MONEY MASTER

Key Takeaways Bitcoin fell to its lowest level in 21 months , pressured by expectations of higher US interest rates and persistent ETF outflows. More than US$4 billion exited US-listed Bitcoin ETFs in June , highlighting weakening institutional demand. Concerns over Strategy's future Bitcoin purchases  have undermined confidence in one of the cryptocurrency's largest corporate supporters. Bitcoin has dropped over 50% from its record high  and fallen below its 200-week moving average, reinforcing bearish technical sentiment. This week's US nonfarm payrolls report  could become the next major catalyst for cryptocurrency markets. Market Overview Bitcoin  extended its sharp decline on Wednesday, falling to  US$57,742 , its lowest level since September 2024, as investors continued to reduce exposure to risk assets amid growing expectations that the  US Federal Reserve  will keep monetary policy tighter for longer. The cryptocurrency has struggled under the ...

Bitcoin  climbed to a  four-week high near US$74,900 , supported by improving global risk sentiment amid renewed hopes of  US-Iran peace negotiations . The cryptocurrency later eased slightly to around  US$74,400 , while  Ether  gained  about 5% to US$2,370 , reflecting broader strength across digital assets. Risk Rally Driven by Geopolitical Optimism The rally followed comments from  Donald Trump  suggesting Iran had reached out for potential talks, raising expectations of  de-escalation in the Middle East conflict . Despite the ongoing  naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz , markets interpreted the development as a  positive signal that negotiations may resume , supporting both  equities and cryptocurrencies . Asian stocks also advanced, reinforcing the  risk-on environment . Bitcoin Outperforms Traditional Assets Bitcoin has shown resilience since tensions escalated in late February: +10% gain since Feb 27 Gold d...

Cryptocurrencies fell sharply alongside global equities as renewed geopolitical tensions triggered a  risk-off shift across markets , reversing recent optimism. Crypto Slides as Geopolitical Risks Intensify Bitcoin  dropped  as much as 2.8% to below US$66,300  during Asian trading, while broader crypto markets saw deeper losses: Ethereum  fell up to  4.7% Solana  declined  5.1% The selloff followed comments from  Donald Trump  indicating  more aggressive military action against Iran , dampening earlier hopes of a near-term resolution. Risk Assets Retreat, Oil Surges The renewed escalation sparked a broad retreat from risk assets: MSCI Asia Pacific Index fell 1.7% , reversing recent gains Brent crude surged over 5% to above US$106 per barrel , reflecting heightened supply concerns Markets have been increasingly sensitive to geopolitical developments, with asset prices  whipsawing in response to headlines . Bitcoin Tracks Equitie...

Bitcoin  is approaching a critical juncture as a  US$14 billion options expiry  coincides with escalating geopolitical uncertainty, raising the احتمال of a  sharp volatility spike . Calm Before the Storm? Roughly  40% of open interest on Deribit  will be wiped out during this quarterly expiry, removing a key  technical force that has been suppressing price movement . Bitcoin has been trading in a  tight range between US$60,000 and US$75,000 , well below its  US$126,000 peak in October 2025 , despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and ETF inflows. Options Market Has Been Controlling Price Action The subdued volatility is largely driven by  derivatives positioning : Institutions have been  selling upside calls , betting against strong rallies Market makers hedge by  buying dips and selling rallies Prices gravitate toward the  “max pain” level (~US$75,000) This dynamic has effectively  capped upside while supporting downs...

Quick Summary Bitcoin down over 19% in February , worst month since June 2022 On track for a  fifth straight monthly decline  — longest losing streak since 2018 Global risk-off sentiment and new US tariffs weighing on crypto Key technical support sits near  US$58,000–US$60,000 What’s Happening Bitcoin fell as much as  2.6% to US$62,858 , extending a selloff that began in October. The world’s largest cryptocurrency is now: Down more than 19% this month Facing its  steepest monthly loss since the 2022 crypto collapse Heading for its  longest losing streak in eight years In June 2022, the implosion of TerraUSD triggered a chain reaction involving hedge fund Three Arrows Capital and lender BlockFi — a defining moment of the previous crypto bear market. Why Bitcoin Is Falling The latest leg lower comes amid broader market turbulence: President  Donald Trump  announced plans to raise global tariffs to  15% Global equities have weakened Investors ar...

