Market Signal Briefing

Amin Ayan

Crypto Journalist

Amin Ayan

Part of the Team Since

Apr 2025

About Author

Amin Ayan is a crypto journalist with over four years of experience in the industry. He has contributed to leading publications such as Cryptonews, Investing.com, 99Bitcoins, and 24/7 Wall St. He has...

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2 hours ago

Bitcoin mining activity has suffered its sharpest setback in more than four years after severe winter storms across the United States forced large operators to scale back production, dragging down network hashrate, output and revenues.

Key Takeaways:

US winter storms forced miners offline, driving a 12% drop in Bitcoin’s network hashrate. Mining revenues and output fell sharply as power disruptions hit major operators. The slowdown marks the steepest production decline since the post-halving period in 2024. Total network hashrate has fallen by roughly 12% since Nov. 11, marking the steepest drawdown since October 2021, when the network was still stabilizing after China’s sweeping mining ban.

Data from CryptoQuant shows the hashrate now sits near 970 exahashes per second, its lowest level since September 2025.

US Winter Storms Force Miners Offline, Deepening Hashrate SlumpThe decline accelerated this week as extreme cold disrupted power supply in several US mining hubs.

Publicly listed miners temporarily shut down machines to protect infrastructure and comply with grid curtailment requests, amplifying a slowdown that had already begun as Bitcoin retreated from its $126,000 all-time high toward the $100,000 level late last year.

The hashrate shock quickly fed through to miner economics. Daily Bitcoin mining revenue slid from around $45 million on Jan. 22 to a yearly low near $28 million just two days later.

Although revenue has since recovered modestly to about $34 million, it remains well below recent averages, reflecting both reduced network activity and weaker prices.

Production data points to an equally sharp contraction. Output from the largest publicly traded miners fell from roughly 77 Bitcoin per day to just 28 Bitcoin over the same period.

Bitcoin hashrate just saw its biggest drawdown since Oct 2021.

US winter storms forced miners offline, pushing hashrate down 12% since Nov 11 to 970 EH/s, the lowest since Sept 2025.

The decline had already started as BTC corrected from $126K to ~$100K. pic.twitter.com/LudRmBO0lv

— CryptoQuant.com (@cryptoquant_com) January 29, 2026 Production from other miners declined from about 403 bitcoin to 209 bitcoin, pulling total network output sharply lower.

Looking at a 30-day rolling basis, publicly listed miners recorded a 48-Bitcoin drop in production, the steepest decline since May 2024, shortly after the most recent halving event.

Output from privately held miners fell by 215 Bitcoin, the largest decrease since July 2024, underscoring the broad impact of the disruption.

Bitcoin Miner Profitability Hits Lowest Level Since November 2024Profitability has deteriorated alongside falling output. CryptoQuant’s Miner Profit and Loss Sustainability Index has dropped to 21, its lowest reading since November 2024.

The level signals deep stress across the sector, with revenues failing to cover operating costs for a growing share of the network, despite multiple downward difficulty adjustments over recent epochs.

While mining difficulty has eased as machines went offline, the relief has not been sufficient to offset declining prices and operational disruptions tied to extreme weather.

If hashrate remains depressed, further difficulty cuts could follow in the coming weeks, offering some margin relief to operators that remain online.

According to a recent analysis by independent researcher Daniel Batten, Bitcoin mining can strengthen electrical grids and lower consumer electricity costs rather than strain power systems.

His research challenges common claims that mining destabilizes grids or drives up energy prices, drawing on peer-reviewed studies and operational data to argue that the industry’s flexible power usage can provide measurable system benefits.

Veteran proprietary trader Peter Brandt has warned Bitcoin bulls that the cryptocurrency’s current correction is far from over. 

Following the brutal Jan. 31 market flush that saw Bitcoin tumble to the $77,000 range, Brandt took to X (formerly Twitter) to identify his downside target: "58th Street."

"The conductor will be coming through the train collecting tickets so make sure you are on the right train. Choo choo $BTC," he quipped.

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The power law reversion Brandt accompanied his prediction with a long-term monthly chart of Bitcoin against the U.S. Dollar, utilizing a "Bitcoin Power Law V2.0" indicator. 

The chart provides a high-level view of Bitcoin's market cycles dating back to 2012.

The chart depicts Bitcoin trading within a massive logarithmic growth channel defined by three key zones:

The current price action shows Bitcoin recently attempting to push into this zone near $98,000 before being sharply rejected.

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Currently sitting around the $37,000–$62,000 range, this band has historically marked generational buying opportunities.

A central trendline that acts as a "fair value" magnet for the price.

The January rejection The monthly candle for January 2026 is particularly ominous. The chart data highlights a massive red candle with a high of $97,939 and a low of $75,555. This "wick" at the top indicates heavy selling pressure as Bitcoin failed to sustain momentum near the $100k psychological barrier.

Brandt’s $58,000 target appears to align with a reversion to the mean. On the chart, a pullback to the middle of the channel would bring Bitcoin back down toward the $58k–$60k region. 

Journalist

Posted: February 1, 2026

The weekend dip struck at a moment when market structure already showed signs of strain. This pushed Bitcoin [BTC] below a level long viewed as structurally secure.

The $76,000 zone mattered because it aligned with the long-term realized cost basis. This was built through extended accumulation that was left untested for roughly 27 months.

That durability reflected dominance by patient capital and limited short-term supply. The break did not emerge out of panic.

Instead, ETF outflows, tighter liquidity, and macro risk aversion weakened spot demand, while short-term holders began realizing losses.

Source: CryptoQuant

The drop in the 7-day realized cost change indicates that new entrants needed to reposition their investments rather than sell all of their holdings.

As this shift unfolded, traders became more cautious.  This caution led to a decrease in risk exposure while increasing hedging.

Sentiments shifted from confidence to caution. In this situation, Strategy’s cost basis was broken, which meant that its Bitcoin assets were incurring losses.

Yet the position remains unrestricted, which removes forced selling risk. For Michael Saylor, the breach reframes strategy.

Losses are only on paper. However, if the weakness continues, it presents an opportunity for more accumulation while reducing the average cost.

Furthermore, this situation strengthens the long-term strategy rather than hindering it.

Bitcoin breaches the 76K support zone The sell-off accelerated as Bitcoin broke below the $76,000 zone, a level that previously anchored market structure.

That breach triggered swift reactions, as traders cut exposure and shifted toward defensive positioning.

Source: TradingView

Volume expanded on the downside, signaling urgency rather than orderly rotation. Moreover, RSI slipped toward oversold territory near 30, reflecting exhaustion rather than reversal.

Price now stabilizes around $78,000, while the $80,000 zone stands out as the first reclaim target. That level matters because it aligns with prior support turned resistance and short-term moving averages.

Bulls must restore acceptance above $80,000, slow sell pressure, and rebuild spot demand. Without that response, downside consolidation risk remains elevated.

Derivatives markets turn defensive as liquidity thins Funding conditions weakened as the average rate slid to around -0.0026% at press time, reflecting a fading long bias across perpetual markets.

That decline stemmed from aggressive long unwinds, softer spot demand, and traders paying to stay short as the price trended lower.

Bitcoin followed this pressure, drifting toward the low $80,000 region as leverage was reset.

Source: CoinGlass

Over the weekend, thin liquidity magnified each move, allowing modest sell flows to push price disproportionately.

At the same time, options Open Interest rose while volumes stayed muted, signaling positioning rather than active speculation.

Traders prepared for volatility without committing size. This implies caution rather than panic, hence leaving the price sensitive to renewed liquidity or flow shocks.

Final Thoughts Bitcoin slipping below the $76,000 cost basis signals a liquidity-led reset driven by forced repositioning, not panic. Negative funding and defensive derivatives positioning leave the price highly sensitive to liquidity shifts and a potential $80,000 reclaim.

Sun, 1/02/2026 - 11:39

$2.58 billion in positions were liquidated over 24 hours as the crypto market extended a weekend sell-off.

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.

XRP has seen its trading volume jump over 74% as the broader crypto market fell significantly in early Sunday trading.

The crypto market extended its weekend slide, with losses broadening across most digital assets and futures liquidations piling up.

Over $2.58 billion in positions were liquidated over 24 hours, according to CoinGlass data, as a weekend sell-off extended in the crypto market, with 414,491 traders affected. XRP saw more than $40 million in liquidation as its price fell.

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Long positions accounted for the majority of liquidations, coming in at $2.27 billion, with shorts accounting for only $171 million. This imbalance points to traders being caught unawares, staying optimistic about a rebound after weeks of range-bound price action in the markets.

