Market Signal Briefing

Ether ETFs Pull In $117M, Breaking Four Days of Outflows – Is Conviction Back?

David Pokima

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David Pokima

Part of the Team Since

Jun 2023

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David is a finance journalist and a contributor to Cryptonews.com with a keen interest in breaking comprehensive, accurate, and reliable blockchain news.

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Last updated: 

55 minutes ago

U.S. spot Ether ETFs pulled in $117 million Monday, breaking a four-consecutive-day outflow streak that had investors questioning institutional conviction. Bitcoin ETFs also returned to positive territory, marking a broad-based recovery across the crypto ETF complex.

ETH is currently trading at $2,991, while BTC is holding $88,416.

Source: TradingViewThe Recovery ContextThe bounce follows what CoinShares data characterized as a brutal stretch for the sector. Digital asset investment products drew $2.17 billion in net inflows last week, the strongest weekly total since October 2025. Ether products alone added $496 million during that period, but Friday saw $378 million in outflows after geopolitical tensions and tariff threats resurfaced.

Source: CoinSharesThe whiplash continues a pattern established since early January. Spot Ether ETFs saw $258 million exit since mid-January, according to SoSoValue data, erasing gains from the first trading days of 2026.

Why The Reversal?The outflow streak traced back to October’s $20 billion liquidation event. That mass deleveraging forced institutions to reassess risk exposure across the board. November and December compounded the damage: Bitcoin ETFs experienced $4.57 billion in combined outflows, Ether products lost over $2 billion.

Monday’s inflow suggests the post-October hangover is fading. XRP and Solana-based funds also closed positive, indicating rotation rather than outright exits.

Altcoin ETF RotationAltcoin ETFs have shown consistent demand even during BTC and ETH weakness. From January 2-8, XRP products raised $46.7 million, Solana funds pulled $50.7 million, and Dogecoin ETFs raised $4.2 million.

That rotation indicates that investors are diversifying crypto exposure rather than abandoning the asset class.

What Desks Are WatchingThe single-day reversal matters less than the pattern it breaks. Four consecutive outflow days represented the longest losing streak for Ether ETFs since the October crash.

Monday’s inflow, combined with strength in altcoin products, suggests institutional reallocation is underway. The key question: whether this reflects genuine conviction or tax-year repositioning bleeding into late January.

BlackRock’s IBIT continues to dominate Bitcoin flows with roughly 70% market share by volume. If ETHA (BlackRock’s Ether product) leads Monday’s inflow breakdown, that confirms the same institutional players are re-entering both markets simultaneously.

TLDR: GTreasury doubled engineering capacity within 90 days and acquired Solvexia for enhanced reconciliation.  The platform operates in 75-plus jurisdictions with real-time payment rails functioning 24/7 continuously.  Organizations eliminate pre-funding requirements, unlocking working capital trapped in nostro account structures.  Unified interface provides visibility across traditional cash and digital assets through single management system.  Ripple Treasury, Powered by GTreasury, has officially launched as the world’s first comprehensive treasury platform merging enterprise expertise with digital asset infrastructure. 

The announcement reveals a strategic combination of 40 years of proven treasury management capabilities with modern blockchain-based payment systems. 

GTreasury made the announcement through its official social media channels, marking a significant development in corporate treasury management. 

The platform addresses growing operational challenges faced by finance teams managing complex systems with limited resources and outdated technology.

Platform Innovation and Technical Capabilities The newly launched platform demonstrates substantial expansion in technological capacity and service offerings within its first quarter of operation.

GTreasury reports doubling its engineering team in just 90 days following Ripple’s backing. The company acquired Solvexia to strengthen its reconciliation capabilities across the platform. Enhanced artificial intelligence solutions now cover cash forecasting, risk management, and analytics functions.

Today, we're proud to introduce Ripple Treasury, Powered by GTreasury: the world's first comprehensive treasury platform combining 40 years of proven enterprise expertise with cutting-edge digital asset infrastructure.

Many finance teams are stuck managing growing complexity… pic.twitter.com/4scNUggARS

— GTreasury (@GTreasury) January 27, 2026

Ripple’s financial support enables complete reinvestment of earnings into platform development without debt limitations.

The backing provides strategic resources for continuous innovation in treasury technology. This financial structure allows rapid deployment of new features and services to meet evolving market demands.

The platform integrates traditional treasury functions including liquidity management, reconciliation, cash forecasting, and risk management.

Additional capabilities cover netting and payment processing backed by decades of experience serving global corporations. The system maintains enterprise-grade security standards while expanding functionality.

Digital Asset Infrastructure and Operational Benefits The digital asset infrastructure operates across 75-plus licensed jurisdictions with institutional custody solutions. Real-time cross-border payment rails function continuously throughout the year without traditional banking hours limitations. Hundreds of global financial institutions currently utilize the underlying payment infrastructure.

Treasury operations gain unified visibility spanning both traditional cash positions and digital asset holdings. The platform enables continuous yield optimization across all available currency types.

Settlements occur instantly across borders while reducing foreign exchange conversion costs for participating organizations.

Working capital improvements come from eliminating pre-funding requirements previously necessary for cross-border transactions.

Organizations can redeploy capital formerly held in nostro accounts for operational purposes. The infrastructure supports emerging tokenized assets and programmable payment capabilities.

GTreasury emphasized that the platform removes traditional friction points in treasury operations. The system handles both conventional banking relationships and digital asset management through a single interface.

Finance teams access comprehensive tools without maintaining separate systems for different asset types or payment methods.

Why Trust CoinGape

CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.

Shiba Inu price rose to $0.000007 today, supported by an 2,807% spike in its token burn rate within 24 hours. The sudden surge in burn volume has triggered renewed optimism in the SHIB community, hinting at increased scarcity and long-term potential.

SHIB has gained 1% over the past 24 hours after a slight rebound following the week of consolidation. This comes as the major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and XRP, strive to recover after a week of corrections.

The broader meme coin market has also been moving about and has an overall market cap of 44.5 billion, making it by 5% in the last 24 hours. The recovery of other top meme coins, such as Dogecoin, Pepes, and Pump. fun, have demonstrated some slight recovery over the course of this period.

In the meantime, the U.S. stock markets made slight gains today as investors await the major indicators of the impending Federal Reserve meeting with a guarded stance.

Shiba Inu Burn Rate Skyrockets by Over 2,800% in Just 24 Hours Shiba Inu’s ecosystem has seen a dramatic spike in its token burn activity. In the past 24 hours, the burn rate for SHIB has surged by a staggering 2,807%. Such a dramatic rise resulted in the burning of over 18.8 million SHIB tokens, which reduced the amount of circulating supply.

The total supply of Shiba Inu, as of the most recent upgrade, totals slightly less than 1 quadrillion tokens. More than 410 trillion tokens have been burned permanently. The total supply is at about 589.2 trillion tokens, and about 585.4 trillion is still in circulation.

Source: Shibburn data Also, the quantity of staked SHIB, which is registered as xSHIB, is about 3.8 trillion tokens. Such figures have indicated that the community is still dedicated to suppressing the supply and raising scarcity in an effort to achieve growth in value in the long-term.

Shiba Inu Price Prediction: Key Levels to Watch The SHIB price traded at $0.00000769 at press time, showing a modest 0.39% gain on the 4-hour chart.  SHIB is consolidating near the $0.00000750 support level after facing recent downward pressure.

The upside resistance is observed at around $0.00000850. In case the Long-term SHIB forecast can break out of this, the second resistance is close to the $0.000009 price range. 

