Tag: Federal Reserve

  • Wall Street Rises as Oil Prices Drop and Amazon Hits $3 Trillion Market Cap

    Wall Street Rises as Oil Prices Drop and Amazon Hits $3 Trillion Market Cap

    Wall Street opened August with broad gains on Monday as lower oil prices eased pressure across major sectors. Investors responded to signs that Washington may avoid fresh strikes against Iran, though Tehran denied that formal talks had started.

    The Dow led the early advance, while the S&P 500 and NASDAQ also moved higher. Amazon reached a $3 trillion market value. Investors also reviewed strong manufacturing data and prepared for a busy earnings week.

    Oil Slide Lifts Wall Street Sentiment

    The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 604.70 points, or 1.15%, to 53,089 at 9:35 a.m. ET. The S&P 500 gained 1.2% to 7,585. The NASDAQ Composite added 1.97% to 25,872.

    Seven of the 11 S&P 500 sectors traded higher, with communication services leading. Energy shares lagged as crude prices fell. Advancing stocks outnumbered decliners by 1.89-to-1 on the NYSE and 1.49-to-1 on NASDAQ, showing broad early participation.

    President Donald Trump said planned talks would address Iran and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. He also canceled a planned attack on Iran. Tehran rejected his account and said no talks or meetings were scheduled. Brent crude fell 5% to below $84 per barrel. West Texas Intermediate dropped 6.1% to below $80.

    Amazon Reaches $3 Trillion Value

    Amazon shares climbed 5% in early trading, pushing the company’s market value above $3 trillion. The move followed its latest earnings report and extended gains from the previous week. Most large technology and growth stocks also advanced during the opening session.

    Software stocks supported the technology sector, with Microsoft and Salesforce moving higher. Chipmakers moved in the opposite direction. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index fell 2.8% after a difficult July. Micron also dropped 3.4% after a report said China’s CXMT may build another memory-chip plant in Beijing.

    Earnings Calendar Draws Attention

    SpaceX will release its first quarterly results since its public listing on Tuesday. Its shares rose nearly 3% to trade near 111.57 at press time. Investors will track Starlink growth, launch revenue, and updates on the Starship program. Other technology companies reporting this week include Palantir, AMD, SanDisk, and Western Digital.

    “The on-again, off-again nature of US-Iran diplomacy could mean earnings and jobs data will have to do the heavy lifting for the bulls this week,” said Chris Larkin of E*TRADE. Company reports will also shape trading after July’s volatility around artificial intelligence spending, interest rates, and the Middle East conflict.

    Drug Merger Report Moves Shares

    Bristol Myers Squibb gained 1.5% after reports of preliminary merger discussions with AstraZeneca. A possible combination could create a pharmaceutical company worth nearly $400 billion. Reuters could not confirm whether the discussions remained active.

    Both companies hold large cancer-drug businesses, which could draw close regulatory review. Oncology products generated more than 40% of Bristol Myers’ sales during the first half of 2026. AstraZeneca also receives a large share of its revenue from cancer treatments.

    Factory Data and Fed Policy in Focus

    US manufacturing activity rose to its highest level since May 2022. The ISM manufacturing index reached 55.6 in July, up from 53.3 in June. Economists expected a reading of 54.0. Factory employment rose to 52.8, its first expansion reading in 33 months. Input prices eased to 71.1 but stayed elevated.

    New York Fed President John Williams said he expects inflation to cool during the second half of 2026. He said current interest-rate policy remains ‘well positioned.’ However, he said the Fed could raise rates if inflation fails to move toward 2%. The central bank kept its target range at 3.50% to 3.75% last week. Investors will next review several labor reports, including Friday’s nonfarm payrolls release.

    Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always conduct your own research before making financial decisions.

  • Bitcoin Holds Above $63,800 Amid Coldcard Flaw, ETF Outflows, and Hawkish Fed

    Bitcoin Holds Above $63,800 Amid Coldcard Flaw, ETF Outflows, and Hawkish Fed

    Bitcoin traded near $63,812.96 on Tuesday, up 1.73% over the past 24 hours, as the market absorbed a mix of bearish headwinds and resilient price action. The token shrugged off a choppy start to August, with ETF outflows, a Coldcard hardware wallet firmware bug, and a hawkish Federal Reserve hold keeping sentiment cautious.

    Spot Bitcoin ETFs ended a three-week inflow streak with $61.53 million in net outflows for the week ending July 31, led by a sharp single-day withdrawal from BlackRock’s IBIT fund. Meanwhile, a firmware flaw linked to Coldcard wallets has been tied to nearly $70 million in stolen Bitcoin this month, prompting emergency firmware updates and warnings that affected holders must generate fresh recovery phrases.

    The Federal Reserve held rates steady but with a 9-3 vote split as three officials favored an increase, lifting September rate hike odds above 60%. The CLARITY Act remains stalled on the Senate calendar ahead of the August recess, with Democrats pushing for tougher ethics language. Traders now watch Friday’s jobs report for fresh direction.

