Market Signal Briefing

Journalist

Posted: January 27, 2026

TRON [TRX] continues to establish itself as the leading stablecoin settlement network. Justin Sun’s strategic investment in River’s[RIVER] chain abstraction stablecoin infrastructure strengthens TRON’s claim.

The partnership will allow cross-ecosystem assets and liquidity to enter TRON, and give users native high-yield opportunities directly. Nansen’s report on the TRON ecosystem growth in Q4 2025 was illuminating.

It concluded that the network was one of the most active blockchains globally. It was able to handle 8-12 million transactions daily. Combined with low transaction costs and high throughput, it remained the preferred platform for high-frequency applications such as stablecoin transfer and DeFi protocols.

Entering 2026, the blockchain positioned itself to continue serving as the primary settlement layer in the crypto ecosystem.

TRX nears key demand zones

Source: TRX/USDT on TradingView

On the higher timeframes, TRX is still on an uptrend. After rallying from $0.21 to $0.37 by August 2025, the altcoin had a multi-month retracement. This pullback reached the swing move’s 61.8% retracement level at $0.2718.

This level was tested twice in November and December, before buyers stepped in. The subsequent rally back above $0.29 indicated a bullish structure was in place on the daily timeframe.

At the time of writing, TRX was retesting a former supply zone, now a demand zone. It is likely to see a bullish reaction.

The MVRV pricing bands showed that TRX was neither overvalued nor undervalued. The rally in 2025 did not reach overvalued MVRV pricing bands. These bands are constructed to help understand zones of extreme unrealized profit and loss.

According to these bands, TRX might have the strength to push toward $0.50 or higher.

The cost basis distribution heatmap indicated that TRX trading was above a key demand zone. Since June 2025, the $0.26–$0.27 range has maintained a significant supply density, indicating it serves as the cost basis for a large portion of holdings.

Any further price dips would likely halt at this long-term technical support level. TRON’s upside would depend on Bitcoin [BTC] and the wider market witnessing a sentiment shift and increased capital inflows.

Final Thoughts In 2026, TRON positioned itself as the crypto ecosystem’s preferred stablecoin settlement layer. The cost basis distribution heatmap highlighted the importance of $0.26 as a demand zone.

Akashnath S is a Senior Journalist and Technical Analysis expert at AMBCrypto. He specializes in dissecting price action, identifying key market trends through advanced chart patterns, and forecasting both short-term and long-term asset trajectories. His distinct analytical method is grounded in his academic training as a Chemical Engineer. This background provides him with a systematic, process-oriented approach to market data, enabling him to analyze the complex dynamics of financial markets with precision and objectivity. Having actively covered the cryptocurrency space since the landmark 2017 market cycle, Akashnath possesses years of experience navigating both bull and bear markets. This seasoned perspective is critical to his insightful reporting on market volatility and evolution. As an active market participant, Akashnath enhances his analysis with crucial, hands-on experience. This practical application of his technical skills ensures his insights are not merely theoretical, but are also relevant and actionable for an audience looking to understand and navigate trading opportunities. He is dedicated to educating readers on the nuances of technical analysis, empowering them with the knowledge to make more informed financial decisions.

TLDR: Bitcoin’s hashrate fell 39% in two days from weather-related shutdowns rather than economic capitulation patterns. MARA’s hashrate dropped to one-quarter of monthly averages as Texas mining operations faced grid disruptions. Mining difficulty adjustment is projected to decrease 4.54% following the extended period of reduced network capacity. Prolonged shutdowns may force miners to sell Bitcoin reserves to cover fixed operational costs during downtime. Bitcoin’s network hashrate has experienced a sharp decline from 1.133 zettahashes per second to 690 exahashes per second within 48 hours.

The sudden drop coincides with severe winter weather conditions affecting major mining operations across the United States.

Texas-based mining facilities, housing approximately one-third of global Bitcoin mining capacity, have been particularly impacted by the extreme cold and resulting power grid disruptions.

Weather Conditions Trigger Unprecedented Mining Shutdown The dramatic hash rate reduction appears directly linked to ongoing ice storms battering multiple US regions. Unlike typical periods of miner capitulation driven by economic factors, this decline stems from forced operational shutdowns.

Power grid operators have requested non-essential load reductions as energy demand surges during the cold snap. Electricity costs have spiked simultaneously, creating additional pressure on mining profitability.

Major mining companies in Texas face the brunt of these disruptions. MARA, one of the industry’s largest publicly traded miners, has seen its hashrate drop to one-quarter of its monthly average over three days.

📉 Hashrate is plunging !

On Bitcoin, one indicator of the network’s “health” is the hashrate, which reflects the level of mining activity.

When it drops sharply, it means miners are reducing their activity by voluntarily shutting down machines.

👉 That’s exactly what we’re… pic.twitter.com/kji6xqALcW

— Darkfost (@Darkfost_Coc) January 26, 2026

Foundry Digital and other significant operators in the region have similarly curtailed operations. The geographic concentration of mining infrastructure in weather-affected areas has amplified the network-wide impact.

Grid stability concerns take precedence over mining activities during extreme weather events. Mining operations consume substantial electricity, making them primary candidates for voluntary load shedding.

Facilities typically cooperate with grid operators to prevent broader blackouts. This dynamic has proven beneficial for miners in past weather events through demand response credits.

Network Adjustments and Financial Pressures Mount Block production times have extended measurably as available computing power decreased. The Bitcoin network automatically adjusts mining difficulty every 2,016 blocks to maintain consistent block intervals.

Current projections indicate the next difficulty adjustment will decrease by approximately 4.54 percent. This represents one of the more substantial downward adjustments seen in recent months.

The difficulty reduction will provide temporary relief to operational miners once implemented. However, the adjustment mechanism operates on a lag, meaning current conditions will persist until the recalibration occurs.

Miners continuing operations during this period face reduced competition but unchanged costs. The economic calculus shifts daily as weather conditions evolve.

Extended disruptions could force some miners to liquidate Bitcoin holdings to cover fixed expenses. Operational costs, including facility leases, equipment financing, and staffing, continue regardless of production levels.

Mining companies maintain varying levels of Bitcoin reserves and financial runway. Smaller operations with limited capital buffers face greater pressure during prolonged shutdowns.

Market observers will monitor on-chain data for signs of miner distribution patterns over the coming weeks.

