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Winter's Dawn: Celebrating the Solstice

The Winter Solstice, which occurred on December 21st, marks the shortest day and longest night of the year, signaling the official start of winter. Mary Walrath-Holdridge and Julia Gomez from USA TODAY explore the significance of this astronomical event and how it is celebrated across different cultures. The solstice, occurring when the North Pole is tilted furthest away from the sun, brings the least amount of daylight and the longest night. This year, the solstice fell on December 21st at 4:21 a.m. EST, marking the astronomical beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Historically, the Winter Solstice has been a time of celebration and reflection. Ancient civilizations, such as the Romans with their Saturnalia festival and the Norsemen with their bonfires, honored the return of the sun and the promise of longer days ahead. Today, people continue to observe the solstice with various traditions, including gatherings, feasts, and rituals that pay homage to the natural cycles of l...

Bitcoin Hovers Near All-Time Peak as Crypto Draws Record Inflows

 

Bitcoin, the original cryptocurrency, is experiencing a remarkable surge, propelled by an unprecedented influx of capital into crypto products and the anticipation of a reduction in the digital token’s supply growth. On Monday, it reached an all-time peak of nearly $72,881, and as of Tuesday morning in Singapore, it was trading at $72,165.

Here are the key highlights:

  1. Record Inflows: Last week, a staggering $2.7 billion flowed into crypto assets, with the majority directed toward Bitcoin. This surge in investment reflects growing interest from institutional players and retail investors alike.

  2. Spot Bitcoin ETFs: The success of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) launched in the US on January 11 has been a driving force behind recent momentum. ETFs from BlackRock Inc. and Fidelity Investments have collectively attracted a net inflow of approximately $9.5 billion so far. Additionally, the London Stock Exchange now accepts applications for Bitcoin and Ether exchange-traded notes, while Thailand’s securities regulator signals openness to overseas crypto ETFs for retail buyers.

  3. Institutional Adoption: Ophelia Snyder, co-founder and president of 21Shares, notes that institutional adoption is still in its early stages in the US. Not all institutions and wire houses have access to Bitcoin, but the landscape is evolving as more players enter the market.

  4. Market Outlook: Analysts suggest further gains may be on the horizon. Tony Sycamore from IG Australia Pty predicts Bitcoin could push toward $80,000 in the coming months, while technical analyst Katie Stockton of Fairlead Strategies LLC also sees this level as achievable in the medium term.

As Bitcoin continues its ascent, the crypto market remains dynamic and full of potential. Investors and enthusiasts alike are closely monitoring developments, and the anticipation surrounding the upcoming halving event scheduled for April 20 adds to the excitement.

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