Bitcoin plunges to near ,000 as investors flee risky bets

Bitcoin plunges to near $60,000 as investors flee risky bets


Bitcoin made a 16-month low and tested key $60,000 support on Friday, as a global selloff in technology stocks deepened and washed ‍out risky bets across asset classes.

The world’s largest cryptocurrency was last up 1.64% at $64,153.24 ​in volatile trade, swinging between gains and losses after having ‌hit a low of $60,008.52 earlier in the session.

That marked its ​weakest since October 2024, a month before Donald Trump won the U.S. presidential election, having signalled his intention to support crypto on the campaign trail.

“Bitcoin’s been going down since October (2025), maybe you could ask if it was the canary in the coalmine, or a coincidence,” said Chris Weston, head of research at brokerage Pepperstone in Melbourne.

“A lot of these big ​crowded positions are being unwound very, very quickly.”

Ether was last up ⁠2.4% at $1,891.27, having slid to a 10-month low of $1,751.94 earlier in the session.

The global crypto market has lost some $2 trillion in value since hitting a peak of $4.379 trillion in early ​October, CoinGecko data showed, with more ⁠than $1 trillion wiped out over the past month alone.

Bitcoin was on track to shed 16% for the week, taking its losses for the year so far to 27%. Meanwhile, ether was headed for a weekly ‌decline of 17%, with losses of 36% so far this year.

Sentiment ‌on crypto was affected by the latest selling in precious metals and stocks. Gold and silver, for instance, have become ‍more volatile as a result of leveraged buying and speculative flows.

Bitcoin’s fortunes have been tied to the broader tech sector for some time. The price ‍tended to rise, particularly on the back of investor enthusiasm over artificial intelligence.

“Bitcoin drifting back toward $60,000 is not crypto dying, it is the bill coming due for Treasuries and funds that treated bitcoin as a one-way asset without real risk controls, just as we have seen sharp corrections in self-proclaimed safe-haven assets like gold and silver when leverage and narrative ran ahead of reality,” said Joshua Chu, co-chair of the Hong Kong Web3 Association.

“Those who bet too ⁠big, borrowed too much or assumed prices only go up are now finding out the hard way what real market volatility ​and risk management look like.”

To be sure, cryptocurrencies have struggled for months ⁠since a record crash last October sent bitcoin tumbling from a peak.

That has resulted in investor sentiment cooling off on digital assets.

Analysts from Deutsche Bank said in a note that U.S. spot bitcoin ETFs witnessed outflows of more than $3 billion in January, following outflows ⁠of about $2 billion and $7 billion in December and November, respectively.

Published on February 6, 2026



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Nifty may lose 125 points at open amidst a  global rout

Nifty may lose 125 points at open amidst a global rout


Domestic markets are likely to open weak on Friday amidst a global melt down. The focus will be on the outcome of the RBI monetary policy and outlook on the Indian economy. Gift Nifty is ruling at 25,600 against the Nifty futures close of 25,725, signalling a gap-down opening of 125-130 points at open. 

According to analysts, IT stocks will remain under pressure given the risk-off sentiment towards them following the artificial intelligence scare.

Basant Bafna, Head – Fixed Income, Mirae Asset Investment Managers (India) Pvt. Ltd., said: The MPC is expected to remain on status quo in terms of policy rates. As a reduction in policy rates has still not translated into market yields, focus is expected to remain on measures to ensure transmission of rate cuts aggregating 125 basis points over the past year. 

“With the growth-inflation dynamics remaining well supported, RBI has been infusing liquidity in the form of Variable Rate Repo (VRR) Operations as well as Open Market Operations (OMOs) over the past quarter. Expectations remain for an RBI communication regarding continuity of the same in view of elevated Credit-Deposit (CD) ratios for banks. Further, in view of the Gross Borrowing Calendar for FY 2026-27, markets also look forward to RBI’s communication on OMOs to support the Government’s Borrowing Programme,” he said.

According to Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money, the global equity markets are trading with a pronounced risk-off bias following sharp losses in the overnight US session

Weakness in global technology stocks and commodities continues to weigh on sentiment, with selling pressure extending into Asian markets. Japan’s Nikkei is down nearly 0.8%, while South Korea’s Kospi is under significant pressure, sliding 3–4%, led by heavy tech stock liquidation.

