Tag Archives: market

Crypto market cap hits US$2.4T again: Why institutional whales are buying the dip

Crypto market cap hits US$2.4T again: Why institutional whales are buying the dip

Major US stock indices climbed on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, thanks to a strong rebound in technology shares that calmed worries about recent spending on artificial intelligence. Investors watched the S&P 500 rise 0.5 per cent to close at 6,964.82, inching nearer to the all-time high from two weeks earlier. The Nasdaq Composite, heavy with tech stocks, jumped 0.9 per cent to 23,238.67, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average barely moved, adding less than 0.1 per cent to end at 50,135.87.

This uptick came after a tough stretch last week, where tech stocks faced heavy selling. Chipmakers drove much of the recovery, with Nvidia gaining 2.4 per cent and Broadcom advancing 3.3 per cent. Oracle stood out with a sharp 9.6 per cent increase. These moves highlighted how quickly sentiment can shift in the tech sector, especially amid ongoing debates about AI investments.

Beyond US markets, international developments added to the positive tone. Japan’s Nikkei 225 reached a fresh all-time high, surging 2.8 per cent after the incumbent government secured a historic election mandate. This boost reflected growing confidence in Japan’s economic policies and stability. Treasury yields stayed calm, with the 10-year note holding near 4.20 per cent.

Traders largely ignored news that China encouraged its banks to reduce holdings of US Treasuries, suggesting that markets focused more on domestic factors. In commodities, gold dropped about 0.7 per cent to US$5,023.82 per ounce, while West Texas Intermediate oil fell 0.4 per cent to US$64.13 a barrel. Traders kept an eye on potential supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, but no immediate threats materialised. Bitcoin hovered just under US$71,000, steady after briefly topping that mark over the weekend.

Attention now turns to key economic data releases. Retail sales figures arrive on Tuesday, and CPI inflation numbers follow on Friday. These reports will shape expectations for the Federal Reserve’s next interest rate move. Investors have begun shifting some funds into real-economy sectors, and demand for AI-related tech stocks remains robust, supporting overall index levels. This rotation shows a market balancing innovation hype with practical economic signals.

From my perspective, this setup feels like a fragile equilibrium. The tech rebound offers relief, but if upcoming data disappoints, volatility could return swiftly. Markets often overreact to hints of inflation, and with AI spending under scrutiny, any sign of cooling could pressure gains.

In cryptocurrencies, the market edged up 0.28 per cent to a total capitalisation of US$2.4 trillion over the last 24 hours. This modest gain marks a brief halt after a steep downtrend, aligning closely with traditional stocks. A strong 89 per cent correlation with the S&P 500 points to shared influences from broader economic relief. Bitcoin’s tentative support after a 46 per cent drawdown stands as the main driver. Selective institutional buying has helped stabilise prices.

Secondary factors include sharp pumps in smaller altcoins and slightly upbeat social sentiment around Ethereum accumulations. Looking ahead, the market’s strength depends on Bitcoin maintaining the US$65,000 to US$70,000 range. Dropping below that could push prices back to the US$60,000 yearly low.

Bitcoin’s stabilisation follows a brutal capitulation phase. The total market cap tries to hold at US$2.4 trillion after plummeting 46 per cent from its October 2025 peak. This aligns with Bitcoin testing a critical historical support at the 1.25x realised price level, which historically divides regular corrections from deeper selloffs. The small uptick indicates that the intense selling from January and early February might ease, paving the way for a technical rebound.

Investors should closely monitor Bitcoin’s defence of US$65,000. A failure there might spark fresh liquidations, extending the pain. In my view, this support level acts like a psychological floor. Historical patterns suggest bounces often follow such tests, but current macro uncertainties make outcomes less predictable. The correlation with stocks amplifies risks, as any equity dip could drag crypto lower.

Speculative activity and changes in sentiment add layers to the recovery. While the overall market stayed flat, low-cap altcoins like GPS, AXS, and ZKP surged 20 per cent to 75 per cent on large volume. This shows capital flowing into riskier bets for fast profits, though it falls short of a full altcoin rally. Social sentiment for assets like Ethereum improved to a mildly bullish 4.83 out of 10. On-chain data reveals significant accumulations by major players, such as Bitmine.

