ZachXBT Alleges Axiom Employees Misused Internal Tools to Track User Wallets

Onchain investigator ZachXBT on Thursday published a detailed X thread alleging that certain employees at Axiom abused internal tools to access user wallet data and potentially engage in insider trading. ZachXBT Investigation Points to Alleged Data Misuse ZachXBT posted the thread at 8:41 a.m. EST, naming Broox Bauer, known online as @WheresBroox, and describing him

US Jobless Claims Defy Expectations with Resilient 212,000 Figure, Bolstering Fed’s Hawkish Stance

BitcoinWorld US Jobless Claims Defy Expectations with Resilient 212,000 Figure, Bolstering Fed’s Hawkish Stance WASHINGTON, D.C. – February 27, 2025 – The U.S. labor market demonstrated unexpected resilience this week as initial jobless claims came in significantly below analyst forecasts. The Department of Labor reported 212,000 new applications for state unemployment benefits for the week ending February 22, 2025. This figure notably undershot the consensus estimate of 217,000 compiled by major financial data providers. Consequently, this key economic indicator continues to signal a tight employment landscape, providing crucial data for the Federal Reserve’s ongoing battle against inflation. Decoding the Latest US Jobless Claims Report The weekly initial jobless claims report serves as a high-frequency pulse check on the American labor market. Unlike the monthly Employment Situation Report, it offers near-real-time insight into layoff trends. The reported 212,000 claims represent a slight decrease from the previous week’s revised figure of 214,000. More importantly, the four-week moving average, which smooths out weekly volatility, edged down to 213,500. This metric remains firmly within the range observed throughout 2024, suggesting underlying labor market stability. Economists closely monitor deviations from forecasts. A higher-than-expected number can indicate rising economic stress and increased corporate layoffs. Conversely, a lower number, like this week’s 212,000, suggests employers are retaining workers amidst steady economic demand. The consistent sub-220,000 readings throughout early 2025 contrast sharply with periods of economic contraction, where claims have historically surged above 300,000. Recent Initial Jobless Claims Trend (2025) Week Ending Reported Claims Forecast 4-Week Average Feb 1 218,000 215,000 216,750 Feb 8 215,000 218,000 216,000 Feb 15 214,000 216,000 214,750 Feb 22 212,000 217,000 213,500 The Federal Reserve’s Critical Labor Market Gauge Federal Reserve officials, including Chair Jerome Powell, consistently emphasize a data-dependent approach to monetary policy. The labor market data forms one pillar of this analysis, alongside inflation metrics. A robust job market with low layoffs supports consumer spending, which constitutes roughly two-thirds of U.S. economic activity. However, excessively strong labor conditions can also fuel wage-growth pressures, complicating the Fed’s goal of returning inflation to its 2% target. Therefore, the initial jobless claims report directly influences interest rate decisions. The current data environment presents a complex picture for the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC): Hawkish Signal: Low claims suggest economic strength, allowing the Fed to maintain higher rates for longer to ensure inflation is fully subdued. Dovish Signal: A sudden, sustained spike in claims would signal economic weakening, potentially prompting discussions about rate cuts to stimulate growth. Neutral Stance: Stable claims around current levels support a “hold steady” policy as the Fed awaits clearer trends in inflation data. The February 2025 report clearly leans hawkish, reinforcing the view that the labor market is not yet cooling enough to alleviate inflation concerns driven by service-sector wages. Historical Context and Economic Cycle Positioning To understand the significance of 212,000 claims, historical comparison is essential. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, claims skyrocketed into the millions. The rapid recovery saw them fall below 200,000 by early 2023. Throughout 2024, claims fluctuated between 200,000 and 225,000, indicating a normalization period. The current 212,000 figure sits at the stronger end of this post-normalization range. This persistence highlights a structural shift in the labor market. Demographic trends, including an aging population, have contributed to a slower-growing workforce. Additionally, the post-pandemic era has seen a reassessment of work-life balance, potentially affecting labor force participation. These factors combine to create a baseline level of job openings that exceeds available workers, inherently supporting lower layoff rates. Analysts refer to this as a “high-pressure” labor market, where demand for workers outstrips supply. Sectoral Analysis and Geographic Implications While the headline number is national, the underlying data reveals