Major News Headlines for Today

1. Fed Chair Jerome Powell "Bitcoin Competes with Gold, not Dollar"
Jerome Powell, chairman of the U.S. Federal Reserve, said in an interview with the New York Times on Dec. 4 that Bitcoin(BTC) cannot be used as a currency due to price volatility and is a speculative asset that can be compared to gold. Asked whether the recent surge in Bitcoin means a loss of confidence in the dollar and the Fed, he replied, "Bitcoin is not a competitor of the dollar, but a competitor of gold."

2. Trump Officially Appoints Paul Atkins As Next SEC Chairman
Trump has confirmed Paul Atkins as the next chairman of the SEC to replace Gary Gensler, chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission(SEC). "We appointed Paul Atkins as the next chairman of the SEC," Trump wrote on his X account on Dec. 4. "He is a proven leader and a figure who understands the value of digital assets." Paul Atkins is a famous 'pro-crypto figure' in U.S. politics and has repeatedly pointed out Gensler's absurdity in SEC operations. In his appearance at Congress, he testified that the SEC should coordinate its operations and stop enforcing regulations that suppress the industry.

3. Putin "Bitcoin, No One Can Ban It"
Russian President Vladimir Putin mentioned Bitcoin's pan-nationality in an interview at the forum on Dec. 4. Asked about economic sanctions, he said, "New technologies are emerging," adding, "Various payment methods are being developed, and no one could stop them in the case of Bitcoin."

4. Woori Technology Investment Seeks to Sell 108 Times Yielding Dunamu Shares
It has been revealed that Woori Technology Investment is seeking to sell its stake in Dunamu, a subsidiary of Upbit. According to a local media report on Dec. 4, Woori Technology Investment, which holds a 7.22% stake in Dunamu for about 5.5 billion won in 2015, is currently considering selling a stake in Dunamu worth about 593.9 billion won.

5. Ripple Stable Coin RLUSD Fails To Launch On Dec. 4 Amid Market Expectations
Ripple's stable coin RLUSD, which had been highly anticipated by rumors of its launch on the 4th, was not released on Dec. 4, contrary to market expectations. Ripple said on its official X account on Dec. 4, "The New York Financial Services Administration(NYDFS) is still considering approving the launch of RLUSD," adding, "RLUSD will appear in the market in compliance with the highest level of regulatory standards." Ripple(XRP) fell about 7% as RLUSD was not released on the expected release date, contrary to market expectations.

권승원 기자 ksw@blockstreet.co.kr