Bitcoin Faces Downside Risk Below $70,000 as Multiple Selling Pressures Mount in JanuaryStablecoin market capitalization has dropped by $2.24 billion in 10 days, indicating capital flight to assets like gold and silver.The Coinbase Premium Index hit its lowest point in a year, reflecting rising U.S.-driven selling pressure.A US ice storm sharply reduced Bitcoin's hashrate, creating risk that miners may sell holdings to cover costs.Bitcoin encounters mounting selling pressure as January 2026 ends, including a $2.24 billion drop in stablecoin market capitalization, a year-low Coinbase premium, and a sharp decline in mining hashrate due to a severe US ice storm.

The combined impact of these factors has prompted veteran trader Peter Brandt to warn that Bitcoin could fall below $70,000 if these market pressures persist.

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Stablecoin Exodus Signals Capital Flight From CryptoThe crypto market is facing a major liquidity drop, as the market cap of the top 12 stablecoins has fallen by $2.24 billion in just 10 days, in line with Bitcoin’s 8% decline. According to market intelligence platform Santiment, this decrease goes beyond typical profit-taking.

The data indicate a critical challenge for Bitcoin bulls. Rather than rotating capital into stablecoins to wait for better entry points, investors are cashing out to fiat.

Top Stablecoin Marketcaps. Source: SantimentStablecoins provide essential liquidity for crypto purchases. When their supply drops, the market’s ability to absorb selling pressure or support rebounds is reduced.

Historically, crypto recoveries have depended on the growth of the stablecoin market cap, signaling new capital entering the space. The recent decline suggests that short-term buying power is shrinking.

Furthermore, Santiment explained that this withdrawal could be due to money shifting into gold and silver as investors find them more attractive in the current environment. The consequence of this move is that altcoins will suffer heavy losses.

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Coinbase Premium Plunges Into Negative TerritoryBitcoin’s decline is compounded by the Coinbase Premium Index, which has fallen to its lowest level in a year, showing heightened selling pressure from US investors.

The Coinbase Premium tracks the price gap between Bitcoin on Coinbase Pro and the global average, offering insight into US institutional and retail sentiment.

Coinbase Bitcoin Premium Index. Source: CoinglassData from Coinglass reveals the premium went deep into negative territory from January 12 to 26, 2026, with readings below -0.05% and dropping to nearly -0.15% after January 21. CryptoQuant data shows that the 7-day average Coinbase Premium Index has fallen to its lowest level since the beginning of the year.

The negative premium means Bitcoin is trading at a discount on Coinbase, reflecting stronger selling by US participants.

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Ice Storm Triggers Mining Crisis and Hashrate CollapseA severe US ice storm has delivered another blow to Bitcoin, causing hashrate to drop from 1.133 ZH/s to 690 EH/s over two days. The US makes up about a third of Bitcoin’s global mining capacity, with key operations in Texas run by companies such as MARA and Foundry Digital.

Analyst Darkfost from CryptoQuant reports that MARA’s hashrate fell by 4 times in 3 days compared to its monthly average. The extreme cold disrupted power grids, leading to load cuts and higher electricity costs. These conditions forced miners to shut down operations and avoid unsustainable costs.

Bitcoin Hashrate. Source: CryptoQuant.If mining companies endure revenue shortfalls, miners might be forced to sell their holdings to cover ongoing expenses, adding to the pressure of sale while liquidity remains tight.

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“This period of stress could even trigger some BTC selling if the storm were to persist, as miners may still need to cover fixed operating costs while waiting for conditions to normalize.” – Analyst Darkfost predicted.

Technical Breakdown Points to Further DownsideVeteran trader Peter Brandt has flagged a bearish technical signal that matches the overall downward trend. Brandt notes that Bitcoin has broken down from a bear channel on the daily chart, moving below a rising channel established since late December 2025.

Bitcoin Bear Channel. Source: Peter BrandtBrandt’s analysis suggests Bitcoin must recover above $93,000 to negate the bearish outlook. If it fails, the price could decline toward $81,833 or even $66,883.

This technical forecast adds weight to the bearish narrative seen in on-chain metrics and broader market structure. With liquidity draining, strong U.S. selling, and stressed miners, Bitcoin lacks the support to reclaim key resistance levels. The combination of technical and fundamental factors makes a near-term recovery difficult.

Disclaimer

In adherence to the Trust Project guidelines, BeInCrypto is committed to unbiased, transparent reporting. This news article aims to provide accurate, timely information. However, readers are advised to verify facts independently and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.

Russia has declared crypto exchange WhiteBIT as "undesirable," effectively barring the platform from operating in the country over support for Ukraine's military.

The Prosecutor General’s Office said in a statement that WhiteBIT provided financial and technical support to Ukraine-linked initiatives, including fundraising programs tied to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Under Russia's law on "undesirable organizations," entities designated as such must cease operations in the country. Individuals or entities that cooperate with the entities risk fines and criminal charges carrying prison terms.

The prosecutor general claimed that WhiteBIT's management transferred roughly $11 million in 2022 toward Ukrainian defense-related causes, including funds earmarked for drone procurement. Moscow also accused the platform of enabling "gray" schemes to move funds out of Russia.

The $11 million figure cited by Russian authorities broadly aligns with figures published on WhiteBIT's own website, where the exchange has publicly disclosed its charitable contributions tied to Ukraine-related initiatives since the start of the war.

WhiteBIT, based in Lithuania, has openly acknowledged its support for Ukraine. The exchange has previously said it provided technical infrastructure for United24, a crypto-enabled fundraising platform launched at the initiative of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for humanitarian and defense purposes, according to the company's website.

Russia's move comes amid broader crypto-related sanctions and tensions in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. In July 2025, Ukrainian authorities imposed a new package of sanctions targeting Russian financial and crypto schemes, blacklisting 60 legal entities and 73 Russian nationals linked to sanctions evasion and military financing, according to a report from The Kyiv Independent.

Meanwhile, WhiteBIT continues to expand internationally, including into the U.S. market. In December, the exchange announced its U.S. launch alongside a marketing campaign in New York's Times Square, marking a high-profile step in its global expansion. 

In 2025, WhiteBIT also expanded operations in Australia, Argentina, and Brazil, among other markets, according to a separate business update.

The Block has reached out to WhiteBIT for comment.

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.

A new artificial intelligence (AI)–driven outlook for XRP is drawing attention after market analyst Sam Daodu shared projections generated by Claude AI, outlining how the cryptocurrency could perform through the rest of 2026. 

The forecast presents three distinct price paths for XRP, each shaped by how key factors such as exchange-traded fund (ETF) demand, regulatory clarity, and network activity evolve. Together, the scenarios provide a broad yet structured view of where the fifth-largest cryptocurrency could be headed.

