Market Signal Briefing

PI is slightly up in the past 24 hours but not as impressive as other alts.

The cryptocurrency markets have rallied over the past 24 hours, perhaps led by more optimism on the rate-cut front in the United States.

The CPI data that came out yesterday was once again lower than expected, which only reaffirmed the POTUS’s claims that the rates should be lowered during the late January FOMC meeting, even though previous reports said Powell would pause the cuts.

Bitcoin’s price surged to a two-month high of $96,600, while many altcoins have marked significant gains. Although also in the green, Pi Network’s native token has failed to follow suit, and it’s up by only 1.5% in the past 24 hours.

Pi Network (PI) Price on CoinGecko This has been an evident trend for the token for the past few months. Its performance has been quite different from that of most other altcoins. In November, when the market was crashing, PI remained relatively still and even charted some gains at one point.

In early January 2026, when BTC surged toward $95,000 and some alts were up by double digits, PI stood behind and couldn’t break out from its $0.20 and $0.22 consolidation range.

The landscape appears similar, at least for the time being. PI’s minor daily increase hasn’t provided the necessary push for a more profound breakout. As usual, the project’s community appears bullish, posting numerous price predictions on X with some ridiculous targets of $100 or even $314 per token, which are unattainable at this point, to say the least.

However, some popular AI models believe there’s a minor chance of a sustained breakout from PI unless there’s a major catalyst coming from the project itself. The latest update, published at the end of last week, couldn’t do the job for now.

You may also like: Bitcoin (BTC) Plunges Before the FOMC Meeting, Pi Network (PI) Soars by 15%: Market Watch Tags:

Dash (DASH) price latest rally marks a clear range breakout, confirmed by a sharp influx of trading volume, placing the rally firmly in the spotlight. 

As sector rotation was in play, DASH price rallied over 30% intraday, trading at $58.83. Following several weeks of price consolidation, DASH price escaped the range with a sharp breakout.

While the move is technically significant, its strength is better judged by how on-chain metrics behavior reacted to the surge.

DASH Price Outlook: Momentum Builds, But Structure Still MattersFrom a technical standpoint, DASH’s price action reflects a range breakout followed by consolidation. This rapid price surge backed by trading volume rise, indicating that bulls have gained dominance.

Furthermore, a sign of trend reversal was witnessed as key EMAs turned positive. DASH price action signals a shift in short-term market sentiment as sector rotation may continue to push prices even higher ahead.

Furthermore, momentum indicators support this view. The daily RSI has moved into the bullish territory. It reveals potential continuation of bullishness may be seen ahead.

The Money Flow Index (MFI) started trending upwards, showing rising liquidity entering the market. Overall key indicators reinforce the directional strength. 

Also, short-term key EMAs have begun to slope upward, offering dynamic support beneath price. Amidst the sharp reversal, DASH price flipped its resistance zone of $50 into support level. If buying pressure continues, the DASH price may reach $70 towards the next supply zone. 

As long as DASH price holds the $50 level, the breakout structure remains intact. A dip below the $50 mark would shift the setup toward a profit booking scenario.

On-Chain Metrics Reflect Bullish OutlookDerivatives data from Coinglass suggests that DASH’s price rally is being accompanied by growing market confidence. 

The Open Interest (OI) has surged 93% alongside a price surge of 30% in the intraday session, implying bullish positioning.

Beyond the derivatives data, capital flow data adds an important layer. Total Value Locked (TVL) remained positive, suggesting that the capital is flowing into the ecosystem. 

Taken together, OI surge, rising trading volume and TVL data point toward a rally driven by structured positioning rather than speculative excess. This setup keeps upside potential intact while limiting immediate downside risk.

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Cooling inflation and post–year-end rebalancing help draw institutional money back into spot bitcoin funds.

IP and PEPE lead the charge on January 14.

Bitcoin’s price actions experienced a substantial uptick over the past 24 hours or so, as the asset surged to a new multi-month peak of around $96,500 on most exchanges.

Most altcoins have followed suit, with ETH pumping above $3,300, ADA skyrocketing by over 8%, and XLM rocketing by 9%.

BTC Sees 2-Month Peak Bitcoin had a sluggish weekend in which it remained sideways below $91,000 after it was rejected at $92,000 last Friday. The bulls woke up on Monday, pushing it to $92,400 on a couple of occasions, but they couldn’t keep the rally going.

This changed on Tuesday, though. First, the US CPI numbers came out lower than expected and provided a necessary push to $92,400. BTC maintained that level this time, and the subsequent speech by US President Donald Trump, which triggered a lot of headlines, was likely behind the following BTC rally.

In the span of just a few hours, the cryptocurrency surged by four grand and tapped $96,500 for the first time in two months. Since then, it has lost some steam but still trades around $95,000. Its market cap has climbed to just under $1.9 trillion, while its dominance over the alts stands still at 56.9% on CG.

BTCUSD Jan 14. Source: TradingView Alts on the Run Ethereum is among the top performers from the larger-cap alts. It has rocketed by more than 6% and now trades above $3,300 after slipping below $3,100 just days ago. XRP has neared $2.15 after a 4% increase, BNB is close to $940, while SOL is at $144.

Cardano’s native token has surged by over 8% to $0.42. XLM has skyrocketed by 9% to $0.24, while LINK and DOGE are up by 6-7%.

Even more impressive gains come from IP (28%), PEPE (14%), ICP (14%), PUMP (12%), ENA (11%), and ARB (10%).

The cumulative market cap of all crypto assets has added over $110 billion since this time yesterday and is up to $3.330 trillion on CG.

Cryptocurrency Market Overview Daily January 14. Source: QuantifyCrypto

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On-chain data shows the Bitcoin Sell-Side Risk Ratio has plummeted recently. Here’s what this could suggest for the cryptocurrency.

Bitcoin Sell-Side Risk Ratio Has Fallen To Multi-Year Lows In a new post on X, Glassnode analyst Chris Beamish has talked about the latest trend in the Bitcoin Sell-Side Risk Ratio, an on-chain indicator that keeps track of the ratio between the sum of all profits and losses realized on the network and the cryptocurrency’s Realized Cap.

The Realized Cap here refers to a capitalization model that calculates BTC’s total value by assuming that the value of each coin in circulation is equal to the price at which it was last transacted on the blockchain.

The last transfer price of any token is likely to represent its cost basis, so the Realized Cap measures the sum of the cost bases of the total BTC supply. In other words, it represents the total amount of capital that the investors have put into the cryptocurrency.

As such, the Sell-Side Risk Ratio tells us about how the amount of profit and loss that Bitcoin investors are realizing compares against the total capital stored in the asset.

