Ethereum has reclaimed the $2,300 level, positioning itself at a critical juncture as the market prepares for a decisive move. After weeks of volatility and corrective pressure, ETH is now testing a key zone that could determine the next phase of price action. While some analysts argue that the current structure is building toward a bullish impulse, others remain cautious, warning that the recent recovery could still lead to a short-term retrace before any sustained upside.

Amid this uncertainty, on-chain data is providing additional context. According to Arkham, Grayscale continues to stake Ethereum and recently staked another 19,200 ETH, worth approximately $44.6 million, just a few hours ago. This adds to its growing position and reinforces its long-term exposure to the asset.

Staking activity from an entity like Grayscale carries structural implications. By locking ETH into staking contracts, the firm is effectively removing liquid supply from the market, reducing the amount of ETH available for immediate selling. At the same time, staking reflects a long-term conviction strategy, as assets are committed to generating yield rather than being actively traded.

For market participants, this behavior can be interpreted as a signal of institutional confidence in Ethereum’s long-term value, even as short-term price direction remains uncertain.

Grayscale Expands Staking While Market Remains Cautious

Institutional activity continues to provide a structural backdrop for Ethereum, even as price action remains uncertain. On March 13, Grayscale (Ethereum Mini Trust) staked 57,600 ETH, valued at approximately $121.6 million, marking one of its largest recent allocations into staking. This move reinforces a broader trend of institutional players increasing exposure to Ethereum through yield-generating strategies rather than maintaining liquid positions.

From a supply perspective, this is meaningful. Staked ETH is effectively removed from the circulating supply, reducing immediate sell-side pressure and tightening available liquidity in the spot market. In isolation, this type of behavior would typically be interpreted as supportive of price over the medium to long term.

However, the market response has been more restrained. Despite these large-scale staking inflows, Ethereum’s price action continues to reflect caution rather than conviction. The asset remains near key resistance levels, with limited follow-through after recent attempts to move higher.

This divergence suggests that while long-term capital is positioning aggressively, shorter-term participants are still hesitant. Macro uncertainty, recent volatility, and prior liquidation events continue to weigh on sentiment.

As a result, Ethereum currently presents a mixed structure: institutional accumulation on one side, and cautious, reactive trading behavior on the other.

Bitcoin’s climb past $124,000 this year is being pushed by more than hedge funds and ETFs. According to River, a crypto financial services firm, a steady trickle of purchases from small and mid-size businesses has built a quieter, yet meaningful, layer of demand.

Growing Role Of Smaller Players

Reports show businesses bought roughly 84,000 BTC in 2025. That total equals about a quarter of what big institutional funds and corporate treasuries hold.

Real estate companies lead among River’s clients, with nearly 15% putting profits into Bitcoin. Hospitality, finance and software firms follow in the 8%–10% range. Even fitness studios, painters, roofers and religious nonprofits have joined in.

Most Companies Keep Allocations Modest

Based on River’s data, more than 40% of businesses set aside between 1% and 10% of profits for crypto. Only 10% invest more than half their net income.

Many buys are small. Western Main Self Storage in Rhode Island, for example, recently added 0.088 Bitcoin — about $9,830 — bringing its total to 0.43 Bitcoin.

These small purchases are repeated across many sectors, and together they add up.

Business owners are investing 22% of their profits into bitcoin.

Our new report shows how in 2025, businesses are adopting bitcoin faster than ever.

Link below in the pic.twitter.com/Gs9r6LDHxA

— River (@River) September 3, 2025

Knowledge Gaps In The Middle Of Adoption

A major obstacle appears to be simple awareness. A recent survey found only 6% of Americans knew Bitcoin’s supply is capped at 21 million.

Another poll showed 60% of people saying they “don’t know much” about the asset. Based on these results,

River’s Sam Baker says companies often never reach a point of careful review. In plain terms: many businesses aren’t rejecting Bitcoin after study; they’re simply not familiar enough to evaluate it.

Why Smaller Companies Move Faster

River’s report also notes that 75% of its clients have fewer than 50 employees. Without layers of committees or lengthy board approvals, owners and controllers can act quickly.

BTCUSD trading at $110,801 on the 24-hour chart: TradingView

That structural flexibility helps explain why small companies are more likely to experiment with Bitcoin than large public firms.

