Monday 31 December 2018

Nifty can reclaim 11,250 if it closes consistently above 10,950: Narnolia

Shabbir Kayyumi Although December month expiry was almost flat, higher rollover percentage (74 percent) suggests positive trend to continue in January expiry

from Moneycontrol Latest News http://bit.ly/2EYZAa2

New FDI norms: Amazon to seek legal opinion to ascertain future of its food retail business

New FDI norms: Amazon to seek legal opinion to ascertain future of its food retail business Amazon Retail India Pvt Ltd is in a lurch as it is unsure whether it can sell products on the Amazon marketplace after the new guidelines come into effect on February 1.

from Moneycontrol Latest News http://bit.ly/2EY12J0

Consider La Opala, leader in opalware market, as a long-term opportunity

Consider La Opala, leader in opalware market, as a long-term opportunity From an operational standpoint, the company has an established distribution network and been able to develop a strong brand recall among its customers.

from Moneycontrol Latest News http://bit.ly/2SoQ0Ap

NSE FinWiz is back to educate investors and here’s why it matters

NSE FinWiz is back to educate investors and here’s why it matters The following article is an initiative of NSE FinWiz and is intended to create awareness among readers

from Moneycontrol Latest News https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/features/nse-finwiz-is-back-to-educate-investorshere’sit-matters_11896261.html

RITES Limited Q2 FY19 Earnings Conference Call

RITES Limited Q2 FY19 Earnings Conference Call This is the verbatim transcript of RITES Limited management call with analysts.

from Moneycontrol Latest News http://bit.ly/2AmSPuC

Analysis | Where November#39;s FPI inflows came from; which sectors they went into

Analysis | Where November#39;s FPI inflows came from; which sectors they went into India-dedicated funds have been net sellers not only for November but also for last three-month ($1,505 million), six-month ($3,453 million) and last 12 months ($5,255 million).

from Moneycontrol Latest News https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/market-edge/analysis-|-where-november39s-fpi-inflows-came-fromsectors-they-went-into_11896221.html

France, Britain agree action plan on migrant Channel crossings

France, Britain agree action plan on migrant Channel crossings In the coming weeks, the two countries will increase surveillance patrols and focus on measures to dismantle trafficking gangs and improve awareness about the dangers of sea crossings in one of the world#39;s busiest shipping lanes.

from Moneycontrol Latest News http://bit.ly/2SqzVtW

Opinion | Modi govt#39;s new e-commerce norms will boost Indian entrepreneurship, create jobs

Opinion | Modi govt#39;s new e-commerce norms will boost Indian entrepreneurship, create jobs The new e-commerce norms could be just the boost that the Startup India mission needs.

from Moneycontrol Latest News https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/startup/opinion-|-modi-govt39s-new-e-commerce-norms-will-boost-indian-entrepreneurship-create-jobs_11896201.html

Chatter Report: Troutner Proposes Algorithmic Stablecoin on BCH, Sztorc Believes Austrian Economics Unnecessary

Troutner Proposes Algorithmic Stablecoin on BCH, Sztorc Believes Austrian Economics Unnecessary to Understand Bitcoin

In today’s roundup of crypto chatter, Chris Troutner and Andreas Brekken play around with the idea of building an algorithmic stablecoin on BCH. Vin Armani debates with Painted Frog on Bitcoin’s similarities to Visa. Also, Paul Sztorc thinks that understanding Austrian economics is not that important to comprehend Bitcoin.  

Also read: Developer Paul Sztorc Launches the First Version of Drivechain

Building an Algorithmic Stablecoin on BCH

Recently Shitcoin.com CEO Andreas Brekken took to crypto Twitter to wish everyone a happy new year. In his tweet, Brekken casually mentioned algorithmic stablecoins, an idea that Bitcoin.com senior developer Chris Troutner picked up on.

Troutner queried Brekken for alternatives to the DAI, but the latter was not familiar with the field. Brekken then explained that he was optimistic about the technology, even though many academics and maximalists don’t believe algorithmic stablecoins are possible.

In response, Troutner called for the BCH community to bring DAI’s algorithmic technology onto BCH. He suggested using the Wormhole JavaScript SDK at developer.bitcoin.com to create an ERC20 token on the BCH blockchain. Instead of ETH, BCH would serve as a collateral asset. Even lead developer of Bitcoin ABC Amaury Sechet jumped into the thread, as he was positive on the idea.

Bitcoin More Similar to Visa Than Gold

Recently, CTO of Cointext Vin Armani had a debate with his followers on what the catalyst for Bitcoin mass adoption would be. Armani argued that those who stand to gain financially from bitcoin usage are the ones most likely to increase Bitcoin adoption.

Not everyone responded well to Armani’s theory, as commentator Painted Frog argued that Bitcoin is intrinsically valuable like gold. Since society didn’t need to be convinced to use gold in the past, Bitcoin like gold, will eventually be used everywhere.

Armani responded by explaining that Bitcoin is more similar to Visa because both are systems and networks. On the other hand, gold is simply a shiny rock and an inert element.

The Importance of Austrian Economics In Bitcoin

Austrian economics has always been a huge part of the Bitcoin community, and the growing popularity of Bitcoin has sparked a revived interest in Austrian economics. This was pointed out by the President of the Nakamoto Institute Michael Goldstein on social media. Some like cryptocurrency pundit Murad Mahmudov agreed with Goldstein and tweeted that cryptocurrency community members who understand Austrian economics have an edge over those who don’t.