The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) indicates that the MACD line is marginally above the signal line, which is an indication of a possible bullish crossover. Although the histogram is flat, a move to the green territory can verify the short-term buying momentum.

Source: SHIB/USDT 4-hour chart: Tradingview The Relative Strength Index (RSI) stands at 51, which means that SHIB is at the neutral level.

On the negative side, a failure to hold in the $0.00000750 may lead to a retest of the $0.00000700 support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) The SHIB burn rate jumped over 2,800% in 24 hours due to a large-scale token burn, increasing scarcity and boosting community sentiment.

Burning tokens lowers the available supply, which can lead to higher prices if demand increases, supporting a deflationary model.

ADA Cardano Price Prediction

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Alejandro Arrieche

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Alejandro Arrieche

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Dec 2024

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Alejandro is a seasoned financial analyst and adept business expert with over seven years of experience in dissecting complex business topics and vital market trends. His insightful writing, which has...

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50 minutes ago

ADA’s trading volumes have been shrinking steadily for weeks, raising questions about whether bullish Cardano price predictions still hold up this cycle.

New data from Artemis reveals that weekly volume has been in consistent decline since the October 10 flash crash, when activity briefly spiked to $15 billion.

With fewer traders showing interest, ADA’s momentum may continue to weaken unless new catalysts emerge.

However, the combination of lower interest plus a strong drop from $0.85 to $0.35 at the time of writing has pushed down weekly volumes to just $3.8 billion as of last week, for a 75% decline.

Paired with the fact that Wall Street has been reluctant to list an exchange-traded fund (ETF) for this altcoin, is this wave of bearish momentum about to push ADA to lower levels?

Cardano Price Prediction: Key Support Breakout Could Result in a 43% DropThe daily chart shows that ADA has once again hit the $0.35 support area. This was a strong area of accumulation back in 2024 that acted as a launchpad for the token’s post-election rally.

Source: TradingViewHowever, market conditions are quite different now. Sentiment remains heavily depressed, and positive catalysts don’t seem to be strong enough to prompt a reversal.

In this scenario, a bearish breakout of this level seems like the most likely outcome. If that happens, ADA could plunge to $0.20, meaning a 43% downside risk.

On the other hand, if this support area holds and the market’s interest in ADA at $0.35 persists, it could result in a short-term bounce that decelerates the token’s latest downtrend.

While Cardano struggles to regain momentum, top crypto presales like SUBBD (SUBBD) are turning heads with strong investor interest.

The ongoing presale has raised $1.5 million, enabling influencers to monetize their content effortlessly with generative AI.

SUBBD ($SUBBD) Presale is the Future of AI-Powered Digital ContentThe content creation industry is exploding, but creators are still stuck dealing with high fees, strict rules, and messy workflows.

SUBBD ($SUBBD) changes the game by launching an all-in-one platform where Web3 meets AI. Instead of jumping between different apps to generate, edit, and post videos, creators can now do it all in one place using built-in AI tools and personal assistants.

This project is developing a complete ecosystem that lets anyone mint and monetize AI influencer personas easily.

At the heart of this revolution is the $SUBBD token, which simplifies payments for subscriptions. The token gives users exclusive access to custom content, while giving holders a seat at the table.

Early presale buyers can unlock a massive advantage, including lower platform fees and access to fixed staking rewards of 20% per year.

To buy $SUBBD at its presale price, just head to the official SUBBD website and connect a wallet like Best Wallet.

You can quickly swap your crypto (USDC, USDT, or ETH) or use a bank card to get started.

Visit the Official SUBBD Website Here

Zcash Price Prepares For $500 as Exchanges’ ZEC Balance Falls 44%ZEC exchange balances plunged sharply, signaling strong accumulation and reduced immediate sell-side pressure.Bullish CMF divergence suggests hidden inflows supporting potential Zcash price recovery momentum.Zcash price's break above $450 could invalidate crash risk and open path toward $500.Zcash has faced renewed volatility after a recent pullback, but price action now points toward a potential recovery. ZEC has begun stabilizing following the decline, reducing the likelihood of a deeper breakdown. 

Current market conditions suggest the altcoin may avoid the projected 55% crash and instead regain upside momentum.

Zcash Holders Accumulate HeavilyZEC holders have shown strong conviction over the past 24 hours. Exchange balance data indicates a sharp reduction in available supply, with ZEC held on exchanges dropping by roughly 48% during this period. Such a move typically reflects active accumulation, as investors withdraw tokens to private wallets.

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This decline in exchange balances signals bullish intent. Reduced sell-side liquidity limits immediate downside pressure and often precedes price recoveries. Holders appear increasingly confident that Zcash is undervalued at current levels, supporting the case for a rebound rather than continued weakness.

Zcash Exchange Balance. Source: NansenOn-chain indicators reinforce this positive shift. The Chaikin Money Flow has formed a bullish divergence against price. While ZEC posted lower lows, CMF continued to print higher highs, highlighting a disconnect between price action and capital flows.

CMF tracks net inflows and outflows using price and volume data. Rising CMF alongside falling price suggests accumulation beneath the surface. This divergence often precedes breakouts, as sustained inflows eventually translate into upward price movement once selling pressure fades.

ZEC CMF. Source: TradingViewZEC Price Could Be SavedZEC trades near $380 at the time of writing, remaining range-bound between $340 and $405. The altcoin broke down from a triangle pattern last week, which projected a potential 55% decline toward $171. However, market conditions have since shifted materially.

The probability of that bearish scenario appears reduced. Accumulation trends and improving flow metrics suggest the pattern may be invalidated. A confirmed move above $450 would cancel the downside projection. Breaking that level could open the path toward $504, aligning with renewed bullish momentum.

ZEC Price Analysis. Source: TradingViewDownside risk remains if sentiment reverses. A resurgence of selling or broader market weakness could pressure ZEC below $340. Under that outcome, price may slide toward $300, keeping the bearish pattern active and delaying any meaningful recovery.

Disclaimer

In line with the Trust Project guidelines, this price analysis article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. BeInCrypto is committed to accurate, unbiased reporting, but market conditions are subject to change without notice. Always conduct your own research and consult with a professional before making any financial decisions. Please note that our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.

Securitize has tapped former Nasdaq U.S. Equities & ETP leader Giang Bui to help expand its tokenization operations. As the newly appointed Securitize Vice President of Issuer Growth, she will work with "public and private market issuers to bring issuer-led, regulated tokenization to market."

Bui joins the firm after stints at multiple exchanges, including Cboe Global Markets, where she focused on ETF business development, the New York Stock Exchange, and, most recently, Nasdaq.

At Nasdaq, Bui helped build out the exchange’s digital asset ETF operations, including working to list spot Bitcoin ETFs while “working closely with issuers, regulators, liquidity providers, and internal legal and market operations teams to navigate the complex rule-filing and approval process,” Securitize wrote.

"Giang has spent her career working at the center of issuer needs, helping build market structure, distribution, and trust," Securitize CEO Carlos Domingo said. "Tokenization is entering a similar moment of growth, where standards, resilience, and issuer alignment matter more than ever. Giang’s leadership across multiple exchanges will be invaluable as we help issuers enter a tokenized economy the right way: issuer-led, regulated, and built around real ownership."

Securitize is the leading tokenization firm, with about $4 billion in assets under management. The firm has worked with Wall Street giants, including Apollo, BlackRock, BNY, Hamilton Lane, KKR, VanEck, and others.

Late last year, Securitize announced it was working to bring stocks onchain, targeting the first quarter of 2026 for its product launch.

