US Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Paul Atkins is confident that a long-awaited crypto market structure bill could find its way into US President Donald Trump’s office for signature before the end of the year. The SEC chief highlighted ongoing efforts during an interview with Fox Business to clarify rules around digital asset trading and said the bill could provide much-needed guidance to investors and trading platforms. Related Reading: Crypto Products Post $454M Weekly Outflows On Fed Jitters Atkins Expresses Confidence Atkins, who was confirmed by the Senate in April 2025 in a 52-44 vote, said tokenization and faster settlement systems are part of the next phase for US markets. He argued that a market structure law would give firms and investors clearer signals about which rules apply to trading in digital assets. Reports have disclosed that the chair sees the bill as fitting the administration’s push to make the US more competitive in crypto. This is a big week for crypto – Congress is on the cusp of upgrading our financial markets for the 21st century. I am wholly supportive of Congress providing clarity on the jurisdictional split between the SEC and the @CFTC. pic.twitter.com/NtDWRW85kL — Paul Atkins (@SECPaulSAtkins) January 12, 2026 Atkins discussed the regulatory forecast for crypto this year during an interview with Fox Business. Source: Paul Atkins Lawmakers’ Calendar And Odds Based on reports from financial analysts, the path to passage is not guaranteed. One market note put the chance of the bill clearing Congress in 2026 at roughly 50-60%, and warned that delays could push final action into 2027. Other analysts have suggested a longer road, saying implementation of final market structure rules might not be settled for years if political dynamics change. What Is Being Negotiated The draft measures under discussion aim to define which federal agency supervises different types of digital instruments, establish standards for trading venues that list tokens, and create clearer reporting rules for market participants. Reports have disclosed that committee markups are expected before any Senate floor vote, and those sessions will shape the bill’s final text. Industry Reaction, Market Talk The optimism expressed by Atkins has been welcomed by industry associations, as they see that clear guidance could lead to more institutional capital flowing into the onshore crypto trading space. On the other hand, the sentiment from many companies is that there is still a level of caution surrounding future regulations. Although regulators continue to show a level of agreement regarding overall regulation, the details of custody, custody provider(s), and oversight split between various regulatory agencies must be agreed upon by Congress before any definitive progress can be made. This back-and-forth between Congress and regulatory agencies has caused the markets to react in a pattern of quick positive movements followed by corresponding negative movements due to legislative inaction. Related Reading: CZ Fuels Optimism As Binance Coin’s $1,000 Target Trends Political Timing Could Matter The midterm and committee calendars are being watched closely. If the Senate delays key votes, support that exists now could wane or be reshaped by other priorities. Some commentators argue that fast action would lock in regulatory clarity; others say a rushed law could leave gaps that require later fixes. The debate over speed versus detail is active in Washington. Featured image from Gemini, chart from TradingView
Markets pulled $454 million from crypto exchange-traded products last week as investors stepped back amid rising bets that the US Federal Reserve may not cut rates soon. Related Reading: CZ Fuels Optimism As Binance Coin’s $1,000 Target Trends According to CoinShares data and market reports, the move erased much of the early-week gains that had pushed roughly $1.5 billion into the sector during the first two trading days. The shift was sharp and broad, though a few assets saw money flow in. Smart Money Flees Bitcoin While Some Altcoins Attract Cash Bitcoin-linked products bore the brunt of withdrawals, with about $405 million leaving Bitcoin ETPs. Ethereum funds were also hit, posting roughly $116 million in outflows. Multi-asset crypto products reported net redemptions near $21 million. Based on reports, these outflows came as recent inflation and jobs data made investors lower the odds of a March Fed rate cut, weakening appetite for risk assets that had been boosted by earlier optimism. Selective Inflows Show Pockets Of Interest But not all tokens were abandoned. XRP funds drew around $46 million in fresh money, while Solana products attracted about $33 million. Smaller tokens, including some newer layer-one projects, picked up modest flows as investors hunted for opportunities beyond the main leaders. Total assets under management across global crypto ETPs remained near $182 billion, a figure that shows scale despite the weekly redemptions. Regional Patterns Reveal US Outflows And Overseas Inflows According to regional flow data, US-linked crypto investment products saw roughly $569 million exit last week. That outflow contrasted with inflows in some European and North American markets: Germany attracted about $59 million, Canada added $25 million, and Switzerland drew roughly $21 million. The pattern suggests capital moved away from US vehicles and into other jurisdictions where investor appetite held up better. What Traders And Analysts Are Saying Based on reports from market analysts, the reversal came as traders reassessed the timing of monetary easing. With inflation readings remaining firmer than expected and the labor market showing resilience, market pricing shifted and risk assets were repriced. Some analysts warned that volatility could persist while others noted that pockets of demand for specific altcoins might support short-term rallies. Related Reading: Bitcoin’s Next Peak Might Ignite ADA’s Rally, Says Cardano Creator According to observers, the outflows highlight how sensitive crypto fund flows are to macroeconomic signals. While $454 million is a meaningful weekly move, the sector’s overall AUM near $182 billion means a single week does not rewrite the market picture. Investors will likely watch upcoming economic releases and Fed communications closely; fund flows are expected to respond quickly to any sign that rate-cut hopes are returning or fading further. Featured image from Gemini, chart from TradingView
Former NYC Mayor Adams is a vocal advocate for the city's crypto sector, and previously supported the 'NYC Coin' and BitBond initiatives.
In a major new development for the crypto industry, Senators Ron Wyden and Cynthia Lummis announced on Monday evening the introduction of a bipartisan, standalone version of the Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act (BRCA). This legislation aims to provide much-needed clarity for software developers and infrastructure providers in the blockchain space, particularly concerning their classification under federal law. New Crypto Bill To Protect Blockchain Developers According to the detailed press release regarding the matter, the BRCA specifies that developers and providers who do not have control over user funds will not be classified as money transmitters. Senator Lummis highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by blockchain developers, stating: Blockchain developers who have simply written code and maintain open-source infrastructure have lived under threat of being classified as money transmitters for far too long. This designation makes no sense when they never touch, control, or have access to user funds, and unnecessarily limits innovation. Related Reading: Crucial Role Of The CLARITY Act In Avoiding A New October 10 Crypto Crash, Expert Explains Lummis emphasized that the bill provides developers with the clarity needed to advance digital finance without the fear of legal repercussions for activities that do not pose a money laundering risk. Lummis added, “It’s time to stop treating software developers like banks simply because they write code.” Senator Wyden echoed these concerns, arguing that imposing the same regulatory requirements on developers as those applied to exchanges or brokers is fundamentally flawed. Main Highlights Of The BRCA The Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act aims to set clear federal standards defining when blockchain developers and service providers can be exempt from money transmitter regulations. Under current legislation toward crypto, the Senators assert blockchain developers face regulatory ambiguities that have not only stifled innovation but also driven many projects offshore, as they navigate conflicting regulations across different states. Related Reading: Dogecoin Breaks Its ‘Lower-Band Prison’ As Daily Trend Flips The bill specifically establishes that a “non-controlling developer or provider” refers to any entity that develops or maintains distributed ledger technology but does not possess the unilateral authority to initiate or execute transactions involving users’ digital assets without third-party consent. In addition, the crypto bill clarifies protected activities, including the development or publication of software for distributed ledgers, maintenance services for blockchain networks, offering customer self-custody solutions, and providing necessary infrastructure to support distributed ledger services. Importantly, while the bill allows states to enforce their laws consistent with federal regulations, it also prevents them from imposing money transmitter requirements on developers engaged solely in the specified protected activities. Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com
Standard Chartered is reportedly preparing a crypto prime brokerage business to be housed within its SC Ventures unit.
