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2026-02-04 20:49 1mo ago
2026-02-04 15:05 1mo ago
Solana To Hit $250 In 2026 ? Bank Explains Why cryptonews
SOL
21h05 ▪ 3 min read ▪ by Luc Jose A.

Summarize this article with:

The crypto market has just received a strong signal from traditional finance. By sharply revising its forecasts for Solana, the Standard Chartered bank caused a shock in the ecosystem. While SOL remains one of the most watched assets by institutional investors, the lowering of the target for 2026 contrasts with a spectacular long-term projection. This decision reveals a much more nuanced reading of the future of blockchain than simple price movements suggest.

In Brief Standard Chartered has lowered its price target for Solana by the end of 2026, causing a shockwave in the market. The bank explains this decision by the evolving activity on the blockchain and the gradual transformation of its uses. Despite this short-term caution, Solana retains strong potential in the institution’s long-term strategy. The forecasts up to 2030 outline a scenario of sustained growth, driven by payments and stablecoins. The key facts related to the revision In its update of February 3, 2026, Standard Chartered announced a significant revision of its Solana price forecasts for the end of this year.

Here are the facts as expressed by the bank’s analysts :

The target for this year : “we have lowered our price target to $250 for the end of 2026”, stated the analysts led by Geoffrey Kendrick ; The change in trading volume composition : the bank observes a rotation of volumes towards SOL–stablecoin pairs, a sign of evolving blockchain activity ; A perspective on the technical advantages : although Solana maintains very low transaction fees, converting these advantages into sustained economic activity is proving slower than expected. These elements fit within a context where markets cautiously evaluate the real activity of blockchains. The bank emphasizes that this adjustment should not be interpreted as a fundamental lack of confidence in Solana but rather as a response to the observed evolution of market participants’ behaviors.

In the same report, Standard Chartered projects a more pronounced upward trajectory beyond December, with price targets increasing significantly each year up to 2030.

According to these projections, SOL could reach $400 in 2027, $700 in 2028, $1,200 in 2029, peaking at $2,000 in 2030. This roadmap relies on on-chain data and the anticipated network capacity to attract real use cases such as very low-cost micropayments.

The bank notably highlights Solana’s role in high-speed, low-cost stablecoin transfers, which, according to them, could attract more sustained economic activity. In this context, the analysts state that “Solana is ideally positioned to capture the expansion of small-value payments”, a dynamic that could, ultimately, strengthen the network’s relevance in the decentralized financial ecosystem.

The Standard Chartered revision illustrates the new maturity phase that Solana is going through, balancing short-term caution and structural ambitions. While the Solana validator exodus raises questions about the network’s resilience, the long-term trajectory remains closely linked to its capacity to capture real and sustainable use cases in the digital economy.

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Luc Jose A.

Diplômé de Sciences Po Toulouse et titulaire d'une certification consultant blockchain délivrée par Alyra, j'ai rejoint l'aventure Cointribune en 2019. Convaincu du potentiel de la blockchain pour transformer de nombreux secteurs de l'économie, j'ai pris l'engagement de sensibiliser et d'informer le grand public sur cet écosystème en constante évolution. Mon objectif est de permettre à chacun de mieux comprendre la blockchain et de saisir les opportunités qu'elle offre. Je m'efforce chaque jour de fournir une analyse objective de l'actualité, de décrypter les tendances du marché, de relayer les dernières innovations technologiques et de mettre en perspective les enjeux économiques et sociétaux de cette révolution en marche.

DISCLAIMER

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author, and should not be taken as investment advice. Do your own research before taking any investment decisions.
2026-02-04 20:49 1mo ago
2026-02-04 15:05 1mo ago
Crypto Coins That Will Explode Next: Smart Money Pivots to Bitcoin Layer 2s cryptonews
BTC
Crypto’s capital rotation is predictable in rhythm but wild in its targets. While retail chases the tail end of meme rallies, “smart money” is quietly positioning in a sector that’s historically been sluggish but holds the industry’s deepest liquidity: Bitcoin infrastructure. The narrative is shifting. We’re moving away from pure speculation toward “fat protocols”—infrastructure plays solving critical bottlenecks.

That matters. Despite holding 50%+ of the market cap, Bitcoin is largely dormant capital—digital gold, not a productive asset. And with mainnet congestion spiking fees (again), there’s a vacuum for scaling solutions. 

Unlike Ethereum’s mature L2 ecosystem, Bitcoin’s landscape is barely out of the cradle. Smart money is tracking projects that don’t just “wrap” Bitcoin—they program it.

The “Modular Bitcoin” thesis is gaining serious traction. The idea? 

Use Bitcoin solely for settlement while offloading execution to faster environments. Investors want the best of both worlds: Solana’s speed with Bitcoin’s security. 

This convergence creates a high-beta opportunity for early infrastructure plays like Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER), designed to bridge that exact gap.

SVM Integration Signals a New Era for Bitcoin DeFi Bitcoin’s primary barrier to DeFi adoption has always been technical. Its scripting language is intentionally limited (for security), making complex smart contracts nearly impossible on the base layer. Bitcoin Hyper fixes this by integrating the Solana Virtual Machine (SVM) directly as a Layer 2. Why does that matter?

It lets developers write in Rust—the dominant language for high-performance chains—and deploy apps that settle on Bitcoin but run at Solana speeds.

By using a modular architecture, Bitcoin Hyper separates the heavy lifting. Mainnet handles security; the SVM L2 handles execution. The result? Sub-second finality and negligible gas fees—effectively solving the “trilemma” plaguing previous forks. For developers, this finally unlocks high-speed payments, NFT platforms, and complex gaming dApps that were previously impossible on the network.

The implications are huge. If Bitcoin Hyper captures even a fraction of Bitcoin’s idle capital, $HYPER’s velocity could decouple from broader trends. Using a trusted sequencer with periodic L1 anchoring, the project ensures that while processing happens off-chain, the ultimate “truth” stays on Bitcoin.

Visit the Bitcoin Hyper Presale

Whale Accumulation Points to Infrastructure Bet Price action follows volume; sustainable explosions follow accumulation. On-chain analysis suggests whales are actively positioning in the Bitcoin Hyper presale before public listing. Smart money is moving. Etherscan data reveals two high-net-worth wallets accumulated $116K recently, with the largest single buy hitting $63K on Jan 15, 2026. That kind of pre-market positioning signals strong conviction that the asset is undervalued. View the whale activity on Etherscan.

The numbers back this up. According to official data, the project has already raised $31,228,293.92—validating the market demand for Bitcoin scaling. With tokens currently priced at $0.0136751, the entry point offers the kind of asymmetric upside traders hunt for in early-stage infrastructure.

Plus, the tokenomics encourage holding. Stakers get high APY immediately after the Token Generation Event (TGE), with a modest 7-day vesting period for presale participants. This mechanism aims to reduce sell pressure at launch—a setup smart money looks for to ensure stability during price discovery. The combination of massive capital raises and verifiable whale activity suggests the market is pricing in a major shift toward Bitcoin programmability.

Explore the Bitcoin Hyper Community

Disclaimer This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Cryptocurrency investments carry high risks, including total loss.

Key Takeaways Capital Rotation: Smart money is shifting from speculative assets to infrastructure plays, specifically targeting the undeveloped Bitcoin Layer 2 market. The Modular Thesis: The industry is favoring modular blockchains that separate settlement (Bitcoin) from execution (Layer 2s) for maximum efficiency. Technical Convergence: Projects merging Bitcoin’s security with the Solana Virtual Machine (SVM) are unlocking new use cases for $1 trillion in idle BTC capital. Bitcoin Hyper’s Momentum: With over $31 million raised and confirmed whale entries of up to $63K, $HYPER is positioning itself as a leader in the BTC L2 race.
2026-02-04 20:49 1mo ago
2026-02-04 15:07 1mo ago
What Crypto to Invest In Right Now as Market Conditions Shift Toward Bitcoin Infrastructure cryptonews
BTC
Deciding what crypto to invest in right now is getting tricky. The market is pivoting from simple accumulation to a hunger for utility and yield. For most of the last cycle, the winning strategy was passive holding—treating Bitcoin like a digital rock, immovable and secure. But that’s changing. Recent on-chain data suggests a rotation is underway. Capital isn’t just sitting in cold storage anymore; it’s seeking velocity. Money is flowing toward infrastructure plays capable of unlocking the trillion-dollar liquidity trapped inside the Bitcoin network.

That shift fundamentally alters the risk-reward calculus. Investors want it all: Bitcoin’s security coupled with the execution speed modern DeFi demands. The narrative is drifting from “store of value” to “medium of execution.” While Ethereum has long dominated this layer, its congestion issues (and fragmented liquidity) have left a wide opening.

Smart money is watching closely. The race is on to solve the “Bitcoin Trilemma”—keeping the network secure while making it fast and programmable. Frankly, it’s not just speculation; it’s an architectural necessity. As demand for scalable Bitcoin infrastructure heats up, liquidity is funneling into Layer 2 solutions promising to modernize the legacy chain. One project, Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER), has emerged as a key beneficiary, using high-performance architecture to bridge the gap between Bitcoin’s deep liquidity and modern speed.

Bitcoin Hyper Brings Solana Speeds to the Bitcoin Network The main friction point right now? Layer 1 Bitcoin’s technical limits. It’s robust, sure—but painfully slow for decentralized apps. Bitcoin Hyper tackles this by integrating the Solana Virtual Machine (SVM) directly as a Layer 2 solution. That matters. It creates a hybrid environment: the settlement assurance of Bitcoin combined with the sub-second finality developers expect from high-speed chains like Solana.

Using a modular blockchain architecture, Bitcoin Hyper handles execution on a real-time SVM L2 while relying on Bitcoin L1 for settlement. This effectively fixes the programmability gap that’s long handicapped the ecosystem. For developers, the inclusion of Rust-based SDKs opens the door to porting complex DeFi and gaming apps—stuff that was previously impossible to run on Bitcoin.

The protocol employs a Decentralized Canonical Bridge for trustless BTC transfers, letting users move assets into a high-speed lane with minimal fees. (While “wrapping” BTC is standard practice, doing it via SVM offers a distinct technical edge over EVM-based competitors.) By enabling high-speed payments and SPL-compatible tokens, the project aims to capture the transactional volume that usually bleeds out to Ethereum or Solana.

Bridge BTC to the SVM Layer.

Presale Data and Whale Activity Signal Institutional Interest While the tech provides the fundamental case, the financial data surrounding Bitcoin Hyper points to serious early capital allocation. In a market where liquidity is usually fragmented, the project has consolidated massive backing. According to the official presale page, Bitcoin Hyper has raised $31,228,293.92—a figure that blows past typical seed rounds for Layer 2 infrastructure. That level of funding signals high conviction in the “Bitcoin L2” thesis.

The token, $HYPER, is currently sitting at $0.0136751. Beyond the retail raise, on-chain activity suggests deeper pockets are taking positions. According to Etherscan records, two whale wallets have accumulated $116K. The largest single transaction ($63K) hit the chain on Jan 15, 2026. That specific timing—occurring alongside broader market shifts—suggests smart money is positioning itself before the protocol’s full mainnet launch.

For investors chasing yield, the project offers immediate staking after TGE. While APY rates fluctuate based on participation, the setup is aggressive. Notably, there’s a 7-day vesting period for presale stakers—a mechanism designed to prevent immediate dump-pressure. It’s a move that attempts to align incentives with long-term governance, theoretically turning passive holders into active participants.

Join the Bitcoin Hyper Presale.

Disclaimer This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Cryptocurrencies, particularly presale tokens and new Layer 2 protocols, carry high volatility and risk. Always perform your own due diligence and consult with a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Key Takeaways Market Rotation: Capital is shifting from passive Bitcoin holding to active infrastructure plays that unlock BTC liquidity for DeFi and gaming. Technical Hybrid: Bitcoin Hyper is the first Bitcoin Layer 2 to integrate the Solana Virtual Machine (SVM), enabling sub-second transactions on the Bitcoin network. Strong Backing: The project has raised over $31.2 million in its presale, with confirmed whale activity signaling smart money interest. Yield Potential: Investors can access immediate staking rewards post-TGE, capitalizing on the demand for high-performance Bitcoin infrastructure.
2026-02-04 20:49 1mo ago
2026-02-04 15:08 1mo ago
Bitnomial Launches First US-Regulated Tezos (XTZ) Futures cryptonews
XTZ
Chicago-based cryptocurrency exchange Bitnomial has launched the first Tezos (XTZ) futures contracts regulated by the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), allowing both institutional and retail investors to gain exposure to the token without holding the underlying asset. The contracts are now live and accept cryptocurrency or US dollars as margin.

Bitnomial president Michael Dunn stated that a CFTC-regulated futures market with an established trading history meets a key requirement under the SEC’s generic listing standards for potential spot ETFs, highlighting the role of regulated derivatives in paving the way for broader institutional adoption. The exchange also confirmed it is actively exploring additional tokens to expand its US-regulated crypto derivatives offering.

The launch follows a challenging regulatory backdrop, including past disputes with the SEC over XRP futures. Bitnomial currently lists US-regulated futures tied to Cardano, XRP, and Aptos, positioning the exchange among the few US venues offering regulated crypto derivatives beyond Bitcoin and Ether.

Source: Bitnomial

Disclaimer: Crypto Economy Flash News is prepared using official and publicly available sources verified by our editorial team. Its purpose is to provide rapid updates on relevant developments within the crypto and blockchain ecosystem.

This information does not constitute financial advice or an investment recommendation. We recommend always verifying official project channels before making related decisions.
2026-02-04 20:49 1mo ago
2026-02-04 15:10 1mo ago
Best Altcoins Right Now: Smart Money Rotates Into Bitcoin Infrastructure cryptonews
BTC
Crypto sentiment is shifting decisively. While Bitcoin hovers around critical resistance levels, the real capital velocity is moving elsewhere. Seasoned investors are looking beyond simple price action on the majors and focusing on the “Best Altcoins Right Now” narrative—a story increasingly dominated by infrastructure plays rather than speculative meme assets.

The driver here is structural. As institutional capital cements Bitcoin’s role as the digital economy’s pristine collateral, the friction of using the network—think slow block times and prohibitive fees—has become a massive bottleneck. The market is screaming for scalability solutions that don’t sacrifice security.

That matters. Liquidity historically flows from the hardest asset (Bitcoin) to the protocols that unlock its utility. We’re seeing the early innings of a “DeFi on Bitcoin” supercycle, echoing Ethereum’s 2020 expansion but potentially far larger given Bitcoin’s trillion-dollar market cap.

Smart money is currently hunting for projects that bridge the gap between Bitcoin’s security and the high-speed execution needed for modern apps. Data suggests a pivot to modular solutions—architectures that separate settlement from execution. Within this emerging landscape, Bitcoin Hyper has surfaced as a serious contender, using the Solana Virtual Machine (SVM) to bring high-frequency trading capabilities directly to the Bitcoin network.

Bitcoin Hyper Integrates SVM To Solve The Scalability Trilemma Frankly, the thesis driving Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) is simple: technological convergence. For years, developers were stuck choosing between Bitcoin’s security and Solana’s speed. By integrating the Solana Virtual Machine (SVM) as a Layer 2 atop Bitcoin, this project attempts to eliminate that trade-off entirely.

The implications are huge. The SVM is widely considered the most performant execution environment in crypto (capable of thousands of transactions per second with sub-second finality). Bringing this engine to Bitcoin enables order-book exchanges, high-speed gaming dApps, and complex DeFi protocols that were previously impossible on the mainnet due to scripting limitations.

This approach fixes the “programmability gap” that’s left billions in BTC sitting idle. Through a Decentralized Canonical Bridge, users can move assets seamlessly between the secure L1 and the high-speed L2. This utility proposition—high-speed payments in wrapped BTC and Rust-based smart contracts—positions the project as critical infrastructure rather than just another governance token. The market generally assigns higher valuations to protocols that solve fundamental throughput issues, suggesting that Bitcoin Hyper is positioning itself to capture real value from the growing Bitcoin L2 ecosystem.

Explore the Bitcoin Hyper ecosystem.

Whale Activity Spikes As Presale Funding Crosses $31 Million Tech whitepapers are easy to write. On-chain capital flows? Those are harder to fake. The fundraising data for Bitcoin Hyper indicates substantial early backing. Per the official presale page, the project has already banked $31,228,293.92—a figure that screams institutional interest rather than retail speculation.

Currently priced at $0.0136751, the token is attracting attention from high-net-worth individuals looking to position themselves before the Token Generation Event (TGE). Etherscan records show 2 whale wallets have swept up $116K. The biggest single buy? A $63K clip on Jan 15, 2026. This type of accumulation often precedes wider market recognition, as smart money tends to enter during the “infrastructure build” phase rather than the “public hype” phase.

Then there are the tokenomics. Staking is available immediately after TGE with high APYs, designed to lock up circulating supply while the network matures. Plus, a 7-day vesting period for presale stakers mitigates the risk of immediate post-launch dumping—a mechanism that helps stabilize early price discovery. For investors analyzing the best altcoins right now, the combination of heavy capital accumulation and vesting structures points toward a project built for sustainability, not just a quick flip.

