Market Signal Briefing

TL;DR

Cactus Custody launched an institutional self-custody platform based on MPC that enables direct control of digital assets. Its system splits private keys into distributed, encrypted fragments, avoiding the risk of a single point of failure. The platform integrates compliance tools such as Chainalysis and Notabene and supports flexible AML and KYT options. Cactus Custody launched a new institutional self-custody platform built on Multi-Party Computation (MPC), aimed at organizations that require direct control of digital assets without relying on centralized custodians.

The new product addresses growing demand for custody infrastructures that preserve fund ownership while integrating tools compatible with existing regulatory frameworks.

Cactus Splits and Encrypts Private Keys The platform divides private keys into multiple encrypted fragments that are stored in a distributed manner, eliminating a single point of failure. This structure reduces the risk of key leakage and allows clients to retain operational authority over their assets. The design targets institutions that prioritize autonomy, operational continuity, and resilience in their custody infrastructure.

The system includes native integrations with compliance tools. These include onchain monitoring and transaction analysis solutions such as Chainalysis, as well as Travel Rule support through integration with Notabene. These capabilities allow clients to meet AML and KYT obligations and facilitate the exchange of information required by regulators for inter-entity transfers.

Operational Flexibility for All Institutional Profiles Cactus Custody stated that its compliance integrations are flexible. Clients can choose to use Chainalysis for onchain analysis or request the integration of other providers, depending on their operational and regulatory needs. The approach aims to accommodate different institutional profiles without imposing a single technology stack.

In December, Cactus Custody announced a collaboration with an affiliate of Circle Internet Group to integrate USDC infrastructure. This integration allows institutional clients to manage USDC-related operational flows within the same custody system, streamlining processes and reducing external dependencies.

Cactus Custody CEO Daniel Lee said the product is designed for institutions that require self-custody solutions and prefer to avoid centralized custody models. The goal is to offer a platform that combines direct asset control, MPC-based cryptographic security, and compatibility with international regulatory requirements.

With this launch, Cactus Custody expands its offering toward a self-custody model that integrates security, compliance, and support for digital assets and stablecoins within an infrastructure built to operate at institutional scale

Journalist

Posted: January 28, 2026

XRP spot exchange-traded funds [ETFs] have begun recording inflows again after suffering their largest single-day net outflow earlier this month, according to data from SoSoValue. 

The shift in flows comes as XRP’s price remains range-bound and below key moving averages, highlighting stabilisation in positioning rather than an apparent trend reversal.

XRP ETF flows rebound after January capitulation On 20 January, XRP spot ETFs registered a net outflow of $53.32 million, the largest daily redemption since the products launched.

The move marked a sharp reversal after weeks of steady inflows and coincided with heightened volatility across the XRP market.

Source: SoSoValue

Since that drawdown, ETF flows have turned positive again. The latest data shows daily net inflows of around $9.16 million, indicating that selling pressure has eased and that some investors have begun adding exposure following the mid-January shock.

Total assets remain elevated despite volatility Despite the outflow event, total net assets across XRP spot ETFs remain relatively high. Aggregate assets currently stand near $1.38 billion, well above levels seen in November. 

This suggests that the January redemption did not unwind the broader accumulation trend established late last year.

Price consolidates below key technical levels XRP’s price action, however, tells a more cautious story. The token was trading around $1.90–$1.95 at the time of writing, remaining below both its 20-day and 50-day moving averages, which are clustered just under the $2.00 level.

Source: TradingView

Since peaking near $3.60 in October, XRP has established a pattern of lower highs and lower lows, confirming a broader downtrend. 

While price volatility has moderated since the January ETF outflow, XRP has yet to reclaim levels that would signal a meaningful shift in market structure.

Flow stabilisation does not yet signal trend reversal The timing suggests that ETF selling may have amplified existing downside pressure rather than initiating it. 

XRP was already trending lower before the January outflow, and the subsequent return to positive flows has coincided with price stabilisation rather than a rebound.

For now, ETF data suggests improving positioning after a period of stress. At the same time, price action indicates the market remains cautious and sensitive to further shifts in sentiment.

Final Thoughts XRP spot ETFs have recorded fresh inflows after a $53.32 million outflow on 20 January, with total assets holding near $1.38 billion. Despite stabilising flows, XRP continues to trade below $2.00 and key moving averages, suggesting consolidation rather than a confirmed reversal.

Shiba Inu (SHIB) tests crucial weekly support. Analyst predicts a potential 80% rally if momentum holds and the market stays stable.

Newton Gitonga2 min read

28 January 2026, 05:02 PM

Shiba Inu (SHIB), the leading meme coin, has reached a key weekly support level following a recent price correction. The token is showing renewed strength around this area, suggesting a potential rebound. Analysts note that previous retests of this support have often preceded strong recoveries. 

Shiba Inu’s Weekly Support LevelsAccording to analyst MMBTrader, Shiba Inu recently tested a critical weekly support zone between $0.0000074 and $0.0000057. This follows a 4% price correction on January 25. MMBTrader highlighted that the zone has historically acted as a strong demand area. 

For instance, during the early October flash crash, SHIB fell to $0.00000678 but rebounded sharply. Similarly, in late December 2025, the coin consolidated around this level before bouncing on January 1. The analyst noted that while the latest support retest was not as rapid as the October move, it was shorter than the December consolidation.

Shiba Inu’s defense of this support underscores its importance. MMBTrader explained that each retest has been followed by notable recoveries, indicating sustained buying pressure in the market. The most recent rebound from this area pushed SHIB to a yearly high of $0.00001009.

Potential Upside and Market ConditionsMMBTrader suggested that if Shiba Inu sustains its momentum above the support, it could trigger a bullish reversal. The analyst indicated that renewed buying and rising trading volume would confirm this trend. Based on current conditions, a rebound could drive SHIB toward $0.00001325, representing an approximate 72% gain from its current price of $0.00000774.

However, MMBTrader emphasized that this scenario depends on broader market stability. Bitcoin and major altcoins must maintain steady prices to support SHIB’s rally. Investors are advised to watch for bullish candle patterns and increased volume as potential confirmation of a continued uptrend.

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

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Latest Shiba Inu News Today (SHIB)

Macro investor Raoul Pal says Bitcoin’s recent underperformance compared to gold is not unusual and could actually be setting the stage for a strong move later.

Speaking about the long-running Bitcoin–gold comparison, Pal explained that gold typically moves first, while Bitcoin tends to catch up later in the cycle. According to him, this is not really about gold itself, but about where the global economy sits in the business cycle.

It’s Not About Gold, It’s About LiquidityPal said gold simply reflects financial conditions. When governments face rising debt and interest costs, they often inject liquidity into the system. That liquidity eventually flows through asset markets.

“Financial conditions lead liquidity, and liquidity drives asset prices,” Pal explained. In past cycles, gold has moved first, followed by Bitcoin with a delay.

