Tag: Federal Reserve

  • Gold Prices Slip 0.48% on MCX to ₹1,41,800 as US Dollar Strengthens; Key Support and Resistance Levels in Focus

    Gold Prices Slip 0.48% on MCX to ₹1,41,800 as US Dollar Strengthens; Key Support and Resistance Levels in Focus

    Gold traded lower on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) on Tuesday, July 28, as a stronger US dollar and anticipation of the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy decision weighed on the precious metal. August gold futures declined by 0.48%, settling at ₹1,41,800 per 10 grams.

    September silver futures also took a hit, falling 1.73% to ₹2,17,343. In the energy sector, Brent crude futures dropped 1.20% to $87.30 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) edged down 1.16% to $81.65 per barrel.

    The decline comes as the US dollar index hovered near 101.5 ahead of the Fed’s rate decision scheduled for July 29. According to the CME FedWatch Tool, traders now price in an 81% chance of a rate hike in September, adding pressure on gold prices.

    Domestic Gold Prices

    In India, 24K gold fell by ₹169 to ₹1,44,170 per 10 grams, while 22K gold declined by ₹155 to ₹1,32,150. Prices varied slightly across major cities:

    • Mumbai: ₹1,44,170
    • Kolkata: ₹1,44,170
    • Delhi: ₹1,44,320
    • Chennai: ₹1,44,160

    US Gold Prices

    Across the Atlantic, spot gold fell 0.7% to $4,044.81 per ounce, after rising about 1% on Monday. US gold futures for August delivery lost 0.8% to $4,045.40. Other precious metals mirrored the decline: spot silver dropped 1.9% to $57.30, platinum lost 1% to $1,605.14, and palladium slid 1.6% to $1,271.09.

    Key Levels to Watch

    Market analysts remain cautious ahead of the Fed’s decision. Ilya Spivak, Head of Global Macro at Tastylive, commented: “We’re oscillating in this narrow range between $3,950 and $4,200, and I think the market is just waiting for Fed signals.” Spivak added that if the Fed meeting does not set the groundwork for a September rate hike, gold is likely to rally above $4,200 per ounce.

    Key support and resistance levels for traders:

    • International Gold: Support at $4,034 and $4,000; resistance at $4,110 and $4,140 per troy ounce.
    • International Silver: Support at $57.20 and $56.60; resistance at $59.40 and $60 per troy ounce.
    • MCX Gold: Support at ₹1,42,200 and ₹1,41,400; resistance at ₹1,44,000 and ₹1,45,150.
    • MCX Silver: Support at ₹2,19,100 and ₹2,17,000; resistance at ₹2,24,000 and ₹2,26,600.

    As always, investors are advised to monitor global cues, the dollar index, and Fed statements for further direction in gold and silver prices.

  • Bitcoin Drops to $63,235 as Ethereum, XRP, and Solana Slide Ahead of Fed Rate Decision

    Bitcoin Drops to $63,235 as Ethereum, XRP, and Solana Slide Ahead of Fed Rate Decision

    Bitcoin fell near $63,235 on Tuesday, extending recent losses as investors adopted a cautious stance ahead of the Federal Reserve’s two-day policy meeting. The broader cryptocurrency market also declined, with Ethereum, XRP, and Solana posting sharper drops than Bitcoin. Rising Treasury yields and a spike in rate hike odds have dampened risk appetite across trading desks.

    Bitcoin Price Today

    Bitcoin is trading at $63,235.23, down 3.15% over the past 24 hours, according to CoinMarketCap. Its market capitalization stands at approximately $1.26 trillion, with 24-hour trading volume of $27.81 billion. Price action remains tied to Fed rate expectations and shifting ETF flow trends.

    Selling Pressure Builds Ahead of FOMC

    Akshat Siddhant, Lead Quant Analyst at Mudrex, noted that Bitcoin came under renewed selling pressure as investors trimmed exposure to risk assets. The US 10-year Treasury yield climbed 14 basis points, lifting demand for fixed income. A dovish tone from the Fed could support a rebound toward $66,000–$68,000, while a hawkish surprise risks a slide toward $61,000.