Now, here is the chart for the indicator shared by Beamish that shows how its value has changed over the last few years:

The value of the metric seems to have plummeted in recent weeks | Source: @ChrisBeamish_ on X As displayed in the above graph, the Bitcoin Sell-Side Risk Ratio shot up to a notable value with the price crash in November. This suggests that investors took a large amount of profit and loss alongside the volatility.

Since this high, the indicator’s value has seen a steep drop and has returned to the lowest level since October 2023. The analyst has noted that this points to “subdued conviction behind distribution at current price levels.”

Typically, market volatility tends to be low when these conditions form, so it only remains to be seen how the price of the cryptocurrency will develop in the near future.

In some other news, demand from the Bitcoin retail investors has been missing recently, as CryptoQuant author IT Tech has pointed out in an X post. The indicator cited by IT Tech is the 30-day change in the Retail Investor Demand, measuring the percentage change in the volume associated with the small hands (transactions valued at less than $10,000).

Looks like the value of the indicator has been negative recently | Source: @IT_Tech_PL on X As is visible in the chart, the 30-day change in the Bitcoin Retail Investor Demand has been declining inside the negative zone recently, implying that the activity of the retail entities has been going down. The indicator’s trend hasn’t changed even after the recent recovery surge.

BTC Price At the time of writing, Bitcoin is trading around $94,300, up more than 3% over the last 24 hours.

The trend in the price of the coin over the last month | Source: BTCUSDT on TradingView Featured image from Dall-E, chart from TradingView.com

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Crypto trader and analyst Michaël van de Poppe says Bitcoin is about to hit $100,000.

In a series of market updates, Poppe says the original and largest crypto asset will reach the psychological milestone in a matter of days.

“There we go. Bitcoin breaks upwards. Holds the 21-Day MA. Multiple tests of that moving average held as support. Makes constant higher lows higher highs.

It’s quite clear that this is going to run to $100K in the coming week and that dips are for buying. The bull market hasn’t died, it’s about to start.”

Source: X/Michaël van de Poppe BTC has surged from $91,200 to as high as $95,804 in the last 24 hours, landing at 95,455 at time of publishing.

Poppe also likes how altcoins are shaping up, highlighting the price of Optimism (OP).

“Ideally, this is what you’d prefer to see on the Altcoin markets.

A breakout through the 21-Day MA for the first time in six months. Then; a strong retest of the 21-Day MA area to hold. Another new high being created.

That’s the start of a new uptrend, and OP looks like it’s starting one.”

Source: X/Michaël van de Poppe

Boomers Aren’t Trading BTC — They’re Locking It Up as Bitcoin ETF Assets Top $120 BillionBitcoin ETF assets surpassed $120 billion as long-term holders quietly absorb supply instead of trading.ETF demand now exceeds new Bitcoin supply, but willing sellers are masking the impact.A supply vacuum may form if long-term holders stop distributing into persistent ETF inflows.The era of Bitcoin ETFs (exchange-traded funds) is increasingly being defined by long-term capital that appears content to sit tight, rather than by fast money or speculative churn.

As net assets across US spot Bitcoin ETFs approach $120 billion, analysts say the composition of holders — and their behavior — is quietly reshaping Bitcoin’s supply-demand dynamics in ways that may not show up in price action until much later.

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Total Net Assets for Bitcoin ETFs Top $120 BillionData from the crypto research platform SoSoValue shows that the total net assets for spot Bitcoin ETFs were $123 billion as of January 14, after inflows reached $753 million. The last time ETF inflows were this high was on October 7, 2025, marking a three-month high.

It also marks a significant climb after the $117 million inflows recorded on Monday, suggesting an increasing appetite among institutional investors.

Bitcoin ETF Flows. Source: SoSoValueBloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas argues that recent ETF flows point to a structural shift in investor mindset, particularly among older allocators.

“This tracks with the stickiness of the assets,” Balchunas wrote on X. “The boomers are not tourists. Which is smart IMO. If you’re going to buy BTC, data shows you should commit to at least a four-year holding period, like a self-imposed lock-up period.”

That framing matters because it challenges the assumption that Bitcoin ETF inflows are inherently short-term or momentum-driven.

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Instead, a growing share of demand appears to be coming from investors treating Bitcoin as a strategic allocation, closer to gold and silver than a high-beta tech trade.

Meanwhile, fresh survey data from Bitwise and VettaFi reinforce that view. According to Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan, 99% of financial advisors who allocated to crypto in 2025 plan to maintain or increase their exposure in 2026.

99% of financial advisor who allocated to crypto in 2025 plan to increase or maintain their exposure in 2026. @EricBalchunas @JSeyff

(Data from the just-published 8th annual Bitwise/VettaFi Benchmark Survey of Financial Advisor Attitudes Towards Crypto Assets.) pic.twitter.com/ICANsniQ2Z

— Matt Hougan (@Matt_Hougan) January 13, 2026 The data from the recently published 8th annual Bitwise/VettaFi Benchmark Survey of Financial Advisor Attitudes Towards Crypto Assets suggests that advisor conviction is strengthening, even after Bitcoin’s sharp run-up.

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Why Bitcoin Hasn’t Gone Parabolic Yet — and What Could ChangeThe persistence of that demand is already visible in on-chain supply math. Since the US spot Bitcoin ETFs launched in January 2024, the funds have collectively purchased more than 100% of newly mined Bitcoin.

In other words, ETF demand alone has exceeded net new supply. Yet prices have not gone parabolic. According to Hougan, this disconnect is often misunderstood. Hougan drew a direct parallel to gold’s multi-year rally that culminated in 2025.

“Bitcoin’s price will go parabolic if ETF demand persists long-term,” he wrote, pointing to how central bank gold purchases doubled after 2022 but took several years to impact prices fully.

Gold rose just 2% in 2022, followed by 13% in 2023 and 27% in 2024, before surging 65% in 2025. The reason, Hougan argues, is that willing sellers absorbed early demand.

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“For the first few years, central bank demand was met by people willing to sell their gold holdings,” he noted. “But eventually, the sellers ran out of ammo. And as demand persisted, prices soared.”

The Bitwise executive believes that Bitcoin ETFs are following a similar path. While ETFs have been buying more than the new supply since launch, long-term holders and early adopters have so far been willing to distribute coins into that demand.

That has kept price appreciation relatively orderly despite unprecedented institutional inflows.

The risk — or opportunity, depending on perspective — lies in what happens if that selling pressure fades.

With ETF buyers increasingly behaving like locked-up holders rather than traders, analysts say Bitcoin may be setting up for an asymmetric move, where years of steady accumulation give way to a sudden supply vacuum.

If history rhymes, the real impact of Bitcoin’s ETF boom may not be visible yet, but when it arrives, it could come all at once.