"Issuers are increasingly looking for operational efficiencies and broader distribution, but they also want clarity and confidence around shareholder rights and compliance," Bui said, comparing tokenization to ETFs. "Securitize’s issuer-led approach, where ownership rights are clear and the infrastructure is built to work within existing frameworks, is what ultimately convinced me to make the move."

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

© 2026 The Block. All Rights Reserved. This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

ETH Ethereum Price Prediction

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Simon Chandler

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Simon Chandler

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Simon Chandler is a Brighton-based writer and journalist with over ten years of experience writing about crypto, technology, politics and culture. He has written for Cryptonews.com since late 2017,...

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Last updated: 

25 minutes ago

The Ethereum price has regained $2,922 today, having dropped as low as $2,800 on Sunday after a difficult weekend for the cryptocurrency market.

Despite its modest gain, ETH remains down by 6% in a week and by 7% in a fortnight, with the market’s biggest altcoin also posting a 4% decline in a year.

However, its fundamental position remains enviably strong, with prominent ‘long-term investor’ Jelle stating that he expects it to “outperform” once Bitcoin initiates a market-wide rebound.

And with Ethereum remaining the biggest layer-one network in crypto, the long-term Ethereum price prediction continues to look hugely positive for 2026.

Ethereum Price Prediction: Sideways Now, But When This Breaks… ETH Could Go Straight to $5KProviding a ‘positioning update’ on X, crypto investor Jelle highlighted how Bitcoin remains above its weekly support, while macroeconomic conditions are evolving in a way that will ultimately drive demand for BTC.

Positioning Update

Despite weakness on the daily chart and below, $BTC continues to hold above the key weekly support area – keeping the long-term trend intact.

At the same time, macroeconomic conditions continue to move towards a regime that favors BTC exposure. QT is over,… pic.twitter.com/zOkvas0ZBg

— Jelle (@CryptoJelleNL) January 26, 2026 As such, Jelle plans to hold his BTC and wait for the eventual rally, with the investor offering a similar assessment for Ethereum.

As noted above, the investor expects Ethereum to outperform the market average once things become more bullish, although he admits that if it drops below the $2,500 support level he may “have to re-assess.”

If we look at the Ethereum price chart today, we see that it may be nearing a big move, with a pennant forming since October.

Its RSI (yellow) and MACD (orange, blue) have recently hit what could be bottoms, preparing the altcoin to make a significant upwards correction.

Source: TradingViewBased on this, and based on analysis from the likes of Jelle, we could see the Ethereum price retake $3,000 within the next week, and then move up to $3,500 by the end of February.

And because Ethereum is the biggest layer-one in terms of TVL, and is also leading the charge in terms of tokenization, it’s long-term price prediction is hugely bullish.

It could reach $4,000 in Q2, break the $5,000 barrier in H2, and then breach $6,500 in Q4.

This will depend on macroeconomic conditions, but if circumstances permit, Ethereum has the potential to rocket.

As strong as Ethereum looks right now, traders should also weigh up the possibility of pursuing a diversification strategy, which would include some allocation to newer, small-cap tokens.

This may also include presale coins, since these can rally strongly when they list for the first time, particularly if they’ve had a successful presale.

This is something new Ethereum-based utility token SUBBD ($SUBBD) is hoping to do, with its sale now having raised over $1.46 million.

SUBBD Presale Gathers Steam as Next-Generation AI-Powered Content Platform Preps LaunchSUBBD is a content creation platform that offers users a suite of AI tools to generate ideas, images, videos, and even performers.

It streamlines the whole content creation process, making creators more productive in the process.

And with $SUBBD serving as the native token for subscriptions and in-app payments, it could attract lots of demand.

To buy the token early before it lists on exchanges, visit the SUBBD website and connect a compatible wallet (e.g. Best Wallet).

Visit the Official SUBBD Website Here

TL;DR

TRON surpassed 4.59 million active accounts in January, posting nearly 36% monthly growth driven by on-chain metrics. TRX trades at $0.2945, down 0.4% over the past 24 hours; volume fell by nearly 20% to about $445 million, while market capitalization stands near $28 billion. Price remains within the $0.29–$0.295 range. The $0.285–$0.295 zone is acting as structural support. TRON recorded a sharp increase in on-chain activity throughout January. According to Lookonchain data, the network exceeded 4.59 million active accounts, with monthly growth close to 36%. The jump translated into a higher number of transactions, wallet interactions, and smart contract usage. The network remains focused on payments and stablecoin transfers, one of the ecosystem’s core historical use cases.

According to the latest data from CoinMarketCap, TRON (TRX) is trading at $0.2945, posting a marginal 0.4% decline over the past 24 hours. Daily volume fell by nearly 20% to around $445 million. Market capitalization stands at close to $28 billion, with an approximate circulating supply of 94.7 billion TRX.

TRX price remains within a key support zone. On short-term charts, TRX is trading around the $0.29–$0.295 range, a level defended across several consecutive sessions following a pullback from the $0.30–$0.31 area. The decline followed a local high between $0.318 and $0.320, recorded earlier in the month. Volume accompanied the move lower without abrupt spikes.

TRON Leaves a Descending Structure Behind On higher timeframes, TRON moved out of a descending structure that had capped price action for several months. The reclaimed zone spans roughly from $0.285 to $0.295, aligning with current technical levels. Below that, the $0.275–$0.28 area stands as a prior reference within the consolidation range observed during December and early January.

The combination of on-chain metrics and market structure shows a network with rising activity while TRX price remains confined to a tight range. The number of active accounts places TRON among the most-used blockchains on a daily basis. The network continues to process a high volume of stablecoin- and payment-related transactions, with an expanding user base.

TRON’s behavior reflects price stability around clearly defined technical levels alongside sustained growth in internal network activity

contributor

Posted: January 27, 2026

Sei Network’s early 2026 momentum faced a brief test as Avalanche overtook it in perpetual DEX volume.

According to YAP Network data, Avalanche’s 7-day Perp Volume stood at $3.19 million, down 34.66%. Sei’s Perp Volume reached $28.81 million, rising 0.54% over the same period.

That shift proved short-lived.

Source: X

Within 48 hours, Sei added roughly $23 million in Perp Volume, reasserting control over the leaderboard. The rebound restored Sei’s lead and highlighted its ability to attract short-term trading activity.

However, volume alone did not settle the contest.

Active addresses tilted toward Sei Sei Network recorded 7.6 million Active Addresses on a monthly basis, per Token Terminal data. Avalanche, by comparison, logged 1.6 million Active Addresses.

Source: Token Terminal

That gap pointed to stronger user participation on Sei’s network. The growth suggested rising adoption, especially among traders seeking faster execution and lower latency.

Even so, Active Addresses did not fully capture capital commitment.

Open Interest favored Avalanche Despite Sei’s dominance in Active Addresses, Avalanche continued to outperform it in Open Interest (OI), with Avalanche’s OI standing at a commanding $443 million, compared to Sei’s much smaller $74 million.

At press time, Sei [SEI] was trading at $0.11.

Source: CoinGlass

This disparity highlighted Avalanche’s deeper liquidity and market confidence.

Open Interest is key in DeFi, and Avalanche’s dominance gave it an edge in stability and long-term viability. At press time, Avalanche [AVAX] was trading at $11.48 within the $8.77-$12 range, confirming its stronger position.

Sei’s volume surge showed potential, but it’s still lagging in market depth. To challenge Avalanche, Sei must turn its growing user base into real financial strength and liquidity.

