frenzy – LSD News https://lsd.hu Updates You With The Latest News 24/7 Fri, 19 Dec 2025 12:30:44 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://lsd.hu/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/cropped-lsd-32x32.png frenzy – LSD News https://lsd.hu 32 32 Data center deals hit record $61 billion in 2025 amid construction frenzy https://lsd.hu/data-center-deals-hit-record-61-billion-in-2025-amid-construction-frenzy/ Fri, 19 Dec 2025 12:30:44 +0000 https://lsd.hu/data-center-deals-hit-record-61-billion-in-2025-amid-construction-frenzy/

Global data centers dealmaking surged to hit another record high this year, driven by a rush to build out the infrastructure required for energy-intensive AI workloads.

That surge came even as investors grew increasingly wary of inflated artificial intelligence valuations and the financing underpinning the rapid expansion of data centers. Global stocks sold off in November as worries of an AI-fueled bubble persisted.

But S&P Global reported that more than $61 billion has flowed into the data center market this year, up slightly from $60.8 billion last year, amid what it called a “global construction frenzy.”

A surge in debt financing contributed to the record high as hyperscalers increasingly tap private equity markets rather than funding the expensive infrastructure themselves.

That trend has sparked concerns from some investors as they question the value of the advanced tech that data centers house.

Shares of cloud company Oracle fell 5% on Wednesday following a report that Blue Owl Capital was pulling out of a deal to back a $10 billion data center in Michigan. Oracle has denied the report, but Broadcom, Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices retreated after it was published. The Nasdaq Composite lost 1.81% in its worst day in nearly a month.

Iuri Struta, TMT analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence, said his team expects market concerns around AI and Oracle to be temporary and unlikely to have a “massive impact” on data center buildout and M&A in the near future.

“The competitive dynamic among frontier AI model providers, like OpenAI, Alphabet and Anthropic, is changing quickly, and this can have an impact on investor sentiment in public markets. But overall, we see demand for AI applications continuing to grow strongly in 2026.”

Property Play: Billionaire CRE developer issues a warning on data center finance

Despite the recent pullback in AI stocks, many analysts remain bullish on the sector. ING expects secular trends to point to healthy investment levels in 2026 driven by AI advancements and growing public and private support for digital innovation.

“There are two sides to the development of AI, one that would cater for optimism such as faster development of medicine and at the same time there would be concerns typically around (public) safety,” Wim Steenbakkers, global head of datacenters and technology at ING, told CNBC.

“Hence uncertainty remains around the monetisation of the technology and business models. Questions around the high levels of investment will only be answered in the future when the uncertainties diminish and the applications of the technology and its advantages become clearer.”

There were more than 100 data center transactions in the first 11 months of the year, whose total value already exceeds all the deals done in 2024, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence data. The majority of those deals took place in the U.S., followed by the Asia-Pacific region.

“In Europe, the buildout of data centers is expected to grow at a lower rate than other regions, but it remains to be seen if this results in an M&A rush amid scarcity of assets,” Struta said.

The pace of growth in the U.S. is leaving Europe “in the dust” according to a recent report from ING which predicted data center investment in the U.S. could be fivefold higher. Growth is also increasingly coming from the Middle East, as the wealthy Gulf States look to position themselves as the next global AI hub.

Debt issuance nearly doubles in 2025

Debt issuance nearly doubled to $182 billion in 2025, up from $92 billion last year, according to the data from S&P. It noted that Meta and Google were among the most active issuers, with Facebook’s owner raising $62 billion in debt since 2022 — nearly half of that total was issued in 2025 alone.

Google and Amazon raised $29 billion and $15 billion, respectively, according to the report, which noted that hyperscalers are increasingly working with AI labs to buy assets to finance construction in an “unusual arrangement” that underscores the significant capital required to meet demand.

Struta expects more “robust” M&A investment activity in the data center space in 2026.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if already high valuations get even higher,” he told CNBC.

“The buildout of new data centers can be temporarily tempered by a lack of energy supply, making already built data centers more valuable. As the availability of large data center companies remains scarce, we could see more asset sales by companies that don’t view data centers as their core business.”

]]> CNBC Daily Open: AI trade frenzy seems driven by a ‘virtuous’ cycle https://lsd.hu/cnbc-daily-open-ai-trade-frenzy-seems-driven-by-a-virtuous-cycle/ Mon, 03 Nov 2025 02:15:03 +0000 https://www.lsd.hu/cnbc-daily-open-ai-trade-frenzy-seems-driven-by-a-virtuous-cycle/

Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, attends a press conference after the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, October 31, 2025.