Dogecoin (DOGE) traded at $0.14 on Friday, up 0.25% in the last 24 hours, according to market tickers. The coin’s weekly performance showed a fall of 7.40%. Trading activity has eased sharply, with one source reporting a drop in volume of 50%. Related Reading: XRP Ledger May Get A Tokenized Gold Upgrade, Web3 Founder Reveals Key Momentum Readings And Moving Averages According to market data, DOGE RSI sits at 52.70 with a signal line at 52, which points to fairly balanced momentum and no clear bias. Exponential moving averages line up as follows: EMA 20 at $0.13, EMA 50 at $0.14, EMA 100 at $0.15 and EMA 200 at $0.17. The EMA set shows a downward curve overall, and the EMA 50 is being watched closely as a short-term barrier. The coin’s market capitalization stood at $23.60 billion. Analysts Offer Targets As Price Forms Higher Lows Crypto analyst Jonathan Carter set a ladder of upside targets at $0.15, $0.18, $0.20, $0.24 and $0.28, saying that those levels correspond to past reaction points on the chart. Based on reports, Carter views price action above the 50-day average as an early sign that momentum is returning. #DOGE Descending Channel Breakout Imminent???????? Dogecoin is poised to break out from the descending channel formation on the daily chart????♂️ Price action above the MA 50 indicates a potential reversal from a prolonged downtrend structure???? Upside targets: ???? $0.153 ???? $0.182 ????… pic.twitter.com/EfRjyg6tfo — Jonathan Carter (@JohncyCrypto) January 11, 2026 DOGE has been building higher lows, which would be a positive structure if it holds. Other analysts identified the all-time high at $0.73 as a long-term reference and noted a fourfold minimum growth target from current prices under the existing trend. Open Interest Climbs While Volume Drops CoinGlass data showed trading volume down by 43% to $1.30 billion in one report, even as Open Interest rose 1.70% to $1.80 billion. Total liquidations in the last 24 hours were listed at $596K, with long positions making up $431K and shorts $165K. This split suggests more long exposure among leveraged traders at the moment. Market Structure Means A Clear Move Is Needed Traders are sizing up several clear levels. A sustained move above EMA 50 at $0.14 could invite more buyers. A failure to hold the EMA 20 support at $0.13 would raise questions about the short-term strength. While momentum indicators are neutral now, a decisive break either way would likely be followed by sharper swings given low volume. Related Reading: Bitcoin’s Next Peak Might Ignite ADA’s Rally, Says Cardano Creator The current picture is mixed: signals of regained momentum sit beside declining volume and a downward slope in longer EMAs. Positions are being kept, as shown by rising Open Interest, but many market participants appear to be waiting for confirmation. If buying pressure returns and volume recovers, the analyst targets listed above could come into focus. If not, the chart may remain in a tight range for some time. Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView
Binance Coin climbed again over the weekend, pushing past the $900 mark and touching about $907 on Sunday after a sharp 24-hour uptick. Markets were calmer overall, with the broader crypto complex up 0.55% for the day while Bitcoin hovered above $92,000 and Ethereum traded beyond $3,100. Related Reading: Bitcoin’s Next Peak Might Ignite ADA’s Rally, Says Cardano Creator Market Reaction To Regulatory Shift According to social posts from Changpeng Zhao, founder and former CEO of Binance who is also known as ‘CZ’, optimism around a possible new crypto cycle helped fuel demand. CZ linked the mood to a regulatory change, saying the Securities and Exchange Commission had removed crypto from its list of priority risks for 2026. Based on reports, that move is being read by some investors as a sign of easing scrutiny, and it appears to have lifted sentiment across tokens. I could be wrong, but Super Cycle incoming. https://t.co/6TLldEMmGA — CZ ???? BNB (@cz_binance) January 10, 2026 Institutional Buying Adds Fuel Reports note sizable institutional flows into Bitcoin products. According to a filing, Wells Fargo bought 383 million of Bitcoin ETF shares, a figure that market watchers flagged as a large institutional stake. Morgan Stanley also filed for its own spot Bitcoin ETF last week, which many see as more proof that big financial players are stepping in. Those actions are being cited by traders as one reason risk assets like Binance Coin could see more interest. Macroeconomic Calendar Could Swing Prices A packed US data week is ahead and traders say it could affect crypto angles. On Monday, the market will watch a speech by the FOMC president. On Tuesday and Wednesday, the US Consumer Price Index and the Producer Price Index are due. Jobless claims come on Thursday, and a Fed balance sheet update lands on Friday. Any big surprise in those numbers can push liquidity flows and quickly change appetite for tokens. Binance Coin: Technical Levels To Watch BNB briefly reclaimed the $900 zone and was reported at $909 in some feeds as the four-hour chart showed a steady climb. Short-term resistance sits near $950, with a psychological barrier at $1,000. Related Reading: XRP Ledger May Get A Tokenized Gold Upgrade, Web3 Founder Reveals Technical indicators offered cautious support for bulls: the MACD showed a bullish crossover with the blue line above the signal line, and the histogram printed positive bars, which suggests buying pressure building. The RSI sat around 56.10, under overbought levels, implying room for more gains. Traders still point to a key support range near $850. A break below that could invite heavier selling and take prices down toward $820. The scenario of a quick pullback is real; prices that move fast up can move fast down. Market participants will be watching both the macro calendar and any fresh regulatory updates for clues. Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView
In this edition, we explore why token buybacks are back in the spotlight, when they work, and when teams should think twice.