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Tom Lee’s January Bitcoin Prediction In Focus As $100,000 Nears — New ATH Soon?Pattern breakout plus on-chain supply clusters suggest Bitcoin’s move is structurally supported.Whales keep accumulating, retail stops selling, but leverage leaves downside risk below $94,500.Holding above $94,500 opens path toward $106,600 and potentially a new all-time high.Bitcoin is finally showing follow-through. Price has pushed above the $95,000 zone and is holding there at press time, up roughly 3.8% on the day and around 6.5% over the past 30 days. That strength is shifting the tone.

As momentum builds and key resistance levels approach, Tom Lee’s January call for a fresh all-time high is starting to look less speculative and more technically grounded. But risks remain!

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Cup-and-Handle Breakout Aligns With Favorable On-Chain SupplyBitcoin has confirmed a breakout from a cup-and-handle pattern, clearing resistance near $94,800 with strong volume. That volume matters because it signals real demand defending the breakout, not just thin liquidity pushing the price higher. The measured move from this structure points toward $106,600, making it the first major upside target.

Yet, BTC must first reclaim the psychological $100,000 level ($100,200 level per the chart) to make any higher predictions worth noting.

Bitcoin Breakout: TradingViewCrossing that level could put the Tom Lee Prediction for January-end back on track.

Want more token insights like this? Sign up for Editor Harsh Notariya’s Daily Crypto Newsletter here.

On-chain supply data strengthens the setup. The heaviest realized price clusters now sit below the current Bitcoin price, meaning most holders bought lower and are sitting on profits. This reduces immediate selling pressure.

Major Clusters Below Market Price: GlassnodeSponsored

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This combination of a confirmed bullish pattern and supportive on-chain supply suggests the move higher is not just a possibility. It reflects the underlying positioning.

Whales Accumulate as Retail Joins, but Leverage Risk RemainsHolder behavior continues to favor the upside. Wallets holding between 10,000 and 100,000 BTC have steadily added since January 2, increasing their combined holdings from roughly 2.18 million BTC to about 2.20 million BTC. That quiet accumulation signals conviction from large players.

What has changed recently is retail behavior. The early January BTC rally possibly failed because retail sold aggressively into strength.

📊 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 This time, retail wallets have turned net positive. Since January 5, retail holdings (0.01-0.1 BTC) have increased modestly, from approximately 273,080 BTC to 273,250 BTC. The size of the increase is small, but the direction matters. Retail is no longer distributing into rallies, removing a key headwind from earlier moves.

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Retail And Whales Buy: SantimentThe main risk lies in derivatives positioning. Long exposure remains heavily skewed, with far more capital positioned on the long side (2.69 billion) than shorts (around 320 million). That 9x imbalance creates vulnerability if the BTC price slips back below the breakout zone of the cup.

Binance Liquidation Map: CoinglassA move under $94,800 could trigger long liquidations, potentially pushing Bitcoin toward the low $90,000s. Still, the strong spot buying near support suggests buyers may step in before leverage-driven selling can fully unwind.

Bitcoin Price Levels That Decide Whether a New High Is NextFrom here, Bitcoin’s structure is clear. Holding above the $94,500-$94,800 range (near the cup breakout level) keeps the breakout intact and protects the bullish setup. The psychological $100,200 level sits directly ahead (discussed earlier), but the more important technical objective remains $106,600, the cup-and-handle projection. That’s the first key target.

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If the BTC price can clear that level and absorb supply above $112,000 (the strongest near-term supply zone), the market enters a zone with limited historical resistance.

One Major Cluster: GlassnodeThat is where acceleration beyond the previous all-time high near $126,200 becomes realistic rather than theoretical.

Bitcoin Price Analysis: TradingViewBitcoin does not need a perfect environment to move higher. It only needs to hold its breakout and continue attracting spot demand. If that happens, Tom Lee’s January all-time high prediction stops looking bold and starts looking like a natural outcome of the current market structure.

Above current levels, the most meaningful supply pocket appears above $112,000. Beyond that zone, realized supply thins out sharply. If momentum carries Bitcoin through $106,600 and later $112,000, the path toward prior highs becomes structurally cleaner.

On the downside, losing $94,500 could weaken the structure, and a dip under $91,600 can bring in the bears again.

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In line with the Trust Project guidelines, this price analysis article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. BeInCrypto is committed to accurate, unbiased reporting, but market conditions are subject to change without notice. Always conduct your own research and consult with a professional before making any financial decisions. Please note that our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.

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Germany’s DZ Bank has gotten approval under Europe’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation to offer crypto services. This would enable such institutions to be able to trade Bitcoin and Cardano through this bank.

DZ Bank Secures MiCAR Approval The bank has just confirmed that it finally received the MiCAR license from Germany’s financial regulator, BaFin. This will allow it to operate its own crypto platform, meinKrypto.

The Bank developed the meinKrypto platform with Atruvia, IT service provider for Germany’s cooperative banking sector. It is designed to be a fully digital wallet right within the VR Banking app. This is aimed at self-directed clients rather than advisory-based investors.

First, the platform opens to the cooperatives’ central institutions. Then, each bank has to independently file a separate MiCAR notification with BaFin before crypto trading opens for retail customers. Once approved, users will have full capacity to purchase and sell digital assets without having to leave DZ Bank’s interface.

The initial list of major cryptocurrcencies that are supported in this platform includes Bitcoin, Cardano, Ethereum, as well as Litecoin. It is left at the discretion of each cooperative bank on whether it should operate this service or not.

More than a third of all Germany’s cooperative banks plan to add crypto services, according to a September 2025 study released by Genoverband.

Meanwhile, Germany has become the hotbed for crypto expansion in Europe. Major exchanges, such as OKX, have launched operations with their MiCA licenses, as it will facilitate them to offer passporting services throughout the European Economic Area.

Germany Fast-Tracks Crypto Adoption in Banking and Payments Sectors Besides DZ Bank’s MiCAR, Germany has been developing its LC access through conventional banking systems as well as through fintech services.

Just last September, Openbank entered cryptocurrency trading for its customers in Germany. The service will allow clients to invest in, sell, or hold cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ether, Litecoin, Polygon, or Cardano.

Furthermore, crypto exchange Coinbase teamed up with “pay by bank” platform and Visa-owned open banking company, Tink, that allows for cryptocurrency payments by bank in the nation. It allows users, through this integration, to execute cryptocurrency transactions through bank accounts.

After DZ Bank, Deutsche Bank also announced its interest in crypto operations, starting from 2026. The bank is in partnership with Bitpanda’s tech arm on crypto custody services.

Asian markets advanced on Wednesday, led by a rally in Japanese shares, as investors positioned for the possibility of fresh fiscal stimulus in Japan and digested a complex mix of geopolitical risks, central bank concerns, and shifting currency dynamics.