Momentum vs. market depth Sei’s Perp Volume rebound showcased its growing appeal among active traders. Avalanche’s Open Interest dominance, however, reflected superior market depth and capital durability.

This left traders watching whether Sei could convert address growth into lasting liquidity. The next phase depended on whether usage translated into deeper derivatives positioning.

Vitalik Buterin said he no longer agrees with his 2017 tweet that downplayed the need for users to personally verify Ethereum end-to-end.

This week, he argued the network should treat self-hosted verification as a non-negotiable escape hatch as its architecture gets lighter and more modular.

Buterin’s original position grew out of a design debate over whether a blockchain should commit to state on chain or treat state as “implied,” reconstructable only by replaying ordered transactions.

Ethereum’s approach, putting a state root in each block header and supporting Merkle-style proofs, lets a user prove a specific balance, contract code, or storage value without re-executing all history, as long as the user accepts the chain’s consensus validity under an honest-majority assumption.

The idea of average users personally validating the entire history of the system is a weird mountain man fantasy. There, I said it. (2017)

In his new post, Buterin reframed that tradeoff as incomplete in practice because it can still corner users into choosing between replaying the full chain or trusting an intermediary such as an RPC operator, an archival data host, or a proof service.

I no longer agree with this previous tweet of mine – since 2017, I have become a much more willing connoisseur of mountains[…] We do not need to start living every day in the Mountain Man's cabin. But part of maintaining the infinite garden of Ethereum is certainly keeping the cabin well-maintained. (2026)

Vitalik's U-turn on personal verification of blockchain historyHe anchored the change in two shifts: feasibility and fragility.

On feasibility, Buterin wrote that zero-knowledge proofs now offer a path to check correctness without “literally re-executing every transaction.”

In 2017, he argued this would have pushed Ethereum toward lower capacity to keep verification within reach.

The shift matters because Ethereum’s public roadmap increasingly treats ZK as a verifiability primitive, with ethereum.org framing zero-knowledge proofs as a way to preserve security properties while reducing what a verifier must compute.

Work on “ZK-light-client” directions also points toward a model where a device can sync using compact proofs rather than trusting an always-online gateway.

On fragility, Buterin listed failure modes that sit outside clean threat models: degraded p2p networking, long-lived services shutting down, validator concentration that changes the practical meaning of “honest majority,” and informal governance pressure that turns “call the devs” into the backstop.

He cited censorship pressure around Tornado Cash as an example of how intermediaries can narrow access, arguing that a user’s last-resort option should be to “directly use the chain.”

That framing tracks with broader discussion about hardening Ethereum’s base layer and limiting churn, amid a push toward protocol “ossification.”

In Buterin’s telling, the “mountain cabin” is not a default lifestyle.

It is a credible fallback that changes incentives, because the knowledge that users can exit reduces the leverage of any single service layer.

That argument lands as Ethereum reduces what ordinary nodes are expected to store, while the network’s verification story has to keep pace.

Ethereum client usage and historyExecution clients are moving toward partial history expiry, and the Ethereum Foundation said users can cut disk usage by about 300–500 GB by removing pre-Merge block data, putting a node within reach on a 2 TB disk.

At the same time, light clients already reflect a formalized trust model optimized for low-resource devices, relying on a sync committee of 512 validators selected about every 1.1 days.

Those parameters make light-client verification workable at scale.

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However, they also concentrate user experience around the availability of correct data and well-behaved relays when conditions deteriorate.

Ethereum’s longer-term “statelessness” work aims to reduce the need for nodes to hold large state while keeping block validation intact.

Ethereum.org cautions that “statelessness” is a misnomer, distinguishing weaker forms from stronger designs that remain research, including state expiry.

Verkle trees sit inside that plan because they reduce proof sizes and are positioned as a key enabling step toward validating without storing large state locally.

As more of the storage burden shifts outward, either to specialized history hosts or other data networks, the security story becomes less about who can store everything and more about who can independently check correctness and retrieve what they need when a default path fails.

What is changingWhy it matters for verificationConcrete parameter or figurePartial history expiry support in execution clientsLess local storage can raise reliance on external history availability unless retrieval and verification paths stay open~300–500 GB disk reduction, “comfortable” on a 2 TB diskPoS light client trust modelLow-resource verification relies on committee signatures and data availability through peers or servicesSync committee of 512 validators, rotates about every 1.1 daysVerkle trees as a stateless-client enablerSmaller proofs can make validation with less stored state more practicalRoadmap framing ties Verkle trees to stateless validation goalsStatelessness roadmap distinctionsSeparates near-term approaches from research items such as state expiryWeak vs. strong statelessness terminologyEF work on L1 zkEVM security foundationsProof-system rigor and stability becomes part of Ethereum’s base security storyEmphasis on stabilization and formal verification readinessWhat this means going forwardOver the next 12–36 months, the practical question is whether verification spreads outward as Ethereum externalizes more storage burdens, or whether trust clusters around new service chokepoints.

One path is that wallets and infrastructure shift from “trust the RPC” to “verify the proof,” while proof production consolidates into a small set of optimized stacks that are difficult to replicate, moving dependency from one class of provider to another.

Another path is that proof-based verification becomes ordinary, with redundant proving implementations and tooling that lets users switch providers or verify locally when an endpoint censors, degrades, or disappears, aligning with efforts aimed at lightweight verification flows.

A third path is that pruning and modularity progress faster than verification UX, leaving users with fewer workable options during outages or censorship events.

That would make the “mountain cabin” operationally real for only a narrow slice of the network.

Buterin framed the cabin as Ethereum’s BATNA, rarely used but always available, because the existence of a self-reliant option constrains the terms imposed by intermediaries.

He closed by arguing that maintaining that fallback is part of maintaining Ethereum itself.

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U.S. spot crypto exchange-traded funds showed mixed but improving trends, as fresh inflows ended a recent streak of capital outflows. Data from SoSoValue showed that Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and XRP products all attracted new funds, signaling a cautious shift in market sentiment.

ETF Inflows Signal Cautious Risk AppetiteU.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded net inflows of $6.84 million, ending five straight sessions of outflows. Hence, the reversal suggested that some investors started to reenter positions after recent weakness. 

Spot Ethereum ETFs delivered a stronger response, with $117 million in net inflows following four consecutive days of redemptions. Consequently, capital rotation appeared to favor Ethereum as traders adjusted exposure across major assets.

Additionally, smaller but notable inflows reached alternative products. Solana spot ETFs posted $2.46 million in net inflows, while XRP spot ETFs added $7.76 million. Significantly, the broad-based improvement across multiple funds hinted at stabilizing risk appetite rather than a single-asset reaction.

Solana Price Action Reflects Stabilization EffortsSolana traded at $124.33, posting a 0.44% daily gain despite a 2.48% decline over the past week. Moreover, trading volume reached $3.68 billion, showing active participation as price tested key levels. With roughly 570 million SOL in circulation, Solana’s market value stood near $70.5 billion.

However, analysts remained divided on the short-term outlook. According to CryptoJobs3, daily and weekly charts continued to flash bearish signals. The analyst warned that a breakdown could push SOL toward the $98–$102 demand zone. Upper resistance levels remained concentrated at $128–$132 and $145, which could cap any recovery attempts.

Key Demand Zone Draws Buyer InterestIn contrast, BitGuru pointed to early signs of stabilization. The analyst noted that SOL recently flushed into the $118–$121 demand region after a sharp sell-off. Consequently, selling pressure began to ease as buyers defended prior consolidation support.

