Bitcoin's drop below $65K triggered over $500M in liquidations, as macro uncertainty from tariffs and geopolitics reprices risk assets.
Michael Saylor believes Bitcoin could surpass gold in value within the next decade. In an interview with Yahoo Finance, the Strategy founder said he expects Bitcoin’s total market capitalization to exceed that of gold by 2035. Visit Website
While technology giants burn through hundreds of billion s bu ilding artificial intelligence infrastructure, Apple is quietly placing a different bet. The company is developing smart glasses, camera-equipped earbuds, and wearable pendants that put AI on your body instead of in massive server farms. The contrast is striking. Amazon, Alphabet, Microsoft, and Meta are planning to spend more than 650 billion dollars on AI this year. That’s one of the largest single-year investment ramps in the sector’s history. Apple is expected to spend just over 14 billion dollars in fiscal 2026. That’s flat from the previous year and a tiny fraction of what its competitors are pouring into the technology. At an employee meeting earlier this month, chief executive Tim Cook hinted at the company’s direction. He said Apple was working on new categories of products and was extremely excited about that. He adde d th e company was investing in new technology because the world is changing fast. Apple is ramping up work on three new wearable devices that depend on cameras and connect to the iPhone through an enhanced Siri assistant, people familiar with the plans told SCMP. The products include smart glasses, a pendant that clips to clothing or hangs as a necklace, and upgraded AirPods. All three rely on visual context to help the digital assistant carry out tasks. The AirPods and pendant are simpler, equipped with lower-resolution cameras designed to help the AI work, rather than for taking photos or videos. The glasses will be more upscale. While iPhone sales remain robust, Apple is playing catch-up . Revamping Siri has been a key challenge, with upgrades plagued by development snags that delayed rollout. The company is preparing a version of the assistant for iOS 27, due later this year, that will have a chatbot-like interface. Apple will rely on underlying models co-developed with Google. AI is expected to change how consumers use phones, with more activities shifting to peripherals. Meta’s glasses have already become a hit, and OpenAI is developing devices, including wearables, with the help of former Apple design chief Jony Ive and other former Apple executives. Apple’s last major push into a new category, the pricey Vision Pro headset, did not resonate with consumers. The company is looking for a breakthrough with its push into wearable devices, aiming to keep users locked into the Apple ecosystem. $1 billion Google deal saves $100 billion in infrastructure Apple is betting the industry will shift from massive, centralized training to on-device processing. Licensing Google’s Gemini for roughly 1 billion dollars yearly gives it access to advanced models without spending over 100 billion dollars to build its own. Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon, the three companies pouring billions into AI infrastructure, are all negative over the past 12 months, down 4.35%, 5.97%, and 6.52% respectively. Apple, with its modest annual spending and 8.02% gain, is outperforming all three AI mega-spenders. The year-to-date numbers tell an even starker tale. Microsoft has crashed 17.99% in 2026, making it the worst performer in the group, while Apple sits at just -2.82%. Apple emerges as a safe haven against this big spending story, just because their spending is relatively low. Apple’s 2025 spending was 12.7 billion dollars. Wall Street expects 2026 spending of 12.9 billion dollars. In comparison, Meta said in January it expects full-year spending to be between 115 billion and 135 billion dollars. The fact that Apple hasn’t been spending nearly as much wasn’t always seen as a good thing. Wall Street wanted to see Apple push out strong updates that could keep existing customers excited and bring in new ones. But the company delayed the rollout of some of its most anticipated updates, and its existing tech has been underwhelming. Margin pressure from chip costs, price hikes possible It won’t be smooth sailing ahead. Margins are at risk because chips that go into Apple products are getting more expensive as demand for the memory that powers these systems outpaces supply. Chief executive Tim Cook hasn’t ruled out raising prices, but that could cut into demand from consumers struggling with a higher cost of living. Apple is holdin g “s pecial experience” event on March 4 according to Jason Goh who shared the invitation on Threads. The reports are saying it is preparing to announce several new devices in the coming weeks. Wall Street will be looking for any signs of progress. That could add hope for growth to the haven buying now fueling gains in the stock. Don’t just read crypto news. Understand it. Subscribe to our newsletter. It's free .
