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- Crypto Saving Expert Newsletter - Issue 137
Crypto Saving Expert Newsletter - Issue 137
Good morning! Bitcoin is stuck between key levels, facing resistance at $84,000 while eyeing the CME gap at $86,420. A push higher could fuel bullish momentum, but a drop may test the previous range’s support. This week, all eyes are on the Fed Interest Rate Decision on Wednesday. The announcement, followed by a press conference with Jerome Powell, could shake up the markets. Let’s take a deep dive into what’s happening behind the scenes with bitcoin and the broader Web3 market. 👇
This week's issue will feature technical analysis of bitcoin, Ethereum, TON and the S&P 500 as well as important dates and key news stories.
Table of Contents
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Bitcoin’s Decision Time
Bitcoin is at a point where its next move could lead to a pushback into bullish territory or a drop towards new lows.
Bitcoin
Bitcoin is wedged in limbo currently, stuck trading between two key high-time frame zones.
Currently, bitcoin is finding huge resistance at the monthly open and is unable to reclaim $84,000 convincingly.
Looking towards the upside, the CME gap is at $86,420 and the retest level of the upside range.
To the downside, it has the swing low and the allusive retest zone of the previous range, a level it has yet to test for support.
Ethereum
Ethereum has formed a small range where it has consolidated for just over a week.
For a more bullish outlook, ETH must reclaim $2,100 for a daily close.
However, there lies a key zone between $1,700 and $1,500 where the price potentially forms a HTF bottom should it come down that far.
TON
TON witnessed a huge pump last week after its founder was released from French custody and allowed to return to Dubai.
The price came into a HTF retest zone, and from there, it bounced strongly. However, TON has much room to go until it reclaims its bullish structure.
In the meantime, it may drift back down, which could open up a golden opportunity.
S&P 500
The S&P 500 has sold off aggressively recently.
Stonksy went short on the 1H right at all-time high levels, capturing the whole move down.
Stonksy then exited the red background and entered a green, which up to now has caught the bounce thus far.
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Fear & Greed Index
The Fear and Greed Index resides at 34, still within the Fear segment.
With no change in bitcoin’s price since last week, the Index has not shown any change in investor sentiment.
Important Dates
Wednesday 19 March, 18:00 UTC - Fed Interest Rate Decision
The Federal Open Markets Committee meeting occurs eight times a year. The Fed meets to discuss recent economic data and the strength of the US economy before deciding whether it should increase, decrease, or leave rates unchanged.
The Federal Reserve is composed of a Board of Governors that assists its Chair, Jerome Powell, in making interest rate decisions and steering the US economy.
At 18:00 UTC, the Fed will announce its interest rate decision. Afterwards, a press conference will begin at 18:30, where Powell will conduct a 30-minute speech before taking questions from the press.
Gainers
Losers
World Liberty Financial Expands Crypto Portfolio Despite $118m in Losses
World Liberty Financial (WLFI), the Trump-backed DeFi project, expands its crypto portfolio with $2m investments in Avalanche (AVAX) and Mantle (MNT) despite facing $118m in unrealised losses.
World Liberty Financial (WLFI), the DeFi project backed by the Trump family, continues to make aggressive crypto investments despite unrealised losses of $118m. The firm recently purchased $2m worth of Avalanche (AVAX) and Mantle (MNT), adding to its growing portfolio of digital assets.
📌 Key Highlights:
● WLFI now holds 11 cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum, Wrapped Bitcoin, Tron, and Chainlink.
● $343m has been invested in crypto assets, but the firm faces $118m in losses.
● Ethereum represents 58% of its holdings and accounts for $88m in losses.
● WLFI finalised a $550m token sale, with Eric Trump hinting at upcoming Web3 developments.
🔥 New Crypto Investments Despite Portfolio Struggles
According to Arkham Intelligence, WLFI acquired 103,911 AVAX tokens and 2.45m MNT tokens on Saturday. This comes after a purchase of 541,783 SEI tokens on Thursday.
🧐 What’s in WLFI’s Crypto Portfolio?
● Ethereum (ETH) – Largest holding at 58% of the portfolio
● Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC)
● Tron (TRX)
● Chainlink (LINK)
● Aave (AAVE)
● Sei (SEI)
● Ondo (ONDO)
● Move (MOVE)
● Avalanche (AVAX) – Recently added
● Mantle (MNT) – Recently added
WLFI’s latest investments follow its $550m token sale, which was finalised on Wednesday. The project's Web3 ambassador, Eric Trump, has hinted at further expansions and partnerships.
🌐 WLFI Expands Strategic Partnerships
🚀 Sui Foundation Partnership World Liberty Financial recently partnered with the Sui Foundation, integrating Sui-based assets into its strategic reserve and co-developing blockchain products.
🛠️ Binance Rumors: Fact or Fiction? Reports from the Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg suggest that WLFI has engaged in talks with Binance about potential business ventures, including a stablecoin development.
❌ However, WLFI and Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao have denied formal discussions. Zhao dismissed the reports as politically motivated and baseless.
💰 Is WLFI’s Crypto Strategy Sustainable?