He added that if you compare Bitcoin and gold prices with roughly a six-month lag, their charts line up closely. The current gap between them, which he described as “alligator jaws,” is mainly due to crypto-specific market damage, not a broken cycle.

Crypto Is Underowned Right NowPal believes most investors are currently underweight crypto, as many think the bull cycle is already over. If the market turns higher from here, he expects investors to chase prices quickly.

“If crypto starts moving again, people will realize they’re underexposed,” he said.

Why 2026 Could Be a Big Year for BitcoinPal also shared why he believes 2026 could be a major year for Bitcoin. His framework, which he calls the “Everything Code,” is based on global liquidity, which he says explains around 90% of Bitcoin’s price moves.

He said that last year did not bring the liquidity boost many expected. Governments extended debt timelines, effectively pushing the cycle from four years to five years instead.

Unexpected events, including a long government shutdown and liquidity being pulled from the system, hurt risk assets like crypto the most. Bitcoin and the broader crypto market were hit especially hard in October, when a major liquidation event across exchanges caused widespread damage.

Why Bitcoin Has Been Moving SidewaysPal said the crypto market is still repairing itself after that shock. This explains why Bitcoin has been trading sideways while stocks and gold have pushed to new highs.

“Crypto sits at the far end of the risk curve,” Pal said. “When liquidity disappears, it gets hit first. But when liquidity returns, it also tends to recover the fastest.”

According to Raoul Pal, Bitcoin lagging behind gold is part of a normal macro cycle. If global liquidity improves as expected, Bitcoin could eventually play catch-up, with 2026 shaping up as a key year for the next major move.

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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Wall Street expects a year-over-year decline in earnings on higher revenues when Silgan Holdings (SLGN - Free Report) reports results for the quarter ended December 2025. While this widely-known consensus outlook is important in gauging the company's earnings picture, a powerful factor that could impact its near-term stock price is how the actual results compare to these estimates.

The stock might move higher if these key numbers top expectations in the upcoming earnings report, which is expected to be released on February 4. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower.

While management's discussion of business conditions on the earnings call will mostly determine the sustainability of the immediate price change and future earnings expectations, it's worth having a handicapping insight into the odds of a positive EPS surprise.

Zacks Consensus EstimateThis packaging products supplier is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.65 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of -23.5%.

Revenues are expected to be $1.46 billion, up 3.5% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 0.21% lower over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.

Investors should keep in mind that an aggregate change may not always reflect the direction of estimate revisions by each of the covering analysts.

Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

Earnings WhisperEstimate revisions ahead of a company's earnings release offer clues to the business conditions for the period whose results are coming out. Our proprietary surprise prediction model -- the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) -- has this insight at its core.

The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a more recent version of the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier.

Thus, a positive or negative Earnings ESP reading theoretically indicates the likely deviation of the actual earnings from the consensus estimate. However, the model's predictive power is significant for positive ESP readings only.

A positive Earnings ESP is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, particularly when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold). Our research shows that stocks with this combination produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time, and a solid Zacks Rank actually increases the predictive power of Earnings ESP.

Please note that a negative Earnings ESP reading is not indicative of an earnings miss. Our research shows that it is difficult to predict an earnings beat with any degree of confidence for stocks with negative Earnings ESP readings and/or Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) or 5 (Strong Sell).

How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Silgan?For Silgan, the Most Accurate Estimate is lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bearish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of -0.61%.

On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #4.

So, this combination makes it difficult to conclusively predict that Silgan will beat the consensus EPS estimate.

Does Earnings Surprise History Hold Any Clue?While calculating estimates for a company's future earnings, analysts often consider to what extent it has been able to match past consensus estimates. So, it's worth taking a look at the surprise history for gauging its influence on the upcoming number.

For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Silgan would post earnings of $1.21 per share when it actually produced earnings of $1.22, delivering a surprise of +0.83%.

Over the last four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates three times.

Bottom LineAn earnings beat or miss may not be the sole basis for a stock moving higher or lower. Many stocks end up losing ground despite an earnings beat due to other factors that disappoint investors. Similarly, unforeseen catalysts help a number of stocks gain despite an earnings miss.

That said, betting on stocks that are expected to beat earnings expectations does increase the odds of success. This is why it's worth checking a company's Earnings ESP and Zacks Rank ahead of its quarterly release. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.

Silgan doesn't appear a compelling earnings-beat candidate. However, investors should pay attention to other factors too for betting on this stock or staying away from it ahead of its earnings release.

Stay on top of upcoming earnings announcements with the Zacks Earnings Calendar.

Wall Street expects a year-over-year decline in earnings on lower revenues when Old Dominion Freight Line (ODFL - Free Report) reports results for the quarter ended December 2025. While this widely-known consensus outlook is important in gauging the company's earnings picture, a powerful factor that could impact its near-term stock price is how the actual results compare to these estimates.

The stock might move higher if these key numbers top expectations in the upcoming earnings report, which is expected to be released on February 4. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower.

While management's discussion of business conditions on the earnings call will mostly determine the sustainability of the immediate price change and future earnings expectations, it's worth having a handicapping insight into the odds of a positive EPS surprise.

Zacks Consensus EstimateThis trucking company is expected to post quarterly earnings of $1.06 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of -13.8%.

Revenues are expected to be $1.3 billion, down 6.5% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 2.09% lower over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.

Investors should keep in mind that an aggregate change may not always reflect the direction of estimate revisions by each of the covering analysts.

Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

Earnings WhisperEstimate revisions ahead of a company's earnings release offer clues to the business conditions for the period whose results are coming out. Our proprietary surprise prediction model -- the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) -- has this insight at its core.

The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a more recent version of the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier.

Thus, a positive or negative Earnings ESP reading theoretically indicates the likely deviation of the actual earnings from the consensus estimate. However, the model's predictive power is significant for positive ESP readings only.

A positive Earnings ESP is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, particularly when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold). Our research shows that stocks with this combination produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time, and a solid Zacks Rank actually increases the predictive power of Earnings ESP.

Please note that a negative Earnings ESP reading is not indicative of an earnings miss. Our research shows that it is difficult to predict an earnings beat with any degree of confidence for stocks with negative Earnings ESP readings and/or Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) or 5 (Strong Sell).

How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Old Dominion?For Old Dominion, the Most Accurate Estimate is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bullish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of +0.59%.

On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #4.

So, this combination makes it difficult to conclusively predict that Old Dominion will beat the consensus EPS estimate.

Does Earnings Surprise History Hold Any Clue?While calculating estimates for a company's future earnings, analysts often consider to what extent it has been able to match past consensus estimates. So, it's worth taking a look at the surprise history for gauging its influence on the upcoming number.

For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Old Dominion would post earnings of $1.22 per share when it actually produced earnings of $1.28, delivering a surprise of +4.92%.

Over the last four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates three times.

Bottom LineAn earnings beat or miss may not be the sole basis for a stock moving higher or lower. Many stocks end up losing ground despite an earnings beat due to other factors that disappoint investors. Similarly, unforeseen catalysts help a number of stocks gain despite an earnings miss.