“Against this backdrop, Indian equity markets are expected to open flat to mildly negative, with investors adopting a cautious stance ahead of today’s RBI Monetary Policy announcement. While the recent trade agreement continues to provide an underlying positive backdrop by easing external headwinds and supporting export-oriented sectors, the sharp multi-day rally has clearly entered a consolidation phase. Profit-taking at higher levels and the continued absence of sustained FII participation, despite the trade-led optimism, remain near-term drags on sentiment. Domestic fundamentals such as capex momentum and macro stability remain supportive, but near-term market direction is likely to be driven primarily by cues from the RBI’s policy stance and external factors,” he added

Published on February 6, 2026



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Why Gold/ Silver ETFs, NSDL, Stallion India, Federal Bank, SJVN, KRBL and Axis Bank will remain in focus on Friday

Why Gold/ Silver ETFs, NSDL, Stallion India, Federal Bank, SJVN, KRBL and Axis Bank will remain in focus on Friday


The board of Stallion India Fluorochemicals has approved a rights issue to raise up to ₹364 crore at ₹99 a share. The capital raising exercise will offer existing shareholders the opportunity to subscribe to additional shares in proportion to their current holdings, the company said in a release to the stock exchanges

Federal Bank Ltd said RBI has allowed Blackstone subsidiary, Asia II Topco XIII Pte Ltd, to acquire up to 9.99 per cent of the bank’s paid-up share capital or voting rights. Last year in December, the Competition Commission of India had cleared US-based Blackstone’s proposal to acquire 9.99 per cent stake through warrants in Federal Bank. 

Fitch Ratings has revised the outlook on Axis Bank Ltd’s Long-Term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to Positive from Stable, and affirmed the IDR at ‘BB+’. Fitch has also upgraded the bank’s Viability Rating (VR) to ‘bb+’, from ‘bb’, and affirmed the Government Support Rating (GSR) at ‘bb+’.

National Securities Depository Ltd will remain in focus due to a technical glitch in its system. NSDL was expecting all delayed equity trades to be settled by Thursday night after a technical network disruption affected inter-depository settlement flows earlier this week, according to a businessline report. The issue was caused by instability in NSDL’s network systems, which temporarily disrupted connectivity with Central Depository Services (India) Ltd. (CDSL), a key link used for transferring securities across depository platforms. Inter-depository functions are a routine, but critical part of India’s post-trade market infrastructure, used when securities move across different depository platforms.

Silver/Gold ETFs will remain in focus as metal prices fell sharply and remained volatile. Silver spot slumped 9 per cent below $65 a dollar. Gold prices fell over one per cent to $4,715.

SJVN on Thursday said it has started electricity supply from its 70 megawatt Dhubri solar power plant in Assam. In a statement, SJVN said the project has been executed through wholly-owned subsidiary SJVN Green Energy Limited (SGEL). The ₹367.44-crore 70 MW project has been developed on 330 acres of lease-based land.

KRBL Ltd has launched a low glycemic index rice variant under its health-oriented Uplife brand. India Gate Uplife Lite Everyday Rice targets consumers seeking blood sugar management and sustained energy levels, marking the latest expansion of the Uplife portfolio launched last year, the company said.

Published on February 6, 2026



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18 killed in Meghalaya illegal coal mine blast, investigation underway

18 killed in Meghalaya illegal coal mine blast, investigation underway


East Jaintia Hills: Smoke billows after an explosion at an illegal coal mine, in East Jaintia Hills district, Meghalaya, Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026. At least 18 workers were killed and several others are feared trapped.
| Photo Credit:
PTI

At least 18 miners were killed in a blast, and several others feared trapped in an illegal coal mining site in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district on Thursday, prompting the government to order an investigation, officials said.

Rescue teams have been engaged in search operations, Director General of Police I Nongrang said, adding that the incident occurred in the Thangsku area in the morning.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh would be provided to the next of kin of each deceased, while the injured would be given Rs 50,000.

“Pained by the mishap in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest,” the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) quoted Modi as saying in a post on X.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma expressed grief over the incident and announced a probe.

During rescue operations, a total of 18 bodies were recovered from the site, East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar said.

One person who sustained injuries in the blast was initially taken to Sutnga Primary Health Centre before being referred to a Shillong hospital for better treatment.

“The exact number of labourers present inside the mine at the time of the explosion is yet to be ascertained. More people are feared trapped,” the DGP said.

The explosion occurred at an illegal coal mine at Mynsyngat in the Thangsku area under Umpleng Police Outpost, Kumar said.

He said that information about the blast was received in the morning, following which senior officers and other staff reached the spot.

Upon verification, it was confirmed that an explosion had taken place inside the illegal coal mine and several persons were suspected to be trapped, the SP added.

Teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and a Special Rescue Team (SRT) have been deployed at the site, and rescue and recovery operations are continuing, police said.

A suo motu FIR was registered in connection with the incident at Khliehriat police station under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, and the Explosive Substances Act, the SP added.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma also expressed condolences and ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the incident.

“Profoundly saddened by the tragic coal mine incident in East Jaintia Hills. My deepest sympathies are with the families who have lost their loved ones in this unfortunate tragedy,” Sangma said in a statement.