    Recovery Slows Below Key Resistance

    Vikram Subburaj, CEO of Giottus, placed Bitcoin near $65,000, up more than 12% from its early July low. However, the recovery has slowed below the key $68,000 resistance level. Spot Bitcoin ETFs booked net outflows over the past two sessions after strong mid-July inflows. Ethereum traded near $1,893 and outperformed Bitcoin during the same period.

    BTC and ETH Outperform Equities in July

    The CoinSwitch Markets Desk reported that Bitcoin briefly moved toward $66,000 on easing US-Iran tensions. Elevated Treasury yields continue to limit broader risk appetite. BTC and ETH have still outperformed equities in July, gaining close to 11.6% and 24.6%, respectively. Bitcoin held above its 21- and 50-day moving averages near $64,300 and $63,300. A move above $66,000–$67,000 is needed to confirm stronger buying interest.

    ETF Outflows Highlight Fragile Conviction

    Nischal Shetty, founder of WazirX, said Bitcoin remains under pressure as investors weigh easing tensions against uncertainty around the Fed. Over $465 million in spot Bitcoin ETF outflows late last week point to fragile institutional conviction. Bitcoin trades near $63,050, with immediate support at $62,500–$62,800. Ethereum trades near $1,871, with resistance building between $1,900 and $1,920.

    Leveraged Positions Unwind Sharply

    Riya Sehgal, Research Analyst at Delta Exchange, noted that risk assets fell under pressure ahead of the Fed’s meeting. Bitcoin dropped sharply toward $63,000, triggering a heavy unwinding of leveraged positions. CoinGlass data showed 165,529 traders liquidated over 24 hours, totaling nearly $682 million. The $62,800–$63,000 zone stands as the first key demand area for buyers.

    Crypto Prices Today: Top 10 Coins at a Glance

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

    Biggest Losers: HYPE, XRP, SOL

    Hyperliquid led the decline, shedding nearly 7% through the session on heavy volume. XRP followed with a sharp drop, while Solana also slipped well below its weekly range.

    Relative Resilience: USDT, USDC, BNB

    Stablecoins held their pegs, remaining nearly flat amid the broader sell-off. BNB posted the smallest decline among majors, losing just over 1.5%.

    Key Headlines Impacting Prices

    Fed Meeting Kicks Off With Hawkish Undertones

    The Federal Reserve’s two-day policy meeting begins today, with a decision due Wednesday. Rate hike odds have climbed sharply this month under Chair Kevin Warsh, unsettling risk assets. CME’s FedWatch data shows a rising probability of a surprise hike this cycle. Traders across equities and crypto view this meeting as the week’s defining catalyst.

    Bitcoin ETF Streak Breaks After Strong Mid-July Run

    Spot Bitcoin ETFs booked a third straight week of inflows despite late losses near $465 million. BlackRock’s IBIT product accounted for nearly $415 million of those recent outflows. The reversal followed a strong run led by IBIT and Fidelity’s FBTC funds earlier this month. The break in momentum has weakened near-term sentiment across trading desks.

    CLARITY Act Momentum Fades Ahead of Recess

    The crypto market structure bill remains stalled in the Senate over ethics provisions. Republicans hold 53 seats and need seven Democratic votes to clear the required threshold. Prediction markets have cut 2026 passage odds sharply from earlier estimates. The delay keeps regulatory uncertainty elevated for exchanges and institutional desks.

    Investor and Market Outlook

    Bitcoin holds near $63,235 as traders weigh fragile ETF flows against Fed rate uncertainty. A close above $66,000 could open a path toward the $68,000 resistance zone. A slip below $62,500 risks exposing deeper support closer to $61,000 in coming sessions. Ethereum trades near $1,878, holding above key support after a volatile weekly session. Altcoins including Hyperliquid and Solana remain the most sensitive to shifts in risk sentiment.