    Bitcoin Price Today

    Bitcoin’s market cap stands near $1.28 trillion, with 24-hour trading volume at $26.81 billion. Analysts highlight $65,000 as key resistance, with support at $62,300 and $60,000 below.

    Analyst Insights

    Akshat Siddhant, Lead Quant Analyst at Mudrex: Bitcoin traded in the $63,000-$64,000 range amid growing macro uncertainty. A stronger yen, backed by an estimated $59 billion in intervention, has sped up carry trade unwinding. Strategy sold 1,638 BTC, its second largest sale this year. Bitcoin needs to reclaim $65,000 to lift sentiment, while $60,000 stands as major support.

    CoinSwitch Markets Desk: BTC approached $64,000 after the ISM Manufacturing PMI rose to 55.6, its highest since 2022. Sustained readings above 55 have historically coincided with strong altcoin performance. Near term, $64,000 is resistance, $63,000 is key support.

    Riya Sehgal, Research Analyst at Delta Exchange: Bitcoin holds between $63,500 and $64,000. Stronger US manufacturing data strengthens the case for the Fed to stay tight. Bitcoin needs to break and hold above $64,250 to improve momentum. Support at $62,300. ETH defends $1,820-$1,845 zone.

    Vikram Subburaj, CEO of Giottus: Bitcoin near $63,700, up 0.9%. Lower oil prices and improving global risk sentiment support the market. Weak spot demand and inconsistent ETF flows cap the recovery. Resistance at $64,000-$64,100.

    Nischal Shetty, founder of WazirX: Bitcoin gained 0.47% to around $63,602. Ethereum rose 0.34%. American Bitcoin reported record quarterly production of 932 BTC. Bitcoin futures traders watch $63,750-$64,300 recovery zone, with $63,000 as nearest support.

    Top 10 Coins at a Glance

    Biggest Gainers: Hyperliquid (+4.03%), BNB (+1%), TRON (+1%). Hyperliquid led major gainers with a daily jump, extending its strong weekly run. BNB and TRON also posted solid gains.

    Biggest Losers: Stablecoins (Tether, USDC) barely moved. Ethereum and Solana posted modest gains.

    Key Headlines Impacting Prices

    • Coldcard Firmware Flaw: A firmware bug drained nearly $70 million in Bitcoin. CEO Rodolfo Novak apologized. Emergency firmware rolled out, but affected users must generate new recovery phrases.
    • Bitcoin ETFs Snap Inflow Streak: $61.53 million in net outflows for week ending July 31. Spot Ether ETFs extended their four-week inflow streak with $27.42 million.
    • Fed Holds Rates: 9-3 vote split with three officials favoring a hike. September rate hike odds above 60%.
    • CLARITY Act Stalled: Senate recess deadline narrows legislative window. Democrats push for ethics language.
    • Strategy Sells 1,638 BTC: Second largest sale this year, adding selling pressure.
    • ISM Manufacturing PMI: Rose to 55.6 in July, highest since 2022, reducing expectations of near-term Fed cuts.

    Market Outlook

    Bitcoin holds above $63,800 as traders weigh ETF outflows, a hawkish Fed, and stalled legislation. A close above $64,250 could open a path to $65,000 resistance. A slip below $62,300 risks exposing $60,000. Next moves hinge on ETF flows, Fed rate signals, and Friday’s jobs report. The Senate recess deadline and upcoming inflation data are key catalysts.

  • Ethereum Price Drops to $1,866 as Liquidations Mount and Key Support Level Nears

    Ethereum Price Drops to $1,866 as Liquidations Mount and Key Support Level Nears

    Ethereum traded near $1,866 during the latest session, falling 1.14% over 24 hours. The decline came as the wider crypto market lost about 1.15%. Bitcoin also fell, showing that traders reduced exposure across major digital assets. Ethereum-specific selling and leveraged liquidations added pressure during the same period.

    Why Ethereum Is Down Today

    The main pressure came from a broader risk-off move after two major central bank decisions. The Federal Reserve held rates at 3.50% to 3.75% on July 29. However, three policymakers supported a quarter-point increase. This split kept rate expectations uncertain and pushed traders toward defensive positions across risk assets.

    The Bank of Japan also held its policy rate at 1% on July 31. Its communication left room for further increases as inflation pressures continued.

    Meanwhile, Middle East tensions kept energy and inflation risks in focus. Bond yields rose during July as markets reduced expectations for easier monetary policy. Ethereum moved alongside Bitcoin during the decline. This price link points to macro conditions as the main driver, rather than one Ethereum network event.

    ETH Sale and USDT Enforcement Enter Focus

    Quantum Solutions disclosed that its subsidiary sold 1,000 ETH on July 30. The company received $1.903 million after transaction costs. The sale price stood at $1,903 per ETH. Quantum Solutions said it needed funds for its artificial intelligence infrastructure and data centre plans.

    The company held 4,764.80 ETH after the transaction. It also raised its permitted sale limit from 1,875 ETH to 4,375 ETH. That change leaves room for another 2,471 ETH in sales through October 30. However, the filing did not connect the transaction directly to Ethereum’s wider decline.