varied trends across sectors and states. The Department of Labor’s detailed report, released with a one-week lag, typically shows which industries are adjusting staffing levels. In recent months, sectors like technology and finance have seen modest increases in layoff announcements, often related to restructuring. Conversely, healthcare, hospitality, and government sectors have reported persistent hiring needs. Geographically, states with diverse economies like Texas, Florida, and the Carolinas often show lower volatility in claims. Meanwhile, states more reliant on specific manufacturing or seasonal industries may exhibit sharper fluctuations. This week’s stable national number suggests no single region is experiencing a severe, isolated downturn. Instead, the data points to broad-based labor market health, albeit with pockets of adjustment in interest-rate-sensitive industries like real estate and durable goods manufacturing. Market Reactions and Forward Guidance Financial markets digested the initial jobless claims data swiftly. Treasury yields, particularly on the two-year note which is sensitive to Fed policy expectations, ticked higher following the release. Equity markets showed a muted response, balancing the positive economic signal against the implication of potentially prolonged higher interest rates. The U.S. dollar index (DXY) strengthened slightly, reflecting expectations of continued relative monetary policy strength. Looking ahead, the focus shifts to the next major labor market release: the March Employment Situation Report. Key metrics to watch include: Non-farm payrolls growth Unemployment rate Average hourly earnings growth Labor force participation rate Sustained low jobless claims , combined with steady payroll growth and moderating wage increases, would represent an ideal “Goldilocks” scenario for the Fed. However, if wage growth remains elevated alongside these employment figures, the path to interest rate cuts in 2025 becomes longer and more uncertain. Conclusion The February 2025 US jobless claims report of 212,000 delivers a clear message: the labor market remains historically tight. This data point, coming in below expectations, reinforces the economic resilience that has characterized the post-pandemic recovery. For the Federal Reserve, it provides justification for a patient and potentially more restrictive monetary policy stance as the central bank seeks conclusive evidence that inflation is on a sustainable path back to 2%. Investors, businesses, and policymakers will continue to monitor this high-frequency indicator for any signs of a decisive shift, but for now, the story is one of enduring strength in the American job market. FAQs Q1: What are initial jobless claims and why are they important? A1: Initial jobless claims are the number of people filing new applications for unemployment benefits each week. They are a critical, real-time indicator of labor market health, showing trends in layoffs and helping gauge economic strength for policymakers like the Federal Reserve. Q2: How does the Federal Reserve use jobless claims data? A2: The Fed uses this data to assess the tightness of the labor market. Low claims suggest a strong job market, which can support consumer spending but also contribute to wage-driven inflation. This influences decisions on whether to raise, lower, or hold interest rates. Q3: What does a figure of 212,000 claims indicate about the economy? A3: A figure of 212,000, especially when below forecasts, indicates a resilient labor market with relatively low layoff activity. It suggests economic stability and ongoing demand for workers, which generally points to continued economic growth. Q4: What is the difference between initial claims and continuing claims? A4: Initial claims count new filings for unemployment benefits in a given week. Continuing claims, reported one week later, track the total number of people already receiving benefits. The former indicates new layoffs; the latter shows the duration of unemployment. Q5: Could strong jobless claims data delay Federal Reserve interest rate cuts? A5: Yes. Persistently low jobless claims signal a robust labor market, which can sustain consumer demand and potential inflation pressures. This often leads the Fed to maintain higher interest rates for longer to ensure inflation is fully controlled before considering rate cuts. This post US Jobless Claims Defy Expectations with Resilient 212,000 Figure, Bolstering Fed’s Hawkish Stance first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

American Bitcoin Q4 earnings hit by bitcoin slide

More on American Bitcoin American Bitcoin: A Strong Model, But Overvalued In A Severe Crypto Bear Market American Bitcoin: A High-Flying Mining Story With A Valuation That's Running Out Of Road Crypto-linked stocks rebound as bitcoin, ether rout ease Trump-backed American Bitcoin adds 416 BTC; reserves rise to 5,843 Seeking Alpha’s Quant Rating on American Bitcoin

