Welcome to On The Pulse, with Maui.

Hello and welcome to the first edition of my weekly newsletter, On The Pulse. Firstly, i’d like to take a second to say thank you for reading, joining me on this Journey of Education and Information and choosing to subscribe. If you enjoy todays Newsletter, please do recommend it to a friend and please feel free to suggest or ask questions on my twitter @jordymaui

This week, we're diving into new & exciting Crypto headlines. We'll explore key developments like the approval of the Bitcoin ETF, Ethereum's announcement of their new roadmap, the Pudgy Penguins NFT reaching new all-time highs, and more juicey bits! Let’s get started with this weeks lesson.

Lesson of the Week: "Understanding Crypto Wallets: Your Digital Safe"

In the world of cryptocurrency, one of the most fundamental concepts to grasp is that of the crypto wallet. But what exactly is a crypto wallet, and why is it so crucial for your digital assets and which one should you use?

🔒 What is a Crypto Wallet? A crypto wallet isn't like the wallet in your pocket. It's a digital tool or application that allows you to store, send, and receive crypto. Think of it as your personal interface to the blockchain, a digital wallet. There are various types of wallets – from mobile and desktop to hardware and paper – each offering different levels of security and convenience. We can simplify it by boiling it down to two main types.

🔑 Types of Wallets:

• Hot Wallets: These are connected to the internet (like those on your smartphone or computer). They're convenient for frequent transactions but can be vulnerable to online threats if not careful.

• Cold Wallets: These are offline storage (like hardware wallets or paper wallets). They're more secure from online hacks but might be less convenient for regular use. For example; Ledgers.

💡 Why are Wallets Important? Your crypto wallet doesn't just store your cryptocurrency; it holds your 'private keys' – the critical data that proves your ownership of digital assets and allows you to make transactions. If you lose your private keys, you lose access to your money. That's why wallet security is paramount in the crypto world. There are plenty of innovative new wallet providers that are trying to remove the process of saving your private keys as, admittedly a 12 word phrase can be tough to keep safe! For now at least, remember to keep that private key safe it’s your only way back in, if lost!

🌐 Choosing the Right Wallet: The choice of wallet depends on your individual needs:

• Are you a frequent trader, or do you plan to hold long-term?

• How much value are you storing?

• Do you prefer convenience or maximum security?

• Are you looking for an easy to use interface?

🧐 Quick Safety Tips:

• Never share your private keys. (EVER!)

• Consider using cold wallets for large, long-term holdings.

• Regularly back up your wallet.

• Be wary of phishing scams and only download wallets from trusted sources. (Do your best to never click links! More on this another time.)

🌟 My Wallet Recommendations:

• Ledger Hardware (A must have for anyone investing in Crypto)

• Metamask Wallet (Most Used)

• Phantom Wallet (Mainly a Solana based wallet)

• Coinbase Wallet (Integrated to most major platforms)

• TrustSafe Wallet (Mobile Based Wallet)

Understanding and choosing the right wallet is the first step in your crypto journey. It empowers you to manage your digital assets securely and confidently. It is also important to learn that there are multiple ‘chains’ in crypto and some wallets only work on their native platforms.

Major Headlines: "The Weekly Roundup"

It's been another whirlwind week in the realm of cryptocurrency and Web 3, with some pivotal moments that could shape the future landscape, especially for the next few weeks. From major institutional moves to exciting developments in NFTs climbing, let's break down what these stories mean for both the crypto-savvy and those just dipping their toes in these digital waters.

📈 Bitcoin ETF Approved: A New Chapter Begins

This week's headline act is the approval of the Bitcoin ETF, last week. Think of it like the big financial players giving a nod to Bitcoin, making it more accessible to everyday investors through regular stock markets. It's like Bitcoin getting a seat at the high table of finance. This could mean more people investing in Bitcoin, potentially leading to greater stability and growth. One thing that is to be noted, however, is that when investing in the ETFs, you aren’t investing directly into Bitcoin and owning any yourself. To own Bitcoin you must purchase them from an Exchange such as Coinbase or KuCoin! I’ve attached the article for more information on how the ETF approval effected the Bitcoin price recently here.

🏦 JP Morgan's Crypto Foray: Banking Meets Blockchain

In a move that's turning heads, JP Morgan, one of the biggest names in global banking, has stepped into the crypto ring. This isn't just a small step; it's more like a giant leap for a traditional financial institution. JP Morgan's entry could signal a wider acceptance of crypto in mainstream finance, potentially leading to more innovations and collaborations in the space. It's a telling sign of how traditional finance and new-age digital assets are starting to blend. Back in October, they set their intentions by settling their first blockchain based settlement and you can read more about it in this old article here.

This all being said, their CEO Jamie Dimon often speaks out about the risks of investments, especially in crypto, despite their contribution to BlackRock's Bitcoin ETF!
You can see an example of this most recently here.

🐧 Pudgy Penguins NFT Hits New Record High

In the world of NFTs, Pudgy Penguins have stolen the spotlight by reaching record values. This isn't just about digital art – it's a sign of how people are starting to see value in unique digital items, much like collecting rare physical objects (which they offer too!). It's a fascinating shift in how we perceive ownership and value in the digital age. Heres a great tweet from Nifty to show visually their price rise! Here. And another explaining philosophy behind it here.

⚙️ Ethereum's Upgrade: What's Next?

Ethereum is undergoing a significant upgrade, making it faster and more efficient – think of it as a major service and tune-up of a high-performance car. This is crucial because Ethereum is like the backbone for many applications in crypto, from trading to new blockchain-based services. The upgrade could really rev up its performance and usage. You can read an in-depth analysis from Vitalik, the creator of ETH here.

