6 Aug 2025, 05:31

Nasdaq Firm Swaps Its ‘VAPE’ Ticker for ‘BNC’ in a $500M BNB Treasury Rebrand

NYSE-listed CEA Industries with ‘VAPE’ ticker is rebranding after raising $500M for a BNB treasury The move highlights how the corporate crypto treasury model is being used for major rebrands The new leadership team includes high-profile executives from Galaxy Digital and CalPERS CEA Industries Inc., a publicly traded company on Nasdaq, has announced a sweeping corporate transformation after securing a $500 million private placement led by YZi Labs. The funding kicks off a major strategic pivot for the company, which will now adopt Binance Coin (BNB) as its primary treasury reserve asset. This move includes a complete rebrand to the “ BNB Network Company ” and a stock ticker change on Nasdaq from VAPE to BNC, which will be effective Wednesday, August 6, 2025. U.S.-listed CEA Industries Inc. has completed a $500M private placement led by YZi Labs to adopt BNB as its primary treasury reserve. The company may raise up to an additional $750M via warrants and will rebrand as BNB Network Company with ticker BNC on August 6. Former Galaxy… — Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) August 5, 2025 Strategic Realignment with BNB Ecosystem The funding round, detailed i… The post Nasdaq Firm Swaps Its ‘VAPE’ Ticker for ‘BNC’ in a $500M BNB Treasury Rebrand appeared first on Coin Edition .

6 Aug 2025, 05:30

Asia markets mostly higher despite Wall Street losses; China rises on trade truce hopes

Asia shares mostly rise on Wednesday, as investors shrugged off a weak lead from Wall Street, amid rising trade tensions, disappointing economic data, and mixed corporate earnings On the trade front, Trump also threatened tariffs of up to 250% on pharmaceutical imports, along with possible levies on semiconductors. Gold traded around $3,375 per ounce on Wednesday, holding most of its recent gains and remaining near a two-week-high. Japan ( NKY:IND ) rose 0.49% to around 40,580 on Wednesday, while the broader Topix Index gained 0.8% to 2,960, marking a second straight day of gains for Japanese equities. The Japanese yen weakened to around 147.7 per dollar on Wednesday, extending losses from the previous session, as disappointing wage data fueled renewed economic concerns. Japan's nominal wages rose 2.5% year-on-year in June 2024, the fastest pace in four months but below market expectations of 3.2%. Meanwhile, minutes from the BOJ’s June meeting indicated policymakers remain open to further tightening if trade tensions ease. China ( SHCOMP ) rose 0.27% to around 3,620, while the Shenzhen Component also added 0.1% to 11,120 on Wednesday amid growing optimism over US-China trade talks, and the offshore yuan fell to around 7.19 per dollar on Wednesday, as investors responded cautiously to the latest updates on the US-China trade truce. Caution also prevailed ahead of China’s July trade data and CPI/PPI readings. However, further losses were limited after U.S. President Trump said Washington and Beijing are “very close” to extending their trade truce, set to expire on August 12. He also indicated plans to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping once negotiations conclude, likely before year-end. Hong Kong ( HSI ) rose 0.03% to 24,851 on Wednesday morning deals, snapping a two-day winning streak amid weakness in tech, consumer, and financial sectors. India ( SENSEX ) fell 0.14% The Reserve Bank of India maintained its key repo rate at 5.50% during its August meeting, keeping a neutral stance, following a larger-than-expected 50 bps in June, as widely expected. U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday threatened to "very substantially" raise tariffs on India within 24 hours, criticizing India’s continued purchases of Russian oil. While India is expected to offer the US “zero tariffs” in a potential trade deal, Trump said that “would not be good enough.” Australia ( AS51 ) rose 0.63% to above 8,810 on Wednesday, extending the prior session’s record close to a new all-time high, as growing expectations of domestic and global rate cuts continued to boost the index. The Australian dollar strengthened to around $0.648 on Wednesday, extending gains from the previous session. The Ai Group Industry Index for Australia's manufacturing sector rose by 4.9 points to -23.9 in July. The Ai Group Australian Industry Index rose by 5.8 points to -3.2 in July, marking its strongest reading in three years. In the U.S., on Tuesday, all three major indexes ended lower as investors grappled with downbeat economic data, rising trade tensions, and mixed corporate earnings. In addition, Trump said he would name a nominee to fill a vacancy on the Fed’s Board of Governors by week’s end and is narrowing down candidates to potentially replace Chair Jerome Powell. U.S. stock futures rose on Wednesday as investors digested a new wave of corporate earnings: Dow +0.29% ; S&P 500 +0.25% ; Nasdaq +0.14% . Attention now turns to earnings reports due later in the day from Uber, McDonald’s, Disney, Airbnb, and DoorDash, among others. Currencies: ( JPY:USD ), ( CNY:USD ), ( AUD:USD ), ( INR:USD ), ( HKD:USD ), ( NZD:USD ). More on Asia: China’s services sector expands at fastest pace in 14 months in July to 52.6 Japan's services growth accelerates in July, BOJ signals openness to rate hikes Australia's services sector growth jumps to 16-month high in July Australia's Q2 producer price index rises 0.7%, following soft consumer inflation report China's manufacturing sector contracts unexpectedly in July to 49.5

