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COT Reports for NASDAQ, Gold, Bitcoin , Natural Gas, and Crude Oil (simplified) last update :05/12/2025

Monday, May 12, 2025 / No Comments

COT Reports for NASDAQ, Gold, Bitcoin , Natural Gas, and Crude Oil (simplified) last update :05/12/2025
Sharpen Your Market Insight with Our Updated, Easy-to-Read COT ReportsNow covering NASDAQ, Gold, Bitcoin (BTC), Natural Gas, and Crude Oil, our expanded Commitments of Traders reports give you a clear snapshot of where the big players stand.

In the May 12, 2025 edition, we break down non-commercial futures positions across key asset classes equities, commodities, and crypto so you can track sentiment and spot shifts early.

Designed for fast, focused reading, our summaries strip away the jargon to help you make smarter moves with confidence.

COT Reports for FOREX MAJOR (simplified )Last Update: 05/12/2025

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COT Reports for FOREX MAJOR (simplified )Last Update: 05/12/2025
Boost Your Trading Edge with a Clear-Cut View of the COT Reports Cut through the noise with our straight-talking analysis of the latest Commitments of Traders (COT) data. We focus on what really counts non-commercial futures positions in key currency pairs so you can see how the major market movers are positioned.

In our May 12, 2025 edition, you'll find concise, no-fluff insights designed to help you trade with confidence and precision. Just solid, practical information nothing more, nothing less.

 

Hackers Turn the Tables on LockBit, Leak Thousands of Bitcoin Wallets

Thursday, May 8, 2025 / No Comments

bitcoin hacked illustration
 In a dramatic turn of events, nearly 60,000 Bitcoin addresses linked to the LockBit ransomware group were exposed following a breach of the gang’s dark web infrastructure. The attackers behind the breach published a MySQL database dump containing detailed crypto-related data, potentially aiding authorities and analysts in tracing LockBit’s illicit financial activity.

The breach targeted LockBit’s affiliate panel, revealing 20 database tables, including one containing custom ransomware builds tied to specific targets. Another table, labeled “chats,” held over 4,400 messages documenting negotiations between the cybercriminals and their victims.

Despite the large number of wallet addresses leaked, no Bitcoin private keys were compromised. A LockBit affiliate confirmed the breach in a conversation shared on X (formerly Twitter), while insisting that no sensitive access credentials were lost.

LockBit, considered one of the most dangerous ransomware syndicates globally, has previously been the focus of a multi-nation crackdown. In February 2024, a coalition of 10 countries coordinated an operation that severely disrupted its operations.

Security researchers at Bleeping Computer noted similarities between this breach and a prior compromise of the Everest ransomware site, suggesting a potential connection between the two incidents. The same defiant message “Don’t do crime. CRIME IS BAD xoxo from Prague” appeared in both hacks.

The exposure of these addresses provides investigators with a new avenue to track ransomware payments and potentially link them to real-world identities, underscoring the critical role of cryptocurrency in modern cybercrime.

Dollar Rises After Fed Flags Stagflation Risk, Sterling Shrugs Off Trade Deal Hopes

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EUR GBP currencies illustration

 The U.S. dollar extended gains in early Thursday trade, buoyed by cautious commentary from the Federal Reserve and lingering uncertainty over global trade dynamics, while the British pound faltered despite optimism over a potential trade agreement with the United States.

At 04:10 ET, the U.S. Dollar Index was up 0.4% at 99.877, following a similarly strong session the day before.

Fed Holds Rates, Warns of Economic Crosscurrents

The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady in its latest policy meeting, maintaining the benchmark range at 4.25%-4.50%. While no immediate policy changes were made, the central bank’s tone rattled markets. Chair Jerome Powell acknowledged increasing risks of both rising inflation and slowing economic growth a combination seen by many as a potential precursor to stagflation.

Analysts at ING noted, “The Fed’s statement was interpreted as a warning about stagflation, which reinforces expectations that rate cuts will be delayed.” Markets responded by pushing the likelihood of a June rate cut down to 20%, from 30% just a day prior. July remains the more probable option, but confidence has weakened since last week.

Trump Teases Major Trade Deal

Further boosting the dollar’s appeal, President Trump hinted at a “major trade deal” announcement during a press conference later in the day. While details remained scarce, The New York Times suggested the deal involved the United Kingdom. Talks between Washington and Beijing are also scheduled this weekend in Switzerland, adding to investor hopes of easing global trade tensions.

Sterling Struggles to Capitalize on Trade Buzz

Despite the promising headlines, sterling edged down 0.1% to 1.3291 against the greenback. Traders appear hesitant to price in optimism ahead of the Bank of England’s policy decision, where a 25-basis-point cut to 4.25% is widely expected.

“In focus will be whether the 10% baseline U.S. tariffs can be rolled back,” said ING. “Should those be removed, it could lift risk assets and trigger further dollar strength.”

Euro Slips Despite Solid German Data

The euro was also on the back foot, down 0.1% to 1.1292. This came despite German data showing a 1.1% rise in exports for March and a 3% month-over-month increase in industrial production, with U.S.-bound shipments jumping 2.4% amid tariff concerns.

Yen Weakens as Risk Appetite Improves

In Asia, the yen slipped as the dollar climbed 0.4% to 144.36. The move reflected a broader shift away from safe-haven assets amid renewed optimism about global trade. Japan’s March wage data, due Friday, could influence future Bank of Japan policy moves.