Bitcoin slid sharply in early Asian trading as renewed uncertainty over US tariffs rattled risk assets. The world’s largest cryptocurrency fell as much as  4.8% to around US$64,300 , its lowest level since Feb 6, before stabilising near US$64,800. Meanwhile: Ethereum  dropped about 5.2% The broader crypto market shed  US$100 billion  in 24 hours Total market value has erased over  US$2 trillion  since last year’s peak Tariff Whiplash Sparks Risk-Off Mood The selloff follows renewed trade-policy turbulence after the  Supreme Court of the United States  struck down emergency tariffs imposed by President  Donald Trump . Trump responded by: Announcing a new  10% global tariff Then raising it to  15% The uncertainty has: Weighed on the US dollar Pressured US stock futures Increased macro volatility Crypto, often treated as a high-beta risk asset, reacted negatively. Key Technical Level: US$60,000 Analysts note that: US$65,000  was a...

Quick Summary Trump officially picked Kevin Warsh to replace Jerome Powell as Fed chair US stock futures fell , while  gold and silver plunged sharply Crypto markets saw US$1.7B liquidations  amid policy shock Apple and SanDisk delivered strong earnings , led by China recovery and pricing power Key Market Developments Trump Picks Kevin Warsh as Fed Chair President  Donald Trump  confirmed he will nominate  Kevin Warsh  to succeed  Jerome Powell  when Powell’s term ends in May. Market interpretation: Warsh is  supportive of lower rates , but Cautious on heavy stimulus and Fed balance-sheet expansion This reinforced expectations of  tighter liquidity , even if rate cuts resume later in the year. Before the Bell: Market Reaction Nasdaq 100 futures:   -0.39% S&P 500 futures:   -0.27% Dow futures:   -0.22% US dollar:   +0.21% Precious metals were hit hard: Gold:   -4.62% , briefly  below US$5,000 Silver: ...

 Japan Exchange Group Inc (JPX) is weighing new measures to curb the rapid rise of listed companies shifting into aggressive cryptocurrency accumulation, as the market downturn leaves retail investors nursing steep losses. People familiar with the discussions said JPX is considering tighter enforcement of  backdoor listing rules  and may require firms to undergo  fresh audits  if they pivot toward digital-asset treasury strategies. The proposals remain under review and no final decision has been taken. Since September, at least  three Japanese listed firms  have paused plans to begin buying cryptocurrency following pushback from the exchange, one person said. JPX reportedly warned that companies pursuing large-scale crypto purchases could face restrictions on future fundraising. While JPX has no explicit ban against listed entities accumulating crypto, it said it is  monitoring companies that pose governance and risk concerns , with the aim of saf...

Coinbase Global Inc.  has called off its planned  US$2 billion acquisition of BVNK , a UK-based stablecoin infrastructure startup, ending what could have been one of the crypto industry’s biggest M&A deals this year. “After discussing a potential acquisition of BVNK, both parties mutually agreed to not move forward,” a Coinbase spokesperson said in a statement.  BVNK did not immediately comment. Key Takeaways 1. A high-profile deal that fizzled out Talks between  Coinbase  and  BVNK  had reached an advanced stage, with both sides expecting to finalize the deal by year-end or early 2026. The decision to walk away marks a  rare pullback  for Coinbase, which has aggressively expanded into new verticals such as  stablecoins and global payments . 2. Coinbase’s venture arm already has skin in the game Even without the acquisition,  Coinbase Ventures  remains an investor in BVNK. The startup provides key  stablecoin infrastru...

