Market Signal Briefing

Shares of Utah Medical Products, Inc. (UTMD - Free Report) have gained 2% since the company reported its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 earnings. This outpaced the S&P 500 index’s modest 0.2% growth over the same period. Over the past month, UTMD shares have climbed 7.6%, significantly outperforming the S&P 500’s 1.5% increase.

For the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2025, Utah Medical reported earnings per share (EPS) of 80.2 cents, which dropped 6.3% from 85.7 cents in the year-ago quarter. The year-over-year decline in EPS was less severe than the drop in net income and operating income, primarily due to a reduced number of outstanding shares following significant stock repurchases during the year.

Revenues of $9 million reflected a 1.2% decline from $9.2 million in the same period a year ago.

Gross profit slipped 1.1% to $5.26 million, down slightly from $5.32 million in the fourth quarter of 2024. Operating income fell more sharply, decreasing 16.7% year over year to $2.4 million from $2.9 million, due largely to higher operating expenses. Income before tax declined 14.1% to $3.1 million.

Net income came in at $2.6 million, an 11.6% decline from $2.9 million in the prior-year quarter.  

Other Key Business MetricsWhile sales were modestly lower, Utah Medical maintained a strong gross profit margin of 58.2%, nearly unchanged from 58.1% in the prior-year quarter. Operating income margin declined to 27% from 32%, and the net income margin fell to 28.4% from 31.7%. The company’s adjusted consolidated EBITDA for the quarter was $4 million, down 10% from $4.4 million a year ago. As a percentage of sales, EBITDA declined to 43.8% from 48.1%.

Domestic U.S. sales in the fourth quarter declined 4.9% to $5.5 million from $5.7 million, with non-Filshie device sales accounting for the majority of the drop. OEM sales were down 31.5% year over year, while Filshie device sales in the U.S. increased 21.6%. Outside the U.S. (OUS) sales rose 4.9% to $3.6 million, largely due to favorable foreign exchange rates. On a constant currency basis, OUS sales were up only 0.5%, with weakness in direct-to-hospital Filshie sales partially offset by stronger distributor shipments.

Management Commentary and Strategic ContextManagement noted that the fourth quarter offered a more normalized comparison, as there were no sales to UTMD’s China distributor in either the fourth quarter of 2025 or the fourth quarter of 2024. This allowed margins to stabilize somewhat despite persistent cost pressures. The company emphasized that cost-of-living salary increases and raw material inflation continued to weigh on results, but effective cost containment and margin discipline helped prevent further deterioration.

Operating expenses rose due to increased general and administrative (G&A) costs, which included a $0.2 million charge related to an embezzlement case in the Australian subsidiary and a $0.4 million write-off tied to cancellation fees from the China distributor. Sales and marketing expenses were relatively flat, while R&D expenses increased due to product validation efforts late in the year. G&A expenses represented 23.2% of sales in the fourth quarter, up from 19.3% in the prior-year quarter.

Factors Influencing the ResultsThe revenue decline in the quarter was driven primarily by softness in U.S. sales of non-Filshie medical devices and OEM components. While U.S. Filshie sales showed strong growth, they were not enough to fully offset declines in other areas. OEM sales in particular were weak, continuing a trend observed throughout 2025 as PendoTECH-related sales diminished. Favorable foreign exchange rates provided a modest benefit to reported international sales, especially in Europe, where the stronger EUR and GBP increased USD-reported revenues.

Legal costs related to product liability litigation increased slightly in the quarter to $0.4 million from $0.3 million the previous year. However, management noted that 14 of 19 pending court cases had already been dismissed by the end of January 2026, and no cases had yet gone to trial. The company expects lower litigation costs in 2026 unless trials are required, which could increase expenses.

Foreign exchange impacts added $0.04 million to operating expenses in the quarter. The net effect of FX on both revenues and costs was modest but favorable, driven primarily by stronger European currencies.

2025 UpdateFull-year sales totaled $38.5 million, marking a 5.8% year-over-year decline from $40.9 million in 2024. The dip in revenue translated into reduced profitability. Net income fell 18.7% to $11.3 million. EPS dropped 12.1% year over year to $3.48.

For the full year, the gross margin declined to 57.1% from 59% in 2024, reflecting persistent cost pressures tied to inflation in raw materials and employee compensation.

GuidanceManagement reiterated that sales to PendoTECH and to the China distributor are expected to remain at zero in 2026, as they were in the fourth quarter. The company aims to offset these losses with new product introductions, incremental sales to other biopharma customers, and organic growth in both U.S. and international Filshie sales. Management cautioned that substantial uncertainty remains in achieving this recovery.

Other DevelopmentsDuring the fourth quarter of 2025, Utah Medical repurchased 17,951 shares at an average cost of $55.35 per share, totaling $1 million. This was part of a broader repurchase program under which 148,935 shares were bought back over the year. The company ended the year with 3.2 million diluted shares outstanding, down from 3.3 million a year earlier. Additionally, in October 2025, UTMD issued 23,800 stock options to employees and a new outside director at an exercise price of $58.10 per share.

Despite modest top-line pressure, Utah Medical concluded the quarter with $85.8 million in cash and investments, up $2.8 million from the end of 2024, and no debt. Management reiterated its commitment to shareholder returns, maintaining quarterly dividends and continuing opportunistic share repurchases.

Unifi, Inc. (UFI) Q2 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, but may initiate a beneficial Long position through a purchase of the stock, or the purchase of call options or similar derivatives in CL over 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.

NNN REIT trades at a yield premium to Realty Income, reflecting its BBB+ credit rating versus O's A- and thinner credit cushion. NNN's 10.7-year weighted-average debt maturity, 70% longer than O's, provides significant duration protection and refinancing flexibility. With a 70% AFFO payout ratio, NNN retains more cash and offers an 18% dividend coverage buffer, outpacing O's 12% cushion.

Several homebuilder stocks got a boost following a report the Trump administration is considering a program to build more new homes.

Growth investors focus on stocks that are seeing above-average financial growth, as this feature helps these securities garner the market's attention and deliver solid returns. But finding a great growth stock is not easy at all.

That's because, these stocks usually carry above-average risk and volatility. In fact, betting on a stock for which the growth story is actually over or nearing its end could lead to significant loss.

However, the Zacks Growth Style Score (part of the Zacks Style Scores system), which looks beyond the traditional growth attributes to analyze a company's real growth prospects, makes it pretty easy to find cutting-edge growth stocks.

Our proprietary system currently recommends Lam Research (LRCX - Free Report) as one such stock. This company not only has a favorable Growth Score, but also carries a top Zacks Rank.

Research shows that stocks carrying the best growth features consistently beat the market. And returns are even better for stocks that possess the combination of a Growth Score of A or B and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy).

While there are numerous reasons why the stock of this semiconductor equipment maker is a great growth pick right now, we have highlighted three of the most important factors below:

Earnings GrowthArguably nothing is more important than earnings growth, as surging profit levels is what most investors are after. For growth investors, double-digit earnings growth is highly preferable, as it is often perceived as an indication of strong prospects (and stock price gains) for the company under consideration.

