BitMine Immersion Technologies Reports $2.9B in Ethereum Holdings
BitMine Immersion Technologies (NYSE American: BMNR) disclosed Monday that it now holds more than $2.9 billion worth of Ethereum (ETH), making it the largest corporate ETH treasury globally. The company reported owning 833,137 ETH valued at $3,491.86 per coin as of Aug. 3, according to Bloomberg data. The position was built over just 35 days, beginning with the launch of BitMine’s Ethereum treasury strategy on June 30, which closed on July 8. The company’s ETH holdings place it third overall among publicly disclosed corporate cryptocurrency treasuries, behind MicroStrategy and Mara Blockchain, according to internal and market data. Rapid Accumulation Strategy BitMine’s chairman, Thomas “Tom” Lee of Fundstrat, said the company moved quickly to acquire its current position, starting from no ETH holdings in late June. The firm’s accumulation strategy aimed to secure a significant share of the ETH market within a short period; however, details of the acquisition methods were not disclosed. Lee said the company’s liquidity and trading volume rank it among the most actively traded U.S.-listed equities. Fundstrat data showed BitMine’s shares averaged $1.6 billion in daily trading volume over the past five days, placing it 42nd among more than 5,700 U.S.-listed stocks, just behind Uber Technologies. BitMine Investor Backing and Future Plans Veteran investor Bill Miller III, known for early backing of MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin strategy in 2020, is among BitMine’s top shareholders. Miller noted similarities between BitMine’s approach and MicroStrategy’s, citing potential profitability once the company begins ETH staking operations. Miller said he expects the company to focus on evidence-based decision-making and disciplined capital allocation aimed at generating returns above its cost of capital. BitMine did not provide a specific timeline for launching staking operations. BitMine describes itself as a digital infrastructure company focused on blockchain-related strategies. While its rapid entry into Ethereum has positioned it among the largest cryptocurrency holders, market analysts note that the volatility of digital assets could significantly impact the value of its treasury.
Bitcoin vs Ethereum: Which Should You Buy in 2025?
Are you trying to decide between Bitcoin and Ethereum in 2025? You’re not alone. Bitcoin, the original digital gold, commands over 61% of the total crypto market cap as of May 2025. Ethereum, on the other hand, fuels more than 70% of all decentralized applications (dApps). While one offers unmatched stability and scarcity, the other drives innovation across smart contracts, DeFi, NFTs, and Web3. But which one holds the better promise for your portfolio in 2025? Let’s break it down. Key Takeaways Read Also: Crypto vs Gold: Which One Future-Proofs Your Investment? Bitcoin vs Ethereum: Key Differences Category Bitcoin (BTC) Ethereum (ETH) Launch Year 2009 2015 Founder(s) Satoshi Nakamoto Vitalik Buterin, Gavin Wood, and others Primary Purpose Digital currency, store of value Smart contract platform, decentralized application hosting Consensus Mechanism Proof of Work (PoW) Proof of Stake (PoS) (since 2022) Max Supply 21 million BTC (fixed) No fixed supply; inflationary, but regulated through burning mechanisms Transaction Speed ~7 transactions per second (TPS) ~30 TPS (can scale higher with Layer 2 solutions) Transaction Fees Can be high during congestion; uses Bitcoin fee market Variable fees (gas), reduced with PoS and Layer 2 like Optimism & Arbitrum Energy Consumption High (due to PoW mining) Significantly reduced after PoS transition Development Focus Stability, security, decentralization Programmability, innovation, decentralized finance Smart Contract Support Limited (via Bitcoin Script, not Turing-complete) Full smart contract support (Turing-complete via Solidity) Main Use Cases Store of value, peer-to-peer payments, inflation hedge DeFi, NFTs, DAOs, tokenization, dApps, smart contracts Network Upgrades Conservative (e.g., Taproot upgrade) Agile and frequent (e.g., The Merge, Shanghai, Dencun upgrades) Institutional Adoption High (MicroStrategy, Tesla, ETFs approved) Growing, especially in tech, finance, and DeFi sectors Regulatory Risk Seen more as a commodity Greater scrutiny due to programmability and token issuance Market Dominance ~47% of total crypto market cap ~18% of total crypto market cap Community & Governance Conservative, decentralized via Bitcoin Improvement Proposals (BIPs) Active developer community, governed via Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs) Bitcoin vs Ethereum: A Brief Overview Source: Freepik Bitcoin was introduced in 2009 by an anonymous figure known as Satoshi Nakamoto, primarily as a decentralized digital currency meant to operate without a central authority like a bank or government. Its core mission was to offer a transparent, secure, and censorship-resistant alternative to fiat currency, especially in response to the 2008 global financial crisis. Over time, Bitcoin has evolved from a peer-to-peer payment system into a widely recognized store of value, often referred to as “digital gold.” Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and others, Ethereum was designed as a decentralized platform for running smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). Unlike Bitcoin, which focuses primarily on peer-to-peer value transfer, Ethereum aims to be a “world computer” that developers can use to build decentralized services. Its flexibility has made it a foundational layer for much of the blockchain-based innovation today. Bitcoin vs Ethereum: Key Technologies Source: Napkin.ai Bitcoin vs Ethereum: Market Performance and Price Trends Since its inception in 2009, Bitcoin has seen exponential price growth, starting from fractions of a cent to an all-time high of $109,114 on January 19, 2025. Its price journey has been marked by sharp spikes followed by significant corrections, illustrating its volatile nature. For example, after reaching $20,000 in 2017, BTC crashed to around $3,000 in 2018, then soared again in 2020–2021. As of early 2025, Bitcoin remains one of the most volatile yet highest-performing assets over the past decade. Ethereum launched in 2015 with an initial price of around $0.30, later hitting its all-time high of around $4,891 on November 16, 2021. Like Bitcoin, ETH has experienced dramatic price swings, but often with even higher volatility due to its evolving use cases and faster-paced development. Ethereum’s price also benefits from spikes in NFT activity, DeFi growth, and major upgrades like “The Merge” in 2022. Its volatility makes it both a high-reward and high-risk investment. Performance During Past Bull and Bear Cycles Bitcoin vs Ethereum: Investment Considerations for 2025 Bitcoin in 2025 Bitcoin continues to cement its status as a mainstream financial asset. With the approval of multiple spot Bitcoin ETFs in 2024 and increased adoption by asset managers, pensions, and hedge funds, institutional inflow is at an all-time high. Companies like BlackRock, Fidelity, and MicroStrategy have increased their BTC exposure, making Bitcoin a core part of diversified portfolios. This growing acceptance reduces volatility while improving liquidity and long-term price stability. Bitcoin’s narrative as “digital gold” remains strong in 2025. Amid ongoing global inflation concerns and rising national debt levels, its fixed supply of 21 million coins and decentralized nature continue to support this narrative. In addition, the Bitcoin halving of April 2024 influenced market sentiment and supply-side dynamics in 2025. As block rewards diminish, transaction fees are becoming a more significant income stream for miners. Ethereum in 2025 Post-Merge Ethereum operates under Proof of Stake, and staking has become a central feature. As of 2025: Ethereum remains the dominant smart contract platform, powering over 70% of DeFi TVL (Total Value Locked) and the majority of NFT marketplaces. Ethereum’s programmability presents unique legal challenges, particularly around DeFi protocols and token issuance. However, smart contract vulnerabilities and protocol-level risks remain a concern, making due diligence essential. Ethereum vs Bitcoin: Use Cases in 2025 Source: Napkin.ai Digital Currency and Payments Bitcoin is still the dominant cryptocurrency used for peer-to-peer transactions and cross-border payments, particularly in countries with weak local currencies or high remittance fees. With Lightning Network adoption growing, Bitcoin’s transaction speed and scalability have improved for micro-payments and merchant integration. Ethereum, while usable for payments, is more commonly transacted via ERC-20 stablecoins (e.g., USDC, USDT) built on its network. These stablecoins dominate crypto payments in the Web3 space and offer fast, programmable, and cost-effective alternatives to fiat transfers, especially when paired with Layer 2s like zkSync or Base. Store of Value and Inflation Hedge Bitcoin remains the primary store of value in the crypto ecosystem. Its fixed supply of 21 million coins, decentralized nature, and increasing institutional endorsement reinforce
APR vs APY in Crypto: What’s the Difference?