  • S&P 500 Dips as Chip Stocks Slump Despite US-Iran Ceasefire

    S&P 500 Dips as Chip Stocks Slump Despite US-Iran Ceasefire

    US stocks reversed early gains on Monday as a semiconductor selloff weighed on the broader market. The S&P 500 fell 0.2%, while the NASDAQ Composite lost 0.5%. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained about 258 points, or 0.5%.

    Markets opened higher after the United States and Iran paused attacks over the weekend. However, the relief rally faded as investors sold chip stocks. Lower oil prices supported travel shares and reduced pressure on bond yields, but technology losses pulled the S&P 500 into negative territory.

    Chip Stocks Pull Major Indexes Lower

    Semiconductor shares fell across the market during Monday trading. The VanEck Semiconductor ETF dropped 3.7%, extending Friday’s losses. Advanced Micro Devices and Teradyne each fell more than 7%, while Micron Technology declined more than 6%.

    The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index dropped about 4% after rising early in the session. Most companies in the index traded lower. NVIDIA also declined as investors assessed stronger Chinese competition and continued artificial intelligence investment. The sector has faced repeated selling during July after strong gains earlier in 2026.

    Investor attention also shifted to spending plans at major technology companies. Ken Mahoney of Mahoney Asset Management said, “The biggest risk is the continuation of the spend.” He also warned that slower spending growth could hurt chip suppliers that depend on large data-center orders.

    Oil Prices Slide After Fighting Pause

    Oil prices fell sharply after both sides halted attacks for a third night. Brent crude dropped about 6.8% to near $90.25 a barrel. West Texas Intermediate crude fell around 6.1% to $83.83. Brent had traded above $100 days earlier as shipping risks increased.

    US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said the pause was ‘giving diplomacy some space.’ Iran denied holding direct talks with Washington. Still, Tehran confirmed discussions with Oman about maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. Waltz also said more US military assets were moving into the region.

    The oil decline supported airlines, cruise operators and other companies with high fuel costs. Energy shares moved lower as crude prices fell. Europe’s STOXX 600 gained about 0.9%, while retail and travel stocks rose more than 2%. Asian markets also advanced.

    Fed Decision Returns to Market Focus

    The Federal Reserve will announce its interest rate decision on Wednesday. Most analysts expect the central bank to keep rates unchanged. However, market pricing showed about a one-in-three chance of a rate increase at the July meeting.

    Investors raised rate-hike bets after oil prices and new tariffs added pressure to the inflation outlook. Monday’s oil retreat reduced some concerns. The 10-year US Treasury yield fell about four basis points to 4.64%, while the dollar weakened against several major currencies.

    Fed Chair Kevin Warsh faces a difficult policy setting. Inflation remains above the central bank’s 2% goal, while recent labour and consumer data have stayed steady. Samy Chaar of Lombard Odier said policymakers were ‘not there yet’ on another increase and linked the next move to Middle East tensions.

    Big Tech Earnings Put AI Spending in Focus

    Amazon, Apple, Meta Platforms and Microsoft will report quarterly results this week. Their spending plans will receive close attention after Alphabet’s results raised concerns about artificial intelligence costs. Semiconductor companies rely heavily on orders from cloud and data-center operators.

    About one-third of S&P 500 companies will publish results this week. Earnings are tracking a 26.5% increase from a year earlier. Strong profit growth may support stocks, though investors are also watching cash flow and capital spending.

    The economic calendar includes second-quarter US gross domestic product, June inflation data, personal income and consumer spending. Weekly jobless claims, employment costs and consumer sentiment figures are also due. These reports will give markets more information on growth, prices and the next Federal Reserve decision.

    Also Read: Indian Stock Market Closes Higher: Sensex, Nifty Rally on Easing Crude Prices

  • Gold Prices Today: Yellow Metal Nears Rs 1.45 Lakh, Silver Tops Rs 2.25 Lakh

    Gold Prices Today: Yellow Metal Nears Rs 1.45 Lakh, Silver Tops Rs 2.25 Lakh

    Gold and silver prices opened higher across India’s retail and futures markets on Monday, tracking gains in global bullion amid renewed safe-haven demand. Retail rates for both 24-karat and 22-karat gold edged up across major cities, while silver also advanced in the domestic market.