After retreating from late-2025 highs, Bitcoin has spent much of recent trading days fluctuating between the mid-$80,000s and low-$90,000s, with buyers consistently stepping in on dips and sellers defending the same resistance level. Interestingly, this technical setup resembles the structure Bitcoin formed before its last major rally that eventually pushed it to its price peak above $126,000. Related Reading: Crypto Market Watches As Clarity Act Enters Senate Debate Next Week: US Senator Bitcoin Revisits A Familiar Consolidation Structure A closer look at BTC price action on the daily candlestick timeframe chart shows that the leading cryptocurrency is tracing a pattern that looks very similar to what played out between March and May 2025. In that earlier phase, Bitcoin spent weeks trading between roughly $76,000 and $86,000, repeatedly failing to break higher and giving the impression of stagnation. During that time, the Bitcoin price held above support levels and continued to print lower lows within the range and gave the impression of a lack of immediate upside. That consolidation ultimately proved to be a base. Once Bitcoin broke above the upper boundary of that range at $86,000, the sentiment changed very quickly and created the stage for a strong upside move that eventually led to Bitcoin. The current structure shows the same characteristics, only at a higher altitude. This time, Bitcoin is ranging between approximately $84,000 and $94,000, with price compressing in a similar way to early 2025. Bitcoin Price Chart. Source: @aganstwallst On X Why Bitcoin Might Push To New ATHs The $94,000 level has become the primary area determining Bitcoin’s current upward price action. Bitcoin’s price action tested this zone during an early January rally, briefly pushing toward $94,500 on January 5 before facing rejection and dropping back into correction. That rejection is now in the past, and the next priority is what Bitcoin might do once it finally secures a decisive break above this resistance. The previous performance is a good reference point for what could follow a confirmed breakout. After Bitcoin cleared $86,000 during the prior consolidation last year, it pushed up for many months, eventually reaching a peak price of around $126,080. That move represented a gain of about 46% from the breakout level. No two price movements can play out in exactly the same way, but the similarities between the current setup and last year’s structure suggest that Bitcoin may once again be building energy below resistance. Related Reading: Bitcoin’s Next Peak Might Ignite ADA’s Rally, Says Cardano Creator If Bitcoin delivers a comparable expansion after breaking above $94,000, the projected upside targets would extend a little above $126,000 and lead to the creation of a new all-time high. Applying the same percentage move from $94,000 points to a potential advance to as high as $138,000. Featured image from Pexels, chart from TradingView
According to TradingView data, big holders on Bitfinex have been trimming long positions after a late-December peak of 73,000 BTC. The move follows a broader drop in whale holdings of roughly 220,000 BTC during 2025, a change that has analysts and traders parsing what comes next. Related Reading: Crypto Market Watches As Clarity Act Enters Senate Debate Next Week: US Senator Price action has been steady. Bitcoin has been moving inside a tight range around $88,000 to $92,000 while the market seeks direction. Whale Moves And Historical Patterns Based on reports, some traders see this as a classic unwind pattern that precedes price gains. In early 2025, a similar fall in long positions coincided with Bitcoin slipping under $74k then staging a sharp rebound. That past recovery climbed to about $112k in 43 days after positions were flushed. MartyParty, a commentator on X, pointed to that episode when noting Bitfinex whales were “aggressively closing $BTC longs,” a behavior that has in the past been followed by big swings. Bitfinex whales are aggressively closing $BTC longs, a signal that historically precedes massive volatility. Last time this “unwind” happened in early 2025, Bitcoin was stalling at $74k. This precedes the Wyckoff Spring. See charts below. The flush cleared leverage and ignited… pic.twitter.com/2qfmH2eliJ — MartyParty (@martypartymusic) January 10, 2026 Market Breadth And Investor Mix Reports have disclosed that on-chain tracker CryptoQuant finds overall whale holdings fell by over 200,000 BTC across the year, while smaller investors have increased exposure. This shift is being read by some as a sign that ownership is broadening. If more participants hold coins, price moves can be supported by a wider base of buyers. That does not guarantee higher prices, but it does change the way risk spreads through the market. Price Range And Resistance Levels Traders are watching a near-term ceiling around $94,000 that has capped several rallies. Bitcoin currently sits near $91.5k. A sustained break above that $94,000 level with volume would be a stronger confirmation for bulls. On the flip side, a failure to move higher could see the range widen to the downside, especially if funding costs rise or if liquidations pick up. Fractal Targets And Caution Some analysts are using past patterns to project targets. Based on reports, one scenario maps a repeat of the spring-and-rally sequence, aiming at $135k or more if history repeats closely enough. Related Reading: Bitcoin’s Next Peak Might Ignite ADA’s Rally, Says Cardano Creator That view depends on similar market conditions lining up, which is not certain. Whales are not a single, unified actor; different groups can close positions for different reasons, and some trades are used as hedges rather than bets on price direction. Volume, funding rates, and net positioning on major derivatives platforms will matter. A clean breakout above $94,000 with rising spot demand would support the bullish case. Conversely, rising selling pressure at that level could keep Bitcoin confined to the $88,000–$92,000 band until a new catalyst appears. The current action looks like a setup in progress — one that could lead to sharp moves once traders decide on direction. Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView
Ethereum’s price action has spent an unusually long time moving sideways, and this behavior has tested the patience of many long-term bullish investors. When speaking of sideways movement, this movement has dragged on for many months, although Ethereum did manage to make a new all-time high in 2025. Interestingly, a technical analysis shared on X by Egrag Crypto shows how Ethereum’s current price action fits into previous playouts when viewed through an inverted monthly chart. This offers a perspective on what appears to be stagnation about to break into new price highs. Related Reading: Bitcoin’s Next Peak Might Ignite ADA’s Rally, Says Cardano Creator A Repeating Cycle With Changing Behavior The analysis is based on an inverted monthly Ethereum chart, which offers an interesting perspective that flips conventional interpretations of price movement. Ethereum’s inverted monthly chart shows a consistent pattern that’s changing with time in market structure across multiple cycles. A look at the inverted chart shows that previous price cycles were characterized by short accumulation phases followed by aggressive moves. As the market matured, those accumulation zones stretched out, and the resulting moves became less violent and more controlled. The first instance was in 2016, when Ethereum traded in a range for about 10 months before breaking out and going on a violent drop. A similar structure appeared between mid-2018 and mid-2020, when a longer consolidation phase preceded another drop that played out gradually at a softer pace. The current cycle, however, is playing out with a much longer accumulation. Therefore, the eventual drop should be shorter, according to Egrag Crypto. Inverted Ethereum Price Chart. Source: @egragcrypto on X A Drop Here Actually Means A Breakout The most important detail in this technical framework is that the chart is inverted. What looks like a downside move on this view actually points to upside expansion on the real Ethereum price chart. According to the previous outcomes, once Ethereum exits this range, the next move is likely to unfold quickly. It may not match the explosive nature of early-cycle rallies, but it is expected to be more orderly, sustained, and carry Ethereum to new price highs. When the structure is converted back into real price terms, Egrag Crypto identifies the $3,800 to $4,500 area as the first critical zone. This region represents initial resistance that must be cleared to confirm a bullish continuation. Only after a decisive move above this range would the $6,000 to $7,500 zone come into focus as a realistic upside target. Related Reading: Crypto Market Watches As Clarity Act Enters Senate Debate Next Week: US Senator The analysis also highlights a defined risk scenario. A pullback to the $1,800 to $2,200 region would postpone the breakout and act as a final shakeout before a final lift-off. However, as long as Ethereum holds its broader consolidation structure, such a retest would not invalidate the thesis. At the time of writing, Ethereum is trading at $3,100. Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView
Ethereum’s social buzz has cooled to levels some analysts compare with the period before last year’s powerful rebound, but experts say that doesn’t automatically mean another big surge is imminent. Related Reading: Bitcoin’s Next Peak Might Ignite ADA’s Rally, Says Cardano Creator Sentiment Mirrors Past Lows According to Santiment analyst Brian Quinlivan, social media sentiment around Ethereum has slipped and now sits near the low range seen before the 2025 rally. Quinlivan suggested that the decline in chatter “argues against us falling too much further,” and he pointed out that price has often climbed after strong public doubt. On Aug. 23, Ether hit a fresh all-time high of around $4,900, a move that followed a recovery from a yearly low near $1,470 in April, based on CoinGecko data. That rally pushed the token back above its 2021 high. Since then, Ether has retreated about 36% from the peak and was trading at $3,089 at the time of the reports. Market Shock And Liquidity Events Reports have disclosed that a mass liquidation on Oct. 10 triggered close to $20 billion of losses across the crypto market, and that event is linked to the more recent pullback. The liquidation hit many positions and was followed by a broader risk-off mood. Crypto fear gauges have been low. One index posted a Fear score of 29 on Sunday, while the Altcoin Season Index shows a Bitcoin Season score of 34 out of 100 — a reading that points to money flowing into Bitcoin rather than into altcoins over the past 90 days. That mix of metrics is being watched closely by traders who size positions on sentiment shifts. Network Activity And Staking Interest Quinlivan also highlighted on-chain signals he finds positive. According to his view, activity on Ethereum’s network has been rising, and staking has drawn more attention from users. Increasing bandwidth is safer than reducing latency With PeerDAS and ZKPs, we know how to scale, and potentially we can scale thousands of times compared to the status quo. The numbers become far more favorable than before (eg. see analysis here, pre and post-sharding… — vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) January 8, 2026 Meanwhile, Vitalik Buterin has joined the public conversation about technical upgrades. Buterin said in an extended X post that PeerDAS, which arrived with the Fusaka upgrade, along with zero-knowledge proofs and sharding, will push Ethereum toward much higher throughput. He added that layer-2 networks like Base, Polygon, and Optimism will still be needed because many use cases demand speeds that are even quicker than mainnet. Related Reading: Crypto Market Watches As Clarity Act Enters Senate Debate Next Week: US Senator Institutional Views And Market Positioning Based on reports, Coinbase Asset Management president Anthony Bassili said in November 2025 that investors tend to view Bitcoin first and Ethereum second when building a core portfolio. That stance reflects how many large investors now treat Ether as the default number-two market cap asset rather than as a fringe bet. With that status, downside expectations can be smaller than for riskier tokens. Still, sentiment can remain low for long stretches, and being ranked highly does not remove volatility. Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView
XRP kicked off January with a massive break above $2 and a rally towards $2.4. However, since then, the cryptocurrency has struggled to keep up bullish momentum. Now, attention has turned to a familiar and stubborn technical level, one that has shaped XRP’s history as resistance and support over many years. In a recent post on X, crypto analyst Steph highlighted this level and its significance as a vantage point that correlates with the cryptocurrency’s latest price outlook. Related Reading: Crypto Market Watches As Clarity Act Enters Senate Debate Next Week: US Senator A Resistance Zone Etched In History Technical analysis of XRP’s price action on the 12-month candlestick timeframe focuses on a price region that has haunted the cryptocurrency since 2017. According to crypto analyst Steph, every major cycle rally has stalled around $2, and this makes it a defining long-term resistance area for the cryptocurrency. This pattern is meaningful and not at a random price target. When price consolidates beneath a barrier for years, the pressure that builds can cause a powerful upside move once the barrier finally gives way. According to Steph, a clean, consecutive close above $2 on a yearly timeframe would mean that long-term supply has been exhausted and could open the door to a much larger repricing for XRP. This perspective aligns with recent chart behavior. XRP climbed above $2.40 very briefly in early January, but it could not sustain the breakout, retreating toward the mid-$2 area after sellers re-entered the market. Current price readings show the cryptocurrency trading around the high $2 region at $2.09. XRP 12-Month Price Chart. Source: @Steph_iscrypto On X What A Breakout Could Mean For The Next Chapter The challenge for XRP is not whether it can trade above $2, because it already has. The token spent much of the first half of 2025 above this level, and this eventually carried the price to an all-time high at $3.65. The issue is that XRP has consistently gravitated back toward the $2 zone over time, turning it into a recurring pivot base for support and resistance. This behavior has caused several breakout attempts to appear as little more than long upper wicks on the 12-month candlestick timeframe, followed by mean reversion. What matters now is not a brief push through the level, but whether XRP can break above $2 and hold it with a meaningful close on higher timeframes. A sustained close above $2 would mean that supply at this level is finally being absorbed. That outcome would be an important milestone in XRP’s long-term structure. However, before that can happen, XRP’s price action still needs to establish strength on mid-timeframes. The important thing will be whether $2 can change from resistance to support in the weeks and months ahead. Related Reading: Bitcoin’s Next Peak Might Ignite ADA’s Rally, Says Cardano Creator If it breaks above $2 convincingly, then it can create another base at a higher price level. In Steph’s projection, such a structural change could open XRP for an extended move, with upside targets stretching as high as $30. Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView
According to a new technical analysis, the Bitcoin price has returned to its “Crash Line,” fueling talk of a possible bullish turnaround. The expert behind this analysis has suggested that this is not a random event, but a deliberate move that could signal the beginning of Bitcoin’s next upward move. Bitcoin Price Revisits Familiar Crash Line In a recent post on X, market analyst Crypto Tice announced that Bitcoin has just hit the Crash Line, a level that has repeatedly acted as a critical reload point during the current bull cycle. The analyst indicated that this trendline has historically led to strong price rallies for BTC. He observed that throughout the bull market, Bitcoin has consistently followed the same sequence each time the price returns to the Crash Line. Related Reading: Crypto Market Watches As Clarity Act Enters Senate Debate Next Week: US Senator The process begins with momentum overheating, meaning buyers push prices up too quickly, creating unsustainable upward pressure. As this momentum builds, excessive leverage accumulates in the market, followed by a sharp correction. This price decline often brings Bitcoin back to the Crash Line. From this point, BTC usually starts gearing up for its next expansion phase. Crypto Tice shared a weekly chart illustrating this pattern. Each time Bitcoin approached the Crash Line, its price corrected by about 33.10% and 30.97% before quickly surging higher. Now that Bitcoin has returned to the Crash Line after a recent 33.38% drop, the analyst suggested it could follow the same historical trend and launch a major rally. Crypto Tice also noted that the Crash Line has consistently marked leverage flushes, selling-pressure exhaustion, and trend continuation zones for Bitcoin. Rather than signaling structural weakness, the analyst said this trendline has acted as a transition point. He noted that if the broader structure remains intact, the Crash Line could mark the area where Bitcoin’s upside reloads. Analyst Predicts Next Possible Moves For Bitcoin In a separate X post, market expert Crypto King said that Bitcoin is currently “stuck in a no trading zone,” meaning that the market still lacks a clear direction despite its recent rebound above $90,000. The analyst added that BTC’s liquidity and market participation are drying up, particularly as price moves sideways and the risk of getting caught in false moves increases. As a result, Crypto King has outlined two possible scenarios for Bitcoin. If the cryptocurrency can push above $92,000 and hold that level, he expects it to flip from resistance into support. Related Reading: Bitcoin’s Next Peak Might Ignite ADA’s Rally, Says Cardano Creator On the other hand, if price fails to reclaim $92,000, the analyst predicts Bitcoin could decline again, this time testing the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) gap at $88,000. The analyst has highlighted two potential demand zones on the chart: one around the CME gap and another extending lower between $60,000 and $50,000. Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView
After a robust start to the year, Bitcoin (BTC) has encountered significant resistance that has hindered its recovery trajectory, resulting in a brief dip below the $90,000 mark over the last few days. As analysts evaluate the situation, they have identified crucial levels that will influence Bitcoin’s short-term price movements. Critical Bitcoin Price Levels In a recent post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), market analyst Ted Pillows outlined three critical price points for Bitcoin in the short-term price action. The first key level to monitor is $89,200, which has served as a vital support. Should the Bitcoin price fall below this threshold, Ted Pillows predicts a subsequent drop toward the $87,500 level. But beyond this, Pillows cautioned that if the $87,500 support is lost on a daily basis, it could signal a significant downward trend for the cryptocurrency’s price in the near-term. Related Reading: VanEck Predicts Bitcoin Could Reach $2.9 Million In New Long-Term Capital Report On the upside, the analyst suggested that Bitcoin needs to reclaim the $94,000 to $95,000 range to establish a positive momentum. Notably, a daily close above this level could pave the way for BTC to reach between $102,000 and $103,000. Similarly, fellow analyst Ali Martinez emphasized the importance of the cryptocurrency’s price in maintaining its position above $87,200 to avoid a potential decline toward $69,230, which implies a potential 24% drop if this scenario materializes. Currently, Bitcoin has experienced a slight uptick, reaching $91,390 at the time of writing, partly due to the US Supreme Court’s decision to delay a ruling on President Donald Trump’s tariffs case, an event anticipated to bring volatility to the cryptocurrency market. Bitfinex Whales’ Moves Beyond technical analysis, there is a developing trend that many have overlooked. Bitfinex whales are apparently unwinding their BTC long holdings aggressively. Analysts such as Ash Crypto point out that this type of “unwind” has traditionally preceded significant market turbulence. During a similar event in early 2025, the Bitcoin price stalled around the $74,000 level but subsequently experienced a major recovery rally of approximately 50%, surging to the $112,000 mark within just 43 days. Related Reading: 3 Vital Factors Needed For A Lasting 2026 Crypto Surge, Bitwise CIO Unveils Ash noted that this could suggest that a similar pattern could unfold potentially this month, targeting price levels of $135,000 or more in the near term, which could result in a new all-time high for the market’s leading cryptocurrency. According to analysts, Bitfinex whales successfully relieve market pressure brought on by sizable clusters of long holdings when they “clear the books.” By lowering the market’s targets, price-hunting algorithms can more easily change the direction upward. Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com
The notorious crypto crash on October 10 of last year sent shockwaves through the market, resulting in the largest liquidation event in history with nearly $20 billion in losses. This catastrophic event ignited significant criticisms and fears among investors regarding the stability of the cryptocurrency market. However, the upcoming crypto market structure bill, known as the CLARITY Act, is being touted as a potential safeguard against future crashes. Market Manipulation In Crypto Could Plummet Market expert Crypto Rover recently took to social media to express optimism about the CLARITY Act as the Senate prepares for a markup on January 15. According to Rover, this crypto bill could reduce market manipulation in the crypto space by an impressive 70% to 80%. Related Reading: 3 Vital Factors Needed For A Lasting 2026 Crypto Surge, Bitwise CIO Unveils He noted the devastating effects of the October 10 event, describing it as a “massacre” for crypto holders, many of whom lost their life savings without clear answers about who was ultimately responsible for the chaos. Rover is confident that with the implementation of the CLARITY Act, the cryptocurrency market could begin operating more like traditional financial markets (TradFi). Institutional Investment Set To Surge Once the CLARITY Act passes in the Senate, Rover asserts that it will move to the floor for a full vote before returning to the House for final approval and eventually reaching President Trump’s desk. He further suggested that this entire process could take one to two months, potentially allowing the CLARITY Act to be signed into law by March 2026. Related Reading: VanEck Predicts Bitcoin Could Reach $2.9 Million In New Long-Term Capital Report Should this come to fruition, it is expected to open the floodgates for institutional investment in the crypto market, fundamentally changing the alleged “daily market manipulation” witnessed in the sector. At the time of writing, Bitcoin is trading at $90,357, having erased some of the gains seen at the beginning of the week when the market’s leading crypto surged towards a two-month high of $94,800. Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com
The cryptocurrency market recently experienced a brief uptick, but it has once again encountered increased volatility, with Bitcoin (BTC) and other major crypto assets retracting some of the gains achieved earlier in the week. Amid this churning landscape, Matt Hougan, Chief Investment Officer at Bitwise, has outlined three essential “checkpoints for a rally,” which he believes must be met for a lasting cryptocurrency recovery this year. Key Hurdles For Crypto Rally In the report released on January 6, Hougan highlighted the first hurdle for a sustained rally: avoiding a repeat of the catastrophic events that transpired on October 10, 2025. On that day, the market witnessed the largest liquidation event in its history, erasing approximately $19 billion in futures positions in just 24 hours. Related Reading: Did Morgan Stanley Orchestrate Bitcoin October Crash? Analysts Draw Correlations The aftermath of this event raised concerns among investors about the potential long-term health of significant market players such as hedge funds and major market makers. Many feared that these entities might need to liquidate assets to stabilize their operations, a scenario that could weigh heavily on the market. However, Hougan expressed a degree of optimism, suggesting that if any major firm were poised for a downturn, it likely would have occurred by now. He argues that investors have begun to move past the traumatic experience of October 10, contributing to the recent rally at the start of the new year. The second checkpoint outlined by Hougan is the passage of the crypto market structure bill, known as the CLARITY Act, which is currently making its way through Congress with the anticipated markup scheduled for January 15. This process involves aligning various drafts from the Senate banking and agriculture committees to reach a final vote. However, NewsBTC reported on Wednesday that several hurdles remain, including differing perspectives on how to regulate decentralized finance (DeFi) and stablecoin rewards. Legislative Framework Essential Hougan emphasized that the approval of the CLARITY Act is crucial for the long-term viability of cryptocurrencies in the United States. Without a legislative framework, Hougan stressed that the current pro-crypto stance at regulatory agencies could shift dramatically under future administrations. Bitwise’s CIO emphasized that passing the crypto market structure bill would solidify key regulatory principles into law, providing a sound foundation for ongoing growth in the crypto sector. Related Reading: Dogecoin Rapid Accumulation Suggests Sharp Upward Sweep Is Coming The final hurdle for a sustained crypto rally is maintaining stability in the broader equity market. While cryptocurrencies do not operate in lockstep with stocks, a significant downturn—such as a 20% drop in the S&P 500—could dampen enthusiasm for all risk assets, including digital currencies. Hougan also notes growing concerns about a potential artificial intelligence (AI) bubble. However, current prediction markets suggest a low probability of a recession in 2026 and an approximately 80% chance of gains for the S&P 500. Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com
According to an ambitious research study published by asset manager and cryptocurrency exchange-traded fund (ETF) issuer VanEck, Bitcoin (BTC) could potentially reach a staggering price of $2.9 million per coin by 2050. The insights come from Matthew Sigel, the firm’s Head of Digital Assets Research, and Senior Investment Analyst Patrick Bush, who have employed a valuation framework based on Bitcoin’s role in two primary total addressable markets: as a medium of exchange (MoE) and as a reserve asset for central banks. VanEck Projects 15% CAGR For Bitcoin In their analysis, Sigel and Bush project a 15% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from Bitcoin’s current levels, which would position the cryptocurrency as a significant player in the global economy. Related Reading: Did Morgan Stanley Orchestrate Bitcoin October Crash? Analysts Draw Correlations The report outlines two structural shifts that they believe will be pivotal for Bitcoin’s appreciation. The first, dubbed the Settlement Pivot, predicts that by 2050, Bitcoin will be responsible for settling between 5% and 10% of global international trade, as well as 5% of domestic trade transactions. The second crucial aspect, referred to as the Reserve Pivot, connects Bitcoin’s potential growth to waning trust in G7 sovereign debt. As confidence in these currencies diminishes, the authors anticipate that central banks might allocate resources toward Bitcoin as a hedge against fiscal instability. Yet, the VanEck report does not stop at a mere base case; it also explores a more optimistic scenario termed the Bull Case. ‘Hyper-Bitcoinization’ In this scenario, known as “hyper-bitcoinization,” if Bitcoin captures 20% of international trade and 10% of domestic GDP, its value could skyrocket to $53.4 million per coin, representing a major 29% CAGR. Achieving this would require Bitcoin to either equal or surpass gold’s status as a primary global reserve asset, making up nearly 30% of financial assets worldwide. Related Reading: GENIUS Act Key Provisions In Spotlight: XRP Attorney Deaton Alerts To Bankers’ Role For context, the report uses a baseline current price of approximately $88,000 when projecting these values. Interestingly, it incorporates a Bear Case target of $130,000, reflecting a modest 2% CAGR. In terms of correlation, VanEck anticipates that Bitcoin will exhibit low to moderate correlation with global equities, bonds, and gold over various market cycles. Notably, they emphasize a persistent negative correlation with the US Dollar (DXY), reinforcing Bitcoin’s potential role as a hedge against monetary debasement. Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com
The following article is adapted from The Block’s newsletter, The Daily, which comes out on weekday afternoons.