That said, betting on stocks that are expected to beat earnings expectations does increase the odds of success. This is why it's worth checking a company's Earnings ESP and Zacks Rank ahead of its quarterly release. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.

Old Dominion doesn't appear a compelling earnings-beat candidate. However, investors should pay attention to other factors too for betting on this stock or staying away from it ahead of its earnings release.

An Industry Player's Expected ResultsAnother stock from the Zacks Transportation - Truck industry, ArcBest (ARCB - Free Report) , is soon expected to post earnings of $0.45 per share for the quarter ended December 2025. This estimate indicates a year-over-year change of -66.2%. Revenues for the quarter are expected to be $968.81 million, down 3.3% from the year-ago quarter.

Over the last 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate for ArcBest has been revised 2.7% down to the current level. Nevertheless, the company now has an Earnings ESP of -5.62%, reflecting a lower Most Accurate Estimate.

This Earnings ESP, combined with its Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), makes it difficult to conclusively predict that ArcBest will beat the consensus EPS estimate. Over the last four quarters, the company surpassed consensus EPS estimates two times.

Stay on top of upcoming earnings announcements with the Zacks Earnings Calendar.

Wall Street expects flat earnings compared to the year-ago quarter on lower revenues when Patterson-UTI (PTEN - Free Report) reports results for the quarter ended December 2025. While this widely-known consensus outlook is important in gauging the company's earnings picture, a powerful factor that could impact its near-term stock price is how the actual results compare to these estimates.

The earnings report, which is expected to be released on February 4, might help the stock move higher if these key numbers are better than expectations. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower.

While management's discussion of business conditions on the earnings call will mostly determine the sustainability of the immediate price change and future earnings expectations, it's worth having a handicapping insight into the odds of a positive EPS surprise.

Zacks Consensus EstimateThis provider of onshore contract drilling services is expected to post quarterly loss of $0.12 per share in its upcoming report, which represents no change from the year-ago quarter.

Revenues are expected to be $1.1 billion, down 5.7% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 3.57% higher over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.

Investors should keep in mind that an aggregate change may not always reflect the direction of estimate revisions by each of the covering analysts.

Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

Earnings WhisperEstimate revisions ahead of a company's earnings release offer clues to the business conditions for the period whose results are coming out. Our proprietary surprise prediction model -- the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) -- has this insight at its core.

The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a more recent version of the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier.

Thus, a positive or negative Earnings ESP reading theoretically indicates the likely deviation of the actual earnings from the consensus estimate. However, the model's predictive power is significant for positive ESP readings only.

A positive Earnings ESP is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, particularly when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold). Our research shows that stocks with this combination produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time, and a solid Zacks Rank actually increases the predictive power of Earnings ESP.

Please note that a negative Earnings ESP reading is not indicative of an earnings miss. Our research shows that it is difficult to predict an earnings beat with any degree of confidence for stocks with negative Earnings ESP readings and/or Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) or 5 (Strong Sell).

How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Patterson-UTI?For Patterson-UTI, the Most Accurate Estimate is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bullish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of +19.15%.

On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #3.

So, this combination indicates that Patterson-UTI will most likely beat the consensus EPS estimate.

Does Earnings Surprise History Hold Any Clue?While calculating estimates for a company's future earnings, analysts often consider to what extent it has been able to match past consensus estimates. So, it's worth taking a look at the surprise history for gauging its influence on the upcoming number.

For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Patterson-UTI would post a loss of$0.1 per share when it actually produced a loss of -$0.06, delivering a surprise of +40.00%.

Over the last four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates two times.

Bottom LineAn earnings beat or miss may not be the sole basis for a stock moving higher or lower. Many stocks end up losing ground despite an earnings beat due to other factors that disappoint investors. Similarly, unforeseen catalysts help a number of stocks gain despite an earnings miss.

That said, betting on stocks that are expected to beat earnings expectations does increase the odds of success. This is why it's worth checking a company's Earnings ESP and Zacks Rank ahead of its quarterly release. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.

Patterson-UTI appears a compelling earnings-beat candidate. However, investors should pay attention to other factors too for betting on this stock or staying away from it ahead of its earnings release.

Stay on top of upcoming earnings announcements with the Zacks Earnings Calendar.

The market expects Murphy USA (MUSA - Free Report) to deliver a year-over-year decline in earnings on higher revenues when it reports results for the quarter ended December 2025. This widely-known consensus outlook is important in assessing the company's earnings picture, but a powerful factor that might influence its near-term stock price is how the actual results compare to these estimates.

The stock might move higher if these key numbers top expectations in the upcoming earnings report, which is expected to be released on February 4. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower.

While management's discussion of business conditions on the earnings call will mostly determine the sustainability of the immediate price change and future earnings expectations, it's worth having a handicapping insight into the odds of a positive EPS surprise.

Zacks Consensus EstimateThis gasoline station operator is expected to post quarterly earnings of $6.46 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of -7.2%.

Revenues are expected to be $4.89 billion, up 3.8% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 0.71% lower over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.

Investors should keep in mind that an aggregate change may not always reflect the direction of estimate revisions by each of the covering analysts.

Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

Earnings WhisperEstimate revisions ahead of a company's earnings release offer clues to the business conditions for the period whose results are coming out. Our proprietary surprise prediction model -- the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) -- has this insight at its core.

The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a more recent version of the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier.

Thus, a positive or negative Earnings ESP reading theoretically indicates the likely deviation of the actual earnings from the consensus estimate. However, the model's predictive power is significant for positive ESP readings only.

A positive Earnings ESP is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, particularly when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold). Our research shows that stocks with this combination produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time, and a solid Zacks Rank actually increases the predictive power of Earnings ESP.

Please note that a negative Earnings ESP reading is not indicative of an earnings miss. Our research shows that it is difficult to predict an earnings beat with any degree of confidence for stocks with negative Earnings ESP readings and/or Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) or 5 (Strong Sell).

How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Murphy USA?For Murphy USA, the Most Accurate Estimate is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bullish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of +0.54%.

On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #3.

So, this combination indicates that Murphy USA will most likely beat the consensus EPS estimate.

Does Earnings Surprise History Hold Any Clue?While calculating estimates for a company's future earnings, analysts often consider to what extent it has been able to match past consensus estimates. So, it's worth taking a look at the surprise history for gauging its influence on the upcoming number.

For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Murphy USA would post earnings of $6.6 per share when it actually produced earnings of $7.25, delivering a surprise of +9.85%.

Over the last four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates three times.

Bottom LineAn earnings beat or miss may not be the sole basis for a stock moving higher or lower. Many stocks end up losing ground despite an earnings beat due to other factors that disappoint investors. Similarly, unforeseen catalysts help a number of stocks gain despite an earnings miss.

That said, betting on stocks that are expected to beat earnings expectations does increase the odds of success. This is why it's worth checking a company's Earnings ESP and Zacks Rank ahead of its quarterly release. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.