Potential 215% Rally Ahead For XRP According to Daodu, Claude AI uses a baseline XRP price of roughly $2.15 and builds its projections around whether market catalysts strengthen or weaken.

The model suggests that ETF inflows, exchange balance trends, and growth on the XRP Ledger (XRPL) will be the primary signals determining whether XRP breaks higher, trades sideways, or slips lower by the end of 2026.

In the most optimistic scenario, Claude AI predicts XRP would rise to between $4 and $6, representing a potential 215% increase from its current trading price of $1.90. This bullish outcome depends on ETF inflows accelerating beyond $5 billion while exchange balances continue to decline, indicating reduced sell-side pressure. 

Under this scenario, institutional accumulation would increase spot market demand, while clearer regulatory conditions would help improve overall market sentiment. 

Claude’s model suggests that once XRP decisively moves above the $3.20 resistance level, tightening liquidity across major trading platforms could magnify even modest buying activity. 

By late 2026, long-term holders limiting supply could further thin market depth, allowing prices to rise more quickly. However, this outcome would require unexpected positive catalysts and currently sits above what most AI models are forecasting.

Base Case Prediction The base case presents a more measured outlook, with XRP trading between $2.00 and $3.00. In this scenario, ETF inflows remain steady but unspectacular, while adoption grows gradually rather than explosively. 

The model suggests XRP would likely maintain support above $2.00, helped by manageable escrow token releases and incremental improvements to the XRPL that support ongoing transaction growth. 

Price swings would likely remain contained, with accumulation happening quietly instead of through sharp rallies. By the end of 2026, XRP could settle near the midpoint of this range, reflecting balanced participation from both retail traders and institutional investors. 

Bearish Outlook Envisions $1.50 – $1.80 On the downside, Claude AI outlines a bearish scenario in which XRP drifts toward the $1.50 to $1.80 range. This outcome would likely unfold if ETF demand weakens and broader macroeconomic pressures intensify. 

A sustained drop below the $2.00 level could then lead to extended consolidation around the $1.60 support zone. While network activity on the XRPL might continue, momentum in price action would fade as market participants wait for clearer catalysts. 

Ultimately, Claude AI’s forecast points to relative stability around $2.15 in the near term for the cryptocurrency, at least through January, with larger price movements dependent on ETF market inflows exceeding the $5 billion mark. 

Daodu further pointed out that Claude’s outlook sits between ChatGPT’s more cautious stance and Grok’s comparatively optimistic projections, offering what he describes as a realistic middle ground rather than an extreme outcome.

The 1-D chart shows XRP’s consolidation between $1.8 and $1.9. Source: XRPUSDT on TradingView.com Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com

Dogecoin started a recovery wave above the $0.120 zone against the US Dollar. DOGE is now facing hurdles near $0.1240 and might struggle to continue higher.

DOGE price started a recovery wave from $0.1175 and climbed above $0.120. The price is trading below the $0.1250 level and the 100-hourly simple moving average. There is a bearish trend line forming with resistance at $0.1240 on the hourly chart of the DOGE/USD pair (data source from Kraken). The price could continue to move up if it stays above $0.1240. Dogecoin Price Runs Into Resistance Dogecoin price started a recovery wave from the $0.1175 zone, like Bitcoin and Ethereum. DOGE climbed above the $0.1180 and $0.120 resistance levels.

There was a decent upward move above the 50% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $0.1277 swing high to the $0.1175 low. However, the bears are active near the $0.1240 level. Besides, there is a bearish trend line forming with resistance at $0.1240 on the hourly chart of the DOGE/USD pair.

Dogecoin price is now trading below the $0.1230 level and the 100-hourly simple moving average. If there is a recovery wave, immediate resistance on the upside is near the $0.1240 level, the trend line, and the 61.8% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $0.1277 swing high to the $0.1175 low.

Source: DOGEUSD on TradingView.com The first major resistance for the bulls could be near the $0.1280 level. The next major resistance is near the $0.1320 level. A close above the $0.1320 resistance might send the price toward the $0.140 resistance. Any more gains might send the price toward the $0.1450 level. The next major stop for the bulls might be $0.150.

Another Decline In DOGE? If DOGE’s price fails to climb above the $0.1240 level, it could continue to move down. Initial support on the downside is near the $0.120 level. The next major support is near the $0.1180 level.

The main support sits at $0.1150. If there is a downside break below the $0.1150 support, the price could decline further. In the stated case, the price might slide toward the $0.1080 level or even $0.1050 in the near term.

Technical Indicators

Hourly MACD – The MACD for DOGE/USD is now losing momentum in the bearish zone.

Hourly RSI (Relative Strength Index) – The RSI for DOGE/USD is now above the 50 level.

Major Support Levels – $0.1180 and $0.1150.

Major Resistance Levels – $0.1240 and $0.1280.

The ETF offers price exposure to AVAX with the potential for staking returns. VanEck also waived sponsor fees on the first $500 million in assets through Feb. 28. Separately, Valour, a subsidiary of DeFi Technologies, received approval from the UK Financial Conduct Authority to offer Bitcoin and Ethereum staking ETPs to retail investors on the London Stock Exchange, following the regulator’s decision to lift its ban on retail crypto ETPs. 

VanEck Debuts AVAX ETFGlobal asset manager VanEck launched a US-listed exchange-traded product (ETP) offering direct exposure to Avalanche’s native token, AVAX. This is the first spot Avalanche ETF to begin trading in the United States. The product trades under the ticker VAVX and tracks the price performance of AVAX while also allowing for the possibility of generating more returns through staking rewards.

According to the firm’s announcement, the fund is not registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, although it may still fall under other applicable US securities regulations. VanEck said it will waive sponsor fees on the ETF’s first $500 million in assets through Feb. 28. Assets exceeding that threshold before the fee-waiver deadline will be charged a 0.20% sponsor fee, which will apply to all assets once the waiver period ends.

Announcement from VanEck

The ETF structure opens access to registered investment advisers, wealth managers, and institutional investors who want exposure to Avalanche without the technical complexity of running validator infrastructure themselves. Overall, the product enables institutions to capture network yield through a familiar exchange-traded vehicle rather than holding and staking tokens directly.

Avalanche is an open-source blockchain network that is designed for decentralized applications and smart contracts. It launched in September of 2020 and is developed by Ava Labs, a startup founded by Cornell University computer scientist Emin Gün Sirer. 

At press time, AVAX had a market capitalization of roughly $5.08 billion and was trading near $11.77, according to CoinCodex. The token is still well below its November 2021 all-time high of $144.96 and is also down sharply over the past year.