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Thin weekend liquidity increased selling pressure as trading volumes declined, a setup that might boost volatility. XRP trading volume likewise fell, but has recovered early Sunday.

XRP's trading volume came in at $6.49 billion, a 74% increase in the last 24 hours, according to CoinMarketCap data.

XRP price dropsXRP fell for four straight days from Jan. 28 to hit a low of $1.5 on Jan. 31. The significance of this low is that it occurs near XRP's realized price.

XRP's realized price currently sits at $1.48, according to Glassnode, with the price hinting at a familiar setup seen in April 2022.

A little hope remains as XRP still holds above its realized price as the market hints at an ongoing reset. The thin liquidity hanging over the market alongside risk appetite waning might suggest more of a reset.

According to Scott Melkel, XRP is trading exactly at the last meaningful support on the chart before a huge air pocket, which makes this particular moment crucial to watch for XRP's price.

Meanwhile, RSI indicators are now at oversold levels, below 30, hinting at the possibility of a relief rally in the coming sessions.

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TLDR: Step Finance hacked, losing $30M in SOL through compromised treasury wallets. The attack affected treasury wallets only; the $STEP token collapsed by over 84% afterward. Recent Solana DeFi hacks follow similar vectors: wallet compromise, key leaks, and access flaws. Investigation underway with cybersecurity firms helping track stolen SOL and secure assets. Step Finance was hacked after multiple treasury wallets were compromised, resulting in a loss of around $30 million in SOL. The Solana-based DeFi platform confirmed the attack on X and is investigating. 

Cybersecurity firms have been contacted, while the $STEP token collapsed drastically. The incident underscores ongoing operational risks affecting Solana DeFi projects and protocol-held funds.

Treasury Breach and Token Collapse Step Finance hwas acked saw attackers gained access to multiple treasury and fee wallets. About 261,854 SOL was transferred to unknown addresses. 

The total value of the stolen tokens was roughly $30 million at the time. The breach focused on protocol funds, leaving user wallets untouched. 

Step Finance confirmed the attack on X, stating an investigation is ongoing. The team also reached out to cybersecurity firms for assistance and asked the community for support.

There has been a breach of security for some of our treasury wallets hours ago and we are currently investigating

More information will be posted at a later stage

— Step☀️ (@StepFinance_) January 31, 2026

The market reacted immediately. According to Coingecko, the $STEP token dropped and is trading around $0.004. Market capitalization fell to approximately $1.3 million, placing the token firmly in micro-cap territory.

Liquidity tightened, and volatility increased sharply. Trading patterns show calm activity before mid-day, followed by a vertical price collapse. 

The price declined by over 80% in one session, slicing through every support level. Minor reflex bounces occurred but failed to reverse the downward trend. 

Fee activity showed jagged peaks in early 2025, with highs near $150k–$160k, reflecting hype-cycle behavior and speculative activity. Post-attack activity has slowed considerably. Fees and trading volumes dropped, indicating fading momentum. 

The market reflects a structural reset rather than a temporary dip. $STEP token’s current price reflects defensive buying and weak investor conviction.

Historical Context and Similar DeFi Exploits Step Finance’s hack aligns with past Solana DeFi breaches. Common attack vectors include treasury wallet compromise, private key leaks, and access control flaws.

CrediX lost $4.5 million after an administrator’s wallet was compromised. Loopscale suffered a $5 million loss shortly after launch but reached a parley with hackers for a 10% recovery. 

The Upbit Solana-related hack in November 2025 saw over $35 million stolen from a hot wallet due to poor access control. The Step Finance breach emphasizes that operational compromises target protocol-held funds. 

Unlike smart contract exploits affecting user assets, these breaches are internal and highly disruptive. The incident reinforces the need for robust treasury security measures. 

Step Finance’s ongoing investigation and cybersecurity outreach aim to recover assets and prevent further attacks. Solana DeFi protocols must enhance access controls and internal monitoring to reduce repeated operational risks.

The Bitcoin market experienced a shockingly dramatic weekend, as opposed to the typical silent price action displayed in previous weekends. On Saturday, January 31st, the world’s leading cryptocurrency seemingly led other crypto assets south of the charts, with its price falling from $84,350 to as low as $75,000 in a single swoop. 

As this unfolded, an inversely correlated shift also played out underneath the charts. A recent on-chain evaluation has pointed out that Bitcoin’s Long-term Holder behavior is changing, contrary to what its short-term holders are doing.

Long-Term Holders Accumulate As Short-Term Supply Declines Pseudonymous on-chain analyst Darkfost recently took to CryptoQuant, via a Quicktake post, pointing out that Bitcoin’s long-term holders are racking up more BTC. The relevant indicator here is the LTH supply change (Coinbase fix).

For context, this metric tracks the net change in the amount of Bitcoin held by long-term holders (typically coins unmoved for ~155 days). According to the analyst, approximately 186,000 (on a monthly average) have been added to the Long-term holders’ supply.

Seeing as more coins are aging past 155 days, Darkfost implied that short-term holder supply is, in turn, witnessing steady contraction. Notably, the analyst pointed out this kind of transition (between long-term and short-term investors) last happened in April, as the Bitcoin price retraced. 

Source: CryptoQuant As it is intuitively evident, a rising LTH supply is typically interpreted as growing conviction among Bitcoin’s long-term investors. By extension, this means that long-term holders are distributing less of their holdings and stowing away more. 

In theory, this behavior is bullish news for the cryptocurrency. This is because, as LTHs absorb supply, the amount of available Bitcoin for sale reduces. Historically, it is also a bullish signal for the BTC price, as it has often appeared during the early stages of accumulation periods or late into correction stages.

However, the broader market implications in the current context might not be so favorable. Darkfost highlighted that there is very weak demand available to cushion the falling BTC price. 

At the same time, the Bitcoin market appears to be entering a bearish phase; hence, it is not far-fetched to see major capitulation events in the near-term. If this happens, the Bitcoin price would likely plummet, as weaker investors may sell off their holdings in fear or as victims of liquidation events.

For a bullish outlook to be truly relevant, there has to be a clear recovery in demand, alongside continued long-term holder accumulation. 

Bitcoin Price At A Glance  As of press time, the Bitcoin price stands at approximately $78,060, reflecting a 6.9% loss in the past day.

The price of BTC on the daily timeframe | Source: BTCUSDT chart on TradingView Featured image from iStock, chart from TradingView

Sun, 1/02/2026 - 12:26

The Shiba Inu meme coin is back at the same price zone that triggered 1,200% in 2021 and 526% in 2024. If the pattern holds, a 700% upside is now technically back on the menu for SHIB.

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.

After a brutal end-of-the-week sell-off, Shiba Inu (SHIB) is once again circling the same accumulation band that sparked two of the most vertical rallies in its chart history — first a 1,200% surge in 2021, then a 526% pop in 2024. Both originated from what now appears to be a long-term price compression zone just below the $0.00001 threshold.

Now that "legendary" level is back in focus as visible on the TradingView chart.

Some may call it a fractal, others a stone-cold bottom, but one thing is for sure: if SHIB's 2026 cycle follows the same sequence as five and two years ago — bottoming out around $0.00000750 and then repeating even the median of its previous percentage moves — the projection points to a 700% upside from here, placing SHIB near $0.00006 at its peak.

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SHIB/USD by TradingView"Hopium" math? Rather a basic reaction projection assuming similar liquidity expansion and flows across Q2 and Q3.

Shiba Inu (SHIB) price: What to expect?What made 2024 unique was the blend of seasonal flows and a surprise meme coin resurgence led by Dogecoin. If those dynamics — particularly the synchronized exchange inflows and whales returning to cold storage accumulation — repeat this year, the conditions could align again.

For now, SHIB is quoted at $0.0000078, and the matter of fact is that it is the same weekly Shiba Inu price structure that produced multi-hundred percent bounces in past cycles. Fair to say, bull ones.

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The risk is not in assuming another parabola. The risk is ignoring a pattern that has already proven itself twice. If SHIB gets its trigger — likely just a general market ascent — this 700% scenario moves from fantasy to a catch-up trade real quick.

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Consumer staples stocks being out of favor is an impeccable buying opportunity for value investors.

No one knows what the stock market will do in 2026. We do know the S&P 500 (^GSPC 0.43%) is coming off three consecutive years of above-average returns, with a 78.3% gain from the start of 2023 to the end of 2025. By comparison, the consumer staples sector gained less than 5% in that three-year period.

Contrarian investors or folks whose main financial objectives are capital preservation and passive income may want to take a closer look at beaten-down consumer staples stocks. Especially high-yield Dividend Kings -- which are companies that have raised their dividends for at least 50 consecutive years.