While the historical EPS growth rate for Lam Research is 7.9%, investors should actually focus on the projected growth. The company's EPS is expected to grow 25.9% this year, crushing the industry average, which calls for EPS growth of 25.6%.

Cash Flow GrowthCash is the lifeblood of any business, but higher-than-average cash flow growth is more beneficial and important for growth-oriented companies than for mature companies. That's because, high cash accumulation enables these companies to undertake new projects without raising expensive outside funds.

Right now, year-over-year cash flow growth for Lam Research is 31.2%, which is higher than many of its peers. In fact, the rate compares to the industry average of -3.7%.

While investors should actually consider the current cash flow growth, it's worth taking a look at the historical rate too for putting the current reading into proper perspective. The company's annualized cash flow growth rate has been 16.6% over the past 3-5 years versus the industry average of 10.4%.

Promising Earnings Estimate RevisionsBeyond the metrics outlined above, investors should consider the trend in earnings estimate revisions. A positive trend is a plus here. Empirical research shows that there is a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.

There have been upward revisions in current-year earnings estimates for Lam Research. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has surged 8.4% over the past month.

Bottom LineLam Research has not only earned a Growth Score of B based on a number of factors, including the ones discussed above, but it also carries a Zacks Rank #1 because of the positive earnings estimate revisions.

You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

This combination indicates that Lam Research is a potential outperformer and a solid choice for growth investors.

Key Takeaways KBR won a $149M cost-plus-fixed-fee Air Force contract under the ADEDDIS program.The seven-year IDIQ focuses on digital engineering, analytics and software to speed armament development.Backlog and options reached $23.35B at Q3 FY25, up 5.6% year over year with a 1.4x book-to-bill. KBR, Inc. (KBR - Free Report) recently won a $149 million cost-plus-fixed-fee contract under the Acquisition, Data, Engineering, Digital, Decision Integration and Software (ADEDDIS) program. This contract reinforces the company’s position as a key digital and engineering partner to the U.S. Department of Defense.

Commissioned by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s Armament Directorate, this strategic initiative tasks KBR with modernizing legacy systems and accelerating operator readiness at Eglin Air Force Base in Fort Walton Beach, FL. This award underscores the company’s successful strategic evolution from traditional logistics toward high-consequence digital engineering, ensuring the U.S. Air Force maintains a decisive technological advantage in an increasingly digital battlespace.

Shares of KBR were down 2.1% during the trading session yesterday.

Overview of the New ContractKBR will deliver high-end digital, engineering and software capabilities to support the U.S. Air Force in developing and deploying weapons systems more rapidly and effectively. The work includes advanced analytics, digital and software solutions, and systems engineering designed to simplify the design and production process, allowing warfighters to receive critical capabilities faster and more efficiently.

The contract is structured as a seven-year Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) agreement. Initial work will focus on modeling and simulation and advanced digital engineering to accelerate armament development and production. Building on its established presence at Eglin Air Force Base, KBR will also leverage its experience in test data analysis and support for the Test Resource Management Center’s Test & Training Enabling Architecture, which enables integrated and interoperable environments for advanced systems development. Management noted that the award reinforces the company’s commitment to delivering next-generation technologies that shape the future of armament development while ensuring service members receive reliable, mission-critical solutions more quickly.

Strong Backlog Growth MomentumKBR’s backlog continues to build, supported by favorable market conditions in the United States and internationally. Sustained U.S. government focus on national security, along with increasing global investment in sustainability, energy affordability, LNG and ammonia projects, and digital modernization, underpins the company’s long-term growth outlook.

As of the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2025, KBR’s backlog and options totaled $23.35 billion, representing a 5.6% year-over-year increase and a 13.5% rise from fiscal year-end 2024, supported by a trailing 12-month book-to-bill ratio of 1.4x. The quarter included several notable contract wins across both segments. In Mission Technologies, KBR secured a major recompete, including a $2.5 billion base contract with up to $1 billion in options to support astronaut health and human performance for NASA. In Sustainable Technology Solutions, new awards included front-end engineering design work for Indonesia’s Abadi LNG project, a multi-year contract extension with Basra Oil Company in Iraq, program management consulting for power and water networks in the UAE, and heavy-oil and energy-security FEED support for Kuwait Oil Company.

KBR’s Stock Price PerformanceKBR stock has declined 15.1% in the past six months against the Zacks Engineering - R and D Services industry’s 9.1% growth. Near-term prospects remain constrained by delays in new contract awards and slower defense funding in the U.K. However, KBR remains well-positioned to benefit from resilient demand across mission-critical U.S. government programs, strengthening international momentum and disciplined execution, supported by recent wins in space, defense, LNG and energy security markets.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

KBR’s Zacks Rank & Key PicksKBR currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Some better-ranked stocks from the Construction sector are:

James Hardie Industries plc (JHX - Free Report) flaunts a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) at present. The company delivered a trailing four-quarter negative earnings surprise of 3.8%, on average. JHX stock has declined 14.2% in the past six months. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for James Hardie’s fiscal 2026 sales indicates growth of 5.2%, while EPS indicates a decline of 28.2% from the year-ago period’s levels.

Quanta Services, Inc. (PWR - Free Report) has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) at present. The company delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 5.8%, on average. PWR stock has climbed 25.5% in the past six months.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Quanta’s 2026 sales and EPS indicates growth of 10.4% and 17.3%, respectively, from the prior-year levels.

MasTec, Inc. (MTZ - Free Report) carries a Zacks Rank of 2 at present. The company delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 18.9%, on average. MTZ stock has gained 40.4% in the past six months.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for MasTec’s 2026 sales and EPS indicates growth of 8.7% and 28.7%, respectively, from the year-ago period’s levels.

Journalist

Posted: February 4, 2026

XRP continued to trend lower on Wednesday, 4 February. It extends a months-long downtrend as market structure weakness persisted despite the absence of extreme fear or capitulation across social channels.

At the time of writing, XRP was trading around the mid-$1.50 range, marking one of its weakest levels since late 2024. 

While the broader crypto market has also faced pressure in recent sessions, XRP’s decline stands out for its persistence — and for what sentiment data suggests about trader conviction.

A downtrend that refuses to break On the daily chart, XRP remains locked in a clear sequence of lower highs and lower lows that has been intact since October. 

Attempts at recovery have repeatedly stalled below prior resistance zones, with each rebound followed by renewed selling pressure.

Recent candles show elevated volume on downside moves, reinforcing the view that distribution is driving price action. 

Source: TradingView

Notably, the latest dip did not coincide with a sharp volatility spike, suggesting sellers remain in control without needing a shock event to push prices lower.

From a market-structure perspective, this behaviour often reflects buyer exhaustion rather than aggressive bearish positioning.

XRP sentiment remains subdued, not fearful Weighted sentiment for XRP has hovered around neutral-to-negative territory for several weeks, but without the sharp pessimistic extremes typically associated with capitulation bottoms.

In previous cycles, major XRP drawdowns were often accompanied by abrupt spikes in negative sentiment, followed by reflexive rebounds as selling pressure became overcrowded. 

