CRYPTOCURRENCY

DeepSeek’s Disruption: A Game-Changing Week for AI and Global Markets

This week, the emergence of DeepSeek, a Chinese-developed AI chatbot, sent shockwaves across the technology industry, financial markets, and the AI landscape. In a matter of days, this revolutionary app not only disrupted Silicon Valley’s dominance in artificial intelligence but also triggered a historic sell-off of tech stocks and reshaped global perceptions of AI development. Venture capitalist Marc Andreessen aptly described the moment as “AI’s Sputnik moment,” drawing parallels to the Cold War-era space race. Either way, DeepSeek’s disruption has had financial implications.

DeepSeek’s Disruption wiped billions from the global stock market

DeepSeek’s sudden rise has placed a spotlight on China’s growing influence in the tech sector, exposing vulnerabilities in the United States’ position as a global leader in AI. The speed and scale of its impact have been nothing short of transformative, raising critical questions about costs, innovation, and geopolitics in the AI arms race.

The Rise of DeepSeek: A Stunning Debut

Developed by a startup led by Chinese hedge fund manager Liang Wenfung, DeepSeek quickly gained international attention over the weekend as the most downloaded free app on Apple’s US App Store. By Monday, its impact was felt far beyond the app marketplace. The chatbot triggered a massive sell-off in U.S. tech stocks, with Nvidia—one of the most prominent names in AI hardware—losing $600 billion in market value in a single day. According to Bloomberg, this marked the largest single-day market value drop in U.S. stock market history.

DeepSeek’s appeal lies not just in its functionality but in its astonishing affordability. Its developers claim that the model was built for a mere $5.6 million, a figure that stands in stark contrast to the billions spent annually by tech giants like OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic. For context, OpenAI reportedly burned through $5 billion in 2024 alone. The disparity has left industry leaders scrambling to understand how DeepSeek managed to achieve such results with a fraction of the resources.

DeepSeek’s disruption was felt around the world.

The Cost Controversy: Fact or Fiction?

DeepSeek’s low-cost claims have sparked intense debate across Silicon Valley. Analysts, investors, and tech leaders are grappling with the question: How is this possible? Some have speculated that DeepSeek’s operations may be subsidised by Chinese government initiatives or private investors with deep pockets. Others believe the company may have leveraged cost-saving measures, such as the use of open-source software and existing hardware, to slash expenses.

Veteran tech analyst Gene Munster voiced his skepticism, stating:

“Their model is surprisingly good, which just makes it hard to believe the financials.”

Munster also questioned whether DeepSeek’s numbers reflect its true development costs or if external factors, such as long-term chip stockpiling, played a role.

Despite the controversy, what’s clear is that DeepSeek’s emergence has forced Silicon Valley to confront the possibility that AI innovation may no longer require the astronomical budgets it once did. This revelation could fundamentally alter the dynamics of AI development, making it more accessible to smaller players.

A Geopolitical Power Play: China’s AI Flex

DeepSeek’s success has been widely interpreted as a strategic flex by China, showcasing the country’s technological prowess and challenging the U.S.’s dominance in the AI space. The parallels to the Sputnik satellite, which marked the Soviet Union’s early lead in the space race, are striking. Just as Sputnik spurred the U.S. to accelerate its space exploration efforts, DeepSeek has reignited the AI arms race, with China seemingly taking the lead.

China’s dominance in rare-earth metals, essential for manufacturing AI hardware, and its wealth of engineering talent have long been seen as key advantages. Reports suggest that Liang Wenfung’s hedge fund, High-Flyer, has been stockpiling GPUs (graphics processing units) for years in anticipation of this moment. By utilising Nvidia’s H800 chips, DeepSeek’s developers were able to create a high-performing model despite U.S. export restrictions on advanced semiconductor technology.

This development raises important geopolitical questions about the future of U.S.-China relations in the tech sector. Will the U.S. government reconsider its export policies to counter China’s growing influence? Or will it focus on fostering domestic innovation to maintain its edge?