By investing $13,000 into Procter & Gamble (PG +1.31%) and $13,000 into Kimberly Clark (KMB +1.35%), you can expect to earn more than $1,000 in passive income per year and likely more in the future if both companies continue boosting their payouts. Here's what makes these two Dividend Kings top buys in 2026.

Image source: Getty Images.

1. Procter & Gamble The world's largest household and personal products company is coming off a terrible 2025 in which the stock lost 14.5% of its value and fell near a three-year low. P&G has recovered slightly so far this year. But second-quarter fiscal 2026 earnings and full-year guidance from Jan. 22 failed to give investors a lot to smile about.

Sales volume declined 1%, and organic sales growth was flat. Restructuring costs weighed on diluted net earnings per share (EPS), which fell 5%. P&G cut its fiscal 2026 diluted net EPS growth to a range of 1% to 6% increase, compared to a 3% to 9% increase in the prior quarter. It also expects organic sales growth to be flat to up 4% -- which is poor.

Today's Change

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On the January earnings call, P&G acknowledged that it has been overly reliant on price increases in recent years, which is how it delivered steady earnings growth despite weak demand. I called attention to this problem in early 2023, and consumer spending and cost pressures have worsened since then.

Now under the leadership of new CEO Shailesh Jejurikar, P&G said it will need to make its value proposition more attractive by not raising prices and by focusing on volume growth, which will take time. The good news is that P&G's operating margins are incredibly strong, so it can afford a small decrease in margins in exchange for higher sales volume.

In the meantime, P&G has arguably the best dividend of any U.S. company -- with a 2.9% yield and 69 consecutive years of boosting its payout. P&G continues to generate gobs of free cash flow (FCF), and its valuation is well below average historical levels.

PG Price to Free Cash Flow data by YCharts. PE Ratio = price-to-earnings ratio.

Add it all up, and P&G is a top-tier dividend-paying value stock for income investors to buy in 2026.

2. Kimberly-Clark Kimberly-Clark just reported another mediocre year -- with 3.2% adjusted earnings-per-share (EPS) growth, flat adjusted operating profit, a 1.7% increase in organic sales, and 2.1% lower net sales growth. 2026 isn't expected to be much better, with Kimberly-Clark forecasting 2% organic sales growth and flat adjusted EPS.

Despite the weak results, now could be an incredible buying opportunity for long-term value investors to scoop up shares of Kimberly-Clark. The company is in the middle of a multiyear downturn and plans to complete its acquisition of Kenvue (KVUE +1.16%) later this year. The idea is to create a more diversified personal care company by combining Kimberly-Clark's strengths in paper towels, toilet paper, diapers, and feminine products with Kenvue's leading consumer health brands like Band-Aid, Aveeno, Neutrogena, Listerine, Benadryl, and Tylenol.

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Within two years after the acquisition closes, Kimberly-Clark expects the combined company's EPS to exceed the stand-alone EPS of the two companies separately -- also known as EPS accretion. Within three years, Kimberly-Clark expects to achieve a whopping $2.1 billion in annual cost synergies from the transaction.

Kimberly-Clark is setting the bar very low in the near-term but charting a path toward much better results in the medium to long term. Now is the perfect time for the company to think long term, given that household and personal products are in a downturn due to lower consumer spending and pricing pressure.

In the meantime, Kimberly-Clark yields a juicy 5%, with the company increasing its dividend for the 54th consecutive year on Jan. 27. The stock is hovering around its lowest level in 12 years. And although its growth has slowed down, it is still generating tons of FCF and earnings, with the valuation way below historic levels.

KMB Price to Free Cash Flow data by YCharts. PE Ratio = price-to-earnings ratio.

All told, Kimberly-Clark is a great choice for value investors looking to boost their passive income stream.

Two beaten-down Dividend Kings to buy in 2026 P&G is the higher quality company, with an elite portfolio of brands and better diversification than Kimberly-Clark, both in terms of product categories and geographic exposure. But Kimberly-Clark has a cheaper valuation, a higher yield, and could be a better turnaround play.

Both companies are barely growing right now, highlighting the severity of the consumer spending slowdown. But they still generate plenty of FCF and earnings to cover their dividends.

Overall, P&G is the safer buy of the two, but folks who believe Kimberly-Clark's multiyear plan and acquisition of Kenvue will pay off may prefer that stock instead. Another approach is to buy a 50/50 split of both stocks, which would produce an average yield of 4%.

The boom in the precious metal, interrupted by Friday's plunge, fueled a frenzy among refiners and caused major pain for companies that need the stuff.

There are still trends playing in its favor in 2026.

Carnival Corp. (CCL 3.63%) stock beat the S&P 500 last year, although not by a wide margin; 23% to 18%. I anticipated this market beat for a number of reasons. The company had a lot to gain from shrinking interest rates, it had been reporting record sales, profits were increasing, and the stock price was low.

Although the stock did come out on top of the market, investors have still been cautious with it. The company still has high debt, and it isn't clear that it can continue to sustain record demand. With that in mind, can Carnival beat the market again this year?

Image source: Carnival.

Records on top of records Carnival set new records throughout 2025, and it ended the full year with record revenue, net yields, operating income, customer deposits, and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA).

It reported a strong fourth fiscal quarter (ended Nov. 30), outperforming guidance across metrics, and it's well positioned for a strong 2026. It's guiding for increased profitability, and 2026 bookings and occupancy are at historical highs, with two-thirds of its booked position already on the books.

Carnival also acquired several important new assets, including a new Princess-branded cruise ship and its new Celebration Key and RelaxAway resorts.

Lowering the debt While the market appreciated the fourth-quarter report, and the stock jumped after earnings, there's still a high debt that's holding it back. Carnival took on a huge debt to stay solvent during the pandemic, and several years later, that debt is still a mountain. The company has been paying it off responsibly, but could still take a number of years to finish paying it down to normal historical levels.

Lower interest rates have played in its favor, and in 2025, Carnival refinanced $19 billion in debt. It's now $10 billion off of its 2023 peak, and if interest rates continue to go down, the company will be in an even better position to save on interest and pay the debt down quicker.

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Too cheap to ignore? Carnival stock trades at a forward one-year P/E ratio of less than 11, which is dirt cheap. If it had poor future opportunities, it would be a value trap. But it remains the cruise industry leader, with record revenue and high profits, and management is carefully paying off the debt. It also recently restarted its dividend, which is a vote of confidence by management. That makes it look like an opportunity.

If interest rates keep going down, I can envision Carnival beating the market again this year, and I think it can add value to a diversified portfolio.

NEW YORK, Feb. 01, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading securities law firm Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP announces that it has filed a class action lawsuit against Ardent Health, Inc. (NYSE:ARDT) and certain of the Company’s senior executives for securities fraud after a significant stock drop resulting from potential violations of the federal securities laws.

If you invested in Ardent Health, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/ardent-health-inc-class-action-lawsuit.

Investors have until March 9, 2026, to ask the Court to be appointed to lead the case. The complaint asserts claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on behalf of investors in Ardent Health securities. The class action is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee. It is captioned Postiwala v. Ardent Health, Inc., et al., No. 3:26-cv-00022.

Why is Ardent Health Being Sued for Securities Fraud?

Ardent Health and its affiliates operate acute care hospitals and other healthcare facilities. A critical aspect of Ardent Health’s operations is the collection of accounts receivable and the framework by which Ardent Health determines the collectability of such accounts. According to the lawsuit, Ardent Health stated that it employed an active monitoring process to determine the collectability of its accounts receivable, and that this process included “detailed reviews of historical collections” as a “primary source of information.”

As alleged, in truth, Ardent Health did not primarily rely on “detailed reviews of historical collections” in determining collectability of accounts receivable, but instead “utilized a 180-day cliff at which time an account became fully reserved.” This allowed Ardent Health to report higher amounts of accounts receivable during the Class Period, and delay recognizing losses on uncollectable accounts. The lawsuit alleges that Ardent Health’s purported misrepresentations are a violation of the federal securities laws.

Why did Ardent Health’s Stock Drop?

On November 12, 2025, after market hours, Ardent Health revealed it had completed “hindsight evaluations of historical collection trends” that resulted in a $43 million decrease in revenue for the quarter. Ardent Health also revealed that it increased its professional liability reserves by $54 million because of “adverse prior period claim developments” resulting from a set of claims between 2019 and 2022 “as well as consideration of broader industry trends.”

This news caused the price of Ardent Health stock to drop $4.75 per share, or more than 33%, from a closing price of $14.05 per share on November 12, 2025, to $9.30 per share on November 13, 2025.

