Gold silver up a bit in quieter two-sided trading

Gold, silver up a bit in quieter, two-sided trading

Gold and silver prices are just a bit higher in midday U.S. trading Wednesday, on some more backing and filling on the charts amid a lack of major, fresh fundamental news in the marketplace at mid-week. Traders are awaiting some fresh markets-moving fundamental news. June gold was last up $1.80 at $2,326.10. July silver was last up $0.156 at $27.70.

Reports said China’s central bank continues to stock up on gold reserves, adding 1.9 metric tons in April, making it 18 straight months for expanding its reserves. However, the reports said the pace of China gold buying has slowed.

The key outside markets today see the U.S. dollar index slightly up. Nymex crude oil prices are firmer after hitting a nearly two-month low overnight and are trading around $78.75 a barrel. The yield on the benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury note is fetching 4.488%.

Technically, June gold futures bulls have the overall near-term technical advantage. A price downtrend is still in place on the daily bar chart, however. Bulls’ next upside price objective is to produce a close above solid resistance at $2,400.00. Bears' next near-term downside price objective is pushing futures prices below solid technical support at $2,250.00. First resistance is seen at this week’s high of $2,341.90 and then at $2,350.00. First support is seen at today’s low of $2,311.40 and then at $2,300.00. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 6.5.

July silver futures bulls have the overall near-term technical advantage. A price downtrend on the daily bar chart has stalled. Silver bulls' next upside price objective is closing prices above solid technical resistance at $29.00. The next downside price objective for the bears is closing prices below solid support at last week’s low of $26.255. First resistance is seen at $28.00 and then at $28.25. Next support is seen at today’s low of $27.24 and then at $27.00. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 6.0.

July N.Y. copper closed down 645 points at 454.10 cents today. Prices closed near mid-range today. The copper bulls have the solid overall near-term technical advantage. Prices are in a three-month-old uptrend on the daily bar chart. Copper bulls' next upside price objective is pushing and closing prices above solid technical resistance at 480.00 cents. The next downside price objective for the bears is closing prices below solid technical support at 440.00 cents. First resistance is seen at 460.00 cents and then at this week’s high of 464.50 cents. First support is seen at 450.00 cents and then at last week’s low of 446.60 cents. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 7.5

Kitco Media

Jim Wyckoff

Time to Buy Gold and Silver

Tim Moseley

Bitcoin Settles Into 62000 As Traders Set Their Sights On 100000 Backed By Bullish Fundamentals

Bitcoin Settles Into $62,000 As Traders Set Their Sights On $100,000, Backed By Bullish Fundamentals

By Aliyu Pokima – May 8, 2024

After a torrid week, Bitcoin’s (BTC) price settled at around $62,000, with traders bracing for a continuous rally that could send asset prices to $100,000.

Only last week, prices dipped below $60K for the first time in two months, fuelling grim speculation for a sustained selloff that could drive prices even lower. However, things began to look promising for the largest cryptocurrency as May rolled on, with BTC climbing as high as $64K before settling at $63,000.

Right out of the bat, BTC’s upswing can be traced to a wave of positives, including a disappointing macroeconomic outlook in the US. According to reports, the US added only 175,000 jobs in April – a far cry from the 315,000 reached in March, fuelling a hawkish stance by the Feds.

Following the FOMC meeting at the start of April, pundits observed a reluctance by policymakers to cut interest rates while hinting toward quantitative tightening.

“We believe that the FOMC’s more dovish-than-expected statement has signaled the peak in the USD’s upward momentum against both foreign currencies and crypto pairs,” wrote one analyst.

Despite the promising outlook, the ex-CEO of BitMEX Arthur Hayes warned investors to brace for a dip in the near future before an uphill climb to higher prices. However, Hayes remained cautious in his prediction, eyeing prices to hover around $60K and $70K before breaking the resistance to post higher figures.

Traders are already rippling with enthusiasm for higher prices as evidenced by rising numbers of active bitcoin call contracts, placing the asset on the path to the least resistance. According to QCP Capital, the buildup of call options has seen investors anticipating prices as high as $100K before the end of the year.

“We are seeing some bullish follow-through in volatility and rates following the reversal bounce from Friday and into the weekend,” read a note from QCP Capital. “BTC risk reversals have gone positive (calls more expensive than puts), and there has been a renewed demand for BTC Sep expiring $75,000 and $100,000 calls.”

Other factors in favor of a BTC rally include the US election cycle and a weaker dollar index, which has fallen by 1.2% since the last FOMC meeting. For Ledn CIO John Glover, BTC’s price could climb as high as $92,000, but first investors should brace for a pullback as low as $52K.

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 Aliyu Pokima and posted on ZyCrypto.com.

Article reposted on Markethive by Jeffrey Sloe

** Loans, secure funding for business projects in the USA and around the world. Learn more about USA & International Financing at Commercial Funding International. **

Tim Moseley

Modest downside corrections for gold silver

Modest downside corrections for gold, silver

KGold and silver prices are posting mild losses in subdued midday U.S. trading Tuesday, on corrective pullbacks after Monday’s decent gains. A firmer U.S. dollar index on this day is a mildly bearish “outside-market” force working against the precious metals market bulls. June gold was last down $10.00 at $2,321.30. July silver was last down $0.089 at $27.525.

Risk appetite was not dented much Tuesday, at least not yet, after Israel said it had taken control of part of the southern city of Rafah in the Gaza strip near the Egyptian border. The stepped-up Israeli military operations in Gaza come as there had been better hopes a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas might be imminent.

The key outside markets today see the U.S. dollar index modestly higher. Nymex crude oil prices are near steady and trading around $78.50 a barrel. The yield on the benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury note is fetching 4.429%.

