February 10th, 2026

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

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

July 25th, 2025

Markets on the move: Trade talks, housing slumps, and crypto whales stirring

The European Union and the United States are inching closer to a trade deal that’s been keeping everyone on edge. The big headline is a proposed 15 per cent tariff on EU goods heading into the US. That’s a hefty number, but it’s not as brutal as the 30 per cent or even 50 per cent tariffs that were floating around earlier in Trump’s talks.

According to Reuters, diplomats say this deal might mirror one the US just struck with Japan, with some carve-outs for things like aircraft, alcoholic spirits, and medical devices. The EU’s been scrambling to make this palatable, offering to drop its own tariffs to zero on certain items. It’s a high-stakes chess game, and the final move depends on what Trump scribbles on his notepad next.

But the EU isn’t just sitting back waiting for the hammer to drop. They’ve got a counterpunch ready: €93 billion in tariffs on US goods, set for a vote this Thursday. Think poultry, cars, planes, and even tech services, all in the crosshairs. France is pushing hard for this, and there’s broad support to flex the EU’s anti-coercion tool if Trump cranks the tariffs up to 30 per cent. It’s a bold stance, showing the EU is not afraid to hit back. I think this brinkmanship could either force a better deal or spark a messy trade war, depending on how far each side’s willing to push.

Across the Pacific, Japan’s playing a different game. They’ve pledged a massive US$550 billion investment in the US, opening their markets to American goods as part of a new trade pact. That’s a huge win for the US, and it’s got a ripple effect, with a deal involving the Philippines in the mix too. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent seems pretty chill about it all, saying there’s no rush to shake up the Federal Reserve leadership. It’s a sign the focus is squarely on trade and growth right now.

Closer to home, the US housing market’s throwing us a curveball. Existing-home sales dropped 2.7 per cent in June 2025, hitting an annual rate of 3.93 million units, the lowest since September 2024. Analysts were expecting 4.01 million, so this miss stung. Single-family homes took the brunt, falling three per cent, while condos and co-ops held steady at 360,000 units.

Here’s the kicker: despite fewer sales, the median home price soared to a record US$435,300. To me, that screams affordability issues. People want homes, but the prices are out of reach, and it’s a red flag for the broader economy if this keeps up.

Equities: Markets riding the trade wave

Now, let’s talk stocks, because the markets are loving this trade optimism. In the US, it’s a mixed bag but mostly upbeat. On Wednesday, the Dow climbed 1.14 per cent, the S&P 500 gained 0.78 per cent, and the Nasdaq Composite rose 0.61 per cent, all fuelled by hopes of smoother trade relations and solid earnings from big players.

Thursday’s futures were a bit of a rollercoaster, though. Nasdaq 100 and S&P 500 futures ticked up 0.4 per cent and 0.1 per cent, thanks to Alphabet jumping two per cent. But Tesla’s 4.5 per cent tumble after weak auto revenue numbers and IBM’s five per cent slide from missing Q2 software targets dragged Dow futures down 0.3 per cent. It’s a tug-of-war, but the overall vibe is positive.

Over in Hong Kong, the Hang Seng’s on fire, surging 408 points, or 1.6 per cent, to 25,538 on Tuesday. That’s four straight gains and the highest close in nearly four years. Everything from tech to consumer goods is riding the wave, and traders are buzzing about upcoming US-China talks in Stockholm. Add in rising turnover in China’s markets and a four-month peak in margin financing, and you’ve got a recipe for bullishness.

Japan’s stealing the show, though. The Nikkei 225 rocketed 3.51 per cent to 41,171, and the Topix jumped 3.18 per cent to 2,926 on Wednesday, hitting one-year highs. Trump’s trade deal with Japan, tied to that US$550 billion investment and a 15 per cent tariff on their exports, lit the fuse.

Automakers went wild, Toyota up 14.3 per cent, Honda 11.2 per cent, and Nissan 8.3 per cent. Financials and industrials joined the party too. I see this as a classic case of markets betting big on trade unlocking growth, but it’s worth wondering if the hype might cool if deals stall.

FX, commodities and fixed income

Switching gears to currencies, the Australian dollar’s having a moment, climbing to 66 cents. That’s a nice little lift, and it’s all about the risk-on mood sweeping through markets. When trade talks look promising, investors get bold, and the Aussie dollar tends to catch that wind. It’s a small but telling sign of how interconnected these global shifts are.

In the commodities corner, US copper futures are flexing some serious muscle, hitting a record premium of nearly 30 per cent over London Metal Exchange prices. Why? Supply’s tight, demand’s up from infrastructure projects, and trade tensions are messing with the usual flow. Copper’s a bellwether for industrial activity, so this spike tells me the US economy’s got some juice, even if it’s wrestling with global disruptions.

For the bond crowd, the 10-year US Treasury yield’s making waves, climbing back above its 200-day average. That’s a shift worth noting. It suggests investors are feeling more confident about growth, shrugging off the housing slump for now. Higher yields can mean tougher borrowing costs ahead, but they also reflect a bet on a stronger economy. I’m curious how long this optimism holds if trade talks hit a snag.