In the lead-up to the potential passage of the crypto market structure bill, known as the CLARITY Act, Faryar Shirzad, Chief Policy Officer at Coinbase, shed light on the ongoing discussions surrounding key provisions of the already enacted GENIUS Act. GENIUS Act Under Fire Shirzad noted that the stablecoin rewards provisions of the GENIUS Act are currently a central topic of debate among lawmakers. Shiraz remarked, “reopening it now only creates uncertainty and risks the future of the US Dollar as commerce moves onchain.” Shirzad emphasized the importance of protecting the GENIUS Act, arguing that rewards benefit consumers without adversely affecting community banks. Related Reading: Solana Shatters Records: 2025 Annual Review Reveals New All-Time Highs In Key Metrics He alleged that the motivation behind banks’ opposition to stablecoin rewards is evident. He claimed that US banks currently generate approximately $176 billion annually from the $3 trillion they hold at the Federal Reserve (Fed) and another $187 billion from card swipe fees, which averages to nearly $1,440 for each household. This results in over $360 billion yearly from payments and deposits, in addition to substantial unused lending capacity, as the Federal Reserve incentivizes banks to maintain reserves rather than deploy them. According to Shirzad, stablecoin rewards pose a challenge to these financial margins—not by impeding banks’ ability to lend, but by introducing real competition in payment systems. Shirzad further expressed alarm at how, during these Senate discussions, China has recognized the opportunity presented by the bank lobby. The country has recently announced interest payments to users of its Digital Yuan, aiming to undermine the supremacy of the US dollar. He warned that banning rewards in the Senate would inadvertently aid China’s efforts to challenge the dollar’s dominance. Concluding his remarks, Shirzad asserted that the opposition from banks toward stablecoin rewards is not based on prudential concerns but stems from a desire to protect lucrative revenue streams threatened by competition. Deaton Critiques ABA’s Threat To Stablecoin Rewards John E. Deaton — attorney for XRP holders in the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) lawsuit against Ripple Labs and a former Senate candidate — also reacted to these developments. He emphasized the importance of the situation as China officially began offering interest on the digital yuan. He highlighted that the American Bankers Association (ABA) is exerting pressure on the Senate to close a “third-party loophole” in the GENIUS Act, which would restrict companies like Coinbase (COIN) and Kraken from offering rewards to consumers. Related Reading: Ethereum Staking Queue Grows: What Does This Mean For ETH Prices Moving Forward? Deaton argued that banning American firms from providing yield to everyday citizens does not protect banks, as claimed by the ABA; rather, it risks forcing global reliance on China’s currency over the US dollar. He emphasized that major banks are threatened by the concept of digital dollars because they are unable to “rent” that money back to consumers if individuals are earning yield themselves. The criticism also extended to banking officials, with Deaton asserting that the Banking Policy Institute, led by figures like Jamie Dimon, has crafted an anti-crypto bill last year that undermines the interests of average Americans. He contended that if the Senate capitulates to the bank lobby, it effectively imposes a hidden tax on retail investors and customers nationwide to safeguard Wall Street’s profits. Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com
There’s still a lot of work to be done by US lawmakers to give clarity (no pun intended) and perhaps closure to the long-standing debate on how the CLARITY Act should be enacted into law, when, and how. Related Reading: Bitcoin ETFs Bring The Heat: $1.2 Billion Flows In First 48 Hours—Analyst One lawmaker in the person of Senate Banking Committee Chairman Sen. Tim Scott said the CLARITY Act will be debated in the Senate next week, setting up what could be a decisive moment for US crypto rules. Scott has signaled a markup and a committee vote as early as next Thursday, reports note, putting pressure on negotiators who have been revising the bill for months. Related Reading: Bitcoin ETFs Bring The Heat: $1.2 Billion Flows In First 48 Hours—Analyst Senate Vote Scheduled For Next Week According to multiple reports, Scott told press he wants a formal vote to put members on record about market structure for digital assets. The move comes after lawmakers paused action late last year and pushed key work into January, a delay that left the industry watching closely. seems to me we’re probably going to get a crypto market structure bill…I reviewed the list of remaining issues and the main potential ‘showstoppers’ left are some things around illicit finance re: DeFi front-ends etc…surely some deal should be possible there?…Jan 15th… — _gabrielShapir0 (@lex_node) January 6, 2026 Supporters say the bill would aim to spell out which federal agencies regulate different parts of the crypto market, and to reduce some legal uncertainty for exchanges and token projects. Based on reports, the draft includes provisions on how the SEC and CFTC would share oversight and on consumer protections, though most final details are still being hashed out. Lawmakers Face Key Policy Disputes Several major sticking points remain unresolved, including rules for decentralized finance, stablecoin yields, and how many regulators are needed to take enforcement actions. Reports have warned that the committee may be rushing toward a vote while those issues are still open, which could complicate getting bipartisan support later on. Industry groups and some senators have urged more time to iron out those details. That pressure comes as proponents argue the country needs clearer rules to guide firms and investors. The debate has become both technical and political, with members of both parties expressing concern about leaving important protections unclear. Markets React To The Uncertainty Based on market reports, news of delays and uncertainty around the bill has already moved prices. Bitcoin briefly pushed past $93,000 before retreating to about $86,729 after a recent holdover in the Senate, showing how sensitive crypto markets can be to legislative timing. Traders and firms are watching the calendar closely because even the promise of a vote can sway flows and sentiment. Related Reading: Bitcoin Wealth Isn’t About Hype—It’s About Time And Stacking, Expert Says Bill Could Reach The President The House approved its version of the market structure framework last year, meaning a Senate passage would send the measure to the desk of US President Donald Trump for signature. Committee leaders say getting a clear vote on record is important both for transparency and for moving negotiations forward on the Senate floor. Featured image from National Investigative Training Academy, chart from TradingView
Flowdesk says record demand met even deeper liquidity, suppressing volatility across staking, stablecoin lending, making crypto credit markets look more like traditional cash plumbing.