BitcoinWorld Brent Crude Volatility: The Alarming Impact of Geopolitics and Tariffs According to Deutsche Bank Global energy markets face unprecedented turbulence in 2025, as Deutsche Bank’s latest analysis underscores a stark reality: geopolitics and tariffs now serve as the primary drivers of Brent crude volatility. This volatility directly threatens economic stability and complicates strategic planning for nations and corporations worldwide. Consequently, understanding these interconnected forces becomes essential for navigating the current landscape. Brent Crude Volatility: A New Era of Market Drivers Historically, Brent crude prices responded to fundamental supply and demand metrics. However, Deutsche Bank’s research team now identifies a decisive shift. Geopolitical tensions and evolving tariff policies have superseded traditional factors as the dominant sources of price fluctuation. This transformation creates a more unpredictable and risk-prone trading environment. Therefore, market participants must adapt their analytical frameworks to account for these non-economic variables. The bank’s report, drawing on decades of market data, illustrates this shift with compelling clarity. For instance, price movements following geopolitical incidents in 2024 were three times more pronounced than those linked to routine inventory reports. This evidence highlights the growing sensitivity of the oil benchmark to political risk. Moreover, the integration of real-time satellite data on global shipping and production adds a layer of authoritative verification to these findings. Geopolitical Flashpoints Reshaping Energy Flows Several key regions currently exert outsized influence on Brent crude’s price trajectory. Deutsche Bank analysts specifically point to ongoing tensions in critical maritime chokepoints and producing nations. These flashpoints disrupt established supply routes and inject a premium of uncertainty into every barrel traded. Subsequently, even minor incidents can trigger disproportionate market reactions. Strait of Hormuz: Continued naval posturing affects nearly 20% of global seaborne oil trade. Eastern Mediterranean: Disputes over offshore gas fields create regional instability. West African Producers: Internal political shifts in key nations like Nigeria and Angola alter output forecasts. Each event forces traders to reassess global supply security on an almost daily basis. This constant reassessment fuels the volatility Deutsche Bank documents. Furthermore, the bank correlates specific diplomatic statements with immediate price spikes, providing a data-backed timeline of cause and effect. Expert Insight: The Tariff Multiplier Effect Deutsche Bank economists introduce a critical concept: the tariff multiplier effect. New and proposed tariffs on energy products and related goods do not operate in isolation. Instead, they interact with existing geopolitical risks to amplify price swings. A tariff announcement during a period of regional tension, for example, can double the expected market impact. This analysis stems from proprietary modeling that compares hundreds of historical scenarios. The 2024-2025 period provides a clear case study. The imposition of selective energy tariffs by major economies coincided with renewed Middle East diplomacy. This combination led to a sustained period of elevated volatility, confounding models based solely on physical inventories. The bank’s experts emphasize that tariffs alter trade flows, creating new bottlenecks and dependencies almost overnight. The Tangible Impact on Global Economies and Consumers This heightened volatility transmits directly to national economies and household budgets. Deutsche Bank’s report details the downstream consequences with factual precision. Erratic Brent prices make inflation forecasting exceptionally difficult for central banks. They also strain the finances of oil-importing developing nations, potentially slowing economic growth. Projected Economic Impact of Sustained Volatility (Deutsche Bank, 2025) Region Estimated GDP Impact Primary Channel Eurozone -0.3% to -0.7% Import Cost & Manufacturing Southeast Asia -0.5% to -1.2% Transport & Energy Subsidies Sub-Saharan Africa -1.0% to -2.0% Direct Fuel Costs & Currency Pressure For consumers, the effect manifests at the gasoline pump and in heating bills. Price volatility prevents smooth long-term budgeting for both families and businesses. The report cites data from consumer sentiment surveys, showing a direct correlation between oil price instability and economic anxiety indices. This real-world impact underscores the practical importance of the bank’s analysis. Navigating the Volatile Landscape: Strategies and Considerations In response to this new paradigm, Deutsche Bank outlines several strategic considerations for market participants. First, diversification of energy sources gains paramount importance. Second, increased investment in strategic petroleum reserves acts as a buffer against short-term