    Separately, US authorities continued civil forfeiture actions involving stablecoins linked to alleged investment scams. The Justice Department recently announced cryptocurrency seizures exceeding $25 million across five investigations.

    Court records also show that one related complaint sought the forfeiture of about 10.4 million USDT. Authorities linked the wider cases to alleged international fraud and money-laundering networks.

    Reported derivatives data showed $120.41 million in ETH liquidations. Long positions accounted for most of the closed trades. Forced closures can deepen short declines as exchanges sell positions after margin levels fail. They can also reduce open interest after an overcrowded trade.

    Ethereum Price Levels Traders Are Watching

    Ethereum now sits near a key technical area. The 50-day exponential moving average stands near $1,845 and offers the nearest support. A daily close above that level could keep ETH inside its recent range. Buyers would then face resistance around $1,879 and $1,920.

    A close below $1,845 would expose the $1,800 to $1,820 zone. Another support level sits near $1,839 within the short-term trading range. Momentum readings also show weak conditions. The relative strength index stood near 37.85, while ETH traded below its 50-day and 200-day averages.

    Spot Ethereum ETF inflows offer a counterweight to direct market sales. Continued inflows would show that regulated investment products still attract demand.

    Viktoras Karapetjanc said, “If spot inflows persist and ETH reclaims $1,879, buyers could quickly regain control in the coming sessions.” The next scheduled US employment report arrives on August 7. Its wage, hiring and unemployment figures could change expectations for Federal Reserve policy.

  • Wall Street Rises as Amazon’s Cloud Surge Offsets Apple’s Weak Outlook After Earnings

    Wall Street Rises as Amazon’s Cloud Surge Offsets Apple’s Weak Outlook After Earnings

    US stocks moved higher on Friday as Amazon and semiconductor shares supported a second day of gains on Wall Street. The Nasdaq led the advance, while Apple’s sharp decline limited the broader technology rebound.

    The session followed several days of sharp market swings. Investors tracked technology earnings, Federal Reserve policy, higher oil prices, and tensions involving Iran. Markets also assessed whether cloud revenue could support heavy artificial intelligence spending.

    Wall Street Opens Higher on Tech Strength

    The Nasdaq Composite gained 0.87% at the opening bell and reached 25,340.71. The S&P 500 added 0.33% to 7,462.13. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.05% to 52,235.03. Amazon’s earnings rally provided the main support for the technology-heavy Nasdaq.

    Semiconductor shares also extended Thursday’s rebound. Micron and AMD ranked among the stronger chip stocks during early trading. Microsoft had already lifted the technology sector on Thursday after reporting stronger Azure cloud growth. Its results eased some concerns about large AI infrastructure budgets.

    Amazon Rallies After Faster AWS Growth

    Amazon shares climbed about 13% during Friday’s early session. The company reported second-quarter revenue of $200.6 billion. Amazon Web Services sales rose 37% from one year earlier to $42.2 billion. That marked the cloud division’s fastest growth in 18 quarters.

    The cloud result supported Amazon’s spending plans. Amazon raised its projected 2026 capital expenditure to $220 billion from $200 billion. The company plans to direct much of that money toward data centres, chips, robotics, and other technology. Amazon also reported demand that exceeded its available computing capacity.

    Apple Drops After Weak Sales Forecast

    Apple shares fell almost 9% despite beating quarterly profit and revenue forecasts. Fiscal third-quarter revenue increased 16% to $109.42 billion. Net income reached $29.79 billion, while earnings rose to $2.02 per share. Strong iPhone and Mac sales supported the quarter.

    However, Apple forecast revenue growth of 9% to 11% for the current quarter. Analysts had expected growth of about 12%. Apple cited supply limits tied to advanced chips and memory components. Services revenue rose 12% to $30.7 billion but missed the $31.4 billion analyst estimate.

    Labor Costs Add to Rate Questions

    Meanwhile, the Employment Cost Index rose 0.9% during the second quarter. Wages and salaries increased 0.9%, while benefit costs rose 1%. Compensation costs increased 3.4% during the 12 months ending in June.

    The quarterly increase came in slightly above the 0.8% market estimate. Treasury yields moved higher after the report as traders reviewed the outlook for interest rates. The data followed another week of debate over inflation, labor costs, oil prices, and future Federal Reserve decisions.

    Equity Funds Return to US Stocks

    Investors added a net $11.83 billion to US equity funds during the week ending July 29. The inflow ended two straight weeks of withdrawals. Large-cap funds attracted $11.57 billion, their strongest weekly net purchase since June 24.

    Technology funds received $4.9 billion, while financial funds added $1.96 billion. Mid-cap funds recorded $2.29 billion in outflows. Small-cap funds lost $196 million. UBS investment chief Mark Haefele said, “We remain constructive on the AI growth story.”

    Texas Stock Exchange Completes Rollout

    The Texas Stock Exchange expanded trading to all National Market System securities on Friday. The Dallas-based exchange started live trading in a small group of securities on July 10. It then added thousands of symbols through a staged rollout during July.

    TXSE now competes for trading activity with established Wall Street venues, including Nasdaq and the New York Stock Exchange. The exchange operates premarket, regular, and post-market sessions. It plans to start exchange-traded product listings in September and corporate listings in October.

    Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Readers are responsible for conducting their own research before making any investment decisions.

  • Gold Price Today: MCX Gold Falls 0.57% to Rs 1,42,413 as Profit Booking and Stronger Dollar Weigh

    Gold Price Today: MCX Gold Falls 0.57% to Rs 1,42,413 as Profit Booking and Stronger Dollar Weigh

    Gold prices on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) declined on July 31, as profit booking and a stronger US dollar weighed on the precious metal. August gold futures fell 0.57% to Rs 1,42,413 per 10 grams. September silver futures also declined by 0.53% to Rs 2,18,805.

    In the international market, spot gold dropped 0.6% to $4,076.53 per ounce, while US gold futures for August delivery lost 0.4% to $4,074.20. Spot silver fell 0.8% to $58.48 per ounce, platinum slid 1.7% to $1,631.77, and palladium declined 0.8% to $1,294.

    Crude oil prices also edged lower, with Brent crude futures falling 0.98% to $88.16 per barrel and US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) declining 1.47% to $82.36 per barrel.

    According to the CME FedWatch Tool, traders now see a 63% probability of a rate hike by the US Federal Reserve in September. This expectation, combined with a stronger dollar and escalating tensions in the Middle East, has injected volatility into the precious metals market.

    Despite the daily decline, gold has found support around the $4,000 level, attracting buyers on dips. “Gold is showing a mild negative bias today amid profit-taking and a moderate bounce in the US dollar, following the metal’s gains yesterday,” said Tim Waterer, chief market analyst at KCM Trade. He added that gold has had a better run this month, with key support near $4,000.

    Key Levels to Watch

    Internationally, gold has support at $4,064 and $4,020, with resistance at $4,120 and $4,155 per troy ounce. Silver has support at $58.20 and $57.70, with resistance at $59.80 and $60.60 per troy ounce.

    On MCX, gold has support at Rs 1,42,400 and Rs 1,41,750, with resistance at Rs 1,44,000 and Rs 1,45,100. Silver has support at Rs 2,17,700 and Rs 2,16,000, with resistance at Rs 2,22,200 and Rs 2,24,500.

    Domestic and US Gold Prices

    In India, 24K gold rose by Rs 27 to Rs 1,44,600 per 10 grams, while 22K gold advanced by Rs 25 to Rs 1,32,550. Prices in Mumbai and Kolkata were at Rs 1,44,600, Delhi at Rs 1,44,750, and Chennai at Rs 1,44,600.

    US gold prices found support from bargain buying near the $4,000 level, as investors weighed Middle East developments and their impact on the US rate outlook.

  • Crypto Market Update: Bitcoin Steadies at $64,283 as BNB and Hyperliquid Lead Altcoin Gains

    Crypto Market Update: Bitcoin Steadies at $64,283 as BNB and Hyperliquid Lead Altcoin Gains

    Bitcoin held near $64,283 on Friday, maintaining a narrow range after a choppy week. The leading cryptocurrency edged up 0.66% as spot Bitcoin ETF inflows snapped a four-session outflow streak on July 29, bringing some relief to a market that had been under pressure from Federal Reserve positioning and regulatory uncertainty.

    Among altcoins, BNB and Hyperliquid (HYPE) posted the strongest gains, rising over 3% each and outpacing Bitcoin’s steadier pace. The broader market remains cautious, with the CLARITY Act still stalled in the Senate and traders eyeing Friday’s month-end close for directional cues.

    Bitcoin Price Today

    Bitcoin trades at $64,283.69, up 0.66% over the past 24 hours, according to CoinMarketCap data. Its market cap stands near $1.28 trillion, with 24-hour trading volume reaching $26.82 billion. Price action continues to be driven by ETF flow trends and the Fed’s rate outlook.

    Analyst Insights: Bitcoin Needs $65,000 to Confirm Recovery

    Akshat Siddhant, Lead Quant Analyst at Mudrex, noted that Bitcoin is trading near $64,500 but has failed to sustain a move above the $65,000 resistance level. Softer US PCE inflation data, which eased to 3.7% this week—the first monthly decline since 2020—has not yet triggered strong buying participation. Spot Bitcoin ETFs are on track for their weakest monthly inflows on record, with July inflows near just $205 million. Spot trading volumes on major exchanges have fallen nearly 85% year on year. Seasonality also remains a concern, as Bitcoin has posted negative returns in each of the past four Augusts. A close above $65,000 tonight could strengthen momentum, while the $63,000 zone stays key support.

    Technical Breakout Hinges on the $65,000 Zone

    Piyush Walke, Derivatives Research Analyst at Delta Exchange, observed that Bitcoin briefly climbed above $65,000 but failed to hold the breakout. A four-hour close above $64,700 to $65,000 is needed to confirm bullish momentum. Immediate support sits at $64,170, with the next zone between $62,700 and $63,350. Bollinger Bands on the daily chart continue narrowing, signaling that a volatility spike may be approaching. Ethereum needs to clear $1,935 for a move toward $1,950 to $1,980.