The following article is adapted from The Block’s newsletter, The Daily, which comes out on weekday afternoons.
Flare has listed FXRP on Hyperliquid, marking the first time XRP spot exposure is available on the platform.
Spot Bitcoin ETFs in the US opened 2026 with a burst of cash that surprised some market watchers and encouraged others. Related Reading: Bitcoin Wealth Isn’t About Hype—It’s About Time And Stacking, Expert Says According to Bloomberg’s senior ETF analyst Eric Balchunas, more than $1.2 billion flowed into those funds during the first two trading days of the year. He estimated that if that pace held, annualized inflows could reach about $150 billion — roughly 600% higher than the total for 2025. The spot Bitcoin ETFs are “coming into 2026 like a lion,” Balchunas said. ETF Flows Surge Early According to reports, nearly every major spot Bitcoin ETF saw money coming in during those opening sessions. Balchunas calls this inflow as broad-based. The WisdomTree Bitcoin Fund (BTCW) was one of the few exceptions that did not register the same demand. BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) was reported to have taken a large share of last year’s buying. The spot bitcoin ETFs are coming into 2026 like a lion, +$1.2 in flows in first two days of year w/ everyone eating. That’s a $150b/yr pace. Told ya’ll if they can take in $22b when it’s raining, imagine when the sun is shining. pic.twitter.com/YdRaLN0Op7 — Eric Balchunas (@EricBalchunas) January 6, 2026 Traditional Measures Fell Short Last Year Last year, spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded net inflows of over $21 billion. That was down from $35 billion in 2024. Yet Monday’s single-day net inflow of $697 million was the biggest daily intake in three months, and it came as Bitcoin traded back above the low $90,000s. Trading volume rose and some positions that had bet on a price drop were closed, which added to the move. Institutional Moves And New Filings Reports show Morgan Stanley filed with the SEC to offer both Bitcoin and Solana ETFs, a step that puts a major wealth manager alongside established issuers. Balchunas pointed out Morgan Stanley manages about $8 trillion in advisory assets and has already cleared its advisors to allocate to such products. The firm’s proposed Bitcoin trust, according to the filing, would track the spot price and avoid leverage or derivatives. How The Flows Affect The Market Analysts say ETF demand is likely to soak up circulating Bitcoin supply. If sustained, that dynamic could change how much liquidity is available to traders and might reduce the amount of BTC offered on exchanges. There was an early sign of unevenness: preliminary figures showed a large outflow from one Fidelity fund on Tuesday, which raised the chance of a net outflow for the day once all data were in. Related Reading: Ether Staking Heats Up As Entry Queue Hits 1.3 Million ETH Bitcoin Price Amid Geopolitical Noise Meanwhile, Bitcoin’s price held its ground after geopolitical headlines involving Venezuela and the capture of its leader, Nicolas Maduro, by US special forces. The top crypto asset kept its composure around the low $90,000s and climbed past $93,000 at moments. Traders and analysts pointed to short position liquidations and a rebound in other risk assets as reasons for the lift. Some on-chain observers flagged accumulation by larger holders, while others said markets were treating the news as concluded rather than as a fresh shock. Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView
O'Callaghan joins from market maker IMC where he was employed as global head of institutional partnerships and digital asset sales.
Solana (SOL), one of the foremost blockchains in the cryptocurrency sector, recently released its annual review for 2025, showcasing major growth across several key metrics, including daily active wallets and decentralized exchange (DEX) volume. Seven Solana Apps Break $100 Million Revenue Barrier According to the report issued on social media platform X (previously Twitter) applications built on Solana generated $2.39 billion in revenue, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 46% and marking a new all-time high (ATH). Seven standout applications in particular, including Pumpfun, each surpassed the $100 million revenue threshold in 2025. Additionally, the variety of smaller applications—those earning under $100 million—collectively produced over $500 million in revenue. Related Reading: XRP Surges Towards $2.20: Leading Monday Gains And Driving Crypto ETF Inflows The network’s performance indicators are equally impressive. Solana achieved a revenue of $1.4 billion, demonstrating a 48-fold increase over the past two years. Non-vote transactions reached a new ATH of 33 billion, with a year-over-year growth of 28%. Furthermore, the network averaged 1,054 non-vote transactions per second (TPS) while unique active wallets averaged 3.2 million daily, marking a 50% increase year-on-year. In terms of wallet growth, Solana saw 725 million new wallets. Bitcoin Trading Volume Skyrockets To $33 Billion In terms of asset management, Solana’s stablecoin supply ended the year at $14.8 billion, more than doubling year-on-year. The blockchain facilitated a colossal $11.7 trillion in stablecoin transfers, marking a sevenfold increase over two years. Notably, equities made their debut on Solana in 2025, achieving a supply of $1 billion and trading volume of $651 million. Bitcoin trading volume grew fivefold compared to the previous year, reaching $33 billion and solidifying a new ATH. The total Bitcoin supply also doubled to $770 million. Staked SOL also saw an increase, with 421 million tokens staked, representing an 8% growth and another ATH. Additionally, the introduction of Solana ETFs attracted net inflows of $1.02 billion. SOL-Stablecoin Volume Soars To $782 Billion In the realm of decentralized exchanges, the total DEX volume reached $1.5 trillion, reflecting a 57% year-over-year growth and another all-time high for the network’s annual review. The trading volume for SOL-stablecoins set a record at $782 billion, more than doubling year-over-year. Twelve DEX platforms managed to process over $10 billion in volume, with Raydium leading the way at $347 billion. Furthermore, the artificial intelligence (AI) agent volume reached a new all-time high of $31 billion, along with tokenized asset volume rising to $598 million and project token volume increasing to $86 billion. Related Reading: Bitcoin Reaches $93,000 Amid Renewed Optimism: What To Keep An Eye On This Week In the sectors of memecoins and launchpads, memecoin volume totaled $482 billion, although this represented a slight decline of 10% year-on-year. Launchpads had a successful year as well, with six platforms generating over $1 billion in volume and launchpad revenue doubling year-on-year to $762 million. Trading platforms contributed significantly to Solana’s ecosystem, earning $940 million, a 44% increase compared to the prior year. Moreover, the trading volume processed by these platforms reached $108 billion, up 66% year-on-year. https://www.tradingview.com/x/dPrTZvZ9/ At the time of writing, SOL is trading at $138.50, having recovered by 10% over the past seven days. However, it is still trading 50% below its all-time high of $293, which was reached during last year’s rally. Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com