If you’ve at one point or another come across the terms APR and APY while checking out crypto staking or DeFi platforms, raise your hand. Alright now, you can keep it down. It’s not just you, we’ve all been there. These two terms look similar but work quite differently, especially when it comes to how your returns are calculated in crypto. And that difference? It could mean more or less money in your wallet. Before we go fully into the differences between APR vs APY in crypto, let’s first explain and help you understand what each term means. Key Takeaways What Is APR in Crypto? APR in crypto stands for Annual Percentage Rate, and it refers to the yearly interest you earn or owe on a crypto asset, without accounting for compounding. In simple terms, it’s the flat rate of return (or cost) calculated over a year, typically expressed as a percentage. While APR is a familiar term in traditional finance—think credit cards or loans—it is used in crypto in a slightly more tailored manner, specifically for decentralized systems and blockchain-based financial products. In the crypto space, APR is commonly applied to staking, lending, and liquidity pools. For example, when you stake your tokens on a blockchain network or a DeFi platform, the APR tells you how much you’ll earn annually for locking up your assets. Similarly, if you provide assets to a lending protocol or a decentralized exchange (DEX) as liquidity, your expected return is often displayed as an APR. It gives you a quick look at the potential rewards, though it’s important to remember that it doesn’t reflect compounding interest. Crypto platforms may offer fixed or variable APRs. A fixed APR means the rate stays the same over a specific period, offering predictable returns. This is more common with centralized services or certain staking contracts. On the other hand, a variable APR changes based on market demand, token price volatility, or protocol-specific mechanisms. DeFi platforms like Aave or Compound typically offer variable APRs, meaning your return can fluctuate over time depending on the supply and demand for crypto loans or liquidity. Read Also: Beyond Trading: How to Earn Crypto Rewards and Secure Your Earnings How to Calculate APR in Crypto In crypto, APR (Annual Percentage Rate) represents the yearly return you earn or pay on a position, excluding compounding. It’s a helpful metric in DeFi (Decentralized Finance) for understanding potential earnings or costs in staking, lending, and borrowing activities. The standard formula to calculate APR in crypto is: APR = ((Interest + Fees / Loan Amount) / Number of Days in Loan Term) × 365 × 100 For example, let’s say you lend out $1,000 worth of USDC on a DeFi lending platform like Aave, and you earn $50 in interest and $5 in protocol fees over 30 days. Using the formula, this is how your APR will be calculated: APR = ((50 + 5) / 1000) / 30 × 365 × 100 APR = (55 / 1000) / 30 × 365 × 100 APR = 0.055 / 30 × 365 × 100 APR ≈ 0.00183 × 365 × 100 APR ≈ 66.72% So, the APR would be approximately 66.72%, meaning if you held this lending position for a full year at the same rate, you’d expect to earn that much, without compounding. What Is APY in Crypto? APY in crypto stands for Annual Percentage Yield, and it represents the real rate of return you earn on an investment over a year, factoring in the effects of compound interest. Unlike APR, which shows simple interest, APY gives a more accurate picture of your actual earnings, especially when interest is reinvested regularly. Compound interest plays a central role in APY. Instead of just earning a fixed amount based on your initial investment, compound interest means you earn returns on both your original amount and the interest that accumulates over time. This leads to exponential growth in your crypto assets if left untouched and allowed to reinvest automatically. Because APY accounts for this compounding, it more accurately reflects the actual annual yield than APR. For instance, earning 10% APR with monthly compounding will result in an APY slightly higher than 10%, showing that your money is working harder over time. In the crypto ecosystem, APY is commonly seen in auto-compounding DeFi protocols, such as yield farming platforms and staking pools. Protocols like Yearn Finance, PancakeSwap, and Lido frequently use APY to display potential returns, as they automatically reinvest your rewards into the same pool or strategy. This helps maximize gains without requiring constant manual effort from the user. How Is APY Calculated in Crypto? In cryptocurrency, APY (Annual Percentage Yield) is calculated using a formula that takes into account the frequency of interest compounding. The more frequently your earnings are reinvested, the higher your actual yield will be over time. The standard formula for APY is: APY = (1 + r/n)ⁿ – 1 Where: This formula helps measure how much you’ll truly earn in a year, factoring in compounding frequency. Examples are: Daily Compounding Let’s say a DeFi protocol offers a 10% interest rate (r = 0.10), and compounds daily (n = 365). Using the formula, we have: So even though the interest rate is 10%, your actual yield after compounding daily becomes 10.51%. Weekly Compounding Same 10% rate, but compounding happens weekly (n = 52). So, we have: Weekly compounding yields slightly less than daily, but still more than a flat 10%. Continuous Compounding In some advanced DeFi models, rewards compound continuously, and APY is calculated using the exponential function: Where e is Euler’s number (≈ 2.71828). For a 10% rate (r = 0.10), we have: This gives the highest possible yield for that interest rate under continuous compounding. The more frequently interest is compounded, the higher the APY becomes, assuming the same base interest rate. That’s why DeFi protocols with daily or real-time auto-compounding tend to display higher APYs than those with weekly or monthly payouts. Even
Custodial vs Non-Custodial Wallets in Crypto: What’s the Difference?