Source: Santiment

This time, sentiment has remained relatively flat, indicating limited emotional engagement from market participants.

The absence of strong positive sentiment spikes during brief price recoveries further suggests that traders are not positioning aggressively for a near-term reversal.

Mixed narratives, limited conviction A closer look at positive versus negative sentiment shows intermittent bursts on both sides, but neither has established sustained dominance. 

Social activity has been reactive rather than directional, with commentary spiking briefly around price moves before quickly fading.

Source: Santiment

This pattern shows that narratives are failing to translate into lasting demand. While the token continues to attract periodic attention, those moments have not been sufficient to alter the prevailing trend.

In market terms, this often points to a lack of catalysts capable of shifting positioning at scale.

Price weakness without panic The divergence between persistent price weakness and muted sentiment suggests XRP is not undergoing a fear-driven selloff. Instead, the market appears disengaged, with buyers stepping aside rather than actively defending key levels.

Such conditions can prolong downtrends, as prices drift lower in the absence of strong counterflows. Historically, meaningful reversals tend to occur only once either sentiment reaches exhaustion or a structural catalyst forces repricing.

For now, neither condition appears to be in place.

Final Thoughts XRP remains technically weak, with the prevailing downtrend intact despite the absence of aggressive bearish sentiment. Muted social activity suggests downside pressure is being driven by market structure rather than panic-driven selling.

17h54 ▪ 4 min read ▪ by Eddy S.

Summarize this article with:

Tether, the issuer of the world’s largest stablecoin, USDT, is once again stirring controversy in the crypto sphere. After announcing a fundraising round of 20 billion dollars, the company has reduced its ambitions to 5 billion dollars and defends a record valuation of 500 billion! Between bold communication and lingering doubts, where does the reality lie?

In brief Tether reduces its fundraising from 20 to 5 billion dollars, calling the initial target a misunderstanding. The 500 billion $ valuation for Tether is justified by comparisons with AI giants, but investors are skeptical. Despite initiatives like USAt and gold accumulation, Tether must convince amid increased competition and wary regulators. Tether: a fundraising revised downward… misunderstanding or strategy? Initially, Tether aimed for a fundraising of 20 billion dollars, an ambitious goal to strengthen its reserves and credibility. However, this announcement was quickly revised downward, with a reduced target of 5 billion dollars. Paolo Ardoino, the CEO, called the initial goal a “misunderstanding”, specifying that 20 billion represented a ceiling, not a fixed target.

This reversal raises questions about the company’s transparency. Investors, already wary of stablecoins due to their lack of regulation, see this turnaround as a communication attempt to mask underlying difficulties. Some crypto analysts believe that Tether seeks to reassure markets while avoiding committing to too high amounts.

Crypto: a 500 billion dollar valuation for Tether? Paolo Ardoino defends the 500 billion dollar valuation of Tether by comparing it to AI giants like OpenAI. According to him, Tether generates comparable profits but with immediate profitability, without the initial losses often associated with tech companies. In 2025, the crypto company announced a profit of 10 billion dollars, slightly down, but sufficient to justify this valuation.

This comparison remains controversial. Indeed, AI companies benefit from a futuristic growth narrative and massive R&D investments, which is not the case with Tether. Critics argue that Tether mainly relies on issuing stablecoins, a less innovative business model that is more exposed to regulatory risks.

Therefore, to strengthen its credibility, Tether is betting on diversifying its reserves, including 130 tons of physical gold, and launching new stablecoins like USAt for the American market. Despite these efforts, crypto investors remain cautious, demanding more tangible evidence before accepting this record valuation.

Between transparency and regulatory challenges… Can Tether convince the market? Tether faces a major challenge: regaining trust in a context of widespread distrust towards stablecoins. The criticisms mainly focus on the lack of transparency of its reserves and ambiguous relations with regulators. Despite partial audits and reassuring statements, many believe the crypto company does too little to dispel doubts.

However, recent initiatives like the expansion of USDt on new platforms (Opera’s MiniPay) and the launch of USAt under the GENIUS Act show a willingness to comply with regulatory expectations. Nevertheless, competition is intensifying with players like Circle (USDC) and MakerDAO (DAI) gaining credibility through increased transparency. To convince, Tether will have to go further:

Complete audits; Clear communication about its reserves; Proactive collaboration with regulators. Tether plays a central role in the crypto ecosystem, but its future will depend on its ability to reassure. Between oversized ambitions and regulatory challenges, the company stands at a crossroads… Will Tether manage to turn its discourse into concrete actions to earn the trust of investors and regulators?

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Eddy S.

The world is evolving and adaptation is the best weapon to survive in this undulating universe. Originally a crypto community manager, I am interested in anything that is directly or indirectly related to blockchain and its derivatives. To share my experience and promote a field that I am passionate about, nothing is better than writing informative and relaxed articles.

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.

Key NotesQivalis now comprises twelve major European banks including BBVA, BNP Paribas, and UniCredit, positioning itself against US stablecoin dominance worth $256 billion.The consortium's euro stablecoin will facilitate cross-border blockchain payments and settlements, offering faster international transfers for businesses and freelancers.Commercial launch expected in H2 2025 pending Dutch central bank approval as an electronic money institution under MiCA regulatory framework. BBVA, Spain’s second-largest bank, joined the Qivalis consortium, bringing the European stablecoin project to twelve member banks. BBVA now sits alongside BNP Paribas, UniCredit, ING, CaixaBank, Raiffeisen Bank International, SEB, Danske Bank, KBC, Banca Sella, DekaBank, and DZ BANK in the Amsterdam-based venture.

These institutions are building what they hope becomes a credible euro alternative to Tether and Circle‘s dominance. Those two US issuers control $256 billion in stablecoin market value, according to DeFiLlama. Europe wants in, and traditional banks see an opening under MiCA regulations that went live in December 2024.

BBVA’s Crypto Journey: Timeline, Regulatory Hurdles and Blockchain Exploration Qivalis still needs approval from the Dutch central bank as an electronic money institution. If that comes through, the group expects to launch commercially in the second half of 2025, according to the BBVA announcement.

Alicia Pertusa, who heads partnerships and innovation at BBVA’s corporate and investment banking arm, pointed to the bank’s track record. “Collaboration between banks is key to create common standards that support the evolution of the future banking model and deliver financial innovation to our clients in a consistent and practical way. In this regard, BBVA brings to Qivalis extensive experience amassed over years of exploring and developing use cases linked to digital assets,” she said.

BBVA has spent years exploring digital assets and blockchain tools. In 2018, it was a pioneer in making corporate loans using blockchain technology, and it also offers custody and trading in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies since 2021 for selected clients. In 2025, they made significant moves in crypto, including offering MiCA-compliant services with Garanti, partnering with Binance, and beginning to offer Bitcoin and Ethereum trading services for its retail clients.

European Stablecoin Emerges as Response to USD-Dominated Market The stablecoin will handle cross-border payments and settlements for tokenized assets on blockchain rails in Euros. Think faster international transfers for businesses or freelancers paying suppliers abroad through their regular banking app.

