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Here’s Why AI May Be Extremely Dangerous Whether It’s Conscious or Not

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Here’s Why AI May Be Extremely Dangerous — Whether It’s Conscious or Not

Artificial intelligence algorithms will soon reach a point of rapid self-improvement that threatens our ability to control them and poses great potential risk to humanity

By Tamlyn Hunt on May 25, 2023

“The idea that this stuff could actually get smarter than people…. I thought it was way off…. Obviously, I no longer think that,” Geoffrey Hinton, one of Google's top artificial intelligence scientists, also known as “the godfather of AI,” said after he quit his job in April so that he can warn about the dangers of this technology.

He’s not the only one worried. A 2023 survey of AI experts found that 36 percent fear that AI development may result in a “nuclear-level catastrophe.” Almost 28,000 people have signed on to an open letter written by the Future of Life Institute, including Steve Wozniak, Elon Musk, the CEOs of several AI companies and many other prominent technologists, asking for a six-month pause or a moratorium on new advanced AI development.

As a researcher in consciousness, I share these strong concerns about the rapid development of AI, and I am a co-signer of the Future of Life open letter.

Why are we all so concerned? In short: AI development is going way too fast.

The key issue is the profoundly rapid improvement in conversing among the new crop of advanced "chatbots," or what are technically called “large language models” (LLMs). With this coming “AI explosion,” we will probably have just one chance to get this right.

If we get it wrong, we may not live to tell the tale. This is not hyperbole.

This rapid acceleration promises to soon result in “artificial general intelligence” (AGI), and when that happens, AI will be able to improve itself with no human intervention. It will do this in the same way that, for example, Google’s AlphaZero AI learned how to play chess better than even the very best human or other AI chess players in just nine hours from when it was first turned on. It achieved this feat by playing itself millions of times over.

A team of Microsoft researchers analyzing OpenAI’s GPT-4, which I think is the best of the new advanced chatbots currently available, said it had, "sparks of advanced general intelligence" in a new preprint paper.

In testing GPT-4, it performed better than 90 percent of human test takers on the Uniform Bar Exam, a standardized test used to certify lawyers for practice in many states. That figure was up from just 10 percent in the previous GPT-3.5 version, which was trained on a smaller data set. They found similar improvements in dozens of other standardized tests.

Most of these tests are tests of reasoning. This is the main reason why Bubeck and his team concluded that GPT-4 “could reasonably be viewed as an early (yet still incomplete) version of an artificial general intelligence (AGI) system.”

This pace of change is why Hinton told the New York Times: "Look at how it was five years ago and how it is now. Take the difference and propagate it forwards. That’s scary.” In a mid-May Senate hearing on the potential of AI, Sam Altman, the head of OpenAI called regulation “crucial.”

Once AI can improve itself, which may be not more than a few years away, and could in fact already be here now, we have no way of knowing what the AI will do or how we can control it. This is because superintelligent AI (which by definition can surpass humans in a broad range of activities) will—and this is what I worry about the most—be able to run circles around programmers and any other human by manipulating humans to do its will; it will also have the capacity to act in the virtual world through its electronic connections, and to act in the physical world through robot bodies.

This is known as the “control problem” or the “alignment problem” (see philosopher Nick Bostrom’s book Superintelligence for a good overview) and has been studied and argued about by philosophers and scientists, such as Bostrom, Seth Baum and Eliezer Yudkowsky, for decades now.

I think of it this way: Why would we expect a newborn baby to beat a grandmaster in chess? We wouldn’t. Similarly, why would we expect to be able to control superintelligent AI systems? (No, we won’t be able to simply hit the off switch, because superintelligent AI will have thought of every possible way that we might do that and taken actions to prevent being shut off.)

Here’s another way of looking at it: a superintelligent AI will be able to do in about one second what it would take a team of 100 human software engineers a year or more to complete. Or pick any task, like designing a new advanced airplane or weapon system, and superintelligent AI could do this in about a second.

Once AI systems are built into robots, they will be able to act in the real world, rather than only the virtual (electronic) world, with the same degree of superintelligence, and will of course be able to replicate and improve themselves at a superhuman pace.

Any defenses or protections we attempt to build into these AI “gods,” on their way toward godhood, will be anticipated and neutralized with ease by the AI once it reaches superintelligence status. This is what it means to be superintelligent.

We won’t be able to control them because anything we think of, they will have already thought of, a million times faster than us. Any defenses we’ve built in will be undone, like Gulliver throwing off the tiny strands the Lilliputians used to try and restrain him.

Some argue that these LLMs are just automation machines with zero consciousness, the implication being that if they’re not conscious they have less chance of breaking free from their programming. Even if these language models, now or in the future, aren’t at all conscious, this doesn’t matter. For the record, I agree that it’s unlikely that they have any actual consciousness at this juncture—though I remain open to new facts as they come in.

Regardless, a nuclear bomb can kill millions without any consciousness whatsoever. In the same way, AI could kill millions with zero consciousness, in a myriad ways, including potentially use of nuclear bombs either directly (much less likely) or through manipulated human intermediaries (more likely).

