Latest news with #DeFiTracker
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Can Bitcoin hit $250K? Mudrex CEO Edul Patel makes a case for long-term investing amid macro uncertainty
With Bitcoin hovering in the global spotlight, speculation around its future price continues to dominate market conversations. Can the world's most popular cryptocurrency really touch $250,000 in the near future? According to Edul Patel, CEO of crypto investing platform Mudrex, the answer isn't a simple yes or no—but there are strong arguments to believe in the long-term bullish case. Monetary Trends Favor Risk Assets In a panel discussion on ETMarkets Livestream, Patel explains that the current global macro setup is turning increasingly supportive of Bitcoin. 'We are seeing continuous growth in global monetary supply, with M2 hitting an all-time high,' he notes. Historically, such a rise has led to gradual inflows into risk assets like Bitcoin, unless checked by high interest rates. Crypto Tracker TOP COIN SETS Crypto Blue Chip - 5 2.24% Buy DeFi Tracker 0.21% Buy NFT & Metaverse Tracker -0.33% Buy AI Tracker -1.06% Buy Web3 Tracker -3.14% Buy TOP COINS (₹) BNB 55,172 ( -0.4% ) Buy Bitcoin 9,157,371 ( -0.49% ) Buy Ethereum 209,555 ( -0.54% ) Buy Solana 12,146 ( -1.39% ) Buy XRP 179 ( -4.03% ) Buy However, interest rates are now on a downward trajectory globally. 'Polymarket (world's largest prediction market) is already pricing in a 50–100 bps rate cut this year. Once the Fed joins the rate-cutting bandwagon, it could unlock further risk-on sentiment,' Patel explains. Did you Know? The world of cryptocurrencies is very dynamic. Prices can go up or down in a matter of seconds. Thus, having reliable answers to such questions is crucial for investors. View Details » Live Events Bitcoin Becomes Less Volatile as Others Wobble Interestingly, Bitcoin's own volatility has declined, even as global macro volatility has increased. This contrast, Patel says, is turning Bitcoin into a relatively less risky asset in a riskier world. "If investors want to deploy capital today, Bitcoin offers a compelling risk-reward trade-off," he adds. Moreover, unlike previous cycles driven by retail hype and altcoin speculation, this cycle is institution-led. 'Over $46 billion has already flowed into Bitcoin ETFs, taking their total AUM to $75 billion. If this continues, we could very well see another $150 billion flow in—not improbable at all,' Patel highlights. Geopolitical Headwinds Still Pose a Threat Despite the strong monetary backdrop, geopolitics remains a key overhang. Patel cautions that ongoing conflicts—whether in Ukraine, the Middle East, or other regions—are injecting uncertainty that pushes capital toward safer, non-risk assets. 'Right now, it's not the perfect setup for a massive Bitcoin rally. But if peace breaks out and oil prices drop, liquidity could return and boost crypto prices meaningfully,' he adds. AI, Tokenization & the Future of Crypto Commenting on emerging trends, Patel is optimistic about the intersection of AI and tokenization. 'AI bots are making traders smarter, while tokenization is expanding access to financial assets. We're seeing treasury bills, real estate, and even AI compute resources being tokenized,' he notes. Still, these developments are not directly driving Bitcoin prices. 'Tokenization benefits the broader crypto ecosystem, but Bitcoin continues to function in a separate lane—as digital gold or an alternative reserve currency,' he explains. SIP Mindset & Asset Allocation: A Timeless Strategy For investors looking to enter the space, Patel offers timeless advice: start small, invest regularly, and think long-term. 'I literally do a daily SIP of $10 into Bitcoin. That's the best way to build exposure without worrying about price swings,' he shares. He recommends allocating 3–5% of one's net wealth into crypto. 'Wealth creation is about recurring, steady investments. There are no shortcuts—only discipline,' he emphasizes. What Should Investors Do? While $250,000 may seem like a bold number, Patel argues it's not outlandish given the current monetary trends, institutional flows, and Bitcoin's growing role as a safe haven. However, near-term headwinds like geopolitical instability remain a hurdle. For investors, the takeaway is clear: focus on long-term participation, manage your exposure prudently, and avoid chasing speculative cycles. Whether Bitcoin hits $250K or not, the real value lies in disciplined investing.
