Market Signal Briefing

Ripple enters 2026 with new permissions in the UK and the EU.In January, Ripple said it received UK Financial Conduct Authority permissions covering an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license and cryptoasset registration.

On Feb. 2, it said it received full EMI approval in Luxembourg.

But what does that really mean for XRP investors?

Ripple’s own standardized XRPL “snapshot” tables effectively stop at Q1 2025 (when it said it would sunset the XRP Markets Report in its current form), so 2026 “utility” narratives should be tested against fresher third-party research and live XRPL dashboards, most recently benchmarks like Messari’s Q3 2025 network review, rather than year-old quarter-over-quarter comps.

Key takeawaysRipple’s licensing progress is a company-level distribution enabler, and it still needs observable conversion into XRPL activity before “utility” becomes an XRP demand claim.With Ripple sunsetting its quarterly XRP Markets Report tables after Q1 2025, a more current XRPL checkpoint comes from third-party research such as Messari’s Q3 2025 snapshot, which said average daily transactions rose 8.9% QoQ (1.6M to 1.8M) and total new addresses rose 46.3% QoQ to 447,200.Cross-border payments modernization remains slow at the system level, with the BIS saying end-2027 targets are off pace and the FSB saying global outcomes have not translated into tangible improvements.XRP’s 2026 tape can remain sensitive to liquidity conditions, after the Fed held its key rate unchanged at about 3.6% in January.Who this is forLong-term holders who want a checklist that separates Ripple distribution from XRPL usage.Swing traders who trade legal and licensing headlines but want on-chain confirmation gates.Institutional and treasury readers tracking payments rails, licensing, and settlement pathways.What to watch this quarterXRPL activity trend versus the last disclosed benchmark (transactions, new wallets, fees burned, DEX volume).Operational readiness signals, including whether validators and operators remain current on core node releases such as rippled 3.0.0.Regulatory-to-usage conversion evidence, using the funnel from licensing to onboarding to routing choices to XRPL settlement.Macro payments backdrop on cost, speed, and access targets, including the BIS and FSB progress language.What XRPL is (and what “utility” can realistically mean)XRPL is a public ledger with its own node software lifecycle. Network maintenance can matter to both uptime and the credibility of any “enterprise-grade” narrative. According to XRPL.org, version 3.0.0 of rippled was released on Dec. 9, 2025.

The site urged server operators to upgrade “as soon as possible.” In an investor thesis, “utility” needs a definition that survives headline cycles.

Ripple’s markets reports provide a monitoring template by publishing four buckets that can be tracked as a group: transactions, new wallets, XRP burned in fees, and DEX volume.

Ripple vs XRPL (who does what), why licenses do not equal token demandRipple’s 2026 regulatory updates sit at the company layer.

Ripple said it received FCA permissions in the UK covering an EMI license and cryptoasset registration on Jan. 9, 2026.

Ripple also said it received preliminary EMI approval in Luxembourg on Jan. 14, 2026.

It later said it received full EMI approval in Luxembourg on Feb. 2, 2026.

A forward-looking framework treats those permissions as the first step in a conversion funnel that can be audited over time.

Licensing → institutional onboarding → routing and settlement choices → XRPL activity → potential XRP demandThe funnel can break at routing choices, since a payments business can route value in ways that do not require XRP on-ledger settlement.

The investable question for 2026 is whether licensing-driven distribution expands XRPL usage in the specific on-chain buckets that can be tracked.

Demand drivers in 2026: payments reality, liquidity regime, and headline betaAt the macro payments layer, the baseline remains slow reform rather than fast step-change.

The Financial Stability Board’s 2025 consolidated progress report said efforts have not translated into “tangible improvements” globally, and that costs remain “sticky.”

The Bank for International Settlements wrote in a December 2025 bulletin that end-2027 cross-border payment targets were off pace.

It also said improvements were “modest.”

Stablecoins remain a competing settlement narrative with its own constraints.

The IMF said stablecoins can improve payments and global finance, while warning about risks including currency substitution and reduced control over capital flows.

In markets, liquidity conditions can still dominate medium-term performance for higher-beta assets. The Fed held its key rate unchanged at about 3.6% in a January decision.

For XRP, the 2026 read-through is mechanical.

If rates and volatility conditions tighten, headline-driven rallies may face a higher bar to persist without on-chain confirmation.

XRPL’s institutional roadmap headlines can influence narrative flow.

They still require ledger-level confirmation to become an “utility drives price” claim, including Ripple’s institutional-focused roadmap for XRPL and XRPL’s proposed upgrades for institutional DeFi.

What to track in 2026: XRPL metrics dashboard and narrative-to-metric checksRipple’s last disclosed quarter-over-quarter comparison provides a benchmark for what “cooling” looked like after a spike.

In Messari’s State of XRP Ledger Q3 2025 report, the firm said multiple key network metrics increased quarter over quarter, including average daily transactions rising from 1.6 million to 1.8 million.

It also reported quarter-over-quarter declines in transaction-fee burn (in XRP) and DEX activity, providing a more recent “cooling vs. re-acceleration” frame for 2026 monitoring.

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Metrics dashboardMetricQ2 2025Q3 2025QoQ changeHow to use it in 2026 monitoringAverage daily transactions1.6M1.8M+8.9%Look for sustained throughput gains across multiple quarters, not isolated bursts tied to hype cycles.Average daily active sender addresses21,90025,300+15.4%Use as a participation proxy, while remembering destination-tag aggregation can compress “address” counts for exchanges/custodians.New addresses (quarter total)—447,200+46.3%Track whether licensing/onboarding narratives coincide with net-new account growth, not just recycled activity.XRP burned in transaction fees (quarter total, XRP)308,700174,200-43.6%Use as an activity-cost signal (and a “demand for blockspace” proxy), but interpret alongside fee/price regime changes.DEX volume (avg daily, CLOB issued-currency volume, USD)$8.2M$7.9M-4%Watch whether liquidity grows alongside throughput (a healthier pattern than volume spikes in isolation).DEX volume (avg daily, AMM volume, USD)$2.1M$1.7M-17%Track AMM participation separately from the CLOB, since each can move differently depending on market structure and incentives.Messari reported total new addresses rising 46.3% QoQ to 447,200 in Q3 2025, alongside average daily transactions rising from 1.6 million to 1.8 million.

That move provides a more current onboarding and throughput reference point for “utility” discussions heading into 2026 than older quarter-pair comparisons.

Ripple also said it would sunset the XRP Markets Report “in its current form” starting in Q2 2025, meaning its prior on-chain tables should be treated as a closed historical series rather than a living quarterly benchmark.

The shift makes methodology continuity a first-order check: don’t splice Ripple’s legacy tables together with third-party series without explicitly normalizing definitions and data sources.

Those details are in Ripple’s Q1 2025 XRP Markets Report and Messari’s Q3 2025 XRPL report.

Narrative-to-metric mapping (audit trail)“Licensing unlocks usage” should show up as a multi-metric trend, including transactions and fees burned, plus new wallets if onboarding expands participation.“XRPL DeFi liquidity is improving” should show up in DEX volume alongside activity metrics, using the same reporting-methodology caveats.Bull, base, and bear casesBull signposts: licensing tailwinds coincide with sustained, multi-quarter re-acceleration across transactions, new wallets, fees burned, and DEX volume.

The licensing leg is observable through Ripple’s UK and Luxembourg updates, and the on-chain leg is observable through the metrics framework in its markets reports.

Base signposts: Ripple expands regulated distribution, while XRPL activity stabilizes near a post-spike range.

XRP trades as a liquidity- and headline-sensitive asset under the Fed’s pause-rate context.

Bear signposts: cross-border payments modernization stays slow under BIS and FSB progress language.

Stablecoins draw payment attention within the IMF’s risk framework, and XRPL activity fails to re-accelerate under tighter risk appetite.

Red flags and invalidation (what breaks the thesis)Methodology discontinuity: Ripple’s note that it updated on-chain data sources, which “may result in slight discrepancies,” can invalidate naive quarter-to-quarter comparisons.Narrative-only rallies: licensing or legal headlines that do not align with multi-metric XRPL follow-through across transactions, wallets, fees burned, and DEX volume.Macro mismatch: payments adoption claims that ignore BIS and FSB progress language risk overstating near-term conversion from infrastructure plans to global cost and speed outcomes.Common misconceptions and an action checklist for 2026 monitoringMisconception: “Ripple licensing means XRP demand.”

Ripple’s permissions describe what the company can do in regulated markets, and the token-demand claim requires a second step that is observable on XRPL via activity metrics.

Misconception: “Ripple equals XRPL.”

XRPL has its own operational cadence, and XRPL.org’s rippled 3.0.0 upgrade guidance is a reminder that network reliability is its own track.

Action checklist and routineWeekly: log risk appetite inputs tied to the Fed rate regime, since the AP described the policy rate as unchanged at about 3.6% as of late January.Monthly: update an XRPL dashboard using Ripple’s four buckets as a consistent template, and flag any methodology notes before comparing trends.Quarterly: re-run the licensing-to-ledger funnel, mapping Ripple’s jurisdictional permissions to observable routing and activity outcomes, and keep the conclusion conditional until the on-chain leg confirms.For 2026, XRP-related narratives reduce to whether regulated distribution converts into sustained XRPL usage.

That test plays out under a payments system that global bodies still describe as slow to change.

