 The Future of Oracles in Crypto

• Growing Importance: As blockchain applications grow, the demand for reliable and secure oracles will skyrocket.

• Innovation Ahead: We're likely to see more advancements in how oracles collect, verify, and relay data, potentially making smart contracts even smarter and more reliable.

You can get involved with an oracle project by purchasing the projects native token and voting on project proposals.

As more and more real world assets get put onto the blockchain, oracles will become more and more important. As always, pack your bags accordingly.

That’s all for today - we’ll see you again on Monday. Thank you for reading Make Crypto Simple and enjoy your weekend with your family and friends!

Sincerely,

Chris Schawel


^{The content provided in this newsletter is for entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. All information, including but not limited to market analysis, price predictions, and investment strategies, is purely speculative in nature. We strongly recommend conducting your own research and consulting with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. We are not responsible for any losses incurred as a result of the information presented in this newsletter.}