    On the MCX, gold futures rose 0.51% to Rs 144,520 per 10 grams, and silver futures gained 1.01% to Rs 225,120 per kg at around 9:07 a.m.

    The domestic rally mirrored strong global developments, whereby the price of spot gold rose by 1.4% to reach $4,110.56 per ounce and that of US gold futures increased by 1% to reach $4,112.10 per ounce by 0200 GMT.

    The rally came amid reduced fears of rising inflation amid falling oil prices owing to the slight easing of tensions in the Middle East region before the Fed’s rate decision.

    A 0.3% decline in the US dollar index also made gold more affordable for overseas buyers, lending further support to bullion prices.

    City-Wise Gold Prices Today (July 27, 2026)

    Gold rates varied slightly across major Indian cities. In Delhi, 24K gold was priced at Rs 1,44,870 per 10 grams, while 22K gold stood at Rs 1,32,800. Mumbai saw 24K gold at Rs 1,44,720 and 22K at Rs 1,32,660. In Chennai, 24K gold was at Rs 1,45,020 and 22K at Rs 1,32,940. Kolkata recorded 24K gold at Rs 1,44,770 and 22K at Rs 1,32,710.

    Silver Rises on Strong Global Bullion Momentum

    Silver prices in India remained firm on July 27, tracking gains in the global bullion market. According to Goodreturns, 999-purity silver in Hyderabad was priced at around Rs 2,24,820 per kg, reflecting sustained domestic demand and positive international cues. The metal continued to attract investor interest alongside rising gold prices.

    Gold Price Trend Analysis in 2026

    Gold has delivered a strong performance in India throughout 2026, even after retreating from record highs. MCX gold averaged Rs 1,51,108 per 10 grams in the first quarter, marking a 20% rise from the previous quarter and an 81% jump year-on-year, according to the World Gold Council.

    Subsequently, the prices dropped to levels of around Rs 1.41 lakh in June, only to recover back to nearly Rs 1.45 lakh per 10 grams by end of July.

    Overall demand for gold in India increased by 10% during the first quarter, totaling 151 tonnes, with investment demand shooting up by 54%, touching 82 tonnes.

    Moving ahead, experts expect volatility in prices, where global events, actions of the US Fed, and movements in the rupee vis-a-vis the dollar will trigger the next phase of profits.

    What’s Next for Gold Prices?

    Gold prices remain well-supported despite recent volatility, reflecting investors’ continued preference for safe-haven assets amid global uncertainty.

    With the US Federal Reserve’s policy decision, geopolitical developments, and movements in the US dollar likely to dictate the next leg of the rally, bullion prices may continue to fluctuate in the near term.

    For buyers, monitoring daily price movements and broader market cues will be key before making fresh investment or jewellery purchases.

  • Bitcoin Holds Steady Near $65,260 as Ethereum Surges Over 3.6% Ahead of Fed Meeting

    Bitcoin Holds Steady Near $65,260 as Ethereum Surges Over 3.6% Ahead of Fed Meeting

    Bitcoin traded near $65,260 on Monday, holding gains from last week’s volatile session as traders turned their attention to the Federal Reserve’s July 28–29 policy meeting. Ethereum, Hyperliquid, and Solana outperformed the leading cryptocurrency, while spot Bitcoin ETF inflows weakened after a strong run earlier in July.

    Bitcoin Price Today

    Bitcoin (BTC) is currently trading at $65,260.76, up 1.27% in the past 24 hours, according to CoinMarketCap. Its market capitalization stands near $1.3 trillion, with 24-hour trading volume of $16.07 billion. Price action remains tied to Fed rate expectations and shifting ETF flow trends.

    Market Analyst Insights

    Middle East Tensions Weigh on Risk Appetite

    Akshat Siddhant, Lead Quant Analyst at Mudrex, noted that Bitcoin is showing signs of recovery near $65,000 after holding support above $63,000 last week. However, the rebound is weak because US spot ETFs closed the week with net outflows. Markets now price a 38% probability of a Fed rate hike, sharply up from 13% a week earlier.