The Fallout: Tech Stocks in Freefall

The repercussions of DeepSeek’s debut were not limited to Nvidia. Major U.S. tech stocks, including Alphabet (Google’s parent company) and Microsoft, also experienced sharp declines. The widespread sell-off reflected mounting concerns that the U.S. might be losing its competitive edge in AI innovation.

The Cryto Market Took A Beating due to DeepSeek’s Disruption.

Traditionally, AI development has been seen as a capital-intensive endeavour requiring vast compute power and expensive infrastructure. DeepSeek’s use of cost-effective strategies challenges this notion, raising questions about the sustainability of current industry practices. As President Donald Trump acknowledged in a recent press conference, DeepSeek’s success represents a “wake-up call” for American tech firms to reevaluate their strategies.

DeepSeek’s Disruption liquidated billions around the world.

The AI Arms Race: A New Chapter

Just days before DeepSeek’s launch, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison stood alongside Trump to unveil Stargate, a $500 billion initiative aimed at cementing U.S. dominance in AI. The project, which promises massive investments in data centers and the creation of 100,000 new jobs, exemplifies the bullish attitude of American tech leaders toward their position in the AI race.

However, DeepSeek’s arrival has injected a sense of urgency—and humility—into this narrative. Altman, typically a vocal advocate for OpenAI’s capabilities, was notably subdued following the app’s launch. In a late-night post on X, he described DeepSeek as “impressive” and acknowledged that competition from the Chinese startup could be invigorating for the sector.

What Makes DeepSeek Unique?

DeepSeek’s app has earned praise for its performance, with users highlighting its ability to generate accurate and contextually relevant responses. However, questions remain about whether it truly rivals industry-leading models like ChatGPT. Critics argue that while DeepSeek may excel in specific tasks, its scalability and long-term viability are yet to be proven.

The app’s reliance on open-source software has been a key factor in its low-cost development. By leveraging publicly available frameworks, DeepSeek’s developers avoided the high costs associated with proprietary technologies. This approach could serve as a blueprint for other startups looking to enter the AI space without the backing of billion-dollar budgets.

A Wake-Up Call for Silicon Valley

For the U.S. tech industry, DeepSeek’s success is a stark reminder that dominance in the AI sector is far from guaranteed. While companies like OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft continue to lead in terms of resources and infrastructure, DeepSeek has demonstrated that innovation can come from unexpected places.

Marc Andreessen’s description of this moment as AI’s Sputnik moment underscores the high stakes of the current AI race. Just as the U.S. responded to Sputnik with a renewed focus on space exploration, it must now rise to the challenge posed by DeepSeek. Whether this leads to increased investment in domestic AI development or a reevaluation of current strategies remains to be seen.

DeepSeek’s Disruption caused major financial problems this week.

The Road Ahead: Implications for the Global AI Landscape

DeepSeek’s emergence has not only disrupted the technology industry but also reshaped the global AI narrative. Its low-cost, high-performance model challenges long-held assumptions about what it takes to develop cutting-edge AI technologies.

For smaller players, DeepSeek’s success is an encouraging sign that the barriers to entry in the AI space may be lower than previously thought. For established giants, it serves as a warning that even the most well-funded companies are not immune to disruption.

As the AI race heats up, the focus will likely shift toward efficiency and adaptability. Companies that can deliver high-quality models at lower costs will have a significant advantage in the evolving landscape.

Conclusion: A Turning Point for AI

DeepSeek’s debut represents a turning point for the AI industry, challenging the dominance of established players and reshaping perceptions of what is possible in the field. Whether it marks the beginning of a new era of innovation or a fleeting moment of disruption, one thing is clear: the stakes have never been higher.

DeepSeek is being adopted around the world — DeepSeek is now being adopted around the world.

As the dust settles, the world will be watching to see how the U.S. tech industry responds to this unexpected challenge. Will it rise to the occasion, or will DeepSeek’s success signal a shift in the balance of power in the AI race?

