Asia markets mixed, China stocks lag on regulatory jitters; U.S. futures steady

Asia stock trade mixed on Thursday, following Wall Street's mixed performance on rising hopes that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates this month. China's markets, however, lagged behind, with benchmarks falling on reports that regulators are considering new rules to curb speculation. Elsewhere, the US dollar struggles after weaker July JOLTS job openings, with traders now eyeing weekly jobless claims, ADP employment data, and the ISM Services PMI later. Silver slipped 1% to around $40.7 per ounce on Thursday, easing from 14-year highs. Gold dipped to around $3,540 per ounce on Thursday, pausing its longest winning streak since March but remaining at record highs. Japan ( NKY:IND ) rose 1.56% to above 42,400 while the broader Topix Index added 0.7% to 3,070 on Thursday. The Japanese yen strengthened past 148 per dollar on Thursday, recovering from the prior session’s losses. China ( SHCOMP ) fell 1.44% to below 3,770 while the Shenzhen Component slid 2.2% to 12,200 on Thursday, marking a third straight decline as artificial intelligence and semiconductor shares came under heavy selling pressure. Chinese regulators are weighing measures to cool the stock market after a strong rally since early August, Bloomberg News reported Wednesday. Furthermore, China has imposed new tariffs on certain U.S. optical fiber products following a six-month probe that concluded American exporters were evading existing anti-dumping rules. The levies, set between 33.3% and 78.2%, took effect Thursday in Beijing on “certain cut-off shifted single-mode optical fiber,” the Ministry of Commerce said. Hong Kong ( HSI ) fell 1.17% to 25,100 in Thursday morning deals, marking the third straight decline amid broad-based sector losses. India ( SENSEX ) rose 0.42% to 80,958 in morning trade on Thursday, extending gains from the previous session after the Goods and Services Tax Council approved a major overhaul of the GST regime. The new GST rate structure, set to take effect on September 22, aims to boost domestic consumption and offset the impact of the recently imposed 50% US tariffs. India's free trade agreement with the European Free Trade Association will come into effect on October 1, according to a statement by Switzerland, as reported by the Economic Times. Australia ( AS51 ) rose 0.97% to above 8,805 on Thursday, snapping a four-session losing streak, as heavyweight miners and gold stocks advanced on firmer commodity prices. The Australian dollar was little changed at around $0.654 on Thursday, holding its recent gains, supported by stronger-than-expected trade balance figures. Australia's trade surplus expanded significantly in July, reaching A$7.31 billion. The surge was driven by rising exports, which increased by 3.3%, combined with a decline in imports, which fell by 1.3%. At the same time, household spending climbed 5.1% year-on-year in July, the highest growth since November 2023, following a 4.6% rise in June. On Wednesday, RBA Governor Michele Bullock warned that further interest rate cuts may be unlikely if consumer spending continues to rise rapidly. In the U.S. on Wednesday, all three major indexes ended mostly higher as tech strength offset broader market weakness, with investors weighing a favorable antitrust ruling for Google against signs of labor market softening. U.S. stock futures held firm on Thursday following a mixed performance on Wall Street: Dow -0.11% ; S&P 500 +0.07% ; Nasdaq +0.14% . Currencies: ( JPY:USD ), ( CNY:USD ), ( AUD:USD ), ( INR:USD ), ( HKD:USD ), ( NZD:USD ). More on Asia: Australia’s trade surplus widens to A$7.31B in July; exports hit 21-month high Australia's GDP jumps in Q2 by 0.6% Q/Q, marking 15th straight quarter of growth China services PMI hits 15-month high to 53.0 in August, as new export orders surge Japan services PMI revised upward at 53.1 in August amid rise in new orders China's factory activity rebounds in private survey while official data stays weak

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Santiment: Ether Whales Appear to Have Added 14% More ETH Since April Amid ETF Inflows, Treasury Buys

Ether whales have accumulated roughly 14% more ETH since April, signaling substantial buying pressure. Santiment data shows wallets holding 1,000–100,000 ETH increased balances after the $1,472 yearly low, driven by

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Solana (SOL) Faces Heavy Resistance – Can Bulls Prevent a $200 Breakdown?

