The Bitcoin Layer

In this video, we highlight the groundbreaking conversations that shaped Bitcoin’s historic rise to $100,000 in 2024. Featuring Senator Cynthia Lummis on Bitcoin’s role in U.S. financial policy, Caitlin Long’s insights on regulatory clarity, Eric Balchunas’s analysis of ETF market dynamics, and Daniel Batten’s environmental breakthroughs, this compilation connects the dots between macroeconomic un...

In this episode, USC professor Nik Bhatia builds on his conversation with economics student Demian Schatt, addressing new questions about Bitcoin’s hard cap, credit systems, and global accessibility. Demian asks whether the fixed supply of 21 million coins limits Bitcoin’s adoption and how it fits into a world reliant on credit. Nik explains the dynamics of lending in a Bitcoin-based system, explo...

In this episode, USC professor Nik Bhatia continues answering questions from economics student Demian Schatt, diving deeper into the challenges and opportunities of integrating Bitcoin into modern economic systems. Demian asks about Bitcoin's impact on savings, its intrinsic value, and the feasibility of a Bitcoin-backed system. Nik explains how mining and hashing create Bitcoin’s value, reflects...

In this episode, Nik delivers a global macro update as Bitcoin surges to $99,000, nearing six figures after a major breakout. He analyzes the drivers behind this rally, including institutional demand, market cycles, and Bitcoin’s dominance over Ethereum. Nik reveals why recession fears are fading, with resilient housing and labor markets, booming corporate bond issuance, and anticipated Trump-era...

In this episode, USC professor Nik Bhatia answers questions from economics student Demian Schatt, exploring how Bitcoin could fit within modern fiscal and monetary policy frameworks. Demian asks thought-provoking questions about operating under a Bitcoin standard during recessions, such as how governments could stimulate the economy without increasing the money supply. Nik explains the role of fis...

In this episode, Nik Bhatia sits down with Eric Wallerstein of Yardeni Research to dissect the forces driving today’s financial markets. They explore how rising interest rates and evolving monetary policy are reshaping recession expectations and the resilience of the corporate bond market, dive into the Fed’s cautious balance sheet management, the risks of private credit, and the impact of bond vo...

In this episode, BTC Sessions, a seasoned Bitcoin educator, dives into the essential skills and tools for achieving true self-custody and financial sovereignty in bitcoin. In this insightful conversation with Nik, BTC Sessions shares his personal journey, highlighting how he learned about self-custody, using hardware wallets, and running Bitcoin nodes. They also discuss the evolution of the hardwa...

In this episode, Nik welcomes David Zell, co-founder of the Bitcoin Policy Institute, to analyze the shifting tides in Bitcoin policy and the regulatory challenges posed by Operation Choke Point 2.0. As the post-election landscape evolves, David shares what these changes mean for Bitcoin advocacy, the institute’s strategy with lawmakers, and the push for Ross Ulbricht’s freedom as part of broader...

In this video, Nik discusses bitcoin's recent path to all-time highs as it surges above $85,000. Nik breaks down why his technical analysis points to $96,000 as the next major target. Bitcoin's exit from a $23,000 consolidation funnel has pushed its current market cap up to $1.5 trillion, and Nik dives into what it means for bitcoin to approach 2% of the value of total global equities. He also dis...

In this episode, Nik analyzes the historic market movements following Bitcoin’s surge to an all-time high of $77,000 amidst Donald Trump’s return to the White House. He explores how the election impacted financial markets, focusing on prediction markets like Polymarket that signaled Trump’s victory early. Nik examines the S&P 500’s reaction, shifts in U.S. Treasury yields, and projections for upco...

In this episode, Nik sits down with Unchained co-founders Dhruv Bansal and Joe Kelly to unpack why Bitcoin security demands a unique approach—far different from traditional financial services. They discuss why bitcoin's structure requires holders to prioritize collaborative custody over standard methods. Dhruv and Joe also provide technical insights behind multi-signature (multi-sig) security, key...

In this episode, Nik Bhatia and James from Checkonchain dive deep into Bitcoin's current market landscape, breaking down the driving forces behind Bitcoin's recent volatility. This in-depth analysis covers the role of options trading, the impact of ETF inflows, and the latest on-chain data insights. As speculators return to the market and "hodlers" hold steady, Nik and James discuss how the tug-of...

