EY Digital Assets leaders Mark Nichols and Rebecca Carvatt argue that the wallet is no longer just a crypto tool, but the primary strategic interface for the next generation of global finance.
China is building a humanoid robot industry from scratch at a speed that has Elon Musk worried and the United States scrambling to respond. More than 140 Chinese companies now make humanoid robots, mostly in Shenzhen and Suzhou. Since late 2024, Beijing, Shenzhen, and other cities have put together investment funds worth over $26 billion, according to Morgan Stanley. Local governments are giving out free land, slashing office rent, and paying about 10% of each robot’s price to get buyers to try them. It’s the same playbook China used for electric vehicles. Government subsidies helped brands like BYD take market share from General Motors and Volkswagen in China, Europe, and beyond. Beijing has marked “embodied AI”, AI combined with physical robots, as tech it wants to own over the next five years. “China is an ass-kicker, next level,” Musk said in January in Tesla’s Q4 earnings call. “To the best of our knowledge, we don’t see any significant [humanoid robot] competitors outside of China.” _*]:min-w-0 gap-3"> $300 million in orders, 100,000 units expected Chinese companies got orders worth more than $300 million for humanoid robots in the second half of 2025. Shenzhen-based UBTech is selling to Texas Instruments and Airbus. Morgan Stanley thinks up to 100,000 humanoids could ship in 2026, with China buying faster than the U.S. Government agencies and state firms are early buyers. They’re putting robots in museums, at events, and on streets as robocops directing traffic. These deployments give companies data to make robots better while building a market. UniX AI in Suzhou has about 100 employees and sells wheeled humanoids starting at $12,600. The company has hundreds deployed in Chinese hotels, doing tasks like adjusting bedsheets, picking up trash, and running laundry machines. Founder Fred Yang studied at University of Michigan and Yale. He said he can get 80% of parts from suppliers within an hour’s drive, which makes changes fast and cheap. “Policy is one of the decisive reasons that embodied AI is doing so well in China,” Yang said in August, as quoted by WSJ. Some local governments give free land and office space for three years, then half price for three more. Shenzhen has a “Robot Valley” with around 15 robotics firms. The city set up a $1.4 billion fund for AI and robotics and another $640 million fund for AI models. Beijing put together $14 billion in funds for the same thing. EV bubble risk looms over robot boom China’s approach worked for EVs, but it also created problems. Hundreds of brands fought for customers , prices crashed, and many companies lost money. The same could happen with robots. China’s government is writing technical standards to push out weak companies and speed up adoption. Financial regulators are watching robotics companies that want to go public to avoid a bubble. The U.S. still leads in the AI models that run robot brains. Tesla, Boston Dynamics, and Agility Robotics use tech from Nvidia and Google. But American firms have a problem: they need China’s supply chain. Tesla’s Optimus robot will use Chinese suppliers for parts like roller screws for joints and motors for hands when it ramps up production, according to people familiar with the matter. “Although we’ve heard of American robot companies, they’re not in the market,” said Jonathan Beh from an industrial park in Singapore, looking at humanoid robots. “Chinese companies have great products, and they’re the only available option.” The White House is working on an executive order to help American robotics, people familiar with the matter said. But China’s head start in manufacturing, plus government money, gives it an advantage that won’t be easy to beat. This fits China’s bigger plan to lead in new tech , like its push to control AI chip manufacturing despite U.S. export controls and its spending on quantum computing over the past two years. Sharpen your strategy with mentorship + daily ideas - 30 days free access to our trading program
Volatility has resurfaced, with Cardano poised at a key support level. ADA faces a significant decline but remains above critical multi-year support. Continue Reading: Cardano Navigates New Challenges During Market Volatility The post Cardano Navigates New Challenges During Market Volatility appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .
The case escalated as physical evidence led authorities to treat the disappearance as a kidnapping. Bitcoin ransom claims remain unverified with no confirmed contact from a real captor. FBI-led investigation continues with no suspects named and a $50,000 reward offered. The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Savannah Guthrie, has escalated into a suspected kidnapping investigation as law enforcement examines unverified claims of a Bitcoin ransom. Investigators say the case remains active, with no confirmed proof of life and no verified communication from a captor. Nancy Guthrie vanished from her home in the Catalina Foothills area near Tucson, Arizona, after family members last saw her on the evening of January 31. Concern grew the following morning when she failed to attend church. Her phone, wallet, car, and medication were left behind. … Read The Full Article Was NBC Today Host’s Mother Kidnapped For Bitcoin Ransom? On Coin Edition .