Committee-based decision-making, peer pressure and reputational caution keep most S&P 500 companies on the sidelines for now.

Market And Regulatory Shifts Support Uptake

According to Baker, clearer accounting rules, firmer regulatory signals and wider institutional acceptance have lowered some barriers to adoption.

At times this cycle, spot Bitcoin ETFs have been buying supply at a pace up to ten times miners’ production, which helped push prices higher. Those market dynamics, combined with the steady corporate buys, have supported Bitcoin’s run.

Business adoption looks cautious and deliberate. Most companies are making small, controlled bets rather than bold allocations.

Still, the cumulative effect of thousands of modest purchases is notable — and it has helped shape demand this cycle in ways that weren’t present in past bull runs.

Featured image from Meta, chart from TradingView

Pakistan’s government has moved to put its excess electricity to work in a surprising way. It has set aside 2,000 megawatts of surplus power for Bitcoin mining and artificial-intelligence centers.

This decision aims to turn an energy glut into an economic boost. It comes as part of a wider plan backed by the Finance Ministry and pushed by the Pakistan Crypto Council.

Surplus Power Allocation

According to local reports, Pakistan’s grid often produces more power than it needs. Now, that extra juice will be sent to data halls and mining rigs.

The first phase kicks off immediately. It will feed AI centers and crypto farms. Officials say this move could draw in billions in foreign cash. It should also open up tech jobs in cities and towns across the country.

Pakistan’s Finance Ministry announced it will allocate 2,000 megawatts of surplus power to support Bitcoin mining and AI center development as part of its national digital transformation strategy. The government has introduced tax incentives to attract foreign firms, with several…

— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) May 25, 2025

Tax Breaks And Investment

Based on reports, the Finance Ministry has rolled out special tax breaks for AI sites. Bitcoin miners will also get duty exemptions on their gear. Already, foreign delegations have been touring Pakistan to see the setup.

They’re checking out potential deals for hardware, software, and data-center space. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb told reporters that clear rules and perks will make Pakistan a top spot for tech investors.

Creating An Oversight Authority

The government is also setting up a Pakistan Digital Assets Authority. This new body will license and regulate exchanges, wallets, and token platforms. It will keep an eye on stablecoins, DeFi apps, and other blockchain services.

The digital assets body is even planning to “tokenize” national assets and public debt. In future, it could manage how surplus electricity is used for mining in a way that’s logged and audited.

Environmental Balance

Phase two of the plan brings a green twist. Officials promise to tap renewable sources, like solar and wind, for mining sites. That should help limit carbon emissions and ease public concerns.

Pakistan already faces air-quality issues in major cities. By steering mining operations toward renewables, the government hopes to cut fuel use at thermal plants and balance power needs.

In global rankings, Pakistan came in ninth on Chainalysis’s 2024 crypto adoption index. Based on Statista data, the country is on track to have over 27 million crypto users by 2025. That’s more than 10% of its 247 million people. These figures underline a fast-growing market of retail traders and institutional players alike.

Critics caution that high mining loads would overburden local grids unless properly managed. They also refer to price fluctuations of Bitcoin, which might transform a profitable scheme into a monetary bet.

Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView

In the world of investing, asset allocation and diversification have become fundamental strategies for managing wealth effectively. For India’s elite cadre, these principles are not only financial doctrines but also strategies to mitigate risk, optimize returns, and maintain financial stability in an unpredictable economic landscape. With their substantial resources, Ultra High Net Worth Individuals (UHNWIs) and High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs) are increasingly adopting sophisticated, diversified approaches that reflect both traditional investments and a keen interest in new-age asset classes.

A Multi-layered Approach to Diversification

India’s affluent investors are crafting complex, multi-layered portfolios designed to navigate varying economic conditions. By diversifying across a spectrum of asset classes—equities, debt, real estate, cash, commodities, precious metals, and even niche assets like art—these investors aim to stabilize returns while reducing exposure to sector-specific or market-specific risks.

The strategy extends further within asset classes, especially equities, where investors diversify by market capitalization, sector, geography, and investment strategy. For instance, they might allocate capital to large-cap stocks for stability, while tapping mid-cap and small-cap stocks to capture growth potential. Similarly, sectoral investments span key areas like infrastructure, information technology, healthcare, energy, and banking, with broad exposure providing a safety net against downturns in any one sector or market, thereby enhancing the portfolio’s resilience.

