Tag: Update

  • Crypto update: Bitcoin ETFs see $300M inflow as investors ‘buy the dip’

    Crypto update: Bitcoin ETFs see $300M inflow as investors ‘buy the dip’

    Crypto update: Bitcoin ETFs see $300M inflow as investors 'buy the dip'

    • US Bitcoin ETFs saw nearly $300 million in net inflows on Tuesday.
    • The inflows snapped a two-week streak of redemptions from the products.
    • Fidelity’s FBTC led the way with $165.9 million, followed by Ark’s ARKB.

    US-based Bitcoin ETFs have snapped a two-week streak of redemptions, pulling in nearly $300 million in net inflows on Tuesday as investors took advantage of lower prices to rotate back into cryptocurrency-linked products.

    The renewed buying interest, which follows a period of significant outflows, suggests that institutional investors are viewing the recent market dip as a buying opportunity, reaffirming their long-term conviction in the asset despite short-term volatility.

    A decisive reversal after weeks of outflows

    Early data from SoSoValue shows a significant reversal of last week’s trend, which saw over $1.17 billion withdrawn from digital asset investment products.

    Fidelity’s FBTC led the charge with $165.9 million in fresh capital, while Ark 21Shares’ ARKB added $102.5 million.

    Notably, even Grayscale’s GBTC, which has experienced consistent outflows for months, posted a net inflow of $24.1 million.

    This return of capital to US products contrasts with the European market, which has continued to see steady inflows, suggesting a more consistent long-term positioning from investors outside the United States.

    Altcoins continue to attract capital

    While Bitcoin and Ether products have been subject to macro-driven volatility, certain altcoins have continued to attract steady investment.

    According to data from CoinShares, Solana-linked products notched another $118 million in inflows last week, bringing its impressive nine-week total to $2.1 billion.

    This pattern indicates that investors are differentiating between core assets sensitive to macro pressures and emerging networks with strong on-chain momentum.

    Fundamentals remain strong as supply milestone nears

    Despite the recent price turbulence, market experts maintain that Bitcoin’s underlying fundamentals remain robust.

    Thomas Perfumo, a global economist at Kraken, highlighted an upcoming supply milestone as a key factor in the long-term investment case.

    “In approximately seven days, Bitcoin’s circulating supply will cross 19.95 million coins, 95% of its max supply of 21 million coins,” he wrote in a note provided to CoinDesk.

    Perfumo said this event underscores Bitcoin’s programmable scarcity and its enduring role as a “credibly neutral, globally accessible store of value.”

    Gold nears record highs amid fiscal warnings

    In the broader macroeconomic landscape, gold continued to trade near record highs at $4,134.6 per ounce.

    The precious metal’s strength is being fueled by growing concerns over US fiscal stability.

    Economist James Thorne has warned that the US has crossed a fiscal “Rubicon” that could trigger a “Bretton Woods 2.0” style reset, potentially revaluing gold to manage soaring debt levels.

    The impact of surging bullion prices is already being felt, with major producer Barrick Mining reporting a $1.3 billion quarterly profit and a dividend hike.

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  • Crypto update: Bitcoin tumbles below $111K as Powell dashes December rate cut hopes

    Crypto update: Bitcoin tumbles below $111K as Powell dashes December rate cut hopes

    Crypto update: Bitcoin tumbles below $111K as Powell dashes December rate cut hopes

    • Bitcoin fell below $111,000 after Fed Chair Powell’s hawkish comments.
    • Powell said a December interest rate cut is “not a foregone conclusion.”
    • Major cryptocurrencies like Ethereum, XRP, and Solana also posted losses.

    Bitcoin and the wider cryptocurrency market took a sharp downturn after US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell signaled that a highly anticipated December interest rate cut was not guaranteed, reversing market sentiment that had priced in further easing.

    The hawkish remarks immediately spooked investors, sending Bitcoin below a key support level and triggering a broad sell-off across digital assets.

    While the Fed did deliver an expected quarter-point rate cut, Powell’s commentary on the future path of monetary policy became the dominant driver of the market’s negative reaction.

