In this article, we cover key economic releases amidst Trump's tariff hikes and resulting recession fears. We also look at what investors are watching leading up to the May 6 FOMC meeting, and how it might affect global markets and Bitcoin.

It's a tricky time for global financial markets, with worries swirling around US trade policy and its potential economic effects. Big tariff hikes in the ongoing US-China trade war have made the future feel uncertain, shaking things up for traders and investors.

As everyone tries to make sense of it all, key economic reports are giving us clues. Meanwhile, all eyes are on the upcoming Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting on May 6-7, 2025, for hints about where interest rates might be headed. Let's break down the latest data and look ahead to what the Fed might say.

Economic numbers released so far in April have significantly influenced market sentiment amid trade tensions and policy questions. These reports offer a snapshot of the US economy's health just before the newest tariffs start making their mark.

The US job market is still holding up, though some details suggest caution. Initial jobless claims for the week ending April 12 

. That's the lowest since February, and better than the 225,000 applications economists predicted, suggesting companies didn't immediately cut jobs after US president Donald Trump's 

However, continuing claims — the number of people receiving unemployment benefits after the first week — edged up slightly to 1.89 million for the week ending April 5. While new claims are low, higher continuing claims compared to a year ago suggest it might be getting tougher for laid-off workers to find new jobs. A strong job market could mean the Fed feels less pressure to cut interest rates, potentially helping the US dollar but weighing on riskier assets like stocks and crypto.

Good news arrived with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) report 

, showing inflation cooled more than expected in March. Headline CPI dipped 0.1% from the previous month, pulling the yearly rate down to 2.4% (from 2.8% in February), below the 2.6% Wall Street forecast.

More importantly for the Fed, core CPI (excluding food and energy) only nudged up 0.1% monthly. This brought the annual core rate down to 2.8%, its lowest since March 2021 and better than the 3% forecast. Lower energy costs — especially gas (−6.3% MoM) — played a big part. While softer inflation usually supports rate cuts, the looming impact of tariffs complicates things, as these duties are expected to push prices higher.

Following the encouraging CPI numbers, the Producer Price Index (PPI) on April 11 also pointed to easing costs for producers. Headline PPI 

 in March against forecasts of a 0.2% rise, slowing the annual rate sharply to 2.7% from 3.2%. Core PPI also fell 0.1% month-over-month, bringing its yearly rate to 3.3%.

Falling energy prices were again a major factor. But the report wasn't all positive — it showed early signs of tariffs hitting, with wholesale iron and steel mill prices jumping 7.1% in March, the biggest monthly leap since April 2021. If these input costs keep rising due to tariffs, it could squeeze company profits and push bond yields higher.

Markets have been volatile, reacting to economic data and trade policy shifts. US stocks saw big swings, with the S&P 500 reacting to both tariff fears and inflation news. When Trump 

 (excluding China) on April 9, it sparked a major relief rally. The S&P 500 had its 

, gaining 9.5% following the news, but overall uncertainty still lingers.

Bitcoin's price certainly reflected this turbulence. Following the April 1 JOLTS report

 from $82,563 to hit a recent high of $86,891 on April 2. However, the gains didn't last, as the price subsequently fell to $74,830 by April 7 amid intensifying US-China trade war tension. 

A recovery brought BTC back to $83,020 by April 10, but it dipped again before getting a boost from the better-than-expected core PPI report on April 11. This pushed the price up from $79,664 on April 11 to $84,074 by April 17. As of April 22, 2025, Bitcoin is trading at around $88,000.

As the US dollar weakened and recession worries grew, gold prices 

, hitting record highs as investors sought safety in the precious metal.

Fed FOMC on May 6–7: What are investors watching?

The upcoming FOMC meeting on May 6–7 is a key focus for traders seeking clarity on interest rates. Markets widely expect the Fed to keep the federal funds rate steady at 4.25%–4.50%. Although March's inflation cooled somewhat, it's still above the Fed's 2% target. Officials have signaled patience, especially with the job market looking stable — something Fed Chair Jerome Powell recently described as being in 

Most investors will watch the FOMC's statement and Powell's press conference for changes in tone, especially regarding tariffs. Fed officials like New York Fed President John Williams have acknowledged tariffs will likely boost inflation and slow growth.

 GDP growth could fall below 1% and inflation could rise to between 3.5% and 4% this year, due to tariffs and less immigration, stating it's "simply too early to know the answers" because of the uncertainty. Powell himself also noted signs the economy might have slowed in the first quarter.