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The crypto market has entered one of those phases that rarely make headlines but often shape what comes next. Price action across major assets has slowed, volatility has compressed, and even Bitcoin is struggling to establish a clear short-term direction.

For many investors, this environment raises a familiar question: what is the best crypto to buy now when momentum fades and conviction becomes harder to find?

Historically, these quieter periods tend to separate reactive trading from strategic positioning.

Capital does not leave the market altogether. Instead, it becomes more selective, looking for projects that can attract attention without relying on daily price swings. This shift in behavior is increasingly visible in early 2026 and helps explain why Bitcoin Hyper is beginning to feature more prominently in market discussions.

👉 See why Bitcoin Hyper is being closely watched right now:

A market that is consolidating, not collapsing Despite the lack of excitement, there are few signs of widespread fear.

Bitcoin continues to trade within a defined range, suggesting indecision rather than distress. Institutional flows have slowed, retail activity has cooled, and traders appear more willing to wait than to chase uncertain setups.

This kind of consolidation has played a critical role in previous cycles.

When large assets pause, attention naturally drifts toward alternatives that are not directly tied to short-term macro signals. As a result, the conversation around the best crypto to buy now becomes less about charts and more about positioning, narrative, and timing.

Bitcoin Hyper and the search for selective exposure Bitcoin Hyper is entering the spotlight precisely because it aligns with this more deliberate mindset.

While it remains closely connected to the broader Bitcoin narrative, it does not depend entirely on Bitcoin’s daily price behavior to stay relevant. That distinction matters in a market where even small macro headlines can disrupt short-term momentum.

For investors reassessing how to stay exposed without overcommitting to volatility, Bitcoin Hyper represents a different angle.

It offers familiarity through its association with Bitcoin, while positioning itself in a way that may benefit from shifts in sentiment rather than immediate price action. This combination is increasingly appealing as investors rethink what the best crypto to buy now actually means in a low-energy market.

Investor psychology is doing the heavy lifting One of the defining features of the current environment is psychological rather than technical. When markets move fast, decisions tend to be emotional. When markets slow down, behavior changes. Investors begin to observe more, question assumptions, and explore ideas that might have been overlooked during more aggressive phases.

Data from digital asset research firms supports this pattern. According to broader market flow insights published by organizations such as CoinShares, periods of reduced volatility often coincide with capital rotation rather than outright withdrawal. This helps explain why interest can quietly build around projects like Bitcoin Hyper even in the absence of major catalysts.

Timing matters more than noise The idea of identifying the best crypto to buy now is less about immediate upside and more about alignment with the market cycle. In early 2026, the cycle appears to be transitioning rather than trending. Momentum has stalled, but confidence has not vanished.

Projects that can remain visible during this transition often benefit when activity eventually returns. Bitcoin Hyper’s growing presence during a subdued market suggests it is resonating with investors who are thinking ahead rather than reacting to daily fluctuations.

Ongoing coverage at NewsBTC continues to highlight this shift, as market narratives increasingly focus on selective positioning instead of broad rallies.

What investors are watching next As the year progresses, attention is likely to remain on how projects behave during extended periods of uncertainty. Engagement levels, consistency of interest, and the ability to stay relevant without strong price momentum are becoming key indicators.

For those evaluating the best crypto to buy now, Bitcoin Hyper is being monitored through exactly this lens. Its appeal is not built on short-term hype, but on how it fits into a market that is recalibrating rather than accelerating.

👉 Take a closer look at Bitcoin Hyper’s current positioning:

While no single project offers certainty, periods like this often reward patience and perspective. As the market continues to pause, the groundwork for the next phase is quietly being laid.

Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency investments involve risk. Market conditions can change rapidly, and losses may occur. Always conduct your own research before making investment decisions.

Bitcoin is changing hands at $78,162 today, with a market capitalization of $1.56 trillion and 24-hour trading volume surging to $54.86 billion. It has swung between $77,642 and $79,130 over the past day—tight, yes, but deceptively charged with indecision.

By several measures, activity on the network remains near peak levels, which has industry leaders plussed about the plunge in ether's price. Feb 3, 2026, 1:22 p.m.

Ether’s weekend slide at the turn of February revived a familiar question: is the Ethereum network falling behind newer competitors or struggling to justify its valuation?

STORY CONTINUES BELOW

As ETH plunged by as much as 17% alongside most of crypto, skeptics wondered whether this was a warning sign that the protocol’s dominance may be eroding.

Yet inside Ethereum’s ecosystem, the sell-off has not been met with the same alarm. Developers and long-term players largely framed the move as a market-driven correction rather than a verdict on Ethereum’s health.

By several measures, network activity remains near peak levels. “Ethereum TVL is actually near all-time highs when denominated in ETH,” said Sam Ruskin, an analyst at Messari, suggesting capital has not meaningfully fled the ecosystem even as the token’s dollar price slipped.

(ETH TVL denominated in ETH/ DefiLlama)

Other indicators point in the same direction. The entry queue for ETH staking — the wait validators face to help secure the network — has stretched to roughly 70 days, a signal that demand to commit capital to Ethereum, especially among large institutions, remains strong despite short-term volatility.

That resilience is also showing up across decentralized finance, where activity has held up even as prices have soured. Traders and users are still engaging with onchain applications in search of yield, a sign that usage has not evaporated alongside sentiment.

“We’re still growing and getting more users and revenue, but token price is lagging,” said Mike Silagadze, the CEO of ether.fi, one of the largest restaking networks, to CoinDesk over Telegram. “We’re just focusing on the long run.”

Some market observers argue that the price move itself is being overinterpreted. Marcin Kazmierczak, CEO of blockchain data firm RedStone, said ether’s decline looks more like market “noise” than a signal of weakening fundamentals, particularly as retail trading activity fades. What matters more, he said, is a level of institutional conviction around onchain finance that he hasn’t seen before.

“The absence of retail excitement is actually refreshing - the next cycle will be driven by real adoption, not memes, and it allows builders to focus on creating long-term value,” Kazmierczak added.

That disconnect between price action and progress on the ground is a familiar pattern in Ethereum’s history. Periods of market turbulence have often coincided with some of the network’s most consequential development milestones, as builders continue to ship regardless of short-term sentiment.

“As we have seen with the Merge, the market is pretty bad at pricing in the fundamental technical realities of chains,” said Marius Van Der Wijden, a core developer at the Ethereum Foundation, noting that major technical changes are often only fully reflected in prices well after they are completed.

For some analysts, the divergence between price and onchain data reflects broader market dynamics rather than Ethereum-specific weakness. Ruskin said the network “looks as healthy as it ever did,” arguing that ETH’s recent decline is more closely tied to bitcoin’s movements or wider market sentiment than to any deterioration in Ethereum’s fundamentals.

Read more: DeFi’s quiet strength: Value locked on platforms holds as market selloff tests traders

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Reports suggesting a deepening strategic alignment, and a potential full-blown merger, between SpaceX and xAI have sent ripples through both the aerospace and artificial intelligence sectors.

The theoretical combination creates a vertically integrated behemoth: SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network provides the global nervous system, while xAI’s Grok models function as the brain. This isn’t just about corporate consolidation; it creates a distributed compute infrastructure capable of bypassing traditional terrestrial bottlenecks entirely.

For the broader market, a $1.25T synergy of this magnitude signals that AI is moving from a software novelty to a fundamental infrastructure layer. If Starlink terminals become edge computing nodes for xAI, the latency issues plaguing real-time AI applications could practically vanish.

However, this massive centralization of data and connectivity has triggered a second-order effect. Investors are now hunting for the antidote: decentralized, application-specific AI platforms that operate outside the purview of Big Tech monopolies.

Capital is increasingly rotating into protocols that use AI for specific utilities, particularly in the creator economy, while maintaining Web3 sovereignty.

The market logic is simple: while Musk builds the global hardware rails, the profitable application layer belongs to decentralized protocols that solve immediate user pain points like censorship and high fees. Leading this shift in the content creation sector is SUBBD Token ($SUBBD), a platform merging generative AI tools with blockchain payment rails.

You can buy $SUBBD here.

SUBBD Token Deploys AI Agents to Disintermediate Creator Platforms While SpaceX and xAI focus on the macro infrastructure, the $85 billion content creation industry is facing its own AI revolution at the micro level.

SUBBD Token ($SUBBD) has emerged as a direct challenger to legacy Web2 platforms like OnlyFans and Patreon. Frankly, the old model is struggling—creators are tired of losing up to 70% of revenue to fees and facing arbitrary bans.

SUBBD utilizes Ethereum-based smart contracts to guarantee payment transparency, but its real differentiator is the proprietary AI suite.

The platform addresses the ‘scalability problem’ of human influence. Through features like AI Voice Cloning and AI Influencers, creators can automate personalized interactions with fans, scaling their presence without the burnout. The data suggests a pivot in how digital content is consumed; passive viewing is being replaced by interactive, AI-driven engagement.

SUBBD’s ‘HoneyHive’ model allows for the curation of these AI-driven personas, effectively tokenizing the relationship between creator and audience.

Plus, the integration of an AI Personal Assistant automates the backend workflow for creators, handling scheduling and interaction data. By shifting these tools onto a decentralized architecture, SUBBD prevents the kind of de-platforming risks associated with centralized tech giants. It’s a pragmatic application of AI: using automation not just to generate content, but to protect revenue streams and cut down on platform friction.