    Powell pours cold water on December rate cut hopes

    At the conclusion of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, Powell announced a 0.25% point reduction in the policy rate to a range of 3.75-4.00%.

    However, he quickly tempered market optimism by adopting a cautious stance on future moves, stating a December cut “is not a foregone conclusion.”

    Powell explained that the central bank needs more economic data, particularly after the recent government shutdown obscured key indicators.

    “We may need to slow the pace of policy (rate) adjustments. I hope to obtain more data by December,” he said at the press conference.

    He also revealed a growing divide within the committee.

    “More and more Fed members want to delay rate cuts,” Powell continued, adding, “After two consecutive rate cuts, some members are taking a wait-and-see stance.

    The view that we should wait at least one cycle is spreading.”

    Bitcoin leads broad market plunge

    The market’s reaction to Powell’s unexpected caution was swift and decisive.

    Bitcoin, which had been trading steadily around the $113,000 level before the press conference, broke below its $110,000 support moments after his remarks, hitting an intraday low in the $109,000 range.

    As of Thursday, the token was still struggling around $110,000, down roughly 2% from the previous day.

    The weakness was felt across the entire crypto ecosystem.

    According to CoinMarketCap, other major cryptocurrencies also posted significant losses:

    • Ethereum (ETH) fell 1.93% to $3,899.87.

    • XRP dropped 2.74% to $2.53.

    • Solana (SOL) declined 1.04% to $192.37.

    A silver lining? Fed to end quantitative tightening

    However, Powell’s press conference was not entirely hawkish. He also formally announced the end of the Fed’s asset reduction program, known as Quantitative Tightening (QT), which could increase liquidity in the financial system.

    “We have decided to end QT as of December 1,” Powell stated. He explained that the Fed’s balance sheet had shrunk by $2.2 trillion over three and a half years.

    “We now believe we are close to sufficient reserves,” he said, signaling a shift toward balance sheet normalization.

    With Fed in rearview, all eyes turn to US-China summit

    With the Fed’s immediate policy path now clarified, investors are pivoting their attention to the next major potential catalyst: the US-China summit.

    Following the crypto market plunge, traders are looking to the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping as a possible source of positive news that could trigger a rebound.

    The high-stakes meeting is scheduled for Thursday morning at the ‘Naraemaru’ facility at Gimhae Airport Air Force base.

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  • Crypto update: Bitcoin and Ethereum are stable as market’s focus shifts to US inflation data

    Crypto update: Bitcoin and Ethereum are stable as market’s focus shifts to US inflation data

    Crypto update: Bitcoin and Ethereum are stable as market's focus shifts to US inflation data

    • Crypto markets have entered a holding pattern, with Bitcoin near $108,164.
    • Traders are awaiting a key US inflation (CPI) report due out on Friday.
    • Hopes are rising for a de-escalation in the US-China trade war.

    Cryptocurrency markets have entered a midweek holding pattern, with prices for Bitcoin and other major digital assets remaining relatively flat as traders brace for a pivotal US inflation report and look for signs of a de-escalation in the US-China trade dispute.

    Bitcoin is trading around $108,164, up slightly from Monday but still down 2% for the week. Ether is changing hands near $3,815.

    The stabilization reflects what the analytics firm QCP Capital has described as a narrow-range equilibrium,” a period of calm before a potential storm.

    A singular focus on the US inflation report

    The market’s primary focus is now firmly on Friday’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, the only major US economic data release not delayed by the ongoing government shutdown.

    In a recent note, QCP said the CPI is the “singular anchor” for policy expectations and broader risk sentiment.

    A softer-than-expected reading, the firm noted, could “re-anchor the soft-landing trade” and provide support for Bitcoin as expectations for looser monetary policy improve.

    Hopes are rising for a US-China détente

    Adding to the market’s complex picture are the shifting dynamics of the US-China trade war.

    Sentiment has improved after a weekend of whiplash, in which President Trump first threatened a massive new wave of tariffs only to later soften his stance, stating that “the USA wants to help China, not hurt it.” 