👟 Nike's Web3 Roadmap: Kicking into the Digital Future

Nike is making significant strides into the Web3 space with its .SWOOSH platform. This initiative marks a major step in blending digital and physical worlds, offering a unique space for creating, sharing, and trading digital collectibles like virtual sneakers or jerseys. It's a bold move that showcases Nike's commitment to innovation and community engagement in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. They just released a brilliant write up on their plans for progression in 2024 and I think it’s well worth a read; here.

Maui’s Weekly Analysis of Charts

Dive into the pulse of the crypto market with me for a quick overview. If there are elements you don’t understand here, don’t worry – feel free to ask me questions on Twitter. Interested in a specific chart analysis? Let me know! I’ll also be holding weekly polls based on your suggestions. Anyway, here are this week’s charts:

₿ BTC (Bitcoin):

• Recent Price Action: Over the last 7 Days, $BTC is currently down 8% from $46,600 last Wednesday to currently $43,000 as I write on Tuesday Evening (16th Jan).
  
  Of course, previous price action has been from the decision and trading of the ETF so a rather large trading week for Bitcoin, the largest in many, many months.
  

• Weekly Forecast: The Weekly candle closed horribly on Bitcoin but a strong reaction from $42,000 has shown some signs of recovery. After such a rollercoaster week, I can see the Big Orange Coin attempting to recover some of the previous highs at $43,000 but not having the strength to push through and ultimately, close the weekly in a similar region to $42,000. If we do see a breakout (price escapes a price range) from $43,000-$44,000 then you can expect the next target to be challenging a breakout above $48,000 again!
  
  Personally, my view for the week ahead is rather stale, most likely some ‘chopping’ and a what is known as a ‘fakeout’ (price breaks out of price range to grab liquidity but shoots back down immediately after) in an attempt to push price higher, but ultimately is rejected and comes back down.

♦ ETH (Ethereum):

• Recent Price Action: Over the last 7 Days, $ETH is up 13% from $2,340 last Wednesday to currently $2,575 - showing almighty strength.
  

• Weekly Forecast: ETH certainly looks strong and an attempt to break through the $2,700 resistance level is looking likely to me. If BTC ranges and allows for even more running room, I can certainly see $ETH looking to reach $2,800 over the next 7 days. If we see a clear rejection again at $2,700 or another wick up without a full close, expect chop or a retrace to the $2,400 flat area if not, lower.
  
  I’m on the bias that $ETH will likely continue to climb to $2,800 and this week will be a positive one for the maxis.

🟪 SOL (Solana):

• Recent Price Action: Over the last 7 days $SOL is currently sat neutral (0%) and has been growing in strength at a new support level of $90.
  

• Weekly Forecast: There is a range being formed around the new $90 support and the seemingly $100 breakout. If we see a positive, confirmed breakout of this area, it’s highly expected that Solana continue trying to reach its previous $130 high and further.
  
  My opinion is that there could be some further chop around the $90-$100 areas to grow the support range even stronger and while many will expect a breakout, they are being trapped by fakeouts. I can see Solana chopping sideways while Bitcoin runs sideways and $ETH has its run. $SOL has been a top performer and although I believe it’s time will come again, fairly soon - $ETH is primed to take centre stage for a while.

🔺 AVAX (Avalanche):

• Recent Price Action: The last 7 days have seen a 3% increase for $AVAX with it rising from $34 to $35 but also surging to $41 in the same week.
  

• Weekly Forecast: Much like many altcoins, including Solana, Avalanche is looking to grow and regain support between the $31 and $34 range, currently holding and showing strength. While there is certainly a promising outlook on $AVAX, especially with a growth in Web3 games, it might be a slow week.
  
  My opinion is more chop, ranging and support growth for AVAX this week and a brilliant opportunity to personally stack some more into my portfolio. I believe that AVAX will be a great coin for 2024-2025 and host a lot of on-chain activity due to its heavy involvement in gaming.Although altcoins may not move much this week, an opportunity to buy low like this is not one to miss!
  
  If you have any specific charts you’d like me to take a punt at next week, please do tweet me suggestions, i’ll happily poll ideas too.

📰 The Summary: From Crypto Trends to NFT Buzz

Each week, we will end the newsletter with a really brief TLDR (Too Long, Didn’t Read) assessment of what’s been going on this week across Crypto and NFTs. I hope this section provides additional value for those who read!

Crypto:

• 📉 Market Trends: Funding rates neutralize post-ETF trade; market reflects on the impact.

• 💣 Bull Market Aftermath: 70% of coins from the last bull cycle deemed failures.

• 🏦 Stablecoin Dominance: USDT holds a commanding 71% market share in stablecoins.

• 🔮 Bitcoin Forecast: Cathie Woods predicts Bitcoin will outshine Gold's ETF performance.

• 📈 Circle Goes Public: Stablecoin issuer 'Circle' files for a public IPO.

NFTs:

• 🐧 Pudgy Penguins Peak: New all-time high of $35,000 for Pudgy Penguins NFTs.

• 🎨 Azuki's Anime Update: Azuki shares exciting details on their upcoming anime.

• 🛑 Gamestop Halts NFT Marketplace: Gamestop's NFT venture comes to an unexpected stop.

• 🚀 Bored Apes Sweep: 1200ETH sweep prevents further drop in Bored Apes value.

• 💀 Undead's Anticipation: The highly anticipated Undead project set for minting on the 16th.

That brings us to the end of our first OTP Newsletter. Thank You for readying, subscribing and I look forward to next weeks write up already. This is a great platform for me to broadly educate, inform and update people on whats happening in this rapidly moving space!