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Bitcoin is now a ‘safe-haven coin’ of the crypto market, Octa broker says

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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 May 2025 – According to Coinbase’s April 2025 Monthly Outlook, the total crypto market capitalisation (excluding Bitcoin) has fallen by 41% from $1.6 trillion in December 2024 to $950 billion in early April 2025. This was the sharpest decline in over two years, pulling valuations below levels seen throughout most of the 2021–2022 cycle. However, the sell-off was far from uniform. While Bitcoin has shed less than 20% at the beginning of April, altcoins have experienced a 41% wipeout, underscoring a distinct capital flight towards more established digital assets.

Most recently, Bitcoin has managed to recover and even set a new all-time high, surpassing the critical $110,000 mark on 21 May. At the same time, other crypto majors—notably, Ethereum and XRP—continue to trade substantially below their recent peaks (see the chart below). As capital retreated from riskier altcoins, investor sentiment has soured, prompting Coinbase to warn of an emerging ‘crypto winter’ scenario. Global broker Octa, active in digital asset transactions, sees this as a decisive phase of risk reallocation, with traders seeking clarity before any meaningful return to risk.

Major crypto coins’ performance in 2025

Source: Octa Broker
Source: Octa Broker

Several stress points are converging:

  • Venture capital (VC) funding, though up from Q4 2024, remains 50–60% below 2021–22 levels.
  • Liquidity conditions are tightening, particularly for smaller projects.
  • Macro headwinds—including rising global tariffs and macroeconomic uncertainty—have paralysed risk appetite.

More speculative corners of the market, such as tokens used for Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePINs), memecoins and coins used for Artificial Intelligence (AI) agents, have been hardest hit. Their underperformance highlights growing investor caution.

Kar Yong Ang, a financial market analyst at Octa broker, explains: ‘As of right now, the market clearly sees more value in Bitcoin vs the rest of the crypto universe. The global macroeconomic situation is highly unstable, with tariffs drama still unfolding and rising protectionism potentially threatening the U.S. dollar’s reserve currency status. As a result, investors’ capital has migrated from high-risk crypto space like alt-coins into relatively low-risk Bitcoin. In fact, Bitcoin has become a sort of “safe-haven coin” of the crypto market’.

Indeed, broader financial markets have become increasingly concerned about the deteriorating U.S. twin deficits (fiscal and trade), both of which are on an unsustainable trajectory. The yields on the U.S. 20-year government bonds rose above 5.15% on 22 May, almost a two-year high, while the U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) dropped below the critical 100 mark, reflecting eroding confidence in the USD’s safe-haven status. Furthermore, ratings agency Moody’s downgraded the U.S. sovereign rating, one notch down from ‘Aaa’ to ‘Aa1’ due to concerns about the nation’s growing debt. Concurrently, most cryptocurrencies continue to act as high-beta proxies for global sentiment, and in today’s global macroeconomic environment, that sensitivity is proving to be a significant headwind. Tariff disputes between the U.S. and China, macroeconomic uncertainty, and declining equity market performance are all contributing to a reduction in overall risk appetite, thereby negatively impacting most cryptocurrencies. However, Bitcoin appears to be a major exception in this regard.

Kar Yong Ang explains: ‘At first, the BTC rally appeared to be highly speculative: the market had positively reacted to Trump’s softer stance towards the Federal Reserve (Fed) Chairman and U.S.-China trade deal. Later, however, Bitcoin became the only major crypto coin to set a new all-time high. It suggests a continuing flight to perceived safety within the crypto universe, while alt-coin flows remain diminished’.

Still, the ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty and potential failure of the U.S. to resolve its trade tensions with China and the European Union (EU) could act as an immediate catalyst, potentially triggering a renewed bearish phase for Bitcoin. Just recently, U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to impose 50% tariffs on the EU triggered a classical risk-off move—a sell-off in BTCUSD and a rally in XAUUSD.

Traders and long-term investors should keep a close eye on:

  • the total market cap, excluding BTC
  • fluctuations in VC funding
  • headlines impacting regulatory frameworks in the U.S., EU, and Southeast Asia
  • any news related to the ongoing trade disputes and the possibility of trade negotiations.

