Bitcoin has quietly surged to a new all-time high above $112,000, driven less by crypto-specific news and more by broader macroeconomic trends. In this episode, NLW explores how Bitcoin's latest rally isn't a sudden frenzy but rather the inevitable outcome of ongoing dollar weakness, shifting treasury policies, and persistent market uncertainty. As institutions and investors increasingly view Bitcoin as a necessary hedge against global financial volatility, the question isn't whether Bitcoin wil...
Jul 11, 2025•13 min
Crypto ETFs are front and center as Trump Media Group files a controversial application featuring Cronos alongside Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and XRP—sparking debate over ETF standards. Meanwhile, Grayscale’s stalled ETF approval fuels frustration and uncertainty, pushing the SEC to clarify token listing guidelines. Plus, Robinhood faces regulatory scrutiny over tokenized stocks, MetaPlanet outlines its bold Bitcoin treasury strategy, and Ego Death Capital launches a $100 million Bitcoin-focused...
Jul 10, 2025•12 min
Elon Musk just announced the formation of the "America Party," embracing Bitcoin and sparking political chaos. Meanwhile, Congress bets on explosive economic growth through massive spending, and House Republicans prioritize crypto legislation. Plus, the government drops its appeal in the landmark Tornado Cash sanctions case, but the criminal trial against its developer looms large. Enjoying this content? SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1438693620 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube....
Jul 09, 2025•11 min
Over 80,000 Bitcoin, untouched since 2011 and now worth $8 billion, suddenly moved this holiday weekend, sparking wild theories—from secret whales to quantum hacks. NLW explores the intrigue, risks, and possibilities behind one of Bitcoin's largest-ever transactions, and the deeper questions it raises about Bitcoin privacy, security, and the mythos of crypto’s earliest adopters. Enjoying this content? SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1438693620 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com...
Jul 08, 2025•14 min
On this Long Read Sunday, NLW explores two transformative essays about how stablecoins and AI agents are set to reshape money. Paul Brody explains why financial streaming via stablecoins could free up trillions in capital. Jason Cottrell outlines how the fusion of stablecoins and agentic AI is revolutionizing consumer payments. Sources: https://www.coindesk.com/opinion/2025/06/24/the-future-of-money-is-streaming-now https://composable.com/insights/stablecoins-ai-agents-digital-payments Enjoying ...
Jul 06, 2025•16 min
We're halfway through a wild year for Bitcoin and crypto, with treasury companies stacking sats, ETFs finally breaking through, and Robinhood diving deep into tokenization. Amid a noisy debate on market manipulation versus genuine growth, NLW unpacks the key narratives shaping Bitcoin’s trajectory into the second half of 2025. Enjoying this content? SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1438693620 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBreakdownBW Subscribe to the newsletter: ...
Jul 03, 2025•13 min
Robinhood just unveiled major plans to offer tokenized stocks—including SpaceX and OpenAI—on their own Ethereum L2 blockchain, potentially reshaping private and public markets. NLW explores how Robinhood's move might democratize finance, threaten traditional venture models, and accelerate the convergence of crypto and traditional financial systems. Plus, Circle seeks a bank charter, highlighting crypto's rapid institutionalization. Brought to you by: Grayscale offers more than 20 different crypt...
Jul 02, 2025•13 min
Speculation swirls around who could replace Jerome Powell as Trump hints at naming a new Fed chair early—potentially upending central bank independence. NLW breaks down the leading contenders, market reactions, Trump’s radical debt issuance ideas, and why healthcare cuts and tariffs might be the real macro shocks ahead of July 4th. Source: https://www.coindesk.com/opinion/2025/06/26/whats-next-for-tokenization Brought to you by: Grayscale offers more than 20 different crypto investment product...
Jul 01, 2025•13 min
This Long Read Sunday explores the rise of tokenization in financial markets. NLW reads and analyzes a piece from Galaxy’s Thomas Cowan on how stablecoins, tokenized money market funds, and on-chain structured credit are leading the next wave of crypto adoption. From Wall Street’s growing interest to the regulatory hurdles ahead, today’s episode dives deep into how tokenization is quietly transforming finance—and why we may be at the start of something much bigger. Source: https://www.coindesk.c...
Jul 01, 2025•10 min
In this week’s Friday Five, NLW unpacks a major shift in crypto policy: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have been ordered to treat crypto as mortgage-worthy assets—a milestone in crypto’s integration into mainstream finance. He also covers BIS’s takedown of stablecoins, the surge in Bitcoin dominance, Texas’ new Bitcoin reserve law, and the emerging wave of tokenized stocks and private equity offerings. From macro stabilization to tokenization trends, this episode maps where crypto’s financialization...
