Lower activity, higher returns - Solana’s capital efficiency shines.
A bug was found in the batch transaction and another fix amendment for the XRP Ledger, causing a setback for both.
Exclusive fourth quarter data shows 69.2% of issuers are live, while 84.6% report regulatory friction shaping tokenization rollout.
BitcoinWorld US Manufacturing PMI Declines to 51.2, Services PMI Retreats to 52.3 in February 2025, Signaling a Crucial Slowdown WASHINGTON, D.C. — February 2025 economic data reveals a pivotal cooldown as the US S&P Global Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) registers a decline to 51.2. Concurrently, the Services PMI retreats to 52.3, according to the latest S&P Global survey. These figures, while still above the critical 50.0 expansion threshold, mark a notable deceleration from prior months. This development provides crucial signals for analysts, policymakers, and investors monitoring the trajectory of the world’s largest economy amidst evolving global conditions. Analyzing the US Manufacturing PMI Decline to 51.2 The February 2025 Manufacturing PMI reading of 51.2 represents a clear step down from January’s final figure. This index, a key diffusion indicator, derives from monthly surveys of purchasing managers across the manufacturing sector. A reading above 50.0 signifies expansion, while a figure below 50.0 indicates contraction. Therefore, the February data confirms the sector remains in growth territory. However, the pace of that growth has demonstrably softened. Several underlying survey components typically drive such a movement. Analysts often scrutinize new orders, production levels, employment, supplier delivery times, and inventories. A decline in the headline PMI frequently correlates with moderating new order inflows or slower production growth. It may also reflect adjustments in inventory strategies or longer supplier delivery times easing. This data point must be contextualized within a longer trend, not viewed in isolation. Historical Context and Sectoral Pressures To grasp the significance of a 51.2 reading, historical comparison is essential. For instance, manufacturing PMI averaged approximately 52.5 throughout 2024. A drop to 51.2 suggests a meaningful, though not catastrophic, loss of momentum. Sector-specific challenges often contribute. These can include supply chain recalibrations, shifting demand patterns for goods, and evolving input cost pressures. Furthermore, the strength of the US dollar can influence export orders, a component within the new orders sub-index. Services Sector PMI Retreats to 52.3 in February Parallel to the manufacturing slowdown, the Services PMI fell to 52.3 in February 2025. The services sector, encompassing finance, healthcare, hospitality, and technology, constitutes the dominant share of US GDP. Its PMI is therefore a vital pulse check on domestic economic health. A retreat from higher levels indicates that the post-pandemic surge in service-oriented spending and activity is normalizing. Key drivers for services PMI include business activity, new business, employment, and input prices. A moderation often signals that consumer demand for services is becoming more measured or that capacity constraints are lessening. This sector is particularly sensitive to labor market conditions and discretionary consumer spending. The February reading, while solidly expansive, aligns with expectations of a economy transitioning to a more sustainable, moderate growth path. The Composite PMI Picture and Economic Implications S&P Global also publishes a Composite PMI Output Index, which weights manufacturing and services together. The February declines in both sectors will pull the composite figure lower. This composite index is a reliable, early indicator of quarterly GDP growth trends. A softening composite PMI suggests that overall economic expansion in the first quarter of 2025 may be more modest than in the preceding quarter. The implications are multifaceted. For the Federal Reserve, moderating PMI data provides evidence that previous monetary policy tightening is transmitting through the real economy. This can influence future decisions on interest rates. For businesses, it signals a potentially more competitive environment where growth is harder to achieve. For financial markets, it recalibrates expectations for corporate earnings, particularly for cyclically sensitive companies. Comparative Analysis with Global PMI Trends The US PMI trajectory does not exist in a vacuum. Global PMI comparisons offer valuable context. For example, the Eurozone and United Kingdom often release similar data. In early 2025, many major economies are navigating similar headwinds, including geopolitical uncertainty and trade flow