Explore the SUBBD Token presale here.

Presale Data Indicates Shift Toward Application-Layer AI Assets The appetite for decentralized AI utility is reflected in the capital flows surrounding the SUBBD Token presale. According to the latest on-chain data, the project has successfully raised over $1.4M, signaling strong retail and whale confidence in the intersection of SocialFi and AI.

With tokens currently priced at $0.05749, early positioning suggests investors are betting on the platform capturing a distinct slice of the creator economy market share before the full public launch.

Beyond the capital raise, the protocol’s staking mechanics are designed to encourage long-term holding patterns—a critical factor for volatility management in low-cap assets.

The project offers a fixed 20% APY for the first year of staking. This high yield acts as an incentive for supply lock-up, reducing sell pressure while the platform’s beta features roll out. Unlike speculative meme coins, this staking structure is tied to platform benefits, including access to exclusive ‘Behind The Scenes’ (BTS) drops and XP multipliers for platform governance.

As major infrastructure players like xAI and SpaceX consolidate power, smart money is diversifying into the application layer. SUBBD represents a functional hedge: a decentralized platform that uses the same generative AI advancements pushing the industry forward, but structures them to benefit individual creators rather than a centralized monopoly.

Visit the $SUBBD presale.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Cryptocurrency investments, particularly in presale stages, carry inherent risks including high volatility. Always conduct your own due diligence before making investment decisions.

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Journalist

Posted: February 3, 2026

DeepBook [DEEP] has shown impressive momentum, recording a 19% daily gain at press time and shifting sentiment back in favor of the bulls.

This sharp move comes after a period of minimal price activity, highlighting strong buyer interest. As momentum builds, the key question is whether this surge has enough strength to sustain further gains.

Accumulation signals emerge from on-chain divergence DEEP’s on-chain metrics support the bullish case, according to recent reports. The divergence between DEEP’s adjusted price and Daily Active Addresses has recorded notable gains over the same period.

At the time of writing, the Adjusted Price DAA Divergence stood at 0.031 after a daily narrow margin surge.

In most cases, such divergence reflects growing conviction among investors. Instead of chasing short-term moves, participants in the DEEP market seem to be positioning for a potential continuation.

If this investor behaviour persists, it could help sustain upward momentum.

Source: Santiment

Trading volume confirms strength behind the move At the same time, DEEP’s trading volume has also reacted to the price gain, recording a significant increase over the same period.

Usually, rising volume alongside price validates a breakout, indicating that the rally is backed by strong participation rather than thin liquidity. This reduces the risk of a quick reversal and strengthens the case for further upside.

Source: Santiment

Can DEEP test the $0.04 resistance next? From a technical perspective, the next key level under investor scrutiny lies near the $0.04 psychological resistance. That price level was the last key price inflection point that initiated the recent bearish run.

However, short-term consolidation cannot be ruled out. After a sharp daily gain, brief pullbacks are common as traders lock in profits.

But the asset’s broader bullish structure remains intact as long as buyers defend recent support zones. The Stochastic RSI was in an oversold zone as of writing.

This affirms that the bullish run continuation is far from over in the near term.

Source: TradingView

What’s next for DEEP That said, DEEP’s rally appears supported by improving on-chain activity, rising volume, and accumulation signals. If these trends continue, a move towards the $0.04 level looks increasingly plausible.

Final Thoughts DEEP’s adjusted price and active address divergence point to ongoing accumulation. Strong volume supports bullish momentum, keeping $0.04 firmly in focus.

Crypto entrepreneur Stani Kulechov has purchased a mansion in London’s Notting Hill district for £22 million, or about $30 million, one of the priciest residential deals in the city over the past year. 

According to a Tuesday report by Bloomberg, the DeFi lending platform Aave founder secured the property in November for about £2 million below the guide price. The home is a Victorian property spread over five floors and with wide views over the Notting Hill neighborhood.

The acquisition comes as London’s high-end housing market struggles with falling prices, lower transaction volumes, and tax-driven headwinds that have affected properties in the “wealthy” side of London since November.

Kulechov has previously voiced support for the UK as a potential region ripe for crypto innovation. He welcomed guidance from the UK tax authority HM Revenue and Customs, indicating that locking digital assets as collateral in DeFi lending would not in itself count as a taxable event.

Aave founder buys property in struggling UK real estate market Kulechov is a Russian-born Finnish lawyer who founded the decentralized finance platform Aave in 2017, originally under the name ETHLend. The protocol has grown into one of the largest DeFi lending markets, with more than $50 billion in assets deposited in its pools. 

The transaction was made during a period that economists had dubbed difficult for London’s luxury housing sector. The market has been pressured by tax changes introduced under the Labour government, including higher stamp duties and the removal of a preferential tax regime previously used by wealthy foreign residents. 

According to researchers at LonRes, home sales above £5 million in December dropped by 40% compared with the same month a year earlier. Moreover, the top of the market is expected to face tough times ahead, as new levies are expected to take effect in 2028. That backdrop has led to cautious pricing, longer marketing periods, and more frequent discounts from asking prices in prime districts.

Even so, West London neighborhoods have hosted several of the year’s most notable purchases. Some areas, such as Holland Park and Notting Hill, are still attracting high-value transactions, with the spot where Kulechov bought a house “holding up the strongest” for price growth among prime central London districts in the final quarter of the year.

The UK Office for National Statistics data shows there were deeper price corrections in the capital’s most expensive boroughs, including a 4.6% annual drop in central London prices, following a 4.3% fall in October. 

The steepest declines appeared in areas traditionally favored by international buyers, with average prices in Westminster dropping 15.5% over the year to £866,000. In Kensington and Chelsea, prices dropped 16.3% to an average of £1.19 million. 

Economists believe some overseas owners have exited due to a drop in new foreign demand following the government’s revision of “non-dom” tax rules. On the other hand, outer London boroughs like Havering and Bromley saw annual price increases of 5.2% and 6% respectively. 

Uptick in values of properties in outer districts softened the citywide picture, yet London’s overall average house price still slipped 1.2% in the year to November, settling near £553,000. That followed a 2.6% annual decline recorded in October.

Tax speculation dampens high-end house demand  Towards the end of January, property portal Zoopla’s executive Richard Donnell said the speculation ahead of Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ November Budget “hit demand and market activity at the upper end of the housing market”. Reeves later announced a council tax surcharge starting in April 2028 for homes valued above £2 million, most of which are in London and the South East.

In a BBC poll of 1,000 people aged 25 to 45 in Greater London, 42% said they may be forced to leave the city despite not wanting to move. Nearly two-thirds of young respondents said they are using some form of borrowing to meet housing costs.

Looking at the rest of the UK, the National House Building Council reported 115,350 new homes registered for construction in 2025, up 11% from 103,669 in 2024. Private sector registrations increased 12% year-on-year to 75,227. The rental and affordable housing segment recorded a 10% gain, with 40,123 homes registered, up from 36,404 a year earlier. 

Get seen where it counts. Advertise in Cryptopolitan Research and reach crypto’s sharpest investors and builders.

"Currently, a 10 billion market cap, this thing is not even worth $1 billion," one X user argued.

The latest cryptocurrency market crash was brutal, sending Cardano’s ADA to multi-month lows.

Some analysts believe the storm may not be over, warning the price could nosedive by as much as 75% in the short term.

The Bad Days for the Bulls Aren’t Over? Several hours ago, ADA plunged to 0.27, the lowest level since August 2024. Currently, it trades at around $0.29 (per CoinGecko’s data), representing a 15% decline on a weekly scale.

ADA Price, Source: CoinGecko The well-known analyst DrBullZeus claimed that the asset is now nearing “a must hold support zone” at the range of $0.24-$0.28. He thinks that breaking below that level could result in a price crash to $0.125 and even $0.075.

The popular trader Matthew Dixon also chipped in. He suggested that “technically speaking,” ADA has retraced in three waves since the local top seen towards the end of 2024. He outlined $0.24 as a “very important long-term support,” predicting that as long as it holds, the price could rebound.

“A break of support would be a serious concern,” he alerted.

Prior to that, Harmonic Trader predicted that in six months, ADA might trade under $0.10. “Currently, a 10 billion market cap, this thing is not even worth $1 billion,” they argued.

Time to Rally? Despite ADA’s recent price decline, some other analysts remain optimistic that a resurgence could be on the way. One of them, using the X nickname “Lucky,” asked their almost two million followers whether they plan to increase their exposure to the token at current rates. The analyst also envisioned a potential pump to nearly $1 in the near future.

You may also like: Crypto Trading Activity Hits Yearly Lows as Holiday Lull Freezes Markets Bitcoin (BTC) Stops at $90K After the FOMC Meeting, Cardano (ADA) Plunges by 10%: Market Watch Whales Are Leaning Into Ethereum (ETH) and Cardano (ADA): Retail Is Lagging Behind LaPetite is also bullish. Several days ago, he forecasted that ADA is about to go “parabolic,” claiming that “huge announcements” concerning Cardano are coming soon.

The recent exchange netflows signal that a rebound could indeed be on the horizon. Data provided by CoinGlass shows that over the past days and weeks, outflows have significantly outpaced inflows. This means investors have been shifting from centralized platforms to self-custody, which in turn reduces immediate selling pressure.