Tactical patience will be essential this summer. Rushing in to buy Bitcoin now may be unwise, but carefully buying the dips is more reasonable. Key levels to watch are 105,000, 98,000, 94,000, 89,000, and 84,000.

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Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, a recommendation, or an offer to engage in any investment activity. It does not take into account your investment objectives, financial situation, or individual needs. Any action you take based on this content is at your sole discretion and risk. Octa and its affiliates accept no liability for any losses or consequences resulting from reliance on this material.
Trading involves risks and may not be suitable for all investors. Use your expertise wisely and evaluate all associated risks before making an investment decision. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.
Availability of products and services may vary by jurisdiction. Please ensure compliance with your local laws before accessing them.
Hashtag: #Octa

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Octa

is an international CFD broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 52 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools.

The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including improving educational infrastructure and funding short-notice relief projects to support local communities.

In Southeast Asia, Octa received the ‘Best Trading Platform Malaysia 2024’ and the ‘Most Reliable Broker Asia 2023’ awards from Brands and Business Magazine and International Global Forex Awards, respectively.

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From Engineering Feats to Ecological Regeneration, Vinhomes Green Paradise Debuts the ESG++ Framework for Future Cities

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HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 January 2026 – For decades, the global map of urban development seemed firmly defined by familiar names. The United States shaped the world’s financial megacities; Dubai astonished the globe with audacious land reclamation projects; Singapore became a benchmark for disciplined, sustainable planning. Within that sweeping current, Vietnam was often perceived as a latecomer, observing, learning, adapting, and steadily refining its own path.

Today, that narrative is shifting. When Vinhomes Green Paradise confidently steps onto the global stage, alongside projects from the world’s most advanced economies, it represents far more than the launch of a new development. It marks a moment when Vietnamese urban thinking moves beyond its domestic context, ready to be assessed, debated, and recognized at a regional and international level.

This is not merely a project announcement. It is a signal of transformation.

When Vietnamese Cities Enter the Global Conversation

Vietnam has, in recent years, earned international recognition through prestigious awards in planning, architecture, and real estate, including the Asia Pacific Property Awards and the International Property Awards. These accolades reflect the growing professionalism and creative capacity of Vietnamese developers, architects, and planners.

Yet Vinhomes Green Paradise occupies a different dimension of aspiration. Its significance does not lie in a single master plan or architectural statement, but in a comprehensive urban philosophy, one where sustainability, advanced technology, and environmental responsibility are no longer supporting ideas, but core drivers placed on equal footing with economic growth.

In this sense, the project signals that Vietnamese expertise has matured. It suggests a readiness not just to learn from the world, but to engage in meaningful dialogue with it, and to contribute original thinking to the global discourse on future cities.

The choice of location is no coincidence. Can Gio is one of Vietnam’s most ecologically sensitive regions, home to more than 75,000 hectares of mangrove forests recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve.

Developing nearly 3,000 hectares in such an environment presents an unprecedented challenge. In a place where ecosystems are delicate and interconnected, any miscalculation could leave irreversible consequences.

Vinhomes Green Paradise emerges precisely within this context. It serves as a comprehensive test of urban knowledge, technological capability, governance capacity, and, above all, environmental accountability. Its implementation demonstrates that Vietnamese enterprises are prepared to meet the most demanding international standards in ecological urban development.

From Urban Project to UrbanNature Ecosystem

What truly distinguishes Vinhomes Green Paradise is not its scale, but its development philosophy. The project is not positioned as a conventional modern township. Instead, it is conceived as an integrated urban–nature ecosystem, where human life and the natural environment coexist in a state of long-term balance.

Green infrastructure, smart-city technologies, renewable energy systems, digital governance, and ecological restoration are woven into a single, unified framework. Globally, only a handful of pioneering cities, such as Masdar in the United Arab Emirates or Songdo in South Korea, have pursued such an integrated approach at scale.

The emergence of Vinhomes Green Paradise signals that Vietnam is no longer standing at the periphery of this movement. It is entering the arena with the confidence to participate, and potentially to lead, in the global race toward sustainable urban futures.

ESG++: Beyond Sustainability Toward Regeneration

While ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) principles have become a global standard, Vinhomes Green Paradise advances the concept further through an ESG++ framework, adding two critical dimensions: Regeneration and Resilience.