Kim Soo-hyeon | Reuters

Traders who shorted the S&P 500 — essentially, betting that it would go down — last month were in for a rude surprise. The broad-based index ended the month 2.3% higher, defying “Octoberphobia,” a term that arose because of the market crashes in 1929 and 1987 that happened during the month.

The Nasdaq Composite had an even better month than the S&P 500. The tech-heavy index climbed 4.7%, giving a hint of what helped ward off the arrival of any ill omens: the technology sector.

On Friday, Amazon shares popped 9.6% on robust growth in its cloud-computing unit and as CEO Andy Jassy pointed to “strong demand in AI and core infrastructure.” The news pushed up other artificial intelligence-related stocks such as Palantir and Oracle too.

AI’s ascent in the market wasn’t a one-day event. In October, Nvidia, the poster child of AI, became the first company to reach a valuation of $5 trillion, with CEO Jensen Huang describing the technology as having formed a “virtuous cycle” in which usage growth will lead to an increase in investment, in turn improving AI, which will boost usage, which will… You get the idea.

Indeed, during their earnings disclosures last week, Big Tech companies announced dizzying increases in their capital expenditure, most of which will likely go toward AI infrastructure.

All that is to say that the enthusiasm over AI looks, for now, less like the immediate sugar rush of a candy bar (and the subsequent crash), and more like the sustained energy boost from a fiber-rich pumpkin.

What you need to know today

And finally…

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg wears the Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses, as he delivers a speech presenting the new line of smart glasses, during the Meta Connect event at the company’s headquarters in Menlo Park, California, U.S., Sept. 17, 2025.

Carlos Barria | Reuters

]]> Ethereum Institutional Accumulation Frenzy: Bitmine Expands Holdings With Another Massive Strategic ETH Buy | Bitcoinist.com https://lsd.hu/ethereum-institutional-accumulation-frenzy-bitmine-expands-holdings-with-another-massive-strategic-eth-buy-bitcoinist-com/ Sat, 18 Oct 2025 04:53:49 +0000 https://www.lsd.hu/ethereum-institutional-accumulation-frenzy-bitmine-expands-holdings-with-another-massive-strategic-eth-buy-bitcoinist-com/

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A robust interest in Ethereum, the second-largest digital asset,  appears to be returning to the market. Several institutional investors, especially corporate treasury firms, are currently accumulating the leading altcoin in light of ongoing market volatility and rapid fluctuations in ETH’s price.

Bitmine Resumes Its Strategic Ethereum Buying Spree

While the price of Ethereum is experiencing bearish pressure, large treasury companies are doubling down on ETH as they continue to purchase the asset in massive chunks. One of the latest notable ETH buys comes from Bitmine Immersion Technologies Inc., a public blockchain technology company.

Bitmine Immersion once again is making headlines with a massive strategic purchase of ETH on Thursday. Leading intelligence and blockchain analytics company Arkham shared the recent ETH acquisition on the social media platform X.

According to the intelligence platform, the company purchased over 104,336 ETH, valued at $417 million, strengthening its treasury reserve. Such a massive Ethereum purchase from Bitmine Immersion reinforces the firm’s long-term conviction in the asset and its expanding ecosystem.

Ethereum
Bitmine ETH buying spree | Source: Chart from Arkham on X

Furthermore, the move also indicates renewed growing institutional interest in ETH despite its waning price action in the past few days due to last weekend’s market crash. As institutional interest in digital assets grows, BitMine‘s ongoing acquisitions underscore a larger pattern of progressive companies preparing for Ethereum’s future technological and economic supremacy.

Data shared by Arkham reveals that two wallet addresses associated with the company took $185 million in ETH out of American-based crypto exchange Kraken on Wednesday night. In addition, another ETH movement valued at $231.5 million was withdrawn from BitGo the same day.

Is Bitmine Becoming The MicroStrategy Of ETH?

Bitmine Immersion’s latest Ethereum buy to increase its treasury reserve has triggered a frenzy in the crypto community. Given its persistent accumulation of the altcoin over time, ZYN, a crypto investor, has declared Bitmine the MicroStrategy of ETH. This statement draws a comparison to the pattern adopted by Michael Saylor toward Bitcoin, the flagship digital asset.

According to the expert, Bitmine’s massive acquisition of ETH is a sign of big conviction. Despite the heavy buys seen among large firms, ZYN believes it is not enough, and more big buyers are needed. His major reason for this statement is the ongoing panic selling among investors. In his view, more buyers, especially institutional ones, are required to absorb that selling pressure.

Presently, Ethereum is witnessing history as its treasuries and Spot Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) grow exponentially. Data from everstake.eth on the X platform shows that the cumulative supply of ETH held in both areas has reached 12.8 million ETH, worth a staggering $48.6 billion. These massive holdings now represent over 10% of the Ethereum supply.