ADA Exchange Netflow, Source: CoinGlass Tags:

Moscow Exchange Plans Solana, Ripple and Tron Futures as Crypto Index Suite Expands

Tanzeel Akhtar

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Tanzeel Akhtar

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Feb 2018

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Tanzeel Akhtar has been reporting on cryptocurrency and blockchain technology since 2015. Her work has appeared in leading publications including The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, CoinDesk, Bitcoin...

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4 minutes ago

The Moscow Exchange (MOEX) is preparing to broaden its suite of cryptocurrency products in 2026 by launching new futures contracts tied to major digital assets including Solana (SOL), Ripple (XRP) and Tron (TRX), according to an executive interview with RBC.

The exchange, which already calculates and trades futures on its Bitcoin and Ethereum indices revealed plans to introduce three new crypto indices reflecting price dynamics for Solana, Ripple and Tron — and subsequently offer futures contracts based on each of these benchmarks.

Maria Silkina, Chief Manager of the Derivatives Product Group at the Moscow Exchange, told RBC in the “Investment Hour” program that expanding the exchange’s crypto pairings is a priority for the coming year, starting with some of the “top names” in the market.

“During this year we will be expanding pairs and probably the top names that will definitely be among the first are Solana, Ripple and Tron… after that we will see how it goes,” Silkina said.

Index Foundation Crucial to Futures LaunchSilkina stressed that futures contracts on crypto assets require underlying indices as a reference price, explaining that futures cannot exist without clearly defined and published benchmarks.

Currently MOEX calculates indices for Bitcoin and Ethereum in accordance with a transparent methodology available on its website, and futures related to those indices are actively traded on the derivatives market.

“We are developing MOEX crypto indices, we calculate them according to methodology, they are disclosed on the website. A future cannot be launched without a base asset. Naturally, indices must appear, they must be calculated and published, and only after that can the future appear. Otherwise, a future cannot exist,” Silkina explained.

The proposed new futures contracts will be cash-settled — like the existing Bitcoin and Ethereum contracts — meaning they do not involve physical delivery of the underlying cryptocurrency, in line with current Bank of Russia regulations.

These cash-settled contracts will expire monthly and follow the same design framework as the BTC and ETH futures already available.

Per current Russian law, derivatives tied to cryptocurrency indices on the Moscow Exchange will only be accessible to qualified investors.

Perpetual Futures and Options Under ConsiderationIn addition to the new index futures, the exchange is evaluating the introduction of perpetual futures — one-day contracts that automatically roll over — for the major cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Silkina confirmed that after broadening the range of futures pairs, the exchange also plans to introduce perpetual futures and options on the same indices.

“After expanding the lineup of futures to other pairs, we also plan perpetual futures and options. But all this will be added gradually. The perpetual future will be on the same index that currently has a monthly future,” Silkina said.

The development marks another step by one of Russia’s largest financial markets towards institutionalizing crypto derivatives trading within existing regulatory frameworks, offering professional traders and institutions more tools for exposure, hedging and price discovery in digital assets.

Russia Limits Crypto Buyers to $4,000 AnnuallyRussia’s State Duma also plans to finalize legislation by July 1, 2026, establishing a two-tier crypto access system that caps non-qualified investors at 300,000 rubles ($4,000) annually while granting unlimited purchasing power to qualified investors, according to Anatoly Aksakov, head of the State Duma Committee on Financial Markets, in an interview with Parlamentskaya Gazeta.

The framework, based on the Bank of Russia’s December concept submitted to the government, treats digital currencies and stablecoins as tradable currency assets while maintaining their prohibition for domestic payments.

Bitcoin stabilized near $78,000 as spot ETF inflows turned positive on supportive macro data, easing pressure across major cryptocurrencies; liquidations stand at $303.54 million over the past 24 hours. Bitcoin ETFs saw $561.9 million in net inflows on Monday, while Ethereum ETFs reported $2.86 million in net outflows.

US ISM Manufacturing PMI Hits a 3-Year High: What It Means for BitcoinUS ISM Manufacturing PMI jumped to 52.6, ending nearly a year of contraction.Crypto analysts link PMI expansion phases with past Bitcoin bull market cycles.Others warn PMI signals Fed policy shifts, not direct crypto price action.The US ISM Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) reached 52.6 in January 2026, breaking above the critical 50 level for the first time in a year.

The January reading marks a shift from contraction to expansion. Investors and analysts are now exploring links between manufacturing PMI trends and Bitcoin price cycles.

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US PMI Breaks Expansion Threshold After Year-Long SlumpThe US ISM Manufacturing PMI is a closely watched economic gauge that offers an early snapshot of the health of the US manufacturing sector. The index is released by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM).

It is based on surveys of purchasing managers across the country. These executives report on changes in new orders, production levels, employment, supplier deliveries, and inventories, providing real-time insight into factory activity.

The PMI is measured on a scale from 0 to 100. A reading above 50 signals expansion in manufacturing activity, while a figure below 50 points to contraction.

In January 2026, the ISM Manufacturing PMI beat forecasts, rising to 52.6 from 47.9 in December 2025. This marked the strongest reading since August 2022 and signaled a return to expansion after nearly a year of contraction.

US ISM Manufacturing PMI For January 2026. Source: Trading EconomicsIt was also the first time the index moved above the 50 threshold since January 2025. The 4.6-point jump represents a notable turnaround in sentiment within the manufacturing sector.

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What Does Manufacturing PMI Expansion Mean for Bitcoin?The latest rebound in the US Manufacturing PMI has fueled optimism across the crypto community. The key question is: why? Analysts suggest that periods of PMI expansion have often coincided with major Bitcoin rallies.

One of the longest ISM Manufacturing PMI contraction periods in U.S. history ended this morning with a breakout to 52.6, up 4.7 points from December.

Past breakouts in 2013, 2016, and 2020 served as key catalysts for Bitcoin's major bull runs.

This ends 26 consecutive months of…

— Joe Burnett, MSBA (@IIICapital) February 2, 2026 Crypto trader Michaël van de Poppe echoed a similar view, pointing out that previous Bitcoin and crypto bull markets tended to unfold when the PMI remained above the 50 level.

With the index now back in expansion territory, he suggested that macro conditions could once again support sustained upside momentum across the digital asset market.

“The previous bull markets on Bitcoin and Crypto happened when it was above 50. We came from the longest period <50 without a recession. It’s time for Bitcoin to shine. We’re a lot closer to the end of the bear market,” he wrote.

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Crypto analyst TheRealPlanC also argued that Bitcoin should be analyzed through a broader macroeconomic and business-cycle framework, rather than relying solely on the traditional four-year halving narrative.

“If you don’t upgrade your understanding of the Bitcoin cycle from the 4-year halving mirage mindset to a business cycle / macro mindset fast… You will miss the boat completely on the second massive leg of this Bitcoin bull market!” the post read.

Manufacturing PMI: Monetary Policy Indicator, Not a Direct Bitcoin CatalystSome analysts caution that the PMI surge is not a direct driver of Bitcoin price action. Brett argued that the index mainly signals future monetary policy changes. Understanding this difference is key to expectations around the crypto market.

“ISM is not a 1:1 indicator for Bitcoin. It’s a better indicator of future Fed policy,” he said.

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Brett noted that while the reading is broadly bullish for the economy, it carries an important caveat for markets. A stronger ISM typically reduces the urgency for the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates.

Historically, periods in which the ISM remains in expansion territory have seen the Fed more inclined to pause or even hike rates rather than pivot toward easing. Higher interest rates are generally unfavorable for crypto markets. Tighter financial conditions tend to reduce liquidity and dampen risk appetite for assets like Bitcoin.

The analyst also pointed to several historical divergences between Bitcoin and the index. In 2014 to 2015 and again in 2018 to 2019, ISM readings ranged from 52 to 59, yet Bitcoin entered extended bear markets.

Conversely, from 2023 to 2025, the ISM stayed below 50 for roughly two years while Bitcoin surged by around 700%.

Nice to see some other guys on this platform that actually post thoughtful takes on macro and how it relates to crypto.

So many just take everything to mean "alt season is around the corner."

Only a few people actually have well thought out takes on the market. https://t.co/TLYc8rEAUX

— Benjamin Cowen (@intocryptoverse) February 3, 2026 With the outlook split, the coming months will be key in determining whether the improvement in US manufacturing activity translates into a sustained Bitcoin recovery or remains a macro signal with limited impact on crypto prices.

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Bitcoin (BTC/USD) is recovering and trading near $78,406 as it works to stabilize after a large $2.5 billion liquidation. Binance began rebalancing its treasury by buying $100 million in Bitcoin during the recent price dip, drawing attention from the market. This is not just a single trade. It marks the beginning of a $1 billion accumulation plan that aims to tie the world’s largest exchange more closely to Bitcoin, the main asset in the crypto ecosystem.

The “Buy the Dip” Breakdown: Binance’s $1B SAFU ShiftOn February 2, 2026, Binance officially kicked off its plan to convert the entirety of its Secure Asset Fund for Users (SAFU) from stablecoins into Bitcoin.

This emergency insurance fund, set up in 2018 to protect users from major losses, is changing its risk profile to better match crypto-native principles.