AVAX price action over the past year (Source: CoinCodex)

VanEck first moved to bring an Avalanche ETF to market in March of 2025, when it filed an S-1 registration statement with US regulators. The following month, Nasdaq submitted a rule-change filing seeking approval to list and trade the product, clearing a key regulatory hurdle.

The launch could accelerate institutional adoption of Avalanche-based investment products. Grayscale Investments currently operates an Avalanche trust and filed in August of 2025 to convert it into a spot ETF, while Bitwise Asset Management submitted its own S-1 registration for an AVAX spot ETF in September of 2025.

UK Approves Retail Crypto Staking ETPsMeanwhile, the UK subsidiary of DeFi Technologies, Valour, received regulatory approval to offer crypto ETPs to retail investors on the London Stock Exchange.

In a notice that was released on Monday, DeFi Technologies said the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority approved Valour’s exchange-traded products tied to Bitcoin and Ethereum staking. The two products, branded 1Valour Bitcoin Physical Staking and 1Valour Ethereum Physical Staking, officially began trading on the London Stock Exchange on Monday, making them available to UK retail investors.

Announcement from DeFi Technologies 

Johan Wattenström, chairman and chief executive of DeFi Technologies, said the approvals are a meaningful expansion of the company’s UK presence. He described the UK as one of the world’s most important financial markets and said the new listings allow Valour to serve retail investors with transparent exchange-listed products that provide direct exposure to the digital asset economy, including staking-based returns.

Valour previously announced plans to list a Bitcoin staking ETP on the London Stock Exchange in September, but that product was restricted to professional investors. The latest launch differs in that it is explicitly designed for retail participation, following the FCA’s decision in October to lift its long-standing ban on crypto ETPs for retail investors. That regulatory shift already encouraged other asset managers, including Bitwise, to pursue similar offerings in the UK.

The move also builds on Valour’s international expansion. In December, the company launched an exchange-traded product tied to Solana on Brazil’s main exchange.

According to the London Stock Exchange, more than 50 issuers currently list over 2,300 ETPs on the venue, with crypto ETPs generating roughly $280 million in trading volume in December. However, the market has faced recent headwinds. 

Weekly crypto asset flows (Source: CoinShares)

CoinShares reported that crypto ETPs recorded more than $1.7 billion in outflows last week, reversing inflows that were seen the week before. CoinShares research head James Butterfill attributed the shift to weakening expectations for interest rate cuts, negative price momentum, and disappointment that digital assets have not benefited from currency debasement trends.

WhiteBIT, a cryptocurrency exchange recently labeled an “undesirable organization” by Russia, said it lost 30% of its customer base after blocking Russian and Belarusian users in 2022.

Ethereum in ETFs Enjoys $110 Million in Inflows While Institutional ETH Wipes OutEthereum ETFs attract inflows despite institutions aggressively reducing broader ETH exposure.Conflicting flows highlight division between short-term caution and longer-term accumulation strategies.ETH price defends key support as recovery hinges on reclaiming $3,000 level.Ethereum price slipped below the $3,000 mark last week, reflecting broader market volatility and uneven investor confidence. ETH briefly dipped to lower support before stabilizing, highlighting a clear divide between investor groups. 

While some participants reduced exposure aggressively, others appear to be positioning for a rebound, creating mixed signals for near-term price direction.

Ethereum Institutions Are SkepticalInstitutional investors showed a decisive shift toward risk reduction in the week ending January 23. Ethereum recorded more than $630 million in institutional outflows during that period. This wave of selling erased earlier gains and pushed ETH’s month-to-date flows to a negative $77.4 million, making it the weakest performer among major digital assets.

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Such sustained outflows suggest large funds remain cautious. Institutions often respond to macro uncertainty and relative underperformance by reallocating capital. If this defensive stance persists, Ethereum could face continued pressure, as institutional flows tend to influence medium-term price trends and liquidity conditions.

Want more token insights like this? Sign up for Editor Harsh Notariya’s Daily Crypto Newsletter here.

Ethereum Institutional Flows. Source: CoinSharesIn contrast, spot Ethereum ETFs have begun to show signs of renewed interest. After recording $609 million in outflows the previous week, ETH ETFs posted $110 million in inflows on Monday. This reversal suggests some macro-focused investors view recent price weakness as a buying opportunity rather than a breakdown.

ETF inflows often reflect longer-horizon positioning. The shift indicates growing confidence that Ethereum’s recovery remains intact despite short-term volatility. While not yet a decisive trend change, the inflows offer support and reduce immediate downside risk if momentum continues.

Ethereum ETF Netflows. Source: SoSoValueETH Price Nears $3,000Ethereum fell to $2,796 over the weekend, testing a support zone that has held for more than two months. Buyers defended this level again, allowing ETH to rebound toward $3,000. The repeated defense strengthens the importance of this support in shaping short-term price action.

If ETF net flows remain positive through the week, Ethereum could regain bullish traction. A clean move above $3,000 would improve sentiment. Reaching $3,085 is the next key step, as clearing that level would open the path toward $3,188 and signal recovery strength.

ETH Price Analysis. Source: TradingViewThe downside scenario remains relevant if momentum stalls. Failure to reclaim $3,000 would likely invite renewed selling. A drop back toward $2,796 would undermine confidence and invalidate the bullish thesis, delaying any sustained recovery attempt.

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.

The Official Melania (CRYPTO: MELANIA) coin overshadowed higher-value assets in the cryptocurrency universe Monday, fueled by hype around an upcoming documentary on First Lady Melania Trump.

MELANIA Makes A Strong Start To 2026The Solana (CRYPTO: SOL)-based memecoin lifted nearly 5% over the last 24 hours, with trading volume surging 23% to $23.85 million. In doing so, it outclassed heavyweights such as Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) and Dogecoin (CRYPTO: DOGE), and also the Official Trump (CRYPTO: TRUMP) memecoin, affiliated with President Donald Trump.

Cryptocurrency24-Hour Gains +/-YTD Gains +/-Official Melania+4.94%+45.48%Bitcoin+0.94%-1.04%Dogecoin+0.50%+4.60%Official Trump-0.73%-0.20%Speculative activity also spiked, with open interest in MELANIA’s derivatives jumping 17% over the last 24 hours, according to data from Coinglass.

Trump's Endorsement Of ‘MELANIA’The uptick came ahead of Amazon MGM Studios‘ documentary on the First Lady, dubbed "Melania," slated for release on Jan. 30.

Trump took to X to promote the documentary, calling it a “Must Watch.”