Ethereum
ETH trading at $3,781 on the 1D chart | Source: ETHUSDT on Tradingview.com

Featured image from Pixabay, chart from Tradingview.com

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]]> A Universal-DreamWorks movie is bringing the winning formula of kids content frenzy to the big screen https://lsd.hu/a-universal-dreamworks-movie-is-bringing-the-winning-formula-of-kids-content-frenzy-to-the-big-screen/ Sun, 28 Sep 2025 15:19:51 +0000 https://www.lsd.hu/a-universal-dreamworks-movie-is-bringing-the-winning-formula-of-kids-content-frenzy-to-the-big-screen/

Laila Lockhart Kraner stars as Gabby in Universal and Dreamworks Animations’ “Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie.”

Universal | Dreamworks Animation

A young girl named Gabby, alongside her menagerie of animated cat friends, is making the leap from streaming to the big screen.

Universal and DreamWorks Animation’s “Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie” is the latest kid’s TV show to head to the box office, following in the footsteps of Paramount’s Paw Patrol and SpongeBob SquarePants franchises.

“We felt like the franchise had gotten to the point where there was enough fandom to justify a theatrical event, and we wanted to expand the world,” Margie Cohn, president of DreamWorks Animation, told CNBC.

Children’s programming has become an increasingly important piece of the media landscape in recent years. As linear TV has given way to streaming, studios are looking for ways to drive and sustain subscriber growth. For “Gabby’s Dollhouse,” establishing a theatrical presence increases awareness of the brand, stirs up fresh excitement from existing fans and spurs new opportunities for products in the retail market.

“Gabby’s Dollhouse,” created by “Blue’s Clues” veterans Traci Paige Johnson and Jennifer Twomey, launched on Netflix in 2021. It’s already run for 11 seasons, and a 12th is on due out in November. Each season has six to 10 episodes, about 25 minutes each.

It’s been the most-viewed streaming original series for kids this year, according to Nielsen.

Each episode begins with a live-action Gabby, played by Laila Lockhart Kraner, as she unboxes a miniature package that sparks an adventure in her magical dollhouse. She dons her cat-ear headband, shrinks down to become an animated character and joins her cat friends, called Gabby’s cats. Like a lot of preschool shows, Gabby pauses to ask the audience questions and invite them to play along.

Those elements all appear in the full-length feature film, which arrived in theaters Friday. It melds animation and live-action, but at a bigger scale.

Cohn said the goal was to create a theatrical experience, akin to a “‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ for little kids.’ Invite them to sing, dance, clap.”

“Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie” debuts at a time when the movie calendar has limited family-friendly options. The most recent major releases in this genre were Disney’s “Freakier Friday” and Universal’s “The Bad Guys 2,” both of which were released in early August.

While there has been a steady stream of family-friendly fare in recent years, it comes after a considerable dry spell caused by the pandemic and dual Hollywood labor strikes shutting down production. At the same time, consumers’ habits shifted as streaming services grew in popularity and studios shortened the time it took for movies released in cinemas to reach the home market.

But younger viewers are some of the most engaged, and a primary driver to get families out to the theater.

Kids are some of the most fervent streaming users, too, as they tend to watch the same content over and over again, leading to high engagement. That’s why kid-friendly shows have offer a unique value proposition for studios even as traditional linear television and the theatrical landscape has become less reliable.

Presenting their favorite characters in more places can mean spreading the wealth and ultimately fueling their appetites for more.

“One need only look at the big screen-small screen synergies that were created by ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ to see how ‘Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie’ could similarly make the leap from a small screen 2021 series into a big screen cinematic event in 2025,” said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at Comscore.

Heading to the big screen

A global theatrical release not only serves the strong domestic market, but extends the reach of “Gabby’s Dollhouse” internationally. Cohn noted that Europe is one region where the show is gaining traction.

“As a relatively new franchise with notable reach into the marketing world aimed at today’s youngest generations, this is a film that should capture the interest of that audience and continue showcasing its strengths as a fresh brand,” said Shawn Robbins, director of analytics at Fandango and founder of Box Office Theory.

And it can be a relatively affordable way to extend a franchise’s reach.

“Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie” had a production budget of just over $30 million, a small investment for the likes of Universal and DreamWorks Animation compared to other theatrical kids films. For example, franchise films from Disney’s Pixar and Universal’s other animation arm, Illumination, can cost upwards of $200 million to create.

Still from Universal and Dreamworks Animation’s “Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie.”

Universal | Dreamworks Animation

“At DreamWorks, we know how to make a budget fit,” Cohn said. “We make some really big, high-budget, all-audience animated films. But then we also do smaller films like ‘Captain Underpants’ or the most recent one with ‘Dog Man.’ We know how to make high-quality movies for a lower price point.”