Initial Batch Completed: Binance converted $100 million worth of stablecoins into approximately 1,315 BTC. Average Entry Price: The transaction was executed at an average price of roughly $77,409.89 per coin as Bitcoin traded near nine-month lows. Ongoing Buying Pressure: With approximately $900 million in stablecoin buying power still remaining, Binance intends to complete the full conversion within the next 27–28 days. The Floor Mechanism: Binance has committed to maintaining the SAFU fund at a $1 billion target value. Crucially, if price fluctuations cause the fund to drop below $800 million, the exchange will top it back up by purchasing more Bitcoin, creating an implicit support mechanism for the market. Market Momentum: The “Warsh-Driven” StabilizationThe broader price action is currently defined by a “stabilization bounce” following a period of extreme fear. The nomination of Kevin Warsh as the next Federal Reserve Chair initially sparked a risk-off rotation that bolstered the U.S. Dollar, but Bitcoin has found resilient structural support near the $74,500 mark.

Institutional Resiliency: While some retail sentiment has cooled, corporations like Hyperscale Data continue to expand their holdings, now possessing over 575 BTC. Sentiment Reset: The Fear & Greed Index recently hit extreme lows of 17, a reading that historically signals a potential market bottom before a relief rally. Dominance Levels: Bitcoin maintains a commanding 57.55% market share, acting as the primary anchor for the total $2.72 trillion crypto market capitalization. Bitcoin (BTC/USD) Technical Analysis: Spotting the Next BreakoutBitcoin price prediction is strongly bearish as BTC’s daily chart shows a battle between falling resistance and key Fibonacci support while the market searches for direction. Bitcoin is now testing the 0.236 Fibonacci level at $78,400. Staying above this level is important to avoid dropping back to the $74,666 support.

Bitcoin Price Chart Source: TradingviewThe Relative Strength Index (RSI) recently dropped to about 28, which is considered oversold. This means the recent sell-off was steep, and a strong short squeeze could be on the way.

The price remains below the 50-day EMA and 200-day SMA, which are now strong resistance levels around $85,000.

Significant liquidity pools are found near $70,837 and $67,387, which could act as magnetic support if the current rebound slows down.

Conclusion: A Strategic Bet on the Future of MoneyBinance’s move to convert the SAFU fund is more than just a balance sheet change. It’s a calculated bet on Bitcoin’s long-term role as a mainstream macro asset. By removing $1 billion in stablecoin exposure, Binance is signaling that it sees Bitcoin as the ultimate Premier long-term store of value.

While short-term volatility is still high, steady buying from Binance and other institutions is creating a solid base for the next cycle.

Trade Idea: Watch for a confirmed daily close above $80,700 to consider a tactical long entry, aiming for a move toward $88,000 with a stop-loss below $74,000.

Bitcoin Hyper: The Next Evolution of BTC on Solana?d for security, Bitcoin Hyper adds what it always lacked: Solana-level speed. The result: lightning-fast, low-cost smart contracts, decentralized apps, and even meme coin creation, all secured by Bitcoin.

Audited by Consult, the project emphasizes trust and scalability as adoption builds. And momentum is already strong. The presale has surpassed $31.2 million, with tokens priced at just $0.013675 before the next increase.

As Bitcoin activity climbs and demand for efficient BTC-based apps rises, Bitcoin Hyper stands out as the bridge uniting two of crypto’s biggest ecosystems. If Bitcoin built the foundation, Bitcoin Hyper could make it fast, flexible, and fun again.

Click Here to Participate in the Presale

Cover image via U.Today 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.

Ethereum (ETH) has, in the last seven days, suffered a decline of over 21% as volatility continues to affect the coin’s performance. However, it appears a reversal is on the horizon as Lookonchain, an on-chain analytics platform, has spotted 6,368 ETH exiting the Binance exchange.

Ethereum whale activity signals confidenceNotably, the 6,368 ETH, valued at $14.79 million, was pulled out of the world’s largest crypto exchange by a wallet believed to belong to the portfolio manager at HashKey Capital, Jacob Zhao.

The move suggests that Zhao is not looking to sell the asset anytime soon. Rather, he is moving it into self-custody or staking. Since the wallet is linked to a professional fund manager, it signals confidence in the outlook of Ethereum on the crypto market despite ongoing volatility.

The Ethereum community is already bullish about this large withdrawal, with some opining that professional investors rarely move such volume off exchanges for short-term trades. They expressed excitement that, despite the lingering volatility, Ethereum has the potential to bounce back.

Ethereum has fluctuated between a low of $2,265.60 and a peak of $2,393.06 within the last 24 hours. As of this writing, Ethereum exchanges hands at $2,281.71, which represents a slight increase of 0.19% for the coin.

However, trading volume remains low and has dropped by 35.65% to $34.94 billion. This is likely due to institutional dumping by BlackRock. The asset management giant has, within the past 48 hours, deposited 59,327 ETH worth about $133.6 million onto Coinbase. Such a move is causing some retail investors to approach the market with caution.

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Institutional Ethereum staking sparks confidenceNonetheless, market watchers expect that this will improve as whales are entering an accumulation mode. As U.Today reported, a well-known whale entity referred to as "7 Siblings" has been very active and spent about $31 million in buying the dip.

If such massive accumulation continues on several fronts, it could trigger increased volume and impact the price positively.

Meanwhile, Ethereum treasury giant BitMine has staked over half of its ETH reserves. As spotted by Arkham Intelligence, BitMine moved 209,504 ETH into staking contracts. This is considered a bullish indicator, as it suggests confidence in the future price outlook for Ethereum.

While the asset is staked, BitMine is able to generate between $190 million and $200 million annually in revenue from it.

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The Ethereum price has not been immune to the sharp downturn that swept through the broader crypto market over the weekend. Selling pressure intensified into Monday, pushing the second‑largest crypto down toward the $2,150 level at its lows. 

Even so, some analysts remain confident that Ethereum’s longer‑term structure still points to significantly higher prices.

Ethereum Price Builds Long‑Term Breakout Pressure  According to an analysis shared by market commentator Bitcoinsensus on the social media platform X (previously Twitter), the Ethereum price has been moving sideways on the weekly chart within a compression pattern that has been forming for roughly four years. 

This extended consolidation, the analyst argues, is building pressure for a major breakout once the range is resolved. Based on this long‑term pattern, Bitcoinsensus suggests that ETH could eventually target levels near $7,000 per coin. 

From current prices around $2,337 at the time of writing, such a move would represent a gain of roughly 200%. However, the analysis also carries a note of caution. 

The 1-D chart shows Ethereum’s price recovery above $2,300. Source: ETHUSDT on TradingView.com Despite the bullish long‑term outlook, the Ethereum price may not move higher in a straight line. The analyst warned that price could first revisit the lower boundary of the compression channel, which sits near $1,700 on the weekly chart. 

If that scenario unfolds and the psychologically important $2,000 support level fails to hold, the Ethereum price could face an additional decline of about 27% before finding stronger demand.

Such a drop would further widen the gap between current prices and Ethereum’s all‑time high of $4,946, which was set last year. At present, ETH remains roughly 53% below that peak.

Next Growth Phase Beyond chart patterns, other analysts point to fundamental factors that could support the Ethereum price over the longer term. In a recent report, analysts at The Motley Fool outlined several potential catalysts that they believe could drive ETH higher in the year. 

They argued that growth may come not only from increased network usage, but also from rising interest among institutions and corporate treasuries looking to gain exposure to digital assets.

One potential driver is broader adoption across the blockchain sector. The analysts noted that progress on stablecoin legislation and growing interest in real‑world asset (RWA) tokenization could mark a turning point for the industry as a whole. 

Staking is another area that could enhance Ethereum’s appeal. As a proof‑of‑stake network, Ethereum allows holders to earn rewards by locking up their tokens. Currently, most spot Ethereum exchange‑traded funds (ETFs) do not offer staking rewards, but that could change. 

In December, BlackRock filed paperwork with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for a staked Ethereum ETF, a move that the analysts believe could open the door to broader participation in staking through regulated investment products.

The evolution of layer‑2 networks is also seen as a potential tailwind. Analysts expect a combination of technical upgrades, economic incentives, and community‑driven initiatives to address what they describe as a value imbalance between the base layer and layer‑2 networks.

Featured image from OpenArt, chart from TradingView.com 

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Bitcoin-backed borrowing at the Gibraltar-based Xapo Bank is increasingly being used for long-term financial planning rather than short-term liquidity, according to the bank’s 2025 Digital Wealth Report.

Shared with Cointelegraph, the report says 52% of the Bitcoin-backed loans issued by Xapo in 2025 carried a 365-day term, with many of those loans remaining open even as new loan creation slowed later in the year.

The bank, which primarily caters to high-net-worth individuals and private clients, said the trend reflects members using Bitcoin as collateral to unlock liquidity while preserving long-term exposure, rather than tapping loans for temporary cash needs.

“Long-term Bitcoiners, many of whom are now holding the majority of their wealth in Bitcoin, finally felt comfortable taking some profit,” the report said. “At the same time, the underlying conviction didn’t waver. Most of our long-term members continued to hold the bulk of their Bitcoin through periods of heavy market movement.”

The data comes from Xapo’s first calendar year of operating its Bitcoin-backed lending product, which allows qualified clients to borrow US dollars against their Bitcoin holdings. It offers a view into how Bitcoin is being used inside regulated banking rails as productive collateral integrated into longer-term financial planning.

