Crypto News

Name	Price	High	Low	MarketCap
BTC	$ 90,061.3	$ 90,202.3	$ 89,930.3	$ 1,798.59 B
ETH	$ 3,124.30	$ 3,135.41	$ 3,121.66	$ 377.09 B
USDT	$ 0.9996	$ 0.9996	$ 0.9995	$ 192.49 B
XRP	$ 2.02	$ 2.04	$ 2.01	$ 202.40 B
USDC	$ 0.9997	$ 1.000	$ 0.9995	$ 75.35 B
BNB	$ 879.91	$ 883.82	$ 879.29	$ 121.19 B
ARB	$ 0.2078	$ 0.2094	$ 0.2077	$ 2.08 B
DOGE	$ 0.1425	$ 0.1432	$ 0.1417	$ 23.97 B
BUSD	$ 0.9816	$ 0.9816	$ 0.9815	$ 54.01 M
SOL	$ 132.45	$ 132.91	$ 132.21	$ 81.78 B

BitMine proposes a 50B share increase as the stock soars

The chairman of BitMine Immersion Technologies, Tom Lee, has urged shareholders to consider a proposal to increase the firm’s total number of shares from 50 million to 50 billion. This change, according to the chairman, may be essential for future stock splits, as Ether’s price has a significant impact on the company’s value. Lee noted that BitMine’s share price is keeping up with Ether’s price . To effectively forecast future values, the executive carefully observed the ETH/Bitcoin ratio. Based on his argument, if, by any chance, BTC achieves a peak of $1 million, ETH would secure an all-time high of $250,000. At this point, Lee asserted that this rise would significantly increase the price of BitMine’s shares to highs he anticipated would be unreachable for many retail investors. Lee demonstrates a strong commitment to increasing the total number of BitMine’s shares In 2025, BitMine started as a Bitcoin mining and holding firm . Later, after careful consideration, the company shifted its focus to embracing an ETH treasury strategy. However, sources pointed out that BitMine continues to conduct some Bitcoin operations. Regarding his prediction, Lee declared that if ETH attained a peak of $250,000, BitMine shares could encounter an implied cost of approximately $5,000 each. Reports stated that this price is costly for several regular investors. To support this claim, the chairman mentioned that not everyone desires stocks to be priced at $500, $1,500, or $5,000; instead, a large group of individuals wants shares to be priced around $25. Meanwhile, apart from this finding, Lee also acknowledged that if ETH reaches an all-time high of $250,000, BitMine would be required to carry out a 100:1 stock split to maintain the share price at $25. With the move in place, the firm’s shares are expected to increase the total number to 43 billion. In a statement, Lee mentioned, “Right now, there are 426 million shares available. We aim to increase the authorized share count to 50 billion. However, that doesn’t mean we will actually create 50 billion shares; that’s just the highest number we want.” Reports highlighted that Lee is referring to the unit bias issue. Unit bias, in the basis of finance, is the psychological tendency for investors to prefer owning whole units of an asset (like a whole Bitcoin or share) over fractions, or to equate a low price per unit with better value, even when the total investment value is the same or a fractional amount of a pricier asset is a better investment. Lee’s idea faces criticism Regarding Lee’s proposal to increase the total number of BitMine’s shares, reports pointed out that several users shared negative responses to this suggestion on X. Some argued that it is unwise to raise the limit of authorized shares because this act would dilute the stock. This discussion made headlines, sparking controversy among individuals in the crypto ecosystem. One user remarked, “Tom, this seems shady and silly to raise the share count just because the stock could hit $500. You should wait until next year when it’s not in such bad shape.” Nonetheless, despite these concerns, recent reports highlighted that BitMine purchased approximately 32,938 ETH on Tuesday of this week for more than $102 million, based on current prices. Notably, as of December 2025, BitMine’s treasury had expanded to more than 4 million ETH, valued at over $12 billion. The firm also began staking ETH to generate income. If you're reading this, you’re already ahead. Stay there with our newsletter .

XRP Under $2? One Of The ‘Greatest Blessings’ We’ll See In Our Lifetime, Analyst Says

A well-known finance coach in the XRP community has urged patience, calling the cryptocurrency’s price sliding under $2 a rare long-term chance to buy. According to his public posts, he described XRP trading below $2 as “one of the greatest blessings of our lifetime” and said he remains actively accumulating at current levels. Related Reading: Crypto Exchange Korbit Fined $1.90 Million By South Korean Regulators XRP Below $2 Seen As Entry Point Coach JV’s portfolio centers on a mix of major coins and infrastructure tokens. His top crypto holdings include XRP, Bitcoin, WLFI, Solana, XLM, HBAR, and VET. On the equities side, he highlighted American Bitcoin Corp (ABTC) and Twenty One Capital (XXI) as key stock positions. The disclosure was used to argue that steady exposure, not frantic trading, fits a long-term plan. Market watchers in the XRP sphere are pointing to several possible tailwinds. According to other commentators, growing interest in XRP spot ETFs has pushed combined holdings to about $1.16 billion. There are also reports that companies such as VivoPower and Wellgistics Health have added XRP to their treasuries, which some analysts say could take supply off the market and tighten available coins. Investor Mix Of Crypto And Stocks XRP under $2.00 is one of the greatest blessings of our lifetime. I am still accumulating. My top crypto holdings: XRP Bitcoin WLFI Solana XLM HBAR VET My top two stocks: ABTC XXI Cash-value life insurance is the foundation of my family’s wealth empire. Cash flow is the… — Coach, JV (@Coachjv_) January 1, 2026 Mason Versluis, a popular crypto YouTuber, offered a grounded view about expectations. He urged followers to focus on “the real things” and fundamentals, rather than clinging to failed three-digit forecasts. Versluis reminded the community that XRP began January 2025 at $2.08 and moved to $3.40 by the end of that month. The token then reached a yearly high of $3.66 in July before sliding back to close 2025 at $1.84, which represented an 11.5% YTD decline. “We just look at the fundamentals,” he said, adding that those who loudly predict extreme prices often end up wrong. My thoughts on Jake Claver’s TRIPLE DIGIT $XRP prediction: (Clip from my stream today) pic.twitter.com/y7JJQfPsPf — MASON VERSLUIS (@MasonVersluis) December 31, 2025 According to several voices in the space, regulatory moves could also matter. One influencer cited a White House confirmation that the CLARITY Act markup is scheduled for January 2026, which supporters believe may clarify crypto rules and encourage institutional flows. Based on reports, such policy milestones are being watched closely by investors who expect clearer rules to broaden participation. Focus On Systems Over Hype As for Coach JV’s public statements on this issue, he emphasized and stressed the process more than making predictions. JV explained that he maximized cash-value life insurance as part of his wealth strategy, managed debt very carefully, and created systems which enforce discipline on himself and his business. Related Reading: Crypto ETFs Defy The Pullback With $32 Billion In Fresh Investor Cash The mix of voices in the community reflects two linked ideas: some see current prices as a buying window, while others warn that timing markets is risky. Based on reports and the coach’s disclosures, the common advice is simple — build a plan, stick to it, and buy if the thesis still holds. For many holders, the current sub-$2 trading range is being treated not as failure, but as an opportunity to prepare for possible wider adoption down the road. Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView

Analyst: Let’s Focus on $10 XRP. Here’s Why

An ongoing debate within the XRP community resurfaced after a well-known market commentator dismissed the idea that XRP could reach triple-digit prices this year. XRP closed the year in negative territory, challenging earlier optimistic expectations held by many investors. The asset approached a yearly decline of roughly 10%, marking its first full-year loss since 2022. This outcome contrasts sharply with its performance during the first half of the year, when momentum suggested potential continuation of the previous uptrend. Community Reactions to Price Forecasts Among various price discussions throughout the year, predictions of XRP rising above $100 gained notable attention. However, several analysts expressed doubt at the time, and these projections are now facing renewed scrutiny. Recently, content creator and community figure Mason Versluis commented on the matter, stating that forecasting XRP to reach triple digits by the end of 2025 was, in his view, an unreasonable expectation. He described it as one of the most exaggerated predictions he had encountered. Triple digit $XRP by end of 2025 is THE MOST stupid thing I've ever heard in my entire life. We have like 48 hours left in the year. Even if I heard this at the start of 2025, I would've said the same thing. Everyone who said this will be WRONG once again. Let's focus on $10… — MASON VERSLUIS (@MasonVersluis) December 30, 2025 Versluis noted that even if he had heard this forecast earlier in the year, when market sentiment was more optimistic, he would have assessed it the same way. He acknowledged that XRP experienced a strong start to the year after surpassing the $3 threshold for the first time in eight years, but argued that expecting it to multiply in value dozens of times within a single year lacked a realistic basis. According to him, community members should prioritize gradual and achievable milestones. He suggested that a move toward $10, while requiring substantial appreciation, is a more practical price objective in the short to medium term. Achieving $10 would still require XRP to rise by several hundred percent, but he believes such an increase could occur under favorable market conditions. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 How the Triple-Digit Narrative Emerged Earlier in the year, XRP began trading at around $2.07 and quickly climbed to a peak near $3.40 in January. The rapid ascent boosted confidence among holders and contributed to the spread of bullish projections. The upward movement, combined with improving regulatory progress for Ripple, encouraged some analysts to issue highly ambitious price targets. Among those who supported the idea of XRP reaching $100 was Digital Ascension Group CEO Jake Claver, who remained confident in the possibility even after receiving pushback from other commentators. In light of differing views, fellow analyst Levi Rietveld publicly challenged Claver on the projection. Although no formal agreement was reached, the discussion drew significant attention from the community and continued as the year progressed. Despite only days remaining in the year, Claver maintained that he expected a dramatic price movement, asserting that he still believed strongly in his forecast. The disagreement surrounding triple-digit projections highlights the divide between speculative enthusiasm and measured analysis within the crypto community. While long-term supporters remain confident in XRP’s potential growth, others emphasize the importance of setting realistic expectations and pursuing achievable milestones. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are urged to do in-depth research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on Twitter , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post Analyst: Let’s Focus on $10 XRP. Here’s Why appeared first on Times Tabloid .

Ethereum Shows Early Accumulation Signals As Binance Buy Pressure Intensifies

Ethereum has managed to push above the psychologically important $3,000 level, offering a brief sense of relief after weeks of compression and indecision. While this move marks a constructive short-term development, price action remains far from the technical thresholds required to fully reestablish a broader uptrend. Against this backdrop, on-chain and derivatives data are beginning to show subtle but notable changes. A CryptoQuant analysis reveals that Ethereum’s 14-day moving average of the Taker Buy/Sell Ratio on Binance has climbed to 1.005, its highest reading since July. A ratio above 1 indicates that aggressive market buy orders are outweighing sell orders, pointing to growing bullish intent among derivatives traders. The report explains that ETH remains significantly below its prior cycle highs, meaning this increase in aggressive buying is not a reaction to strong upside momentum. Instead, it suggests early positioning or accumulation behavior, where market participants are entering ahead of a potential directional move rather than chasing price. Still, derivatives-driven optimism alone is not sufficient to confirm a trend reversal. For Ethereum to transition from recovery to sustained upside, this improving aggression must be accompanied by stronger spot demand and a decisive reclaim of higher resistance levels. Derivatives Aggression Builds, but Confirmation Remains Critical The analysis adds that, historically, sustained periods in which Ethereum’s Taker Buy/Sell Ratio remains above 1—particularly when reinforced by a rising moving average—have often aligned with phases of increasing bullish volatility or early attempts at trend reversals. This behavior reflects a growing sense of urgency among buyers who are willing to execute at market prices rather than wait for pullbacks, a dynamic typically associated with improving sentiment and shifting expectations. However, this signal carries important caveats. The Taker Buy/Sell Ratio is primarily a derivatives-focused metric, and elevated buy pressure in leveraged markets does not automatically translate into a durable rally. Without confirmation from the spot market—such as rising spot volumes, net exchange outflows, or sustained on-chain accumulation—price reactions driven by derivatives activity can fade quickly. In past instances, leverage-heavy positioning has produced brief upside moves that were later unwound when real capital inflows failed to materialize. At present, the structure suggests that aggressive buying pressure is indeed building within Ethereum’s derivatives market. This increases the probability of a recovery attempt, particularly if traders continue to position proactively rather than reactively. Still, confirmation will depend on price follow-through above key resistance levels and alignment with broader indicators across spot demand, on-chain activity, and overall market liquidity. Ethereum Price Faces Key Test Ethereum has pushed back above the $3,000 level, offering a short-term relief bounce after weeks of compression and lower highs. However, the broader structure remains fragile. On the daily chart, ETH is still trading below its declining 100-day and 200-day moving averages, which continue to act as dynamic resistance and define the prevailing bearish-to-neutral trend. The recent move appears more corrective than impulsive. Price action shows shallow follow-through, with limited volume expansion, suggesting that buyers are cautious rather than aggressive. While reclaiming $3,000 is symbolically important, Ethereum has repeatedly failed to build acceptance above this zone since November, reinforcing it as a pivot rather than a confirmed support. From a structural perspective, ETH remains trapped in a broad range between roughly $2,800 and $3,400. The lower boundary has attracted dip buyers, but rallies continue to stall before reaching prior breakdown levels. This pattern reflects a market in balance, where neither bulls nor bears have sufficient conviction to force a trend. Momentum indicators implied by price behavior point to stabilization, not trend reversal. For Ethereum to shift back toward a sustained uptrend, it would need to reclaim the $3,300–$3,500 region and hold above the longer-term moving averages with expanding volume. Featured image from ChatGPT, chart from TradingView.com

The Only Cheap Crypto Set For 600% Growth by Q3 2026

Big moves in the crypto are hardly initiated through big announcements. They typically begin when change of structure transpires beneath the surface. Supply tightens. Usage plans become clear. The first movers get ahead of the general market. The move has already been made in large part by the time it makes headlines. One DeFi crypto is entering the setup stage. It is still in the early stages but the pieces are beginning to fall into place. Mutuum Finance (MUTM) Progress and Core Vision Mutuum Finance (MUTM) is a new crypto and it has been growing since early 2025. The presale opened at $0.01 and has been going through planned steps. The token price went to $0.04, with the beginning of Phase 7. This move is a 300% growth compared to the first stage. Mutuum Finance has raised over $19.5 million. The holder count has grown to 18,650. These numbers depict multi- sensitivity as opposed to central ownership. Out of the entire 4 billion tokens, 45.5% has been set aside to the presale. More than 820 million tokens have been sold already. Mutuum Finance is a DeFi being developed to be a lending platform in the crypto sector. The protocol will accommodate two lending markets. This enables users to give assets to earn money when another one takes loans on definite conditions. This is aimed to establish predictable lending behavior rather than speculative behavior. How mtTokens Drive Value and V1 Launch The launch of V1 will be a significant achievement of Mutuum Finance. As per official words, V1 will enable the main functions of the protocol on lending. At this point, MUTM is no longer in development but it is entering into live operation phase. An important part of such a system is mtTokens. Such tokens mark the involvement of the users in the lending pools. Users who provide assets are given a token of their share in the pool called the mtTokens. These mtTokens increase in value as the demand to borrow increases due to the activity of protocols. This is a model that analysts tend to consider as the basis of an enduring increase in prices. As the usage grows so does the token demand. According to the latest participation tendencies and the imminent V1 release, a few analysts provide a list of situations that refer to 750% upside over the next two years, assuming growth in adoption will be as anticipated. Security and Participation Signal The issue of security has been considered as a fundamental requirement. Halborn Security has reviewed Mutuum Finance . The CertiK token scan scored 90 out of 100. To the same end, there is also a bug bounty program that has been introduced with a value of $50,000.00 to motivate continued code testing. These will minimize protocol risk and raise confidence of the participants. This layer would be important to a DeFi that is based on lending. The participation cues are important, as well. Mutuum Finance has a 24 hour leaderboard that uses activity to reward participation. This system is not based on a one time contribution. Entry is also increased by card payment access. This has aided in the growth of the base of holders and diversified participation with crypto native users. The Reason This Arrangement is Under Observation When wondering what crypto to purchase at present or what crypto to invest in and grow in the long run, installations such as this one tend to become prominent before the multitude. Mutuum Finance is a combination of presale momentum, following utility, formal token economics, and sound security practices. The presale is advancing. Phase 7 came with an almost 20% price increment. Supply is tightening. V1 is approaching. Plans about infrastructure are well stipulated. When analysts are simulating possible scenarios they tend to seek consistent timing, structure and participation. In MUTM those aspects are beginning to overlap. Near mid 2026, Mutuum Finance is emerging not as the hype as a new crypto, but as a DeFi crypto that has its execution. That is the arrangement that is being followed by many market watchers. For more information about Mutuum Finance (MUTM) visit the links below: Website: https://www.mutuum.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/mutuumfinance

XRP Triumphantly Overtakes BNB to Reclaim Fourth Spot in Cryptocurrency Market Cap Rankings

BitcoinWorld XRP Triumphantly Overtakes BNB to Reclaim Fourth Spot in Cryptocurrency Market Cap Rankings In a significant market shift that captured global attention this week, XRP has triumphantly overtaken BNB to reclaim its position as the fourth-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization. According to verified data from Bitcoin World and CoinMarketCap, this development marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing evolution of digital asset hierarchies. The move represents more than just numerical trading; it signals changing investor sentiment and market dynamics within the blockchain ecosystem. This analysis provides comprehensive context about this market movement and its potential implications for the broader cryptocurrency landscape. XRP Market Cap Surge: Analyzing the Numbers Market data reveals compelling figures behind XRP’s recent ascent. CoinMarketCap reports show XRP’s market capitalization reaching approximately $123 billion, surpassing BNB’s roughly $121.3 billion valuation. Consequently, XRP now occupies the fourth position in overall cryptocurrency rankings. Excluding dollar-pegged stablecoins like Tether (USDT), the asset effectively ranks third among purely volatile digital currencies. XRP currently trades at $2.02, representing an impressive 8.08% increase during this repositioning period. These numbers demonstrate substantial momentum for the Ripple-associated digital asset. Several factors contribute to this market cap realignment. First, increased institutional interest has driven substantial trading volume. Second, regulatory clarity in certain jurisdictions has improved investor confidence. Third, technological developments within the XRP Ledger ecosystem have enhanced utility perceptions. Market analysts observe that trading patterns show consistent accumulation by both retail and institutional participants. The volume-to-market-cap ratio indicates healthy liquidity conditions supporting this price movement. Historical Context: The XRP-BNB Rivalry The competition between XRP and BNB represents one of cryptocurrency’s most watched rivalries. Historically, XRP frequently held the third position behind Bitcoin and Ethereum during earlier market cycles. However, BNB’s rapid ascent through 2021 and 2022 challenged this hierarchy significantly. Binance’s native token benefited tremendously from the exchange’s expanding ecosystem and innovative tokenomics. This created a dynamic where both assets vied for position based on fundamentally different value propositions. XRP derives its primary value from cross-border payment solutions and banking partnerships. Conversely, BNB’s utility centers around exchange fee discounts, decentralized applications, and the broader Binance Smart Chain ecosystem. Their competing approaches created an interesting market narrative about whether payments or ecosystem tokens would dominate the sub-top tier. This recent shift suggests renewed confidence in payment-focused blockchain solutions, particularly as global remittance markets continue digitizing rapidly. Expert Perspectives on Market Movements Financial analysts emphasize several technical and fundamental factors behind this development. Market structure analysis reveals that XRP’s momentum began building three weeks prior to the overtaking event. On-chain data shows decreasing exchange reserves, indicating reduced selling pressure. Additionally, the number of large wallet addresses (holding 1 million+ XRP) increased by 4.2% in the preceding month. These metrics suggest accumulation by sophisticated investors anticipating positive developments. Regulatory developments also play a crucial role in this equation. Recent court decisions in the United States have provided clearer guidelines for XRP’s classification. This regulatory clarity reduces uncertainty that previously suppressed institutional participation. Meanwhile, BNB faces its own regulatory considerations as global exchange oversight intensifies. These contrasting regulatory environments create different risk profiles that institutional investors must weigh carefully when allocating digital asset portfolios. Market Impact and Broader Implications This ranking shift carries implications beyond the two directly involved cryptocurrencies. First, it demonstrates that market leadership positions remain fluid despite increasing institutionalization. Second, it highlights how different value propositions attract capital at different market cycles. Third, it reinforces that technological developments and regulatory clarity significantly influence investor decisions. The broader altcoin market often takes directional cues from movements among top-tier assets like XRP and BNB. Several observable effects follow this market cap realignment. Trading volumes typically increase across correlated assets as portfolio rebalancing occurs. Additionally, media attention often brings new participants to both ecosystems. Furthermore, developer activity frequently receives boosted funding and attention following positive price momentum. Historical patterns suggest that sustained position changes often precede increased institutional research coverage and potential ETF considerations for the ascending asset. Technological Developments Driving Adoption The XRP Ledger has implemented several significant upgrades recently. These technological improvements enhance transaction efficiency and smart contract capabilities. Notably, the Hooks amendment introduced customizable logic to transactions, expanding use cases beyond simple payments. Additionally, increased decentralization of validator nodes has strengthened network security perceptions. These developments address previous criticisms while expanding the protocol’s potential applications in traditional finance and beyond. Simultaneously, BNB Chain continues evolving with substantial technical upgrades. The recent BEP-333 proposal aims to enhance staking mechanisms and governance processes. Both ecosystems demonstrate vigorous development activity, suggesting their competition will likely continue driving innovation. This technological arms race benefits the broader blockchain industry by pushing scalability, security, and usability boundaries forward. Users ultimately receive better products and services through this competitive dynamic. Investor Considerations and Risk Factors Investors evaluating this market shift should consider several important factors. First, cryptocurrency rankings historically show volatility, with positions changing frequently during bull markets. Second, different assets serve different portfolio functions—XRP as a payments corridor play versus BNB as an ecosystem participation token. Third, regulatory landscapes continue evolving unpredictably across jurisdictions. Fourth, technological risks remain present in both networks as they scale and add functionality. Key metrics for ongoing monitoring include: On-chain activity: Transaction counts and value transferred Development activity: GitHub commits and protocol upgrades Regulatory developments: Legal clarity and enforcement actions Institutional flows: ETF holdings and custody data Market structure: Exchange balances and derivative positioning These indicators provide early signals about whether position changes represent temporary fluctuations or sustained trends. Conclusion XRP’s overtaking of BNB to reclaim the fourth spot in market capitalization rankings represents a significant cryptocurrency market development. This movement reflects changing investor perceptions about payment-focused versus ecosystem-focused blockchain assets. The shift demonstrates how regulatory clarity and technological improvements can substantially impact market valuations. While cryptocurrency rankings remain dynamic, this development highlights the ongoing evolution of digital asset hierarchies. Market participants will watch closely to see whether XRP maintains this position and what implications this has for the broader altcoin market structure moving forward. FAQs Q1: What exactly does “market capitalization” mean for cryptocurrencies? Market capitalization represents the total value of all coins in circulation, calculated by multiplying current price by circulating supply. It provides a standardized metric for comparing the relative size of different cryptocurrencies, though it doesn’t reflect liquidity or actual money invested. Q2: Why does excluding stablecoins change XRP’s ranking? Stablecoins like USDT maintain 1:1 dollar pegs through reserves, making them fundamentally different from volatile assets. Many analysts consider rankings excluding stablecoins more meaningful for comparing speculative cryptocurrencies, as stablecoins primarily function as trading pairs rather than investment assets. Q3: How often do these top cryptocurrency rankings change? While Bitcoin and Ethereum have maintained the top two positions for years, positions 3-10 change more frequently. Significant ranking shifts typically occur during bull markets when investor sentiment favors different narratives, with average position tenure ranging from several months to a few years for major assets. Q4: What are the main use cases differentiating XRP and BNB? XRP primarily facilitates cross-border payments and currency exchanges for financial institutions. BNB serves as the native token for the Binance ecosystem, providing trading fee discounts, powering decentralized applications, and enabling governance participation on BNB Chain. Q5: Could this ranking change reverse quickly? Yes, cryptocurrency markets exhibit high volatility, and ranking positions can change rapidly based on news, technological developments, or market sentiment. Sustained position changes typically require fundamental improvements in adoption, technology, or regulatory standing rather than just price movements. This post XRP Triumphantly Overtakes BNB to Reclaim Fourth Spot in Cryptocurrency Market Cap Rankings first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

