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Time of India
36 minutes ago
- Business
- Time of India
China's $170 bn dam on Brahmaputra: Should India worry?
Three Gorges Dam in China on Yangtze river is the biggest in the world. Now China has started building an even bigger dam. As per Xinhua news agency, China's Premier Li Qiang has announced that construction has begun on the dam on Yarlung Zangbo — the Tibetan name for the Brahmaputra river — on the eastern rim of the Tibetan Plateau near the Indian border, at an estimated cost of at least $170 billion. It will have the capacity to produce 300 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, equal to the amount of electricity consumed by Britain last year. It's expected to be completed in the 2030s. While India and Bangladesh have already raised concerns about its possible impact on the millions of people downstream, China has said the dam will help meet power demand in Tibet and the rest of China without having a major effect on downstream water supplies. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Operations Management CXO others Data Analytics healthcare Data Science MCA Others Leadership Public Policy Digital Marketing Data Science MBA PGDM Technology Design Thinking Management Degree Artificial Intelligence Healthcare Product Management Cybersecurity Project Management Skills you'll gain: Quality Management & Lean Six Sigma Analytical Tools Supply Chain Management & Strategies Service Operations Management Duration: 10 Months IIM Lucknow IIML Executive Programme in Strategic Operations Management & Supply Chain Analytics Starts on Jan 27, 2024 Get Details China's " water bomb " aimed at India? India has raised concerns over the dam, as it not only empowers China to control the river's water flow but also poses the risk of flooding border areas by releasing large volumes of water during potential hostilities due to its sheer size and scale, news agency PTI had reported. India is also constructing its own dam on the Siang River, as Brahmaputra is called in Arunachal Pradesh , the Upper Siang Multipurpose Project. In March, Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein said that if China builds the massive dam over Yarlung Tsangpo river and diverts its water, it will dry up the Siang river and its distributaries affecting the aquatic life of the river and the large population in the plains of Assam and Bangladesh which depends on Brahmaputra river for the irrigation of their agricultural fields. On the other hand, in case, if any conflict arises between the two nations in future, it may release a large volume of water from the dam, which would cause unpredicted flooding in the downstream areas in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam causing loss of lives and properties. In April, BJP MP from Arunachal East, Tapir Gao, described China's planned dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo as a "water bomb" that China could unleash against India and other downstream nations. "We have two options — raise our voice, though Xi Jinping will not listen; or build an alternative large dam to counter the Chinese water bomb," Gao said. Live Events "China isn't merely building dams; it's creating 'water bombs'. The devastation such actions can cause was evident in 2000 when floods triggered by a massive water release washed away nearly all the bridges on the Siang river, as the Yarlung Tsangpo is called in Arunachal Pradesh. Pasighat airport was submerged under 7 feet of water at the time," Gao said. Gao backed a proposal to build a dam on the Siang river in Arunachal Pradesh to mitigate downstream disasters. "Experts informed me the dam could have a 25-metre buffer level extending up to 15km, capable of retaining substantial water during sudden releases and averting disaster. Public consultations are ongoing regarding the proposed dam," he said. However, Chinese foreign ministry's spokesperson Guo Jiakun said in January that the dam would, to some extent, contribute to downstream disaster prevention, mitigation, and climate change response. This was in response to a question about India's concerns regarding the dam, which were discussed during talks between Indian officials and the visiting then US national security advisor, Jake Sullivan. Should India worry? Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday tried to alleviate fears on China's move to construct the world's largest dam on Brahmaputra and said he does not foresee any immediate cause of worry as the river gets most of its waters from Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh. Speaking to reporters, Sarma said the exact impact of the massive dam, the construction of which began last week, is not properly known as different theories are being floated, and hoped that the Centre must be in touch with China on the matter. "First -- if Brahmaputra's flow is disturbed by China, then there may be less water and consequently biodiversity will be affected. But there is also a counter view that if less water comes, it will also act as a flood cushioning. So, I don't know which one is correct," he added. Sarma said that the Centre is a better judge on this topic and it will take a call on this. Unlike the Indus system, where India holds the upstream advantage and Pakistan remains critically dependent on downstream flows, the Brahmaputra dynamic is less binary. As per a TOI article published in July, China commands an upstream position but its leverage is not absolute. Brahmaputra gains most of its volume only after it enters India, fed by torrential tributaries like Lohit, Dibang, and many others draining the eastern Himalayas. Yarlung spans 1,625 km across the Tibetan plateau and seems, at first glance, a river shaped upstream. Only, as it plunges through the Siang gorge into Arunachal and transforms into Brahmaputra, its character changes dramatically. Contrary to the common assumption that upstream means control, Tibet contributes only about 14% of the river's total annual flow. A staggering 86% is generated within India — driven largely by intense monsoon rains and a network of torrential tributaries in Arunachal and Assam. But the real threat is not of deprivation. It is of sudden inundation. If China releases large volumes of water during the flood season, it is India's northeast, particularly Arunachal and Assam, that stands most exposed, as per the TOI article. While China cannot easily weaponise the river by cutting off its flow, the risk will stem from sudden surges — be it from upstream dam releases, engineering misjudgements, or the erratic extremes of a warming climate. For Arunachal and Assam, already battered by recurrent monsoon floods, such shocks could prove devastating. China doesn't have a pact with any of the lower riparians. India and China did sign an MoU in 2013 but Indian officials said China has not always been open about sharing hydrological data.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
After Trump's team calls him a ‘Madman' over Syria strikes, Netanyahu out for 3 days with food poisoning
Behind the scenes, frustration is boiling over between Washington and Jerusalem. Trump administration officials are reportedly fed up with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 's recent military actions. The fallout comes at a delicate time for U.S. foreign policy. What triggered the anger from U.S. officials? Top Trump officials are outraged by Benjamin Netanyahu 's unexpected airstrikes in Syria, calling him a 'madman' and accusing him of undermining US peace efforts. Tensions are exacerbated by Israel's Gaza church strike and West Bank violence despite President Trump's cordial embrace and chumminess with Bibi, according to Axios. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Operations Management Public Policy Healthcare Leadership Artificial Intelligence healthcare Degree Finance Others Digital Marketing Data Science others Technology Design Thinking MBA CXO Cybersecurity Project Management Data Analytics MCA Data Science Product Management PGDM Management Skills you'll gain: Quality Management & Lean Six Sigma Analytical Tools Supply Chain Management & Strategies Service Operations Management Duration: 10 Months IIM Lucknow IIML Executive Programme in Strategic Operations Management & Supply Chain Analytics Starts on Jan 27, 2024 Get Details "Bibi acted like a madman. He bombs everything all the time,' a White House official vented to the outlet. 'This could undermine what Trump is trying to do," as quoted in a report. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 20 Things Women Should NEVER Wear! Undo What's the latest on Benjamin Netanyahu's health? Meanwhile, Benjamin Netanyahu is recovering at home from food poisoning. According to his office, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is recovering from a case of food poisoning and will continue to perform his duties during the next three days while taking a break at home, as per a report by Reuters. Live Events The Israeli Prime Minister is receiving intravenous fluids for intestinal inflammation and dehydration after becoming ill overnight, according to a statement. "In accordance with his doctors' instructions, the prime minister will rest at home for the next three days and will manage state affairs from there," stated his office. ALSO READ: Anthony Mackie's flop? Critics slammed it, but it's a surprise smash hit on streaming charts How did Netanyahu's strikes impact Trump's peace agenda? US president Donald Trump has made ending foreign wars a top priority. Despite his prior affiliations with al-Qaeda and Islamic extremism, he has attempted to defuse the long-standing tensions between the United States and Syria and give its