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Rapid and efficient humanitarian aid distribution is enhanced through the use of blockchain technology. Mercy Corps CIO Scott Onder explains how.
Over the past few years, saying “blockchain fixes this” has become a common trope. However, in the case of international aid distribution being enhanced by the integration of blockchain, the phrase has proven to be true.
When a crisis occurs, reaction time is paramount, and according to Mercy Corps chief investment officer Scott Onder, using data analytics and blockchain to take action before disaster strikes is even more effective from a humanitarian impact and cost perspective.
On Episode 47 of The Agenda podcast, hosts Ray Salmond and Jonathan DeYoung discuss how Mercy Corps — a global team of humanitarians focused on alleviating suffering, poverty and oppression — has embraced Web3 and blockchain to amplify its charitable efforts and aid distribution.
Bitcoin’s price continues to correct, but BTC options markets reflect traders’ interest in the $62,000 level.
Bitcoin (BTC) price plunged 5.5% between July 31 and Aug. 1, reaching its lowest level in over two weeks at $62,498. This movement has been attributed to reduced expectations of interest rate cuts in the United States and the distribution of 47,000 BTC from the estate of defunct exchange Mt. Gox. Traders fear that Bitcoin’s price could further correct to retest the $57,000 support level, but derivatives markets show resilience and no signs of stress.
On July 31, the United States Federal Open Market Committee announced its decision to leave interest rates unchanged at 5.25%, aligning with market expectations. Fed Chair Jerome Powell cited solid signs of gross domestic product expansion and confidence in the current rate of inflation reduction, potentially supporting a rate cut in September. In short, Powell’s statement suggests a more cautious approach to rate cuts.
Investors increased their bets in US Treasurys, causing the five-year yield to reach its lowest level in six months. Part of this movement can be explained by escalating tensions in the Middle East, leading traders to seek protection in the asset deemed safest. Another confirmation of this theory comes from the precious metal gold, as its price increased to $2,450, just 1.5% below its all-time high.
The price of Bitcoin briefly went under $60,000 for the second time this week after reports of explosions at an airport in central Iran.
The price of Bitcoin (BTC) briefly dropped below its critical $60,000 support level again on Friday, falling 5.44% in just two hours amid escalating geopolitical tension in the Middle East.
On April 19, Bitcoin's price briefly slumped down to $59,698 before quickly recovering to $61,352. It's a crucial breakdown to note, given that if its price falls down to $59,000 then approximately $243 million in long positions will be liquidated, as per CoinGlass data.
Over the last 4-hours, $34.03 million in Bitcoin long positions have been liquidated, data shows.