At the same time, cryptocurrencies climbed, precious metals surged to record levels, and corporate dealmaking remained in focus with new developments around Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery.

Asian markets and currency moves Copy link to section

Asian equities edged higher, supported by gains in Japan, where local media reported that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi may call a snap lower house election on February 8.

The prospect of an election and additional fiscal stimulus weakened the yen and boosted stocks.

The Japanese yen slid to 159.44 per dollar, its weakest level since July 2024, reviving concerns about possible market intervention.

The softer currency and stimulus expectations lifted the Nikkei more than 1.3% to a record high, while Japanese government bonds fell in what investors have dubbed the “Takaichi trade.”

Masahiko Loo, senior fixed income strategist at State Street Investment Management, said in a Reuters report that the moves reflected expectations of fiscal easing, though he cautioned they could be overstated.

“Any sharp and decisive break beyond 161 level (for yen) could trigger renewed intervention to curb excessive volatility,” Loo said.

Elsewhere, MSCI’s broadest Asia-Pacific index rose 0.2%, hovering just below a record peak.

The CSI 300 index was down 0.74% at the time of writing.

S&P 500 futures were down 0.22%, dragged down by financial shares, while European futures pointed to a muted open.

Bitcoin and crypto markets Copy link to section

Bitcoin climbed to a two-month high as geopolitical uncertainty and concerns around US institutions boosted its appeal.

The world’s largest cryptocurrency rose as much as 2.4% to $96,348 in early Asian trading, its highest intraday level since Nov. 16, although it was trading at $94,751 at the end of writing.

Ether surged as much as 5.1%.

“Medium term, I think we could see investors allocate more to Bitcoin on a gold-catch-up narrative — and other risk-on assets are having a great time,” said Justin d’Anethan, head of research at Arctic Digital, in a Bloomberg report.

Vincent Liu, chief investment officer at Kronos Research, pointed to derivatives markets as another driver, citing “a sharp short squeeze,” with about $270 million of Bitcoin short positions liquidated in the past 24 hours.

Joshua Lim of FalconX said traders broadly see the current macro backdrop as supportive for Bitcoin.

Netflix to increase bid for WBD deal Copy link to section

In corporate news, Netflix Inc. is working on revised terms for its acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery Inc., including discussions around a potential all-cash offer for the company’s studios and streaming businesses, reported Bloomberg.

The changes aim to speed up a transaction that has faced political opposition and rival bids from Paramount Skydance Corp.

Under the original terms, Warner Bros. shareholders were set to receive $23.25 in cash and $4.50 in Netflix common stock, subject to adjustments if Netflix shares fell below $97.91.

Since Netflix launched its bid for Warner Bros. in October, the streaming company’s shares have declined by about 25%, touching a low of $89.07 in New York trading on Tuesday.

Netflix has already secured $59 billion in bridge financing and refinanced about $25 billion with longer-term debt.

Netflix has room to take on additional debt while preserving its “robust” credit ratings, according to Stephen Flynn, a senior credit analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, in a research note published on Tuesday.

Silver and gold hit new records Copy link to section

Precious metals surged as geopolitical tensions, US rate expectations, and concerns about Federal Reserve independence fueled haven demand.

Gold rose within striking distance of a record high, while silver broke above $90 an ounce for the first time.

Silver climbed as much as 5.3% to $91.5535 an ounce, with Citigroup upgrading its three-month forecast to $100 an ounce.

Hao Hong of Lotus Asset Management said the rally “has a lot of room to run this year.”

Gold also benefited from strong inflows, with analysts noting sustained speculative interest across global markets.

Standard Chartered has projected that Ethereum price could reach $40,000 by 2030, a bold long-term forecast that stands in contrast to Ethereum’s current price behavior. While ETH is trading in recovery mode, supported by easing macro conditions and improving technical structure, price action remains constrained by nearby supply zones rather than moving in a sustained breakout trend. This divergence between long-term valuation and short-term market structure is central to understanding Ethereum’s outlook.

A $40,000 Ethereum price would imply a network valuation of roughly $4.8 trillion, assuming a circulating supply near 120.7 million ETH. Compared to today’s market capitalization of around $400 billion, this scenario requires approximately $4.4 trillion in net marginal demand to enter and remain within the Ethereum ecosystem over time. Crucially, this demand cannot be speculative or short-lived. For Ethereum price to compound sustainably, capital must be retained through long-duration holding, staking, and structural supply reduction rather than exiting during market pullbacks.

Ethereum’s long-term valuation thesis depends on its ability to consistently convert new demand into effectively inactive supply across multiple market cycles. If inflows revert back into liquid supply during corrections, price expansion stalls. As such, the $40,000 forecast is not based on isolated bull runs but on Ethereum maintaining capital efficiency and network utility through repeated expansion phases.

In the near term, Ethereum price is rebuilding momentum after a prolonged multi-month downtrend. ETH recently surged nearly 7% following U.S. CPI inflation data, signaling renewed risk appetite across crypto markets. Price is currently trading around $3,325, holding above rising trend support but still reacting to overhead supply near the $3,350 level. This zone has historically capped upside moves, keeping the recovery measured rather than impulsive.

Technical indicators suggest controlled strength. RSI near 65 reflects healthy demand, while the Parabolic SAR remains below price, supporting trend continuation. A sustained reclaim of $3,350 could justify rotation toward $3,600, with further upside opening a path toward the $4,000 region. However, failure to clear supply would likely return Ethereum price to consolidation, tempering short-term expectations while leaving the long-term $40,000 thesis dependent on structural adoption and capital retention.

<Copyright ⓒ TokenPost, unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited>

The era of Bitcoin ETFs is increasingly defined by patient, long-term capital rather than short-term speculation, and this shift is beginning to reshape Bitcoin’s underlying supply-demand dynamics. As total net assets across US spot Bitcoin ETFs climb past $120 billion, analysts suggest the real impact of this accumulation may not yet be reflected in Bitcoin’s price, but could emerge suddenly over time.

According to data from SoSoValue, spot Bitcoin ETFs reached approximately $123 billion in net assets as of January 14, following daily inflows of $753 million. This marked the strongest inflow since October 2025 and a sharp increase from the $117 million recorded earlier in the week, signaling renewed institutional appetite. These numbers highlight growing confidence among large investors who increasingly view Bitcoin as a strategic, long-term asset rather than a high-risk trade.

Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas has emphasized the “stickiness” of these ETF inflows, noting that many allocators, particularly older investors, appear committed to holding Bitcoin for years. This behavior challenges the idea that Bitcoin ETF demand is driven by fast money. Instead, Bitcoin is increasingly positioned alongside traditional stores of value such as gold and silver.