    Fed Decision Remains the Key Catalyst

    Vikram Subburaj, CEO of Giottus, said Bitcoin is near $65,200 after a 13% bounce from July’s low. The rebound was initially supported by nearly $1 billion in ETF inflows, but outflows of $465 million on July 23 and 24 weakened that support. He advised investors to avoid chasing the rally until Bitcoin clears $68,000.

    Support Holds as Dormant Supply Shrinks

    The CoinSwitch Markets Desk highlighted that Bitcoin held above $65,000 despite geopolitical tensions. Dormant Bitcoin activity fell to its lowest level since Q3 2022, suggesting long-term holders are trimming sales into recent strength. A sustained break above $66,000 could open the path toward $68,000.

    Institutional Conviction Stays Intact

    Nischal Shetty, founder of WazirX, noted that crypto markets opened the week on steady footing. Bitcoin traded near $65,100, while Ethereum hovered close to $1,944. He pointed to gradually improving regulatory clarity across major markets, with institutional participation providing underlying support.

    Bitcoin Structure Stays Constructive Above Key Levels

    Riya Sehgal, Research Analyst at Delta Exchange, said Bitcoin is consolidating near $65,200 after facing supply near $66,500. Its four-hour structure remains moderately bullish above major moving averages. A close above $67,000 could open the door toward $68,000, while a breakdown below $64,200 risks exposing the $62,500 zone.

    Crypto Prices Today: Top 10 Coins at a Glance

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

    • Biggest Gainers: ETH (+3.7%), HYPE (+3.08%), SOL (+1.68%)
    • Relative Laggards: TRX, XRP, USDT (flat to marginal gains)

    Key Headlines Impacting Prices

    CLARITY Act Momentum Fades

    Senate Majority Leader John Thune conceded that the crypto market structure bill will not clear Congress before August. Republican and Democratic lawmakers remain divided over ethics provisions. Prediction markets have cut 2026 passage odds to roughly 35%.

    Bitcoin ETF Inflow Streak Loses Steam

    Spot Bitcoin ETFs saw a strong run of inflows through mid-July, led by BlackRock’s IBIT and Fidelity’s FBTC. That momentum broke on July 23 when roughly $225 million exited the funds in a single session, closely coinciding with Bitcoin’s brief price pullback.

    Coinbase Rolls Out Payments for AI Agents

    Coinbase introduced a new feature allowing corporate clients to accept payments from AI agents, using the x402 protocol. This highlights growing overlap between AI tools and blockchain payment infrastructure, seen as an early step toward autonomous, agent-driven commerce.

    XRP Whales Accumulate Despite Slower ETF Pace

    Large XRP holders increased their positions this week despite cooling ETF inflows. Ripple continues strengthening its institutional footprint through fresh banking partnerships globally. XRP holds above $1.10, supported by its EU MiCA license.

    Fed Rate Decision Set to Guide Near-Term Direction

    The Federal Reserve meets on July 28–29, with rates expected to hold between 3.50% and 3.75%. Markets are pricing a rising probability of a hawkish tone. Any shift in language around inflation could quickly reprice risk assets, including Bitcoin.

    Investor and Market Outlook

    Bitcoin holds near $65,260 as traders weigh fading ETF momentum against Fed rate uncertainty. A close above $66,000 could open the path toward $68,000 resistance, while a slip below $64,200 could expose $62,500 support. Ethereum trades near $1,953, testing resistance near $2,000. Altcoins like Hyperliquid and Solana continue to show relative strength. The Fed’s decision remains this week’s defining catalyst.

    FAQs

    What is the Bitcoin price today? Bitcoin trades near $65,260.76, up 1.27% over the past 24 hours. Support holds near $64,200, resistance between $66,000 and $68,000.