new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, a chance, as per a report by The NY Post. The war-torn nation is just weeks away from "potential collapse and a full-scale civil war of epic proportions," according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. According to Axios, senior Trump administration officials, including US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack and special envoy Steve Witkoff, bemoaned Israel's aggressive behavior to Trump and suggested that Netanyahu's domestic politics were the driving force behind the bombing campaign. In response to the violence between armed Bedouin tribesmen and the Druze militia, a minority group that Israel has pledged to protect, Netanyahu approved the bombing of a Syrian envoy that was traveling toward Suwayda. ALSO READ: Elon Musk is back in wartime mode — 7 days a week, sleeping in the office, no breaks Israel accused Syria of aiding the attacks against the Druze, while Syria's government said it was working to halt the violence and restore order, as per a report. Days after Netanyahu's visit to the United States, during which he was greeted warmly at the White House and declared his intention to nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, Israel bombed Syria. FAQs Why are Trump officials upset with Netanyahu? They claim his surprise strikes in Syria are undermining Trump's efforts to broker peace in the region. What happened with Netanyahu's health? He is recovering from food poisoning and will work from home for the next three days.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Tariff engineering: How companies are outsmarting Trump
Delta Air Lines pulled off an age-old trick on US President Donald Trump who has imposed steep tariffs on imports which are pinching American companies. Delta took brand-new Airbus jets sitting in Europe, yanked out their US-made engines, shipped those engines back to the States, and left the rest of the aircraft behind. Why? To avoid Trump's tariffs. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Operations Management CXO Public Policy Degree Project Management Leadership Digital Marketing Healthcare Cybersecurity Data Analytics PGDM Design Thinking healthcare Product Management Finance Technology MBA others Data Science Data Science Management Others Artificial Intelligence Skills you'll gain: Quality Management & Lean Six Sigma Analytical Tools Supply Chain Management & Strategies Service Operations Management Duration: 10 Months IIM Lucknow IIML Executive Programme in Strategic Operations Management & Supply Chain Analytics Starts on Jan 27, 2024 Get Details According to a July 11 report by Bloomberg, Delta has been cannibalising new A321neo aircraft, assembled in Europe and fitted with Pratt & Whitney engines, for parts to keep its grounded US fleet flying. By removing the engines, which are manufactured in the US, and shipping them home separately, Delta avoids the 10% import duty levied on European-made aircraft under Trump-era trade policies. The planes themselves remain parked in Europe. They can't fly in the US yet anyway, their seats haven't cleared US regulatory certification . So instead of paying duties on entire aircraft, Delta is importing only the parts it needs, duty-free. CEO Ed Bastian was frank about the tactic. 'We are not planning to pay tariffs on aircraft deliveries,' he said during the company's latest earnings call, adding that Delta will continue using the workaround. Live Events Earlier this year, Delta routed new Airbus long-haul jets through Japan before bringing them into the US, another move to dodge import costs. Back in 2020, the airline used similar tactics, redirecting deliveries through places like Amsterdam, Tokyo, and El Salvador to avoid tariffs during peak trade tensions . This isn't a one-off. It's a pattern. Delta's workaround might look extreme, but it's hardly unusual. US companies across industries, from sneaker makers to car manufacturers, have been using similar strategies to avoid rising import duties. Call it tariff engineering or just smart loophole hunting. The goal is simple: cut import costs without breaking the law. And this is entirely legal. John Foote, a customs lawyer at Kelley Drye & Warren in Washington D.C., sees no issue with the practice. 'There is nothing inherently illegal or even untoward about leveraging strategic design choices that result in creating different products that are subject to different tariff classifications and duty rates,' he told CNBC. 