Tag Archives: ai

Oil falls, Bitcoin soars, and Nvidia’s AI bet pays off big: Decoding the new market paradigm

Oil falls, Bitcoin soars, and Nvidia’s AI bet pays off big: Decoding the new market paradigm

Equities staged a relief rally as oil prices retreated from recent highs, offering investors breathing room following intense volatility driven by conflict in the Middle East and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. This moment captures a market searching for stability while navigating geopolitical uncertainty, central bank policy shifts, and the accelerating integration of digital assets into traditional portfolios. The interplay between these forces reveals a financial system in transition, where institutional adoption of crypto assets now moves in lockstep with macroeconomic signals.

Energy prices eased as WTI crude fell 5.1 per cent to near US$93.50/bbl. This decline followed signals that more tankers might traverse the Strait of Hormuz, as well as reports of potential emergency stockpile releases from wealthy nations. The pullback in oil provided immediate relief to inflation-sensitive equities, yet the underlying geopolitical fragility remains. Traders now watch the API Weekly Crude Oil Stockpiles report for confirmation of demand trends during this ongoing energy crisis. Meanwhile, central bank attention dominates the macro landscape. The Reserve Bank of Australia met on 17 March with markets widely expecting a 25-basis-point hike to 4.1 per cent to combat inflation. All eyes then shift to the US Federal Reserve’s FOMC meeting on 17 to 18 March, where policymakers will offer clues on 2026 rate trajectories. Any hint of prolonged restrictive policy could quickly reverse the day’s risk-on sentiment.

Corporate markets reflected the AI investment thesis that continues to shape equity valuations. NVIDIA Corp. climbed 1.6 per cent following projections that it could generate at least US$1 trillion from AI chips by the end of 2027. This milestone underscores how deeply artificial intelligence has embedded itself in market expectations, driving capital toward companies positioned at the infrastructure layer of the next technological cycle. In commodities, gold steadied near US$5,007–US$5,015/oz, remaining close to all-time highs despite minor dips ahead of the Fed meeting. The metal’s resilience signals persistent hedging demand even as risk assets rally, a reminder that investors maintain a dual posture of optimism and caution.

The cryptocurrency market delivered one of the day’s most compelling narratives, rising 4.48 per cent to US$2.58T in 24 hours. This move was primarily driven by Bitcoin-led momentum fuelled by institutional demand. Notably, Bitcoin maintains a 53 per cent correlation with the S&P 500, confirming that digital assets now respond to macro drivers as much as idiosyncratic crypto factors. The primary catalyst remains sustained inflows into US spot Bitcoin ETFs, with US$793M added last week alone. This persistent institutional appetite propelled Bitcoin above US$75,000, lifting the entire market. From my perspective, this trend validates a structural shift we have anticipated for years. Regulated access points, such as ETFs, are not merely convenience products. They represent a critical bridge between traditional finance and decentralised networks, enabling capital allocation that respects both compliance and innovation.

Ethereum’s 10 per cent surge amplified the broader rally, fuelled by its own ETF inflows and strong Layer-1 ecosystem performance. Net inflows to US spot ether ETFs exceeded US$160M last week, signalling growing institutional confidence in Ethereum’s utility beyond speculation. The Layer-1 sector rose 3.93 per cent, while meme tokens like PEPE saw double-digit gains, indicating a broad-based risk appetite. This rotation from Bitcoin to higher-beta assets reflects a healthy bull market phase in which capital seeks asymmetric opportunities. I view this dynamic as evidence that the market is maturing. Investors are no longer treating crypto as a monolithic bet. They are differentiating between store-of-value narratives, smart contract platforms, and speculative tokens, allocating capital with increasing sophistication.

Data from CoinShares shows crypto investment products attracted US$1.06B last week, with Bitcoin ETFs accounting for US$793M for a third consecutive week. This consistency matters. Persistent demand reduces sell-side pressure and builds a firmer price floor, allowing technical structures to develop with greater reliability. Bitcoin remains the primary price-setter for the asset class. When it holds above key levels such as US$75,000, it provides psychological and mechanical support for altcoins. The near-term outlook hinges on this dynamic. If Bitcoin maintains its breakout and ETF inflows persist, the rally could extend toward the US$2.81T total market cap level. A break below US$72,300 support would signal consolidation, but the underlying institutional bid appears strong enough to absorb moderate profit-taking.