Whether European banks can compete with established players remains unclear, and even EU economists are warning about delays in a Digital Euro, which could weaken Europe’s monetary independence. More so now, with the roster keeping growing as US lawmakers push their own initiatives, like the GENIUS Act, to promote dollar-backed tokens.

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

José Rafael Peña Gholam is a cryptocurrency journalist and editor with 9 years of experience in the industry. He wrote at top outlets like CriptoNoticias, BeInCrypto, and CoinDesk. Specializing in Bitcoin, blockchain, and Web3, he creates news, analysis, and educational content for global audiences in both Spanish and English.

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As Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent testified before the House Financial Services Committee Wednesday morning, Rep. Brad Sherman pressed Bessent over whether the U.S. government could ever step in to “bail out” bitcoin. 

Bessent was presenting over the Financial Stability Oversight Council’s annual report on emerging economic risks and much of the comments and questions from the Council reference the Trump administration growing scrutiny over its economic agenda. 

During a tense exchange, Sherman referenced the 2008 financial crisis and argued that bailouts have historically protected powerful institutions when markets collapse. 

He asked whether Treasury or federal financial regulators could take similar action for bitcoin, including directing banks to buy BTC or changing banking rules to encourage crypto holdings.

Bessent rejected the premise outright. “I am Secretary of the Treasury. I do not have the authority to do that,” he said, adding that neither the Treasury nor his role as chair of the Economic Stability Oversight Council provides power to order banks to invest in BTC or to allocate public funds into crypto assets.

JUST IN: 🇺🇸 Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defends the US having a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve:

"That is an asset of the US government. The asset seizure, that $1 billion of bitcoin was seized, $500 million was retained. And that $500 million has become over $15 billion." pic.twitter.com/cHegIcv0pb

— Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) February 4, 2026 Sherman attempted to clarify whether taxpayer money under Treasury management could ever be deployed into BTC, but Bessent emphasized that the government’s current BTC exposure comes only through law enforcement seizures, not investment decisions.

“We are retaining seized bitcoin,” Bessent said. “That is an asset of the U.S.,” he later said. 

Bessent then elaborated on that point, noting that retained bitcoin from past seizures has appreciated significantly over time. 

He cited an example in which roughly $500 million in retained BTC later grew into more than $15 billion in value, underscoring bitcoin’s potential upside even as policymakers remain skeptical of direct government involvement.

The exchange ended when the chair cut Sherman off after his allotted time expired.

Bessent: U.S. will stop selling bitcoin Earlier this year, Bessent said the U.S. government’s stance is to stop selling seized BTC and instead add it to the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. 

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, he framed the move as part of a broader push to bring digital-asset innovation back to the U.S. 

The comments came amid questions over BTC seizures tied to cases involving Tornado Cash and Samourai Wallet developers. 

While declining to discuss active litigation, Bessent stressed that seized BTC will be retained by the federal government once legal damages are resolved.

Any selling of BTC would contradict Executive Order 14233, which requires forfeited bitcoin to be held in the U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve rather than liquidated.

Micah Zimmerman

Micah first discovered Bitcoin in 2018 but remained a skeptic on the sidelines for too long. Since 2021, he has covered crypto and business and now works as a news reporter for Bitcoin Magazine, based in North Carolina.

Ethereum [ETH] has faced intense pressure since it breached $3k support one week ago. With a sustained downward spiral, Ethereum touched a low of $2.1k, then stabilized around $2.2k. 

At the time of writing, ETH traded at $ 2,266, down 1.51% on the daily chart, extending its month-long bearish trend. 

With the market under intense stress, the ETH’s weakened structure has pushed holders, especially Ethereum whales, to capitulate. 

Ethereum whales deleverage to pay loans Amid prolonged market decline, Trend Research and Garrett Jin continued to offload ETH to repay loans and avoid liquidation.

According to Lookonchain, these two entities have deposited a total of 316,185 ETH, worth $738 million, on Binance for sale. Jin sold $82.37 million in ETH over the past day, while Trend Research sold $76.4 million in ETH. 

Such selling constitutes a risk-driven market exit aimed at reducing the debt burden and improving market health, thereby decreasing risks of liquidation. 

At the same time, the Bitcoin OG (10/11) has also continued to sell ETH. Onchain Lens reported that the whale deposited 15,000 ETH, valued at $33.35 million, into Binance to sell and repay the loan.

Usually, forced deleveraging creates extra selling pressure, further accelerating the downside risk.

Selling pressure hits a weekly high With whales deleveraging, sell pressure on ETH has surged significantly. As such, Ethereum’s supply on exchanges rose considerably, as evidenced by the Exchange Supply Ratio (ESR). 

According to CryptoQuant data, ESR reached a weekly high of 0.138, at press time, a substantial reversal from the prior trend. 

Source: CryptoQuant

When ESR rises, it suggests that most market participants have increased supply-side activity. Such market behavior reduces scarcity, thus further weakening the market. 

Furthermore, Exchange Inflow rose to a two-month high of 2.3 million on the 3rd of February before falling to 210k. 

Source: CryptoQuant

Such massive inflows validated the early observation of increased sell-side pressure, often a prelude to lower prices as recently observed. 

Is ETH at risk of slipping below $2k? Ethereum has faced intense selling pressure across all market participants, mainly from whales forced exit. These prevailing conditions have pushed ETH to a significantly weakened position.

As a result, the altcoin fell below its Parabolic SAR and both medium- and long-term Fibonacci Bollinger Bands (FBB), as of writing, indicating strong downward momentum.

Source: TradingView

Typically, when ETH holdings are below these two levels, it signals the continuation of the dominant trend. Thus, if selling pressure persists, ETH could drop below $2k, with the lower boundary of the FBB at $ 1,796 acting as support.

However, despite the price drop, Ethereum Treasury Bitmine has held its ground and continued to accumulate at lower prices.

According to Lookonchain, Bitmine purchased 20,000 ETH, valued at approximately $46 million. With these purchases, Bitmine has positioned itself as the central pressure absorber.

Source: Lookonchain

Therefore, if Bitimine continues to hold and add positions despite rising losses, it will provide support, preventing further declines.

To avoid this downward spiral, ETH bulls must reclaim the Parabolic SAR at $2656, which will set the ground for a move towards $3k.

Final Thoughts Ethereum extended its bearish streak and hovered around $2.2k.  ETH faced intense selling pressure as whale borrowers deleveraged, selling $771 million in ETH to repay loans and reduce liquidation risk. 

In brief UBS Group's CEO confirmed the company is working on a path to implement tokenized deposits and crypto access for users. The firm was recently named an early design partner on Stripe's stablecoin-focused blockchain, Tempo. UBS netted nearly $8 billion in profits last year, but shares have fallen around 6% on Wednesday. Publicly traded Swiss bank UBS Group AG (UBS) is creating a path to tokenized services and crypto access for its clients, the firm’s CEO confirmed on its Q4 earnings call on Wednesday. 