Paramount’s two Paw Patrol films had similarly small budgets, according to media reports. “Paw Patrol: The Movie,” released in 2021, generated $40 million domestically and more than $145 million globally, according to data from Comscore. Meanwhile, 2023’s “Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie” collected $65 million domestically and $200 globally.

Universal estimated that “Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie” snared $13.7 million in domestic ticket sales during its opening weekend. That’s just shy of the $15 million to $25 million that box office analysts had predicted.

More than just a movie

While theatrical revenues are important, bringing “Gabby’s Dollhouse” to the big screen is part of a wider strategy. The content is part of an interconnected ecosystem that includes toys, books, merchandise and live events.

“I came from Nickelodeon,” Cohn said. “We studied the audience a lot, and we knew that they liked to watch a show, but then they wanted to play it, iterate on it, and experience the characters and ideas in their own way, in their own form. And so we developed the Gabby franchise to let them do just that.”

DreamWorks partnered with toy company Spin Master to manufacture a line of toys tied to “Gabby’s Dollhouse.” The range of products includes playsets, figures, plush toys, games and puzzles. Since launching the line, Spin Master has sold four million dollhouses tied to the show.

Cohn said DreamWorks Animation “nurtured and brewed success” for “Gabby’s Dollhouse” with through the Spin Master partnership as well as through the production of YouTube shorts, grassroots marketing and a traveling live show presented by Walmart.

“The series just grew and grew and grew,” Cohn said. “And then it gets to a certain point you’re able to deliver on bigger strategic franchise expansion with live entertainment and shows in museums and presence in the parks and music, you know, all that comes when you have a property that kids respond to.”

“Gabby’s Dollhouse” has been a top five preschool toy property for five of the last eight quarters, according to data from Circana. It has been a top 10 property for 10 straight quarters.

In addition to toys, “Gabby’s Dollhouse” has merchandise collections with Walmart, Target and Amazon, that include apparel, home goods, games and even toothbrushes. As the film heads to theaters, audiences will be able to buy themed popcorn buckets, drink tumblers and other specialty items.

The franchise has also become part of Universal’s theme parks, with character meet-and-greets with Gabby and retail areas where guests can buy headbands, plush and apparel.

And Universal isn’t stopping there. “Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie” sets up a bigger future for Gabby and a potential spin-off series. As the film credits roll, Gabby puts the finishing touches on a new dollhouse — a dog dollhouse that she says her little sister will love.

When asked about what “Gabby Dollhouse” fans can expect following the reveal, Cohn teased, “You’re gonna have to wait and see.”

Disclosure: Comcast is the parent company of Fandango and NBCUniversal, which owns CNBC. Versant would become the new parent company of Fandango and CNBC upon Comcast’s planned spinoff of Versant.

]]> From Starbucks to Smoothie King, restaurants seek to cash in on consumers’ protein frenzy https://lsd.hu/from-starbucks-to-smoothie-king-restaurants-seek-to-cash-in-on-consumers-protein-frenzy/ Sat, 09 Aug 2025 19:09:38 +0000 https://www.lsd.hu/from-starbucks-to-smoothie-king-restaurants-seek-to-cash-in-on-consumers-protein-frenzy/

Starbucks Protein Drink

Courtesy: Starbucks

Restaurant chains are joining in on the protein frenzy, hoping to encourage diners to pay more for extra macronutrients during a time when many consumers aren’t spending as much.

From “gym bros” to users of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, many Americans are trying to add more protein to their diets, with the goal of building or maintaining their muscle mass and feeling more satiated after meals. Moreover, diet trends that don’t emphasize protein intake, such as the ketogenic diet, have fallen out of favor.

“A lot of younger consumers are more proactive about their health habits, so they’re looking for ways to support health now but also to support their health in the future,” said Julia Mills, a food and drink analyst for market research firm Mintel. “Generation Alpha, Gen Z, millennials — these consumers are very active on social media, so they’re constantly being fed this message that you need more protein, and protein helps you gain muscle and makes you stronger.”

Roughly a third of consumers said they loved high protein in the second quarter of 2025, up from 24% three years ago, according to Datassential, which tracks restaurant menus and consumer preferences.

The trend has fueled a protein takeover in grocery store aisles, from protein-packed Eggo waffles to Khloe Kardashian’s Khloud protein popcorn.

But it’s also hitting the menus of restaurants that are seeking ways to encourage diners to pay for premium food and drinks.

Take Starbucks, for example. The coffee giant said in late July that it will roll out a cold foam packed with 15 grams of protein later this year; the regular cold foam add-on typically costs customers an extra $1.25 per drink. The new foam comes as the chain’s U.S. sales have been shrinking for the past year as coffee drinkers brew their java at home or seek out trendier options.