Supporting this trend, a recent Bitwise and VettaFi survey revealed that 99% of financial advisors who allocated to crypto in 2025 plan to maintain or increase their exposure in 2026. Despite Bitcoin’s strong performance, advisor conviction continues to strengthen, suggesting that institutional participation remains durable.

Notably, since the launch of US spot Bitcoin ETFs in January 2024, these funds have collectively purchased more Bitcoin than has been newly mined. Even so, Bitcoin’s price has not yet experienced an explosive rally. Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan compares this pattern to gold’s post-2022 accumulation phase, where persistent demand took years to translate into a dramatic price surge as willing sellers gradually diminished.

For now, long-term holders and early adopters continue to supply coins into ETF demand, keeping price action relatively orderly. However, if selling pressure weakens while ETF accumulation persists, Bitcoin could face a sudden supply shock. In that scenario, the true impact of the Bitcoin ETF boom may arrive all at once, potentially driving a powerful and asymmetric move in the market.

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The rally in meme coins like Dogecoin and Pepe reflects renewed speculative interest as broader crypto markets remain mixed.

2 mins mins

Key Points:

Pakistan and World Liberty explore stablecoin USD1 for cross-border payments.Agreement lacks official primary confirmation.Impacts on Pakistan’s financial landscape remain speculative. Pakistan reportedly reached a deal with World Liberty Financial to integrate the USD1 stablecoin for cross-border payments, announced during CEO Zach Witkoff’s visit to Islamabad.

This potential integration could enhance Pakistan’s digital payment landscape, fostering blockchain innovation and potentially impacting regional financial activities.

Pilot of USD1 in Pakistan: A Potential Game-Changer World Liberty Financial and Pakistan are advancing collaboration to implement USD1 for cross-border payments. Sources indicate that USD1 will link with Pakistan’s domestic infrastructure; however, specific parties involved have not issued direct statements about this partnership.

If confirmed, the integration of USD1 might represent a vital step in modernizing Pakistan’s financial infrastructure by incorporating stablecoins for secure remittances. Nonetheless, details regarding implementation remain scarce, casting uncertainty on its realized impact.

**Bilal Bin Saqib, CEO, Pakistan Crypto Council** – “more than just a partnership, it’s a strategic move to empower our young population and integrate Pakistan into the future of global finance.” Economic and Regulatory Outlook as USD1 Faces Uncertainty Did you know? The integration of a foreign stablecoin like USD1 could potentially impact Pakistan’s financial policies, leading to mixed reactions regarding sovereignty over domestic monetary systems.

According to CoinMarketCap data, World Liberty Financial USD (USD1) remains stably pegged at $1.00, maintaining a market cap of approximately $3.42 billion. With a 24-hour trading volume marking significant activity, USD1 noted a 0.01% rise over the day. The stabilization might indicate confidence amid pending integration prospects.

World Liberty Financial USD(USD1), daily chart, screenshot on CoinMarketCap at 06:57 UTC on January 14, 2026. Source: CoinMarketCap Coincu research suggests Pakistan’s moves towards crypto could catalyze innovations, sparking international engagement. Possible regulatory modifications may arise as Pakistan navigates legal expansions to accommodate digital currency transactions, potentially inviting further global corporate collaboration.

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice. We encourage you to do your own research before investing.

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XRP continues to battle BNB in terms of market-cap positions.

Ripple’s native cross-border token has joined the broader market’s impressive rally over the past 24 hours and has surged by over 4% to $2.15. Although this price ascent is not as spectacular and headline-making as the one from last week, it appears to be more sustainable.

At the time, XRP skyrocketed by 30% in the span of just a few days, going from under $1.90, where it closed in 2025, to just over $2.40 – a multi-week peak. However, its rejection was violent, and it tumbled below $2.05 earlier this week.

Its price pump now has allowed it to reclaim the fourth spot in terms of market cap from BNB, which managed to gain the upper hand yesterday.

Perhaps the most evident reason for XRP’s 4.2% rally today is the market’s state. Bitcoin surged hours ago to a multi-month high of its own at $96,600 after Trump’s latest controversial speech and remarks against Fed Chair Powell, Iran, Venezuela, and tariff haters.

The CPI numbers also went out for December yesterday, and they were slightly lower than expected, which allowed Trump to push Powell for further rate reductions in two weeks.

Lastly, the net inflows into the spot XRP ETFs have defied last week’s one-off withdrawals. The funds attracted $15.04 million on Monday and $12.98 million yesterday, which are also possible reasons behind the underlying asset’s revival.

CRYPTOWZRD weighed in on XRP’s performance, indicating that the asset “closed bullish as expected.” However, the analyst warned that the XRP/BTC pair should “rally as it awaits a decline” in bitcoin’s dominance.

You may also like: ETH, XRP, and Meme Coins Shine as Retail Sentiment Reacts to Short-Term Catalysts End of a Ripple Era: Here’s What Happened With the Spot XRP ETFs Last Week Spot XRP ETFs’ Record Green Streak Snapped as Ripple Price Plunges 13% in Days XRP Daily Technical Outlook:$XRP closed bullish as expected. However, XRPBTC should soon rally as it awaits a decline in BTC.D. Our current position is secured. I will be looking for more trade opportunities in XRP tomorrow 😈 pic.twitter.com/Ag6yDF20m2

— CRYPTOWZRD (@cryptoWZRD_) January 14, 2026

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Jordan got into crypto in 2016 by trading and investing. He began writing about blockchain technology in 2017 and now serves as CryptoPotato's Assistant Editor-in-Chief. He has managed numerous crypto-related projects and is passionate about all things blockchain.

U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren has requested that the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) delay its evaluation of a national trust bank charter application submitted by World Liberty Financial (WLFI). Warren’s call for postponement centers on the involvement of President Trump and his family in the company. In her letter to OCC Comptroller Jonathan Gould, Warren emphasized potential conflicts of interest that could arise from the President’s connections to the venture.

Last week, WLFI, through its subsidiary WLTC Holdings LLC, filed for the establishment of the World Liberty Trust Company, National Association (WLTC), which aims to provide stablecoin services. These services include the issuance and redemption of USD1, alongside custody and conversion functions. Warren contends that the President’s and his family’s business ties pose significant conflict concerns. Under the GENIUS Act of 2025, the OCC oversees federally licensed stablecoin issuers, responsible for approving charters and ensuring compliance. Warren fears that, if approved, the OCC would be in a position to regulate a company linked to the President’s personal financial interests.

The senator further pointed out that the Trump family has reportedly earned over $1 billion from WLFI and other crypto ventures. She argued that the approval of the application would place the OCC in a position to enforce regulations affecting the President’s company and its competitors. “In essence, the President would oversee his own financial company, a historical first,” Warren noted in her letter.