Murphy USA appears a compelling earnings-beat candidate. However, investors should pay attention to other factors too for betting on this stock or staying away from it ahead of its earnings release.

Stay on top of upcoming earnings announcements with the Zacks Earnings Calendar.

Wall Street expects a year-over-year increase in earnings on higher revenues when Fluence Energy, Inc. (FLNC - Free Report) reports results for the quarter ended December 2025. While this widely-known consensus outlook is important in gauging the company's earnings picture, a powerful factor that could impact its near-term stock price is how the actual results compare to these estimates.

The earnings report, which is expected to be released on February 4, might help the stock move higher if these key numbers are better than expectations. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower.

While management's discussion of business conditions on the earnings call will mostly determine the sustainability of the immediate price change and future earnings expectations, it's worth having a handicapping insight into the odds of a positive EPS surprise.

Zacks Consensus EstimateThis company is expected to post quarterly loss of $0.19 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +40.6%.

Revenues are expected to be $493.24 million, up 164.1% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 1.89% lower over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.

Investors should keep in mind that an aggregate change may not always reflect the direction of estimate revisions by each of the covering analysts.

Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

Earnings WhisperEstimate revisions ahead of a company's earnings release offer clues to the business conditions for the period whose results are coming out. This insight is at the core of our proprietary surprise prediction model -- the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction).

The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a more recent version of the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier.

Thus, a positive or negative Earnings ESP reading theoretically indicates the likely deviation of the actual earnings from the consensus estimate. However, the model's predictive power is significant for positive ESP readings only.

A positive Earnings ESP is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, particularly when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold). Our research shows that stocks with this combination produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time, and a solid Zacks Rank actually increases the predictive power of Earnings ESP.

Please note that a negative Earnings ESP reading is not indicative of an earnings miss. Our research shows that it is difficult to predict an earnings beat with any degree of confidence for stocks with negative Earnings ESP readings and/or Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) or 5 (Strong Sell).

How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Fluence Energy?For Fluence Energy, the Most Accurate Estimate is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bullish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of +14.89%.

On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #2.

So, this combination indicates that Fluence Energy will most likely beat the consensus EPS estimate.

Does Earnings Surprise History Hold Any Clue?Analysts often consider to what extent a company has been able to match consensus estimates in the past while calculating their estimates for its future earnings. So, it's worth taking a look at the surprise history for gauging its influence on the upcoming number.

For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Fluence Energy would post earnings of $0.13 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.13, delivering no surprise.

Over the last four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates just once.

Bottom LineAn earnings beat or miss may not be the sole basis for a stock moving higher or lower. Many stocks end up losing ground despite an earnings beat due to other factors that disappoint investors. Similarly, unforeseen catalysts help a number of stocks gain despite an earnings miss.

That said, betting on stocks that are expected to beat earnings expectations does increase the odds of success. This is why it's worth checking a company's Earnings ESP and Zacks Rank ahead of its quarterly release. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.

Fluence Energy appears a compelling earnings-beat candidate. However, investors should pay attention to other factors too for betting on this stock or staying away from it ahead of its earnings release.

Stay on top of upcoming earnings announcements with the Zacks Earnings Calendar.

Wex (WEX - Free Report) is expected to deliver a year-over-year increase in earnings on higher revenues when it reports results for the quarter ended December 2025. This widely-known consensus outlook gives a good sense of the company's earnings picture, but how the actual results compare to these estimates is a powerful factor that could impact its near-term stock price.

The stock might move higher if these key numbers top expectations in the upcoming earnings report, which is expected to be released on February 4. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower.

While the sustainability of the immediate price change and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's discussion of business conditions on the earnings call, it's worth handicapping the probability of a positive EPS surprise.

Zacks Consensus EstimateThis provider of fuel payment processing for fleet vehicles is expected to post quarterly earnings of $3.90 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +9.2%.

Revenues are expected to be $659.9 million, up 3.7% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 0.25% lower over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.

Investors should keep in mind that the direction of estimate revisions by each of the covering analysts may not always get reflected in the aggregate change.

Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

Earnings WhisperEstimate revisions ahead of a company's earnings release offer clues to the business conditions for the period whose results are coming out. Our proprietary surprise prediction model -- the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) -- has this insight at its core.

The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a more recent version of the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier.

Thus, a positive or negative Earnings ESP reading theoretically indicates the likely deviation of the actual earnings from the consensus estimate. However, the model's predictive power is significant for positive ESP readings only.

A positive Earnings ESP is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, particularly when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold). Our research shows that stocks with this combination produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time, and a solid Zacks Rank actually increases the predictive power of Earnings ESP.

Please note that a negative Earnings ESP reading is not indicative of an earnings miss. Our research shows that it is difficult to predict an earnings beat with any degree of confidence for stocks with negative Earnings ESP readings and/or Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) or 5 (Strong Sell).

How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Wex?For Wex, the Most Accurate Estimate is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bullish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of +1.16%.

On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #4.

So, this combination makes it difficult to conclusively predict that Wex will beat the consensus EPS estimate.

Does Earnings Surprise History Hold Any Clue?While calculating estimates for a company's future earnings, analysts often consider to what extent it has been able to match past consensus estimates. So, it's worth taking a look at the surprise history for gauging its influence on the upcoming number.

For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Wex would post earnings of $4.45 per share when it actually produced earnings of $4.59, delivering a surprise of +3.15%.

Over the last four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates four times.

Bottom LineAn earnings beat or miss may not be the sole basis for a stock moving higher or lower. Many stocks end up losing ground despite an earnings beat due to other factors that disappoint investors. Similarly, unforeseen catalysts help a number of stocks gain despite an earnings miss.

That said, betting on stocks that are expected to beat earnings expectations does increase the odds of success. This is why it's worth checking a company's Earnings ESP and Zacks Rank ahead of its quarterly release. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.

Wex doesn't appear a compelling earnings-beat candidate. However, investors should pay attention to other factors too for betting on this stock or staying away from it ahead of its earnings release.

Expected Results of an Industry PlayerPaypal (PYPL - Free Report) , another stock in the Zacks Financial Transaction Services industry, is expected to report earnings per share of $1.29 for the quarter ended December 2025. This estimate points to a year-over-year change of +8.4%. Revenues for the quarter are expected to be $8.77 billion, up 4.8% from the year-ago quarter.

The consensus EPS estimate for Paypal has been revised 1.9% lower over the last 30 days to the current level. However, a lower Most Accurate Estimate has resulted in an Earnings ESP of -0.24%.

When combined with a Zacks Rank of #4 (Sell), this Earnings ESP makes it difficult to conclusively predict that Paypal will beat the consensus EPS estimate. The company beat consensus EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters.

Stay on top of upcoming earnings announcements with the Zacks Earnings Calendar.