You’ve just set up your first crypto wallet, ready to conquer digital assets with complete control. Or so you thought. Your exchange was hacked, and with it flew your money and your dreams. Turns out, the type of wallet you choose, be it custodial or non-custodial, can completely change how you manage, access, and secure your crypto. Custodial wallets hold your keys on your behalf. Non-custodial wallets leave it all in your hands. Choosing the right wallet type starts with understanding the difference. Now, stay with us as we’ll help you understand the difference between a custodial and a non-custodial wallet, so you’ll know the one that’s best for you. Read Also: Top Crypto Wallet Security Best Practices Key Takeaways What is a Custodial Wallet? A custodial wallet is a type of cryptocurrency wallet where a third party, usually an exchange or crypto service provider, manages and stores your private keys on your behalf. This means the service provider holds complete control over the security and access to your digital assets while you interact with the wallet through a user-friendly interface. Here’s how it works: when you create an account with a custodial platform like UEEx, Binance, Coinbase, or Crypto.com, they automatically generate and safeguard the wallet that holds your crypto. You can send, receive, and trade assets, but you don’t directly access the private keys—the unique codes that prove ownership of your coins. Instead, the platform does that behind the scenes, making crypto management easier, especially for users who prioritize convenience over complete control. Because the provider holds the keys, you’re trusting them to keep your funds safe, ensure platform security, and allow access whenever you need it. This model resembles traditional banking, where the institution manages your account details, passwords, and recovery options. While this setup reduces the risk of losing access due to misplaced keys, it also means your crypto is only as secure as the platform protecting it. Benefits of Custodial Wallets Custodial wallets are designed to simplify crypto ownership by eliminating the technical barriers associated with managing private keys. Here are some of the main benefits users enjoy when using a custodial wallet: Easy Recovery of Lost Credentials One of the most significant advantages of custodial wallets is the ability to recover access if you forget your password or lose your login credentials. Since the platform holds and manages your private keys, you can go through a standard account recovery process, usually involving email or identity verification, to regain access. This safety net makes custodial wallets attractive to users who prefer a secure backup in case of mistakes or loss. Beginner-Friendly User Interface Custodial wallet platforms are designed with simplicity in mind. The user interfaces are clean, intuitive, and require no prior technical knowledge about blockchain or cryptography. This makes it easy to perform actions like sending, receiving, or storing crypto with just a few taps or clicks. Users don’t need to worry about handling seed phrases or complex wallet setups, making the experience far more accessible for first-timers. Integrated Services (Buy, Sell, Swap, Stake) Custodial wallets often come bundled with a wide range of features beyond just storing crypto. Many platforms let you buy and sell directly with fiat, swap between tokens instantly, and even earn rewards through staking—all without leaving the app. These integrated services offer convenience and speed, allowing users to manage their entire crypto portfolio in one place, with all tools connected and ready to use. Read Also: Best Offline Crypto Wallet for Safe Storage Limitations of Custodial Wallets Here are the main limitations to consider: Lack of Full Control Over Assets With a custodial wallet, you don’t control your private keys—the service provider does. This means you’re essentially trusting a third party with your funds. If the platform decides to restrict withdrawals, pause trading, or experience technical issues, your access to your assets can be delayed or blocked. This lack of autonomy contradicts one of the core principles of cryptocurrency: “personal control over one’s money”. Risk of Hacks or Exchange Downtime Centralized platforms are frequent targets for cyberattacks due to the large amounts of funds they manage. If a custodial wallet provider suffers a data breach or hack, your assets could be at risk, even if you followed all security best