Today we're learning the story of a Bitcoin block that was mined just a couple days ago by a solo miner, surprising the crypto community by successfully mining block #887,212 with just a 480 GH/s Bitaxe rig.

For some perspective, these mini-miners earn about $3 per year - yes you're reading that correctly, per year - that is, unless it happens to be the one to mine a new block.  Running a small rig like this is often compared to buying a lotto ticket, except you only need to pay once and get to play every day.

The Odds...

This miner was using solo.ckpool, a popular choice among individual miners looking to strike digital gold without joining massive pools.

Pool developer Con Kolivas emphasized how remarkable this feat was, estimating that similar rigs have less than a one-in-a-million daily chance of solving a block. Statistically speaking, the average wait time for success with a rig this size is roughly 3,500 years.

To put this into perspective, industrial-scale Bitcoin miners commonly run setups about 2000% more powerful, so beating them with a rig this size is extremely rare.

Tiny Rig, Huge Payoff

This miner earned a reward of about $260,000 at the time, or 3.15 BTC plus an extra 0.025 BTC from transaction fees, according to mempool.space.

Adding to the surprise, the Bitaxe rig used in this incredible win was ultra-affordable, selling for around $90 on Ebay.

Solo Mining Faces Giants

Today, Bitcoin mining is dominated by major players like Foundry USA, whose massive hashrate primarily comes from publicly traded giants such as Cipher Mining, Bitfarms, and Hut 8. MARA Holdings, another heavy hitter, even operates its own dedicated MARA Pool.

Unlike commercial mining hardware that's typically proprietary, Bitaxe offers open-source solutions. Enthusiasts like Skot claim that open-source mining better reflects Bitcoin's core decentralized spirit—making this rare win even sweeter for Bitcoin purists.

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Author: Mark Pippen
London Newsroom
GlobalCryptoPress | Breaking Crypto News

Bitcoin's wild price swings have long been both an opportunity and a challenge for investors. But what if there was a way to potentially  double  your investment gains without injecting more capital? Enter 2X leveraged Bitcoin ETFs  , a high-powered approach that allows investors to magnify their exposure to Bitcoin’s daily movements without directly buying more Bitcoin.

Investors looking to maximize their returns with a traditional brokerage account, these funds provide a unique way to enhance profits while managing risk effectively. Below, we dive into three of the top 2X leveraged Bitcoin ETFs available today.

Understanding 2X Leveraged Bitcoin ETFs

A leveraged ETF aims to amplify the daily returns of an underlying asset—in this case, Bitcoin. If Bitcoin rises 5% in a day, a 2X leveraged Bitcoin ETF could return 10%  . However, if Bitcoin drops by 5%, the ETF would fall 10% in value. This daily resetting nature makes these funds a powerful short-term trading tool but also introduces additional risks due to compounding effects over longer holding periods.

There's several options, and you may initially think - they're all 2X Bitcoin ETF, so they all perform the same - but that isn't the case. Each has small differences in how they operate, and thus, how they perform.  Here's the rundown:

BTCL – T-Rex 2X Long Bitcoin Daily Target ETF  

How It Works: BTCL achieves 2X daily exposure to Bitcoin prices by investing in swap agreements with major financial institutions.

- Key Feature: Aims to provide 200% of the daily return of Bitcoin’s price movements.

- Who It’s For: Traders seeking an aggressive short-term position on Bitcoin’s price fluctuations.

- Risk Factor: Higher volatility due to the use of swap agreements, making it ideal for those who can actively manage their position.

BITU – ProShares 2X Bitcoin ETF  

How It Works: BITU delivers twice the daily performance of Bitcoin without requiring direct ownership of Bitcoin or dealing with leverage-related costs.

- Key Feature: It can be bought and sold through a traditional brokerage account  , making it highly accessible.

- Who It’s For: Investors looking for a simple way to gain leveraged Bitcoin exposure without complex futures contracts.

- Risk Factor: As with any 2X ETF, daily rebalancing means returns can diverge from expectations over longer periods due to compounding effects.

BITX – Volatility Shares 2X Bitcoin ETF  

How It Works: BITX tracks 200% of Bitcoin’s daily movement through futures contracts, adjusting daily to maintain leverage.