Technically, June gold futures bulls have the overall near-term technical advantage. A price downtrend is still in place on the daily bar chart, however. Bulls’ next upside price objective is to produce a close above solid resistance at $2,400.00. Bears' next near-term downside price objective is pushing futures prices below solid technical support at $2,250.00. First resistance is seen at this week’s high of $2,341.90 and then at $2,350.00. First support is seen at $2,300.00 and then at last week’s low of $2,285.20. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 6.5.

July silver futures bulls have the overall near-term technical advantage. A price downtrend on the daily bar chart has stalled. Silver bulls' next upside price objective is closing prices above solid technical resistance at $29.00. The next downside price objective for the bears is closing prices below solid support at last week’s low of $26.255. First resistance is seen at today’s high of $27.77 and then at $28.00. Next support is seen at $27.25 and then at $27.00. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 6.0.

July N.Y. copper closed down 45 points at 461.05 cents today. Prices closed near mid-range today. The copper bulls have the solid overall near-term technical advantage. Prices are in a three-month-old uptrend on the daily bar chart. Copper bulls' next upside price objective is pushing and closing prices above solid technical resistance at 480.00 cents. The next downside price objective for the bears is closing prices below solid technical support at 440.00 cents. First resistance is seen at today’s high of 464.50 cents and then at the April high of 469.45 cents. First support is seen at this week’s low of 453.55 cents and then at 450.00 cents. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 7.5.

Kitco Media

Jim Wyckoff

Time to Buy Gold and Silver

Tim Moseley

SEC’s Gary Gensler Reiterates Belief That Vast Majority Of Cryptocurrencies Are Securities

SEC’s Gary Gensler Reiterates Belief That Vast Majority Of Cryptocurrencies Are Securities

By Brenda Ngari – May 7, 2024

Gary Gensler, the Chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, has doubled down on his view that most cryptocurrencies qualify as securities. Gensler added that he doesn’t believe investors have the appropriate disclosures for investing in such assets.

Gensler Strident In His View That Most Cryptos Are Securities

The crypto industry crackdown is continuing swiftly, with popular trading platform Robinhood Crypto joining the growing list of firms issued with a Wells Notice action by the SEC this week.

During an appearance on CNBC’s Squawk Box on Tuesday, Gensler would not divulge any details on the Robinhood case, but he indicated that his agency was going after crypto because it boasts an “outsized” share of financial scams and fraud.

“Crypto is a small piece of our overall markets,” the SEC boss said. “But it’s an outsized piece of the scams and frauds and problems in our markets — because without prejudging any one token, much of this field is noncompliant with the protections of our securities laws.”

He reiterated his stance that most cryptocurrencies fit the definition of securities.

“Many of these tokens are securities under the law of the land (as interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court). So, we follow that law,” Gensler emphasized.

According to the SEC chair, investors are not receiving the required disclosures about those assets.

So, Is Ethereum A Potential Security Or Commodity?

Ether — the industry’s second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization — has long been debated regarding its classification as a potential security despite the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) constantly classifying it as a commodity.

Gensler first hinted at the potential ether (ETH) designation as a security in September 2022. The SEC boss suggested proof-of-stake (PoS) tokens could be securities, following the Ethereum blockchain’s monumental transition to that security model from proof-of-work (PoW).

When asked about the SEC’s position during the CNBC interview, Gensler refused to answer definitively how ether should be classified.

“All I would say is, to me, the fundamental question is how do we ensure that the American investor is protected?” Gensler opined. “Right now, they’re not getting the required or needed disclosures, and the intermediaries in the center of this rather centralized market generally are conflicted and doing things we would never allow the New York Stock Exchange to do.”

Notably, the SEC is yet to publicly declare ether a security. However, recent reports revealed that the Gensler-helmed commission has considered the cryptocurrency a security for over a year.

The SEC’s position on Ethereum comes at a crucial time, as the top regulator mulls whether to approve or deny several applications for spot ETH ETFs. The SEC has repeatedly deferred its decision on proposals from prominent asset managers, including BlackRock, Fidelity, and Franklin Templeton.

With an important deadline expected in late May, ETF analysts remain pessimistic about the odds of approval.

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

Article reposted on Markethive by Jeffrey Sloe

** Get secure funding for business projects in the USA and around the world. Learn more about USA & International Financing at Commercial Funding International. **

Tim Moseley

A New Wave Of Customer Acquisition Coming To Markethive

A New Wave Of Customer Acquisition Coming To Markethive

customer aquisition inbound marketing

Implementing a customer acquisition strategy is vital for any business looking to expand its customer base and foster long-term relationships with potential clients. This process involves attracting and nurturing leads until they are ready to purchase and ultimately converting them into loyal customers. A well-defined customer acquisition strategy helps businesses attract suitable leads and increases their chances of long-term retention. 

This article delves into the significance of customer acquisition, its purpose, and practical strategies for achieving it. However, what sets it apart is the exploration of Markethive's role as a customer acquisition channel. Markethive is not just a platform; it's a specialist that helps businesses accomplish this crucial objective. Businesses can significantly enhance their customer acquisition efforts by understanding and utilizing Markethive's unique features.

Why Is Customer Acquisition Important? What Is Its Purpose?

Customer acquisition is a cornerstone of business success. It's the process of attracting and converting potential customers into loyal clients. But its importance goes beyond that. Customer acquisition is about expanding your customer base, boosting revenue, and building a robust brand reputation. You can grow your business and establish a steady income stream by acquiring new customers. Moreover, satisfied customers can become brand advocates, spreading positive word-of-mouth and attracting more customers. In essence, customer acquisition is a key driver of long-term business success.

This process also demonstrates traction to outside parties such as investors, partners, and influencers. Consistently attracting and converting new customers is vital for maintaining a healthy and growing business, which pleases investors. The goal of customer acquisition is to identify a repeatable and systematic approach to attracting customers to your business rather than relying on passive methods that may not ensure long-term profitability.

customer aquisition channels and strategies

Customer Acquisition Channels And Strategies

Customer acquisition channels are the platforms businesses use to introduce their offerings to potential customers. These platforms can be organic search, organic social media, referrals, email, and more. Customer acquisition strategies can be categorized into paid and free, outbound and inbound marketing, and so on.

