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An estimated US$300 million worth of long positions in the cryptocurrency market were wiped out within a short period, exposing vulnerabilities in high-leverage trading and sparking fresh concern among market participants. While the exact timeframe remains disputed, data aggregated from multiple analytics platforms show a sharp spike in forced liquidations as asset prices slipped.

According to the real-time liquidation monitor on one analytics service, the past 24 hours have seen unusually high volumes of closed long positions, with the tally edging near US$300 million. Other reports suggest the figure may have occurred over the span of 60 minutes, with industry social-alerts estimating that magnitude of losses among long traders.

Prices of flagship assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum registered meaningful intra-day declines, which in turn triggered liquidation cascades. Data from the analytics platform show that the leverage unwind was heavily concentrated among long bets, meaning traders expecting prices to rise were forced out as conditions reversed. Market analysts point to a surrender of bullish momentum: the chain reaction begins when a leveraged long position is liquidated, driving asset-sales and pushing prices lower, which in turn triggers further liquidations. This creates a self-reinforcing decline until the excess leverage is cleaned out.

This manoeuvre comes at a moment when structural shifts are underway in the crypto ecosystem. On-chain research indicates that institutional players are absorbing large volumes of bitcoin—almost 300,000 BTC or around US$33 billion—since mid-year, signalling a migration of risk away from retail-leveraged positions into longer-term holdings. That migration may be insulating a lot of the market from large draw-downs, but it also leaves the leveraged short-term traders exposed.

Some analysts interpret the liquidation event as a symptom of broader fragility in the derivatives market. The platform that tracks open interest and funding rates flagged elevated levels of long-side leverage prior to the drop, suggesting that the market had been overloaded with bullish bets. Once price momentum stalled, forced liquidations acted as a trigger for a more acute correction. The effect tends to be more severe when a large proportion of leverage lies on one side of the trade.

While the spot market for major cryptos held up relatively well compared with past extreme episodes, the liquidation event raises questions about crowd positioning and risk management. The analytics firm responsible for the heat-map data emphasises that while asset prices can stay elevated, the presence of large clustered leveraged trades makes the market susceptible to sharp draw-downs. From a regulatory and risk-framework perspective, the event may amplify calls for more transparent oversight of derivatives platforms given the interconnectedness of spot-and-futures exposures.

From the retail trader’s standpoint, the message is clear: heavy use of leverage in a complex and volatile market increases the potential for rapid and large losses. Several traders active in online forums noted one recurring theme: when the dominoes fall, they fall quickly. Nonetheless, the institutional shift described in bitcoin ownership data suggests that the broader market may be entering a more mature phase, wherein spot liquidity and accumulation replace the wild speculative cycles of earlier years.

In the derivatives space, the major platforms are likely to re-evaluate margin-requirements and risk-controls. Some executives in the sector previously flagged that the previous cycle’s wild leverage growth was unsustainable. This latest liquidation incident could prompt exchanges to tighten conditions, potentially increasing costs for leveraged trading and reducing the appeal of highly-geared positions.

The cryptocurrency market experienced an abrupt surge in forced liquidations that wiped out approximately $220 million worth of long positions within a narrow timeframe, signalling heightened turbulence across the derivatives ecosystem. Data from tracking services show that the bulk of these liquidations occurred in the perpetual futures markets for major tokens, particularly Bitcoin and Ethereum.

According to aggregated figures, long positions accounted for the lion’s share of the losses, with one platform indicating about $173 million in long liquidations and around $46 million in short positions during the same window. On BTC contracts alone nearly $88.65 million was liquidated, while ETH accounted for about $39.21 million. These numbers highlight the elevated risk exposure from leveraged long positions in a volatile market environment.

Market participants described the spike as part of a broader deleveraging wave triggered by swift upside price movements and thinner liquidity conditions in derivatives markets. In this case, the cascade appears to have been initiated as liquidation auto-mechanisms triggered, driving forced unwinds that bordered on a short-squeeze scenario in some tokens. Exchanges and analytics firms reported notable deterioration in order-book depth and funding-rate dislocations amid the event.

Derivatives analysts point out that the structure of perpetual futures—where traders can hold long or short positions with leverage—makes the system vulnerable to sudden directional shocks. As one analyst put it, when margin positions begin auto-liquidating, “the waterfall becomes self-reinforcing, as each forced exit adds fuel to the next wave.” Traders holding long positions without sufficient margin buffers were disproportionately exposed.

The broader market impact is not restricted to immediate losses. Observers note that such liquidation spikes tend to raise implied volatility, disrupt funding-rate structures, and force platforms to draw on insurance funds or trigger automatic deleveraging mechanisms. For instance, one derivatives exchange reported that although no major platform collapsed, “stress tests” on margin systems and clearance flows were clearly elevated during the event.