So, the debates about consciousness and AI really don’t figure very much into the debates about AI safety.

Yes, language models based on GPT-4 and many other models are already circulating widely. But the moratorium being called for is to stop development of any new models more powerful than 4.0—and this can be enforced, with force if required. Training these more powerful models requires massive server farms and energy. They can be shut down.

My ethical compass tells me that it is very unwise to create these systems when we know already we won’t be able to control them, even in the relatively near future. Discernment is knowing when to pull back from the edge. Now is that time.

We should not open Pandora’s box any more than it already has been opened.

This is an opinion and analysis article, and the views expressed by the author or authors are not necessarily those of Scientific American.

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Article written by Tamlyn Hunt and posted on the ScientificAmerican.com website.

Article reposted on Markethive by Jeffrey Sloe

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It’s too early to call a bullish rally in gold the Fed is still the biggest unknown

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It's too early to call a bullish rally in gold, the Fed is still the biggest unknown

The gold market will remain very sensitive to the Federal Reserve's rate outlook, so it is too premature to call a bullish rally in gold after prices gained more than $30 on the week, according to analysts.

Gold got a boost after June's U.S. inflation report showed price pressures rising at the slowest pace in two years. The U.S. CPI was up 3% last month from a year ago, while the core CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, was at 4.8%, both below estimates.

The August Comex gold futures last traded at $1,961.70, up just over $30 on the week, after firmly holding the $1,900 an ounce level.

"The fact that gold held above $1,900 despite everyone expecting the Fed to hike interest rates in July is a vote of confidence," Gainesville Coins precious metals expert Everett Millman told Kitco News. "The Fed will drive the gold market for the next few months. And higher for longer rates would be negative for the price. Gold's current reaction means that either all rate hikes are not priced in yet or maybe markets' expectations do not match reality."

The Fed is still planning on hiking rates at least twice this year, with market expectations for the July meeting pricing in a 96% chance of a 25-basis-point increase. The second rate hike is yet to be priced in, which is why analysts remain cautious about gold in the short term.

"If anything, people want to go bullish on gold on any feeble pretext, including the hope that the Fed will go accommodative quickly and end the tightening program," TD Securities global head of commodity strategy Bart Melek told Kitco News. "At this point, it is too early to get overly bullish."

Even though the inflation narrative is starting to look better, it is not a done deal, especially considering the spike in energy prices. "We have recently seen a significant rise in oil prices as OPEC continues to reduce supply. The big benefit we received from cheaper energy may reverse to some extent in the months to come," Melek warned.

Plus, it is not likely that the Fed will be quick to change its hawkish rhetoric as it impacts its credibility going forward. "I doubt that the Fed starts easing us as quickly as the market thinks. Data could surprise to the upside, and the Fed sticks to its guns. And that could be a problem for gold," Melek noted.

What the Fed does next is still a big mystery, Millman said, noting that it is difficult to predict how some of the lagging effects of such aggressive monetary policy tightening will affect broader markets.

The key question for markets is not by how much the Fed is yet to hike, but for how long will the rates remain elevated before the Fed starts to cut, Millman added.

"If they turn around and cut rates at the end of this year or beginning of next year, markets will have a strong reaction," he said. "It is important to know what the next step is — how long rates will stay high and when is the rate cut coming. That's what's keeping gold in place."

Based on previous statements, the Fed is likely to err on the side of tightening, which would mean rates will remain higher for longer, Millman noted. With inflation being elevated for 18 months above 2%, Fed Chair Powell believes markets need time below 2% to balance that out.

Gold price levels to watch

Melek described the latest move in gold as likely short-lived, with short-covering driving prices higher. "That is going to reverse to a great extent. The rally is too premature, and there are significant risks of unwinding," he said.

The immediate resistance is at $1,966 and $1,970, and support is at $1,930, $1,900, and then $1,896 an ounce, Melek added.

Millman said he is also not ready to move into the bullish camp yet. He sees the next big resistance at $1,975-80 and support at $1,900.

Next week's data

Monday: NY Empire State Manufacturing index

Tuesday: U.S. retail sales, U.S. industrial production, Fed Vice Chair for Supervision Barr speaks

Wednesday: U.S. hosting starts and building permits

Thursday: U.S. jobless claims, Philly Fed manufacturing Index, U.S. existing home sales

By

Anna Golubova

For Kitco News

Time to Buy Gold and silver

Tim Moseley

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Wall Street’s Money Game Puts Crypto Revolution At Risk

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Wall Street's Money Game Puts Crypto Revolution At Risk

Many people who believe in the potential of cryptocurrencies hope that Wall Street, the famous financial hub, will eagerly invest in the growing crypto market and enjoy the same profitable returns that individual traders have experienced whenever the value of cryptocurrencies has surged. However, this belief overlooks two crucial facts: firstly, Wall Street is already heavily involved in the cryptocurrency market, and secondly, it has no intention of injecting its capital to boost this volatile market.