Content Marketing

Customer Acquisition Channel: Organic Search
Crafting captivating and pertinent content is a powerful strategy for attracting and engaging potential customers across various industries. By consistently producing fresh, exciting, and relevant content, businesses can effectively lure in their target audience and guide them toward their website, ultimately driving customer acquisition and growth.

Amid widespread deceptive advertising and declining consumer confidence, content marketing offers a gesture of goodwill by expressing, “We are passionate about our work and eager to provide our knowledge to you at no cost.”

Content marketing involves creating content relevant to your target audience and compelling them to act. The main goal is to connect with your audience and convert them into customers. This means each piece of content should have a clear call to action. Content marketing encompasses both creating content and promoting it effectively.

Blogging

Customer Acquisition Channel: Organic Search
Blogging is a valuable strategy for businesses of various sizes, sectors, and target audiences. Maintaining a blog allows you to delve into diverse subjects, showcase expertise in your field, and establish credibility with your readers. Through blogging, you can consistently interact with your audience by sharing visuals for them to save, posing questions for them to respond to, or presenting compelling calls-to-action for them to click on.

When launching a blog, it's essential to have a solid foundation in place to ensure its long-term success. This includes having a reliable team of writers, whether full-time employees, freelancers, or guest contributors. Additionally, having a graphic designer and editor on your team can help enhance your content's visual appeal and overall quality, making it more engaging for search engines and your target audience.

Social Media Marketing

Customer Acquisition Channel: Organic Social Media, Paid Social Media
Social media can require a lot of effort for little reward if you don’t develop a solid game plan for its use. What networks are you going to leverage, and which ones are you going to avoid? Posting organically on social media may seem like shouting into a void. The key is accessing the right networks, which all reach a well-defined audience.

Social media can be time-consuming and fruitless without a clear strategy. But with the right approach, it can be a powerful tool for customer acquisition. The key is understanding your audience and choosing the platforms that align with their interests. By doing so, you can maximize your efforts and feel empowered in your customer acquisition strategies.

For instance, if your target audience consists mainly of men, Pinterest may be less beneficial since only 15% of men use the platform. However, if your audience comprises millennials, it would be wise to incorporate Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat into your social media strategy.

Video Marketing

Customer Acquisition Channel: Paid Search, Organic Social Media, Paid Social Media
Video production can be a complex process, but with the increasing affordability of high-quality cameras and the availability of freelance professionals, creating videos is more accessible than ever. Video marketing emphasizes the importance of high-quality content as a vital component of a comprehensive content strategy.

You can create engaging content for your audience by outsourcing script writing, editing, production, and animation to freelancers or production agencies. Video production's advantage is its versatility, allowing you to promote your content through various channels like search display ads, organic social media posts, and paid social media posts. Additionally, you can enhance your blog posts and pages by incorporating videos, which can better engage your readers and increase the chances of converting them into customers.

Email Retargeting

Customer Acquisition Channel: Email
The success of an email marketing campaign depends on more than just the content of the emails themselves. It's equally important to monitor the behavior of your email list and adjust your approach accordingly. For instance, when you gain a new subscriber, it's likely that they're interested in your business and want to learn more. However, if they do not engage with your initial emails, refining your approach by testing various calls to action to see what resonates with them is essential.

The clicks and unsubscribes in your email can offer valuable insights into your subscribers' preferences. The links they choose to click can indicate what they find most appealing, while those who opt out entirely can provide a glimpse into how your content is being received.

Sponsored Content

Customer Acquisition Channel: Paid Search, Paid Social Media, Traditional Advertising
Sponsored advertising takes various forms, from paid advertisements on search engine results pages (SERPS) to endorsements from influencers on social media platforms. Regardless of the platform you select, sponsored ads can help raise awareness about your products and services and draw new followers to your brand. You can explore various forms of sponsored content, like paid search results, product endorsements, and sponsored articles on relevant websites.

Customer Spotlights

Customer Acquisition Channel: Customer Referrals
Transforming satisfied customers into enthusiastic promoters can be a highly effective strategy for acquiring new customers. By empowering your existing customers to spread the word about your business, you can save time and money on other acquisition methods and tap into the credibility and trust they have established with their networks. This can lead to increased brand visibility, positive word-of-mouth, and, ultimately, the acquisition of new customers.

Invite customers to share their experiences. Seek out case studies, interviews, reviews, or user-generated content showcasing how your customers found your business and what makes it unique. Instead of promoting your company through paid advertising or social media, let your customers spread the word for you by sharing their stories.

Facilitate easy sharing of content. Although conveying a positive message can be effective, imagine the added value if your clients could readily distribute your generated content, such as social media updates, articles, or visual graphics.

Encourage a viral loop by having your customers share content that directs their followers to your business. Make it easy for them to share by providing Click to Share links for social media posts and including options to share via email. The easier it is for customers to promote your business, the higher the chances they will participate.

Search Engine Optimization

Customer Acquisition Channel: Organic Search
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a complex process that involves various strategies to improve the visibility of your content in organic search results. While not an exact science, there are established techniques that can assist in boosting your content's ranking. One essential aspect of SEO is creating content that search engines can easily access, interpret, and include in search engine results pages (SERPs). 

To enhance your content's "indexability," you can include your primary keyword in the title of your post, provide alternative text for your images, attach transcripts to your video and audio materials, and create internal links within your website, which are essential for optimizing your content.