- Key Feature: Uses a rolling futures strategy to maintain exposure and accommodate investor inflows and outflows.

- Who It’s For: Investors familiar with futures trading who want a leveraged position in Bitcoin without direct futures contract management.

- Risk Factor: The reliance on rolling futures could lead to costs from  contango  (when futures prices exceed spot prices), impacting returns.

Is a 2X Bitcoin ETF Right for You?  

Leveraged Bitcoin ETFs are best suited for traders and investors who want to maximize gains on short-term Bitcoin movements without tying up extra capital. These funds are designed for those who understand the risks of amplified losses and are comfortable with market volatility.

Additionally, they require active monitoring and rebalancing to maintain optimal exposure. Investors who prefer to trade Bitcoin through a traditional brokerage account rather than directly purchasing and holding the cryptocurrency may find these ETFs a convenient alternative.

Final Thoughts: The Power of Smart Leverage  

2X leveraged Bitcoin ETFs offer a strategic way to potentially double their investment without adding more capital. However, they require active management  , a clear understanding of leveraged ETF mechanics, and a tolerance for volatility. By choosing the right ETF—BTCL, BITU, or BITX—investors can harness Bitcoin’s price movements for greater gains while navigating market risks intelligently.

Remember: Leverage works both ways, so while profits can double, losses can too. Approach with caution and a clear investment strategy.

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Author: Oliver Redding
Seattle Newsdesk  / Breaking Crypto News

US banks have just scored an official OK from the Federal Reserve to jump into bitcoin and other crypto services—so long as they can handle the risks.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell spelled it out at a press conference after the latest Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, emphasizing that while the Fed’s main focus is on overseeing banks, it’s cool with them offering digital asset services if they truly understand what they’re getting into.

Powell noted that several banks under the Fed’s supervision are already dabbling in crypto, and stressed that those looking to follow suit would be held to “a little bit higher” standard when it comes to risk management. He also made it clear that the central bank isn’t anti-innovation, pointing to a Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) report on potential crypto risks and saying that the Fed isn’t out to slam the door on new tech.

All this arrives just as Congress is investigating claims of an organized anti-crypto push—often referred to as “Chokepoint 2.0”—aimed at disconnecting digital assets like bitcoin from the traditional banking system.

The Move Received Praise from the Crypto Industry...

Industry leaders are giving the move a big thumbs-up. Coinbase’s chief legal officer, Paul Grewal, praised the decision, saying it simply brings crypto in line with other industries from a banking standpoint. “Banks now have the freedom to manage the risks involved in cryptocurrencies,” he said, adding, “What a change from the last four years!”

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Author: Oliver Redding
Seattle Newsdesk  / Breaking Crypto News

The first full day with President Donald Trump back in the White House begun with crypto making a notable leap on Tuesday, buoyed by a resurgence in bullish sentiment following President Donald Trump’s first full day back in the White House. Bitcoin surged over 2%, hitting $107,180 and finding support around $106,200.

In the spotlight was “Official Trump,” a token introduced last week to symbolize the new administration. After a rocky start with a plunge of more than 20%, the token managed to trim its losses to 2.5% within 24 hours. This rebound hints at the market's tentative optimism surrounding Trump's crypto-friendly promises.

SEC Announces Their "Crypto Task Force"...

On the regulatory front, the Securities and Exchange Commission took a proactive step by announcing that Acting Chair Mark Uyeda has established a “crypto task force.” This initiative aims to develop a comprehensive and clear regulatory framework for crypto assets, signaling a move towards more structured oversight in the space.

Trump’s return has been met with enthusiasm from crypto investors who view his presidency as a potential catalyst for industry growth. The president has pledged to implement policies that support cryptocurrencies, including a favorable regulatory environment and the creation of a federal Bitcoin reserve. 

As the crypto market navigates these developments, traders should keep a close eye on regulatory changes and market sentiment shifts. The intersection of political influence and digital assets continues to shape the future landscape of cryptocurrency investment and innovation.
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Author: Oliver Redding
Seattle Newsdesk  / Breaking Crypto News

Craig Wright, the controversial figure who claims to be Bitcoin’s creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, is cracking following the defeat of his landmark case as been handed a suspended prison sentence by a UK court.