    Macro Correlation Keeps Sentiment Cautious

    Nischal Shetty, founder of WazirX, highlighted that crypto continues to trade under broader macro influence. Bitcoin now moves with a 67% correlation to equities and an even higher 93% correlation to gold, indicating that institutional capital increasingly treats crypto as a macro asset. Nearly $144.63 million in long positions were liquidated during the recent pullback. The Crypto Fear and Greed Index sits at 34, firmly in Fear territory. Franklin Templeton’s public support for the CLARITY Act reflects growing institutional demand. Bitcoin trades near $64,199, up 0.06%, while Ethereum sits at $1,901.73, down 0.50%. Support holds between $63,800 and $64,000, with resistance building near $65,000.

    Selective Altcoin Strength Emerges

    Vikram Subburaj, CEO of Giottus, placed Bitcoin near $64,350, broadly unchanged over 24 hours. Investors are weighing easing inflation against the Fed’s hawkish stance, with markets assigning roughly 65% odds of a September rate hike. Recent ETF outflows suggest institutional demand remains cautious. Bitcoin holds immediate support near $63,800 to $64,000, with resistance around $65,300 to $65,500. Large-cap altcoins mostly gained this week, led by BNB with a 2.3% rise, followed by modest XRP and Solana gains. TRON advanced 0.9%. Subburaj advises investors to avoid chasing short-term moves and to focus on staggered buying and disciplined position sizing.

    Crypto Prices Today: Top 10 Coins at a Glance

    Based on live CoinMarketCap data as of today’s session.

    Biggest Gainers: HYPE, BNB, XRP

    Hyperliquid led the top 10 board with a gain above 3%. BNB followed closely, extending its weekly rally past 4%. XRP also posted a steady gain as institutional demand for altcoins picked up pace.

    Biggest Losers: Mid-Cap DeFi Tokens Lag

    Stablecoins and a few mid-cap DeFi tokens stayed largely flat today. Names like Aave and Ethena continue to face thin liquidity, with cautious risk appetite keeping these tokens under pressure.

    Crypto News Today: Top Headlines Impacting Prices

    Regulatory developments and ETF flow data are steering sentiment across trading desks. Traders are weighing these signals against Strategy’s earnings shock and month-end positioning.

    Fed Holds Rates Steady With Three Dissents

    The Federal Reserve held its benchmark rate at 3.50%-3.75% on Wednesday, voting 9-3 for a fifth straight hold this year. Policymakers Hammack, Kashkari, and Logan dissented in favor of a hike. The split vote kept risk assets cautious ahead of September’s meeting.

    CLARITY Act Remains Stalled in the Senate

    The Digital Asset Market Clarity Act still sits on the Senate calendar with no floor vote scheduled. Trump reportedly approved updated ethics language, though Democratic support stays uncertain. The August 10 recess deadline looms as the last realistic window for 2026 passage.

    Bitcoin ETF Inflows Snap Outflow Streak

    US spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $32.1 million in net inflows on July 29, ending a four-session outflow run. BlackRock’s IBIT led with $89.8 million in fresh inflows. July’s monthly net inflows now stand near $204.7 million, though 2026 remains in deficit overall.

    Morgan Stanley Expands Into Ethereum and Solana

    Morgan Stanley’s new Ethereum and Solana ETPs drew $33 million in combined inflows on their second trading day. MSOL captured all fresh Solana ETF inflows during the session. Low 0.14% fees give both products an early competitive edge.

    Strategy Reports $8.33 Billion Quarterly Loss

    Strategy posted an $8.33 billion operating loss for the second quarter, driven largely by unrealized losses on its Bitcoin holdings. The company’s Bitcoin treasury strategy remains under scrutiny from investors, and corporate crypto exposure is facing renewed market attention.

    Hungary Grants First MiCA License to Local Exchange

    Hungary repealed its mandatory third-party validation rule for crypto conversions this week. Regulators separately granted CoinCash operator Tiwala Solutions the country’s first MiCA license, covering custody, exchange, and portfolio management services—a fresh regulatory milestone across the European market.

    Investor and Market Outlook

    Bitcoin holds near $64,283 as traders weigh returning ETF inflows against a stalled CLARITY Act. A close above $65,300 could open a path toward stronger $66,700 resistance. A slip below $63,800 risks exposing deeper support closer to $62,700. BNB and Hyperliquid remain the most sensitive names to shifts in institutional risk appetite. Ethereum trades near $1,904, holding steady after a volatile week. The Senate’s August 10 deadline stands as this month’s defining catalyst.

    FAQs

    What is the Bitcoin price today?

    Bitcoin trades near $64,283.69, up 0.66% over the past 24 hours. It holds steady after ETF inflows returned this week. Support sits near $63,800, while resistance builds between $65,300 and $66,700 through coming sessions.

    Why are BNB and Hyperliquid outperforming today?

    BNB and Hyperliquid both posted gains above 3% today, outpacing Bitcoin’s steadier move. Renewed institutional interest and stronger weekly momentum are driving demand toward these two large-cap altcoins.

    What is the biggest crypto news today?

