The Bitcoin Layer

In this Global Macro Update, Nik highlights bitcoin’s breakout above a key descending trendline and a textbook bullish divergence on the RSI—two technical signals suggesting the recent downtrend may be losing steam. But the bigger story is gold, which is exploding higher in what looks like the early stages of a full-scale monetary reset. With the dollar breaking multi-year support and massive gold...

In this episode, Nik Bhatia is joined by Demian Schatt to examine why the US Treasury market is fundamentally strengthening despite recent volatility. Nik explains key concepts including SLR reform, Treasury buybacks of off-the-run securities, and current repo market dynamics that are supporting market stability. The conversation also explores how deregulation and fiscal discipline will be crucial...

In this episode, Nik is joined by Matt Pines, executive director of the Bitcoin Policy Institute, to unpack what could be the biggest shift in U.S. geoeconomic strategy in decades. Together, they explore the vision behind a potential “Bretton Woods 2.0”—a new system emerging from reciprocal tariffs, capital wars, and a shrinking global dollar zone. They dive deep into how the U.S. is building a tr...

In this episode, Nik Bhatia is joined by Demian Schatt to break down one of the most volatile 48-hour stretches in recent bond market history. As Treasury yields spiked 60 basis points and the MOVE Index surged, Nik unpacks the hidden mechanics behind the dislocation—explaining how a highly leveraged basis trade began to unwind, triggering forced selling and market-wide panic. He walks through the...

In this episode, Nik is joined by PhD economist Peter St. Onge for a masterclass on the strategic use of tariffs in Trump’s economic agenda. Peter explains how tariffs serve as strategic tools, not protectionist measures, to reshape global trade, revive U.S. manufacturing, and drive domestic deregulation. He breaks down America’s asymmetric trade relationships with Europe, China, and Mexico, and o...

In this Global Macro Update, Nik Bhatia breaks down one of the most chaotic weeks in markets this year, using price action to explain the forces driving volatility across treasuries, stocks, Bitcoin, and the dollar. He outlines how the recent collapse in 2-year yields to 3.5% confirms that the Fed's hiking cycle is over, with rate cuts still expected even amid a strong labor market. Nik zooms out...

In this episode, Demian Schott welcomes Yaël Ossowski of the Consumer Choice Center and Bitcoin Policy Institute to break down major shifts in U.S. Bitcoin policy. Yaël explains how Congress’s repeal of the IRS’s DeFi broker rule is a win for privacy and innovation, and why a de minimis tax exemption is key to using Bitcoin as real money. He outlines budget-neutral strategies to grow the Strategic...

In this episode, Nik explains how the Federal Reserve’s slowdown in quantitative tightening (QT) is impacting Bitcoin and risk markets. He breaks down the balance sheet mechanics behind QT, showing how fewer Treasury runoffs reduce the burden on private investors, leaving more liquidity in the system. With fewer deposits redirected to government debt, more capital remains available for assets like...

In this episode, Nik decodes the Fed’s strategy as Bitcoin surges on the central bank’s decision to slow QT while maintaining its commitment to rate cuts. He breaks down what the Fed’s decision means for liquidity, why banks are holding onto reserves, and how this shift impacts risk assets. Nik also unpacks the latest moves in global bond markets, with Japanese and German yields spiking while U.S....

In this global macro update, Nik  analyzes the latest economic data and market moves, from recession fears and falling stock prices to Bitcoin’s rebound. He breaks down the drop in consumer sentiment, the wealth effect’s impact on spending, and the yield curve’s steepening as markets price in rate cuts. With Treasury yields falling and gold hitting $3,000, he examines liquidity conditions and shif...

In this episode, Nik welcomes Vaughn Kellerman of Sound Advisory to discuss financial planning for Bitcoin holders. With Bitcoin’s fixed supply of 21 million, they explore strategies for managing taxes, estate planning, and retirement while minimizing risk. Vaughn breaks down tax-efficient selling, inheritance planning, and portfolio structuring to balance Bitcoin with traditional assets. They als...

In this episode, Nik welcomes back Michael Howell, founder of CrossBorder Capital and author of Capital Wars, to discuss global liquidity and the mounting case for a U.S. gold revaluation. Howell explains why M2 is outdated, highlighting the shift to asset-based liquidity as a better market gauge. They explore the U.S. debt spiral, pressure on the Fed to resume QE, and China’s role in shaping liqu...