In this episode, Nik examines the powerful forces pushing Bitcoin toward new highs, revealing how government spending sets off new money creation that flows directly into assets. Starting with a breakdown of Bitcoin’s recent breakout and technical setup, he then explores the global backdrop, including China’s $1 trillion stimulus and shifts in U.S. fiscal policy. Using a balance sheet approach, Ni...

In this video, Nik shares his journey from a confused college student to a professional analyst, revealing how discovering Zero Hedge in 2010 transformed his approach to financial information. As a money market practitioner, Nik discusses his use of primary sources with tools like Macrobond as his foundation, while also relying on trusted outlets like The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, and Zero H...

In this episode, Nik delivers a global macro update covering the economy and every asset class. He analyzes Bitcoin’s performance versus Ethereum as ETH faces steep declines and unpacks TBL Liquidity, focusing on key indicators like 10-year Treasuries, real yields, inflation breakevens, and the 2s10s curve, while highlighting the MOVE index as a sign of rising market fear of inflation. Nik then ex...

In this global macro update, Nik covers the Treasury market selloff and its impact on global markets. With U.S. Treasury yields hitting new highs, driven by fiscal concerns, strong economic data, and political uncertainty, Nik explains what this means for Bitcoin, risk assets, and the broader economy. He also discusses key levels in the bond market, S&P 500, Bitcoin, gold, and the dollar, while ex...

In this episode, Galaxy's head of research Alex Thorn helps Nik unpack the evolving landscape of crypto venture capital and Bitcoin's unique position in today's market. They discuss how, despite Bitcoin's impressive price recovery, VC funding in the broader crypto space is drying up, highlighting a significant shift in investment trends. Alex explains the growing interest in Bitcoin ETFs and what...

In this video, Nik dives into the mathematical heart of Bitcoin's future with statistical wizard Stephen Perrenod. They unravel the complex relationship between power laws and Bitcoin's market, and explain why bitcoin's growth isn't just exponential, but follows a fascinating power law pattern that could push its value to $1 million by 2033. From the diminishing impact of halvings to the mysteriou...

In this video, Nik dives into what could be a perfect storm brewing in global markets. He unpacks Bitcoin's sudden 5% surge due to major economic shifts. To do so, he explores China's massive 6 trillion yuan bond stimulus and its global ripple effects, alongside the potential return of Trump's aggressive trade policies. Nik discusses the shocking scope of Trump's proposed tariffs and why economist...

In this episode, Nik presents a global macro update, breaking down conflicting signals in the US economy. He starts with inflation data, a recession that never seems to come, the surging US dollar’s impact on global markets, and the signal we derive from the shape of the yield curve. He tackles the Fed's balancing act between inflation, unemployment, and market expectations, while exploring if tra...

In this episode, Nik sits down with geopolitical expert Jacob Shapiro to explore the potential global impact of Donald Trump’s return to the White House in 2024. Jacob discusses why he believes Trump will win and how a second term could reshape key conflicts in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Nik also dives into questions regarding Trump’s potential approach to the Red Sea crisis, global trade...

In this video, Nik dives into HBO's latest Bitcoin documentary, "Money Electric: The Bitcoin Mystery," exploring its take on Bitcoin’s evolution and influence. He covers key moments like the hunt for Satoshi, the documentary’s explanation of Bitcoin’s mechanics, and its perspective on the Blocksize Wars. Nik also discusses Adam Back’s role, Blockstream’s portrayal, and where the film misses on imp...

In this video, Nik walks through our weekly global macro risk report, Mean Median Mode, where we examine the dynamic relationship between interest rates, bond volatility, stock market, and Bitcoin’s price movements. Nik discusses how interest rates impact bitcoin, how bond volatility affects global markets, and the correlation between stocks and bitcoin. Nik also explains how he analyzes and finds...

In this episode, Nik is joined by Caitlin Long to dissect the evolving landscape of crypto banking. She dives into the impact of Operation Chokepoint 2.0, exploring how government agencies viciously attacked the crypto sector. She explains how the powerful influence of the banking lobby shapes regulatory frameworks and sheds light on the inherent fragility of the traditional banking system and the...

In this episode, Nik recaps the day in economic data and financial markets, including a look at JOLTS and the slowing labor market, weak ISM manufacturing data and prices, and the repo market. In the most important financial development of the day, elevated SOFR volumes and repo rates confirm there is some scarcity in the money markets. We believe this type of calendar activity may signal an end t...