    The CLARITY Act’s stalled Senate progress and Strategy’s $8.33 billion quarterly loss are shaping sentiment. Morgan Stanley’s new Ethereum and Solana ETP launch adds a contrasting institutional growth signal this week.

    Which coins are performing best today?

    Hyperliquid and BNB lead gains with rises above 3%, followed by XRP with a steady climb. Mid-cap DeFi tokens including Aave and Ethena remain under pressure.

    What should investors watch this week?

    Track Friday’s month-end close, the CLARITY Act’s August 10 deadline, and Bitcoin ETF flow trends closely. September Fed rate expectations could also shift near-term positioning meaningfully across the broader crypto market.

  • Indian Stock Market Ends Mixed: Sensex Rises 274 Points, Nifty Holds Above 24,300, Bank Nifty Slips

    Indian Stock Market Ends Mixed: Sensex Rises 274 Points, Nifty Holds Above 24,300, Bank Nifty Slips

    The Indian stock market ended on a mixed note on Thursday, following a positive session the previous day. Despite weak global cues, the benchmark indices showed resilience, with the Sensex rising 273.55 points (0.35%) to close at 77,928.15, and the Nifty 50 gaining 0.27% to finish above the 24,300 mark at 24,317.15. However, the Bank Nifty declined by 58.40 points (0.10%) to settle at 57,147.50, while the India VIX rose by 1.23%.

    Market sentiment was influenced by the US Federal Reserve’s decision to hold interest rates at 3.50%-3.75%, which led to cautious trading. Additionally, rising oil prices—driven by US airstrikes against Iran and the ongoing Middle East tensions—added to investor uncertainty. Brent crude futures gained 1.5% to $92.10 per barrel, and US West Texas Intermediate futures advanced 0.9% to $85.23 per barrel.

    Top Gainers and Losers

    Selective buying was observed in automobile, mining, and manufacturing stocks. Mahindra & Mahindra emerged as the top gainer, rising 2.26%, followed by Maruti Suzuki, Coal India, Eicher Motors, and TVS Motor. On the downside, Adani Ports led the losses, falling 3.38%, while HDFC Life, Shriram Finance, Jio Financial Services, and SBI Life Insurance also traded lower as investors booked profits in financial and insurance stocks.

    Key Market Drivers

    The benchmarks rose on buying in select heavyweights, but mid- and small-cap segments witnessed profit booking after the Fed’s rate decision. Expectations are growing that the central bank may raise rates in September due to inflation risks from the Middle East conflict. Three out of 12 Fed policymakers voted in favor of a rate hike on July 29. The rupee closed at 95.68 per US dollar, little changed from the previous session’s 95.6475.

    Overall, the Indian stock market ended on a mixed note, with gains in auto and mining stocks supporting the indices, while persistent global uncertainties and geopolitical tensions kept investor sentiment cautious.

  • Microsoft Earnings Spark Wall Street Rally, Boosting AI and Chip Stocks

    Microsoft Earnings Spark Wall Street Rally, Boosting AI and Chip Stocks

    Wall Street staged a strong recovery on Thursday as robust earnings from Microsoft eased concerns about the profitability of heavy artificial intelligence investments. Technology and semiconductor shares led the rebound, lifting major indices after a sharp selloff in the previous session.

    The Dow Jones Industrial Average opened 1.01% higher, the S&P 500 gained 1.02%, and the NASDAQ Composite climbed 1.67%. The tech-heavy NASDAQ later advanced about 2% as Microsoft and chip stocks extended gains.

    Microsoft Leads Technology Stock Recovery

    Microsoft shares surged roughly 15% after the company reported better-than-expected earnings and revenue, driven by growth in its Azure cloud business. The results reassured investors that its massive AI spending could yield higher returns.

    Semiconductor stocks also rallied, with the iShares Semiconductor ETF rising more than 7%, making technology the strongest S&P 500 sector. Consumer discretionary stocks also posted gains.

    Meta Platforms bucked the trend, falling about 8% after issuing a softer revenue forecast and reporting a sharp decline in second-quarter free cash flow. The company also raised its expected AI infrastructure spending.

    Stephen Evans, Chief Investment Officer at Pave Finance, described the market reaction as “a tale of two AI investment strategies,” noting that one company increased profits while spending heavily, while another allowed costs to erode earnings.

    Economic Growth Slows in Second Quarter

    New data showed the U.S. economy expanded at a slower pace. Gross domestic product increased at a 1.5% annual rate in the second quarter, below the estimated 2% and down from 2.1% growth in the first quarter. The slowdown added pressure as investors weighed high borrowing costs, softer business activity, and shifting consumer demand.

    Jobless claims for the week ended July 25 came in at 197,000, below the expected 200,000 but up 9,000 from the prior week’s revised level. The data indicated that layoffs remained limited despite weaker growth, though investors continued to assess the impact on hiring, wages, and household spending.

    Inflation Keeps Federal Reserve Policy in Focus

    June’s Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index fell 0.1%, while the annual inflation rate stood at 3.7%, matching expectations but remaining above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target. Core PCE, which excludes food and energy, rose 0.1% month-over-month, with an annual rate of 3.3%, slightly below the expected 0.2% monthly increase.