Laos plans to  cut electricity supply to cryptocurrency miners by the first quarter of 2026 , as the government shifts focus to industries that generate greater economic value such as  artificial intelligence (AI) data centres, electric vehicles (EVs), and metals refining , Deputy Energy Minister  Chanthaboun Soukaloun  told Reuters. From Crypto Haven to Industrial Hub Once a magnet for crypto miners due to its  abundant and low-cost hydropower , Laos saw a surge in mining activity after a 2021 policy shift allowed crypto operations. At its peak in 2021–2022, miners consumed around  500 megawatts (MW)  of power. However, the government has since scaled back supply to roughly  150 MW , a 70% reduction. Soukaloun said the crypto industry contributes little to local employment or value chains, and that  “crypto doesn’t create value compared to supplying it to industrial or commercial consumers.” He added that Laos initially planned to halt elect...

First-of-Its-Kind Integration with GrabPay SINGAPORE (Sept 30): Cryptocurrency exchange  OKX  has rolled out a new service that allows its customers to pay with  stablecoins  at merchants on Grab’s payment platform,  GrabPay , marking a first for the city-state. The service, called  OKX Pay , lets users make payments in  USDC or USDT , which are then automatically converted into  StraitsX’s XSGD  — a Singapore dollar-backed stablecoin. Merchants ultimately receive the amount in  Singapore dollars , ensuring a seamless experience on their end. Growing Stablecoin Adoption in Singapore The move underscores Singapore’s growing role as a hub for  digital asset innovation  and signals increasing mainstream acceptance of blockchain-based payments. Stablecoins, pegged to fiat currencies, are gaining traction globally for their  low transaction costs  and  fast settlement speeds . Earlier this year,  Metro department...

 Draft Legislation Targets Digital Asset Platforms Australia unveiled draft legislation on Thursday that would impose  penalties of up to 10% of annual turnover  on digital asset platform operators that breach proposed licensing rules. The plan marks one of the most significant regulatory steps yet for the country’s fast-growing crypto industry. Licensing and Penalties Under the new framework, crypto exchanges and custody providers will be required to hold an  Australian Financial Services License (AFSL) . Licensed firms that fail to act  “honestly and fairly” , or that engage in  misleading conduct or unfair contract terms , could face the greater of: A  A$16.5 million (US$10.9 million)  fine Three times  the benefit obtained Or  10% of annual turnover Platforms handling  less than A$5,000 per customer  and facilitating  under A$10 million annually  would be exempt. Extending Consumer Protections Treasury said the dr...

  Global Markets Indices:  Dow -0.02%, S&P 500 +0.03% (3rd straight record close), Nasdaq -0.01% Drivers:  Hotter-than-expected July PPI showed the largest jump in US services costs since Mar 2022, trimming odds of a larger September Fed rate cut to 90%. Jobless claims fell, indicating labour market strength. Yields:  US 10Y Treasury at 4.29% as stronger inflation data pressured bonds. Notable Stock Move:  Intel +7.38% on reports of potential Trump administration investment to fund Ohio chip plants, part of efforts to boost domestic semiconductor output. Malaysia Market Macro:  USD/MYR +50 pips to 4.2125; MGS 10Y steady at 3.48% KLCI:  1,581.05 (-5.55 pts) on profit-taking after recent gains. Sector Performance:  Gainers – Property (+0.39%), Energy (+0.25%), Telecommunications (+0.11%); Laggards – Transportation (-1.11%), Technology (-0.86%), Consumer (-0.77%). Trade in Focus ECOWLD (8206.MY):  Jumped to RM2.17 (highest since 2014) with v...

Bitcoin has broken through the  US$120K mark , hitting a record high of  US$121,344  — a 30% rally since December, fueled by: ✅ Fresh optimism after Trump’s re-election ✅ Strong inflows into spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs ✅ Over US$1B in short positions liquidated last week ✅ Anticipation for “Crypto Week” in US Congress, with possible pro-crypto legislation on the table “This shift signals Bitcoin is no longer just speculative — it’s becoming a macro hedge,” said George Mandres from XBTO Trading. Still, not everyone’s convinced. Nansen’s Nicolai Sondergaard sees this as an  isolated event , not a full macro-driven rally. But even he admits the current policy backdrop is  favorable for Bitcoin . BTC is up 30% YTD. Gold is steady. Stocks are near highs. Risk-on mood is back.