Click here for more information: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/ardent-health-inc-class-action-lawsuit.

What Can You Do?

If you invested in Ardent Health, you may have legal options and are encouraged to submit your information to the firm.

All representation is on a contingency fee basis; there is no cost to you. Shareholders are not responsible for any court costs or expenses of litigation. The firm will seek court approval for any potential fees and expenses.

Submit your information by visiting:

https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/ardent-health-inc-class-action-lawsuit

Or contact:
Adam McCall
[email protected]
212.789.3619

Why Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP?

BFA is a leading international law firm representing plaintiffs in securities class actions and shareholder litigation. It has been named a top plaintiff law firm by Chambers USA, The Legal 500, and ISS SCAS, and its attorneys have been named “Elite Trial Lawyers” by the National Law Journal, among the top “500 Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyers” by Lawdragon, “Titans of the Plaintiffs’ Bar” by Law360 and “SuperLawyers” by Thomson Reuters. Among its recent notable successes, BFA recovered over $900 million in value from Tesla, Inc.’s Board of Directors, as well as $420 million from Teva Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd.

For more information about BFA and its attorneys, please visit https://www.bfalaw.com.

https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/ardent-health-inc-class-action-lawsuit

Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

NEW YORK, Feb. 01, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading securities law firm Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Bath & Body Works, Inc. (NYSE:BBWI) and certain of the Company’s senior executives for securities fraud after significant stock drops resulting from the potential violations of the federal securities laws.

If you invested in Bath & Body Works, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/bath-body-works-inc-class-action-lawsuit.

Investors have until March 16, 2026, to ask the Court to be appointed to lead the case. The complaint asserts claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on behalf of investors in Bath & Body Works securities. The case is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio and is captioned Lingam v. Bath & Body Works, Inc., et al., No. 2:26-cv-00039.

Why is Bath & Body Works Being Sued for Securities Fraud?

Bath & Body Works is a specialty retailer of home fragrance and body care products. During the relevant period, the Company explored product categories, or “adjacencies,” beyond its core business. The key adjacencies included products for men, lips, hair, and laundry.

Bath & Body Works stated that customers were “responding favorably to innovation” including “adjacencies” of men’s, lip, and laundry. The Company also stated that its “strategy is working,” and that the Company was driving topline growth through “extending our reach through category adjacencies.”

As alleged, in truth, Bath & Body Works’ strategy of pursuing adjacencies was not growing the customer base or delivering the promised level of growth in net sales.

Why did Bath & Body Works’ Stock Drop?

On August 28, 2025, Bath & Body Works reported disappointing Q2 2025 financial results and announced it was cutting its full year guidance for earnings per diluted share by $0.03, to $3.28 to $3.53. This news caused the price of Bath & Body Works stock to drop $2.18 per share, or 6.9%, from a closing price of $31.54 per share on August 27, 2025, to $29.36 per share on August 28, 2025.

Then, on November 20, 2025, Bath & Body Works released its Q3 2025 financial results. The Company announced it was slashing full year guidance and revealed that its strategy of pursuing “adjacencies, collaborations and promotions” had “not grown our total customer base.” The Company also revealed it would exit certain adjacencies to focus on core categories. This news caused the price of Bath & Body Works stock to drop $5.22 per share, or 24.8%, from a closing price of $21.04 per share on November 19, 2025, to $15.82 per share on November 20, 2025.

Click here for more information: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/bath-body-works-inc-class-action-lawsuit.

What Can You Do?

If you invested in Bath & Body Works, you may have legal options and are encouraged to submit your information to the firm.

All representation is on a contingency fee basis, there is no cost to you. Shareholders are not responsible for any court costs or expenses of litigation. The firm will seek court approval for any potential fees and expenses.

Submit your information by visiting:

https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/bath-body-works-inc-class-action-lawsuit

Or contact:
Adam McCall
[email protected]
212.789.3619

Why Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP?

BFA is a leading international law firm representing plaintiffs in securities class actions and shareholder litigation. It has been named a top plaintiff law firm by Chambers USA, The Legal 500, and ISS SCAS, and its attorneys have been named “Elite Trial Lawyers” by the National Law Journal, among the top “500 Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyers” by Lawdragon, “Titans of the Plaintiffs’ Bar” by Law360 and “SuperLawyers” by Thomson Reuters. Among its recent notable successes, BFA recovered over $900 million in value from Tesla, Inc.’s Board of Directors, as well as $420 million from Teva Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd.

For more information about BFA and its attorneys, please visit https://www.bfalaw.com.

https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/bath-body-works-inc-class-action-lawsuit

Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

NEW YORK, Feb. 01, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading securities law firm Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP announces an investigation into PennyMac Financial Services, Inc. (NYSE:PFSI) for potential violations of the federal securities laws.

If you invested in PennyMac, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/pennymac-class-action-lawsuit.

Why is PennyMac Being Investigated for Violations of the Federal Securities Laws?

PennyMac originates and services home mortgages. Recently, PennyMac increased its capacity to originate loans to better retain borrowers seeking to refinance their mortgages—a process known as “recapture” —as interest rates declined. During the relevant period, PennyMac touted the success of its recapture efforts, representing to investors that its recapture rates were improving.

BFA is investigating whether PennyMac misrepresented its ability to recapture customers refinancing their mortgages as interest rates declined.

Why did PennyMac’s Stock Drop?

On January 29, 2026, PennyMac reported disappointing 4Q 2025 financial results. During PennyMac’s earnings call held the same day, PennyMac senior management revealed that although PennyMac had increased its origination capacity to recapture more refinance business, many competitors had also added capacity, creating a highly competitive origination environment that constrained PennyMac’s ability to take advantage of refinance opportunities. This news caused the price of PennyMac stock to decline more than 37%, from $140.70 per share at the close of trading on January 29, 2026, to as low as $93.50 per share on January 30, 2026.

Click here for more information: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/pennymac-class-action-lawsuit.

What Can You Do?

If you invested in PennyMac, you may have legal options and are encouraged to submit your information to the firm.

All representation is on a contingency fee basis, there is no cost to you. Shareholders are not responsible for any court costs or expenses of litigation. The firm will seek court approval for any potential fees and expenses.

Submit your information by visiting:

https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/pennymac-class-action-lawsuit

Or contact:
Adam McCall
[email protected]
212.789.3619

Why Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP?

BFA is a leading international law firm representing plaintiffs in securities class actions and shareholder litigation. It has been named a top plaintiff law firm by Chambers USA, The Legal 500, and ISS SCAS, and its attorneys have been named “Elite Trial Lawyers” by the National Law Journal, among the top “500 Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyers” by Lawdragon, “Titans of the Plaintiffs’ Bar” by Law360 and “SuperLawyers” by Thomson Reuters. Among its recent notable successes, BFA recovered over $900 million in value from Tesla, Inc.’s Board of Directors, as well as $420 million from Teva Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd.

For more information about BFA and its attorneys, please visit https://www.bfalaw.com.

https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/pennymac-class-action-lawsuit

Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

NEW YORK, Feb. 01, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading international securities law firm Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Integer Holdings Corporation (NYSE:ITGR) and certain of the Company’s senior executives for securities fraud after a significant stock drop resulting from the potential violations of the federal securities laws.

If you invested in Integer, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/integer-holdings-corporation-class-action-lawsuit.

Investors have until February 9, 2026, to ask the Court to be appointed to lead the case. The complaint asserts claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on behalf of investors in Integer common stock. The case is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York and is captioned West Palm Beach Firefighters’ Pension Fund v. Integer Holdings Corporation, et al., No. 1:25-cv-10251.

Why is Integer Being Sued For Securities Fraud?

Integer designs and manufactures cardiac rhythm management and cardiovascular products, including electrophysiology (“EP”) devices that map the heart’s electrical activity to diagnose and treat arrhythmias.

During the relevant period, Integer repeatedly touted its EP sales growth and market position while overstating demand for its EP devices.

As alleged, in truth, demand for and revenue from Integer’s EP products had fallen sharply—directly contradicting the Company’s public assurances.

Why did Ineger’s Stock Drop?

On October 23, 2025, Integer disclosed that it lowered its 2025 sales guidance to a range between $1.840 billion and $1.854 billion, from a range between $1.850 billion and $1.876 billion, and well below analysts’ estimates. The Company also revealed that it expected poor net sales growth of -2% to 2% and organic sales growth of 0% to 4% for 2026. Integer also admitted that two of its EP devices experienced “slower than forecasted” adoption and that it expected the slower demand “to continue into 2026.” This news caused the price of Integer stock to drop $35.22 per share, or more than 32%, from a closing price of $109.11 per share on October 22, 2025, to $73.89 per share on October 23, 2025.