In this episode, Nik sits down with Matt Pines, the new Executive Director of the Bitcoin Policy Institute, to discuss the U.S. government's evolving Bitcoin strategy. They break down the push for a Bitcoin strategic reserve, the political forces shaping policy, and why Bitcoin is essential for economic resilience. Matt explains how government agencies are aligning on Bitcoin’s role, the potential...

📚 Bitcoin Age is available for pre-order now: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DQK2RQ5J The Bitcoin Layer and its guests do not provide investment advice.

In this episode, Nik delivers a global macro update as Bitcoin tumbles over 12% this week, down more than 20% from all-time highs. He breaks down the drivers behind this pullback, from shifting risk sentiment to key technical levels, and what it means for the broader market. Nik also unpacks the latest stock market weakness, the sharp drop in Treasury yields, and emerging policy signals from the W...

Bitcoin Age is available for pre-order now: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DQK2RQ5J The Bitcoin Layer and its guests do not provide investment advice.

In this episode, Nik delivers a global macro update as Bitcoin coils for its next major move, with key indicators flashing signals of imminent volatility. He analyzes Bitcoin’s price action relative to its 200-day moving average and short-term holder realized price, revealing why the market is primed for expansion. Nik examines ETF-driven on-chain movements, breaking down how institutional flows a...

In this episode, Nik explores the growing movement among U.S. states to establish strategic Bitcoin reserves, with 20 proposed bills representing up to $23 billion in potential Bitcoin purchases. He breaks down the states pushing these initiatives, the legislative progress of key bills, and the impact of these reserves on state budgets and pension funds. The discussion moves to the broader implica...

In this episode, Nik unveils a bold idea to split the U.S. dollar, separating the eurodollar system from a new national currency. Before diving in, he breaks down key economic shifts shaping Bitcoin, including the administration’s focus on productivity, deregulation, and credit expansion. The discussion moves to government efficiency, Elon Musk’s audit of federal spending, and how cutting waste co...

In this episode, Nik answers questions from Augustine Carrasco, TBL’s own researcher, on U.S. Treasuries, sovereign wealth, and Bitcoin’s role in government reserves. Nik breaks down the Treasury market’s size, liquidity, and the need for continuous debt issuance, explaining how deficits, interest rates, and market demand shape economic policy. The discussion moves to tariffs, their impact on infl...

In this episode, Nik unpacks one of the most seismic shifts in U.S. economic history—the creation of America’s first sovereign wealth fund. He analyzes what this means for national investment strategy, why it represents a fundamental break from past economic policy, and how it could serve as the ultimate vehicle for Bitcoin accumulation and infrastructure investment. With policymakers already expl...

In this episode, Nik Bhatia sits down with TBL’s correspondent in Africa, Noelyne Sumba, for an in-depth look at Bitcoin adoption across Africa, from thriving circular economies to major mining developments. Noelyne shares insights from her trip to South Africa, where Bitcoin-friendly communities are boosting local economies and major retailers are adopting BTC. The discussion moves to Ethiopia’s...

In this episode, Nik Bhatia and Eric Wallerstein analyze the complexities of the current US economy, examining key factors shaping market trends, monetary policy, and Bitcoin's evolving role. They break down stock market dynamics, the Federal Reserve's potential path for interest rates, and treasury yields. The discussion also highlights the transformative ® and its implications for equity markets...

In this episode, Nik breaks down the latest Fed meeting and Jerome Powell’s statement that banks are free to serve crypto customers—sending Bitcoin higher and fueling a major shift in policy. With the Fed holding rates steady and signaling no appetite for further hikes, markets are taking note. Nik explains why stable bond volatility, a cooling dollar, and the broader liquidity picture are creatin...

In this episode, Nik sits back down with David Zell, co-founder of the Bitcoin Policy Institute, to discuss the latest developments in Bitcoin’s intersection with U.S. policy and global influence. They begin with Ross Ulbricht’s release, a victory that highlights the political momentum of Bitcoin advocates, and the recent executive order that acknowledges Bitcoin as freedom technology. David dives...