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6 Feb 2026, 18:46

Evening digest: Amazon’s AI capex, Bitcoin, XRP rebound, Goldman’s AI pivot

Markets remained on edge through the week, with Big Tech spending fears, central-bank signals, and a sharp crypto rebound colliding in a volatile session. Amazon shares slid on alarm over massive AI capital spending, while India’s central bank stood pat on rates, striking a steady tone on growth. Wall Street also digested Goldman Sachs’ push into AI automation, even as Bitcoin and major tokens staged a dramatic bounce after a bruising selloff. Amazon stock slips sharply on massive AI capex plans Amazon stock slid sharply on Friday after the company’s eye-popping AI capex plans reignited Wall Street’s fear that Big Tech is spending first and figuring out returns later. The stock fell about 6% trade, with investors rattled by Amazon’s expectation that capital spending could hit roughly $200 billion in 2026 as it builds out data centres and AI infrastructure for AWS. The selloff comes as the industry’s AI bill is pegged at more than $600 billion this year, raising questions over near-term payback and potential margin pressure if software demand shifts. India’s RBI keeps interest rates unchanged The Reserve Bank of India kept its key repo rate unchanged at 5.25% on Friday , a widely expected move as growth stays sturdy and inflation remains benign. The six-member monetary policy committee voted unanimously and retained a “neutral” stance, signalling no hurry to move rates either way. Governor Sanjay Malhotra pointed to a steadier external backdrop after a U.S.-India trade deal eased tariff pressure, offering some relief to exporters and markets. The RBI also flagged solid momentum ahead, projecting growth of 6.9% for April-June 2026 and 7% for the following quarter. Goldman Sachs’ major AI pivot Goldman Sachs is building AI “agents” with Anthropic to automate some of the bank’s most process-heavy work, moving beyond chatbots and coding helpers. The project, led by CIO Marco Argenti, has run for six months with Anthropic engineers embedded alongside Goldman teams. Early agents target trade and transaction accounting, reconciling records and resolving breaks faster, and client vetting and onboarding, where document review and rule-checking can bog down deals. Argenti says the tools should launch soon and sharply cut turnaround times. Goldman says it’s too early to talk layoffs, but the technology could reduce reliance on outside vendors across the firm’s operations. Bitcoin, XRP rebound Bitcoin clawed back above $70,000 on Friday , jumping more than 11% after briefly cracking below $60,000 a day earlier. XRP stole the spotlight, surging about 22% to roughly $1.50 after dipping under $1.14, as traders rushed to rebuild risk positions. Ethereum rebounded above $2,000 from around $1,750, while Solana bounced to $86 from $65. Crypto-linked stocks joined the snapback: Strategy rallied over 21%, Coinbase rose 10%, and Galaxy jumped 17%. Even so, analysts cautioned it may prove a short-lived relief rally. The broader market mood improved too, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq up around 1.5% by midday in the US. The post Evening digest: Amazon's AI capex, Bitcoin, XRP rebound, Goldman's AI pivot appeared first on Invezz