From launch narrative to observed behaviorXapo launched its Bitcoin-backed USD loans on March 18, 2025, targeting long-term Bitcoin holders seeking liquidity without selling their assets. 

At the time, the bank positioned the product as a conservative alternative to earlier crypto lending models, offering loan terms of up to 365 days and relatively low loan-to-value ratios. 

Xapo Bank CEO Seamus Rocca previously told Cointelegraph that growing confidence in Bitcoin’s long-term outlook was encouraging holders to borrow rather than liquidate their positions, signaling a shift away from short-term speculation toward longer-term thinking.

The 2025 report suggests that expectation has materialized in practice. While loan issuance moderated later in the year, outstanding loan balances continued to grow, indicating that borrowers were keeping loans open rather than using them as short-term liquidity tools.

Rocca said in the report that the pattern reflects “disciplined, private-bank-style financial behaviour,” with members using Bitcoin as productive capital rather than a short-term liquidity tool.

Loan volumes are also concentrated in regions like Europe and Latin America. According to Xapo Bank, the two regions accounted for 85% of total loan volume, at 56% and 29% respectively.

Members' BTC holdings, per region, quarter-on-quarter. Source: Xapo BankMagazine: DAT panic dumps 73,000 ETH, India’s crypto tax stays: Asia Express

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

Cardano price extended higher in today’s session as traders reacted to a regulatory development that adds a new dimension to ADA’s short-term outlook. After weeks of compression and downside pressure, price action has begun to stabilize as Cardano-linked ETFs surfaced in the U.S. Rather than triggering an impulsive spike, the news coincided with controlled accumulation, hinting that the market may be repositioning rather than chasing. That subtle change sets the stage for a more consequential question: Is ADA transitioning from correction to recovery?

ETF Filing Puts Cardano Back on the Institutional RadarThe catalyst came from a filing submitted by Volatility Shares Trust, which registered Form N-1A amendments covering spot Cardano ETF exposure, alongside 2x and 3x leveraged Cardano ETFs. The products are designed to track ADA’s daily performance and remain subject to regulatory approval, but the structure itself matters. This is not an approval event, yet it signals something important. Issuers typically prepare filings only when they believe market demand and regulatory conditions are worth testing. Including both spot and leveraged variants suggests expectations of sustained liquidity and active trading interest, not just a short-lived narrative.

NEWS: 🇺🇸 Volatility Shares Trust filed N-1A for 3 Cardano $ADA ETFs.

The filing include Cardano ETF, 2x leveraged Cardano ETF and 3x leveraged Cardano ETF.

Now pending regulatory approval. pic.twitter.com/chZY4NdxmN

— Cardanians (CRDN) (@Cardanians_io) February 3, 2026 From a market perspective, such filings tend to work less as instant price triggers and more as sentiment resets. They introduce optionality. Investors begin pricing in the possibility of regulated exposure, which can alter medium-term positioning even before any decision is made. That backdrop helps explain why ADA’s reaction has been controlled rather than euphoric.

ADA Price Tests Key Demand Zone: Reversal Imminent?Cardano’s price action has entered a critical phase after breaking down from its prior trading range and sliding into a well-defined demand zone. The latest rebound shows a controlled accumulation and the market is reassessing whether ADA can see a recovery in the short-term. As Cardano price reached its make or break zone near $0.300, downside follow-through has weakened, with tighter candles and reduced extension lower. This behaviour typically signals seller exhaustion rather than renewed bearish conviction. 

The structure forming inside the demand zone is notable. Rather than a sharp bounce, ADA appears to be building base, hinting at a potential transition from a trending phase into consolidation. If ADA holds the demand zone, it may rotate toward the 50 day EMA area of $0.4300 followed by 200-day EMA zone of $0.500 in the near term. For now, ADA is at a crucial decision point, either confirming a structural base for a recovery attempt of failing support and extending the broader corrective trend. The next directional move will depend entirely on how price behaves around this demand zone.

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.

Investment Disclaimer:All opinions and insights shared represent the author's own views on current market conditions. Please do your own research before making investment decisions. Neither the writer nor the publication assumes responsibility for your financial choices.

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Amid an overall crypto market decline, the XRP price has fallen nearly 15% this week to the $1.53 zone. Despite the drop, veteran trader CasiTrades sees signs of a short-term recovery towards $2 as XRP tests a key technical support area known as the golden pocket.

XRP Rally Fades as Market Sentiment Turns BearishXRP started 2026 on a strong bullish note, rising nearly 30% to reach a high of $2.41 in the early weeks of January. This rally was mainly driven by growing regulatory clarity and optimism around new XRP ETF approvals, which attracted millions of dollars in steady inflows.

However, that positive momentum did not last long. As market excitement cooled, many investors began booking profits, leading to a broader sell-off. XRP was not spared from this shift and soon slipped back below the important $2 level.

Fast forward to today, XRP is trading near $1.60 and showing early signs of stabilization after recently falling to a low of $1.53.

Important Resistance Levels to Watch for XRPAs per Casitrade’s analysis, XRP has completed a major downside move and is now sitting in what traders call the “golden pocket” support zone.

Looking at her XRP price chart, the recent drop followed an Elliott Wave pattern, with Wave 3 ending near the $1.55 to $1.60 area. This level acted as solid support and helped stop the fall.

Now traders are watching for a possible Wave 4 relief rally. As the first key resistance level to watch is around $1.78, which matches the 0.382 Fibonacci retracement and could act as a barrier.

Further, CasiTrades explains that Wave 2, earlier in the cycle, was very shallow. In Elliott Wave theory, when Wave 2 is shallow, Wave 4 usually becomes deeper. That means XRP could push higher than many expect during this relief rally.

If buyers step in with strength, XRP could move toward $1.93 or even $2.03. The $2.03 level is especially important because it represents the macro 0.5 retracement zone.

Why $2.03 Is a Critical Level for XRPCasiTrades analysis highlights that XRP must reclaim $2.03 and hold above it to change the current bearish structure. If the price successfully breaks and stays above this level, it would reduce the chances of another drop toward $1.55 or lower.

A strong move above $2.03 could also increase the possibility that the expected final bearish wave fails, opening the door for a larger recovery.

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.

Investment Disclaimer:All opinions and insights shared represent the author's own views on current market conditions. Please do your own research before making investment decisions. Neither the writer nor the publication assumes responsibility for your financial choices.

Sponsored and Advertisements:Sponsored content and affiliate links may appear on our site. Advertisements are marked clearly, and our editorial content remains entirely independent from our ad partners.

The Shiba Inu team's pseudonymous marketing lead, Lucie, has published a positive tweet, addressing the community with a statement about the prosperous future of the major meme cryptocurrency — SHIB.

TLDR Table of Contents

TLDRMiniPay Wallet FeaturesBitcoin Mining Software LaunchGet 3 Free Stock Ebooks Tether integrates USDT stablecoin and Tether Gold into Opera’s MiniPay wallet targeting emerging markets MiniPay has 12.6 million wallets across 60 countries and processed over $153 million in December Tether launches MiningOS, free open-source Bitcoin mining software compatible with various hardware MiningOS scales from home mining operations to industrial facilities without third-party vendor costs Both initiatives expand Tether’s reach beyond stablecoins into financial access and mining infrastructure Tether made two announcements on Monday that expand its presence in cryptocurrency markets. The stablecoin issuer partnered with Opera to bring USDT and Tether Gold to the MiniPay wallet. Tether also released MiningOS, an open-source platform for Bitcoin mining operations.

⛏️ Bitcoin Mining is complex.
️⚡ Mining OS by Tether (MOS) makes it simple.

Introducing MOS — the open-source operating system for real mining infrastructure.

Modular. Scalable. Built for energy + hardware + data.

Explore the Documentation: https://t.co/3zcBHFFzRp
Join our… pic.twitter.com/G0GwbtfLKT

— Tether (@tether) February 2, 2026

The MiniPay partnership focuses on providing financial services to emerging markets. Users in Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia can now access Tether’s products through the mobile wallet app. The wallet requires only a phone number to activate and works on Android and iOS devices.

MiniPay operates across 60 countries worldwide. The platform has 12.6 million activated wallets and has completed 350 million transactions. During the fourth quarter of 2024, the wallet experienced 50% user growth with most new users from emerging markets.

December transaction volume through MiniPay exceeded $153 million. The figures show growing adoption of dollar-denominated digital payments in mobile-first regions. Users can access USDT for everyday transactions and Tether Gold for long-term savings protection.

MiniPay Wallet Features The MiniPay wallet is built on the Celo blockchain as a self-custodial solution. Users maintain control of their private keys and funds. Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino stated the company aims to provide reliable access to stable value for those who need it most.

Tether Gold, which trades under the ticker XAUT, represents physical gold holdings. The token reached an all-time high of $5,600 in late January following gold market trends. XAUT has 712,747 tokens in circulation with a market cap of $3.4 billion according to CoinGecko.

The stablecoin market shows mixed signals despite MiniPay’s growth. Total stablecoin market capitalization started declining in December after two years of expansion. CryptoQuant data shows more than $4 billion in net outflows from exchanges as users withdraw funds.

Tether’s MiningOS release provides miners with a free alternative to proprietary software. The platform is licensed under Apache 2.0, allowing anyone to use, modify and distribute the code. Tether first announced plans for mining software in June 2024.