Join the Bitcoin Hyper presale.

Disclaimer This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Cryptocurrencies are volatile; conduct your own due diligence before investing.

Key Takeaways Infrastructure Rotation: Capital is shifting from major assets into protocols that solve Bitcoin’s scalability and programmability issues. Technological Convergence: Projects merging Bitcoin’s security with high-speed execution environments like the SVM are capturing developer attention. Smart Money Signals: Bitcoin Hyper has raised over $31 million, with confirmed whale accumulation indicating strong conviction in the Bitcoin L2 narrative. Utility Focus: Investors are prioritizing tokens that offer tangible utility, such as high-speed bridging and decentralized finance capabilities.
2026-02-04 20:49 1mo ago
2026-02-04 15:18 1mo ago
Charles Hoskinson Seeks Community Input for Next Cardano Update on Logan cryptonews
ADA
TL;DR Charles Hoskinson announced the “From Shell With Love” update for Logan the Exit Liquidity Lobster, Cardano's AI bot. The update will allow Logan to monitor tokens, project activity, and on-chain metrics, and connect project APIs and technical documentation.
2026-02-04 20:49 1mo ago
2026-02-04 15:18 1mo ago
Fidelity launches FIDD stablecoin with over $59M supply on Ethereum cryptonews
ETH
TLDR Table of Contents

TLDRFIDD Stablecoin Launches with Initial Supply and Ethereum IntegrationUtility, Custody, and Institutional AccessStablecoin Ecosystem Sees New Entrants with FIDD in Focus Fidelity Digital Assets has officially launched the FIDD stablecoin with an initial supply of over 59 million dollars. The FIDD stablecoin is now live on the Ethereum blockchain and is available for on-chain payments and institutional settlements. Fidelity confirmed that FIDD is fully backed by US dollars held in accredited banks and complies with the GENIUS Act. Mike O’Reilly stated that Fidelity is committed to stablecoin development and has researched the digital asset space for years. The FIDD token will be available through Fidelity Digital Assets, Fidelity Crypto, and other institutional platforms. Fidelity Digital Assets has officially launched its native stablecoin FIDD on the Ethereum blockchain, following a recent announcement. The asset began with an initial issuance of over $59 million and is now live for transactions. The token is fully backed by US dollars held in accredited financial institutions.

FIDD Stablecoin Launches with Initial Supply and Ethereum Integration Fidelity introduced the FIDD stablecoin as part of its broader expansion into the blockchain and digital payments market. The company minted the token on Ethereum, aligning with the industry’s move toward on-chain settlement. The initial supply exceeds $59 million but remains largely limited in wallet distribution.

Mike O’Reilly, President of Fidelity Digital Assets, emphasized the company’s dedication to digital innovation. “We have spent years researching and advocating for the benefits of stablecoins,” he said. The token aims to serve as both a payment method and a settlement tool for institutional clients.

The FIDD stablecoin complies with the regulatory framework set by the GENIUS Act, allowing for secure and compliant issuance. It is backed by US dollar reserves stored in regulated banks. The GENIUS Act also permits backing by US Treasury bills, enhancing issuer control over earnings.

Utility, Custody, and Institutional Access Fidelity has confirmed that FIDD will be available across its platforms, including Fidelity Crypto and Fidelity Crypto for Wealth Managers. Purchase and redemption will be handled internally, while external trading will occur through major cryptocurrency exchanges. The asset is fully transferable within Ethereum-based wallets.

The company will also offer custodian services for holding FIDD and managing associated reserves. This includes both direct and institutional client servicing. As Fidelity already operates digital asset custody, it expands its offerings by adding a compliant stablecoin.

FIDD is designed for on-chain payments and institutional use cases, especially for settlement across digital asset platforms. Its compatibility with Ethereum ensures wide infrastructure support. Despite the launch, liquidity and adoption are expected to build gradually.

Stablecoin Ecosystem Sees New Entrants with FIDD in Focus The FIDD stablecoin enters a market dominated by USDT and USDC, both of which have seen growth over the past year. New regulations like the GENIUS Act have encouraged more issuers to develop compliant tokens. FIDD is Fidelity’s answer to the emerging demand for tokenized dollars with regulatory clarity.

Fidelity joins the list of fintechs and banks offering branded stablecoins, focusing on secure reserves and usage controls. However, like many new stablecoins, FIDD must still prove its real-world utility and demand. Several newly launched stablecoins have remained underutilized due to limited liquidity or application.

The Fidelity Digital Interest Token, launched in September 2025, demonstrates the firm’s ongoing blockchain efforts. That token reached over $264 million in total value before dropping due to redemptions. Its current assets under management stand at approximately $161 million.
2026-02-04 20:49 1mo ago
2026-02-04 15:30 1mo ago
This Analyst Called The Bitcoin Price Crash 4 Months Ago, But There's More cryptonews
BTC
Months ago, a prominent crypto analyst outlined a precise window where the Bitcoin price could enter a violent downside phase. At the time, the projection seemed extreme. Now, with price behavior beginning to align with that roadmap, the analyst has released a far more expansive update — one that not only reinforces the crash call but also maps what comes before and after the next major pivot.

Bitcoin Price Multi-Cycle Model Signals A Structural Reset In the update shared on X, the analyst integrates yearly, monthly, and weekly cycles to define both the potential magnitude of decline and the timing of the next pivot. On the yearly timeframe, Bitcoin sits in what he labels an extreme risk zone ahead of a projected pivot around February 2. The structure is left-translated with distributive price action — a formation linked to late-cycle weakness.

He compares the current setup to a previous harmonic phase where Bitcoin dropped roughly 50% from its all-time high before reaching the same pivot window. That decline produced a rebound of about 40% but failed to reach a new all-time high, suggesting the February pivot may bring relief rather than expansion. He also identifies a macro risk window from April to September 2026.

On the monthly cycle, the analyst marks a decisive pivot around December 22. Historical drawdowns in similar harmonics were 56%, 77%, and 34%, depending on the cycle context. The 77% drop occurred during a bear market, while the 34% retracement formed a mid-bull cycle. Upside rebounds ranged between 140% and 375%, with a later 158% expansion, showing that monthly harmonics often host the sharpest price dislocations.

On the weekly timeframe, a nearer-term pivot appears around November 19. Past pullbacks ranged from 20% to 34%, followed by upside expansions of 99%, 96%, 95%, 127%, and 69%, providing the tactical signals traders may rely on for short-term adjustments within the broader trend.

What’s More: Refined Crash Targets And The Bottom Window Beyond confirming the original crash call, the analyst refines the downside roadmap by synchronizing all three cycles. When harmonics align, volatility and pivot significance increase. While the full drawdown ranges 20%–77%, he narrows the likely decline to 34%–55% from the all-time high, noting deeper bear-market conditions are not yet confirmed.

The November weekly pivot appears too early for a macro bottom, with higher-timeframe pressure likely pushing the true pivot into January. A late-November dead-cat bounce is possible before further downside. Key levels: $90,000 (~30% drop) for November, $72,000 (~43% below the high) for January, with further support at $45,000 and $28,000 if selling intensifies.

The analyst remains cautious, noting the last comparable yearly harmonic rallied 40% without surpassing the all-time high, with similar limits expected before the May–September 2026 risk window. However, while his four-month-old crash call held, he believes Bitcoin’s path is far from over—investors should prepare for further downside and a multi-stage recovery shaping the next macro cycle.

BTC bears continue to put pressure on price | Source: BTCUSD on Tradingview.com Featured image created with Dall.E, chart from Tradingview.com
2026-02-04 20:49 1mo ago
2026-02-04 15:32 1mo ago
Bitcoin Price Prediction: BTC's $73K Pivot, Is the “Digital Gold” Purge Over or Just Getting Started? cryptonews
BTC
Institutional whales are loading up after the 73K pivot – read why this Bitcoin price prediction could be the last chance for cheap entries.
2026-02-04 20:49 1mo ago
2026-02-04 15:35 1mo ago
Ethereum Sheds $100 Billion in Market Cap During a Relentless Weeklong Slide cryptonews
ETH
Ethereum endured its sharpest decline of the year, losing $100 billion in market value and dropping nearly 27% in a week, with prices hitting $2,107, the lowest since May 2025.
2026-02-04 20:49 1mo ago
2026-02-04 15:37 1mo ago
Bitcoin Hits 15-Month Low As Fear-Driven Selling Drags Ethereum, XRP, Dogecoin Lower cryptonews
BTC DOGE ETH XRP
Bitcoin is hovering around 15-month lows as market sentiment stays firmly in “Extreme Fear” territory. Cryptocurrency Ticker Price Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) $73,351 Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH) $2,161 Solana (CRYPTO: SOL) $93.39 XRP (CRYPTO: XRP) $1.54 Dogecoin (CRYPTO: DOGE) $0.1035 Shiba Inu (CRYPTO: SHIB) $0.056622 Notable Statistics: Coinglass data shows 145,087 traders were liquidated in the past 24 hours for $631.75 million.
2026-02-04 20:49 1mo ago
2026-02-04 15:39 1mo ago
Shiba Inu Price Faces Worst Liquidation Event — Here's What It Means cryptonews
SHIB
Shiba Inu price hovers near critical support at $0.00000667 as long liquidations surge 8,972% above shorts. The death cross pattern signals a potential deeper decline ahead.

Newton Gitonga2 min read

4 February 2026, 08:39 PM

The Shiba Inu futures market experienced a dramatic imbalance over the past 12 hours. Data from CoinGlass reveals long liquidations exceeded short positions by 8,972%. The disparity signals mounting pressure on leveraged traders betting on price increases.

Approximately $18,710 in long positions were liquidated during this period. Short liquidations totaled just $208.85 by comparison. The skewed ratio suggests one-sided market positioning and declining buyer confidence in the meme coin's near-term prospects.

Death Cross Formation Confirms Bearish MomentumTechnical indicators paint a concerning picture for SHIB holders. The token has formed a death cross pattern, with its 23-day moving average crossing below the 50-day moving average. Traders commonly interpret this signal as a precursor to extended downward price movement.

At the time of writing, SHIB trades at around $0.000006707, hovering dangerously close to a critical support level at $0.00000667. The proximity to this threshold raises concerns about potential downside scenarios. A breakdown below this support could push the token into lower-liquidity zones where reliable price floors become difficult to identify.

The combination of lopsided liquidations and bearish technical patterns creates a challenging environment for the asset. Market participants appear hesitant to establish new long positions given recent price action. Volume metrics support this observation, showing reduced trading activity compared to historical averages.

Institutional Criticism Adds to Market UncertaintyBroader sentiment surrounding meme tokens faces scrutiny from institutional players. Evgeny Gaevoy, CEO of Wintermute, criticized current token economic models today. The institutional market maker executive described existing buyback and lockup mechanisms as fundamentally flawed in their implementation.

His comments arrive at a particularly sensitive time for SHIB. The token already contends with technical weakness and unfavorable derivatives positioning. Criticism from respected institutional figures may further erode confidence among retail and professional investors alike.

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Newton Gitonga covers cryptocurrencies, blockchain, and digital finance. He specializes in breaking down complex trends with clear, data-driven reporting. His work focuses on market analysis, technical insights, and the evolving role of altcoins in shaping global markets.

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Latest Shiba Inu News Today (SHIB)
2026-02-04 20:49 1mo ago
2026-02-04 15:42 1mo ago
Hyperliquid Treasury Eyes Revenue Boost Using HYPE as Options Collateral cryptonews
HYPE
TL;DR

Hyperion will use its HYPE tokens as collateral for options contracts. The strategy generates premium and fee income without directional trading. The firm uses on-chain vaults on Hyperliquid for transparent execution. HYPD shares fell 13% amid a broader crypto market selloff. Hyperion DeFi Inc., the publicly traded digital asset treasury behind Hyperliquid, announced a new plan to increase revenue by using its HYPE token holdings as collateral for options contracts. The company, listed on Nasdaq under the ticker HYPD, holds more than 1.8 million HYPE tokens, valued near $64 million as of early December. The approach adds a new income stream without changing the firm’s exposure to the token itself.

However, company executives stress a clear boundary. Hyperion does not engage in directional trading or price speculation. Chief Financial Officer David Knox explained that the treasury supplies collateral to support the writing and settlement of options.

“By deploying transparent, on-chain options vaults directly on Hyperliquid, we expect to improve execution efficiency and pricing across counterparties while further optimizing yield on our HYPE holdings,” Hyperion CEO Hyunsu Jung said.

In return, the firm collects premiums and transaction fees, which add to existing income from staking HYPE tokens. Meanwhile, the structure keeps the treasury aligned with a low-risk mandate focused on yield generation.

On-chain options vault anchors the new revenue model At the operational level, Hyperion deploys on-chain options vaults directly on Hyperliquid. Therefore, the company aims to improve execution speed and pricing across counterparties. Chief Executive Officer Hyunsu Jung said the design supports transparent settlement and more efficient capital use while optimizing returns on HYPE reserves. In addition, the Rysk protocol supports the launch by providing tools for options strategies such as covered calls and cash-secured puts, all executed on-chain.

Meanwhile, Hyperion plans to expand access over time. The firm intends to open the vault to other institutional HYPE holders, creating shared infrastructure for options activity. As a result, the treasury positions itself as a service provider rather than a trader. The shift follows Hyperion’s rebrand in mid-2025, when the company defined its role as a dedicated HYPE treasury.

However, market reaction proved cautious. HYPD shares fell more than 13%, trading near $3.50, as a broader crypto selloff erased roughly $750 billion from total market value. Even so, Hyperion maintains its operational course, relying on fee-based revenue and on-chain transparency rather than price forecasts to support its balance sheet.
2026-02-04 20:49 1mo ago
2026-02-04 15:47 1mo ago
Galaxy Digital Clarifies: $9B Bitcoin Dump Not About Quantum Threats cryptonews
BTC
TL;DR:

Alex Thorn denied that a client’s $9 billion sale was due to fears of quantum computing. The firm reported a net loss of $482 million in Q4 2025 following its earnings report. Mike Novogratz suggests the market is near a bottom thanks to potential legislative progress. Galaxy Digital addressed the ongoing speculation after a massive sell-off of assets was confirmed. The company clarified that the recent Bitcoin liquidation, valued at $9 billion, was not motivated by technological risks.

The company’s head of research, Alex Thorn, stated that fears regarding BTC’s quantum resistance were not the cause of this institutional operation. He added that they aim to calm the FUD generated on social media about the alleged current vulnerability of cryptography.

quantum is not why the whale sold

novo didn’t connect the two. he said it was one reason ppl are claiming for btc weakness, but he disagrees with that (this is clear if you read the full transcript)

he then clarified on bloomberg that quantum isn’t the reason for btc weakness https://t.co/pxvqOvsTZZ pic.twitter.com/JT5Qi0PXI4

— Alex Thorn (@intangiblecoins) February 3, 2026 Despite the clarification, the news coincided with quarterly results showing financial challenges for the organization. At the close of 2025, the firm reported significant losses in a context where the price of the primary asset briefly dipped below $74,000.

Debate on Quantum Security and the Regulatory Future Concern over advances in quantum computing is a recurring theme among asset managers and cryptographers. However, experts like Adam Back maintain that these types of threats would take decades to materialize and pose a real risk to the network.

To address these risks, the community is promoting improvement proposals such as BIP-360. This mechanism would introduce quantum-resistant signatures, ensuring the security of addresses that could be compromised in the distant future.

On the other hand, CEO Mike Novogratz remains optimistic about the ecosystem’s recovery through the CLARITY Act. The executive assured that a clear regulatory framework in the United States will serve as a catalyst to stabilize prices and attract capital flow once again.

In summary, while large-scale liquidations generate panic, Bitcoin’s technical fundamentals remain solid. The industry is now focusing its attention on meetings between the Donald Trump administration and sector leaders to define the future of stablecoins and market structure.
2026-02-04 19:49 1mo ago
2026-02-04 13:46 1mo ago
Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino Says $20 Billion Fundraise Was 'Misconception,' Flags Regulatory Risks cryptonews
USDT
Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino on Wednesday said reports of a $20 billion fundraising plan were misunderstood, as investor concerns over valuation and regulation prompt the stablecoin giant to scale back discussions. Funding Round Narrowed Threefold Tether initially explored raising $15 billion to $20 billion at a valuation reportedly near $500 billion, but advisers are now discussing a significantly smaller round of roughly $5 billion, according to the Financial Times.
2026-02-04 19:49 1mo ago
2026-02-04 13:48 1mo ago
US won't 'bail out' Bitcoin, says Treasury Secretary Bessent cryptonews
BTC
The comments came during Bessent's Congressional testimony on Wednesday in a tense exchange with California Representative Brad Sherman.

United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent testified before Congress on Wednesday and reiterated that the US will retain Bitcoin (BTC) acquired through asset seizures but will not direct private banks to purchase more BTC in the event of a market downturn.