However, director of research at Tierion Paul Sztorc and bitcoin pundit nic__carter both argued that the importance of Austrian economics is highly overstated in the cryptocurrency space. While nic__carter confessed that he had never read any books on Austrian economics, Sztorc explained that he was very familiar with the Austrian school of thought.

Despite a thorough understanding of Austrian Economics, Sztorc insists that only a brief understanding of how the government prints away purchasing power, also known as inflation tax, is enough to understand Bitcoin.

What do you think of an algorithmic stablecoin built on BCH? Let us know in the comments below.


Images courtesy of Shutterstock.


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from Bitcoin News http://bit.ly/2CIwgm5

South Korea Ends Year With 6 Bills to Regulate Crypto Industry

Australian Crypto Company Rapped for Paying Bounty Hunters for Glowing Reviews

Australian Crypto Company Rapped for Paying Bounty Hunters for Glowing Reviews

Securities commissioners and trade experts have refused Australian blockchain startup Power Ledger a clean bill of ethical health after it emerged that the company paid rogue “bounty hunters” to shore up interest in its cryptocurrency. The project’s “powr” crypto has fallen 90 percent in value over the past year amidst bearish market conditions.

Also read: Russian Bitcoin Mining Granny is Bullish on Industry’s Future

Bounty Hunters Make False Claims

Australian Crypto Company Rapped for Paying Bounty Hunters for Glowing Reviews

Spruikers, sponsored creators of glowing reviews, falsely claimed that Power Ledger, a peer-to-peer electricity-trading startup, had attracted the interest of Tesla founder Elon Musk, and was on a path to revolutionize the industry, in addition to other exaggerations.

According to local newspaper Financial Review, the Australian company rewarded spruikers with free allocations of its powr token, but denies responsibility for their embellishments. Power Ledger chairman Jemma Green maintains that spruikers posted the misleading reviews while operating outside of its control.

“Rewards were offered to community members to share our project with their own networks. The means by which they did so were outside of our control, and we made it clear that our core supporters who believed in the project and the future of renewable energy were the main audience for this program,”‘ Green was quoted as saying.

However, Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) head John Price said spruikers, which the company intends to maintain, should disclose that they are being rewarded by the entity. The commission this year set up a unit to monitor cryptocurrency investments.

Australian Crypto Company Rapped for Paying Bounty Hunters for Glowing Reviews

Trade experts also commented disapprovingly on the ethical dimensions of spruiking to boost initial coin offerings (ICOs), a practice that surged in popularity during 2017’s crowdfunding mania. Questions have since been asked over the failure of the majority of ICOs to evolve into successful projects with real adoption.

A partner at Deloitte Consulting specializing in technology, Peter Williams, raised ethical concerns over the provision of financial incentives, or bounties, for individuals to promote initial coin offerings, describing these as “classic market manipulation techniques.”

‘A Quarter of ICOs Are Scams’

ASIC Commissioner Price cautioned that his agency is focused on disclosure in initial coin offerings, estimating that a quarter of them may be scams. “Just because you call something an ICO, doesn’t mean you are unregulated,” he said.

Power Ledger maintains that it deployed spruikers, which it calls community advocates, not only to promote its virtual currency, but also to improve the reputation of the blockchain and cryptocurrency industry.

Australian Crypto Company Rapped for Paying Bounty Hunters for Glowing Reviews

“Some of our bounty group were professional bounty hunters chasing tokens because it’s what they do,” Power Ledger posted a few weeks after the token sale. “Some were bots reporting an astounding 5,000 likes of our social media output in a single 24-hour period.”

Power Ledger will continue to pay spruikers to promote its currency, which peaked at $2.4 billion during the crypto boom. The company’s token is now trading about 20 percent below its issue price.

Aside from the controversy, Power Ledger successfully tested a blockchain-based solar power-trading project in the Australian coastal city of Fremantle earlier this month, enabling around 40 households to determine both the buying and selling price of renewable electricity generated on their rooftops. The trial has been described by Western Australia’s Minister for Finance, Energy and Aboriginal Affairs, Ben Wyatt, as a “world first.”

What do you think of the accusations laid against Power Ledger? Let us know in the comments section below.


Images courtesy of Shutterstock.


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The post Australian Crypto Company Rapped for Paying Bounty Hunters for Glowing Reviews appeared first on Bitcoin News.



from Bitcoin News http://bit.ly/2EWvqU2

Indian Exchanges End Year With Improved Services, Optimism About Regulation

Bounties and Responsible Disclosure Bolstered Crypto Infrastructure This Year

Israeli Exchange to Launch Crypto Payments API Service for Local Businesses

Israeli Exchange to Launch Crypto Payments API Service for Local Businesses

There is a new option on the way for Israeli companies that wish to accept orders from cryptocurrency users while they keep managing their books in fiat. A local bitcoin exchange, Bits of Gold, is launching an API service for regulated crypto payments.

Also Read: Billions Living Under Authoritarian Regimes Need Bitcoin Says Human Rights Activist

New Tools for Israeli Businesses

Israeli Exchange to Launch Crypto Payments API Service for Local BusinessesTel Aviv-based cryptocurrency exchange Bits of Gold has developed an application program interface (API) service meant to enable companies to accept payments in crypto and receive the value in Israeli shekels or U.S. dollars. The exchange has also developed a complimentary service that allows businesses to get paid in shekels and receive the value in cryptocurrency.