Institutional responses to the event are already shaping up. Hedge funds and proprietary trading desks say they are trimming leverage thresholds, reducing tail-risk exposure and increasing hedge allocations in short-term options. Meanwhile retail participants are being urged to revisit risk-management protocols. One experienced derivatives strategist commented: “The lesson here is that high-leverage long bets in a regime of thin liquidity are inherently fragile—what appears as momentum can swiftly become a trap.”

Regulation and infrastructure strains also emerged as themes. Some centralised exchanges disclosed stress on their liquidation engines and the need to replenish risk-fund buffers. Decentralised platforms reported shorter circuit-breaker windows and sharper spreads in underlying tokens during the height of liquidation flows. That has fuelled discussion about whether infrastructure warranties and margin-support frameworks are keeping pace with escalating derivatives volumes.

While liquidations of this magnitude are by no means unprecedented in crypto markets, the concentration on long positions and the speed of unwind mark an important event. Previous cascades had more evenly-split long/short liquidations, but here the asymmetry suggests a sharp directional surprise for markets. Long-only leveraged players may now need to reassess their exposure vis-à-vis volatility, funding-rates, and underlying spot liquidity.

By Nitya Chakraborty Bangladesh is going for national elections in February 2026 along with the holding of referendum for the July charter on the same polling day. The national address of the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh Government Dr. Muhammad Yunus on Thursday afternoon set the stage for the Parliamentary elections to end the present political […]

The article General Elections And Referendum To Be Held On Same Day In Bangladesh appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Guyana’s energy landscape is set to undergo a transformation following the approval of major international companies to begin exploration activities within its borders. TotalEnergies, QatarEnergy, and Petronas have each received government approval to explore potential oil and gas reserves off the country’s coast, a move that could help diversify the sector and reduce reliance on the existing dominant players.

The country has long struggled to expand its energy portfolio beyond the consortium led by U. S.-based ExxonMobil, which has been instrumental in developing the region’s significant offshore oil fields. However, Guyana has faced challenges in fostering competition and attracting foreign investment that could assist in broadening its energy capabilities.

ExxonMobil has long held a near-monopoly over Guyana’s booming oil sector, benefiting from the vast discoveries made in the Stabroek Block, an area off the coast of Georgetown. While the company’s presence has led to substantial growth in the nation’s oil production, the reliance on a single foreign entity has raised concerns about the need for greater diversification. The new approvals for TotalEnergies, QatarEnergy, and Petronas mark a significant departure from the status quo, with these firms now poised to play an essential role in shaping the future of Guyana’s energy industry.

Guyana’s government has emphasized the importance of inviting new players into the market to boost local industry development and foster a more competitive environment. This move is seen as a strategic decision to counterbalance the influence of ExxonMobil, as well as to ensure that Guyana can better control its resources, rather than remaining overly dependent on a single operator.

Each of the three companies—TotalEnergies, QatarEnergy, and Petronas—brings a wealth of experience and resources to the table. TotalEnergies, headquartered in France, has been a significant player in the global oil and gas market for decades. Similarly, QatarEnergy, which is part of the energy powerhouse Qatar Petroleum, has vast experience in the exploration and production of natural gas and oil across several regions, including the Middle East and North Africa. Petronas, Malaysia’s state-owned oil and gas company, adds to this pool of expertise, with a strong track record of international exploration ventures.

The approval process involved extensive environmental and technical assessments to ensure that exploration activities would be conducted in line with Guyana’s regulatory standards. This includes adhering to the country’s stringent environmental protection measures, aimed at safeguarding its fragile marine ecosystems while extracting valuable energy resources.

While the trio of companies now entering Guyana’s oil and gas sector have been given the green light to explore, the real test will come as exploration progresses and potential discoveries are made. Industry analysts remain cautious but optimistic about the long-term prospects of this diversification. Some experts suggest that bringing in additional operators could drive increased investment and innovation, while others warn that challenges remain in ensuring the effective management of these newly opened opportunities.

The Guyanese government has promised to leverage the revenue generated from these new ventures to foster greater economic diversification. The hope is that the newfound wealth will benefit sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education, helping to reduce the country’s historical dependence on oil. Critics, however, caution that managing the inflow of capital from new oil projects requires careful planning to avoid the so-called “resource curse,” which has plagued other resource-rich nations in the past.

Bitcoin’s price surge has surpassed $104,000, prompting widespread speculation over whether it is time to short the cryptocurrency. The latest surge represents a significant milestone for the digital asset, which has witnessed a dramatic increase in value over the past several months. This rise has ignited a range of reactions from investors and analysts alike, with some seeing it as a peak and others believing it is the beginning of a new upward trend.