AbbVie (ABBV - Free Report) is expected to deliver a year-over-year increase in earnings on higher revenues when it reports results for the quarter ended December 2025. This widely-known consensus outlook gives a good sense of the company's earnings picture, but how the actual results compare to these estimates is a powerful factor that could impact its near-term stock price.

The stock might move higher if these key numbers top expectations in the upcoming earnings report, which is expected to be released on February 4. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower.

While the sustainability of the immediate price change and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's discussion of business conditions on the earnings call, it's worth handicapping the probability of a positive EPS surprise.

Zacks Consensus EstimateThis drugmaker is expected to post quarterly earnings of $3.02 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +39.8%.

Revenues are expected to be $16.38 billion, up 8.5% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 0.32% higher over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.

Investors should keep in mind that an aggregate change may not always reflect the direction of estimate revisions by each of the covering analysts.

Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

Earnings WhisperEstimate revisions ahead of a company's earnings release offer clues to the business conditions for the period whose results are coming out. Our proprietary surprise prediction model -- the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) -- has this insight at its core.

The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a more recent version of the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier.

Thus, a positive or negative Earnings ESP reading theoretically indicates the likely deviation of the actual earnings from the consensus estimate. However, the model's predictive power is significant for positive ESP readings only.

A positive Earnings ESP is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, particularly when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold). Our research shows that stocks with this combination produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time, and a solid Zacks Rank actually increases the predictive power of Earnings ESP.

Please note that a negative Earnings ESP reading is not indicative of an earnings miss. Our research shows that it is difficult to predict an earnings beat with any degree of confidence for stocks with negative Earnings ESP readings and/or Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) or 5 (Strong Sell).

How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for AbbVie?For AbbVie, the Most Accurate Estimate is lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bearish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of -12.44%.

On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #3.

So, this combination makes it difficult to conclusively predict that AbbVie will beat the consensus EPS estimate.

Does Earnings Surprise History Hold Any Clue?Analysts often consider to what extent a company has been able to match consensus estimates in the past while calculating their estimates for its future earnings. So, it's worth taking a look at the surprise history for gauging its influence on the upcoming number.

For the last reported quarter, it was expected that AbbVie would post earnings of $1.77 per share when it actually produced earnings of $1.86, delivering a surprise of +5.08%.

Over the last four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates four times.

Bottom LineAn earnings beat or miss may not be the sole basis for a stock moving higher or lower. Many stocks end up losing ground despite an earnings beat due to other factors that disappoint investors. Similarly, unforeseen catalysts help a number of stocks gain despite an earnings miss.

That said, betting on stocks that are expected to beat earnings expectations does increase the odds of success. This is why it's worth checking a company's Earnings ESP and Zacks Rank ahead of its quarterly release. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.

AbbVie doesn't appear a compelling earnings-beat candidate. However, investors should pay attention to other factors too for betting on this stock or staying away from it ahead of its earnings release.

An Industry Player's Expected ResultsAmong the stocks in the Zacks Large Cap Pharmaceuticals industry, Merck (MRK - Free Report) , is soon expected to post earnings of $2.04 per share for the quarter ended December 2025. This estimate indicates a year-over-year change of +18.6%. This quarter's revenue is expected to be $16.19 billion, up 3.6% from the year-ago quarter.

Over the last 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate for Merck has been revised 85.2% down to the current level. Nevertheless, the company now has an Earnings ESP of +0.33%, reflecting a higher Most Accurate Estimate.

When combined with a Zacks Rank of #4 (Sell), this Earnings ESP makes it difficult to conclusively predict that Merck will beat the consensus EPS estimate. The company beat consensus EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters.

Stay on top of upcoming earnings announcements with the Zacks Earnings Calendar.

The German footwear maker, famed for its cork sandals, looks to multiply its store footprint by the 2028 fiscal year.

CHINA - 2025/12/27: In this photo illustration, a Merck logo is seen displayed on the screen of a tablet. (Photo Illustration by Sheldon Cooper/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Merck (MRK)’s stock surged by 41% in the last six months, driven not only by a modest revenue increase but also by a significant profit jump and heightened investor confidence.

The factors behind this surge include a remarkable earnings performance, groundbreaking drug approvals, and encouraging cancer treatment data that suggest a transformative growth narrative.

Here is a detailed analysis of the stock's movement based on key contributing metrics.

MRK Stock Price Change

Trefis

What is going on in this situation? The stock increased by 41%, propelled by a small 0.5% rise in revenue, a robust 8.6% increase in net margin, and a significant 27% rise in the P/E multiple. Let’s explore the reasons behind these changes.

Reasons for the Movement in Merck StockQ3 2025 Earnings Beat: Strong Q3 2025 results, including 10% growth for Keytruda, exceeded expectations and raised FY25 guidance.Keytruda SC Approval: The FDA approved Keytruda QLEX (SC) in Sep/Oct 2025 for solid tumors, improving convenience.Oral PCSK9 Success: Positive Phase 3 results for Enlicitide (oral PCSK9 inhibitor) were announced in Oct 2025.Growth Outlook Improvement: Merck raised its future revenue projections from new drivers to $70B by the mid-2030s on Jan 12, 2026.Melanoma Vaccine Data: Encouraging long-term data for a personalized cancer vaccine with Keytruda in melanoma on Jan 20.Our Current Assessment of MRK StockMORE FOR YOU

Opinion: We currently view MRK stock as fairly valued. Why is that? Check out the full story. Read Buy or Sell MRK Stock to understand the basis for our current opinion.

Risk: A good method to assess risk with MRK is to monitor its declines during significant market sell-offs. It dropped about 63% during the Global Financial Crisis and approximately 38% during the Dot-Com Bubble. Even moderately severe shocks impacted it considerably — such as a 27% decline during the Covid pandemic and around 20% during the Inflation Shock. The 2018 correction was not much gentler, resulting in an 18% drop. Although MRK has solid fundamentals, history indicates it isn’t immune when market conditions worsen.

MRK stock might have experienced substantial increases lately, but investing in a single stock without comprehensive analysis can be perilous. The Trefis High Quality (HQ) Portfolio, which consists of 30 stocks, has a history of comfortably outperforming its benchmark that includes all three — the S&P 500, S&P mid-cap, and Russell 2000 indices. Why is this the case? Collectively, HQ Portfolio stocks have provided superior returns with lower risk compared to the benchmark index, yielding a smoother experience, as shown in HQ Portfolio performance metrics.

NVR (NVR - Free Report) came out with quarterly earnings of $121.54 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $104.96 per share. This compares to earnings of $139.93 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.

This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of +15.80%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this homebuilder would post earnings of $107.88 per share when it actually produced earnings of $112.33, delivering a surprise of +4.12%.

Over the last four quarters, the company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates three times.

NVR, which belongs to the Zacks Building Products - Home Builders industry, posted revenues of $2.64 billion for the quarter ended December 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 11.95%. This compares to year-ago revenues of $2.78 billion. The company has topped consensus revenue estimates three times over the last four quarters.