Recent price action showed tighter candles and slower downside momentum. As long as SOL holds above $118, analysts see scope for a relief bounce. The first area to watch remains $126–$130, which previously served as structural support. Moreover, a decisive reclaim of that range could improve short-term momentum.

If buyers regain control, upside targets extend toward $138–$145. However, failure to hold the current base could revive downside risks.

TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / January 27, 2026 / Inventus Mining Corp. (TSXV:IVS) ("Inventus" or the "Company")is pleased announce that processing of the Trench 1 bulk sample is underway at its 100%-owned Pardo "River of Gold" Project, located 65 km northeast of Sudbury, Ontario. Highlights Trench 1bulk sample processing is currently underway at McEwen Inc.'s Stock Mill An additional seven (7) drill holes have been completed subsequent to the Company's January 22, 2026 news release, for a total of 47 drill holes with assay results pending Trench 1 Northbulk sample advancing, with waste successfully blasted and removed and extract of the gold mineralization expected to commence shortly Bulk sampling and drilling continue to advance in parallel, supporting grade validation, metallurgical performance, and near-surface continuity Bulk Sampling Update The Company confirms that processing of 5,000 tonnes of the 10,128-tonne Trench 1 bulk sample is currently underway at McEwen Inc.'s Stock Mill.

NEW YORK, Jan. 27, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC, a nationally recognized investor-rights law firm, announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Smart Digital Group Ltd. (NASDAQ: SDM) and certain of its officers.

This lawsuit seeks to recover damages against Defendants for alleged violations of the federal securities laws on behalf of all persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired SDM securities between May 5, 2025 and September 26, 2025, both dates inclusive (the “Class Period”). Such investors are encouraged to join this case by visiting the firm’s site: bgandg.com/SDM.

SDM Case Details

The Complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants failed to disclose to investors that:

 
(1) SDM was the subject of a market manipulation and fraudulent promotion scheme involving social-media based misinformation and impersonators posing as financial professionals; 
(2)  insiders and/or affiliates used and/or intended to use offshore or nominee accounts to facilitate the coordinated dumping of shares during a price inflation campaign;
(3)  SDM’s public statements and risk disclosures omitted any mention of realized risk of fraudulent trading or market manipulation used to drive the Company’s stock price; and
(4)  as a result, SDM securities were at unique risk of a sustained suspension in trading by either or both of the SEC and NASDAQ.

What's Next for SDM Investors?

A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to review a copy of the Complaint, you can visit the firm’s site: bgandg.com/SDM or you may contact Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or his Client Relations Manager, Nathan Miller, of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC at 917-590-0911. If you suffered a loss in SDM you have until March 16, 2026, to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as lead plaintiff.

No Cost to SDM Investors

We, Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman LLC, represent investors in class actions on a contingency fee basis. That means we will ask the court to reimburse us for out-of-pocket expenses and attorneys’ fees, usually a percentage of the total recovery, only if we are successful.

Why Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC for SDM Securities Class Action?

Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a nationally recognized firm that represents investors in securities fraud class actions and shareholder derivative suits. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors nationwide. More at www.bgandg.com

"Our practice centers on restoring investor capital and ensuring corporate accountability, which serves to uphold the essential integrity of the marketplace," said Peretz Bronstein, Founding Partner of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC.

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

Contact Info

Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or Nathan Miller
Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC
917-590-0911 | [email protected]

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Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

NEW YORK, Jan. 27, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC, a nationally recognized investor-rights law firm, announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: EDR) certain of Endeavor’s directors, Silver Lake Group, L.L.C. (“Silver Lake”) and certain of its affiliates (collectively, “Defendants”).

This lawsuit seeks to recover damages against Defendants for alleged violations of the federal securities laws on behalf of all persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired Endeavor Class A common stock between January 15, 2025 and March 24, 2025, both dates inclusive (the “Class Period”). Such investors are encouraged to join this case by visiting the firm’s site: bgandg.com/EDR.

Endeavor Case Details

The Complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that:

(1) Defendants represented to unaffiliated public shareholders of Endeavor Class A common stock that the take‑private merger (the “Merger”) and the $27.50‑per‑share Merger Consideration were “fair to and in the best interests” of public shareholders;

(2) In reality, Defendants orchestrated a unified scheme—led by Silver Lake and Endeavor insiders—to depress minority bargaining power and the value realizable by unaffiliated public shareholders, while insiders captured future upside through rollovers and other separate benefits;

(3) Defendants structured the Merger to disadvantage minority shareholders by, among other things:

Rejecting a “majority‑of‑the‑minority” vote and instead closing the transaction through controller written consent;Locking in a fixed $27.50 cash‑out Merger Consideration without any collar or contingent value right, and offering only a de minimis dividend that insiders shared with themselves; andDisseminating a misleading Information Statement on January 15, 2025, which spoke in present tense about “fairness” and serving the “best interests” of unaffiliated shareholders, while relying on a Centerview Partners LLC (“Centerview”) fairness opinion frozen “as of” March 2024 and omitting material contemporaneous information necessary to render those assertions not misleading.As a result, Defendants’ statements about the Merger’s fairness, process, and benefits were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. What's Next for Endeavor Investors?

A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to review a copy of the Complaint, you can visit the firm’s site: bgandg.com/EDR or you may contact Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or his Client Relations Manager, Nathan Miller, of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC at 917-590-0911. If you suffered a loss in Endeavor you have until March 18, 2026, to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as lead plaintiff.

No Cost to Endeavor Investors

We, Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman LLC, represent investors in class actions on a contingency fee basis. That means we will ask the court to reimburse us for out-of-pocket expenses and attorneys’ fees, usually a percentage of the total recovery, only if we are successful.

Why Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC for Endeavor Securities Class Action?

Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a nationally recognized firm that represents investors in securities fraud class actions and shareholder derivative suits. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors nationwide. More at www.bgandg.com

"Our practice centers on restoring investor capital and ensuring corporate accountability, which serves to uphold the essential integrity of the marketplace," said Peretz Bronstein, Founding Partner of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC.

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

Contact Info

Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or Nathan Miller
Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC
917-590-0911 | [email protected]

Attorney advertising.
Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

NEW YORK, Jan. 27, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC, a nationally recognized investor-rights law firm, announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against agilon health, inc. (NYSE: AGL) and certain of its officers.

This lawsuit seeks to recover damages against Defendants for alleged violations of the federal securities laws on behalf of all persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired agilon securities between February 26, 2025 and August 4, 2025, both dates inclusive (the “Class Period”). Such investors are encouraged to join this case by visiting the firm’s site: bgandg.com/AGL.

agilon Case Details

According to the Complaint, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that:

(1) Defendants recklessly issued guidance for 2026 that they knew or should have known was not going to be achieved, given material industry headwinds of which they were aware; 
(2) Defendants materially overstated the immediate positive financial impact from “strategic actions” taken by agilon to reduce risk; and 
(3) as a result, defendants’ statements about agilon’s business, operations, and prospects were materially false and/or misleading at all times.

What's Next for agilon Investors?

A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to review a copy of the Complaint, you can visit the firm’s site: bgandg.com/AGL or you may contact Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or his Client Relations Manager, Nathan Miller, of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC at 917-590-0911. If you suffered a loss in agilon you have until March 2, 2026, to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as lead plaintiff.

No Cost to agilon Investors

We, Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman LLC, represent investors in class actions on a contingency fee basis. That means we will ask the court to reimburse us for out-of-pocket expenses and attorneys’ fees, usually a percentage of the total recovery, only if we are successful.