For instance, Bitmine, linked to Tom Lee of Fundstrat, recently acquired another 20,000 ETH valued at US$41.08 million from FalconX’s hot wallet. This transaction, highlighted in on-chain tracking, fits a pattern of inflows. Just six days earlier, Bitmine received another 20,000 ETH worth US$46.04 million from the same source. Over the past two weeks, additional batches included 40,320 ETH at US$113.39 million, 38,400 ETH at US$107.99 million, 30,720 ETH at US$86.39 million, another 38,400 ETH at US$107.99 million, 28,800 ETH at US$80.99 million, 26,880 ETH at US$75.59 million, 30,720 ETH at US$86.39 million, 34,560 ETH at US$97.19 million, and 23,040 ETH at US$64.79 million. These moves signal structured buying by institutions, boosting short-term confidence.

Community reactions underscore this as smart money at work. Observers note the buys as strategic positioning rather than random trades. One commenter compared it to aggressive corporate strategies in crypto, while others highlighted the scale of the accumulation amid market fear. Ethereum’s positive whale activity provides a counterweight to broader caution.

From where I stand, these accumulations reveal an underlying belief in crypto’s long-term value. Institutions like Bitmine spot opportunities in dips, betting on future growth. This contrasts with retail hesitation, resulting in an uneven recovery. If more entities follow suit, it could spark broader buying, but isolated actions might not sustain momentum on their own.

The near-term outlook remains guarded. Two key elements will determine the path: Bitcoin’s push to reclaim and defend the US$73,000 resistance level, and the flow direction in US spot Bitcoin ETFs after recent net outflows. The Fear and Greed Index sits at 10, indicating extreme fear, which often precedes relief rallies when buying picks up. Holding above US$70,000 might drive the total cap toward US$2.5 trillion over time.

Without consistent spot demand, prices could revisit last week’s lows near US$60,000. Upcoming stock market data ties in here, as retail sales and CPI could sway Fed decisions, indirectly affecting crypto through risk sentiment. My take is that this moment offers a chance for stabilisation, but fragility persists. The 46 per cent drawdown scarred investors, and rebuilding trust takes time. If Bitcoin holds its ground, we might see a slow grind higher, fuelled by tech’s AI tailwinds and institutional dips.

In conclusion, today’s market action reflects cautious stabilisation across assets. Stocks rebounded on tech strength, easing AI concerns, while crypto paused its slide with help from Bitcoin support and selective buys. The interplay between traditional and digital markets grows clearer with that 89 per cent correlation. Institutional moves, like Bitmine’s ETH hauls, inject optimism, but the outlook hinges on key levels and data.

I see potential for a relief bounce if supports hold, and I warn against overconfidence. Extreme fear levels suggest upside if sentiment flips, but macro headwinds loom. Traders should watch Bitcoin’s US$65,000 to US$70,000 zone closely, as it will dictate whether this uptick endures or fades. Overall, markets catch their breath after tough times, setting up for pivotal days ahead.

 

Source: https://e27.co/crypto-market-cap-hits-us2-4t-again-why-institutional-whales-are-buying-the-dip-20260210/

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

Bitcoin pulls back to US$92,500 as market sentiment turns cautious

Bitcoin pulls back to US$92,500 as market sentiment turns cautious

Trade tensions stemming from President Donald Trump’s recent tariff threats regarding Greenland created immediate volatility across multiple asset classes. While American investors observed a public holiday on Monday, January 19, the underlying pressure became evident in overnight trading. As cash markets prepared to open on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, the ripple effects of these geopolitical developments moved through international exchanges and into the digital asset space.

US stock futures signalled a difficult start for the trading week. Futures for the S&P 500 dropped 1.1 per cent, and Nasdaq 100 futures mirrored that decline with an identical 1.1 per cent slide. The Dow Jones Industrial Average futures showed slightly more resilience but still fell 0.8 per cent in pre-market activity. This downward momentum followed a significant retreat in Europe, where the Stoxx Europe 600 suffered its largest one-day loss since November. Trade-sensitive sectors like the automotive industry bore the brunt of the selling pressure, leading to a 1 per cent decline in the broad European index.

Asian markets responded to the global unease with localised sell-offs during Tuesday’s session. Both Japan’s Topix and Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 fell by 0.7 per cent. In contrast, markets in Greater China showed greater stability, with the Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong and the Shanghai Composite remaining little changed. This regional divergence suggests that while the tariff threats weigh heavily on traditional manufacturing and export hubs, some pockets of the market are attempting to find a floor despite the broader geopolitical noise.

The fixed income and currency markets reflected a classic move toward safety. When cash trading resumed, the yield on the benchmark US 10-year bond climbed three basis points to 4.26 per cent. Investors simultaneously pushed the US dollar higher against most major global currencies. Traditional havens like the Swiss franc and gold attracted significant interest. Although spot gold retreated slightly from its peak after closing at a record high on Monday, it remains near historic levels. In the energy sector, West Texas Intermediate crude oil moved against the grain of falling equities, rising to US$59.69 per barrel.