The trading venue expressed hope that the new service will allow more companies to enter the field and thus expand the payment options for Israeli crypto users. The exchange also plans to soon launch cash registers that will enable retailers to accept crypto payments as well. And the company will also begin offering a Bitcoin clearing service for businesses in the second quarter of 2019, Bits of Gold CEO Youval Rouach told the local Globes  newspaper.

“Crypto transfers are not a complicated matter but the regulatory demands, which include identifying the client, make it complicated,” explained Bits of Gold VP Tomer Niv. “Our service allows to use Bitcoin and comply with the rules of the regulator, without developing a vast payments system for each business.”

The Crypto Situation in Israel in 2018

Israeli Exchange to Launch Crypto Payments API Service for Local BusinessesWhile the number of individual investors who entered the market declined, the number of companies that use Bits of Gold’s services remained quite stable in 2018, according to its CEO. And the exchange also continued to grow during the year, hiring more software developers and costumer service personnel, reaching a total staff of 21 people. However, the company also gave up on plans for buying another bitcoin ATM as well as offering clients an option to trade on a combined basket of top cryptocurrencies.

The CEO of the Israeli exchange thinks that the local securities and anti-money laundering authorities are doing a good job with regards to developing rules for the field, even making Israel an international leader in terms of crypto regulation. However, he notes that as long as the Bank of Israel doesn’t make a clear stand on the matter, commercial banks will continue to make it hard on the industry.

A recent report revealed that only 5 percent of the people in Israel invested in or used digital coins in 2018. Moreover, a total of 44 percent of Israelis say they either don’t know what Bitcoin is or just don’t understand the concept. In contrast, 42 percent of the people have reported using the direct money transfer apps that the big banks in Israel have been pushing hard over the last year in an attempt to stay relevant in the digital age.

Is the crypto industry in Israel going to recover in 2019? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.


Images courtesy of Shutterstock.


Verify and track bitcoin cash transactions on our BCH Block Explorer, the best of its kind anywhere in the world. Also, keep up with your holdings, BCH and other coins, on our market charts at Satoshi’s Pulse, another original and free service from Bitcoin.com.

The post Israeli Exchange to Launch Crypto Payments API Service for Local Businesses appeared first on Bitcoin News.



from Bitcoin News http://bit.ly/2ETXxDg

Litigation Firm Files Lawsuit Against Nvidia for Statements Regarding Crypto

Shall Law Firm, an American shareholder rights litigation firm, has announced the filing of a class action lawsuit against Nvidia with regards to statements pertaining to the company’s outlook regarding the effect that declining cryptocurrency prices could have on the performance of its shares.

Also Read: Bitcoin Whales and the Rise of Crypto-Fueled OTC Desks in 2018

Firm Files Class Action Against Nvidia

Litigation Firm Files Lawsuit Against Nvidia for Statements Regarding CryptoA Los Angeles-based law firm has announced the filing of a class action lawsuit accusing graphics card manufacturer, Nvidia, for “violations of §§10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.”

Nvidia is accused of making “false and misleading statements to the market” regarding assertions that a significant decline in demand for graphics processing units (GPUs) would not negatively impact the company’s operations and performance due to high demand from the gaming sector.

Schall Law Firm is currently encouraging investors who purchased Nvidia’s shares between Aug. 10, 2017, and Nov. 15, 2018, to contact the firm before Feb. 19, 2019, especially investors who incurred losses exceeding $100,000.

According to Shall, the GPU manufacturer “touted its ability to monitor the cryptocurrency market and make rapid changes to its business as necessary” and made “materially misleading” comments throughout the six-month period.

Nvidia Hit Hard by Cryptocurrency Downturn

Litigation Firm Files Lawsuit Against Nvidia for Statements Regarding CryptoNvidia appears to have been significantly hit by the cryptocurrency bear trend, with the company having the worst performing stock in the S&P 500 of the fourth quarter of 2018 with a 54 percent loss in value.

While a number of chip stocks have performed poorly of late – with the PHLX Semiconductor Sector Index, comprised of 30 companies including Nvidia, dropping 19 percent, and Advanced Micro Devices stock losing 45 percent – many have cited declining demand for mining hardware as a catalyst for Nvidia’s notably poor performance.

The recent dumping appears to have been fueled by the reporting of a weaker-than-anticipated quarterly revenue and guidance from Nvidia last month, with the company’s stock falling roughly 19 percent on the trading day following the earnings report.

“The crypto hangover has left the industry with excess inventory – excess channel inventory,” Nvidia’s chief executive officer, Jensen Huang, stated on a conference call at the time.

Do you see merit in the case being brought against Nvidia? Do you agree with Shall that Nvidia made false and misleading statements? Share your thoughts to the comments section below!


Images courtesy of Shutterstock


At Bitcoin.com there’s a bunch of free helpful services. For instance, have you seen our Tools page? You can even lookup the exchange rate for a transaction in the past. Or calculate the value of your current holdings. Or create a paper wallet. And much more.