Read more in our online magazine: 😎
https://whatshotinuae.com

Nintendo Switch 2: The Questions That Need Answering

Related Topics:2025 ChatGPT China crypto DeepSeek Open AI

Up Next

Bitcoin Dominance Soars to 4-Year High: 5 Key Takeaways This Week

Don't Miss

Dogecoin ETF Emerges Amid Rising Popularity of Musk’s D.O.G.E. Initiative

CRYPTOCURRENCY

Crypto’s Next Big Surge: Market Makers Predict ‘God Candles’ on the Horizon

After months of volatility and uncertainty, the crypto market is showing signs of a major rebound, with leading market makers forecasting massive pumps ahead. The key driver? The global M2 money supply, which has historically been a strong indicator of liquidity-driven price surges in digital assets. Crypto’s next big surge will be one to watch.

Are we about to witness a return to all-time highs? Here’s what the data is saying.

Crypto’s Next Big Surge: Bitcoin may attract $2T from new $20T money supply in 2025 — Bitcoin may attract $2T from new $20T money supply in 2025

1. Market Makers Are Positioning for a Crypto Rally

While retail investors remain cautious, major market makers have been quietly accumulating. Their trading patterns suggest they are preparing for a significant market shift. Here’s why:

✅ Deep Liquidity is Returning – As more institutional players re-enter the market, liquidity is improving, making it easier for large-scale buyers to execute trades without major slippage.

✅ Smart Money is Loading Up – On-chain data shows whale accumulation, with major wallets increasing their Bitcoin and Ethereum holdings over the past three months.

✅ Volatility is the Perfect Setup – Market makers thrive in volatile conditions. They profit most from big price swings, and their latest strategies suggest a bullish move ahead.

What this means: Crypto is primed for an explosive rally, with insiders positioning themselves for massive price action in the coming weeks.

2. The Global M2 Money Supply is Sending a Bullish Signal For The Surge

The M2 money supply (which measures global liquidity) has been a reliable indicator of crypto’s boom-and-bust cycles. Historically, when M2 expands, liquidity flows into alternative assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum.

🔥 Why M2 Growth Matters for Crypto:

💰 More Money in the System = More Speculation – When governments print money, it doesn’t just stay in savings accounts. Excess liquidity finds its way into risk assets, including crypto.

📈 Past Bull Runs Followed M2 Expansions – Every major Bitcoin rally has coincided with a rise in the global money supply. The last crypto bull market in 2020-2021 was fueled by a surge in M2 liquidity due to pandemic stimulus measures.

🛑 M2 Tightening Crashed Markets in 2022 – When central banks reduced liquidity, crypto entered a brutal bear market. Now, with M2 showing signs of expansion again, market makers believe the next big leg up is coming.

The Key Takeaway: If M2 continues to rise, history suggests that Bitcoin and altcoins could be on the verge of their next major bull run.

Crypto’s Next Big Surge: Examining Code on Smartphone While Sitting at Desk — Examining Code on Smartphone While Sitting at Desk

3. What to Expect: Crypto’s Next Big Surge

If market makers are right and M2 continues expanding, here’s what could happen next:

🚀 “God Candles” & Rapid Price Surges – Bitcoin and Ethereum could see massive daily gains as liquidity floods into the market.

💎 Altcoin Supercycle – Smaller, high-potential altcoins often outperform BTC & ETH during liquidity-driven rallies. Expect explosive moves in select altcoins.

📊 Increased Leverage & Volatility – With more liquidity, traders will increase leverage, making the market more volatile but also potentially more rewarding.

Final Thoughts: Is Crypto About to Explode?

Market makers and on-chain data point to a massive shift in momentum, with rising M2 liquidity setting the stage for the next bull cycle.

Crypto’s Next Big Surge: Crypto coins on gold background — Crypto coins on gold background

Keep an eye on CoinMarketCap for daily info.

The question is: Are you positioned for it?

The signs are there—crypto’s next big surge could be closer than most expect.

Read more in our online magazine:
https://whatshotinuae.com

Breaking News: Hackers Steal $1.4 Billion from Bybit in the Largest Crypto Heist Ever

CRYPTOCURRENCY

Breaking News: Hackers Steal $1.4 Billion from Bybit in the Largest Crypto Heist Ever

In a shocking development, cryptocurrency exchange Bybit has fallen victim to one of the largest crypto hacks ever recorded, with hackers stealing over $1.4 billion worth of Ethereum (ETH) from the platform’s cold wallet. This incident marks a critical moment in the digital asset industry, raising concerns over cybersecurity measures and market stability.