    The data arrived a day after the Fed kept interest rates unchanged. Investors assessed whether slower growth and persistent inflation could influence the central bank’s September decision. Sameer Samana of Wells Fargo Investment Institute said the Fed “remains patient” and continues to monitor economic conditions, adding that September remains open for action if incoming data supports a policy change.

    Market Breadth Stays Narrow Despite Rally

    The rebound was not broad-based. Shortly after the open, only 243 companies in the S&P 500 traded higher, and only five of the index’s 11 sectors posted gains. Technology shares rose about 4%, while consumer discretionary stocks gained roughly 1.3%, indicating that a small group of large companies drove much of the advance.

    Bond yields remained in focus after the Fed decision. The 30-year Treasury yield held near levels last seen in 2007, after moving above 5.2%. Other yields changed little.

    Wall Street was recovering from Wednesday’s losses, when the Dow fell more than 1,100 points and the NASDAQ 100 entered correction territory. Amazon, Apple, and Coinbase were due to report after Thursday’s close.

  • Gold Prices Inch Higher on MCX as Fed Holds Rates; Brent Crude Slips Below $90

    Gold Prices Inch Higher on MCX as Fed Holds Rates; Brent Crude Slips Below $90

    Gold futures traded higher on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) on July 30, despite a stronger U.S. dollar and rising 10-year Treasury yields, after the U.S. Federal Reserve decided to keep interest rates unchanged. August gold futures rose 0.26% to Rs 1,42,150 per 10 grams. In contrast, September silver futures declined 0.59% to Rs 2,16,200, while Brent crude futures fell 1.14% to $89.71 per barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude also edged lower by 0.81% to $83.78 per barrel.

    According to the CME FedWatch Tool, market expectations for a September rate hike dropped to 63% from 81% before the Fed’s policy decision, reflecting a shift in sentiment after the central bank’s announcement.

    Domestic Gold Prices

    In the domestic spot market, 24-karat gold rose by Rs 82 to Rs 1,44,330 per 10 grams, while 22-karat gold advanced by Rs 75 to Rs 1,32,300. Prices remained consistent across major cities: Mumbai and Kolkata quoted Rs 1,44,330, Delhi Rs 1,44,480, and Chennai Rs 1,44,330.

    U.S. Gold Prices

    In the international market, gold prices edged higher on Thursday as investors assessed comments from Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh on inflation following the rate hold. Spot gold gained 0.3% to $4,076.29 per ounce, while U.S. gold futures for August delivery rose 1% to $4,073.60. Spot silver added 0.4% to $57.86 per ounce, palladium climbed 1.5% to $1,264.49, and platinum dipped 0.6% to $1,602.34.

    Key Levels to Watch

    Analysts noted that gold’s upward momentum was supported by a perceived lack of urgency from the Fed to raise rates. “I think the markets were surprised, and somewhat disappointed by Warsh and his general approach. He seemed kind of disengaged from the need to raise interest rates,” said Edward Meir, analyst at Marex. “The markets have gone up to fight inflation, but he doesn’t seem to be doing much, and so this has helped gold go up.”

    On MCX, gold is expected to find support at Rs 1,41,100 and Rs 1,40,400, with resistance at Rs 1,42,650 and Rs 1,43,300. Silver has support at Rs 2,15,500 and Rs 2,13,300, and resistance at Rs 2,20,000 and Rs 2,23,100.

  • Bitcoin Holds Near $63,900 as Fed Pause and CLARITY Act Delay Weigh on Market Sentiment

    Bitcoin Holds Near $63,900 as Fed Pause and CLARITY Act Delay Weigh on Market Sentiment

    Bitcoin traded near $63,903 on Thursday, holding steady after the Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged at 3.50%-3.75%. Three policymakers pushed for a quarter-point hike, keeping the tone from turning fully dovish. Ethereum, XRP, and Solana remained range-bound, while ETF outflows and a stalled CLARITY Act kept investors cautious.

    Bitcoin Price Today

    Bitcoin trades at $63,902.66, up 0.01% over the past 24 hours, with a market cap near $1.28 trillion and 24-hour trading volume of $28.33 billion. Price action remains tied to Fed guidance and shifting Bitcoin ETF flow trends.

    Analyst Insights

    Bitcoin Needs $65,000 to Confirm Recovery

    Akshat Siddhant, Lead Quant Analyst at Mudrex, noted that Bitcoin rebounded sharply to $64,700 after the Fed’s decision. US spot Bitcoin ETFs logged a fourth straight day of outflows totaling $526 million this week. Bitcoin now needs to reclaim $65,000 to confirm the recovery, with $63,000 as key support ahead of Friday’s close.

    Fed Dissent Keeps September Hike Odds Alive

    Vikram Subburaj, CEO of Giottus, placed Bitcoin near $64,150 after the Fed’s steady hold. Markets now price roughly a 57% chance of a September hike. Institutional demand weakened, with spot Bitcoin ETFs recording combined outflows of nearly $526.5 million over four sessions. He advised staggering buying and waiting for Bitcoin to clear $66,700 with stronger spot demand.