6 Feb 2026, 18:40

Bostic defends Fed independence amid political attacks from Trump administration

The outgoing head of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta pushed back against claims that the central bank has lost public confidence, sayin g Fr iday that Americans still believe the institution will stick to its mission despite mounting criticism from Washington. Raphael Bostic, who steps down at month’s end, told Bloomberg New s he remains optimisti c hi s colleagues will continue resisting outside pressure and focus on what’s best for the economy. The remarks come as President Donald Trump and members of his administration have ramped up demands for quicker rate cuts. “Ultimately, my current, soon to be former, colleagues will have to rise to the moment and do what they think is right, or they won’t,” Bostic said. “And if they don’t, then we’ll see it. But I’m pretty confident, for the people that I know, that they will.” Public confidence holds despite political attacks The comments follow sharp criticism from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who told lawmaker s We dnesday that the Fed had “lost the trust of the American people.” Trump himself has repeatedly called for the central bank to bring down borrowing costs faster than officials have been willing to move. But Bostic offered a different take on public sentiment . He pointed to steady inflation expectations even during the recent upheaval as proof that people still trust the Fed to act without bowing to political influence. “I take that as a signal that the business community and families still have faith in the Federal Reserve, that we’re going to do the things that we’ve been asked to do and charged to do,” he said. “I think our institution has been resilient in the face of a chaotic world.” The Atlanta Fed president stressed that getting prices under control remains the top priority. He note d in flation has stayed well above the 2% target for nearly two years, calling that trend unacceptable. Even with challenges in the job market, Bostic argue d th e Fed can’t take its eye off rising costs. His solution: keep borrowing costs high enough to slow the economy until inflation hits the 2% goal. He warned that expensive goods and the threat of further increases leave many families struggling. This has created what he called a “K-shaped” or “barbell” economy, where households with less money feel especially squeezed. Labor market faces structural shifts On the jobs front, Bostic sai d em ployers are pulling back on hiring for entry-level positions because artificial intelligence could soon handle those tasks. He also blamed companies for cutting staff after hiring too many people during the pandemic, plus confusion over shifting immigration policies fo r cu rrent labor market troubles. Getting a clear picture of what’s really happening with employment might take until April or May, he suggested, as officials try to separate temporary disruptions from lasting changes in how the economy works. Addressing calls for “regime change” from incoming officials like chair-designate Kevin Warsh, Bostic defended the Fed’s approach of making decisions based on economic data. He sai d th e central bank should rely even more on information gathered directly from business leaders, not just government reports. He also stood by the Fed’s expanded role in watching for risks in the banking system and making sure the economy benefits everyone, sayin g th ese duties help achieve maximum employment. While some want to narrow the Fed’s focus, Bostic argue d th is broader view is necessary. The retiring Fed official acknowledged that political heat “comes with the territory” but sai d th e institution must stay committed to stable prices and full employment to keep the economy predictable over time. He cautioned that once inflation gets stuck in people’s thinking, it changes how the entire economy operates. Bostic wrapped up by emphasizin g th e Fed has a job to do on price stability, regardless of what other players in the financial system might want or need. Different groups may have their own goals and timelines, he said, but the central bank needs to stick to its mandate. The statements mark one of Bostic’s final defenses of Fed independence as he prepares to leave his post after years navigating criticism from politicians on both sides. Claim your free seat in an exclusive crypto trading community - limited to 1,000 members.

6 Feb 2026, 18:25

British Saylor Says He Would Sell His Own Arm Before Selling Bitcoin

The CEO of newly London-listed The Smarter Web would "rather sell his own arm" than touch the firm's 2,674 BTC treasury.

6 Feb 2026, 18:12

China Bans RMB Stablecoins: e-CNY Promotion

China's PBOC has banned RMB-pegged stablecoins and RWA issuances. e-CNY CBDC is being promoted. Winston Ma: Onshore and offshore markets have been covered. Historical developments and BTC impacts a...