The sustainability of the stock's immediate price movement based on the recently-released numbers and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's commentary on the earnings call.

NVR shares have added about 2.8% since the beginning of the year versus the S&P 500's gain of 1.9%.

What's Next for NVR?While NVR has outperformed the market so far this year, the question that comes to investors' minds is: what's next for the stock?

There are no easy answers to this key question, but one reliable measure that can help investors address this is the company's earnings outlook. Not only does this include current consensus earnings expectations for the coming quarter(s), but also how these expectations have changed lately.

Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions. Investors can track such revisions by themselves or rely on a tried-and-tested rating tool like the Zacks Rank, which has an impressive track record of harnessing the power of earnings estimate revisions.

Ahead of this earnings release, the estimate revisions trend for NVR was unfavorable. While the magnitude and direction of estimate revisions could change following the company's just-released earnings report, the current status translates into a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) for the stock. So, the shares are expected to underperform the market in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

It will be interesting to see how estimates for the coming quarters and the current fiscal year change in the days ahead. The current consensus EPS estimate is $105.87 on $2.38 billion in revenues for the coming quarter and $411.62 on $9.33 billion in revenues for the current fiscal year.

Investors should be mindful of the fact that the outlook for the industry can have a material impact on the performance of the stock as well. In terms of the Zacks Industry Rank, Building Products - Home Builders is currently in the bottom 2% of the 250 plus Zacks industries. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1.

PulteGroup (PHM - Free Report) , another stock in the same industry, has yet to report results for the quarter ended December 2025. The results are expected to be released on January 29.

This homebuilder is expected to post quarterly earnings of $2.78 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of -20.6%. The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 1.3% lower over the last 30 days to the current level.

PulteGroup's revenues are expected to be $4.31 billion, down 12.4% from the year-ago quarter.

XOM gears up for Q4 results as softer crude prices pressure upstream earnings, while refining gains and long-term assets shape the outlook.

Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. (SYBT) M&A Call Transcript

Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP) Q2 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

Figurines with computers and smartphones are seen in front of Tether logo in this illustration taken, February 19, 2024. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab

LONDON, Jan 28 (Reuters) - Tether plans to allocate 10%–15% of its investment portfolio to physical gold, the crypto group's CEO Paolo Ardoino said, adding to the bullion which it says already backs some of its products.

El Salvador-headquartered Tether said it has about 130 metric tons of physical gold to back its products, after adding 27 tons in the fourth quarter. Ardoino told Reuters that it has been buying around two tons a week.

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"For our own portfolio, it's reasonable that we are going to have around 10% in bitcoin and 10% to 15% in gold," Ardoino said, without disclosing the value of Tether's investment portfolio or how much of it was held in physical gold.

"It's hard to decide which one I like the most. It is almost like you have two children and have to decide which one is more beautiful," he added in a video interview.

Tether, which wants to maintain ownership of the physical gold stored in Switzerland, does not have a target for bullion buying and plans to make this decision on a quarterly basis.

Ardoino said Tether has been buying a lot of gold with its profits, having started in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and continued to buy as geopolitical tensions rose in its wake.

"The world is not in a happy place at this moment. Gold is making all-time highs every single day. Why? Because everyone is scared," Ardoino said. Last year the gold price jumped 64%.

Tether said it bought large amounts of gold last year to back the Tether USDT stablecoin, a digital dollar with $186 billion worth of tokens in circulation, and the Tether XAUT gold token, with $2.7 billion in circulation.

Gold prices have risen 22% so far this year, hitting a record high at $5,311 a troy ounce on Wednesday on buying triggered by falling confidence in the dollar and concerns around the independence of the U.S. Federal Reserve.

Tether, which Ardoino said employs around 250 people, invests the reserves backing up its USDT stablecoin in U.S. Treasury bills and other assets.

Ardoino said he expects Tether's 2026 profit to exceed the $10 billion it is estimated to have earned in 2025 and possibly the $13.7 billion earned in 2024.

Tether has also invested its own profits in U.S. Treasuries, bitcoin, the tech sector, gold royalty firms and other assets.

Reporting by Polina Devitt; Editing by Alexander Smith

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab

Reuters correspondent in London with focus on the LME base metals, gold, silver and platinum group metals. Reporting on trade and everything related to the supply & demand balance. Previously, 15 years of reporting for Reuters from Moscow with focus on metals & mining, agriculture and fertilisers

Japan may be quietly preparing to put XRP at the core of its next phase of digital finance.

Market Sentiment:

Bullish Bearish Neutral

Published: January 28, 2026 │ 2:20 PM GMT

Nick, the host of Ncash YouTube show, argues that Japan is quietly positioning XRP at the center of its next phase of digital finance, tying together regulatory reform, banking partnerships, and ETF ambitions into what he calls a “major green light” for the token.

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Referencing a report from CryptoZoros, the analyst highlights a key claim: Japan is set to classify XRP as a regulated financial product under the country’s Financial Instruments and Exchange Act (FIEA), with implementation targeted for Q2 this year.

That would shift XRP from being treated purely as a “crypto asset” to a fully regulated investment product, potentially opening doors for broader institutional use and stricter investor protections.

XRP Gains Highly-Regulated Status Amid Ripple’s Japan FocusThe video links this regulatory shift to a web of long-running connections between Ripple, XRP, and major Japanese institutions.

The analyst revisits Ripple’s 2021 launch of On-Demand Liquidity (now rebranded as Ripple Payments) with SBI Remit, built on the SBI VC Trade platform and driven by the SBI Ripple Asia joint venture. SBI is described as one of Ripple’s earliest and largest backers.

The host also points to more recent moves, including Ripple’s collaboration with HashKey DX announced in April 2024 to bring XRP Ledger–powered enterprise solutions to Japan, and a dedicated “Japan and Korea fund” that commits 1 billion XRP to support developers and startups building on the XRP Ledger.

That initiative, run in partnership with Web3 Salon and the Asia Web3 Alliance Japan, is scheduled to run through March 2026 and includes startup pitch events, policy discussions, and compliance workshops.

Overlaying all this is a policy backdrop that has turned more crypto-friendly. The analyst notes comments from Japan’s finance minister in early January supporting crypto trading on stock exchanges and signaling tax and regulatory changes designed to bring digital assets into the financial mainstream.

Dual Bitcoin–XRP ETF Ambitions Along With RLUSD DistributionOn the capital markets side, the video cites reports that SBI Holdings has filed for a dual-asset crypto ETF combining Bitcoin and XRP in a single regulated product.

This comes as Japanese regulators have floated a 2028 timeline for broader crypto ETF approval — a schedule SBI’s own chief, Yoshitaka Kitao, has publicly criticized as “too late,” according to the analyst’s summary.

The timing is presented as increasingly synchronized: Japan potentially recognizing XRP as a regulated financial product in Q2, while Ripple and SBI plan to distribute Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin in Japan around Q1 2026 (a date the host thinks could slip into Q2).