The operating system works with various mining hardware types. This differs from other solutions like Block’s mining stack, which only supports specific equipment. MiningOS includes a self-hosted architecture that connects devices through peer-to-peer networks.

Users can adjust settings through an accompanying platform based on their operation size. CEO Paolo Ardoino said the software scales from single-machine home setups to multi-location industrial facilities. The system uses Holepunch P2P protocols to eliminate centralized services and third-party dependencies.

Tether designed MiningOS to lower barriers for new Bitcoin miners. The company said closed systems and proprietary tools have limited industry growth. The open-source approach introduces transparency and collaboration into Bitcoin mining infrastructure.

The dual announcements demonstrate Tether’s expansion strategy beyond its core stablecoin business. The company has invested in tokenization, artificial intelligence and decentralized finance projects throughout 2025. Tether has also increased its Bitcoin and gold reserves during this period.

Both MiningOS and the MiniPay integration are now available to users. The mining software can be downloaded and deployed immediately. MiniPay users can access USDT and XAUT through the latest app update in supported countries.

Cover image via U.Today 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.

Unquestionably, XRP has performed poorly on the market in recent weeks, with price action declining to levels not seen since the beginning of the previous recovery cycle.

XRP's recoveryOn the other hand, on-chain activity on the XRP Ledger might indicate that the worst selling pressure phase is already over, even though the price structure still seems brittle. The significant increase in payments volume seen on the XRP Ledger at the end of January, which was followed by a sharp decline in transaction flows soon after, is the primary cause of this interpretation.

Source: XRP LedgerOne of the biggest short-term spikes seen on the network in recent months occurred when the volume of payments momentarily surpassed two billion XRP transferred daily. An increase in network usage could initially appear to be bullish, but context is important.

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The fact that this spike happened while the price of XRP was already plummeting indicates that it was not the result of utility growth or organic adoption. Rather, it was probably the result of big holders shifting money and selling off holdings, which caused a surge in selling pressure on all exchanges. In other words, heavy distribution was correlated with high payment volume.

XRP's rapid activity dropThe circumstances now appear to be different. Since then, payments activity has decreased by about 95%, indicating a significant slowdown in network transfer activity. Even though a collapse like this might seem concerning, it might actually be a sign that the selling wave is slowing down.

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With rallies routinely rejected below significant moving averages, XRP is still stuck in a larger downtrend channel on the price chart. However, volume spikes associated with panic-selling are less common, and momentum indicators are moving into oversold territory. This combination implies that, rather than a new collapse, the market might be entering an exhaustion phase.

XRP has yet to regain the crucial resistance areas required to validate a reversal, so investors should continue to exercise caution. The foundation for a recovery attempt, however, might start to take shape if selling pressure keeps waning and network activity levels out at lower, healthier levels.

Grayscale-linked entities are quietly reducing their exposure to XRP and Solana as selling pressure builds across the crypto market. Recent US SEC filings show that insiders connected to Grayscale and its parent company, Digital Currency Group (DCG), have offloaded portions of their holdings in XRP and Solana-linked investment products amid a broader market pullback.

The disclosures come as the crypto market grapples with a sharp correction, wiping out nearly $5 billion in value and triggering sustained outflows from several spot and staking-based ETFs.

Insider Sales Signal Defensive PositioningAccording to Form 144 filings, Digital Currency Group sold 15,000 shares of the Grayscale Solana Staking Trust (GSOL) on February 2, with the transaction valued at roughly $115,000. The sale was executed through Canaccord Genuity and involved shares initially acquired via a private cash transaction earlier this year.

This was not an isolated move. Over the past week, DCG is reported to have sold a total of 26,000 GSOL shares, signaling a cautious stance as Solana faced mounting downside pressure.

Solana’s price reflected this shift in sentiment, falling nearly 16% over the past week and slipping below the $100 mark, a psychologically important level for traders and long-term holders alike.

Solana ETF Outflows Add to the PressureThe GSOL product has now recorded outflows for four consecutive trading sessions, with net redemptions totaling approximately $5.5 million. While spot Solana ETFs collectively saw modest inflows on Monday, GSOL itself failed to attract fresh capital, highlighting investor hesitation toward staking-linked exposure during heightened volatility.

The contrast between spot inflows and GSOL stagnation suggests institutions are becoming more selective about risk as price momentum weakens.

XRP Sees Even Sharper Institutional PullbackA similar pattern has emerged in XRP-linked products. DCG International Investments Ltd disclosed the sale of 3,620 shares of the Grayscale XRP Trust (GXRP), worth around $115,000, also executed on February 2. The shares were originally acquired in September 2024 through a privately negotiated deal.

The move follows an even larger reduction last week, when the firm sold 15,000 GXRP shares as XRP dropped below the $1.60 level.

ETF flow data paints a bleak picture. Spot XRP ETFs recorded their largest daily outflow at nearly $93 million, with Grayscale’s XRP product accounting for the majority of redemptions. Additional withdrawals were seen from rival offerings, reinforcing the bearish institutional tone.

What This Means for the MarketWhile insider selling does not necessarily indicate long-term bearish conviction, the timing is notable. With ETF outflows accelerating and prices under pressure, Grayscale-linked firms appear to be de-risking amid uncertain near-term conditions. For XRP and Solana, institutional confidence may need a clear shift in market structure before meaningful recovery can begin.

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TL;DR

Bitcoin inflows: Bitcoin ETFs added over $561 million as BTC rebounded toward $78,600, with major issuers driving renewed institutional demand. Ethereum accumulation: ETH ETFs saw slight outflows, but spot buyers accumulated heavily, including BitMine’s 41,000 ETH purchase and a whale adding 33,000 ETH. Altcoin flows: Solana ETFs posted $5.5 million in inflows. At the same time, XRP saw a small outflow of $404,690, despite both assets recording modest price gains.
Crypto ETFs delivered a mixed performance on February 2, revealing a market that is rotating capital rather than abandoning digital assets. Bitcoin ETFs attracted substantial inflows, while Ethereum and XRP products saw mild outflows, and Solana maintained steady accumulation. The day’s data paints a picture of selective positioning as investors respond to shifting price dynamics and institutional behavior.

Bitcoin Leads ETF Inflows as Prices Rebound Spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded net inflows of $561.8 million, one of the strongest single-day totals since mid-January. The surge was driven by broad participation from issuers, including BlackRock’s IBIT, Fidelity’s FBTC, Bitwise’s BITB, and ARK’s ARKB. Additional data from SoSoValue showed a similar $561.9 million figure, with FBTC and IBIT contributing $153.3 million and $142 million. Bitcoin traded near $78,638.79, up 2.86% over 24 hours, aligning Bitcoin ETFs demand with improving spot momentum after dipping below $75,000 earlier in the week.

Ethereum ETFs posted a small net outflow of $2.9 million, continuing a cautious trend among institutional allocators. Yet ETH’s price told a different story, rising 4.20% to around $2,320.52. On centralized exchanges, Ethereum saw a net outflow of 143,640 ETH worth over $335 million, signaling accumulation. BitMine purchased 41,000 ETH, lifting its holdings to 4.285 million tokens, while a whale added 33,000 ETH and 250 Coinbase Wrapped BTC.

Solana Maintains Steady Institutional Interest Solana ETFs recorded $5.5 million in net inflows, reflecting consistent but measured demand. Flows were distributed across several issuers, reinforcing the asset’s appeal during broader market uncertainty. SOL traded near $104.13, up 2.99% over 24 hours, keeping pace with the market’s rebound.

XRP spot ETFs saw net outflows of roughly $404,690, driven by redemptions from a single product. Despite the negative flow, XRP’s price held firm at $1.61, up 1.83% over 24 hours. The modest outflow highlights the early-stage nature of XRP ETF markets rather than a decisive sentiment shift.

After about five years of silence, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has finally confirmed that it is still on a mission to get Dogecoin to the moon.

The renowned billionaire made the confirmation in response to a viral bullish Dogecoin tweet, asserting that Dogecoin going to the moon is inevitable. 

Musk reacted to the post, acknowledging that he is still on a mission to literally get the leading meme token to the moon despite its recent price crash.

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Doge to the moon in 2027?It has been a while since Musk has issued a statement on Dogecoin and its future prospects. His confirmation on the asset comes about five years after he first revealed SpaceX's moon mission for Dogecoin.

As such, Musk’s recent confirmation has come after an old tweet about making SpaceX send Dogecoin to the moon in April 2021 resurfaced.

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The X community had planted the tweet on Tuesday, Feb. 3, asking when Musk was going to eventually implement the plan. In response to this inquiry, Musk confirmed that the plan may happen next year.

Although Musk is yet to announce an exact date for when SpaceX will put the literal Dogecoin on the literal moon, his response today has sparked bullish reactions across the crypto community.

Dogecoin price reactsWhile Dogecoin had reacted with a massive price surge when the announcement was initially made in 2021, the resurfacing of the plan and its confirmation has only pushed Dogecoin slightly to the green zone.

This time, Dogecoin has only surged briefly by 2.39%, a mild recovery for its recent price correction that saw it trade with heavy price declines.

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Crypto whales moved fast. On February 1, major XRP holders transferred over three billion tokens to NAP Hash, a Singapore-based cloud mining service, sending shockwaves through the digital asset community and sparking intense speculation about the motivations behind such massive movements.