Rival Dutch Bros launched a protein coffee in early 2024 and charges customers an extra $1 for the customization. The menu addition fueled strong same-store sales growth and profits for the upstart chain.

‘Never been vilified’

Eateries are seeking to attract diners like Jared Hutkowski, a 42-year-old director of brokerage in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He works out six days a week and tries to hit his daily protein goal to improve his physique and overall health. When he dines out, he tries to maximize his protein, although he sometimes goes for pizza anyway.

“The biggest factor is what I am in the mood for that day, and then I normally try and select a meal that has a least a serving of some type of protein in it,” Hutkowski said.

This year, 28.4% of U.S. restaurant menus call out “protein,” up from 5.9% a decade ago, according to Datassential. And the trend looks like it has staying power. Datassential predicts that by 2029, more than 40% of eateries will highlight protein on their menus.

“Protein is one of those things that’s never been vilified, because no one’s ever said that eating too much protein can be bad for you,” Mintel’s Mills said.

In the short term, consuming more protein than your body needs likely won’t cause health issues, but in the long term, it could cause kidney problems, according to Diane Han, a registered dietitian based in San Francisco and the founder of Woking Balance Wellness.

The recommended daily amount of protein intake varies by body weight but is roughly 46 grams for women and 56 grams for men, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Why so many U.S. companies are investing in protein

For restaurants, protein’s step change happened several years ago. In 2021, protein only had a menu penetration of 11.5%; by 2022, more than a quarter of restaurant menus used the term, based on Datassential data. That year, Dine Brands’ IHOP, for example, introduced pancakes with 18 grams of protein per flapjack.

Fast-casual eateries are the restaurant segment most likely to call out protein on their menus, thanks to the common practice of asking customers to pick their protein or offering to double their portion, according to Datassential.

Fast-casual salad chain Sweetgreen introduced a line of “protein plates” in late 2023 as part of an effort to introduce more hearty options for dinner customers. The menu addition has helped the company grow its dinner business from 35% of sales to about 40%, executives said in March.

Many restaurants are also leaning into U.S. consumers’ desire for convenience. Accessibility may be why Datassential found that consumers tend to prefer protein-packed beverages.

For Smoothie King, protein has been a menu staple since its founding more than 50 years ago. But in October, the chain took one step further, launching a menu aimed at consumers who take GLP-1 drugs for weight loss or diabetes. The rapid weight loss that can occur from the medications can cause muscle mass to drop, so doctors often advise patients to increase their protein intake to maintain their muscle.

“It’s a convenient, on-the-go way to get in your protein that you’re looking for in your diet,” said Lori Primavera, Smoothie King’s vice president of research and development and product marketing.

Playing up protein

An employee prepares a burrito bowl at a Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. restaurant in Louisville, Kentucky.

Luke Sharrett | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Many restaurants are also choosing to highlight existing protein-packed options, rather than adding new menu items that would slow down kitchens or add to much complexity to their operations.

For example, Panda Express introduced its own protein plates earlier this year. The line, created in partnership with a registered dietitian, includes pre-existing menu items but packages them as a balanced meal, highlighting protein and fiber content.

Chipotle Mexican Grill employed a similar strategy back in 2019 when it introduced “lifestyle bowls,” marketed to fit different dietary goals, like the paleo diet or offering double protein.

Likewise, in July, Chick-fil-A put the spotlight on its own high-protein options in a company blog, highlighting its grilled nuggets and the Cool Wrap, which features a grilled chicken breast, cheese and lettuce in a tortilla.

But for the eateries that want to add new menu items, nachos with a choice of protein, restaurant-made protein bars and egg dishes that highlight high protein content are all increasingly popular options, according to Datassential trendologist Claire Conaghan.

Eggs are one reason why breakfast, brunch and lunch eatery First Watch has always been “protein forward,” CEO Chris Tomasso told CNBC. The chain hasn’t adjusted its menu specifically to address consumers’ demand for more protein, but TikTok influencers have highlighted how to order a high-protein meal when visiting its restaurants.

“We hope that continues to be a trend because we’re right down the middle of the fairway on that,” Tomasso said.

Of course, protein isn’t the only way to win over health-conscious consumers. Hutkowski said his primary issue with eating at restaurants is that most of the food is cooked in oils, butter and heavy greases that rapidly add to his intake of fats for the day.

“A restaurant finding cleaner ways to cook would be much more attractive to me than overly loaded protein dishes,” he said.

]]> Ethereum Whale Buying Frenzy Hits Scale Unseen Since 2017 https://lsd.hu/ethereum-whale-buying-frenzy-hits-scale-unseen-since-2017/ Wed, 18 Jun 2025 12:52:44 +0000 https://www.lsd.hu/ethereum-whale-buying-frenzy-hits-scale-unseen-since-2017/

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On-chain data shows Ethereum whales have recently ramped up their accumulation, a sign that could be bullish for the asset’s price.