    This has led prediction markets to re-evaluate the risks. Traders on Polymarket now assign a 77% probability that a tariff agreement will be reached by November 10, while the odds of Trump’s threatened 100% tariffs taking effect have fallen to just 16 percent.

    A cleaner slate after a brutal liquidation flush

    This fragile calm comes just days after a brutal market-wide sell-off that saw nearly $20 billion in leveraged positions liquidated.

    That massive flush has reset the market, creating a cleaner slate for macro traders as they head into the crucial CPI event.

    The key question now is whether the “soft landing” narrative will be confirmed by Friday’s inflation data, or if the volatility that has defined the market in recent weeks will be reignited.

    What to watch in the markets

    For Bitcoin, analysts at Standard Chartered have noted that while sellers are limiting any immediate breakout potential, a dip below $100,000 could represent a “last chance to buy” before the next major leg higher.

    For Ethereum, the picture is more divided.

    A recent $650 million transfer by the Ethereum Foundation triggered a wave of profit-taking and liquidations, leaving analysts split between a potential breakout toward $5,000 and a possible slide toward $2,850 if the key support level at $3,470 fails to hold.

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  • Crypto update: Why Bitcoin is stalling while Ethereum eyes a breakout

    Crypto update: Why Bitcoin is stalling while Ethereum eyes a breakout

    Crypto update: Why Bitcoin is stalling while Ethereum eyes a breakout

    • A major split is emerging between Bitcoin and Ethereum in the market.
    • Bitcoin is acting as a macro hedge, holding steady around $112,000.
    • Traders are actively positioning for upside in Ethereum, eyeing $5,000.

    A profound and telling split has fractured the cryptocurrency market.

    Bitcoin, the long-reigning king, has settled into a stoic holding pattern, a defensive fortress against the gathering storms of macroeconomic uncertainty.

    But the real action, the aggressive positioning for explosive growth, is happening in a different court.

    A great rotation is underway, and traders are increasingly placing their bets on a new champion to lead the charge into September: Ethereum.

    The fortress: Bitcoin as a macro hedge

    Bitcoin is currently stuck in consolidation, trading near $112,000. But its lack of upward momentum is, paradoxically, part of its emerging narrative.

    It is increasingly being treated not as a speculative growth asset, but as a steady macro hedge, a digital counterpart to gold.

    This view is being driven by the deep uncertainty emanating from Washington.

    In a recent note, QCP Capital wrote that persistent doubts about the Federal Reserve’s independence are keeping risk premiums elevated, a dynamic that weakens the dollar and directly supports hedges like Bitcoin and gold.

    The options market tells a similar story of defense.

    Flowdesk reported muted implied volatility in Bitcoin, suggesting traders are positioning for stability, not a breakout.

    The skew remains negative, meaning puts are expensive—a clear sign that the market is paying a premium for downside protection.

    The spearhead: Ethereum as the engine of ascent

    While Bitcoin holds the defensive line, Ethereum is being positioned as the market’s spearhead. This is where traders see the real potential for a September breakout.

    The data is clear: ETH risk reversals have recovered sharply from their recent selloff, indicating a renewed and aggressive demand for upside exposure.

    Prediction markets are validating this theme with real-money bets. Polymarket sentiment shows traders expect Bitcoin to remain capped near $120,000, while giving Ethereum a strong chance of breaking the coveted $5,000 mark.

    This view is consistent with its powerful 20 percent rally over the past month and the surging institutional interest being funneled through ETF inflows.

    The widening rebellion

    This rotation is not just a two-horse race. The renewed appetite for risk is broadening, with capital flowing into a wider array of altcoins. Solana (SOL) options have seen a surge in activity, with flows heavily skewed to the upside.

    At the same time, spot activity has rotated into so-called “ETH beta” names like AAVE and AERO, as well as “SOL betas” like RAY and DRIFT.

    This is a crucial sign that market breadth is improving, as conviction spreads beyond the majors.