The Rise of Equities Amid Diverse Portfolios
Equities dominate the portfolios of India’s wealthy, constituting approximately 39% of their total asset allocation, according to The Wealth Index by 360 ONE Wealth in collaboration with CRISIL. Despite already holding a significant portion in equities, the wealthy are inclined to increase their equity exposure further, spurred by the sector’s potential to generate returns above inflation. Equities provide a means to build wealth over the long term, with options ranging from growth stocks and value stocks to passive investments such as Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) and index funds. Further, the adoption of diverse equity strategies, including contrarian and momentum investing, reveals a dynamic approach to capturing market opportunities. The report also revealed that even the elderly are aggressive investors, with the main goal for respondents above the age of 60 years being not wealth preservation but capital appreciation, and they have a higher allocation to equities than other age groups.

Yet, within this equity-heavy structure, these investors balance their portfolios by holding substantial positions in debt and real estate, each making up around 20% of their allocations. Debt instruments, such as bonds and market-linked debentures, provide predictable returns and stability, offsetting the inherent volatility of equities. Real estate, with its potential for steady appreciation and income generation, remains an essential asset for those seeking tangible, long-term investments.

The report further indicates that gold remains a staple for wealth preservation among the affluent, occupying a modest but strategic 10% of the average portfolio. Historically viewed as a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty, gold has maintained its appeal in times of fluctuating equity markets and inflationary pressures. Although returns on gold fluctuate year to year, its role as a defensive asset makes it a resilient component of a diversified portfolio.

Exploring New Horizons with Alternatives
Indian UHNWIs, with a strong appetite for alternative investments, are turning toward Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), venture capital, and private equity to capture high-growth opportunities beyond traditional asset classes. Their portfolios increasingly include stakes in start-ups, often through angel investments, reflecting an eagerness to tap into India’s booming start-up ecosystem. This trend indicates a shift from established public markets to unlisted, high-potential sectors, where investors can take early positions in transformative ventures.

HNIs show a similar interest in real estate as a preferred alternative investment, finding in it a balance between growth potential and stability. The allure of private equity and start-up investments, however, is particularly pronounced among UHNWIs, who are keen on leveraging high-growth, long-term opportunities. This inclination towards alternative investments highlights the evolving asset allocation strategies that favor growth-oriented and innovation-driven sectors. However, while there is a growing familiarity with AIFs, the survey revealed that 77% of the wealthy require some kind of professional assistance from wealth advisors.

Trends and Shifts in Allocation
The allocation preferences of India’s wealthy reveal a strategic intent behind each asset class—equities offer inflation-beating returns and long-term growth, while debt provides stability and predictable income. Real estate is valued for its potential to generate rental income and appreciate over time, contributing to portfolio stability. Gold, with its hedging benefits, acts as a safeguard against inflation and market volatility.

Going ahead, the asset allocation patterns are likely to evolve further, with equities and alternative investments projected to receive more attention as UHNWIs continue seeking avenues that deliver above-market returns. Fixed-income instruments are also expected to see increased inflows, as UHNWIs look to mitigate risk and manage liquidity within extended holding periods. Cross-border investments are also becoming a focal point, as affluent Indians increasingly diversify into international equities, seeking valuable buffers against domestic market volatility. This diversified approach reflects an overarching objective to balance risk, capture growth, and safeguard wealth against economic uncertainties.

As India’s wealth management landscape grows, HNWIs and UHNWIs are likely to adopt increasingly sophisticated strategies that mirror both global trends and local economic realities. In a financial ecosystem marked by constant change, asset allocation remains the cornerstone of enduring wealth and prudent financial management.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has directed the District Secretaries to allocate Rs. 1,400 billion in recurrent expenditure for the implementation of productive projects at the grassroots level over the next eight months.

The President made these remarks during a discussion held with the District Secretaries, today (27) at the Presidential Secretariat, the President’s Media Division (PMD) reported.

The President also emphasized that by developing the rural economy, the country’s economic growth could be elevated by 3% to 4%. He stressed the need to enhance existing economic opportunities and identify new sources of growth during the expansion of the economy to rural areas, the PMD said.