Jun 29, 2025•23 min
A sweeping look at crypto's mainstream march. From Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac counting crypto toward mortgage applications to the SEC signaling ETF redemption upgrades and SoFi relaunching crypto services, today's episode is packed with updates showing how deeply digital assets are integrating with traditional finance. Plus, Republic’s controversial plan to tokenize SpaceX equity raises big questions about the future of private markets on-chain. Brought to you by: Grayscale offers more than 20 d...
Jun 27, 2025•12 min
The Bank for International Settlements (BIS)—the central bank for central banks—has delivered a major critique against stablecoins, arguing they lack critical features for mainstream adoption. NLW explores the BIS's warnings, their preference for central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), and what this means as the U.S. nears stablecoin legislation. Plus, a quick market check-in as geopolitical tensions pause. Brought to you by: Grayscale offers more than 20 different crypto investment products. E...
Jun 26, 2025•11 min
On today's Breakdown, the big story is Texas becoming the first state to actively build a Bitcoin reserve. Governor Greg Abbott has signed legislation allocating an initial $10 million to the reserve, making Texas the clear frontrunner in a growing state-level Bitcoin adoption trend. Plus, a quick check-in on escalating tensions—and attempts at ceasefire—in the Middle East. Brought to you by: Grayscale offers more than 20 different crypto investment products. Explore the full suite at grayscale....
Jun 24, 2025•11 min
The US has officially entered the conflict with Iran, bombing nuclear enrichment sites and raising fears of escalation. NLW explores immediate reactions across markets—from oil price spikes and stock market jitters to rising inflation risks and crypto volatility. He discusses whether the critical Straits of Hormuz might close, the geopolitical chess moves involving China and Russia, and why Bitcoin remains a crucial indicator of global sentiment. Brought to you by: Grayscale offers more than 20 ...
Jun 24, 2025•11 min
Crypto markets have a lemon problem. Token issuers know way more than token buyers, creating hidden risks and a lack of trust. Today, NLW explores Blockworks' ambitious solution—the Token Transparency Framework. Inspired by traditional securities disclosures, it aims to standardize essential token information like supply schedules and insider deals. Could this new industry-led initiative finally bring transparency and investor confidence to crypto markets, or is it just another well-intentioned ...
Jun 23, 2025•10 min
On this week's Friday Five, NLW and Scott dive into Bitcoin's remarkable stability above $100,000 despite global uncertainty, major bipartisan passage of the Genius stablecoin bill in the Senate, Circle's blockbuster IPO performance, JPMorgan's surprising move onto Coinbase's Base layer, and Elon Musk's continued push toward making X an "everything app." Plus, Fed divisions deepen as rate cuts remain uncertain. Brought to you by: Grayscale offers more than 20 different crypto investment products...
Jun 21, 2025•23 min
The U.S. Senate has passed landmark stablecoin legislation, signaling a new era for digital finance in America. As institutions gear up for massive crypto adoption, JPMorgan announces plans for its own permissioned token in partnership with Coinbase. Meanwhile, escalating tensions between the U.S., Iran, and Israel rattle global markets. NLW breaks down the implications for crypto, geopolitics, and finance. Brought to you by: Grayscale offers more than 20 different crypto investment products. Ex...
Jun 18, 2025•13 min
On today's Breakdown, NLW dives into Justin Sun's controversial move to take Tron public on the Nasdaq, signaling a potential peak in the Bitcoin treasury hype cycle. He also explores how escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran are influencing Bitcoin markets, examines Metaplanet’s rapid ascent among corporate Bitcoin holders, and provides an update on the latest crypto legislation battles in Congress, complicated by Trump's crypto connections. Brought to you by: Grayscale offers more than...
Jun 18, 2025•14 min
As tensions flare between Israel and Iran, NLW explores how markets—particularly Bitcoin—are reacting to escalating geopolitical risk. Despite missile strikes, assassination reports, and fears of oil supply shocks via the Strait of Hormuz, Bitcoin remains steady at $105K. NLW dives into whether this marks a new resilience or just a temporary lull. Plus, a deep dive into the rise of Bitcoin Treasury companies: Are they pioneering a new financial model—or setting up the next crash? Finally, update...
Jun 17, 2025•14 min
Circle's IPO wasn't just successful—it was a rocket ship, surging from its initial price of $31 to over $100 per share in just days. But why did analysts and markets underestimate Circle so dramatically? In this episode of The Breakdown, NLW explores the real story behind Circle's IPO frenzy. He examines why markets are betting big on stablecoins as essential financial infrastructure, breaks down the evolving regulatory landscape, and highlights how Circle's meticulous, years-in-the-making strat...
