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Microsoft Rejects Bitcoin—Too Risky for Big Tech?

CPI Drama, Ripple’s Stablecoin Win, and Why Microsoft’s Bitcoin Snub Matters

Today’s Narrative - 📈Bullish📈

Macros

  • CPI Forecast: November inflation (CPI) is expected at 2.7% YoY, slightly higher than last month’s 2.6%. Inflation is creeping up, but it’s not spiraling.

  • Market Turns: CPI release days this year always align with market shifts—either a big up or down. Plan your trades; today could be another pivot point.

  • Fed Rate Cut: A small interest rate cut (25 bps) is expected next week. Today’s inflation report could change that.

  • All-Time Highs: Stocks, home prices, and national debt are all at record levels. It’s a strange combo of risk and optimism—approach with caution.

  • Global Focus: Canada’s big rate decision is today, and the U.S. Fed meets next week—lots of moving parts.

Crpytos

  • BTC/ETH/SOL: Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana are experiencing slow confusion, holding steady at key price levels, waiting for CPI data to spark action.

  • Institutional Boost: MicroStrategy might list on Nasdaq, which would bring more trust and attention to crypto.

  • Tether Buys: Rumored to increase Bitcoin purchases this quarter. If true, it could provide much-needed demand support.

  • Ronin Activity: Axie Infinity’s blockchain is growing in daily users, especially in Asia, keeping gaming tokens relevant.

  • $BEAM News: Moving to its own blockchain with an AI focus. This could make it a project to watch for both tech and investors.

  • SuperVerse Hype: New partnerships are giving this project a boost in attention and potential growth.

  • ETF Confidence: Bitcoin ETFs are still seeing positive flows, showing quiet optimism even with flat prices. The market hasn’t given up.

Our Stance

CPI sets the stage today. If it’s above 2.7%, brace for a risk-off mood; below 2.7%, the bulls could charge back in. A match? Expect hesitation. Inflation creeping up isn’t great, but a likely Fed rate cut keeps markets hopeful. In crypto, institutional interest, strong support levels, and demand drivers like Tether keep the long-term outlook bullish.

*Check this out—every single CPI release this year (12/12 times) has landed on a trend-shifting day. CPI either comes in at a local top or bottom of a move, setting the tone for the next few days. Expecting no different today. A lower-than-expected CPI? Markets will be risk on again as buyers pile back in. Buckle up—it’s game time.

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📉Bearish📉

Microsoft Says “No Thanks” to Bitcoin

Microsoft shareholders just rejected a proposal to put 1% of the company’s cash into Bitcoin. The board called it too risky, preferring stable investments. Bitcoin advocate Michael Saylor pushed for it, saying it could boost Microsoft’s value—but no luck.

What Happened?

  • The Proposal: The National Center for Public Policy Research suggested Microsoft invest 1% of its massive cash reserves into Bitcoin.

  • The Vote: Shareholders rejected the idea, siding with Microsoft’s board, which cited Bitcoin’s volatility and the company’s focus on “stable investments.”

  • Saylor Steps In: Bitcoin evangelist Michael Saylor argued the move could boost Microsoft’s value, drawing on his own company’s BTC-heavy strategy at MicroStrategy. Still, no dice.

Why Did Microsoft Pass?

Microsoft’s cautious approach boils down to risk. Bitcoin’s price swings make it a tough sell for a company like Microsoft, which prioritizes stability. They’d rather park their cash in safer bets like treasuries or reinvest in their own business, where returns are more predictable.

Why Does This Matter?

  1. Risk vs. Reward: Bitcoin’s volatility makes big companies like Microsoft cautious.

  2. Mainstream Slowdown: Shows traditional companies are still hesitant about crypto.

  3. Saylor’s Vision: Not every business is ready to follow MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin-heavy strategy.

Microsoft’s “no” to Bitcoin isn’t surprising. Big corporations move slower with high-risk assets like crypto. But don’t count this as a loss for Bitcoin—it’s still gaining traction in other corners of the market. For now, it seems tech giants are happy to let smaller players and die-hard advocates like Saylor take the lead. Will they jump on the bandwagon later? Maybe. But for now, they’re sticking to their safety nets.

📈Bullish📈

Ripple’s RLUSD Stablecoin Gets the Green Light

Ripple just scored a big win with New York’s financial regulator. The NYDFS approved RLUSD, Ripple’s stablecoin pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar. This is a key milestone for Ripple, especially as it pushes further into regulated digital finance.