Melania Token’s Dramatic DeclineMELANIA and TRUMP memecoins were launched right before Trump’s presidential inauguration last year, sparking widespread controversy.

The MELANIA token has plunged nearly 99% from its all-time high of $13.73, set shortly after its launch. At its peak, it amassed a market capitalization of $1.73 billion, which has now collapsed to $164 million. Similarly, the TRUMP coin is down 93% from its peak.

Investment banking giant TD Cowen warned earlier this month that the Trump family's ventures, including the two memecoins, could derail the progress of the cryptocurrency market structure bill.

Price Action: At the time of writing, MELANIA was exchanging hands at $0.1680, up 4.94% over the last 24 hours, according to data from Benzinga Pro.

Image via Shutterstock/ Evan El-Amin

Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs

© 2026 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

Polymarket has launched new prediction markets tied to Volmex's bitcoin and ether 30-day implied volatility indices. Jan 27, 2026, 5:51 a.m.

Decentralized betting platform Polymarket has listed contracts tied to Volmex's bitcoin BTC$88,362.67 and ether ETH$2,935.88 volatility indices, opening the door for anyone to wager on market swings this year.

The two contracts, "What will the Bitcoin Volatility Index hit in 2026?' and "What will the Ethereum Volatility Index hit in 2026?" went live on Monday at 4:13 PM ET.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW

These contracts pay "Yes" if any one-minute "candle" for Volmex's 30-day implied volatility indices tied to bitcoin and ether spikes to or exceeds the preset target by Dec. 31, 23:59. Otherwise, the contracts settle "No." A one-minute candle is a price chart showing an asset's price action, the open, high, low, and close, over just 60 seconds. It mimics the shape of a candle with its "body" and "wicks."

So, if you buy "Yes" shares, you are essentially bullish on volatility, which essentially means you expect a more turbulent market. On the flip side, buying "No" shares means you anticipate stability. In either case, you are betting on the degree of price swings, not the direction.

Polymarket's new contracts make volatility trading accessible to everyone, offering a simple, direct way to play a game historically dominated by institutions and large traders with ample capital. Traditionally, these big players have used complex, multi-step option strategies or volatility futures to profit from expected changes in volatility.

"Polymarket, the world's largest prediction market, launching contracts on Volmex's BVIV and EVIV Indices is a major milestone for Volmex and crypto derivatives broadly," Cole Kennelly, founder and CEO of Volmex Labs, told CoinDesk in a Telegram chat.

"This partnership brings institutional-grade BTC and ETH volatility benchmarks into the simple, intuitive prediction market format, making it easier for traders and investors to express views on crypto implied volatility," Kennelly added.

Early trading in these contracts showed a 35% chance that bitcoin's 30-day implied volatility index (BVIV) will double to 80% from its current 40% level this year. The ether market showed almost a similar pricing for volatility to rise to 90% from the present 50%.

Note that the correlation between bitcoin's implied volatility and spot price has become largely negative since the debut of spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the U.S. two years ago. It means that any upswing in volatility is more likely to be accompanied by a spot price drop than a rally.

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Bitcoin remains coiled under $88,500 as gold tops $5,000, silver gives back gains

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Bitcoin traded lower alongside most major tokens as investors favored gold and silver ahead of the Federal Reserve decision and a heavy week of Magnificent Seven earnings.

What to know:

Bitcoin slipped to about $88,400 in early-week trading, extending a roughly 4% decline over the past week as major cryptocurrencies softened.The token’s underperformance versus rising equities and surging gold underscores that crypto is trading more like a high-beta risk asset than a safe-haven hedge.Traders are cautious and volumes muted ahead of Wednesday’s Federal Reserve decision and a wave of Big Tech earnings, events seen as key catalysts for bitcoin’s next move.

Hyperliquid's HIP-3, also known as "Builder Deployed Perpetuals," lets anyone who stakes 500,000 HYPE to create a new perpetual futures market on the Hyperliquid blockchain.

Layer-1 blockchain network Hyperliquid has seen an explosion in trading through “Builder-Deployed Perpetuals” this month, hitting a new all-time high in open interest on Monday.

In a post on X, Hyperliquid attributed the rapid adoption of HIP-3 — a permissionless market creation framework — to a surge in commodities trading.

“HIP-3 open interest reached an all-time high of $790M, driven recently by a surge in commodities trading. HIP-3 OI has been hitting new ATHs each week. A month ago, HIP-3 OI was $260M.”

Source: Hyperliquid HIP-3 was a Hyperliquid improvement proposal that went live in mid-October. Its introduction enables builders to launch perpetual futures contracts for any asset with a price feed.

A key requirement for anyone launching a perpetual swap on Hyperliquid is that they must have 500,000 HYPE staked on the network to deploy the contract. 

The surging trading activity on HIP-3 comes amid a precious metals boom, with gold and silver both continuing to breach new ATHs over the past few months. This week, gold broke the $5,000 price range for the first time in its history, while the crypto market has lagged. 

According to data from Flow Scan, HIP-3 has seen $25 billion worth of trading volume since launch.

The majority of activity is coming from markets launched by TradeXYZ, which accounts for over $22 billion. 

TradeXYZ was developed by Hyperunit, Hyperliquid’s tokenization arm. Its biggest markets are currently XYZ100 — an index tracking the top 100 companies, Silver and Nvidia, at $12.7 billion, $3.0 billion and $1.2 billion apiece. 

Its largest market, XYZ100, currently has $165.4 million worth of OI at the time of writing, representing 20% of the total $793.27 million OI on HIP-3. 

Magazine: Bitcoin ‘bullish’ in Q1 says Willy Woo, XRP lacks CLARITY: Trade Secrets

Cointelegraph is committed to independent, transparent journalism. This news article is produced in accordance with Cointelegraph’s Editorial Policy and aims to provide accurate and timely information. Readers are encouraged to verify information independently. Read our Editorial Policy https://cointelegraph.com/editorial-policy

Bitcoin traded below the $88,500 level during early-week trading as the broader crypto market softened ahead of a critical period for global financial markets. Investor caution is building as traders await the U.S. Federal Reserve’s policy decision and a heavy round of Big Tech earnings, both of which are expected to shape near-term risk sentiment across asset classes.

The world’s largest cryptocurrency hovered around $88,400 during Asian trading hours, slightly down on the day and nearly 4% lower over the past week, according to CoinDesk data. Ethereum remained relatively stable near $2,940, while major altcoins such as Solana, XRP, and Dogecoin also posted modest losses. The synchronized pullback across leading digital assets highlights a cautious tone in the crypto market as investors reduce exposure ahead of macroeconomic catalysts.