6 Aug 2025, 05:30

Brazil Weighs National Bitcoin Reserve Proposal

The hearing will be held to discuss a bill that could allow up to 5% of the country's $300 billion treasury reserve to be allocated to Bitcoin. The proposal’s main goal is to protect Brazil’s reserves from foreign exchange volatility and geopolitical risks while also promoting blockchain innovation. So far, it attracted both support and criticism from top officials. This move is also part of the global trend that was started by a US executive order to create a national Bitcoin reserve. Meanwhile, institutional interest in Bitcoin is rising, with Michigan’s State Retirement System increasing its ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF holdings to $11.3 million and maintaining a strong Ethereum position. Public pension funds, including Wisconsin’s $321 million Bitcoin bet, are helping fuel a surge in crypto ETF inflows, pushing Bitcoin and Ethereum to new highs. Brazil Considers Bitcoin Reserve Plan Brazil is moving closer to potentially becoming the next nation to embrace Bitcoin. On Aug. 20, the country’s House of Representatives is scheduled to hold a public hearing to discuss a bill that proposes the creation of a national Bitcoin reserve. The proposal was originally introduced in November of 2024, and its main goal is to allow up to 5% of Brazil’s treasury funds—approximately $15 billion based on the Central Bank's $300 billion reserve —to be allocated to Bitcoin. Scheduled hearing The hearing is expected to include participation from at least six prominent institutions, including the Central Bank of Brazil, the Ministry of Finance, representatives from fintech companies, the traditional banking sector, and a crypto advocacy group. According to the bill, the purpose of the reserve is twofold: to safeguard the country’s international reserves against foreign exchange volatility and geopolitical risks, and to encourage the development and adoption of blockchain technologies across both public and private sectors. While the proposal has received some support, it also caused debate. Pedro Giocondo Guerra , chief of staff to Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, voiced strong backing for the initiative earlier this year by calling Bitcoin “the digital gold” and asserting that the debate is crucial to Brazil’s long-term economic prosperity. On the other hand, critics are a bit more cautious. Nilton David , Brazil’s central bank director of monetary policy, argued that including crypto assets in the country’s foreign reserves would be inappropriate. This move by Brazil is part of a global trend that was started by US President Donald Trump’s March executive order to create a national strategic Bitcoin reserve. Since then, countries like Kazakhstan revealed similar plans. Others like India and Sweden are also rumored to be exploring the idea. Currently, the countries with the largest Bitcoin holdings include the United States, China, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Bhutan, and El Salvador. Whether Brazil joins their ranks will depend on the outcome of the upcoming legislative process. Michigan Pension Fund Bets Bigger on Bitcoin It is not only countries creating Bitcoin stockpiles. Michigan’s State Retirement System made a big move into the digital asset space by increasing its exposure to Bitcoin through the ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB). Regulatory filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reveal that by the end of Q2 2025, the pension fund owned 300,000 shares of ARKB. This is a large jump from the 110,000 shares it held the previous year. At press time, these shares were valued at approximately $11.3 million based on ARKB’s current trading price of $37.72, assuming no shares have been sold since the last disclosure. State of Michigan Retirement system holdings (Source: SEC ) The ARKB ETF, which is one of 11 spot Bitcoin ETFs that were approved by the SEC in January of 2024, provides direct exposure to Bitcoin, simplifying institutional investment into the asset. In addition to its Bitcoin stake, Michigan’s pension fund also holds 460,000 shares of the Grayscale Ethereum Trust (ETHE), a position that is worth around $9.6 million. This ETH allocation stayed steady since September of 2024, which indicated that the fund has long-term confidence in both of the leading cryptos. Michigan is also not alone in this trend. Earlier this year, the State of Wisconsin Investment Board disclosed a much larger Bitcoin investment of $321 million through BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust and Grayscale’s GBT. This all suggests that there is a growing appetite among public pension funds for cryptocurrency exposure. This institutional came as Bitcoin ETFs continue to thrive in 2025. In fact, the sector experienced over $1 billion in net inflows on two consecutive days in mid-July. That inflow streak helped propel Bitcoin to a new all-time high above $123,000. Bitcoin ETF flows (Source: BitBo ) Altcoins have not been left behind, as Ethereum ETFs are also gaining good traction. BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum ETF became the third-fastest fund to surpass $10 billion in assets under management. On-chain data from Dune Analytics shows that Ether ETF holdings surged by over 40% in the past month alone, which fueled a sharp rally in Ethereum’s price to above $3,800 in July—more than doubling in value since early May.