While a May rate cut looks highly unlikely — the 

 shows slim odds — investors will listen for hints about when future cuts might occur. Market analysis suggests a cut at the June 18 meeting is more likely than not. Further out, markets might be pricing in about 

, but predictions vary (from one cut to five). Any sign that cuts could be delayed beyond June, or that the Fed is more worried about inflation, could negatively impact risk assets such as crypto.

Current market sentiment has sunk to extreme fear territory for the past month. Tariffs and recession fears drove a sharp sell-off in global markets and crypto, while economic data is sending mixed signals — a strong job market alongside cooling March inflation right before new tariffs hit.

The upcoming FOMC meeting is pivotal. A rate hold is expected, but the Fed's view on tariff impacts and future rate cuts will be critical. Crypto and equity traders should pay close attention to Fed communications and economic data in order to navigate the uncertainty and adjust their strategies.

If you're looking to diversify or manage risk across different assets, 

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Macro this week: Tariffs, recession fear and the Fed’s next move ahead of May 6 FOMC meeting

BTC's price moves in response to the Fed's announcements, as its decisions on interest rates, inflation and liquidity impact investor sentiment and risk appetite.

 might be decentralized, but its price movements are influenced by global events, including US monetary policy. Every time the US Federal Reserve makes a statement or shifts its tone, Bitcoin traders react swiftly. Why does a traditional institution such as the Fed have such a strong grip on the crypto market? This article examines how and why BTC’s price responds to Fed announcements, from interest rate decisions to inflation outlooks.

​The Federal Reserve (the Fed) is the independent central bank of the United States, tasked with managing monetary policy to promote maximum employment and stable prices and to moderate long-term interest rates. Its decisions ripple through every financial market, including cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin.

The Fed’s primary functions include the following:

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is the Fed’s policy‑making body, 

 of the Board of Governors, the president of the New York Fed and four rotating presidents of regional Federal Reserve Banks. They meet eight times a year to review economic conditions and set policy.

Decisions made during these meetings — especially regarding interest rates — are highly anticipated by financial markets. Traders analyze not only rate decisions but also the tone of the Fed’s statements. A "hawkish" tone signals higher rates to fight inflation, while a "dovish" tone suggests looser policy that aims to stimulate growth.

As the issuer of the world's primary reserve currency, the Fed's policy decisions have global ramifications, influencing borrowing costs and impacting assets such as bonds, equities, commodities and even cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. This global impact explains why traders and investors closely analyze these statements and adjust their strategies accordingly. 

Key Fed events that have triggered BTC volatility

From interest rate decisions to inflation commentary and economic outlooks, key communications from the Fed often lead to sharp swings in BTC’s price.

Why does BTC’s price move every time the Fed speaks?

BTC’s volatility in response to Fed speeches boils down to macroeconomic influence. Fed announcements shape expectations for inflation, interest rates and liquidity, which are key factors for crypto markets. Following are some real-world reactions.

September 2024 — Fed cuts rates by 50 bps

 its benchmark interest rate by half a percentage point. This move was more aggressive than the 25 bps cut many investors had anticipated.

Following the announcement, Bitcoin's price surged toward $61,000. The larger-than-expected rate cut signaled increased liquidity and a more accommodative monetary policy, boosting investor confidence in risk assets such as cryptocurrencies. 

 at 4.25%–4.50% while tapering quantitative tightening, announcing a reduction in Treasury rolloffs from $25 billion to $5 billion per month. Despite downgrading growth forecasts, the Fed maintained three rate cuts in its 2025 projections, and avoided hawkish rhetoric on inflation overshoot. 

Bitcoin responded by skyrocketing 20% to $86,000 with traders interpreting these signals as sustained monetary support. This surge demonstrated how a dovish hold — coupled with clear guidance on balance sheet policy — can unleash rapid risk‑asset appreciation.

On Apr 16, 2025, Fed Chair Jerome Powell 

 that Trump’s new tariffs could drive inflation higher while choking off growth, mirroring 1970s‑style stagflation. He said the Fed would “wait and see” before shifting interest rates. Bitcoin briefly jumped toward $86,000 as traders eyed it as an inflation hedge, but then tumbled about 2.5% to roughly $83,700 within minutes, mirroring a broader stock sell‑off. By the next day, BTC had climbed back near $85,000 as markets digested the news.

Powell’s comments added uncertainty to the Fed’s policy outlook. While some view Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation and a way to escape traditional financial risks, it still tends to move with risk assets like stocks, often falling on poor economic news.

What traders and investors are really reacting to

When the Fed speaks, crypto traders read between the lines. Every speech, press release or policy statement is scrutinized for forward guidance.

