This hidden form of taxation, first used by nations after World War II, allows authorities to finance deficits cheaply, gradually erode the real value of the debt burden through moderate inflation, and avoid the relatively damaging alternatives of outright default or severe austerity. (Other indebted nations like the U.S., U.K. and European countries may do the same soon enough.)
Such an environment creates a strong incentive to seek assets with limited supply that may preserve purchasing power, such as bitcoin and gold. BTC has already proved its mettle: Housing prices measured in bitcoin look far cheaper than in dollars.
But there’s a near-term risk worth noting. The GPIF holds $931 billion in ​foreign assets, including $232.1 billion in U.S. Treasuries. A slight diversion of capital to local assets may create jitters on Wall Street, potentially breeding risk aversion and selling across all corners of the market, including cryptocurrencies.
For now, however, bitcoin is buoyant, trading above $64,000, with a key momentum indicator signaling a renewed bullish shift in market trend. There are several more key levels between $65,000 and $80,000 that prices need to clear before a full-blown uptrend is confirmed. Stay alert!
Read more: For analysis of today’s activity in altcoins and derivatives, see Crypto Markets Today . For a comprehensive list of events this week, see CoinDesk’s “Crypto Week Ahead.”