'Tariff engineering is one of the few things you can do to try to get it right and reduce your duty liability.' What is tariff engineering? Tariff engineering is the art of designing or altering a product, legally, to qualify for a lower import tax . It doesn't mean cheating the system. It just means working within the rules and playing them to your advantage. Merritt v. Welsh (1882) Tariff engineering isn't new. One of the earliest examples dates back to the 1881 US Supreme Court case Merritt v. Welsh, when a sugar importer found that coating lighter sugar with molasses helped avoid higher tariffs . The case went all the way to the Supreme Court, which ruled that as long as the goods were honestly declared and inspected, there was nothing illegal about gaming the system. At the time, the US taxed sugar based on its colour, using something called the Dutch standard. Darker sugar = lower quality = lower tariff. So what did the importer do? He took highly refined (white) sugar and added molasses to darken it. That way, it looked like low-grade sugar and qualified for a lower tariff. This should've worked, until the Port of New York stepped in. The customs office didn't buy it. They ran chemical tests, found the sugar had been intentionally darkened, and slapped on the higher tariff anyway. But the case reached the Supreme Court, and the justices sided with the importer. Why? Because the law at the time said tariffs had to be based only on colour, not chemical analysis or intent. Justice Matthews was of the opinion that even if the sugar was darkened on purpose, that wasn't illegal. 'Great stress is laid on the charge that sugars are manufactured in dark colors on purpose to evade our duties. Suppose this is true; has not a manufacturer a right to make his goods as he pleases?... If the duties are affected, there is a plain remedy. Congress can always adopt such laws and regulations as it may deem expedient for protecting the interests of the government.' Fast-forward to today, and tariff engineering is practically a full-time job for trade compliance teams across corporate America. Take Columbia Sportswear. They've been upfront about it. 'I have a whole team of people that work … with the designers and developers and merchandisers and with customs,' said Jeff Tooze, the company's VP of global customs and trade, in a 2019 interview with Marketplace. Their mission: bake tariff classification into the product design process. For instance, CNN reported that adding small zippered pockets below the waist on shirts is a simple tweak that can shift the product into a lower-duty category. That's how you end up with shirts sporting oddly placed zippers, designed not for fashion or function, but for tariff relief . Footwear brands play the same game. Converse, for instance, has been known to put felt soles on some All Star sneakers. The reason? Classification. Felt soles can move the shoes into the 'house slipper' category instead of 'athletic footwear', and house slippers come with significantly lower tariffs. Governments around the world use a system of more than 5,000 product classification codes to determine how much tariff to apply to imports, according to CNBC. By manufacturing the shoes overseas with felt soles, Converse can make a case to US customs that they qualify for the lower-duty category. It's not about aesthetics but a strategic design decision aimed at cutting costs. The loophole economy isn't just about design Sometimes, companies don't bother changing the product. They change the route. Or the label. Or where the product waits. Delta's stripped-down aircraft are one version of this. Another is the bonded warehouse. Think of it as international limbo. Goods can enter the US and sit inside a government-regulated storage facility, as long as they remain locked up in a customs-regulated warehouse, for up to five years, duty-free, until the importer decides the timing is right to clear them through customs. They only pay the current tariff rate when they take goods out of storage. It's a bet that tariff rates will go down in the short or medium term. Jennifer Hartry, who runs Howard Hartry, a customs brokerage by the Port of Los Angeles, says the demand for bonded warehouses has exploded since Trump's tariffs took hold. She told CNN that 95% of inquiries she receives now involve goods from China. There's no cap on the value a company can store in a bonded warehouse, the only real limit is physical space. According to Hartry, her clients are stashing everything from lithium batteries and metal rods to TVs and treadmills. The value of these goods ranges between $37,000 and $500,000. She's well aware of how hard tariffs have hit her clients. But for her business, they've been a lifeline. 'It's saving our business, which we're grateful for,' she told CNN's Julia Vargas. Why all of this still works Despite the Trump administration's aggressive tariff hikes, loopholes remain. Sometimes products are explicitly exempt. Sometimes a lower rate applies if you swap a fabric or a metal. Other times, it's about knowing the right Harmonised Tariff Schedule (HTS) code, a system with over 5,000 categories. Customs lawyers are seeing a boom in business. Erik Smithweiss, a partner at GDLSK, said that companies come to his firm asking whether tweaks to their products might qualify them for a more favourable code. 