Trading Bitcoin around major news — especially when it comes to the Fed — requires a disciplined approach.

The bigger picture: Is BTC becoming more macro sensitive?

Yes. Bitcoin's price is becoming more influenced by broader economic trends, such as monetary policies and financial market dynamics. In its early years, Bitcoin's value was driven mainly by internal factors like technological advancements and crypto-specific sentiment. However, with growing institutional adoption, Bitcoin has become more tied to traditional financial markets.

For instance, in March–April 2024, BTC 

, echoing similar rallies in stocks and bonds. This move demonstrated how Bitcoin’s price is now closely tied to macro liquidity and institutional trading flows, behaving more and more like a high-risk asset.

Predicting BTC price via the Bybit FOMC Brawl

Think you’ve got a read on how Bitcoin will react to the next Fed move? Put your prediction to the test with Bybit’s FOMC Brawl — a price prediction event that makes macro-driven trading fun, easy and potentially rewarding, with a total 20,000 USDT prize pool up for grabs through May 7, 2025, 10AM UTC.

 events. The first one splits users into two groups:

) expiring by May 9, 2025, and you’ll automatically be placed in the corresponding camp. The team with the highest trading volume wins, with the 18,000 USDT prize pool to be split proportionally among participants.

There’s also a second event with a prize pool of 2,000 USDT, exclusively for new users who sign up for the event and buy BTC Call or Put Options with an expiration on or before May 9, 2025 and achieve an effective USDT Options trading volume > 0. 

Bitcoin’s price reacts to Federal Reserve announcements because the Fed’s policies on interest rates, inflation and liquidity directly impact investor risk appetite and market dynamics. Rate hikes or cuts alter the appeal of risk assets such as BTC, while inflation fears or economic uncertainty drive demand for alternatives. Traders monitor Fed signals to anticipate liquidity changes and adjust strategies, cementing BTC’s role as a macro-influenced asset. As institutional adoption grows, Bitcoin increasingly mirrors traditional markets’ sensitivity to macroeconomic shifts.

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Explainer: Why does BTC’s price move every time the Fed speaks?

Walrus is a decentralized storage protocol that efficiently manages large data files (blobs) through an innovative encoding method called Red Stuff. Learn more.

 systems excel at managing decentralized computation, but struggle with efficiently storing and retrieving substantial chunks of data. Enter Walrus (WAL), a groundbreaking decentralized storage protocol built on the 

Designed to solve storage limitations while maintaining the security and decentralization principles of 

, Walrus represents a significant advancement in blockchain infrastructure. This article explores what Walrus is, how it works and why it might be the future of decentralized data storage.

 is a decentralized storage protocol that efficiently manages large data files (blobs) through an innovative encoding method called Red Stuff. It operates on the Sui blockchain with a network of independent storage nodes to ensure high integrity, availability and authenticity for 

Walrus emerged from Mysten Labs, creators of the high-performance Sui blockchain. Recognizing a fundamental challenge in web3, the team set out to solve the problem of efficient data storage that had plagued blockchain systems since their inception.

Mysten Labs identified that traditional approaches required complete data replication across all validators, creating exponential costs at scale. This inefficiency made storing substantial files prohibitively expensive and limited blockchain applications.

The team developed the revolutionary Red Stuff encoding protocol, delivering the speed and efficiency of centralized storage while preserving principles of decentralization. In March 2025, Walrus secured $140 million in funding, led by Standard Crypto, with participation from a16z crypto, Electric Capital and Franklin Templeton Digital Assets.

Walrus tackles the fundamental problem of storage inefficiency in blockchain systems. Traditional blockchains require every validator to replicate all data, creating exponential costs as networks scale. Such inefficiency has prevented widespread adoption of decentralized storage for data-intensive applications.

Walrus solves the cost barrier through its innovative Red Stuff encoding technology. By eliminating unnecessary redundancy but maintaining security, Walrus dramatically reduces storage expenses as compared to existing solutions. The resulting cost structure makes decentralized storage economically viable for everyday applications that were previously priced out of the market. 

In addition, Walrus addresses the scalability limitations that plague current decentralized storage networks. Existing solutions often collapse under large datasets, while Walrus's architecture efficiently handles terabytes of information across 

, gaming assets, social media content and AI data. 

Finally, Walrus resolves the centralization problem inherent in traditional storage solutions. By removing single points of control, Walrus prevents censorship and unauthorized data manipulation. Applications built on Walrus benefit from guaranteed data availability and integrity, free from centralized authority interference.