6 Aug 2025, 05:29

Billionaire Mike Novogratz Discusses the Future of Bitcoin and Altcoins

Galaxy Digital CEO Michael Novogratz said that the rapid increase in the number of companies adding cryptocurrencies to their balance sheets has reached its peak. This trend may now slow down, Novogratz said. “We've probably seen the peak in treasury company issuance,” Novogratz said today at Galaxy Digital's second-quarter 2025 earnings call. “The question now is: Which of the existing companies will become giants?” The more friendly regulatory environment in the US has seen a surge in the number of crypto treasury companies in recent months. These companies raise funds through IPOs and hold Bitcoin and other digital assets on their balance sheets. While early-stage companies followed Michael Saylor's Bitcoin-focused model, newer startups have begun adding Ethereum, Solana, and other smaller-cap crypto assets to their portfolios. Novogratz noted that Ethereum already has two major institutional holders, Tom Lee's BitMine and Joe Lubin's SharpLink, and predicted continued growth. However, he added that new entrants may “have trouble breathing.” Galaxy Digital currently works with more than 20 crypto treasury investment firms. The company earns management fees by managing their crypto assets. Novogratz claimed that this collaboration has brought approximately $2 billion in assets to their platform, providing “recurring revenue.” Related News: Vitalik Buterin Proposes Significant Changes to Ethereum: Here's What Will Happen If They Are Accepted According to the company's second-quarter financial results, Galaxy earned net income of $30.7 million this year, compared to a loss of $177 million in the same period last year. Adjusted earnings per share came in at $0.08, falling short of analyst expectations. Novogratz sees crypto treasury companies and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) as a way for hedge funds to enter the sector without directly owning tokens. In the long run, he believes traditional financial institutions will also transition to blockchain-based market structures. However, tokenization, the process of transferring traditional assets (such as stocks) to the blockchain, remains an unresolved issue. Novogratz cited the “Project Crypto” initiative spearheaded by SEC Chairman Paul Atkins as an example, noting that US markets are being explored for potential blockchain migration. *This is not investment advice. Continue Reading: Billionaire Mike Novogratz Discusses the Future of Bitcoin and Altcoins