Ethereum Whales Have Been Buying Big

According to data from the on-chain analytics firm Glassnode, the Ethereum whales have been participating in a very significant amount of accumulation during the past week.

‘Whales‘ refer to the the ETH investors holding between 1,000 and 10,000 tokens of the cryptocurrency. At the current exchange this range converts to about $2.5 million at the lower end and $25 million at the upper one.

While this range doesn’t cover the absolute top end of the market, it still includes humongous investors who may be considered a key part of the ecosystem. As such, considering this role, the movements related to these holders could be worth monitoring.

One way to watch the behavior of the whales is through the total amount of the Ethereum supply held by them. Below is the chart shared by Glassnode that shows the trend in this metric over the past few months.

Ethereum Whale Netflow

The value of the metric appears to have seen a steep climb in recent days | Source: Glassnode on X

As is visible in the graph, the supply of the Ethereum whales has recently shot up, a sign that big-money investors have been accumulating the cryptocurrency. “For nearly a week, daily whale accumulation has exceeded 800K ETH, pushing holdings in 1k–10k wallets to >14.3M ETH,” notes the analytics firm.

From the chart, it’s apparent that a particularly large spike occurred on June 12th. On this date, the ETH whales added more than 871,000 ETH to their holdings, the highest daily inflow for the cohort year-to-date.

The latest accumulation spree isn’t just notable in terms of the year, but rather also impressive in a historical context. “This scale of buying hasn’t been seen since 2017,” says Glassnode. Naturally, the extraordinary buying push from these investors could be a potential indication that they are confident about the future of the coin.

While this strong accumulation activity has been spotted on-chain, another side of the sector has also seen demand: the spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The spot ETFs are investment vehicles that provide a way for investors to get exposure to Ethereum without directly owning the asset.

The spot ETFs trade on traditional exchanges, so holders not familiar with cryptocurrency wallets and exchanges can find it easier to invest into the coin through them.

There has been some high demand for the US ETH spot ETFs lately, as the netflow chart shared by Glassnode in an X post showcases.

Ethereum spot ETFs

The trend in the netflow of the US ETH spot ETFs since their inception | Source: Glassnode on X

“Last week saw 195.32K ETH flow into US Spot ETH ETFs – the third-largest weekly net inflow on record,” explains the analytics firm.

ETH Price

Ethereum set its eyes on $2,700 on Monday, but it seems the price has taken a bearish turn since then as it’s now trading around $2,470.

Ethereum Price Chart

Looks like the price of the coin has plunged over the last 24 hours | Source: ETHUSDT on TradingView

Featured image from Dall-E, Glassnode.com, chart from TradingView.com

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]]> $130K Bitcoin Will Trigger A HODL Frenzy, CEO Says https://lsd.hu/130k-bitcoin-will-trigger-a-hodl-frenzy-ceo-says/ Thu, 12 Jun 2025 23:33:56 +0000 https://www.lsd.hu/130k-bitcoin-will-trigger-a-hodl-frenzy-ceo-says/

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Bitcoin’s next climb could face less selling once it sails past $130,000, according to comments from Hunter Horsley, CEO of Bitwise.

Bitcoin spent much of this week hovering near its May 22 all-time high of $111,975. At $107,880, it’s just $3,275 below that peak. Early buyers have taken some profits, but that trend may fade if the coin breaks into truly new territory.

Profit Taking Around 100K Level

According to Horsley, most of the selling seen lately stems from holders who bought Bitcoin long ago at low prices. He points to the $100,000 mark as a key threshold.

When BTC hit that level on May 8, on-chain analytics firm Glassnode flagged a “notable increase” in old-timer selling. Those gains are real — Bitcoin is up roughly 210% for coins held at least 150 days. It’s natural for people to pocket some profit once they’re in the green.

High Gains For Long-Term Holders

Based on reports from crypto analytics platform Bitbo, the average long-term holder paid about $34,415 per Bitcoin. Right now, that’s a hefty 210% profit at current prices.

Once Bitcoin climbs into the $130k–150,000 zone, Horsley says, profit-taking will slow down. At that point, sellers would be weighing a 300% gain or more. Few will want to give back those kinds of returns.

mUo3L2yQ
BTC is now trading at $107,939. Chart: TradingView

Borrowing As An Alternative

Horsley also notes a shift in how people can tap their gains without selling. The growth of on-chain borrowing and lending means holders can use Bitcoin as collateral.

Instead of cashing out, they can draw loans against their coins. That leaves the supply of BTC on exchanges and over the counter desks tighter, helping to support higher prices.