According to Beaconcha.in data and market reports, the Ethereum validator exit queue has shrunk to just 32 ETH, with a wait time of about one minute. That is a steep drop from its mid-September peak of 2.67 million ETH — a fall of almost a hundred percent. Markets often react when locked assets are freed up for sale. Right now, that specific source of immediate selling seems to have faded. Related Reading: Crypto Users Lose Far Less To Phishing As Losses Drop 83% – Details Validator Exit Queue Near Empty The exit mechanism limits how fast validators can stop validating and pull out their full stake. With the queue near zero, there is no backlog waiting to cash out. That reduces one form of nervous selling. Validators still earn rewards while queued and can face penalties if they act badly, but the bottleneck that once forced slow exits is gone. Reports show the withdrawal process for partial payouts remains separate, and those smaller payouts continue without affecting the full-exit flow. Entry Queue Hits Fresh Highs Based on reports, the entry queue has climbed to about 1.3 million ETH, its largest level since mid-November. Large operators are sending chunks of ETH into staking. BitMine began staking on Dec. 26 and added 82,560 ETH to the queue on Jan. 3. The firm now lists 659,219 ETH staked, worth roughly $2.1 billion at current prices. BitMine’s wider holdings stand at just over 4.1 million ETH, representing about 3.4% of the total supply and valued near $13 billion. Those moves add real, measurable demand for staked Ether and help explain why fewer validators appear eager to leave. Exchange Balances And Liquidity Exchange reserves for ETH sit at multi-year lows. That matters because when fewer coins are parked on trading platforms, automatic or panic selling becomes harder to pull off. Traders and analysts point to this as a reason selling pressure is easing. Some industry figures have been quoted saying the exit queue is “basically empty,” and that selling pressure is drying up as staking outpaces withdrawals. Still, the market can move by other means — derivatives, lending desks, and off-exchange trades can shift exposure without touching the staking queues. BULLISH: $ETH surpasses Netflix to reclaim its position as the 36th-largest asset by market cap. pic.twitter.com/NetdCcdtSa — CoinGecko (@coingecko) January 6, 2026 Market Cap Milestone And What It Means Meanwhile, in another development, market watchers also noted that Ethereum has moved past Netflix to be the 36th-largest asset by market cap. That headline grabs attention. It says something about investor focus on blockchain assets right now. Related Reading: Bitcoin Wealth Isn’t About Hype—It’s About Time And Stacking, Expert Says But crossing a market-cap threshold is not the same as a direct reason to buy. Valuation rankings change often, and they can be driven by price moves that are themselves shaped by flows, news, or macro shifts rather than a change in the underlying business. Featured image from Pexels, chart from TradingView
US President Donald Trump’s allied super PAC has received more than $21 million in donations from major players in the cryptocurrency sector, filings show. The money landed in the account of MAGA Inc., a group that has been building a large war chest ahead of the 2026 midterm contests. Related Reading: A Maduro Bet, A Market Alarm: US Lawmaker Targets Trading Abuses According to Federal Election Commission records, Gemini Trust Company gave 1.5 million USDC, which was converted to dollars when reported. At the same time, Foris Dax Inc., the parent of Crypto.com, made two separate $10 million contributions. Who Might Benefit The contributions add weight to MAGA Inc.’s already large balance. Reports show the super PAC entered 2026 with nearly $300 million on hand, a figure driven by many high-dollar donations from across tech, finance, and other sectors. The PAC says the funds will be used to support candidates and efforts aligned with Trump’s priorities. Money talks in close races. When groups have hundreds of millions available, they can buy more ads, staff, and outreach. That can change outcomes in tightly contested House and Senate battlegrounds, and it can shape which lawmakers hold sway over policy — including rules that affect crypto firms and digital assets. Regulatory And Industry Context Based on reports, the crypto sector has been more active politically in recent years, directing funds to both national PACs and smaller groups that press for friendlier regulation. Some industry leaders have pushed for clearer rules on tokens, custody, and exchanges, and political donations are a tool used alongside lobbying. Campaign strategists say large donations tied to specific industries can sharpen messaging on hot-button topics. In this case, the visible crypto contributions arrive as regulators and lawmakers continue to debate how to treat digital assets. That debate could influence product approvals, enforcement approaches, and tax rules for crypto companies and their customers. Related Reading: Bitcoin Wealth Isn’t About Hype—It’s About Time And Stacking, Expert Says What The Filings Show The filings provide a snapshot of who gave money and when. They do not show how the PAC will spend every dollar or which individual races will get direct help. Still, the timing — months ahead of the 2026 midterms — suggests these gifts were aimed at building influence before candidate slates and budgets are finalized. Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView
Bitcoin moved higher on renewed buying from large holders while smaller wallets were seen booking gains, a pattern that on-chain watchers view as supportive for further upside. Related Reading: Bitcoin Wealth Isn’t About Hype—It’s About Time And Stacking, Expert Says Whale Accumulation And Retail Profit-Taking According to Santiment, wallets holding between 10 and 10,000 BTC — described as whales and sharks — have added 56,227 BTC since mid-December. At the same time, wallets with less than 0.01 BTC have been taking profits, suggesting some retail traders expect a bull trap or a fool’s rally. This split — heavy accumulation by large holders while small accounts sell — raises the odds of market cap growth across crypto. Supply Redistribution And Market Structure Market observers say supply is shifting in a way that helps price action. Analyst James Check pointed out that the top-heavy supply share has fallen from 67% to 47%, a large move in a short span. ???? Crypto markets typically follow the path of key whale & shark stakeholders, and move the opposite direction of small retail wallets. In our chart below: ???? Whales dumping, Retail accumulating (VERY BEARISH) ???? Whales dumping, Retail unpredictable (BEARISH) ???? Whales & Retail… pic.twitter.com/yoC0H1keBT — Santiment (@santimentfeed) January 5, 2026 That shift, paired with a drop in profit-taking and signs of a short-squeeze in futures, has supported higher prices even as overall leverage stayed low. Bitcoin has been mostly rangebound between roughly $87,000 and $94,000 for about six weeks, but it briefly reached a seven-week high of $94,800 on Coinbase during late trading on Monday. Options And Key Levels Traders watching option interest see heavy call activity around the $100,000 strike for January expiry. Data shows Bitcoin as being in a bullish consolidation phase, with immediate resistance seen at $95,000 to $100,000 and support placed near $88,000 to $90,000. A clean break above the upper zone could push prices higher, while a breach below the lower zone might invite deeper selling pressure. Geopolitical Shock And Trading Volume Following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by US forces, Bitcoin moved to multi-week highs and traded above key levels near $93,000 on Monday, based on reports. Analysts tied the move partly to geopolitical uncertainty pushing some investors toward alternative assets. Speculation about Venezuela’s alleged large BTC holdings — reportedly hundreds of thousands of coins — also added to market chatter and trade activity. Overall, the event coincided with higher volatility and volume, reflecting broad market reactions to global tension rather than serving as a direct driver of Bitcoin’s fundamental value. Related Reading: A Maduro Bet, A Market Alarm: US Lawmaker Targets Trading Abuses What This Means For Traders The current mix of big-wallet buying and retail profit-taking gives the market a tilted bias. If accumulation by whales continues, the chance of an upward breakout rises. Yet the retail sell-off warns that short-term reversals remain possible. The $95,000 to $100,000 range appears to be a key area for a potential breakout, while support around $88,000 to $90,000 could influence sentiment if prices fall below it. Reports and on-chain data suggest momentum leans toward further gains, though the market may remain volatile as traders respond to both technical levels and geopolitical developments. Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView