Good Morning, Asia. Here’s what’s making news in the markets:
Welcome to Asia Morning Briefing, a daily summary of top stories during U.S. hours and an overview of market moves and analysis. For a detailed overview of U.S. markets, see CoinDesk’s Crypto Daybook Americas.
After a tense weekend that saw the U.S. bomb an Iranian nuclear site, bitcoin has regained its footing, hovering around $106K as Asia begins its Wednesday session and pushing past levels from earlier this month when Israel bombed Iran. Part of the reason why crypto has recovered alongside traditional markets is just how correlated the two have become.
“Bitcoin’s sensitivity to traditional asset classes and macroeconomic indicators has evolved markedly over the past few market cycles, reflecting its growing integration into the broader macro-financial system,” a recent report from Glassnode and Avenir Group reads. “Institutional infrastructure has reshaped how capital engages with bitcoin. As a result, its market behavior is increasingly governed by structural liquidity, long-horizon positioning, and regulated access points.”
That institutional backbone was visible again this week. Semir Gabeljic, director of capital formation and investment strategy at Pythagoras Investments, cited ETF flows as a major tailwind: “The huge recent capital inflows in Bitcoin ETFs of $1.1 billion last week and even $350 million today alone” are driving the positive trend.
Spencer Yang, Core Contributor to Fractal Bitcoin, added that one of the reasons why BTC was able to shake off war jitters so quickly is that fundamentally, nothing has changed about the asset class due to the conflict in the Middle East. All the metrics that investors would look to for BTC are still there, and other bullish market sentiment is possibly on the way.
“We’re seeing continued interest in protocols like BRC-20, especially with the recent upgrade, as well as Runes and Alkanes, which have been getting a lot of attention,” he added. “So overall, on‑chain activity across the board is increasing thanks to these types of assets.”
The takeaway? As bitcoin becomes increasingly defined by institutional demand and macro liquidity cycles, analysts see its price action as less about reacting to headlines and more about long-term capital commitment. This structural shift is what continues to anchor BTC above $100K, despite the noise.
Tim Draper: Bitcoin Is Eating Crypto as Innovation Flocks to BTC
The Bitcoin blockchain is becoming the new home for crypto innovation, absorbing ideas once exclusive to altcoins, just as Microsoft once consolidated the software revolution under its operating system empire, Tim Draper argued in a recent post on X.
Draper pointed to BTC dominance, a metric equivalent to its “market share,” rising over 60%, up from 40% after the 2017 boom-bust cycle and 50% following the 2021 peak, as proof that Bitcoin is reasserting control over the broader crypto ecosystem. Much like how Microsoft integrated or cloned early success stories like Lotus 1-2-3, WordPerfect, and PowerPoint to form its software suite, Draper says Bitcoin is now incorporating once-altcoin-exclusive innovations: smart contracts, DeFi, ordinals, and low-cost layer 2s.
“All the successful innovations on other platforms are now being ported to Bitcoin,” Draper wrote, calling it an “acceleration” that mirrors Big Tech consolidation. Developers, he said, are increasingly gravitating toward Bitcoin as the most secure and valuable chain.
Draper, who runs a Bitcoin-focused accelerator with Boost VC, said the next generation of entrepreneurs is building on Bitcoin not just for ideological reasons, but because the infrastructure and ecosystem are now ready.
“Smart entrepreneurs are always building on the platform with the strongest gravitational pull,” he wrote. “That platform is Bitcoin.”
WazirX Granted Extension to Present Revised Restructuring Plan
WazirX has received a court-approved extension from the Singapore High Court, allowing it to present further arguments in support of its proposed Scheme of Arrangement. The court also extended the moratorium on creditor actions, which will now remain in place until a ruling is issued on the revised plan.
In a statement released Monday, the exchange said it is awaiting further directions from the court and reiterated its commitment to resolving outstanding claims. The company’s original restructuring plan, rejected by the court last month, as CoinDesk previously reported, sought to reimburse users affected by a $234 million hack in July 2024 through the issuance of recovery tokens and a transfer of operations to a new entity, Zensui Corporation.