Click here for more information: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/integer-holdings-corporation-class-action-lawsuit.

What Can You Do?

If you invested in Integer, you may have legal options and are encouraged to submit your information to the firm.

All representation is on a contingency fee basis, there is no cost to you. Shareholders are not responsible for any court costs or expenses of litigation. The firm will seek court approval for any potential fees and expenses.

Submit your information by visiting:

https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/integer-holdings-corporation-class-action-lawsuit

Or contact:
Adam McCall
[email protected]
212.789.3619

Why Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP?

BFA is a leading international law firm representing plaintiffs in securities class actions and shareholder litigation. It has been named a top plaintiff law firm by Chambers USA, The Legal 500, and ISS SCAS, and its attorneys have been named “Elite Trial Lawyers” by the National Law Journal, among the top “500 Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyers” by Lawdragon, “Titans of the Plaintiffs’ Bar” by Law360 and “SuperLawyers” by Thomson Reuters. Among its recent notable successes, BFA recovered over $900 million in value from Tesla, Inc.’s Board of Directors, as well as $420 million from Teva Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd.

For more information about BFA and its attorneys, please visit https://www.bfalaw.com.

https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/integer-holdings-corporation-class-action-lawsuit

Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

The conglomerate is still the ultimate sleep-well-at-night stock.

Has Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A +1.19%) (BRK.B +0.78%) lost its luster now that Warren Buffett has stepped down as CEO? Some might think so, but I don't.

Sure, Berkshire has lagged well behind the S&P 500 (^GSPC 0.43%) since Buffett announced at the company's annual shareholder meeting in May 2025 that he planned to pass the torch to Greg Abel. However, I believe there's one especially compelling reason why now is a great time to buy Berkshire Hathaway stock.

Image source: Getty Images.

Berkshire's not-so-secret weapon The reason I think buying Berkshire Hathaway stock can be summed up in one word: optionality. Berkshire has the flexibility to do pretty much anything it wants. Few companies have such a luxury.

It's no secret what the primary factor is behind Berkshire's optionality. The company's cash position was at an all-time high of nearly $382 billion as of the end of the third quarter of 2025. I won't be surprised if the total is even higher when Berkshire announces its fourth-quarter results, considering the conglomerate's ability to generate significant free cash flow.

BRK.B Cash and Short Term Investments (Quarterly) data by YCharts

There's considerable uncertainty in the market. President Trump continues to threaten to impose steep tariffs on major U.S. trading partners. The Federal Reserve seems unlikely to cut interest rates further. Job growth is anemic at best.

I view Berkshire's cash stockpile as a huge insurance policy. Should the economy and/or the stock market tank, the company's cash provides an unmatched cushion. Berkshire would also be among the best positioned to take advantage of a downturn by using its money to buy stocks, acquire other businesses, or both.

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A capable leader to wield the weapon Buffett's ability to deploy capital was legendary. However, Berkshire Hathaway still has a capable leader to wield its not-so-secret weapon of a ginormous cash position.

It's worth remembering what Buffett said when he announced that he would pass the baton to Abel. He stated in the May 2025 shareholder meeting, "I think the prospects of Berkshire will be better under Greg's management than mine."

Buffett's money is where his mouth is. He hasn't sold a single Berkshire Hathaway share since.

My hunch is that we'll see Abel invest Berkshire's money in a similar way to Buffett (he has learned much from the master), albeit with a few differences. For example, I suspect Abel could deploy more capital in international investments. He could also be more open to buying tech stocks than Buffett was. Berkshire's big purchase of Google parent Alphabet (GOOG 0.04%) (GOOGL 0.05%) shares last year could reflect Abel's influence.

Could Abel even lead Berkshire to initiate a dividend? I wouldn't bet the farm on it. However, I won't dismiss the possibility, either.

Still a Buffett stock, but more than a Buffett stock Berkshire Hathaway remains a Buffett stock. Its portfolio is still primarily composed of stocks Buffett bought. Buffett put its management team in place. Its philosophy is one Buffett instilled.

Furthermore, Buffett remains Berkshire's largest shareholder (by far). He also continues to serve as the company's board chair.

However, Berkshire is more than a Buffett stock. It's a diversified conglomerate with operations in nearly every sector. Berkshire is almost like an exchange-traded fund (ETF) masquerading as a corporate entity. The company's success isn't dependent on one person, whether we're talking about Buffett or Abel.

As it has been for years, though, Berkshire Hathaway is the ultimate sleep-well-at-night stock. The company's massive cash stockpile, which makes Berkshire a safer haven than most, bolsters this status. With shares down more than 10% from the peak set in the first half of 2025, I view Berkshire as an excellent stock to buy on the dip.

HomeEarnings AnalysisConsumer 

SummaryOneWater Marine has executed on divestments and deleveraging, selling underperforming dealerships and reducing long-term debt, aligning with my prior recommendations.ONEW's sales mix has shifted toward higher-margin premium new boats and a surge in pre-owned sales, supporting gross margin resilience amid a challenging macro backdrop.Despite a double beat, ONEW remains highly cyclical, with inventory turnover concerns and floorplan financing risk; valuation appears stretched at ~16x EV/EBITDA on FY 2026 guidance.I change to a 'Hold' rating, as improved mix and deleveraging are offset by soft demand, price competition, and limited upside with a $9.70–$13.80 price target range. mattjeacock/iStock via Getty Images

Even though I took a bearish stance on OneWater Marine (ONEW) back in December, I did lay out two things that would make me look at the stock with a bit more curiosity.

If you

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

They are great long-term options.

Over the past decade, AbbVie (ABBV +1.17%) and Mastercard (MA 1.00%) have produced strong market returns. Their performance is even better once we account for dividends reinvested. That is one of the reasons income investing is so powerful: Dividends can significantly boost long-term returns. With that said, here is why AbbVie and Mastercard remain excellent dividend picks today.

Image source: Getty Images.

1. AbbVie There is at least one thing that makes AbbVie an outstanding dividend stock. The company is a Dividend King, that is, a corporation with at least 50 straight years of payout increases. This is no easy feat and speaks volumes about AbbVie's business.

While the past is not a guarantee of future performance, AbbVie looks likely to keep growing its dividends for a long time. The company's vast portfolio of medicines across multiple therapeutic areas and deep pipeline allow it to generate consistent revenue and earnings while overcoming patent cliffs.

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Meanwhile, AbbVie can expand its pipeline through acquisitions or licensing deals, as it has done numerous times in recent years. Further, AbbVie has a resilient, defensive business that performs relatively well even when the economy is down, allowing it to keep the dividend hikes coming even amid severe challenges.

AbbVie should also capitalize on long-term tailwinds -- such as the world's aging population -- that will drive growing demand for pharmaceutical drugs. These factors all make AbbVie an ideal stock for dividend-seekers.

2. Mastercard Though it isn't primarily known for its dividend program, payment processing giant Mastercard is an excellent dividend stock. Over the past decade, the company has increased its payouts by almost 358%. There is much more where that came from, considering its strong business, the vast opportunities in the market Mastercard operates in, and the company's competitive advantage.

Mastercard helps process credit and debit card transactions, pocketing a fee for each. Though payment volume tends to drop when the economy isn't doing well, since Mastercard doesn't issue the cards itself, it is at least immune to credit risk. The financial services specialist tends to perform relatively well even in bad times.

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Then, there is the company's large addressable market. Though digital payment methods seem ubiquitous, there is a lot of work to be done -- and plenty of cash and check volume to bring into its ecosystem. Compared to its main competitor, Visa, Mastercard is particularly exposed to markets with lower credit card penetration. The company has estimated a roughly $12.5 trillion opportunity.

It won't capture this entire market on its own, but it is well positioned to be one of the biggest winners of the ongoing cash-displacement phenomenon. Mastercard benefits from a strong moat thanks to the network effect -- it will be challenging to knock the company out of its leading position in its niche. That's why the stock could continue delivering solid returns along with consistent dividend hikes for a long time.

Pfizer has fallen behind the pack when it comes to GLP-1 drugs, but the company is still fighting.

Pfizer (PFE +1.26%) got a huge boost during the coronavirus pandemic thanks to its COVID-19 vaccine. Since that point, however, investors have soured on the stock, which has lost more than half its value since its 2021 high-water mark. There are very real concerns to consider with the business, but investor sentiment may have swung too far to the negative here.

What does Pfizer do? Pfizer is one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies, with a long history of innovation. This is an important fact to keep in mind as you look at the stock. The drug industry is capital-intensive due to the heavy research and development spending required. Adding to costs is the regulatory burden drugmakers face, since new drugs must prove both effective and safe before they are allowed to be sold.