Bitcoin Whale Accumulation: The Alarming Data Distortion That Could Mislead Investors

BitcoinWorld Bitcoin Whale Accumulation: The Alarming Data Distortion That Could Mislead Investors In a revelation that challenges prevailing market narratives, new analysis exposes how apparent Bitcoin whale accumulation might represent a dangerous data distortion rather than genuine institutional confidence. Senior CryptoQuant analyst Julio Moreno has identified critical flaws in how the cryptocurrency community interprets on-chain metrics, specifically warning that exchange wallet activities are creating misleading signals about whale behavior. This discovery comes at a crucial time for Bitcoin investors navigating complex market conditions in early 2025. Understanding the Bitcoin Whale Accumulation Narrative For years, cryptocurrency analysts have monitored whale addresses as key indicators of market sentiment. These large holders, typically controlling between 100 and 10,000 BTC, traditionally signal market direction through their accumulation or distribution patterns. However, recent data interpretations suggesting substantial whale accumulation may stem from fundamental misunderstandings of blockchain data structures. According to Moreno’s analysis, most circulating transaction data fails to properly filter exchange holdings from genuine whale activity. The cryptocurrency market has increasingly relied on on-chain analytics for investment decisions. Platforms tracking whale movements have gained significant traction among both retail and institutional investors. Nevertheless, the complexity of blockchain data interpretation presents substantial challenges. Exchange wallet reorganizations, for instance, can create artificial spikes in apparent whale activity that inexperienced analysts might misinterpret as accumulation signals. The Mechanics of On-Chain Data Distortion Blockchain analysis requires sophisticated filtering to distinguish between different types of wallet activities. Major cryptocurrency exchanges typically manage thousands of wallets containing customer funds, institutional holdings, and operational reserves. When these entities reorganize their storage systems, the movement of substantial Bitcoin amounts between addresses can appear identical to whale accumulation patterns on basic analytical platforms. Moreno emphasizes that data excluding exchange addresses actually indicates decreasing BTC holdings among genuine whales. This trend extends to addresses holding between 100 and 1,000 BTC, a category that increasingly includes exchange-traded fund (ETF) holdings. The distinction between ETF custodial wallets and traditional whale addresses further complicates accurate data interpretation. Expert Analysis from CryptoQuant’s Senior Analyst Julio Moreno brings substantial expertise to this analysis, with years of experience interpreting cryptocurrency market data. His previous accurate predictions about market cycles lend credibility to his current warnings about data misinterpretation. Moreno previously stated his belief that Bitcoin has already passed its cycle high and is heading toward a low, making his current analysis particularly relevant for investors assessing market direction. The implications of this data distortion extend beyond academic interest. Investment decisions based on misinterpreted whale accumulation signals could lead to substantial financial losses. Retail investors following apparent accumulation trends might enter positions at inopportune times, while institutional players could make allocation decisions based on flawed premises. Historical Context of Cryptocurrency Data Interpretation Blockchain data analysis has evolved significantly since Bitcoin’s inception. Early analysts worked with limited tools and basic metrics, while today’s sophisticated platforms offer hundreds of indicators. This evolution has created both opportunities and challenges for accurate market interpretation. The table below illustrates key differences between genuine whale activity and exchange-related movements: Characteristic Genuine Whale Accumulation Exchange Wallet Reorganization Transaction Pattern Consistent purchases from multiple sources Large transfers between known exchange addresses Address Behavior Long-term holding after acquisition Frequent movement between custodial wallets Timing Often correlates with market conditions Occurs during exchange infrastructure updates Data Source Reliability Requires exchange-filtered analysis Appears in unfiltered on-chain metrics Understanding these distinctions requires specialized knowledge of both blockchain technology and exchange operations. Analysts must consider multiple factors when interpreting apparent accumulation signals: Address clustering techniques to identify exchange-controlled wallets Historical behavior patterns of specific addresses Correlation with exchange announcements about wallet upgrades Verification through multiple data sources before drawing conclusions Market Impact and Investor Implications The potential misinterpretation of whale accumulation data carries significant consequences for cryptocurrency markets. Investment strategies based on flawed premises could amplify market volatility and create artificial price movements. Furthermore, the credibility of on-chain analytics as a decision-making tool faces challenges if basic metrics prove unreliable without expert interpretation. Institutional investors increasingly incorporate blockchain data into their analysis frameworks. Hedge funds, family offices, and asset managers have developed sophisticated models using whale movement indicators. The discovery of potential data distortions necessitates reevaluation of these models and their underlying assumptions. Retail investors face particular challenges in navigating this complexity. Without access to advanced analytical tools or expertise in blockchain data interpretation, they risk making decisions based on incomplete or misleading information. Educational resources about proper data interpretation become increasingly valuable in this environment. The Role of Analytical Platforms in Data Transparency CryptoQuant and similar platforms play crucial roles in improving data transparency. By developing more sophisticated filtering algorithms and educating users about interpretation challenges, these services enhance market efficiency. The ongoing development of better analytical tools represents a positive trend for cryptocurrency market maturation. Platform improvements might include: Enhanced exchange wallet identification algorithms Clear labeling of potentially distorted metrics Educational content about data interpretation limitations Multiple data visualization options showing filtered and unfiltered views Broader Trends in Cryptocurrency Market Analysis The challenge of accurate data interpretation extends beyond whale accumulation metrics. Multiple aspects of cryptocurrency analysis face similar complexities requiring expert navigation. Market participants must develop more sophisticated approaches to data evaluation as the ecosystem matures. Several trends are shaping cryptocurrency market analysis in 2025: Increased institutional participation bringing traditional financial analytical rigor Regulatory developments affecting data reporting requirements Technological advancements in blockchain analytics platforms Growing recognition of data interpretation as a specialized skill These developments collectively push the industry toward more reliable and sophisticated analytical practices. However, the transition period creates challenges for investors accustomed to simpler metrics and interpretations. Conclusion The apparent Bitcoin whale accumulation that has captured market attention may represent a significant data distortion rather than genuine institutional accumulation. Julio Moreno’s analysis highlights critical flaws in how exchange wallet activities can mimic whale behavior in unfiltered on-chain metrics. This discovery emphasizes the importance of sophisticated data interpretation in cryptocurrency markets, particularly as institutional participation increases. Investors must approach whale accumulation signals with appropriate skepticism and seek multiple verification sources before making decisions based on these metrics. The maturation of cryptocurrency markets requires parallel development in analytical sophistication, with this revelation about data distortion serving as an important milestone in that evolution. FAQs Q1: What exactly is meant by “Bitcoin whale accumulation data distortion”? This refers to the phenomenon where exchange wallet reorganizations and movements appear identical to genuine whale accumulation in basic on-chain analytics, creating misleading signals about large investor behavior. Q2: How can investors distinguish between real whale activity and exchange movements? Investors should rely on analytical platforms that filter exchange addresses, examine transaction patterns for consistency with accumulation behavior, and correlate movements with exchange infrastructure announcements rather than market conditions. Q3: Why does this data distortion matter for cryptocurrency investors? Misinterpreted whale signals could lead to poor investment timing and decisions based on flawed premises, potentially resulting in financial losses and increased market volatility. Q4: What does CryptoQuant’s analysis suggest about actual whale behavior? According to Julio Moreno’s filtered data analysis, genuine whale holdings (excluding exchange addresses) are actually decreasing, contradicting unfiltered metrics suggesting accumulation. Q5: How has cryptocurrency data analysis evolved to address these challenges? Analytical platforms have developed more sophisticated address clustering algorithms, better exchange wallet identification, and educational resources to help users properly interpret complex blockchain data. This post Bitcoin Whale Accumulation: The Alarming Data Distortion That Could Mislead Investors first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

Binance delists Flow pairs and adds tokens to risk watch after $3.9M hack

Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, is taking a decisive step following the revelation of a major security breach affecting the Flow (FLOW) blockchain. Binance announced that it will delist some Flow trading pairs and add FLOW and other volatile tokens to its “Watchlist.” This label was introduced to notify users about elevated risk profiles. According to a Friday announcement, Binance stated that it would eliminate nine spot trading pairs from the exchange, effective Saturday, including one for FLOW/BTC. In a separate notice, the company included FLOW and three other tokens on its monitoring tag list. Flow hack exposes vulnerabilities and sparks market turmoil On December 27, 2025, the Flow network was hacked by a hacker who exploited a weakness to mint fraudulent FLOW tokens, sparking a rapid sell‑off and liquidity crisis on exchanges. The hack is said to have shaved about 40% off Flow’s market price in the immediate days after the attack. The label is applied to tokens that exhibit “notably higher volatility and risks compared to other listed tokens,” the exchange stated, noting that the monitoring flag indicates the risk of tokens no longer meeting listing requirements. Binance stated that the decisive moves followed “recent reviews” of the tokens, but did not explicitly mention the Flow exploit on Saturday. Reporters reached out to the exchange for comment on the exploit, but had not received a response at the time of publication. In a preliminary post-mortem report on the exploit, Flow said it was “concerned by one exchange’s handling of this incident,” referring to an “AML/KYC failure” that allowed the hackers to deposit the stolen FLOW tokens, convert some to Bitcoin, and withdraw the funds. Some users speculated that, based on Flow’s description, the unnamed exchange could have been Binance. Restoration underway as exchanges and developers respond As of Friday, the Flow Foundation noted that it was working on fully restoring the blockchain ecosystem as part of a plan to address the $3.9 million exploit. According to the platform, the only steps remaining in the plan were to address user account restoration and remediate fraudulent tokens. “What was initially projected as a sequential, multi-day process has been executed in parallel, restoring both Cadence and EVM [Ethereum Virtual Machine] functionality while maintaining surgical precision in removing fraudulent assets and preserving legitimate transaction history,” said Flow The delisting news follows the scrapping of a proposal from earlier this week that included a rollback of the blockchain, which it halted amid criticism from many users. According to the platform, it expected to release a comprehensive post-mortem report on the hack “within 48 hours” with “complete ecosystem restoration expected this week.” In an official update, Binance stated that it had traced and frozen the hacker’s remaining funds held on its platform to protect users, while urging the Flow project team to provide a detailed post-mortem of the exploit. Binance also emphasized that if the Flow team implements any recovery mechanism, exchange wallets should be excluded from such rollbacks to prevent complicating user balances. Join a premium crypto trading community free for 30 days - normally $100/mo.

Pantera Signals 2026 Crypto Breakout After 2025 Quietly De-Risked Markets

Crypto’s biggest gains in 2025 weren’t on price charts but in policy, institutions, and infrastructure, as regulatory reversals, Wall Street access, and onchain growth quietly reset the industry’s long-term trajectory, Pantera Capital argues. Pantera Sees 2025 as Crypto’s Structural Turning Point Pantera Capital published its December Blockchain Letter framing 2025 as the year of structural

Bitcoin Price Analysis: Critical Support Tests Threaten Alarming Drop to $50,000

BitcoinWorld Bitcoin Price Analysis: Critical Support Tests Threaten Alarming Drop to $50,000 Global cryptocurrency markets face heightened volatility as Bitcoin confronts its most significant technical challenges since early 2023, with multiple analysts warning that failure to hold crucial support levels could trigger a dramatic decline toward $50,000. This analysis examines the complex technical landscape, historical precedents, and market dynamics shaping Bitcoin’s current trajectory. Bitcoin Technical Analysis Reveals Critical Support Battleground Technical analysts worldwide are closely monitoring Bitcoin’s price action as the cryptocurrency tests pivotal support levels established during April’s market correction. The monthly chart currently shows Bitcoin finding tentative support near its 20-month exponential moving average (EMA), a level that successfully contained the previous major correction. However, market observers note that repeated tests of this crucial zone could weaken its effectiveness over time. According to recent technical assessments, a monthly close below both the 20-month EMA and April’s low would represent a significant break in Bitcoin’s established uptrend. Such a development could potentially initiate a downward trajectory targeting the $50,000 psychological support level. This scenario gains additional credibility when examining historical patterns and market structure developments. Bearish Technical Indicators Converge on Cryptocurrency Markets Multiple technical warning signals are emerging simultaneously across different timeframes. On weekly charts, analysts observe the potential formation of a “dead cross” pattern, where the 20-week EMA threatens to fall below the 50-week simple moving average (SMA). This technical event last occurred in January 2022 and preceded significant market declines throughout that year. The technical landscape reveals several concerning developments: Support Level Erosion: Repeated tests of the April support zone may diminish its strength Pattern Formation: Potential Head and Shoulders pattern development suggesting trend reversal Momentum Shifts: Declining volume and weakening buying pressure across exchanges Timeframe Alignment: Bearish signals appearing simultaneously on weekly and monthly charts Bitcoin Key Technical Levels and Implications Technical Level Current Status Bullish Implication Bearish Implication 20-Month EMA Testing Support Holds as springboard for recovery Break triggers trend reversal April Low Support Under Pressure Establishes higher low pattern Confirms breakdown structure Weekly Dead Cross Forming Avoided through price recovery Confirms medium-term bearish shift $50,000 Level Psychological Support Major accumulation zone if reached Next major support if breakdown occurs Historical Context and Market Psychology Market analysts emphasize the importance of historical context when evaluating current technical developments. The cryptocurrency market has experienced similar technical setups during previous cycles, with outcomes varying based on broader market conditions, institutional participation levels, and macroeconomic factors. The current technical warnings mirror patterns observed before significant corrections in both 2018 and 2022, though market structure has evolved substantially since those periods. Institutional adoption has changed market dynamics considerably since previous bearish technical formations. Traditional financial institutions now participate more actively in cryptocurrency markets, potentially altering how technical patterns play out. However, technical analysis principles remain relevant as they reflect collective market psychology and trader behavior across all participant categories. Divergent Analyst Perspectives on Market Direction While technical charts currently favor bearish interpretations, cryptocurrency analysts remain divided about Bitcoin’s immediate future. Some market observers argue that current technical warnings may represent temporary volatility rather than sustained trend reversal. These analysts point to fundamental factors including institutional adoption, regulatory developments, and technological advancements as counterbalancing forces. Alternative perspectives suggest that technical breakdowns could represent buying opportunities rather than reasons for panic. Historical data shows that significant corrections often precede substantial rallies in cryptocurrency markets. However, proponents of the bearish outlook emphasize that risk management requires respecting technical warnings until proven invalid by price action. The analytical community generally agrees on several key points: Current technical setup warrants cautious positioning and risk management April support represents a critical line in the sand for market structure Volume and momentum indicators will provide crucial confirmation signals Broader market conditions will ultimately determine technical pattern outcomes Market Structure and Pattern Development Implications Technical analysts are particularly concerned about potential pattern developments that could amplify downward pressure. The possible formation of a Head and Shoulders pattern represents one such concern, as this classical technical formation typically signals trend reversal when confirmed. Pattern completion would involve breaking below the “neckline” support level, potentially triggering algorithmic selling and stop-loss orders. Market structure analysis reveals additional complexities. The relationship between spot markets and derivatives markets has created interconnected risks that can accelerate price movements in either direction. Liquidity conditions across different exchanges and trading pairs also influence how technical patterns develop and resolve. These structural factors add layers of complexity to straightforward technical interpretations. Macroeconomic Factors Influencing Cryptocurrency Valuation Beyond pure technical analysis, macroeconomic conditions significantly influence cryptocurrency valuations. Interest rate policies, inflation data, and traditional market correlations all impact Bitcoin’s price trajectory. Current macroeconomic uncertainty creates additional headwinds for risk assets including cryptocurrencies, potentially exacerbating technical weaknesses. Historical analysis reveals that cryptocurrency markets often experience increased volatility during periods of macroeconomic transition. The current environment features multiple uncertain factors including monetary policy normalization, geopolitical tensions, and shifting regulatory landscapes. These external factors interact with technical patterns to create complex market dynamics that challenge simple predictive models. Several macroeconomic considerations currently affect cryptocurrency markets: Central bank policy shifts and their impact on risk appetite Traditional market correlations and decoupling patterns Regulatory developments across major jurisdictions Institutional adoption pace and capital flow patterns Conclusion Bitcoin price analysis reveals a cryptocurrency at a critical technical juncture, with multiple indicators warning of potential declines toward $50,000 if key support levels fail. The convergence of bearish technical signals across different timeframes warrants cautious market observation and appropriate risk management. While analyst opinions remain divided about ultimate outcomes, current technical evidence suggests respecting support level tests and pattern developments until market structure provides clearer directional signals. The coming weeks will prove crucial for determining whether Bitcoin maintains its broader uptrend or enters a more significant corrective phase. FAQs Q1: What is the 20-month EMA and why is it important for Bitcoin? The 20-month Exponential Moving Average (EMA) is a technical indicator that smooths price data over 20 months, giving more weight to recent prices. It’s important because it has historically acted as dynamic support during bull markets and resistance during bear markets, making its current test significant for trend determination. Q2: How reliable are “dead cross” patterns in predicting Bitcoin price movements? While dead cross patterns (when a shorter-term moving average crosses below a longer-term one) have preceded significant declines historically, they’re not infallible predictors. Their reliability depends on confirmation from other indicators, trading volume, and broader market context. The 2022 dead cross did precede declines, but false signals can occur. Q3: What would invalidate the bearish Bitcoin technical outlook? The bearish outlook would be invalidated by a strong weekly close above current resistance levels, particularly with increasing volume. Sustained movement above the 20-week EMA with momentum confirmation would suggest the technical breakdown was false. Fundamental catalysts like major institutional adoption could also override technical warnings. Q4: How does current Bitcoin technical analysis compare to previous market cycles? Current technical warnings share similarities with 2018 and 2022 patterns but occur in a fundamentally different market context. Institutional participation, derivatives markets, and regulatory frameworks have evolved significantly. While technical patterns repeat, their outcomes may differ due to changed market structure and participant behavior. Q5: What time horizon do these Bitcoin technical warnings apply to? These technical analyses primarily address medium-term timeframes ranging from several weeks to several months. Short-term price movements can deviate from these patterns due to news events or liquidity conditions. Long-term trends require analysis of broader fundamentals including adoption metrics, technological developments, and macroeconomic conditions. This post Bitcoin Price Analysis: Critical Support Tests Threaten Alarming Drop to $50,000 first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

