

The Breakdown
Blockworks
A daily analysis of macroeconomics, bitcoin, geopolitics and big picture power shifts, hosted by Nathaniel Whittemore @nlw. The Breakdown is part of Blockworks.Subscribe to The Breakdown newsletter: https://the-breakdown.carrd.co/
Episodes
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Aug 14, 2024 • 14min
Poll Numbers Show What Dems Really Think of Crypto
Delve into the shifting dynamics between the SEC and the crypto industry, highlighting concerns over potential regulations affecting decentralized exchanges. New polling uncovers surprising optimism among Democrats toward crypto amidst rising public apprehension about financial services. Evolving sentiments reveal how issues like abortion rights reshape Democratic views, while independents voice worries about the political climate. Additionally, explore recent market trends for Bitcoin and Ethereum, alongside a significant legal case involving a Binance exec.

Aug 14, 2024 • 14min
The SEC Goes After Crypto VCs
The SEC is ramping up its investigation into crypto venture capitalists, raising alarm over potential securities law violations. With subpoenas targeting token deals, the industry faces uncertainty amid aggressive regulatory actions. On a brighter note, community-driven events are helping to foster growth in the crypto space. Additionally, the governance shifts of Wrapped Bitcoin are stirring debates, especially with Justin Sun's involvement, as regulatory challenges surrounding Bitcoin ETFs continue to unfold.

Aug 12, 2024 • 12min
The Great American Bitcoin Mining Plan
The discussion kicks off with the U.S.'s potential leadership in Bitcoin mining, highlighting bipartisan support and abundant energy resources. It dives into the booming job market, showcasing the impressive growth in direct and indirect employment opportunities. A strategic approach is proposed, emphasizing Bitcoin mining as a national asset vital for economic growth. The podcast also envisions how investments in energy infrastructure could transform America, capitalizing on the global Bitcoin market for economic independence and community revitalization.

Aug 10, 2024 • 31min
The Five Most Important Stories in Crypto This Week
Scott Melker, a well-known crypto commentator, dives deep into the recent turbulence in the cryptocurrency market. He discusses Bitcoin's alarming price drop and its ties to broader political events like the US elections. The potential for Bitcoin to hit $100,000 by year-end is also on the table, along with insights into institutional investments' misconceptions. Additionally, Melker examines the political climate within the Democratic Party regarding crypto, while also covering Ripple's recent legal settlement with the SEC and its significance for the industry's future.

Aug 9, 2024 • 13min
The Ripple-SEC Case is Finally Over
The recent court ruling on the Ripple-SEC lawsuit delivered a surprising $125 million penalty, reshaping expectations in the crypto world. The discussion delves into the evolving regulatory landscape, highlighting calls for clearer guidelines to bolster market integrity. It also touches on the IMF's changing stance on Bitcoin in El Salvador and the bipartisan push in the U.S. for necessary regulations. These developments signal a significant shift in how digital assets are perceived and regulated globally.

Aug 8, 2024 • 14min
What the Walz VP Pick Says About the Dem Approach to Crypto
Tim Walz, the Minnesota Governor and newly selected VP candidate, joins Kamala Harris to discuss the Democrats' stance on cryptocurrency. They dive into Walz's limited history with crypto and the mixed reactions from the community regarding new leadership. The conversation also touches on the recent chaos in the Bitcoin market, highlighting the strategies of whale investors versus short-term holders. Finally, they analyze current market metrics and speculate on future trends that could influence institutional adoption.

Aug 7, 2024 • 13min
What Was That -- A Market Crash for Ants?
Market fears seemed overstated as a crash turned into a mild dip. Surprisingly, Bitcoin and Ethereum showed resilience during the turmoil. Analysts discussed diverse opinions on how the Federal Reserve might intervene, adding to market speculations. In the face of challenges, decentralized finance remained surprisingly stable, showcasing its strength amidst economic uncertainty. Stay tuned as traders navigate this unpredictable landscape!

Aug 6, 2024 • 13min
What Drove the Market Crash
The podcast dives into the recent market crash, linking it to major drops in Bitcoin and traditional assets. There's an insightful exploration of the causes, including the Japanese Yen carry trade unwind and a disappointing jobs report. The discussion highlights the evolving economic landscape and reassesses interest rate predictions amid this turbulence. Also covered are the vulnerabilities institutions face from yen volatility and geopolitical tensions, shedding light on the broader implications for monetary policy and financial stability.

Aug 1, 2024 • 15min
Powell Signals Rate Cuts Finally Coming in September
Jerome Powell hints at a potential rate cut in September while maintaining a cautious stance on inflation and employment. The discussion covers the complexities of monetary policy and the economic indicators influencing decisions. Market reactions present a mixed bag, with analysts divided over the implications of possible rate cuts. Highlights include the impressive performance of Nvidia and its impact on tech stocks, alongside varying predictions for the S&P 500 and the future of Treasury debt strategies.

Aug 1, 2024 • 14min
The Debate Around the Bitcoin Reserve
Nader al-Naji, known for his connection to a Bitcoin-related indictment, dives into the hot debate surrounding a proposed U.S. Bitcoin Strategic Reserve. Discussing the government's plans to use Bitcoin to support the dollar, he highlights the sharp critiques from the economic community. They also explore new cryptocurrency regulations in Russia and recent SEC allegations regarding the Bitclout platform. Al-Naji shares insights on the evolving landscape of crypto policy and the future challenges facing the industry.