6 Aug 2025, 05:15

Asia FX Outlook: Rupee’s Remarkable Recovery Amidst Global Volatility

BitcoinWorld Asia FX Outlook: Rupee’s Remarkable Recovery Amidst Global Volatility In the dynamic world of finance, where every tick of the clock can signal significant shifts, understanding macro-economic forces is paramount, even for those deeply entrenched in the cryptocurrency space. Just as Bitcoin and other digital assets react to global sentiment, so too do traditional currencies. Recently, the Asia FX Outlook has been a subject of keen interest, with many regional currencies experiencing slight weakening, while the Indian Rupee has staged a notable recovery from its recent record lows. This intriguing development is largely attributed to the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) strategic decision to hold interest rates steady, providing a much-needed anchor in turbulent waters. But what exactly does this mean for the broader financial landscape, and how does it connect to the overarching themes of economic stability and growth? Decoding the Shifting Tides of Asia FX Outlook The past few weeks have seen a nuanced performance across Asian foreign exchange markets. While some currencies have shown resilience, others have succumbed to external pressures, reflecting the complex interplay of global economic forces. The general sentiment has been one of slight weakening across the board, influenced by factors such as a strong US dollar, rising commodity prices, and persistent inflation concerns. This broader trend sets the stage for understanding the individual performances within the region. External Pressures: A robust US dollar, fueled by expectations of continued hawkishness from the Federal Reserve, often puts downward pressure on emerging market currencies. Commodity Price Volatility: Fluctuations in oil and other commodity prices can significantly impact the trade balances of net importers or exporters in Asia, affecting their currency valuations. Inflationary Concerns: Rising inflation in various Asian economies prompts central banks to consider tighter monetary policies, which can attract or deter foreign investment based on interest rate differentials. Geopolitical Developments: Ongoing global events and geopolitical tensions contribute to uncertainty, leading investors to seek safer assets, often at the expense of riskier emerging market currencies. Despite these headwinds, the regional Asia FX Outlook remains a critical barometer for global economic health, with each currency’s movement telling a unique story of domestic policy and international influence. Indian Rupee Recovery: A Resilient Comeback Story Amidst the general weakening trend in Asia, the Indian Rupee Recovery stands out as a significant event. After touching a record low against the US dollar, the rupee has demonstrated remarkable resilience, bouncing back in a manner that has surprised many market observers. This recovery is not merely a statistical anomaly but a testament to underlying economic strengths and proactive policy measures. The rupee’s journey from its nadir has been closely watched. Several factors contributed to its initial decline, including a widening trade deficit, sustained foreign institutional investor (FII) outflows from Indian equities, and the broad strengthening of the US dollar. However, the recovery phase has been underpinned by: Strong Inflows: A resurgence of foreign direct investment (FDI) and portfolio inflows, particularly into debt markets, has provided crucial support. Improved Economic Data: Positive domestic economic indicators, such as robust GDP growth figures and declining inflation (even if gradual), have bolstered investor confidence. RBI’s Intervention: The central bank’s strategic interventions in the forex market, including selling dollars from its reserves, have helped stabilize the currency. Export Performance: A healthy performance in key export sectors has helped narrow the trade deficit, reducing pressure on the rupee. This Indian Rupee Recovery highlights the dynamic nature of currency markets and the significant impact of both internal economic health and external market forces. RBI Monetary Policy: The Anchoring Force of Stability At the heart of the Indian Rupee’s recent stability and recovery lies the RBI Monetary Policy . The Reserve Bank of India’s decision to maintain the repo rate at 6.5% for the eighth consecutive time played a pivotal role in calming market jitters and providing a sense of predictability. This decision, announced after careful consideration of inflationary pressures and growth prospects, signals a cautious yet confident approach by the central bank. The RBI’s approach can be understood through these key points: Inflation Management: While inflation has shown signs of moderation, the RBI remains vigilant, aiming to bring it within its target range sustainably. Holding rates steady allows the central bank to assess the impact of previous rate hikes without stifling nascent economic growth. Growth Support: By not raising rates further, the RBI avoids adding to borrowing costs for businesses and consumers, thereby supporting economic expansion and investment. Exchange Rate Stability: A stable interest rate environment reduces interest rate volatility, which in turn helps stabilize the rupee. Predictable rates make India an attractive destination for foreign capital seeking reasonable returns. Global Cues: The RBI also considers global monetary policy trends, particularly those of major central banks like the US Federal Reserve. Aligning its policy helps prevent excessive capital outflows. The steadfastness of the RBI Monetary Policy demonstrates a commitment to balancing price stability with economic growth, a crucial factor in attracting and retaining foreign investment. Navigating Global Forex Trends and Their Local Impact The performance of Asian currencies, including the Indian Rupee, cannot be viewed in isolation. They are deeply intertwined with Global Forex Trends , which are influenced by a myriad of factors ranging from geopolitical tensions to shifts in major economies’ monetary policies. Understanding these broader trends is essential for grasping the local impact on currencies. Consider the following: Global Factor Impact on Asia FX Specific Effect on Rupee US Dollar Strength Puts downward pressure on most Asian currencies as capital flows to safe-haven assets. Increases import costs, widens trade deficit, puts depreciation pressure. Oil Price Fluctuations Net oil importers (e.g., India, Japan) face currency depreciation; exporters (e.g., Malaysia) see appreciation. Higher oil prices worsen current account deficit, increasing rupee vulnerability. China’s Economic Performance Significant impact on