Why Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC for agilon Securities Class Action?

Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a nationally recognized firm that represents investors in securities fraud class actions and shareholder derivative suits. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors nationwide. More at www.bgandg.com.

"Our practice centers on restoring investor capital and ensuring corporate accountability, which serves to uphold the essential integrity of the marketplace," said Peretz Bronstein, Founding Partner of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC.

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

Contact Info

Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or Nathan Miller
Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC
917-590-0911 | [email protected]

Attorney advertising.
Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Key Takeaways BRK.B may divest its 27.5% Kraft Heinz stake, ending Buffett's role in the 2015 mega-merger.Kraft Heinz's planned spin-off and strategic review triggered a $3.76B write-down by BRK.B.If this happens, it will mark Greg Abel's first strategic decision as Berkshire Hathaway's CEO. Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK.B - Free Report) might exit its position in Kraft Heinz. In that case, this will be Greg Abel’s first strategic move after he became the new CEO. If this happens, it would mark an end to Buffett's investment in the entity. Buffett and 3G Capital had joined forces to craft the high-profile merger of Kraft Foods and H.J. Heinz, creating Kraft Heinz back in 2015.

BRK.B currently has a 27.5% stake in Kraft Heinz, making it the company’s largest shareholder. BRK.B’s earnings from non-controlled businesses include earnings from its investments in Kraft Heinz. Buffett’s investment in Kraft Heinz was worth $8.6 billion as of Sept. 30, 2025.

Last September, to increase strategic focus and lower complexity, Kraft Heinz decided to separate into two independent, publicly traded companies through a tax-free spin-off.  In fact, Berkshire wrote down $3.76 billion against its Kraft Heinz stake, following the latter’s announcement that it was evaluating potential strategic transactions on May 20, 2025.

Berkshire boasts an impressive inorganic story as well as an equity investment portfolio. This conglomerate targets businesses with durable earnings power, strong returns on equity, modest debt and skilled management—acquired only at sensible valuations. Other than Kraft Heinz, Berkshire’s other equity investments include Occidental and Berkadia. These have collectively fueled Berkshire’s growth by adding resilient cash-generating businesses, diversifying income streams and expanding its investment base.

Impressive Inorganic Profile of BRK.B’s CompetitorsProgressive Corporation’s (PGR - Free Report) acquisition strategy focuses on building scale, technology and distribution while reinforcing its insurance portfolio. Progressive pursues disciplined, selective deals that deliver strategic value and complement its core strengths. Through targeted acquisitions, Progressive enhances efficiency and customer reach, ensuring long-term competitiveness in a dynamic insurance landscape.

Travelers Companies’ (TRV - Free Report) acquisition strategy emphasizes reinforcing core insurance strengths while expanding into complementary markets. Travelers seeks disciplined acquisitions that enhance underwriting, technology and distribution capabilities. With a focus on sustainable shareholder value, Travelers carefully evaluates opportunities that bolster its competitive edge while maintaining a conservative balance sheet.

BRK.B’s Price PerformanceShares of BRK.B have gained 1.8% in a year, outperforming the industry.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

BRK.B’s Expensive ValuationBRK.B trades at a price-to-book value ratio of 1.49, above the industry average of 1.42. It carries a Value Score of C.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Estimate Movement for BRK.BThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for BRK.B’s first-quarter 2026 EPS witnessed no movement in the past seven days. The same for 2026 has moved 22% north in the same time frame.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The consensus estimate for BRK.B’s 2026 revenues indicates year-over-year increase, while the same for EPS suggests a decline.

BRK.B stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).

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

American Airlines projected Tuesday that its focus on premium will “begin delivering results in 2026” as the carrier races to catch up to its far more profitable rivals and capitalize on strong demand from high-spending customers. American posted net income of $99 million, or 15 cents per share, on revenue of $14 billion.

Cornerstone Bancorp Earns $3.1 Million for the Fourth Quarter, and $10.8 Million for the Year 2025

, /PRNewswire/ -- Cornerstone Bancorp, Inc. (OTCID: CNBP), the bank holding company for Cornerstone National Bank & Trust Company (collectively "Cornerstone"), today reported net income of $3.1 million, or $3.14 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2025, compared to $3.0 million, or $3.02 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2024.

For the year ended December 31, 2025, net income increased 10.9% to $10.8 million, or $11.00 per diluted share, compared to 2024's earnings of $9.8 million, or $9.95 per diluted share.  All 2025 results are unaudited.

"Cornerstone's investment portfolio continues its very short duration and provides high levels of liquidity to take advantage of credit opportunities," stated Gerald F. Fitzgerald, Jr., Chairman of Cornerstone Bancorp, Inc.

"We were very pleased with the growth of Cornerstone's loan portfolio in 2025 which exceeded $99 million, 15%.  Asset quality still remains very high with only two individual credits on nonaccrual status totaling less than $422,000," Fitzgerald continued.

Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Highlights:

Consolidated net income was $3.1 million, or $3.14 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2025, compared to $3.0 million, or $3.02 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2024. For 2025, net income increased 10.9%, to $10.8 million, or $11.00 per diluted share compared to $9.8 million, or $9.95 per diluted share, in 2024. The net interest margin (NIM) was 3.77% in the fourth quarter of 2025, compared to 3.30% in the fourth quarter of 2024.  For the full year 2025, the NIM was 3.66% compared to 3.32% in 2024. Total assets increased 5.8% to $1.03 billion at year-end, compared to $976.9 million a year earlier. Tangible shareholders' equity improved 13.2% to $91.7 million at December 31, 2025, compared to $81.0 million a year earlier. Interest-bearing deposits at correspondent banks totaled $65.6 million on December 31, 2025 (6.3% of total assets) compared to $86.1 million a year earlier (8.9% of total assets). The securities portfolio totaled $198.0 million on December 31, 2025, compared to $218.9 million a year earlier. The weighted average remaining life approximates 1 year. The loan portfolio totaled $749.3 million on December 31, 2025, an increase of $101.7 million, or 15.7%, from a year earlier. Deposits totaled $924.9 million on December 31, 2025, an increase of $53.6 million, or 6.2%, from a year earlier. Trust and wealth management assets totaled $1.16 billion on December 31, 2025, compared to $1.02 billion a year earlier. Dividends to shareholders were $2.50 per share in 2025. The Bank continues to be well-capitalized, with a Tier 1 Leverage Capital Ratio of 9.86% at December 31, 2025 compared to 10.00% at December 31, 2024. About Cornerstone Bancorp, Inc.
Founded in 2000, Cornerstone Bancorp, Inc., and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Cornerstone National Bank & Trust Company (collectively "Cornerstone") is committed to serving the commercial banking and investment needs of families and family-owned businesses. Cornerstone serves its clients by investing heavily in people and technology, providing an uncommon relationship experience. Cornerstone has been successful in attracting new clients and talent as the Chicago market consolidates and large banks deemphasize relationships in favor of an institutional approach.

Cornerstone is a leader in commercial lending services including equipment, real estate and construction loans and operating lines of credit as well as business treasury management services.

For individuals and families, wealth management services are offered, including investment management, trust and custody services, retirement plans, and estate and guardianship administration.

Headquartered in Palatine, Illinois, Cornerstone maintains offices in Crystal Lake, Deer Park, Naperville and Schaumburg.  Visit us on the web at www.cnbtc.bank. 