More than 93% of creditors had approved the initial plan, but the court cited concerns around governance and transparency. Without an approved arrangement, WazirX faces the possibility of liquidation under Singapore’s Companies Act, which could lead to extended delays and reduced creditor recoveries. No date has been set for the next court hearing.
Market Movements
BTC: Bitcoin surged past $106,000 after a ceasefire between Israel and Iran eased geopolitical tensions, triggering a breakout fueled by high-conviction buyers, bullish technical signals, and strong on-chain accumulation, while the broader CD20 index also climbed nearly 1% amid renewed market strength.
ETH: Ethereum surged 4% to break above $2,450 as Trump’s announcement of an Israel-Iran ceasefire eased global tensions, triggering renewed institutional accumulation and strong on-chain buying momentum.
Gold: Gold fell as much as 2% to $3,300 after Trump’s surprise Israel-Iran ceasefire announcement eased geopolitical tensions, weakening safe-haven demand even as the metal remains up over 25% year-to-date.
Nikkei 225: Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 0.12% as Asia-Pacific markets opened higher Wednesday, buoyed by the Israel-Iran ceasefire and new signals from the U.S. Federal Reserve.
S&P 500: U.S. stocks surged Tuesday, with the Nasdaq and S&P 500 hitting their highest levels since February as a tech-led rally gained momentum amid growing optimism over a fragile U.S.-brokered Israel-Iran ceasefire.
Elsewhere in Crypto:
Overall, the crypto market is showing signs of resilience and growth despite geopolitical tensions and market volatility. Bitcoin’s dominance in the industry is strengthening, and institutional interest continues to drive positive trends in the market. With ongoing developments in restructuring plans and market movements, the future of the crypto market remains uncertain but promising. Stay tuned for more updates on the latest news and analysis in the crypto world. CoinDesk, the leading news and information platform for cryptocurrency, digital assets, and the future of money, has recently made updates to its policies and ownership structure. These changes aim to enhance transparency, journalistic integrity, and editorial independence.
In November 2023, CoinDesk was acquired by Bullish Group, a regulated institutional digital assets exchange. Bullish Group is majority-owned by Block.one, a technology investor with interests in various blockchain and digital asset businesses, including significant holdings of digital assets like Bitcoin.
As part of this acquisition, CoinDesk now operates as an independent subsidiary under the Bullish Group. To uphold journalistic standards and integrity, an editorial committee has been established, chaired by a former editor-in-chief of The Wall Street Journal.
The editorial committee ensures that CoinDesk journalists adhere to a strict set of editorial policies, maintaining the platform’s reputation as a trusted source of news and information in the cryptocurrency industry. Additionally, CoinDesk employees, including journalists, may receive equity-based compensation from the Bullish Group.
These changes reflect CoinDesk’s commitment to providing accurate, reliable, and unbiased coverage of the cryptocurrency industry. By maintaining editorial independence and upholding journalistic integrity, CoinDesk continues to serve as a leading source of information for investors, traders, and enthusiasts in the digital asset space. Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you were looking for something but just couldn’t seem to find it? Maybe you could’ve sworn that it was right there, but it somehow disappeared into thin air. This feeling of frustration and confusion is all too common, and it can happen to anyone at any time.
In a world filled with information overload and constant distractions, it’s easy to misplace things or forget where you last saw them. Whether it’s a physical object like your keys or a digital file on your computer, the experience of searching for something that seems to have vanished can be incredibly frustrating.
Imagine scrolling through your phone or computer, desperately trying to locate that important document you need for work or school. You click through folder after folder, only to come up empty-handed. You could’ve sworn you saved it somewhere, but now it’s nowhere to be found.
Or perhaps you’re wandering around your house, frantically searching for your wallet or sunglasses. You check all the usual spots – the kitchen counter, the living room table, your bedroom dresser – but they’re nowhere to be seen. It’s as if they’ve disappeared into thin air, leaving you feeling baffled and exasperated.