Crypto: The Bitcoin whale stirs

Finally, let’s dive into the wild world of crypto. A Bitcoin whale just made headlines, moving a US$469 million stash after sitting on it for 14 years. Back in 2011, this investor, or maybe a company, scooped up over 3,962.6 BTC, per Arkham Intelligence data. It barely budged until Thursday morning Eastern Time, when it shifted to a fresh wallet with no prior action. No exchange tags, no big clues, just a massive move that’s got everyone guessing. Is it a cash-out? A security shift? We don’t know yet.

Bitcoin’s been flirting with a breakout, but it’s stuck under a key ceiling on the long-term power law chart. This isn’t your typical indicator, it uses logarithmic scales on price and time to map BTC’s wild ride. Right now, US$122,000 is the line in the sand. Break that, and we could see a full-on bull run. I think this whale’s timing is no coincidence; it’s a signal that big players are watching the same levels we are. Crypto’s still a rollercoaster, but moments like this remind us how much potential and risk are baked in.

My take on all this

Stepping back, I see a world economy that’s buzzing with possibility but teetering on some shaky ground. The trade deals with the EU, Japan, and beyond are pumping life into stocks and currencies, and that’s exciting. Copper’s premium and rising yields back up the growth story. But the housing data’s a buzzkill, affordability’s a real hurdle, and it could drag consumer spending down if it festers. Crypto’s a wildcard, that whale move could be a spark or just noise.

My gut says we’re in a sweet spot for now, but any misstep in trade talks could flip the script fast. What do you think, are we riding a wave or waiting for a wipeout? Either way, it’s a hell of a ride!

Source: https://e27.co/markets-on-the-move-trade-talks-housing-slumps-and-crypto-whales-stirring-20250725/

Anndy Lian

www.anndy.com

j j j

April 15th, 2025

Market wrap: A tale of tariffs, Bitcoin whales, and corporate crypto adoption

The financial world is buzzing with a mix of cautious optimism and underlying tension. I’m here to break it all down with as much detail and clarity as I can muster. From President Trump’s tariff policy flip-flops to a massive Bitcoin withdrawal from a major exchange, and the growing corporate appetite for cryptocurrency, there’s a lot to dissect. Let’s dive in.

Global risk sentiment has seen a notable uptick in recent days, largely driven by signals from the Trump administration that suggest a potential softening of trade tensions. Trump’s floating of a possible pause on auto tariffs has injected a dose of relief into markets already buoyed by his earlier suspension of levies on certain consumer electronics.

These temporary exemptions across select sectors have sparked hope among investors that there might be room for negotiation with key trading partners, particularly in Europe and Asia. However, Trump’s frequent policy reversals—shifting from aggressive tariff threats to conciliatory gestures—have kept investors on edge. The unpredictability of his trade strategy has become a hallmark of his administration, and while markets have welcomed the latest reprieve, there’s an underlying wariness that the pendulum could swing back toward confrontation at any moment.

Adding to the trade narrative, the US Commerce Department has initiated probes into semiconductor and pharmaceutical imports, signaling that the administration is far from done with its protectionist agenda. These sectors are critical to global supply chains, and any tariffs imposed here could have far-reaching implications, particularly for tech-heavy markets such as South Korea and Taiwan, as well as pharmaceutical hubs in Europe and India.

The prospect of new tariffs has already stirred unease in Asian markets, though early trading today saw a lift in equities, led by Japan, where the Nikkei 225 gained 1.1 per cent on hopes of broader tariff exemptions. Meanwhile, US equity index futures are pointing to a slightly softer open, with a projected dip of 0.2 per cent, reflecting the mixed sentiment that’s pervading global markets.

On the macroeconomic front, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has sought to calm nerves following a recent selloff in the bond market. Yields on US Treasuries fell sharply today, with the 10-year yield dropping 11.6 basis points to 4.37 per cent and the two-year yield declining 11.5 basis points to 3.85 per cent. Bessent dismissed speculation that foreign nations, such as China or Japan, were offloading their US Treasury holdings en masse, a rumour that had gained traction amid heightened trade tensions. His comments provided some reassurance, but the bond market’s volatility underscores the broader uncertainty that investors are grappling with.

The US Dollar Index, meanwhile, continued its downward trajectory, shedding 0.5 per cent today, while gold, often a safe-haven asset in times of uncertainty, consolidated its recent gains with a modest 0.8 per cent decline. Brent crude oil, hovering around US$65 per barrel, eked out a 0.2 per cent gain, buoyed by optimism over potential tariff relief.

Shifting gears to the cryptocurrency space, a significant development has caught the attention of market watchers: a massive withdrawal of 1,000 Bitcoin (BTC), valued at over US$84 million, from the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume. According to blockchain monitoring firm Whale Alert, the transaction occurred late on April 14, with the funds moved to an unknown wallet.

This kind of movement often sparks speculation in the crypto community, as large withdrawals by so-called “whales” can signal a variety of intentions—ranging from long-term holding (a bullish sign) to preparation for a major sale (a potential bearish signal). Given the timing, however, this withdrawal aligns with a broader wave of optimism in the crypto market, as Bitcoin and other altcoins are showing signs of a potential price recovery.