Walrus uses Red Stuff encoding with two-dimensional erasure coding to store and retrieve data efficiently. The protocol achieves faster processing across its storage network by employing simple XOR operations instead of complex calculations.

 (DPoS) consensus model, whereby users stake WAL tokens to participate. 

 with higher stakes store and serve data during each epoch, aligning economic incentives with network security.

When users upload files, Walrus divides them into "slivers" distributed across multiple nodes, creating redundancy that preserves availability even when some nodes fail. Operations are organized into epochs, with committees of storage nodes managing network data, while Sui blockchain integration handles coordination, verification and economic incentives.

Walrus offers several innovative features that enhance its functionality as a decentralized storage solution.

 WAL tokens to participate in network operations, while storage providers stake to secure validator positions. Malicious behavior faces swift consequences via slashing penalties targeted at dishonest participants.

The protocol distributes rewards to storage nodes based on their staked amount and performance. Reliable operation and data integrity receive financial incentives, encouraging operators to maintain a long-term commitment, since they benefit from the network's continued growth.

WAL staking empowers token holders with governance authority over the protocol's future. Stakeholders vote on critical upgrades, parameter adjustments and strategic initiatives, ensuring Walrus evolves according to community needs, rather than vis centralized decision-making.

Walruscan serves as the comprehensive network explorer for the Walrus ecosystem, offering transparency into all operations. The dashboard presents real-time storage metrics, currently tracking approximately 309 TB used across 3.5 million blobs within the total available capacity of 4,123 TB.

Users can monitor network activity, including writes, reads and node performance. These metrics allow users to evaluate storage providers based on actual performance rather than marketing claims, helping them select reliable operators for their specific needs.

Walruscan also verifies data availability and provides detailed statistics on pricing, staking amounts and reward distribution. By making these metrics publicly accessible, the explorer fosters accountability and trust between users and service providers while providing valuable insights for investment and development decisions.

NFT projects can leverage Walrus to securely store metadata and digital assets. The protocol's tamperproof storage ensures the longevity and authenticity of valuable digital collectibles while maintaining consistent accessibility.

Decentralized social media platforms can benefit from Walrus's ability to store user-generated content efficiently at scale. Images, videos and text can be distributed across the network without relying on centralized servers, creating truly censorship-resistant platforms.

AI development teams can utilize Walrus to maintain data provenance throughout the machine learning lifecycle. Datasets create verifiable records of origin and modifications, critical for regulatory compliance and ethical AI development.

DApps can overcome storage limitations through Walrus integration. Because computation is separated from storage concerns, DApps can handle larger datasets without sacrificing decentralization principles, while blockchain gaming can achieve new levels of asset persistence and player ownership.

Walrus achieved a major milestone in March 2025 with its successful mainnet launch, securing immediate listings on prominent exchanges such as Bybit. Prior to this, the team conducted rigorous testing of the Red Stuff encoding algorithm while attracting $140 million in funding from leading investors.

For Q2 2025, Walrus plans to establish strategic partnerships with major DApps across multiple blockchain ecosystems. Its Q3 2025 road map focuses on security enhancements with encrypted storage and customizable access control systems, particularly benefiting users with sensitive data requirements.

In Q4 2025, Walrus will prioritize network scaling and performance optimization in order to handle increasing data volumes while maintaining efficiency. Looking to 2026, development will center on comprehensive developer tools, including language-specific SDKs and integration frameworks to simplify building with Walrus.

 powering the Walrus ecosystem. Its maximum supply is 5 billion tokens. WAL enables storage payments, validator staking and governance participation across the network.

Walrus’s tokenomics model creates natural demand as users purchase storage with WAL, while validators stake tokens to secure operations and earn rewards. Governance rights empower WAL holders to vote on upgrades and parameter adjustments, ensuring the protocol evolves according to stakeholder priorities.

The WAL token is to be allocated as follows: 

WAL’s distribution will follow a strategic release schedule extending to March 2033, with vesting periods ranging from 50 months to 8 years.

WAL's price trajectory is closely tied to Walrus's growth as a decentralized storage solution for web3 applications. Currently trading at approximately $0.4138 (as of Apr 17, 2025), WAL has shown promising momentum following its recent mainnet launch and exchange listings.

While cryptocurrency price predictions are inherently speculative, several analysts have offered forecasts for WAL's future value. CoinCodex 

 $0.50 and $1.04 in 2026, with an average price of $0.75. Looking further ahead to 2030, CoinCodex forecasts suggest a range from $1.12 to $1.59.