California Congressman Brad Sherman, a major critic of Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies, asked Bessent: “Does the Treasury Department or the various components of the Federal Open Market Committee have the authority to bail out Bitcoin?”

Sherman then asked Bessent if he plans to direct private banks to acquire more BTC or “Trump Coin,” a reference to memecoins connected to US President Donald Trump, through changing banking reserve requirements to allow them to buy more. Bessent said:

“I am Secretary of the Treasury. I do not have the authority to do that, and as chair of the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC), I do not have that authority.” Secretary Bessent testifies before Congress on Wednesday. Source: CNBCBessent added that the $500 million in seized Bitcoin retained by the US government surged to over $15 billion while in custody.

The testimony is the latest update on the Bitcoin strategic reserve initiative, which was established by Trump through an executive order in March 2025. However, the order has drawn backlash from some in the Bitcoin community, who say it did not go far enough.

US to acquire more Bitcoin through budget-neutral strategies onlyTrump’s executive order stipulated that the US could only acquire more BTC for the strategic reserve through asset forfeiture cases or budget-neutral strategies.

Budget-neutral methods do not add line-item expenses to the US budget and include converting other existing reserve assets, such as petroleum or precious metals, to Bitcoin. 

This means the US government will not acquire additional BTC in open market operations, as many in the Bitcoin community had hoped.

Source: Scott BessentIn August 2025, Bessent said the Treasury Department is exploring acquiring BTC through budget-neutral methods, backtracking on previous comments.

The US government actively buying BTC creates demand for the digital currency, which may raise asset prices and potentially send a signal to other nation-states to establish their own strategic reserves, according to Bitcoin advocate Samson Mow.

Magazine: US risks being ‘front run’ on Bitcoin reserve by other nations: Samson Mow

Cointelegraph is committed to independent, transparent journalism. This news article is produced in accordance with Cointelegraph’s Editorial Policy and aims to provide accurate and timely information. Readers are encouraged to verify information independently. Read our Editorial Policy https://cointelegraph.com/editorial-policy
2026-02-04 19:49 1mo ago
2026-02-04 13:53 1mo ago
Ripple Prime Integrates Hyperliquid to Support Institutional Access to Onchain Derivatives Liquidity cryptonews
HYPE XRP
Key NotesRipple Prime's first major DeFi integration allows cross-margining of decentralized derivatives with traditional asset classes.The partnership positions Ripple as a competitor to established digital prime brokers like FalconX and Coinbase Prime.Institutional validation suggests growing appetite for DeFi exposure among traditional financial institutions. Ripple has integrated decentralized derivatives protocol Hyperliquid into Ripple Prime, bringing access to onchain derivatives liquidity to its institutional prime brokerage platform.

The partnership makes it possible for institutional clients using Ripple Prime’s platform to trade onchain derivatives via Hyperliquid while managing those positions alongside traditional asset classes.

According to a Feb. 4 press release, this gives qualified clients exposure to all other asset classes supported by Ripple Prime, including digital assets, FX, fixed income, OTC swaps, and cleared derivatives.

Hyperliquid, meet Ripple Prime: https://t.co/RZWdbRfHoe

We’re now enabling institutions to access onchain derivatives liquidity through @HyperliquidX in a streamlined and secure way. Customers can also efficiently cross-margin crypto with all asset classes supported by our prime…

— Ripple (@Ripple) February 4, 2026

This is Ripple Prime’s first integration with a major decentralized finance (DeFi) venue. Per the press release, the partnership continues the platform’s mission to bridge the TradFi and DeFi markets, “offering institutions seamless access to DeFi venues within a unified, capital-efficient prime brokerage framework.”

Validation for Ripple Prime and Hyperliquid Ripple Prime was launched after Ripple purchased financial services platform Hidden Road in April of 2025. As Coinspeaker reported at the time, the firm serviced over 300 top financial institutions and cleared approximately $3 trillion annually.

Hidden Road was rebranded to Ripple Prime and relaunched under the Ripple umbrella in October of 2025 to serve as both a brokerage platform and TradFi to DeFi bridge.

With the Feb. 4 integration between Ripple Prime and Hyperliquid, the platform now has the ability to cross-margin DeFi exposures with FX or Fixed Income. This is a feature that should appeal to high value institutional traders as it allows for aggressive, complex trading strategies with less idle capital.

It also signals that Ripple is committed to expanding beyond being solely focused on XRP XRP $1.54 24h volatility: 1.8% Market cap: $93.57 B Vol. 24h: $4.30 B . The Hyperliquid partnership positions it as a direct competitor to traditional digital prime brokers such as FalconX or Coinbase Prime.

For Hyperliquid’s part, Ripple’s support serves as confirmation that institutional-grade investors are ready to explore DeFi in the same way they’ve flocked to CEX offerings and digital assets.

Disclaimer: Coinspeaker is committed to providing unbiased and transparent reporting. This article aims to deliver accurate and timely information but should not be taken as financial or investment advice. Since market conditions can change rapidly, we encourage you to verify information on your own and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content.

Cryptocurrency News, News

Tristan is a technology journalist and editorial leader with 8 years of experience covering science, deep tech, finance, politics, and business. Before joining Coinspeaker, he wrote for Cointelegraph and TNW.

Tristan Greene on X
2026-02-04 19:49 1mo ago
2026-02-04 13:55 1mo ago
Shiba Inu Price Recovery Uncertain as Veteran Analyst Warns Against Blind Optimism cryptonews
SHIB
Veteran crypto analyst Zack Humphries warns Shiba Inu holders to stop relying on the team's optimism and treat SHIB like any other risky altcoin.

Newton Gitonga2 min read

4 February 2026, 06:55 PM

A seasoned cryptocurrency analyst who profited from Shiba Inu's meteoric 2021 rally has issued a stark warning to current holders. Market expert Zack Humphries challenges investors to stop treating SHIB as a guaranteed recovery play and start managing it like any other high-risk cryptocurrency position.

The warning comes in response to recent optimistic statements from Shiba Inu's marketing lead, Lucie, who painted a rosy picture of the meme coin's prospects. While Humphries acknowledges the positive sentiment, he criticizes the lack of balanced analysis that fails to address significant risks and structural challenges facing the token.

Reality Behind the OptimismHumphries maintains that Shiba Inu remains a substantial cryptocurrency asset. The token holds a market capitalization of $4 billion and ranks approximately 25th among global digital assets. He expects SHIB will eventually experience some form of price recovery.

However, he strongly objects to investors using bullish social media posts as justification for continued heavy investment. The analyst emphasizes that relying on reassuring messages from team members creates a dangerous mindset. Investors who continuously pour money into SHIB based solely on insider optimism are making a critical error.

The core issue centers on investor behavior rather than the token's legitimacy. Humphries points out that treating promotional content as investment advice leads to poor portfolio management. Holders must distinguish between project enthusiasm and sound financial strategy.

Altcoin Market Struggles and Ethereum DependenceThe broader altcoin market has faced severe headwinds since the 2021 peak. Humphries describes the environment as exceptionally difficult for alternative cryptocurrencies. SHIB faces a particular vulnerability tied directly to Ethereum's performance.

The analyst explains that Shiba Inu struggles significantly when Ethereum fails to lead the market. The token's price action depends heavily on ETH momentum. This dependency creates problems because Ethereum has underperformed Bitcoin for an extended period.

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well-curated news from the crypto world!

Newton Gitonga covers cryptocurrencies, blockchain, and digital finance. He specializes in breaking down complex trends with clear, data-driven reporting. His work focuses on market analysis, technical insights, and the evolving role of altcoins in shaping global markets.

Read more about

EthereumLatest Shiba Inu News Today (SHIB)
2026-02-04 19:49 1mo ago
2026-02-04 13:56 1mo ago
Ripple Throws Weight Behind Hyperliquid, Fueling HYPE's Rally Toward Crucial Levels cryptonews
HYPE XRP
Ripple has announced new support for Hyperliquid, one of the fastest‑growing decentralized exchanges (DEXs) in the crypto sector, a move that has added momentum to the platform’s native token, HYPE, even as the broader market remains under pressure.

Ripple Expands Prime Brokerage Platform With Hyperliquid In a press release issued on Wednesday, Ripple confirmed that Ripple Prime, its institutional prime brokerage platform, has integrated support for Hyperliquid.

According to Ripple, the integration allows institutional clients to tap into on‑chain derivatives liquidity on Hyperliquid while cross‑margining their decentralized finance (DeFi) positions alongside other assets already supported by Ripple Prime. 

These include digital assets, foreign exchange, fixed income products, over‑the‑counter swaps, and cleared derivatives. The structure is designed to give professional traders greater capital efficiency while operating across both decentralized and traditional markets.

Michael Higgins, International CEO of Ripple Prime, said the move reflects the company’s broader strategy of bridging DeFi and traditional financial infrastructure. He noted that Ripple Prime aims to offer direct support for trading, yield generation, and an expanding range of digital assets. 

Higgins added that extending the prime brokerage platform into decentralized finance is intended to improve client access to liquidity while delivering the efficiency and innovation institutional customers increasingly expect.

HYPE Surges As XRP Slides The announcement comes at a time when market performance has sharply diverged between the largest cryptocurrencies and Hyperliquid’s ecosystem. 

Ripple’s associated cryptocurrency, XRP, has fallen roughly 20% over the past week, broadly tracking the downturn across the wider crypto market. In contrast, Hyperliquid has surged by about 64% over the past two weeks, standing out as one of the strongest performers during a period of overall market weakness.

That rally has pushed HYPE toward what traders see as a critical technical zone. At the time of writing, the token is trading just above $34, with the $35 level emerging as an important short‑term support area. 

Over the past week, Hyperliquid has struggled to hold above that threshold on a sustained basis, despite briefly breaking through it on Tuesday. During that move, the token climbed as high as $38, marking its highest price since November of last year.

The 1-D chart shows HYPE’s price rally with the $35 and $30 levels playing a key role in the token’s next direction. Source: HYPEUSDT on TradingView.com On the downside, Hyperliquid’s price action suggests that buyers have established a solid base around the $30 level. Daily chart data shows this area acting as a key support floor, repeatedly halting declines and helping to preserve the recent recovery in the weekly time frame. 

Featured image from OpenArt, chart from TradingView.com 
2026-02-04 19:49 1mo ago
2026-02-04 13:56 1mo ago
Bessent grilled over Trump-linked World Liberty Financial, says Treasury doesn't have the power to ‘bail out bitcoin' cryptonews
BTC WLFI
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent came under intense scrutiny from lawmakers during a contentious House hearing, with sharp exchanges over World Liberty Financial (WLFI), a Trump-linked crypto and DeFi venture, and the Treasury Department's role in bitcoin (BTC) oversight.

On Wednesday, during a House Financial Services Committee hearing focused on the Treasury's Financial Stability Oversight Council, of which Bessent leads, Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-NY., sharply criticized World Liberty Financial and its links to the United Arab Emirates.

That link has recently come under fire after The Wall Street Journal reported that an investment vehicle backed by Emirati Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan secretly acquired a 49% stake in World Liberty Financial for $500 million just days before Trump's inauguration. President Trump later denied knowledge of that investment.

This comes as World Liberty Financial is seeking a bank charter, and last month filed an application to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Meeks said he wants Bessent to pause any bank charter connected to World Liberty Financial until conflicts of interest are reviewed and investigated.

Bessent said the OCC is an independent entity, but didn't answer the question as to whether he would investigate World Liberty Financial. The exchange escalated from there, with both yelling and talking over each other, ending with Meeks saying to the Treasury Secretary, "to stop covering for the president."

Bessent was also asked about the Treasury's role involving Bitcoin. Trump signed an executive order in March 2025 for a strategic bitcoin reserve, whereby bitcoin in the reserve will initially come from funds forfeited as part of a criminal or civil asset forfeiture, and that bitcoin deposited into the reserve cannot be sold.

Rep. Brad Sherman, D-Calif., asked Bessent if he had the authority to "bail out bitcoin" and if he could "order banks to buy bitcoin or to invest U.S. tax dollars in bitcoin or Trump coin."

"I am Secretary of the Treasury, I do not have the authority to do that, and as chair of FSOC, I do not have that authority," Bessent said, adding later that the Treasury is retaining bitcoin that's been seized.

Bessent's authority over central bank digital currencies also came up during Wednesday's hearing, and whether he was aware of any Federal Reserve or government efforts to develop a U.S. CBDC.

"Absolutely not," Bessent said.

The Federal Reserve has been exploring the possibility of issuing a CBDC and released a report in 2024 examining the pros and cons of a CBDC, but central bank officials have thrown cold water on the idea in the past. Fed Chair Jerome Powell has also said the Fed won't issue a CBDC without congressional approval.

Disclaimer: The Block is an independent media outlet that delivers news, research, and data. As of November 2023, Foresight Ventures is a majority investor of The Block. Foresight Ventures invests in other companies in the crypto space. Crypto exchange Bitget is an anchor LP for Foresight Ventures. The Block continues to operate independently to deliver objective, impactful, and timely information about the crypto industry. Here are our current financial disclosures.

© 2026 The Block. All Rights Reserved. This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
2026-02-04 19:49 1mo ago
2026-02-04 13:59 1mo ago
BNB Chain News: Sector Sheds $44B as Major Support Levels Break cryptonews
BNB
The BNB Chain sector was unable to resist the broader market downturn this week.
2026-02-04 19:49 1mo ago
2026-02-04 14:00 1mo ago
Shiba Inu Lead Dev Returns As Price Crashes To 3-Year Low, What's Going On? cryptonews
SHIB
Trusted Editorial content, reviewed by leading industry experts and seasoned editors. Ad Disclosure

Shiba Inu lead developer Shytoshi Kusama has returned to the X platform, teasing an important update for the SHIB community. This comes just as the meme coin’s price crashed to a 3-year low amid the recent crypto market crash. 

Shiba Inu Lead Developer Returns as Price Hits New Lows In an X post, the Shiba Inu lead developer revealed that he had an “ultra important” update for the SHIB community. Shytoshi indicated that it was a very important update, noting how it could take 2 more hours to explain and that it was “extremely important to many.” Meanwhile, in a subsequent X post, the developer hinted that the update may be related to AI and a potential integration.

Meanwhile, Shiba Inu developer Kaal Dhairya has yet to comment on what the update may be about. However, he defended Shytoshi following criticisms from some members of the SHIB community over the developer’s cryptic comments. SHIB marketing lead Lucie also commented on Shytoshi’s statement, indicating that she was waiting on the update. 

The Shiba Inu lead developer’s return comes amid the recent crash in the Shiba Inu price, with the meme coin falling to a 3-year low of $0.000006461. SHIB’s crash follows the broader crypto market downtrend, with Bitcoin dropping to a new yearly low of $73,000. Crypto traders also appear to be bearish on the meme coin at the moment as CoinGlass data shows a 4% drop in SHIB’s open interest. 

Furthermore, the long/short ratio is currently below 1, signaling that more traders are shorting Shiba Inu in anticipation of lower prices. The SHIB price is now down year-to-date (YTD), erasing the double-digit gains that it recorded at the start of the year. 

SHIB’s Rebuild Depends On Execution, Not Price In an X article, Lucie indicated that the key to rebuilding confidence in the Shiba Inu ecosystem is execution and not price. She remarked that real confidence would show up first in behavior, not charts. She outlined ways they can improve this execution, including ensuring steady activity on the Ethereum layer-2 network, Shibarium. 

Furthermore, the Shiba Inu marketing lead stated that they must avoid repeating exploit patterns and ensure a smooth LEASH migration. She also addressed the developers, saying that they have to ship new upgrades without drama. 

Meanwhile, Lucie noted that users must continue interacting on the network even when the Shiba Inu price is stagnant, as this is what a recovery phase looks like. The SHIB executive added that the meme coin sits between two states as an asset that is no longer just a meme coin but one that isn’t yet a mature infrastructure network. 

At the time of writing, the Shiba Inu price is trading at around $0.000006774, down almost 2% in the last 24 hours, according to data from CoinMarketCap.

SHIB trading at $0.0000068 on the 1D chart | Source: SHIBUSDT on Tradingview.com Featured image from Sketchfab, chart from Tradingview.com

Editorial Process for bitcoinist is centered on delivering thoroughly researched, accurate, and unbiased content. We uphold strict sourcing standards, and each page undergoes diligent review by our team of top technology experts and seasoned editors. This process ensures the integrity, relevance, and value of our content for our readers.

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Scott Matherson is a leading crypto writer at Bitcoinist, who possesses a sharp analytical mind and a deep understanding of the digital currency landscape. Scott has earned a reputation for delivering thought-provoking and well-researched articles that resonate with both newcomers and seasoned crypto enthusiasts. Outside of his writing, Scott is passionate about promoting crypto literacy and often works to educate the public on the potential of blockchain.
2026-02-04 19:49 1mo ago
2026-02-04 14:00 1mo ago
Bitcoin Shows Extended Coinbase Discount In Recent Market Data — Here's What This Means cryptonews
BTC
Recent market data has shown that Bitcoin has been trading at an extended discount on Coinbase. Over the past several months, this negative premium, where BTC prices on Coinbase sit below the international average level, has remained consistent. Such prolonged discounts have historically coincided with periods of market uncertainty or late-stage corrections.