The firm, which manages invested assets of more than $7 trillion, has seen its shares drop around 6% on Wednesday, recently changing hands at $44.79. 

“As digital assets become a more relevant part of the financial system, we are taking a focused client-led approach,” CEO Sergio Ermotti said on the call. “We are building out the core infrastructure and exploring targeted offerings, from crypto access for individual clients to tokenized deposit solutions for corporates.”

Ermotti’s comments come just a few weeks after a report from Bloomberg indicated that the banking giant would start to open crypto investing access to select clients in Switzerland, providing them access to Bitcoin and Ethereum. 

“The next generation of investors expects a seamless technological experience, and the emergence of digital assets and tokenization is creating opportunities to fundamentally change how we operate,” Ermotti said.

“In this context, clients will increasingly place an even higher premium on trusted advice from partners who can offer true global connectivity, access to innovative products, and seamless cross-border solutions,” he added. “UBS is uniquely positioned to convert these trends into stronger profitability and long-term value creation.”

The firm is also looking to artificial intelligence to help unlock gains, implementing “AI-enabled capabilities to streamline service and bolster productivity” across its banking operations. Notably, the firm did not mention stablecoins in its quarterly update. However, in December it was named as an early design partner of Stripe’s stablecoin-focused blockchain, Tempo. 

UBS, which earned around $7.9 billion in profits last year—a 53% jump year-over-year—became an even bigger player in banking in 2023 when it acquired Switzerland’s other major bank, Credit Suisse. 

Last fall, Switzerland’s central bank—Swiss National Bank—reportedly increased its exposure to Bitcoin via the purchase of additional shares in Michael Saylor’s Bitcoin treasury giant, Strategy.

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Sonic price is trading towards the 1.618 Fibonacci extension near $0.03 as oversold conditions intensify, keeping bearish momentum firmly in control. 

Summary

Price trades at the 1.618 Fibonacci extension near $0.03, maintaining bearish momentum Low volume confirms trend continuation rather than accumulation Oversold conditions raise the risk of a sharp but corrective rebound if support holds Sonic (S) price has remained under heavy selling pressure following a decisive breakdown from its prior high-timeframe structure. The token has struggled to attract bullish participation, with price continuing to trend lower in a controlled but persistent corrective move.

Despite approaching a key technical level, the broader market structure suggests that downside pressure may persist before any meaningful relief rally develops.

Sonic price key technical points $0.03 (1.618 Fibonacci extension) is the immediate inflection zone, price is stretched into a major extension level where a relief bounce can trigger if buyers step in. High-timeframe POC has flipped into resistance, as long as Sonic remains below this reclaimed-value threshold, rallies are likely to be corrective and sold into. Bearish structure + weak bullish volume favors continuation, consecutive lower highs/lows with low demand suggests downside risk remains, with deeper extension/support levels still in play. SUSDT (1D) Chart, Source: TradingView From a macro and high-timeframe perspective, Sonic continues to print a clear sequence of lower highs and lower lows. This structural weakness began after the most recent swing high was established, and the price failed to hold above key value levels. The loss of high-timeframe support marked a significant shift in market control, with sellers firmly dictating price action.

One of the most important technical developments has been the loss of the high-timeframe point of control (POC), which has now flipped into resistance. Each attempt to reclaim this level has been rejected, reinforcing the broader bearish bias.

As long as Sonic remains below this former value area, rallies are likely to be corrective rather than trend-reversing.

Low volume signals bearish continuation Volume behavior continues to support the bearish outlook. The current decline has unfolded on consistently low volume, suggesting a lack of aggressive dip buying rather than capitulation. In trending markets, low-volume pullbacks often indicate continuation rather than exhaustion, especially when the price remains aligned with the dominant trend direction.

The initial reaction to the 1:1 Fibonacci extension provided only limited relief and failed to attract meaningful follow-through. This lack of demand highlights the absence of institutional or large-scale participation at current levels. Without a clear expansion in bullish volume, the probability favors further downside exploration before a sustainable base can form.

Fibonacci extensions define the downside targets From a technical standpoint, the 1.618 Fibonacci extension at approximately $0.03 represents an important short-term inflection point. This level often acts as a magnet during strong trends, particularly when momentum remains one-sided. While price is currently interacting with this extension, historical behavior suggests that deeper tests are possible before any structural reversal occurs.

The next critical downside level sits at the 0.618 Fibonacci extension of the broader measured move within the downtrend. This zone represents the next major area of interest for potential stabilization. A reaction from this region could open the door for a corrective rally toward high-timeframe resistance, but only if confirmed by improving volume and momentum signals.

Oversold conditions raise the risk of a sharp rebound Despite the dominant bearish trend, oversold indicators are beginning to flash caution for short sellers. Bollinger Bands analysis shows the price trading near the lower band, signaling stretched conditions. When the price reaches these outer bands during extended trends, reversals, if they occur, tend to be sharp and fast rather than gradual.

However, oversold conditions alone are not sufficient to confirm a trend reversal. In strong downtrends, markets can remain oversold for extended periods. Any bullish reaction from current levels would still be classified as a counter-trend move unless Sonic reclaims key resistance levels with strong volume confirmation.

Sonic price action: What to expect Sonic is likely to remain under bearish pressure in the near term, with a continued focus on Fibonacci extension levels as price discovery unfolds. A test of deeper support zones remains possible before any sustained rebound materializes.

While oversold conditions increase the probability of a sharp relief rally, confirmation through bullish volume and structural reclaim levels will be essential before calling a meaningful trend reversal.

Binance purchased another 1,315 BTC for its SAFU fund this week. The acquisition is part of a plan to turn its stablecoin reserves worth up to $1 billion into Bitcoin. One of the world’s biggest crypto exchanges, Binance, has made additions to its Secure Asset Fund for Users (SAFU) by acquiring 1,315 BTC worth $100 million, according to Arkham data. This is the second acquisition of Bitcoin by Binance as part of its plan to turn up to $1 billion worth of its stablecoin reserves in the SAFU fund into Bitcoin within 30 days.

The SAFU fund is an emergency fund that was established to protect users against extreme hacks or platform failures. The fund was established by allocating a portion of the trading fees to it. SAFU has always maintained stablecoin reserves to ensure liquidity. Now, Binance has announced its intention to turn these reserves into Bitcoin. This will be a significant component of the reserve to protect users.

Second BTC Purchase Boosts SAFU Reserves The purchase of 1,315 BTC raises the total SAFU reserves of Bitcoin to 2,630 BTC, valued at $201 million at the current market rate. Binance has confirmed the completion of this second round of conversions. It also reaffirmed its commitment to its earlier strategy. The exchange has updated its X that it is on course to complete the entire conversion of the fund to BTC. And it said this would happen in 30 days following launch.

The data from the blockchain analytics confirmed the transfer of Bitcoin from Binance-controlled accounts to the SAFU fund address. Thus, this ensures a transparent on-chain record of reserve accumulation. Analysts have highlighted this move is in line with Binance’s plan to accumulate wallet reserves while providing a safety net.