DigitalCoinPrice offers a similar outlook, predicting that 

 $0.81 and $0.97 by the end of 2026, with the most likely price hovering around $0.90. For 2030, DigitalCoinPrice anticipates WAL potentially crossing the $2.00 threshold.

These projections suggest a positive long-term outlook for WAL, supported by growing demand for decentralized storage solutions. However, WAL's future value will ultimately depend upon Walrus's technological development, widespread adoption across various web3 sectors and broader cryptocurrency market conditions.

Looking to trade Walrus tokens? Bybit now offers the WAL/USDT Spot trading pair. To get started, you'll first need to create a Bybit account, then fund it with cryptocurrency and navigate to the 

While Walrus demonstrates innovative technology and strong backing in the decentralized storage space, investors must carefully weigh its growth outlook against potential risk factors.

WAL shows promising potential, with substantial financial backing and innovative encoding technology. Increasing demand for decentralized storage solutions provides a favorable market environment. However, potential investors should 

, particularly given Walrus's early position in its development journey.

Walrus revolutionizes web3 data storage by combining innovative Red Stuff encoding with Sui blockchain technology to deliver efficient, secure solutions for NFTs, social platforms, AI, gaming and DApps. With substantial funding, technical advantages and growing market need, Walrus demonstrates tremendous potential for the future of web3 data management.

walrus crypto.png

Walrus (WAL): Your solution for large-scale data on web3

The proposal suggests replacing Ethereum’s current execution layer (EVM) with RISC-V, aiming to improve scalability, simplify the execution layer, and boost efficiency.

The S&P 500 dropped 2.36% as all sectors fell amid Fed concerns and China trade tensions. Gold hit a record high above $3,450 amid rising haven demand driven by recession fears, USD weakness, and Trump’s attacks on Fed Chair Powell. Market uncertainty and geopolitical tensions continue to support the rally. Despite the pullback, the uptrend remains intact. The Coindesk Indices, which tracks the broader crypto market, are down by 0.63%, Bitcoin rose 3.33% while Ether fell 0.81% over the past 24 hours. Trade these markets and more with up to 500x leverage on Bybit MT5 using this 

Today's top performer is BERA, up 3.0%, following Berachain's Governance Guardians announcement, new ecosystem projects, and community updates.

Berachain (BERA), launched in August 2021, is a high-performance Layer 1 blockchain that uses a Proof-of-Liquidity consensus mechanism to enhance network security through ecosystem liquidity. It offers Ethereum compatibility with EVM-identical execution. 

 saw the launch of Governance Guardians, new ecosystem projects like BeraToners and Lair Finance, and collaborations between Berachain projects like Euler and Beraborrow. The community remains active with multiple initiatives and ongoing promotions.

Check out the latest prices, charts, and data of 

 suggests replacing Ethereum’s current execution layer (EVM) with RISC-V, aiming to improve scalability, simplify the execution layer, and boost efficiency. This change would allow smart contracts to remain compatible with existing Ethereum infrastructure while providing significant optimizations for the execution of smart contracts, especially in relation to zk-EVM proving. RISC-V-based smart contracts could bring efficiency gains of up to 100x in certain cases, particularly by optimizing time-consuming processes like state computation and block execution. Two potential implementation paths are proposed: maintaining dual VMs (EVM and RISC-V) or transitioning to a RISC-V interpreter for EVM contracts. This change could simplify the execution layer and enhance the long-term scalability of Ethereum.

Yesterday, BTC spot ETFs saw $339.7M in total inflows, with $303.1M from non-GBTC funds and $36.6M from GBTC.

, with an airdrop to follow. Users can earn points by depositing tokens such as ETH, USDC, and USDT. Those who previously participated in the Cred farming season and ranked in the top 31,250 can now claim their SuperAlien NFTs by minting all rewards on the site.

Beginner

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Vitalik Buterin's proposal to replace Ethereum's EVM with RISC-V for enhanced scalability and efficiency

Bitcoin

Investing

When choosing the best Bitcoin IRA, there are two main factors to consider: your knowledge of crypto, and the features you value most in a retirement product. 

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Ensuring financial security in retirement is an aspiration for just about any individual. At the same time, achieving security in your silver years takes careful investment planning and choices. Over the last few years, cryptocurrency and 

 (BTC) have begun playing a key role in retirement planning schemes. A number of Bitcoin-based individual retirement accounts (IRAs) have arrived on the market, broadening options for retirement-focused investors.