shocks. Finally, enhanced political risk assessment must become a core competency for energy traders and corporate planners. The bank also notes the growing role of financial instruments and derivatives designed to hedge geopolitical risk. Trading volumes for these specialized products have surged by over 40% year-on-year, reflecting the market’s urgent need for new tools. This trend itself becomes a data point confirming the structural shift the analysis describes. Conclusion Deutsche Bank’s comprehensive analysis delivers a clear and evidence-based message: Brent crude volatility is now fundamentally geopolitical and policy-driven. The era of relying solely on supply-demand metrics has ended. This new reality demands greater vigilance, more sophisticated risk models, and robust contingency planning from all stakeholders in the global energy system. The stability of economies worldwide may depend on how effectively the market internalizes and adapts to this critical insight. FAQs Q1: What is the main cause of Brent crude volatility according to Deutsche Bank? Deutsche Bank identifies geopolitics and international tariff policies as the primary drivers, having overtaken traditional supply and demand factors in their market impact. Q2: How do tariffs specifically affect oil price volatility? Tariffs create uncertainty about trade costs and reroute global supply chains. This uncertainty interacts with geopolitical risks, amplifying price swings in a phenomenon Deutsche Bank calls the “tariff multiplier effect.” Q3: Which geopolitical regions are most critical for Brent prices today? Key flashpoints include the Strait of Hormuz for transit risk, the Eastern Mediterranean for regional disputes, and major West African producers like Nigeria and Angola due to internal political dynamics. Q4: What is the real-world impact of this volatility on consumers? It leads to unpredictable costs for gasoline, heating, and electricity, complicating household and business budgeting. It also contributes to broader economic instability and inflationary pressures. Q5: What strategies does Deutsche Bank suggest for managing this new volatility? The bank highlights the need for diversified energy sources, expanded strategic petroleum reserves, enhanced political risk analysis, and the use of specialized financial hedging instruments designed for geopolitical risk. This post Brent Crude Volatility: The Alarming Impact of Geopolitics and Tariffs According to Deutsche Bank first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
Ripple’s XRP joined the rest of the market in the past day, with another crash displaying continued weakness within a broader descending structure, as upside attempts repeatedly fail to generate sustained momentum. The price is now trading within a clearly defined range, awaiting a decisive breakout to determine the next directional move. Ripple Price Analysis: The Daily Chart On the daily timeframe, XRP attempted to break above the channel’s middle boundary of $1.60 but failed to sustain the move. The brief push beyond this midline resulted in a liquidity sweep, where buy-side liquidity was taken before sellers stepped back in and drove the asset lower. This false breakout highlights the presence of supply overhead and confirms that bullish momentum remains fragile. Following the rejection, the price rotated back into the established range and continues to fluctuate between the upper supply zone and the lower demand base. The structure now suggests ongoing consolidation rather than immediate trend reversal. Unless XRP can decisively reclaim and hold above the channel’s middle boundary, the market is likely to remain range-bound, with liquidity hunts on both sides shaping short-term volatility. XRP/USDT 4-Hour Chart On the 4-hour timeframe, XRP remains structurally bearish, trading inside a well-defined descending structure. After the failed daily breakout and liquidity sweep, the price resumed its downward trajectory and continues to form lower highs and lower lows within the channel boundaries. The recent bounce from the lower demand zone near the $1.10–$1.20 region was sharp but corrective in nature. The asset is now consolidating around the $1.35–$1.40 area, which previously acted as intraday support. As long as XRP remains below the channel’s mid-structure and the $1.50 zone, upside attempts are likely to face selling pressure. A move toward the $1.50–$1.55 supply region would be considered a corrective retest unless accompanied by strong momentum and a structural break. On the downside, losing the current support cluster would expose the lower boundary of the channel and increase the probability of another liquidity sweep below recent lows. The post Ripple Price Analysis: What’s Next for XRP After Monday’s Flash Crash? appeared first on CryptoPotato .
Gemini’s Tyler Winklevoss says he’s “optimistic” at peak crypto pessimism, but SEC filings, layoffs and public data on Winklevoss Capital’s BTC sales paint a different picture.