The company’s website lists President Trump as Co-Founder Emeritus, with his sons Barron, Eric, and Donald Trump Jr. as co-founders. A Co-Founder Emeritus holds an honorary role, no longer active in executive functions. Warren previously sought clarification from the OCC on their strategy to handle such financial conflicts, but the agency dismissed her concerns as hypothetical.

With WLFI’s formal submission, Warren asserts that the issues are now pressing and require immediate attention. She criticized Gould’s perceived indifference and expressed doubts over a fair assessment of the application. Warren has asked the OCC to delay the review until the President has divested from WLFI and related family interests, setting a January 20 deadline for a written commitment from the agency.

Warren’s intervention is part of a broader discourse within the U.S. banking sector about granting national trust charters to crypto firms. Both the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) and the American Bankers Association (ABA) have raised similar apprehensions concerning applications by companies such as Ripple, Circle, and Paxos.

The senator’s current stance on WLFI is consistent with her earlier critiques of Trump-affiliated cryptocurrency initiatives. In early 2025, she, along with Representative Jake Auchincloss, urged the SEC and CFTC to investigate the TRUMP and MELANIA meme coins launched by President Trump and the First Lady.

The ongoing debate reflects wider issues of regulatory oversight, potential conflicts of interest, and the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency integration into traditional banking frameworks. These concerns are likely to persist as the OCC continues to review new applications and as legislative discussions around crypto market structures advance. Stakeholders are keenly observing how these developments unfold, particularly concerning the ethical and regulatory implications of high-profile political figures’ involvement in the financial sector.

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US Senator Elizabeth Warren called on federal banking regulators to delay reviewing a bank charter application tied to World Liberty Financial.

Danielle du Toit2 min read

14 January 2026, 05:30 AM

Wold Liberty financial is a crypto platform that was co-founded by President Donald Trump and his family. Warren urged the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to pause its review until Trump divests from the company, and warned that current stablecoin regulations fail to prevent presidential influence over agencies tasked with overseeing businesses linked to the president himself.

Trump Crypto Bank Bid Draws ScrutinyUS Senator Elizabeth Warren urged federal banking regulators to delay action on a bank charter application tied to a crypto platform co-founded by Donald Trump and his family. In a letter sent on Tuesday to Jonathan Gould, the Comptroller of the Currency, Warren called on the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) to pause consideration of World Liberty Financial’s application until Trump fully divests any personal or familial financial stake in the company.

Part of Warren’s letter to the OCC

Warren argued that the situation presents an unprecedented conflict of interest, and warned that the regulatory framework established by recent legislation failed to adequately address ethical safeguards. She said the GENIUS Act, which was signed into law last year and designated the OCC as the primary regulator of stablecoin issuers, did not resolve concerns about presidential influence over agencies that would oversee businesses connected to the president himself. According to Warren, this leaves Congress — particularly the Senate — with a responsibility to confront what she described as “real and serious conflicts of interest.”

The concerns center on a filing that was made earlier this month by WLTC Holdings, a subsidiary of World Liberty Financial, which applied for a national trust bank charter. Approval would allow the company to issue, custody, and convert its USD1 stablecoin under federal supervision. 

Trump and his sons Barron, Eric, and Donald Trump Jr. are listed as co-founders of the platform, which reportedly generated billions of dollars in paper wealth for the family. Warren argued that this financial connection fundamentally complicates the OCC’s ability to act as an impartial regulator.

In her letter, Warren said she has “no confidence” that Gould will fairly assess the application, due to his prior responses to questions about safeguarding the OCC from presidential influence. She warned that the comptroller will be responsible for writing rules that could directly affect World Liberty’s profitability while also enforcing compliance against the firm and its competitors — all while serving at the pleasure of the president. In Warren’s view, this creates a scenario in which a sitting US president could effectively oversee a financial company in which he has a personal stake.

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Danielle du Toit, a criminology honors graduate, has channeled her curiosity and analytical mindset into exploring the fascinating and ever-evolving world of cryptocurrency. Drawn to the dynamic nature of blockchain technology and its impact on global markets, Danielle thrives on uncovering insights in this complex industry. As a crypto journalist, Danielle is passionate about learning and sharing her knowledge with fellow enthusiasts. Her work combines a keen investigative eye with a love for storytelling, making even the most intricate aspects of crypto accessible and engaging. Through her writing, Danielle aims to inspire readers to delve deeper into the weird and wonderful realm of digital finance.

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While XRP's recent rally stands out in a mixed crypto market, it remains below longer-term resistance levels.

Monero (XMR) has witnessed a sharp rally to a new record during the last few days, but social media suggests FOMO could be brewing in the market.

Monero Has Shot Up To A New All-Time High Bitcoin and most other cryptocurrencies have been locked in consolidation recently, but Monero has been an outlier, with its price breaking away with a strong surge.

Below is a chart that showcases how the asset’s recent performance has looked.

The price of the coin appears to have blasted off in recent days | Source: XMRUSDT on TradingView The sharp rally has led to new all-time highs (ATHs) for the privacy-focused token, with the latest one coming earlier in the past day around $695. XMR has retraced a bit since this new high, but it’s still in a weekly profit of 51%, which is significantly higher than the returns of other top assets.

For perspective, Bitcoin and Ethereum have seen returns of +1% and -2% in this period, respectively. Fellow privacy coin Zcash (ZEC) was flying earlier, but the asset has faced a steep 23% drop during the same window.

Generally, rallies of the order that Monero has seen attract attention from traders, and data would confirm that the same has been true for the latest one as well.

XMR Has Seen A Peak In Social Dominance Recently According to data from analytics firm Santiment, the Monero Social Dominance witnessed a spike recently. This indicator keeps track of the percentage of the Social Volume associated with the top 100 tokens that a given cryptocurrency is responsible for.

The Social Volume here refers to a measure of the total number of posts/comments/threads on the major social media platforms that contain mentions of a given asset. In other words, it tells us about the amount of discussion that a particular coin is receiving from social media users.

As such, the Social Dominance contains information about how the degree of talk surrounding a cryptocurrency compares against that of the top 100 coins combined.

Here is a chart that shows the trend in this metric for Monero since the start of 2026:

The value of the metric appears to have been elevated recently | Source: Santiment on X As displayed in the above graph, the Monero Social Dominance saw a huge spike on Sunday as the asset’s rally took off, suggesting social media interest in the asset shot up.

Historically, a rapid surge in the Social Dominance has often corresponded to Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO) developing among traders, which is something that tends to not end well for rallies.

Despite the crowd excitement, however, XMR has only continued to go up since the spike, setting new ATHs. Given the past pattern with digital asset markets, though, it only remains to be seen how long the coin can sustain its move.