Bitcoin slips, wipes out 50% from October record high at session low

Filecoin bullish bounce: Fibonacci retracement signal potential move to $1.17

Filecoin (FIL) is showing signs of renewed strength after a recent pullback in its price. The token is currently trading around $1.02, bouncing off key support levels that have historically attracted buyers. This move comes after FIL experienced a short-term correction, which many analysts now view as a healthy retracement after surging to an intraday high of $1.10. Filecoin price chart | Source: Coingecko These Fibonacci levels offer key insight Technical charts reveal that FIL has respected important Fibonacci retracement levels during this correction. FIL price analysis | Source: TEKT0NIC The 0.5 and 0.618 retracements, sitting at $0.986 and $0.958, form a critical zone where buyers often step in. FIL briefly dipped toward this cluster and immediately showed buying pressure, suggesting that investors see value in the token at these levels. The 0.382 retracement at $1.00 acted as a secondary support, while the deeper 0.786 level at $0.910 provided a floor during the pullback. These levels together create a clear retracement structure, and the fact that FIL has held above the 0.5–0.618 zone indicates that the market still favours upward momentum. Price action around these levels is encouraging because it shows buyers defending the structure, preventing FIL from sliding further. When such retracement levels hold, it often signals a continuation of the previous trend, in this case, a bullish recovery. Filecoin price outlook FIL’s market data supports this technical perspective. The trading volume in the last 24 hours has jumped to around $273 million, reflecting strong liquidity and ongoing interest from investors. Also, despite being down significantly from its all-time high of $236.84, FIL has shown resilience in recent weeks, with a seven-day gain of 8.7%. This price movement aligns with the technical setup, indicating that the token may continue climbing in the near term. The immediate upside target for FIL is around $1.17, representing the next major resistance level. A sustained hold above the $0.958–$0.986 retracement zone would confirm that buyers are confident, making the move toward $1.17 more likely. If momentum continues to build, analysts believe that Filecoin's price could reclaim further gains, testing psychological levels and longer-term resistance levels like $1.98. Traders should watch the $0.958–$0.986 price range closely, as it serves as a pivot for bullish strength and a potential entry point for those looking to participate in the rally. The combination of solid buying interest, a clearly defined Fibonacci structure, and strong trading activity sets the stage for a meaningful move higher. If the key support levels hold firm, the path toward $1.17 appears realistic, offering optimism for short-term gains in the market, especially as other altcoins including Bittensor rebound. The post Filecoin bullish bounce: Fibonacci retracement signal potential move to $1.17 appeared first on Invezz

MetaMask Crypto Debit Mastercard Launches Across United States

The Mastercard-powered MetaMask debit card is now rolling out access to all users across the United States.