He said accountability would be fixed and those responsible would face strict legal action, asserting that there would be no compromise when it comes to the safety of lives.

The Meghalaya High Court also took suo motu cognisance of reports of the incident and directed authorities to take immediate action against those involved in alleged illegal mining activities, officials said.

The court directed the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of East Jaintia Hills to identify and arrest the mine owners and operators and to seize incriminating materials linked to the illegal mining.

It also summoned the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of East Jaintia Hills to appear in person before the court on February 9 with details of action taken in the matter.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had imposed a ban on rat-hole coal mining and other unscientific mining practices in Meghalaya in 2014, citing environmental damage and safety risks, while also restricting illegal transportation of coal extracted through such methods.

Rat-hole mining involves digging of narrow tunnels, usually 3-4 feet high, for workers to enter and extract coal. The horizontal tunnels are often termed “rat-holes”, as each just about fits one person.

The Supreme Court later upheld the ban and allowed mining only under scientific and regulated procedures with environmental safeguards.

Published on February 6, 2026



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Royal Challengers Bengaluru win second WPL title with Mandhana and Voll heroics

Royal Challengers Bengaluru win second WPL title with Mandhana and Voll heroics


Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s players celebrate after the team won the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 final T20 cricket match against Delhi Capitals, at Baroda Cricket Association Stadium, Kotambi in Vadodara, Gujarat, Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026.
| Photo Credit:
KUNAL PATIL/PTI

Displaying absolute dominance, a Smrit Mandhana-inspired Royal Challengers Bengaluru lifted their second Women’s Premier League trophy with a six-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals, who failed to seize the moment on the biggest stage despite playing in their fourth final here on Thursday.

RCB captain Mandhana looked in imperious touch on way to a magnificent 87 off 41 balls, while Georgia Voll smashed 79 in 54 deliveries during a 165-run partnership for the second wicket with her skipper, which paved the way for a memorable title triumph.

This was after skipper Jemimah Rodrigues rose to the occasion with a scintillating half-century and Chinelle Henry blazed away to a 15-ball 35 to lift Delhi Capitals to an imposing 203 for four.

Laura Wolvaardt (44 not out off 25 balls) and Lizelle Lee (37 off 30 balls) also made quick runs after DC were put in. Rodrigues slammed 57 off 37 balls.

In reply, RCB completed the record chase with two balls remaining while joining Mumbai Indians as the most successful teams in the WPL.

In the stiff chase, RCB lost the big wicket of Grace Harris (9) early but skipper Smriti Mandhana and Georgia Voll kept them in the contest by scoring quickly and keeping pace with the required run rate.

Both Mandhana and Georgia drove anything that was pitched up with ease, pulled and cut the short balls with authority as RCB reached 100 exactly at the halfway mark. requiring 104 runs in 60 balls.

Meanwhile Mandhana, having just hit two sixes, raced to her fifty in 23 balls with a sublime boundary against Sneh Rana.

Voll was also at her best at the other end, dispatching everything that was in her arc with utter disdain.

The equation came down to 54 of 36 balls after Mandhana smashed Shree Charani for two boundaries to take RCB to 150 in 14 overs.

The two continued to dominate until Voll gave her wicket away to Minnu Mani, raising DC hopes. However, RCB held their nerves to emerge winners.

Earlier, the Royal Challengers were on the money in the first three overs with Lauren Bell and Sayali Satghare conceding just nine runs as Shafali Verma and Lee did not get enough width to free their arms.

However, the fourth over bowled by Satghare saw the Capitals release the pressure with Lee clobbering the medium pacer’s half-volley and half-tracker two successive sixes — one over long-off and another over mid-wicket.

There was then an appeal for a stumping thanks to Richa Ghosh’s enterprise and it was followed by Satghare failing to latch on to a difficult caught and bowled chance, ending an eventful over that yielded the Capitals 20 runs and gave them the much-needed momentum after the sluggish start.

With DC reaching 36 after five overs, skipper Smriti Mandhana introduced Arundhati Reddy into the attack and Shafali straightaway collected two fours. However, Reddy hit back with the wicket of Shafali with a short ball, which was smartly taken by Ghosh behind the stumps.

The classy Laura Wolvaardt began with an exquisite boundary before Lee welcomed of-spinner Shreyanka Patil into the attack with two fours and a six on the trot, lifting DC to 72 for one in seven overs.

It took compatriot Nadine de Klerk to end the dangerous Lee’s stay in the middle, as the opener skied one for Grace Harris to run in from long-on to complete a clean catch.

Rodrigues joined Wolvaardt, and the duo found the gaps at will with their stylish batting to keep RCB under pressure with a partnership of 76 runs.

In the end though, RCB had the last laugh, once again, in a rematch of the 2024 final.

Published on February 5, 2026



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