    Why is the Fed meeting affecting crypto prices? Traders are pricing a rising chance of a hawkish surprise. Higher rate expectations typically pressure risk assets. A dovish tone could lift prices.

    What is the biggest crypto news today? The CLARITY Act’s stalled Senate momentum, cooling ETF inflows, Coinbase’s AI agent payments, and BNY Mellon’s tokenization plans are shaping sentiment.

    Which coins are performing best today? Ethereum (+3.7%), Hyperliquid, and Solana lead gainers. Stablecoins and XRP are flat.

    What should investors watch this week? Track the Fed’s July 28–29 meeting, ETF flow trends, Bitcoin’s key support zones, and Senate action on the CLARITY Act.

  • Ethereum Fees Plunge 51% as Transactions and Staking Reach All-Time Highs

    Ethereum Fees Plunge 51% as Transactions and Staking Reach All-Time Highs

    Ethereum’s quarterly fee revenue dropped 51% year-over-year to approximately $64 million in Q2 2026, even as transaction volumes and staking activity hit new records, according to a report from Bitwise. The decline stems from cheaper and more abundant blockspace rather than weakening demand.

    Revenue measured in ETH actually rose for the first time in over a year. Ethereum generated roughly $131 million in fee revenue during Q2 2025, but that figure fell to nearly $64 million one year later.

    Cheaper Blockspace Drives Higher Ethereum Usage

    Ethereum processed 203.9 million transactions during the quarter, up sharply from 121.1 million a year earlier. Network throughput also improved to 26 transactions per second from 15. The network increased its block gas limit to 60 million, creating more room for transactions and reducing user costs even as activity expanded.

    Bitwise described rising usage and falling fees as the quarter’s dominant trend. Researchers attributed the gap to protocol changes that expanded blockspace across blockchain networks. In ETH terms, quarterly revenue increased from 27,670 ETH in Q1 to 31,166 ETH in Q2, though the weaker token price reduced the dollar total.

    Active staking reached a record 40.2 million ETH, representing about 33% of the total supply. Institutional inflows continued as more tokens entered staking contracts. The question remains whether rising usage and record staking can offset weaker dollar revenue as Ethereum faces broader market pressure.

    The same pattern appeared on other networks. Solana processed 9.8 billion non-voting transactions near its record, while its dollar revenue declined. Avalanche handled 236 million C-Chain transactions, compared with 58 million a year earlier. Lower congestion reduced fees even as network use expanded.

    ETH Price Faces Oil, Rates, and Technology Pressure

    Ethereum traded near $1,927 on July 23 after reaching an intraday high of $1,941, according to crypto.news data. The token recovered more than 27% from its June low near $1,514. However, repeated failures near $1,955 kept ETH below the psychological $2,000 level.

    Oil prices added pressure as Middle East tensions pushed crude higher for a fifth session. West Texas Intermediate moved above $90 per barrel. Attacks by Iran-aligned Houthis on Saudi oil tankers raised supply concerns. Higher energy costs could lift inflation and narrow the Federal Reserve’s policy options.

    CME FedWatch data showed the probability of a September rate hike rising to 79% from 68%. Traders still expected no change at the July meeting. Technology shares also weakened after Alphabet lifted its 2026 capital-spending forecast to between $195 billion and $205 billion.

    Alphabet reported negative free cash flow of $5.9 billion as quarterly spending doubled to $44.9 billion. Its shares fell during premarket trading. Meanwhile, US spot Ethereum ETFs recorded $72.64 million in net inflows on July 22, according to SoSoValue.

    BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum Trust led with $53.47 million. The regulated products continued attracting capital while ETH remained below $2,000. BitMEX also announced plans to stop operations on September 23 following a strategic review by parent company HDR Global Trading.

    The exchange told customers to close positions and withdraw funds before the deadline. BitMEX has served more than two million professional and institutional traders since 2014. Position transfers could shift leverage to rival platforms. Binance, Bybit, OKX, and other exchanges still operate larger Ethereum derivatives markets.