SEO has become a business's go-to customer acquisition strategy due to its ease and cost-effectiveness. As technology advances, SEO has become vital to marketing plans globally. Recent data shows that 64% of marketers actively invest in SEO, indicating its rising significance in the industry. Additionally, 75% of marketers believe their SEO tactics are highly effective in helping them accomplish their marketing objectives.

Product Pricing And Giveaways

Customer Acquisition Channel: All
More than words and promises may be required to persuade customers to purchase your products and services. Particular consumers may remain unmoved by influencer endorsements or recommendations from others. To attract these customers and build their loyalty, hosting giveaways allows them to risk-free sample your products or services. This hands-on experience can provide the necessary nudge for them to evaluate your brand as a viable choice seriously.

Another effective method of attracting customers is to utilize your product's pricing strategy, which can be promoted through every channel, including TV ads and customer referrals.  You could also rely on your product's pricing to naturally draw in customers. This approach is particularly impactful if your competitors' prices are significantly higher or differ from your pricing model.

Craft Compelling Landing Pages

Customer Acquisition Channel: All
Developing optimized landing pages is crucial for attracting customers. This strategy involves enhancing specific pages on your website to guide visitors toward your offerings. These pages serve as a gateway to your product or service, guiding consumers toward taking action. A well-optimized landing page provides valuable insights and features a solid call to action to drive conversions effectively.

To sum up, these customer acquisition strategies are interconnected and complementary. For example, social media platforms can disseminate SEO-optimized content featuring a call to action, encouraging readers to sign up for an email list. In other words, they work together seamlessly. 

Now that we’ve touched on the various customer acquisition channels and strategies, let's look at how this pertains to the Markethive concept, the direction, and how it will become an incredibly powerful social, marketing, and digital broadcasting platform.  

customer aquisition inbound marketing

Markethive: The All-In-One Channel For Customer Acquisition 

Markethive is poised to revolutionize the world of affiliate marketing, network marketing, and commission-oriented companies by introducing a groundbreaking Promocode system. This innovative approach, unprecedented in the history of marketing and customer acquisition, enables Markethive to create and offer customized promotional codes that can be redeemed for various valuable services, including money or cryptocurrency, press releases, banner impressions, targeted broadcasting, and more. By harnessing the power of these services, Markethive is providing a game-changing tool that can help businesses achieve unparalleled success.

We're revamping our dashboard services to feature a cutting-edge, multi-newsfeed interface. This upgrade will showcase innovative tools, including a page creation system, automated responders, tracking capabilities, backlinking technology, and blog broadcasting. These services are essential for every business and entrepreneur looking to thrive in today's fast-paced digital landscape.

Markethive is developing a system linking Promocodes to different subscription levels, groups, or individuals. Each entity is given a distinct code. These Promocodes will be incorporated into different websites under construction, like Hiveco.in. Every Markethive Entrepreneur One member will receive a personalized website with a unique code for marketing purposes.

Markethive's services and cryptocurrency giveaways will be promoted on these websites, and when prospects sign up, they will be connected with a designated entrepreneur and become their primary customer. This system rewards entrepreneurs with matching bonuses once the new member completes the KYC protocol, encouraging them to engage with the system. This is an exemplary example of inbound marketing.

As we progress and expand our services, including Hivecoin’s availability on exchanges and the upcoming ability for new customer acquisition with Promocodes,  Markethive's inbound marketing services will become more appealing to companies, allowing them to establish a seamless connection with us through a socket connection.

Markethive is set to revolutionize the affiliate and network marketing industry by offering its services to support companies and affiliate programs. Through its innovative Co-op system, customers will be generated and shared among members who contribute to the system within a specific Markethive Storefront. Essentially, members who participate in the Co-op will buy customers, providing a unique opportunity for growth and success in the industry.

Customer acquisition is the equalizer to everyone in Markethive and beyond. Markethive, a thriving community for entrepreneurs, is progressively integrating blockchain technology with decentralized data servers in every country worldwide. Through its innovative blockchain-based ecosystem, Markethive creates a level playing field for all businesses. Its robust inbound marketing platform is constantly evolving, covering every facet of customer acquisition, which is the cornerstone of success for any company.

This marks the initial phase. All the customer acquisition channels and strategies mentioned above are incorporated into the Markethive platform or will soon be, such as our exclusive email system and web page hosting, SEO systems, every aspect of marketing, digital advertising, video advertising, broadcasting services for social networks, and broadcasting services for the Markethive Blog system. In upcoming articles, further developments and revelations will be shared, so stay tuned!

Join us every Sunday at 8 a.m. Mountain Time for our weekly meetings, where you'll get a front-row seat to witness Markethive's transformation into a dominant force in the digital marketing and acquisition landscape. The link to the meeting room is located in the Markethive Calendar.

Markethive Social market digital braodcasting network
 

Editor and Chief Markethive: Deb Williams. (Australia) I thrive on progress and champion freedom of speech.  I embrace "Change" with a passion, and my purpose in life is to enlighten people to accept and move forward with enthusiasm. Find me at my Markethive Profile Page | My Twitter Account | and my LinkedIn Profile.

 

 

 

 

 

Tim Moseley

Historic Milestone: The Bitcoin Network Has Now Processed Over 1 Billion Transactions

Historic Milestone: The Bitcoin Network Has Now Processed Over 1 Billion Transactions

By Brenda Ngari – May 6, 2024

The Bitcoin network recently reached a huge milestone with its one billionth recorded transaction.

According to Clark Moody’s Bitcoin dashboard, transaction 1,000,000,000 was processed in block 842,241 at 9:34 pm UTC on May 5. This comes 15 years, four months, and four days after the mythical creator of Bitcoin (BTC), Satoshi Nakamoto, mined the Genesis block on Jan. 3, 2009.

The very first BTC transaction happened on Jan. 12, 2009, between Satoshi and the late American software developer and early Bitcoin pioneer Hal Finney. Satoshi sent Finney 10 coins as a test. Moments later, Finney had an email correspondence with the pseudonymous Bitcoin inventor to report some bugs.