The shares of the IDFC First Bank saw a major slump on Monday after the lender revealed a suspected fraud case at one of its branches. Fraud Scheme In a regulatory filing dated February 21, the Mumbai-based bank alleged that certain employees at its Chandigarh branch were involved in a fraudulent scheme involving ₹590 crore from accounts associated with the Haryana state government. Four officials of the branch are already suspended pending the outcome of the internal investigation. “The impact may be determined based on receipt of further information, validation of claims, recoveries of any nature including those made through the process of marking lien on fraudulent beneficiary accounts maintained with other Banks, liabilities of other entities involved in the fraudulent transactions, and the legal recovery process,” the bank said . The bank is in the process of appointing an independent external agency to conduct a probe of the incident. It has also filed a complaint with police authorities and sent requests to certain beneficiary banks to lien mark, or essentially freeze, the balance in suspicious accounts. Discrepancies The bank uncovered the alleged illicit activity after a particular department of the Haryana government asked to close its account and transfer the funds to another bank. During this process, IDFC First Bank noticed that there were discrepancies between the balance reflected in its records and the amount that the government requested. The lender larified that the irregularity only affected a specific group of government-linked accounts and does not affect other customers of the Chandigarh branch. IDFC First Bank Share Down The stock price of IDFC First Bank crashed following news of the suspected fraud. At time of writing the bank’s share already plunged to ₹68.79, down by 17.63% from the previous close of ₹83.51. The bank said that it will pursue strict disciplinary, civil and criminal actions against those involved in accordance with applicable law.
Bitgo and New Frontier Labs have partnered to launch FYUSD, a regulated stablecoin designed to bring U.S. compliance standards to institutional markets across Asia. New Frontier Labs announced its strategic partnership with Bitgo Bank & Trust to introduce the FYUSD stablecoin. Bitgo serves as the primary issuer and custodian for the asset, which is structured
Bitcoin’s recent price action reflects renewed weakness after failing to sustain momentum above the $70K region. The rejection at this key psychological threshold has shifted short-term sentiment back toward caution, as sellers regained control and forced the price beneath recent daily lows. Bitcoin Price Analysis: The Daily Chart On the daily timeframe, BTC recently faced a clear rejection at the $70K threshold, where selling pressure intensified and pushed the asset back below the recent daily lows. This breakdown highlights the continued presence of sellers at higher levels and reinforces the fragile nature of the current recovery attempts. With the price slipping back under short-term structure, the market appears to be lacking strong bullish momentum. At this stage, Bitcoin is likely to remain in a broader consolidation phase between the $60K support zone and the $75K resistance area. A decisive breakout beyond either boundary will be required to establish the next sustained directional move, while continued rejection near $70K keeps the short-term bias cautious. BTC/USDT 4-Hour Chart On the 4-hour timeframe, Bitcoin had been compressing inside a symmetrical triangle following the sharp bounce from the $60K low. That structure has now resolved to the downside, with the price breaking below the ascending support trendline and accelerating lower. The breakdown confirms short-term bearish continuation and shifts focus back toward the lower boundary of the broader demand area. Any rebound toward the underside of the broken triangle support or toward the $74K–$76K prior supply region would likely be viewed as a corrective retest unless buyers can generate strong follow-through. At the moment, short-term structure favors sellers, and the market is searching for a new equilibrium level after the failed compression. Sentiment Analysis The liquidation heatmap shows a dense liquidity cluster above the current price around the $69K–$70K region, which previously acted as a magnetic zone during consolidation. This cluster absorbed the price multiple times before the recent drop, highlighting how overhead liquidity continues to cap upside attempts. At the same time, slight liquidity bands have formed below the market in the $62K–$65K range. The recent sharp move downward tapped into part of this liquidity pocket, triggering liquidations and fueling volatility. The presence of remaining liquidity beneath the current price suggests that further sweeps cannot be ruled out, especially if momentum remains weak. Overall, Bitcoin is positioned between overhead liquidity that acts as resistance and lower liquidity pockets that may attract price in the short term. The interaction with these zones, combined with the broader bearish channel structure, will determine whether Bitcoin stabilizes above $60K or extends its corrective phase deeper. The post Bitcoin Price Prediction: Is a Deeper Correction to $60K Incoming Next for BTC? appeared first on CryptoPotato .
