Tag: Spot Demand

  • MCX Gold Rises 0.77% to Rs 1,53,992 on Spot Demand, Brent Crude at $97.57

    MCX Gold Rises 0.77% to Rs 1,53,992 on Spot Demand, Brent Crude at $97.57

    Gold prices advanced on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) on September 8, driven by robust spot market demand and supportive global cues. The October gold futures contract climbed 0.77% to Rs 1,53,992 per 10 grams, while silver futures for September slipped 0.96% to Rs 2,41,304 per kilogram.

    In the international oil market, Brent crude futures rose 0.59% to USD 97.57 per barrel, and US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) gained 1.64% to USD 92.98 per barrel.

    Market participants are closely watching the Federal Reserve’s next move. According to the CME FedWatch Tool, there is a 41.6% probability that the Fed will keep interest rates unchanged in September, while a 58.4% chance points to a rate hike.

    Domestic Gold Prices

    In the Indian bullion market, 24K gold rose by Rs 120 to Rs 1,55,350 per 10 grams, and 22K gold advanced by Rs 110 to Rs 1,42,400. Regional prices varied slightly: Mumbai and Kolkata quoted Rs 1,55,350, Delhi at Rs 1,55,500, and Chennai at Rs 1,55,670.

    US Gold Prices

    Gold prices in the US climbed on Tuesday as the US dollar weakened. Investors are now focused on upcoming inflation data, which could influence the Federal Reserve’s policy direction. Spot gold rose 0.6% to USD 4,429.89 per ounce, while US gold futures for December delivery traded at USD 4,475.10.

    Other precious metals also gained: spot silver added 1% to USD 66.78 per ounce, platinum rose 0.4% to USD 1,834.00, and palladium firmed 1% to USD 1,402.87.

    Key Levels to Watch

    Chris Weston, head of research at Pepperstone Group, noted that gold remains in a tug-of-war between buyers and sellers, with neither side showing enough conviction for a sustained directional move. Edward Meir of Marex added in a monthly note that gold is unlikely to fall sharply even if the central bank raises rates, emphasizing that market unease about Fed and Treasury signals matters more than the rate move itself.

    On MCX, gold faces support at Rs 1,51,750 and Rs 1,50,500, with resistance at Rs 1,53,850 and Rs 1,54,700. Silver has support at Rs 2,36,600 and Rs 2,35,000, and resistance at Rs 2,41,000 and Rs 2,44,000.

  • Bitcoin Derivatives Activity Outpaces Spot Demand as Market Risks Persist

    Bitcoin Derivatives Activity Outpaces Spot Demand as Market Risks Persist

    Bitcoin continues to display a widening gap between derivatives activity and spot demand as macro uncertainty shapes investor behavior. Recent geopolitical tension involving the United States and Iran pushed markets into a risk-off phase, while spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds recorded more than $85 million in net outflows after three consecutive days of inflows.

    At the same time, Bitcoin’s Coinbase Premium Index turned negative, signaling softer U.S. spot demand. Although the Crypto Fear & Greed Index remained above extreme fear levels, historical bear-market data suggest the current cycle may still have room to continue.

    Spot Demand Weakens as Derivatives Drive Market Activity

    Bitcoin’s latest market structure shows derivatives activity recovering faster than demand in the spot market. Data indicate that Bitcoin’s 30-day cumulative demand improved from nearly -500,000 BTC to around -75,000 BTC. Even so, futures markets accounted for nearly the entire recovery. Futures demand climbed from about negative 295,000 BTC to slightly above zero, while spot demand remained near negative 78,000 BTC.

    Meanwhile, Tether minted another $1 billion worth of USDT despite the broader stablecoin market continuing to contract. Instead of flowing directly into Bitcoin purchases, much of that liquidity appears to remain on the sidelines as investors hold capital in reserve. Consequently, the additional liquidity could increase derivatives activity rather than strengthen spot buying. That trend leaves speculative positioning ahead of genuine market demand.

    Macro Conditions Continue to Shape Bitcoin Sentiment

    Market conditions shifted after renewed geopolitical uncertainty affected investor sentiment. As a result, institutions reduced exposure, leading spot Bitcoin ETFs to post net outflows exceeding $85 million. Likewise, Bitcoin’s Coinbase Premium Index moved below zero, indicating weaker buying interest from U.S. investors. The change points to greater caution among institutional participants as broader market risks increased.

    Although the Crypto Fear & Greed Index stayed above extreme fear territory, historical comparisons present a different picture. Bitcoin’s current bear market has lasted 248 days, while the 2022 and 2018 bear markets extended for 381 and 385 days, respectively. Therefore, previous market cycles suggest the current downturn remains shorter than earlier bear markets despite recent improvements in derivatives demand.

    Bitcoin Miners Expand into AI as Costs Increase

    Bitcoin mining companies have also adjusted their strategies following pressure on profitability since the April 2024 halving. Many firms redirected energy infrastructure toward artificial intelligence operations to improve revenue. According to a July 9, 2026, report from Blocksbridge Consulting, executives and board members at several mining companies sold large amounts of company stock during this transition.