practices. Additionally, server outages or system maintenance can leave you temporarily unable to access or move your funds during crucial moments, especially in fast-moving markets. Potential KYC/AML Compliance Most custodial services are regulated and require users to complete Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks. This involves submitting personal information, including ID documents and bank details. While this helps prevent fraud and meets legal standards, it also reduces user anonymity and may deter individuals who value privacy. In some cases, users may even be denied access due to jurisdictional restrictions or verification issues. Notable Custodial Wallet Examples Custodial wallets are commonly offered by centralized exchanges and platforms that aim to simplify the crypto experience. Here are some well-known custodial wallet providers trusted by millions of users worldwide: UEEx UEEx is a reputable crypto exchange that offers wallet services with a strong focus on security, real-time trading, and excellent customer support. It manages private keys on behalf of users, making it easier to store, transfer, and trade cryptocurrencies. The platform supports multiple digital assets and aims to offer seamless access to financial tools within a secure ecosystem. UEEx is also available in 168 countries. Binance Binance is one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges globally and offers custodial wallets for all supported assets. When users hold crypto on Binance, the platform retains control of the private keys while providing features like trading, staking, and earning. Binance is renowned for its robust infrastructure; however, as a custodial service, it requires users to trust the platform with their funds and personal data. Coinbase Coinbase provides a highly user-friendly custodial wallet experience, especially popular in the U.S. market. It manages all security aspects, including private keys and backups, making it easy
The Best AI Cloud Mining Platforms
Compared to traditional mining setups that require bulky hardware, expensive electricity, and constant monitoring, AI cloud mining platforms offer a more innovative and more efficient alternative. These platforms utilize artificial intelligence to automate mining decisions, optimize hash power allocation, and enhance profitability, eliminating the need for manual rig management. As cryptocurrency mining continues to shift toward automation and remote access, AI cloud mining platforms are becoming essential tools for users seeking scalable returns and minimal maintenance. Their AI-driven systems analyze real-time data to select the most profitable coins and adjust strategies accordingly. This guide covers the best AI cloud mining platforms that combine performance, transparency, and technology to maximize your mining potential in 2025. Key Takeaways What Is AI Cloud Mining? Source: Freepik AI cloud mining is a modern approach to cryptocurrency mining that leverages the power of artificial intelligence (AI) in conjunction with cloud-based mining infrastructure. Instead of setting up physical mining equipment at home or in a facility, users rent computing power from remote data centers. The integration of intelligent algorithms that automate, manage, and optimize the mining process in real time is one of the things that makes AI mining unique. These AI systems monitor key metrics like hashrate efficiency, energy usage, market trends, and coin profitability. Based on this data, they automatically switch between cryptocurrencies or adjust mining strategies to maximize returns. For example, if mining Bitcoin becomes less profitable, the AI might redirect resources to mine Dogecoin or another cryptocurrency with a higher yield. Another advantage of AI cloud mining is its ability to predict hardware failure and perform preventive maintenance, reducing downtime. It also ensures better energy management, making mining more cost-effective and environmentally efficient. Read Also: Energy Consumption of Crypto Mining 10 Best AI Cloud Mining Platforms Here are our top 10 AI cloud mining platforms: Platform Starting Price Best For Supported Cryptos AI Features Pros ECOS $99 Beginners with All-in-One Ecosystem BTC AI for mining automation and monitoring Low entry cost, built-in wallet, mobile app, gov-backed, transparent tools Genesis Mining $100+ Long-Term Mining Contracts 100+ coins (BTC, ETH, etc) AI-driven hashpower optimization Lifetime plans, zero maintenance, global reputation, automated