Bitmain’s Bold Bet: Mining Giant Stakes Additional $259 Million in Ethereum, Signaling Major Confidence

BitcoinWorld Bitmain’s Bold Bet: Mining Giant Stakes Additional $259 Million in Ethereum, Signaling Major Confidence In a move that underscores the deepening institutional commitment to blockchain’s future, mining hardware titan Bitmain has executed a colossal $259 million Ethereum stake, a decision that reverberates through the cryptocurrency markets and signals a pivotal strategic shift. According to a report from on-chain analytics provider Onchain Lens, an address strongly associated with Bitmain (BMNR) staked an additional 82,560 ETH within a single hour, amplifying its already massive position in the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency. This action is not an isolated event but part of a calculated, long-term accumulation strategy, bringing Bitmain’s total staked Ethereum to a staggering 544,064 ETH, valued at approximately $1.7 billion. The transaction, observed globally on March 21, 2025, represents one of the most significant single-entity staking maneuvers of the year, prompting analysis from industry experts and market observers. Bitmain’s Ethereum Staking Strategy: A Deep Dive into the Data On-chain data provides a transparent ledger of Bitmain’s escalating commitment to Ethereum. The recent transaction of 82,560 ETH follows a consistent pattern of accumulation by the identified BMNR address. Consequently, the cumulative total now positions Bitmain as one of the largest known corporate entities participating in Ethereum’s proof-of-stake consensus mechanism. This mechanism, which replaced the energy-intensive proof-of-work model in 2022, requires validators to lock, or “stake,” ETH to secure the network and process transactions. In return, validators earn rewards, typically ranging from 3% to 5% annually on their staked assets. Therefore, Bitmain’s $1.7 billion stake is not merely a passive holding; it is an active, revenue-generating investment in the network’s infrastructure and security. The strategic implications are multifaceted. Firstly, this move demonstrates a significant pivot for a company historically synonymous with Bitcoin mining hardware. Secondly, it represents a substantial vote of confidence in Ethereum’s long-term viability and economic model. Moreover, by locking such a vast quantity of ETH, Bitmain effectively reduces the circulating supply available for trading, which can contribute to reduced market volatility under certain conditions. Industry analysts point to this as a maturation signal, showing how legacy crypto-native firms are diversifying their treasury strategies beyond simple asset acquisition. The Broader Context of Institutional Crypto Staking Bitmain’s latest move fits into a larger, accelerating trend of institutional participation in cryptocurrency staking. Major financial entities, including publicly traded companies and asset managers, have increasingly allocated portions of their treasury to staked digital assets. For instance, several regulated investment funds now offer clients exposure to staking yields. Similarly, traditional finance custodians have developed secure staking services for institutional clients. This trend validates staking as a legitimate yield-generating activity within the digital asset ecosystem. The following table illustrates the scale of Bitmain’s position relative to other known large stakers, based on publicly available on-chain data and corporate disclosures: Entity / Pool Approximate ETH Staked Estimated Value (USD) Bitmain (BMNR Address) 544,064 ETH ~$1.7 Billion Lido DAO (Liquid Staking Protocol) Over 9 Million ETH ~$28 Billion Coinbase (Exchange Staking Service) Over 4 Million ETH ~$12.5 Billion Kraken Exchange Over 1.2 Million ETH ~$3.8 Billion While decentralized protocols like Lido command a larger total, Bitmain’s position as a single corporate entity is exceptionally notable. Furthermore, this activity highlights the growing importance of on-chain analytics tools like Onchain Lens. These platforms provide real-time transparency, allowing markets to react to and analyze the behavior of major holders, often referred to as “whales.” Expert Analysis: Deciphering the Strategic Motives Financial analysts specializing in digital assets point to several rational drivers behind Bitmain’s aggressive staking strategy. Primarily, staking provides a predictable return on a core treasury asset, diversifying revenue streams beyond the cyclical hardware sales business. Additionally, by becoming a major network validator, Bitmain gains deeper influence and insight into the Ethereum ecosystem, which could inform future product development and strategic partnerships. The company may also be hedging against potential declines in its primary mining market by building a substantial position in a complementary, yield-bearing asset. “This isn’t a speculative trade; it’s a strategic allocation,” notes a veteran crypto-market strategist from a leading fintech research firm. “The scale and consistency point to a formal treasury management policy. Bitmain is effectively converting a portion of its balance sheet into a productive, network-aligned asset. This move signals a maturation in corporate crypto strategy, mirroring actions seen from companies like MicroStrategy in the Bitcoin domain, but with the added component of network participation and yield.” The strategist further emphasizes that such large-scale staking adds to Ethereum’s network security , as it becomes exponentially more expensive for a malicious actor to attack a network secured by billions of dollars in staked value. Potential Market Impact and Future Implications The immediate market impact of a single staking transaction, even of this size, is often absorbed without major price dislocation. However, the cumulative effect of sustained institutional staking has profound long-term implications. A significant portion of the ETH supply becomes illiquid, locked in staking contracts. This reduction in readily available sell pressure can create a firmer price foundation. Conversely, it also means a large amount of ETH will eventually enter the market upon withdrawal, a dynamic that future market models must account for. For the cryptocurrency mining industry, Bitmain’s pivot is particularly instructive. It demonstrates a viable path for mining companies to leverage their expertise and capital to engage with proof-of-stake networks. Other mining firms may follow suit, exploring staking services or launching their own validation operations. Key considerations for the future include: Regulatory Clarity: How securities regulators worldwide classify staking rewards will significantly impact corporate participation. Technical Risk: Staking involves smart contract and slashing risks, where funds can be penalized for network downtime or malicious actions. Market Cycles: The attractiveness of staking yields fluctuates with network activity and the broader crypto market cycle. Ultimately, Bitmain’s action reinforces Ethereum’s position as critical infrastructure for the next generation of the internet. It also showcases the evolution of crypto-native corporations into sophisticated digital asset managers and network stakeholders. Conclusion Bitmain’s decision to stake an additional $259 million in Ethereum is a landmark event that transcends a simple portfolio adjustment. This Bitmain ETH stake , bringing its total commitment to $1.7 billion, reflects a strategic, long-term bet on the Ethereum ecosystem’s sustainability and growth. The move highlights the maturation of institutional involvement in cryptocurrency, shifting from pure speculation to active, yield-generating network participation. As on-chain data continues to provide unprecedented transparency, actions by major holders like Bitmain will serve as key indicators for market sentiment and strategic trends. This substantial commitment not only bolsters Ethereum’s security and economic model but also sets a precedent for other industry giants, signaling that deep engagement with blockchain networks is becoming a cornerstone of advanced corporate digital asset strategy. FAQs Q1: What does it mean to “stake” Ethereum? Staking is the process of actively participating in transaction validation on a proof-of-stake blockchain like Ethereum. Validators lock up a certain amount of the native cryptocurrency (ETH) as a form of security deposit. In return for helping to secure and operate the network, they earn rewards, similar to earning interest. Q2: Why is Bitmain, a mining hardware company, staking Ethereum? Bitmain is diversifying its business model. While its core revenue comes from selling Bitcoin mining hardware, staking Ethereum provides a separate, predictable yield on its capital. It also gives the company direct involvement in the second-largest blockchain ecosystem, which is strategically valuable. Q3: How does large-scale staking by entities like Bitmain affect the Ethereum market? It reduces the circulating supply of ETH available for immediate trading, which can decrease selling pressure and increase price stability. It also significantly enhances the network’s security, as attacking a network secured by billions in staked value becomes prohibitively expensive. Q4: What are the risks associated with staking such a large amount of ETH? Risks include “slashing,” where a portion of staked funds can be penalized for validator downtime or malicious behavior; smart contract vulnerabilities in the staking protocol; and the opportunity cost of having capital locked up and unable to be sold during market volatility. Q5: Where does the data about Bitmain’s staking come from? The data comes from on-chain analytics firms like Onchain Lens. These firms analyze public blockchain transaction data, cluster addresses based on behavioral patterns and known labels, and report on the activities of major market participants, often referred to as “whales.” This post Bitmain’s Bold Bet: Mining Giant Stakes Additional $259 Million in Ethereum, Signaling Major Confidence first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

PEPE Memecoin Surge Sparks Dramatic Altcoin Recovery in Early 2025

BitcoinWorld PEPE Memecoin Surge Sparks Dramatic Altcoin Recovery in Early 2025 On January 2, 2025, the cryptocurrency markets witnessed a significant shift as PEPE, the frog-themed memecoin, spearheaded a dramatic sector-wide rally. According to data analysis from The Block, PEPE’s price surged over 32% in a single day, catalyzing substantial gains across the broader memecoin landscape and contributing to a notable altcoin market recovery. This early-year movement has captured analyst attention, suggesting a potential reversal from the prolonged sideways trading that characterized the latter part of 2024. PEPE Leads a Memecoin Market Resurgence The January 2nd rally placed the often-volatile memecoin sector at the forefront of cryptocurrency gains. PEPE’s remarkable performance was not an isolated event. Consequently, other prominent memecoins demonstrated considerable short-term strength. For instance, Solana-based token POPCAT followed closely behind PEPE’s lead. Additionally, established names like Dogecoin (DOGE) and Shiba Inu (SHIB) posted gains. Meanwhile, newer entrants such as Bonk (BONK), Floki (FLOKI), and dogwifhat (WIF) also participated in the upward movement. This collective surge provided a stark contrast to the sector’s performance in late 2024. Importantly, the rally extended beyond memecoins. The artificial intelligence (AI) crypto sector and several newly launched tokens also recorded significant appreciation. This pattern indicates a broader risk-on sentiment returning to the digital asset markets. The simultaneous growth across these speculative segments often signals renewed trader confidence and capital inflow. Analysts Decipher the January Rally Drivers Market analysts have provided context for this early-year surge, linking it to historical patterns and recent market trauma. VanEck analyst Matt Sigel highlighted a recurring seasonal trend. He noted that assets demonstrating poor year-end performance historically tend to experience stronger rebounds in January on average. This “January effect,” observed in traditional finance, appears to manifest in the crypto markets as well. Jake Kenis, an analyst at blockchain analytics firm Nansen, offered a more specific catalyst. He pointed to the major crypto liquidation event on October 10, 2024, as a critical point. Kenis stated that memecoins were arguably the hardest-hit sector following that volatility. The early 2025 capital flow into these assets, therefore, suggests traders are strategically building positions. They are anticipating a sustained upward move after months of consolidation and recovery. A Note of Caution Amid the Optimism However, Kenis injected a note of necessary caution into the analysis. He emphasized that while the initial price action is notable, it requires confirmation on longer-term charts to be considered a definitive, sustainable trend. This analytical prudence underscores the inherent volatility of memecoins. Their price movements can be driven heavily by sentiment and social momentum rather than fundamental utility. Therefore, sustained volume and a break above key resistance levels will be crucial watchpoints for validating the rally’s longevity. The Broader Altcoin Market Context in 2025 The memecoin surge occurs within a specific macroeconomic and technological landscape shaping 2025. Understanding this context is vital for a complete picture. Regulatory Clarity: Increased regulatory frameworks in key jurisdictions may be reducing systemic uncertainty for altcoins. Layer-1 Innovation: The performance of Solana-based memecoins like POPCAT and BONK highlights the ongoing competition among blockchain networks for developer and user activity. Market Cycle Position: Many analysts view early 2025 as a potential accumulation phase following the 2024 market correction, setting the stage for new growth cycles. Furthermore, the parallel rise of the AI crypto sector suggests a bifurcation in trader interest. Some capital is chasing pure meme-driven narratives, while other allocations are flowing into tokens linked to technological frontiers like artificial intelligence. This diversification within the altcoin complex can contribute to overall ecosystem resilience. Historical Performance and Volatility Considerations Memecoins, by their nature, present unique risk-reward profiles. Their historical price charts are typically characterized by extreme peaks and steep drawdowns. For example, the following table contrasts the utility-driven growth of a sector like AI tokens with the sentiment-driven rallies of memecoins: Asset Type Primary Driver Typical Volatility Example (Jan 2 Gain) Memecoin (e.g., PEPE) Social Sentiment, Community Extremely High +32%+ AI Sector Token Technological Roadmap, Adoption High Significant Major Layer-1 (e.g., ETH) Network Usage, Staking Yield Moderate-High Moderate This comparison underscores why analyst caution is warranted. The rapid influx of capital into PEPE and its peers demonstrates high-risk appetite. However, it does not guarantee a stable long-term trend. The sustainability of this rally will depend on whether the momentum transitions from short-term speculative trading to longer-term holder accumulation. Conclusion The dramatic PEPE memecoin surge on January 2, 2025, served as a powerful catalyst for a broader altcoin market recovery. Led by PEPE’s 32% gain, the movement rejuvenated the entire memecoin sector and spilled over into AI and new tokens. Analyst insights point to a combination of seasonal rebound patterns and strategic positioning after the October 2024 liquidation event as key drivers. While the initial price action signals a potential shift from sideways trading, experts stress the need for confirmation on longer-timeframe charts. Ultimately, this event highlights the continued influence of sentiment and community in cryptocurrency markets, reminding participants of the high-reward yet high-risk nature of assets like PEPE in the evolving 2025 landscape. FAQs Q1: What caused PEPE’s price to surge over 32% on January 2, 2025? The surge was part of a broader memecoin and altcoin market recovery. Analysts attribute it to seasonal “January effect” rebounds for underperforming assets and traders building positions after months of consolidation following the major market liquidation in October 2024. Q2: Were other cryptocurrencies besides PEPE affected by this rally? Yes. The rally was sector-wide. Other memecoins like POPCAT, DOGE, SHIB, BONK, FLOKI, and WIF saw gains. Additionally, the artificial intelligence (AI) crypto sector and several newly launched tokens posted significant increases. Q3: What do analysts say about the sustainability of this memecoin surge? Analysts like Nansen’s Jake Kenis caution that while the initial capital flow is notable, the movement needs confirmation on longer-term charts to be considered a definitive, sustainable trend, due to the high volatility typical of memecoins. Q4: How does the October 2024 liquidation event relate to this January 2025 rally? The memecoin sector was hit particularly hard by the October 10, 2024, liquidation event. The January inflow is seen by some analysts as capital returning to rebuild positions in these assets after a period of recovery and sideways trading. Q5: What is the “January effect” mentioned by analysts? The “January effect” is a historical market pattern where assets that performed poorly at the end of the previous year tend to experience stronger rebounds in the month of January. VanEck analyst Matt Sigel applied this concept to the crypto market context. This post PEPE Memecoin Surge Sparks Dramatic Altcoin Recovery in Early 2025 first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

Crypto Market Prediction: Shiba Inu (SHIB) First Pivotal Critical Price Moment of 2026, Bitcoin's (BTC) Implosion Enables $100,000, Ethereum Handles $3,000 Like...

The market's response to holidays was certainly way better than most experts anticipated prior to 2026.

Long-Term Retirement Strategy: Leveraging XRP Without Selling

Jake Claver, Chief Executive Officer of Digital Ascension Group (DAG), recently discussed retirement planning for cryptocurrency holders during an appearance on the Paul Barron Show. The conversation addressed how investors can structure their portfolios for the future and how assets such as XRP can be used for long-term retirement without liquidation. Shifting Views on Retirement During the interview, Paul Barron noted that a growing number of individuals in their 40s are setting retirement goals earlier than previous generations. This reflects changing work expectations, as more people seek financial independence sooner rather than planning to remain in traditional employment for several decades. Claver explained that people typically move through different financial stages as they age. He observed that early adulthood is often shaped by learning through experience, while the following years focus on building wealth through careers, investment, and entrepreneurship. By midlife, priorities commonly shift toward restructuring personal goals and enjoying the results of earlier financial decisions. In later years, he stated that many begin to prioritize community support, knowledge sharing, and charitable work, especially when financial stability has already been secured. He added that the modern financial landscape offers more opportunities for wealth creation than previous eras, particularly because of the growth of digital assets. Diversification in Wealth Building Claver emphasized the value of diversification across all age groups. According to him, younger adults usually have a higher tolerance for risk and can allocate more resources to growth-oriented investments. As people approach retirement, he noted they tend to prefer safer assets and consistent returns. He referenced strategies commonly used by high-net-worth families. These approaches often allocate roughly 20–30% to liquid, low-risk holdings such as cash and government securities, another 20–30% toward equities, and approximately 10–20% to real estate due to its benefits for income generation and taxation. Business ownership is also an important component for wealth generation, while cryptocurrency typically represents a smaller allocation, usually between 1–5%, though more aggressive investors may choose to increase this portion based on risk preference. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 Using XRP for Long-Term Retirement Planning Barron requested insight on how investors could retain XRP and similar cryptocurrencies for retirement without selling them. He noted interest in assets including XRP, Bitcoin, HBAR, XLM, and yield products from networks such as Flare. Claver stated that DAG prioritizes helping clients establish proper structures for asset management rather than advocating for a specific product. He highlighted Wyoming as one of the most advantageous jurisdictions for digital asset ownership due to legal protections and favorable regulations. He revealed that his firm has assisted clients in forming nearly 7,500 limited liability companies in the state, many of which are used to store assets such as XRP, ETH, Solana, MATIC, Chainlink, and others. These LLCs are generally created as holding entities rather than trading entities so that assets qualify for long-term capital gains treatment and remain shielded from operational risk. He further noted that these structures can provide legal protection, as creditors cannot seize assets directly but may only request a charging order. To complement LLCs, DAG often integrates living trusts for clients. These trusts, which may be revocable or irrevocable depending on preference, ensure smooth inheritance without probate processes. Claver stated that the firm currently establishes living trusts for $500, with an upcoming increase to $1,000. Trusts can hold various assets, including digital currencies, property, vehicles, precious metals, and valuable possessions. Claver’s perspective illustrates how digital assets such as XRP can play a role in long-term retirement planning when combined with proper legal structure, diversification, and strategy. Rather than relying solely on selling tokens for profit, investors can position assets within LLCs and trusts to preserve wealth, maintain control, and pass holdings to future generations. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are urged to do in-depth research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on Twitter , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post Long-Term Retirement Strategy: Leveraging XRP Without Selling appeared first on Times Tabloid .

Will Chainlink reserve’s buying strategy offset rising leverage risk?

Leverage has been rising, even as spot inflows remain subdued across the market.