Finney later walked away from Bitcoin and was surprised to find out the flagship crypto indeed had monetary value after he came back in late 2010. The BTC network reached one million transactions in July 2011. At the time, the OG crypto was trading for approximately $15.

In its 5,603 days of existence, the Bitcoin network has processed roughly 178,475 daily transactions. However, this figure doesn’t include transactions conducted on the Layer-2 Lightning Network.

Data from the Bitcoin-focused exchange River reveals that the Lightning Network processed at least 6.5 million transactions in August 2023, indicating that hundreds of millions of transactions have been done on Lightning since it went live in early 2018.

Ethereum Hit The $1 Billion Transaction Milestone First

Bitcoin’s daily transactions surged during the once-every-four-years rewards halving event on April 20. A historic high of 925,000 transactions was processed on April 23. Most of this demand stemmed from the fast uptake of Casey Rodarmor’s new Runes protocol. However, the initial fee bonanza has waned, with BTC’s daily transaction count falling to 660,260 as of May 4.

Despite being the oldest, Bitcoin is not the first blockchain network to process billion-dollar transactions. Ethereum, the second-largest crypto by market capitalization, has processed more than two billion transactions since it debuted in July 2015, as per data pulled from Etherscan.

At press time, Bitcoin was at $63,489, down a paltry 0.6% on the day.

DISCLAIMER The views expressed in the article are wholly those of the author and do not represent those of, nor should they be attributed to, ZyCrypto. This article is not meant to give financial advice. Please carry out your own research before investing in any of the various cryptocurrencies available.

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

Article reposted on Markethive by Jeffrey Sloe

** Loans, secure funding for business projects in the USA and around the world. Learn more about USA & International Financing at Commercial Funding International. **

Tim Moseley

Make Better Use of Your Brainpower

Make Better Use of Your Brainpower

Make Better Use of Your Brainpower: Strategies for Enhanced Learning and Productivity

Maximizing brainpower is essential for enhancing learning capacities and increasing productivity. It is widely acknowledged that the human brain possesses remarkable plasticity, which means its ability to change and adapt in response to new experiences—learning—is formidable. However, in a world that's constantly buzzing with information and distractions, harnessing this potential requires strategic efforts and a clear understanding of what drives cognitive function.

Make Better Use of Your Brainpower A brain surrounded by glowing energy, with neural pathways lighting up, connecting and firing rapidly, while information and knowledge symbols flow into it

Incorporating certain lifestyle habits and techniques can lead to significant improvements in focus, memory, and overall brain performance. For instance, regular physical exercise is not just beneficial for the body but also crucial for cognitive health. Mental exercises, staying hydrated, and spending time in nature are additional methods that cumulatively can help individuals tap into underutilized mental resources. By doing so, they can enhance their ability to process and retain information, thereby boosting productivity both in personal and professional pursuits.

Understanding and applying brain-boosting strategies are integral elements in the pursuit of personal development and professional success. The techniques that enhance brain function are numerous and varied, ranging from simple, low-cost methods to structured programs and routines recommended by experts. These strategies can help individuals break through mental fog and unleash the true potential of their brainpower, leading to improved learning and greater efficiency in their daily tasks.

OPTIMIZING BRAIN HEALTH FOR ENHANCED LEARNING

To enhance learning and productivity, it is vital to maintain optimal brain health through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep. These factors contribute to better brain functionneuroplasticity, and neuron health.

BALANCED DIET AND NUTRITION

A nutritious diet is the cornerstone of brain health. It provides the essential nutrients neurons require to function optimally. Consuming omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish like salmon, supports neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to form new neural connections. Antioxidant-rich foods, such as blueberries, combat oxidative stress which can damage brain cells. Incorporating a variety of nutrients from foods like nuts, seeds, and leafy greens, is critical for cognitive function.

  • Key Nutrients: Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals.
  • Brain-Boosting Foods: Fatty fish, berries, nuts, seeds, leafy greens.

IMPORTANCE OF REGULAR EXERCISE: MAKE BETTER USE OF YOUR BRAINPOWER

Regular exercise is another pivotal element for boosting brain power. Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to neurons. It also promotes the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which fosters neurogenesis—the creation of new brain cells—and aids in learning and memory. For maximum benefit, aim for a combination of cardiovascular, strength, and flexibility exercises.

  • Exercise Types: Aerobic, strength training, flexibility.
  • Cognitive Benefits: Enhanced neurogenesis, increased BDNF levels, improved memory.

ADEQUATE SLEEP AND POWER NAPS

Optimal brain function cannot be achieved without adequate sleep. During deep sleep, the brain consolidates memories and removes toxins. A regular sleep schedule of 7-9 hours is recommended for adults. Additionally, short power naps can rejuvenate the mind and improve focus and learning. Naps should be limited to 20-30 minutes to prevent sleep inertia, which may hamper productivity.

  • Sleep Duration: 7-9 hours for adults.
  • Power Naps: 20-30 minutes to avoid grogginess and maximize rejuvenation.

COGNITIVE ENHANCEMENT TECHNIQUES

Cognitive enhancement techniques are strategies aimed at improving learning, sharpening attention, and enhancing memory. These methods are developed through neuroscience research and are designed to optimize brain function across various domains.

CONTINUOUS LEARNING AND EDUCATION: MAKE BETTER USE OF YOUR BRAINPOWER

Continuous learning and education stimulate intellectual growth and are fundamental for maintaining and expanding literacy and numeracy skills. They are central to keeping the brain actively engaged in acquiring new knowledge and sharpening logic. Pursuing structured educational activities, such as taking online courses or attending workshops, can promote the neuroplasticity of the brain, a core component that supports cognitive agility and adaptation to new challenges.