The post Litigation Firm Files Lawsuit Against Nvidia for Statements Regarding Crypto appeared first on Bitcoin News.



from Bitcoin News http://bit.ly/2AmvTfj

Billions Living Under Authoritarian Regimes Need Bitcoin Says Human Rights Activist

Billions Living Under Authoritarian Regimes Need Bitcoin Says Human Rights Activist

When reporting on cryptocurrency, the mainstream media often focuses on price drops relating to USD. But a human rights activist reminds the general public that Bitcoin is not another commodity or stock on the market, rather, a tool for liberation.

Also Read: Iranian Students in the UK Use Bitcoin to Bypass Banks

Bitcoin is a Tool for Freedom, Not Speculation

Billions Living Under Authoritarian Regimes Need Bitcoin Says Human Rights ActivistAlex Gladstein, Chief Strategy Officer at the Human Rights Foundation, has published an article titled ”Why Bitcoin Matters for Freedom” in Time Magazine. In it he explains how cryptocurrency can help people retake control of their lives from oppressive regimes.

“Speculation, fraud, and greed in the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry have overshadowed the real, liberating potential of Satoshi Nakamoto’s invention,” writes Gladstein. “For people living under authoritarian governments, Bitcoin can be a valuable financial tool as a censorship-resistant medium of exchange.”

The article focuses on the current situation in Venezuela as the prime example of its thesis. It details how Venezuelans are using Bitcoin to evade runaway hyperinflation and harsh capital controls. It also shows how after greatly devaluing citizens’ savings, the Maduro regime is using the banking system to confiscate much of the money sent from abroad by people that want to help their families back home.

Taking Bitcoin From 40 Million Users to 4 Billion

Billions Living Under Authoritarian Regimes Need Bitcoin Says Human Rights ActivistBeyond Venezuela, the article notes how Bitcoin can help citizens suffering from inflation in Zimbabwe, those who want to avoid mass surveillance in China, NGOs that have their bank accounts frozen in Russia, and refugees without access to basic banking services. It also explains that cash fiat is used without government permission, but can be made virtually useless by hyperinflation and that many countries are moving to become cashless societies – thus strengthening the need for cryptocurrency.

“Less than 1% of the world’s population — no more than 40 million people — have ever used Bitcoin. But, according to the Human Rights Foundation, more than 50% of the world’s population lives under an authoritarian regime,” writes Gladstein. “If we invest the time and resources to develop user-friendly wallets, more exchanges, and better educational materials for Bitcoin, it has the potential to make a real difference for the 4 billion people who can’t trust their rulers or who can’t access the banking system. For them, Bitcoin can be a way out.”

When will we see widespread Bitcoin adoption by people living under authoritarian regimes? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.


Images courtesy of Shutterstock.


Verify and track bitcoin cash transactions on our BCH Block Explorer, the best of its kind anywhere in the world. Also, keep up with your holdings, BCH and other coins, on our market charts at Satoshi’s Pulse, another original and free service from Bitcoin.com.

The post Billions Living Under Authoritarian Regimes Need Bitcoin Says Human Rights Activist appeared first on Bitcoin News.



from Bitcoin News http://bit.ly/2EYajB0

Bitcoin Whales and the Rise of Crypto-Fueled OTC Desks in 2018

The Daily: Bitfinex Schedules Exchange Downtime, Koinex Adds New Security Features

The Daily: Bitfinex to Go Offline to Change Servers, Koinex Adds New Security Features

Ifinex, the operator of Bitfinex and Ethfinex, is planning to briefly restrict access to the crypto trading platforms on Jan. 7 while migrating data to its new servers in Switzerland. Also in The Daily on Sunday, Indian exchange Koinex has updated its security features and Huobi’s mining subsidiary is preparing to launch a new trading platform dedicated to an altcoin.

Also read: Wallet Hacking Debate Heats Up, Bitcoin-Based Patreon Alternative Emerges

Ifinex Switches From AWS Cloud to Own Servers

The Daily: Bitfinex Schedules Exchange Downtime, Koinex Adds New Security FeaturesHong Kong-based cryptocurrency exchange Bitfinex and its subsidiary Ethfinex will temporarily halt trading on Monday, Jan. 7, 2019. The two platforms will be offline for three to seven hours, during which time their operator, Ifinex, will complete the migration of all data to new servers. Account holders will not be able to access their wallets and all features will be inaccessible for the duration of the upgrade.

In an announcement, Ifinex revealed it’s switching from AWS cloud services to a self-designed infrastructure. The exchanges will now be using its own dedicated servers in a data center located in the Swiss Crypto Valley. The hardware is suitable for high-volume trading and the company tweeted that the move aims to “significantly enhance platform speed, security and performance.” Ifinex further explained:

The last stage in this process necessitates taking Ifinex trading platforms offline, meaning that Bitfinex and Ethfinex account holders will be unable to trade or access their wallets during the transition.

The operator also noted that the change will bring some benefits to users. For example, the combination between selected hardware and new order submission gateways can potentially double the speed of processing. Ifinex also claims the bare-metal servers are inherently more secure as they are running dedicated custom hardware and are not reliant on a third-party cloud service.

The Daily: Bitfinex Schedules Exchange Downtime, Koinex Adds New Security Features

Koinex Introduces Security Updates

India’s leading crypto exchange Koinex has unveiled new security features for its customers. The trading platform explained on Medium that the additional layers of security applied to the accounts  will provide greater protection for users’ funds and add new functionalities. Koinex also promised to release more security updates in the future.