6 Feb 2026, 17:55

Bitcoin Soars: BTC Price Surges Above $71,000 in Stunning Rally

BitcoinWorld Bitcoin Soars: BTC Price Surges Above $71,000 in Stunning Rally In a significant market development on April 10, 2025, Bitcoin (BTC) has convincingly broken through the $71,000 barrier, trading at $71,055.61 on the Binance USDT market. This pivotal move reignites discussions about the leading cryptocurrency’s long-term trajectory and its role in the global financial landscape. Consequently, investors and analysts are closely examining the factors propelling this ascent. Bitcoin Price Breakthrough: Analyzing the $71,000 Milestone According to real-time data from Bitcoin World market monitoring, the BTC price surge represents a critical technical and psychological achievement. Furthermore, this level had previously acted as a formidable resistance point. The breakthrough suggests accumulating bullish momentum. Market depth charts show substantial buy orders supporting the new price floor. Historically, such clear breaks above major round-number resistances often precede extended bullish phases. However, sustained volume is crucial for validation. Several concurrent factors likely contributed to this price action. Firstly, recent institutional adoption news has provided a solid foundation. Secondly, macroeconomic conditions, including currency devaluation concerns in several regions, have increased demand for hard assets. Thirdly, technical analysts point to a completed bullish chart pattern on weekly timeframes. The market now watches to see if Bitcoin can consolidate above this level. Contextualizing the Current Cryptocurrency Rally This rally does not exist in a vacuum. It follows a period of consolidation and builds upon momentum established earlier in the year. To understand its significance, we must examine recent history. The cryptocurrency market entered 2025 with cautious optimism following regulatory clarity in major economies. This clarity removed a significant overhang for institutional participants. Subsequently, capital inflows into spot Bitcoin ETFs have remained consistently positive for 14 consecutive weeks. The table below shows key resistance levels Bitcoin has overcome in recent months: Price Level Date Breached (2025) Significance $60,000 January 22 Recovery of post-2022 crash high $65,000 March 5 Break of previous cycle’s peak $71,000 April 10 New all-time high in nominal terms Moreover, the broader digital asset market often moves in tandem with Bitcoin. Altcoins have shown mixed reactions, with some lagging and others outperforming. This divergence can indicate a maturing market where capital rotates based on project fundamentals rather than pure speculation. Expert Analysis on Market Structure and Sustainability Market analysts emphasize the importance of the derivatives market in this move. Open interest in Bitcoin futures has risen, but funding rates remain relatively neutral. This neutral funding suggests leverage is not excessively driving the rally, a healthy sign for sustainability. Veteran trader and analyst, whose commentary frequently appears in institutional reports, notes the critical role of spot buying. “The hallmark of this move is spot-driven accumulation,” they stated in a recent market note. “Exchange reserves continue to decline, indicating a net withdrawal trend, which typically underpins stronger prices.” On-chain data provides further evidence of a strong holder base. The percentage of Bitcoin supply that hasn’t moved in over a year remains near all-time highs. This metric, often called “HODLer” conviction, signals long-term confidence. Additionally, the realized price—the average price at which all coins last moved—continues to trend upward, establishing a higher support base for the network. The Macroeconomic Backdrop and Real-World Impact Beyond crypto-specific factors, the global economic environment plays a crucial role. Persistent inflation in several G20 nations has eroded confidence in traditional stores of value. Consequently, investors increasingly allocate a portion of their portfolios to non-correlated assets like Bitcoin. Central bank policies, particularly regarding interest rates and quantitative tightening, are under intense scrutiny. Any signal of renewed monetary easing could further accelerate capital flows into hard-capped digital assets. The impact of this price surge extends beyond traders. For businesses: Public Companies: Firms holding Bitcoin on their balance sheets see unrealized gains increase their book value. Miners: Mining profitability improves dramatically, potentially leading to increased network security investment. Payment Processors: Higher BTC valuations can increase transaction volume and fee revenue for crypto payment gateways. Developers: A healthy market price often correlates with increased funding and activity in the underlying protocol’s ecosystem. Regulatory bodies worldwide are undoubtedly monitoring this volatility. Their focus will likely remain on consumer protection, market integrity, and preventing illicit finance. A stable price advance may be viewed more favorably than a speculative bubble by these authorities. Technical Outlook and Key Levels to Watch From a technical perspective, the breach of $71,000 opens the path toward higher projections. Chartists identify the next significant resistance zones near $75,000 and $80,000. However, they also warn of potential pullbacks. A healthy market often retests major breakout levels. Therefore, the $68,000 to $70,000 range now becomes critical support. A sustained close below it could signal a false breakout. Key on-chain metrics to monitor include: MVRV Ratio: Measures if the asset is overvalued relative to its historical cost basis. Exchange Net Flow: Continued negative flow (more withdrawals than deposits) is bullish. Active Addresses: Growth in unique sending/receiving addresses indicates network adoption. Momentum indicators like the Relative Strength Index (RSI) are approaching overbought territory on daily charts. This condition does not necessarily mean an immediate reversal, but it suggests the pace of ascent may slow, allowing the market to digest gains. Conclusion Bitcoin’s rise above $71,000 marks a definitive moment in its 2025 market narrative. This achievement stems from a confluence of institutional adoption, favorable macro trends, and robust on-chain fundamentals. While short-term volatility is inherent to the asset class, the breakthrough of this key level reinforces Bitcoin’s position as a formidable digital store of value. Moving forward, market participants should watch for consolidation above support and monitor the interplay between spot and derivatives activity. The Bitcoin price action continues to captivate the financial world, demonstrating the enduring relevance of decentralized digital currency. FAQs Q1: What caused Bitcoin to rise above $71,000? A1: The rise is attributed to several factors including sustained institutional buying via ETFs, positive macroeconomic conditions favoring hard assets, technical breakout patterns, and a general trend of coins moving off exchanges into long-term storage, reducing immediate sell pressure. Q2: Is this a new all-time high for Bitcoin? A2: Yes, in nominal US dollar terms, $71,055.61 represents a new all-time high price for Bitcoin, surpassing the previous peak established in the prior market cycle. Q3: How does this price affect Bitcoin miners? A3: A higher Bitcoin price significantly improves mining profitability. It increases the US dollar value of the block reward, allowing miners to cover operational costs more easily and potentially invest in more efficient hardware, which strengthens the network’s overall security. Q4: Should investors be concerned about a price correction after such a rapid rise? A4: Corrections are a normal part of any financial market, especially cryptocurrencies. While some pullback to test the new support level near $70,000 is possible, the underlying fundamentals of institutional adoption and sound monetary policy remain strong long-term tailwinds. Q5: What is the next major resistance level for Bitcoin? A5: Based on technical analysis, the next significant resistance zones are projected near the $75,000 and $80,000 levels. However, market sentiment, macro news, and on-chain data will ultimately determine the strength and timing of any advance toward these targets. This post Bitcoin Soars: BTC Price Surges Above $71,000 in Stunning Rally first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