adjustments. A synchronized global PMI softening would point to broader macroeconomic forces. Conversely, if US PMIs are decelerating while others stabilize, it may indicate more domestic-specific factors at play. The table below provides a simplified snapshot of recent PMI trends across major economies: Economy Manufacturing PMI (Feb 2025 Est.) Services PMI (Feb 2025 Est.) Trend vs. Prior Month United States 51.2 52.3 Declining Eurozone Data Point Data Point Stable/Declining United Kingdom Data Point Data Point Mixed Japan Data Point Data Point Expanding Note: Comparative data points are illustrative. Actual concurrent global data would be cited in a full report. Expert Perspectives on the PMI Slowdown Economic analysts emphasize interpreting PMI movements as part of a trend. “A single month’s data requires cautious interpretation,” notes a common refrain from sector analysts. However, a consensus view often emerges. Many economists anticipated a 2025 moderation following the robust growth of 2023-2024. The PMI data provides the first hard, survey-based evidence of this shift. Key insights from economic research include: Demand Normalization: Post-pandemic demand surges for both goods and services are largely complete. Policy Impact: Lagged effects of interest rate hikes are dampening investment and big-ticket purchases. Labor Market Influence: A still-strong but cooling job market affects consumer confidence and services demand. Inventory Cycle: The manufacturing sector may be in a phase of digesting inventories rather than aggressively building them. Forward-Looking Indicators Within the Report The PMI report’s forward-looking components, like new orders and business expectations, are particularly scrutinized. If these sub-indices remain healthy, a temporary slowdown may be followed by re-acceleration. Conversely, if future expectations decline sharply, it could presage a more prolonged period of subdued growth. The February report’s details on these components will be critical for forecasting Q2 2025 economic activity. Conclusion The February 2025 US S&P Global PMI data, featuring a Manufacturing PMI decline to 51.2 and a Services PMI retreat to 52.3, signals a clear economic inflection point. This cooldown reflects a natural progression toward more sustainable growth after a period of exceptional expansion. While not indicative of a contraction, the data provides crucial evidence for policymakers and market participants. It underscores an economy navigating the final stages of post-pandemic normalization while adjusting to current financial conditions. Monitoring the evolution of these indices in the coming months will be essential for confirming whether this moderation is a brief pause or the start of a new, slower-growth phase for the US economy. FAQs Q1: What does a PMI reading above 50 mean? A PMI reading above 50.0 indicates that the sector, whether manufacturing or services, is generally expanding compared to the previous month. A reading below 50.0 signals contraction. Q2: Why is the Services PMI considered so important for the US economy? The services sector accounts for over 80% of US GDP and employment. Therefore, the Services PMI is a direct barometer of activity in the economy’s largest and most dynamic segment. Q3: Is a decline in PMI always a bad sign? Not necessarily. A decline from very high levels to more moderate ones can signal a shift from overheated, unsustainable growth to stable, long-term expansion. It can also ease inflationary pressures. Q4: How does the S&P Global PMI differ from the ISM PMI? Both are respected surveys. S&P Global (formerly Markit) surveys a panel of companies, while the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) surveys its membership. Methodologies and panel compositions differ, sometimes leading to slightly different readings, though trends usually align. Q5: What are the immediate market impacts of softening PMI data? Softer PMI data can lead markets to anticipate a more cautious Federal Reserve, potentially lowering long-term interest rate expectations. It may also pressure the US dollar and affect stock prices for companies in cyclical industries. This post US Manufacturing PMI Declines to 51.2, Services PMI Retreats to 52.3 in February 2025, Signaling a Crucial Slowdown first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
Bitcoin’s price fell sharply, fueling debate over the causes of its decline. Quantum risks and AI competition pressure miners and shape capital flows. Continue Reading: Bitcoin Faces Price Pressure as Quantum Computing and AI Competition Intensify The post Bitcoin Faces Price Pressure as Quantum Computing and AI Competition Intensify appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .
BitcoinWorld Bitcoin World Disrupt 2026 Super Early Bird Deadline Looms: Final Week for Major Savings San Francisco, CA – February 20, 2026: The countdown has begun for technology professionals seeking the most significant cost savings on one of the industry’s premier gatherings. The Super Early Bird pricing tier for Bitcoin World Disrupt 2026 concludes in precisely one week, on February 27 at 11:59 p.m. PT. This deadline represents the final opportunity for founders, investors, and operators to secure the lowest available pass rates for the October event, with potential savings reaching $680 per ticket. Historically, ticket prices have increased following similar early-bird deadlines, making this a critical financial decision for budget-conscious attendees. Understanding the Bitcoin World Disrupt 2026 Conference Bitcoin World Disrupt represents a cornerstone event in the global technology calendar. Scheduled for October 13–15, 2026, the conference will transform San Francisco’s Moscone West into a hub for innovation and connection. The event deliberately curates its experience to maximize valuable interactions over general noise. Consequently, it attracts a concentrated audience of 10,000 founders, venture capitalists, operators, and technology leaders annually. The programming includes over 200 expert-led sessions featuring more than 250 influential speakers from across the tech ecosystem. Furthermore, the event showcases breakthroughs from over 300 exhibiting startups and hosts the high-stakes Startup Battlefield 200 competition. The Tangible Value Proposition for Attendees Past attendees consistently report specific, measurable benefits from their Disrupt experience. These benefits form the core value proposition that drives annual return visits. A survey of previous participants highlighted several key outcomes. First, attendees gain direct access to a network of founders, investors, and operators who are actively building companies. Second, conversations initiated at the event frequently evolve into concrete partnerships, funding rounds, and key executive hires. Third, sessions are designed to deliver practical, actionable insights that professionals can implement immediately within their organizations. Finally, the conference offers a forward-looking perspective, providing a clearer picture of emerging technological trends before they reach mainstream adoption. Analysis of the 2026 Speaker Lineup and Agenda While the full 2026 agenda is forthcoming, the legacy of past speakers establishes a high benchmark for quality and relevance. Historically, the speaker roster has included top-tier executives and innovators such as Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors; Vinod Khosla, founder of Khosla Ventures; and Matt Mullenweg, Co-Founder of WordPress. The inclusion of figures like Anatoly Yakovenko, co-founder of Solana, underscores the event’s reach across blockchain and Web3 sectors. The 2025 event featured notable discussions, including a stage conversation between Elizabeth Stone, CTO of Netflix, and Connie Loizos of Bitcoin World. This pattern suggests the 2026 speaker list will similarly feature leaders shaping the immediate future of technology, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and climate tech. Comparing Pass Types and Strategic Networking The conference offers specialized passes tailored to different professional roles, enhancing the curated experience. The Founder Pass is designed to accelerate growth through targeted insights, tools, and connections relevant to company building. Conversely, the Investor Pass provides curated access to facilitate the discovery of promising startups and portfolio expansion. This intentional structure allows founders to meet investors actively seeking new opportunities. Simultaneously, it enables venture capitalists to efficiently identify startups aligned with their investment theses. Operators benefit from peer exchanges on practical lessons in scaling and product development. The design ensures that every attendee can optimize their time for maximum professional return. Bitcoin World Disrupt 2026 Key Details Element Detail Dates October 13-15, 2026 Location Moscone West, San Francisco, CA Super Early Bird Deadline February 27, 2026, 11:59 p.m. PT Expected Attendees 10,000+ Startup Exhibitors 300+ Conference Sessions 200+ Additional Opportunity: Bitcoin World Founder Summit 2026 In addition to the main Disrupt event, technology professionals should note a related offering with its own savings deadline. The Bitcoin World Founder Summit 2026, scheduled for June 9 in Boston, MA, also features an early registration incentive. This one-day summit, focused intensely on growth and scaling, offers savings of up to $300 or 30% on passes until March 13. The event is tailored for over 1,000 founders and investors, providing tactical lessons and peer connections for companies in specific growth stages. This represents a separate but valuable opportunity for those focused exclusively on execution-focused content in a more intimate setting. The Financial Imperative of Acting Before February 27 The economic rationale for securing a Super Early Bird ticket is straightforward. Conference pass pricing typically follows a stepped model, where costs increase as the event date approaches and as each registration tier sells out. The