The pension schemes proposed in the 2025 budget were also deliberated upon during this meeting.

Moreover, the President pointed out that there is a prevailing negative perception of the public sector and that inefficiency within government services has contributed to this situation. He underscored the necessity of creating satisfied and effective government officials, and emphasized the need to improve the efficiency of public services.

Currently, 30,000 vacancies have been identified within the public service, and the President stated that the government plans to recruit for these positions in categories, which would complete the mid-level staffing of the public service, it added.

The President emphasized that development is not limited to constructing buildings and bridges but also involves uplifting the fractured social structure, a responsibility that primarily lies with the District Secretaries.

Additionally, the District Secretaries raised issues specific to their districts, which were brought to the President’s attention, and extensive discussions were held on possible solutions and proposals.

The meeting was attended by the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Dr. Chandana Abeyratne; Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration Alok Bandara, as well as the District Secretaries, according to the PMD.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, while delivering 2025 budget speech, said that the government’s budget allocation for the health sector for 2025 has been significantly increased to Rs. 604 billion.

Dissanayake said that an amount of Rs. 185 billion has been allocated from the 2025 budget to ensure the supply of medicines.

Meanwhile, President Dissanayake highlighted that Rs. 7.5 billion will be allocated to supply nutrition packs for pregnant mothers, while Rs. 5 billion has been allocated for the ‘Thriposha’ programme. 

The President also assured that steps will be taken to digitalize the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) and the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC).

The collective weight of the consumption-related sectors including automobiles, consumer durables, consumer services, FMCG, and telecommunications in the portfolios of foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) reached a record high 25.5% at the end of August 2024, according to data from NSDL. It increased by 308 basis points over the past 12 months. FPIs have invested $8.5 billion in consumption stocks during the period, forming 90% of their total investments. Year-to-date, FPIs have allocated $6.9 billion to consumption stocks, while their total inflow has been limited to $5.1 billion.

The assets under management (AUM) for consumption stocks in the FPI portfolio increased by 55% to $229 billion over the past year. Their total AUM increased by 39% to $900 billion during the period, accounting for nearly 18% of India’s total market capitalization.

Among consumption stocks, the automobiles sector has the highest weight at 7.8% in the FPI portfolio followed by FMCG at 6.2%, consumer services at 4.5%, telecommunications at 3.90%, and consumer durables at 3%. The weights of auto, consumer services, and telecommunications have reached record highs in the FPI portfolio. The weight of consumer services in FPI portfolios increased by 174 basis points over the past 12 months, the largest increase among all sectors followed by 136 basis points rise in telecommunications and 134 basis points increase in the auto weight. Historically, FMCG has been the largest sector in the FPI portfolio; however, since the beginning of 2024, the auto sector has overtaken FMCG amid margin-led earnings growth.

If bitcoin (BTC) were to match gold’s allocation in investor portfolios, its market cap should rise to $3.3 trillion, implying a more than doubling of its price, but that probably won’t happen because of the cryptocurrency’s risk and heightened volatility, JPMorgan (JPM) said in a research report.

Responding to rapid changes in the economic landscape of Sri Lanka, the Government of India has increased the financial allocation for various grant projects being implemented across the island. 

Accordingly, financial allocation has been increased by upto 50% for nine ongoing projects which are currently being executed under the India-Sri Lanka High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP) framework. 

The overall financial commitment for these nine projects currently stands close to LKR 3 billion, after the increase. These projects cut across sectors ranging from education and health to agriculture, among others, the Indian High Commission in Colombo revealed.

The Government of India has completed more than 60 grant projects under the HICDP framework, covering all the 25 Districts of Sri Lanka, while 20 other projects are under different stages of implementation. 

The HICDP framework was signed between the two countries in 2005 and subsequently renewed thrice, for a period of five years each time. 

India’s overall development cooperation partnership portfolio in Sri Lanka is currently around USD 5 billion, of which USD 600 million is grant. 

Demand-driven and people-centric projects carried out by the Indian Government span across areas such as infrastructure development, housing, livelihood assistance etc. 

As such, the 1990 Emergency Ambulance Service, Railway Track rehabilitation, Integrated Water Plants, Indian Housing Project and Jaffna Cultural Center are among