Bitcoin is on fire.  The world’s largest cryptocurrency blasted past  $116,000 , triggering massive short liquidations and a fresh wave of bullish bets in the options market — many targeting  $120K ,  $140K , and even  $150K  by year-end. According to Deribit data,  open interest is clustering around key strike prices , showing growing confidence in the rally’s sustainability. Traders are snapping up long-dated calls expiring in  September and December  — with some clearly betting on  institutional adoption to deepen . Key Drivers Behind the Surge ✅  Institutional demand  continues to rise, especially from newly formed crypto treasury companies aiming to load Bitcoin onto balance sheets. ✅  Bullish options activity  with funding rates in perpetual futures staying firmly positive. ✅  Political tailwinds  as President Trump’s pro-crypto stance energizes traders ahead of "Crypto Week" in Congress. ✅  Macro...

  Bitcoin’s Rally Stalls Amid Market Uncertainty Bitcoin (BTC/USD) hit an all-time high of $109,225 on Jan. 20  following Trump’s inauguration, fueled by  hopes of deregulation and a U.S. bitcoin reserve . Since then,  BTC has fallen over 20%  to  $87,080 , with a  7.3% drop on Tuesday alone . Support levels now sit at $70,000 - $75,000 , according to market analysts. What’s Driving the Decline? Regulatory Uncertainty: Optimism over a  Trump-led pro-crypto environment  has been priced in, but  no concrete policy changes have materialized . A  crypto working group  has been formed but won’t submit recommendations for  another 180 days . Scandals & Hacks: Argentina’s President Javier Milei  faced backlash after a meme coin he promoted,  Libra , crashed. Bybit, a top crypto exchange, suffered a $1.4 billion hack , raising security concerns. Trump’s Trade Policies & Inflation Fears: New tariff threats —especi...

GameStop Corp. (GME) surged over 7% in after-hours trading  amid reports that the  meme-stock pioneer is considering a Bitcoin investment , potentially marking a new chapter for the retailer in the booming cryptocurrency market. 📰 Key Highlights 🔹  GameStop is exploring investments in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies , according to sources cited by CNBC. 🔹 The stock initially jumped  16% in extended trading  before settling at a  7% gain . 🔹 Speculation intensified after  CEO Ryan Cohen posted a photo with Bitcoin advocate Michael Saylor  (Strategy’s Executive Chair) on social media earlier this week. 💬  GameStop has not officially commented  on the reported plans, but the market response underscores investor excitement. 💰 Why Bitcoin? 🔹  Crypto adoption is accelerating , especially with the  pro-crypto Trump administration . 🔹  Coinbase and Robinhood  recently posted  strong earnings fueled by crypto t...

Coinbase Global Inc. announced a record-breaking 2024, with revenue doubling to $6.6 billion , but despite surpassing Wall Street expectations, its  stock fell 1.5% in after-hours trading . 📊 Coinbase’s Impressive Q4 Results 🔹  Q4 revenue:   $2.3 billion  (vs. $1.8 billion expected), up  88% from Q3 . 🔹  Transaction revenue:   $1.6 billion , driven by higher crypto prices. 🔹  Subscription and services revenue:   $641 million  (exceeding guidance of $505M–$580M). 🔹  Full-year 2024 revenue:   $6.6 billion  (up from $2.93 billion in 2023). 💬  Coinbase:   "Crypto’s voice was heard in the U.S. elections, and regulatory headwinds are easing as the Trump administration pushes to make the U.S. the global crypto hub." 🚀 Market Reaction & Outlook 📉  Despite strong earnings, Coinbase shares dipped 1.5% in extended trading , though the stock is  up 112% over the past 12 months , compared to the S&P ...