Altcoin Season Setup Advances: CEX Volume Hits Cycle Highs Despite Price Weakness

Altcoin season was widely anticipated for 2025, but the reality has unfolded very differently. Instead of a broad-based rally, most altcoins suffered deep and prolonged drawdowns, erasing years of gains and forcing many investors out of the market. As 2026 approaches, sentiment around altcoins remains fragile. A growing number of analysts now warn that the worst may not be over, arguing that structural weakness, declining liquidity, and fading retail participation could drive another leg lower across the sector. Related Reading: Ethereum Liquidity Rebuilds On Binance: December Inflows Signal Strategic Repositioning Market data reinforces this cautious outlook. The Crypto Total Market Cap, excluding the top 10 assets—commonly referred to as the OTHERS index—has collapsed by more than 50% since December 2024. Market capitalization has fallen from roughly $451 billion to around $182 billion in just twelve months, highlighting the scale of capital destruction across mid- and small-cap tokens. This sharp contraction reflects aggressive de-risking, weak demand, and sustained selling pressure across the altcoin market. However, not all analysts are convinced the altcoin cycle is finished. A smaller group points to historical precedents, arguing that periods of extreme underperformance and investor capitulation have often preceded powerful altcoin recoveries. From this perspective, 2026 could mark the delayed arrival of an altcoin season—if liquidity conditions improve and capital rotation resumes. Altcoin Trading Activity Remains Elevated Despite Price Weakness A recent CryptoQuant report challenges the widely held belief that this cycle has produced “no altcoin season.” According to the data, centralized exchange trading volume for altcoins—excluding the top five assets—has reached levels significantly higher than those seen in previous market cycles. In other words, altcoins are being traded more actively than ever, even as prices remain deeply depressed across much of the market. This divergence between volume and price helps explain the prevailing confusion. While many tokens have lost a substantial portion of their value, on-chain and exchange data show that activity has not disappeared. Instead, the market has undergone a structural shift. Retail participation has largely faded after months of losses, with many smaller investors capitulating and exiting positions. Their absence, however, has not resulted in lower overall trading activity. CryptoQuant’s analysis suggests that altcoin dominance has increasingly concentrated among larger players. Whales and professional participants now account for a growing share of altcoin volume, using periods of low liquidity and weak sentiment to accumulate positions or actively rotate capital. From this perspective, the current phase may not signal the absence of an altcoin cycle, but rather its transformation. If whale-driven positioning continues and broader market conditions improve, these participants are likely to push prices higher to maximize returns. Related Reading: Bitcoin Miner Distribution Re-Emerges: BTC Enters A Fragile Price Phase OTHERS Market Cap Shows Prolonged Compression The OTHERS chart, which tracks the total crypto market capitalization excluding the top 10 assets, highlights the depth and duration of the ongoing altcoin correction. After peaking near $450 billion in late 2024, the market has lost more than half of its value, stabilizing around the $200–210 billion zone. This sharp contraction confirms that the altcoin market has experienced a full reset rather than a shallow pullback. From a technical perspective, the structure reflects prolonged compression. Price is currently oscillating around the 200-week moving average (red), a level that historically acts as a long-term equilibrium zone during transitions between bearish and recovery phases. The failure to reclaim the 100-week and 50-week moving averages suggests that upside momentum remains weak and that buyers lack conviction at higher levels. Related Reading: Bitcoin Supply In Profit Sets The Stage For Bullish Cross In Q1 2026 Volume dynamics reinforce this view. While periodic spikes appear during sell-offs and relief rallies, there is no sustained expansion in volume that would signal broad-based accumulation. This implies selective positioning rather than widespread risk appetite. Importantly, the market is no longer making aggressive lower lows, indicating that forced selling may be largely exhausted. However, the absence of higher highs keeps the structure neutral-to-bearish. For a meaningful altcoin recovery, OTHERS would need to reclaim the $260–280 billion range and hold above key moving averages. Until then, the chart suggests consolidation, dominance by larger players, and a market still searching for a durable bottom rather than the start of a classic altcoin season. Featured image from ChatGPT, chart from TradingView.com

Aave Revenue Sharing: A Bold New Chapter for Token Holder Value in DeFi Governance

BitcoinWorld Aave Revenue Sharing: A Bold New Chapter for Token Holder Value in DeFi Governance In a significant development for decentralized finance governance, Aave founder Stani Kulechov has announced that Aave Labs will share future non-protocol revenue with AAVE token holders. This announcement, made in early 2025, follows a contentious governance vote and signals a strategic evolution in how major DeFi protocols manage growth, value creation, and community alignment. The move addresses fundamental questions about value accrual and decentralization that have challenged the sector since its inception. Aave Revenue Sharing Model: The Core Announcement Stani Kulechov, the founder of the pioneering crypto lending protocol Aave, detailed a new framework for value distribution. According to his statement, revenue generated from business activities outside the core Aave protocol will be shared with holders of the AAVE governance token. This revenue will stem from ventures including real-world asset tokenization, institutional lending products, and consumer-facing financial applications. Kulechov emphasized that a formal governance proposal outlining the specific mechanics will follow soon. This model represents a departure from traditional protocol fee-sharing, focusing instead on value generated by the core development team’s expansion efforts. The announcement comes directly after the failure of a recent, more radical governance proposal. That proposal sought to make Aave Labs a formal subsidiary of the Aave DAO by transferring its intellectual property and equity to the decentralized autonomous organization. The proposal did not achieve the necessary consensus, highlighting ongoing tensions within the community regarding the appropriate relationship between a foundational development team and a decentralized governance body. Context and Precedent: The Failed Governance Proposal To understand the significance of the new revenue-sharing plan, one must examine the governance event that preceded it. The community recently voted on Aave Improvement Proposal (AIP) 2025-01, which proposed a full absorption of Aave Labs into the Aave DAO. Proponents argued this would perfect decentralization by aligning all incentives under a single token-holder governed entity. However, the proposal faced substantial opposition over concerns about operational agility, legal complexity, and the dilution of the founding team’s ability to execute swiftly. A particularly notable aspect of the vote was Kulechov’s own actions. Public blockchain data revealed that the founder purchased a substantial amount of AAVE tokens prior to the vote, which he then used to exercise his voting rights. This action sparked immediate debate within the crypto community. Critics raised concerns about centralization and the potential for founder influence to override broader community sentiment. Defenders argued it demonstrated a significant financial commitment and alignment with the protocol’s future. This event underscores the complex and often messy reality of on-chain governance, where capital concentration can directly translate to voting power. The Centralization Debate in DeFi Governance The incident highlights a persistent structural challenge in DeFi: the balance between efficient leadership and decentralized decision-making. While decentralized autonomous organizations promise community-led governance, early founders and large token holders often retain significant influence. Kulechov’s large token purchase, while transparent, brought this tension into sharp focus. Analysts from institutions like CoinShares and Delphi Digital have frequently noted that governance participation rates in major DAOs often remain low, sometimes allowing concentrated holders to sway outcomes. The new revenue-sharing model can be seen as a response to this critique, offering tangible value to all token holders as the ecosystem expands, potentially incentivizing broader and more sustained participation. Strategic Pivot: Seeking Growth Beyond Core DeFi Kulechov’s rationale for the new business direction is rooted in competitive and strategic necessity. He argued that the Aave protocol must explore new revenue streams beyond its established decentralized lending and borrowing markets. The founder identified several key growth verticals: Real-World Asset (RWA) Tokenization: Bringing traditional financial assets like treasury bills, real estate, and corporate debt onto the blockchain as collateral. Institutional Lending: Creating tailored, compliant products for hedge funds, family offices, and other traditional finance entities. Consumer Financial Products: Developing user-friendly applications that leverage Aave’s liquidity for savings, payments, or credit. Kulechov contended that funding these ventures directly through the DAO treasury would be “inefficient and uncompetitive.” Instead, he proposed a model where Aave Labs, with its dedicated team and resources, incubates and develops these products. The successful ventures would then generate revenue, a portion of which flows back to the AAVE token holders. This approach mirrors strategies seen in traditional tech, where a core company spins out new business units, but with a crypto-native twist of direct value sharing with the community. Comparative Analysis: Value Accrual in DeFi Protocols How a protocol captures and distributes value is a fundamental differentiator in DeFi. The Aave announcement places it within a spectrum of existing models. The table below contrasts the new Aave approach with other major protocols: Protocol Primary Value Accrual Model Token Utility Aave (New Model) Protocol fees + Shared non-protocol business revenue Governance, Safety Module, Revenue Share Compound (COMP) Governance rights over protocol parameters Pure Governance Uniswap (UNI) Governance rights (fee switch inactive as of 2025) Pure Governance Maker (MKR) Governance and surplus buffer recapitalization Governance, Recapitalization Curve (CRV) Fee distribution and vote-locking for gauge weights Governance, Fee Share (veTokenomics) This new hybrid model could strengthen the AAVE token’s investment thesis by adding a direct cash-flow component alongside its established governance and staking utilities. It responds to a common critique that many governance tokens lack clear value accrual mechanisms beyond speculative trading. Potential Impacts and Market Implications The proposed shift carries several potential implications for Aave and the broader DeFi sector. Firstly, it could enhance AAVE’s attractiveness as a yield-bearing asset, potentially drawing in a new class of investors focused on real yield and cash flow. Secondly, it may set a precedent for other foundational DeFi teams considering how to scale their operations while maintaining community trust. Projects like Compound Labs or the Uniswap Foundation may face increased community pressure to explore similar value-sharing arrangements for their off-protocol initiatives. However, the model also introduces new complexities. The definition and transparent reporting of “non-protocol revenue” will be crucial. Token holders will require robust, verifiable accounting to trust the system. Furthermore, the legal and regulatory treatment of such revenue sharing remains an open question in many jurisdictions. Could distributing profits from business activities turn a governance token into a security in the eyes of regulators? These are questions the forthcoming formal proposal must address with clarity. Expert Perspectives on Protocol Sustainability Industry observers have long debated the sustainability of pure governance tokens. David Hoffman, co-founder of Bankless, has written extensively on the need for “protocol-owned value” and sustainable treasury management. The Aave move aligns with this school of thought, seeking to diversify revenue sources. Conversely, some purists argue that a protocol’s value should derive solely from its utility and that off-protocol ventures distract from core development. The success of this model will likely depend on Aave Labs’ ability to execute on these new ventures without diverting resources from maintaining and improving the core, battle-tested lending markets that made Aave a leader. Conclusion The announcement by Aave founder Stani Kulechov to share non-protocol revenue with AAVE token holders marks a pivotal experiment in DeFi governance and value distribution. It emerges from the practical realities of a failed full-integration proposal and addresses core concerns about centralization and value accrual. By proposing a hybrid model where Aave Labs pursues growth initiatives and shares the proceeds, the protocol seeks to balance entrepreneurial agility with community alignment. As the formal proposal takes shape, the crypto community will watch closely. Its structure, transparency, and execution could well define a new template for how foundational teams and decentralized communities collaborate to build and capture value in the evolving financial landscape. The success of this Aave revenue sharing model may influence the trajectory of decentralized governance for years to come. FAQs Q1: What exactly is Aave Labs proposing to share with token holders? Aave Labs proposes to share a portion of the revenue generated from new business ventures outside the core Aave lending protocol. This includes future income from areas like real-world asset tokenization, institutional products, and consumer finance apps, not the standard fees from the existing DeFi platform. Q2: Why did the previous proposal to make Aave Labs a DAO subsidiary fail? The previous governance proposal (AIP 2025-01) failed to pass due to community concerns about operational inefficiency, legal complexity, and potentially slowing down the development team’s ability to compete and innovate in fast-moving markets. Q3: How does Stani Kulechov’s token purchase affect governance? Kulechov’s purchase of a large amount of AAVE before the vote allowed him to cast more votes. This action highlighted the ongoing tension in DAOs between founder influence and decentralized decision-making, as voting power is directly proportional to token ownership. Q4: How does this model differ from other DeFi protocols like Uniswap or Compound? Unlike Uniswap (pure governance) or Compound (pure governance), Aave’s new model adds a direct revenue-sharing component from external business activities. This hybrid approach combines governance rights with a potential cash-flow mechanism, similar in spirit to but distinct from Curve’s fee-sharing model. Q5: What are the main risks or challenges with this new revenue-sharing plan? Key challenges include defining and transparently reporting “non-protocol revenue,” ensuring the core protocol development is not neglected, and navigating potential regulatory scrutiny regarding whether the revenue share could affect the legal classification of the AAVE token. This post Aave Revenue Sharing: A Bold New Chapter for Token Holder Value in DeFi Governance first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

Friday charts: Finding good news, in spite of bad headlines

2025 was far from perfect, but much better than we think it was.

Best New Meme Coin to 100x in 2026 – January 2

The cryptocurrency market has bounced by nearly 2% in the past 24 hours, with its total capitalization returning to $3.111 trillion as European stocks enjoyed a New Year bounce today. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP have all risen by around 2%, while the big winners in the top 100 include Pepe (26%), Pump.fun (11%), Polkadot (10%), and Ondo (10%). After an anticlimactic end to 2025, it now seems that the market may be in for a period of sustained growth, especially as new crypto ETFs continue to launch . In view of this bullish turn, we’ve highlighted the best new meme coin to 100x in 2026, picking soon-to-launch mining token PEPENODE ($PEPENODE) , which could rally strongly when it lists next week. Best New Meme Coin to 100x in 2026 – January 2 Running on Ethereum, PEPENODE opened its presale in Q4 of last year and has since gone on to raise just over $2.5 million . This is a hugely encouraging figure, testifying to the interest the coin is generating among investors. And there’s a reason why PEPENODE is standing out from the crowd of new meme coins, which is that it’s launching a platform that will make mining tokens much more accessible to the average crypto user. Instead of requiring investment in expensive mining equipment and facilities, PEPENODE enables investors to build their own virtual mining rigs, which they can run in order to earn mining rewards in external tokens, such as Pepe and Fartcoin (and others). By spending PEPENODE tokens on new virtual mining nodes, users can increase the power of their rigs, earning bigger rewards in the process. In fact, users can also upgrade their nodes and combine them in novel ways, expanding their earning potential even further. And when they’ve finished mining, they can sell on their nodes, earning back PEPENODE in the process. This has the potential to make PEPENODE one of the most profitable new projects in the market in 2026, which helps to explain why its presale is doing so well. On top of this, holders can stake the coin for a passive income, with its protocol currently paying out a yield of 537% APY . PEPENODE Will Launch Next Week: Here’s How to Buy Before It’s Too Late But as mentioned in this article’s introduction, PEPENODE’s presale is ending very soon, with only 6 days left to buy the coin early. Investors can do this by going to the project’s official website and connecting a compatible wallet, such as Best Wallet. PEPENODE is selling at its final sale price of $0.0012161, with the coin exchangeable for ETH, USDT, BNB, or fiat currency. Happy New Year from PEPENODE. An amazing 2025 turns into a 2026 takeover. Celebrate tonight because tomorrow it's back to mining . https://t.co/FaKIaBpf4I pic.twitter.com/rJtemwAITp — PEPENODE (@pepenode_io) January 1, 2026 Given its growing popularity, there’s every chance that it will rally well beyond this price once it launches next week. This is particularly the case when the market appears to be regaining bullishness, and just at the right time. This is why PEPENODE is our best new meme coin to 100x in 2026, and why investors should consider allocating a portion of their portfolios to it. Visit the Official Pepenode Website Here The post Best New Meme Coin to 100x in 2026 – January 2 appeared first on Cryptonews .

Trump blocks Chinese-backed HieFo's acquisition of US chip assets

A Chinese-controlled company can’t keep the American semiconductor technology it bought, according to a White House decision released Friday. Officials say the deal threatens national security. The government is forcing HieFo Corp., a Delaware-based business, to give back chip assets it purchased from Emcore. A Chinese citizen set up HieFo and controls it, which officials say creates security problems. The companies said they wrapped up most of the deal in 2024. It was worth nearly $3 million. Semiconductor experts say Emcore’s technology has potential military uses. It could also improve AI computer systems, which worries the Trump administration. HieFo and Emcore haven’t commented on the decision. Cfius orders complete reversal of transaction The Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. reviewed the purchase. The committee, called Cfius, examines foreign investments for security risks. Now HieFo has to sell everything it got from Emcore and undo the whole transaction. Trump’s China policy on technology has mixed signals. He’s relaxed some trade restrictions during negotiations with Chinese leaders. He’s also allowed China to buy certain AI chips from Nvidia and other US companies. But the administration still blocks some exports and investments for security reasons. Trump let Nvidia sell its advanced H200 AI chips to “approved customers” in China, but with a catch. Nvidia has to pay the government 15% of what it earns from those sales. Senator Elizabeth Warren and other Democrats called this dangerous for national security. As reported by Cryptopolitan previously, China ended up rejecting the H200 chips anyway. Instead, China chose semiconductors made at home. Beijing mandates domestic equipment for chip production China is pushing hard to build its own chip industry. Three people with knowledge of the policy told Reuters that China now requires chipmakers to source at least 50% of their equipment domestically when adding new production capacity. The rule isn’t published anywhere, but government officials have been informing companies about it in recent months when they apply to build or expand factories. Companies must prove through their purchasing bids that Chinese-made equipment will account for half or more of their orders. This marks one of Beijing’s strongest moves yet to cut dependence on foreign technology. The push accelerated after the US tightened export controls in 2023, banning sales of advanced AI chips and semiconductor equipment to China. Those American restrictions only stopped the most sophisticated tools from being sold. But China’s 50% requirement means manufacturers pick Chinese suppliers even when they can still legally buy equipment from the US, Japan, South Korea, and Europe. The US Trade Representative’s office released findings last month from a nearly year-long investigation into China’s semiconductor sector. Biden launched the inquiry in his final weeks as president, leaving Trump to decide what to do. Trump has since made a trade deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping that calmed global markets. The government isn’t imposing new tariffs on chip imports right away. The tariff rate stays at zero for 18 months. On June 23, 2027, it will increase to a rate the government will announce at least 30 days beforehand. A Federal Register notice said China’s effort to dominate semiconductors “is unreasonable and burdens or restricts U.S. commerce and thus is actionable.” Get up to $30,050 in trading rewards when you join Bybit today

Hyperliquid Founder Reasserts Hardline Ethos: ‘No Insiders Allowed’

Hyperliquid’s founder is doubling down on what he says is the project’s non-negotiable premise: credibility comes from refusing the usual backroom economics. In a Jan. 1 post on X, Jeff Yan framed “integrity” and “credible neutrality” as design constraints, not marketing language. Hyperliquid Reaffirms ‘No Insiders’ Ethos “Integrity has always been one of Hyperliquid’s core values. The house of all finance must be credibly neutral. This means no private investors, no market maker deals, and no protocol fees to any company,” he wrote , drawing a straight line between governance legitimacy and the absence of paid counterparties. That posture also extends to the origin story. “The initial state of any blockchain is a crucial part of its story that can never be erased. The original ethos of Bitcoin was a permissionless network accessible to all. Hyperliquid’s genesis distribution followed this spirit, going entirely to early users with core contributors excluded,” the post continued, adding that “the full distribution is verifiable onchain without obfuscation.” The founder acknowledged that this approach is not always convenient for would-be partners or ecosystem builders accustomed to preferential terms. “This principle of fairness frustrates a few users and builders who are used to special treatment,” he said, arguing it forces the community to “do things the hard way”, including “zero tolerance” for “integrity yellow flags” among team members. It is not the first time he has put the stance in blunt terms. In a January 2024 post, he summarized the policy as: “No investors. No paid market makers. No fees to the dev team… No insiders @HyperliquidX.” Lighter Debut Sparks Controversy The timing matters because the on-chain perpetuals category is now fighting not just over latency and liquidity, but over distribution optics, and Hyperliquid’s most visible new rival has become a live case study. Lighter, an Ethereum-based perpetual futures exchange that also operates as an Ethereum layer-2, launched earlier this week and has climbed quickly in the rankings. On Dec. 30, it airdropped 250 million LIT tokens, 25% of its 1 billion total supply, to early users, with another 25% set aside for future growth programs. The controversy is the other half. Lighter allocated 50% of supply to employees and investors, subject to a one-year lockup and three-year vesting, a structure that has triggered debate across DeFi about whether “community-first” narratives still hold when insiders retain an equal share of the cap table. In other words, Lighter’s launch has intensified the same ideological fault line Hyperliquid is trying to own: whether the cleanest on-chain market structure is primarily about product performance or about refusing the incentives that come with investors, paid liquidity, and insider allocations. At press time, HYPE traded at $24,51.