    Ethereum fee revenue fell 51% even as transactions, throughput, and staking reached record levels. Cheaper blockspace reduced user costs, while ETF inflows supported demand. Still, oil prices, rate expectations, and weaker technology shares could continue influencing ETH’s attempt to reclaim $2,000.

  • Bitcoin Holds Near $65,200 as Record ETF Inflows Offset Geopolitical Uncertainty

    Bitcoin Holds Near $65,200 as Record ETF Inflows Offset Geopolitical Uncertainty

    Bitcoin traded near $65,218 on Friday, supported by seven consecutive sessions of spot ETF inflows totaling nearly $1 billion, even as escalating US-Iran tensions and rising oil prices kept overall market sentiment fragile. The leading cryptocurrency showed resilience ahead of the Federal Reserve meeting on July 28-29, with resistance at $66,000 and key support at $64,350.

    Market Overview

    Bitcoin held near $65,218.75, up 0.51% over the past 24 hours, according to CoinMarketCap data. The price action remains anchored to oil movements, ETF flows, and shifting Fed rate expectations. Altcoins outperformed, with Ethereum gaining 2.27%, Solana 2.39%, and Dogecoin jumping 4.78%.

    Analyst Perspectives

    Middle East Escalation Tests Risk Appetite

    Akshat Siddhant, Lead Quant Analyst at Mudrex, noted Bitcoin slipped to around $64,800 as fresh attacks in the Middle East dampened investor confidence. Crude oil pushed past $90 a barrel, driving US bond yields to 18-month highs. Despite this, spot Bitcoin ETFs extended their inflow streak to seven sessions, drawing nearly $1 billion. Resistance sits at $66,000, with $64,350 acting as the key support zone.

    Fed Meeting Looms as Next Catalyst

    Vikram Subburaj, CEO of Giottus, placed Bitcoin near $65,100, down about 1% as oil above $100 and firmer Treasury yields weighed on sentiment. He called the July 28-29 Fed meeting the most important near-term catalyst. Spot ETFs attracted close to $999 million across seven straight sessions through July 22, though preliminary data hinted at a pause on July 23.

    Support Holds Despite Selling Pressure

    The CoinSwitch Markets Desk noted Bitcoin briefly dipped below $65,000 before recovering. Brent crude climbed past $100, while bond yields hit 18-month highs. Higher energy costs revived inflation worries. The 21-day moving average near $64,000 is key support, with $68,000 marking the next resistance band.

    Regulatory Signals Add a Silver Lining

    Nischal Shetty, Founder of WazirX, flagged Argentina’s proposal allowing mutual funds to invest directly in Bitcoin as a meaningful adoption signal. Bitcoin’s near-term support lies between $64,200 and $64,500, with traders watching whether it can reclaim $66,000.

    Bitcoin’s Structure Stays Comparatively Resilient

    Riya Sehgal, Research Analyst at Delta Exchange, said gold and silver fell despite geopolitical tensions, as rising Treasury yields and a stronger dollar outweighed safe-haven demand. Bitcoin held up better than Ethereum and most altcoins. A move past $66,100 could open the $66,600 to $66,900 zone, while a break under $65,000 risks a drop toward $64,200.

    Top 10 Coins at a Glance

    Biggest Gainers: DOGE (+4.78%), ETH (+2.27%), SOL (+2.39%).

    Relative Laggards: USDT, USDC, TRX (minimal movement).

    Key News Driving Market Sentiment

    US-Iran Tensions Keep Oil and Yields Elevated

    Fresh hostilities pushed oil above $90 a barrel, reviving inflation concerns just as the Fed prepared for its meeting. Traders trimmed exposure to riskier assets.

    CLARITY Act Text Sparks Fresh Senate Debate

    The full text of the CLARITY Act became public on July 22, reigniting disagreement over enforcement roles. Passage odds are roughly 43% in prediction markets.

    Bitcoin ETF Inflow Streak Faces a Test

    Preliminary data hinted at a possible outflow midweek, suggesting institutional appetite may be cooling. Analysts are watching whether the trend resumes.