Bitcoin’s journey to this point has been characterised by volatility, but the rise to $104,000 has brought it to the forefront of market discussions. This latest price level is viewed by some as a sign of continued bullish momentum, especially given the strong demand from institutional investors and increasing mainstream acceptance of cryptocurrencies. However, the steep climb has also prompted concerns about the sustainability of the rally.

For those closely monitoring the cryptocurrency markets, this price point raises critical questions. Is Bitcoin’s surge a bubble, or is it the start of a long-term bullish trend? The volatility of Bitcoin is not new, but its recent surge has magnified the debate between those advocating for holding and those seeing the potential for a market correction.

The growing influence of institutional investors has undeniably shaped Bitcoin’s price trajectory. Major financial institutions, including banks and investment firms, have increasingly integrated Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies into their portfolios. This influx of institutional capital is often cited as a key driver behind the latest surge in prices. Additionally, the broader economic environment, including inflation concerns and fears about traditional investment vehicles, has led many to view Bitcoin as a hedge against fiat currency depreciation.

However, Bitcoin’s price movements also come amid regulatory challenges, with governments around the world grappling with how to approach cryptocurrencies. In some jurisdictions, stricter regulatory measures could have an adverse effect on prices, especially if there are significant clampdowns on mining or trading activity. The regulatory landscape continues to evolve, adding an additional layer of uncertainty for investors.

The question of whether this is the time to short Bitcoin arises from the observation that the cryptocurrency market often experiences extreme price fluctuations. The potential for a significant pullback after such a rapid increase in value cannot be overlooked. Bitcoin’s past behaviour shows that it has often experienced large corrections following major rallies. This pattern has led many traders to consider shorting the cryptocurrency, betting that its value could drop in the near term.

While shorting Bitcoin can be a lucrative strategy in some market conditions, it also carries considerable risk. Short sellers who misjudge the market could face substantial losses, particularly given the unpredictable nature of cryptocurrency prices. As such, some experts caution against betting against Bitcoin, arguing that the long-term outlook for the cryptocurrency remains strong due to its growing adoption and integration into the financial system.

For those wary of shorting, the more conservative approach would be to take a wait-and-see stance, monitoring the market’s movements for signs of a correction or continuation of the bullish trend. Some investors believe that Bitcoin’s price will stabilise at this new level before embarking on another leg of growth.

Looking beyond the immediate future, the broader trends within the cryptocurrency market also provide some context for Bitcoin’s performance. Innovations in blockchain technology, the rise of decentralised finance, and increasing use cases for digital currencies in various sectors all point towards a growing role for cryptocurrencies in the global economy. This could contribute to a long-term uptrend for Bitcoin, making it a less likely candidate for a sharp price reversal.

SoFi has achieved a significant milestone in the world of financial services, becoming the first nationally chartered bank in the United States to introduce cryptocurrency trading, including Bitcoin. This development positions the company as a key player in bridging traditional banking with the expanding digital currency market.

The move allows SoFi’s customers to buy, sell, and hold cryptocurrencies directly through their existing accounts, enhancing the platform’s appeal as a one-stop-shop for financial services. This shift comes amid growing demand for crypto investments, particularly as more consumers seek alternatives to traditional investments in stocks and bonds.

With the new crypto offering, SoFi customers will have the ability to trade a variety of digital assets, starting with Bitcoin. The platform also plans to expand its range to include other major cryptocurrencies such as Ethereum in the near future. SoFi’s seamless integration of crypto trading with its other services, including personal loans, mortgages, and investing, aims to simplify the crypto experience for users who are new to the digital asset space.

This landmark move also signals a growing acceptance of digital currencies within mainstream financial institutions, traditionally hesitant about embracing the volatile market. SoFi’s decision to allow crypto trading comes at a time when other financial services companies are cautiously exploring similar offerings. Many banks and payment companies are entering the crypto space, but SoFi stands out as the first to secure national banking status and roll out a comprehensive crypto trading service.

The firm, which already holds a charter as a savings and loan institution under the supervision of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, secured approval from the regulatory body to add crypto trading to its list of services. This approval was seen as a crucial step in the broader trend of regulatory authorities gradually adapting to the rapid growth of the cryptocurrency sector.

SoFi’s expansion into cryptocurrency trading also aligns with the broader trend of increased institutional interest in digital currencies. Over the past few years, various asset management firms and banks have slowly begun offering crypto-related services to their customers, albeit cautiously. SoFi’s move to offer crypto trading through a fully regulated bank platform could catalyse further innovation in the sector, prompting other financial institutions to follow suit.