The first crypto IRAs appeared in 2016, offering cryptocurrency as a legitimate asset for investment. While the leading 

 on the market feature a wide variety of crypto coins on offer, Bitcoin remains by far the most popular option. First, compared to 

, Bitcoin benefits from its leadership position and higher levels of trust enjoyed in the market. Its popularity surged notably after the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) granted 

 in early January 2024. Secondly, it offers liquidity levels unmatched by other leading cryptos. Finally, Bitcoin’s volatility is known to be at least somewhat lower compared to Ethereum (ETH) and other large-cap crypto coins.

Given all these factors, it’s no wonder that Bitcoin remains vastly more popular for IRA products than any other cryptocurrency and that, in nearly all cases, crypto IRA providers have a Bitcoin IRA on offer.

In this review, we’re taking a closer look at the best Bitcoin IRA products in 2024 — leaders in their own categories that can aid you in your retirement planning goals.

IRA investment opportunities based on Bitcoin are now a fast-growing area within the financial planning industry. By 2024, few serious retirement investors would dismiss Bitcoin, at least as a potential option, for their IRAs. High growth potential, diversification benefits and, under some circumstances, capital gains tax exemptions — all of these advantages come with including Bitcoin in your IRA.

So, which Bitcoin IRAs on the market suit your retirement investment goals? The answer depends upon what you specifically value in an investment product, and your level of expertise with crypto, among other factors.

It should also be noted that most of the leading Bitcoin IRA companies offer both standard and Roth IRAs. These two types of IRA products differ somewhat in the way your contributions and withdrawals are treated in terms of taxation. Standard IRAs allow you to make tax-deductible contributions, while your retirement withdrawals are taxable. In contrast, Roth IRA contributions aren’t tax-deductible as they are created with after-tax dollars, but retirement withdrawals are tax-free.

With these considerations in mind, we’ve decided to look at a number of critical areas for investors when evaluating the best Bitcoin IRA products — security, fees, investor experience, self-directed investment opportunities and beginner-friendly features.

When it comes to the best overall Bitcoin IRA product, few providers on the market can match the aptly named 

™ — America’s first cryptocurrency-focused retirement investment company. Its crypto IRA platform was launched in 2016, and over the years has built upon its first-mover advantage in the market. It’s by far the most popular Bitcoin IRA product chosen by retirement investors.

While the other providers we cover below have particular strengths in specific areas, Bitcoin IRA shines thanks to its optimal balance of security, fees, time in the market, insurance options, ease of use and trading flexibility.

Bitcoin IRA offers a flexible trading platform that’s open 24/7. It also features generous insurance coverage of up to $700 million — the highest limit among the leading Bitcoin IRA products. In addition, the minimum investment requirement of $3,000 at Bitcoin IRA is also relatively modest. For an established provider of this scale, that’s a highly reasonable requirement.

Bitcoin IRA’s security features are also top-notch. The company has partnered with BitGo, the world’s leading Bitcoin transaction processor, to hold client funds in secure 

 using military-grade, multi-key protection features.

Bitcoin IRA’s transaction fees aren’t the lowest in the market, although they’re still reasonable for the most trusted crypto IRA provider on the block. The standard fee applicable per transaction is 2%, and there’s a one-time initial deposit fee of between 0.99% and 4.99%, depending upon the amount invested.

Bitcoin IRAs are an emerging area, so for many investors these products are still a novelty. That's why a product in this niche must be as beginner-friendly as possible. Among Bitcoin IRA providers, 

 has caught our eye with its simplified platform and fee structure — precisely what a newbie to the Bitcoin IRA field needs

iTrust offers a simple flat fee of 1% on all transactions. No other charges are involved — no deposit fees, no monthly account-keeping fees or any other fee varieties other providers like to pepper their products with. You just pay 1% on any transaction without having to worry about incurring any hidden charges. For beginners, this is an ideal setup.

The only other fee that Bitcoin IRA investors might incur at iTrust is the $75 charge to convert a standard IRA to a Roth IRA.

iTrust’s minimum investment requirement is also very low — only $1,000. For many beginning investors, the ability to start out with as little capital commitment as possible is critical. In that respect, iTrust’s modest requirement of just $1,000 is a great beginner-friendly feature.

The security of your investment funds is a crucial consideration when choosing a Bitcoin IRA. Low fees and flexibility of trading won’t be of much help if your Bitcoin holdings are compromised due to a 

. To be fair to the companies in our review, they all employ multiple measures to protect client funds.

However, among the leading Bitcoin IRA providers, one stands out with a particular focus on security — 

 is among the older providers in the Bitcoin IRA field. Established in 2017, this company has taken client funds’ security to a completely new level.