Wright’s one-year sentence for contempt of court won’t see him behind bars unless he breaches court orders in the next two years. While the average person would make sure to comply, Wright's recent behavior has us wondering if he's capable of controlling himself long enough to stay free man. 

Over-Emotional, Irrational, and Digging his Hole Deeper...

Wright has seemingly become driven by emotion rather than calculated legal strategy, his recent  irrationality and impulsiveness seem to be a clear indication that the mounting legal defeats are taking their toll. 

First, immediately after the court dismissed his lawsuit, he filed another - a move seen as Wright blatantly disregarding the court’s previous orders.

But that was just the beginning as Wright then did something anyone in their right mind knows is always a bad idea, and will never help someone make their case - he skipped attending the hearing addressing his first violation. 

At first it seemed like Wright may have immediately realized his mistake and agreed to attending the rescheduled hearing. But hopes Wright was returning to reality soon faded as he joined the hearing via video link, demanding an insane £240,000 to attend, to cover his "costs and lost earnings". 

These actions painted a picture of someone incapable of maintaining composure in the face of legal setbacks.

The Claim That Won’t Die...

These most recent troubles were ignited when Wright attempted to sue a group of Bitcoin developers for £900 billion (around $1 TRILLION in USD), the most recent, but far from the first lawsuit Wright has attempted.

For years, Wright has insisted he is the mysterious creator of Bitcoin, Satoshi Nakamoto, despite a mountain of evidence to the contrary. This self-proclaimed identity has been central to his legal battles and public persona, yet it has consistently crumbled under scrutiny. 

The High Court in London dismissed his lawsuit, calling it baseless. In the wake of this ruling, an advocacy group made up of individuals and companies who want to protect Bitcoin's open source status, called the Crypto Open Patent Alliance (COPA) called for Wright to be held in contempt of court.  The grounds for this claim come from his ruling from the court explicitly barring him from filing new lawsuits that were based on his claim to be Nakamoto.

The UK Legal System Has Had ENOUGH...

Judge Mellor ripped into Wright, calling his tactics "malicious and manipulative". 

The court highlighted years of distress caused by Wright’s relentless legal threats against developers and bloggers, noting that his claims were founded on lies and forgeries. The judgment emphasized Wright’s attempts to mislead both the legal system and the public.

Wright’s unhinged behavior has earned him a one-year suspended sentence for contempt of court, along with orders to pay £145,000 (about $180,000 USD) within 2 weeks.

While he narrowly avoided prison thus far, he must follow court orders exactly as instructed for the next 2 years if he wants to stay out.

A Tarnished Legacy...

The crazy part is, Wright truly did contribute to the creation of Bitcoin.  He was among the small group of original developers who volunteered their time and skills to help whoever the real Satoshi is - Wright does deserve credit for helping to launch the first cryptocurrency.

Wright could have been a respected figure in the crypto and tech world with the true story of his role in Bitcoin's creation. Ironically, people who launch the most vicious attacks at Wright for being a fraud would probably be among his biggest fans.

This seems to be an example of a poor choice made years ago, perhaps made impulsively - mix this with a prideful person who struggles to admit when they're wrong, and you get this ridiculous never-ending spectacle.

Wright had to be aware of several obvious methods the real Satoshi could use to prove his identity, Wright knew he couldn't perform any of them, and that people would demand this of anyone making this claim. The most important being the ability to open the wallet belonging to Satoshi.

Surely the real Satoshi would carefully back up the private key needed to access his wallet, of which over $90 Billion USD worth of Bitcoin sits untouched for 14 years.

But during a case he filed in Norway, where Wright attempted to sue someone from the crypto community on Twitter for calling him a scammer, Wright claimed he could no longer access the Satoshi wallets since he 'stomped out' the hard drives they were saved on.  The man he was suing was a public school teacher with 8000 followers, Wright lost. 

Where Do We Go From Here?