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Bitcoin holds above $104k as Fed signals hawkish pause; Altcoins trade mixed
Cryptocurrencies traded with a slight negative bias on Thursday, as investors weighed the US Federal Reserve's latest interest rate decision and ongoing geopolitical tensions . As of 1:26 pm IST, Bitcoin was down 0.26% at $104,704, while Ethereum slipped 0.45% to $2,521. The global crypto market capitalisation declined by 0.3% to $3.25 trillion, according to CoinMarketCap . by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villa For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas in Dubai | Search ads Learn More Undo Among altcoins , BNB dropped 1%, Solana 1.7%, Dogecoin 0.6%, Cardano 2.6%, Hyperliquid 6%, Sui 2%, and Avalanche 4%. Tron rose 1%, Chainlink gained 0.5%, Uniswap added 3.5%, Pepe advanced 1%, while OKB jumped 7%. Crypto Tracker TOP COIN SETS Crypto Blue Chip - 5 -1.95% Buy DeFi Tracker -4.21% Buy AI Tracker -5.90% Buy NFT & Metaverse Tracker -8.66% Buy Web3 Tracker -9.01% Buy TOP COINS (₹) XRP 188 ( 0.88% ) Buy Ethereum 220,214 ( 0.76% ) Buy Bitcoin 9,107,680 ( 0.48% ) Buy BNB 55,992 ( -0.27% ) Buy Solana 12,666 ( -0.82% ) Buy 'Bitcoin is trading in a narrow range between $103,400 and $105,500 after the Fed held rates unchanged at 4.25%–4.50%, maintaining a hawkish tone due to inflation concerns,' said Edul Patel, Co-founder and CEO of Mudrex. Did you Know? The world of cryptocurrencies is very dynamic. Prices can go up or down in a matter of seconds. Thus, having reliable answers to such questions is crucial for investors. View Details » He added that Bitcoin continues to hold key support levels despite macroeconomic and geopolitical headwinds. 'Notably, Bitcoin ETFs have recorded eight straight days of inflows totalling over $2.2 billion, indicating strong institutional demand. If this momentum continues, Bitcoin could soon test the resistance at $106,500, while support is seen around $103,000.' Live Events Also Read: Will Bitcoin hit $1 million by 2030? 'Rich Dad Poor Dad' author Robert Kiyosaki thinks so Vikram Subburaj, CEO of Giottus, noted that while crypto markets reacted mildly to the Fed's decision, Bitcoin's tight price structure points to an imminent breakout. 'Ask-side liquidity is clustering above $106,000, with nearly $70 million in orders stacked around $106,500. A breakout past this level could trigger a short squeeze, targeting the $109,000–$110,000 zone. Recent bid absorption at $105,000 indicates bulls are still defending this level effectively,' he said. According to Riya Sehgal, Research Analyst at Delta Exchange, Ethereum continues to trade below key resistance and lacks near-term momentum. 'ETH is struggling below the $2,600 mark, with resistance in the $2,575–$2,625 zone. Trading below the 100-hour simple moving average, Ethereum risks a drop toward $2,320 if support fails.' On Bitcoin's outlook, she noted that the price is consolidating between $104,200 and $105,600, with resistance around $105,500. 'A breakout above $106,150 could push BTC toward the $108,800–$110,000 zone. However, the current structure of lower highs suggests bounce momentum is weak,' she added. Despite recent volatility, some analysts believe the market is stabilising. 'After a turbulent week, Bitcoin is holding firm above $100,000, showing resilience and forming a solid support base,' said Avinash Shekhar, Co-founder and CEO of Pi42. 'Ethereum has outperformed Bitcoin in the current geopolitical climate, fuelling early chatter of a potential altseason.' He added that Dogecoin is mirroring past bullish setups last seen in 2020, which preceded strong rallies. 'The Fed's decision to keep rates unchanged has helped calm market nerves. While questions remain about whether Bitcoin has peaked in this cycle, its ability to absorb volatility and defend key levels suggests that bullish sentiment, although cautious, still persists.'
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Stablecoins' m-cap surges to a record $251 billion
The total market capitalization of stablecoins surged to a record high on Wednesday, data showed, as the US Senate passed a bill to regulate the sector, a major step towards legitimising a once-niche but now fast-growing corner of the crypto market. According to CoinDesk data, the market capitalisation of stablecoins hit an all-time high of $251.7 billion, up 22% so far this year. Stablecoins are a type of cryptocurrency designed to maintain a constant value, usually via a 1:1 peg with the US dollar. They are commonly used by crypto traders to move funds between tokens. Their use has soared in recent years, and analysts expect the market to grow further once the US legislation has passed. Proponents say stablecoins could be used to send payments instantly, while others worry they will lead to closer ties between the crypto world and traditional financial markets. Crypto Tracker TOP COIN SETS Crypto Blue Chip - 5 -3.57% Buy AI Tracker -7.37% Buy DeFi Tracker -7.47% Buy NFT & Metaverse Tracker -9.47% Buy Web3 Tracker -9.79% Buy TOP COINS (₹) XRP 189 ( 0.87% ) Buy Ethereum 219,415 ( 0.63% ) Buy Bitcoin 9,094,091 ( 0.42% ) Buy Solana 12,751 ( -0.47% ) Buy BNB 55,835 ( -0.75% ) Buy If the US bill is signed into law, stablecoins would be required to be backed by liquid assets such as US dollars and short-term Treasury bills, and for issuers to publicly disclose the composition of their reserves on a monthly basis.