In contrast to crypto’s muted performance, precious metals experienced sharp volatility. Silver retreated from intraday extremes in late U.S. trading after recording its largest single-day jump since 2008, while gold eased off record highs after briefly surpassing the $5,000-per-ounce mark. Despite the pullback, silver still closed the session up 0.6%, underscoring strong demand for traditional safe-haven assets amid global uncertainty.

Bitcoin, however, has struggled to capitalize on the same macro tailwinds that have supported equities and metals, including falling real yields, a weaker U.S. dollar, and rising geopolitical risks. The divergence reinforces the view that cryptocurrencies are currently trading more like high-beta risk assets rather than reliable hedges.

Market analysts note that bitcoin remains below key moving averages and has failed to reclaim important technical levels from the past two months. With the Federal Reserve expected to hold interest rates steady and earnings from major technology firms poised to test the durability of the AI-driven stock rally, crypto prices may remain range-bound. For now, bitcoin appears stuck near current levels, drifting lower as investors wait for clearer signals on broader risk appetite.

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XRP May Be Poised for a Final Shakeout Before Its Next Major MoveAccording to on-chain analytics firm XRP Update, XRP is nearing a critical inflection point, with price action potentially sweeping liquidity into the $1.65–$1.70 support zone. This isn’t just a horizontal level, it converges with a long-term macro trendline, forming a high-confluence area that traders and analysts are watching closely.

At the time of writing, CoinCodex data shows XRP trading near $1.91, meaning a move into the projected support zone would be a healthy pullback, not a breakdown. 

Source: CoinCodexStructurally, this resembles a “liquidity sweep” or “shakeout,” where price briefly dips below key levels to trigger stop-losses and clear weak hands before reversing. 

Meanwhile, XRP is tightening into a classic compression pattern, signaling that a breakout is approaching, with directional confirmation as the key trigger to watch.

XRP Update says holding the $1.65–$1.70 zone would confirm a classic shakeout → reversal → continuation pattern. This often signals that a temporary pullback has reset momentum, drawn in bargain buyers, and allowed smart money to accumulate ahead of the next major move higher.

The macro trendline gives this zone added weight. Trendlines drawn from major cycle lows often serve as dynamic support in bullish markets, and repeated confirmations only strengthen their technical significance. 

A successful defense here would signal that the broader bullish structure remains intact despite recent volatility, especially as data suggests XRP may be poised to outperform gold after seven years of underperformance.

From a sentiment perspective, a dip toward $1.65–$1.70 may feel uncomfortable for short-term traders who bought near recent highs. For long-term participants, however, it could represent a strategic accumulation zone, particularly if on-chain metrics continue to show healthy network activity and steady holder behavior.

Well, XRP holding above $1.90 suggests sellers haven’t seized control. An early return of buyers could allow consolidation at current levels and a renewed push higher, avoiding a deeper pullback. However, the confluence zone flagged by XRP Update remains a critical short-term pivot.

Technically, XRP still risks a final shakeout into the $1.65–$1.70 support range. If that zone holds, it could serve as the launchpad for the next leg of the broader uptrend. 

With price hovering near $1.91, XRP is at a decisive inflection point, either a controlled dip into strong support or a surprise upside breakout. The next move is likely to shape its medium-term trend.

ConclusionXRP is nearing a pivotal point. A potential liquidity sweep into $1.65–$1.70 may act as a reset rather than weakness, aligning with a key macro trendline. Holding this zone could trigger a classic shakeout and continuation higher. 

As XRP trades near $1.91, price action at these levels will likely define its medium- to long-term trend, presenting a critical opportunity for early-positioned investors and traders.

Orion Properties: Strategic Alternatives Take Center Stage

Gold – Daily Chart – 270126 Despite the mixed morning, expectations of a Fed rate cut in H1 2026, a strong US economy, and sentiment toward upcoming earnings support a bullish medium-term outlook for US stock futures.

Below, I’ll outline the key market drivers, the medium-term outlook, and the technical levels traders should watch.

President Trump Announces Tariff Hike on South Korea US President Trump turned his attention to South Korea in the early hours of Tuesday, January 27, announcing:

“South Korea’s legislature is not living up to its deal with the United States. President Lee and I reached a Great Deal for both countries on July 30, 2025, and we reaffirmed these terms while I was in Korea on October 29, 2025. Why hasn’t the Korean legislature approved it? Because the Korean legislature hasn’t enacted our historic trade agreement, which is their prerogative, I am hereby increasing South Korean tariffs on autos, lumber, pharma, and all other reciprocal tariffs, from 15% to 25%.”

The latest tariff announcement followed Trump’s recent threats of tariffs against eight European NATO members and Canada. These threats underscored the ever-present risk of an escalation in geopolitical tensions.

Despite gold’s rise, the latest tariff threat failed to spook the Asian markets. South Korea’s KOSPI rallied 1.99% in morning trading.

China Industrial Profits Rebound While trade developments are key, upbeat Chinese economic indicators lifted sentiment. Industrial profits increased 5.3% year-on-year in December after falling 1% in November, signaling a shift in the supply-demand backdrop. Rising profits could lead to job creation and increased domestic demand, supporting a positive global economic outlook.

The Hang Seng Index joined the broader Asian markets in positive territory, advancing 1.15% to 27,074.

Yen Strength Remains a Headwind for US Risk Assets While Chinese economic indicators lifted sentiment, the stronger yen and elevated 10-year Japanese Government Bond (JGB) yields were headwinds. This week, USD/JPY plunged from 155.344 to a low of 153.302 before reclaiming 154. The sharp fall in USD/JPY fueled speculation about an unwind of yen carry trades into US assets, as seen in mid-2024.

Market concerns about Japan’s 240% debt-to-GDP ratio and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s fiscal spending plans increased the risk premium for holding JGBs. 10-year JGB yields have climbed to their highest level in decades, weakening the yen.

USDJPY – Daily Chart – 270126 Consumer Confidence, Earnings, and the Fed in Focus US futures saw mixed performances in the Asian morning session on January 27. The Dow Jones E-mini dropped 90 points, while the Nasdaq 100 E-mini and the S&P 500 E-mini climbed 112 points and 13 points, respectively. Market optimism toward the Mag-7’s upcoming earnings sent the Nasdaq and S&P 500 higher.

Later Tuesday, US consumer confidence data and corporate earnings will influence buying interest in US stock futures. Economists expect the CB Consumer Confidence Index to rise from 89.1 in December to 90.9 in January. Typically, rising confidence indicates a pickup in consumer spending, bolstering the US economy. For context, private consumption accounts for around 65% of US GDP.