    XRP Whales Accumulate as ETF Pace Slows

    Large XRP holders increased positions this week. The token holds above $1.10, supported by its EU MiCA license and cumulative ETF inflows near $1.48 billion.

    Coinbase Expands Payments for AI Agents

    Coinbase introduced a feature allowing corporate customers to accept payments directly from AI agents via the x402 protocol, signaling growing overlap between AI and blockchain.

    BNY Mellon Advances Tokenized Treasury Plans

    BNY Mellon confirmed plans to launch tokenized US Treasuries by late 2026, targeting round-the-clock settlement by 2027.

    Investor and Market Outlook

    Bitcoin holds near $65,200 as ETF demand offsets Middle East pressure. A close above $66,000 could open a path toward $69,000. A slip below $64,350 risks exposing support near $64,000. Ethereum trades near $1,874, testing resistance at $1,950. Oil prices, Treasury yields, and the Fed decision remain the key macro variables.

  • Wall Street Tumbles: Dow Loses 500 Points as Oil Surge and Tech Losses Bite

    Wall Street Tumbles: Dow Loses 500 Points as Oil Surge and Tech Losses Bite

    US stocks fell sharply on Thursday as a surge in oil prices, rising bond yields, and disappointing earnings from major technology companies weighed on market sentiment. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped approximately 500 points during morning trading, with the S&P 500 losing nearly 1% and the Nasdaq Composite falling around 1.7%.

    The sell-off pushed major indexes to multi-week lows, with declining shares outnumbering advancing stocks on both the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq. The CBOE Volatility Index rose to 18.79 after three consecutive declines, reflecting heightened investor anxiety.

    Oil Rally Raises Inflation Concerns

    Brent crude futures surged 6.7% to $100.37 per barrel during European trading, while West Texas Intermediate gained 5.5% to $91.91 per barrel. The rally followed reports that Houthi forces attacked two Saudi oil tankers near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, raising fresh supply concerns and threatening another major shipping route.

    Higher oil prices pushed Treasury yields upward, with the 10-year yield reaching its highest level since January 2025 and the two-year yield hitting a 17-month high. This renewed inflation fears, prompting traders to increase bets on a Federal Reserve rate hike at the July meeting. CME FedWatch data showed markets pricing a 38% chance of a quarter-point increase, up from about 12% just one week earlier.

    Alphabet and Tesla Pressure Nasdaq

    Alphabet shares fell more than 6% after the company raised its 2026 capital spending forecast, with investors focusing on costs tied to artificial intelligence infrastructure. AJ Bell investment director Russ Mould noted a “healthy degree of scepticism” about returns from such spending. The decline pulled communication services stocks lower.

    Tesla shares dropped more than 12% after reporting negative quarterly free cash flow and higher operating expenses relative to revenue growth. CEO Elon Musk called 2026 a “massive capex year,” with spending plans including robots, data centers, manufacturing projects, and its robotaxi business.

    Energy Shares Rise With Crude Prices

    Energy companies moved higher as oil prices extended a five-day rally. Exxon Mobil gained 1.6%, while Chevron rose 1.9%. Diamondback Energy, Devon Energy, ConocoPhillips, and Occidental Petroleum gained between 1.7% and 2.7%. Refiners also advanced, with Valero Energy, Marathon Petroleum, and Phillips 66 rising between 1.1% and 1.3%.

    Analysts also watched shipping activity in the Middle East. UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo said subdued vessel traffic could slow the region’s production recovery.

    Rate Expectations Shift Before Fed Meeting

    The oil rally renewed concern that higher fuel costs could keep inflation elevated. New labor data also supported expectations that the Fed could keep policy tight, with initial unemployment claims falling to 187,000, below forecasts of 210,000.

    Airline shares faced pressure as higher fuel costs threatened operating expenses, while transport stocks moved lower. Lockheed Martin shares rose after the company lifted its 2026 forecasts, and ServiceNow gained after raising its annual subscription revenue outlook.

    Markets will likely remain focused on oil prices, upcoming inflation data, and the Federal Reserve’s next policy decision for direction.