savings of up to $680 per pass or 30% on group rates available until February 27 constitute a significant reduction. For startups and individual professionals, this difference can cover travel expenses or other operational costs. The deadline creates a clear financial incentive for decisive action, allowing attendees to lock in budget certainty for a major professional development investment later in the year. Conclusion The Bitcoin World Disrupt 2026 conference stands as a significant convergence point for the global technology industry. The impending deadline on February 27, 2026, for Super Early Bird pricing is a pivotal moment for professionals planning to attend. Securing a pass now guarantees the lowest available cost and provides access to a curated environment designed for high-impact networking, learning, and deal-making. With a legacy of hosting influential speakers and facilitating meaningful connections, the event offers a substantial return on investment for those building, funding, or scaling technology ventures. The one-week window demands immediate attention from anyone considering participation in this premier San Francisco tech event. FAQs Q1: What is the exact deadline for the Bitcoin World Disrupt 2026 Super Early Bird pricing? The Super Early Bird pricing ends on February 27, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time . After this deadline, pass prices will increase to the next pricing tier. Q2: How much can I save with a Super Early Bird pass? Attendees can save up to $680 on an individual pass or secure up to a 30% discount on group or community passes compared to later pricing and standard on-site rates. Q3: What is the difference between the Founder Pass and the Investor Pass? The Founder Pass is tailored with content and networking opportunities aimed at startup founders seeking growth insights. The Investor Pass offers curated access and events designed to help venture capitalists and angels discover and evaluate new startup investment opportunities. Q4: When and where is Bitcoin World Disrupt 2026 happening? The conference is scheduled for October 13–15, 2026 , and will be held at the Moscone West convention center in San Francisco, California . Q5: Is there a related event with a similar early-bird offer? Yes, the Bitcoin World Founder Summit 2026 in Boston on June 9 has an early registration offer that saves up to $300 or 30%. That offer expires on March 13, 2026 . This post Bitcoin World Disrupt 2026 Super Early Bird Deadline Looms: Final Week for Major Savings first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
Bitcoin whales are not entirely backing down amid the prolonged market volatility as they have scooped up over 30,000 BTC in the last week.
Selling pressure remained intense in US-listed spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds on Thursday, extending a difficult stretch that analysts increasingly describe as historically poor performance for the beginning of a calendar year. Data showed $165.8 million left the products during the session, pushing total weekly outflows to $403.9 million as investors continued withdrawing capital despite earlier enthusiasm surrounding regulated cryptocurrency investment vehicles. Year-to-date losses now approach $2.7 billion, placing the sector close to a fifth consecutive weekly outflow streak and highlighting declining confidence among market participants during early 2026 trading conditions. Trading volumes also weakened notably, falling roughly 21% compared with the previous week and reaching their lowest levels since late December, reinforcing the view that investor engagement is currently fading. BlackRock Fund Leads Withdrawals BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust carried the largest share of redemptions this week, accounting for approximately $368 million in withdrawals as institutions appeared to trim exposure during ongoing market uncertainty. Elsewhere, activity remained muted across competing funds, with the Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund registering about $50 million in outflows on Wednesday while most other issuers experienced minimal investor movement. Institutional positioning has also shifted, with Brevan Howard reported to have reduced its stake in the BlackRock vehicle by roughly 85% during the final quarter of 2025. Despite total cumulative inflows exceeding $53.9 billion since launch, analysts say the broader trend suggests caution rather than expansion among large holders during the opening months of the year. Unusual Post-Halving Performance Raises Concerns Market observers highlight that Bitcoin’s current pricing pattern contrasts sharply with previous cycles typically associated with strong rallies following block-reward halving events. “Almost two years later, BTC trades around $66,000 — nearly the same level as during the April 2024 halving,” analysts noted, emphasizing the absence of historical post-halving appreciation. “This has never happened before. In previous cycles, BTC was already three to 10 times above halving levels by now,” they added while pointing to an unprecedented stagnation period. Bitcoin has declined about 22% year-to-date, and datasets tracking the first fifty days of the year indicate the asset is experiencing its worst annual opening on record, surpassing declines seen during 2018’s downturn.