regional trade and investment flows, affecting currencies of trade partners. Slowdown in China can reduce demand for Indian exports, impacting rupee. Geopolitical Events Increases risk aversion, leading to capital flight from emerging markets. Can trigger sudden outflows, leading to sharp depreciation. The intricate dance of Global Forex Trends means that even strong domestic policies must contend with external headwinds. India’s ability to navigate these trends speaks volumes about its economic resilience and policy frameworks. Understanding Currency Market Volatility: What Drives the Swings? The very nature of foreign exchange markets is defined by Currency Market Volatility . Currencies are constantly in motion, responding to an endless stream of economic data, political developments, and market sentiment. For investors, understanding the drivers of this volatility is key to making informed decisions. Key drivers of currency fluctuations include: Interest Rate Differentials: Higher interest rates in one country relative to another can attract foreign capital, strengthening its currency. Economic Performance: Strong GDP growth, low unemployment, and stable inflation generally lead to a stronger currency, as the economy is perceived as healthy. Political Stability: Countries with stable political environments are often seen as safer investments, attracting capital and strengthening their currency. Conversely, political instability can lead to rapid depreciation. Trade Balances: A country with a persistent trade surplus (exports exceeding imports) tends to see its currency strengthen due to higher demand for its goods and services. Speculation: Large-scale speculative trading by financial institutions can significantly amplify currency movements, sometimes detached from economic fundamentals. While Currency Market Volatility presents risks, it also creates opportunities for investors who can accurately anticipate or react to these movements. The Indian Rupee’s recent journey is a prime example of how various factors converge to create significant shifts in value. Challenges and Opportunities in the Current Landscape The current financial landscape, characterized by both global uncertainties and pockets of resilience, presents a mix of challenges and opportunities for investors and policymakers alike. Challenges: Sustained US Dollar Strength: The persistent strength of the US dollar continues to exert pressure on emerging market currencies, making imports more expensive and potentially fueling inflation. Global Inflationary Pressures: While some countries are seeing inflation cool, the risk of resurgence from supply chain disruptions or geopolitical events remains. Capital Outflows: Higher interest rates in developed economies could lead to continued capital outflows from emerging markets, putting pressure on their currencies and equity markets. Geopolitical Risks: Ongoing conflicts and trade tensions introduce uncertainty, deterring foreign investment and increasing market volatility. Opportunities: Resilient Domestic Demand: Economies with strong domestic consumption can cushion against global slowdowns, offering attractive investment opportunities. Policy Stability: Central banks like the RBI, demonstrating consistent and predictable monetary policy, enhance investor confidence and attract long-term capital. Diversification: For global investors, the performance of currencies like the Indian Rupee offers diversification benefits, especially if they show decoupling from broader negative trends. Technological Advancements: Digitalization and innovation in various sectors can drive productivity gains and attract investment, strengthening economic fundamentals. Navigating this complex environment requires a nuanced understanding of both macro-economic indicators and specific policy responses. Actionable Insights for the Savvy Investor For those looking to make sense of these currency dynamics, here are some actionable insights: Monitor Central Bank Communications: Pay close attention to statements from central banks like the RBI and the Federal Reserve. Their forward guidance on interest rates and inflation targets can provide crucial clues about future currency movements. Track Trade and Current Account Data: A country’s trade balance and current account deficit/surplus are strong indicators of its currency’s health. Improving figures often signal potential appreciation. Diversify Your Portfolio: While the Indian Rupee shows strength, maintaining a diversified portfolio across different asset classes and geographies can mitigate risks associated with single-currency exposure. Consider Long-Term Fundamentals: Short-term volatility can be distracting. Focus on the long-term economic fundamentals of a country, such as GDP growth, fiscal health, and policy stability, when making investment decisions. Stay Informed on Geopolitics: Geopolitical events can have swift and significant impacts on currency markets. Staying abreast of global news can help anticipate potential shifts. By applying these insights, investors can better position themselves to capitalize on the opportunities presented by evolving currency markets. Conclusion: A Remarkable Recovery in a Volatile World The recent performance of the Asia FX Outlook , particularly the compelling Indian Rupee Recovery from its record lows, offers a fascinating case study in economic resilience and strategic central banking. The RBI Monetary Policy , characterized by its steady hand on interest rates, has proven instrumental in providing stability amidst a backdrop of fluctuating Global Forex Trends and persistent Currency Market Volatility . This delicate balance between supporting growth and managing inflation is a tightrope walk that the RBI has managed with notable success, instilling confidence in both domestic and international investors. While the broader Asian currencies faced slight headwinds, India’s economic fundamentals, coupled with timely policy interventions, allowed the rupee to chart a distinct and positive course. This remarkable comeback serves as a reminder that even in an interconnected global economy, strong domestic policies and robust economic indicators can provide a crucial buffer against external shocks. As we move forward, monitoring these trends will be vital for understanding the broader implications for investment, trade, and economic stability across the region. To learn more about the latest Forex market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping the Indian Rupee and global interest rates for future liquidity and institutional adoption. This post Asia FX Outlook: Rupee’s Remarkable Recovery Amidst Global Volatility first appeared on BitcoinWorld and is written by Editorial Team