Despite its high-profile backing and significant capital, WLFI is sitting on heavy losses. Ethereum alone has contributed $88m in unrealised losses, and its aggressive strategy raises questions about risk management.
📉 Potential Risks:
● High volatility in crypto markets.
● Large unrealised losses ($118m)
● Regulatory uncertainty surrounding the project’s ties to Trump’s political influence.
📈 Potential Upsides:
● Strategic partnerships with significant blockchain players.
● Trump-backed influence could drive future adoption.
● Long-term value if the crypto market rebounds.
🔮 What’s Next for WLFI?
With new investments, strategic partnerships, and political ties, WLFI remains a polarising force in the crypto space. As the firm expands its holdings, will it recover its losses, or is it taking too much risk?
Gold Surges to Record Highs Amid Trade War Fears and Rate Cut Expectations
Gold soars to new all-time highs as trade war fears escalate and investors bet on Federal Reserve rate cuts. Experts predict gold could hit $3,500 by Q3 2025.
Gold prices are on a historic run, breaking 13 new all-time highs in 2024 alone and approaching the psychological $3,000 per ounce mark.
📈 Key Highlights:
● Spot gold hit a record high of $2,993.80 per ounce on March 14 before stabilising around $2,990.54.
● US gold futures crossed $3,004 per ounce, signalling strong investor interest.
● Analysts are raising price targets, with Macquarie Group predicting $3,500 by Q3 2025.
This surge comes amid rising economic uncertainty, Federal Reserve rate cut bets, and intensifying trade war tensions—all of which have driven investors toward safe-haven assets like gold.
📊 Why is Gold Skyrocketing?
1️⃣ Trade War Fears Drive Safe-Haven Demand
US President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff policies have spooked global markets. Recent threats to impose a 200% tariff on European alcohol imports have escalated tensions, fueling recession fears.
🔹 Market Impact:
● Investors are hedging against geopolitical risk by pouring capital into gold.
● Central banks and institutional investors have accelerated physical gold purchases, storing bullion in New York vaults.
2️⃣ Fed Rate Cuts on the Horizon
● Inflation data for February came in lower than expected, increasing the likelihood of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts later this year.
● Traders anticipate the first rate cut in June, which historically boosts gold prices as lower rates weaken the US dollar.
📢 ANZ Bank Forecast:
"We maintain our bullish stance on gold, with prices expected to reach a record high of $3,050 per ounce in 2025."
3️⃣ Institutional Buying Hits Record Levels
Gold-backed ETFs like SPDR Gold Trust have seen massive inflows, with holdings reaching 905.81 metric tons—the highest since August 2023.
🔹 What This Means:
● Hedge funds and prominent investors are loading up on gold, signalling confidence in further gains.
● With increased buying pressure, momentum could push gold well past $3,000 in the coming weeks.
💰 Wall Street Raises Gold Price Targets
With gold’s record-breaking streak, major financial institutions have revised their price forecasts upwards:
📌 Goldman Sachs: $3,100 per ounce (previously $2,890)
📌 Macquarie Group: $3,500 per ounce in Q3 2025
📌 BNP Paribas: Above $3,100 per ounce by Q2 2025
📢 Marcus Garvey, Head of Commodities at Macquarie:
"Gold has been running ahead of expectations. We are raising our gold price forecast to a peak of $3,500 in Q3 2025."
🌍 Iran’s Gold Rush: How Geopolitical Risks Are Driving Demand
Iran has been aggressively stockpiling gold, importing over 100 metric tons in recent months—a threefold increase compared to last year.
📊 Why Iran is Buying So Much Gold:
● Hedge Against US Sanctions: Iran sees gold as a way to bypass financial restrictions.
● Declining Reliance on US Dollar: Gold serves as a store of value amid currency devaluation.
● Trade Medium for International Deals: Reports suggest Iran may be trading gold with Russia in exchange for drones and other goods.
📢 Iran’s Central Bank Chief:
"20% of our foreign reserves are now in gold, making Iran one of the most gold-backed economies in the world."
🚀 Where Does Gold Go From Here?
🔮 Future Outlook:
With economic uncertainty at peak levels, analysts believe gold still has room to climb.
📌 Key Price Levels to Watch:
● $3,000 – Psychological resistance level.
● $3,150 – Next forecasted peak by Macquarie.
● $3,500 – Potential Q3 2025 high.
📢 BNP Paribas Commodity Analyst:
"Gold’s rally is far from over. Trade wars, inflation fears, and central bank policies will continue to support higher prices."
📢 Key Takeaways – What You Need to Know
● Gold hit a new all-time high of $2,993.80 per ounce.
● Investors are flocking to gold as a hedge against trade war risks and economic uncertainty.
● The Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates, boosting gold’s appeal.
● Institutional investors and central banks are buying gold at record levels.
● Analysts predict gold could hit $3,500 per ounce by Q3 2025.
🔍 Final Thoughts – Is Gold the Ultimate Safe Haven?
With global trade wars intensifying, inflation fears rising, and economic uncertainty looming, gold remains among the most reliable safe-haven assets.