The Daily: Bitfinex Schedules Exchange Downtime, Koinex Adds New Security FeaturesA special “Protection Mode” is now automatically activated after signing in. It prevents any withdrawals of digital assets for the first 10 minutes of each session. During that time, users can lock their account if they suspect it has been compromised. However, clients will be able to start trading immediately after they log in and the mode does not restrict P2P fiat withdrawals of the Indian rupee.

Koinex developers have also introduced an additional verification step for cryptocurrency withdrawals. Now each withdrawal request will have to be confirmed over email, which users can do by following a verification link they will receive to their registered email address.

The notification email sent to account holders after they sign in now has a “Lock My Account” link that allows them to block any transaction if they suspect fraudulent activity. The link will take users to a security page, where they’ll be able to lock their account and delete any open orders. When an account is locked, all crypto withdrawal requests that have not been confirmed by email are cancelled automatically.

Huobi Pool to Launch EOS-Dedicated Exchange

The Daily: Bitfinex Schedules Exchange Downtime, Koinex Adds New Security FeaturesHuobi Group announced that its crypto mining subsidiary, Huobi Pool, is preparing to launch a new digital asset exchange in the first quarter of 2019. The platform will be focused on EOS and will allow users to trade the coin against a number of other cryptocurrencies. Commenting on the announcement, Huobi Pool’s chief executive officer Cao Fei stated:

As an EOS super node, Huobi Pool has placed its ecological development high on its list of priorities. Launching this EOS exchange is simply the next logical step in our support.

In the past few months, Huobi Pool has been working closely with the EOS community. The company has taken part in the building of an EOS testchain called the Crypto Kylin Testnet, which can be used to evaluate EOS-based projects.

Singapore-based Huobi group is a major crypto company that operates the third largest cryptocurrency exchange by daily trading volume, Huobi. It has been expanding its business recently in a number of sectors and markets.

What are your thoughts on today’s news tidbits? Tell us in the comments section.


Images courtesy of Shutterstock, Koinex.


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The post The Daily: Bitfinex Schedules Exchange Downtime, Koinex Adds New Security Features appeared first on Bitcoin News.



from Bitcoin News http://bit.ly/2s2vM3M

Consider La Opala, leader in opalware market, as a long-term opportunity

Consider La Opala, leader in opalware market, as a long-term opportunity From an operational standpoint, the company has an established distribution network and been able to develop a strong brand recall among its customers.

from Moneycontrol Brokerage Recos http://bit.ly/2SoQ0Ap

Buy Petronet LNG; target of Rs 270: Sharekhan

Buy Petronet LNG; target of Rs 270: Sharekhan Sharekhan is bullish on Petronet LNG has recommended buy rating on the stock with a target price of Rs 270 in its research report dated December 27, 2018.

from Moneycontrol Brokerage Recos http://bit.ly/2s0cdcC

Hold Max Financial Services; target of Rs 470: Sharekhan

Hold Max Financial Services; target of Rs 470: Sharekhan Sharekhan recommended hold rating on Max Financial Services with a target price of Rs 470 in its research report dated December 27, 2018.

from Moneycontrol Brokerage Recos http://bit.ly/2LBBKBQ

Here are the world's biggest billionaire winners, losers of 2018

While Coates had a good year, market turmoil pushed many wealthy people into the red.

from Stocks-Markets-Economic Times http://bit.ly/2EW6Keo

Bhangaar stocks that rallied up to 770% in year of smallcap carnage

Some well-known midcaps like Gitanjali Gems and Kwality turned penny stocks.

from Stocks-Markets-Economic Times http://bit.ly/2EYQmuG

Share market update: Telecom shares mixed; MTNL surges nearly 12%

Benchmark NSE Nifty50 index was up 5.55 points at 10,865.45 while the BSE Sensex was up 8.41 points at 36,085.13.

from Stocks-Markets-Economic Times http://bit.ly/2EX8qnZ

Share market update: OMCs trade in the red; Indraprastha Gas down nearly 1%

Benchmark NSE Nifty50 index was down 3.25 points at 10,856.65 while the BSE Sensex was down 26.02 points at 36,050.70.

from Stocks-Markets-Economic Times http://bit.ly/2Vjui2z

Delta Corp, Sun TV, TVS among 10 stocks that can give decent returns in 3 weeks

Here are 10 stocks that can potentially deliver gains over the next two to three weeks.

from Stocks-Markets-Economic Times http://bit.ly/2AqsX17

Share market update: BSE Power index trades flat; KEC International up over 2%

Benchmark NSE Nifty50 index was up 5.10 points at 10,865 while the BSE Sensex was up 3.64 points at 36,080.36.

from Stocks-Markets-Economic Times http://bit.ly/2Q8xB97

Share market update: Bank shares mixed; RBL Bank rises nearly 1%

Benchmark NSE Nifty50 index was up 5.70 points at 10,865.60 while the BSE Sensex was up 2.44 points at 36,079.16.

from Stocks-Markets-Economic Times http://bit.ly/2SrNqtj

Share market update: Nifty FMCG index flat; Dabur up nearly 1%

Benchmark NSE Nifty50 index was up 10.25 points at 10,870.15 while the BSE Sensex was up 13.45 points at 36,090.17.

from Stocks-Markets-Economic Times http://bit.ly/2AjGxDq

Il&FS Transportation drops 5% on defaulting on NCD interest payments

The company made the announcment post market hours of Friday.