BitIRA uses multiple measures to ensure that even the most persistent and well-resourced Bitcoin hackers won’t be able to get anywhere close to your digital retirement funds. First, BitIRA has partnered with Ledger Enterprise, one of the world’s leading digital asset storage specialists, to implement multi-signature authorization for crypto asset storage and access. The keys for access to clients’ Bitcoin are held on multiple devices in a decentralized way to ensure that an individual point of failure doesn’t jeopardize the overall security of your funds.

Secondly, BitIRA implements so-called “end-to-end” protection for client funds. With end-to-end insurance, your investment is protected at all stages and in all states of the funds’ lifecycle, be it purchase, storage or any point of transfer.

Finally, BitIRA fund storage practices are regularly audited by third parties to ensure adherence to SOC 2 Type 2 certification standards. Companies serious about security and protection choose to implement SOC 2 Type 2 certification, a set of rigorous practices and internal controls to ensure the security, integrity and confidentiality of data or assets.

With a fee of just 0.5% per trade, California-based 

 offers the lowest fees among Bitcoin IRA providers — and this crypto IRA company doesn’t charge account-keeping or deposit fees, either. If you’re after the lowest possible transaction fees, look no further than BlockMint.

As an alternative to the 0.5% fee, the company also offers an entirely commission-free account for a yearly fixed charge of $499. Thus, if you prefer to make frequent trades, you might choose this option to further minimize costs.

BlockMint's Bitcoin IRA also features generous $600 million insurance protection, along with military-grade cold storage of your funds. When you open an account, you’re assigned a personal agent to assist with your inquiries — always a great feature for Bitcoin IRA products, given their relatively novel nature.

Best Investor Experience — Equity Trust

 is one of the oldest providers of IRA, Roth IRA and other investment products to individuals and businesses. Over the last few years, this established retirement investment company has developed comprehensive crypto and Bitcoin IRA products, leveraging its multi-decade experience.

Whether you’re after a Bitcoin-based IRA or Roth IRA, Equity Trust has unmatched variety, thanks to its integrated platform with multiple crypto IRA providers. By buying a Bitcoin IRA with Equity Trust, you’ll get to enjoy both the robust security of the Equity Trust platform and the expertise and service of its providers.

Thanks to the company’s deep expertise in the retirement investment field and a wide variety of accounts and assets on offer, you’re given an unprecedented choice of various investment options. In addition to Bitcoin and crypto, Equity Trust offers investments in mutual funds and stocks, as well as alternative investments in the areas of precious metals, real estate, private equity and more. This provider truly stands out in terms of the investor experience, from choice of investment options to the guidance you receive throughout the whole onboarding process.

Equity Trust isn’t among the cheapest Bitcoin IRA companies. You’ll have to pay a certain premium for the privilege of having an excellent investor experience. Annual fees on your Bitcoin IRA or Roth IRA product will depend upon the overall size of the portfolio you maintain with the company. The lowest yearly fee is $225, for accounts under $15,000. This cost goes up on a sliding scale, with the highest fee set at $2,250 for accounts above $2 million. There’s also a one-time account opening fee of $50.

Best for Self-Directed Investment — Broad Financial

Traditional IRA and Roth IRA accounts have typically been restricted to investments in tightly regulated assets — usually stocks, bonds, mutual funds and 

. Self-directed IRAs (SDIRAs) allow investors to access alternative investment assets, including cryptocurrencies. In that respect, all Bitcoin IRA and Roth IRA products are classified as self-directed accounts. However, the degree of freedom you get in terms of structuring your investments in an SDIRA account varies with different providers. 

 in terms of both the freedom and flexibility of your self-directed investments under a Bitcoin IRA or Roth IRA. Broad Financial's Bitcoin IRA Trust gives you complete freedom in terms of allocating and mixing different asset classes. In addition to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, you can include a wide range of other assets, including real estate, private equity, private lending options like mortgages, and even precious metals.

Unlike most other providers, Broad Financial gives you the ability to conduct transactions using a checkbook linked to your IRA or Roth IRA account. If the freedom to make your own choices under a Bitcoin IRA is important to your investment planning, Broad Financial is the optimal provider out of the main options available on the market.

The company doesn't charge transaction fees for its IRA or Roth IRA accounts. However, a $1,195 initial account setup fee and a $420 annual maintenance fee are involved.

The ultimate choice for your preferred Bitcoin IRA or Roth IRA will depend upon what features and characteristics you value most in a retirement product. If you’re a beginner making initial steps in the world of Bitcoin and retirement investment, we suggest iTrustCapital’s user-friendly platform that features a simple, straightforward fee structure, no hidden charges, and a modest initial investment of just $1,000.

