logo
Bitcoin price today drops below $105k mark as crypto market whales continue sell-off

Bitcoin price today drops below $105k mark as crypto market whales continue sell-off

Mint05-06-2025

Bitcoin price today: The world's largest cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, started in the red today, at $104,968.95 down 0.71 per cent from the previous day, according to data on CoinMarketCap.
Market capitalisation is $2.08 trillion, down 0.71 per cent, with trading volume at $44.25 billion, down 0.15 per cent.
In fact, over the week, the token has dropped 0.70 per cent, CoinMarketCap showed, as crypto whales seek profit-booking while Bitcoin holds its longest period above the psychological $1,00,000 level.
Over May and June 2025, Bitcoin has held above six figures for the longest period in history — 27 days (25 consecutives days, as per CoinSwitch data), compared to its 18-day run above $1,00,000 in January 2025, according to a report by Cointelegraph.
The second largest crypto token, Ethereum network's Ether was flat, down 0.03 per cent to $2,614.70, with market cap at $315.65 billion, down 0.03 per cent, and volume at $18.23 billion up 8.20 per cent.
Further, the US Dollar linked stablecoin Tether is also down 0.03 per cent to $1 over the previous day, with market cap of $153.77 billion, lower by 0.27 per cent, and volume at $66 billion down 3.46 per cent.
Donald Trump's favoured Solana also dropped 1.96 per cent to $153.78 over the past 24 hours, with market cap down 1.69 per cent to $80.57 billion, and trade volumes down 26.11 per cent at $2.57 billion.
Meanwhile, large Bitcoin holders, known as 'whales' are continuing their profit-taking streak amid the token's new peak run.
On June 3, analyst Willy Woo wrote on X on June 3 that 'big whales' with over 10,000 Bitcoin 'have been selling since 2017' noting that most of these coins were bought at '$0 and $700 and held for 8 to 16 years'.
Cointelegraph reported that a chart showing the supply held by whales reflected steady decline in holdings over the past eight years, from 2.77 million in 2017 to 1.6 million in 2025 — a drop of around 40 per cent.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

How Israel-Iran conflict is likely to inflate global oil prices? EXPLAINED
How Israel-Iran conflict is likely to inflate global oil prices? EXPLAINED

Mint

timean hour ago

  • Mint

How Israel-Iran conflict is likely to inflate global oil prices? EXPLAINED

The conflict raging between Israel and Iran on Sunday, 22 June 2025, took an escalating turn as the US entered the war after conducting an airstrike on three nuclear sites of Iran. These heightened tensions are likely to inflate the global oil prices in case Tehran decides to retaliate against America's move. US President Donald Trump announced that America had destroyed three nuclear facilities in Iran, namely Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan, through a coordinated airstrike amid the Israel-Iran conflict. Trump called out Iran and said that there will either be peace or tragedy for the Middle Eastern country, as the Western nation disclosed its preparedness to take out more targets in Iran. 'There will be either peace or there will be tragedy for Iran, far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days,' Trump told reporters at a late-night media address on Saturday, 21 June 2025. Trump's move to carry out airstrikes in Iran has automatically involved the Western nation in the raging conflict in the Middle East. 'All planes are now outside of Iran's space. A full payload of bombs was dropped on the primary site, Fordow. All planes are safely on their way home,' he said in a social media post. As the tensions and uncertainties escalate in the global economy, investors around the world are afraid of Iran's retaliatory move against Israel and the US. The Strait of Hormuz is a strategically important global trade passage for crude oil imports and exports out of the Middle East. It connects the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea with the Persian Gulf. According to earlier reports, this area witnesses nearly a quarter of the world's oil trade, making it a very sensitive region near a volatile conflict area of Iran. Concerns of investors and commodity traders around the world are rising as people expect Iran to block the region and potentially create disruptions in the shipping passage. Even though there has been no advancement from Iran's side on its threats to block the international maritime passageway, this sentiment of uncertainty is driving up the oil prices. JP Morgan, in an industry report, mentioned how the oil prices gained 3.6 per cent, crossing $78 per barrel for the first time since January amid the fears of the escalating situation in the Middle East. 'While markets are on edge, it seems like crude prices have some more room to rise before they start to cause real friction for the U.S. economy,' said the investment giant in its report released on 20 June 2025, before US carried out the hit against Iran's nuclear sites. According to an Economic Times report citing the investment bank, oil prices are expected to rise to as high as $120 per barrel if geopolitical tensions further escalate amid the ongoing conflict. The current oil prices show a 7 per cent chance of a worst-case economic scenario in which the impact will go beyond the reduced Iran exports, according to the news portal's report. Crude oil futures for both Brent and the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) closed lower after Friday's commodity market session. Investors' focus on Monday, 23 June 2025, will remain on how much the commodity takes a hit due to the increasing uncertainty in the market. The Brent futures of the September 2025 contract closed 2.33 per cent lower at $75.48 after the commodity market session on 21 June 2025. The WTI futures for the August 2025 contract also closed 0.28 per cent lower at $74.93 after the commodity market session into Saturday. Bloomberg Intelligence, in a research note, said that it is raising the near-term forecast for Brent crude to the $80-$90 range. 'We are raising our near-term Brent forecast to the $80–$90 range, with $100-plus oil increasingly likely given the elevated risk of Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz,' according to the research report cited by the news portal Moneycontrol. In June, crude oil prices jumped 24 per cent to reach near their $75 per barrel range as investors fear this rise may continue, fueled by Middle East tensions. (This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.)