Time of India
18-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Bitcoin or Gold: What's the real safe haven during global crises?
As geopolitical tensions between Iran and Israel flare up, investors are turning to traditional safe-haven assets to shield their portfolios. At the centre of this flight to safety are two competing assets: gold, the age-old hedge, and Bitcoin, often dubbed 'digital gold.' But recent market behaviour raises a question—can Bitcoin truly rival gold in times of global stress? Gold prices have surged since tensions erupted, hitting record highs. On June 12, gold was priced at Rs 96,700 and touched Rs 1,01,078 by June 16. Although there was some profit booking later—with prices retreating to Rs 99,452 by June 18—the rally underscored investor preference for the tangible metal amid uncertainty. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 頭髮稀疏看起來老十歲！屈臣氏買的這個有效 KAMINOWA 了解更多 Undo This mirrors a broader trend. Central banks globally have been consistently adding gold to their reserves, reinforcing the metal's status as a defensive asset during crisis periods. Crypto Tracker TOP COIN SETS Crypto Blue Chip - 5 -5.23% Buy BTC 50 :: ETH 50 -6.22% Buy DeFi Tracker -12.62% Buy AI Tracker -13.86% Buy Web3 Tracker -14.03% Buy TOP COINS (₹) BNB 56,234 ( -0.91% ) Buy Bitcoin 9,064,720 ( -1.4% ) Buy Ethereum 218,718 ( -1.47% ) Buy XRP 186 ( -2.8% ) Buy Solana 12,734 ( -2.81% ) Buy 'Gold has long held its ground as a traditional safe haven during periods of geopolitical and economic uncertainty,' said Prasanna Pathak, Managing Partner at The Wealth Company. 'Its intrinsic value, limited supply, and global acceptance make it a go-to asset when investors seek refuge from volatility.' Did you Know? The world of cryptocurrencies is very dynamic. Prices can go up or down in a matter of seconds. Thus, having reliable answers to such questions is crucial for investors. View Details » Bitcoin, on the other hand, hasn't shown similar resilience. During the flare-up in the Middle East, Bitcoin fell from $109,000 on June 12 to $103,700 on June 17—wiping out nearly 5% in value. This mirrored the broader decline in risk assets such as equities, in stark contrast to gold's rally. Live Events A similar trend was observed during the Russia-Ukraine war in February 2022, when Bitcoin dropped from $45,000 to $35,000 in a matter of days. 'While Bitcoin has emerged as a digital alternative and has its merits in portfolio diversification, its behaviour during recent geopolitical tensions suggests that it still reacts more like a risk asset than a crisis hedge,' Pathak added. Despite its short-term volatility, some experts believe Bitcoin is beginning to carve out a longer-term role in modern portfolios. 'With institutional giants like BlackRock and Fidelity backing U.S. Bitcoin ETFs, and over $60 billion now held in these funds, Bitcoin is becoming a globally accessible store of value,' said Devika Mittal, Regional Head at Ava Labs. 'It's no longer just a speculative asset—it's earning a place in conversations around financial security.' Vugar Usi Zade of Bitget added, 'Bitcoin offers liquidity and insulation from government actions during crises, though its volatility remains higher than gold.' Safe haven or speculative asset? The recent geopolitical developments have rekindled the debate around which asset offers better protection during global crises. While gold has a long-established track record of stability in uncertain times, Bitcoin continues to evolve, drawing both interest and skepticism. Gold's consistent performance during recent market shocks reinforces its role as a dependable safe haven. Bitcoin, meanwhile, has shown potential but remains sensitive to investor sentiment and broader market volatility. As the global financial landscape shifts, both assets may continue to play distinct roles—gold as a traditional shield, and Bitcoin as a high-growth, alternative store of value with long-term promise.