Miner Supply Remains Low

Another factor is miner sales. Strategy’s Michael Saylor pointed out on June 10 that miners are moving about 450 BTC per day. At today’s rates, that’s roughly $50 million in sells each day.

If that volume is entirely bought up, Saylor believes prices must move higher. With only 450 coins hitting the market each day, even modest demand can tip the scales.

Market analysts back the idea that $130,000 is within reach. They cite strong flows from big institutions as a boost to prices this year. Institutional demand meets dwindling daily supply, and the math points toward fresh highs.

Still, not everyone stops selling at new peaks. Latecomers who buy near big milestones can be prone to take profits quickly. And loans against Bitcoin carry risk if prices drop, leading to forced selling.

Macroeconomic moves or regulatory news could also spark swings in either direction.

Featured image from Pexels, chart from TradingView

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]]> A Rs 12 crore IPO sparked a Rs 2,700 crore frenzy last year. Now, the stock is down 50% https://lsd.hu/a-rs-12-crore-ipo-sparked-a-rs-2700-crore-frenzy-last-year-now-the-stock-is-down-50/ Sun, 16 Mar 2025 23:45:35 +0000 https://www.lsd.hu/a-rs-12-crore-ipo-sparked-a-rs-2700-crore-frenzy-last-year-now-the-stock-is-down-50/

Last year sometime in August, the IPO of an SME, Resourceful Automobile, created a storm on social media after getting a subscription of over 400 times. However, strong subscription was not alone the bone of contention as many SMEs would usually see a large investor interest due to their quick return potential. The issue was that the company was just two-showroom dealership of Yamaha and had just 8 employees at the time of the IPO.

The amount it raised was also meagre at Rs 12 crore. The bids it received amounted to Rs 2,700 crore.

This investor frenzy has also baffled many Dalal Street veterans with some arguing for strict regulations, while others advocated a gentle nudge from policymakers.

Nearly seven months down the line, the shares are down over 50% from the IPO levels, casting doubt on the sustainability of offers that thrived in the bull market. The issue was priced at around Rs 117 apiece for investors.

The staggering IPO subscription numbers for SMEs was not a new phenomenon as retail and non-institutional investors’ went many hundred times as against the shares on offer.

For instance, last year, over 15 SME issues received subscriptions of 400 times or more and the highest figure went as much as over 2000 times.Such staggering numbers led to regulators bringing in necessary checks. SMEs currently planning to go public must now meet stricter profitability criteria.Companies must have recorded operating profits (EBITDA) of at least Rs 1 crore in two of the last three financial years. Additionally, Sebi has capped the offer-for-sale (OFS) component in SME IPOs at 20% of the total issue size. Selling shareholders are also restricted from offloading more than 50% of their existing holdings.

The regulator has also clamped down on the use of IPO proceeds. Companies can no longer use funds to repay loans taken from promoters, directors, or related parties. This is aimed at stopping any misuse of funds and ensuring the capital raised is used for the intended purposes.

The strong measures brought in by Sebi started paying dividends. SME IPO subscriptions have fallen drastically this year and there is a near wipe-out in grey market activity. The highest subscribed IPO in the last two months was around 44x.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of the Economic Times)

]]> Bitcoin Soars Past $106,000 for a New ATH — What’s Driving The Frenzy? https://lsd.hu/bitcoin-soars-past-106000-for-a-new-ath-whats-driving-the-frenzy/ Wed, 18 Dec 2024 01:59:36 +0000 https://www.lsd.hu/bitcoin-soars-past-106000-for-a-new-ath-whats-driving-the-frenzy/

Optimism regarding a potential strategic reserve fund proposed by President-elect Donald Trump has propelled Bitcoin to surpass $106,000 for the first time.

Since Trump won the election on November 5, 2024, the cryptocurrency had an amazing rise of over 50%, hitting a high of $105,150 on December 16, 2024. This upward trend has caught the attention of investors and experts, who are now guessing where Bitcoin’s price will go next.

Bitcoin’s Ascent Fueled By Strategic Reserve Expectations

Reports claim that Trump plans to create a national reserve for Bitcoin, akin to the strategic energy reserve of the United States, which would help to explain the current price rise.

“We aspire to be the leader” in this developing market, Trump said in a recent interview reaffirming his commitment to make the US a leader in the cryptocurrency sector.

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BTC price breaching the key $100,000 level. Source: Coingecko

According to analysts, this announcement has had a substantial impact on market sentiment, propelling Bitcoin into what some are referring to as “blue sky territory.” If the present momentum persists, Tony Sycamore of IG has suggested that Bitcoin’s subsequent objective could be $110,000.

Investor Sentiment And Market Dynamics

The climb of Bitcoin reflects more general market factors than only political promises. Institutional investor interest in and trading volume for cryptocurrencies have surged noticeably.