    By the end of 2025, the Bitcoin network’s hash rate had reached a record 1,160 EH/s, increasing competition across the industry. CoinShares reported that publicly listed mining companies faced an average production cost of about $80,000 per Bitcoin during the fourth quarter of 2025. As costs increased, between 15% and 20% of older ASIC mining machines reportedly operated at a loss. In response, several companies converted energy resources to power AI-focused supercomputers.

    One major example involved TeraWulf, which signed a 20-year lease agreement with Anthropic valued at nearly $19 billion. Besides expanding into AI, some mining companies also sold Bitcoin holdings to finance new investments. Marathon Digital Holdings sold more than 15,000 BTC from its institutional treasury, with its latest reported Bitcoin sale occurring in April 2026. The reported transactions reflect the capital demands associated with expanding AI infrastructure while mining economics remain under pressure.

    What’s Next?

    Bitcoin’s recovery remains driven mainly by derivatives activity while spot demand stays weak. ETF outflows, a negative Coinbase Premium Index, and ongoing macro uncertainty suggest the broader Bitcoin bear market may still be active. Investors may need to monitor leverage, institutional demand, and miner liquidity closely before expecting a sustained recovery.

  • XRP Spot Demand Surges as Futures Traders Retreat and Ripple Secures MiCA Approval in Luxembourg

    XRP Spot Demand Surges as Futures Traders Retreat and Ripple Secures MiCA Approval in Luxembourg

    XRP is experiencing a notable divergence between its spot and futures markets. Spot buyers have ramped up activity while derivatives traders reduce leverage, according to recent data. Meanwhile, Ripple has secured full Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) authorization in Luxembourg, expanding its regulated footprint across Europe.

    Spot Buyers Increase Activity While Futures Exposure Falls

    CryptoQuant data reveals that XRP maintained its price near $1.14 despite a steady decline in open interest, which dropped from over $1 billion to approximately $823.8 million. This suggests traders are reducing leveraged positions rather than building larger futures bets. Meanwhile, XRP’s Spot Taker Cumulative Volume Delta (CVD) showed strong taker-buy activity before returning to a more balanced level. Early spot buyers remained more aggressive than derivatives traders during the observed period.

    Additionally, CEX Estimated Spot CVD improved from roughly negative $42 million to positive $406 million—an increase of about $448 million over two months, indicating steady spot demand despite weaker derivatives participation. In contrast, Futures Taker CVD remained weak to neutral throughout the same period, underscoring that futures traders did not match the buying strength seen in spot markets.

    Binance data reflects the same trend. Binance Perpetual CVD declined from about negative $48 million to negative $783 million, showing continued selling pressure in perpetual contracts. Moreover, Binance open interest dropped from approximately $255 million to $203 million, further confirming that traders continue to reduce leveraged positions even as XRP holds relatively stable.

    Ripple Expands European Regulatory Approval

    Ripple announced that Luxembourg’s Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF) granted the company a Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) license under the European Union’s MiCA framework. This approval allows Ripple to passport regulated crypto services across all 27 European Economic Area member states, thereby expanding its regulated digital asset services throughout the region.

    Following its initial MiCA clearance in June, Ripple stated that the CASP license completes its authorization process under the European regulatory framework. The company also noted that the approval complements its existing European e-money license. Furthermore, Ripple indicated that these combined approvals support its cross-border payments business serving banks, financial institutions, and enterprise clients. The framework provides a regulated structure for crypto payment services across Europe, enabling wider adoption of XRP-powered payment products alongside its RLUSD stablecoin.

    Commenting on the development, Ripple managing director for the UK and Europe, Cassie Craddock, said the company is now fully prepared to expand operations under the MiCA framework after completing the regulatory transition.

    XRP ETFs Extend Inflow Streak

    Institutional demand also remained steady during Ripple’s regulatory expansion. According to SoSoValue, XRP spot exchange-traded funds recorded eight consecutive weeks of net inflows, with cumulative net inflows reaching $1.49 billion. Although the funds recorded no new daily inflows on July 6, total assets under management remained near $1.05 billion, representing approximately 1.47% of XRP’s total market capitalization.

    Meanwhile, crypto.news data shows XRP trading around $1.13 on Tuesday, down 1.1% over the previous 24 hours but remaining nearly 9% higher for the week. During the same period, Bitcoin maintained weekly gains exceeding 10% despite weakness in U.S. equities and rising oil prices linked to geopolitical tensions. Investors also continue monitoring developments surrounding the final version of the GENIUS Act, expected before July 18, while Ether traded near $1,800.

    What’s Next?

    XRP spot demand continues to strengthen as futures traders reduce leverage, creating a clear divergence between the two markets. Meanwhile, Ripple’s full MiCA approval in Luxembourg and XRP spot ETFs’ eight-week inflow streak reflect sustained institutional participation alongside the company’s regulatory expansion. Market participants will watch for further developments in both regulatory frameworks and price action.