BitcoinWorld Silver Price Forecast: XAG/USD Holds Crucial Gains Amidst US Trade Policy Uncertainty Silver prices maintained their early session gains on Thursday, December 12, 2024, as uncertainty surrounding US trade policy continues to drive investors toward traditional safe-haven assets. The XAG/USD pair demonstrated notable resilience, trading firmly above key technical levels despite broader market volatility. This silver price forecast examines the complex interplay between geopolitical developments, monetary policy expectations, and industrial demand factors shaping the precious metal’s trajectory. Silver Price Forecast: Technical and Fundamental Drivers Market analysts observed silver’s distinctive performance throughout the trading session. The white metal initially gained approximately 1.8% during Asian and European hours before consolidating those advances. Consequently, traders focused on multiple converging factors. The US dollar index showed mixed signals, while Treasury yields exhibited modest declines. Furthermore, industrial metals displayed varied performances, creating a complex backdrop for silver’s unique dual nature as both monetary and industrial commodity. Technical analysis reveals several important levels. The XAG/USD pair established support near $24.50 per ounce, representing a critical psychological threshold. Meanwhile, resistance emerged around $25.20, a level tested multiple times throughout the session. Trading volume remained above the 30-day average, indicating sustained institutional interest. Additionally, the 50-day moving average continued its upward trajectory, providing dynamic support for the metal’s price structure. US Trade Policy Uncertainty: Market Implications Uncertainty surrounding US trade policy represents the primary catalyst for recent market movements. The current administration has signaled potential revisions to several international trade agreements. Specifically, negotiations with major economic partners remain ongoing without clear resolution timelines. This ambiguity creates several market effects. First, currency markets experience heightened volatility as traders assess potential impacts on trade flows. Second, global supply chains face disruption risks, affecting industrial commodity demand. Third, investors increasingly seek portfolio diversification through traditional hedges. Historical data illustrates silver’s behavior during previous trade policy uncertainties. During the 2018-2019 trade tensions, silver prices increased approximately 14% over six months despite industrial demand concerns. The metal’s safe-haven characteristics frequently outweigh industrial demand considerations during geopolitical uncertainty periods. Current market positioning suggests similar dynamics may be developing, with ETF holdings increasing for three consecutive weeks. Expert Analysis: Institutional Perspectives Financial institutions provided measured assessments of the situation. Goldman Sachs analysts noted, “Silver’s response to trade policy developments reflects its hybrid characteristics. While industrial applications face potential headwinds, monetary demand typically increases during uncertainty periods.” The bank maintains a cautiously optimistic 12-month price target of $28 per ounce. Meanwhile, JP Morgan researchers highlighted silver’s historical correlation with gold during risk-off environments, currently measuring approximately 0.82 on a 30-day basis. The World Silver Survey 2024, published by the Silver Institute, provides crucial context. Global silver demand reached 1.2 billion ounces in 2023, with industrial applications accounting for approximately 55% of total consumption. Photovoltaic panel manufacturing represented the fastest-growing segment, increasing 15% year-over-year. Mine production remained relatively stable at 900 million ounces, creating a structural supply deficit that has persisted for three consecutive years. Macroeconomic Factors Influencing Silver Prices Beyond trade policy, several macroeconomic factors contribute to silver’s price dynamics. Federal Reserve policy expectations remain paramount for dollar-denominated commodities. Recent inflation data showed modest cooling, with the core PCE index increasing 2.8% year-over-year. This development suggests the central bank may maintain current interest rates through early 2025. Historically, silver has demonstrated sensitivity to real interest rate movements, with correlation coefficients reaching -0.65 during certain periods. Global economic indicators present a mixed picture. European manufacturing data showed contraction for the eighth consecutive month, while Chinese industrial production exceeded expectations. These divergent trends create complex demand signals for silver’s industrial applications. The automotive sector, representing approximately 5% of industrial silver demand, reported stable electric vehicle production growth despite broader economic concerns. Silver Market Key Metrics Comparison Metric Current Value 30-Day Change Historical Average XAG/USD Price $24.85 +3.2% $23.40 Gold/Silver Ratio 85:1 -2.5% 88:1 ETF Holdings 950M oz +1.8% 920M oz COMEX Open Interest 165K contracts +4.1% 155K contracts Industrial Demand and Technological Applications Silver’s industrial applications provide fundamental