    Futures Open Interest Hits Two-Month High

    The CoinSwitch Markets Desk reported that Bitcoin briefly moved above $64,000 after the Fed decision but dropped back as the Fed Chair held a firm line on inflation. Futures open interest climbed to a two-month high, and positive funding rates suggest many traders expect higher prices. Bitcoin needs to recover above $64,000 to improve momentum; a fall below $63,300 could trigger fresh selling pressure.

    CLARITY Act Momentum Offers Long-Term Support

    Nischal Shetty, founder of WazirX, said Bitcoin continues trading in a tight range. Developments around the CLARITY Act reinforce long-term adoption optimism. Geopolitical tensions and volatile oil prices keep risk assets on edge, while a softer dollar offers some support. Bitcoin gained 0.50% to $64,186, and Ethereum edged up 0.16% to $1,911.

    Oil Spike and Chip Selloff Add Pressure

    Piyush Walke, Derivatives Research Analyst at Delta Exchange, noted that the Fed’s steady hold met expectations, but equities sold off on hawkish dissent and a geopolitical shock. Bitcoin dipped near 1% to around $63,890. A selloff in Asian chip stocks and a sharp jump in oil prices added pressure. The $62,700-$63,000 zone marks Bitcoin’s first major demand area; a break lower could open a path toward $62,000.

    Crypto Prices Today: Top 10 Coins at a Glance

    Biggest Gainers: DOGE, XRP, BNB

    • Dogecoin led with a gain above 1.2%, extending its bounce from last week’s lows.
    • XRP and BNB also posted solid gains as the Fed’s steady hold eased near-term rate fears.

    Biggest Losers: HYPE, ENA, AAVE

    • Hyperliquid slipped over 1.5%, leading losses among the top 10 names.
    • Ethena and Aave dropped sharply, reflecting weaker demand across mid-cap DeFi tokens.

    Crypto News Today: Top Headlines Impacting Prices

    Fed Holds Rates Steady With Hawkish Dissent

    The Federal Reserve held its benchmark rate at 3.50%-3.75% on Wednesday, matching expectations. Three policymakers pushed for a quarter-point hike. Traders now price roughly 57% odds of a September increase, keeping risk assets cautious.

    SEC Chair Backs CLARITY Act Amid Senate Delay

    SEC Chairman Paul Atkins publicly backed the CLARITY Act, offering technical help. The bill remains stalled after Senate leadership prioritized other floor business. A vote before the August 7 recess now looks unlikely. Analysts say passage would be the year’s biggest regulatory catalyst.

    Bitcoin ETF Outflow Streak Extends to Four Sessions

    US spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded a fourth straight day of net outflows, totaling nearly $526 million. BlackRock’s IBIT product led redemptions. The streak follows a strong mid-July run that had briefly restored confidence.

    Ethereum ETFs Extend Inflow Streak to Third Week

    Ethereum spot ETFs bucked the trend, extending their inflow streak to a third straight week. Morgan Stanley also launched new Ethereum and Solana spot ETPs alongside staking-based funds, adding fresh institutional access points.

    Oil Price Spike Adds Fresh Macro Pressure

    Asian chip stocks sold off sharply, dragging risk sentiment lower. Oil prices jumped, with WTI and Brent crude climbing. Higher oil prices could feed into upcoming inflation readings, complicating the Fed’s rate path.

    Zcash Completes Ironwood Network Upgrade

    Zcash activated its Ironwood upgrade, phasing out a shielded pool flagged for security concerns. The upgrade strengthens privacy infrastructure, and Zcash has posted strong weekly gains, outperforming most large-cap tokens.

    Investor and Market Outlook

    Bitcoin holds near $63,903 as traders weigh the Fed’s steady hold against fragile ETF flows. A close above $66,700 could open a path toward $68,000 resistance. A slip below $62,700 risks exposing deeper support near $61,000. Ethereum trades near $1,900, holding steady after a volatile week. The CLARITY Act’s Senate timeline stands as this month’s defining catalyst for broader market direction.

    FAQs

    What is the Bitcoin price today?
    Bitcoin trades near $63,902.66, up 0.01% over the past 24 hours. Support sits near $62,700, while resistance builds between $65,000 and $66,700.

    Why is the Fed decision affecting crypto prices?
    The Fed held rates steady, but three policymakers pushed for a hike, keeping September rate-hike odds near 57% and pressuring Bitcoin and altcoins.

    What is the biggest crypto news today?
    The CLARITY Act’s stalled Senate progress and a fourth day of Bitcoin ETF outflows are shaping sentiment. Ethereum ETF inflows and Morgan Stanley’s new Solana ETP add a contrasting institutional signal.

    Which coins are performing best today?
    Dogecoin leads with a rise above 1.2%, followed by XRP and BNB. Hyperliquid, Ethena, and Aave post the sharpest losses.

    What should investors watch this week?
    Track Friday’s month-end close, the CLARITY Act’s Senate timeline, and Bitcoin ETF flow trends. GDP and PCE inflation data due soon could shift rate expectations.