As Iran Israel war escalates, India changes its policy on oil, Modi govt plans to import more oil from...
As Iran Israel war escalates, India changes its policy on oil, Modi govt plans to import more oil from...

India.com

timean hour ago

  • India.com

As Iran Israel war escalates, India changes its policy on oil, Modi govt plans to import more oil from...

India is the third-largest importer of crude oil. (File) India crude oil import: Amid the raging Israel-Iran war, which witnessed a major escalation after the US bombed Iranian nuclear sites on Sunday, India has changing its oil import strategy, purchasing more crude oil from Russia in the month of June, compared to West Asian suppliers like Saudi Arabia and Iraq. Data shows that India is ramping up oil imports in wake of the ongoing situation in the Middle East, which is expected to skyrocket global crude oil prices. According to data released by global trade analyst Kpler, Indian refineries have purchased about 20 to 22 lakh barrels of crude oil per day from Russia in June, the highest in two years. In May, India's daily oil import from Russia stood at 19.6 lakh barrels, while 4,39,000 bpd (barrels per day), were purchased from the US, which is significantly higher than 2,80,000 bpd in May. Meanwhile, India's oil imports from West Asia, including Iraq, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Kuwait, dropped significantly in June, declining to around 2 million bpd, significantly lower than last month's figures. Why India imports more crude oil from Russia? India is the world's third largest oil importer and consumer, purchasing about 51 lakh bpd of crude oil from other countries, which account for around 80 percent of the country's domestic oil needs. Traditionally, India imported crude oil from West Asian countries, but in recent years Russia has become the country top crude oil supplier, especially after the Russia-Ukraine war broke out in February 2022. After the war broke out, Russia's oil imports fell drastically, primarily due to sanctions imposed by the US and allis, due to which Moscow sold its oil at a much cheaper price than other countries, one of the key reasons why India started importing more crude from Russia. US attacks Iran On Sunday morning, US B-2 Stealth bombers dropped GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bunker buster bombs on Iranian nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, purportedly destroying the sites. The bunker busters, each weighing about 13,600 kilos, are capable of penetrating up to an estimated 200 feet of reinforced concrete. The attack came just two days US President after Donald Trump sought two weeks time to decide whether the US would join Israel in its war against Iran. But analysts believe that US action may have been prompted because Iran was preparing to shift its nuclear assets, including enriched Uranium, to secret locations from its nuclear facilities.

Iran moves to shut Strait of Hormuz: What it means for India and the world
Iran moves to shut Strait of Hormuz: What it means for India and the world