from Stocks-Markets-Economic Times http://bit.ly/2BUZWKO

Top intraday trading ideas for afternoon trade for Monday 31 December 2018

Tata Steel is a 'Buy' call with a target price of Rs 540 and a stop loss of Rs 514.

from Stocks-Markets-Economic Times http://bit.ly/2TkQ9on

Share market update: Metal shares bullish; SAIL jumps nearly 3%

Benchmark NSE Nifty50 index was up 9.60 points at 10,869.50 while the BSE Sensex was up 23.88 points at 36,100.60.

from Stocks-Markets-Economic Times http://bit.ly/2R0rNDJ

Share market update: 31 stocks hit 52-week lows on NSE

Domestic benchmark index NSE Nifty was trading 31.70 points up at 10,891.60 while the BSE Sensex was trading 88.85 points up at 36,165.57.

from Stocks-Markets-Economic Times http://bit.ly/2LI7XXY

My best bet for 2019: After many false starts since 2008, capital goods set to hum

What can change now is the steady growth in capacity utilisation of user industries.

from Stocks-Markets-Economic Times http://bit.ly/2Rk9clC

Share market update: Nifty Realty index up 1%; Brigade, Unitech in the green

Benchmark NSE Nifty50 index was up 36.15 points at 10,896.05 while the BSE Sensex was up 94.54 points at 36,171.26.

from Stocks-Markets-Economic Times http://bit.ly/2GL8edS

Stocks pin hopes on Sino-US talk, as year ends deep in the red

GLOBAL-Global Markets: Stocks pin hopes on Sino-U.S. talk, as year ends deep in the red

from Stocks-Markets-Economic Times http://bit.ly/2QYEsXW

Chatter Report: Troutner Proposes Algorithmic Stablecoin on BCH, Sztorc Believes Austrian Economics Unnecessary

Troutner Proposes Algorithmic Stablecoin on BCH, Sztorc Believes Austrian Economics Unnecessary to Understand Bitcoin

In today’s roundup of crypto chatter, Chris Troutner and Andreas Brekken play around with the idea of building an algorithmic stablecoin on BCH. Vin Armani debates with Painted Frog on Bitcoin’s similarities to Visa. Also, Paul Sztorc thinks that understanding Austrian economics is not that important to comprehend Bitcoin.  

Also read: Developer Paul Sztorc Launches the First Version of Drivechain

Building an Algorithmic Stablecoin on BCH

Recently Shitcoin.com CEO Andreas Brekken took to crypto Twitter to wish everyone a happy new year. In his tweet, Brekken casually mentioned algorithmic stablecoins, an idea that Bitcoin.com senior developer Chris Troutner picked up on.

Troutner queried Brekken for alternatives to the DAI, but the latter was not familiar with the field. Brekken then explained that he was optimistic about the technology, even though many academics and maximalists don’t believe algorithmic stablecoins are possible.

In response, Troutner called for the BCH community to bring DAI’s algorithmic technology onto BCH. He suggested using the Wormhole JavaScript SDK at developer.bitcoin.com to create an ERC20 token on the BCH blockchain. Instead of ETH, BCH would serve as a collateral asset. Even lead developer of Bitcoin ABC Amaury Sechet jumped into the thread, as he was positive on the idea.

Bitcoin More Similar to Visa Than Gold

Recently, CTO of Cointext Vin Armani had a debate with his followers on what the catalyst for Bitcoin mass adoption would be. Armani argued that those who stand to gain financially from bitcoin usage are the ones most likely to increase Bitcoin adoption.

Not everyone responded well to Armani’s theory, as commentator Painted Frog argued that Bitcoin is intrinsically valuable like gold. Since society didn’t need to be convinced to use gold in the past, Bitcoin like gold, will eventually be used everywhere.

Armani responded by explaining that Bitcoin is more similar to Visa because both are systems and networks. On the other hand, gold is simply a shiny rock and an inert element.

The Importance of Austrian Economics In Bitcoin

Austrian economics has always been a huge part of the Bitcoin community, and the growing popularity of Bitcoin has sparked a revived interest in Austrian economics. This was pointed out by the President of the Nakamoto Institute Michael Goldstein on social media. Some like cryptocurrency pundit Murad Mahmudov agreed with Goldstein and tweeted that cryptocurrency community members who understand Austrian economics have an edge over those who don’t.

However, director of research at Tierion Paul Sztorc and bitcoin pundit nic__carter both argued that the importance of Austrian economics is highly overstated in the cryptocurrency space. While nic__carter confessed that he had never read any books on Austrian economics, Sztorc explained that he was very familiar with the Austrian school of thought.

Despite a thorough understanding of Austrian Economics, Sztorc insists that only a brief understanding of how the government prints away purchasing power, also known as inflation tax, is enough to understand Bitcoin.

What do you think of an algorithmic stablecoin built on BCH? Let us know in the comments below.


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South Korea Ends Year With 6 Bills to Regulate Crypto Industry

Australian Crypto Company Rapped for Paying Bounty Hunters for Glowing Reviews

Australian Crypto Company Rapped for Paying Bounty Hunters for Glowing Reviews

Securities commissioners and trade experts have refused Australian blockchain startup Power Ledger a clean bill of ethical health after it emerged that the company paid rogue “bounty hunters” to shore up interest in its cryptocurrency. The project’s “powr” crypto has fallen 90 percent in value over the past year amidst bearish market conditions.