6 Feb 2026, 17:45

Institutional investors aggressively short U.S. stocks as selloff enters second day

Institutional investors are aggressively selling U.S. stocks amid macro uncertainty. On Wednesday, hedge funds sold U.S. stocks at the fastest rate since October. The sell-off was primarily driven by short sales and, to a lesser extent, by liquidating long positions according to Kobeissi Letter. Institutional investors are increasingly betting against U.S. equities. A recent update by financial analysis firm Kobeissi Letter highlighted that hedge funds unwound their positions on U.S. single stocks at the fastest pace since October on Wednesday, posting their 2nd consecutive daily sale. U.S. equities dip as institutional investors liquidate their long positions Institutional investors are aggressively unloading US equities: Hedge funds sold US single stocks at the fastest rate since October on Wednesday, posting their 2nd consecutive daily sale. This was driven by short sales and, to a lesser extent, by liquidating long positions.… pic.twitter.com/J4bG4Vtell — The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) February 6, 2026 Kobeissi Letter credited that sell-off to short sales and liquidation of long positions. The analysis firm reported that the sell-off marked the 5th day of net outflows in the last six days. 5 out of 11 sectors, including Information Technology, Industrials, and Materials, experienced heavy liquidations, with Semiconductor and Semiconductor Equipment, Communications Equipment, and Tech Hardware facing the heaviest hits. Kobeissi added that the behavior shows sentiment among hedge funds and other large players is shifting and has been the “theme” for some time. The firm noted that hedge funds and institutional clients are the largest net sellers, followed by private investors. Major market participants sold heavily last week. According to Google Finance , the S&P 500 is down 1.19% over the last 5 days, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average is up 1.29%. A previous Cryptopolitan report noted that Trump’s second term has posted the weakest stock market performance in two decades. During Trump’s first year as president, U.S. equities delivered significant gains despite falling short when compared to how the stock market performed during the first year of his recent predecessors. Data from CFRA Research showed that market indexes rose by only 13.3% between Inauguration Day and January 20, 2026. Trump’s tariffs hit the markets hard by fueling uncertainty from the repeated changes in import and export rates as various countries tried to negotiate. Although Trump claims he expects the U.S. stock market to double from its current record levels, which he takes credit for, his “America First” agenda is challenging investor confidence in U.S. assets. His trade policies, geopolitical tensions, and fiscal uncertainty have cooled the stock market, with several non-US markets and sectors outperforming U.S. equities over the past year. Market players say the shift is due to the need to diversify, and that has made commodities, emerging markets, and UK investment trusts briefly gain momentum as direct beneficiaries of capital flowing outside the U.S. Annabel Brodie-Smith, communications director at the Association of Investment Companies, said investors were diverting risk across safe havens and growth assets. She noted that strong earnings growth and AI-related spending continued to support U.S. equities while European markets had their best year since 2021 as investors sought better value. AI spending on Big Tech rekindles earlier concerns of an AI bubble Cryptopolitan recently hinted that AI spending by big tech could revive old fears of an AI bubble. The report noted that large tech firms plan to spend $660 billion on AI this year. The estimated figure triggered a $900 billion market selloff, as investors remain wary of AI valuations. Wall Street dumped the shares of Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Meta after the announcement, which continued the sell-off from last week following the companies’ earnings. Amazon and Microsoft were hit hardest. The e-commerce giant took an 11% hit after announcing this year’s capex will reach $200 billion, beyond the $150 billion that analysts anticipated. Microsoft plunged 18% after announcing that quarterly spending on AI data centers surged 66%. Investors dumped the tech stock despite the company recording that its cloud revenue grew 26% to $51.5 billion. Apple performed better than other tech companies after announcing a 17% reduction in capex to $2.4 billion in Q4, bringing its total for the year to $12 billion. The company saw its stock rise by 7.5% after reporting a revenue of $144 billion in the last quarter of 2025. Don’t just read crypto news. Understand it. Subscribe to our newsletter. It's free .