    The market is sending a clear, if complex, signal. The macro chaos is reinforcing Bitcoin’s role as a hedge against inflation and institutional decay.

    But the momentum, the capital flows, and the speculative energy are all gathering in the court of its challenger.

    The stage is set for a fascinating and potentially volatile September, where the fortress and the spearhead will finally have their mettle tested.

    Market updates:

    BTC: Bitcoin remains in a consolidation phase around the $110,000–$112,000 range, marked by waning short‑term volatility.

    ETH: ETH is trading near $4,400. Its rally is being fuelled by surging institutional interest, especially via ETF inflows, and anticipation surrounding the upcoming Fusaka network upgrade.

    Gold: Gold is trading around record highs, propelled by expectations of an imminent Federal Reserve rate cut (markets now price in about a 92% chance), weakening confidence in Fed independence, and increased demand from conviction buyers like ETFs and central banks.

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  • Crypto update: Bitcoin slips as analysts warn of ‘fragile’ market structure

    Crypto update: Bitcoin slips as analysts warn of ‘fragile’ market structure

    Bitcoin slips as analysts warn of 'fragile' market structure

    • Bitcoin and Ether prices are falling despite positive industry news.
    • A key disconnect exists between weak price action and strong fundamentals.
    • Glassnode warns of market fragility and stretched leverage in the short term.

    A profound and unsettling disconnect is cleaving the cryptocurrency market in two as the trading day begins in Asia.

    While a torrent of structurally bullish headlines points to a maturing and increasingly powerful industry, the price action on screen tells a story of weakness, fear, and retreat.

    This growing chasm between the long-term promise and the short-term pain has left investors caught in a tense tug-of-war.

    The immediate picture is painted in red. Bitcoin is down 3% in the past 24 hours, struggling to hold the line at $113,000.

    Ether is suffering even more, having shed 5.6% to land at $4,100, extending a week of bruising losses across the major digital assets. This persistent pullback is happening in the face of news that would, in any other environment, be sending prices soaring.

    The view from the charts: a structure of sand?

    For one camp of market observers, the current weakness is a simple function of a fragile and overextended market structure.

    In a recent report, the analytics firm Glassnode frames the decline as a textbook case of exhaustion: spot momentum is fading, leverage is dangerously stretched, and the pressure from profit-taking is building to a critical point.

    They warn that even the massive $900 million in inflows into U.S.-listed spot ETFs last week is not enough to sustain the rally on its own.

    Without a renewed wave of conviction buying in the spot markets, Glassnode argues, the market’s positioning remains acutely “vulnerable to deeper deleveraging.”

    A foundation of steel

    This pessimistic view, however, is far from universal. Another camp argues that fixating on the short-term price action is a classic case of missing the forest for the trees.

    The Singapore-based market maker Enflux, in a note shared with CoinDesk, contends that the industry is maturing at a pace that the charts are simply failing to capture.

    They see the weak price action as a temporary “disconnect” and urge traders to focus on the truly significant headlines: Google becoming the largest shareholder in miner TeraWulf, Wyoming launching a state-backed stablecoin, and Tether hiring a former White House crypto policy official. 

    These are not fleeting signals, Enflux argues; they are proof that serious capital and top-tier talent are aligning around a future that is institutional, regulated, and built to last.

    The divergence in tone is telling. One side sees a house of cards, the other sees the scaffolding of a skyscraper being erected.

    The shadow of the Fed

    This internal conflict is being amplified by a powerful external force: the Federal Reserve.

    The entire market is holding its breath ahead of the Fed’s FOMC minutes and, more importantly, Chairman Jerome Powell’s pivotal speech at the Jackson Hole symposium later this week.

    With economists from institutions like Bank of America warning that Powell may argue for holding rates steady amid sticky inflation, the easy-money hopes that have buoyed risk assets are beginning to fade.

    This macro uncertainty is forcing a reckoning in the crypto market, where the short-term fragility is clashing head-on with the long-term fundamental strength. The question now is which narrative will break first.