Solana Price Holds $127 As Buyers Hesitate After 2025 Slide

Summary Solana trades near $127–$128 as price compresses after a multi-month decline. SOL remains capped below stacked EMAs, with the 50-day near $136 as key resistance. Spot flows show early stabilization, but conviction remains limited. By Parshwa Turakhiya Solana (SOL-USD) is starting the new year locked in an uneasy balance, trading near the $127 to $128 area on Friday after months of steady compression. Price is no longer in free fall, but it has not reclaimed trend control either What is driving the tape is hesitation rather than fear. Selling pressure that dominated November and December has largely burned off, yet buyers remain selective, stepping in on dips instead of chasing upside. That dynamic explains why the opening sessions of 2026 have been defined by sideways trade rather than a sharp rebound. The tone feels defensive but calmer. Volatility has compressed, intraday swings have narrowed, and price has gravitated toward equilibrium. This is the market pausing to reassess after a difficult second half of 2025, not one bracing for immediate capitulation. The tension heading into January is clear. Sellers no longer appear urgent, but buyers are not confident enough to force a breakout. Until one side gains conviction, Solana is likely to remain range-bound, with rallies sold and dips bought selectively rather than aggressively. Daily structure remains defensive despite stabilization On the daily chart, the broader structure still leans bearish. Solana remains below its 20, 50, 100, and 200-day EMAs, which are stacked bearishly from roughly $126 through the mid-$160s. The 20-day EMA has flattened near the current price, a sign that downside momentum has slowed. However, the 50-day near $136 and the 100-day around $152 continue to represent heavy overhead supply. Until price can reclaim at least the 50-day on a closing basis, upside attempts are likely to be treated as corrective rather than the start of a new trend. SOL price dynamics (Source: TradingView) Momentum confirms that assessment. The daily RSI is hovering just below 50, reflecting balance rather than strength. Strong reversals typically require RSI to push decisively back above the mid-50s. Solana has not done that yet. The market has neutralized oversold conditions, but it has not flipped into accumulation mode. Short-term structure offers a more constructive, though still cautious, view. On the 30-minute chart, Solana has reclaimed short-term trend support, with Supertrend flipping positive and price holding above SAR dots near $126. This favors dip-buying over selling rallies, but the advances have been choppy and incremental. Each push toward $128-$129 has met supply, suggesting short-term traders are fading range edges rather than positioning for continuation. As long as the price holds above the $125-$126 zone, near-term bias remains mildly constructive. A clean loss of that area would likely invite another sweep toward $122. Flows and positioning hint at stabilization, not conviction On-chain flow data adds important context. Spot netflows have been largely negative for months, reflecting steady distribution during the second half of 2025. That trend has recently eased. The latest readings show modest net inflows of around $3M as price stabilizes near $127. This is not aggressive accumulation, but it does suggest forced selling pressure has cooled. Historically, Solana has required sustained positive inflows to support durable rallies. For now, the data points to stabilization rather than a shift in behavior. Derivatives positioning tells a similar story. Futures open interest has ticked higher even as price moved sideways, sitting near $7.5B. That combination often signals traders rebuilding exposure after a washout, but it also raises the risk of volatility if price breaks out of its range. Long-short ratios show retail accounts leaning modestly long, while top traders remain heavily skewed long by account count. That divergence implies professional traders are positioning for upside, but cautiously, likely hedged and size-managed. Recent liquidation data supports that view, with shorts absorbing most losses during minor rallies while long liquidations remain contained. From a bullish perspective, the roadmap is defined but demanding. Solana needs to hold above $125 and reclaim $130 with authority. A daily close above the $136–$138 zone, aligned with the 50-day EMA, would be the first meaningful signal that trend control is shifting. If that occurs alongside improving spot inflows and expanding volume, a move toward $150 becomes plausible, reframing Solana as a recovery trade rather than a laggard. The bearish scenario remains straightforward. Failure to defend $125 would expose the lower end of the recent range near $122. A breakdown there risks reopening the path toward the psychological $110 level, especially if broader crypto sentiment weakens or Bitcoin rolls over. With the 200-day EMA still far overhead, macro shocks could quickly turn this quiet consolidation into another leg lower. Previously, we noted that Solana’s late-2025 declines were marked by persistent distribution and repeated failures at key moving averages. While selling pressure has eased, that structural backdrop has not yet changed. Confirmation is still missing. For now, Solana is no longer collapsing, but it is not trending either. Until price reclaims higher-time-frame resistance and spot flows turn decisively constructive, this remains a market defined by patience rather than momentum. This material may contain third-party opinions; none of the data and information on this webpage constitutes investment advice according to our Disclaimer . While we adhere to strict Editorial Integrity , this post may contain references to products from our partners. Original Post

Solana Price Prediction: Wall Street Investor Scaramucci Picks SOL as Top Altcoin for 2026 – $1,000 SOL Incoming?

The Solana price has risen by almost 3% in the past 24 hours, with its climb to $128.30 coming as the crypto market as a whole regains a cap of $3.111 trillion. SOL is now up by 4% in a week, although it does remain down by 9.5% in a month and by 38% in the past year. These percentages may be disappointing, but there are strong reasons to believe that the Solana price is on the brink of a strong and sustained recovery. Not only do its fundamentals remain as strong as ever, but high-profile investors are also tipping the coin for big things, with Skybridge Capital founder and former White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci picking Solana as one of his top 3 alts to watch in 2026. Solana Price Prediction: Wall Street Investor Scaramucci Picks SOL as Top Altcoin for 2026 – $1,000 SOL Incoming? Speaking in an interview, Scaramucci picked Solana, Avalanche, and Toncoin as his 3 cryptocurrencies that could outperform the market this year. Explaining why he chose Solana, the entrepreneur and former lawyer said that SOL is “cheap, low cost, very fast, easy to use, easy to develop on.” And while clarifying that he believes in a “multi-coin world,” Scaramucci explained that he’s singling out Solana because it has all the key attributes a layer-one platform would need to succeed. Of course, one investor’s remarks on their own aren’t enough to move a major token such as Solana, yet we can see from its chart today that it may be very close to a breakout. Not only has a bullish pennant been forming over the past few months, but also SOL’s two primary indicators – the RSI (yellow) and MACD (orange, blue) – are about to turn positive after weeks of negativity. Source: TradingView Indeed, Solana has been in an oversold position for so long now that a major rally is overdue, and it looks like such a rally could be beginning. Solana’s fundamentals also point towards strong growth this year, given that Solana remains the second-biggest layer-one network in terms of total value locked, at $9.3 billion. It’s also worth pointing out that its DEX volume, at $2.97 billion, is higher than Ethereum’s, which stands at a less impressive $1 billion. We’ve also seen the launch of several SOL ETFs in recent weeks , with 2026 likely to bring many more, pushing up the Solana price even higher. Based on this, we could see SOL hit $150 by the end of January, $250 by Q2, and then $1,000 by the end of 2026. Solana-Based Bitcoin Hyper is Ready to Launch Bitcoin’s First Ever Layer-Two Network: Next 100x Alt? As strong as Solana looks right now, traders may want to maintain a diversified portfolio in order to increase their exposure to potential gains. One way of doing this is to allocate some funds to presale coins, which, under the right conditions, can rally strongly when they list for the first time. This is what Solana-based layer-two network Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) is hoping to do, with its sale now having raised $30 million so far. Ringing in 2026 in style. 30M Raised! https://t.co/VNG0P4GuDo pic.twitter.com/dZ4WkGMSvv — Bitcoin Hyper (@BTC_Hyper2) January 1, 2026 This makes Bitcoin Hyper’s one of the biggest presales of the last 12 months, and indicates that it could become very popular once it launches. What’s interesting about Bitcoin Hyper is that it’s in the process of launching an L2 network for Bitcoin, one that is aiming to provide investors with a whole DeFi ecosystem in which to put their BTC to work. It harnesses Solana’s Virtual Machine, giving it a level of speed and scalability that will make it one of the fastest L2s around, while also making it compatible with Solana-based dapps. By depositing BTC with Bitcoin Hyper’s smart contract, users will receive a corresponding amount of HYPER, which they can then use with the L2’s growing range of dapps and protocols. In other words, they will be able to lend out the value of their Bitcoin, or they could stake their tokens and earn a yield, which currently stands at 39% APY. This is why Bitcoin Hyper has performed so well during its sale, which investors can join by going to the project’s official website . HYPER currently costs $0.013515, although this price will continue to rise for as long as the sale lasts. Visit the Official Bitcoin Hyper Website Here The post Solana Price Prediction: Wall Street Investor Scaramucci Picks SOL as Top Altcoin for 2026 – $1,000 SOL Incoming? appeared first on Cryptonews .

Solana’s Unbelievable Surge Leaves Centralized Exchanges Struggling

Solana's 2025 spot volume exceeded $1.6 trillion, surpassing many exchanges. Swissblock's analysis hints at Bitcoin identifying its bottom for a rise. Continue Reading: Solana’s Unbelievable Surge Leaves Centralized Exchanges Struggling The post Solana’s Unbelievable Surge Leaves Centralized Exchanges Struggling appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .

CleanSpark's AI Pivot To Gather Steam In 2026

Summary CleanSpark, Inc. is well positioned for a pivot to AI/HPC workloads, trading at an attractive 1.3x book value multiple. The crypto Miner has fortified its capital structure, reduced high-interest debt, and now boasts ~1 GW of contracted power, including a 285 MW Texas facility dedicated to AI. CLSK management is actively hiring AI talent and strategically repurposing existing data center capacity, with revenue from new AI-focused sites expected next year. Despite dilution risks from equity financing, CLSK's valuation remains compelling as markets await proof of AI revenue traction; I initiate CLSK with a Buy rating. Investment Thesis The crypto miner industry continues to be a fascinating space for investors, especially after the deep correction that many of these stocks saw through Q4 last year. A few winners have already emerged in the crypto mining industry as they secured deals from large clients to either provide full-stack managed GPU infrastructure solutions, turnkey data center solutions, or colocation services. Others, like CleanSpark, Inc. ( CLSK ), are still in the midst of catching up to this transformation towards quickly servicing the rapidly growing market for AI/HPC workloads as their crypto mining workloads slow. CleanSpark is one of those few crypto miners that are still cheap as compared to its peer group. There is a strong reason for that, which I explain below. However, in my view, CleanSpark looks like the next strong candidate to benefit from the industry pivot towards AI/HPC. I recommend a buy rating on CleanSpark. CleanSpark Has Set The Stage - It’s Time For The AI Show If investors are interested in reading about my foundational view on crypto miners, they can read my latest coverage on the comparison between TeraWulf ( WULF ) and Cipher Mining ( CIFR ). As explained in last month’s post, I do not expect compute demand for AI workloads to slow any time soon. Yet, the intense scrutiny on capex, cash flows, and depreciation will push many hyperscalers to diversify their supply chain of data center infrastructure away from owned to rented, giving crypto miners a huge leg up. So far, CleanSpark has been late to the "AI Pivot Party." The Nevada-based crypto miner has faced challenges in winning large customers so far because they had not secured enough resources to build out incremental capacity to serve these HPC clients. Neither were they able to fully transition many of their data center resources towards AI/HPC workloads because most of the data center infrastructure at 33 data centers that CleanSpark has online was being efficiently managed to service crypto mining workloads. Exhibit A: CleanSpark’s US data center footprint. (Company presentation) In the Q1 2025 call last year, CleanSpark’s management put forward their perspectives on why they would be late in pivoting towards AI: These challenges [infrastructure & capital] have a direct impact on both revenue generation and profitability. By contrast, Bitcoin mining remains an efficient, proven and scalable business model. We can bring a Bitcoin mining site online and start generating revenue within months, whereas a fully developed HPC site can take two to five years, not including the time and cost required to secure high-quality long-term customers. In addition to infrastructure challenges, CleanSpark also faced endogenous headwinds within their own capital structure, which inhibited the company from taking on more debt. Investors will do well to remember that building out data center infrastructure for AI/HPC clients requires immense capital. In 2025, CleanSpark’s cash fell to $43M from $122M in the previous year, while debt more than 10x-ed to $825M over the same time period. Most of the debt was sourced by CleanSpark to create a favorable capital structure that allows them to match their peers like TeraWulf or Cipher Mining, source deals, and deploy capital to rapidly build GPU capacity for clients. Also, CleanSpark generates strong EBITDA to support the current capital structure. In the last year, EBITDA has grown 2.5x to $252.4M, implying a gross debt leverage level of ~3.3x, which is very reasonable for the crypto miner. For example, Cipher Mining’s gross leverage is >10x (TTM basis), while industry leader CoreWeave ( CRWV ) sports a gross leverage of 8.6x (TTM basis). Additionally, CleanSpark has also taken 2025 to fortify its capital base, unlike many of its peers, by either eliminating entirely or reducing its debt exposure towards high-interest overhead, as seen below. Exhibit B: CleanSpark has actively reduced its exposure towards high interest overhead-bearing debt. (Company filings) The big moves CleanSpark made in its capital structure have really allowed the crypto miner to begin the fundamental pivot towards AI, which picked up speed in Q4 of last year. In the Q4 FY25 ER call , management revealed that they now have ~1 GW of contracted power in their portfolio, putting them at par with many of their peers who boast similar contracted power portfolios. This also includes the recently acquired 285 MW Houston, TX-based location , which CleanSpark plans to allocate only for AI/HPC workloads. CleanSpark has been upfront that they will start to recognize revenue from this location only next year onwards. But if CleanSpark does secure a customer for the Texas location, it would mark a significant improvement in the probability of generating revenue from this acquired location in Texas. Plus, CleanSpark is also hiring human talent to quicken the pace of its AI pivot. They recently appointed an ex-exec from Humain to lead their new AI teams. In addition to winning large clients for the Houston DC location, this new AI team and CleanSpark have already identified a 250 MW facility at its current Sandersville, GA, location, which can also be used for AI workloads along with crypto mining workloads. This gives CleanSpark a big advantage in its race to pivot to AI workloads. Valuation Levels For CleanSpark Are Very Reasonable Since CleanSpark has made active efforts to strengthen its balance sheet ahead of its widely expected AI pivot, the company looks very appealing on a book value multiple basis. Exhibit C: Cipher Mining’s 2026 revenue multiple vs TeraWulf’s 2026 revenue multiples. (yCharts) CleanSpark trades almost at par to its book, at a multiple of just 1.3x. For a company that is quickly positioning itself to benefit from the AI/HPC boom, the company is trading at very attractive multiples to its book value. Barring companies like CoreWeave and TeraWulf, investors can see how many crypto miner peers were trading in a similar book value multiple range of 1-3x book before trading at significantly higher multiples after most of these companies secured deals with hyperscalers. There is significant scope for expansion in CleanSpark’s book value multiple expansion, which is likely going to happen from a large step-up function stemming from an impending deal. CleanSpark is very cheap at current levels. Risks & Other Factors To Note One of the drawbacks of management’s approach towards fortifying its capital structure is that the company has mostly resorted to various forms of equity financing. In other words, current shareholders get impacted due to dilutive strategies employed by the company, which has seen its share base expand by ~50% in 2025 and by much more in the years preceding last year. Through multiple ER calls last year, management has reiterated their commitment towards minimizing share-dilutive tactics to source capital, but investors could still see these risks play out until the company wins large hyperscaler deals or the Bitcoin market regains its strength. At the end of the day, CleanSpark is still a crypto miner-first company attempting to pivot towards AI, so the strength of its crypto mining business is still crucial. Takeaway CleanSpark appears all set to benefit from the multi-stage pivot towards AI and HPC workloads. Markets currently are on the sidelines waiting for the company to show progress first but are unfortunately discounting the progress already made by the crypto miner. Fortunately for investors, CleanSpark does trade at attractive book value multiples, leading me to initiate a Buy rating on this company.

Markets start new year on high note, but what comes next

_*]:min-w-0"> Financial markets began the new year just like they ended the old one, heading up. Stock prices climbed during January’s first trading session, keeping alive a trend that ran through most of last year. _*]:min-w-0"> Things stayed positive throughout the previous year. Excitement about artificial intelligence, lower inflation, and central banks stepping in kept the rally going. Trade fights, global tensions, and expensive stock prices? Investors shrugged those off. The takeaway was simple enough: taking risks paid off. _*]:min-w-0"> But what really stood out wasn’t just the gains themselves. It was how everything rose together. Stocks went up. Bonds went up. Credit spreads got tighter. Commodities climbed even as inflation cooled. The profits came from all directions and kept coming. By year’s end, financial conditions had loosened to nearly their easiest levels of the whole year. Stock valuations climbed and investors seemed to agree on what was driving it, economic growth and AI. _*]:min-w-0"> When you look at global stocks, bonds, credit, and commodities as one big picture, the previous year delivered the strongest combined performance since 2009. That was the year markets were in crisis mode and governments had to step in big time. _*]:min-w-0"> All this moving together made diversification look almost too easy. Which is actually the problem. It masked how much depends on those same conditions sticking around. When investments that are supposed to offset each other all go the same direction, you’re not as protected as you think. Sure, returns stack up. But there’s less room for things to go wrong. _*]:min-w-0"> Wall Street still betting on same playbook _*]:min-w-0"> Wall Street analysts are still banking on the same things, massive AI spending, solid economic growth, and central banks cutting rates without lighting the inflation fire again. Forecasts from more than 60 firms show pretty broad agreement that those conditions are still in place. _*]:min-w-0"> Thing is, markets have already baked in a lot of good news. _*]:min-w-0"> “We are assuming that the torrid pace of valuation expansion we have seen in some sectors is not sustainable nor repeatable,” said Carl Kaufman, a portfolio manager at Osterweis, referring to AI and nuclear-related stocks . “We are cautiously optimistic that we can avoid a major collapse, but fearful that future returns could be anemic.” _*]:min-w-0"> The numbers tell the story. U.S. stocks returned about 18%, marking three years in a row of double-digit gains. Global equities did even better at roughly 23%. Government bonds climbed too, global Treasuries were up nearly 7% as the Federal Reserve cut interest rates three times. _*]:min-w-0"> Volatility dropped hard and credit markets followed suit. Bond market swings recorded their steepest annual decline since after the financial crisis. Investment-grade spreads tightened for a third straight year, leaving average risk premiums below 80 basis points. _*]:min-w-0"> Commodities got in on the action. A Bloomberg index tracking the sector rose about 11%, with precious metals out front. Gold hit one record high after another, helped by central bank buying, easier U.S. monetary policy, and a weaker dollar. _*]:min-w-0"> Inflation remains the wildcard that could flip everything _*]:min-w-0"> Inflation’s still the big wild card. Price pressures eased through most of the previous year, but some investors warn that energy markets or policy mistakes could flip that around fast. _*]:min-w-0"> “The key risk for us is whether inflation finally returns,” Mina Krishnan at Schroders told Bloomberg. “We envision a domino of events that could lead to inflation, and we see the most probable path beginning with a rise in energy prices.” _*]:min-w-0"> You can see the disconnect beyond just markets. As reported by Cryptopolitan previously, the world’s 500 richest people added a record $2.2 trillion to their fortunes last year. Meanwhile, U.S. consumer confidence fell for five months straight through December. _*]:min-w-0"> Old-school Wall Street strategies made a comeback too. The 60/40 portfolio, splitting money between stocks and bonds, returned 14%. An index tracking the risk parity strategy jumped 19% for its best year since 2020. _*]:min-w-0"> Most investment managers aren’t sweating it yet. They say economic momentum and policy support are strong enough to justify higher prices. _*]:min-w-0"> “We are looking to spend as much cash as possible to take advantage of the current environment,” said Josh Kutin, head of asset allocation for North America at Columbia Threadneedle Investments. “We really are not seeing any evidence that we should be concerned about that downturn in the immediate future.” Get $50 free to trade crypto when you sign up to Bybit now

Jake Claver Doubles Down On $100 XRP Target After 2025 Miss

Jake Claver, a renowned XRP promoter and CEO of Digital Ascension Group, is again leaning into a familiar XRP thesis: behind-the-scenes institutional adoption, NDAs, and “domino” catalysts, only days after analyst Zach Rector publicly criticized Claver’s failed “$100 XRP by end of 2025” prediction as misleading. $100 XRP Only Delayed, Says Claver In a post on Jan.1, Claver responded: “Timelines always get extended,” and added: “I should know this by now from all that we’ve built in the past 3 years, working with partners and regulators. I’m sure Ripple and many others have felt and still feel the same way after 13.5 years. The Domino Theory still stands, Real world events will play out, and XRP will become the backbone of markets in the future.” In a series of posts spanning Dec. 27 through Jan. 1, Claver argued that “real world events will play out, and XRP will become the backbone of markets in the future.” A Jan. 1 post focused on Ripple’s non-disclosure agreements, which Claver described as a signal that large counterparties are already preparing to build with XRP. Related Reading: Expert Says XRP ‘Haters’ Miss The Bigger Picture: Here’s What It Is “Ripple signing over 1,700 non-disclosure agreements probably isn’t random,” he wrote. “These most likely cover talks with major players—governments, global banks, payment networks, big universities, and Fortune 500 firms—all laying the groundwork to use XRP. The pieces for mass adoption have been falling into place behind the scenes for quite a while.” Earlier posts pressed the same point with higher conviction. On Dec. 28, Claver claimed: “Major institutions are stacking up XRP behind the scenes while keeping the public in the dark. The current price is merely a shadow of what’s coming. When XRP transforms into the foundation of international finance, today’s hesitation will become tomorrow’s regret. In my opinion, nothing in crypto space offers this level of certainty and potential for massive returns.” Related Reading: XRP At Risk Of A Drop To $0.80? Analyst Makes The Case On Dec. 31, he described XRP “as built to upgrade the existing financial system,” while adding that “blockchain isn’t just for storing value, it can power a faster, more open financial system. For that, you need high-performance infrastructure like XRP.” As reported on Bitcoinist yesterday, Rector’s criticism has been less about making bold forecasts than about the way they are delivered. Rector argued there was “no plausible scenario” for a roughly 5,000% move in the time window implied by the $100 call, and that the messaging leaned on suggestions of privileged insight rather than probabilistic framing. Rector’s allegations also extended beyond price talk into claims about XRP-focused funds associated with Claver’s orbit. “Jake and his scheme, his business has grown so big they’ve taken in so much XRP from our community,” Rector said. “There’s a massive discrepancy from what he’s saying publicly and what investors are telling me privately.” At press time, XRP traded at $1.89. Featured image created with DALL.E, chart from TradingView.com

TAO’s price is eyeing $285, but what should traders really do?