Binance has adopted this plan during high volatility, with Bitcoin prices remaining above key levels but under pressure. The SAFU fund’s restructured reserves are now directly correlated with Bitcoin price movements. This links the user protection reserves with the cryptocurrency market dynamics. This is a major departure from the stablecoin reserves, which have traditionally maintained a predictable valuation irrespective of Bitcoin price movements.

However, Binance’s decision to utilize its large reserves of Bitcoin may pose a risk to the exchange. But it also ensures that the reserves at SAFU are now in line with what Binance perceives as a basic asset in the crypto world. The clever conversion on the blockchain shows how large exchanges are handling the custody. And the transparency of the transactions shows the risk posed by the current market conditions.

Binance’s purchase of an additional 1,315 BTC for the SAFU fund shows that Binance is committed to its strategy.  It is diversifying its emergency reserves from stable assets to Bitcoin. With the current SAFU reserve at 2,630 BTC, Binance is also on track with its 30-day conversion plan. As this aims to restructure the reserves while meeting the user protection requirement.

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According to Eurostat, euro-area headline inflation eased to 1.7% in January, below the european central Bank’s 2% target. The undershoot points to a softer price environment versus late 2025.

A lower inflation print typically reduces pressure on the ECB to tighten further, though it does not guarantee policy easing. For risk assets such as crypto, softer inflation can lessen real-rate headwinds and improve sentiment, with transmission contingent on broader liquidity and growth conditions.

Economists have noted that a combination of weaker inflation and currency strength tilts the policy debate toward patience rather than fresh tightening. Diego Iscaro, economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence, said “weak inflation and the stronger euro provided ‘some ammunition to the doves’ in the ECB’s governing council,” while emphasizing the most likely near-term path was steady rates.

What 1.7% means for ECB interest rates, real yields, euro As reported by the Financial Times, the January reading follows an upwardly revised 2.0% in December, reinforcing the narrative that headline pressures have cooled. That dynamic typically lowers the urgency for additional hikes and can pressure real rates lower if nominal policy settings hold.

Paul Hollingsworth, Head of Developed Markets Economics at BNP Paribas Markets 360, has argued that underlying price pressures were firmer than many expected, creating a high threshold for new policy moves. Taken together, this suggests the ECB reaction function could favor stability until core, services, and wage dynamics provide clearer confirmation.

A firmer euro often dampens imported inflation by making foreign goods cheaper, reinforcing disinflation at the margin. For markets, a stronger currency can be two-sided: it may curb euro-denominated returns on USD-based crypto pairs, yet it can reduce currency risk for euro investors allocating to Bitcoin (BTC).

Lower headline inflation and a steady policy stance generally reduce real-yield drag on risk assets, which may benefit crypto exposures. European investors may also perceive reduced currency risk if the euro remains firm, though near-term crypto moves often reflect global liquidity and positioning.

Implementation details matter. If the euro appreciates, euro-based investors may see different performance versus USD pairs even when underlying crypto prices are unchanged, potentially influencing hedging and venue choices across Europe.

At the time of this writing, Coinbase Global (COIN) was around 187.86 at the close, down 3.53%, with after-hours indications near 189.48, based on data from Yahoo Finance. This equity move is contextual market background rather than a read-through from the inflation print.

What to watch next: data, ECB dates, market signals Indicators: core inflation, services, wages, euro strength, real yields Core and services inflation will show whether disinflation is broadening beyond energy effects. Wage growth trends help gauge persistence. Euro strength and inflation-adjusted yields will frame the policy-tightness backdrop for risk assets, including crypto.

Dates: Eurostat releases and ECB communications to monitor Watch official monthly inflation releases for confirmation of the 1.7% downshift and any revisions. Monitor forthcoming monetary policy statements, press conferences, and minutes for guidance on how policymakers interpret softening prices.

FAQ about Eurozone inflation 1.7% How do lower inflation and steady ECB policy affect Bitcoin and Ethereum performance for European investors? They can reduce real-rate headwinds and macro uncertainty, a backdrop that sometimes supports risk assets. Effects depend on liquidity, global sentiment, and the euro’s path.

What macro channels link Eurozone inflation and ECB policy to crypto prices (real yields, liquidity, EUR strength)? Primary channels are real yields, system liquidity, and currency moves. Softer inflation with steady policy can ease financial conditions; a stronger euro reduces imported inflation and currency risk.

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

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The Bitcoin network has an average block time of about 10 minutes, which creates a challenge for decentralized finance applications.

Fireblocks, an institutional-grade crypto infrastructure company, announced on Wednesday that it will integrate Stacks, a decentralized finance (DeFi) layer for the Bitcoin protocol, to give institutional clients access to lending and yield-bearing opportunities.

The integration bypasses the 10-minute Bitcoin block time by leveraging the Stacks blockchain, which has an average block time of about 29 seconds, a Stacks spokesperson told Cointelegraph.

All Stacks transactions settle to the Bitcoin ledger for finality. Removing the 10-minute BTC block time barrier resolves one of the most common objections for financial institutions looking to use BTC-based DeFi applications, the Stacks spokesperson said.

The Bitcoin protocol produces blocks about every 10 minutes, on average. Source: MempoolThe integration will go live in “early” 2026, according to Fireblocks, but no exact timeline for the rollout was announced.

The Fireblocks and Stacks integration reflects continued institutional interest in Bitcoin DeFi even amid a market downturn that has caused the price of Bitcoin (BTC) to drop by about 40% from its all-time high above $125,000 reached in October 2025.

Bitcoin DeFi: the future of onchain finance? There was about $5.5 billion in total value locked (TVL) in Bitcoin-based DeFi applications at time of writing, according to DeFiLlama.

The TVL in Bitcoin DeFi applications began rising in October 2024, surging from about $704 million to over $9 billion by October 2025, before dropping back to current levels, according to DeFiLlama.

The total value locked in Bitcoin DeFi applications. Source: DeFiLlamaFor comparison, the total value locked across the crypto ecosystem was about $103 billion at time of publication.

Proponents of Bitcoin DeFi say that applications built atop the Bitcoin protocol will eventually replace the traditional financial system, with decentralized systems that democratize access to finance.

Matt Hougan, the chief investment officer for investment company BitWise, forecast that Bitcoin DeFi could grow to become a $200 billion market.

However, the growth of second layers on Bitcoin and decentralized finance applications built on top of the protocol could threaten the base layer's decentralization, according to Markus Bopp, the CEO of crypto infrastructure company Trac Systems.

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Crypto analyst Diana has predicted that the XRP price could rally to $7, representing a 450% gain for the altcoin. She alluded to technical setups that prove that the token could reach this price target this year, which would mark a new all-time high (ATH).

XRP Price Eyes 450% Rally To $7 In an X post, Diana stated that the XRP price technical setup targets $7 next based on the Elliot Wave and Fibonacci levels. She noted that right now, the altcoin is sitting at a critical support zone between $1.50 and $1.55 and that this is the level buyers must defend. If this support holds, the analyst predicts that XRP can rise to between $1.88 and $2 with volume, which could lead to the chart opening up fast. 