Crypto Trader Loses 98% of Funds in Sandwich Attack – What You Need to Know
A trader fell victim to a sandwich attack, losing 98% of their funds in an MEV bot exploit. Learn what happened and how to protect yourself from these attacks.
In a devastating exploit on 12 March, a crypto trader lost nearly $215,500 in an MEV sandwich attack, with only $5,271 of their original $220,764 remaining after the malicious trade.
📌 What Happened?
1️⃣ The trader swapped USD Coin (USDC) for Tether (USDT) on Uniswap v3.
2️⃣ A MEV bot executed a sandwich attack, front-running the transaction, removing all USDC liquidity from the Uniswap pool.
3️⃣ The attacker tipped $200,000 to Ethereum block builder “bob-the-builder.eth” and profited $8,000 themselves. Once the victim’s trade executed, the attacker restored the liquidity.
This led to 98% of the trader’s funds being drained in eight seconds. The exploit marks one of the most significant single-trade sandwich attacks in recent months.
Let’s break down how sandwich attacks work, why they’re dangerous, and how to protect yourself.
What is a Sandwich Attack?
A sandwich attack is a type of Maximum Extractable Value (MEV) exploit that manipulates transaction orders on decentralised exchanges (DEXs).
📊 How It Works:
1️⃣ Front-run: The attacker detects a pending trade and places an order just before it, artificially driving the price.
2️⃣ User trade executes: The victim’s transaction executes at the manipulated price, causing them to overpay.
3️⃣ Back-run: The attacker then sells their position, restoring the price and locking in their profit, all at the victim’s expense.
🚨 Why They Are Dangerous:
● Exploits blockchain transparency; attackers see trades before they happen.
● Can result in severe financial losses, especially on large transactions.
● Common on automated market makers (AMMs) like Uniswap, PancakeSwap, and Curve.
How Did This Trader Lose $215k?
📉 Transaction Breakdown:
● The trader tried to swap $220,764 in USDC for USDT.
● The MEV bot front-ran their trade, removing liquidity.
● When the trade was executed, the user received only $5,271 in USDT instead of $220,764.
📊 Where Did the Money Go?
● $200,000 went to an Ethereum block builder as a “tip” for processing the exploit.
● $8,000 went to the attacker as profit.
🛑 Was It Preventable?
● Yes, if the user had used an MEV-protected DEX or private transaction routing.
● Uniswap’s front-end offers MEV protection, but this trade was executed through an external tool that did not enable protections.
📢 DeFi Researcher “DeFiac” Claims:
"The same trader may have fallen victim to six separate sandwich attacks using different wallets."
🚨Some suspect the transactions could be money laundering attempts using MEV bots to “clean” illicit funds.
How to Protect Yourself from Sandwich Attacks
💡 Strategies to Avoid MEV Attacks:
✅ Use MEV-Protected Platforms
● Uniswap, CoW Swap, and 1inch have built-in protections against sandwich attacks. Set slippage tolerance carefully; selecting low slippage makes attacks harder.
✅ Use Private Transactions
● Flashbots RPC and MEV-blocking relayers prevent public exposure of trades; to mitigate this, some wallets offer MEV-resistant transaction options.
✅ Split Large Trades
● Avoid making large, single-block trades, which attract MEV bots. Breaking up trades into smaller chunks reduces exposure to attacks.
✅ Set Custom Gas Fees
● If your trade executes faster, attackers have less time to exploit it.
🚨 Key Takeaway:
If you’re trading on a DEX, assume MEV bots are watching. Using protected services and smarter trading strategies can save you from significant losses.
The Bigger Picture – MEV Attacks and DeFi Security
🔎 MEV Bots Are Draining Millions from Traders
In 2023 alone, MEV attacks siphoned over $200m from DeFi traders. Sandwich attacks are a major challenge for decentralised finance (DeFi), as they increase users' trading costs, reduce market fairness and discourage new users from joining DeFi platforms.
📢 Ethereum and DeFi Projects Are Fighting Back
● Uniswap, Ethereum Foundation, and Flashbots are working on reducing MEV risks.
● Ethereum’s future upgrades may include protections to make MEV attacks harder.
🚀 The Future of DeFi Security
● More MEV-resistant decentralised exchanges (DEXs) are launching.
● New protocols aim to neutralise front-running and sandwich attacks.
● Users must stay informed and use safe trading practices to avoid MEV risks.
Key Takeaways – What You Need to Know
● A trader lost $215K in a sandwich attack on Uniswap v3.
● MEV bots manipulate transaction orders to profit at traders’ expense.
● The attacker tipped $200K to a block builder, keeping $8K in profit.
● Uniswap’s front-end has MEV protections, but the trade didn’t use it.
● Using private transactions, MEV-resistant platforms, and lower slippage settings can help prevent attacks.
Final Thoughts – Is DeFi Safe from MEV Bots?
The rise of MEV bots and sandwich attacks highlights the security risks in DeFi. While Ethereum developers and DEX platforms are working on solutions, traders must take precautions when executing large swaps.
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