While this development represents a win for SoFi, it also raises questions about the future of traditional banking as the line between conventional and digital finance continues to blur. As digital currencies gain traction, banks and financial institutions will need to adopt increasingly flexible approaches to remain competitive. SoFi’s move reflects its strategy to capture the younger, tech-savvy demographic that is more inclined to explore digital currencies and alternative investments.

The introduction of crypto trading by SoFi also opens up opportunities for the firm to expand its revenue streams. With the growing popularity of cryptocurrencies, companies that offer crypto services have seen significant growth in customer acquisition and engagement. SoFi’s vast user base, which includes millennials and Generation Z, could see increased activity on the platform, potentially boosting its financial performance in the coming quarters.

However, the regulatory landscape surrounding cryptocurrencies remains a concern. Despite increasing adoption, regulators continue to grapple with how to effectively oversee the space. This includes determining the appropriate level of consumer protection, tax implications, and how to mitigate potential illegal activities associated with digital currencies. SoFi’s decision to offer crypto trading within a regulated environment could provide some reassurance to customers concerned about the risks of engaging in the volatile crypto market.

By Ashok Nilakantan Ayers NEW YORK: The world’s most valuable technology companies are engaged in a spending spree unlike anything seen since the space race. Meta, Amazon, Alphabet and Microsoft intend to invest as much as $320 billion this year into artificial intelligence technologies, with Amazon offering the most ambitious spending initiative among the four, […]

The article Tech Giants’ $400 Billion AI Bet: Returns On Investment Is The Key Issue appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

By Nantoo Banerjee It is difficult to grasp the fact that even 78 years after its independence, India, the world’s most populous country, continues to be heavily dependent on imported fertilizer to produce crops to feed its 1.46 billion-plus population. The prospect of a sudden fertiliser price surge ahead of its most important Rabi (winter) […]

The article Fertiliser Import Price Surge May Hit India’s Rabi Crop Output appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Visa and Mastercard are reportedly nearing a resolution in a two-decade-long legal dispute with a group of merchants over the fees associated with their payment systems. Sources familiar with the ongoing negotiations indicate that both companies, along with the merchants involved, are working towards an agreement that could put an end to the protracted legal battle, which has caused significant tension in the payments industry.

The legal issue dates back to the early 2000s when merchants accused the payment giants of anti-competitive practices, specifically their practice of setting high interchange fees for card transactions. These fees, paid by merchants to card issuers, have been a point of contention for years, with many arguing that the pricing structures imposed by Visa and Mastercard were unfairly high and limited competition within the payments market.

This dispute first gained public attention when large retailers and other business associations banded together, alleging that the card networks were using their market dominance to maintain inflated fees. Over time, the case expanded to include a wide range of merchants, from small businesses to multinational corporations, who collectively argued that the financial burden of interchange fees was ultimately passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices.

Throughout the years, both Visa and Mastercard have faced legal challenges, and a series of class-action lawsuits have been filed. These lawsuits have not only focused on the fees themselves but also on the lack of transparency in how they were determined and enforced. Merchants claimed that the payment networks’ practices amounted to price-fixing, a violation of antitrust laws. The legal battle escalated over time, with both sides digging in their heels.

The talks have reportedly intensified in recent months, with both Visa and Mastercard keen to resolve the matter without further litigation. According to the sources, the settlement under discussion would likely result in a significant financial payout to merchants, though the exact amount remains undisclosed. The agreement could also include changes to the way interchange fees are structured, potentially leading to lower costs for businesses that accept card payments.

For Visa and Mastercard, the prospect of a settlement would bring an end to a costly and divisive legal fight. Both companies have defended their practices throughout the proceedings, maintaining that the fees they charge are justified by the value they provide in terms of security, convenience, and innovation in the payments ecosystem. However, they also face growing pressure from lawmakers, regulators, and consumers to address the issue of interchange fees, which have been a sticking point in the broader debate on financial services.

For merchants, the settlement represents a significant potential win. Many business owners, particularly in sectors like retail and hospitality, have long argued that interchange fees represent a hidden tax on their operations, undermining their ability to compete. Lowering these fees could provide financial relief, particularly for smaller businesses that often face the highest costs in the payment system.

If the settlement is reached, it could have a ripple effect across the payments industry, influencing how other payment processors and financial institutions structure their fees. Moreover, it could pave the way for further regulatory scrutiny of the broader payments ecosystem, with calls for greater transparency and fairness in the way card networks operate.

In addition to the financial terms, the settlement is also expected to address broader issues within the payments sector. Changes to the way interchange fees are communicated to merchants, improvements in fee structures, and possible new regulations could be part of any final agreement. These changes could not only benefit merchants but also lead to a more competitive environment in the payment processing industry.