Diana also highlighted the short, medium, and long-term outlook for the XRP price even as it looks to surge to the $7 target this year. In the short term, she expects a clean breakout above $2, which could send XRP to between $2.20 and $2.70, a move that the analyst noted will finish the current local wave. 

Source: Chart from Diana on X For the medium-term outlook, Diana noted that the XRP price structure looks like the start of a larger wave 5 impulse from the 2025 to 2026 lows. Using Fibonacci extensions and channel projections, she stated that the major target lands in the $5 to $8 zone, with $7 lining up perfectly as the next realistic cycle high. 

The analyst also predicted that the XRP price could reach this target within the next four to eight months if momentum continues. She added that XRP could peak between June and October 2026 in bullish scenarios. 

XRP Could Soon Begin Wave 4 Move To The Upside In an X post, crypto analyst CasiTrades stated that she expects the Wave 4 relief move to begin soon for the XRP price as the altcoin has held its current support nicely. She noted that the first resistance she is watching is the .382 retrace at $1.78, which also coincides with the prior support breakdown. 

CasiTrades also noted that the Wave 2 move was very shallow, with the XRP price only retracing to .382, and that in Elliot Wave, shallow Wave 2 moves often lead to deeper Wave 4 retraces. As such, she believes that it is possible that this Wave 4 move could push higher toward $1.93 or even up to the $2.03 macro .5 retracement level. 

The analyst added that the XRP price needs to reclaim $2.03 and hold it as support. This would invalidate the need for another wave down toward $1.55 or lower, thereby causing Wave 5 to fail. 

At the time of writing, the XRP price is trading at around $1.58, down in the last 24 hours, according to data from CoinMarketCap.

XRP trading at $1.60 on the 1D chart | Source: XRPUSDT on Tradingview.com Featured image from Peakpx, chart from Tradingview.com

On Wednesday, XRP spot values traded in a tight $1.53 to $1.62 range over the past 24 hours and was last seen at $1.56 at press time on Feb. 4, as derivatives data signaled a market growing more selective rather than outright confident.

Privacy-focused ZAMA token surges, enabling confidential smart contracts on Ethereum and Layer 2 chains.

Market Sentiment:

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Published: February 4, 2026 │ 5:30 PM GMT

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The ZAMA token rebounded more than 19% from its Tuesday low of $0.0262, after completing an almost 37% correction following its initial launch and $0.041 peak price earlier this week. 

On Wednesday, the newly issued token was trading around  $0.03, valuing the network at a market capitalization of nearly $68 million.

Source: CoinGeckoZAMA launched on Monday and powers fees and staking within the Zama ecosystem, a blockchain privacy project focused on confidential smart contract execution.

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Zama positions itself as a privacy layer for existing blockchains rather than a standalone network. Its core technology, Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE), allows smart contracts to process encrypted data on Layer 1 and Layer 2 networks like Ethereum, keeping balances, transactions, and trading strategies confidential.

The company says this launch marks the first production-scale deployment of FHE on Ethereum mainnet, aiming to remove the trade-off between transparency and privacy.

The launch follows an earlier on-chain token sale via CoinList, which set a $55 million fully diluted valuation floor using the same auction model. Zama has raised between $130 million and $184 million from investors including Multicoin Capital and Pantera Capital.

Privacy Narrative Gains MomentumPrivacy is gaining traction as a narrative in crypto. Coins like Zcash, Monero, and Dash have seen renewed interest and price outperformance relative to broader markets.

Analysts say tighter on-chain surveillance and increasing regulatory reporting requirements are making confidentiality a more valued feature. Firms such as a16z Crypto have highlighted privacy as a key infrastructure trend for 2026, suggesting it’s moving from optional to essential.

Why This MattersZAMA’s rebound highlights growing market interest in privacy-focused infrastructure at a time when blockchain users and investors are increasingly prioritizing confidential transactions and data protection.

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People Also Ask:What is ZAMA?

ZAMA is a blockchain project that enables confidential smart contracts and computations. It uses Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE) to keep user data private while operating on existing Layer 1 or Layer 2 blockchains, such as Ethereum.

What is a token launch?

A token launch is when a blockchain project issues its native cryptocurrency for public trading. It can include exchange listings, auctions, or direct sales to investors.

Why do privacy-focused projects matter?

Privacy projects protect sensitive information like balances, trades, and strategies from being publicly visible on blockchain networks. This can help users maintain confidentiality, reduce front-running, and enhance security.

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A physical Dogecoin (DOGE) could reach the Earth’s moon as early as 2027, according to Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. The DOGE-1 lunar mission could ultimately prove DOGE’s utility beyond our planet’s orbit.

DOGE-1 To The Moon: Will Dogecoin Moon Too? “Maybe next year,” Musk replied when asked by Tesla Owners Silicon Valley, one of the largest and most influential Tesla owners’ clubs, about when SpaceX would finally put “a literal Dogecoin on the literal moon.”

Dogecoin’s previous attempt at the moon was a 2021 plan teased by Musk for a SpaceX mission financed entirely with DOGE tokens. Canadian space technology firm Geometric Energy Corp., which commissioned the mission, described it as the first-ever commercial lunar payload, fully funded by the original memecoin. 

The DOGE-1 satellite would be launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. However, the mission has been repeatedly postponed and never happened. But that could change next year.

Musk simply replied with a resounding “Yes” in response to a post on X declaring that Dogecoin reaching the moon is “inevitable.” 

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Meanwhile, DOGE prices have gained a paltry 0.8% in the past 24 hours amid a broader downturn in crypto majors. According to CoinGecko, it is still well below its 2021 all-time high of $0.73 — much to the dismay of its diehard fanbase.

While Musk has not officially confirmed an exact date for when his rocket company SpaceX will put DOGE on the moon, his positive response has triggered palpable excitement among the token’s fans.

Elon Musk And The Celebrity Influence On Dogecoin Dogecoin was created in 2013 as a joke by developers Billy Markus and Jackson Palmer to poke fun at Bitcoin and the mushrooming altcoins.

DOGE has gained a big following and surged to new record highs over the years, largely thanks to Musk. The world’s richest man’s obsession with shitposting helped propel the coin to a top 10 cryptocurrency by market value.

Musk continued to pump Dogecoin’s price here and there with his social media posts, with the eccentric billionaire announcing that merchandise for SpaceX would soon be able to be purchased with the doggy-themed crypto, just as it can be for Tesla merch.

Last year, Dogecoin’s namesake was shared with a highly controversial U.S. government initiative co-led by Musk. The Department of Government Efficiency’s (D.O.G.E.) goal was to cut government spending as much as possible. The Dogecoin logo even briefly appeared on the Department of Government Efficiency website, sparking speculation that the billionaire was planning on using the OG meme coin in some way.

D.O.G.E. eventually faded into obscurity, with Musk being pushed out of the U.S. government.

Wed, 4/02/2026 - 15:54

Shiba Inu (SHIB) faces an 8,972% liquidation imbalance as a bearish "death cross" tests critical $0.00000667 support. Plus, Wintermute's CEO warns of "broken" tokenomics on the current market.