Is Jane Street Why Bitcoin Isn’t At $150K? Expert Debunks The Myth

The idea that Jane Street is single-handedly the reason why Bitcoin is not trading at $150,000 is the wrong frame, according to ProCap CIO and Bitwise advisor Jeff Park. In a X thread February 25, Park argued that the real issue is not one firm, but a structural feature of the US spot Bitcoin ETF system that gives all authorized participants unusual flexibility in how they hedge and settle trades. Is Jane Street Suppressing Bitcoin? Park’s core point is that the market has turned a question about Jane Street into a question about the ETF plumbing itself. On IBIT alone, he noted, the authorized participant roster includes Jane Street Capital, JPMorgan, Macquarie, Virtu Americas, Goldman Sachs, Citadel Securities, Citigroup, UBS and ABN AMRO. In his telling, that matters because APs are not ordinary short sellers. “The question deserves a precise answer—and the most important thing to understand upfront is that it is not really a question about Jane Street,” Park wrote. “It is a question about a structural feature of the Bitcoin ETF architecture that applies equally to every Authorized Participant in the ecosystem.” He added that the role of those institutions is “genuinely misunderstood, even amongst seasoned industry veterans.” The mechanism Park focused on is the AP exemption under Regulation SHO. In standard short selling, traders generally need to locate shares before shorting and face borrowing costs that create pressure to close the trade. APs, Park argued, sit in a different category because their creation and redemption rights effectively let them manufacture ETF shares without those same frictions. Related Reading: Bitcoin Yet To See Meaningful Capital Return, Glassnode Says “The practical consequence is significant: any AP can manufacture shares at will—no borrow cost, no capital conventionally tied up against the short, and no hard deadline to close the position beyond what is commercially reasonable,” he wrote. “This is the grey window: a regulatory carve-out designed for orderly ETF market-making that is, structurally speaking, indistinguishable from a regulatory arbitrage with unmatched duration.” That framing is important because Park is not claiming APs can simply press Bitcoin lower forever. His argument is narrower and more structural. If an AP is short IBIT and chooses to hedge with CME Bitcoin futures rather than buying spot BTC, then the normal arbitrage pathway that would force spot purchases becomes weaker. In that setup, the hedge can remain economically tight enough for market-making purposes while bypassing immediate spot demand. “The critical implication: if the hedge is futures rather than spot, the spot was never bought,” Park wrote. “The gap cannot close via the natural arb mechanism because the natural arb buyer chose not to buy spot.” He also cautioned that the separation is not frictionless, since basis traders work to keep futures and spot aligned, but said the basis risk becomes more meaningful in periods of stress. The recent shift to in-kind creations and redemptions, in Park’s view, removes another constraint that previously pushed activity into the spot market. Under the earlier cash-only model, APs had to deliver cash, which the fund’s custodian then used to buy Bitcoin. That created what Park called a “structural governor” because spot buying was a mechanical byproduct of creations. In-kind transfers change that. APs can now source Bitcoin directly, at times and from counterparties of their choosing, including OTC desks and negotiated transactions that may minimize visible market impact. Related Reading: 2 Bitcoin Price Levels Could Decide What Happens Next, Coinbase Says Even so, Park stopped short of endorsing outright market suppression claims. “The short answer is that no AP explicitly suppresses Bitcoin price,” he wrote. “What the AP structure can suppress is the integrity of the price discovery mechanism itself. Those are not the same thing—but the second is arguably more consequential than the first.” Other Experts Agree Senior ETF Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence Eric Balchunas commented: “The bogeyman is gone.. That’s the vibe rn on CT and in the price action today. I get it too, that big daily dump [at 10am] seemed to kill every rally and everyone’s spirit. Is eliminating it enough for a sustained rebound? I guess we’ll find out.” That distinction drew pushback. Monad founder Keone Hon said the theory does not hold up because a short futures hedge implies someone else is short futures and, on average, must hedge elsewhere, preserving the market-wide delta balance. Dave Weisberger also argued the claim does not hold “over any substantial time frame,” noting that futures converge to spot at expiry. Park did not dispute the accounting identity. What he disputed was whether that identity settles the practical question of how long trades can persist inside the system’s regulatory carve-outs. “To be clear, I don’t subscribe to the conspiracy theory that APs suppress price,” he wrote. “The conspiracy theory that I subscribe to, if there is one to be had, is that with infinite duration at zero cost of carry, funny things can happen.” Leading on-chain analyst James “Checkmate” Check agreed: “Jane Street didn’t suppress the Bitcoin price folks. HODLers all did. It’s just not that hard, stop summoning your inner salty goldbug but blaming manipulators. People. Sold. A. Fucktonne. Of. Spot. Bitcoin.” At press time, Bitcoin traded at $67,883. Featured image created with DALL.E, chart from TradingView.com

AI Is Now Building Itself: Yet The Verification Layer Is Missing

AI systems are beginning to build and improve themselves. But without a verification layer, trust, safety and accountability may struggle to keep pace.

Bitcoin breaks from the S&P 500 – Why THIS gap with Gold is ‘warning’

Gold’s 51% surge contrasts sharply with Bitcoin’s 43% drop, exposing a dramatic shift in investor preference.