Solana started a fresh increase from the $194 zone. SOL price is now recovering higher and faces a heavy resistance near $212. SOL price started a recovery wave after it tested the $194 zone against the US Dollar. The price is now trading above $200 and the 100-hourly simple moving average. There was a break below a connecting bullish trend line with support at $207 on the hourly chart of the SOL/USD pair (data source from Kraken). The pair could start a fresh increase if it clears the $212 resistance zone. Solana Price Faces Resistance Solana price started a decent increase from the $194-$195 zone, like Bitcoin and Ethereum . SOL was able to climb above the $200 and $202 resistance levels. There was a clear move above the 50% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $218 swing high to the $194 low. However, the bears seem to be active near the $212 resistance zone. The price reacted to the downside below $210. There was a break below a connecting bullish trend line with support at $207 on the hourly chart of the SOL/USD pair. Solana is now trading above $204 and the 100-hourly simple moving average. On the upside, the price is facing resistance near the $2102 level. The next major resistance is near the $212 level or the 76.4% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $218 swing high to the $194 low. The main resistance could be $218. A successful close above the $218 resistance zone could set the pace for another steady increase. The next key resistance is $232. Any more gains might send the price toward the $245 level. Another Decline In SOL? If SOL fails to rise above the $212 resistance, it could continue to move down. Initial support on the downside is near the $204 zone. The first major support is near the $200 level. A break below the $200 level might send the price toward the $195 support zone. If there is a close below the $195 support, the price could decline toward the $184 support in the near term. Technical Indicators Hourly MACD – The MACD for SOL/USD is losing pace in the bullish zone. Hourly Hours RSI (Relative Strength Index) – The RSI for SOL/USD is below the 50 level. Major Support Levels – $200 and $195. Major Resistance Levels – $212 and $218.

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Bitcoin Adoption Shifts to Lightweight Entry: Why Digital Asset Treasuries (DAT) Outpace ETFs and Exchanges

According to Caixin, NewFire Technology CEO Weng Xiaoqi said that Digital Asset Treasuries, cryptocurrency ETFs and traditional exchanges function as primary on‑ramps for institutional capital into crypto trading. Historically exchanges

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Ether whales have added 14% more coins since April price lows

Ether whales have been loading up on ETH since it hit a yearly low of $1,472 in April, increasing their holdings by 14%, according to Santiment.

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Ripple RLUSD: Unlocking Africa’s Financial Potential for Institutional Growth

BitcoinWorld Ripple RLUSD: Unlocking Africa’s Financial Potential for Institutional Growth A significant development is set to reshape the landscape of institutional finance in Africa. Ripple, a leader in enterprise blockchain and crypto solutions, is now extending its support for its proprietary stablecoin, Ripple RLUSD , to institutional clients across the continent. This strategic move, initially reported by CoinDesk, signals a new era for digital payments and financial inclusion in a rapidly expanding market. To ensure widespread adoption and seamless integration, Ripple has established crucial partnerships. The company is collaborating with payments provider Chipper Cash, the prominent South Africa-based cryptocurrency exchange VALR, and the African stablecoin exchange Yellow Card. These alliances are poised to accelerate the deployment and utility of Ripple RLUSD , bringing advanced financial tools directly to businesses and financial institutions. What is Ripple RLUSD and Why is Africa a Key Market? Ripple RLUSD is a stablecoin, meaning its value is pegged to a stable asset, typically the US dollar. This stability makes it an ideal digital asset for cross-border transactions and institutional use, offering predictability in volatile crypto markets. For institutional clients, RLUSD provides a reliable bridge between traditional finance and the digital economy. Africa represents a vibrant and rapidly evolving financial landscape. The continent has seen an explosion in mobile money adoption and digital payments, yet traditional cross-border transactions often remain slow, expensive, and complex. This creates a compelling need for efficient, low-cost, and transparent solutions. Ripple recognizes this immense potential, positioning Ripple RLUSD as a powerful tool to address these challenges and foster economic growth. Forging Powerful Partnerships for Widespread Adoption of Ripple RLUSD Ripple’s strategy for Africa hinges on strong local partnerships, ensuring that Ripple RLUSD can effectively serve diverse markets. Each partner plays a vital role in this ecosystem: Chipper Cash: As a leading cross-border payments app in Africa, Chipper Cash provides the infrastructure and user base to facilitate smooth transactions for businesses and potentially bridge to consumer applications. VALR: This South Africa-based cryptocurrency exchange offers a robust platform for trading and accessing digital assets. VALR’s involvement will likely provide liquidity and a trusted gateway for institutions to acquire and utilize Ripple RLUSD . Yellow Card: An African stablecoin exchange, Yellow Card is crucial for ensuring the accessibility and exchangeability of RLUSD across various African nations, supporting local currency conversions and wider utility. These collaborations are not merely transactional; they represent a concerted effort to build a resilient and interconnected digital financial infrastructure that can truly empower African institutions. How Will Ripple RLUSD Transform Institutional Finance? The introduction of Ripple RLUSD for institutional clients promises several significant benefits: Faster and Cheaper Cross-Border Payments: Traditional international transfers can take days and incur high fees. RLUSD facilitates near-instant settlements at a fraction of the cost, improving efficiency for businesses operating across borders. Enhanced Liquidity Management: Institutions can manage their liquidity more effectively by converting between fiat and stablecoins with greater speed and lower friction. Increased Transparency: Blockchain-based transactions offer an immutable record, enhancing transparency and traceability, which is vital for compliance and auditing purposes. Financial Inclusion: By making digital finance more accessible and efficient, RLUSD can indirectly support broader financial inclusion, allowing more businesses to participate in the global economy. These advantages are critical for businesses looking to expand, streamline operations, and leverage the growing digital economy in Africa. Navigating the Future: Opportunities and Potential Impact of Ripple RLUSD While the opportunities for Ripple RLUSD in Africa are immense, the journey will involve navigating various market dynamics. Regulatory frameworks are still evolving across different African nations, and adapting to these diverse environments will be key. However, the clear demand for modern financial solutions and the strong local partnerships position Ripple favorably. The move to support RLUSD in Africa is a bold step towards integrating the continent more deeply into the global digital economy. It represents a commitment to leveraging blockchain technology to solve real-world financial challenges, potentially setting a new standard for institutional digital asset adoption. In conclusion, Ripple’s strategic push to introduce Ripple RLUSD to institutional clients in Africa, backed by powerful local partnerships, marks a pivotal moment. This initiative holds the promise of transforming cross-border payments, enhancing liquidity, and driving greater financial efficiency and inclusion across the continent. Africa’s digital future looks brighter with such innovative solutions taking root. Frequently Asked Questions About Ripple RLUSD in Africa What is Ripple RLUSD? Ripple RLUSD is a stablecoin developed by Ripple, designed to maintain a stable value by being pegged to a fiat currency, typically the US dollar. It serves as a digital asset for efficient cross-border transactions. Why is Ripple focusing on Africa for RLUSD? Africa presents a rapidly growing digital economy with a significant need for faster, cheaper, and more transparent cross-border payment solutions. Ripple aims to address these challenges and foster financial inclusion on the continent. Which partners is Ripple collaborating with in Africa for RLUSD? Ripple has partnered with payments provider Chipper Cash, South Africa-based cryptocurrency exchange VALR, and African stablecoin exchange Yellow Card to facilitate the adoption and utility of RLUSD. How will RLUSD benefit institutional clients in Africa? Institutional clients will benefit from faster and cheaper cross-border payments, enhanced liquidity management, increased transaction transparency, and broader participation in the digital economy. Is Ripple RLUSD available for individual users in Africa? Currently, Ripple’s initiative focuses on supporting Ripple RLUSD for institutional clients. While the partnerships may indirectly benefit individual users through improved services, the direct offering is for businesses and financial institutions. Did you find this insight into Ripple’s latest move in Africa valuable? Share this article with your network and join the conversation about the future of digital finance on the continent! To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping the stablecoin landscape’s institutional adoption. This post Ripple RLUSD: Unlocking Africa’s Financial Potential for Institutional Growth first appeared on BitcoinWorld and is written by Editorial Team