payouts Bitdeer $1–$52 Flexible AI-Managed Hashrate Plans BTC, ETH, + AI for real-time tracking, contract optimization, GPU/AI support Global data centers, one-click plans, NVIDIA H100/H200 integration Hashing24 $35.20 Simple BTC Mining with High Uptime BTC AI-assisted mining uptime optimization Free demo, 100% uptime, partnered with Bitfury, accessible plans HashBeat $100–$4,200 Real-Time AI Mining Optimization BTC, ETH, DOGE, LTC, USDT AI for dynamic coin switching and earnings automation Daily payouts, zero hardware, $15 sign-up bonus, 24/7 withdrawals IQ Mining Varies Smart Contracts & AI Profit Forecasting 100+ (BTC, ETH, USDT) AI for contract optimization, SHA-256 Pro algorithm Daily automated payouts, diversified options, 20%+ boost with Pro contract NiceHash Varies Hashpower Marketplace 30+ algos (BTC, ETH, etc) AI selects most profitable algo automatically No hardware needed, profitability calculator, mobile app, Private Endpoint for enterprises GlobePool $100+ Enhanced Multi-Coin Mining BTC, ETH, USDT, BNB, DOGE AI for dynamic resource allocation across coins Instant payouts, no fees, global infrastructure, real-time analytics Kryptex Free to start Auto-Select Most Profitable Coin BTC, altcoins Auto-switches algorithms based on PC specs & market Windows-based mining, gift card payouts, low withdrawal threshold BeMine $15+ Remote ASIC Ownership & Cloud Mining BTC, Altcoins AI for ASIC optimization, power usage reduction Fractional ASIC purchase, mobile app, free mining trial, long-term plans ECOS – Best Beginner-Friendly With Built-in Wallet Price: $99 Since 2017, ECOS has established itself as a beginner-friendly and government-regulated AI cloud mining platform. Backed by the Armenian government, it offers a secure ecosystem that includes a crypto exchange, mining tools, and even banking services—all in one Super App for iOS and Android. ECOS is ideal for newcomers thanks to its low entry point (starting at $99), easy registration, and automated cloud mining setup that begins within 24 hours. Users don’t need technical knowledge or hardware to get started. Its built-in wallet, profitability calculator, BTC price forecast, and real-time monitoring features make mining transparent and straightforward. With 900,000+ users and 200+ MW of data center power, ECOS is one of the best AI-powered platforms for effortless Bitcoin mining. Pros Cons Genesis Mining – Best for Long-Term Contracts Price: Vary from $100+ Micro plans to $100,000 Top partner plan With support for over 100 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and some other altcoins, Genesis Mining is the best option for long-term cloud mining contracts. Designed for users who want stable, predictable mining income over extended periods, Genesis Mining eliminates the hassle of hardware ownership while offering professional-grade data center facilities. Its AI-driven optimization ensures your hashpower is consistently directed to the most profitable coins, adjusting to market conditions automatically. Contracts are transparent, easy to manage, and come with lifetime and fixed-term options. With free maintenance, automated payouts, and a trusted global reputation, Genesis Mining is ideal for anyone seeking reliable, low-maintenance returns through long-term crypto mining. It’s especially suited for users focused on steady income without daily hands-on management. Read Also: Ethereum Vs Ethereum Classics Pros Cons Bitdeer – Best for Flexible AI-Managed Hash Rate Plans Price: Vary ($52 Antminer S19 Pro Plan for 180 days{100TH/s} and $1 Antminer S19Pro Plan for 30 days{10TH/s}) Launched in 2013, Bitdeer is the best platform for flexible AI-managed hash rate plans. With over 615,000 miners and 74.27 EH/s in managed hashrate, it offers robust infrastructure through 30+ advanced data centers across the USA, Norway, Singapore, Bhutan, and more. Bitdeer integrates AI-driven tools that automate performance tracking, contract optimization, and resource allocation, making mining efficient and adaptable. Its turnkey AI datacenter solution simplifies complex infrastructure setups, while real-time performance data and instant notifications keep users fully informed. Users can access long- and short-term cloud mining plans with just one click and minimal fees. Paired with NVIDIA H100/H200 GPU support for AI/ML workloads, Bitdeer bridges high-performance computing with crypto mining, making it ideal for miners who demand agility, scale, and AI-backed precision. Pros Cons Hashing24 – Best for Simple,