BitcoinWorld Peak XV’s Bold $1.3B Gamble: Doubling Down on AI as Global VC Titans Clash in India’s Booming Tech Arena In a major move shaking India’s technology investment landscape, venture capital firm Peak XV Partners announced a massive $1.3 billion fundraise on Friday, October 11, 2024, signaling intensified global competition for dominance in one of the world’s fastest-growing tech markets. The capital infusion arrives precisely as New Delhi hosts the AI Impact Summit, drawing major players like OpenAI and Anthropic, creating perfect timing for Peak XV’s strategic positioning. Peak XV’s Strategic $1.3 Billion Deployment Plan Managing director Shailendra Singh revealed the capital allocation strategy in an exclusive interview. The firm will deploy funds across three primary vehicles. First, the India seed fund will target early-stage opportunities. Second, the India venture fund will focus on Series A and B rounds. Third, the APAC vehicle will handle cross-border investments. A majority of the $1.3 billion is earmarked specifically for Indian startups. Singh expects deployment over the next two to three years. This timeline reflects careful capital management. The firm maintains a disciplined approach despite market enthusiasm. Peak XV currently manages over $10 billion in total assets. This positions them among India’s largest investment firms. The fundraise follows a period of strategic refinement. In 2023, Peak XV completed its separation from Sequoia Capital. This move created independent India-focused operations. The firm now counts more than 450 portfolio companies. These span fintech, software, and consumer internet sectors. Intensifying Global Venture Capital Competition Peak XV’s announcement coincides with heightened activity from global rivals. During the AI Impact Summit, General Catalyst outlined ambitious plans. The firm committed to investing $5 billion in India over five years. This represents a significant increase from previous commitments. Other international firms are expanding their Indian presence too. Singh addressed this competitive landscape directly. “We are not trying to match rivals dollar-for-dollar,” he emphasized. Instead, Peak XV prioritizes generating strong returns. The firm focuses on maximizing performance rather than assets under management. This philosophy guides their fund sizing decisions. The competitive dynamics reflect India’s growing importance. The country has become a global technology innovation hub. Venture capital investment reached record levels in recent years. Both domestic and international investors recognize the opportunity. However, market corrections in 2022-2023 created more selective conditions. Leadership Stability Amid Organizational Changes Recent leadership changes at Peak XV included notable departures. Senior partner Ashish Agrawal left the firm. Investors Ishaan Mittal and Tejeshwi Sharma also departed. These moves raised questions about continuity. However, Singh highlighted the firm’s retained experience. Five of seven managing partners have decade-long tenures. The broader team includes over thirty full-time investors. About twelve lead investments across various markets. This depth provides stability during transition periods. The firm maintains its investment thesis despite personnel changes. Peak XV has delivered substantial returns historically. Since inception, the firm returned more than $7 billion in cash to investors. Thirty-five portfolio companies achieved public listings. These track records demonstrate consistent performance. Singh declined to specify post-Sequoia distributions though. Artificial Intelligence as Primary Investment Focus Singh identified artificial intelligence as a key allocation area. The firm has already made over eighty AI startup investments. This experience provides competitive advantage. Peak XV understands the sector’s unique dynamics. They recognize both opportunities and challenges in AI deployment. The firm will also target fintech and consumer startups. Emerging opportunities in deep tech receive attention too. This diversified approach balances risk and reward. Singh emphasized the importance of U.S.