If safeguarding your investment is your top priority, BitIRA’s comprehensive protection mechanism is for you. On the other hand, for those interested in the lowest fees possible, it’s hard to ignore BlockMint’s 0.5% transaction fee with no other charges involved.

If an optimal investor experience and diverse choices are your priorities, the Equity Trust platform is worth considering, while for investors who prioritize freedom in directing their investments and appreciate the convenience of a checkbook option, Broad Financial is the top pick.

Finally, Bitcoin IRA is a great choice for those without a specific preference who seek a well-rounded product with balanced features across all categories.

Bitcoin IRAs: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Bitcoin IRAs are a form of self-directed IRA retirement account that allows you to invest in either Bitcoin or a mix of Bitcoin and other assets. Depending upon the rules applicable to the account, you might be able to hold only Bitcoin, or a combination of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies under your IRA. Moreover, some providers allow you to mix different classes of alternative investments under the same IRA or Roth IRA. Using these products, you can combine Bitcoin investments with other asset types like real estate, private equity, precious metals and more.

IRA accounts, including Bitcoin IRAs, allow you to make tax-deductible contributions to the limit of $7,000 per year if you’re under 50 years old, or $8,000 if you’re 50 or older. When you reach the age of 59½, you can withdraw from your IRA account without any restrictions. Any withdrawals you make are taxable.

Roth IRAs work differently from standard IRAs. Contributions to Roth IRA accounts, including Bitcoin Roth IRAs, aren't tax-deductible, but withdrawals from these accounts in retirement are tax-free.

Bitcoin IRAs offer several advantages over IRAs made up of traditional asset classes like stocks, bonds or mutual funds. You might consider opening a Bitcoin IRA, based on the following factors.

1. A Bitcoin IRA might generate a higher rate of return than a traditional IRA. While Bitcoin is known for its volatility, it's also an asset with considerably 

 than the stock market or other traditional investment options. The chart below shows the growth rates for Bitcoin and the Vanguard 500 Index Fund ETF (VOO), a leading fund product that closely tracks the stock market's primary index, the S&P 500. Growth rates shown are for the last five years. The results clearly indicate that in four out of the five years, Bitcoin has beaten the stock market in terms of returns, typically by a wide margin.

2. A Bitcoin IRA can be an excellent way to diversify your retirement portfolio. Many individuals have an overreliance on stocks, mutual funds and ETFs in their portfolios. Diversifying such portfolios with Bitcoin can be a great way to protect against stock market shocks, as Bitcoin is typically uncorrelated or weakly correlated with traditional financial asset classes. That being said, with the recent SEC approval of Bitcoin Spot ETFs in early January 2023, 

 can be another great alternative to invest in.

3. Using a Bitcoin Roth IRA can help you avoid capital gains taxes. If you sell Bitcoin and realize a gain, you’re normally liable to pay the capital gains tax. However, since any investment in a Roth IRA is made with after-tax dollars, your capital gain, in this case, is free from taxes.

Yes. Bitcoin IRAs are a totally legitimate product for retirement investment. While most IRA and Roth IRA providers on the market focus on traditional asset classes, some companies, including those we’ve included in our review above, offer Bitcoin-based IRA and Roth IRA accounts.

Any Bitcoin or crypto IRA or Roth IRA on the market falls under the definition of a self-directed account. Only some providers specialize in self-directed IRA products. The choice among these providers is much more limited as compared to that for traditional IRA companies. When evaluating a Bitcoin IRA provider, make sure that they’re authorized to offer self-directed investment options.

It’s safe to invest in a Bitcoin IRA If you choose a reputable provider with a solid track record on the market. Additionally, it's crucial to thoroughly research the practices and standards the provider uses to store your Bitcoin funds. Make sure that the company you choose employs high-grade cryptographic protection methods and utilizes safe cold storage options. Insurance limits and terms are also among the critical bits of information to become acquainted with.

What Is the Minimum Deposit for a Bitcoin IRA?

Minimum deposit amounts vary among different Bitcoin IRA providers. Typically, initial amounts at reputable providers range from about $1,000 to several thousand dollars. While some smaller providers may offer very low minimum deposits, perhaps as low as $10 to $50, some of these companies might have additional fees to offset the meager initial deposit amounts. Therefore, it's imperative that you study the complete fee schedule when selecting a Bitcoin IRA product. Low deposit requirements should be only one element in the overall selection process.

Best Bitcoin IRA Companies to Consider in 2024

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