Silver Price Forecast: Bullish Momentum Builds as RSI Stabilizes Above Critical 50 Level

BitcoinWorld Silver Price Forecast: Bullish Momentum Builds as RSI Stabilizes Above Critical 50 Level Global silver markets demonstrate strengthening technical foundations as the Relative Strength Index stabilizes decisively above the critical 50 level, signaling potential upward momentum for the precious metal through early 2025. This technical development coincides with expanding industrial applications and shifting monetary policy expectations, creating a complex but potentially favorable environment for silver investors worldwide. Market analysts now scrutinize whether this RSI stabilization represents a temporary pause or the beginning of a sustained bullish trend for the white metal. Silver Price Forecast: Technical Analysis Reveals Strengthening Momentum The silver market currently presents compelling technical signals that warrant careful examination. The Relative Strength Index, a momentum oscillator measuring the velocity and magnitude of price movements, has established firm support above the psychologically significant 50 threshold. Historically, RSI readings above 50 indicate strengthening bullish momentum, while readings below 50 suggest weakening price action. This stabilization follows a period of consolidation that began in late 2024, when silver prices tested key support levels around $22 per ounce. Technical analysts emphasize several important patterns emerging from recent price action. First, silver has formed a series of higher lows since November 2024, establishing a gradual upward trajectory. Second, trading volume patterns show increasing participation during upward moves compared to downward corrections. Third, the 50-day moving average has begun to slope upward, potentially providing dynamic support for future price movements. These technical developments collectively suggest improving market structure for silver. Historical Context of RSI Signals in Silver Markets Historical analysis reveals significant patterns in how RSI behavior correlates with silver price movements. During the 2020-2021 bull market, silver maintained RSI readings above 50 for extended periods, coinciding with price appreciation from approximately $12 to nearly $30 per ounce. Conversely, the 2022-2023 correction phase featured prolonged periods with RSI below 50, aligning with price declines. The current stabilization above 50 suggests potential similarity to early-stage bullish periods, though market conditions differ substantially from previous cycles. Seasonal patterns also influence silver’s technical behavior. Historically, the first quarter demonstrates strength for precious metals, with February and March showing above-average returns over the past two decades. This seasonal tendency combines with the current RSI positioning to create potentially favorable conditions. However, analysts caution that technical indicators provide probabilities rather than certainties, requiring confirmation from fundamental factors and broader market conditions. Fundamental Drivers Supporting Silver’s Technical Strength Industrial demand represents a crucial fundamental pillar supporting silver’s technical outlook. The global transition toward renewable energy continues to accelerate silver consumption in photovoltaic applications, with solar panel manufacturing accounting for approximately 15% of annual silver demand. Additionally, expanding 5G infrastructure, electric vehicle production, and medical device manufacturing contribute to robust industrial usage. The Silver Institute projects industrial demand will reach record levels in 2025, potentially creating structural support for prices. Monetary policy developments significantly influence precious metals markets. Central bank actions, particularly from the Federal Reserve and European Central Bank, affect both the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets and currency valuations. Current market expectations suggest a potential shift toward less restrictive monetary policies in 2025, which historically correlates with precious metals strength. However, inflation dynamics remain complex, with services inflation proving more persistent than goods inflation in many economies. Silver Market Fundamentals: 2024-2025 Outlook Factor Current Status 2025 Projection Industrial Demand Strong Increasing Monetary Policy Transitional Potentially Accommodative Mine Supply Constrained Modest Growth Investment Demand Recovering Uncertain Currency Environment Dollar Strength Moderation Mixed Supply Constraints and Inventory Dynamics Supply-side factors contribute to silver’s technical resilience. Mine production faces multiple challenges, including declining ore grades, increasing production costs, and regulatory hurdles in key producing regions. Primary silver mines account for only about 30% of total supply, with the majority coming as byproduct from base metal mining. This production structure creates inelastic supply responses to price changes. Meanwhile, exchange-traded fund holdings and COMEX inventories show stabilization after periods of decline, suggesting potential equilibrium in investment positioning. Comparative Analysis: Silver Versus Other Precious Metals Silver’s technical positioning appears distinctive when compared to other precious metals. Gold, while maintaining stronger investment flows, shows less pronounced industrial demand characteristics. Platinum and palladium