The world of institutional finance has had numerous opportunities to capitalize on the cryptocurrency space. However, as its influence expands, the cryptocurrency market is transforming, potentially into something entirely different. Whether this transformation is intentional or an unintended consequence of its shortcomings, Wall Street may gradually undermine the essence of cryptocurrency itself.

This article explores the intricate dynamics between Wall Street and the crypto world, shedding light on the potential implications of the Wall Street money game in the crypto industry. Let's unravel the mysteries and better understand this ever-evolving landscape.

Wall Street Is Not On Your Side

The recent exposure of Wall Street's Bitcoin conspiracy has shed light on some alarming developments in the market. It all began with the BlackRock Bitcoin ETF application. BlackRock, a powerful asset manager known for its extensive control over various industries, including media and pharmaceuticals, has been implicated in bribery and political manipulation over the years. It is essential to remember that Wall Street and these major players are not interested in your financial freedom. They are anti-revolutionary and do not have your best interests at heart.

The news of BlackRock's Bitcoin ETF application is significant due to its massive influence as a $9.1 Trillion asset manager. Even a tiny portion of their funds could potentially buy up all the Bitcoin available on exchanges. However, BlackRock is not the only organization venturing into the Bitcoin ETF business. Fidelity, a $4.24 Trillion asset manager, and other major players are also interested in entering the market. These ETFs are expected to be backed by real Bitcoin and traded on stock exchanges.

The paperization of Bitcoin raises concerns as it will move more Bitcoin into the hands of stockbrokers, reducing the amount of Bitcoin available on the blockchain and resulting in fewer fees for miners in the long run. Long-term investors currently hold a significant portion of Bitcoin. BlackRock, Fidelity, Wisdom Tree, and Invesco, have all filed for Bitcoin ETF applications. These developments cannot be ignored.

Furthermore, we have EdX, an institutional-grade cryptocurrency exchange backed by Fidelity, Charles Schwab, and Ken Griffin's Citadel Securities. The pieces start to come together when we see the bigger picture. A crackdown on the cryptocurrency industry led by Gary Gensler, the head of the SEC, raises eyebrows. Gensler's previous affiliation with Goldman Sachs, a major player on Wall Street, suggests a conflict of interest. It appears that Wall Street is orchestrating a deliberate attack on its major competitors, such as Coinbase and Binance, while simultaneously preparing to launch its own cryptocurrency exchange.

The entry of Wall Street into Bitcoin is not a coincidence. It is a meticulously planned move to manipulate the markets for their benefit. Institutions like JPMorgan and BlackRock are experts in market manipulation, and their involvement in Bitcoin will undoubtedly affect its price. 

However, we must understand that inviting Wall Street into the cryptocurrency space comes with risks. They have a history of dismissing Bitcoin as a scam, and suddenly they are interested in Bitcoin. The agenda is clear; they aim to gain control over it and take surveillance to the next level. We can expect them to push for code changes in Bitcoin to exercise control, which organizations like Greenpeace have already discussed.

While the influx of ETF applications may seem exciting for regular consumers wanting to invest in Bitcoin, it comes at the cost of relinquishing the uniqueness of Bitcoin itself. Owning Bitcoin through Wall Street-backed ETFs means giving up control over your assets. The hope that these institutions will hold and redeem your Bitcoin in the future is not the vision that attracted many people to Bitcoin in the first place. If you genuinely believe in the principles of Bitcoin, buying and holding your own Bitcoin is crucial, securely stored in your personal wallet. Wall Street cannot be trusted with your financial sovereignty.


Image source: Wall Street Mojo

How Wall Street Can Potentially Harm Cryptocurrency

To understand how Wall Street can negatively impact cryptocurrency, let's delve into a concept called hypothecation. In simpler terms, hypothecation occurs when a company or firm pledges its equity shares as collateral to a lender. Here's an example to illustrate this: Imagine Company A needs $5 million, and Broker B agrees to lend them the money. In return, Company A offers $5 million worth of their securities as collateral to Broker B. This type of arrangement is known as hypothecation.

Now, here's where the potential problem arises. Rehypothecation comes into play when Broker B, the lender, reuses the assets received from Company A as collateral for their business activities. This practice allows Broker B to utilize the assets as a security for their transactions. In the traditional financial world, rehypothecation is relatively straightforward due to a few reasons.

Firstly, shares in the traditional financial system are not physically settled; ownership certificates represent them. This characteristic makes transferring ownership as an 'IOU' simple without physically moving the shares. Secondly, accounting and tax regulations permit the same asset to be attributed to different parties as long as each party records a distinct amount of debt on their balance sheets. However, this flexibility granted to banks and brokers increases the risk associated with counterparties involved in such a system.

Cryptocurrency, like Bitcoin and Ethereum, operates on decentralized networks that rely on blockchain technology. These digital currencies are not governed by centralized authorities like banks or governments. The underlying technology ensures transparency and trust in transactions by recording them on a shared, immutable ledger.