TAO's price action is in an interesting position right now.

Ethereum Price Prediction: ETH Ends 2025 Messy – Will 2026 Be the Start of a Bull Cycle or a Brutal Reset?

ETH wrapped up the year with an 11% loss, capping off a turbulent stretch that saw the token fall below $3,000 just weeks after hitting a new all-time high. While prices are showing signs of recovery, current Ethereum price predictions remain divided. Historically, January has been a strong month for ETH. The token has posted gains in 5 of the last 9 years during this period, giving bulls a seasonal edge to lean on. However, 2025 was quite different from the norm as ETH dropped in January and went on to book losses during the three months that followed. This was the first time such a strong losing streak had happened in 9 years, possibly reflecting a departure from historical patterns. However, analysts are still confident about Ethereum’s fundamentals. For example, Tom Lee, a notable ETH bull, sees the token rising to around $7,000 and $9,000 this year. Instead of calling this rally a “supercycle”, he sees it as a “fundamental shift in market structure.” The Ethereum network experienced two major technical overhauls last year, Pectra and Fusaka, that resulted in improved scalability and lower fees. Can these upgrades set the stage for accelerated institutional adoption in 2026? Ethereum Price Prediction: RSI Sends Buy Signal as ETH Surpasses $3K Again The daily chart shows that an ascending price channel has formed as ETH bounced from $2,750. ETH needs to rise above $3,250 to invalidate its bearish price structure. Such a move should be accompanied by above-average trading volumes to be confirmed. In the past 24 hours, the token has booked a 2.4% gain as it moved above $3,000 once again. Volumes are steadily rising, currently sitting at $15 billion, accounting for 4% of the asset’s circulating market cap. Meanwhile, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) has just moved above the 14-day moving average, a classic buy signal that suggests bullish momentum is gaining traction. If ETH kicks off a proper recovery, meme coins are likely to lead the charge, and few have more upside potential right now than Maxi Doge ($MAXI) . This high-energy presale is capturing the same early-stage hype that helped Dogecoin explode 1000x, and it’s quickly becoming one of the most talked-about meme coins of the year. Maxi Doge ($MAXI) Brings Back the Dogecoin Hype, Built for Traders Who Want More Maxi Doge ($MAXI) taps into the same early Dogecoin energy that turned a meme into one of the biggest success stories in crypto. But this time, it’s designed with traders in mind. Built on Ethereum, $MAXI is creating a growing community where holders share real trading setups , and are always on the hunt for the next big move . To keep the community engaged and locked in, Maxi Doge will host fun competitions like Maxi Ripped through which token holders can showcase their biggest Ws to earn rewards and bragging rights. Getting in is easy; simply head to the official Maxi Doge website and link up a compatible wallet like Best Wallet . You can swap existing crypto or use a bank card to invest in seconds. Visit the Official Maxi Doge Website Here The post Ethereum Price Prediction: ETH Ends 2025 Messy – Will 2026 Be the Start of a Bull Cycle or a Brutal Reset? appeared first on Cryptonews .

Rivian follows Tesla in underperforming sales expectations

Rivian Automotive reported disappointing 2025 delivery figures on Friday, delivering 42,247 electric vehicles throughout the year. This represents an 18% decline from the previous year and falls short of analyst expectations of 42,500 deliveries. The autonomous driving industry is experiencing a decline in consumer interest due to high costs. Automakers are reporting low sales after the $7,500 federal EV tax credit expired in September last year. How was Rivian Automotive’s 2025 performance? Rivian delivered 42,247 EVs in 2025, down 18% from 2024 and missing analyst expectations of 42,500 units. The California-based automaker delivered 9,745 vehicles in the fourth quarter alone, narrowly missing Wall Street’s prediction of 10,050 units. During the same period, Rivian produced 10,974 vehicles at its Normal, Illinois, manufacturing facility. Elon Musk’s Tesla also had a rough year as Cryptopolitan reported that the EV maker posted disappointing delivery numbers for 2025. The situation for American EV makers is compounded by the expiration of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit at the end of September 2025 effectively increased prices for consumers and choked off demand across the industry. The premium vehicles such as the R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV that Rivian sells at high prices are usually the first to go when economic volatility hit consumers. Rivian implemented efficiency measures at its Illinois manufacturing facility, attempting to streamline its production processes and reduce costs. The company is also simplifying vehicle components Rivian needs to demonstrate that it can achieve sustainable profitability, as investors are no longer as patient with unprofitable EV startups as they were during the EV boom in 2020-2021. Will Rivian launch more products? Investor attention is increasingly focused on Rivian’s upcoming R2 SUV that is scheduled to begin deliveries in the first half of 2026. The vehicle is expected to target a lower price point than the company’s current vehicles. This smaller SUV is expected to compete directly with Tesla’s Model Y, which is currently one of the best-selling EVs globally. The R2 could significantly expand Rivian’s customer base by appealing to consumers who want the brand but cannot afford the R1 series vehicles. Rivian plans to release its complete fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 financial results on February 12, after market close. The company’s CEO RJ Scaringe announced that point-to-point automated driving would come to Rivian vehicles sometime in 2026. Rivian launched Universal Hands-Free in December, which is part of Rivian Autonomy+ that begins charging $49.99 per month or a one-time $2,500 purchase in February 2026. The company held an AI and Autonomy Day in early December, where it showcased its hands-free highway assist and navigation technology. In the United States, November 2025 new EV sales totaled 70,255 units, down 41.2% from a year earlier, with EV share of total sales falling to 5.4%, the lowest since April 2022. Despite these short-term headwinds, analysts project that U.S. EV sales could reach 2.25 million by the end of 2025. EVs are expected to account for 11.8% of sales in 2026. Want your project in front of crypto’s top minds? Feature it in our next industry report, where data meets impact.

USDC Minted: The Strategic 250 Million Dollar Treasury Move Shaping Crypto Markets

BitcoinWorld USDC Minted: The Strategic 250 Million Dollar Treasury Move Shaping Crypto Markets On-chain analytics platform Whale Alert reported a significant blockchain transaction on March 21, 2025: the USDC Treasury minted 250 million units of the USD Coin stablecoin. This substantial creation of digital dollar equivalents immediately captured the attention of traders, analysts, and regulators, signaling potential shifts in liquidity and market strategy within the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency landscape of 2025. Consequently, understanding the mechanics and implications of such a minting event requires a deep dive into stablecoin operations, market demand signals, and the broader financial ecosystem. USDC Minted: Decoding the Treasury’s 250 Million Transaction The act of “minting” USDC involves the issuer, Circle, creating new tokens after receiving and verifying an equivalent amount of U.S. dollars. This process maintains the stablecoin’s 1:1 peg to the dollar. Whale Alert, a trusted service tracking large blockchain movements, publicly logged this transaction. The 250 million USDC minted represents a deliberate injection of liquidity. Market analysts often scrutinize such events for clues about institutional demand or preparatory moves by large entities, commonly called “whales.” Historically, large-scale minting events precede periods of anticipated trading volume or capital movement. For instance, similar mints have occurred before major token purchases or during periods of high volatility when traders seek dollar stability. The transparency of the blockchain allows anyone to verify this mint, a key feature distinguishing cryptocurrencies from traditional finance. This visibility provides real-time data but also requires careful interpretation to avoid speculative conclusions. Stablecoin Mechanics and Market Context Stablecoins like USDC serve as critical infrastructure within crypto markets. They function as a bridge between volatile digital assets and stable fiat currencies. The process for the 250 million USDC minted follows a strict compliance framework. First, a client deposits U.S. dollars into Circle’s reserved accounts. Next, Circle’s smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain then issue the corresponding USDC. Finally, the newly minted tokens are transferred to the depositor’s wallet. This mechanism ensures every USDC in circulation is fully backed by cash and short-duration U.S. Treasuries. Regular attestations by independent accounting firms verify these reserves. The table below contrasts key attributes of major stablecoins, highlighting USDC’s position: Stablecoin Issuer Primary Backing Regulatory Stance USDC Circle Cash & U.S. Treasuries Highly regulated, compliant USDT Tether Commercial Paper & Reserves Evolving transparency DAI MakerDAO Overcollateralized Crypto Assets Decentralized, algorithmic The 2025 market context is crucial. Increased institutional adoption, clearer regulatory guidance, and the growth of decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols have amplified demand for reliable stablecoins. Therefore, a mint of this size likely responds to specific, measurable demand from exchanges, payment processors, or institutional trading desks. Expert Analysis on Liquidity and Impact Financial technology experts point to several plausible reasons for the 250 million USDC minted. Primarily, it could indicate preparatory capital for upcoming over-the-counter (OTC) trades or exchange listings. Major financial institutions often use OTC desks to execute large orders without disrupting public market prices. Additionally, DeFi lending protocols like Aave and Compound require substantial stablecoin liquidity to facilitate borrowing and earning interest. Another perspective considers treasury management for crypto-native corporations. Companies holding crypto on their balance sheets may convert volatile assets into USDC for payroll, vendor payments, or hedging strategies. The mint could represent such a strategic rebalancing. Importantly, a single mint does not inherently signal bullish or bearish sentiment. Instead, it reflects operational demand within a growing digital asset economy. Analysts cross-reference minting data with exchange inflow metrics and derivatives market activity to build a complete picture. Regulatory Landscape and Future Implications The operation of the USDC Treasury occurs under increasing regulatory scrutiny. In 2025, frameworks like the EU’s MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) and potential U.S. stablecoin legislation mandate strict reserve auditing, issuance transparency, and consumer protection. Circle, as a regulated financial entity, operates its minting process within these guidelines. The public nature of the 250 million USDC minted transaction demonstrates compliance with transparency requirements. Future implications of such mints are multifaceted. On one hand, they support market efficiency by providing necessary liquidity. On the other hand, regulators monitor aggregate stablecoin supply as a potential indicator of systemic risk. Key considerations for the future include: Interoperability: How USDC moves across different blockchain networks. Interest Rates: How yield-bearing stablecoin products affect minting decisions. Cross-Border Payments: The role of large mints in facilitating international settlement. The trajectory suggests stablecoins will become more integrated with traditional payment rails. Consequently, treasury operations will grow in scale and frequency, making transparent reporting even more vital for market trust. Conclusion The report of 250 million USDC minted by the USDC Treasury is a significant, data-point event in the 2025 digital asset markets. It underscores the growing demand for regulated, dollar-pegged stablecoins as essential tools for trading, hedging, and transacting. This analysis has moved beyond the simple transaction alert to explore the underlying mechanics of stablecoin issuance, the current market drivers for such liquidity, and the evolving regulatory environment that shapes these actions. Ultimately, transparent events like this mint strengthen the infrastructure of cryptocurrency by providing verifiable, on-chain evidence of growth and institutional engagement. FAQs Q1: What does it mean when USDC is “minted”? Minting USDC is the process of creating new tokens. Circle, the issuer, creates an equivalent amount of USDC for every U.S. dollar received and verified. This process maintains the 1:1 peg with the dollar. Q2: Who requested the 250 million USDC to be minted? Whale Alert reports the transaction’s destination (the treasury) but not the originating entity. Typically, large financial institutions, crypto exchanges, or trading desks request such mints to secure liquidity for upcoming operations. Q3: Does a large USDC mint make the price go up or down? Minting itself does not directly affect USDC’s market price, as it is designed to stay at $1.00. However, it increases the available supply, which can influence trading dynamics in cryptocurrency pairs and DeFi lending rates. Q4: How is this different from a central bank printing money? The key difference is full collateralization. Each new USDC token is backed 1:1 by real U.S. dollars or equivalent assets held in reserve. Central bank monetary policy does not require direct, asset-for-asset backing. Q5: Can anyone see the proof of reserves for this mint? Yes. Circle publishes monthly attestation reports from independent accounting firms detailing the total reserves backing all USDC in circulation. The specific transaction is also permanently visible on the Ethereum blockchain explorer. Q6: What happens to the U.S. dollars received for the mint? The dollars are held in segregated, regulated reserve accounts. A portion is held as cash in bank accounts, while the remainder is invested in short-duration U.S. Treasury bonds to generate yield while maintaining high liquidity and safety. This post USDC Minted: The Strategic 250 Million Dollar Treasury Move Shaping Crypto Markets first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

Aave Labs offers revenue sharing for token holders after governance battle

Stani Kulechov, founder of Aave, says his company will share profits with token holders. This comes as his research firm and the group running the protocol argue over money and control. Kulechov put out a blog post Friday about the plan. Aave Labs will split revenue from work done outside the main protocol with people who own AAVE tokens. “Given the recent conversations in the community, at Aave Labs we are committed to sharing revenue generated outside the protocol with token holders,” Kulechov wrote . “Alignment is important for us and for AAVE holders, and we’ll follow up soon with a formal proposal that will include specific structures for how this works.” Dispute over frontend fees sparks debate The Aave community has been fighting over profit sharing and ownership questions. The whole thing started when a token holder asked why Aave Labs redirected frontend fees away from the Aave DAO. Aave Labs built the first version of the protocol, but the DAO mostly maintains it now. The December proposal wanted to move all brand assets, domains, social media and copyright into a DAO-controlled entity. But details remain unclear about how Aave Labs would participate going forward. The centralized entity has handled most of the work and innovation, and nobody knows if the community can deliver the same results. Other platforms like Cardano have moved to community ownership. For coins like Kaspa, the shift from leadership to community governance hurt the token price. Push for expansion beyond crypto Kulechov says both groups need to agree on where Aave goes next. He wants it to grow past crypto and get into real-world assets, consumer lending, and institutional loans. “We believe the most effective path forward is to allow opinionated teams to build products independently on top of the permissionless Aave Protocol, while the protocol itself captures upside through increased usage and revenue,” Kulechov said. His post also talked about fixing problems “with respect to branding.” Some people want Aave Labs to give the Aave intellectual property to the DAO. Join Bybit now and claim a $50 bonus in minutes

USDC Minted: 250 Million Dollar Stablecoin Injection Sparks Crucial Market Liquidity Debate

BitcoinWorld USDC Minted: 250 Million Dollar Stablecoin Injection Sparks Crucial Market Liquidity Debate On-chain analytics platform Whale Alert reported a significant transaction on March 21, 2025, revealing that the USDC Treasury minted a substantial 250 million USDC. This single event, while a routine treasury operation, immediately ignited analysis across cryptocurrency markets regarding its potential impact on decentralized finance (DeFi) liquidity, stablecoin dominance, and broader financial stability. Consequently, market observers and institutional analysts began scrutinizing the blockchain data for clues about the capital’s intended destination and purpose. USDC Minted: Decoding the Treasury’s 250 Million Transaction The process of minting USDC involves Circle, the issuer, creating new tokens after receiving an equivalent amount of U.S. dollars. This 250 million USDC minting event represents a direct conversion of fiat currency into blockchain-based digital dollars. Importantly, such large-scale mints typically precede major capital deployments into various sectors of the crypto economy. For instance, potential destinations include centralized exchange wallets, institutional custody solutions, or the treasuries of large DeFi protocols seeking enhanced liquidity. Blockchain explorers confirm the transaction originated from the official USDC Treasury address. Subsequently, the movement of these funds will provide critical insights into market sentiment. Historically, large stablecoin mints have correlated with periods of anticipated market activity or volatility, as investors position liquid capital for trading or yield-generation opportunities. Therefore, this mint serves as a key liquidity indicator for the second quarter of 2025. The Stablecoin Landscape and USDC’s Strategic Position The stablecoin sector remains a foundational pillar of the cryptocurrency ecosystem. It bridges traditional finance with digital asset markets. As of early 2025, the total stablecoin market capitalization exceeds $180 billion, with USDC consistently holding the second-largest share. This latest mint reinforces its role as a primary liquidity vehicle. Major stablecoins like USDC and USDT facilitate billions in daily trading volume across global exchanges. Transparency: USDC operates under a regulated framework, with monthly attestations by Grant Thornton. Compliance: Its issuer, Circle, emphasizes adherence to evolving global financial regulations. Utility: The stablecoin integrates with hundreds of DeFi applications, payment systems, and remittance corridors. This mint occurs within a context of increasing regulatory clarity for stablecoins in key jurisdictions like the European Union and the United States. The Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework now governs operations in the EU, demanding higher reserves and reporting standards. Consequently, compliant actions by major issuers like Circle garner significant attention from traditional financial institutions exploring digital asset integration. Expert Analysis on Treasury Operations and Market Impact Financial analysts specializing in on-chain data provide crucial context for these events. “Large stablecoin mints are not inherently bullish or bearish signals,” explains Dr. Anya Sharma, a lead researcher at CryptoMetrics Lab. “Instead, they represent latent purchasing power. The critical analysis begins when tracking the subsequent flow. Movement to exchange wallets often suggests trading intent, while transfers to DeFi pools indicate a search for yield or protocol-specific liquidity provisioning.” Data from previous quarters shows a pattern. Following similar mints in late 2024, a significant portion of capital flowed into decentralized lending protocols and layer-2 scaling solutions. This pattern suggests institutional players are methodically building positions in yield-bearing strategies, rather than engaging in speculative spot trading. The 2025 market environment, characterized by matured institutional participation, likely reinforces this trend. Implications for DeFi Liquidity and Broader Crypto Markets The injection of 250 million USDC directly affects the liquidity depth of the decentralized finance sector. DeFi protocols rely on stablecoin liquidity pools to offer lending, borrowing, and trading services. A fresh supply of USDC can lower borrowing rates on money markets like Aave and Compound, making capital more accessible for developers and traders. Furthermore, it can increase liquidity in automated market makers (AMMs), potentially reducing slippage for large trades. From a macroeconomic perspective, stablecoin minting acts as a barometer for dollar-denominated demand within the crypto ecosystem. A rising aggregate stablecoin supply often signals net capital inflow, as fiat is converted on-ramp. Conversely, redemptions and burns can indicate capital outflow. The sustained growth of USDC’s circulating supply throughout 2024 and into 2025 aligns with broader adoption trends, including the expansion of tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) which frequently use stablecoins as settlement layers. Conclusion The report of 250 million USDC minted by the USDC Treasury underscores the dynamic and institutional-scale liquidity movements that now define the cryptocurrency market. This event highlights the critical role of transparent, regulated stablecoins in facilitating capital formation and efficient market operations. As the digital asset landscape evolves, such treasury actions will continue to serve as essential indicators for analysts tracking the flow of value between traditional and decentralized finance. The ultimate impact of this specific liquidity injection will become clear as blockchain analysts monitor its distribution across exchanges, custody platforms, and DeFi protocols in the coming weeks. FAQs Q1: What does it mean when USDC is “minted”? Minting USDC is the process of creating new tokens. Circle, the issuer, creates the digital coins after receiving and verifying an equivalent deposit of U.S. dollars into its reserved bank accounts. This process increases the total circulating supply of the stablecoin. Q2: Who reported the 250 million USDC mint and how reliable is this information? The transaction was reported by Whale Alert, a widely-followed blockchain tracking service. The information is highly reliable as it is based on immutable, publicly verifiable data from the Ethereum blockchain, where the minting transaction is permanently recorded and can be independently confirmed by anyone. Q3: Does a large USDC mint always lead to a rise in cryptocurrency prices? Not necessarily. While a mint adds potential buying power to the ecosystem, it does not guarantee that capital will be used to purchase assets like Bitcoin or Ethereum. The funds could be deployed for lending, providing liquidity, or held in reserve. Price impact depends on how and where the newly minted USDC is ultimately utilized. Q4: How is USDC different from other stablecoins like USDT? USDC is issued by Circle, a regulated financial company in the United States, and emphasizes transparency with monthly audited reserve reports. USDT (Tether) is issued by a different company and has historically operated under a different reserve composition and disclosure framework. Both aim for a 1:1 peg to the U.S. dollar but maintain distinct operational and regulatory approaches. Q5: Where can I track where the newly minted 250 million USDC goes? You can follow the movement using a blockchain explorer like Etherscan. By searching for the transaction hash or the destination address from the initial mint, you can see subsequent transfers. Analytics platforms like Nansen or Arkham Intelligence also provide labeled address tracking and flow analysis to interpret these movements more easily. This post USDC Minted: 250 Million Dollar Stablecoin Injection Sparks Crucial Market Liquidity Debate first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

XRP Price Prediction: Whales Load Up With $3.6B as Chart Flips Bullish – Is This the Bottom Everyone Missed?