Image source: Getty Images.

Further complicating matters is the fact that Pfizer is just one of many industry giants. Competition is fierce, with all drug companies working hard to come out with new drugs, often within the same treatment niche. The costs of developing a new drug are so prohibitive that pharmaceutical companies are given a limited period during which they can sell new drugs exclusively.

Patent protections are good and bad. While blockbuster drugs can produce huge profits for a company, when those patents expire, revenue and profit can decline quickly as generic versions enter the market. This is known as a patent cliff.

What's important to remember is that all of this is just business as usual for a drug company. Pfizer has proven it knows how to survive in this highly competitive industry.

Pfizer's stumble and the approach of patent cliffs During the height of the pandemic, Pfizer was among the companies that quickly developed a vaccine. Investors extrapolated demand for that vaccine too far into the future, dramatically inflating Pfizer's stock price. When the world learned to live with COVID, and demand for the vaccine declined, the stock fell. The drop has been exacerbated by Pfizer's approaching patent cliffs.

The company's abandonment of its internally developed GLP-1 weight loss drug added to Pfizer's troubles. This event basically told investors that the company's development pipeline was not as strong as hoped. Essentially, Pfizer isn't likely to bring out a new blockbuster drug to offset the hit from its impending patent cliffs. There is a reason to be negative here, but this healthcare giant isn't sitting still.

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For example, Pfizer has already purchased a company with a promising GLP-1 drug pipeline. And, just in case that drug doesn't pan out, Pfizer has agreed to distribute a GLP-1 therapy for a Chinese company if it is approved. History suggests that Pfizer is highly likely to survive and thrive over the long term, even if there is a mismatch between new drugs and patent expirations in the short term.

Pfizer requires a long-term view Dividend investors are likely to find the stock's 6.7% yield attractive. That yield is the result of a 100% dividend payout ratio -- meaning the company devotes all its profit to the payments -- so caution is warranted if you need your dividends to pay for living expenses. A dividend cut wouldn't be a shock.

Ultimately, Pfizer is a turnaround story. It is probably best suited for more aggressive investors who are willing to take a long-term view. If the company maintains the dividend throughout the turnaround, all the better. If it gets cut, the dividend really shouldn't have been your focus anyway.

That said, interested investors may not want to wait too long here. Since it's 52-week low in early April, the stock has risen by almost 20%. Wall Street is clearly catching on to the fact that Pfizer's turnaround potential is attractive.

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of BMRN, FOLD, TVTX either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

Amin Ayan

Crypto Journalist

Amin Ayan

Part of the Team Since

Apr 2025

About Author

Amin Ayan is a crypto journalist with over four years of experience in the industry. He has contributed to leading publications such as Cryptonews, Investing.com, 99Bitcoins, and 24/7 Wall St. He has...

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1 hour ago

Bitcoin may have found a floor after sliding roughly 7% to $77,000 over the weekend, according to analyst PlanC, who argues the move could mark the deepest pullback of the current bull cycle.

Key Takeaways:

An analyst says Bitcoin’s drop to $77,000 may mark a capitulation-style cycle low. The pullback mirrors past crashes that preceded major recoveries, though losses remain deep. Other analysts warn further downside is still possible despite the recent bounce. In a post on X on Saturday, PlanC said there is a “decent chance” the latest drop represents a capitulation-style low rather than the start of a prolonged downturn.

Bitcoin briefly touched the $77,000 level before stabilizing and rebounding modestly to around $78,600, data from CoinMarketCap shows.

Bitcoin Drawdown Echoes Past Capitulations That Led to RecoveriesDespite the bounce, the asset remains down more than 11% over the past month and roughly 38% below its October all-time high of $126,100.

PlanC compared the current price action to several historic drawdowns that ultimately preceded major recoveries.

He pointed to the 2018 bear market capitulation near $3,000, the March 2020 COVID-driven crash to around $5,100, and the sharp declines following the FTX and Terra-Luna collapses, when Bitcoin briefly traded in the $15,500–$17,500 range.

“There is a decent chance we are going through another major capitulation low as we speak,” PlanC wrote, adding that his estimated range for a cycle bottom sits between $75,000 and $80,000.

In his view, the recent sell-off may represent a final shakeout rather than a structural shift in the broader trend.

Others urged caution but echoed the view that weekend moves can exaggerate market sentiment. Bitcoin advocate and financial accountant Rajat Soni noted that the drop occurred during one of crypto’s most volatile trading windows.

FYI: 35%-40% corrections are historically not unheard of for a Bitcoin bull run.

Also, the Binance 'glitch' black swan brought us down much lower than we would have gone otherwise.

— Plan C (@TheRealPlanC) February 1, 2026 “Never trust a weekend pump or dump,” he said, warning traders against drawing firm conclusions from short-term price swings.

Still, not all market watchers are convinced the downside is over. Veteran trader Peter Brandt has suggested Bitcoin could slide as low as $60,000 by the third quarter of 2026.

Crypto analyst Benjamin Cowen also expects the cycle low to arrive later this year, potentially around October, though he anticipates multiple relief rallies before then.

Adding to the cautious outlook, Jurrien Timmer of Fidelity said 2026 could prove to be a “year off” for Bitcoin, with prices potentially revisiting the mid-$60,000 range before a more durable recovery takes hold.

Bitcoin Slides as Fed Caution, Geopolitics Sap Risk AppetiteBitcoin has fallen back below $89,000 after a short-lived rebound, pressured by tighter financial conditions and rising geopolitical stress that have weighed on risk assets.

According to XS.com analyst Samer Hasn, a Federal Reserve stance that remains neutral to hawkish, combined with tensions in the Middle East, has reduced demand for speculative investments across crypto markets.

Market data points to weakening conviction among traders. CoinGlass figures show crypto futures open interest is down 42% from record highs, with attempted breakouts quickly reversed by sharp sell-offs.

At the same time, capital has rotated toward traditional havens such as gold and silver, leaving digital assets struggling to attract fresh inflows as volatility persists.

With Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell signaling little urgency to cut rates and geopolitical risks pushing investors toward tangible assets, analysts say Bitcoin remains a higher-risk trade until either policy eases or global tensions cool.

With XRP currently in a massive sell-off that has seen the asset face the threat of dropping below the $1.50 support level, insights from an artificial intelligence (AI) model suggest that the token is likely to reclaim the $2 mark by the end of the month.

Indeed, XRP’s sell-off has been triggered by broader market sentiment, with leading assets such as Bitcoin continuing to record capital outflows. 

The market is amid waning interest in risk assets, driven by political uncertainty and mounting macroeconomic pressures.

As of press time, XRP was trading at $1.66, having plunged over 4% in the past 24 hours. On the weekly timeframe, the asset has declined by more than 12.5%.

XRP seven-day price chart. Source: Finbold Notably, the price is trading well below both its 50-day SMA near $1.96 and the 200-day SMA around $2.46, confirming a firmly bearish trend structure with no clear signs of reversal. The gap between price and these averages underscores persistent downside pressure.

At the same time, the 14-day RSI sits around 30, signaling oversold conditions. This suggests selling momentum is stretched, and a short-term bounce is possible. However, as long as XRP remains below its key moving averages, any rebound is likely corrective rather than trend-changing.

XRP price prediction  Regarding the price outlook, Finbold turned to OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which forecast that XRP could rebound and find support by February 28, 2026, based on the current market structure, momentum, and broader crypto conditions.

The model noted that XRP is in a post-volatility compression phase following a sharp move. Such transitions typically resolve through either a slow continuation or a range-bound recovery. In this case, the lack of a decisive bearish breakdown points to a gradual move higher within a defined range rather than a sharp sell-off.

At the same time, XRP’s relative behavior also supports this view. While it often lags Bitcoin (BTC) during strong rallies, it has shown resilience during consolidation phases. 

If the broader cryptocurrency market remains neutral to mildly positive, XRP is more likely to drift higher than materially underperform.

With less than a month until February 28, the model ruled out extreme outcomes, favoring mean reversion and modest trend continuation over a parabolic rally or deep decline.

XRP price scenarios for February 28 Under its base-case scenario, viewed as the most likely outcome, ChatGPT expects XRP to oscillate while slowly trending higher, settling in a zone between $2.10 and $2.25, where buying and selling pressure are more evenly balanced.

A bearish scenario, assigned a lower probability, would see a broader risk-off move across crypto markets, with XRP testing support but holding in the $1.80 to $1.90 range. A bullish scenario would require a strong market-wide catalyst, allowing momentum to expand and pushing XRP toward $2.40 to $2.45, though the model considers a move beyond that range unlikely without a new narrative driver.