Technical traders watch the US$76,000 to US$78,000 zone as key resistance for Bitcoin. A clean break above this range would confirm bullish momentum and likely trigger algorithmic buying. Conversely, the ETH/BTC pair offers insight into altcoin sentiment. Continued strength here would confirm that risk appetite is broadening beyond Bitcoin. I monitor these relationships closely because they reveal whether momentum is sustainable or merely speculative froth. The upcoming Federal Reserve policy meeting on March 18- 19 serves as the key macro trigger. Any hawkish surprise could test the resilience of this rally, but the growing independence of crypto markets from traditional rate sensitivity may provide a buffer. We have seen this decoupling begin in prior cycles, and the current ETF-driven demand could accelerate that trend.

Broader economic data also warrants attention. US Pending Home Sales are expected to decline 1.2 per cent, reflecting the ongoing impact of elevated borrowing costs on the real estate market. This softness in housing could reinforce the Fed’s caution, yet markets appear to be looking through near-term data toward a second-half easing narrative. The critical question for the week is whether ETF inflows can overpower any hawkish sentiment from the Federal Reserve. If institutional capital continues to flow into regulated Bitcoin and ether products at current rates, the rally has room to extend. If not, we could see a pause as traders reassess risk through the end of the quarter.

This moment in markets reflects a broader evolution in how capital perceives digital assets. No longer fringe instruments, cryptocurrencies now function as macro-sensitive, institutionally accessible vehicles that respond to liquidity expectations, geopolitical risk, and technological adoption curves. The 53 per cent correlation with the S&P 500 is not a bug. It is a feature of an asset class integrating into the global financial system. I believe this integration will accelerate, driven by demand for transparent, programmable, and borderless financial infrastructure. The current rally, anchored by ETF flows and supported by improving technical structure, represents more than a short-term bounce. It signals a structural re-rating of crypto within multi-asset portfolios.

Looking ahead, the path for markets depends on three factors.

  • First, whether Bitcoin can hold above US$75,000 to maintain bullish momentum.
  • Second, whether the Federal Reserve signals a patient approach to policy, allowing risk assets to consolidate gains.
  • Third, whether geopolitical tensions in the Middle East remain contained, preventing a renewed surge in energy prices.

The convergence of these variables will determine if the relief rally evolves into a sustained advance. For now, the tape suggests optimism. Institutional capital is committed, technical levels are holding, and the macro backdrop, while uncertain, is not deteriorating. In this environment, disciplined exposure to high-conviction themes like AI infrastructure and institutional crypto adoption offers a rational path forward. The market rewards those who distinguish between noise and signal, and the current data points to a constructive, if volatile, journey ahead.

 

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

www.anndy.com
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AI could bypass crypto with internal economies, Anndy Lian notes

AI could bypass crypto with internal economies, Anndy Lian notes

Artificial intelligence could emerge as a significant threat to cryptocurrencies, according to Anndy Lian. In a post outlining key points, Lian argues that superintelligent AIs might create their own currencies and internal economies, operating efficiently without the need for blockchain networks, miners, or the volatility often associated with crypto assets.

Lian highlights that these AI-driven systems would prioritize efficiency and scalability, potentially reducing the relevance of current crypto technologies.

 

 

Lian’s perspective on AI-driven shifts in digital finance closely aligns with prior assessments of market transformations, such as the emergence of alternative trading networks illustrated by Hyperliquid’s $4.174B bridging and the prevailing USDC dominance. Additionally, the regulatory complexities influencing innovation—beyond mere stablecoin yield—were recently unpacked in a thorough exploration of the broader factors behind the CLARITY Act delay.

 

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

www.anndy.com
j j j

Nvidia stumbles, crypto shivers, markets wobble: The AI reckoning begins

Nvidia stumbles, crypto shivers, markets wobble: The AI reckoning begins

Global markets absorbed a sharp technology sell-off that began in the US session, triggered by what traders now call a Nvidia hangover. The artificial intelligence leader’s latest earnings, while technically in line with forecasts, failed to feed the market’s insatiable appetite for perfection.

Investors reacted by rotating capital out of high-flying tech names and into more cyclical sectors like financials, a move that left the Nasdaq and S&P 500 in the red while the Dow Jones Industrial Average eked out a nominal gain. This session underscores a fragile truth. When expectations run too far ahead of reality, even solid results can spark a retreat.

The numbers tell a clear story. The Nasdaq Composite fell 1.18 per cent to 22,878.38, with technology and communication services bearing the brunt of the selling. The S&P 500 dropped 0.54 per cent to 6,908.86, pulled lower by a 5.5 per cent slump in Nvidia, its worst single-day performance since April 2025.