Rather than expanding by consuming natural resources, the project prioritizes ecological restoration, aiming not merely to minimize harm, but to actively return value to the environment. The vision is of a city that can generate its own energy, treat and reuse its wastewater, and maintain ecological equilibrium over time.

Urban experts increasingly agree that such models are essential in an era of climate change, particularly for coastal cities facing rising sea levels and extreme weather. In this context, Vinhomes Green Paradise contributes to defining a new benchmark for sustainable coastal urbanism, not only in Vietnam, but globally.

Building a megacity in an environmentally sensitive coastal zone demands deep interdisciplinary expertise, spanning geology, hydrology, ecology, materials science, and energy systems. The financial and technological investments required are immense, and few developers are willing, or able, to assume such complexity and risk.

It is within this demanding framework that the involvement of AOMI Construction Co., Ltd., becomes particularly significant. AOMI is the owner of the K-DPM soil solidification technology, one of the world’s most advanced solutions for soft-ground and land reclamation projects.

Drawing from Japan’s extensive experience as an island nation with limited land resources, Mr. Okori Katsumi, a Japanese expert, representative of AOMI Construction Co., Ltd., explains: “Japan has long faced constraints in land availability. For decades, we have turned to the sea, creating airports, urban spaces, and new living environments through carefully engineered land reclamation.”

Traditional methods, such as mixing cement directly with soil, revealed critical limitations in scale and transportability. K-DPM technology was developed to overcome these barriers by using high-pressure air to move and solidify large volumes of dredged material, reducing construction time while minimizing environmental impact through reduced reliance on sand extraction.

From Engineering Feats to a 21st-Century Symbol

Japan’s experience in land reclamation has consistently emphasized environmental protection, using containment barriers to limit water turbidity, and applying strict standards for pH levels and material compatibility with surrounding ecosystems. These principles are now being adapted and elevated in Can Gio.

For Vingroup, Vinhomes Green Paradise is not its first venture into coastal engineering. In 2017, the VinFast manufacturing complex in Hai Phong, over 60% of which involved land reclamation, was completed in a record 21 months, setting new benchmarks for speed and technical execution.

In Can Gio, the challenge has been taken further. The project benefits from consultancy by Dutch experts, representing a nation globally renowned for water management and land reclamation expertise. The objective extends beyond structural durability to the comprehensive preservation of indigenous ecosystems over the long term.

If land reclamation once astonished the world through icons like Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, Vinhomes Green Paradise seeks to redefine that legacy through a fundamentally different philosophy: Respect for nature and ecological regeneration.

This ESG++ megacity is more than proof of advanced engineering capability. It stands as a symbol of Vietnam’s national vision, one that looks toward the ocean not as a frontier to conquer, but as a partner in shaping resilient, future-ready cities.

Ultimately, Vinhomes Green Paradise is not simply a real estate development. It is a declaration of aspiration and confidence, a statement that Vietnamese urbanism has entered a new era, where healing people and healing nature are no longer separate goals, but a shared mission for sustainable progress in the 21st century.

Hashtag: #Vinhomes

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

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HDBank completes issuance of US$100 million green bonds to international investors

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HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 January 2026 – Ho Chi Minh City Development Commercial Bank (HDBank, ticker symbol: HDB) has successfully issued a second tranche of international green bonds worth US$50 million to the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO) and British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor, completing its $100 million international green bond initiative in 2025.

HDBank’s international green bond programme strengthens funding diversification and supports sustainable, green and inclusive finance initiatives in Vietnam.

The announcement was made at “The USD100 Million Green Bond Issuance Disclosure Ceremony” recently held between HDBank and its green bond investors including FMO, BII and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) – a member of the World Bank Group in the presence of the Deputy Consul General of the Netherlands and representatives from the British Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City.

The bonds included $30 million privately issued to FMO and $20 million to BII. The first tranche was issued to IFC, which facilitated the participation of FMO and BII in the second tranche.

The bonds have a three-year term, are non-convertible and unsecured and issued without warrants.

Nguyen Huu Dang, HDBank’s CEO, said: “Sustainable development goals lie at the heart of HDBank’s strategy, which is centred on delivering the best value for customers, partners and the community. This international green bond initiative marks an important stepping stone on our journey towards achieving those goals.”