How Coinbase Premium Remains Negative For Months Bitcoin has been trading at a persistent discount on Coinbase for the past 3 months. A full-time crypto trader and investor, Daan Crypto Trades, has pointed out on X that this typically reflects large ETF outflows and sustained selling pressure from the US-based investors, which has put pressure on a discount to appear. 

These conditions are not unusual and have appeared nearly every market downturn or larger range. Thus, this broader market recovery needs the support of ETF inflows and renewed bidding from the US investors to surge higher. 

BTC coinbase premium still in negative territory | Source: Chart from Daan Crypto Trades on X For this reason, monitoring the Coinbase premium and discount is important to know when the price flips around. A stronger directional trend combined with steep discounts or premiums often reinforces the prevailing market move.

A Relief Rally Could Buy The Market Time Until October Bitcoin has now broken below its April 2025 low, placing the market at an important inflection point. The CEO and founder of ITC_Crypto, Benjamin Cowen, noted that if the price fails to bounce soon, this could turn into a difficult midterm year. However, if the price can bounce back, it would likely provide the market several months of relief, pushing price action to October and potentially aligning with a more durable bottoming process.

According to Benjamin, the bearish narrative has been dominant for an extended period, which increases the probability of a countertrend rally that could temporarily restore confidence among bulls. Meanwhile, Benjamin has cautioned against attempting to trade such moves.

Furthermore, countertrend rallies often occur unexpectedly, not when market participants are actively anticipating them. A sweep of prior lows would offer short-term relief, even during the bull market. In 2014, 2018, and 2022, when BTC broke below the 100-week Simple Moving Average (SMA), the price moved straight down to the 200-week SMA before any meaningful relief occurred.

From a broader perspective, Benjamin emphasized that the optimal time to sell BTC was late last year, not during panic-driven sell-offs in a midterm year. His focus remains on the larger cycle, suggesting that late Q3 to early Q4 will be a more favorable window to move real money back into the market. Until then, it is just traders trying to make money during difficult times, attempting to trade the support and resistance levels.

BTC trading at $76,191 on the 1D chart | Source: BTCUSDT on Tradingview.com Featured image from Pngtree, chart from Tradingview.com
2026-02-04 19:49 1mo ago
2026-02-04 14:00 1mo ago
AI narrative lifts ChainOpera AI 24% – But can COAI hold THIS? cryptonews
COAI
Journalist

Posted: February 5, 2026

Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration into cryptocurrency appears to be a sustainable trend.

The partnership has led to the launch of multiple AI-driven cryptos like ChainOpera AI, among others like the Fartcoin [FARTCOIN] and Pippin [PIPPIN] memecoins.

ChainOpera AI’s COAI token rallied over 24% in the past 24 hours, though it’s stayed way below its peak valuation. With a potential market structure break in play, will COAI recover some of its cap?

Is COAI’s market structure shift in play? The altcoin crashed by more than 37% on the 18th of January and has since been trading down toward the low that was created. COAI has consolidated for more than five days at these levels around $0.2714.

However, the past 24 hours saw COAI break out from this sideways movement to a day’s high of $0.3331. Since then, the market has entered a pullback, which seems to be confirming the retest area.

The Stochastic RSI was still in the overbought zone at press time, indicating buyers were still interested in the altcoin. Moreover, the MACD suggested that their strength was intact and had been growing despite the last-minute cool-off.

Source: COAI/USDT; TradingView

If the altcoin remains above the consolidation area, COAI may experience a structural shift. Conversely, the weakness might continue draining COAI’s valuation.

With numerical data showing a potential shift, the same is true for on-chain data.

Transactions surge as VCs increase their stake As per data from BscScan, transactions of more than 1 million COAI tokens have been on the rise over the past two weeks. These orders, surpassing the aforementioned scale, moved a total of over 55 million COAI tokens during this period.

While most of them involved exchange-to-exchange transfers, there were a couple of them from individual wallets. This indicated that activity was picking up while also signaling potential accumulation.

Source: BscScan

Venture Capital (VC) has backed these transfers since 2021. AI narratives are ahead of crypto in terms of capital invested by VCs, as per Miles Deutscher.

In 2024, the ratio of AI investments to crypto investments was 8x, and it is projected to be 11x in 2025. This gives COAI a competitive advantage due to its integration of AI.

Source: Miles Deutscher/X

Although individuals and institutions are changing their perspectives on COAI, the liquidity levels present a distinct picture. What is in the details?

Will liquidity derail the breakout? On the Liquidation Heatmap chart, orders formed below the level of $0.30 as the price continued to pull back at press time. Further declines could spark a long squeeze that would in turn accelerate the drop.

Source: CoinGlass

Still, the orders forming above the price of $0.33 may pull the price toward it if they outweigh those below. The price confinement between the liquidity zones places COAI’s price at a critical juncture in its next direction bias.

These thousands of COAI orders could derail the ongoing market structure shift while also providing a chance to accelerate it.

Final Thoughts ChainOpera AI is up 24% amid a structural shift, activity spike, and VC backing. COAI price faces a key test at the retest zone as liquidity continues to build. 
2026-02-04 19:49 1mo ago
2026-02-04 14:16 1mo ago
Fireblocks Announces Native Bitcoin DeFi Support With Stacks Integration cryptonews
BTC
Key NotesIntegration enables institutional custody of STX tokens and interaction with Bitcoin-based lending protocols like Zest and Granite.Stacks L2 produces blocks in 5 seconds versus Bitcoin's 10 minutes, reducing slippage risks for DeFi transactions.Fireblocks clients gain access to Bitcoin-yielding vaults and BTC-native trading with trillions in potential transaction volume. Fireblocks announced that it has integrated the Stacks network into its platform, bringing direct access to native Bitcoin DeFi applications and services built on the Stacks L2 Bitcoin platform.

The integration allows Fireblocks users to custody Stacks (STX) tokens, mint and bridge sBTC, and interact with Bitcoin-based lending and swapping protocols directly from the Fireblocks console.

According to a Feb. 4 press release, Fireblocks boasts more than 2,400 institutional clients. This represents a potentially massive influx of high-value investors and traders into the burgeoning Bitcoin DeFi marketplace. Through the integration, these clients will have access to the full suite of dApps and services available via Stacks, including Bitcoin-denominated rewards, Bitcoin-yielding vaults via Hermetica, BTC-backed loans via Zest and Granite, and BTC-native trading and liquidity via Bitflow.

Fireblocks now extends to native Bitcoin DeFi.

Integrating @Stacks, the leading Bitcoin L2, to bring institutional-grade access to Bitcoin yield.

↳ Dual Stacking

↳ Bitcoin-yielding vaults

↳ BTC-backed loans

Infrastructure that powers financial possibility. Live Q1 2026.… https://t.co/Nr1V8UAdnJ

— Fireblocks (@FireblocksHQ) February 4, 2026

Bridging Institutional-grade Custody and Bitcoin DeFi This partnership might be viewed as a significant milestone for the Bitcoin Layer 2 (L2) ecosystem. While Bitcoin serves as the flagship blockchain and cryptocurrency (BTC), its adoption by institutional investors and traders focused on DeFi has been what some might deem as long in the making.

Despite the overwhelming popularity of the Bitcoin network, Ethereum is, by most definitions, the most popular blockchain for DeFi. This makes Bitcoin a massive untapped market for DeFi activity as it currently has a market cap of over $1.45 trillion, despite experiencing a months-long low as of Feb. 4.

The vast majority of Bitcoin sits idle in cold storage as a gold-like asset. Part of the reason for this is because it’s generally difficult to code for the Bitcoin network. It uses a non-Turing complete coding language called Script that, essentially, doesn’t allow some of the quality of life features that other blockchains, such as Ethereum, do.

Bitcoin is also relatively slow for the purposes of DeFi transactions. It takes approximately 10 minutes for the network to produce each Bitcoin block. As DeFi transactions typically occur in milliseconds, the longer it takes for a blockchain to record a batch of transactions, the greater the chances for “slippage” in prices to occur.

Stacks is a Layer-2 network built on top of the Bitcoin blockchain. It’s able to produce blocks in around 5 seconds, which makes it much easier to minimize slippage and, based on the amount of DeFi activity built on the network, it remains popular with coders.

Through the integration, Fireblocks users representing trillions in potential transaction volume now have access to Stacks. These institutions can now earn yield on their BTC holdings through lending and staking without selling the underlying asset.

Disclaimer: Coinspeaker is committed to providing unbiased and transparent reporting. This article aims to deliver accurate and timely information but should not be taken as financial or investment advice. Since market conditions can change rapidly, we encourage you to verify information on your own and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content.

Cryptocurrency News, News

Tristan is a technology journalist and editorial leader with 8 years of experience covering science, deep tech, finance, politics, and business. Before joining Coinspeaker, he wrote for Cointelegraph and TNW.

Tristan Greene on X
2026-02-04 19:49 1mo ago
2026-02-04 14:21 1mo ago
Bitcoin Faces $50K Downside Alert, Fear & Greed Index Craters to Extreme Fear at 14 cryptonews
BTC
TL;DR:

The Fear & Greed Index craters to 17 points, reflecting a state of widespread panic. Key figures like Gracy Chen and Michael Burry point to critical support levels at 50k. Bitcoin ETFs record massive capital outflows, exceeding $1.3 billion so far this year. The crypto market is going through its most critical moment since the start of 2026. After reaching all-time highs, selling pressure suggests an imminent retreat of the Bitcoin price at $50,000, a level that analysts see as increasingly possible due to the current bearish cycle.

In just one week, the pioneer cryptocurrency retraced 15%, wiping out a large portion of the gains accumulated following recent political events. This action spiked levels of fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD) to levels not seen since late 2025.

Due to the high volatility, even Changpeng Zhao expressed his short-term distrust. Meanwhile, Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget, warns that an additional 40% drop is possible if the current support is not reclaimed.

Record ETF Outflows and Industry Tensions Institutional instruments have also been hit by the uncertainty. Bitcoin ETF assets under management fell below $100 billion, marking a sharp contrast to the peaks recorded in October.

Funds from Fidelity and ARK Invest led the capital outflows, while BlackRock was the only major player to maintain positive flows. This divergence highlights the fragility of sentiment among professional and retail investors alike.

Furthermore, figures such as Cathie Wood and Star Xu pointed to technical issues and cascading liquidations as triggers for the current damage. Despite these claims, the market continues to search for a solid floor to stop the disaster.

In summary, Bitcoin is now struggling to stay above $74,000, but the lack of immediate organic use complicates the recovery. Consequently, risk management has become the number one priority for traders ahead of the next weekly close.
2026-02-04 19:49 1mo ago
2026-02-04 14:22 1mo ago
Early Bitcoin Dev Calls on Adam Back to Resign After Epstein Files Revelations cryptonews
BTC
In brief Bitcoin Core dev Luke Dashjr has called on Blockstream CEO Adam Back to resign following the release of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents referencing crypto figures. Back confirmed that Epstein was briefly an investor in Blockstream, but has not addressed emails referring to a potential visit from Blockstream founders to Epstein's island. Newly released files contain hundreds of references to Bitcoin and major crypto companies, including Coinbase and Blockstream. Luke Dashjr, a longtime Bitcoin developer and early contributor to Blockstream, has called on Blockstream co-founder and CEO Adam Back to resign from his positions after newly released files connected convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein to figures across the cryptocurrency industry.

“These recent revelations about Adam and Epstein Island help shed light on some of Adam’s hostility toward me and his recent pro-spam gaslighting, but I never knew how bad and how deep the corruption went,” Dashjr said in a tweet on Tuesday.

Dashjr referred to a previous dispute regarding what he claimed was an earlier assurance that he would be recognized as a Blockstream co-founder, and treated equally with others involved at the company’s founding.

I was an initial contributor to Blockstream and Adam promised me I’d be listed as a co-founder and be treated the same as other co-founders. Adam broke that promise, betrayed my trust, and cut me out.

I was never involved in Blockstream's fundraising and had no knowledge or…

— Luke Dashjr (@LukeDashjr) February 3, 2026

Dashjr said that Back “should consider resigning from all positions of authority and apologize to all the developers, investors, and Bitcoiners he’s misled along the way.”

His comments followed the release of a new tranche of documents from the U.S. Department of Justice related to Epstein last Friday. The millions of newly released files include extensive references to cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, and leading industry figures. According to a tally of mentions in the documents, Tether co-founder Brock Pierce appears 1,801 times, Bitcoin 1,522 times, Coinbase 266 times, and Adam Back 19 times.

Dashjr vs BackThe controversy has revived long-standing tensions between Dashjr and Back, who have publicly clashed for years over Bitcoin governance, scaling, and the direction of development. Dashjr has previously accused Back and Blockstream of exerting outsized influence over Bitcoin’s technical roadmap, accusations Back has rejected.

Nevertheless, the newly released documents show repeated dealings between Epstein and figures connected to Blockstream during the company’s early years.

In July 2014, Epstein’s staff discussed plans for him to travel to Montreal, where co-founder Austin Hill later wrote that the “Blockstream crew were well entertained” at a comedy event. Later that year, Epstein responded to an inquiry from Italian venture capitalist Vincenzo Iozzo about Back with the words, “like him.”

The documents have ignited scrutiny of links between Epstein and the crypto sector, including his interactions with Blockstream and its leadership. Emails from 2014, years after his conviction for sexual offenses against children, show Epstein corresponding with Blockstream co-founder Austin Hill about potential meetings, including a proposed visit to Epstein’s private Caribbean island, Little Saint James.

In a separate email to early Bitcoin developer Amir Taaki, Epstein claimed he had recently hosted “Andy Back” on the island, though it remains unclear whether such a visit took place, and whether the email was a misspelled reference to Adam Back or was discussing another individual.

To be sure, the emails do not indicate any evidence of wrongdoing on the part of those named.

Adam Back and Blockstream have not replied to Decrypt's outreach for comments regarding the revelations in the Epstein files.

Little Saint James, located in the U.S. Virgin Islands, has since become emblematic of Epstein’s abuse network. Prosecutors and survivors have described the island as a central site where Epstein trafficked and sexually abused underage girls, allegations that later formed the basis of criminal cases and civil lawsuits.

Back responded publicly after the release of the emails, stating that Epstein’s investment in Blockstream came indirectly through a fund associated with then–MIT Media Lab director Joi Ito.

In 2014, during Blockstream’s seed-round investor roadshow, the company was introduced to then MIT Media Lab director Joi Ito. Subsequently Blockstream met with Jeffrey Epstein, who was described at the time as a limited partner in Ito’s fund. That fund later invested a minority…

— Adam Back (@adam3us) February 1, 2026

According to Back, Epstein was described at the time as a limited partner in Ito’s fund, which took a minority stake in Blockstream during its 2014 seed round before later divesting. Back said Blockstream has “no direct nor indirect financial connection with Jeffrey Epstein, or his estate.”

Back did not address the references to his possibly having visited the island.

The Epstein files and cryptoBeyond Blockstream, the files detail Epstein’s involvement and interest with other crypto companies. They confirm that Epstein invested $3 million in Coinbase in 2014, when the exchange was valued at roughly $400 million. Coinbase now trades publicly, with a current market cap of about $45 billion.

The documents also contain numerous references to Brock Pierce, an early crypto investor, co-founder of Tether, and former chair of the Bitcoin Foundation, including investor updates and correspondence arranging meetings with Epstein.

Hill, Pierce, Blockchain Capital, Coinbase and the Bitcoin Foundation have also been approached for comment.

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2026-02-04 19:49 1mo ago
2026-02-04 14:24 1mo ago
The Daily: Bitcoin slide renews four-year cycle fears, BitMine's Tom Lee calls unrealized ETH losses ‘a feature, not a bug,' and more cryptonews
BTC ETH
The following article is adapted from The Block’s newsletter, The Daily, which comes out on weekday afternoons.

Happy Wednesday! Crypto markets are still trying to find their footing, as analysts point to fragmentation in liquidity and performance across venues and assets rather than a decisive directional shift.

In today's newsletter, bitcoin's continued sell-off revives four-year cycle fears, BitMine chair Tom Lee says the treasury firm's unrealized ETH losses are "a feature, not a bug," Ripple Prime adds Hyperliquid in its first DeFi integration, and more.

Meanwhile, Scott Bessent gets grilled over the Trump-linked DeFi project World Liberty Financial and said the Treasury Department does not have the power to "bail out bitcoin."

P.S. Don't forget to check out The Funding, a biweekly rundown of crypto VC trends. It's a great read — and just like The Daily, it's free to subscribe!

'This time is different': Bitcoin drop revives four-year cycle fears, but K33 says another 80% decline is unlikely Bitcoin's BTC approximate 40% drop from its October peak is reviving fears of a classic four-year cycle downturn, even as research and brokerage firm K33 argues the structural backdrop is materially different and a full repeat of past bear markets remains unlikely.

