CBDCs Spark Controversy in Florida Politics, Crypto Market Mixed
Cryptocurrencies, led by Bitcoin, fell slightly as Asian markets opened, leaving investors perplexed. While crypto giants stumbled, frog-themed coins skyrocketed. Meanwhile, North Carolina and Florida, two US states, have taken a hardline against Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC). Florida has even blocked CBDCs from being accepted as legal tender, potentially opening itself up to a showdown with the Federal Government.
Market Performance
CoinDesk Market Index (CMI) | Prices(US Dollars) | Daily Change | %Change | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bitcoin (BTC) | 28, 869 | -207.0 | -0.7% | ||
Ethereum (ETH) | 1,878 | -26.9 | -1.4% | ||
S&P 500 | 4,061.22 | -29.5 | -0.7% | ||
Gold | 2,056 | +27.7 | +1.4% | ||
Nikkei 225 | 29,157.95 | +34.8 | +0.1% |
CBDCs Dividing US Politics
CBDCs have become a wedge issue in Florida and North Carolina politics. CBDCs face opposition from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis who spearheaded legislation to block CBDCs from being recognized as money in Florida. Samuel Armes, president of the Florida Blockchain Business Association, argues that CBDCs will erode civil liberties and could eventually lead to government overreach. However, it remains unclear how much appetite there is in Washington for CBDCs with only China, the Bahamas, and Jamaica having currently deployed CBDCs.
Market Sentiment
Markets have been turbulent as investors grapple with conflicting information about market direction. There is high selling pressure as exchange reserves continue to climb, but at the same time, high Coinbase and Korean premiums suggest positive investor sentiment and buying power. Divergent narratives on sticky inflation and strong employment on the one hand and Federal Reserve tightening on the other have led to low implied volatility. Singapore’s QCP notes that markets are caught between two minds.
Conclusion
In summary, the crypto market struggles while frog-themed coins surge. China’s economy is showing signs of a slowdown, while CBDCs in the US have become a highly polarizing issue. Markets are currently in a state of confusion characterized by low implied volatility and divergent narratives.
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https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2023/05/05/first-mover-asia-cbdcs-are-the-hottest-issue-in-florida-politics-bitcoin-falls-slightly/