It seems Wright has taken things so far, he's reached the point where having him face real, life changing consequences is the only response left.  Wright has proven his willingness to create a never ending cycle of baseless lawsuits that waste both government and private citizens funds addressing - failing to win a judgement in his favor has proven not to be a deterrent. 

Since Wright begun his crusade, only his worst traits have evolved.  What started with him at least portraying an image of someone making calculated legal moves, has been replaced with someone unable to control themselves long enough to consider the results of their increasingly impulsive actions.

I guess what I'm trying to say is - my money is on Craig going to jail! He needs to obey every demand of the court for 2 full years, and I just don't see his personality changing enough to pull it off. 

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Author: Mark Pippen
London Newsroom
GlobalCryptoPress | Breaking Crypto News

In a bold move toward integrating cryptocurrency into national policy, Japanese Senator Satoshi Hamada has submitted a formal proposal urging the government to establish a strategic bitcoin (BTC) reserve. The request, officially registered in Japan's Upper House of Parliament, advocates for converting part of the nation's foreign exchange reserves into bitcoin and other virtual currencies.

Hamada's proposal, titled “Letter of Intent on the State of Understanding of the Bitcoin Reserve Movement Promoted by the United States and Other Countries,” underscores the growing global interest in bitcoin as a treasury asset. He highlighted bitcoin’s decentralized and neutral qualities, describing it as less influenced by specific nations or institutions, making it a resilient and reliable economic tool.

This call to action aligns with a broader trend, as nations and corporations worldwide explore bitcoin treasuries to diversify their reserves. The United States, for instance, has drawn attention for its discussions around adopting bitcoin as part of its economic strategy, spurred by promises from President-elect Donald Trump.

In Japan, the interest in bitcoin is also evident in the private sector. A prime example is Metaplanet Inc., a Japanese company that saw its stock value surge by 1,700% in a single year due to its investment in bitcoin. Hamada cited such cases to illustrate the potential benefits of incorporating bitcoin into national reserves.

The Japanese government is expected to issue a formal response to the proposal in the coming weeks, with the reply likely to be published on its official website. How Japan addresses Hamada's initiative could influence other nations, given Japan's reputation for technological innovation and its leadership in adopting financial technologies.

The Move Could Influence Other Nation's to Follow...

As the world watches, Japan's decision could set the tone for how advanced economies approach bitcoin in their fiscal policies, potentially ushering in a new era of cryptocurrency-backed reserves.

Japan has long been a pioneer in cryptocurrency adoption. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have been legal in the country since 2017, though their use has largely been limited to speculative trading since 2019. Hamada’s proposal could signal a shift toward viewing bitcoin not just as an investment or trading tool but as a strategic national asset.

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Author: Adam Lee 
Asia News Desk / Breaking Crypto News

In a sweeping operation across Germany, authorities have confiscated nearly €25 million ($28 million) in cash from cryptocurrency ATMs that were operating without proper permits, according to a statement issued by the country’s financial regulator, BaFin, on Tuesday.

The operation targeted cryptocurrency ATMs located in 35 different sites across the country. These machines were facilitating the trade of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies but lacked the necessary licensing, which raised concerns about their potential use in money laundering activities.

BaFin collaborated closely with law enforcement agencies and the German Bundesbank to carry out this extensive operation. The seizure of these ATMs marks a significant step in Germany’s ongoing efforts to regulate the fast-growing cryptocurrency market, particularly in the wake of a global surge in Bitcoin ATM installations in 2024.

The crackdown also underscores Germany's commitment to stringent regulatory enforcement within the crypto space. ATM operators found to be in violation of licensing requirements face severe legal consequences, including penalties of up to five years in prison, according to AML Intelligence.

This recent action is part of a broader regulatory push by German authorities to manage the risks associated with cryptocurrencies. The German government has been under scrutiny for its approach to handling seized digital assets, particularly after it liquidated the last of its seized Bitcoins in July 2024. That sale included 3,846 Bitcoins, each valued at approximately $62,604, most of which had been confiscated in previous operations.

As Germany continues to tighten its grip on the cryptocurrency sector, this operation serves as a stark reminder to operators that compliance with regulatory requirements is not optional.

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Author: Mark Pippen
London Newsroom
GlobalCryptoPress | Breaking Crypto News