However, corporate earnings will be key to the near-term trends for US index futures. On January 27, United Health Group (UNH), Boeing (BA), General Motors Company (GM), Texas Instruments (TXN), and American Airlines (AAL) are among the marquee names to announce earnings results. Uncertainty about the outlook for Dow Jones-listed companies likely weighed on the Dow Jones this morning.

Key Technical Levels for Dow Jones, Nasdaq 100, and S&P 500 Despite the mixed morning, the Dow Jones E-mini, the Nasdaq 100 E-mini, and the S&P 500 E-mini traded above their 50-day and 200-day EMAs. The EMAs signaled a bullish bias, aligning with positive fundamentals.

Near-term trends will hinge on tariff-related headlines, USD/JPY trends, earnings, and US economic data. Key levels to monitor include:

Dow Jones

Resistance: the January 13 record high of 49,901, and then 50,000. Support: 49,000 followed by the 50-day EMA (48,543). S&P 500 – Daily Chart – 270126 Outlook: Fed Rate Cut Bets, Economic Resilience, and Earnings Support Bullish Outlook In my opinion, the short-term price outlook remains constructive. Market expectations of a Fed rate cut in H1 2026, and continued optimism over Q4 tech earnings, reaffirm the bullish outlook. These positive fundamentals align with bullish technicals for US equity futures.

However, several scenarios would derail the bullish medium-term outlook, including:

An escalation in geopolitical tensions. The Bank of Japan announces a higher neutral interest rate (potentially 1.5%-2.5%). A narrower US-Japan rate differential may trigger an unwind of yen carry trades. Such an event would invalidate the short-term outlook. Strong US economic data and a hawkish Fed press conference would dampen bets on multiple Fed rate cuts in 2026. Corporate earnings and outlooks disappoint. Conclusion: Bullish Outlook Intact In summary, the strong US economy, a dovish Fed policy outlook, upbeat earnings, and a cautiously hawkish BoJ reinforce a bullish short- and medium-term outlook for US stock futures.

However, traders should closely monitor warnings of yen intervention, BoJ chatter, and USD/JPY trends. Yen interventions by the Fed and Japanese government, alongside hawkish BoJ rhetoric, could trigger a yen carry trade unwind, weighing on US equity futures.

Despite risks of an unwind of yen carry trades, US stock futures are likely to retarget their all-time highs if US economic data raises expectations of a June Fed rate cut. Fed rate cuts would have a more lasting effect on company earnings and equity valuations than narrowing US-Japan rate differentials.

Follow our live coverage and consult the economic calendar for real-time market updates.

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.

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South Korea's ruling Democratic Party said it would pass a special act on the U.S. trade deal by end- February, according to Yonhap, after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened higher tariffs on South Korean exports.

Earlier on Tuesday, Trump said he was raising tariffs on South Korean exports to 25% from the current 15%, citing a delay in the country's parliament approving the Washington-Seoul trade deal agreed in July last year.

Spokesperson of the ruling Democratic Party Kim Hyun-jung said Trump was likely referring to the Special Act on Strategic Investment Management between Korea and the United States, according to a Google translation of the statement in Korean, submitted to the country's parliament last November.

The bill aims to establish a state-run investment corporation to manage Seoul's planned $350 billion investment pledge to Washington.

Kim said that five related bills have been submitted to the National Assembly, and are scheduled to be reviewed, adding that "the fact that both the Democratic Party of Korea and the People Power Party have proposed these bills will likely expedite their passage."

The ruling DP currently holds 162 seats in the 300 seat National Assembly with four vacant seats, while the PPP holds 107.

 "What is needed now is to quickly confirm the intent and facts of the U.S statement and correct any misunderstandings," she said.

Earlier in the day, South Korea's presidential office said it had not received any official notice or explanation from the U.S. regarding the announcement, according to South Korean media outlet Yonhap.

South Korea's finance ministry said that it will keep the U.S. informed on the legislative process, while Seoul's trade ministry said that industry minister Kim Jung-kwan will visit Washington for talks on the matter, Yonhap reported.

"It is time for the government and the ruling and opposition parties in the National Assembly to join forces. I look forward to the People Power Party's bipartisan cooperation," Kim said.

South Korean automakers Hyundai and Kia plunged in early trade following Trump's threats, but later pared losses. Hyundai last traded 0.1% down, and Kia was down 1.16%. The broader Kospi was up 1.9%, while the small-cap Kosdaq index climbed 0.89%.

DETROIT — General Motors is set to report its fourth-quarter and year-end earnings before the bell Tuesday.

Here's what Wall Street is expecting, based on a survey of analysts by LSEG:

Earnings per share: $2.20 adjusted expectedRevenue: $45.8 billion expectedThose results would mark a 4% decline in revenue compared with a year earlier and a more than 14% increase in adjusted earnings per share.

GM's 2024 fourth-quarter results included $47.7 billion in revenue, net loss attributable to stockholders of roughly $3 billion, and adjusted earnings before interest and taxes of $2.5 billion.

GM is expected to record $7.1 billion in special charges for the fourth quarter of 2025 related to its pullback in electric vehicles and restructuring efforts in China.

The charges, which GM announced earlier this month, will impact the automaker's net income but not adjusted results.

Aside from the company's results, investors will be watching the company's guidance for this year. GM CEO Mary Barra earlier this month reconfirmed that the automaker expects 2026 will be better than 2025.  

GM's 2025 guidance included adjusted earnings before interest and taxes of between $12 billion and $13 billion, or $9.75 to $10.50 adjusted EPS, and adjusted automotive free cash flow of $10 billion to $11 billion, up from $7.5 billion to $10 billion.

GM executives will host an earnings conference call at 8:30 a.m. EST.

This is developing news. Please check back for additional updates.

After years of underperformance, small caps are off to a strong start in 2026.

The new year is still young, but one of the biggest stories in the stock market so far has been the breakout performance of the Russell 2000, the small-cap index. In fact, the Russell 2000 beat the S&P 500 (^GSPC +0.50%) in each of the first 14 trading days of the year, a streak that snapped on Jan. 23 when the Russell 2000 fell by nearly 2%.

Still, the small-cap index has built a sizable edge over its large-cap peer over the first three weeks of the year as the chart below shows.

^SPX data by YCharts

The S&P 500 has outperformed the Russell 2000 over each of the last five years, and dominated it through the AI boom of the last three years. However, after a strong start, the Russell 2000 looks poised to finally beat the S&P 500 this year. Here are two reasons why.