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  • Bitcoin price forecast: White House crypto report omitted BTC reserve update

    Bitcoin price forecast: White House crypto report omitted BTC reserve update

    Bitcoin price forecast

    • White House report omitted Bitcoin reserve update.
    • BTC holds steady near $118k with bullish technical signals.
    • ETF inflows and low selling pressure fuel price optimism.

    Bitcoin (BTC) is entering August 2025 in a position of strength, despite growing anticipation over a missed opportunity in Washington.

    On July 31, the White House released its long-awaited crypto policy report, but to the dismay of Bitcoin advocates, it made no substantive update on the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve initiative first announced in March.

    Nevertheless, as the federal silence lingered, market indicators revealed that BTC could be gearing up for another bullish breakout.

    This disconnect between regulatory direction and market performance is reshaping sentiment as traders weigh both political cues and on-chain metrics.

    White House fails to clarify on BTC reserve

    For months, Bitcoin supporters had looked forward to the July crypto policy report, especially after the Trump administration signalled a pro-Bitcoin stance earlier this year.

    In March, an executive order established the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, drawing comparisons to El Salvador’s bold accumulation strategy.

    Hopes were high that the report would outline further steps to expand the reserve or detail future BTC acquisitions by the US government.

    However, the 166-page report only briefly mentioned the reserve initiative. Tucked away in its final section, the mention served more as a recap than an expansion plan.

    While the document introduced detailed proposals on regulation, banking access, and tax reform, it failed to address whether the US would actively purchase Bitcoin as a strategic asset.

    The omission disappointed many in the crypto community. Several analysts called it a missed opportunity, especially given Bitcoin’s growing stature on the global asset leaderboard.

    Still, others viewed the report’s tone as a step forward, with Bitcoin now being discussed independently from other digital assets — a clear sign of evolving recognition.

    Bitcoin (BTC) is resilient despite political ambiguity

    Even without direct government support through reserve accumulation, Bitcoin’s performance remains robust.

    The cryptocurrency surged to a new all-time high of approximately $123,000 on July 14.

    After a modest correction, it has been consolidating in a tight range between $117,000 and $118,000, currently trading at $118,383.

    This steady behaviour comes even as the broader crypto market has experienced more dramatic swings.

    The contrast has sparked speculation that Bitcoin’s price is preparing for a sharp move. Given the current low selling pressure and increased institutional interest, any upward shift could gather momentum quickly.

    The GENIUS Act, signed recently into law, also added to Bitcoin’s tailwinds by making stablecoins more accessible.

    Although rate cuts did not materialise in the latest Federal Reserve decision, the steady macro environment appears to be offering BTC room to rally independently.

    ETF inflows and technical signals remain bullish

    Market structure continues to favour the bulls. Spot Bitcoin ETFs saw massive inflows in mid-July, with over $2 billion entering the market in just two days.

    BlackRock’s IBIT alone now holds more than $80 billion in assets under management. These ETFs are now among the largest Bitcoin holders, owning around 1.4 million BTC — roughly 6.6% of the total supply.

    On the technical side, the MVRV ratio currently sits near its 365-day average at 2.2, historically a level that precedes major rallies.

    Bollinger Bands are tightening, and the RSI remains neutral at 42.65, suggesting there’s still room for price expansion.

    Bitcoin price analysis

    Going by the technical analysis, if BTC breaks above $119,900, a return to its all-time high could be swift.

    Trade volume also supports this outlook. In the past 24 hours alone, Bitcoin’s volume rose by 12%, reaching $70.3 billion.

    This growing activity, paired with strong holding behaviour among long-term investors, signals that upward pressure could intensify in the coming days.

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  • Market update: Bitcoin rises after US-EU announce framework trade agreement

    Market update: Bitcoin rises after US-EU announce framework trade agreement

    Market update: Bitcoin rises after US-EU announce framework trade agreement

    • Bitcoin (BTC) traded above $119,430 Monday, up 1.24%, after a US-EU trade deal was announced.
    • The US-EU deal sets a 15% tariff, avoiding a threatened 30% rate, and includes a $600B EU investment pledge.
    • Bitcoin’s realized market capitalization crossed the $1 trillion threshold for the first time, per Glassnode.