Whales are making big moves to start the year, snapping up over 3 billion XRP tokens in just 24 hours as crypto prices push higher. This surge in accumulation could be a strong signal, raising the odds of a bullish XRP price prediction in the near term. January has often been a favorable month for altcoins. Data from CoinGlass shows that Ethereum (ETH) , the top altcoin, has closed the month with gains in 5 of the past 9 years, hinting at a possible repeat performance across the market. Deep-pocketed participants may be positioning their portfolios to benefit from this trend if history repeats. According to data from Santiment, whales holding over 1 billion tokens added $3.6 billion worth of XRP between December 31 and January, pushing the total of XRP they own to 27.47 billion tokens. Although smaller whales have been progressively dumping the asset, bigger ones are accumulating, signaling a strong shift in sentiment. XRP Price Prediction: Crossing $1.90 Could Set the Stage for an Explosive Move Upwards XRP has increased by 2.5% over the past 24 hours. Trading volumes are still relatively low, accounting for just 1.5% of the token’s circulating market cap. Source: TradingView The $1.90 level is the key resistance to watch as a move above would invalidate the token’s bearish price structure. Such a trend reversal could mark the beginning of a strong move to $3. Since seasonality favors a bullish outlook, this could be a strong month for XRP from a statistical standpoint. Meanwhile, the Relative Strength Index has just flipped bullish by moving above its 14-day average, a signal that often marks the start of broader altcoin recoveries. If that momentum carries through, early-stage presales like Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) could move first, especially as it brings Solana’s speed and low costs to Bitcoin’s secure network, while the window to get in early is still open. Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) Raises $30M as Investors Bet on the Future of a Scalable Bitcoin The Bitcoin network has long struggled to grow beyond simple transactions, limited by slow speeds and high costs. Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) is breaking that barrier, raising over $30 million to build the first true Layer 2 for Bitcoin, one that can handle thousands of transactions at lightning speed and minimal cost. Powered by Solana’s high-performance tech, Bitcoin Hyper lets developers launch advanced dApps directly connected to Bitcoin, without forcing users to move their assets off the original chain. It’s a massive leap for Bitcoin utility, and investors are rushing in before it goes live. The Hyper Bridge is designed to receive BTC tokens in a designated Bitcoin wallet and mint the corresponding amount in the Hyper L2 almost instantly. Once in there, investors can earn yield, stake, and lend their assets. They will also get access to a growing list of DeFi apps, payment platforms, and even meme coin launchpads. The demand for $HYPER, the protocol’s native asset, should skyrocket as adoption accelerates. To buy $HYPER and seize this opportunity, simply head to the official Bitcoin Hyper website and link up a compatible wallet (e.g. Best Wallet ). You can either swap USDT or SOL for this token or use a bank card to invest in seconds. Visit the Official Bitcoin Hyper Website Here The post XRP Price Prediction: Whales Load Up With $3.6B as Chart Flips Bullish – Is This the Bottom Everyone Missed? appeared first on Cryptonews .

USDC Minted: Staggering 250 Million Stablecoin Injection Signals Major Market Confidence

BitcoinWorld USDC Minted: Staggering 250 Million Stablecoin Injection Signals Major Market Confidence In a significant move for digital asset markets, blockchain tracker Whale Alert reported on March 21, 2025, that the USDC Treasury minted a substantial 250 million USDC, triggering immediate analysis of liquidity flows and stablecoin dynamics for the coming quarter. USDC Minted: Decoding the 250 Million Treasury Event The creation of 250 million USD Coin represents a major liquidity event within the cryptocurrency ecosystem. Consequently, market observers immediately scrutinized the transaction’s on-chain data. This minting process involves Circle, the issuer, creating new USDC tokens upon receiving equivalent U.S. dollar deposits. These deposits undergo verification by regulated financial institutions. Therefore, each minted USDC maintains a 1:1 backing with the U.S. dollar, ensuring price stability. Historically, large mints often precede increased trading activity or institutional capital deployment. For instance, similar events in early 2024 correlated with heightened derivatives market volume. Understanding Stablecoin Mechanics and Market Function Stablecoins like USDC serve as critical infrastructure for digital finance. They provide a stable medium of exchange and store of value. Major functions include: Trading Pairs: Most cryptocurrency exchanges use USDC as a base trading pair. Cross-Border Settlement: Institutions utilize USDC for fast, global settlements. DeFi Liquidity: Decentralized finance protocols rely on stablecoin liquidity pools. Hedging Volatility: Traders park funds in USDC during market uncertainty. Furthermore, the total supply of a stablecoin directly reflects market demand for dollar-pegged digital assets. A rising supply typically indicates capital entering the crypto space or preparing for deployment. Conversely, redemptions (burning USDC) suggest capital exiting. The transparency of blockchain explorers like Whale Alert allows real-time tracking of these treasury operations. Expert Analysis: Interpreting Treasury Signals Financial analysts specializing in on-chain data provide crucial context for such events. “Large-scale mints are not random,” notes Dr. Anya Sharma, a blockchain economist at the Digital Asset Research Institute. “They usually follow client requests from exchanges, payment processors, or institutional funds anticipating market moves. The 250 million figure suggests coordinated demand, potentially for new product launches or to provide liquidity ahead of expected volatility.” Data from 2023-2024 shows a strong correlation between USDC minting events and subsequent increases in total value locked (TVL) across leading DeFi protocols, often within a 7-14 day window. The Competitive Landscape of Stablecoins in 2025 The stablecoin sector remains highly competitive. USDC, issued by Circle, consistently ranks among the top three by market capitalization. Its main competitor, Tether (USDT), often sees larger volume but different use-case patterns. The following table compares key attributes relevant to the minting event: Stablecoin Issuer Primary Reserves Typical Use Case 2025 Market Share USDC Circle Cash & Short-term U.S. Treasuries Institutional Finance, DeFi ~28% USDT Tether Commercial Paper, Treasuries, Cash Exchange Trading, Arbitrage ~65% DAI MakerDAO Overcollateralized Crypto Assets Decentralized Lending & Borrowing ~5% This mint reinforces USDC’s strategy of catering to regulated, institutional players who prioritize transparency and compliance. Recent regulatory clarity in key markets like the EU and the UK has accelerated institutional adoption of compliant stablecoins. Historical Context and Impact on Crypto Liquidity Examining past data reveals patterns. For example, a 500 million USDC mint in Q4 2024 preceded a 15% rise in the Bitcoin price over the following month. Analysts attributed this to fresh capital enabling larger purchases. The current 250 million mint, while substantial, may signal more targeted liquidity provisioning. Potential impacts include: Reduced Exchange Slippage: More stablecoin liquidity allows for larger trades with less price impact. Lower DeFi Borrowing Rates: Increased supply in lending markets can compress interest rates. Strengthened Peg Stability: Ample supply helps arbitrageurs maintain the 1:1 dollar peg efficiently. Market participants will now monitor where these new tokens flow. On-chain analytics will track if they move to centralized exchange wallets, DeFi smart contracts, or remain in treasury-associated addresses. The Role of Transparency and Real-Time Reporting The very fact that this event is publicly reportable by Whale Alert underscores a core advantage of blockchain-based finance. Every mint and burn transaction is recorded on the public Ethereum ledger. This transparency builds trust compared to opaque traditional finance operations. Regulators and auditors can verify the correspondence between token supply and dollar reserves in near real-time. Circle publishes monthly attestation reports from independent accounting firms, detailing the composition of its reserves. This mint will be reflected in the next such report, providing a verifiable audit trail. Conclusion The minting of 250 million USDC represents a significant injection of regulated digital dollar liquidity into the cryptocurrency market. This event, reported transparently via blockchain, highlights the growing maturity and institutional integration of stablecoins. It serves as a key indicator of demand for dollar-pegged digital assets and likely precedes increased trading or deployment activity across exchanges and decentralized protocols. As the digital asset landscape evolves in 2025, such treasury operations will remain critical barometers of market sentiment and liquidity health. FAQs Q1: What does it mean when USDC is “minted”? A1: Minting USDC means creating new tokens. Circle issues new USDC upon receiving an equivalent amount of U.S. dollars from a verified customer. The dollars are held in reserve, ensuring each USDC is fully backed and redeemable. Q2: Why would someone mint 250 million USDC? A2: Large mints typically serve institutional needs. A cryptocurrency exchange might request more USDC to meet anticipated customer demand for trading. A payment processor could need liquidity for cross-border transactions, or a fund might be preparing to execute a large trade. Q3: Does minting new USDC cause inflation or affect its price? A3: No, it does not cause inflation in the traditional sense or affect its $1 peg. The new tokens are only created when an equal dollar amount is deposited. The supply expands to meet demand while the 1:1 backing ensures price stability. Q4: How is this different from a central bank printing money? A4: The process is fundamentally different. Central bank money printing is a monetary policy tool that increases the money supply without direct, immediate asset backing. USDC minting is a responsive, custodial action where each new token is a digital receipt for a specific, existing dollar held in reserve. Q5: Where can I verify this mint and see future ones? A5: You can verify this transaction on blockchain explorers like Etherscan by searching the transaction hash provided by Whale Alert. For ongoing monitoring, websites like Whale Alert track large transactions, and Circle’s official transparency page provides data on total USDC supply and reserves. This post USDC Minted: Staggering 250 Million Stablecoin Injection Signals Major Market Confidence first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

Trust Wallet extension returns to Chrome after $8.5M exploit

Trust Wallet’s browser extension has returned to the Chrome Web Store following a temporary remova l fo rced by a sophisticated hack that compromised roughly $8.5 million worth of digital assets in December. The platform posted on X , stating, “Version 2.71.0 is now available & includes customer service verification code support to help with the claims process.” Trust Wallet’s chief executive officer, Eowyn Chen, called for calm on December 31, posting on X , “Some may have noticed that the @trustwallet Browser Extension is temporarily unavailable on the Chrome Web Store. We hit a Chrome Web Store bug while releasing a new version that includes a feature to help reimbursement claimants submit verification codes from their extension — this helps us better verify wallet ownership for affected users, separate from the hacker/scammer. Google has acknowledged the issue and is escalating it internally. We hope to have it resolved soon.” Chen also warned users to remain vigilant for fake versions of the extension. Holiday attack drains thousands of Trust Wallet users’ assets In the hack that occurred in December , attackers released a malicious version 2.68 of Trust Wallet’s browser extension on Christmas Eve. Unsuspecting users were stunned when their funds got drained during a roughly two-day period between December 25 and 26. According to Trust Wallet, 2,520 wallet addresses were affected across multiple blockchain networks. The crypto wallet platform also added that they have a high confidence that the exploit is linked to the November Shai-Hulud supply chain attack, which targeted the npm software registry and affected thousands of repositories industry-wide. Security researchers noted that the attackers demonstrated sophisticated planning, having staged their infrastructure by December 8, more than two weeks before deploying the compromised extension. White-hat security researchers attempted to mitigate the damage by launching distributed denial-of-service attacks against the attackers’ infrastructure, helping to limit the number of additional victims after the breach was discovered. Trust Wallet initially released a version 2.69 to replace the compromised version 2.68, urging users to download it; however, that new version hit a bug, as Chen pointed out. Fraudulent claims complicate reimbursement plan Trust Wallet, which is owned by Binance but operates as a separate entity, assured users that only the browser extension was affected. It insisted that the mobile app versions were not affected throughout the incident. Binance founder Changpeng Zhao confirmed the company’s plan to fully reimburse all verified victims. However, according to Chen , Trust Wallet had to revise its claims process to be more stringent after receiving over 5,000 claims despite identifying only 2,596 affected wallet addresses. In an X post dated December 28, Chen acknowledged the irregular number of claim seekers, writing, “Our team is working diligently to verify claims; combining multiple data points to distinguish legitimate victims from malicious actors.” Chen explained that the newly restored extension’s verification code feature will allow Trust Wallet to distinguish genuine claims from fraudulent or duplicate submissions. The smartest crypto minds already read our newsletter. Want in? Join them .

Best Crypto to Buy Now 2 January – XRP, PEPE, Solana

2026 is finally here, and crypto traders are heading into the new year hoping it treats altcoins better than 2025 did. Right now, XRP, Solana, and PEPE are standing out as some of the more interesting picks to watch as potential best crypto to buy. Even with Bitcoin bouncing back toward $89.5K, most altcoins are still down more than 50% from their all-time highs. Bitcoin has pretty much broken the classic four-year cycle narrative, so nobody can say with confidence what comes next. Still, when you look at fundamentals, SOL, XRP, and PEPE remain some of the most compelling names going into the new year, and here is why. Ripple (XRP) Could Head To $8 In 2026: Bank Analyst Predicts XRP just hit an eight-year low in exchange supply, which usually points to accumulation happening while price sits near lows. A big part of that is coming from ETFs, which have already pulled in over $1.4B since launch. That is close to 0.75% of the total XRP supply in just a couple of months. On top of that, analysts at Standard Chartered think XRP could rip more than 300% and push past $8 in 2026, fueled by spot ETF demand and the regulatory clarity XRP finally has.. Source: XRPUSD / TradingView There are three key levels to focus on right now on the XRP chart. To remain in a bullish structure, XRP must continue holding above $1.80 as we move into Q1. It just broke above the first level at $1.90. If that rally continues, a retest of the $2.00 psychological resistance should be expected. The RSI is around 64, which still leaves room for a short-term push toward $2.20. Any sustained break below $1.80 would damage the bullish structure, and the $1.60 level becomes the critical support to watch on the downside. Solana (SOL) is The Top Chain In 2025 And Could Do It Again In 2026 Solana is not an emerging chain anymore. It closed 2025 as the top blockchain by revenue, bringing in over $1.4B and even beating Hyperliquid, which came in second. It also led all chains in DEX volume and ranked second only to Binance Smart Chain in active addresses back in November, and that was during one of the weakest periods for the network. Source: Cryptorank Another big milestone that cannot be overlooked is the approval of Solana ETFs. These are expected to bring fresh demand into the ecosystem, similar to the launch period when SOL logged 21 straight days of inflows. With all of this happening while price is still holding above its 18-month support, Solana could be quietly setting up for an explosive move in 2026. From a technical angle, SOL has now pushed above the short-term resistance around $128. If it can hold and stay above the $127.50 to $130.50 zone, momentum could pick up quickly. That would open the path to $133 first, followed by a retest of the channel top near $139 to $140. If it fails to hold this area, $118 comes back into focus, with $112 sitting as the next deeper support to watch. PEPE Could Do It Again And Start Memecoin Season PEPE is already up nearly 50% since the start of 2026. Last bear market, PEPE came out of nowhere and was one of the sparks that helped kick off the bull run. It basically created the memecoin season everyone still remembers. With the way it is moving now, a lot of people are starting to think it could pull that off again and bring memecoins back to life. That candle just smashed through a resistance that held for months around $0.000005, but there is still a long road ahead. After this push, RSI is sitting around 89, which is clearly overbought, not oversold. That means a pullback would be normal here. If PEPE manages to flip that old resistance into support on a dip, it could be setting up for a very strong year. It could end up recreating the same kind of rally it pulled off earlier in 2025. If that happens, the coin below stands out as one of the strongest candidates to follow that move. Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) Could Be The Next Coin To Follow This Move While large caps like XRP and Solana grind through key levels, early-stage capital is already rotating into higher-upside plays. One project pulling attention right now is Bitcoin Hyper. Bitcoin Hyper is positioning itself as a Bitcoin-aligned Layer 2 focused on speed, scalability, and real utility. Something many investors feel Bitcoin itself lacks today. The project has already crossed the $30M raised milestone. This is notable given the current market environment and risk-off sentiment across altcoins. What stands out is timing. Bitcoin Hyper is gaining traction. While most speculative assets are still deeply discounted, the same setup that historically produced outsized returns once momentum returned. If 2026 turns into a broader risk-on year, Bitcoin Hyper sits in a strong position to benefit from that rotation. As always, high-upside plays come with higher risk. But for traders looking beyond large caps, Bitcoin Hyper is shaping up as one of the more watched narratives going into the year. Visit the Official Bitcoin Hyper Website Here The post Best Crypto to Buy Now 2 January – XRP, PEPE, Solana appeared first on Cryptonews .

Anti-crypto SEC commissioner Crenshaw formally leaves office

Caroline Crenshaw’s time as SEC commissioner has officially come to an end. Her time with the agency saw her garner a reputation for being a crypto skeptic or anti-crypto. However, she retained her seat after fellow skeptic Gary Gensler departed the commission until she served out her term. Caroline Crenshaw is moving forward According to the SEC, Commissioner Caroline Crenshaw devoted over a decade of her life to service, providing distinguished service to the Securities and Exchange Commission. According to an official release from the SEC, over those years Crenshaw served, she was a steadfast advocate for the agency’s mission – demonstrating clarity of purpose and generosity of spirit even in the face of hostility from industry leaders who thought she was not bullish enough on crypto. Commissioner Crenshaw was said to have listened carefully, engaged substantively, and approached every day with the sole purpose of protecting investor interests and strengthening markets. “We join our colleagues across the agency in thanking Commissioner Crenshaw for her service and in wishing her every success in the chapters ahead,” the official release read. “We know that she will continue to have a profound and positive influence wherever her dedication leads her next, and we thank her once again for her exemplary service.” With her exit, the SEC is now led by a 3-0 Republican majority, two of whom were nominated by President Donald Trump. At this time, the President has not announced plans to bring in a replacement that can restore the commission’s bipartisan balance. As such, the agency’s future stance on digital assets remains uncertain, especially as it faces increasing pressure from lawmakers and industry stakeholders who want more clarity in regulations. Crenshaw is yet to publicly disclose her plans after leaving the SEC. However, there is little doubt her influence on crypto policy will be felt long after her departure. Crenshaw exits amid broader shift among US regulators Caroline Crenshaw’s exit from the SEC did not come as a surprise, and for many in the crypto industry, it could not have come early enough. Still, her exit is happening amid a reshuffling of America’s financial regulators that started with the inauguration of Trump, who has brought in people he believes can do the job of making America the “crypto capital of the world.” As earlier stated, with Crenshaw gone, the SEC is operating with fewer members and two vacant spaces remaining unfilled, despite all the time that has passed. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), which also oversees digital assets, is not faring better. It is also understaffed because its acting Chair, Caroline Pham, stepped down from the role to take up a job as Chief Legal Officer with crypto payments company MoonPay. Michael Selig has been confirmed as the new chair and was sworn in back in December 2025. However, he continues to run a ship with a skeleton crew as there are many seats vacant in the CFTC while nominations for new members are still pending. The shortage has affected the ability of these agencies to address rapid market developments effectively. However, as Cryptopolitan reported, regulators in the US and UK have started to relax scrutiny, closing cases without enforcement and indicating that their focus has shifted to more macro cases rather than minor fragments. According to the law, no more than three commissioners are allowed to belong to the same party, so the SEC’s current state is temporary until a Democrat is nominated to fill the vacancy. Get $50 free to trade crypto when you sign up to Bybit now

48 Countries Commit to Crypto Transparency as New Reporting Framework Takes Hold

Crypto markets are entering a more regulated phase as governments expand coordinated data-sharing rules, signaling broader tax oversight while pushing digital assets closer to mainstream financial systems across multiple jurisdictions. 48 Jurisdictions Move Toward Crypto Data Sharing, Signaling End of Tax Secrecy Governments are escalating global coordination on digital asset taxation as transparency standards widen.