While Head of Research Vetle Lunde has long rejected the idea that bitcoin remains bound to a rigid four-year cycle, he said recent price action is showing "unsettling similarities" to the deep sell-offs seen in 2018 and 2022, with market behavior, rather than fundamentals, increasingly driving prices. Lunde warned that cycle fears can become self-fulfilling as long-term holders trim exposure and new capital hesitates, amplifying downside pressure despite stronger regulatory tailwinds. However, Lunde maintained that "this time is different," saying he does not expect an 80% peak-to-trough collapse similar to previous cycles, pointing to institutional adoption, an easing rate backdrop, and the absence of forced deleveraging events that amplified losses during the 2022 credit unwind. Further, several potential bottoming indicators have begun to flash, Lunde said, including a 90th-percentile spot volume day and extreme negative derivatives positioning following billions of dollars worth of long liquidations. Nevertheless, he cautioned that the signals remain inconclusive, flagging the area around $74,000 as a critical support zone and that a break below that level could accelerate downside momentum toward the November 2021 peak near $69,000 or, further out, the 200-week moving average around $58,000. 'A feature, not a bug': BitMine chair Tom Lee pushes back on claims unrealized ETH treasury losses will cap prices BitMine chair Tom Lee said the firm's unrealized ETH losses during the recent downturn are an expected outcome of an Ethereum treasury strategy, not a signal that future prices will be capped.

Lee pushed back on claims that BitMine's approximate $6.6 billion in unrealized losses make it "exit liquidity," arguing the firm is designed to track and outperform ether over a full market cycle rather than trade short-term moves. With crypto prices under pressure, he said unrealized losses on ETH holdings are "a feature, not a bug," likening the situation to index exchange-traded funds that post losses during broad market declines. Supporters argue that mNAV dynamics act as a natural circuit breaker, limiting dilutive share issuance during drawdowns and preserving capital for future cycles rather than forcing ETH sales and impacting prices. Ripple adds Hyperliquid to its prime brokerage platform in first DeFi integration Ripple has integrated Hyperliquid into Ripple Prime, marking the prime brokerage platform's first direct DeFi venue connection for institutional clients.

Institutions can trade Hyperliquid's onchain derivatives while managing those positions alongside crypto on centralized exchanges as well as other FX and fixed-income exposures, all under a unified risk and margin framework. Ripple Prime remains the sole counterparty, sitting between clients and Hyperliquid, so institutions get DeFi access without fragmenting their prime brokerage relationship or counterparty risk. Ripple Prime was formed following Ripple's $1.25 billion acquisition of Hidden Road, a multi-asset non-bank prime broker, serving more than 300 institutional clients and clearing more than $3 trillion annually. Bitwise to acquire crypto staking provider Chorus One Bitwise is acquiring Chorus One to expand its institutional staking and yield-generating product lineup, according to Bloomberg.

The companies did not disclose financial terms, but Bitwise CEO Hunter Horsley said staking represents one of the most compelling growth opportunities for clients holding spot crypto assets. Chorus One CEO Brian Fabian Crain told Bloomberg that consolidation had become increasingly inevitable. "It was also clear that staking is best integrated in a larger platform," he said. Chorus One brings roughly $2.2 billion in staked assets and staking infrastructure to Bitwise, following a record year for M&A in 2025. Fidelity's stablecoin FIDD goes live for retail and institutional investors Fidelity has launched its U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin FIDD for both retail and institutional clients, enabling direct purchase and redemption across its platforms.

FIDD is issued on Ethereum by Fidelity Digital Assets and can be traded on external crypto exchanges, with reserves managed by Fidelity Management & Research and transferable to any Ethereum mainnet address. The rollout follows increased U.S. regulatory clarity under the GENIUS Act and underscores Fidelity's push beyond crypto investment products into issuing onchain financial instruments. In the next 24 hours The Bank of England's latest interest rate decision is due at 7 a.m. ET on Thursday. U.S. jobless claims numbers follow at 8:30 a.m. Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey will speak at 7:30 a.m. U.S. FOMC member Raphael Bostic follows at 10:50 a.m. Aerodrome Finance and Ethena are among the crypto projects set for token unlocks. Digital Assets Forum 2026 kicks off in London. Never miss a beat with The Block's daily digest of the most influential events happening across the digital asset ecosystem.

Disclaimer: This article was produced with the assistance of OpenAI’s ChatGPT/xAI’s Grok and reviewed and edited by our editorial team.

Disclaimer: The Block is an independent media outlet that delivers news, research, and data. As of November 2023, Foresight Ventures is a majority investor of The Block. Foresight Ventures invests in other companies in the crypto space. Crypto exchange Bitget is an anchor LP for Foresight Ventures. The Block continues to operate independently to deliver objective, impactful, and timely information about the crypto industry. Here are our current financial disclosures.

© 2026 The Block. All Rights Reserved. This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
2026-02-04 19:49 1mo ago
2026-02-04 14:25 1mo ago
Fidelity Digital Assets launched FIDD, now live and transferable on the Ethereum network cryptonews
ETH
Fidelity Digital Assets announced the launch of its FIDD native stablecoin. The new token went live on Ethereum. 

Fidelity Digital Assets launched the new FIDD stablecoin, with an initial supply of over $59M. The token went live on Ethereum and is yet to spread to a wider circle of wallets. As Cryptopolitan reported, Fidelity announced its intentions to enter the stablecoin market in the past week. 

‘At Fidelity, we have a long-standing belief in the transformative power of the digital assets ecosystem and have spent years researching and advocating for the benefits of stablecoins,’ said Mike O’Reilly, President of Fidelity Digital Assets. 

‘As a leading asset manager and a digital assets pioneer, Fidelity is uniquely positioned to provide investors with on-chain utility via a digital dollar.’

In the past year, stablecoins proliferated, reaching a record supply. However, most of the growth came from additional USDT and USDC. The unrolling of the US GENIUS Act set expectations of multiple new stablecoins, often branded or related to fintech entities. 

The launch of a stablecoin does not guarantee immediate liquidity. Fidelity is yet to ensure the usage of its asset, as some of the newly created stablecoins stay idle or only have a minimal supply. Banks, fintech apps, crypto native firms, and wealth managers are competing for a share of the stablecoin market and the potential to deploy liquidity.

Fidelity’s stablecoin is compatible with the GENIUS Act, fully backed by US dollars in accredited banks. Fidelity will also offer custodian holding for USDD, as well as reserve management. Purchase and redemption will be available through Fidelity Digital Assets, Fidelity Crypto, and Fidelity Crypto for Wealth Managers. FIDD will also be available on major exchanges and fully transferable on Ethereum wallets.

High interest rates can boost Fidelity’s activities Stablecoin issuers are achieving a double effect by launching new assets. For one, they can have a controllable source of liquidity to be used within the crypto ecosystem. 

Since the Genius Act allows for T-bill backing, issuers can also retain the earnings from holding highly predictable US treasuries. Most stablecoin issuers retain the interest for themselves, rarely sharing the funds with token holders. 

FIDD will be used for on-chain payments, as well as institutional settlement. The token will be redeemable for USD by its issuer, with the potential for being added to other on-chain products. 

Fidelity is already experienced with digital asset structure, and is the only ETF issuer that offers proprietary custodian services. 

Fidelity already tokenizes US treasuries Fidelity already has experience with Ethereum as a tokenization platform. Even before the launch of its stablecoin, Fidelity created a product based on US treasuries. 

The Fidelity Digital Interest Token holds over $161M in assets under management. The token was launched in September 2025 and reached a peak value locked of over $264M. In the past month, the token lost around 32% of its value locked through redemptions.

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2026-02-04 19:49 1mo ago
2026-02-04 14:26 1mo ago
Bitcoin bear market ends when 3 signals flip, and one is already starting to twitch cryptonews
BTC
Julio Moreno, head of research at CryptoQuant, recently declared that Bitcoin is in a bear market that could extend through the third quarter of 2026.

He's not alone. Matt Hougan at Bitwise and a growing chorus of institutional voices are using the “bear” label more freely than at any point since early 2023.

Yet the same analysts often hedge with structure: many institutions are holding or adding exposure even as they acknowledge the regime shift.

This creates a definitional problem. If a bear market no longer means capitulation and exodus, what does it mean?

And if the famous four-year cycle is dead, as VanEck, K33 Research, and 21Shares have each argued in recent reports, how long does a bear market last when the old calendar no longer applies?

What configures a bear marketThe traditional finance definition for a bear market offers a starting point.

The US Securities and Exchange Commission defines a bear market as a broad index falling 20% or more over at least two months. Bitcoin cleared that threshold months ago.

From its early October 2025 peak above $126,000, BTC has declined by roughly 41% to approximately $74,000 as of Feb. 3. By the headline standard, the case is closed.

However, Coinbase Institutional research explicitly calls the 20% threshold “somewhat arbitrary” and less applicable to crypto, where 20% swings can happen without a true regime change.

In practice, analysts rely on a three-part dashboard: price trend, positioning and derivatives, and demand and liquidity.

Price trend is the most visible. CryptoQuant leans heavily on the 365-day moving average as a boundary marker.

Bitcoin currently trades below that level, which sits around $101,448. CryptoQuant's Bull Score Index, a composite measure of on-chain health, registered 20 out of 100, described as extreme bear territory.

Coinbase has used the 200-day moving average in past cycle analyses to qualify bear regimes, and Bitcoin remains below that threshold as well.

Positioning and derivatives offer a second signal. Glassnode's recent Week On-Chain reports document rotation toward downside protection, bearish skew in options markets, and conditions that increase downside sensitivity, including dealer gamma below zero.

When traders pay premiums to hedge against further declines rather than to capture upside, the market is behaving defensively.

Demand and liquidity provide the structural context. CoinShares estimates that large holders have sold approximately $29 billion in Bitcoin since October. Digital asset exchange-traded products saw approximately $440 million in year-to-date outflows.

CryptoQuant and MarketWatch characterize the current regime as weak demand combined with contracting stablecoin liquidity, classic ingredients of a bear market.

The latest Coinbase Institutional and Glassnode global investor survey, conducted from Dec. 10, 2025, to Jan. 12, 2026, found that 26% of institutions now describe the market as being in the bear phase. The results are up from just 2% in the prior survey.

Yet the same survey revealed that 62% of institutions held or increased net long exposure since October, and 70% view Bitcoin as undervalued.

This disconnect is the defining feature of the 2026 bear market. It's not about capitulation—it's about regime recognition while maintaining structural exposure.

The label “bear market” is becoming less about who is fleeing and more about who is still buying, even as sentiment remains terrible.

Bitcoin fell 41% from its early October 2025 peak of approximately $126,000 to around $74,000 on Feb. 3, 2026, trading below both the 200-day and 365-day moving averages.When does this bear market end?Defining the end of a bear market requires clarity about what “end” means.

The most rigorous approach treats it as a regime shift rather than a feeling. Analysts identify three practical triggers: trend reclamation, demand inflection, and risk appetite normalization.

Trend reclaim occurs when Bitcoin regains and holds above long-term moving averages, such as the 200-day or 365-day, for multiple weeks.

Demand inflection means exchange-traded fund and exchange-traded product flows shift from subdued or negative to sustained inflows, and large-holder distribution slows.

Risk appetite normalization means options skew returns to balanced levels, with less demand for downside protection and leverage building sustainably.

The forward-looking scenarios cluster into three time horizons, each supported by specific analyst commentary.

The first scenario is a classic crypto winter that extends through mid or late 2026.

Julio Moreno has identified $70,000 over three to six months and $56,000 in the second half of 2026 as a deeper potential path. This scenario assumes demand stays weak, flows remain negative, and Bitcoin fails repeated attempts to reclaim its moving averages. Bear-market rallies happen but fail to hold.

The second scenario is a shorter, shallower bear market lasting three to six months, characterized by choppy, range-bound price action, followed by improving conditions in the second half of 2026.

CoinShares explicitly expects a choppy three-to-six-month period, with medium-term constructive conditions as whale selling exhausts by mid-2026.

In this framing, the bear market is more about time than depth: a regime in which upside is capped until demand reverses, but the floor holds.

The third scenario treats the bear market as a liquidity-wave event rather than a calendar-based cycle.

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The bear ends when demand and liquidity re-accelerate, regardless of what the halving clock says. This maps directly onto CryptoQuant's demand-led framing and avoids determinism stemming from halving. It acknowledges that the old playbook may no longer apply.

ScenarioHorizonWhat it looks likePrimary triggers to watchWhat would invalidate itClassic winter (Moreno path)Mid/late 2026Failed rallies; deeper retestsSustained failure to reclaim 200D/365D; weak flows; persistent downside hedgingReclaim + hold above MAs and flows flip sustainably positiveShort, shallow bear (CoinShares path)3–6 monthsRange-bound chop; capped upsideStabilizing ETP flows; whale selling slows/exhaustsBreakdown below key support zones with rising liquidation pressureLiquidity-wave regime (post 4-year cycle)VariableEnds when liquidity/demand turns, not a calendarGlobal liquidity proxies, real yields, stablecoin liquidity, hedging demandLiquidity improves but BTC still can’t reclaim long MAs (suggests structural weakness)Is this bear market smaller than past cycles?The current drawdown of roughly 40% is already small compared to the stereotypical over 70% crypto winters of prior cycles.

However, multiple analysts' downside scenarios cluster around $55,000 to $60,000, implying a total drawdown closer to the mid-50% range if realized.

That would still be smaller than historic extremes but meaningful enough to qualify as a bear market by any standard.

The market is also increasingly bifurcated. Bitcoin holds structural leadership, whereas much of the rest of the crypto market performs far worse.

The Coinbase and Glassnode report emphasize this via dominance metrics and defensive positioning behavior. The 2026 market is K-shaped, and the “bear market” may affect asset classes unevenly.

The four-year cycle is over, but what replaces it?VanEck argued in 2025 that the four-year cycle had broken and that the old playbook was less reliable.

K33 Research published a report titled “4-year cycle is dead, long live the king,” which lays out why the regime changed.

21Shares describes the cycle as evolving, potentially extending to five years, as liquidity waves lengthen and institutional participation deepens.

What replaces the four-year clock is a liquidity-and-flows clock. This includes real yields, global liquidity impulses, flows of exchange-traded funds and exchange-traded products, stablecoin liquidity, and hedging demand.

CoinShares explicitly frames Bitcoin's recent dislocation in terms of relationships with precious metals and macro liquidity. Coinbase and Glassnode emphasize a defensive derivatives posture as a real-time regime indicator.

The implication for bear market duration is that bear markets may become more frequent but less severe. Instead of existential winters, the market may experience more frequent regime drawdowns if institutional flows provide a floor.

Rallies can still fail until demand and liquidity turn, but the underlying structure may prevent the kind of multi-year capitulation that has defined past cycles.

This creates a paradox. The bear market may last longer in calendar time but inflict less damage in percentage terms. Or it may end sooner if demand inflects before the old cycle logic would predict.

Either way, the clock that governed Bitcoin for a decade no longer governs it.

Institutional investors calling the market “bear phase” jumped from 2% to 26% in recent surveys, yet 62% held or increased positions and 70% view Bitcoin as undervalued.The checklist matters more than the calendarIn 2026, calling a bear market isn't one metric, but a checklist.

Trend breaks, hedging demand, and a demand-liquidity rollover all point in the same direction. Bitcoin is in a bear regime by most frameworks that matter.

When it ends depends less on the halving calendar and more on the timing of the demand cycle. CoinShares expects three to six months of chop. CryptoQuant sees potential for deeper lows in the second half of the year.

Both could be right at different moments if the regime oscillates rather than resolves cleanly.

The four-year cycle is dead, but the question of when this bear ends is not unanswerable. It ends when Bitcoin reclaims its long-term moving averages, when institutional flows turn positive, and when options markets stop pricing for protection.

Until then, the market is in a regime where upside is capped, and patience is required. Even if institutions keep buying while calling it a bear.

Mentioned in this articlePosted in
2026-02-04 19:49 1mo ago
2026-02-04 14:30 1mo ago
Crypto crash today: Bitcoin, altcoins slump as Fear and Greed Index hits 14 cryptonews
BTC
Crypto wasn’t spared from the tech risk-off mood. Bitcoin slid 2.5% to around $73,000 — its lowest level since early November 2024 — officially giving back the entire post-Trump election rally, no receipt required.

Strategy Inc. sank 8% to its weakest level since September, while Solana (SOL) and Ethereum (ETH) joined the selloff, falling about 7% and 5%, respectively.

Summary

The crypto market crash continued falling on Wednesday, with Bitcoin moving below $75,000. This crash coincided with the stock market sell-off. Most geopolitical analysts believe that Donald Trump will attack Iran. Crypto crash coincided with stock market weakness  The ongoing crypto crash coincided with the selling of risky assets. For example, the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 Index continued its strong downward spiral, with top companies like AMD, AppLovin, and Palantir falling by over 10%. 