MINDFUL MEDITATION PRACTICES

Mindful meditation practices are beneficial for increasing one's focus and attention. A neuroscientist might affirm that regular meditation contributes to improved memory retention and stress reduction. These practices can involve concentrating on breathing, guided imagery, or progressive muscle relaxation, which fosters a deepened state of mental clarity and calmness, essential for both cognitive enhancement and overall well-being.

ENGAGING IN REGULAR BRAIN TRAINING

Engaging in regular brain training exercises, such as puzzles, games, or apps specifically designed for cognitive improvement, can enhance cognitive functions including memorylanguage, and vocabulary. Structured brain training activities cater to a variety of cognitive domains and are often developed based on neuroscientific findings to ensure their effectiveness and relevance in real-world cognitive demands.

ESTABLISHING PRODUCTIVE HABITS

Make Better Use of Your Brainpower A neatly organized desk with a calendar, planner, and a stack of books. A laptop open to a productivity app. A clock showing a productive work session

Cultivating productive habits is a cornerstone of making better use of one's brainpower. It involves understanding the intricacies of time management, the structure of routines, and the importance of reducing stress, which collectively pave the way for heightened focus and efficiency.

EFFECTIVE TIME MANAGEMENT: MAKE BETTER USE OF YOUR BRAINPOWER

Time management is the act of planning and exercising conscious control over the amount of time spent on specific activities to increase efficiency and productivity. A tried-and-true method involves breaking the day into segments for focused work, often called the Pomodoro Technique, where a person works for 25 minutes and then takes a short break. Individuals may also find it helpful to use tools or apps designed to minimize distractions and keep track of how time is spent.

  • Pomodoro Technique
    • Work for 25 minutes
    • 5-minute break
    • Repeat
  • Digital Tools
    • Time tracking apps
    • Task management software

BUILDING A ROUTINE FOR SUCCESS

A successful routine provides structure and builds motivation and concentration. It starts with consistent waking and sleeping times to regulate the body's internal clock, augmenting energy levels and mental clarity. Key elements of a productive routine include setting specific and achievable goals for each day and week, and ensuring these are aligned with long-term objectives.

  • Daily Goals
    • Specific
    • Achievable
  • Weekly Review
    • Progress check
    • Adjustments

MINIMIZING STRESS FOR BETTER FOCUS

Reducing stress is essential for maintaining concentration and focus. Techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or short walks can help clear the mind and lower stress levels. Organizing workspaces and keeping them clutter-free also contributes to a calmer environment that is conducive to focus.

  • Stress-Reduction Techniques
    • Deep breathing
    • Meditation
    • Physical activity
  • Organized Workspace
    • Clutter-free
    • Designated areas for specific tasks

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL SYNERGY

Make Better Use of Your Brainpower A brain surrounded by glowing energy, connected to gears and circuits, symbolizing increased learning and productivity through mental and physical synergy

The synergy between physical activity and mental acuity is an essential component for optimal brain function and productivity. Regular exercise not only enhances physical fitness but also significantly uplifts cognitive skills and mental health, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

EXERCISE AND COGNITIVE SKILLS: MAKE BETTER USE OF YOUR BRAINPOWER

Physical activities such as runningswimming, and yoga are known to improve cognitive functioning through a process known as brain plasticity. This is the brain's ability to change and adapt as a result of experience. Cardiovascular exercises are particularly effective at increasing the heart rate, which in turn pumps more oxygen to the brain, aiding in the improvement of processing speed. On the other hand, muscle-building activities can support brain health by releasing hormones that are beneficial for cognition.

For instance, incorporating challenging practices like using one's non-dominant hand during activities can serve as a mental challenge that stimulates cognitive skills. Moreover, exercises like brisk walking have been linked to a reduced risk of cognitive decline and a delayed onset of dementia, highlighting the importance of physical activity for maintaining cognitive health.

  • Mental health benefits:
    • Reduced symptoms of depression and mood improvements
    • Enhanced mental health and well-being

LEISURE ACTIVITIES FOR A BALANCED LIFE

Leisure activities that do not necessarily involve rigorous physical exertion but demand mental engagement, such as having a conversation, playing a sport, or achieving a state of flow through hobbies, are also crucial for maintaining mental agility. These activities offer a balanced approach to life by keeping the mind actively involved in tasks that are both enjoyable and mentally stimulating.

  • Activities for synergy:
    • Mental challenge:
      • Puzzles, skill-based games, learning a new language
    • Physical Practices:
      • Recreational sports, dancing, gardening

The combination of both mental and physical challenges within leisure activities can enhance cognitive skills and brain plasticity, ensuring a more balanced and productive life.

https://rtateblogspot.com/2024/04/22/experiencing-self-assurance-in-ones-own-skin/

Tim Moseley

Markethive Activity Report 5052024

Markethive Activity Report 5/05/2024

In this weekly report, we delve into the blockchain activity of Hivecoin within the Solana blockchain and have an insight into how Hivecoin's transactional activities have been for the week. As members invested in the growth and performance of Hivecoin, understanding transaction trends provides valuable insights into user engagement, network usage, and overall ecosystem health. 

At the heart of our analysis lies the recognition of transactions as the lifeblood of any blockchain network. Each transaction represents a node of activity, a testament to user engagement, and a contributor to the overall health of Hivecoin within the Solana ecosystem. By dissecting transaction trends, we unravel a tapestry of behaviors, patterns, and preferences that shape the trajectory of our digital asset.

Our primary objective in dissecting these transactional patterns is twofold: first, to glean actionable insights that empower strategic decision-making, and second, to optimize Hivecoin's strategic positioning within the vibrant landscape of decentralized finance (DeFi). Armed with a deeper understanding of user behavior and network dynamics, we can navigate the ever-evolving DeFi terrain with agility and foresight, ensuring Hivecoin remains at the forefront of innovation and adoption.