However, when Wall Street, with its established practices and financial mechanisms, enters the realm of cryptocurrency, it introduces potential threats. The concept of hypothecation and rehypothecation, which are prevalent in traditional finance, can pose risks to the stability and integrity of cryptocurrency.

One significant concern is the possibility of multiple parties claiming ownership of the same digital asset. Unlike traditional shares represented by certificates, cryptocurrency ownership is recorded and verified through complex cryptographic algorithms. If a broker were to hypothecate or rehypothecate digital assets without proper mechanisms in place, it could result in conflicting claims and disputes over ownership.

Moreover, the transparency and decentralization that define cryptocurrency could be compromised. Rehypothecation often involves leveraging assets for additional borrowing, which can introduce systemic risk and potentially lead to market manipulation. This practice could undermine the principles of fairness and equal opportunity that many proponents of cryptocurrency value.

The risk of counterparty failure increases with rehypothecation. In the traditional financial system, where banks and brokers hypothecate, and rehypothecate assets, the complexity of transactions and the interdependency among market participants heighten the risk of a domino effect if one party defaults. Such failures can have far-reaching consequences, including financial instability and loss of investor confidence.

The Implication Of Rehypothecation For The Crypto Industry 

There's an important issue to consider when discussing cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Many of these digital currencies claim to have a system that ensures their security and reliability, such as a proof-of-work (PoW) or proof-of-stake (PoS) mechanism. However, these cryptocurrencies are often traded on centralized exchanges despite these claims.

Let's delve deeper into the problem. Imagine a scenario where a Bitcoin is rehypothecated multiple times as brokers and exchanges trade debt and collateral. In such a situation, who gets to claim ownership if there's a need for it? Who indeed possesses the cryptocurrency at the end of the day when multiple parties know the private key, or worse when no one does?

Cryptocurrency enthusiasts strongly believe in the idea that if you don't have control over your private key, you don't have control over your crypto assets. This means that if you don't directly manage and secure your private key, you can't truly claim ownership of your cryptocurrency.

Now, let's consider some potential problems that can arise. What if a broker goes bankrupt, and someone needs to be compensated? Or what if a hard fork happens, and someone needs to participate by voting with their stake in the cryptocurrency? In such cases, determining the rightful owner of the Bitcoin becomes exceptionally complicated due to the long chain of transactions involved. It becomes unclear who should be considered the valid owner, and this uncertainty creates a significant challenge.

Moreover, the current transient ownership model, where cryptocurrency ownership changes hands frequently, simply doesn't work well for assets recorded on a ledger. This flawed model can lead to multiple parties expecting compensation simultaneously, creating a chaotic situation. The risk of a complete breakdown in this scenario is alarming and could have devastating consequences.

One empirical example of the catastrophic consequence of rehypothecation in the crypto industry was the lucrative Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) “premium arbitrage,” which led to the demise of 3AC, Genesis, and Grayscale. Rehypothecation generated credit from assets and allowed multiple transactions to be collateralized by the same asset. This unstable chain of transactions supported by the same collateral was poorly understood and resulted in the collapse.


Image source: Hackernoon

Addressing these concerns and finding solutions to ensure the proper ownership and control of cryptocurrencies is crucial. The complex and convoluted nature of ownership in the current system poses significant risks that could undermine the stability and reliability of cryptocurrencies as a whole. Therefore, exploring alternative models and frameworks that can provide a more robust and secure ownership structure for digital assets is essential. By doing so, we can build a stronger foundation for the future of cryptocurrencies and protect investors from potential disasters.

Why Investors Are Eager For A Bitcoin ETF

The idea of a Bitcoin ETF has captured the imagination of cryptocurrency enthusiasts for a couple of important reasons. First, ETFs are built on a solid foundation of tangible assets, and second, they are seamlessly integrated into the traditional financial market through brokers. If a Bitcoin ETF were to become a reality, it would make Bitcoin much more accessible to everyday investors who may not have the patience or technical know-how to buy Bitcoin on cryptocurrency exchanges or manage a blockchain wallet. In simple terms, a Bitcoin ETF could be the key to achieving widespread adoption of Bitcoin.

The hope for a Bitcoin ETF received a glimmer of optimism in October 2021 with the launch of the ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITO) on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). However, it's important to note that this particular ETF is not directly tied to Bitcoin itself. Instead, it tracks the Bitcoin futures contracts offered by the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME), which are essentially bets on the future price of Bitcoin.

On the other hand, ETF proposals directly linked to Bitcoin from various companies have either been outrightly rejected, as was the case with early Bitcoin investors Cameron Winklevoss and Tyler Winklevoss or are still awaiting approval from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Although there are opportunities for profit in the cryptocurrency market, and the industry has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years, there remain numerous uncertainties surrounding the future relationship between cryptocurrency and Wall Street and its broader acceptance among the investing public.

Many investors believe that the influx of Wall Street money might lead to more regulation, oversight, and accountability in the crypto space, which could ultimately benefit users and investors.