This feeling of disorientation and bewilderment is perfectly captured in the image of a 404 error page – a digital placeholder that appears when a website or webpage cannot be found. The image typically features a puzzled or lost-looking character, symbolizing the frustration of not being able to locate what you’re looking for.
In moments like these, it’s important to take a deep breath and approach the situation with a clear mind. Retrace your steps, think about where you last saw or used the item, and consider any possible places where it could be hiding. Sometimes, a fresh perspective or a moment of clarity is all it takes to uncover the missing item.
And if all else fails, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Reach out to friends, family, or colleagues for assistance, as a fresh set of eyes or a different perspective might just lead you to the elusive object you’ve been searching for. Remember, it’s okay to admit when you need help – we’ve all been there at some point.
So the next time you find yourself in a situation where you could’ve sworn the page was around here somewhere, take a deep breath, stay calm, and don’t give up hope. With a little patience, perseverance, and perhaps a bit of outside assistance, you’ll likely uncover the missing item and put an end to your search once and for all. The Benefits of Practicing Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a powerful practice that has gained popularity in recent years for its numerous benefits to both mental and physical health. Defined as the act of being fully present and engaged in the moment without judgment, mindfulness has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, while also improving focus, memory, and overall well-being.
One of the key benefits of practicing mindfulness is its ability to reduce stress. By focusing on the present moment and letting go of worries about the past or future, individuals can lower their cortisol levels and decrease their overall stress levels. This can lead to improved sleep, better digestion, and a stronger immune system.
In addition to reducing stress, mindfulness can also help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. By learning to observe and accept their thoughts and emotions without judgment, individuals can develop a greater sense of self-awareness and self-compassion. This can lead to a more positive outlook on life and a greater sense of overall happiness and well-being.
Furthermore, practicing mindfulness has been shown to improve focus and concentration. By training the mind to be present and attentive, individuals can enhance their cognitive abilities and increase their productivity. This can be particularly beneficial in today’s fast-paced world where distractions are constant and attention spans are short.
Another benefit of mindfulness is its ability to improve relationships. By learning to be fully present and engaged with others, individuals can develop deeper connections and stronger bonds with those around them. This can lead to greater empathy, compassion, and understanding in both personal and professional relationships.
Overall, the benefits of practicing mindfulness are vast and far-reaching. From reducing stress and anxiety to improving focus and relationships, mindfulness has the power to transform lives in profound ways. By incorporating mindfulness into daily life through practices such as meditation, deep breathing, and mindful eating, individuals can experience greater peace, joy, and fulfillment. The Importance of Self-Care in Today’s Busy World
In today’s fast-paced and hectic world, it can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. From work and family commitments to social obligations and personal responsibilities, it can feel like there is never enough time in the day to take care of ourselves. However, self-care is crucial for maintaining our physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Self-care is defined as any activity that we do deliberately in order to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health. This can include activities such as exercise, meditation, spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies, and practicing mindfulness. By taking the time to prioritize self-care, we can better manage stress, improve our mood, and enhance our overall quality of life.
One of the main reasons why self-care is so important in today’s busy world is because it allows us to recharge and refuel our bodies and minds. When we are constantly running on empty and neglecting our own needs, we can become burnt out and exhausted, leading to a host of negative consequences such as decreased productivity, increased stress, and even physical health issues.
Additionally, self-care helps us to better cope with the demands and challenges of everyday life. By taking the time to care for ourselves, we are better equipped to handle stress, overcome obstacles, and maintain a positive outlook on life. This can have a ripple effect on all areas of our lives, from our relationships to our work performance.
Furthermore, self-care is essential for maintaining good mental health. In a world where mental health issues such as anxiety and depression are on the rise, it is more important than ever to prioritize self-care as a way to prevent and alleviate these conditions. Activities such as mindfulness meditation, journaling, and therapy can all help to improve our mental well-being and provide us with the tools we need to navigate life’s challenges.