Jun 15, 2025•10 min
On today's Breakdown, NLW covers a dramatic escalation as Israel launches airstrikes against Iran, rattling global markets. He explores Bitcoin's initial response as a risk asset rather than a safe haven amid geopolitical tensions, and analyzes whether that dynamic might shift in the coming days. Plus, the SEC's Paul Atkins labels self-custody a foundational American digital right, Stripe deepens its crypto commitment with a new acquisition, and stablecoins continue their march toward mainstream...
Jun 14, 2025•12 min
Nathaniel dives into the growing momentum behind stablecoin legislation in Washington, including the Senate’s latest approval of the Genius Act, the political posturing surrounding it, and why this isn’t a crypto bill—it’s a dollar dominance bill. He explores Meta’s potential reentry into stablecoins and breaks down Stripe’s major crypto infrastructure move with its acquisition of wallet provider Privy. Plus, what Treasury Secretary Scott Bessino’s stablecoin vision signals for global dollar str...
Jun 12, 2025•13 min
Bitcoin is sizzling this summer, surging back to $110,000 amid optimistic predictions from figures like Michael Saylor, who argues that crypto winter is permanently behind us. But is this bullish enthusiasm a sign of strength or a setup for disappointment? Meanwhile, the SEC hints at an upcoming wave of altcoin ETFs, led by Solana, suggesting a busy fall ahead. At the same time, Connecticut makes headlines by banning state-level crypto investments, signaling ongoing tension between crypto adopte...
Jun 11, 2025•12 min
In a significant policy shift, SEC Chair Paul Atkins defends self-custody as a fundamental American right, marking a turning point for crypto regulation and DeFi innovation. NLW explores why this declaration is critical for crypto’s future, how it impacts the ongoing legislative battles in Washington, and what it means for asset tokenization and blockchain developers. Plus, the ripple effects from Circle’s blockbuster IPO continue, igniting a wave of crypto IPO filings as Wall Street scrambles t...
Jun 11, 2025•13 min
Markets settle on the "taco trade," betting Trump won't push tariffs too far—but uncertainty reigns as China tensions linger, automakers scramble over rare earth metals, and CEO confidence plummets. Meanwhile, Trump's massive spending bill sparks bipartisan backlash, Elon Musk fumes over budget bloat, and discussions heat up about ditching the debt ceiling entirely. Plus, the weaponization of the dollar gains momentum as geopolitical conflicts put foreign reserves at risk. Is the financial syste...
Jun 10, 2025•13 min
On today's Long Read Sunday, NLW explores Hugh Hendry's provocative essay "Sovereignty 3.0," examining how rising Treasury yields signal the collapse of traditional financial structures and the emergence of Bitcoin and stablecoins as new forms of sovereign power. Is the dollar becoming a weapon, and can Bitcoin actually replace it as global collateral? Source: https://x.com/hendry_hugh/status/1929917531159920951 Brought to you by: Grayscale offers more than 20 different crypto investment product...
Jun 08, 2025•8 min
Scott Melker joins NLW for a packed Friday Five: Circle’s IPO skyrockets, Musk and Trump’s crypto-fueled feud jolts markets, and JPMorgan quietly normalizes Bitcoin as financial collateral. Plus, lawmakers bungle crypto bill briefings and Cynthia Lummis sparks debate over Bitcoin’s role in national security. Brought to you by: Grayscale offers more than 20 different crypto investment products. Explore the full suite at grayscale.com. Invest in your share of the future. Investing involves risk an...
Jun 07, 2025•22 min
Circle’s IPO blew past expectations, pricing high and oversubscribed 25x, signaling Wall Street’s growing appetite for stablecoin exposure. NLW breaks down the offering’s details, why fintech insiders think Circle is still undervalued, and what this means for future crypto IPOs. Plus, JPMorgan embraces crypto ETFs, Bitcoin treasuries surge, and Congress continues its political theater over the Clarity Act. Brought to you by: Grayscale offers more than 20 different crypto investment products. Exp...
Jun 07, 2025•16 min
Democrat frustration boils over after an SEC technical briefing on the crypto market structure bill goes disastrously wrong. NLW explores accusations of deliberate obstruction, political delay tactics, and how internal conflicts and rushed legislation risk undermining crypto’s bipartisan push. Meanwhile, the Trump family's sprawling crypto projects cause further complications for a fragile industry caught between regulation and political spectacle. Brought to you by: Grayscale offers more than 2...
Jun 05, 2025•13 min
May was a breakout month for crypto deals, with $3.5 billion in activity signaling a shift from stagnation to strategic consolidation. NLW breaks down the Robinhood–Bitstamp acquisition, Jump’s bet on tokenization, and Circle’s suddenly hot IPO—backed by BlackRock and poised to reshape the stablecoin landscape. Brought to you by: Grayscale offers more than 20 different crypto investment products. Explore the full suite at grayscale.com. Invest in your share of the future. Investing involves risk...
Jun 04, 2025•12 min