6 Aug 2025, 04:24

DOGE Sheds 5% as Volume Quadruples, Testing Key Support Zones

Meme coin DOGE extended its slide on Monday, falling through support levels and triggering fresh selling interest as broader market risk appetite collapsed. What to Know Dogecoin fell 5% over the 24-hour session from August 4 at 21:00 to August 5 at 20:00, declining from $0.21 to $0.20. The token traded within a $0.013 range, with lows of $0.198 and highs of $0.211. A key liquidation event occurred during the 14:00 hour on August 5, with volumes reaching 877.9 million — nearly 4x the 24-hour average of 268.85 million — triggering a breakdown below $0.205. DOGE ended the session at $0.1985 after failing to reclaim higher resistance zones, signaling continued institutional selling and confirming new downside momentum. The move comes amid broader crypto market weakness triggered by risk-off sentiment across global equities. News Background DOGE’s decline coincided with institutional outflows from crypto-linked ETFs totaling $223 million over the past week, per CoinShares data. Federal Reserve hawkishness and renewed geopolitical concerns — including retaliatory tariffs and commodity flow disruptions — have fueled risk aversion across both traditional and crypto markets. At the same time, the meme coin sector remains under pressure as retail enthusiasm fades and large holders continue to rotate into higher-beta altcoins or cash positions. DOGE had previously shown signs of accumulation last week, but failure to hold the $0.205 level invalidated the setup. Price Action Summary DOGE began the session strong, hitting $0.211 at 01:00, but reversed sharply through the day. The steepest decline occurred at 14:00, when price dropped from $0.205 to $0.199 amid 877.9 million in volume. By 19:51, another flush to $0.1975 occurred on 19.04 million volume — more than 70x the hourly average — before a shallow bounce to $0.1985 into the close. New resistance has formed near $0.205, with price unable to sustain any recovery above that level following the breakdown. The token currently trades near session lows and shows no confirmation of a reversal. Technical Analysis DOGE traded within a 6% range between $0.198 and $0.211 Volume spiked to 877.9 million at 14:00, nearly 4x above daily average Rejection at $0.205 triggered mid-session breakdown Support attempted at $0.198-$0.199, but volume on bounce remained weak Final hour saw 19.04M volume burst at $0.1975 level, creating local resistance at $0.1988 Momentum remains to the downside unless price reclaims $0.205 on convincing volume What Traders Are Watching Traders are closely watching whether DOGE can stabilize above $0.198 or face further downside toward $0.185. Failure to recover above $0.205 may extend liquidations. With volumes spiking on down moves and fading on recoveries, sellers remain in control unless macro risk sentiment improves or ETF outflows reverse.