As the sun sets on another bustling day in the cryptocurrency world, the Crypto Talkies brings you the latest updates you need to wind down your evening informed. First up, WazirX (WRX), the Indian crypto exchange that faced a $230 million cyberattack on July 18, has reported no evidence of internal compromise. Founder Nischal Shetty clarified that the platform is working tirelessly to resume withdrawals and trading. The announcement provided a sigh of relief for users leveraging the exchange, quelling fears of compromised accounts or devices affecting investors' assets. Over in broader market news, Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) are feeling the heat from a global equity market sell-off. Both BTC and ETH are under severe selling pressure, with prices dipping as investor sentiment wavers. Despite the tumultuous market, Bitcoin holders remain surprisingly optimistic, choosing not to sell despite the volatility. Analysts hint at potential price corrections ahead, suggesting a possibility for gains that savvy investors might want to watch closely. Adding to the strain on the market, celebrity-endorsed meme tokens on Solana (SOL) have taken a nosedive, losing over 90% of their value. Investors have felt the sting of these losses deeply, raising questions about the long-term viability of celebrity-backed ventures in the cryptocurrency domain. In political and financial news, Donald Trump's presidential campaign has successfully raised over $4 million in cryptocurrency donations. This influx includes significant contributions from high-profile figures like the Gemini co-founders Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss. The support of crypto magnates reflects a growing trend of political campaigns tapping into the digital asset market for fundraising. Meanwhile, in Japan, SBI Holdings and U.S. asset manager Franklin Templeton have announced a joint venture to launch a Bitcoin ETF. With SBI holding a 51% stake and Franklin Templeton 49%, the partnership is aimed at creating a formidable presence in the digital asset space, starting in Japan. Stateside, a significant development saw Senator Roger Marshall withdraw his support for an anti-crypto bill he previously co-authored with Senator Elizabeth Warren. This move marks a notable shift in U.S. legislative attitudes towards cryptocurrency regulation. Yet, Senator Warren remains steadfast, raising alarms about foreign-owned crypto-mining operations. She cites potential risks of espionage, ecological damage, threats to national security, and grid disruptions. As debates around the sector’s regulation heat up, the ripple effects on the market are palpable. On the political front, former President Donald Trump’s backing of Bitcoin continues to stir the pot. While some market analysts eye this endorsement cautiously, others, including gold detractor Peter Schiff, remain skeptical of Trump’s motives. Nevertheless, Trump's support has rekindled optimism amid U.S.-China tensions, providing a glimmer of hope for crypto enthusiasts. In a less dramatic yet equally puzzling move, Elon Musk's social platform X has removed the Bitcoin hashtag emoji. This action has left the crypto community speculating about Musk’s current stance on Bitcoin (BTC), adding another layer of intrigue to his enigmatic relationship with the world of crypto. Cardano (ADA) is making strides towards its Chang Hard Fork upgrade, with the release of Node 9.1.0 marking a crucial step into the Voltaire era of decentralized governance. As part of its efforts to bolster its network infrastructure, Cardano’s latest developments are eagerly watched by the community. Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has also thrown his hat into the crypto ring, pledging to back the U.S. dollar with Bitcoin and calling for federal reserves to match the nation's gold holdings with BTC. This bold statement is poised to resonate within pro-crypto political circles. Swerving back to Ethereum (ETH), the launch of the first-ever spot Ethereum ETFs is yet another milestone celebrated on the New York Stock Exchange. Though initial excitement surrounded the launch, Ethereum's price struggled, dropping nearly 10%, dampening the anticipated influx. Acquisitions continue to shape the industry as BitFlyer wraps up its purchase of FTX Japan, with plans to diversify offerings to include crypto custody and ETF services. As the legal frameworks evolve, BitFlyer aims to be at the forefront of these changes. Ledger is shaking up the wallet market, hiking prices of their Stax wallet to $399 and introducing a new Flex product, both featuring enhanced security through touchscreens. These moves aim to shore up self-custody and security for users in an increasingly breach-prone world. In a show of confidence, Bitcoin whales have accumulated around 358,000 BTC amid the prevailing market uncertainties. This trend hints at a mix of optimism and caution, signaling that while the market is challenging, opportunities still abound. However, BlackRock casts some doubt on the sector's immediate future, especially for altcoins like Solana (SOL), XRP, and Shiba Inu (SHIB). Their Head of Digital Assets expressed skepticism over the SEC's approval for ETFs beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum, which could limit hopes for more diverse crypto investment vehicles. Finally, in a move that’s garnered significant attention, the upcoming Nashville Bitcoin Conference 2024 is generating buzz with former President Donald Trump slated to deliver a keynote speech. This event has already seen a positive market reaction, further evidenced by gains in key cryptocurrencies. As a closing note, the Federal Reserve has lifted all enforcement actions against Silvergate Bank, following the bank's collapse and subsequent liquidation plan completion. This signals an end to a tumultuous chapter in the bank's history, potentially restoring some confidence across the financial ecosystem. That wraps up today's Crypto Talkies. Stay tuned for more updates as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the cryptocurrency world.
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