Also read: Russian Bitcoin Mining Granny is Bullish on Industry’s Future

Bounty Hunters Make False Claims

Australian Crypto Company Rapped for Paying Bounty Hunters for Glowing Reviews

Spruikers, sponsored creators of glowing reviews, falsely claimed that Power Ledger, a peer-to-peer electricity-trading startup, had attracted the interest of Tesla founder Elon Musk, and was on a path to revolutionize the industry, in addition to other exaggerations.

According to local newspaper Financial Review, the Australian company rewarded spruikers with free allocations of its powr token, but denies responsibility for their embellishments. Power Ledger chairman Jemma Green maintains that spruikers posted the misleading reviews while operating outside of its control.

“Rewards were offered to community members to share our project with their own networks. The means by which they did so were outside of our control, and we made it clear that our core supporters who believed in the project and the future of renewable energy were the main audience for this program,”‘ Green was quoted as saying.

However, Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) head John Price said spruikers, which the company intends to maintain, should disclose that they are being rewarded by the entity. The commission this year set up a unit to monitor cryptocurrency investments.

Australian Crypto Company Rapped for Paying Bounty Hunters for Glowing Reviews

Trade experts also commented disapprovingly on the ethical dimensions of spruiking to boost initial coin offerings (ICOs), a practice that surged in popularity during 2017’s crowdfunding mania. Questions have since been asked over the failure of the majority of ICOs to evolve into successful projects with real adoption.

A partner at Deloitte Consulting specializing in technology, Peter Williams, raised ethical concerns over the provision of financial incentives, or bounties, for individuals to promote initial coin offerings, describing these as “classic market manipulation techniques.”

‘A Quarter of ICOs Are Scams’

ASIC Commissioner Price cautioned that his agency is focused on disclosure in initial coin offerings, estimating that a quarter of them may be scams. “Just because you call something an ICO, doesn’t mean you are unregulated,” he said.

Power Ledger maintains that it deployed spruikers, which it calls community advocates, not only to promote its virtual currency, but also to improve the reputation of the blockchain and cryptocurrency industry.

Australian Crypto Company Rapped for Paying Bounty Hunters for Glowing Reviews

“Some of our bounty group were professional bounty hunters chasing tokens because it’s what they do,” Power Ledger posted a few weeks after the token sale. “Some were bots reporting an astounding 5,000 likes of our social media output in a single 24-hour period.”

Power Ledger will continue to pay spruikers to promote its currency, which peaked at $2.4 billion during the crypto boom. The company’s token is now trading about 20 percent below its issue price.

Aside from the controversy, Power Ledger successfully tested a blockchain-based solar power-trading project in the Australian coastal city of Fremantle earlier this month, enabling around 40 households to determine both the buying and selling price of renewable electricity generated on their rooftops. The trial has been described by Western Australia’s Minister for Finance, Energy and Aboriginal Affairs, Ben Wyatt, as a “world first.”

What do you think of the accusations laid against Power Ledger? Let us know in the comments section below.


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Indian Exchanges End Year With Improved Services, Optimism About Regulation

Bounties and Responsible Disclosure Bolstered Crypto Infrastructure This Year

Israeli Exchange to Launch Crypto Payments API Service for Local Businesses

Israeli Exchange to Launch Crypto Payments API Service for Local Businesses

There is a new option on the way for Israeli companies that wish to accept orders from cryptocurrency users while they keep managing their books in fiat. A local bitcoin exchange, Bits of Gold, is launching an API service for regulated crypto payments.

Also Read: Billions Living Under Authoritarian Regimes Need Bitcoin Says Human Rights Activist

New Tools for Israeli Businesses

Israeli Exchange to Launch Crypto Payments API Service for Local BusinessesTel Aviv-based cryptocurrency exchange Bits of Gold has developed an application program interface (API) service meant to enable companies to accept payments in crypto and receive the value in Israeli shekels or U.S. dollars. The exchange has also developed a complimentary service that allows businesses to get paid in shekels and receive the value in cryptocurrency.

The trading venue expressed hope that the new service will allow more companies to enter the field and thus expand the payment options for Israeli crypto users. The exchange also plans to soon launch cash registers that will enable retailers to accept crypto payments as well. And the company will also begin offering a Bitcoin clearing service for businesses in the second quarter of 2019, Bits of Gold CEO Youval Rouach told the local Globes  newspaper.

“Crypto transfers are not a complicated matter but the regulatory demands, which include identifying the client, make it complicated,” explained Bits of Gold VP Tomer Niv. “Our service allows to use Bitcoin and comply with the rules of the regulator, without developing a vast payments system for each business.”

The Crypto Situation in Israel in 2018

Israeli Exchange to Launch Crypto Payments API Service for Local BusinessesWhile the number of individual investors who entered the market declined, the number of companies that use Bits of Gold’s services remained quite stable in 2018, according to its CEO. And the exchange also continued to grow during the year, hiring more software developers and costumer service personnel, reaching a total staff of 21 people. However, the company also gave up on plans for buying another bitcoin ATM as well as offering clients an option to trade on a combined basket of top cryptocurrencies.

The CEO of the Israeli exchange thinks that the local securities and anti-money laundering authorities are doing a good job with regards to developing rules for the field, even making Israel an international leader in terms of crypto regulation. However, he notes that as long as the Bank of Israel doesn’t make a clear stand on the matter, commercial banks will continue to make it hard on the industry.