First Post

time2 hours ago

  • First Post

Iran moves to shut Strait of Hormuz: What it means for India and the world

Iran's threat to close the Strait of Hormuz after US airstrikes on its nuclear sites could trigger a global oil shock, disrupt trade routes and push prices sky-high. With over 60% of its crude coming from the Gulf, India faces serious energy and economic risks. read more Strait of Hormuz, Makran region in southern Iran and southwestern Pakistan, Gulf of Oman and the northern coast of Oman as seen from space. (Photo by NASA Earth Observatory/ AFP) The Strait of Hormuz, the world's most critical oil chokepoint is back in global focus after Iran hinted at a possible closure following a major US airstrike on its nuclear facilities. If Iran follows through, the move could trigger a seismic shock across global energy markets and pose significant risks to major oil importers like India. What sparked the threat? Following the US bombing of three major Iranian nuclear sites this morning, Tehran has indicated that closing the Strait of Hormuz for shipping is one of the options on the table to pressure its adversaries. On Saturday, President Donald Trump announced a 'very successful' military operation that targeted three Iranian nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan—with full payloads of bombs. In response, Iran's parliament indicated support for closing the Strait of Hormuz, although the final decision rests with its Supreme National Security Council. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Esmail Kosari, a senior Iranian lawmaker and Revolutionary Guard commander, said the move to block the strait 'will be done whenever necessary.' Iran's state media has amplified these signals amid growing tensions with Washington, following what Tehran calls an act of 'unprecedented aggression.' Why is the Strait of Hormuz so vital? The Strait of Hormuz lies between Iran and Oman and connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. At just 21 miles wide at its narrowest point, it's one of the world's most strategic maritime arteries. According to 2023 estimates, over 17 million barrels of oil—around 20% of global daily demand—pass through the strait each day. Key exporters like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and even Iran itself rely on it for crude and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments. While alternate pipelines exist, they can only divert around 2.6 million barrels per day—barely a fraction of the daily flow through Hormuz. How would a closure affect the world? Global oil prices may skyrocket A complete or even partial blockade could send oil prices soaring past $120–150 per barrel, depending on the length of the disruption. Brent crude has already surged above $90 in anticipation, with West Texas Intermediate (WTI) not far behind. Energy crises in Asia and Europe: Countries like India, China, Japan, and several European nations, all of which rely heavily on Gulf energy imports, could face inflation, energy shortages, and economic turbulence. Europe, already reeling from the fallout of the Ukraine war, may find itself in deeper crisis if Qatari LNG shipments are blocked. According to a recent analysis by the International Energy Agency, even a brief disruption of passage through the Strait of Hormuz will have a significant impact on oil markets. 'With geopolitical and economic uncertainties affecting oil producers and consumers alike, oil supply security remains high on the international energy policy agenda,' it said. Disruption to global shipping Beyond oil, the Strait is a vital route for container ships and cargo vessels. Its closure would increase freight costs, delay shipments, and reroute vessels through longer, more expensive paths—adding to already strained global supply chains. Stock market turmoil and recession fears: Rising energy costs, shipping delays, and inflationary pressures could trigger panic across global stock markets. Central banks may be forced to intervene, and developing economies with heavy energy import bills could face new debt challenges. Risk of wider war The US, UK and France maintain strong naval presences in the Gulf. A closure would likely trigger military escort missions or even direct intervention to reopen the waterway—further inflaming regional tensions. Why is India especially vulnerable? Any blocking or disruption of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz – a narrow passage connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea – will have significant global and regional impact including for India's energy security, strategic affairs experts said on Sunday. Nearly 30 per cent of global oil and a third of the world's LNG (liquefied natural gas) passes through the Strait daily and its closure would immediately reduce global supplies triggering a spike in prices, they said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India, which imports over 60% of its crude oil from the Gulf, is particularly exposed. A disruption at Hormuz could: *Spike fuel prices domestically, impacting inflation and household spending. *Increase shipping and insurance costs for rerouted crude and LNG. *Delay imports from major suppliers like Qatar, Iraq, and the UAE. *Disrupt bilateral trade with Middle East partners, especially in sectors like chemicals, fertilisers, and heavy industry. *India's strategic oil reserves could cushion the blow temporarily, but prolonged disruption would pressure the economy and force urgent diplomatic manoeuvring. The shutting down of the narrow passage would have significant global repercussions across energy markets and it will impact India's energy security as well, Dr Laxman Kumar Behera, Associate Professor at Special Centre for National Security Studies at the Jawaharlal Nehru University told PTI. Behera said any disruption in the critical shipping lane, which is a geopolitical flashpoint, will majorly impact India's crude oil import from Iraq and to an extent from Saudi Arabia. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Could Iran withstand the fallout? While Tehran may use the Hormuz threat as strategic leverage, analysts warn that closing the strait could backfire on Iran itself. Much of Iran's own oil exports—official or under-the-radar—transit through Hormuz. Cutting off this revenue stream, especially amid sanctions, would damage its already fragile economy. Moreover, a blockade would likely provoke military retaliation from the U.S. and its allies. Even countries like China, which continue to buy Iranian oil, may oppose such a move, leaving Iran further isolated. What's next? US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called on China to pressure Tehran against escalation, warning that closing the strait would be 'economic suicide' for Iran. He added that the U.S. and its allies are prepared to respond if the closure goes ahead. With military tensions flaring and energy markets on edge, the coming days could determine whether this crisis remains a geopolitical standoff—or spirals into a global oil shock with far-reaching consequences for India and the world.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store