Nick suggests that if RLUSD adoption on the XRP Ledger accelerates in Japan, XRP usage may rise in parallel as a regulated asset used to clear or support those transactions.

For now, many details remain unconfirmed at the official level, and NCash acknowledges that some earlier Japanese banking initiatives around Ripple never fully materialized in public updates.

Even so, he argues that the confluence of regulatory movement, SBI’s ETF push, and Ripple’s Japan-specific programs make the country one of the most important jurisdictions to watch for XRP in the coming 12–24 months.

Discover DailyCoin’s hottest crypto news now:
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People Also Ask:Is XRP officially regulated as a financial product in Japan yet?

According to the video, this status change is reported as “set to” happen under FIEA with Q2 implementation targeted, but formal confirmation from Japanese regulators was not shown in the analysis.

What role does SBI play in XRP’s Japanese strategy?

SBI is portrayed as a core Ripple partner and early investor, operating SBI Ripple Asia, SBI Remit, and SBI VC Trade, and now pushing a dual Bitcoin–XRP ETF application.

How does RLUSD fit into this picture?

Ripple and SBI plan to distribute RLUSD in Japan around early 2026, and suggests that greater use of RLUSD on the XRP Ledger could drive more XRP-based activity if XRP is recognized as a regulated financial product.

Could Japan’s slow ETF timeline hurt its crypto ambitions?

The video notes that Japan’s tentative 2028 target for broader crypto ETFs is seen by some, including SBI’s leadership, as too slow compared to the U.S. and other markets, which may be why SBI is pushing ahead with filings now.

DailyCoin's Vibe Check: Which way are you leaning towards after reading this article?

Market Sentiment

0% Neutral

This article is for information purposes only and should not be considered trading or investment advice. Nothing herein shall be construed as financial, legal, or tax advice. Trading forex, cryptocurrencies, and CFDs pose a considerable risk of loss.

Journalist

Posted: January 28, 2026

In a recent episode, American Bitcoin Corp. (ABTC), the mining company backed by Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, has crossed a major milestone.

As per data from Arkham, the firm now holds 5,846 BTC in its reserve, worth about $514.5 million at current prices.

Following this move, ABTC now ranks 18th among the largest corporate Bitcoin [BTC] holders globally, signaling a clear shift in strategy.

This highlights how the company is no longer focused only on mining Bitcoin but on building a long-term balance sheet centered on Bitcoin ownership.

Is ABTC buying the dip? As Bitcoin is still recovering from its October 2025 all-time high of $124,500, trading near $89,700, ABTC’s strategy suggests that it’s no longer driven by short-term price levels.

Instead, it mirrors the long-term accumulation approach and ‘buy the dip’ agendas used by companies like Strategy.

Rather than selling mined Bitcoin to cover costs, the company is holding onto it and also buying more from the open market.

This puts ABTC in a different category than traditional miners, many of whom regularly liquidate their holdings.

What’s more? ABTC now sits alongside firms like Galaxy Digital and Tesla, while surpassing many older mining companies that still rely on selling Bitcoin to stay profitable.

Unfortunately, ABTC’s rise comes at a time when another Trump-linked company is struggling. Trump Media & Technology Group recently reported a $54.8 million net loss in Q3 2025.

Revenue fell slightly to under $1 million, while legal costs surged past $20 million. Additionally, Truth Social also continues to operate at a loss with no clear path to profitability yet.

Therefore, if ABTC continues growing its Bitcoin reserves and manages to break into the top 10 corporate holders in 2026, investors may begin to see those losses at Trump Media as less damaging.

Final Thoughts The company’s strategy suggests that Bitcoin accumulation now matters more than short-term operating margins. Entering the top 20 places ABTC in the same conversation as established institutional Bitcoin holders.

Ishika Kumari is a Crypto Analyst and Content Strategist at AMBCrypto, specializing in the analysis of cryptocurrency regulations, market trends, and the socio-political impact of blockchain technology. Her expertise is grounded in her academic background as a graduate of Political Science from the renowned University of Delhi. This discipline has equipped her with a sophisticated framework for analyzing complex governance models, international regulatory landscapes, and the economic principles that underpin decentralized systems. At AMBCrypto, Ishika applies this unique analytical lens to her work. She excels at breaking down intricate subjects—from the technicalities of new protocols to the nuances of global crypto legislation—into clear, accessible, and insightful content. Her primary mission is to bridge the gap between the complexity of the digital asset industry and the everyday reader, ensuring that AMBCrypto's audience is not just informed, but truly understands the forces shaping the future of finance.

TL;DR

Solana Expansion: WisdomTree deployed its full suite of tokenized funds on Solana, giving retail and institutional users access to money market, equities, fixed income, alternatives, and allocation products directly on the network. Institutional Integration: The WisdomTree Connect platform now supports minting of all tokenized funds on Solana, along with B2B tokenization tools, self-custody options, and potential interaction with Solana native applications under institutional risk controls. RWA Market Context: WisdomTree manages over $772 million across multi-chain deployments, while Solana hosts more than $1.3 billion in RWAs, ranking fourth with a 5.6% market share.
WisdomTree has expanded its full suite of tokenized funds to the Solana blockchain, marking a significant step in its multi-chain deployment strategy. The firm said the move strengthens access for both retail and institutional users seeking regulated real-world assets onchain. With Solana’s high transaction speeds and growing RWA footprint, WisdomTree aims to streamline how investors mint, trade, and manage tokenized fund positions across its product lineup.

Expanded Access to Tokenized Funds on Solana The expansion enables users to access WisdomTree’s full range of tokenized money market, equities, fixed income, alternatives, and asset allocation products natively on Solana. Investors can also use the firm’s stablecoin conversion service for USDC and PYUSD. Meredith Hannon, head of business development for digital assets, said the integration reflects the firm’s focus on regulated RWAs and the need to meet rising crypto native demand.

The company noted that Solana’s infrastructure supports seamless onchain access while maintaining institutional compliance expectations.WisdomTree Connect will now allow institutional clients to mint all existing tokenized funds directly on Solana, with added B2B and B2B2C tokenization support.

Institutions can hold and manage fund positions onchain and may interact with Solana native applications under applicable risk controls. The firm also highlighted new self-custody options through Solana-based wallets, expanding operational flexibility for institutional users seeking direct blockchain engagement.

Multi-Chain Footprint and Growing RWA Presence The company remains one of the most active Wall Street participants in the RWA sector, with deployments across Ethereum, Arbitrum, Avalanche, Base, Optimism, and Stellar. Data from RWA.xyz shows the firm manages more than $772 million across its multi-chain tokenized fund offerings. Its lineup includes the WisdomTree Government Money Market Digital Fund, equities products such as EPS and DGRW, and fixed income and private credit-based strategies.