These technology companies declined as investors remained concerned about the AI industry and its impact on key sectors such as software. Indeed, most software companies, including ServiceNow, Adobe, Intuit, and Salesforce, have plunged by over 50% from their all-time highs.

In addition, the iShares Expanded Tech-Software ETF fell for a seventh straight session and retreated to levels last seen when President Trump unveiled his tariff plans in April 2025.

The crypto crash is also happening as investors remain concerned about the Middle East, where Donald Trump has sent an armada, whose aim is to attack Iran. 

While talks between the two sides are set to happen in Turkey on Friday, most geopolitical analysts believe that Trump will ultimately attack. The Trump administration has made demands that Iran will not accept, including ending its civilian nuclear energy and reducing its ballistic missiles.

Commodity prices have also priced in an attack happening soon. Gold, often seen as a safe-haven, has jumped back to over $5,000, while crude oil prices have soared to nearly $70.

Crypto Fear and Greed Index has slumped  All these factors have pushed more investors on the sidelines, with the Crypto Fear and Greed Index moving to the extreme fear zone of 14. Cryptocurrencies often drop when investors are fearful.

Fear and Greed Index has slumped | Source: CMC On the positive side, crypto market rallies normally start when the index moves to the extreme greed zone as we saw earlier this year when Bitcoin (BTC) jumped to $98,000. This rally started when the index dropped to the extreme fear zone of 10.

Crypto prices have also slumped amid rising liquidations. Data show that liquidations jumped 192% over the last 24 hours to over $794 million.

Over 174,000 traders were liquidated, with Ethereum and Bitcoin leading the pack. Ethereum positions worth $307 million were liquidated in this period.
2026-02-04 19:49 1mo ago
2026-02-04 14:30 1mo ago
RaveDAO: Can RAVE's 10% rally hold long enough to hit $0.75? cryptonews
RAVE
Journalist

Posted: February 5, 2026

RaveDAO [RAVE], an entertainment-focused blockchain, is back on the daily gainers chart, surging by 10% in the past 24 hours, at press time.

This rally replicated the initial success of the cryptocurrency upon its launch. From a technical perspective, the shift seemed closer than before, but the strength of the bulls was questionable.

Is a RAVE crypto market reversal panning out? To begin with, RAVE sprang out from a week’s sideways movement between $0.31 and $0.35. This breakout resulted in the aforementioned gains as the chart showed the bigger picture on a micro level.

It was evident that buyers were gaining momentum on the hourly chart. The global volume rose from $108 billion to about $120 billion asof writing,  according to the Cumulative Volume Index (CVI) on the NYSE.

This meant that the increase in trading activity was on the buy side for RAVE crypto.

RAVE/USDT on TradingView

RAVE’s recent price action appears to be repeating its initial move, with the larger timeframe chart showing a long‑term reversal pattern forming near the token’s launch price.

On the daily chart, the altcoin is trading close to the neckline. If it holds above $0.40, this could signal a shift toward a bullish market bias, provided buyers remain steady.

February has been bullish for RAVE, and now could be the opportune time for buyers. Still, traders needed to be wary of the general market downturn that has seen Bitcoin [BTC] dip to $75,000.

RAVE/USDT on TradingView

At press time, the MACD bars were green and increasing in size on the daily chart and more pronounced on the hourly. This indicates synchronization between the larger and smaller timeframes.

However, recent trends of RAVE bulls were something to worry about. But why?

Can bulls sustain the surge? As per data from CoinGlass, recent bull trends have not been sustainable. In fact, bears have maintained the largest level of control since mid-December 2025. Only a few moments have bulls had control in terms of volume traded.

While the buying has shifted green with a Long/Short Ratio of 1.0425, at press time, the sustainability of the bulls is uncertain. This was evident since the Long/Short Ratio for accounts on Binance had dipped slightly below 1.

Source: CoinGlass

These buyers outdid sellers after a week of sales.

Data from multiple exchanges highlighted buyer uncertainty. On Binance, whales showed strong bullish sentiment, yet their accounts remained in the red.

Whales on OKX were neutral, while those on Gate leaned bullish. The only consistency appeared on the hourly chart, where Long/Short Ratios aligned across exchanges. Retail traders, however, were bullish across the board.

Source: CoinGlass

Traders could capitalize on RAVE crypto’s initial success to drive sentiment, as noted by AMBCrypto earlier on. Still, buyers needed to show more resilience to push the crypto back to levels above $0.75.

Final Thoughts RAVE rallies by double digits in 24 hours as longs outdo shorts.  The price action has formed a long-term reversal pattern, but the strength of buyers is questionable. 
2026-02-04 19:49 1mo ago
2026-02-04 14:30 1mo ago
Tether grows as crypto market shrinks in Q4, report shows cryptonews
USDT
Journalist

Posted: February 5, 2026

Tether expanded its footprint in the final quarter of 2025 even as the broader cryptocurrency market entered a sharp contraction. This underscores the stablecoin’s role as a defensive asset during periods of heightened volatility.

According to Tether’s Q4 market report, the total cryptocurrency market capitalization fell by roughly one-third over the quarter. It slid from around $3.9 trillion at the end of September to about $2.6 trillion by December. 

The drawdown capped a year marked by tightening financial conditions, fading risk appetite, and persistent selling pressure across major digital assets.

Against that backdrop, Tether moved in the opposite direction. USD₮’s circulating supply climbed steadily through the quarter, ending Q4 at approximately $109 billion. 

That figure represents one of the strongest quarterly expansions for the stablecoin in 2025 and a sharp contrast to the contraction seen across spot crypto markets.

Tether capital rotation favors stability over risk Rather than signaling fresh speculative inflows, the report suggests USD₮’s growth reflected a shift in capital allocation. As prices fell and volatility increased, market participants appeared to rotate funds into stablecoins rather than exit the crypto ecosystem entirely.

Net issuance of USD₮ exceeded $10 billion during Q4, indicating sustained demand for dollar-denominated liquidity. 

This pattern aligns with previous market downturns, where stablecoins tend to absorb capital as traders reduce exposure to volatile assets while maintaining on-chain flexibility.

The divergence between market cap contraction and stablecoin growth highlights a broader behavioral trend: investors were de-risking, not disengaging. 

Capital remained on-chain, but it increasingly sought shelter in instruments designed to preserve value rather than generate upside.

Treasuries underpin confidence in USD₮ Tether’s report also emphasized the composition of its reserves, which remain heavily weighted toward short-term U.S. 

Treasuries and cash equivalents. The report shows that Tethers holds $141.6bn in U.S. Treasuries, making it the 7th largest buyer of U.S. Treasuries in 2025, ahead of Taiwan and South Korea.

This reserve structure has become central to USD₮’s positioning during market stress, as it reinforces confidence in the stablecoin’s liquidity and redemption capacity.

What stablecoin growth signals for the market The expansion of USD₮ during a broad market downturn carries important implications. 

Historically, rising stablecoin balances during periods of declining prices have often preceded renewed trading activity once conditions stabilize, as sidelined capital can be rapidly redeployed.

The accumulation of stablecoins suggests that investors are waiting for clearer macro or market signals before re-entering higher-risk positions.

Final Thoughts USD₮ supply growth in Q4 points to capital preservation rather than renewed risk-taking, as crypto markets declined. Rising stablecoin balances may set the stage for future liquidity, but timing a broader recovery remains uncertain.
2026-02-04 19:49 1mo ago
2026-02-04 14:34 1mo ago
Morph Adopts BGB, Activates Chainlink CCIP for Cross-chain Use cryptonews
BGB LINK
Morph said it has adopted BGB as its primary ecosystem token and integrated Chainlink’s Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP), according to a post published on the project’s official blog.

The update positions BGB as the main token for gas fees, incentives, and ecosystem alignment on Morph, while CCIP is activated to enable secure cross-chain messaging and token transfers. Morph said the integration is designed to reduce fragmentation, improve developer experience, and allow applications on Morph to interact with other networks using standardized infrastructure rather than custom bridges.

According to the announcement, Chainlink CCIP provides built-in risk management and reliability features, which Morph said are critical as cross-chain activity scales. The move is framed as an infrastructure upgrade aimed at supporting more complex use cases, including cross-chain DeFi and application composability, without changing user-facing workflows.

Next, market participants will be watching how quickly developers adopt CCIP-enabled tooling on Morph and whether BGB usage grows across fees, incentives, and onchain activity as applications begin leveraging cross-chain connectivity.

Source: Morph Network blog.   

Disclaimer: Crypto Economy Flash News are based on verified public and official sources. Their purpose is to provide fast, factual updates about relevant events in the crypto and blockchain ecosystem.

This information does not constitute financial advice or investment recommendation. Readers are encouraged to verify all details through official project channels before making any related decisions.
2026-02-04 19:49 1mo ago
2026-02-04 14:39 1mo ago
Government Can't ‘Bail Out' Bitcoin, Treasury Secretary Tells Congress cryptonews
BTC
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told lawmakers during a House Financial Services Committee hearing that the government does not have the authority to bail out Bitcoin or direct banks to buy it, rejecting the idea that taxpayer dollars could be used to support the cryptocurrency amid market stress. When asked whether the Treasury could instruct banks to buy Bitcoin or invest public funds in crypto, Bessent replied that neither his role nor his position as Chair of the Financial Stability Oversight Council grants such authority.

Bessent defended the current policy of retaining seized Bitcoin as part of the government’s digital asset holdings, but did not commit to using federal funds for new purchases. The exchange with lawmakers included moments of confusion and pushback, including a pointed question about the possibility of using U.S. tax dollars to invest in crypto assets.

The hearing also saw a heated exchange with Rep. Gregory Meeks over oversight of the Trump family’s crypto company, World Liberty Financial, with Bessent declining to comment on potential restrictions and asserting the independence of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

Source: The Block/Yahoo Finance coverage

Disclaimer: Crypto Economy Flash News is prepared using official and publicly available sources verified by our editorial team. Its purpose is to provide rapid updates on relevant developments within the crypto and blockchain ecosystem.

This information does not constitute financial advice or an investment recommendation. We recommend always verifying official project channels before making related decisions.
2026-02-04 19:49 1mo ago
2026-02-04 14:39 1mo ago
Stifel Warns Bitcoin Could Drop to $38k: Here Is Why cryptonews
BTC
Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE: SF) has issued a bold midterm prediction for Bitcoin (BTC) price. With Bitcoin price down 42% from its peak to hit a 14 month low of about $72k earlier today, Stifel stated that the flagship coin is on the cusp of further capitulation, with a target of $38k.

Stifel Warns of a 46% Bitcoin Drop in 2026With the crypto market having lost more than $1.7 trillion in the past few months, Stifel cautioned that institutional and retail interest has dropped heavily. As such, the behemoth financial institution believes that the extreme fear will push Bitcoin price to $38,000 in coming months.

Stifel based this Bitcoin prediction on the past cycles, where a potential top was hit in October 2025. The bank cited tighter Fed’s policy, slow U.S. crypto regulations, shrinking liquidity, and heavy spot BTC ETFs outflow as the lagging indicator for a major selloff ahead. 

What’s the Bigger PictureBitcoin price is well positioned to rally exponentially before the end of 2026 catalyzed by supportive liquidity flow. Moreover, the weakening U.S. dollar amid expected reversal of Gold price is a lagging indicator for a bullish Bitcoin outlook.

Moreover, Mike Novogratz, CEO of Galaxy Digital, believes that Bitcoin price is very close to its bear market bottom.  According to John Deaton, Bitcoin price has suffered suppression through paper contracts in a similar manner as Silver by the traditional banks.

Nevertheless, Bitcoin is well poised to rebound backed by the notable decline in its supply amid a rising demand. Earlier today, Senator Cynthia Lummis urged Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to buy Bitcoin using the country’s Gold reserves.

Trust with CoinPedia:CoinPedia has been delivering accurate and timely cryptocurrency and blockchain updates since 2017. All content is created by our expert panel of analysts and journalists, following strict Editorial Guidelines based on E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness). Every article is fact-checked against reputable sources to ensure accuracy, transparency, and reliability. Our review policy guarantees unbiased evaluations when recommending exchanges, platforms, or tools. We strive to provide timely updates about everything crypto & blockchain, right from startups to industry majors.

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2026-02-04 19:49 1mo ago
2026-02-04 14:40 1mo ago
80% of L2s on Ethereum are witnessing underwhelming user activity, with activity skewed towards the more prominent L2s cryptonews
ETH
Ethereum’s L2s are not doing too well. Data from L2Beat shows that prominent L2s like Arbitrum and Base handle around 90% of the total Ethereum scaling traffic, while the smaller or newer ones struggle with low engagement. 

According to data from L2Beat, which tracks about 136 projects, only about 27 projects currently record a daily average of 1.00 UOPS (User Operations per Second) or higher. 

This means about 109 projects are currently recording less than 1 UOPS. So while the total scaling factor for the ecosystem is high at nearly 97x, the throughput can be attributed to a small group of highly active chains, while over 80% of the 135+ tracked projects endure negligible daily traffic (under 1 user operation per second).

Source: L2Beat Ethereum L2s report underwhelming user activity  The Ethereum ecosystem has split into two, with L1 serving as the global vault while L2s have become the retail floor. This has affected metrics like user activity and transaction volume. 

According to recent reports, L2s are lagging behind on total value locked and daily user activity. Ethereum currently has around $68 billion in TVL, while all its L2s combined have around 50 billion in TVL.  

The daily users are also split between the top L2s like Arbitrum and Base. So while the top L2s are attracting most of the liquidity and users, the newer or less popular ones keep facing low activity. 

Base, especially, has emerged as a consumer-friendly hub and often handles more daily users than the L1 itself. The biggest reason for this is that the mainnet is once again attracting users because the fee structure is now vastly different. 

That difference is thanks to the Dencun and subsequent Pectra/Fusaka upgrades, which fundamentally changed the fee relationship, making things far cheaper on the mainnet. 

Of course, Ethereum L2s are not completely beat, and the most dramatic divergence can be witnessed in transaction throughput, with L2s now processing millions more transactions per day than Ethereum.

According to L2Beat, the ecosystem scaling factor has also reached record highs with L2s handling over 20,000 TPS during bursts on some days while L1 remains steady at a structural limit. 

What Vitalik Buterin thinks of the recent split The current performance of L2s on Ethereum has not gone unnoticed by its founder, Vitalik Buterin. 

As far as he is concerned, the “original vision of L2s and their role in Ethereum no longer makes sense, and we need a new path.” 

“L1 does not need L2s to be ‘branded shards’, because L1 is itself scaling” he wrote on X. “And L2s are not able or willing to satisfy the properties that a true ‘branded shard’ would require.”

Vitalik admits that Ethereum itself is now scaling directly on L1, with large planned increases to its gas limit this year and the years ahead. He believes the natural step is to stop treating L2s as “branded shards” of Ethereum,” but instead as a full spectrum. 

In his post, he also outlined what could come next for L2s that want to stand out or remain relevant, including refocusing on adding value and maintaining higher standards than L1s or supporting maximum interoperability with Ethereum.

“It’s each L2’s choice exactly what they want to build. Don’t just ‘extend L1’, figure out something new to add,” Vitalik wrote.

How major L2s responded to Vitalik’s rhetoric  Vitalik’s talk about how the rollup-centric vision of L2s no longer fits has since gone viral among crypto circles, and leaders of major L2s have shared their own opinions in response. 

Steven Goldfeder, the cofounder of Offchain Labs, which is behind Arbitrum, responded with a lengthy thread where he agreed with parts of Buterin’s assessment while pushing back on downplaying scaling. 

According to him, even with higher gas limits, the Ethereum mainnet can not realistically handle thousands of TPS during peak times without compromising on decentralization or costs. 

Karl Floersch, Optimism’s cofounder, supports viewing L2s as a full spectrum but emphasized the need for modular designs. Floersch agreed that L2s need to go beyond being cheaper Ethereum clones and innovate to retain their place or become obscure. 

He also seems to be treating the discourse as a challenge for Optimism, one he claims the network is already closer to achieving in reality.

Base’s Jesse Pollak echoed the sentiment, admitting that L1 scaling is a positive for the whole ecosystem and that L2s need to show off more unique features that can help them stand out. He claims that Base is focusing on those differences to stay relevant, which aligns with Buterin’s suggestions.

Zksync’s Alex Glukhov agreed explicitly with Buterin, claiming that L2s that want to be valuable in the future must learn to “specialize.” Meanwhile, StarkWare’s Eli Ben-Sasson has hinted that ZK-native L2s like Starknet are already on that specialization path Buterin is describing.

If you're reading this, you’re already ahead. Stay there with our newsletter.
2026-02-04 19:49 1mo ago
2026-02-04 14:45 1mo ago
Bitcoin open interest falls by $55B in 30 days: What's next for BTC price? cryptonews
BTC
Bitcoin’s (BTC) struggle to hold above $70,000 carried on into Wednesday, raising concerns that the a drop into the $60,000 range could be the next stop. The sell-off was accompanied by futures market liquidations, a $55 billion drop in BTC open interest (OI) over the past 30 days, and rising Bitcoin inflows to exchanges.