'We are working with companies who say, 'Gee, I really want to be on this list, look at my tariff codes,'' he told CNN. If the product can be modified, legally and substantially enough, his team will help make it happen. But tariff engineering has its limits, and pushing too far can backfire. Customs officials have the authority to test materials, scrutinise designs, and if they suspect deception, they can impose steep fines. Ford learned that the hard way The automaker was accused of sidestepping a steep 25% tariff, known as the 'chicken tax', by disguising cargo vans as passenger vehicles. The 'chicken tax' dates back to 1964, when the US imposed a 25% tariff on imported light trucks in retaliation for European restrictions on American poultry. The workaround? Ford shipped Turkey-assembled Transit Connect vans to the US with temporary rear seats and minor interior tweaks, just enough to classify them as passenger vehicles and qualify for a much lower 2.5% import duty. Once the vans cleared customs, the seats were removed, and the vehicles were sold as cargo vans. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Justice called it a clear attempt to dodge higher tariffs, saying the rear seats were never meant to carry passengers and were simply 'an artifice or disguise.' The case spanned years and involved hundreds of thousands of vans imported between 2009 and 2013. Courts consistently ruled in the government's favour. The Supreme Court refused to hear Ford's appeal in 2020. By March 2024, Ford agreed to pay $365 million, roughly half in back duties, the rest in penalties. The company said it 'strongly disagreed with many of the characterisations' but chose to settle and end the legal battle. It did not admit wrongdoing. The fine is one of the largest customs penalty settlements in recent history. The risky business of skating the line Not all industries can play this game equally. Apparel and footwear can get by with easy tweaks and quick wins, but for aerospace, electronics, and medical devices, it's a completely different ballgame. 'You might be looking at another 12 to 24 months of testing, certification, and validation in order to get that done,' said Andrew Wilson, a supply chain strategist at Supplino, to CNBC. That's time, money, and regulatory headaches. Still, for many companies, the savings are worth it. Izzy Rosenzweig, CEO of logistics firm Portless, told CNBC that one of his clients switched hoodie production from synthetic to cotton to save 15% in duties. That's a serious margin in retail. Winnebago Industries, the RV giant, said earlier this year that it's actively working with trade experts to explore mitigation strategies, tariff engineering and deferrals included. And it's not just the goods themselves. Even small tweaks to product add-ons can lead to big savings. Customs lawyer John Foote described to CNBC a lapel pin that was redesigned to include small pieces of cubic zirconia. That change moved it out of the 'festive article' category (14% tariff) into the 'jewellery' category (lower tariff). A small shift with a big payoff. The game has rules. You just have to learn them. Tariff engineering is not fraud. But it is a tightrope walk. There's a fine line between clever strategy and misclassification. Companies can request a binding ruling from US Customs and Border Protection to confirm whether a classification will hold. But that comes with a risk: once you ask, you can't walk it back. If Customs disagrees, you're stuck. Which is why many firms prefer to stay just under the radar. Quietly adapting. Carefully designing. Relentlessly optimising.
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
ETH on fire! Analysts say Ethereum will soon hit $4000 as short positions pile up
Ethereum Price Prediction: Ethereum (ETH) is making headlines this July with a breakout rally that's pushing the altcoin toward new 2025 highs. The latest analysis suggests that ETH is not only on the verge of reclaiming $4,000—but could be headed even higher—as a record-setting short squeeze combines with massive institutional inflows, ETF demand, and whale accumulation to ignite one of the most powerful uptrends in the current crypto cycle. Why are analysts predicting $4,000 Ethereum very soon? Ethereum's price has surged over 20% in the past week, pushing ETH above $3,750 and marking a new six-month high. As of press time, Ether was trading around $3,796 , a stunning 169% rally from March's lows of approximately $1,392. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Operations Management others healthcare Product Management Others Technology Public Policy Data Science Design Thinking CXO Data Science Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity MBA Healthcare PGDM Project Management Degree Data Analytics Leadership Management MCA Finance Digital Marketing Skills you'll gain: Quality Management & Lean Six Sigma Analytical Tools Supply Chain Management & Strategies Service Operations Management Duration: 10 Months IIM Lucknow IIML Executive Programme in Strategic Operations Management & Supply Chain Analytics Starts on Jan 27, 2024 Get Details According to fresh analysis by The Kobeissi Letter , Ethereum is in the midst of 'one of the largest short squeezes in crypto history.' Short positions on Ether recently reached all-time highs, but instead of collapsing, ETH reversed sharply to the upside, forcing short sellers to cover in panic—adding fuel to the fire. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Container Houses Colombia (Prices May Surprise You) Container House | Search ads Search Now Undo Kobeissi notes that Ethereum has added over $150 billion in market cap since July 1st , just days after shorts peaked. If ETH rises another 10% from here, analysts estimate that $1 billion more in short positions will be liquidated, likely catapulting the price to $4,000 and beyond. What's driving the Ethereum rally besides the short squeeze? Ethereum's bullish momentum isn't solely the result of a short squeeze. Several fundamental catalysts are at play: Live Events 1. Institutional ETF Demand Is Soaring ETF demand is now a dominant force in the market. U.S. spot Ethereum ETFs recorded a record single-day intake of $727 million in mid-July, and monthly inflows are now tracking over $890 million —one of the highest since ETH ETFs launched. Asset managers and corporate treasuries are increasingly allocating capital toward ETH, as spot ETFs make the asset more accessible to traditional investors. These inflows have driven price higher while tightening supply across exchanges. 2. Massive Whale Accumulation Signaling Confidence On-chain data reveals a $50 million ETH purchase by whale address 0x5A8E , who acquired 13,462 ETH at an average price of $3,715. Large strategic entries like these often suggest institutional confidence and long-term positioning—especially when they align with ETF demand. 3. Layer 2 Ecosystem Activity Surges Ethereum's rise is mirrored by increased engagement across its Layer 2 stack, including platforms like Arbitrum , Optimism , and zkSync . These scaling solutions are benefiting from higher on-chain usage, often seen during bull runs. As capital flows into ETH, it naturally spreads across the broader Ethereum ecosystem—powering DeFi, liquidity pools, and dApps. What does the Ethereum price chart tell us right now? Technically, ETH is still in breakout mode. It remains well above key exponential and simple moving averages, and is tracking within an ascending channel that began after March's capitulation lows. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) on shorter timeframes is now near 78, which signals overbought territory—but also reflects intense buying pressure. While some analysts warn of possible pullbacks, prior ETH rallies under similar momentum have often found support at higher levels, especially when ETF flows remain strong. Price targets to watch include: Immediate resistance: $3,950–$4,000 Breakout zone: $4,000–$4,200 Measured move target: ~$4,500 if momentum sustains Will Ethereum break above $4,100? Market strategists believe Ethereum has a good chance to decisively break through the $4,000–$4,200 resistance zone in the coming days. Confirmation of a clean breakout above this range could trigger what analysts describe as an 'explosive' leg higher, potentially targeting $4,500 and beyond. Some cycle models point out that Ethereum is still lagging behind Bitcoin in terms of percentage gain from its macro bottom. If historical rotation patterns repeat, capital may flow from consolidating BTC into ETH—suggesting Ethereum has room for catch-up growth. Bitcoin dominance drops—What does it mean for ETH? Ethereum's outperformance is also reflected in Bitcoin's market dominance , which has dropped to 61.4% , its lowest level since March. This signals a shift in trader sentiment toward altcoins—particularly ETH and XRP—which are seeing faster gains and increased institutional focus. As long as the market remains risk-on and ETH continues attracting ETF flows and whale buyers, it's likely to lead the next leg of the altcoin season. Institutional adoption could reshape Ethereum's future According to Coinbase Institutional, ETH's increasing adoption by corporate treasuries and asset managers is being driven by two core themes: Staking yield opportunities , offering passive returns for holding ETH. Tokenization of real-world assets , which Ethereum is uniquely positioned to power. BlackRock's recent $1.1 billion Ethereum purchase in just 48 hours—bringing its total holdings to $8.9 billion—underscores this trend. The asset giant now controls roughly 1.5% of Ethereum's total