Breaking News Hackers Steal $1.4 Billion from Bybit in One of the Largest Crypto Heists Ever

How the Hack Happened: Exploiting Vulnerabilities

The attack targeted Bybit’s Ethereum cold wallet, which is typically considered secure due to its offline nature. According to Bybit’s co-founder and CEO, Ben Zhou, the hackers exploited a “masked” user interface (UI) and URL to deceive wallet signers into unknowingly approving a malicious transaction. This clever manipulation allowed the attackers to alter the smart contract logic, gaining full control of the cold wallet and draining its contents.

Blockchain analysis reveals that the stolen assets include:

401,347 ETH

90,376 stETH (staked ETH)
15,000 cmETH (cross-chain wrapped ETH)

8,000 mETH (multi-chain ETH)

In total, the theft amounts to over $1.4 billion based on current market prices, making it one of the most significant security breaches in cryptocurrency history.

The Lazarus Group are responsible for the Bybit hack

Immediate Response and Security Measures

Ben Zhou addressed the incident publicly, reassuring users that other cold wallets remain secure and that withdrawals are still operational. He emphasized that Bybit maintains a 1:1 asset reserve ratio, ensuring that user funds are protected. To cover the loss, Bybit secured a bridge loan that accounts for 80% of the stolen ETH, eliminating the need for an immediate large-scale purchase of ETH in the spot market.

Market Reaction: Volatility and Speculation

News of the hack sent shockwaves through the cryptocurrency market, causing heightened volatility, especially for Ethereum (ETH). According to data from CoinMarketCap (CMC), ETH initially dropped from $2,828 to $2,708, marking a 4.2% decline. However, speculation that Bybit might need to repurchase ETH to cover losses led to a brief rebound of 3.36%, pushing the price back up to $2,759 within just 10 minutes.

This surge was short-lived. During a livestream, Ben Zhou clarified that Bybit’s bridge loan would cover most of the loss, reducing the need to buy large amounts of ETH on the open market. This announcement shifted market sentiment, triggering renewed selling pressure as investors anticipated potential sell-offs by the hacker and broader risk aversion.

North korea's Lazarus Group have become a known entity in the Hacker community — North korea’s Lazarus Group have become a known entity in the Hacker community

Will the Hacker Sell? Challenges of Liquidating Stolen ETH

The hacker now holds more than 500,000 ETH, surpassing the holdings of Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin, who reportedly holds around 240,000 ETH. The stolen funds have been distributed across 53 wallets, which are being actively monitored by blockchain security firms and smart contract auditing teams.

Selling such a large volume of ETH poses significant challenges for the hacker:

Real-Time Tracking: Blockchain analytics firms like Chainalysis, Elliptic, and Nansen are monitoring the wallets in real time, making it difficult to move the stolen funds without detection.
Liquidity and Market Impact: Offloading this volume of ETH on the open market would likely cause a major price crash, similar to what would happen if Vitalik Buterin were to sell his holdings all at once—only twice as impactful.

Alternative Liquidation Methods: The hacker may attempt to use crypto mixers like Tornado Cash to obfuscate the transaction trail, although regulatory scrutiny and improved tracking technology have made this method less effective.

Over $927b was wiped from the Crypto & Stock market as a result of the hack

Timing and Broader Implications for ETH

The timing of the hack is particularly notable, as it coincides with ETHDenver, one of the largest annual conferences in the Ethereum ecosystem. Typically a catalyst for bullish sentiment, ETHDenver often features major project announcements and technological advancements. However, this year’s event is overshadowed by recent controversies within the Ethereum community and criticism directed at Vitalik Buterin and the Ethereum Foundation.

Combined with the Bybit hack, these factors have dampened market enthusiasm, casting a bearish shadow over an event that usually drives positive momentum for ETH.

The Road Ahead: What Traders Should Expect

The cryptocurrency market is currently experiencing heightened volatility, with traders reacting sharply to both factual developments and speculative rumours. For example, the false assumption that Bybit would purchase large amounts of ETH temporarily drove prices up before Ben Zhou’s clarification reversed the trend.