The concept of XRP creating more millionaires has sprung up among investors as the latest drop to 15-month lows opens up dip-buying opportunities. XRP suffered some of the most devastating blows during the Thursday, Feb. Visit Website
Ethereum’s holder data shows OG whales are moving Ether to self-custody. Among the whales, two whale addresses have withdrawn a combined 29,079 ETH worth $60 million from OKX and Binance to accumulate today. One of the whales withdrew a whopping 19,503 ETH, worth approximately $40 million, from OKX, while the other withdrew 9,576 ETH, worth approximately $19.78 million, from Binance. Whales are accumulating $ETH . 0x46DB withdrew 19,503 $ETH ($40M) from #OKX over the past 13 hours. 0x28eF withdrew 9,576 $ETH ($19.78M) from #Binance over the past 8 hours. https://t.co/FQe95DLQZp https://t.co/yVi2hnhq9l pic.twitter.com/u0cq8RHqTv — Lookonchain (@lookonchain) February 7, 2026 On Friday, another whale resumed operations after a full two-year hiatus. This new entity withdrew a staggering 10,000 ETH worth approximately $19.24 million from Binance . At the same time, another whale sprang back to life following one year of dormancy. This particular trader secured 1,892 ETH from Binance, worth around $3.75 million. Ether supply becomes more concentrated among whales According to on-chain data, the second-largest coin has shown signs of recovery from under the $2K level. Also, according to analysts, ETH’s MVRV ratio sits near 0.96, staying above the 0.80 level. According to Glassnode data shared by Ali Charts, periods where the MVRV ratio dipped under 0.80 during deep drawdowns, followed by later price recoveries. Those were the times when the market value was lower than the actual value recorded on the blockchain. Current data, on the other hand, show that the ratio is hovering near the neutral band, not in the very low area seen at previous cycle lows. As a result, on-chain positioning indicates that the market has not reached the same level of valuation stress as during previous bottoming phases. Even though the price has dropped from its previous highs, the MVRV ratio is still higher than it was at earlier troughs on the chart. This means the measure has not yet entered the area previously associated with widespread selling. Another analyst also hinted at a shift where the whales added, yet balances with the two mid-tier groups decreased. In August 2025, wallets with balances between 100 to 1,000 ETH had 9.79 million ETH. Those with balances between 1,000 to 10,000 ETH had 14.51 million ETH. At the same time, the 10,000-100,000 ETH group owned 17.18 million ETH, and those with 100,000+ owned 2.75 million ETH. By Wednesday, the 100-1,000 ETH group reduced its total amount owned to 8.32 million ETH. On the other hand, the 1,000-10,000 ETH group reduced its total amount owned to 12.26 million ETH. This drop implies the two groups have reduced their ETH balance by 3.72 million since August 18. On the other hand, those holding wallets with between 10,000 and 100,000 ETH recorded an increase in the balances to 19.77 million ETH. In addition, the number of those with balances of 100,000+ ETH rose to 3.68 million ETH. This top group added 3.52 million ETH. In the past, the level of OG crypto whales’ holding has been higher at times of low price action, with valuation metrics leveling off above capitulation levels. Ethereum up 6% but volatility remains high Ethereum has been one of the worst-performing assets in the present market crash. The coin has recovered now, changing hands for over $2K at press time. Ethereum may consolidate in a range between $1,900 and $2,200 as the market stabilizes. Analysts set a $2,300-$2,400 as a new price target. Still, resistance levels are high above $2,200, and ETH will need to show increasing volumes into any trend that attempts to rise. Of course, should selling pressure resume, ETH may fall to $1,800 or $1,750, which is now established as a key support level. A breakdown below $1,750 would likely encourage further panic selling and open up doors to potentially larger declines. Meanwhile, the coin is up 6% in the last 24 hours, now trading at $2,037. If you're reading this, you’re already ahead. Stay there with our newsletter .