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Why India's next 100 million traders will rise from Tier 2 & 3 cities
Dinesh Patil, a small business owner from Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, speaks the language of the stock market with ease, rattling off terms like stop loss, open position, index expiry, and call/put options. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Chau Phu B: Unsold Furniture Liquidation 2024 (Prices May Surprise You) Unsold Furniture | Search Ads Learn More Undo An active trader who tracks the markets closely and trades with his demat accounts, Dinesh represents a growing segment of individuals from non-metro cities who are embracing equity trading . Riding on the wave of growing retail participation, demat accounts in India, in all probability, are set to hit the 200-million mark in FY26. Crypto Tracker TOP COIN SETS BTC 50 :: ETH 50 -3.81% Buy Smart Contract Tracker -5.59% Buy DeFi Tracker -10.55% Buy Web3 Tracker -11.14% Buy NFT & Metaverse Tracker -12.56% Buy TOP COINS (₹) XRP 193 ( 2.51% ) Buy BNB 56,624 ( 0.54% ) Buy Bitcoin 9,209,519 ( 0.28% ) Buy Ethereum 222,310 ( -1.22% ) Buy Solana 13,185 ( -2.22% ) Buy The milestone is well within the reach given the fact that the total number of demat accounts increased to 192.4 million in FY25, registering a 27.1 percent increase. As India has emerged as the fourth largest economy surpassing Japan, capital markets are offering the much-needed platform to the retail traders to become a part of the India growth story. Did you Know? The world of cryptocurrencies is very dynamic. Prices can go up or down in a matter of seconds. Thus, having reliable answers to such questions is crucial for investors. View Details » Live Events Small cities, big numbers What makes the growth story even more compelling is that the tier-2 and tier-3 cities are driving the growth of the demat accounts. As per an estimate, tier-2 and tier-3 cities account for more than 50 percent of these new accounts and the average monthly additions stood at 3.42 million. As per the recent BSE data, share of the cities beyond top cities in the cash market turnover on BSE has increased from 18 percent to 32 percent between FY14 and FY24. According to the NSE data, as of April 11, 2025, the number of traders accounts exceeded 22 crore (220 million), with 2 crore accounts being added in just six months since October 2024. This surge is primarily driven by retail traders from Tier 2 and 3 cities. Moreover, individual participation in NSE's equity derivatives segment rose YoY from 16.5% in April 2024 to 26.4 percent in April 2025 — marking a sharp 900 basis points (or 9%) increase, indicating rising confidence and activity among retail traders, particularly from non-metro regions. Regions previously underrepresented in the investment domain are now emerging as significant contributors. The growth of active capital market participants in small towns - majorly young generations, working professionals, households and business owners and traders – underlines a definitive shift in the investment philosophy. It reflects the growing appetite for long-term financial planning and wealth creation and a stronger interest in equity markets over other conventional asset classes such as gold, real estate and fixed deposits. It was pretty clear long before that equity participation of the retail traders will grow stronger with time. The growth catalysts Multiple factors are driving the growth of retail traders in the non-metro cities. The key ones are easy availability of low-cost smartphones and cheap data, strong internet network, growing popularity of equity as asset class, financial literacy , disposable income, etc. What's particularly noteworthy is the widening traders base ranging from homemakers to small kirana shop owners. Many of them from cities like Raipur in Chhattisgarh, Kochi in Kerala, Ranga Reddy in Telangana, Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh, etc., invest regularly through SIPs and actively track market trends. Streamlined Know Your Customer processes have also reduced barriers to entry for new traders. Another important driver is the growing maturity of traders from these cities. Thanks to wider availability of knowledge-based content on capital markets on social media in regional languages and deeper geographical penetration of financial literacy initiatives undertaken by stock exchanges and market regulators, they now have a fair amount of understanding on the cyclicality of the markets and are more inclined towards seizing the trading opportunities. Digital platforms , local playbook Online stock broking platforms are also playing the role of a critical enabler by modifying their service models to cater to the unique needs of traders in Tier 2 and 3 cities. They focus on user-friendly digital platforms and localised customer support to bridge service gaps and offer tailored investment solutions in underserved markets. As a result, there has been a surge of new generation tech-savvy traders who are reshaping the trading landscape. There's a notable surge in assets under management for direct mutual fund plans, largely driven by these traders who prefer digital-first investment approaches. The access to capital markets is no longer limited to urban centres. A new wave of retail participation is rising from Tier 2 and 3 cities, powered by digital convenience, increasing awareness, and an aspiration for financial growth through equity investment and trading. India's unique investor base on NSE grew from 5.94 crore in FY22 to 11.38 crore by Apr '25—an increase of 91 percent in just 3 years. This explosive rise demonstrates deepening market inclusion, driven by digital platforms, vernacular content, and rising financial awareness across non-metro India. The small towns are no longer passive spectators as India's economic story unfolds. In fact, they are writing it and are part of it. The next 100 million traders will come not from Mumbai or Delhi, but from towns like Ranchi, Surat or Kozhikode where ambition meets access. The next 100 million traders will not just participate in markets; they will redefine them. Therefore, it is imperative for the policy makers in the government to pave the way for building the right infrastructure - digital, educational, and regulatory to support this wave. (The author, Gagan Singla is MD, Blinkx - JM Financial . Views are own)