The price weakness has analysts debating whether crypto-specific factors or larger macro-economic issues are the driving factor behind the sell-off and what it may mean for BTC’s short-term future.

Key takeaways: 

Around 744,000 BTC in open interest exited major exchanges in 30 days, equal to roughly $55 billion at current prices.

BTC futures cumulative volume delta (CVD) fell by $40 billion over the past 6-months.

Crypto exchange reserves have risen by 34,000 BTC since mid-January, increasing the near-term supply risk.

Bitcoin weekly chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewBTC open interest collapse points to large-scale deleveragingCryptoQuant data noted that Bitcoin’s 30-day open interest change shows a sharp contraction across exchanges, reflecting widespread position closures, not just freshly opened short positions. 

On Binance, the net open interest fell by 276,869 BTC over the past month. Bybit recorded the largest decline at 330,828 BTC, while OKX saw a reduction of 136,732 BTC on Tuesday.

In total, roughly 744,000 BTC worth of open positions were closed, equivalent to more than $55 billion at current prices. This drop in open positions coincided with Bitcoin’s drop below $75,000, indicating deleveraging as a driving factor, not just spot selling.

Bitcoin open interest 30D change. Source: CryptoQuantOnchain analyst Boris highlighted that the cumulative volume delta (CVD) data shows market sell orders continue to dominate, particularly on Binance, where derivatives CVD sits near -$38 billion over the past six months.

Other exchanges show varying dynamics: Bybit’s CVD flattened near $100 million after a sharp December liquidation wave, while HTX stabilized at -$200 million in CVD as the price consolidates near $74,000.

Increased exchange flows add pressure as analysts watch key levelsMeanwhile, Bitcoin inflows to exchanges surged in January, totaling roughly 756,000 BTC, led by Binance and Coinbase. Since early February, inflows have exceeded 137,000 BTC, underscoring traders’ repositioning and not necessarily leaving the market.

On the supply side, analyst Axel Adler Jr. noted that exchange reserves have risen from 2.718 million BTC to 2.752 million BTC since Jan. 19. The analyst warned that continued growth above 2.76 million BTC could increase selling pressure. The analyst believed that a complete capitulation is yet to take place, which may happen at lower price levels.

Bitcoin exchange reserves. Source: CryptoQuantMarket analyst Scient said Bitcoin is unlikely to form a bottom in a single day or week. Durable market bottoms may develop through two to three months of consolidation near the major support zones, with higher time frame indicators. Scient noted that whether this structure forms in the high $60,000 range or the low $50,000 level remains unclear.

Bitcoin Trader Mark Cullen continues to see potential downside toward $50,000 in a broader macro scenario, but expects a short-term reversion toward the local point of control ($89,000 to $86,000) after BTC swept weekly lows below $74,000 on Tuesday. 

Mark Cullen’s LTF BTC analysis. Source: XThis article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision. While we strive to provide accurate and timely information, Cointelegraph does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information in this article. This article may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Cointelegraph will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from your reliance on this information.
2026-02-04 19:49 1mo ago
2026-02-04 14:45 1mo ago
Bitcoin Falls to $72,000 Intraday Low, Market Cap Down $500B Since Mid‑January Peak cryptonews
BTC
Bitcoin fell below $73,000 for the second straight day, extending a volatile week in which it lost nearly 18% of its value and erased about $500 billion from its market cap since mid‑January.
2026-02-04 18:49 1mo ago
2026-02-04 13:31 1mo ago
AbbVie Beats on Q4 Earnings, Stock Down Despite Upbeat '26 View stocknewsapi
ABBV
Key Takeaways ABBV posted Q4 adjusted EPS of $2.71 and revenues of $16.62B, both beating consensus estimates.AbbVie saw strong growth from Skyrizi and Rinvoq, while Humira and Imbruvica sales declined year over year.ABBV guided 2026 adjusted EPS of $14.37-$14.57, excluding impacts from proposed acquisitions. AbbVie Inc. (ABBV - Free Report) reported fourth-quarter 2025 adjusted EPS of $2.71, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.66. The reported figure also exceeded the company’s guidance of $2.61-$2.65 issued last month. Earnings rose more than 25% year over year.

ABBV’s revenues of $16.62 billion beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $16.36 billion. Sales rose 10.0% year over year on a reported basis and 9.5% on an operational basis. This reported figure also surpassed the company’s forecast of over $16.30 billion.

Revenues in the quarter were driven by robust sales of key drugs Rinvoq, Skyrizi, Venclexta and Vraylar, coupled with significant contributions from newer drugs, namely Ubrelvy, Qulipta, Elahere and Vyalev. Sales of Humira and Imbruvica declined year over year.

All growth rates mentioned below are on a year-on-year basis and at constant exchange rates (CER).

Immunology Drugs Drive ABBV’s Top LineIn immunology, net revenues from Rinvoq for the quarter totaled $2.37 billion, up nearly 29%. The upside was likely driven by market share gains across all approved indications, as well as the recent label expansion in giant cell arteritis across the United States and the EU last year. However, Rinvoq’s sales missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.39 billion.

Net revenues recorded from Skyrizi were $5.01 billion, up about 32%. This surge in sales was likely driven by strong volume growth and continued market share gains. Skyrizi sales beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.91 billion.

AbbVie’s flagship product Humira recorded a sales decline of 26% to $1.25 billion for the quarter. Sales in the United States declined 28% to $897 million, while ex-U.S. market sales were down 21% to $349 million. However, the drug’s overall sales beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $949 million.

This substantial decline in Humira sales was due to the drug’s loss of exclusivity in the United States since January 2023. The drug lost its exclusivity in ex-U.S. territories in 2018.

ABBV Neuroscience Drugs’ PerformanceSales from the neuroscience portfolio rose more than 17% to $2.96 billion, driven by higher sales of Botox Therapeutic, depression drug Vraylar, and migraine drugs Ubrelvy and Qulipta. Yet, the franchise’s sales missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.00 billion.

While Botox Therapeutic sales rose 13% to $990 million, sales of Vraylar increased 10.5% to $1.02 billion.

Sales of Ubrelvy totaled $339 million, up 12%. Qulipta sales rose 42% to $288 million.

Sales of Vyalev, the recently approved transformative therapy for advanced Parkinson’s disease, totaled $183 million compared with $138 million in the previous quarter.

ABBV Oncology Drugs’ PerformanceSales from the oncology franchise fell 2.5% to $1.66 billion in the quarter. This downtick was due to declining Imbruvica sales, which more than offset the growth in sales of newer oncology drugs, Epkinly and Elahere, as well as rising Venclexta sales. The metric missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.72 billion.

Fourth-quarter net revenues from Imbruvica were down 21% to $671 million, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $715 million. ABBV markets this drug in partnership with Johnson & Johnson (JNJ - Free Report) .

U.S. sales of J&J-partnered Imbruvica declined 25% to $469 million due to rising competition from novel oral treatments. AbbVie shares international profits earned from Imbruvica with J&J. The company’s share of profit from the drug’s international sales declined 9% to $202 million.

AbbVie’s leukemia drug Venclexta generated revenues of $710 million in the reported quarter, reflecting growth of more than 6% growth. Yet, this drug’s sales missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $725 million. The company markets Venclexta in collaboration with Roche (RHHBY - Free Report) .

Sales of the breast cancer drug, Elahere, rose more than 21% to $182 million. However, the metric missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $192 million.

Epkinly sales, which comprise AbbVie’s share of profit from U.S. revenues and product revenues from international markets, amounted to $81 million in the quarter compared with $69 million in the previous quarter. The drug is marketed in partnership with Genmab (GMAB - Free Report) .

ABBV’s Aesthetics & Other DrugsAbbVie’s aesthetics portfolio sales were down 1% to $1.29 billion, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.28 billion. Botox Cosmetic sales rose about 4% to $717 million. Juvederm sales declined 11% to $249 million.

Eye care portfolio sales declined 11% to $580 million. Sales of Ozurdex, a key drug in the portfolio, rose more than 4% to $128 million.

Cost DiscussionAdjusted SG&A expenses rose 4% year over year to $3.71 billion. Adjusted R&D expenses amounted to $2.56 billion, up around 13%.

Full-Year 2025 ResultsFull-year sales rose 8.6% on a reported basis and 8.5% on an operational basis to $61.16 billion, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $60.93 billion. Sales were slightly higher than the guided figure of about $60.9 billion.

Adjusted EPS for 2025 were $10.00 per share, down 1% year over year. This metric beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $9.95 as well as the guided range of $9.90 and $9.94.

AbbVie Issues Encouraging 2026 Financial OutlookAbbVie issued fresh guidance for the full year. It expects adjusted EPS to be in the range of $14.37-$14.57. This guided range does not include any impact from the company’s proposed acquisitions and potential milestone payments. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 earnings is pinned at $14.32 per share.

Our Take on ABBV’s ResultsAbbVie’s first-quarter results were better than expected, with both the top- and bottom-lines beating the consensus mark. The company also issued fresh EPS guidance for 2026, likely driven by the encouraging sales potential of its marketed products, especially Skyrizi. The aesthetics franchise also made a recovery in the segment after a prolonged period of soft performance, while Humira sales, despite continued generic erosion, exceeded expectations.

Despite these positives, AbbVie’s shares were trading lower in pre-market trading today. This was likely due to the soft sales performance of Rinvoq and oncology drugs, which fell short of expectations.

In the past year, the stock has gained about 19% compared with the industry’s 16% growth.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Looking ahead, AbbVie’s continued focus on inorganic growth is aimed at strengthening its early-stage pipeline across multiple therapeutic areas and supporting long-term growth. The decline in full-year 2025 EPS largely reflects the company’s recent spree of acquisitions and licensing deals, which have weighed on near-term earnings.

In the past year, EPS was impacted by $2.72 due to IPR&D charges of approximately $5.02 billion, tied to aggressive business development efforts. These include the acquisitions of privately held immunology drugmaker Capstan Therapeutics and a psychedelic compound from Gilgamesh Pharmaceuticals.

ABBV’s Zacks RankAbbVie currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
2026-02-04 18:49 1mo ago
2026-02-04 13:31 1mo ago
Visa-UnionPay Link-Up: A Turning Point in Cross-Border Money Flow? stocknewsapi
V
Key Takeaways V partners with UnionPay International to link Visa Direct and MoneyExpress for China cross-border payouts.Visa gains access to 95% of UPI debit cardholders via a single integration, lowering friction.V embeds into domestic rails ahead of a first-half 2026 rollout, monetizing flows via real-time settlement. Visa Inc. (V - Free Report) is ramping up its efforts in global money movement through a partnership with UnionPay International (“UPI”). This collaboration aimed at expanding the reach of Visa Direct in the Chinese Mainland. By linking Visa Direct with UPI’s MoneyExpress platform, clients will be able to send cross-border remittances and business-to-consumer payouts to more than 95% of UnionPay International debit cardholders in the region through a single integration, significantly lowering friction for global senders.

This strategic move bolsters Visa's transition from a card-centric revenue stream to an infrastructure-driven model for money movement. As global labor and digital platforms grow, cross-border payments are becoming structurally significant, particularly for freelancers, creators and businesses. China’s scale makes it a critical corridor and access point, and this breadth meaningfully expands Visa Direct’s addressable transaction volume.

For V, the partnership complements its international expansion strategy. Rather than competing with domestic rails, the company is embedding into an incumbent network with regulatory familiarity and distribution scale. This reduces execution risk while allowing Visa to monetize flows through value-added services like real-time settlement, transparency and reliability — areas where global platforms increasingly differentiate on experience rather than price alone.

Looking ahead to an expected first-half 2026 rollout, the partnership could represent a step-change in Visa’s money movement strategy. As cross-border payments increasingly compete on reach and consistency, exposure to large, high-volume corridors such as the Chinese Mainland enhances Visa Direct’s relevance within evolving real-time payout networks.

How Are Competitors Faring?Some of V’s competitors in the payments space include Mastercard Incorporated (MA - Free Report) and American Express Company (AXP - Free Report) .

Mastercard is expanding cross-border reach by enhancing its Move platform and forging partnerships with digital wallets and corporate payment providers. Mastercard’s payment network net revenues increased 12% year over year in 2025, along with 15% growth on a local currency basis in cross-border volumes.

American Express is focusing its cross-border strategy on global business payments and integrated corporate solutions. Through investments in digital platforms and partnerships, it emphasizes simplified international payouts for enterprises, reinforcing its premium client ecosystem. American Express reported 7% year-over-year growth in its network volumes in 2025.

Visa’s Price Performance, Valuation & EstimatesOver the past year, shares of Visa have declined 5.9% compared with the industry’s 18.2% fall.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

From a valuation standpoint, V trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 24.53, above the industry average of 19.62. V carries a Value Score of D.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Visa’s fiscal 2026 earnings implies an 11.8% jump from the year-ago period.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Visa stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
2026-02-04 18:49 1mo ago
2026-02-04 13:34 1mo ago
Toll Brothers Announces Regency at EverRange Now Open in Jacksonville, Florida stocknewsapi
TOL
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Feb. 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Toll Brothers Inc. (NYSE: TOL), the nation’s leading builder of luxury homes, today announced the opening of its newest 55+ active-adult community,  Regency at EverRange, in Jacksonville, Florida. This exclusive, gated community offers two collections of elegant single-story homes and access to private Regency amenities as well as additional amenities within the EverRange master plan. The Toll Brothers Sales Center is now open at 12136 Endeavor Drive in Jacksonville.

The Acadia Collection within Regency at EverRange features thoughtfully designed single-family homes ranging from approximately 1,980 to 2,247+ square feet with 2 to 3 bedrooms, 2 to 2.5 baths, and 2-car garages. Homes in the Acadia Collection are priced from the mid-$500,000s. The Willow Collection offers larger single-family home designs ranging from 2,543 to 2,896+ square feet with 3 to 4 bedrooms, 2.5 to 3.5 baths, and 3-car garages. Homes in the Willow Collection are priced from the mid-$600,000s. Each home design showcases open-concept floor plans and sophisticated features perfect for active-adult living.

"Regency at EverRange offers a unique opportunity for home shoppers to enjoy luxury, low-maintenance living in a vibrant and well-connected location," said Greg Netro, Group President of Toll Brothers in North Florida. "With two collections of stunning homes and access to incredible amenities, this active adult community truly delivers the Toll Brothers lifestyle our customers desire."

Private Regency amenities include a clubhouse, resort-style pool, fitness center, pickleball and tennis courts, and a yoga lawn. Residents will also have access to the extensive master-planned amenities of EverRange, including a resort-style pool, outdoor gathering space, splash pad, playground, pickleball courts, dog parks, and multipurpose trails. Located between Nocatee and eTown, the community is conveniently close to premier shopping, dining, golf, healthcare, and major commuter routes.

Home shoppers will experience one-stop shopping at the Toll Brothers Design Studio. The state-of-the-art Design Studio allows home shoppers to choose from a wide array of selections to personalize their dream home with the assistance of Toll Brothers professional Design Consultants.

For more information on Regency at EverRange, visit TollBrothers.com/FL or call 844-871-7466.

About Toll Brothers

Toll Brothers, Inc., a Fortune 500 Company, is the nation’s leading builder of luxury homes. The Company was founded in 1967 and became a public company in 1986 with common stock listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “TOL.” Toll Brothers builds new homes and communities in over 60 markets across the United States, serving first-time, move-up, active-adult, and second-home buyers. The Company also operates its own architectural, engineering, mortgage, title, land development, smart home technology, landscape, and building components manufacturing businesses.

Toll Brothers was named the #1 Most Admired Home Builder in Fortune magazine’s 2026 list of the World’s Most Admired Companies®, the ninth year the Company has achieved this honor. Toll Brothers has also been named Builder of the Year by Builder magazine and is the first two-time recipient of Builder of the Year from Professional Builder magazine. For more information visit TollBrothers.com.

From Fortune, ©2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license.

Contact: Andrea Meck | Toll Brothers, Senior Director, Public Relations & Social Media | 215-938-8169 | [email protected]

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8672e6f6-5d9c-4074-b74c-8bba719d601c

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ea8f76d6-f9bc-4aae-a7ac-fe0ecdde0da7

Sent by Toll Brothers via Regional Globe Newswire (TOLL-REG)
2026-02-04 18:49 1mo ago
2026-02-04 13:35 1mo ago
Is a Beat in Store for Cincinnati Financial This Earnings Season? stocknewsapi
CINF
Key Takeaways CINF's Q4 revenues are expected to increase 9.6% year over year to $2.9 billion, supported by higher premiumsCincinnati Financial's Q4 EPS is projected to decline 11.5% year over year despite upward estimate revisions.Higher premiums, investment income and prudent underwriting may help offset rising benefits and expenses. Cincinnati Financial Corporation (CINF - Free Report) is expected to register an improvement in its top line but a decline in its bottom line when it reports fourth-quarter 2025  results on Feb. 9, after the closing bell.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CINF’s fourth-quarter revenues is pegged at $2.9 billion, indicating 9.6% growth from the year-ago reported figure.