circulating supply, tightening available float and increasing upside volatility when demand spikes. Could regulation slow things down? As institutional demand grows, Ethereum is also coming under increased regulatory scrutiny . Lawmakers and regulators are exploring how staking, tokenization, and ETH ETFs fit within evolving securities and asset management frameworks. While new rules could introduce short-term volatility, most analysts agree that clearer regulatory guidance will ultimately broaden ETH's accessibility to institutional investors and accelerate mainstream adoption. Ethereum's breakout has serious firepower Ethereum is in a historic moment. The convergence of a record-breaking short squeeze, $50M+ whale buys, nearly $1B in weekly ETF inflows, and a deepening institutional footprint are powering a rally that has more substance than speculation. If ETH can break and hold above the $4,000–$4,200 resistance band, analysts believe it could mark the beginning of the next parabolic phase of this crypto cycle. Momentum is strong, on-chain data is bullish, and institutional players are clearly buying the dip. As we head deeper into the second half of 2025, Ethereum appears ready to lead the next leg of the digital asset boom—with $4,500 already on the radar for many traders and investors. Frequently Asked Questions About Ethereum's Key Investors and Institutional Demand 1. Who are the biggest institutional holders of Ethereum right now? Several major players are holding large amounts of ETH, including: Grayscale Ethereum Trust (ETHE): Holds over 1.2 million ETH, giving institutional investors exposure to Ethereum without directly owning the asset. Crypto exchanges: Coinbase holds approximately 4.9 million ETH, Binance around 4.2 million, and Bitfinex about 3.2 million. Staking and smart contracts: The ETH2 Beacon deposit contract holds over 64 million ETH locked for staking, while Wrapped Ethereum (wETH) contracts contain around 2.6 million ETH. 2. Which companies are adding Ethereum to their balance sheets? A growing number of public companies are actively accumulating ETH. BitMine Immersion Technologies now holds over 300,000 ETH (valued at more than $1 billion), boosted by a recent investment from billionaire Peter Thiel's Founders Fund. SharpLink Gaming also holds over $1 billion in ETH, after accumulating more than 144,000 ETH in under two weeks—an aggressive move into the Ethereum space. 3. What asset managers are leading Ethereum ETF investment? Several traditional financial giants are behind the surge in Ethereum ETF inflows. BlackRock's iShares Ethereum ETF is one of the largest, with over $9.1 billion in assets under management. Grayscale , Fidelity , and Franklin Templeton are also key players, offering low-cost access to Ethereum ETFs with management fees between 0.19% and 0.25%. 4. How much capital is currently flowing into Ethereum ETFs? ETF inflows are at record highs in 2025. In mid-July alone, Ethereum ETFs saw a single-day intake of $727 million —a new record. Total inflows for July have surpassed $3.2 billion , driven by growing institutional interest and investor confidence in Ethereum's long-term potential. 5. Are venture capital firms also backing Ethereum? Yes, some of the largest crypto-focused VCs have strong Ethereum exposure. Paradigm manages over $10 billion in crypto assets, with Ethereum as a core holding. Polychain Capital , managing about $5 billion, also invests heavily in ETH and Ethereum-based startups. Firms like Securitize , backed by BlackRock, are building tokenization platforms directly on Ethereum, reflecting long-term conviction. 6. Are individual billionaires investing in Ethereum too? High-net-worth individuals are beginning to make bold Ethereum plays. Peter Thiel , through his Founders Fund, has taken a significant stake in BitMine, a company holding hundreds of thousands of ETH—showing elite investor interest in Ethereum's future. 7. Does the U.S. government own Ethereum? Yes, through asset seizures, the U.S. government has acquired ETH holdings. Following high-profile crypto crackdowns and seizures (such as the Bitfinex hack), U.S. authorities now reportedly hold around 60,000 ETH , making them one of the notable institutional holders. 8. Why Ethereum Is Attracting Massive Institutional Interest Ethereum is entering a new era of adoption, not just by individual investors—but by some of the world's most powerful financial institutions and corporations. From BlackRock's $9B ETF inflows to public companies holding over $1B in ETH , the data shows clear momentum. With strong ETF demand, growing staking participation, and strategic whale accumulation, Ethereum is transitioning from a speculative asset to a mainstream institutional investment . This transformation is tightening supply, driving prices higher, and setting the stage for a potential breakout above $4,000 and beyond.