The issuance help diversify HDBank’s funding sources, support its sustainable growth strategy and create a foundation for it to continue attracting additional international capital for green finance, sustainable development and inclusive finance initiatives in Vietnam.

This, in turn, helps customers access capital to deploy solar energy projects, electric vehicles, green buildings, and other energy-saving solutions.

Projects financed by the green bond proceeds must undergo rigorous screening, meet environmental and social risk management requirements, and comply with eligibility criteria under the Bank’s Sustainable Finance Framework. These projects are expected to reduce approximately 102,000 tons of CO₂ over 10 years, improve environmental quality and contribute to Vietnam’s Net Zero 2050 commitment.

Weichuan Xu, IFC’s lead for the Financial Institutions Group in Vietnam, Cambodia and Lao PDR, said the issuance marked a significant step in expanding HDBank’s climate finance portfolio and advancing Vietnam’s economic and social progress.

“The funds raised will support projects that foster sustainable industries, generate jobs and strengthen communities,” he added.

Representatives from FMO and BII also highlighted the transaction as a strong signal of the growing readiness and potential of Vietnam’s sustainable finance ecosystem, helping attract more capital for climate-responsible projects.

With this milestone, HDBank reinforces its commitment to sustainable finance and the long-term prosperity of its customers, partners and the community, while expanding its presence on the global financial map.

Hashtag: #HDBank

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

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Hang Lung Enters the Next Phase in Its Sustainability Journey with Ambitious New Targets

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New targets outlined for 2030 following the successful conclusion of the 25×25 sustainability targets

HONG KONG SAR and SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 January 2026 – Hang Lung Properties Limited (SEHK stock code: 00101) (“Hang Lung” or the “Company”) today announces a new phase in its sustainability journey, unveiling 20 refreshed 2030 targets that build on its success in achieving its 25 x 25 Sustainability Targets.

Launched in 2021, the 25 x 25 targets defined Hang Lung’s agenda to the end of 2025 across four priorities: Climate Resilience, Resource Management, Wellbeing, and Sustainable Transactions. The Company has achieved its earlier ambitions, and exceeded targets related to greenhouse gas emissions reduction, renewable energy, and energy efficiency. Establishing such a concrete and robust set of targets also helped the Company develop practices in sustainability innovation and continual improvement.

Building on this success, now with expanded data, greater organizational maturity, and heightened ambition, Hang Lung’s refreshed 2030 targets reflect its position as an industry leader in sustainability.

The 20 targets for 2030 continue to be organized under the four priorities that define Hang Lung’s approach to sustainability, including the below highlights:

  • Climate Resilience: Among the first real estate companies in Asia to have near- and long-term targets fully aligned with the Science Based Target initiative’s Buildings Criteria and its emission reduction pathway (1.5°C). Also, Hang Lung is the first real estate company in Asia to establish a Climate Value-at-Risk target.
  • Resource Management: The first real estate company in Asia to formulate a target for biodiversity net gain (10%) on all new development projects and major renovations, supporting urban ecosystems and enhancing green spaces.
  • Wellbeing: Generate at least HK$40 million in social value through community investments.
  • Sustainable Transactions: Collaborate with tenants representing 25% of our leased floor area through our sustainability partnerships program.

Collaboration across the value chain remains central to Hang Lung’s approach, extending beyond traditional metrics. Hang Lung aims to partner with suppliers and tenants through quantifiable targets to drive progress upstream and downstream. In addition, the Company is committed to supporting innovation in standards development to facilitate impactful sustainability initiatives across sectors and jurisdictions.

Mr. Adriel Chan, Chair of Hang Lung Properties and Chair of the Sustainability Steering Committee, commented: “We are excited to embark on this next phase of our sustainability journey, reflecting Hang Lung’s growing role not just as a leader in sustainability action, but also in sustainability thought leadership. By working closely with partners across our value chain, we are confident that we can deliver on these commitments and continue to foster excellence in sustainable development in Asia.”

Mr. John Haffner, Deputy Director – Sustainability, added: “Over the past several years, we have seen how ambitious targets focus our efforts and help develop a culture of innovation. Building on our achievements and lessons learned, our 2030 targets are sharper and more data-driven, and will help us achieve greater impact in our communities.”