support beyond financial market dynamics. Several key sectors demonstrate robust demand characteristics: Photovoltaic Manufacturing: Solar panel production requires approximately 100 million ounces annually, with growth projections of 8-10% through 2026. Electronics: Conductive pastes and components consume nearly 300 million ounces yearly, supported by 5G infrastructure expansion. Automotive: Electric vehicle production utilizes silver in battery contacts and charging systems, with per-vehicle consumption increasing 15% annually. Medical Applications: Antimicrobial coatings and diagnostic equipment represent stable, growing demand segments. Technological innovation continues expanding silver’s applications. Recent developments in printed electronics and flexible displays create new demand sources. Research from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology indicates silver nanowire networks may revolutionize transparent conductive films, potentially increasing consumption in display manufacturing by 20% within five years. Supply Considerations and Mining Economics Silver supply faces structural challenges that support longer-term price appreciation. Primary silver mines account for only 30% of global production, with the remainder originating as byproduct from base metal operations. This production structure creates inelastic supply responses to price movements. Major producing regions include: Mexico: 180 million ounces annually Peru: 110 million ounces annually China: 100 million ounces annually Russia: 45 million ounces annually Mining economics remain challenging at current price levels. The global all-in sustaining cost (AISC) average approximates $18.50 per ounce, providing healthy margins for efficient producers. However, declining ore grades and increasing regulatory requirements pressure production costs upward approximately 3-5% annually. Exploration budgets increased 15% in 2024, though significant discoveries require 7-10 years to reach production. Market Sentiment and Positioning Analysis Trader positioning data reveals evolving market psychology. The CFTC Commitment of Traders report showed managed money net long positions increased to 45,000 contracts, representing a 22% rise from the previous week. Commercial hedging activity remained relatively stable, suggesting producers perceive adequate price levels for forward sales. Option market dynamics indicate growing interest in upside exposure, with call option volume exceeding puts by approximately 1.5:1 ratio. Retail investor behavior demonstrates increased interest in physical silver products. The US Mint reported American Eagle silver coin sales reached 850,000 ounces in November, representing a 25% increase from October levels. Online bullion dealers similarly reported elevated transaction volumes, particularly for smaller denomination products appealing to first-time precious metals investors. Conclusion The silver price forecast remains cautiously optimistic as XAG/USD maintains gains amidst US trade policy uncertainty. Multiple supportive factors converge, including safe-haven demand, structural supply deficits, and growing industrial applications. While near-term volatility may persist, silver’s fundamental characteristics suggest resilience during uncertain geopolitical periods. Market participants should monitor Federal Reserve communications, trade policy developments, and industrial demand indicators for directional signals. This silver price forecast acknowledges both upside potential and risk factors, emphasizing the metal’s unique position within global financial and industrial systems. FAQs Q1: What factors primarily drive silver price movements? Silver prices respond to multiple factors including US dollar strength, interest rate expectations, industrial demand, geopolitical uncertainty, and investment flows. The metal’s dual nature as both monetary asset and industrial commodity creates complex price dynamics. Q2: How does US trade policy affect silver prices? Trade policy uncertainty typically increases safe-haven demand for precious metals while potentially affecting industrial demand through supply chain disruptions. Silver often demonstrates correlation with gold during such periods, though industrial considerations may create divergence. Q3: What is the current gold-to-silver ratio and its significance? The ratio currently stands at approximately 85:1, meaning one ounce of gold equals 85 ounces of silver. This metric helps assess relative valuation between the metals, with historical averages around 60:1 suggesting potential silver undervaluation. Q4: How important is industrial demand for silver prices? Industrial applications account for over 50% of annual silver demand, providing fundamental support. Key sectors include solar panel manufacturing, electronics, automotive production, and medical applications, with growth projections exceeding global GDP expansion. Q5: What are the main risks to silver price appreciation? Primary risks include stronger-than-expected US dollar appreciation, reduced industrial demand from economic slowdown, increased mine production, and reduced investment flows during risk-on market environments. This post Silver Price Forecast: XAG/USD Holds Crucial Gains Amidst US Trade Policy Uncertainty first appeared on BitcoinWorld .