Summary iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF offers the largest, most liquid pure-play Bitcoin exposure with a competitive 0.12% expense ratio. Despite recent crypto volatility and a hold rating, I remain bullish on Bitcoin and view IBIT as a strong diversification tool. IBIT’s NAV growth since inception is 41.15%, but recent performance has been negative due to Bitcoin’s sharp sell-off. IBIT’s risks include high volatility and potential for negative returns, but dollar-cost averaging may mitigate timing risk for long-term bullish investors. Due to the sharp pullback in Bitcoin, IBIT looks attractive for long-term investors trading at a near 14% discount to NAV. Introduction For full transparency, I do not own any crypto assets. But I've always kept an eye on Bitcoin-USD ( BTC-USD ). And I used to share the same sentiment as Warren Buffett regarding crypto. There aren't any numbers associated with crypto. No cash flow, balance sheet, ROI, ROE, earnings growth, NAV growth, or book value to analyze. Investing in crypto is speculative, as one can hope that the next buyer is willing to pay a higher price than what you paid for it. With stocks, share price growth typically follows earnings growth. If earnings grow at a high rate, then it's likely so will the stock, and so on and so forth. Although I remain somewhat hesitant, I do believe that crypto is here to stay and will continue to shape the future. As a result, I have been contemplating adding exposure on the current downturn. Long-term, I'm bullish on Bitcoin despite the high volatility and think that it will continue to make new highs in the coming years. Mainly due to rising demand and continued adoption & integration. And despite my skepticism, I think the sharp pullback in iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF's ( IBIT ) price is a potential buying opportunity for less risk-averse, long-term investors. A Crypto Winter? At the time of writing, Bitcoin sits at $62,700 and has been selling off dramatically . Most know crypto is highly volatile, one of the main reasons I've been reluctant to add exposure to my portfolio. But like any investment, I think the price you pay is one of the most important metrics. And because I believe crypto is here to stay and will go up over time, I believe now may be a good time to dip your toes in it for diversification. To be honest, I don't know how low Bitcoin will go, but I do believe we will see more periods of volatility and a potential drop below $60k. Me, personally, I like to dollar-cost average into all my holdings frequently to manage my expectations during periods of large swings. With crypto, this is essential, as the asset, as I mentioned earlier, is highly volatile. The chart below shows how BTC-USD has performed in the past year, down close to 31%. IBIT, which holds 100% Bitcoin exposure, is down roughly 26% over the same period. Seeking Alpha Since October of 2025, BTC-USD has fallen from its 52-week high above $126,000 to a new 52-week low. As a result, IBIT has also fallen from a 52-week high above $71 to a current price of $36 a share. I do think that crypto will continue to see volatility and slide to new lows. But for the long term, I remain bullish on crypto and think Bitcoin and other assets will see new highs, potentially by the end of 2026 or early 2027. According to CNBC , crypto's sell-off is mainly due to a loss of interest among investors. I believe this could be attributed to the President's announcement of a new Fed chair. The reason being is that there's a likelihood that the new Fed chair will aggressively lower interest rates due to the President's past calls for Jerome Powell to lower them. Inflation, although stubborn, has declined from a high in 2023. And lastly, it's likely that the new chair will be loyal to the President's demands. As a result, this could lead to higher stock market gains as rates on fixed-rate investments decline. And this could lead to a rotation from crypto and other alternative investments that are seen as hedges against inflation. Although retail investors are selling, institutions are still buying BTC-USD, according to State Street ( STT ). This is due to suspected long-term growth, diversification, and further regulatory approvals. Additionally, if you remain bullish on BTC-USD like I am and think it will continue to evolve and see more adoption going forward, then IBIT may be the best pure-play. Why IBIT iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF is an ETF created for investors looking for direct exposure to Bitcoin. The fund doesn't pay a dividend, which may surprise some investors as to why I'm even writing about them, as I typically only focus on income-producing assets. But as I mentioned in a previous article, I've become more open to owning non-dividend-paying stocks. In the past month or so, I've started a position in Netflix ( NFLX ). IBIT's inception date is January 5, 2024. Currently, they are the largest spot Bitcoin ETF, with close to $65 billion in assets under management. Although I don't put a lot of emphasis on size, larger funds typically mean better liquidity, higher volumes, lower fees, and swifter execution on trades. As mentioned earlier, IBIT has only 1 holding in its portfolio, and that's BTC-USD. IBIT This is unlike your traditional or covered call ETFs that hold other equities or treasuries to generate additional income. Moreover, covered call ETFs typically outperform in flat or volatile markets due to their options premiums generated. IBIT is designed to outperform