Full details of the 25 x 25 wrap-up and the new 2030 targets will be shared in Hang Lung’s 2025 Sustainability Report to be released in March. The report will provide further insights into the Company’s achievements, lessons learned, and emerging plans to support the refreshed 2030 targets, inviting partners and the wider public to join forces in shaping a sustainable future.

Appendix
Overview of 2030 Sustainability Goals and Targets

Priority 2030 Goals 2030 Targets
Climate Resilience

Reduce carbon footprint in line with science and adapt to a changing climate

1. In-use operational emissions: 56.1% per m2 reduction in scope 1, 2 and 3 in-use operational GHG emissions of owned and leased buildings from a 2023 base year.
2. Upfront embodied emissions: 42% reduction in upfront embodied emissions from a 2023 base year.
3. Renewable electricity: 70% of our landlord’s electricity consumption across the portfolio provided by renewable electricity.
4. Adaptation: 10% reduction in our Climate Value-at-Risk compared to the absence of implemented adaptation measures.
Resource Management

Drive efficient and circular use of natural resources and help regenerate nature

5. Energy Use Intensity: 10% reduction in the landlord’s energy use intensity from a 2023 base year.
6. Operational Waste: 35% recycling of municipal solid waste generated from operating properties.
7. Construction Waste: 90% recycling of construction waste generated from construction sites.
8. Water: 8% reduction in freshwater intensity from a 2023 base year.
9. Biodiversity: 10% biodiversity net gain on all new development projects and major renovations with landscape renovation.
Wellbeing

Foster safe, inclusive and healthy spaces that enhance quality of life for all stakeholders

10. Health and safety: Maintain zero work-related fatalities, serious injuries, and occupational diseases for employees and contractors. Maintain a Lost Time Injury Rate of 1.5 or below for employees and contractors.
11. Indoor air quality: Maintain, more than 90% of the time, PM2.5, TVOC and CO2 levels below levels defined in the RESET Air standard.
12. Employee engagement: Maintain an employee engagement survey rating greater than or equal to the 75th percentile.
13. Diversity: At least 5% of our workforce across the portfolio is comprised of people from diverse backgrounds.*
14. Diversity: Maintain Female-to-Male pay ratio of 1:1; maintain gender balance in management positions.
15. Social impact: Create at least HK$40 million in social value through our community investments.
Sustainable Transactions

Collaborate with key stakeholders across our value chain to advance our sustainability priorities

16. Tenant electricity intensity: Benchmarking provided to 100% of tenants across the Chinese Mainland portfolio and work with tenants towards a 10% reduction in their electricity intensity from a 2023 base year.
17. Tenants: Tenants representing 25% of our leased floor area in applicable Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong properties participate in our tenant sustainability partnerships program.
18. Suppliers: Regularly conduct ESG risk screening for 100% of active suppliers and provide ESG assessments for suppliers covering 50% of spending.
19. Procurement: 15% of spending on operational procurement qualifies as sustainable procurement.
20. Standards development: Undertake at least three innovative initiatives in standards development to help accelerate learning and sustainability impact.

* Our definition of diverse background includes people with disabilities and ethnic minorities.

Hashtag: #HangLungProperties

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Hang Lung Properties

Hang Lung Properties Limited (SEHK stock code: 00101) creates compelling spaces that enrich lives. Headquartered in Hong Kong and Shanghai, the Company manages a portfolio of over 3.5 million square meters of retail, office, residential, and hotel properties across Hong Kong and mainland China.
The Company’s diverse portfolio in Hong Kong includes office towers and malls in prime districts, as well as luxury residential developments in prestigious areas. In mainland China, under the signature “66” brand, the Company’s mixed-use and retail developments are regarded as premium landmarks, strategically located in the hearts of key cities of Shanghai, Shenyang, Jinan, Wuxi, Tianjin, Dalian, Kunming, Wuhan, and Hangzhou.
The Company is recognized for pioneering sustainability in the real estate industry, with an MSCI ESG rating of AA and inclusion on CDP “A List” for Climate Change. The Company powers 80% of its operating properties in the Mainland with renewable energy, with a net zero commitment by 2050.
At Hang Lung Properties – We Do It Well.
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