    Bitcoin (BTC) pushed higher in early Asian trading on Monday, trading above $119,430, as bullish momentum continued to build following a series of significant institutional milestones and a breakthrough trade agreement between the United of States and the European Union over the weekend.

    A transatlantic truce: US and EU strike a deal

    In a major development for global markets, US President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a framework trade agreement at a summit in Turnberry, Scotland.

    The deal sets a 15% US import tariff on EU goods, a significant de-escalation that averts a previously threatened 30% rate.

    The agreement also includes a commitment for $600 billion in EU investment into US energy and defense sectors over the next three years, a move aimed at reducing Europe’s reliance on Russian fuel.

    However, existing tariffs on steel and aluminum will remain at 50% for the time being.

    This easing of transatlantic trade tensions has provided a positive backdrop for risk assets, including cryptocurrencies.

    Bitcoin is up 1.24% in early Asian hours, and the CoinDesk 20 (CD20) Index, a broad measure of the largest digital assets, has risen 2.37% to 4,099.18, extending its recent recovery.

    Bitcoin’s institutional bedrock deepens

    The positive macro news comes as Bitcoin continues to consolidate its recent gains, holding steady above the $118,000 mark after hitting a new record high of $122,700 last week.

    This powerful rally has triggered some predictable selling from long-term holders, while simultaneously drawing in new buyers and fresh capital, creating a dynamic market environment.

    A key indicator of the market’s growing maturity and value was highlighted by on-chain analytics firm Glassnode, which reported that Bitcoin’s realized market capitalization had crossed the $1 trillion threshold for the first time.

    This metric, which measures the total value of all Bitcoin based on the price at which each coin last moved on-chain, is seen as a more fundamentally grounded valuation than the simple market cap.

    Further evidence of the massive scale of institutional activity came to light on Friday, when Galaxy Digital announced it had executed a staggering $9 billion BTC transaction on behalf of a Satoshi-era investor.

    The sale, which involved 80,000 BTC, was reportedly part of an estate planning strategy and represents one of the largest single Bitcoin transfers in history.

    The fact that the market was able to absorb this massive sale without a significant price downturn is seen by many as a testament to how much of the Bitcoin supply is illiquid, held tightly by long-term “HODLers.”

    A market on the verge of a supply-shock rally, it seems, can readily absorb an extra $9 billion being placed up for sale.

    As Bitcoin’s price has climbed, its dominance, which measures its market share relative to the total crypto market, has edged down slightly to 60.98%. This suggests a modest rotation of capital into altcoins as traders’ risk appetite grows.

    The bullish sentiment is also being reflected in prediction markets. Polymarket bettors now give Bitcoin a 24% chance of hitting $125,000 before the end of July, an increase from 18% earlier in the week, as traders weigh the impact of these positive macro tailwinds and the growing on-chain conviction.

    Broader Market Snapshot

    • ETH: Ether is trading at $3,867.76, up 3%, amidst strong on-chain fundamentals.

    • A significant 28% of the total ETH supply is now staked, balances on exchanges are at eight-year lows (indicating a preference for holding over selling), and new buyer inflows are on the rise.

    • Gold: In a classic “risk-on” move, gold is down for a fourth straight day, trading around $3,335 in early Asia.

    • Despite its impressive 28% year-to-date gain, recent progress on US–EU and US–China trade deals is reducing the immediate demand for safe-haven assets ahead of this week’s US Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting.

    • Nikkei 225: Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed on Monday, with investors also awaiting further details of ongoing US–China trade talks.

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  • Market update: Bitcoin consolidates near $117K

    Market update: Bitcoin consolidates near $117K

    Bitcoin pulls back; AI token sector market cap hits $29.6B

    • Bitcoin (BTC) is down 1.8% but trades above $117,800 as traders take profits after recent all-time highs.
    • AI-focused crypto tokens jumped 5% overnight as big tech firms like Google and Meta announced massive infrastructure investments.
    • Google plans a $25B data center investment; a Trump-led summit saw over $90B in AI/data pledges unveiled.