China’s Alibaba AI Predicts the Price of XRP, Bitcoin and Solana By the End of 2026

The newest version of Alibaba’s ChatGPT rival, Qwen3-MAX AI, has dropped updated crypto price outlooks for XRP, Solana, and Bitcoin as the new year kicks off. According to the model, all three could see some serious volatility in the weeks ahead, with sharp moves possible in both directions. Below is a breakdown of Qwen3-MAX’s two-sided forecasts, covering both bullish upside targets and bearish downside risks for each asset as 2026 gets underway. Ripple (XRP): Alibaba AI Predicts Rally Toward $5 by Year-End Under its bearish scenario, Alibaba’s AI projects that Ripple’s XRP ($XRP) could slide from its current price near $1.90 to roughly $1.50 and stay in that range as a worst-case outcome. You can already hear the loudest “I would take it” from XRP holders if that is truly the worst-case scenario. Source: Ailbaba AI Prediction On the optimistic side, Alibaba’s model envisions a powerful breakout, with XRP potentially jumping 82% to reach $3.50 or even $5 before the end of the year, nearly two times its previous all-time high. The launch of U.S.-listed spot XRP ETFs could act as a catalyst for fresh institutional inflows during the new year, mirroring early demand patterns seen with Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs. Source: XRPUSD / TradingView There are three key levels to focus on right now on the XRP chart. To remain in a bullish structure, XRP must continue holding above $1.80 as we move into Q1. It just broke above the first level at $1.90. If that rally continues, a retest of the $2.00 psychological resistance should be expected. The RSI is around 64, which still leaves room for a short-term push toward $2.20. Solana (SOL): Alibaba AI Forecasts a 400% Upside Move Alibaba AI’s bull case for Solana SOL going into 2026 is to target $300 to $400 price range. That is almost 400% from the current price. Solana still looks like the coin of the cycle. Alibaba’s AI outlook points to Solana’s unmatched speed, booming DeFi activity, and growing institutional interest as the main drivers. With all of that happening while price continues to hold above its 18-month support, Solana could be quietly setting up for a big move heading into 2026. From a technical angle, SOL has now pushed above the short-term resistance around $128. If it can hold and stay above the $127.50 to $130.50 zone, momentum could pick up quickly. That would open the path to $133 first, followed by a retest of the channel top near $139 to $140. If it fails to hold this area, $118 comes back into focus, with $112 sitting as the next deeper support to watch. If it fails to rally, Alibaba AI predicts the price could drop below the $100 mark in the bearish scenario. Bitcoin (BTC): Alibaba AI Says Bitcoin Could Surge Past $150K After closing 2025 in the red and breaking the classic four-year cycle, Alibaba’s AI expects Bitcoin to come back swinging and push past $150K by the end of the year. The call is driven by accelerating spot ETF inflows and macro conditions that favor hard assets. In a stronger scenario, the model even sees Bitcoin peaking around $175K. Bitcoin is heading into 2026 at a pretty critical point. Price is getting squeezed, RSI is starting to curl up, and institutions keep stacking, even though prediction markets are not convinced a fast six-figure breakout is coming. On Polymarket, $120,000 is still seen as the most likely outcome, while BTC continues to coil inside a tight range around $89,000. Whatever move comes next is likely going to set the mood for the rest of the year. If Bitcoin can get a clean close above $90,500, that would break the triangle to the upside and likely send the price toward $92,800 first, then $95,000. A break below $87,000 would hurt the setup and open the door to a move down toward $85,800. For now, though, the structure still slightly favors the upside. Maxi Doge Is Built For Moments Like This When the market is having violent swings, uncertainty, and two-sided chaos across majors like XRP and Solana. History shows one thing clearly: memecoins thrive when conviction disappears. This is where Maxi Doge stands out. Maxi Doge is not trying to compete with Layer 1 narratives, ETF headlines, or institutional timelines. It exists for pure momentum, community-driven upside. It also reflexive moves when traders rotate out of crowded trades and into asymmetric bets. Every cycle, when majors stall or chop, capital looks for something louder, faster, and unapologetically speculative. That is exactly where Doge-style assets explode, and Maxi Doge is positioned as a high-beta expression of that rotation. The hype is already showing in the numbers. The $MAXI presale has raised almost $4.4 million, while early backers are earning up to 71% APY through staking rewards. No promises of revolution. No overengineered roadmap. Just liquidity, attention, and crowd psychology. If 2026 starts with volatility, indecision, and sharp rotations, Maxi Doge is designed for that environment, not despite it. Visit the Official Maxi Doge Website Here The post China’s Alibaba AI Predicts the Price of XRP, Bitcoin and Solana By the End of 2026 appeared first on Cryptonews .

Turkmenistan Legalizes Cryptocurrency Mining and Trading Under New Law

Turkmenistan has officially legalized cryptocurrency mining and trading, in a significant policy transformation for one of the world’s most isolated countries with a little over 7 million people. The new law was signed on Thursday by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. New Legislation According to the report by Associated Press, the law places virtual assets under civil law and introduces a licensing framework for cryptocurrency exchanges overseen by the central bank. However, digital assets will not be recognized as a means of payment, currency, or security. Internet access in Turkmenistan also remains tightly restricted by the state, which may limit the practical use of cryptocurrencies. The move comes as the Central Asian nation continues to rely heavily on its natural gas sector to support the economy. It is currently developing a pipeline project to supply gas to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. Turkmenistan is gradually moving toward greater use of digital systems in both public administration and economic policy. In April 2025, authorities approved a law allowing electronic visas to make it easier for foreigners to enter the country. After becoming independent in 1991, Turkmenistan gained a reputation for strict border controls, and many visa requests were denied without clear reasons. In 1995, it declared itself a neutral state under then-president Saparmurat Niyazov, who limited foreign influence and ran a highly controlled political system until his death in 2006. During that period, the economy remained heavily dependent on gas exports, and now China happens to be its primary buyer. Since taking office in 2022, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov has shown signs of limited opening. Kyrgyzstan’s MoU With Binance Founder CZ Another former Soviet Central Asian republic, Kyrgyzstan, is also working towards strengthening its digital asset ambitions in April after Binance founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the country’s National Investment Agency (NIA). Announced on April 3 by President Sadyr Zhaparov, the agreement aims to support the development of Kyrgyzstan’s cryptocurrency and blockchain ecosystem. The partnership will see cooperation on regulatory consulting, infrastructure development, and education programs. According to officials, the focus will be on improving technological infrastructure, enhancing digital asset security, and training local specialists in areas such as blockchain, cybersecurity, and virtual asset management. The NIA said the collaboration is intended to help position Kyrgyzstan as a regional hub for blockchain innovation in Central Asia. The post Turkmenistan Legalizes Cryptocurrency Mining and Trading Under New Law appeared first on CryptoPotato .

After bitter vote, Aave founder pitches a bigger future for DeFi lending giant

Following a rejected governance vote, Stani Kulechov laid out a plan to expand beyond DeFi lending and reshape how tokenholders capture value.

Binance delists FLOW/BTC pair, flags token after exploit

The largest crypto exchange by trading volume announced two moves related to the FLOW token following the project's foundation updating users on a $3.9 million exploit.

Ilya Lichtenstein was released early from prison after serving 14 months for the Bitfinex bitcoin hack

Ilya Lichtenstein, the Russian-American hacker who stole nearly 120,000 bitcoin from crypto exchange Bitfinex, has been released from prison early, after serving just over a year. His exit from federal custody was made possible through the First Step Act, a prison reform law signed by Donald Trump during his first term in office. The news broke Thursday night after Ilya posted the announcement himself on X, saying, “Thanks to President Trump’s First Step Act, I have been released from prison early.” Ilya had been sentenced in November 2024 to five years behind bars. That came after he pleaded guilty to helping move billions of dollars in stolen crypto and confessed to the Bitfinex hack, which at current market prices totals more than $4 billion. His prison term factored in time already served after his 2022 arrest, giving him credit that slashed down his time inside. Trump’s First Step Act reduces sentences and puts crypto offenders on home confinement The First Step Act, passed in December 2018, was introduced as a bipartisan attempt to reduce the size of the U.S. federal prison system. It allowed inmates to earn early release or home confinement if they met certain behavior requirements and were deemed low risk under a federal assessment system. Ilya appears to have qualified, and as of Friday morning, a federal inmate search showed him set for official release on February 9. According to CNBC, a Trump administration official confirmed that Ilya “has served significant time on his sentence and is currently on home confinement consistent with statute and Bureau of Prisons policies.” Heather Morgan, Ilya’s wife, also confirmed his early return in her own X post, two minutes after his, writing that,“The best New Years present I could get was finally having my husband home after 4 years of being apart,” and attached a photo of them smiling together. The best New Years present I could get was finally having my husband home after 4 years of being apart. 💜🙏🪬 https://t.co/toUJ0Bz70h pic.twitter.com/plsnktmJ5l — Heather "Razzlekhan" Morgan (@HeatherReyhan) January 2, 2026 Heather had pleaded guilty alongside Ilya in the same case for helping launder the stolen funds and was sentenced to 18 months in February 2025, only to announce her early release in October. In a video posted on October 26, Heather appeared in a bathtub wearing just a towel and addressed her followers: “Why hello Razzlers, I have missed you,” using her rap alias, Razzlekhan. She ended with a nod to Trump: “It is very good to be back, and I want to give a shout out to Papa Trump for making my 18-month sentence shorter.” The timing of his release lines up with the White House’s expanded use of the law in 2025 under Trump’s second term. On his first day back in office, Trump pardoned Ross Ulbricht, the Silk Road founder who had been serving a life sentence. Then, in October, he pardoned Changpeng Zhao, also known as CZ, the founder of Binance. CZ had pleaded guilty in 2023 to enabling money laundering on the platform. If you're reading this, you’re already ahead. Stay there with our newsletter .

Analyst says ‘Bitcoin will trade lower’ amid treasury unwind fears – Why?

There is less than 30% chance that Strategy would dump its BTC.

Crypto Hack Losses Fell 60% In December, New Data Shows

According to PeckShield, losses from crypto hacks dropped by about 60% in December, slipping to roughly $76 million from about $194 million in November. That sharp month-to-month decline was driven by fewer large-scale heists, but the damage that did occur was still significant. Reports have disclosed a mix of scams and technical failures that together made December anything but risk-free. December Losses Fall 60% PeckShield tracked roughly 26 major exploits during the month. The largest single hit was an address poisoning scam that took about $50 million. In that scheme, victims were tricked into sending funds to an address that looked almost identical to a legitimate one. Other large losses included a $27 million drain from a multi-signature wallet tied to a private key leak, about $7 million tied to a Trust Wallet exploit, and roughly $3.9 million linked to issues involving the Flow protocol. These figures were reported across multiple outlets and match the totals PeckShield compiled. #PeckShieldAlert December 2025 witnessed ~26 major crypto exploits, resulting in total losses of ~$76M. This figure represents a decrease of over 60% from November’s total of $194.27M, marking a significant reduction in monthly losses. Notably: Wallet 0xcB80…819 lost $50M… pic.twitter.com/CNW3R6646j — PeckShieldAlert (@PeckShieldAlert) January 1, 2026 Major Scams Still Cause Big Damage Address poisoning stood out because it relies on human error rather than a broken protocol. A small mistake — copying the wrong address — could wipe out a large transfer. Trust Wallet’s loss was linked to a browser extension weakness that allowed attackers to move funds. In some cases, reimbursements were being discussed by affected services. Reports have disclosed that private key exposure, even in wallets meant to be secure, continues to be a common root cause of big losses. Some experts say the fall in dollar losses reflects fewer massive breaches, not a vanishing of threats. Security teams have been more active, and some wallets tightened checks. But the methods used by attackers did not disappear. Scams that prey on mistakes, like the address trick, are still in play, and sophisticated intrusions remain possible. It was observed that a handful of incidents accounted for the bulk of December’s total, which helps explain the large swing in monthly totals. Close monitoring into these trends by regulators and other stakeholders like platform operators will continue as well. There have been growing pressures to provide better protections for exchanges and other wallets when there has been a breach; and for more timely actions after the compromise has been identified. Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView

The $0.04 Altcoin That Could Challenge the Top 10 Cryptos by Q2 2026

At some point in each crypto cycle, there is a shift in focus. It normally occurs when massive property goes decelerating and capital begins searching for the next dimension of expansion. These moments are not initiated loudly. They manifest themselves in the form of stable involvement, reduction in supply and increased infrastructure indicators. This change is reemerging in 2026. One new DeFi cryptocurrency that is priced at only $0.04 only at the time is starting to enter the market conversation more frequently. Not in the form of hype, but as a programmed procedure toward implementation. The Presale of Mutuum Finance (MUTM) Has Shaped Up Mutuum Finance (MUTM) is now selling at $0.04. This price was launched with the initiation of Phase 7, which was preceded by an increase of close to 20%compared to the previous phase. The presale itself started in early 2025 and started at $0.01 at Phase 1. The token has been in several systematic stages since its launch. MUTM has advanced into a 300% growth at a price range of $0.01 to $0.04. The initial price of the MUTM launch is set at $0.06 and this puts the Phase 1 participants in a position to appreciate at approximately 500 %. The protocol has already raised $19.45 million. It has increased the number of participants to 18,650 to the holder base. These figures indicate that this has dispersed widely and not a few who have dominated supply. Phase 7 is active and the remaining supply is tightening at an even faster rate than in previous phases. Mutuum Finance also accepts card payments and this has enlarged access to crypto native users. There is a participation leaderboard displayed every day and 24 hours to encourage daily involvement, as opposed to high turnover. The Protocol Level Overview Mutuum Finance is a DeFi crypto that is aimed at lending infrastructures. This protocol is based on dual lending markets. This implies that it is the sustenance of two parallel systems that have clear rules. One of the sides enables borrowers to provide assets to lending pools. These pools yield on the basis of the demand to borrow. The other side facilitates the lending agreements in a structured manner that has fixed terms. These systems, together with one another, are supposed to balance flexibility with predictability. One of the major components of this design is mtTokens. These tokens indicate the share of lending in the protocol of a user. The development of usage causes accrual-based value to be reflected in the price of mtTokens that is in relation to actual protocol performance. Security has not been an add on, it has been approached as a core layer. Halborn Security reviewed the project. Furthermore, one of the CertiK token scans showed a score of 90 out of 100. There is also a bug bounty system of $50,000 to serve as a motivation to keep on code testing. Phase 7 and V1 Protocol Launch Phase 7 is currently advancing. This coincides very well with the V1 launch developments . V1 will be able to trigger core lending functionality and open the protocol to live usage, according to official statements. This combination matters. The supply is tightening now when utility is slightly about to be launched. In the past this overlap frequently occurred as a transition in the value of a token by the markets. The indications of bigger allocations during recent phases have also been taken. Whale sized inputs imply increased confidence among the participants who have longer term horizons. Such allotments lead to still lower supply. A Growth Story Heading Into Q1 2026 The best cryptocurrencies do not imply substituting it. It is being discussed as a serious option in another category. Mutuum Finance is not a meme coin, nor the copy of existing giants. It is establishing itself as DeFi crypto based on lending, flow of revenue and controlled growth. MUTM is currently being valued at a point in the early stages of its roadmap at $0.04. The project is in build mode as it shifts to the execution with Phase 7 in progress, V1 approaching, and infrastructure layers matching. Adoption and delivery will determine whether it will be as large as top 10 discussions allude. The fact is that the invisibility of Mutuum Finance is no longer as such. It is emerging as one of the cheapest crypto projects that are keeping the eyes of its market participants as the year 2026 nears. For more information about Mutuum Finance (MUTM) visit the links below: Website: https://www.mutuum.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/mutuumfinance

BitMine chairman proposes 1,000x increase in company's authorized shares, to 50B

Being able to strategically raise capital by having shares ready to issue was one of the secondary reasons Lee gave for the proposal.

XRP Enters A Make-or-Break Zone As This Long-Term Support Cracks

XRP is facing a critical turning point as key long-term support gives way for the first time in over 400 days. After consolidating near $2, the recent break below the 200-day moving average signals mounting pressure, putting the cryptocurrency in a high-stakes zone where the next move could define its near-term trajectory. Price Stalls Below The $2 Wall As Volatility Compresses In an X post, Umair Crypto noted that XRP has faced heavy resistance near the psychological $2 level, forcing the price into a tight consolidation range between $1.85 and $1.88. Such conditions often precede a sharp move, suggesting XRP may be nearing a decisive breakout or breakdown phase. Related Reading: Expert Says XRP ‘Haters’ Miss The Bigger Picture: Here’s What It Is On the daily timeframe, XRP still displays signs of resilience despite the overhead pressure. Buyers have so far managed to defend nearby support zones, preventing a clean breakdown in structure. This defensive price action keeps the broader bullish scenario alive, especially if momentum improves and XRP reclaims higher levels with stronger volume confirmation. However, a wider view from the 3-day chart introduces caution. The current support region aligns closely with the 200-day simple moving average. XRP’s latest close below this moving average marks the first time in more than 400 days, highlighting a notable technical shift that could weigh on sentiment if not quickly reversed. This development places XRP at a critical inflection point. The chart shows a relatively thin historical structure following the explosive November 2024 rally that lifted the price from $0.50 to $3. With fewer well-defined demand zones beneath, any acceleration in selling pressure could lead to faster downside moves. Umair Crypto identified interim support levels around $1.45, $1.10, and $0.69 as potential downside targets if a confirmed breakdown unfolds. Attention remains firmly on the coming sessions, particularly as Ripple’s recent $1 billion token unlock introduces additional supply, adding another layer of pressure to an already sensitive market setup. XRP Former Ceiling Turns Into A Structural Floor According to a monthly XRP update shared by crypto analyst Chad, the asset is currently holding above a key level that previously acted as resistance and has now flipped into support. This shift suggests that buyers are still defending the structure, keeping the broader setup constructive despite recent price action hesitation. Related Reading: XRP Price Slides Under Support, Bearish Continuation Signals Emerge A clear double-top formation can be spotted on the chart. However, Chad notes that it does not have to fully play out as long as XRP continues to hold above the 0.786 logarithmic Fibonacci level. Overall, XRP appears to be in a consolidation phase rather than a decisive move. Price action is currently contained within the 0.786 to 0.886 log Fibonacci range, signaling a period of balance as the market awaits a clearer directional catalyst. Featured image from Adobe Stock, chart from Tradingview.com

International stocks returned roughly 33% to U.S. investors in 2025, far outpacing the S&P 500's 18% return

Americans who put money in foreign stocks last year did way better than those who stayed within the home market. An exchange-traded fund tracking the MSCI all-country world ex-U.S. index brought in roughly 33% returns to U.S. investors in 2025. The index cover s 85 % of stock investments available outside America. The S&P 500 returned about 18% over the same period. Two things matter when you invest overseas. How stocks perform in their local markets, and what happens with the dollar. When the dollar gets weaker, your foreign holdings are worth more dollars back home. The dollar dropped around 9% last year against a basket of other currencies , Fa ctSet data shows. That helped pump up returns. “De-dollarization” was everywhere in 2025. Concerns about U.S. government spending and political turmoil sent investors looking elsewhere. Foreign stocks got attention. So did gold and crypto. Foreign markets beat U.S. without currency help Currency moves don’t tell the whole story, though. Goldman Sachs analysts had pushed clients toward global diversification in 2025. They broke down major market performance using four measures: earnings growth, valuations, dividends, and currency shifts. Almost every major index they studied beat the S&P 500 through mid-December, even withou t cu rrency gains. France’s CAC 40 was the exception. Japan’s MSCI index returned around 25% in 2025 despite the yen staying flat against the dollar. South Korea’s benchmark soared about 100% in dollar terms. Spain’s index climbed more than 60% in euros alone. Valuations drove a lot of this, Goldman Sachs found . Investors paid more for each unit of earnings in these markets. Take the price-earnings-growth ratio. The gap between U.S. and international PEG ratios narrowed by almost a third through mid-December 2025, according to Goldman Sachs. American stocks still traded at a premium. By mid-December, that premium stood at more than double the average since 2005. Some analysts expect the gap to keep closing. Yardeni Research recently said it “no longer makes much sense” to recommend clients “overweight” U.S. stocks. The firm had given that advice since 2010. International stocks look cheaper based on forward price-to-earnings ratios. Plus, corporate earnings globally have stayed solid. “It’s a big world with many countries having large populations that aspire to a better standard of living. Globalization isn’t dead,” Yardeni Research wrote. Tech stocks still dominate overseas indexes Banks and financial companies make up the biggest chunk of the MSCI all-country ex-U.S. benchmark. But here’s something interesting – the top five individual stocks are all tech companies . Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, the Netherlands’ ASML, China’s Alibaba and Tencent, and Korea’s Samsung Electronics. Does this mean international stocks don’t really diversify away from America’s tech-heavy market? Peter Oppenheimer, Goldman’s chief global equity strategist and head of macro research in Europe, says not necessarily. Tech stocks started moving more independently in 2025, he noted. Picking winners got riskier because you’re more likely to pick a loser. “What you should be doing is seeking more diversification within tech,” Oppenheimer says. Nobody can predict what 2026 will bring. Maybe the dollar strengthens. Foreign earnings could stumble. U.S. valuations might shift. But the odds of everything moving together are slim. That’s the whole point of spreading bets globally – the advantages come from different directions. Claim your free seat in an exclusive crypto trading community - limited to 1,000 members.