In the end, the impact of Wall Street money on cryptocurrencies will depend on how regulators, policymakers, investors, and users find the right balance between risk and reward, trust and verification, centralization and decentralization, and innovation and stability.

 

 

About: Prince Ibenne. (Nigeria) Prince is passionate about helping people understand the crypto-verse through his easily digestible articles. He is an enthusiastic supporter of blockchain technology and cryptocurrency. Find me at my Markethive Profile Page | My Twitter Account | and my LinkedIn Profile.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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US Government Moves BTC Valued At 300M Prompting Liquidation Fears

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US Government Moves BTC Valued At $300M, Prompting Liquidation Fears

By Brenda Ngari – July 12, 2023

The United States government has once again moved Bitcoin tied to Silk Road, the now-shuttered darknet marketplace.

Two wallets belonging to the U.S. Justice Department moved over $300 million worth of Bitcoin to two new addresses on Wednesday morning. The transfer was conducted in three different transactions, as shown by on-chain data from Blockchain.com.

$300 Million In BTC

Some of Silk Road’s bitcoins are on the move once again.

Fed-controlled wallets sent a total of 9,825 Bitcoin, equating to approximately $301 million. Wednesday’s transaction follows an even bigger transaction in March when roughly $1 billion worth of BTC was transferred, a move that prompted a drop across all top cryptocurrencies.

The U.S. authorities have control of BTC that’s been confiscated from bad actors and occasionally move it around. Previously, they’ve done so because they plan to sell it — but not all the time.

The latest transfer has stoked investor fears that intense sell pressures could drive down the price of Bitcoin. BTC dipped after the transaction was sent. The premier cryptocurrency was, at the time of publication trading hands for $30,327.04 per coin, a 0.8% 24-hour drop.

The Silk Road Bitcoin

Feds seized more than 50,000 bitcoins in November 2022 from hacker James Zhong, who pleaded guilty to wire fraud over the hack of these digital assets from the Ross Ulbricht-run Silk Road back in 2012.

Ross Ulbricht is the proprietor of the Silk Road online black market, which was used to mostly buy and sell illicit goods such as weapons, drugs, and stolen credit card information and primarily used bitcoin as a payment method before authorities closed it in 2014. Ulbricht was sentenced to life in federal prison back in 2015 in a high-profile case. He’s currently serving a double life sentence plus 40 years without the possibility of parole.

Court filings contained details of related BTC wallets, allowing online sleuths to track these wallet addresses. Feds have been selling the seized BTC bit by bit. After selling the crypto in March, the U.S. authorities said they intended to dump the remaining bitcoin in four more batches throughout 2023.

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DISCLAIMER: None Of The Information You Read On ZyCrypto Should Be Regarded As Investment Advice. Cryptocurrencies Are Highly Volatile, Conduct Your Own Research Before Making Any Investment Decisions.

The original article written by Brenda Ngari and posted on ZyCrypto.com.

Article reposted on Markethive by Jeffrey Sloe

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Is The Bank of America Targeting Coinbase Customers? CEO Brian Armstrong Sparks Debate

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Is The Bank of America Targeting Coinbase Customers? CEO Brian Armstrong Sparks Debate

By SIMON NJENGA — 14 July 2023

Is Bank of America Targeting Coinbase Customers

  • Bank of America will allocate $100 million towards restitution for affected consumers and pay $150 million in civil penalties.
  • Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong responded to a tweet where someone mentioned that their Bank of America accounts had been closed because of transactions with Coinbase.

On Tuesday, Bank of America (BAC.N) reached a settlement wherein they agreed to pay fines and compensation totaling $250 million. The settlement arises from allegations that the bank engaged in a systematic practice of double-charging customers fees, failing to provide promised credit card benefits, and opening unauthorized accounts.

As part of the settlement, Bank of America will allocate $100 million towards restitution for affected consumers and pay $150 million in civil penalties. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) asserted that the bank violated various laws, which commenced in 2012.

According to a statement by the CFPB, Bank of America generated substantial profits by imposing multiple fees on customers who lacked sufficient funds in their accounts. This practice reportedly occurred from February 2018 to February 2022. Regulators argued that consumers were unaware that each declined transaction would result in a $35 fee, as such expectations were unreasonable and unclear.

Bank of America responded with a statement revealing that it voluntarily eliminated or reduced various fees in the previous year. The CFPB has taken action against what it refers to as “junk fees,” including overdraft and non-sufficient fund fees, claiming that lenders unjustly charge customers for banking services.

Bank of America Fails to Deliver Promised Rewards to Credit Card Holders

The CFPB revealed that Bank of America, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, neglected to fulfill its commitment to provide cash rewards and bonus points to tens of thousands of credit card holders.

As part of the settlement, Bank of America agreed to pay penalties amounting to $90 million to the CFPB and $60 million to the OCC. Furthermore, the bank committed to providing regulators with updates on its progress in ensuring compliance over one year.