Meanwhile, the Chinese yuan saw limited traction, with USD/CNY up 0.2% to 7.2368. Although U.S. and Chinese officials are set to meet this week, markets remain doubtful about a near-term breakthrough unless the U.S. eases tariffs.

Outlook: Dollar Strength to Persist?

With the Fed signaling caution, the dollar appears poised to retain strength in the short term. However, traders will be closely watching upcoming economic data and central bank decisions including those from Sweden’s Riksbank and Norway’s Norges Bank for further direction.

Top Stock Movers – May 7, 2025

Wednesday, May 7, 2025 / No Comments

 

Charles River Laboratories illustrationU.S. equity markets were little changed at midday on Wednesday as investors awaited a key interest rate decision from the Federal Reserve. The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged higher, the Nasdaq dipped slightly, and the S&P 500 hovered near the flatline.

Charles River Laboratories (CRL) led gains on the S&P 500 after the biomedical company announced a board shakeup and launched a strategic review of its operations. The move follows mounting pressure from activist investor Elliott Investment Management.

The Walt Disney Co. (DIS) shares climbed after the media giant reported stronger-than-expected earnings. The company posted revenue growth across all divisions and added new subscribers to its streaming platforms.

Electronic Arts (EA) also delivered earnings that beat estimates, driven by robust demand for its sports game franchises, pushing shares higher.

Super Micro Computer (SMCI), however, fell sharply after the server manufacturer warned that economic uncertainty and renewed tariffs under the Trump administration would negatively impact near-term performance.

Marvell Technology (MRVL) shares dropped after the chipmaker postponed its investor day and lowered its revenue forecast, citing macroeconomic headwinds.

Arista Networks (ANET) also saw its stock decline, holding its full-year guidance steady due to ongoing tariff risks.

Bitcoin Daily Profits Hit $1B as Analysts Warn of Possible Market Peak

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BTC coin  illustration

Bitcoin (BTC) investors are realizing approximately $1 billion in profits per day, raising concerns among analysts that the current bull market may be entering its final phase.

According to a new report from on-chain analytics platform CryptoQuant, the recent surge in profit-taking activity mirrors patterns observed in past market cycles just before significant corrections.

BTC/USD climbed to nearly $98,000 earlier this week, marking its highest price level since late 2024. The rally has triggered a wave of profit realization, with traders capitalizing on gains after BTC’s recovery from the March April dip.

“Profit-taking remains aggressive,” said CryptoQuant contributor Kripto Mevsimi. “It’s not as intense as during the November-December 2024 highs, but it still indicates late-stage bull market behavior.”

Historical Parallels

CryptoQuant notes that the 7-day moving average of realized profits is now close to $1 billion  a level last seen in January. This figure, analysts say, closely resembles conditions seen in 2021 and late 2024, when elevated profit-taking was followed by local market tops or sharp downturns.

“In previous cycles, sustained high realized profits often preceded corrections,” the report stated.

Institutional Entry Fails to Shift Investor Mindset

Despite the influx of institutional capital via U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs  including consistent inflows into BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) analysts say retail-style market behavior persists.

“The introduction of ETFs has reshaped market structure, but not investor psychology,” Mevsimi added.

Outlook Cautious

While Bitcoin continues to hover near all-time highs, CryptoQuant warns that the balance between bullish momentum and widespread profit-taking could tilt rapidly. The firm advises investors to monitor realized profit trends closely for signs of a potential reversal.

Florida Drops Bitcoin Reserve Bills Amid Legislative Session Wrap-Up

Tuesday, May 6, 2025 / No Comments

 

BTC illustration

Two bills that could have positioned Florida among the pioneering U.S. states investing in Bitcoin have been officially shelved. House Bill 487 and Senate Bill 550, both introduced earlier this year to create a state-run strategic Bitcoin reserve, were "indefinitely postponed and withdrawn from consideration," according to a Florida Senate update on May 3.

The state’s legislative session closed on May 2 without approving the crypto bills, despite lawmakers extending proceedings until June 6 to finalize budget discussions. While the session saw the passage of more than 200 laws ranging from environmental protection to digital restrictions in schools, crypto treasury diversification did not make the cut.

HB 487 and SB 550 sought to authorize Florida’s chief financial officer and the State Board of Administration to allocate up to 10% of certain state funds into Bitcoin (BTC). With their dismissal, Florida joins a growing list of states including Wyoming, Montana, Pennsylvania and Oklahoma where similar crypto reserve proposals have failed to gain traction.

The withdrawal comes shortly after Arizona’s own Bitcoin reserve push stumbled, with Governor Katie Hobbs vetoing House Bill 1025, citing concerns about the risks of investing in digital assets. Still, Arizona’s legislative push isn't over. Two additional bills, HB 2749 and SB 1373, remain under consideration and could revive the effort.

Crypto advocates, including Satoshi Action Fund founder Dennis Porter, are closely watching Arizona’s next moves. "Arizona has two more chances to be the first in the nation to establish a Bitcoin reserve," Porter noted, pointing to HB 2749’s budget-neutral framework using profits from the state’s unclaimed property fund.

The broader national effort to introduce Bitcoin into state treasuries remains largely symbolic at this stage, with no legislation yet signed into law. However, the debate reflects growing political interest in Bitcoin’s role as a hedge and a long-term strategic asset, even as some lawmakers remain cautious about its volatility.