Solana hosts more than $1.3 billion in onchain RWAs, making it the fourth largest network by distributed asset value. It holds a 5.6% market share, far behind Ethereum’s dominant position above 60%. Nick Ducoff of the Solana Foundation said WisdomTree’s expansion demonstrates rising demand for tokenized RWAs and Solana’s ability to support that growth at scale. Users can now access the funds through WisdomTree Connect and WisdomTree Prime, with direct USDC on-ramps available.

The move allows both retail and institutional users to hold and transfer WisdomTree’s full suite of regulated tokenized funds directly on Solana. This marks another step in the steady shift of traditional finance onto public blockchains, where assets can move faster and settle around the clock. Tokenized funds are traditional investment funds represented as digital tokens on a blockchain. They track regulated assets but gain new features, such as instant settlement and easier transfer. By supporting Solana, WisdomTree is tapping into a network known for high speed and low transaction costs.

Why Solana Matters for Tokenized Funds Solana offers fast transaction times and low fees, which can make onchain investing more practical for everyday users. Transactions settle in seconds, not days, and costs remain predictable even during busy periods. For institutions, this improves operational efficiency. For retail investors, it lowers the barrier to entry.

WisdomTree tokenized funds are now available across a growing set of public blockchains:@solana@Base@avax@Optimism@arbitrum@ethereum@StellarOrg@plumenetwork

Get started on WisdomTree Prime: https://t.co/nT4KKQBso1 https://t.co/fkbWQtjMnP

— WisdomTree Prime® (@WisdomTreePrime) January 28, 2026

A real world example helps explain the benefit. An investor holding a tokenized WisdomTree fund on Solana can transfer ownership instantly, use it as collateral in a compliant DeFi application, or rebalance a portfolio without waiting for market hours. In traditional markets, these actions often involve intermediaries, paperwork, and delays.

BREAKING: WisdomTree expands tokenized fund access to Solana

Enabling retail and institutional users to transfer, and hold @WisdomTreePrime’s full suite of regulated tokenized funds on Solana pic.twitter.com/HXxtSbKjns

— Solana (@solana) January 28, 2026

One key point in WisdomTree’s expansion is regulation. These tokenized funds remain fully regulated products, designed to meet compliance standards while operating onchain. This matters for institutions that need clear rules and reliable custody. It also reassures retail users who want blockchain efficiency without stepping outside familiar regulatory frameworks.

More About Solana Solana continues to lead all Layer 1 and Layer 2 blockchains in both 24 hour decentralized application revenue and decentralized exchange trading volume, highlighting strong real world usage across its ecosystem.

🚨UPDATE: @Solana continues to lead all L1 & L2 chains in 24-hour DApp revenue and DEX volume. pic.twitter.com/fLauIZs0La

— SolanaFloor (@SolanaFloor) January 28, 2026

High throughput and low transaction costs have made Solana a preferred network for active traders and consumer facing apps, driving consistent fee generation and liquidity. This performance suggests that users are not just experimenting, but actively transacting on Solana at scale, reinforcing its position as one of the most economically active blockchains today.

Disclaimer The information provided by Altcoin Buzz is not financial advice. It is intended solely for educational, entertainment, and informational purposes. Any opinions or strategies shared are those of the writer/reviewers, and their risk tolerance may differ from yours. We are not liable for any losses you may incur from investments related to the information given. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are high-risk assets; therefore, conduct thorough due diligence. Copyright Altcoin Buzz Pte Ltd.

Wed, 28/01/2026 - 14:44

Bitcoin moved less than 1%, but crossing $90,000 detonated a hidden minefield, wiping out $6.63 million in shorts and printing a surreal 142,580% liquidation imbalance in one hour.

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Early Wednesday, Bitcoin triggered a leveraged massacre, climbing just 0.88% — but breaching $90,000 in the process — and setting off one of the most asymmetric liquidation events of 2026.

According to CoinGlass, $4,640 in longs were liquidated for every $6.63 million in shorts, creating an hourly imbalance of 142,580%.

On the surface, the price action looked normal, with BTC rising from $89,200 to a local peak of $90,170 before pulling back. Under the hood, however, this minor upside cut through a wall of overleveraged short positions, most likely clustered just above the $90,000 psychological barrier.

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Source: CoinGlassThe largest liquidation order occurred on Hyperliquid — a $13.25 million BTC/USD short that was instantly torched as the price increased. In total, $7.53 million in BTC liquidations were recorded for the hour, with 98.5% targeting shorts. ETH, SOL and JTO followed behind in losses, but Bitcoin's asymmetric imbalance is unmatched in scale.

Bitcoin bears in dangerOver the last 24 hours, total crypto market liquidations reached $310.5 million, of which $244.85 million were shorts, mirroring the same long-short imbalance unveiled in Bitcoin’s hourly metrics.

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The violent imbalance suggests that algorithm-driven short exposure was concentrated at $90,000, most likely in anticipation of another failed breakout. One thing that stood out is that Bitcoin's mechanical push forced a cascade, which is now visible as a cluster of green one-minute candles followed by chop. The price is near $89,950 per BTC at press time.

Unless the $90,000 ceiling becomes resistance again, another wave of short-squeeze risk will likely follow.

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In recent X posts, Shiba Inu lead ambassador Shytoshi Kusama responds to a frequently asked question from the SHIB community. An X user had inquired about "what the plan was exactly," asking Kusama to finish all pieces started, or "are we just moving on again?

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XRP has surged by over 2.5% in the last 24 hours, with the price climbing from a low of $1.87 to hit a high of $1.94. This price rebound has been validated by a bullish indicator, the golden cross. As per CoinMarketCap data, a golden cross has formed on the 9-day and 26-day moving averages.

XRP indicators tease upsideGenerally, traders consider a golden cross as a bullish indicator for crypto assets. Its formation suggests that a rally could be in the making for the asset. In this case, XRP might soar and regain the $2 zone amid this current bullish signal.

XRP is already outpacing the broader crypto market’s 2.38% gain. If the coin sustains this momentum, it is likely to hit $2.50.

However, this depends on support from market participants, as its trading volume has not increased significantly. It only climbed slightly by 0.29% to $2.42 billion. Increased volume flowing from sustained buying pressure could support the coin’s upward trajectory.

XRP Price Chart | Source: TradingViewAs of press time, XRP is changing hands at $1.92, which represents a 2.17% increase in the last 24 hours. With XRP holding above its immediate support of $1.89 and the Relative Strength Index at 43.91, the coin has room for upward movement before it could slip into overbought territory.

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As U.Today reported, XRP could target $2.69 if it surges by between 30% and 40%, according to 21Shares' prediction. This projection is relying on regulatory stability and increased utility, which XRP has gained in recent times.

It is worth mentioning that to achieve this level of growth, XRP will need to overcome its historical precedent of poor February performance. XRP has negative growth of 5.3% in the month, and any gains recorded now risk a reversal — except the community is rallying support to break the jinx in 2026.

On a bullish note, there have been over 3,200 new XRP accounts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, signaling an increase in network adoption. This development coinciding with a golden cross formation is likely to support sustained growth for the coin.