Hivecoin Blockchain Activity

  • The Hivecoin faucet offers a daily claim of Hivecoin, making it accessible to all users within the Markethive community and beyond.
  • The total faucet claims of Hivecoin as of this writing stand at 3,664, indicating a growing community of users actively engaging with the token.
  • Daily transaction counts on the Solana blockchain were recorded for the week spanning from April 28 to May 4th, providing a granular view of transaction activity over the designated period.
  • The total number of transactions processed amounted to 144, reflecting sustained engagement with the Hivecoin network. Analyzing daily transaction volume revealed fluctuations, with peak activity observed on April 28th and May 3rd, recording 31 and 30 transactions each, and relatively lower activity on April 30th, with 14 transactions. 
  • Hivecoin's blockchain activity reflects a vibrant and engaged community, and by actively sending coins back and forth to each other, members can further stimulate the blockchain activity and strengthen the token's presence within the Solana ecosystem.

 Community Engagement Report

  • This week, the community has shown remarkable dedication to enhancing the presence of Markethive on various platforms. 
  • A concerted effort was made to increase activity on the Markethive Bitcointalk page, aiming to foster vibrant discussions and interactions.
  • The community also turned its attention to the Markethive Trustpilot page. Numerous community members submitted reviews, sharing their personal experiences and feedback about Markethive's services.
  • These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to elevate Markethive's visibility and user engagement within the digital space.
  • The continuous active participation is expected to not only boost Markethive's online presence but also to attract new users and stakeholders to the platform.

We encourage the frequent exchange of Hivecoin within and outside the Markethive community because it serves a tremendous purpose. Firstly, it cultivates a vibrant and active blockchain environment, enhancing its resilience and dynamism. Secondly, it showcases the tangible utility and demand for the token among community members. 

Such heightened engagement not only amplifies the token's intrinsic value but also plays a pivotal role in advancing Markethive's mission. By bolstering blockchain activity, it bolsters Markethive's endeavors to secure listings for Hivecoin on prominent exchanges. This, in turn, extends the reach and functionality of Hivecoin beyond the confines of the Markethive platform.

In essence, this cycle of active participation fuels a positive feedback loop, propelling both the token and the platform towards greater recognition and utility within the broader cryptocurrency landscape. 

Join the Markethive Community Group and be part of those who shape the future of Hivecoin within the Markethive ecosystem!

God Bless Markethive!

 

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.

 

 

 

 

Tim Moseley

Gold Price News: Gold Eases Lower Finds Support Below 2290

Gold Price News: Gold Eases Lower, Finds Support Below $2,290

Gold News

Market Analysis

Gold prices eased lower on Thursday, giving up the previous day’s gains, although prices came back up off the lows to finish down around 0.7% day-on-day.

Prices fell as low as $2,286 an ounce before climbing back to around $2,304 an ounce later in the day. That compared with around $2,322 an ounce in late deals on Wednesday.

Gold prices underwent successive moves lower this week as prices pulled back from highs of over $2,400 an ounce seen in mid-April.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

KAU/USD 1-hourly Kinesis Exchange

US initial jobless claims figures released Thursday came in at 208,000 in the week to April 27, showing only a slight reduction against forecasts of 212,000. Meanwhile, US factory orders for March rose by 1.6% from February levels, in line with market expectations.

The figures provided little convincing momentum in either direction, leaving gold to find tentative support at around the $2,290 an ounce level.

The US dollar fell against other major currencies through the afternoon after an earlier push higher, and this may have helped gold to climb back up off the lows on Thursday afternoon. Yields on US 10-year treasuries also fell later in the day, providing a supportive element for gold.

That said, gold continues to fight a headwind now that markets are broadly expecting US interest rates to stay on hold at least until the autumn, reducing the appeal of assets that don’t earn a yield.

Looking ahead, the markets will be watching out for Friday’s US non-farm payrolls, unemployment rate and ISM Services PMI figures, all of which relate to April, for the latest health check on the US economy.

Kitco Media

Frank Watson

Time to Buy Gold and Silver

 

 

Tim Moseley

Wall Street joins Main Street in the bear cave for next week as gold’s price momentum wanes

Wall Street joins Main Street in the bear cave for next week as gold’s price momentum wanes

The gold market had plenty to digest this week, with manufacturing and services sector data, nonfarm payrolls, and the FOMC rate decision, and while precious metals prices did see a boost from the Fed that effectively ruled out a hike and left room for a cut in Q2, the overall trajectory was down as Asian demand cooled somewhat and Mideast tensions fell off the front pages altogether.

After opening the week above $2,335 per ounce, spot gold twice failed to hold above $2,340 on Monday, and by the afternoon, it had begun its steady slog downward, hitting a weekly low below $2,283 at exactly noon Wednesday.

Then positive momentum returned to the market, and the release of the Federal Reserve’s interest rate announcement and Fed Chair Powell’s press conference in the afternoon launched gold back above $2,325 per ounce.

But after a second attempt to breach that level, bullish momentum dissipated once again, and markets saw gold slide back down to support around $2,300 per ounce, where apart from the occasional test of $2,290, it languished for the rest of the week.

The latest Kitco News Weekly Gold Survey has experts as pessimistic as they’ve been in some time about gold’s near-term prospects, while most retail traders still see gold prices falling or chopping sideways.

FXTM Senior Research Analyst Lukman Otunuga said the signals are bearish for bullion in the coming days. “Gold prices are flashing red, surrendering initial gains from the downbeat US jobs report,” he noted.

Adrian Day, President of Adrian Day Asset Management, was among those who still believe in gold for the coming week.

“Gold’s resilience in the face of delays in cutting rates, by the Federal Reserve primarily as well as some other central banks, is powerful and telling,” Day said. “Whoever is buying gold – and we know that it is primarily global central banks and Chinese savers – is buying for reasons other than the traditional macro-economic factors that would lead to a higher gold price. This buying is largely price agnostic, and likely to continue.”