Bitcoin has indeed been on a tear in recent days, with CoinMarketCap data showing a 1.98 per cent price increase and a staggering 25.82 per cent surge in trading volume over the past 24 hours as of April 15. This uptick comes after a period of consolidation following a slump that saw BTC dip below US$80,000 earlier this month. The renewed interest from both retail and institutional investors is palpable, and key metrics—such as trading volume and on-chain activity—are painting a bullish picture.

Analysts are increasingly optimistic, with price targets ranging from US$132,000 (as predicted by Jamie Coutts) to an ambitious US$250,000 (projected by Charles Hoskinson) by the end of 2025 or into 2026. These projections reflect a growing belief that Bitcoin is solidifying its status as a store of value, often dubbed “digital gold,” especially in a world where macroeconomic uncertainty is driving demand for alternative assets.

However, the crypto market isn’t without its challenges, and regulatory developments are casting a shadow over the sector. A recent post from Eleanor Terrett on X highlighted that the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has delayed its decision on allowing WisdomTreeFunds and VanEck to process in-kind creations and redemptions for their Bitcoin and Ethereum spot ETFs until June 3.

For those unfamiliar, “in-kind” transactions involve exchanging the underlying assets (such as Bitcoin or Ethereum) directly, without converting to cash—a mechanism that helps investors avoid taxable events while maintaining liquidity and price stability. The SEC’s hesitation stems from concerns raised during the Gary Gensler era, where the regulator prioritised cash creations to limit tax advantages, even though in-kind transactions are often more efficient for ETF operations. This delay underscores the ongoing tug-of-war between innovation in the crypto space and the regulatory framework that governs it, a tension that continues to shape the market’s evolution.

On a more positive note, corporate adoption of Bitcoin is gaining momentum, a trend that’s bolstering the bullish sentiment. Strategy (formerly known as MicroStrategy) made headlines today with its latest purchase of 3,459 BTC for US$285.8 million, bringing its total holdings to an impressive 531,644 Bitcoin as of April 15.

This acquisition, at an average price of approximately US$82,600 per Bitcoin, reaffirms Strategy’s position as one of the largest corporate holders of the cryptocurrency. The company’s aggressive accumulation strategy has been a bellwether for institutional interest in Bitcoin, and its success has inspired other firms to follow suit. Japanese firm Metaplanet, Semler Scientific, and even GameStop have joined the corporate Bitcoin adoption trend, collectively contributing to a 16.11 per cent quarter-over-quarter increase in public company Bitcoin holdings, which now stand at 694,453 BTC—or 3.3 per cent of the total supply.

This surge in corporate adoption has been facilitated by a significant regulatory shift: the SEC’s decision to drop Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 121 (SAB 121), a rule that previously made crypto custody financially unattractive for public companies. SAB 121 required firms to record crypto holdings as liabilities on their balance sheets, a requirement that deterred many from entering the space. With this hurdle removed, companies are now more willing to allocate capital to Bitcoin, viewing it as a hedge against inflation and a potential driver of shareholder value. Strategy’s success, in particular, has been a proof of concept—since it began accumulating Bitcoin in 2020, the company’s stock has soared, often outperforming the cryptocurrency itself on a risk-adjusted basis.

From my perspective, the convergence of these macro and crypto developments paints a picture of a market at a crossroads. On one hand, the improving global risk sentiment and signs of tariff relief are providing a tailwind for equities and risk assets, including cryptocurrencies. The MSCI US index’s 0.8 per cent gain today, led by a 2.2 per cent surge in the Real Estate sector, reflects this optimism, as does the resilience of Asian equities.

On the other hand, the specter of new tariffs on semiconductors and pharmaceuticals, coupled with the SEC’s cautious approach to crypto ETFs, reminds us that structural risks remain. The crypto market, in particular, is a microcosm of this duality—while Bitcoin’s bullish metrics and corporate adoption are encouraging, the massive whale withdrawal and regulatory delays highlight the volatility and uncertainty that still define the space.

I can’t help but feel a mix of excitement and caution about where we’re headed. Bitcoin’s trajectory, in particular, feels like a litmus test for the broader adoption of digital assets. The fact that companies such as Strategy and Metaplanet are doubling down on BTC amid trade war concerns suggests that corporate treasuries see it as a viable hedge against macroeconomic turbulence—a narrative that’s gaining traction. Yet, the SEC’s delay on in-kind ETF creations is a reminder that the path to mainstream acceptance is fraught with regulatory hurdles. For investors, the key will be to navigate this landscape with a clear-eyed understanding of both the opportunities and the risks.

In conclusion, today’s market wrap reveals a world where hope and uncertainty coexist in equal measure. Trump’s tariff reprieve has lifted spirits, but the threat of new levies looms large. Bitcoin’s resurgence and corporate adoption are bright spots in the crypto space, but whale movements and regulatory delays serve as sobering reminders of the sector’s volatility.

Source: https://e27.co/market-wrap-a-tale-of-tariffs-bitcoin-whales-and-corporate-crypto-adoption-20250415/