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XRP Signals 2017 Déjà Vu with a Rally Toward $4.50 on the Table as $706M Transfer Lights Fuse

XRP Mirrors 2017 Bull Run Setup, $4.50 Rally in Sight According to on-chain insights provider Crypto Metric, XRP is mirroring its 2017 bull run setup, once this consolidation wraps up, a sharp rally toward more than $4.50 is on the table. The 2017 cycle set the gold standard for parabolic crypto rallies, and Crypto Metric sees XRP aligning with the same structural markers, prolonged accumulation, shrinking exchange reserves, tightening volatility, and heavy on-chain positioning by whales. If these parallels hold, XRP’s next leg shifts from mere speculation to a scenario with real probability. Notably, in 2017, prolonged sideways trading allowed demand to concentrate while readily available supply thinned, creating the conditions for fast, sustained appreciation. Therefore, a $4.50-plus target represents a multi-bagger move from recent levels, which explains the renewed excitement among momentum traders and allocators hunting asymmetric returns with such a move leading to a new all-time high (ATH) since the present one stands at $3.65. Presently, XRP is trading at $2.84, according to CoinGecko data . $706.5M Worth of XRP Moves On-Chain — Whale Games or Institutional Play? According to renowned market analyst Xaif Crypto, a massive 257,105,694 XRP, valued at approximately $706.5 million, was just transferred on-chain , sparking intense speculation within the crypto community. Such a large-scale movement raises pressing questions: Is this the latest round of whale maneuvering, or the quiet entry of institutional capital? Whale activity has consistently shaped XRP’s market moves, often foreshadowing sharp volatility. A transfer of hundreds of millions signals more than routine activity, it suggests coordinated action, whether for liquidity shifts, exchange positioning, or strategic accumulation. However, analysts warn such moves frequently precede major swings, specifically upward if whales are stockpiling, or downward if distribution is underway. On the other hand, growing institutional interest in XRP cannot be ignored. With Ripple’s expanding footprint in cross-border payments, coupled with increasing regulatory clarity in major markets, institutions may be positioning themselves for exposure. A $706.5 million transfer aligns more closely with the type of balance sheet reshuffling typical of large financial entities rather than retail-driven market speculation. Adding to the intrigue, this transaction surfaces during a period of tight consolidation in XRP’s price, echoing patterns seen before previous rallies. Historically, large on-chain movements have coincided with accumulation phases, suggesting that a breakout could be on the horizon. Traders are closely monitoring the charts, where cup-and-handle and ascending triangle structures point toward a potential upside target of $3.55. Conclusion Whether this staggering $706.5 million XRP transfer represents whale-driven market tactics or the early signs of institutional accumulation, its sheer scale cannot be overlooked. It signals that powerful players are positioning themselves ahead of a potentially pivotal moment for XRP. Meanwhile, while XRP’s current consolidation bears striking resemblance to its legendary 2017 setup, the path to $4.50 and beyond hinges on more than just technical echoes of the past with on-chain metrics suggesting the groundwork for a breakout is forming.

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Federal Reserve Payments Conference May Accelerate RWA Tokenization as Ethereum Remains Dominant Onchain

The Federal Reserve will host a payments innovation conference on Oct. 21 focused on tokenization and payments modernization, signaling increased regulatory and market interest in RWA tokenization as onchain tokenized

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September 4: Bitcoin Sees Market Shift as Fear & Greed Index Drops to 51, Moving from Greed to Neutral

COINOTAG News on September 4 reports, per Alternative Data, the cryptocurrency Fear and Greed Index registered 51 today (down from 55 yesterday), reflecting a market rotation from Greed to Neutral

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BYD cut its 2025 sales target from 5.5 million to 4.6 million

BYD, the top-selling electric vehicle manufacturer on earth, has reduced its 2025 end of year sales forecast from 5.5 million cars to 4.6 million, a 16% cut that directly blames China’s overcrowded EV market, according to the company’s statement. This new target comes right after a 30% plunge in quarterly profits last week, shaking investors and confirming what the numbers were already saying. Deliveries in both July and August were nearly identical to the same period last year, offering no growth. Local rivals are flooding the market with cheaper models stacked with tech, and consumers are biting. The company, based in Shenzhen, now faces the rest of the year with that revised number hanging over its head and no room left for mistakes. BYD loses edge as rivals take customers Profits aren’t the only thing bleeding. BYD’s ability to grab more customers through aggressive discounting has been slammed by new restrictions from Beijing, which has started cracking down on wild price cuts that were once common. Without that tool, the company is now trying to survive in the busiest part of the year (September and October) by pushing full-priced models against cheaper, sleeker offerings from companies like Geely and Xpeng. Even newer players are chipping away. Xiaomi’s SU7 sedan and YU7 SUV came out of nowhere and gained traction fast, surprising both consumers and analysts. These models are loaded with features and priced to compete. As a result, BYD is being squeezed from all sides and can’t rely on discounts to fight back. Its shares fell by 2% in Hong Kong at Thursdsy’s market open, which suggests most investors had already braced for a drop. Analysts at Bloomberg are now estimating 4.5 million units sold by year-end. Eunice Lee, senior analyst at Sanford C. Bernstein, said the company’s new number is “largely in line with buyside expectations now and should be achievable.” She added, “This could also be a near-term clearing event for the stock.” Still, hitting that lower number won’t be easy. The company’s brand strength is being tested daily by new models, tight margins, and tighter regulation. Even though BYD is still the biggest EV brand in China by volume, its lead is shrinking fast. The weapons it once used to dominate (scale, price, speed) are now liabilities in a crowded market that’s watching every yuan. Tesla goes public with robotaxi app in Austin While BYD fights to hold its ground in China, Tesla is opening up its robotaxi service to the public in the U.S. On Wednesday night, the company’s official Tesla Robotaxi account posted on social media platform X that the app is “now available to all.” This marks the first time the app isn’t limited to investors or influencers. The post included a link to Apple’s App Store, allowing users to download and join the waitlist. The rollout lines up with earlier comments from Elon Musk, who said the app would go public in September. Tesla originally launched the service in June, using about 10 to 20 Model Y SUVs in Austin, Texas for a small test group. Since then, it has quietly expanded into California, where it offers a non-autonomous rideshare service under the same branding, according to several X posts from Elon Musk. What’s not clear yet is whether the same app will work across both Austin and the Bay Area. The terms of service inside the app include legal details for California users, which hints at possible expansion, but there’s been no official word from Tesla on the exact locations that are live. Want your project in front of crypto’s top minds? Feature it in our next industry report, where data meets impact.

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