    Bitcoin has taken a slight breather as the East Asian business day gets underway, dipping 1.8% but still trading firmly above the $117,800 mark at the time of writing this article.

    This pause comes as some traders take profits after a powerful run that saw the leading cryptocurrency push through multiple all-time highs.

    While bullish sentiment remains strong, with some market participants calling for even higher price targets, seasoned observers are sounding a note of caution, warning that risks are building just as quickly as market enthusiasm.

    A rally on pause?

    The current market sentiment is a mix of unbridled optimism and underlying apprehension.

    There is a palpable belief among some that the recent rally is just the beginning, with bold calls for Bitcoin to reach $160,000, $200,000, or even higher.

    However, Lennex Lai, Chief Commercial Officer at the crypto exchange OKX, warns that this very enthusiasm could be a source of risk.

    “Across platforms, we’re seeing an increase in aggressive long positions and widening funding rates as ‘Crypto Week’ headlines boost sentiment,” Lai told CoinDesk in an interview via Telegram.

    He stressed that at these elevated levels, “risks can build quickly – escalation of trade tensions with the EU, Mexico, and other trading partners could trigger sharp corrections.

    Another risk is letting euphoria drive decisions.”

    Lai pointed to a slate of upcoming macroeconomic announcements that could sway global risk sentiment and set the tone for broader markets.

    These include the UK Consumer Price Index (CPI) release, as well as the US Core Producer Price Index (PPI), retail sales figures, and consumer sentiment data.

    Echoes of past volatility and a cautious professional class

    Lai’s concerns echo the findings of a recent H1 2025 market report from K33 Research, which highlighted similar risks and volatility triggers earlier this year.

    The report noted that geopolitical turmoil and trade policy uncertainty have already driven significant market swings, including a sharp 30% correction that saw Bitcoin fall to $75,000 earlier in the year.

    The K33 report also observed that “Bitcoin struggled in this de-risking period but showed subtle hints of relative strength vs equities by outperforming equities in the aftermath of Liberation Day.”

    A key indicator of underlying caution among seasoned traders has been the historically low funding rates seen amidst rising prices.

    “Annualized funding rates averaged at 4.51% throughout the half-year, the lowest average half-year funding rate since December 31, 2022,” when the post-FTX crypto winter was at its coldest, the report stated.

    This suggests that while prices have been rising, professional traders have remained wary of abrupt market reversals.

    Lennex Lai emphasized the need for a disciplined approach in this environment. “In moments like this, smart traders focus on strategy over sentiment, using discipline to manage risk,” he continued.

    “The excitement at the top is real, but those who manage their entries, exits, and funding exposure carefully are best positioned for whatever comes next.” After all, he concluded, “strong momentum doesn’t mean the market is invincible.”

    AI tokens catch a bid as big tech doubles down on infrastructure

    While Bitcoin consolidates, a different corner of the crypto market is experiencing a significant rally. AI-focused crypto tokens jumped by 5% overnight, pushing the sector’s total market capitalization to $29.6 billion, according to data from CoinGecko.

    This move comes amidst a flurry of major announcements from U.S. tech giants regarding massive investments in AI and data infrastructure, sparking renewed investor enthusiasm in both traditional equity and digital token markets.

    Google announced on Tuesday that it will invest a staggering $25 billion into data centers and AI infrastructure across the PJM electric grid, the largest in the United States.

    The company also agreed to purchase 3,000 megawatts of hydroelectric power through a $3 billion deal with Brookfield. Not to be outdone, Meta is reportedly planning “hundreds of billions” in AI data center construction, including a multi-gigawatt facility in Ohio, codenamed “Prometheus.”

    These blockbuster announcements were strategically timed around a Trump administration-led summit at Carnegie Mellon University, where over $90 billion in AI, energy, and data infrastructure pledges were unveiled.

    This overwhelmingly bullish tone on AI, from both the government and private industry, appears to be spilling over into the crypto token markets, at least for now.


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