Featured image from Dall-E, chart from TradingView.com

Crypto liquidity was primarily concentrated on Bitcoin and Ether, as investors largely ignored the majority of altcoins, according to Wintermute’s 2025 digital asset OTC market review.

Wintermute’s review noted that investors focused on trading Bitcoin, Ether, and a few large-cap tokens. The change represented a distinct departure from previous cryptocurrency cycles, as cash flowed through ETFs and DATs, resulting in liquidity concentration at the top of the market. According to the report, ETFs expanded their universe by offering staking capabilities while DATs increased their mandates to invest in these assets.

Market liquidity shifts in crypto 2025 Liquidity came into crypto in 2025, but where did it go?

Using Wintermute’s proprietary OTC flow, our Digital asset OTC markets 2025 report shows where capital actually went and why market structure fundamentally changed

Read on for our key findings ↓ pic.twitter.com/Zw2pYRrozB

— Wintermute (@wintermute_t) January 13, 2026

Trade activity in 2025 was significantly different from that of previous years. Wintermute reported that institutional entities stayed consistently overweight in majors beginning in the second quarter of last year.

The report clarified that institutional investors traded strategically in response to headlines in 2025. For example, many institutional investors abruptly shifted into Bitcoin following Trump’s tariff statement on April 2, 2025.  The OTC market review noted that investors started the year underweight in majors and remained net sellers throughout the first quarter. 

Bitcoin liquidity and positioning reached their peak in May and June of 2025. According to BTCsats, Bitcoin’s average price was over $103,434, with highs of almost $111,970 and lows of about $93,400 in May.  In June, Bitcoin’s average price increased to almost $105,714, with intraday highs exceeding $110,500, and the month ending close to $107,135.

The Wintermute report revealed that since 2022, most retail investors have been net sellers of major cryptocurrencies, choosing instead for exposure to altcoins; that pattern broke in 2025.

The report indicated that altcoins took a different trend, while majors absorbed most of the liquidity in 2025. It showed that retail investors switched back to altcoins during the second and third quarters of last year, before reversing into the huge 10/10 deleveraging event in the hopes of an altcoin season.

According to the report, the 10/10 move triggered a sharp, forced unwind across crypto markets, resulting in approximately $19 billion in liquidations over 24 hours. The widely anticipated leverage had been building unevenly in altcoins before the event. 

Wintermute further reported that overall Open Interest reached approximately $230 billion. Notably, Open Interest worth around $70 billion was concentrated outside of Bitcoin and Ethereum. 

A larger portion of the Open Interest was subsequently flushed out, with altcoin Open Interest declining by roughly 55% to around $30 billion by mid-December last year. 

Last year, the aggregate performance of altcoins declined sharply, falling to sustain any significant gains, except for brief rebounds, according to the review. Wintermute noted that the average altcoin rally lasted only around 20 days on median days, compared to about 45 to 60 days in 2024, suggesting a decrease in conviction and an increase in tactical risk-taking.

OTC Options activity accelerates in 2025 The digital asset OTC market review revealed that engagement between counterparties increased despite muted price action.  OTC trades increased dramatically, indicating a more structured approach to trading. The report showed that many investors preferred discretion and capital efficiency offered by OTC markets.

Wintermute OTC data showed that trade counts increased by approximately 2.1 times compared to the first-quarter levels of 2025. Additionally, notional value reached 3.8 times by the fourth quarter, indicating consistent expansion in both ticker frequency and size. 

The OTC data revealed that the OTC desks were in high demand, as proven by the growing number of participants involved throughout the year.

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Bitcoin (BTC) experienced a third consecutive day of rising prices, reaching an intraday high of approximately $93,500 on January 13. In parallel, Dash (DASH) surged around 55%, and Monero (XMR) saw an increase of roughly 20%, reflecting heightened activity in the cryptocurrency market.

The recent price movements in digital currencies, including these notable increases in Bitcoin and select altcoins, indicate a continued interest and engagement from market participants. Bitcoin’s rise is often seen as a bellwether for the broader cryptocurrency market, influencing trends across various digital assets.

Cryptocurrencies like Dash and Monero, which also posted significant gains, are known for their unique features. Dash is recognized for its speed and low-cost transactions, while Monero is valued for its privacy-oriented features. Such characteristics often drive investor interest during bullish market phases.

The current market dynamics illustrate ongoing investor enthusiasm, with price fluctuations reflecting shifting sentiment. However, the cryptocurrency market is known for its inherent volatility, which can lead to significant price changes over short periods.

In the context of digital asset investment, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) play a pivotal role. ETFs are investment funds traded on stock exchanges, similar to stocks, and are composed of assets like commodities, stocks, or bonds. In the case of cryptocurrency ETFs, they aim to track the value of digital assets, providing investors with exposure to the market without the need to directly purchase cryptocurrencies.

Spot Bitcoin ETFs, for example, seek to mirror the price of Bitcoin directly from the market. Issuers file for ETFs to offer investors an accessible way to engage with cryptocurrencies through traditional financial markets. Regulatory review for these financial products involves scrutiny of custody solutions, market integrity, and investor protection measures.

Regulators are particularly focused on ensuring that the markets for cryptocurrency ETFs are not susceptible to manipulation and that investors receive adequate disclosures about potential risks. The approval process for such financial instruments requires a comprehensive review to safeguard market participants.

The increasing interest from institutional players, including large banks and asset managers, in cryptocurrency products highlights a broader trend. These institutions explore crypto offerings to meet client demand and diversify their suite of investment products, which can include fee-generating opportunities and new asset classes.

Bitcoin, as the largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, plays a critical role in the digital economy. Its price movements often set the tone for other cryptocurrencies, such as Solana, which functions as a smart contract platform supporting decentralized applications.

Despite the potential for substantial returns, investors must consider several risks associated with cryptocurrency investments. These include market volatility, liquidity challenges, operational risks, and regulatory uncertainties. Tracking errors and management fees can also impact investment outcomes, influencing the overall performance of crypto-related products.

The competitive landscape for cryptocurrency products, including ETFs, is marked by multiple issuers seeking approval for similar offerings. This can lead to complex timelines and frequent amendments to filings as market conditions and regulatory requirements evolve.

Going forward, stakeholders in the cryptocurrency space are keenly watching for regulatory updates, potential amendments to ETF proposals, and decisions on approvals or denials. These developments will play a significant role in shaping the market landscape and informing investment decisions. As the regulatory environment continues to mature, participants remain attentive to how these changes might impact future market opportunities.

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A senior U.S. senator is urging banking regulators to halt review of a crypto firm’s bank charter, citing unresolved conflicts tied to President Trump.