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BTC market cap currently at $2.07 trillion. Chart: TradingView

As Bitcoin has now accounted for a substantial portion of the crypto market, its performance can also affect other digital assets. In contrast to the previous administration’s more cautious posture, the excitement surrounding Trump’s administration is perceived as a positive development for cryptocurrencies.

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Image: Bankrate

Additionally, the absence of anticipated pullbacks in Bitcoin’s recent price action has taken many market participants by surprise. Bitcoin has maintained its upward trajectory, indicating that there is a robust fundamental demand, after reaching new highs.

Bitcoin’s Future: What’s Next?

The continued growth of Bitcoin raises concerns about its sustainability. Some warn that the Bitcoin market is volatile, yet many are optimistic. The following months will be crucial as Trump’s administration is constituted and the strategic reserve is revealed.

Bitcoin’s rise above $106,000 is crucial for the cryptocurrency and for Americans’ views of digital assets. Investors are interested in how Trump’s support for cryptocurrencies and government actions may affect Bitcoin’s trajectory in 2025 and beyond.

Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView

]]> Bitcoin Breaks $71,000 Barrier Amid Election Speculation Frenzy https://lsd.hu/bitcoin-breaks-71000-barrier-amid-election-speculation-frenzy/ https://lsd.hu/bitcoin-breaks-71000-barrier-amid-election-speculation-frenzy/#respond Thu, 31 Oct 2024 14:40:58 +0000 https://www.lsd.hu/bitcoin-breaks-71000-barrier-amid-election-speculation-frenzy/

Bitcoin broke past $71,000 Tuesday morning to lead other major altcoins into a bullish trend a week before the US elections. According to CoinGecko’s tracking, Bitcoin touched $71,075 after dipping last week due to rumors circulating over a possible investigation on Tether and the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict.

Experts and industry watchers say the recent Bitcoin breakout is linked to increased inflows into Bitcoin ETFs and the excitement over the November 4 US presidential elections favoring the crypto industry. Despite Bitcoin’s erratic price movements in the last few days, Bitcoin currently rides on a bullish sentiment.

Bitcoin 4a85e7Source: Coingecko

Bullish Run Ahead For Bitcoin?

Last week was a rough time for holders and the market as Bitcoin dipped below $66,000 but immediately bounced back and consolidated in the $67,0000 to $68,000 range during the weekend.

Then, Bitcoin broke out and hit $71,075, its best performance over the last four months. According to CoinGecko, Bitcoin’s latest price movement this Tuesday is backed by $51 billion in trading volume, double the amount generated on Monday.

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Bitcoin market cap currently at $1.4 trillion. Chart: TradingView.com

Observers like Peter Brandt said that Bitcoin’s latest price action reflects a new bullish phase post-halving. In a Twitter post, the seasoned trader shared Bitcoin has completed its “inverted expanding pyramid” and that the next follow-through is critical. Brandt further explained that this could be Bitcoin’s post-halving run.

Trades From BTC Whales And Inflows Into ETFs Boost The Market

Bitcoin’s recent price surge is attributed to increased trades from Bitcoin whales and inflows into ETFs. According to CryptoQuant’s Mignolet, recent buying can be attributed to whales on Binance, who appear to be the net Bitcoin buyers during the Asian trading hours.

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Source: Farside Investors

Also, trading for the Bitcoin ETFs has primarily contributed to the higher-than-usual trading volume. These funds added a net inflow of over 47,000 Bitcoins over two weeks. Aside from Bitcoin, other major altcoins also joined the surge. Dogecoin, for example, increased by 15% due to Trump’s popularity. Then, there’s Shiba Inu (SHIB), which jumped by 8%, Ether (ETH) by 4.9%, and Cardano’s ADA improved by 3%.

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Image: Zerocap

Bigger Highs Next?

For many experienced traders, Tuesday’s big jump sets the tone ahead of November’s US elections. Traders and crypto supporters expect Bitcoin to sustain its gains or even hit new highs regardless of the outcome of the presidential elections.

Traders have long favored and anticipated that Donald Trump will win the elections. For many, a Trump win is a bullish catalyst for Bitcoin since he boasts a few pro-crypto policies. It also helps that Trump gets the backing of Elon Musk, a vocal supporter of Bitcoin and blockchain technology. The Democrats, on the other hand, have not made specific policies but plans to introduce regulations in the industry.

Even financial analysts contribute their opinions and projections ahead of the US elections. According to some analysts at Standard Chartered, Bitcoin may hit $73,000 by November 5th. If Trump wins, they predict the price to hit $80,000 or even up to $125,000 before the year ends, especially if the Republicans win Congress.

Featured image from Dall-E, chart from TradingView

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