Whale Alert caught the transactions early Wednesday morning, reporting multiple transfers that collectively moved billions of XRP tokens. The blockchain tracking service documented several individual transactions, with the largest single transfer reaching 1.2 billion XRP tokens from an unknown wallet to NAP Hash’s designated addresses. These weren’t small retail moves – we’re talking about institutional-level repositioning that typically signals major strategic shifts. The timing seems deliberate, coming just days after Ripple Labs faced renewed regulatory scrutiny in the United States. Market participants immediately began dissecting the implications, with many wondering if this represents a coordinated effort to diversify holdings or prepare for potential market volatility.

NAP Hash operates differently than traditional exchanges. The company focuses on cloud mining solutions.

Cloud mining basically lets people mine crypto without buying expensive hardware or dealing with technical headaches. Users can rent mining power remotely, making it accessible for folks who want exposure to mining rewards but don’t want the hassle of setting up their own rigs. NAP Hash has been growing pretty fast in Southeast Asia, where regulatory frameworks for crypto operations tend to be more favorable than in Western markets. The company didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment about the sudden influx of XRP tokens.

But here’s where things get murky. Nobody knows exactly why these whales chose NAP Hash specifically.

Some analysts think it’s about regulatory arbitrage – moving assets to jurisdictions with clearer crypto rules. Singapore’s progressive stance on digital assets makes it attractive for large holders looking to avoid potential crackdowns elsewhere. James Lee, a crypto analyst who tracks whale movements, said Tuesday: “These transfers could be part of a larger liquidity management strategy, especially given the ongoing uncertainty around XRP’s regulatory status in the US.” Others speculate the move might be preparation for staking or yield farming opportunities that NAP Hash offers to large depositors.

XRP’s journey has been anything but smooth. Ripple Labs, the company behind XRP, got hit with a major SEC lawsuit in December 2020 over allegations of selling unregistered securities. That legal battle crushed XRP’s price and got the token delisted from several major US exchanges. The case is still ongoing, creating persistent uncertainty for XRP holders and probably influencing decisions like these massive transfers.

Market reaction was swift. XRP price dropped to around $0.75 on February 1, down from the previous week’s high of $0.80. Trading volume spiked across multiple exchanges as news of the transfers spread. Coinbase reported a 15% increase in XRP trading volume on February 3 compared to the previous week, showing how whale movements can trigger broader market activity.

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse stayed quiet about the transfers when reached for comment. The silence is pretty typical for Ripple when it comes to large token movements, but it’s fueling more speculation. Some industry watchers think the company might be diversifying its holdings ahead of potential regulatory changes. Others see it as routine treasury management that got blown out of proportion by crypto Twitter.

Singapore’s financial regulators are paying attention too. The Monetary Authority of Singapore issued a statement February 4 emphasizing that while large crypto transactions aren’t directly regulated, they’re definitely being monitored. The authority said it’s keeping tabs on significant movements that could impact market stability or indicate potential money laundering activities.

NAP Hash is probably loving the attention, even if it’s not commenting publicly. The massive XRP influx could supercharge their mining operations and attract more institutional clients. Cloud mining services have been gaining traction as crypto prices recovered from 2022 lows, and having whale-sized deposits doesn’t hurt their credibility.

The crypto community remains split on what comes next. Some traders are betting on more transfers as other whales follow suit. Others think this was a one-off move that’ll blow over once the initial speculation dies down. What’s clear is that billion-dollar crypto movements still grab headlines and move markets, even in an industry that’s supposedly maturing.

For now, everyone’s waiting to see if NAP Hash or Ripple breaks their silence. The transfers happened, the speculation is running wild, and XRP holders are watching their portfolios hoping the whales know something they don’t.

The transfers also highlight Singapore’s growing role as a crypto hub in Asia. Major exchanges like Binance and crypto hedge funds have been establishing significant operations there, attracted by the city-state’s regulatory clarity and business-friendly environment. This institutional migration has made Singapore a natural destination for large-scale crypto movements.

Meanwhile, NAP Hash’s mining infrastructure could benefit substantially from the XRP deposits. Cloud mining services typically use large token holdings as collateral for expanded operations or to offer staking rewards to clients. The company’s recent expansion into institutional services suggests they were positioning themselves for exactly this type of whale activity.

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Bitcoin jumped back over $76,800 after getting hammered down to $74,000 yesterday. The bounce came after some pretty brutal forced selling hit the market hard.

The whole crypto space took a beating this week. Bitcoin’s down 13% over seven days, and that’s got traders worried we might be heading into a real bear market. The selling pressure was intense, with liquidations piling up as leveraged positions got wiped out. Trading volumes spiked during the worst of the selloff, showing just how panicked things got. And the fear isn’t going away anytime soon.

Markets move fast these days.

Crypto analyst Doctor Profit changed his tune on where Bitcoin’s cycle bottom might land. He cut his forecast down to somewhere between $54,000 and $44,000, which is way lower than what most people expected just a few weeks ago. The guy’s been watching Bitcoin fall below the 100-week moving average, and he thinks that’s a massive red flag for bulls. Bitcoin broke above that average back in October 2023, and everyone thought it meant the bull market was solid. But now we’re back below it, and Doctor Profit thinks we might be looking at a real bear market starting up.

Doctor Profit saw something else that’s got him spooked – a death cross pattern that looks just like what happened during the 2021-2022 crash. Per Doctor Profit, “Bitcoin will probably close this week below the MA100 Weekly, then we’ll see some consolidation before it drops to $70,000.” But he doesn’t think that’s the end of it. The analyst thinks the real cycle low won’t hit until Bitcoin gets down to that $54,000 to $44,000 range he’s talking about.

Strategy’s in a tough spot right now. Their average entry price sits around $76,000, so they’re basically underwater on their Bitcoin position. Strategy bought a ton of Bitcoin using leverage, and now their stock that they used as collateral keeps dropping. Doctor Profit said Strategy’s Bitcoin holdings are “roughly break-even with no profits realized,” which makes it hard for them to do anything to prop up the price. When a big player like Strategy can’t support the market, things can get ugly fast.

There’s other weird stuff happening too.

Doctor Profit warned that outside factors could make things worse. He mentioned speculation about Epstein-related files potentially driving more fear and emotional selling. Markets hate uncertainty, and when traders start panicking about random news events, selling can spiral out of control pretty quickly. It’s the kind of thing that can turn a normal correction into something much worse.

Matrixport dropped some bad news about Bitcoin demand from traditional finance. Their latest report showed spot Bitcoin ETFs have been bleeding money for three months straight. That’s pretty shocking considering US wealth managers just got access to these products. The last time ETFs saw real inflows was back in July, with just a tiny bump in October. Since summer, interest has basically dried up even though gold rallied and global de-dollarization kept moving forward. Matrixport thinks Bitcoin needs “a new narrative to attract traditional investors and establish a stable bottom.”

February 1st brought more bad news when Doctor Profit talked about leveraged Bitcoin investors getting squeezed. With Bitcoin stuck below $76,000, leveraged positions face liquidation risk, and that creates more selling pressure. Traders can’t meet their margin requirements when prices keep falling, so they’re forced to sell at the worst possible time.

Matrixport spotted a shift in how traditional financial institutions think about crypto on February 2nd. The firm said the recent price drop killed enthusiasm for digital assets, even with global markets going crazy. ETF outflows continued despite efforts to bring in new money. It’s pretty clear that institutional investors are getting cold feet about Bitcoin right now.

The selloff hit more than just Bitcoin. Ethereum and other major cryptos got hammered too, which makes analysts think we might be looking at sector-wide problems. When everything moves down together like this, it usually means something deeper is broken in the market structure.

Glassnode caught something interesting on February 2nd – Bitcoin exchange inflows surged as holders moved coins to exchanges. That usually means people are getting ready to sell, which adds more fuel to the fire. CryptoQuant saw Bitcoin exchange reserves hit levels not seen since early 2025, and rising reserves typically signal more selling pressure ahead.

Fidelity Digital Assets said on February 3rd that their institutional clients are backing away from Bitcoin. The firm reported clients are “reducing exposure amid ongoing price fluctuations,” which shows how nervous big money is getting about crypto’s near-term outlook.

Sentiment analysis firm Santiment tracked a spike in negative social media chatter about Bitcoin on February 4th. Negative sentiment can create a feedback loop where fear drives more selling, which drives more fear. It’s the kind of thing that can keep markets down for weeks.

Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao tried to calm nerves during a live Q&A on February 5th. Zhao said volatility “is not uncommon in the crypto space” and promised Binance would keep monitoring things to protect users. But his reassurances didn’t seem to move the market much.

JPMorgan released a report February 6th showing Bitcoin’s correlation with traditional risk assets has increased. The bank thinks the Federal Reserve’s recent rate hike triggered the selloff as investors adjusted their portfolios. When Bitcoin moves with stocks instead of against them, it loses its appeal as a hedge.

Grayscale Investments paused new inflows to its Bitcoin Trust on February 7th, citing the need to “assess current market conditions.” That’s a big deal since Grayscale’s trust has been a major way for institutions to get Bitcoin exposure. The pause shows how cautious even crypto-focused firms are getting.

ARK Invest’s Cathie Wood jumped on social media February 8th to say the downturn creates buying opportunities for long-term investors. Wood said ARK remains committed to crypto despite current headwinds, but her optimism hasn’t stopped the bleeding yet.

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