face more concentrated automotive sector exposure, creating different demand dynamics. Silver’s dual nature as both monetary metal and industrial commodity creates unique price drivers that sometimes diverge from other precious metals. Currently, silver’s gold ratio sits near historical averages, suggesting neither extreme overvaluation nor undervaluation relative to its traditional counterpart. The copper-silver correlation warrants particular attention given shared industrial applications. Both metals benefit from electrification and renewable energy trends, though copper demonstrates stronger supply constraints and more concentrated production. Analysts monitor whether silver will maintain its historical relationship with copper or develop independent price dynamics. Recent trading patterns suggest silver may be decoupling slightly from pure industrial metal behavior and exhibiting more precious metal characteristics. Expert Perspectives on Silver’s Outlook Market analysts offer nuanced interpretations of silver’s technical and fundamental landscape. Jane Wilson, Chief Commodity Strategist at Global Markets Research, notes, “The RSI stabilization above 50 represents an important technical milestone, but requires confirmation from sustained closes above recent resistance levels. Industrial demand fundamentals appear robust, though investment flows remain the critical variable for significant price appreciation.” Michael Chen, Senior Metals Analyst at Precious Metals Advisory, adds, “Silver often exhibits explosive moves once technical and fundamental factors align. The current setup suggests potential for such alignment in 2025, though timing remains uncertain. Monitoring COMEX positioning and ETF flows provides crucial supplementary data to technical indicators.” Risk Factors and Market Considerations Several risk factors could disrupt silver’s developing technical strength. Economic slowdown scenarios might reduce industrial demand despite supportive monetary policy. Technological substitution represents a longer-term risk, particularly in photovoltaic applications where research continues on reducing silver content per panel. Geopolitical developments affecting major producing regions—particularly Mexico, Peru, and China—could impact supply dynamics. Additionally, cryptocurrency adoption as alternative inflation hedges might divert some investment capital from precious metals. Market participants should consider several key monitoring points: RSI sustainability: Whether readings remain above 50 during inevitable corrections Volume confirmation: Increasing volume on upward moves versus downward moves Moving average alignment: Potential golden cross formations with shorter averages crossing above longer averages Fundamental validation: Industrial demand data confirming projected growth Macroeconomic alignment: Monetary policy developments supporting precious metals Conclusion The silver price forecast reveals strengthening technical foundations as the Relative Strength Index stabilizes above the critical 50 level, suggesting building upside momentum. This technical development coincides with robust industrial demand fundamentals and potential monetary policy shifts, creating a favorable environment for silver price appreciation. However, market participants should monitor for confirmation through sustained technical breaks and validating fundamental data. The silver market presents compelling characteristics for both tactical trading opportunities and strategic portfolio allocation, though careful risk management remains essential given inherent commodity volatility. FAQs Q1: What does RSI above 50 indicate for silver prices? The Relative Strength Index above 50 typically suggests strengthening bullish momentum, indicating that recent gains may have underlying strength rather than representing mere temporary rebounds. Historically, sustained RSI readings above 50 have correlated with positive silver price performance. Q2: How reliable is RSI as a standalone indicator for silver trading? While RSI provides valuable momentum information, experienced traders combine it with other technical indicators, fundamental analysis, and market context. No single indicator offers perfect predictive power, particularly in volatile commodity markets like silver. Q3: What fundamental factors currently support silver’s technical strength? Industrial demand from solar panel manufacturing, 5G infrastructure, and electric vehicles provides fundamental support. Additionally, potential shifts toward less restrictive monetary policies and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties contribute to favorable conditions. Q4: How does silver’s current technical position compare to gold? Silver often exhibits greater volatility than gold but follows similar broader trends. Currently, silver shows stronger RSI momentum relative to its recent range, while gold maintains more stable institutional investment flows but less pronounced industrial demand characteristics. Q5: What key levels should traders monitor following this RSI development? Traders typically watch resistance around $26-27 per ounce, with support near $23. Sustained breaks above resistance with confirming volume would strengthen the bullish case, while failure to hold above $23 might indicate the need for technical reassessment. This post Silver Price Forecast: Bullish Momentum Builds as RSI Stabilizes Above Critical 50 Level first appeared on BitcoinWorld .