What You Need to Know

  • Regulatory Approval: NYDFS has given RLUSD the thumbs-up, letting Ripple operate its stablecoin in one of the toughest regulatory markets.

  • Fully Backed: RLUSD will be backed by dollar deposits, short-term government treasuries, and cash equivalents. Regular audits ensure transparency.

  • Ripple’s Plan: CEO Brad Garlinghouse says partner and exchange listings for RLUSD are coming soon, opening doors for wider adoption.

Why It Matters

  1. Legit and Regulated: This approval makes RLUSD a player in the regulated finance game, which could bring more trust to Ripple’s ecosystem.

  2. Boost for XRP: As Ripple’s platform grows, there’s potential for long-term gains in XRP adoption and price.

  3. Stablecoin Wars: Ripple is stepping into a crowded field with competitors like USDC and USDT. But regulatory approval gives it an edge.

Ripple is playing the long game, betting on trust and regulation to win over institutions. RLUSD’s approval is a big step forward, especially in a market that’s demanding more oversight. For investors, this could mean Ripple’s ecosystem becomes even more valuable. Keep an eye on this one—it’s a strong move in the stablecoin space.

📈Bullish📈

Binance and Circle Team Up to Push USDC

Binance and Circle just announced a major partnership to boost the adoption of USDC, a stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar. The move, revealed at Abu Dhabi Finance Week, is aimed at making USDC more accessible and widely used across Binance’s massive platform.

What You Need to Know

  • USDC Everywhere: Binance will integrate USDC more deeply into its ecosystem, making it easier to use for trading, saving, and payments.

  • Treasury Move: Binance plans to use USDC as a core part of its corporate treasury, signaling confidence in the stablecoin.

  • Tech Support: Circle will provide the tech and liquidity needed to optimize USDC services on Binance.

Why It Matters

  1. Regulated and Transparent: USDC’s regulatory compliance gives it an edge over competitors like Tether (USDT).

  2. Market Shakeup: With Binance’s 240 million users, this partnership could chip away at USDT’s dominance in the stablecoin market.

  3. Bigger Picture: This deal strengthens the case for stablecoins as a trusted part of the crypto ecosystem.

This is a big win for USDC and a calculated move by Binance to align with a stablecoin that regulators trust. For users, it means better access to a transparent and reliable option. The stablecoin wars are heating up, and this partnership might just tip the scales.

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📚Education📚

What Moves the Crypto Market?

Crypto prices don’t just float around randomly—they’re deeply tied to the bigger economic picture. Events like CPI (Consumer Price Index) reports and interest rate decisions play a huge role in what happens next in the market. Here’s the lowdown.

Why CPI Hits Hard

CPI measures inflation—how much stuff costs compared to last year. For crypto, it’s a big signal:

  • High CPI: Inflation is up, so the Fed might raise rates. Risky assets like Bitcoin? They take a hit.

  • Low CPI: Inflation is cooling, which means rate cuts could be coming. That’s green light territory for crypto bulls.

The Fed’s Power Play

Interest rates are the Fed’s favorite tool, and they pack a punch:

  • Rate Hikes: Makes borrowing expensive, drains liquidity, and cools down speculative assets (crypto included).

  • Rate Cuts: Cheap money flows in, boosting risk-on assets like Bitcoin and altcoins.

Other Macro Movers

  • Jobs Data: A strong labor market means rates could stay high—bad news for crypto.

  • Dollar Strength: A strong dollar usually pushes crypto prices down; a weak dollar does the opposite.

  • Geopolitical Tensions: Instability can drive people to decentralized assets like Bitcoin.

Crypto might feel like the Wild West, but it’s playing in the same sandbox as traditional finance. CPI reports, Fed meetings, and global events set the tone. Smart traders watch these like hawks because the next macro move often becomes crypto’s next big swing. Stay sharp, and don’t ignore the bigger picture—it’s moving the market whether you like it or not.

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DISCLAIMER: None of this is financial advice. This newsletter is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions. Please be careful and do your own research. Cryptocurrency markets are highly volatile, and you should only invest funds you can afford to lose. The views expressed here are those of the authors and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or entities we may be affiliated with. We are not liable for any financial losses incurred from investment activities based on this content.

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