On today's Long Read Sunday, NLW explores two critiques of the growing phenomenon of Bitcoin treasury companies. First, Bloomberg columnist Lionel Laurent argues that corporate Bitcoin purchases signal a frothy market frenzy reminiscent of past speculative bubbles. Then, K33’s Torbjørn Bull Jenssen warns that without an actual operational strategy beyond simply buying Bitcoin, these companies' market premiums are doomed to collapse. NLW dissects where these critiques land—and where they miss the mark—in a thoughtful discussion about the real financial engineering at play and what might come next for Bitcoin treasury firms.
Sources:
https://www.coindesk.com/opinion/2025/07/07/without-operational-alpha-bitcoin-treasury-company-premiums-will-collapse
https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2025-07-09/bitcoin-buying-and-coffee-are-too-frothy-a-mix?sref=qUxVp6JU
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14:27
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14:27
The Five Most Important Stories in Crypto This Week
It's another Friday Five, and the top story is clear: Bitcoin has surged to a new all-time high, nearing $119,000. NLW breaks down what's driving the price action, from broader market optimism fueled by IPO resurgence and treasury company mania, to structural crypto demand spurred by ETFs. Plus, Elon Musk's America Party embraces Bitcoin, Fed minutes hint at imminent rate cuts amid tariff uncertainty, a mysterious whale moves $8 billion in ancient Bitcoin, and Capitol Hill gears up for a crucial crypto policy showdown next week.
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25:12
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25:12
Bitcoin Hits New All-Time High as Macro Forces Align
Bitcoin has quietly surged to a new all-time high above $112,000, driven less by crypto-specific news and more by broader macroeconomic trends. In this episode, NLW explores how Bitcoin's latest rally isn't a sudden frenzy but rather the inevitable outcome of ongoing dollar weakness, shifting treasury policies, and persistent market uncertainty. As institutions and investors increasingly view Bitcoin as a necessary hedge against global financial volatility, the question isn't whether Bitcoin will rise further—it's how high and how quickly.
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12:46
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12:46
The Push to Accelerate Crypto ETFs
Crypto ETFs are front and center as Trump Media Group files a controversial application featuring Cronos alongside Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and XRP—sparking debate over ETF standards. Meanwhile, Grayscale’s stalled ETF approval fuels frustration and uncertainty, pushing the SEC to clarify token listing guidelines. Plus, Robinhood faces regulatory scrutiny over tokenized stocks, MetaPlanet outlines its bold Bitcoin treasury strategy, and Ego Death Capital launches a $100 million Bitcoin-focused fund to fuel innovation. NLW breaks down the high-stakes developments reshaping crypto markets.
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11:41
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11:41
Elon Musk Launches a Bitcoin-Friendly Political Party
Elon Musk just announced the formation of the "America Party," embracing Bitcoin and sparking political chaos. Meanwhile, Congress bets on explosive economic growth through massive spending, and House Republicans prioritize crypto legislation. Plus, the government drops its appeal in the landmark Tornado Cash sanctions case, but the criminal trial against its developer looms large.
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A daily analysis of macroeconomics, bitcoin, geopolitics and big picture power shifts, hosted by Nathaniel Whittemore @nlw. The Breakdown is part of Blockworks.
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