Given the ongoing investigation and uncertainty surrounding the hacker’s next moves, significant price fluctuations are expected in the coming days. Traders, especially those using leverage, should exercise caution and closely monitor developments as the situation unfolds.

Bybit is one of the world's biggest trading platforms — Bybit is one of the world’s biggest trading platforms

Security Lessons and Industry Impact

The Bybit hack serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that persist in the cryptocurrency industry, even for platforms with advanced security measures. It underscores the need for continuous innovation in cybersecurity and stricter protocols to prevent unauthorized access to cold wallets.

ByBit under hack attack over $1.4 billion in ETH stolen

Moving forward, industry stakeholders, including exchanges, regulators, and security firms, must collaborate to enhance protections against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. Meanwhile, users should remain vigilant, ensuring they store their assets securely and stay informed about the latest developments in digital asset security.

Crypto’s Next Big Surge: Market Makers Predict ‘God Candles’ on the Horizon

CRYPTOCURRENCY

Pro-Bitcoin RFK Jr. Confirmed as US Secretary of Health and Human Services

Robert F. Kennedy Jr is a Pro Bitcoin Advocate

In a landmark move for both the crypto and political spheres, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has officially been confirmed as the US Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). This confirmation marks a significant moment, not just for healthcare policy, but for the broader Bitcoin and decentralised finance landscape. Pro-Bitcoin Advocate RFK Jr now makes his way into making some big changes.

Senate confirms RFK Jr. as Health and Human Services secretary — Senate confirms Pro-Bitcoin Advocate RFK Jr. as Health and Human Services secretary

RFK Jr.’s Stance on Bitcoin and Financial Freedom

A long-time advocate for financial sovereignty, Kennedy has been vocal about his support for Bitcoin and decentralised currencies. During his 2024 presidential campaign, he proposed bold initiatives, including:

Encouraging the US Treasury to hold Bitcoin reserves as a hedge against inflation.

Strengthening crypto regulations in favour of individual financial autonomy.
Opposing central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) due to concerns over government overreach and financial surveillance.

His confirmation now raises major questions about how his crypto-friendly policies might impact financial and healthcare sectors in the United States.

Robert Kennedy Jr. Debuted His Campaign At Bitcoin Conference

How This Affects Crypto Policy in the US

With RFK Jr. holding a key role in the Biden administration, could we see a shift in the government’s stance towards Bitcoin and decentralised finance (DeFi)? Key areas of interest include:

💰 Potential Bitcoin Treasury Reserves – Will the US government embrace BTC as a hedge?
🏛 Regulatory Changes – Could Kennedy push for pro-crypto regulations that protect digital assets?
🛑 CBDC Opposition – His appointment might slow down government-backed digital currencies in favour of decentralised solutions.

RFK Jr. Gets Started on His Health Promises at HHS

RFK Jr.’s Role in Healthcare and Crypto Policy

Beyond his crypto advocacy, RFK Jr. is stepping into a critical role overseeing public health policies, healthcare funding, and pharmaceutical regulations. His tenure may see a significant overhaul of current policies, particularly concerning medical freedom, vaccine mandates, and the integration of blockchain technology into the healthcare sector.

Blockchain-based solutions could enhance medical record security, streamline healthcare transactions, and improve supply chain transparency. With Kennedy at the helm, we might witness increased adoption of decentralised technology in health services, creating a more transparent and secure system for patient data management.

The Future of Decentralisation in Government

Kennedy’s appointment is a bold step towards the integration of decentralised financial and technological solutions into government infrastructure. While his influence within the administration will be tested, his ability to advocate for economic and digital freedom within a structured government framework will set a precedent for future discussions around cryptocurrency and decentralised governance.

Pro-Bitcoin Advocate RFK JrRFK Jr. Reveals that He Bought 21 Bitcoin

The global crypto community is keeping a close watch on how Kennedy balances health policy with financial innovation. His actions could determine whether Bitcoin gains further legitimacy within government reserves, or if his influence remains largely symbolic within the broader regulatory landscape.