A recent report revealed that only 5 percent of the people in Israel invested in or used digital coins in 2018. Moreover, a total of 44 percent of Israelis say they either don’t know what Bitcoin is or just don’t understand the concept. In contrast, 42 percent of the people have reported using the direct money transfer apps that the big banks in Israel have been pushing hard over the last year in an attempt to stay relevant in the digital age.

Is the crypto industry in Israel going to recover in 2019? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.


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Litigation Firm Files Lawsuit Against Nvidia for Statements Regarding Crypto

Shall Law Firm, an American shareholder rights litigation firm, has announced the filing of a class action lawsuit against Nvidia with regards to statements pertaining to the company’s outlook regarding the effect that declining cryptocurrency prices could have on the performance of its shares.

Also Read: Bitcoin Whales and the Rise of Crypto-Fueled OTC Desks in 2018

Firm Files Class Action Against Nvidia

Litigation Firm Files Lawsuit Against Nvidia for Statements Regarding CryptoA Los Angeles-based law firm has announced the filing of a class action lawsuit accusing graphics card manufacturer, Nvidia, for “violations of §§10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.”

Nvidia is accused of making “false and misleading statements to the market” regarding assertions that a significant decline in demand for graphics processing units (GPUs) would not negatively impact the company’s operations and performance due to high demand from the gaming sector.

Schall Law Firm is currently encouraging investors who purchased Nvidia’s shares between Aug. 10, 2017, and Nov. 15, 2018, to contact the firm before Feb. 19, 2019, especially investors who incurred losses exceeding $100,000.

According to Shall, the GPU manufacturer “touted its ability to monitor the cryptocurrency market and make rapid changes to its business as necessary” and made “materially misleading” comments throughout the six-month period.

Nvidia Hit Hard by Cryptocurrency Downturn

Litigation Firm Files Lawsuit Against Nvidia for Statements Regarding CryptoNvidia appears to have been significantly hit by the cryptocurrency bear trend, with the company having the worst performing stock in the S&P 500 of the fourth quarter of 2018 with a 54 percent loss in value.

While a number of chip stocks have performed poorly of late – with the PHLX Semiconductor Sector Index, comprised of 30 companies including Nvidia, dropping 19 percent, and Advanced Micro Devices stock losing 45 percent – many have cited declining demand for mining hardware as a catalyst for Nvidia’s notably poor performance.

The recent dumping appears to have been fueled by the reporting of a weaker-than-anticipated quarterly revenue and guidance from Nvidia last month, with the company’s stock falling roughly 19 percent on the trading day following the earnings report.

“The crypto hangover has left the industry with excess inventory – excess channel inventory,” Nvidia’s chief executive officer, Jensen Huang, stated on a conference call at the time.

Do you see merit in the case being brought against Nvidia? Do you agree with Shall that Nvidia made false and misleading statements? Share your thoughts to the comments section below!


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Billions Living Under Authoritarian Regimes Need Bitcoin Says Human Rights Activist

Billions Living Under Authoritarian Regimes Need Bitcoin Says Human Rights Activist

When reporting on cryptocurrency, the mainstream media often focuses on price drops relating to USD. But a human rights activist reminds the general public that Bitcoin is not another commodity or stock on the market, rather, a tool for liberation.

Also Read: Iranian Students in the UK Use Bitcoin to Bypass Banks

Bitcoin is a Tool for Freedom, Not Speculation

Billions Living Under Authoritarian Regimes Need Bitcoin Says Human Rights ActivistAlex Gladstein, Chief Strategy Officer at the Human Rights Foundation, has published an article titled ”Why Bitcoin Matters for Freedom” in Time Magazine. In it he explains how cryptocurrency can help people retake control of their lives from oppressive regimes.

“Speculation, fraud, and greed in the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry have overshadowed the real, liberating potential of Satoshi Nakamoto’s invention,” writes Gladstein. “For people living under authoritarian governments, Bitcoin can be a valuable financial tool as a censorship-resistant medium of exchange.”

The article focuses on the current situation in Venezuela as the prime example of its thesis. It details how Venezuelans are using Bitcoin to evade runaway hyperinflation and harsh capital controls. It also shows how after greatly devaluing citizens’ savings, the Maduro regime is using the banking system to confiscate much of the money sent from abroad by people that want to help their families back home.

Taking Bitcoin From 40 Million Users to 4 Billion

Billions Living Under Authoritarian Regimes Need Bitcoin Says Human Rights ActivistBeyond Venezuela, the article notes how Bitcoin can help citizens suffering from inflation in Zimbabwe, those who want to avoid mass surveillance in China, NGOs that have their bank accounts frozen in Russia, and refugees without access to basic banking services. It also explains that cash fiat is used without government permission, but can be made virtually useless by hyperinflation and that many countries are moving to become cashless societies – thus strengthening the need for cryptocurrency.

“Less than 1% of the world’s population — no more than 40 million people — have ever used Bitcoin. But, according to the Human Rights Foundation, more than 50% of the world’s population lives under an authoritarian regime,” writes Gladstein. “If we invest the time and resources to develop user-friendly wallets, more exchanges, and better educational materials for Bitcoin, it has the potential to make a real difference for the 4 billion people who can’t trust their rulers or who can’t access the banking system. For them, Bitcoin can be a way out.”

When will we see widespread Bitcoin adoption by people living under authoritarian regimes? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.


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