Forward Looking Statement
This release may contain "forward-looking statements" that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect management's views only as of the date hereof. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, regarding our financial position, business strategy and management's plans and objectives for future operations are forward-looking statements. When used in this report, the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," and "intend" and words or phrases of similar meaning, as they relate to Cornerstone or management, are intended to help identify forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although we believe that management's expectations as reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure readers that those expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results to differ materially and adversely from our expectations as indicated in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include our ability to maintain or expand our market share or net interest margins, and to implement our marketing and growth strategies. Further, actual results may be affected by our ability to compete on price and other factors with other financial institutions; customer acceptance of new products and services; the regulatory environment in which we operate; and general trends in the local, regional and national banking industry and economy, as those factors relate to our cost of funds and return on assets. In addition, there are risks inherent in the banking industry relating to collectability of loans and changes in interest rates. Many of these risks, as well as other risks may have a material adverse impact on our operations and business.

FINANCIAL TABLES FOLLOW

Financial Highlights (Unaudited)

 ($ in Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data)

For the Quarter Ending

Year To Date

Income Statement

12-31-2025
(Unaudited)

31-Dec-24

% Change

12-31-2025
(Unaudited)

31-Dec-24

Net Interest Income

$           9,776

$           8,320

17.5 %

$         36,528

$         32,780

Provision for Credit Losses

320

25

1180.0 %

520

325

Noninterest Income

1,577

1,365

15.5 %

5,810

5,473

Noninterest Expense

7,304

6,154

18.7 %

27,464

25,161

Provision for Income Taxes

640

535

19.7 %

3,532

3,008

Net Income

$           3,088

$           2,972

3.9 %

$         10,821

$           9,760

Ratios

Return on Average Assets *

1.17 %

1.16 %

0.9 %

1.07 %

0.98 %

Return on Average Stockholders' Equity*

13.34 %

13.49 %

-1.1 %

12.35 %

12.02 %

Net Interest Margin

3.77 %

3.30 %

14.3 %

3.66 %

3.32 %

Allowance for Loan Losses to Gross Loans **

1.23 %

1.35 %

-8.4 %

1.23 %

1.35 %

Dividends Per Share

$                   -

$                   -

N\A

$             2.50

$             2.50

Earnings Per Share

$             3.14

$             3.02

3.8 %

$           11.00

$             9.95

End of Period

End of Period

Balance Sheet Data

12-31-2025
(Unaudited)

31-Dec-24

% Change

31-Dec-23

31-Dec-22

Total Assets

$    1,033,575

$       976,886

5.8 %

$       958,795

$       989,110

Loans, Net of Allowance for Loan Losses

$       740,017

$       638,832

15.8 %

$       639,509

$       600,999

Deposits and Repurchase Agreements

$       924,870

$       871,306

6.1 %

$       861,203

$       899,327

Trust Preferred Securities

$         10,310

$         10,310

0.0 %

$         10,310

$         10,310

Other Borrowings

$                   -

$           7,763

-100.0 %

$           7,763

$         12,763

Tangible Stockholders' Equity

$         91,695

$         81,003

13.2 %

$         73,246

$         61,364

Trust Assets

$    1,156,692

$    1,019,951

13.4 %

$       954,480

$       848,711

Stock Value Per Common Share Data

Price-To-Earnings Ratio *

13.64

8.30

64.3 %

6.31

6.10

Price-To-Tangible Book Value Ratio

1.61

1.00

60.6 %

0.93

1.04

Tangible Book Value Per Share

$           93.12

$           82.33

13.1 %

$           74.36

$           61.73

Number of Shares Outstanding

984,735

983,905

985,039

994,088

Average Number of Shares Outstanding

983,973

980,623

988,096

994,088

Stock Price - High

$         150.00

$           82.59

$           70.00

$           64.80

                       Low

$           81.25

$           69.00

$           64.10

$           63.10

                       Ending

$         150.00

$           82.59

$           69.50

$           64.30

SOURCE Cornerstone Bancorp, Inc.

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 27, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz reminds investors that class action lawsuits have been filed on behalf of shareholders of the following publicly-traded companies.  Investors have until the deadlines listed below to file a lead plaintiff motion.

Investors suffering losses on their investments are encouraged to contact The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz to discuss their legal rights in these class actions at 310-914-5007 or by email to [email protected].

Integer Holdings Corporation (NYSE: ITGR)
Class Period: July 25, 2024 – October 22, 2025
Lead Plaintiff Deadline: February 9, 2026

The complaint filed in this class action alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Company’s business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants failed to disclose to investors that: (1) Integer materially overstated its competitive position within the growing EP manufacturing market; (2) despite Integer’s claims of strong visibility into customer demand, the Company was experiencing a sustained deterioration in sales relating to two of its EP devices; (3) in turn, Integer mischaracterized its EP devices as a long-term growth driver for the Company’s C&V segment; and (4) as a result, Defendants’ positive statements about the Company’s business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times.

If you are an Integer shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate.

F5, Inc. (NASDAQ: FFIV)
Class Period: October 28, 2024 – October 27, 2025
Lead Plaintiff Deadline: February 17, 2026

The complaint filed in this class action alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Company’s business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants failed to disclose to investors that: (1) F5 was the subject of a significant security incident, placing its clientele’s security and the Company’s future prospects at significant risk; and (2) as a result, Defendants’ positive statements about the Company’s business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times.

If you are a F5 shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate.

SLM Corporation a/k/a Sallie Mae (NASDAQ: SLM)
Class Period: July 25, 2025 – August 14, 2025
Lead Plaintiff Deadline: February 17, 2026

The complaint filed in this class action alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Company’s business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants failed to disclose to investors that: (1) SLM was experiencing a significant increase in early stage delinquencies; (2) accordingly, Defendants overstated the effectiveness of SLM’s loss mitigation and/or loan modification programs, as well as the overall stability of the Company’s PEL delinquency rates; and (3) as a result, Defendants’ positive statements about the Company’s business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times.

If you are a SLM Corporation shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate.

Klarna Group plc (NYSE: KLAR)
Class Period: September 7, 2025 – December 22, 2025
Lead Plaintiff Deadline: February 20, 2026

The complaint filed in this class action alleges that Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Company’s business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants failed to disclose to investors that: (1) Defendants materially understated the risk that its loss reserves would materially go up within a few months of the IPO, which they either knew of or should have known of given the risk profile of many individuals agreeing to Klarna's buy now, pay later (BNPL) loans; and (2) as a result, Defendants’ positive statements about the Company’s business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times.

If you are a Klarna shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate.

Follow us for updates on Twitter: twitter.com/FRC_LAW.

To be a member of these class actions, you need not take any action at this time; you may retain counsel of your choice or take no action and remain an absent member of the class action. If you wish to learn more about these class actions, or if you have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Frank R. Cruz, of The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz, 1999 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 1100, Los Angeles, California 90067 at 310-914-5007, by email to [email protected], or visit our website at www.frankcruzlaw.com.   If you inquire by email please include your mailing address, telephone number, and number of shares purchased.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.

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SummaryPalantir Technologies Inc. retains a Strong Buy rating, driven by robust growth in both government and commercial segments and a fortress-like balance sheet.PLTR’s Q3 2025 revenue surged 63% to $1.18B, with U.S. commercial revenue up 121% and operating leverage driving outsized profit growth.Despite a forward P/E of ~292x and PEG of 5.12x, PLTR’s premium valuation is underpinned by record contract wins and a unique dual-market position.Key upside drivers include sustained U.S. commercial momentum, potential large government contracts, and untapped international growth, though government budget risk remains. hapabapa/iStock Editorial via Getty Images

Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR) is down about 7% since I last covered it, lagging behind the S&P 500’s (SP500) 3% gain over the same stretch. The decline appears tied to broader worries

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.