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Crypto price today: Bitcoin steadies near $119K; Dogecoin, Solana jump up to 7%
Bitcoin held steady near the $119,000 mark on Monday, supported by institutional inflows and resilient sentiment. As of 2:58 pm IST, the world's largest cryptocurrency was trading 0.6% higher at $118,826. Ethereum gained 1.9% to $3,774, marking its highest level in seven months and drawing investor attention amid signs of rotation from Bitcoin to altcoins. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Operations Management Artificial Intelligence Data Analytics CXO Leadership Data Science MCA Public Policy Design Thinking Others Cybersecurity Finance others healthcare Digital Marketing MBA Healthcare Product Management Data Science Management Skills you'll gain: Quality Management & Lean Six Sigma Analytical Tools Supply Chain Management & Strategies Service Operations Management Duration: 10 Months IIM Lucknow IIML Executive Programme in Strategic Operations Management & Supply Chain Analytics Starts on Jan 27, 2024 Get Details by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2&3 BHK Homes at Qrious by Kolte Patil near Hinjewadi, Pune Kolte Patil-Qrious Learn More Undo The broader crypto market reflected a strong risk-on tone, with Solana jumping 5.8%, Dogecoin 7.3%, Cardano 4.1%, and Avalanche up 3%. XRP rallied 1.7% to $3.54 after hitting a fresh all-time high, while BNB, Stellar, Chainlink, Hyperliquid, Hedera, and other altcoins registered solid gains between 2% and 3.2%. Crypto Tracker TOP COIN SETS NFT & Metaverse Tracker 20.57% Buy Smart Contract Tracker 19.56% Buy DeFi Tracker 15.69% Buy BTC 50 :: ETH 50 12.77% Buy Web3 Tracker 8.97% Buy TOP COINS (₹) BNB 65,933 ( 2.12% ) Buy Ethereum 325,788 ( 1.8% ) Buy XRP 306 ( 1.54% ) Buy Bitcoin 10,246,665 ( 0.78% ) Buy Tether 86 ( 0.18% ) Buy "A new momentum is building in crypto markets, with Ethereum clearly taking the spotlight," said Riya Sehgal, Research Analyst at Delta Exchange. 'Driven by historic spot ETF inflows and increased corporate treasury interest, ETH has outperformed Bitcoin significantly. This divergence is reshaping market structure.' Did you Know? The world of cryptocurrencies is very dynamic. Prices can go up or down in a matter of seconds. Thus, having reliable answers to such questions is crucial for investors. View Details » Sehgal noted that Bitcoin dominance has fallen to 61%, down more than 6% in the past month — a potential early sign of an emerging altcoin season. Rising weekly option premiums and expanded trading ranges in Ethereum also reflect heightened trader expectations. Live Events According to CoinSwitch Markets Desk, Bitcoin is currently trading around $118,900 and remains within a triangular consolidation pattern. 'BTC is testing a key resistance trendline that has capped its upside near $123K. While the coin remains in a range, capital is rotating toward ETH and other altcoins, which are showing stronger momentum,' CoinSwitch analysts said. The firm added that macroeconomic pressures, particularly signs of strain in the U.S. housing market, could add to market volatility. A recent study showed that half of the top 50 U.S. metro areas reported year-over-year home price declines in June, compared to just seven in November 2024 — hinting at weakening consumer sentiment. Despite the near-term consolidation, several analysts maintain a bullish outlook on Bitcoin. Srinivas L, CEO of 9Point Capital, believes BTC remains well-positioned for an eventual breakout. 'Strong ETF inflows and improving macro sentiment support upside potential. If the current range holds, we expect a move toward $127K and beyond.' Unocoin CEO Sathvik Vishwanath echoed this view, citing technical indicators such as the golden cross as supportive of continued bullishness. 'Bitcoin is transitioning into a mature store-of-value asset,' he said, pointing to rising institutional adoption and favourable regulatory developments in the U.S. 'Short-term targets remain in the $125K–$130K range, with some forecasts eyeing $180K–$250K by year-end if momentum holds.'