In the cryptocurrency sector, the mood reflects the same hesitation seen in traditional finance. Bitcoin and other digital assets declined, with Bitcoin trading near US$92,500. The CMC Fear and Greed Index currently sits at 42 out of 100, indicating neutral market sentiment. This represents a three-point drop within the last 24 hours. While the index has recovered from the extreme fear level of 27 recorded in December, the recent slide from 45 yesterday suggests that traders are growing increasingly wary of the current price action.

Social sentiment currently leans toward the bearish side of the spectrum. The social sentiment algorithm indicates a score of 4.85 out of 10, placing it just below the neutral threshold. Conversations among market participants are divided between reports of whale accumulation and concerns over regulatory actions, such as the delisting of specific assets like MYRO. This negative tilt in social discourse, combined with a 4.17 per cent drop in open interest to US$626.4 billion, shows that leverage is leaving the system.

Despite the prevailing gloom, technical indicators offer a more nuanced perspective. The RSI7 for the total crypto market cap has reached an oversold level of 18.82. Historically, such low readings suggest that the market might be due for a short-term relief rally. Furthermore, liquidations in Bitcoin markets fell by 94.79 per cent to US$6.46 million, suggesting that the most aggressive forced selling may have subsided for now. These technical signals create a neutral outlook where the risks of further deleveraging face off against the potential for a technical bounce.

The intersection of political threats and technical market conditions defines the current landscape. With Bitcoin dominance holding at 59.07 per cent, capital appears to be rotating into the largest digital asset as a potential hedge against broader market instability. The combination of cautious derivatives activity, mixed social signals, and renewed trade friction suggests that investors should remain prepared for continued uncertainty. While the markets are not yet in a state of panic, the shift from greed toward a more defensive posture is unmistakable.

 

Source: https://e27.co/bitcoin-pulls-back-to-us92500-as-market-sentiment-turns-cautious-20260120/

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

Gold hits US$4,500 while Bitcoin bleeds: The year-end market disconnect explained

Gold hits US$4,500 while Bitcoin bleeds: The year-end market disconnect explained

There is a stark contrast between traditional markets and digital assets as we approach the year’s end. Asian stocks advanced at the open following the S&P 500 Index’s climb to a record high, supported by robust US economic data indicating the fastest growth pace in two years. MSCI’s regional equities gauge extended gains into a fourth consecutive day, rising 0.3 per cent, with Japanese and South Korean benchmarks leading the advance. Meanwhile, the cryptocurrency market tells a different story, falling 1.05 per cent over the past 24 hours and extending a seven-day decline of 0.71 per cent. This divergence highlights the complex relationship between traditional and digital asset classes during periods of economic strength and geopolitical tension.

The commodities market has captured significant attention with gold rallying to an unprecedented high of more than US$4,500 per ounce. This milestone represents gold’s strongest performance in recent memory, with its haven appeal amplified by Washington’s blockade of oil tankers linked to Venezuela. Silver also reached an all-time high, while copper prices exceeded US$12,000 per ton for the first time in history. Despite this remarkable performance in precious metals, crypto markets remained unaffected by gold’s surge, continuing their downward trajectory, even though they have historically shown some correlation during risk-off periods.

Geopolitical tensions have extended the oil price rally into a sixth consecutive session, with West Texas Intermediate crude trading above US$58.50 per barrel. These market dynamics indicate that investors are seeking traditional safe havens amid uncertainty. Yet cryptocurrency markets, often described as potential inflation hedges and stores of value, have failed to capitalise on the macroeconomic conditions that typically drive alternative investments.

The crypto market’s current weakness stems from three interconnected factors: institutional pullback, derivatives market deleveraging, and persistent risk-off sentiment. Spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs experienced net outflows of US$142.2 million, marking a significant reversal from November’s US$198 million inflows. This institutional caution reflects profit-taking behaviour and growing macroeconomic uncertainty as we approach year-end. ETF flow data serve as a critical leading indicator of institutional demand, and sustained outflows could delay a meaningful market rebound until fresh capital enters the ecosystem.