The consensus estimate for the bottom line is pegged at $2.78 per share. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CINF’s fourth-quarter earnings has moved north by 3.3% in the past 30 days. The estimate, however, suggests a year-over-year decrease of 11.5%.

What the Zacks Model Unveils for CINF    Our proven model predicts an earnings beat for CINF this time around. This is because the stock has the right combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy), or 3 (Hold) that increases the chances of an earnings beat.

You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they are reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.

Earnings ESP: CINF has an Earnings ESP of +4.57%. This is because the Most Accurate Estimate of $2.85 per share is pegged higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.01.

Zacks Rank: CINF carries a Zacks Rank #3. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Factors Likely to Shape CINF’s Q4 ResultsIncreased exposure, better pricing, increased property casualty agency and new business written premiums, higher standard lines new business, and improved premiums from Cincinnati Re are likely to have favored premiums in the to-be-reported quarter. The Zacks Consensus Estimate is pegged at $2.6 billion.

Rate increases, a higher level of insured exposures, higher policy retention rates and changes in policy deductibles or mix of business are expected to have favored performance at Personal Lines. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Personal Lines revenues is pegged at $846.6 million.

Excess and Surplus lines premiums are likely to have benefited from better agency renewal and new business written premiums due to higher renewal pricing. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Excess and Surplus lines revenues is pegged at $187.6 million.

Solid cash flow from operating activities and higher bond yields are likely to have aided net investment income. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for net investment income is pegged at $303.6 million.

Total benefits and expenses are likely to have increased mainly due to higher insurance losses and contract holders' benefits, underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses, interest expense, and other operating expenses.

Prudent underwriting, coupled with a benign catastrophe environment, is likely to have aided underwriting profitability.

Other Stocks to ConsiderHere are three P&C insurance stocks that you may want to consider, as our model shows that these also have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat:

Arch Capital Group (ACGL - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +4.54% and a Zacks Rank #3 at present. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fourth-quarter 2025 earnings is pegged at $2.49, indicating a year-over-year increase of 10.2%.

ACGL’s earnings beat estimates in one of the last four reported quarters.

CNA Financial (CNA - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +11.67% and a Zacks Rank #3 at present. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fourth-quarter 2025 earnings is pegged at $1.20, indicating a year-over-year decrease of 4%.

 CNA’s earnings beat estimates in three of the last four reported quarters, while missing in one.

First American Financial (FAF - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +2.12% and a Zacks Rank #3 at present. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fourth-quarter 2025 earnings is pegged at $1.49, indicating a year-over-year increase of 10.4%.

FAF’s earnings beat estimates in each of the last four reported quarters.
2026-02-04 18:49 1mo ago
2026-02-04 13:35 1mo ago
Ryanair's Traffic Numbers for January 2026 Improve Year Over Year stocknewsapi
RYAAY
Key Takeaways RYAAY transported 12.7 million passengers in January 2026, a 2% year-over-year increase.RYAAY's January 2026 load factor of 91% was flat year over year, reflecting stable and consistent demand.RYAAY operated more than 73,000 flights in January 2026. Ryanair Holdings (RYAAY - Free Report) , a European carrier, reported solid traffic numbers for January 2026, driven by upbeat air-travel demand.

The number of passengers transported on Ryanair flights was 12.7 million in January 2026, reflecting a 2% year-over-year increase. Ryanair’s load factor (percentage of seats filled by passengers) remained flat year over year at 91% in January 2026, reflecting stable and consistent demand for the carrier’s services. RYAAY operated more than 73,000 flights in January 2026.

With travel bookings rising across the industry, Ryanair’s passenger revenues are also increasing. Because of this air-travel demand strength, RYAAY's traffic grew 9% year over year to 183.7 million passengers in fiscal 2024. Further, we would like to remind investors that Ryanair carried 200.2 million passengers (traffic up 9% year over year) in its fiscal year ending March 2025, positioning itself as the first European airline to reach 200 million passengers in a single year. As a result, RYAAY is now the world’s leading low-fare airline in terms of passenger traffic, with low fares and reduced costs acting as the main catalyst. During the first nine months of fiscal 2026, RYAAY’s traffic grew 4% year over year to 166.5 million passengers. 

Given the aforesaid encouraging backdrops, Ryanair has unveiled its raised traffic outlook for fiscal 2026 (concurrent with its third-quarter fiscal 2026 earnings release on Jan. 26, 2026). Ryanair now expects its fiscal 2026 traffic to grow by 4% to 208 million passengers (prior view: 207 million), owing to earlier than expected Boeing (BA - Free Report) deliveries and solid demand during the first nine months of fiscal 2026.

RYAAY’s Zacks Rank & Price PerformanceRYAAY currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).

Shares of RYAAY have gained 51% over the past year, outperforming the 13.5% increase of the Zacks Airline industry.

RYAAY Stock’s One-Year Price Comparison Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Other Stocks to ConsiderInvestors interested in the Transportation sector may also considerSouthwest Airlines Co. (LUV - Free Report) and LATAM Airlines Group (LTM - Free Report) .

Southwest Airlines presently carries a Zacks Rank #1. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Southwest Airlines has an expected earnings growth rate of more than 100% for the current year. The company has an encouraging earnings surprise history. Its earnings outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the trailing four quarters (missed the mark in the remaining quarter), delivering an average beat of 253.92%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for LUV’s 2026 earnings has moved 43.7% north in the past 90 days. Shares of Southwest Airlines have gained 65.7% over the past year.

LTM presently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). LTM has an expected earnings growth rate of 52.63% for the current year. The company has a solid earnings surprise history. Its earnings outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the trailing four quarters, and met in the remaining one, delivering an average beat of 29.84%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for LTM’s 2026 earnings has moved 5.34% north in the past 60 days. LTM shares gained 120.6% in the past year.
2026-02-04 18:49 1mo ago
2026-02-04 13:37 1mo ago
These hot S&P 500 stocks show where investors are heading as they run away from tech stocknewsapi
IVV SPLG SPXL SPY SSO UPRO VOO
HomeIndustriesInvesting/SecuritiesMarket ExtraMarket ExtraThe industrials sector has been a big beneficiary of the rotation out of tech, with a number of defense and transportation stocks hitting new highs on WednesdayPublished: Feb. 4, 2026 at 1:37 p.m. ET

As the technology sector falters, other S&P 500 stocks are picking up the mantle — but there’s a caveat to this market rotation.

Wednesday’s midday trading action featured 82 S&P 500 SPX stocks that hit 52-week intraday highs, which would be the most in a single session since Nov. 25, 2024, according to Dow Jones Market Data.
2026-02-04 18:49 1mo ago
2026-02-04 13:37 1mo ago
DEADLINE REMINDER: Klarna Group Sued For Securities Fraud; Investors Should Contact Block & Leviton by February 20th stocknewsapi
KLAR
Boston, Massachusetts--(Newsfile Corp. - February 4, 2026) - Block & Leviton reminds investors that a securities fraud lawsuit has been filed against Klarna Group plc (NYSE: KLAR) and certain of its executives. Investors who have lost money in their Klarna Group investment should contact the firm to learn more about how they might recover those losses. For more details, visit https://blockleviton.com/cases/klar.

What is this all about?

Klarna Group conducted its IPO at $40 per share on September 10, 2025. The complaint alleges that Klarna Group's Registration Statement contained false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Defendants materially understated the risk that its loss reserves would materially go up within a few months of the IPO, which they either knew of or should have known of given the risk profile of many individuals agreeing to Klarna's buy now, pay later ("BNPL") loans; and (2); as a result, defendants' public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times and negligently prepared. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

‍ Who is eligible?

Anyone who purchased Klarna Group plc common stock and has seen their shares fall may be eligible, whether or not they have sold their investment. Investors should contact Block & Leviton to learn more.

What should you do next?

The deadline to seek appointment as lead plaintiff is March 6, 2026. A class has not yet been certified, and until a certification occurs, you are not represented by an attorney. If you choose to take no action, you can remain an absent class member. If you've lost money on your investment, you should contact Block & Leviton to learn more via our case website, by email at [email protected], or by phone at (888) 256-2510.

Whistleblower?

If you have non-public information about Klarna Group, you should consider assisting in our investigation or working with our attorneys to file a report with the Securities Exchange Commission under their whistleblower program. Whistleblowers who provide original information to the SEC may receive rewards of up to 30% of any successful recovery. For more information, contact Block & Leviton at [email protected] or by phone at (888) 256-2510.

Why should you contact Block & Leviton?

Block & Leviton is widely regarded as one of the leading securities class action firms in the country. Our attorneys have recovered billions of dollars for defrauded investors and are dedicated to obtaining significant recoveries on behalf of our clients through active litigation in the federal courts across the country. Many of the nation's top institutional investors hire us to represent their interests. You can learn more about us at our website, www.blockleviton.com, call (888) 256-2510 or email [email protected] with any questions.

This notice may constitute attorney advertising.

CONTACT:
BLOCK & LEVITON LLP
260 Franklin St., Suite 1860
Boston, MA 02110
Phone: (888) 256-2510
Email: [email protected]

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282720

Source: Block & Leviton LLP

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Contact Us
2026-02-04 18:49 1mo ago
2026-02-04 13:37 1mo ago
Jacobs Solutions: Data Center Growth Goes Unnoticed (Rating Upgrade) stocknewsapi
J
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
2026-02-04 18:49 1mo ago
2026-02-04 13:38 1mo ago
Alexander's Declares Quarterly $4.50 Dividend on Common Shares stocknewsapi
ALX
February 04, 2026 13:38 ET  | Source: Alexander's, Inc.

PARAMUS, N.J., Feb. 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alexander’s, Inc. (NYSE: ALX) today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a regular quarterly dividend of $4.50 per share payable on February 27, 2026 to stockholders of record on February 17, 2026.

Alexander’s, Inc. is a real estate investment trust that has five properties in New York City.

CONTACT:
GARY HANSEN
(201) 587-8541

Certain statements contained herein constitute forward-looking statements as such term is defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance. They represent our intentions, plans, expectations and beliefs and are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Our future results, financial condition and business may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements. Many of the factors that will determine the outcome of these and our other forward-looking statements are beyond our ability to control or predict. Currently, some of the factors are interest rate fluctuations and the effects of inflation on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, operating performance and the effect that these factors have had and may continue to have on our tenants, the global, national, regional and local economies and financial markets and the real estate market in general. For further discussion of factors that could materially affect the outcome of our forward-looking statements, see "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024. For these statements, we claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section.

.
2026-02-04 18:49 1mo ago
2026-02-04 13:40 1mo ago
UPCOMING DEADLINE: Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Reminds Agilon (AGL) Investors of Pending Class Action Lawsuit Deadline on March 2, 2026 stocknewsapi
AGL
Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses In agilon health To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options

If you purchased or acquired securities in agilon health between February 26, 2025 and August 4, 2025 and would like to discuss your legal rights, call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).

[You may also click here for additional information]

New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - February 4, 2026) - Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against agilon health, inc. ("agilon" or the "Company") (NYSE: AGL) and reminds investors of the March 2, 2026 deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action that has been filed against the Company.

Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See www.faruqilaw.com.

As detailed below, the complaint alleges that the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by making false and/or misleading statements and/or failing to disclose that: (1) Defendants recklessly issued guidance for 2025 that they knew or should have known was not going to be achieved, given material industry headwinds of which they were aware; (2) Defendants materially overstated the immediate positive financial impact from "strategic actions" taken by agilon to reduce risk; and (3) as a result, defendants' statements about agilon's business, operations, and prospects were materially false and/or misleading at all times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

On August 4, 2025, agilon health issued a press release entitled "agilon health Reports Second Quarter 2025 Results." Commenting on the results, agilon health's Executive Chair stated that "as we progressed through this transition year, it's become clear that the industry headwinds are more acute than previously expected[.]" Further, the release announced that the company was "suspending its previously issued full-year 2025 financial guidance and related assumptions."

On this news, agilon health's stock fell 51.5% on August 5, 2025.

The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class who is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision to serve as a lead plaintiff or not.

Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding agilon health's conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others.

To learn more about the agilon health class action, go to www.faruqilaw.com/AGL or call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, on X, or on Facebook.

Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282718

Source: Faruqi & Faruqi LLP

Ready to Announce with Confidence? Send us a message and a member of our TMX Newsfile team will contact you to discuss your needs.

Contact Us
2026-02-04 18:49 1mo ago
2026-02-04 13:40 1mo ago
Should Celestica Be in Your Portfolio Post Strong Q4 Earnings? stocknewsapi
CLS
Key Takeaways CLS delivered Q4 earnings and revenue beats, driven by 64% year-over-year growth in the CCS segment.CLS saw strong demand for 400G and 800G switches and AI/ML compute programs, driving the top line.CLS generated strong free cash flow, but faces ATS weakness and customer concentration risk. Celestica, Inc. (CLS - Free Report) recorded strong fourth-quarter 2025 results with adjusted earnings and revenues beating the respective Zacks Consensus Estimate. Top-line expansion year over year is backed by strong growth in the Connectivity & Cloud Solutions (CCS) segment. Management’s emphasis on innovation, product diversification and AI advancements was a key growth driver.

CLS Rides on Strength in CCS Segment and Robust LiquidityCelestica is benefiting from healthy traction in the CCS segment, backed by robust demand in the Communication and Enterprise businesses. Resilient demand for 400G switches and 800G network switch adoption is driving growth in the Communications end market. Ramping of a next-generation AI/ML compute program with a large hyperscaler customer is driving growth in the Enterprise business. Revenues from the Enterprise business were up by 33% year over year, while the communications end market generated 79% year over year growth in net sales. Total revenues in the Connectivity & Cloud Solutions (CCS) segment improved 64% year over year to $2.86 billion.

The company is closely working with Google on the development of complex data center hardware and systems. It is the preferred manufacturing partner for Google’s Tensor Processing Unit (TPU). The company is steadily expanding its capacity and capabilities in the United States and globally to support growing adoption of Google’s custom silicon TPU systems.

In the fourth quarter of 2025, Celestica generated $250.6 million in cash from operations compared with $143.4 million in the year-ago quarter. Free cash flow was $155.9 million, up 62.7% year over year. This accentuates efficient capital management and implies that the company is well-positioned to invest in growth initiatives, as well as pay debt and dividends.

The company’s inventory balance was $2.19 billion, up $427 million compared to the prior year. Cash cycle days were 61 days; an improvement of 8 days compared to the prior year quarter. A cash cycle indicates the average time it takes to convert inventory goods into cash through sales. Celestica’s reduced cash cycle days are a positive factor. Moreover, CLS’ strong liquidity better positions it to navigate economic downturns and capitalize on emerging growth opportunities in the electronics manufacturing service industry.

Major Challenges for CLSCelestica’s growth is highly dependent on AI data center spending by hyperscalers. Any downtrend in hyperscaler capex can significantly impact demand for Celestica’s data center solutions. Moreover, the company is highly exposed to significant customer concentration risk. Its largest three customers generated approximately 63% of total revenues in the fourth quarter of 2025. The company operates in a highly competitive electronics manufacturing services industry. It faces competition from other industry leaders such as Jabil, Inc. (JBL - Free Report) , Sanmina and Flex Ltd. (FLEX - Free Report) . Given the competitive nature of the industry, any changes in the demand pattern of any of the major customers can have a significant negative impact on the company’s financial results.

It is also witnessing weakness in the Advanced Technology Solutions segment. Revenues declined 1% year over year in the fourth quarter. Capital Equipment business remains soft. The Aerospace and Defense portfolio reshaping strategy is weighing on growth in this segment.

Moreover, the company generates the lion’s share of its revenues outside of North America. This exposes it to foreign exchange fluctuations. Growing geopolitical volatility worldwide can impact the company’s operations.

Price PerformanceCelestica has increased 125.4% in the past year compared with the Electronics - Manufacturing Services industry’s growth of 74.4%. The stock has outperformed the Zacks Computer & Technology sector and the S&P 500 during the same time frame.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The company has outperformed its peers like Jabil and Flex. Shares of Jabil have jumped 51.8% and shares of Flex have risen 57.4%.

Estimate Revision TrendEarnings estimates for Celestica for 2025 and 2026 have increased over the past 60 days.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Key Valuation Metric of CLSFrom a valuation standpoint, CLS is currently trading at a premium compared to the industry. Going by the price/earnings ratio, the company’s shares currently trade at 34.42 forward 12-month earnings, higher than 23.59 for the industry.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

End NoteCelestica is witnessing solid momentum in the CCS segment, backed by solid demand for the company’s enterprise-level data communications and information processing infrastructure products, such as routers, switches, and data center interconnects. Strong growth in cash flow and robust liquidity are positive factors. Capital discipline and efficient capital management are tailwinds.

However, demand softness in the ATS segment due to softness in the capital equipment business is weighing on the top line. Customer concentration and high dependence on hyperscalers’ AI-related spending remain a major concern. With a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), CLS appears to be treading in the middle of the road, and new investors could be better off if they trade with caution. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.