In conclusion, self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity in today’s busy world. By taking the time to care for ourselves and prioritize our well-being, we can improve our overall quality of life, better manage stress, and enhance our mental health. So, whether it’s taking a walk in nature, practicing yoga, or simply enjoying a cup of tea, make sure to carve out time for self-care in your daily routine. Your mind, body, and spirit will thank you for it. Ever since the invention of the internet, the way we live our daily lives has been drastically changed. From the way we communicate to how we shop, the internet has become an integral part of our daily routines. One of the most significant changes brought about by the internet is the rise of online shopping.
Online shopping has revolutionized the way we shop for goods and services. Instead of having to physically go to a store, consumers can now browse products and make purchases from the comfort of their own homes. This convenience has led to a surge in online shopping, with more and more people turning to the internet to fulfill their shopping needs.
One of the biggest advantages of online shopping is the convenience it offers. With just a few clicks, consumers can browse through a vast array of products and make a purchase without ever having to leave their homes. This is especially beneficial for those with busy schedules or limited mobility, as it eliminates the need to travel to a physical store.
In addition to convenience, online shopping also offers a wider range of products to choose from. Online retailers are able to offer a larger selection of products than traditional brick-and-mortar stores, giving consumers more options to choose from. This allows shoppers to find exactly what they are looking for, whether it be a specific brand, size, or color.
Another advantage of online shopping is the ability to compare prices easily. With just a few clicks, consumers can compare prices from different retailers to find the best deal. This transparency in pricing has led to increased competition among retailers, ultimately benefiting the consumer.
Despite its many advantages, online shopping does come with some drawbacks. One of the biggest concerns for consumers is the security of their personal information. With the rise of online shopping, there has also been a rise in cybercrime, with hackers targeting online retailers to steal sensitive information. To combat this, online retailers have implemented various security measures to protect their customers’ information.
Overall, online shopping has revolutionized the way we shop for goods and services. With its convenience, wider selection of products, and price comparison tools, online shopping has become a popular choice for consumers worldwide. As technology continues to advance, online shopping is likely to become even more prevalent in our daily lives. There are many benefits to incorporating a regular exercise routine into your daily life. Not only does exercise help improve physical health, but it also has positive effects on mental and emotional well-being. In this article, we will explore some of the key reasons why exercise is important for overall health and how you can start incorporating it into your daily routine.
One of the most obvious benefits of exercise is its impact on physical health. Regular exercise can help improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles and bones, and boost immune function. It can also help with weight management by burning calories and increasing metabolism. By incorporating a variety of exercises into your routine, such as cardio, strength training, and flexibility exercises, you can work different muscle groups and improve overall fitness levels.
In addition to the physical benefits, exercise also has a positive impact on mental health. Physical activity releases endorphins, which are known as the “feel-good” hormones, leading to a sense of well-being and reduced stress levels. Regular exercise has been shown to improve mood, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and enhance cognitive function. It can also help with sleep quality, leading to better rest and overall mental clarity.
Emotional well-being is another area where exercise can make a significant impact. Engaging in physical activity can help boost self-esteem and confidence, as it provides a sense of accomplishment and achievement. Exercise also offers a way to cope with stress and emotions, serving as a healthy outlet for pent-up feelings. By setting and achieving fitness goals, individuals can build resilience and develop a positive mindset that can carry over into other aspects of life.
So, how can you start incorporating exercise into your daily routine? The key is to find activities that you enjoy and that fit your lifestyle. Whether it’s going for a run, joining a fitness class, or taking up a sport, there are countless ways to get moving and stay active. Start by setting realistic goals and creating a schedule that works for you. Consistency is key, so aim to exercise at least three to five times a week for optimal benefits.
Remember to listen to your body and make adjustments as needed. If you’re new to exercise, start slowly and gradually increase intensity and duration over time. Be sure to warm up before each workout and cool down afterward to prevent injury. And don’t forget to stay hydrated and fuel your body with nutritious foods to support your fitness goals.
In conclusion, exercise is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. By incorporating regular physical activity into your daily routine, you can improve your overall health, boost your mood, and enhance your emotional well-being. So, lace up those sneakers, grab your workout gear, and start moving towards a healthier, happier you!