Derivatives markets reflect additional pressure, as total open interest fell 4.4 per cent to US$35 billion over 24 hours. Bitcoin perpetuals funding rates spiked 102.7 per cent as leveraged traders faced substantial liquidation pressure. Long position holders paid approximately US$81.6 million in forced liquidations, highlighting the vulnerability of overleveraged positions during market downturns. This deleveraging appears partly connected to holiday trading patterns, with many participants reducing exposure ahead of the Christmas period when liquidity typically dries up. However, the elevated funding rates paradoxically suggest a lingering bullish bias among remaining traders, creating a complex market structure that is vulnerable to cascading liquidations should Bitcoin break critical support levels around US$84,000.

Market sentiment metrics reinforce this cautious outlook. The CoinMarketCap Fear & Greed Index remained at 27 out of 100, classified in the Fear category for more than 18 consecutive days. This represents the lowest sentiment reading since November and indicates severely eroded retail confidence. Social media analysis reveals growing concerns about exchange manipulation, with Binance-linked selloffs trending across major platforms. The Altcoin Season Index at 19 indicates that capital remains defensively positioned, primarily in Bitcoin rather than rotating into alternative cryptocurrencies. This defensive posture contradicts the broader market narrative of strengthening risk appetite, which has driven technology stocks higher despite strong US economic data, scaling back expectations for near-term Federal Reserve easing measures.

The cryptocurrency market’s current disconnect from traditional assets warrants deeper examination. While technology stocks remain in high demand despite earlier concerns about valuation and saturation in artificial intelligence investment, digital assets face significant headwinds. Traders have regained confidence that established technology companies will deliver solid earnings growth in 2026, yet similar optimism has not extended to cryptocurrency projects despite their technological innovations and growing institutional infrastructure.

Several developments could potentially shift this narrative. JPMorgan’s reported consideration of crypto trading services for institutional clients represents a significant potential catalyst, though no confirmed moves or official statements have materialised yet. This development, mentioned in market reports today, aligns with the broader trend of traditional financial institutions gradually embracing digital assets despite current market weakness. Additionally, Ethereum’s ecosystem shows signs of evolution following the Shanghai upgrade, which fundamentally altered the network’s economic dynamics by enabling withdrawals of staked ETH and altering validator behaviour. These infrastructure improvements may position Ethereum for stronger performance once market sentiment recovers.

Technical indicators suggest the cryptocurrency market has entered oversold territory, with Bitcoin’s 14-day Relative Strength Index reading at 32. Historically, such readings have often preceded meaningful rebounds, though timing such recoveries remains challenging. Market structure analysis reveals a critical liquidation cluster between US$84,000 and US$93,000, suggesting this range will determine Bitcoin’s next significant directional move. A decisive break below US$84,000 could trigger additional leveraged selling, while a sustained recovery above US$93,000 might restore bullish momentum.

The path to recovery for digital assets likely requires either renewed ETF inflows or a significant macroeconomic catalyst. Upcoming economic data releases, particularly Friday’s US Personal Consumption Expenditures inflation report, could prove pivotal. Higher-than-expected inflation figures might delay Federal Reserve rate cuts, potentially extending crypto’s risk-off tone as higher rates traditionally pressure growth assets. Conversely, cooling inflation data could reignite risk appetite across all asset classes, including cryptocurrencies.

This market environment creates opportunities for strategic positioning despite current weakness. The extended period of fear in the Fear & Greed Index has historically preceded market recoveries, though investors should await confirmatory signals before deploying capital aggressively. New cryptocurrency projects continue to generate interest alongside established coins, with tokens like APEMARS creating significant attention despite the broader market decline. This persistent innovation suggests underlying strength in blockchain development continues regardless of short-term price action.

As we approach year-end, investors face a complex landscape in which traditional and digital assets present divergent narratives. Strong economic data support equity markets while simultaneously pressuring expectations for monetary easing that could benefit alternative investments. Geopolitical tensions boost gold to record highs without translating to similar safe-haven demand for cryptocurrencies. Institutional capital shows caution through ETF outflows while simultaneously exploring expanded crypto services for clients.

The cryptocurrency market’s current consolidation phase may ultimately prove constructive, allowing overheated sentiment to normalise and creating a foundation for more sustainable growth. Technical oversold conditions, combined with historically low sentiment readings, suggest that a potential reversal may be approaching, though timing remains uncertain. Patient investors might view this period as an opportunity to build strategic positions while the broader market remains focused on traditional assets reaching record highs. The coming weeks will likely determine whether this divergence continues or if cryptocurrency markets reestablish correlation with the broader risk-on environment that has lifted global equities to new heights.

 

 

Source: https://e27.co/gold-hits-us4500-while-bitcoin-bleeds-the-year-end-market-disconnect-explained-20251224/

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