Meanwhile, the Dow Jones Industrial Average inched up 0.03 per cent to 49,499.20, supported by gains in major banks such as JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index dropped 3.2 per cent, threatening an impressive 11-week winning streak. This rotation reveals how tightly markets now tie AI enthusiasm to semiconductor valuations, and how quickly sentiment can shift when growth narratives face even minor scrutiny.

Broader macro signals added to the cautious tone. The 10-year US Treasury yield fell to 4.01 per cent, with analysts noting a bull flattening of the yield curve that often signals concerns about moderating global growth. At the same time, spot gold rose to approximately US$5,193.20 per ounce, an increase of over US$21 from the previous session, as investors weighed geopolitical progress in US-Iran nuclear talks. These moves suggest capital is seeking both safety and optionality, a pattern that typically emerges when equity momentum stalls and uncertainty about the growth path intensifies.

Asian markets reflected the risk-off mood at the open. The Nikkei 225 dropped 0.25 per cent, and South Korea’s Kospi fell 1.74 per cent. Yet despite the daily dip, Asian stocks remain on track for their best February on record, with the MSCI Asia Pacific Index up 6.3 per cent for the month. In Singapore, the STI opened down 0.19 per cent at 4,954.87, but the local market has seen a strong recovery overall in 2026, with the STI rising 22.7 per cent year to date.

Corporate news added another layer. Block Inc shares surged over 20 per cent in after-hours trading following a surprise announcement of plans to cut 4,000 roles, nearly half its workforce, in a strategic pivot toward AI. This stark move highlights how companies are reshaping their cost structures to chase the next wave of technological investment, even at high human cost.

The crypto market mirrored this macro-driven risk-off move, falling 1.22 per cent to US$2.32T in 24 hours. Critically, the 24-hour correlation with the S&P 500 stood at 89 per cent, a level that leaves little room for the decoupling narrative some enthusiasts still promote. This tight linkage shows crypto now behaves as a high-beta risk asset, moving in lockstep with traditional equity sentiment and liquidity expectations.

For those who view speculative financial activities as forms of gambling with better odds, this correlation is not surprising but rather a confirmation that crypto’s price discovery remains deeply embedded in the broader financial system’s risk appetite.

Under the surface, crypto-specific dynamics amplified the move. The Fear and Greed Index held at Extreme Fear with a reading of 16, reflecting deep-seated caution among participants. Simultaneously, total derivatives open interest fell 6.83 per cent in 24 hours, signalling a rapid deleveraging of speculative positions.

When traders exit leveraged bets amid uncertainty, downward pressure intensifies, creating feedback loops that can overshoot fundamental values. This environment rewards those who monitor liquidity signals and derivatives flows more closely than headline narratives, a practice aligned with a disciplined, independent approach to market analysis.

From a technical perspective, the market now tests the US$2.32T level, which aligns with the 78.6 per cent Fibonacci retracement. The next major support sits at the yearly low of US$2.17T. A break below that level could trigger a test of the 200-day moving average near US$3.05T, while a rebound above US$2.44T, the 38.2 per cent retracement, would suggest the selloff is losing momentum.

Resistance also builds at the 50 per cent retracement near US$2.52T. Yet these traditional technical tools must be applied with caution. Decentralised crypto systems do not conform to legacy regulatory tests like the Howey test, and their valuation frameworks must evolve beyond equity-market analogies to account for network effects, token utility, and on-chain activity.

This moment reveals the tension between AI-driven hype cycles and the underlying mechanics of market structure. When a single company’s earnings can ripple across equities, bonds, commodities, and crypto, it signals both the centrality of technology to modern growth narratives and the fragility of sentiment-driven valuations.

Independent analysis becomes essential here. Rather than chasing the latest headline, investors benefit from watching liquidity indicators, derivatives positioning, and cross-asset correlations. These metrics offer clearer signals about where capital truly flows when fear replaces greed, and they help separate structural shifts from temporary noise.

In conclusion, the near-term path for crypto likely hinges on whether the US$2.17T support holds. If it does, a relief bounce toward US$2.44T remains possible as short-term oversold conditions ease. If it breaks, the test of the 200-day moving average near US$3.05T could invite deeper recalibration.

For traditional markets, the question is whether AI expectations can stabilise without further violent repricing. The bull flattening in yields, the rotation into financials, and the sharp move in gold all point to a market searching for a new equilibrium. In this environment, those who combine technical awareness with a critical view of narrative-driven investing will be best positioned to navigate the next phase.

 

Source: https://e27.co/nvidia-stumbles-crypto-shivers-markets-wobble-the-ai-reckoning-begins-20260227/

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

www.anndy.com
j j j