during Bitcoin bull markets and should be held strictly for diversification & growth purposes. Something I like about IBIT, besides it being the largest pure-play Bitcoin ETF, is that they have a very reasonable expense ratio at 0.12%. This is lower than the second-largest Bitcoin ETF and peer, Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund ETF's ( FBTC ) 0.25%. While I typically look for an expense ratio of 0.10% or lower for passively-managed ETFs, crypto ETFs usually have slightly higher ones. Owning IBIT, you would only pay just $12 for every $10,000 invested. This is significantly lower than some covered call ETFs that offer exposure to crypto. These are usually closer to 1%. Since inception, IBIT has experienced solid NAV growth with a growth rate of 41.15%. Currently, their NAV sits at $41.68. At the current price, this gives investors a near 14% discount to its net asset value. In the past year, NAV growth has been negative due to high amounts of volatility. IBIT fact sheet Because of the high amounts of volatility Bitcoin can experience, this makes IBIT a riskier asset, as negative NAV growth will lead to underperformance. Moreover, if BTC-USD experiences longer periods of volatility, then IBIT could see negative overall returns as NAV growth erodes. Strong Returns Up Until The Sell-Off The chart below shows IBIT's performance vs. the S&P ( SP500 ) from inception until October 1, 2025. The ETF significantly outperformed, up approximately 151% to 43% for the index. Seeking Alpha And going forward, I expect the ETF will see periods of high outperformance and underperformance. But as I previously mentioned, buying at the right price is key. And with sentiment turning negative, now may be the time to pounce. Tax Treatment Because IBIT doesn't pay any distributions, taxes work the same as buying any stock or traditional ETF. According to their prospectus , owners will be treated as if they owned Bitcoin directly. This means buying and holding shares for less than 1 year will subject you to higher taxes since you will be taxed at the short-term capital gains rate. This means you could be subjected to up to 37% in capital gains tax. Holding IBIT for 1 year or longer means you will still be subjected to taxes, but at a more favorable rate depending on your taxed income. Risks & Conclusion IBIT's biggest risk is further amounts of volatility. This could result in negative NAV growth, leading to underperformance. If analysts are correct , then IBIT could potentially drop below their IPO price. According to Polymarket , the bottom is near, as 86% of investors expect it to bottom at $60,000. Investors should be aware that buying crypto assets directly or funds with exposure, you are likely to experience higher amounts of volatility vs. traditional stocks and ETFs. But IBIT's large size, direct Bitcoin exposure, and asset manager in BlackRock ( BLK ) give the fund advantages over peers. Furthermore, their expense ratio is low, making their cost of ownership very reasonable. Although a risky bet, if you're looking for direct exposure to BTC-USD and remain bullish, then consider dollar-cost averaging into IBIT.
BitcoinWorld Vietnam Crypto Tax: A Groundbreaking 0.1% Proposal Shakes the Digital Asset Landscape HANOI, VIETNAM – March 2025: In a landmark regulatory development, Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance has formally proposed a groundbreaking tax framework specifically targeting cryptocurrency transactions, a move set to reshape the digital asset landscape for millions of users and institutional investors across the nation. Vietnam Crypto Tax Proposal: The Core Details The Ministry of Finance’s draft decree outlines a clear and structured approach to digital asset taxation. According to reports from industry sources like Wu Blockchain, the plan introduces a bifurcated tax system. For individual investors, the proposal mandates a 0.1% personal income tax levied directly on the total transaction value of cryptocurrency transfers. Crucially, this tax applies to transactions executed on licensed platforms and affects individuals regardless of their residency status, aiming for broad compliance. Conversely, institutional investors and corporate entities would face a significantly higher 20% corporate tax rate on income generated from crypto transfers. However, in a notable concession, all cryptocurrency transactions would be explicitly exempt from Value Added Tax (VAT), simplifying the administrative burden for platforms and users alike. Contextualizing Vietnam’s Digital Asset Regulatory Journey This tax proposal does not emerge in a vacuum. Instead, it represents a pivotal evolution in Vietnam’s complex relationship with cryptocurrency. For years, the State Bank of Vietnam maintained that digital assets were not a lawful means of payment. Despite this official stance, Vietnam consistently ranked among the global leaders in crypto adoption, as evidenced by multiple Chainalysis reports. Consequently, the government has been under increasing pressure to create a legal corridor to manage, tax, and legitimize this vibrant economic activity. The current proposal directly addresses this regulatory gap by providing a clear fiscal pathway, potentially transforming a gray market into a compliant, revenue-generating sector. This shift aligns with broader regional trends, where neighboring countries like Thailand and Singapore have already implemented detailed crypto tax regimes. Expert Analysis on Economic Impact and Compliance Financial policy analysts highlight several critical implications of the 0.1% transaction tax model. Firstly, its low rate appears strategically designed to encourage voluntary compliance and reporting from the vast base of individual traders. By avoiding a complex profit-and-loss calculation for every trade, the tax offers administrative simplicity for both taxpayers and authorities. However, experts caution that the success of this framework hinges entirely on the parallel development of a robust licensing system for cryptocurrency exchanges. The proposal’s scope is limited to “licensed platforms,” meaning its effectiveness will directly correlate with the government’s ability to onboard and regulate these service providers. Furthermore, the 20% corporate tax for institutions creates a clear delineation between retail and professional activity, potentially driving more sophisticated investors to operate within formally registered corporate structures. Comparative Analysis with Global Crypto Tax Policies To fully understand Vietnam’s approach, a brief comparison with other jurisdictions is instructive. The proposed 0.1% transaction tax is distinct from the capital gains models prevalent in countries like the United States or Australia. Jurisdiction Tax Model for Individuals Key Feature Vietnam (Proposed) 0.1% on transaction value Simple, flat-rate withholding tax United States Capital Gains Tax Tax on profit, complex reporting India 30% on gains + 1% TDS High rate with transaction tracking Germany Tax-free after 1-year holding Long-term incentive model This table illustrates Vietnam’s pursuit of a middle-ground solution. The model is less punitive than India’s high flat tax but more immediately revenue-generating than Germany’s long-term hold incentive. The exemption from VAT also contrasts with some European approaches, where VAT can apply to certain crypto services. Potential Market Reactions and Future Trajectory The announcement of this proposal will likely trigger several immediate and long-term market reactions. In the short term, analysts anticipate potential volatility as traders assess the impact on profitability. Key factors for the market to watch include: Platform Licensing: The speed and criteria for exchange licensing will be paramount. Clarity on “Transaction Value”: Detailed definitions from the Ministry will be needed. Enforcement Mechanisms: How the tax will be collected—withheld by platforms or declared individually. Looking ahead, this tax framework could serve as a foundational pillar for more comprehensive digital asset laws. It provides the state with a mechanism to capture economic value while offering participants much-needed legal clarity. Success here could position Vietnam as a regulated yet innovative hub for blockchain technology in Southeast Asia, attracting compliant businesses while curbing illicit financial flows. The journey from proposal to enacted law will involve public commentary and legislative review, a process that the global crypto community will monitor closely for precedent. Conclusion Vietnam’s proposed 0.1% income tax on crypto sales marks a decisive step toward the formal integration of digital assets into its national economy. By establishing clear rules for both individuals and institutions, the Ministry of Finance seeks to balance revenue generation with pragmatic regulation. This Vietnam crypto tax initiative, if implemented effectively, could transform the country’s high-adoption, informal crypto scene into a transparent, compliant, and sustainable sector. The proposal’s focus on licensed platforms underscores the critical link between taxation and exchange regulation, setting the stage for the next chapter in Vietnam’s digital financial evolution. FAQs Q1: Who exactly does the proposed 0.1% Vietnam crypto tax apply to? The tax applies to any individual conducting a cryptocurrency transfer on a platform licensed by Vietnamese authorities. It applies regardless of whether the individual is a resident or non-resident of Vietnam, targeting the transaction itself. Q2: How does the tax for institutions differ from the tax for individuals? Institutional or corporate investors would be subject to a 20% corporate tax on the income (profit) derived from cryptocurrency transfers, not a tax on the transaction value. This creates a significantly different tax burden based on entity type. Q3: Are there any other taxes, like VAT, on crypto transactions in this proposal? No. A key feature of the proposal is the explicit exemption of all cryptocurrency transfer transactions from Value Added Tax (VAT), which simplifies the tax treatment considerably. Q4: When would this Vietnam crypto tax go into effect? The proposal is currently in the draft stage from the Ministry of Finance. It must go through a process of public feedback and official government approval before becoming law. An effective date has not yet been set. Q5: Why is Vietnam implementing this tax now? Vietnam has very high cryptocurrency adoption but previously lacked a clear legal and tax framework. This proposal aims to legitimize the sector, capture tax revenue from a large economic activity, and provide regulatory clarity for users and businesses operating in the space. This post Vietnam Crypto Tax: A Groundbreaking 0.1% Proposal Shakes the Digital Asset Landscape first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
Bulls have an eye on some key targets for Ethereum's price.
The Metaplanet CEO has expressed belief in Warren Buffett's contrarian quote as the crypto market faces extreme fear amid prolonged market volatility.