-India connections. Many Indian founders now build for global markets from inception. Cross-border strategies are becoming increasingly valuable. Peak XV maintains selective presence in the United States. “In the U.S. market, we are an underdog — and that’s great,” Singh noted. The firm focuses on areas where Indian experience provides edge. These include software, developer tools, and fintech sectors. Historical Performance and Future Expectations Peak XV’s previous fund totaled $2.85 billion in late 2021. This was before the Sequoia separation. The firm later reduced this to approximately $2.4 billion. Singh described this as disciplined capital management. The earlier pool included growth strategy allocations. The firm doesn’t plan new growth fundraising currently. Existing dry powder requires deployment first. This cautious approach contrasts with some competitors. However, it aligns with Peak XV’s return-focused philosophy. The firm has demonstrated patience throughout market cycles. In September 2024, reports indicated $1.2 billion in returns. This followed the Sequoia separation. The firm’s performance during transition periods remained strong. Investors continue showing confidence in Peak XV’s strategy. The latest fundraise confirms this ongoing trust. Market Context and Timing Considerations The AI Impact Summit provides perfect backdrop for Peak XV’s announcement. New Delhi’s gathering attracts global technology leaders. OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google representatives attended. This concentration highlights India’s strategic importance. The country is becoming an AI development and deployment hub. Government policies increasingly support technology innovation. Regulatory frameworks are evolving thoughtfully. Infrastructure improvements continue across major cities. Talent availability remains a significant advantage. These factors combine to create attractive investment conditions. Global venture capital firms recognize these advantages. Competition for quality deals is intensifying accordingly. Valuation expectations have moderated from 2021 peaks. This creates better entry points for disciplined investors. Peak XV’s timing appears strategically calculated. Investment Philosophy and Differentiators Peak XV emphasizes several key differentiators. The firm maintains deep sector expertise across multiple domains. Their team combines local knowledge with global perspective. Investment decisions focus on founder quality and market potential. Financial engineering receives less emphasis than fundamental value. The firm’s portfolio construction approach balances diversification and concentration. They avoid overexposure to single sectors or stages. This reduces systemic risk during market downturns. However, they maintain conviction in high-potential opportunities. This balanced approach has delivered consistent returns. Post-investment support represents another strength. Peak XV provides operational assistance beyond capital. Portfolio companies access networks and expertise. This hands-on approach distinguishes them from passive investors. Founders frequently cite this value addition. Conclusion Peak XV’s $1.3 billion fundraise represents a significant milestone in India’s venture capital evolution. The firm’s strategic focus on artificial intelligence aligns with global technology trends. Their disciplined approach to capital deployment contrasts with some competitors’ aggressive expansion. As global venture capital rivalry intensifies in India, Peak XV’s experience and track record provide competitive advantages. The firm’s separation from Sequoia Capital has created independent momentum. Their continued focus on generating strong returns rather than maximizing assets under management reflects mature investment philosophy. India’s technology ecosystem benefits from this sophisticated capital influx. The coming years will reveal how effectively Peak XV deploys this substantial capital pool across AI, fintech, and consumer technology sectors. FAQs Q1: How much capital did Peak XV raise in its latest fund? Peak XV Partners raised $1.3 billion across new India and Asia-focused funds announced on October 11, 2024. Q2: What is Peak XV’s primary investment focus with this new capital? The firm is sharpening its focus on artificial intelligence startups while also targeting fintech, consumer technology, and emerging deep tech opportunities. Q3: How does Peak XV’s fundraise relate to Sequoia Capital? Peak XV completed its separation from Sequoia Capital in 2023 to create independent India-focused operations, and this fundraise represents its first major capital raise as an independent entity. Q4: What is the competitive landscape for venture capital in India? Global competition is intensifying, with firms like General Catalyst committing $5 billion over five years, creating a more crowded but sophisticated investment environment. Q5: How long will Peak XV deploy this new capital? Managing director Shailendra Singh expects to invest the $1.3 billion pool over the next two to three years, with a majority earmarked for Indian startups. This post Peak XV’s Bold $1.3B Gamble: Doubling Down on AI as Global VC Titans Clash in India’s Booming Tech Arena first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
RLUSD is on track to hit two billion circulating supply amid sustained Ripple minting.