Marc Chandler, Managing Director at Bannockburn Global Forex, sees the balance of near-term trading tilted to the downside next week, as he expects to see Asian demand dialing back.

“Gold consolidated in recent days and the key issue is whether it is a consolidation pattern or a bottoming formation,” he said. “I suspect the yellow metal can have another leg lower toward $2250-60.”

Chandler said improved support for the yuan may further soften Chinese retail demand for gold. “Also note that HK stocks and mainland stocks that trade in HK have exploded for the past week and a half and this may reduce the urgency of seeking the safety of gold for some investors,” he added. “The recovery of the yen may also slow the local demand.”

For his part, Adam Button, Head of Currency Strategy at Forexlive.com, expects Chinese demand to pick up after domestic traders return in force.

“China is back from holiday next week and will likely resume buying,” he said.

This week, 15 Wall Street analysts participated in the Kitco News Gold Survey, and after two weeks of downward consolidation, most see gold sliding further in the near term. Only four experts, or 27%, expected to see gold prices climb higher next week, while five analysts, representing 33%, predicted a price drop. Six experts, or 40% of respondents, see gold continuing to trade sideways.

Meanwhile, 217 votes were cast in Kitco’s online poll, with only a minority of Main Street investors expecting prices to move higher in the near term. 102 retail traders, representing 47%, looked for gold to rise next week. Another 61, or 28%, predicted it would be lower, while 54 respondents, or 25%, expect the precious metal to trend sideways in the week ahead.

Next week will be among the lightest of the year for economic data releases. The main highlights, such as they are, will be Wednesday’s 10-year bond auction, the Bank of England’s monetary policy decision and the Treasury’s 30-year bond auction on Thursday, and the Friday release of Preliminary University of Michigan consumer sentiment.

Chandler noted the absence of major indicators on the docket for next week, and said he’ll be watching the sovereign bond market for clues on the market’s potential direction. “After the FOMC and jobs data, next week looks quiet, but large Tsy supply with bills and quarterly refunding,” he said.

Darin Newsom, Senior Market Analyst at Barchart.com, was reflecting on this week’s bumper crop of economic indicators.

“I don't think we learned anything we didn't already know about the U.S. economy,” Newsom said. “The key takeaway for me this week is that the monthly employment data is strictly for entertainment purposes, and not information. It's just hilarious to watch it come out every month and be hundreds of thousands off from the quote-unquote experts’ opinions on what it should be.”

“It’s a very high-profile game of pin the tail on the donkey, and nobody plays it very well.”

Newsom said that other things are revealing the true state of the economy. “There are some cracks showing up in the U. S. economy, finally, that haven't been in place for quite some time,” he said. “We saw Starbucks earnings come in, and what was interesting about Starbucks is it wasn't just sales were down because of the higher price of the commodity itself, given the recent rally in coffee. It was actual sales, people in the door that were down. U.S. consumers might actually have started to change some of their habits and cutting that six- to eight-dollar cup of coffee out every morning.”

Another sign that the U.S. consumer may be weakening was the steep decline in demand for boxed beef last month. “We saw a sharp drop-off there at a time when these markets usually are going up as retailers are buying ahead of the summer grilling season, the biggest demand time of the year,” Newsom said. “Are U.S. consumers finally starting to tighten the belt after years of everyone telling them how terrible the situation was? Have they finally started tightening the belt to where they're cutting out that cup of coffee every day, where they're not buying the expensive cuts of meat?”

“These to me were the two key things that we saw this week,” he said. “Everything else just fit with what we already knew: there's still inflation, both sides of the aisle are going to argue, it's bullish, it's bearish, whatever. But our reads on what some of these key consumer markets are doing, I think it's more important.”

As for what all this means for the gold market, Newsom sees some exhaustion on the side of the bulls, which he thinks is understandable given gold’s recent run-up.

“June gold is close to finishing off its short-term downtrend midday Friday,” he said. “This means a bullish technical reversal is possible either today or Monday. The market is technically oversold short-term as well.”

“The short-term downside target is still $2,268 with June sitting near $2,300 Friday.”

Newsom compared gold’s current position to another popular commodity. “I certainly can't make a nice hot cup of it, but to me, it reminds me of cocoa,” he said. “Cocoa ran up so high on fundamental factors that it ran out of buyers and has collapsed.”

“Gold went to new all-time highs,” Newsom noted. “And while there's always going to be Middle East tension, there's always going to be some sort of currency questions around the world, and inflation hasn't gone away, it simply ran out of buyers. There was a vacuum underneath the market, which is why when it finally gave some short-term technical signals that were bearish, it certainly seems to be what's played out [earlier this week].”

He underlined, however, that there are still plenty of medium and longer-term factors supporting gold demand.

“We still have inflation,” he said. “It still looks like interest rates are going to be cut at least once this year, that should weaken the U.S. dollar and should create more of an inflationary environment. And the Middle East isn't going away. As I've said for quite some time, the closer the U.S. gets to its next election, the more chaos around the world we're going to continue to see in hopes of swaying the election one way or the other. So gold's still going to be the play. I think it's going to find some buyers down here, I think the algorithms are going to kick back in.”

Taking all of this into account, Newsom said that the long-term outlook for gold hasn't changed. “It's still probably the best hedge against everything that's going on,” he said. “It just needed to take a breather and hit a vacuum where there wasn't as much buying interest.”

And Kitco Senior Analyst Jim Wyckoff said the technical picture still supports high gold prices next week. “Steady-higher as charts remain overall bullish,” he said.

Spot gold last traded at $2,301.56 per ounce at the time of writing, down 0.10% on the day and down 1.56% on the week.

Kitco Media

Ernest Hoffman

Time to Buy Gold and Silver

 

Tim Moseley

The Artist that came out of the Winter