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of ADDYY 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.

While this article may sound like financial advice, please observe that the author is not a CFA or in any way licensed to give financial advice. It may be structured as such, but it is not financial advice. Investors are required and expected to do their own due diligence and research prior to any investment. Short-term trading, options trading/investment and futures trading are potentially extremely risky investment styles. They generally are not appropriate for someone with limited capital, limited investment experience, or a lack of understanding for the necessary risk tolerance involved. I own the European/Scandinavian tickers (not the ADRs) of all European/Scandinavian companies listed in my articles. I own the Canadian tickers of all Canadian stocks I write about. Please note that investing in European/Non-US stocks comes with withholding tax risks specific to the company's domicile as well as your personal situation. Investors should always consult a tax professional as to the overall impact of dividend withholding taxes and ways to mitigate these. Please note that my position in Adidas at this time is a watchlist position, but i may increase it going forward.

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.

Zacks Investment Research recently initiated coverage of Stran & Company, Inc. (SWAG - Free Report) with a “Neutral” recommendation, reflecting a balance between the company’s accelerating growth profile and ongoing challenges in profitability, margins and cash flow.

Stran operates as an outsourced marketing solutions provider, offering promotional products, branded merchandise, and loyalty and incentive programs to more than 2,000 active clients across a wide range of industries. Founded in 1995 and headquartered in Quincy, MA, the company has steadily expanded its capabilities through organic growth and acquisitions, positioning itself as a scaled platform in a highly fragmented promotional products industry.

A central theme is Stran’s rapid revenue expansion and the early signs of operating leverage. Revenue growth has significantly outpaced expense growth, allowing operating costs to decline as a percentage of sales and driving a sharp improvement in EBITDA toward breakeven levels. This trend suggests that incremental revenues are increasingly being absorbed by a largely fixed cost structure, creating potential for margin expansion as scale continues to build.

The company’s August 2024 acquisition of Gander Group stands out as a transformative development. The transaction meaningfully expanded Stran’s presence in loyalty, casino and continuity programs, which have become a major contributor to consolidated revenues. The company has completed integration within roughly a year and highlighted cross-selling opportunities, new vertical exposure and a repeatable consolidation strategy that could support long-term growth in a fragmented market.

The research report highlights several key factors that could drive SWAG's growth. Stran’s solid balance sheet is also highlighted as a key source of financial flexibility. With no traditional debt and nearly $12 million in cash and investments, the company has supported growth initiatives while opportunistically repurchasing shares. SWAG's decision to buy back shares, even while the company remains unprofitable, signals confidence in long-term value creation.

However, potential investors should consider certain risks outlined in the report. Stran continues to report net losses and negative operating cash flow, with working capital demands and inventory growth weighing on liquidity. The gross margin has come under pressure from acquisition mix, tariffs and limited pricing power, while exposure to discretionary marketing budgets introduces sensitivity to broader economic conditions. Potential equity dilution from outstanding warrants and options, along with rising fixed lease obligations, adds complexity.

From a valuation perspective, Stran shares trade at a substantial discount to industry and market benchmarks on an EV-to-sales basis, even after a strong run over the past year. The “Neutral” recommendation suggests that, while the company’s growth story is compelling, shares are expected to perform in line with the broader market until profitability and cash flow trends become more firmly established.

For a comprehensive analysis of Stran's financial health, strategic initiatives and market positioning, you are encouraged to view the full Zacks research report. This in-depth report provides a detailed discussion of the company's operational strategies, financial performance, and the potential risks and opportunities that lie ahead.

Read the full Research Report on Stran & Company here>>>

Note: Our initiation of coverage on Stran & Company, which has a modest market capitalization of $38 million, aims to equip investors with the information needed to make informed decisions in this promising but inherently risky segment of the market.

Tether (CRYPTO: USDT) has launched USA₮, a federally regulated stablecoin issued by Anchorage Digital Bank, but Standard Chartered warns stablecoins could drain $100 billion from U.S. bank deposits with the market reaching $301.4 billion.

USA₮: Built For The GENIUS ActTether launched USA₮ on Monday to comply with the GENIUS Act, the first nationwide framework governing stablecoins sold to U.S. users.

The law requires stablecoins offered to Americans to be issued by federally or state-qualified entities. That locked out USDT, Tether’s flagship token, forcing the company to create a separate U.S.-compliant version.

Bo Hines, former White House Crypto Council Executive Director, leads the project as CEO of Tether USA₮.

USA₮ is now available on Bybit, Crypto.com, Kraken, OKX, and MoonPay. Cantor Fitzgerald serves as reserve custodian, ensuring transparency from day one.

This move puts Tether back in direct competition with Circle’s (NYSE:CRCL) USDC, which has dominated the U.S. institutional market due to early regulatory compliance. 

Meanwhile, USDT continues operating globally with $143 billion in circulation.

Paolo Ardoino, Tether’s CEO, called USA₮ “a dollar-backed token made in America” designed for institutions that need federal oversight.

Standard Chartered: Stablecoins Are A “Real Threat”The same day Tether launched USA₮, Standard Chartered published a report warning that stablecoins pose a serious threat to bank deposits.

Geoff Kendrick, the bank’s global head of digital assets research, estimates U.S. bank deposits will shrink by one-third of the total stablecoin market cap—currently $301.4 billion. 

That translates to roughly $100 billion leaving U.S. banks as stablecoins grow.

The problem is simple: when customers move money from banks into stablecoins, that money doesn’t come back as stablecoin issuers don’t redeposit the cash into the banking system.

Tether holds just 0.02% of reserves in bank deposits. Circle holds 14.5%. The rest sits in Treasury bills and other instruments outside the traditional banking system.

That means every dollar flowing into stablecoins is a dollar permanently leaving bank balance sheets—reducing deposits that banks use to make loans and generate revenue.

Regional Banks Face The Biggest HitKendrick’s analysis shows regional banks are most exposed because they rely heavily on deposits for profitability. 

He specifically flagged Huntington Bancshares, M&T Bank, Truist Financial, and CFG Bank as facing the highest risk.

Larger investment banks are less exposed because they generate revenue from multiple sources beyond deposit-driven lending.

Looking ahead, Kendrick projects the stablecoin market will reach $2 trillion by end-2028. 

At that scale, about $500 billion could leave developed-market banks, with another $1 trillion exiting emerging-market banks.

Circle (NASDAQ:CRCL) CEO Jeremy Allaire has called fears of stablecoin-driven bank runs “totally absurd,” but Standard Chartered’s numbers suggest the threat is real for banks that depend on deposits.

What Happens NextTether’s USA₮ launch legitimizes stablecoins in the U.S. regulatory framework, potentially accelerating adoption among institutions previously blocked from using USDT.

For banks, the expansion of federally regulated stablecoins like USA₮ and USDC increases competitive pressure. 

As stablecoins scale toward $2 trillion, regional banks face structural threats to deposit bases.

Standard Chartered expects the CLARITY Act to pass by the end of Q1 2026, which could limit stablecoin yields. But even without yields, stablecoins offer instant settlement and 24/7 availability—features traditional bank deposits can’t match.

Image: Shutterstock

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XRP is trading at $1.89, down 1.2% today, which caps off a rather gloomy week of 2.4% losses and a two-week tumble totaling 8.4%. With a market cap holding steady at $114 billion, XRP clings to the fifth spot among cryptocurrencies by size—but don't expect a celebratory confetti cannon just yet.