Summary

Senator Elizabeth Warren called on the OCC to halt review of WLFI bank charter application. She cited unresolved conflicts of interest tied to President Trump’s financial involvement. The request comes amid ongoing debate over crypto market structure legislation. A dispute over crypto regulation and presidential business ties is now moving directly into the banking approval process.

On Jan. 13, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren wrote to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to halt its review of a national bank charter application tied to World Liberty Financial (WLFI), citing unresolved conflicts of interest involving President Donald Trump.

Warren presses OCC over WLFI bank charter review Warren’s letter to OCC Comptroller Jonathan Gould called for a delay in reviewing the application submitted by WLTC Holdings LLC, an entity affiliated with WLFI. The crypto firm was co-founded by Trump and includes financial involvement from members of his family.

In her letter, Warren argued that approving the charter while Trump maintains financial ties to the company would place the OCC in an unprecedented position. She warned that the agency could end up regulating, supervising, and shaping the profitability of a business linked directly to the sitting president.

According to Warren, the situation goes beyond standard ethics concerns. She said the OCC head, as a presidential appointee serving at the president’s discretion, would effectively be overseeing a company tied to the president’s own financial interests.

That dynamic, she wrote, risks undermining confidence in both the regulator and the banking system more broadly.

The application would allow WLFI’s trust bank entity to operate under a federal framework, potentially enabling activities such as issuing and custodying its USD1 stablecoin. Warren noted that approval could grant the company regulatory advantages at a time when Congress has yet to resolve key questions around crypto market structure.

Tied to broader crypto legislation debate Warren linked her request to ongoing legislative efforts, arguing that current drafts of crypto market structure bills do not address conflicts of interest tied to presidential involvement in digital asset companies. She also referenced the recently passed GENIUS Act, saying it failed to resolve these issues.

In the letter, Warren asked the OCC to pause its review until Trump fully divests from WLFI and eliminates any related financial conflicts. She requested a written commitment from the Comptroller by Jan. 20, before any further action on the application proceeds.

The OCC has not publicly responded to the letter. The agency has recently granted conditional approvals to other crypto-related banking entities, but Warren warned that moving forward with the WLFI application under current circumstances could erode trust in federal banking oversight.

As lawmakers continue to debate how U.S. banking law should regulate cryptocurrency firms, the issue is expected to come up again during upcoming committee markups.

Asia Market Open: Bitcoin Jumps 5% To $95K, Asian Stocks Open Higher After Wall Street Slips

Shalini Nagarajan

Crypto Reporter

Shalini Nagarajan

Part of the Team Since

Jan 2024

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Shalini is a crypto reporter who provides in-depth reports on daily developments and regulatory shifts in the cryptocurrency sector.

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Bitcoin rose nearly 5% to $95,232 on Wednesday, and Asian shares opened modestly higher after Wall Street ended lower overnight, as traders weighed fresh policy risk in Washington and a shifting risk mood across markets.

Akshat Siddhant, lead quant analyst at Mudrex, said escalating Middle East tensions are driving investors toward alternative safe havens such as crypto, lending support to the wider market rally.

“On-chain data adds to the positive setup, with short-term holders moving back into profit. Historically, this has been a sign that selling pressure eases, extending upside potential,” he said.

“For bullish continuation, Bitcoin needs a firm daily and weekly close above the $92,000–$94,000 zone to reclaim key moving averages. Failure to hold this range could see BTC consolidate or retest support near $88,000.”

China’s major benchmarks started the day in the green. Shanghai rose 0.89%, Shenzhen’s SZSE Component added 1.54%, and China A50 gained 0.56%.

Hong Kong also advanced. The Hang Seng climbed 0.35% in early dealing, extending a cautious uptrend as traders stayed focused on rates, risk appetite, and cross-asset flows that often spill into crypto.

Market snapshot Bitcoin: $95,325, up 4.4% Ether: $3,321, up 6.7% XRP: $2.17, up 5.6% Total crypto market cap: $3.33 trillion, up 4.5% Saylor’s Latest Bitcoin Purchase Fuels Market Optimism And InflowsBitcoin’s jump followed a busy week for corporate accumulation. Michael Saylor’s Strategy disclosed a purchase of 13,627 BTC worth about $1.25B to $1.3B, at an average price around $91,500 per coin, a move that helped steady sentiment and pull in fresh buying.

The rally also leaned on market mechanics that crypto traders watch closely. Buyers drove Bitcoin through the $94,000 to $95,000 zone that had capped it for weeks, and traders pointed to rising open interest and negative funding that can pressure short sellers during a fast push higher.

Japan Stocks Stay Firm On Yen Slump As Wall Street StumblesJapan’s equities stayed in rally mode. The Nikkei 225 advanced 0.9%, and the yen weakened to its softest level since July 2024, adding momentum to exporters and keeping regional risk appetite supported.

In the background, traders headed into Wednesday watching for a possible US Supreme Court ruling tied to President Donald Trump’s global tariffs announced in April, a decision that could reshape how markets price trade friction and growth risk.

Overnight in the US, stocks fell as financials led declines after JPMorgan warned that Trump’s proposed 10% cap on credit card interest rates would hurt the economy and squeeze profitability across the sector. The Dow fell 0.80%, the S&P 500 slipped 0.19%, and the Nasdaq eased 0.10%.

Visa dropped 4.5%, Mastercard fell 3.8%, and the financial sector sank 1.8%, with JPMorgan ending down 4.2% even after posting a better-than-expected quarterly profit alongside a decline in investment banking fees.

Oil surged on geopolitical tension and gold pushed to new highs, and traders also took in an inflation reading that matched expectations, a combination that kept rate cut bets alive even as risk markets recalibrated.

BTC Markets head of finance Charlie Sherry says bitcoin’s 4%–5% intraday bounce points to improving macro conditions, renewed institutional inflows and constructive regulatory signals.

The move briefly lifted the cryptocurrency above US$96,000 before it eased to about US$95,500, breaking out of a US$92,000–US$94,000 trading range.

“The rally extends from the strong start to 2026 for digital assets, supported by macroeconomic developments, institutional flows and regulatory signals,” Sherry said.

The price action followed December CPI data showing 2.7% headline inflation and 2.6% core, slightly below expectations, which Sherry said has strengthened market expectations for the US Federal Reserve to cut rates by mid-2026 and lower policy rates toward 3.0%–3.9%.

“Lower rates increase system liquidity and support risk assets,” he said.

Sherry also pointed to a short squeeze during the rally, with more than US$678 million in liquidations.

Institutional demand was supported by spot bitcoin ETFs, which recorded roughly US$117 million in net inflows on January 12, reversing earlier outflows.

Sherry said a sustained close above US$96,000–US$97,000 could open the way for a move toward US$100,000.