In a separate matter, Bank of America’s financial advisory division, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, has reached a settlement requiring them to pay $12 million in penalties to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. This penalty stems from their failure to submit numerous suspicious activity reports to regulators between January 2009 and November 2019.

The issue was discovered by Merrill in 2019, as indicated by the SEC’s order. In response, the bank issued a statement acknowledging the matter and confirming that they reported it to the regulators. They further stated that they have since improved their process and training to ensure the appropriate filing of these reports in the future.

CEO Brian Armstrong Addresses Bank of America Account Closures

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong responded to a tweet where someone mentioned that their Bank of America accounts had been closed because of transactions with Coinbase. Armstrong expressed his concern by replying to the tweet and asking if any other Bank of America customers were experiencing a similar issue. He concluded his response by stating that such actions were not acceptable. This comes at a time when there are rumours that he deleted some of his old tweets.

Article written by Simon Njenga, and posted on the Crypto News Flash website.

Article reposted on Markethive by Jeffrey Sloe

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Gold silver boosted on notions Fed tightening cycle near an end

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Gold, silver boosted on notions Fed tightening cycle near an end

Gold prices are modestly up and hit a three-week high, while silver prices sharply up and hit two-month high in midday U.S. trading Thursday. Another tame U.S. inflation report today has the marketplace thinking the Federal Reserve is likely nearer the end of its interest-rate-hiking cycle. That's bullish for commodity markets, including the metals. August gold was last up $3.30 at $1,965.00 and September silver was up $0.64 at $24.955.

The marketplace is basking in the glow of tame U.S. inflation reports that came out Wednesday and Thursday mornings. Today's producer price index for June also came in slightly lower than expected, following Wednesday tamer consumer price index for June.

Said analyst Nigel Green of the deVere Group: "The U.S. is now likely to pull off the perfect "soft landing,' with the world's largest economy avoiding a recession as the latest inflation data comes in cooler than expected. The U.S. CPI data raises hopes that the Federal Reserve is going to be able to bring down inflation without steering the U.S. economy into a recession. The battle on rising prices is being won, as the data suggests, meaning the pressure is off the Fed for future rate hikes. Cooling inflation and a strong and resilient labor market suggest that no recession will come in 2023.” That's a bullish scenario for commodity markets, suggesting better demand in the coming months.

Asian and European stock markets were mixed to firmer in overnight trading. U.S. stock indexes are firmer at midday.

In overnight news, China's exports in June fell a worse-than-expected 12.4%, year-on-year, following a drop of 7.5% reported in May. Imports in June dropped a worse-than-expected 6.8%, year-on-year. That dour news from the world's second-largest economy did not put a damper on raw commodity markets today, but it may in the near term.

  Silver prices are up 4%; Is this the start of the rally? TD Securities says it is still three months away

The key outside markets today see the U.S. dollar index solidly lower and hitting a 15-month low. That's bullish for the raw commodity sector, as most raw commodities on world trade markets are priced in U.S. dollars. The weaker USDX makes those commodities less expensive to purchase in non-U.S. currency. Meantime, Nymex crude oil prices are slightly up and trading around $76.00 a barrel. The benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury note yield is presently fetching around 3.8%.

Technically, August gold futures prices hit a three-week high again today. Bulls and bears are on a level overall near-term technical playing field but the bulls have momentum. A nine-week-old downtrend on the daily bar chart has been negated and prices are now in a fledgling uptrend. Bulls' next upside price objective is to produce a close above solid resistance at $2,000.00. Bears' next near-term downside price objective is pushing futures prices below solid technical support at the June low of $1,900.60. First resistance is seen at $1,975.00 and then at $1,985.00. First support is seen at $1,950.00 and then at Wednesday's low of $1,937.50. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 5.0.

September silver futures prices hit a two-month high today. The silver bulls have the overall near-term technical advantage and have momentum. A three-week-old price uptrend is in place on the daily bar chart. Silver bulls' next upside price objective is closing prices above solid technical resistance at the April high of $26.645. The next downside price objective for the bears is closing prices below solid support at $23.00. First resistance is seen at $25.00 and then at $25.50. Next support is seen at $24.50 and then at today's low of $24.31. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 6.5.

September N.Y. copper closed up 900 points at 394.30 cents today. Prices closed near the session high and closed at a 2.5-month high close today. The copper bulls have gained the slight overall near-term technical advantage. Copper bulls' next upside price objective is pushing and closing prices above solid technical resistance at the April high of 418.25 cents. The next downside price objective for the bears is closing prices below solid technical support at 368.30 cents. First resistance is seen at the June high of 396.40 cents and then at 400.00 cents. First support is seen at today's low of 384.20 cents and then at this week's low of 374.25 cents. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 5.5.

By

Jim Wyckoff

For Kitco News

Time to Buy Gold and silver

Tim Moseley

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Bitcoin’s Time to Shine: BRICS Nations Plan to Replace US Dollar with Gold-Backed Trading Currency Fueling Bitcoin’s Potential

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Bitcoin’s Time to Shine: BRICS Nations Plan to Replace US Dollar with Gold-Backed Trading Currency, Fueling Bitcoin’s Potential

By GODFREY BENJAMIN — 11 July 2023

Bitcoin's Time to Shine

  • Members of the BRICS alliance are set to introduce a Gold-backed token as alternative to the US Dollar.
  • The move from these alliance can have a significant upside for Bitcoin.

Countries within the BRICS alliance (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) are planning the release of a gold-backed digital currency that could contest the dominance of the United States dollar in global settlements.

The launch is expected to be unveiled during the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa which is to be held in August. The initiative has received support from many other countries that are interested in joining the economic alliance.

Precisely, the Russian Embassy in Kenya has equally released a tweet to promote the new development. The initiative is also supported by Alexander Babakov, Deputy Chairman of the State Duma who recently highlighted the practical and promising nature of digital payments.

For a long time and across many nations, there has been a strong motivation to dethrone the U.S. dollar in global markets. The fear of weaponization through the imposition of sanctions has made many nations quite resentful towards the dollar.

This Dollar antagonism gave rise to a renewed pursuit by members of the BRICS alliance to find alternative options for cross-border payments which would mitigate the effect of such sanctions. Leslie Maasdrop, the Vice President of the New Development Bank pointed out that the BRICS alliance is made up of countries that each have emerging markets that have different economies with very unique features.

Ultimately, member nations of the BRICS are pushing efforts to boost their financial sovereignty and insulate themselves from the impact of Western sanctions.

Article written by Godfrey Benjamin, and posted on the Crypto News Flash.

Article reposted on Markethive by Jeffrey Sloe

Tim Moseley

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Gold silver see strong rallies after tamer US inflation report

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Gold, silver see strong rallies after tamer U.S. inflation report

Gold and silver prices are sharply up, nearer their daily highs and hit three-week peaks Wednesday, in the aftermath of a morning U.S. inflation report that came in a bit tamer than market expectations.August gold was last up $24.60 at $1,961.70 and September silver was up $1.014 at $24.295.

The U.S. data point of the week saw the consumer price index report for June come in up 3.0%, year-on-year, which is slightly lower than the expected rise of 3.1% and compares to the gain of 4.0% in the May report. The "core" CPI, which excludes food and energy, came in at up 4.8%, year-on-year, compared with expectations of up 5.0%. These numbers fall into the camp of the monetary policy doves, who want to see the Federal Reserve continue to stand pat on interest rate levels.

The U.S. dollar index sold off sharply, stock indexes rallied and U.S. Treasury yields dropped following the upbeat CPI data.

  How to trade spot Bitcoin ETF: Lessons learned from gold ETFs – Florian Grummes

The key outside markets today see the U.S. dollar index solidly lower and hitting a two-month low. Nymex crude oil prices are higher and trading around $75.50 a barrel. The benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury note yield is presently fetching 3.859%–well down from overnight levels.

Technically, August gold futures prices hit a three-week high today. Bulls and bears are back on a level overall near-term technical playing field but the bulls have momentum. A nine-week-old downtrend on the daily bar chart has been negated. Bulls' next upside price objective is to produce a close above solid resistance at $2,000.00. Bears' next near-term downside price objective is pushing futures prices below solid technical support at the June low of $1,900.60. First resistance is seen at today's high of $1,963.60 and then at $1,975.00. First support is seen at $1,950.00 and then at today's low of $1,937.50. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 5.0.

September silver futures prices hit a three-week high today. The silver bulls have gained the slight overall near-term technical advantage. A nine-week-old price downtrend on the daily bar chart has been negated. Silver bulls' next upside price objective is closing prices above solid technical resistance at $25.00. The next downside price objective for the bears is closing prices below solid support at the June low of $22.34. First resistance is seen at $24.50 and then at the June high of $24.835. Next support is seen at $24.00 and then at $23.50. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 5.5.

September N.Y. copper closed up 860 points at 385.20 cents today. Prices closed nearer the session high and hit a two-week high on short covering. The copper bears still have the overall near-term technical advantage. Copper bulls' next upside price objective is pushing and closing prices above solid technical resistance at the June high of 396.40 cents. The next downside price objective for the bears is closing prices below solid technical support at 368.30 cents. First resistance is seen at today's high of 386.05 cents and then at 390.00 cents. First support is seen at 380.00 cents and then at this week's low of 374.25 cents. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 4.0.

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Jim Wyckoff

For Kitco News

Time to Buy Gold and silver

Tim Moseley

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Gold firmer key US inflation report on deck

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Gold firmer; key U.S. inflation report on deck

Gold is higher and silver is slightly lower in midday U.S. trading Tuesday. Gold is supported by bullish daily outside market forces that see the U.S. dollar index a bit weaker, crude oil prices higher and U.S. Treasury yields down a bit. Trading action was more subdued today ahead of a major U.S. inflation report out Wednesday morning. August gold was last up $7.20 at $1,938.10 and September silver was down $0.02 at $23.325.