Cover image via www.freepik.com Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by our writers are their own and do not represent the views of U.Today. The financial and market information provided on U.Today is intended for informational purposes only. U.Today is not liable for any financial losses incurred while trading cryptocurrencies. Conduct your own research by contacting financial experts before making any investment decisions. We believe that all content is accurate as of the date of publication, but certain offers mentioned may no longer be available.

Data from CoinGlass shows a significant imbalance has gripped the Shiba Inu (SHIB) futures market, with long liquidations surging 8,972% above short positions in just 12 hours.

In raw numbers, approximately $18,710 in longs were neutralized, compared to a nominal $208.85 in shorts. When things are this skewed, it usually means two things: the market is one-sided and not a lot of buyers are feeling confident.

Source: CoinglassFrom a technical perspective, SHIB has confirmed a bearish "death cross," as the 23-day moving average moved below the 50-day average. This pattern often acts as a precursor to a deeper price discovery. 

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SHIB is currently trading at $0.00000665, positioned precariously near a critical support zone at $0.00000667. A failure to hold this level could lead to a move into lower-liquidity regions where price floors are pretty vague.

Wintermute CEO is "somehow optimistic"The general feeling on crypto reflects these challenges. Evgeny Gaevoy, CEO of institutional market maker Wintermute, for SHIB too, remarked today that current token designs — including buybacks and lockup mechanics — are "broken" in their execution. 

- dispite all this I'm somehow optimistic for the industry as a whole because we are finally not in some dumb euphoria stage of "Trump pump our bags" but will (once again) flush out the tourists and only have people left who actually believe in mission

cypherpunk > cyberpunk

— wishful_cynic (@EvgenyGaevoy) February 4, 2026 But there is a bright side to this, according to Gavoy. When "tourists" leave and the market gets excited, it is usually a sign that things are shifting into a "builder" phase. And that is exactly what we need for the industry to stay healthy in the long run.

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For SHIB, the immediate outlook depends on whether the remaining holder base can absorb mounting selling pressure. Should the Shiba Inu coin drop below current support, it would trigger a secondary wave of liquidations, testing how much interest is actually left in SHIB.

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The integration aims to enhance efficiency, portfolio-wide margining, and institutional participation in decentralized finance.

Ripple announced Wednesday that its institutional platform, Ripple Prime, now supports Hyperliquid, providing clients with access to the leading decentralized derivatives protocol.

The move marks Ripple Prime’s first DeFi expansion since the platform’s creation following Ripple’s $1.25 billion acquisition of Hidden Road.

With this integration, institutional clients can now access onchain derivatives liquidity through Hyperliquid while cross-margining DeFi exposures with other asset classes supported by Ripple Prime, including digital assets, FX, fixed income, OTC swaps, and cleared derivatives.

“At Ripple Prime, we are excited to continue leading the way in merging decentralized finance with traditional prime brokerage services, offering direct support to trading, yield generation and a wider range of digital assets,” said Michael Higgins, International CEO of Ripple Prime.

“This strategic extension of our prime brokerage platform into DeFi will enhance our clients’ access to liquidity, providing the greater efficiency and innovation that our institutional clients demand,” Higgins added.

Clients can access Hyperliquid liquidity through a single counterparty relationship with centralized risk management and consolidated margin across their portfolios.

Hyperliquid currently supports XRP perpetual futures along with BTC and ETH products. The protocol’s HIP-3 feature enables stock and commodity perpetuals, with over 300 development teams building via HyperEVM.

Journalist

Posted: February 4, 2026

Arbitrum [ARB] just went through a stress test.

A sell-off followed news of an account compromise, sending token prices lower. But after all was restored, prices rebounded just as quickly.

With Arbitrum being one of January’s most undervalued ecosystems on a market cap-to-TVL basis, that quick show of faith matters.

A scare, but not a breakdown

Source: X

Shortly after Arbitrum DAO’s X account was compromised, ARB slipped below with red candles stacking up. The move was abrupt, most definitely caused by the concerning headline.

Source: X

That pressure peaked within a few hours. Once the Arbitrum team confirmed that control of the account had been restored and that it was safe to engage again, selling eased.

Source: TradingView

ARB clawed back a portion of its losses, pushing prices back toward pre-incident levels.

The RSI dipped briefly but never collapsed into extreme oversold territory. It later stabilized to near neutral levels. At the same time, CMF started to turn higher, so capital outflows were slowing.

The pullback didn’t change the big picture The brief scare around the DAO account came at an interesting time for Arbitrum. January data showed the network ranked among the most undervalued ecosystems when measured by market cap-to-TVL.

The value locked on Arbitrum is large, relative to how the market is currently pricing the token.

Source: X

This helps explain why the sell-off stayed contained. While there was short-term fear, it did not change how the network itself is being used. Once clarity returned, the market was quick to separate a social account issue from the protocol’s actual health.

This is textbook proof of how fast markets can move, based on headlines alone. For LTHs, this short-term noise may shake prices, but the underlying value tends to hold.

Final thoughts ARB’s dip and recovery showed how quickly prices react to headlines. With Arbitrum being one of January’s most undervalued ecosystems, buyers were quick to step back in.

Aave will shut down the Family wallet and operate fully under Aave Labs. The shift follows governance issues and regulatory clearance ahead of Aave V4. Aave has announced a major internal cleanup, shutting down the Family mobile wallet and retiring the Avara brand. It plans to bring all products and teams to operate under the Aave Labs. This decision was made after a period of internal governance disputes. 

Add some more info in the intro. When what where like that

What Will happen in Aave  Aave will stop accepting new users for its Family iOS wallet starting from April 1, 2026, and it will fully shut down by April 2027. Family Wallet was an iOS wallet app mainly focused on an account-based wallet and easy onboarding. Aave now decided that these wallets are not the best way to bring new users into DeFi, and Aave’s strength is in its financial products, like lending and borrowing. After the shutdown, the existing users will not lose their funds and can access and withdraw assets through accounts.aave.com. These Family account technology will still be used inside the Aave products. 

On the other handotherhand Aave will also retire the Avara brand. Avara was a parent brand to cover Aave, the Lens protocol, and the Family wallet. Aave now believes that the Aave name already sets the brand, and running multiple brands causes confusion to the customers. So Avara is being retired, and Aave Labs becomes the single brand. 

The DecisionDecison comes after Governance Tensions This decision comes after the concerns inside the Aave community on who owns the Aave brand and about voting power being too concentrated. There are claims that some decisions shifted fee revenue away from the DAO. At one point top 3 wallets controlled over 58% of the governance votes, and this conflict led Aave Labs to simplify decision-making.

Earlier this year, Aave transferred stewardship of Lens protocol to the Mask network, and Lens remains open and permissionless. Aave no longer manages its brand, and this move from Aave shows that it is focusing strictly on DeFi. 

Stani Kulechove, founder of Aave, says that the firm is now fully focused on the Core DeFi service and preparing for the launch of Aave V4. All the current and future products will now run under the Aave Labs, and it also says that it is committed to long-term growth through simpler governance and clearer branding. 

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