XRP price prediction. Source: ChatGPT Taking all factors into account, ChatGPT assigned a single-point estimate of $2.15 for XRP on February 28, 2026, characterizing the outlook as one of controlled upside driven by consolidation dynamics rather than speculative excess.

Featured image via Shutterstock

Ripple Co-Founder Leads $40M Push to Counter California Wealth Tax

Anas Hassan

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Anas Hassan

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Jun 2025

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Anas is a crypto native journalist and SEO writer with over five years of writing experience covering blockchain, crypto, DeFi, and emerging tech.

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Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen and venture capitalist Tim Draper have launched Grow California, a $40 million political initiative designed to elect moderate state legislators and push back against labor unions, with a proposed wealth tax serving as the primary catalyst for Silicon Valley’s latest political mobilization.

According to NYT, the effort, which began with $5 million checks from each founder in September, represents one of the most significant financial commitments from the tech and crypto sectors to reshape California politics.

The ballot measure that triggered this response, backed by Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West, would impose a one-time 5% tax on net worth exceeding $1 billion, including unrealized gains on assets not yet sold.

“Whoever designed that wealth tax in the unions — wow,” Larsen said. “They woke up the sleeping giant like I have never seen.“

Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen. | Source: BloombergTech Billionaires Challenge Union Influence With Business-Friendly CandidatesLarsen, whose net worth is nearly $15 billion from Ripple holdings and crypto assets, said he expects to personally commit $30 million to the organization.

“If it takes a couple of cycles, fine — that’s what we’re here for,” he told The New York Times when asked about potential November losses.

The group plans to target about a dozen state legislative seats this year, focusing on public safety, homelessness, and budget discipline, according to Shaudi Fulp, the former Sacramento lobbyist leading daily operations.

While Democrats control more than two-thirds of seats in both legislative chambers, Grow California will not engage in the 2026 gubernatorial race or expensive ballot proposition campaigns.

Both founders come from the crypto industry, though they stress that the initiative does not represent the interests of the crypto sector specifically.

Larsen acknowledged learning lessons from Fairshake, the crypto super PAC backed by Ripple that spent over $100 million shaping the current Congress.

Draper, known for Bitcoin-themed accessories and his persistent campaign to split California into multiple states, did not respond to requests for comment.

“The government unions do a great job,” Larsen said, adding with a laugh, “I have respect for the job that they’ve done. They show up, and they’re there consistently. But that’s going to clash with a lot of the things that are going to make California successful if there’s no counterforce.“

California Crypto Politics Intensifies Amid Governor Race And Regulatory ExpansionThe wealth tax debate coincides with former Assembly member Ian Calderon’s entry into the 2026 gubernatorial race on a pro-Bitcoin platform.

Calderon, 39, who served as Assembly Majority Leader from 2016 to 2020, declared his vision for California to become “the undisputed leader on Bitcoin” in his campaign announcement video.

Meanwhile, Governor Gavin Newsom has intensified criticism of President Donald Trump’s crypto-related pardons, launching a state-backed website tracking what his office calls “criminal cronies.“

The site prominently features Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, who received a full pardon in October after serving four months for Bank Secrecy Act violations, and Ross Ulbricht, whose life sentence for Silk Road operations was commuted.

Beyond political battles, California continues advancing digital asset infrastructure through the Digital Financial Assets Law, which takes effect in July 2025 and requires all crypto service providers to obtain state licenses.

The Assembly also unanimously passed AB 1180 in June, creating a pilot program for state fee payments using digital assets that runs through 2031.

Global Tax Frameworks Contrast California’s Uncertain TrajectoryWhile California debates wealth taxation, other jurisdictions are implementing clearer crypto tax structures.

Japan’s 2026 tax reform blueprint reduces crypto taxation from up to 55% to a flat 20% for specified digital assets handled by registered businesses, though the exact qualifying criteria remain undefined.

Similarly, the European Union’s DAC8 tax transparency law took effect on January 1, requiring crypto exchanges and service providers to collect and report user information to national tax authorities, with data sharing between EU countries beginning July 1.

“Tax authorities now have an automated dashboard tracking your digital assets,” wrote Bitcoin educator Heidi Chakos.

However, just like California, South Korea faces mounting uncertainty over its repeatedly delayed crypto tax regime, now scheduled for January 2027 despite lacking essential infrastructure.

Switzerland also postponed the automatic exchange of crypto account information with foreign tax authorities until at least 2027, though legal frameworks take effect in January 2026.

TL;DR

Interoperability Focus: The protocol strengthens cross‑chain liquidity by removing reliance on wrapped assets and vulnerable bridges. Ecosystem Growth: Core components like Omni‑CDP, Smart Vaults, and River4FUN support long‑term utility and user engagement. Price Outlook 2026–2032: Forecasts show wide variability but highlight strong upside potential as infrastructure adoption expands.
River positions itself as a foundational DeFi infrastructure project aiming to eliminate one of the industry’s most persistent limitations: fragmented liquidity across blockchains. In a landscape where users often rely on wrapped assets and third‑party bridges, security risks and inefficiencies remain common. The protocol introduces a chain‑abstraction model that allows users to lock assets such as Bitcoin on one network and instantly mint satUSD, its over‑collateralized stablecoin, on another.

This unified liquidity layer reduces reliance on vulnerable bridges and creates a more fluid environment for cross‑chain capital movement. As the market approaches the 2026–2032 horizon, the protocol’s ability to streamline interoperability becomes a central factor in assessing its long‑term relevance.

Core Architecture and Ecosystem Strengths Supporting Future Growth The protocol’s Omni‑CDP system is the engine behind its cross‑chain functionality, synchronizing collateralized debt positions through messaging frameworks like LayerZero. This design keeps collateral stationary while updating positions across networks, improving security, and reducing operational friction. The protocol’s broader ecosystem reinforces its utility: Smart Vaults automate yield strategies, while River4FUN introduces a gamified layer where users earn points convertible into RIVER tokens. Together, these components position the protocol as a potential backbone for a more interconnected blockchain economy, offering both infrastructure value and user‑driven incentives.

Setting the Stage for River’s 2026–2032 Price Outlook With its emphasis on secure interoperability, stablecoin mechanics, and incentive‑driven participation, the protocol enters the prediction window with strong structural foundations. Understanding how these elements influence market perception is essential before evaluating RIVER’s potential price trajectory from 2026 through 2032.

2026 Price Projection: Early Market Positioning The 2026 outlook suggests a wide but potentially lucrative trading range, fluctuating between $45.01 and $180.46 throughout the year. Analysts at CoinCodex place the average annual price near $75.82, a level that implies a possible return on investment of 207.60% if market conditions align with historical volatility patterns. This broad channel reflects both the speculative enthusiasm surrounding emerging DeFi infrastructure and the uncertainty that typically accompanies early‑stage ecosystem growth.

Youtubers Price Prediction for RIVER Additional technical analysis from independent cryptocurrency experts presents a more conservative but still optimistic scenario, outlining a minimum price expectation of $66.9 and a potential peak near $118. Their models place the average trading cost at around $89.94, suggesting a steadier trajectory supported by incremental ecosystem expansion and improved market stability.

Popular YouTube Channel, NextGen, dedicated to all things crypto and blockchain, shared a video analyzing River’s market performance, key indicators, and investor sentiment to predict the token’s potential price movements for 2026.

2027 Forecast: Momentum and Mid‑Cycle Trends

The 2027 forecast presents a split narrative, with experimental modeling from CoinDataFlow suggesting a notably bearish scenario. Their simulation indicates a potential decline of ‑20.28%, placing the asset near $47.46 under what they consider the most favorable conditions. Throughout the year, the projected trading channel spans from $17.37 to $47.46, outlining a period marked by volatility and downward pressure.

In contrast, technical analysts present a far more optimistic interpretation of 2027, projecting a minimum price of $119 and a potential peak near $209, with an average trading cost around $160. This perspective assumes continued ecosystem development, stronger user engagement, and improved market confidence as the project matures.

2028 Outlook: Adoption Signals and Utility Growth The 2028 outlook begins with a notably bullish projection from DigitalCoinPrice, which anticipates the asset starting the year near $13.00 before climbing toward $42.42. Compared with the previous year’s expectations, this represents a substantial upward shift, signaling renewed confidence in the project’s long‑term trajectory. Such a move would indicate strengthening market sentiment.

Technical analysts, however, present an even more aggressive scenario for the same period, outlining a minimum price near $210 and a potential peak around $354, with an average trading cost estimated at $276. This model assumes accelerated adoption, stronger utility integration, and a more mature market structure capable of supporting higher valuations.