Trading so far this week has been quieter ahead of the U.S. data point of the week: Wednesday morning’s consumer price index report for June, which is expected to come in at up 5.0%, year-on-year, compared to a gain of 5.3% in the May report. Trading action in many financial markets, as well as the precious metals, may heat up in the wake of the CPI report, especially if it’s a miss from market expectations.

  Gold prices can still push to record highs at $2,100 an ounce by the end of the year – MKS' Shiels

The key outside markets today see the U.S. dollar index slightly lower. Nymex crude oil prices are up and trading around $74.75 a barrel. The benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury note yield is presently fetching 3.988%.

Technically, August gold futures were up $6.50 at $1,937.30 in afternoon trading and near mid-range. Bears have the overall near-term technical advantage. Prices are in a nine-week-old downtrend on the daily bar chart. Bulls’ next upside price objective is to produce a close above solid resistance at $1,975.00. Bears' next near-term downside price objective is pushing futures prices below solid technical support at the February low of $1,846.80. First resistance is seen at today’s high of $1,944.50 and then at $1,950.00. First support is seen at today’s low of $1,929.80 and then at this week’s low of $1,918.00. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 4.0.

September silver futures were down $0.035 at $23.31 at midday and nearer the session low. Prices hit a three-week high early on today. The silver bears have the slight overall near-term technical advantage. However, a nine-week-old price downtrend on the daily bar chart has been negated. Silver bulls' next upside price objective is closing prices above solid technical resistance at the June high of $24.835. The next downside price objective for the bears is closing prices below solid support at the June low of $22.34. First resistance is seen at today’s high of $23.595 and then at $24.00. Next support is seen at $23.00 and then at last week’s low of $22.72. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 4.5.

September N.Y. copper closed down 230 points at 376.15 cents today. Prices closed nearer the session low. The copper bears have the overall near-term technical advantage. Copper bulls' next upside price objective is pushing and closing prices above solid technical resistance at the June high of 396.40 cents. The next downside price objective for the bears is closing prices below solid technical support at the May low of 356.50 cents. First resistance is seen at today’s high of 382.25 cents and then at 385.00 cents. First support is seen at last week’s low of 372.25 cents and then at 368.30 cents. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 3.0.

By

Jim Wyckoff

For Kitco News

Time to Buy Gold and silver

Tim Moseley

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Gold prices can still push to record highs at 2100 an ounce by the end of the year – MKS’ Shiels

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Gold prices can still push to record highs at $2,100 an ounce by the end of the year – MKS' Shiels

Gold prices have room to move lower and retest support below $1,900 an ounce in the early part of the second half of the year; however, that doesn't mean investors should give up on gold, according to one market analyst.

In her mid-year outlook, published last week, Nicky Shiels, metals strategist at MKS PAMP, said that she is maintaining her 2023 year-end price average of $1,930 an ounce, even as prices could remain in a downtrend in the near term.

In what could be a volatile market, MKS sees gold prices trading in a range between $1,850 and $2,100 an ounce through the second half of the year.

"Stay core long Gold but remain tactically nimble, which hinges on the interplay between a relatively restrictive Fed & stronger US data," Shiels said in her latest report.

Shiels warned investors that gold could continue to struggle during the rest of the summer as the Federal Reserve looks to raise interest rates later this month. However, she added that there is a chance gold can still see record all-time highs by the end of the year.

"We do expect a bumpy 2H'23 as monetary policy starts to bite; Gold prices are then expected to print a new all-time-high in 2H'23 and pierce $2100/oz," said Shiels. "Our conviction lies in higher floors versus runaway upside repricing unless the Fed loses the inflation fight (not our base case) or breaks something more substantial in the economy."

Although the threat of a recession, caused by the Federal Reserve's aggressive monetary policies, is still in the marketplace, Shiels said that the fear has diminished, and investors are now chasing momentum in other assets.

"U.S. financial instability risks have materially subsided – there is just no macro fear – and fighting the Fed is usually a losing trade after they have, to-date, simply extremely complicated risks. However, underweight investors will continue to incrementally reengage in quality assets and safe havens like precious metals."

Bank of America downgrades gold, silver prices for 2023 as Fed rate hikes keep investors away

Along with gold, Shiels also remains bullish on silver, leaving her average price target unchanged at $24 an ounce. At the same time, MKS sees silver prices trading in a range between $21.50 and $27 through the second half of the year.

Shiels noted that silver's significant supply-demand imbalance continues to support the precious metal's long-term bullish outlook.

"Strong support lurks below $22/oz stemming from a mix of industrial & retail participation, which is expected to remain resilient into 2H'23 despite growing recession risks," she said. "There continues to be asymmetric upside risks in Silver which hinges on investor resubscription, the return of Chinese buying & restocking and the convincing rollover in the US$ once the Fed pauses and expectations shift to a consecutive rate cuts."

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Neils Christensen

For Kitco News

Time to Buy Gold and silver

Tim Moseley