2029 Scenario: Network Expansion and Market Confidence

PricePrediction.net outlines a steady growth scenario for 2029, projecting a minimum valuation of $239.38 and a potential peak of $305.18, with an average price near $246.65. This range suggests a year defined by moderate but consistent appreciation, likely supported by expanding liquidity, maturing market conditions, and broader confidence in cross‑chain infrastructure.

Technical analysts present a more aggressive outlook, forecasting a minimum of $355 and a maximum reaching $578, with an average trading cost of around $458. This higher range assumes accelerated adoption, deeper utility integration, and a favorable macro environment that rewards infrastructure‑driven projects.

2030 Prediction: Long‑Term Value Drivers Emerging Projections for 2030 point toward a strong performance, with estimates placing the asset within a trading band between $112.55 and $280.22, supported by an average annual price of $165.08. If these figures play out, the year could deliver an impressive 373.83% return on investment, this scenario reflects growing confidence in cross‑chain infrastructure.

Additional long‑range valuation studies outline an even more ambitious outlook, suggesting a minimum price near $577 and a potential peak around $910, with an average trading cost of $731. These projections assume accelerated adoption, stronger utility, and a market environment that rewards infrastructure‑driven projects with higher valuations.

2031 Analysis: Maturity Phase and Ecosystem Stability

Forecasting models for 2031 point to a year of notable volatility, with experimental simulations suggesting RIVER could rise by 142.61%, reaching $144.45 under ideal market conditions. Throughout the year, price movement is expected to fluctuate between $63.48 and $144.45, reflecting a landscape shaped by shifting liquidity.

Complementing this view, several long‑term market assessments outline a far more ambitious scenario, projecting a minimum valuation near $907 and a potential peak around $1,391, for RIVER with an average trading cost estimated at $1,132. These higher‑end forecasts assume accelerated ecosystem expansion.

2032 Forecast: Strategic Outlook for the Next Cycle Early projections for 2032 indicate a steady upward trend, with forecasting models suggesting the asset could reach $259.41 at both the start and end of the year. Some simulations also highlight the possibility of price movement dipping toward $178.52, reflecting natural fluctuations within a long‑term growth cycle.

Additional long‑horizon market evaluations outline a far more ambitious scenario, projecting a minimum valuation near $1,383 and a potential peak around $2,072, with an average trading cost estimated at $1,704. These upper‑tier expectations assume accelerated adoption.

Conclusion River’s long‑term outlook reflects a project strengthening its technical base while navigating shifting market conditions. Across 2026–2032, forecasts highlight rising utility, expanding interoperability, and growing ecosystem activity. Although projections vary widely, the protocol’s architecture and cross‑chain focus position it as a potential long‑term contender in the evolving DeFi landscape.

The Price Predictions published in this article are based on estimates made by industry professionals; they are not investment recommendations, and it should be understood that these predictions may not occur as described.

The content of this article should only be taken as a guide, and you should always carry out your own analysis before making any investment.

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Arslan Butt

Crypto Writer

Arslan Butt

Part of the Team Since

Sep 2022

About Author

Arslan Butt is an experienced webinar speaker, market analyst, and content writer specializing in crypto, forex, and commodities. He provides expert insights, trading strategies, and in-depth analysis...

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We believe in full transparency with our readers. Some of our content includes affiliate links, and we may earn a commission through these partnerships. However, this potential compensation never influences our analysis, opinions, or reviews. Our editorial content is created independently of our marketing partnerships, and our ratings are based solely on our established evaluation criteria. Read More

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9 minutes ago

Ethereum is experiencing one of its biggest declines this cycle, dropping toward $2,400 as the wider crypto market turns cautious. While Bitcoin and other major altcoins are also falling, Ethereum’s losses are steeper in percentage terms.

ETH has dropped about 9 to 10% in the last 24 hours, and trading volume has jumped above $50 billion. This suggests panic selling rather than normal profit-taking. Low liquidity and high leverage have made the sell-off worse, speeding up losses as the weekend approaches.

$2.5Billion Liquidations and Large Holder Selling Are Pushing Prices DownAggressive forced liquidations have driven the sell-off. Over $2.5 billion in crypto positions were wiped out in one day, with Ethereum making up the biggest portion. Because many traders were betting on prices going up, ETH became vulnerable when key support levels broke, leading to a wave of margin calls.

Cryptocurrency Liquidation History Source: CoinglassMeanwhile, large investors and institutions have added to the selling pressure. After months of buying, big holders are now reducing their positions. ETF flows and derivatives also show that investors are trying to lower their risk. As the total crypto market cap drops toward $2.6 trillion and fear levels stay high, market sentiment is still weak.

Ethereum Price Outlook: ETH Drops to $2,400 as Downtrend Speeds UpLooking at the charts, Ethereum price prediction is clearly in a bearish phase. The daily chart shows ETH stuck in a downward channel that has shaped its price since late 2025. The price was rejected at the $3,200 to $3,300 area, just below the falling 100-day and 200-day moving averages, ending the last attempt to stabilize.

Ethereum Price Chart – Source: TradingviewWhen ETH fell below $2,800, which had been a key support level, it confirmed that the downtrend is continuing. Recent price bars show strong selling pressure, with little sign that sellers are running out of steam.

Momentum indicators also show weakness. The RSI has fallen into the mid-20s, which means ETH is deeply oversold but there are no signs of a reversal yet. In strong downtrends, this usually means selling could continue for now.

Important Price Levels and What to Expect NextLooking at possible price paths, there are two main scenarios. ETH could see a short-term bounce up to $2,600 to $2,700, where old support and the lower channel now act as resistance. If ETH can’t move above that area, prices could fall to $2,250 next, and possibly $2,100 if selling picks up.

A more positive outlook will take time. Ethereum needs to hold above $2,400, set a higher low, and close above $2,800 to start a recovery toward $3,100 to $3,300 later on. For now, ETH seems to be going through a leverage reset, which is tough but often needed before a stronger recovery can happen.

Bitcoin Hyper: The Next Evolution of BTC on Solana?Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) is bringing a new phase to the BTC ecosystem. While BTC remains the gold standard 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 $31.4 million, with tokens priced at just $0.013665 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.

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XRP plummeted by double digits yesterday.

Saturday brought untypical volatility in the cryptocurrency markets, which, this time, was favorable for the bears as all digital assets turned red with substantial daily losses.

Ripple’s XRP was not spared as it plunged to its lowest position since November 2024 (on most exchanges) at just over $1.50. It has rebounded slightly since then and now sits above $1.60, but the overall sentiment continues to be highly bearish.

CryptoWZRD, for example, outlined the token’s bearish closure against the greeback. However, the analyst with over 100,000 followers on X outlined the first positive news for XRP in a while – the closure against BTC.

They noted that the XRP/BTC pair closed with a “dragonfly doji,” which is generally considered a bullish move.

XRP Daily Technical Outlook:$XRP closed bearish while XRPBTC closed with a dragonfly doji which is a strong bullish candle. My focus will be on the lower time frame chart. During the Monthly transition, we should see more volatility led by Bitcoin 😈 pic.twitter.com/RUtgdrjof9

— CRYPTOWZRD (@cryptoWZRD_) February 1, 2026

ERGAG CRYPTO, among the most vocal proponents of Ripple’s cross-border token, outlined several different paths for XRP going forward. They believe the flash crash on Saturday was likely a liquidity grab that could result in an immediate bounce.

However, there’s also the chance for a dead-cat bounce that could lead to another retracement, which would be a second liquidity grab. If history rhymes, though, the analyst envisions a massive rally in the following months of up to 1,600% as it happened after a similar structure formed in the 2017 cycle.

You may also like: What Happened to the XRP ETFs Last Week as Ripple’s Price Tumbled to $1.70? Ripple CTO Emeritus Debunks Unrealistic XRP Price Predictions XRP Defies Price Dip With 42 New Millionaire Wallets in 2026 If such a run indeed transpires now, XRP could skyrocket to well within double-digit price territory, which appears rather unthinkable at the moment, but the asset has proven in the past that it’s capable of similar rallies.

#XRP – 33 EMA Breakdown ≠ Game Over (UPDATE):

🏳️On the monthly chart, #XRP just tagged the Central Line + 33 EMA around $1.60–$1.61 ( The Dip was to $1.50)

🏳️It held the close above $1.60, swept liquidity near $1.64, and opened February at $1.66.

🏳️Why this This matter???… https://t.co/P56R5P3xr0 pic.twitter.com/CvJstLiCwG

— EGRAG CRYPTO (@egragcrypto) February 1, 2026

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