Image source: Getty Images.

The valuation gap has gotten too big After jumping more than 75% over the last three years, the S&P 500 is nearly as expensive as it's ever been. It's trading at a price-to-earnings ratio of 28, according to ETFs that track the S&P 500, and concerns about an AI bubble, high concentration among "Magnificent Seven" stocks, which now make up roughly a third of the index, and expectations for the bull market to broaden all favor alternatives like small-caps.

The biggest Russell 2000 ETF, the iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM 0.31%), now trades at a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.5, a discount of roughly a third versus the S&P 500. In other words, the Russell 2000 would have to increase by about 50% to have the same valuation as the S&P 500.

That should help encourage a rotation out of large-cap stocks and into small-cap ones.

Interest rates could continue to come down Small-cap stocks are more sensitive to macroeconomic factors, in particular interest rates. In fact, the Russell 2000 has jumped 17% over the last six months as the Federal Reserve cut rates three times at the end of the year, lowering the benchmark Fed funds rate by 75 basis points.

This year, the Federal Reserve is currently forecasting just one additional rate cut, but there's a good chance that we could see more than that, given that the job growth has been nearly flat for the last eight months and the Fed will get a new chairman in May, and President Trump has pressuring the central bank to lower rates so he may appoint someone who's more amenable to rate cuts.

Further rate cuts, especially when the market isn't expecting them, are likely to favor small-cap stocks.

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How to capitalize on a small-cap rotation The easiest way to get exposure to small-cap stocks is through an ETF that tracks the Russell 2000. The iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) is by far the biggest with net assets of roughly $75 billion. You can also buy a more-focused small-cap ETF like the Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth ETF (VTWG 0.29%) or the Vanguard Russell 2000 Value ETF (VTWV 0.38%) if you'd prefer to have exposure to growth or value stocks.

There are options if you're looking for individual small-cap stocks. One software stock that could break out in 2026 is Amplitude (AMPL +2.44%), a maker of digital product analytics software that introduced a range of AI agents last year that should drive accelerated growth in 2026.

Another option is Innodata (INOD 0.35%), a specialist in data-labeling, which is a key step in making it easier for AI to process data. Innodata has delivered strong growth and is profitable.

While the streak of outperformance by the Russell 2000 from the beginning of the year isn't likely to repeat itself, small-caps look well-position for a breakout year. Between ETFs and individual stocks, there are plenty of ways to take advantage of the expected rotation.

SINGAPORE, Jan. 27, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Micron Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: MU) broke ground today on an advanced wafer fabrication facility located within the company's existing NAND manufacturing complex in Singapore. This new facility represents a planned investment of approximately US $24 billion (SG $31 billion) over 10 years and is designed to ultimately provide 700,000 square feet of cleanroom space. Wafer output is scheduled to begin in the second half of calendar 2028, helping Micron address growing market demand for NAND technology driven by the rapid expansion of AI and data-centric applications.

The groundbreaking ceremony for this facility, Singapore’s first double-story wafer manufacturing fab, was marked by the attendance of Gan Kim Yong, deputy prime minister and minister for Trade and Industry of Singapore, Dr Beh Swan Gin, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Jermaine Loy, managing director of the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and Jacqueline Poh, CEO of JTC Corporation.

“Micron’s leadership in advanced memory and storage is enabling the AI-driven transformation reshaping the global economy,” said Manish Bhatia, executive vice president of global operations at Micron Technology. “We are grateful for the longstanding support and successful partnership with the Singapore government, including EDB and JTC. This investment underscores Micron’s long-term commitment to Singapore as an important hub in our global manufacturing network, enhancing supply chain resiliency and fostering a vibrant ecosystem for innovation.”

This new fab will become an integral part of Micron’s NAND Center of Excellence in Singapore. The facility provides the essential capacity to support continued technology transitions, positioning Micron to meet long-term demand for advanced storage solutions. Additionally, co-locating R&D with manufacturing improves efficiencies, accelerates time-to-market and deepens research partnerships between industry and academia.

Micron’s previously announced high-bandwidth memory (HBM) advanced packaging facility, also located in the same Singapore manufacturing complex, is on track to contribute meaningfully to Micron’s HBM supply in calendar year 2027. As HBM becomes a part of Micron’s Singapore manufacturing footprint, the company expects opportunities for synergies between NAND and DRAM production. Micron will maintain flexibility in managing the pace of capacity ramps in the new facility to align with market demand.

Micron’s advanced wafer fabrication facility investment will create around 1,600 jobs. Combined with the previously announced 1,400 jobs from the HBM advanced packaging facility, Micron’s expansion will support about 3,000 new Micron jobs total. These positions will focus on fab engineering and operations, integrating AI, advanced robotics and smart manufacturing technologies to enhance efficiency and innovation.

“Micron’s latest expansion will strengthen our semiconductor ecosystem and further anchor Singapore as a critical node in the global semiconductor supply chain,” said Jermaine Loy, managing director of the Singapore EDB. “This investment rides on growth in AI and will provide good jobs for Singaporeans. Micron’s advanced facility will leverage advanced robotic automation and boost our advanced manufacturing ecosystem, helping our workforce seize new opportunities.”

The fab will comply with the company’s sustainability commitments and build on the site’s recognition as both a World Economic Forum Sustainability Lighthouse and an Energy Efficiency National Partnership (EENP) Award recipient. The fab will also adhere to LEED standards, such as greenhouse gas abatement, water recycling and waste circularity.

In collaboration with academia and ecosystem partners, Micron's investment creates opportunities to build a future-ready semiconductor workforce through multiple pathways, offering real-world learning experiences such as internships for students, upskilling the current workforce in AI and smart manufacturing, and advancing R&D talent development to drive future innovation.

About Micron Technology, Inc.

Micron Technology, Inc. is an industry leader in innovative memory and storage solutions, transforming how the world uses information to enrich life for all. With a relentless focus on our customers, technology leadership and manufacturing and operational excellence, Micron delivers a rich portfolio of high-performance DRAM, NAND and NOR memory and storage products. Every day, the innovations that our people create fuel the data economy, enabling advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and compute-intensive applications that unleash opportunities — from the data center to the intelligent edge and across the client and mobile user experience. To learn more about Micron Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: MU), visit micron.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding construction timing, enhanced product synergies, job creation, and the ability of the increased manufacturing capacity to meet product demand. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Please refer to the documents Micron files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, specifically its most recent Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. These documents contain and identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in these forward-looking statements. These certain factors can be found at https://investors.micron.com/risk-factor. Although Micron believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, Micron cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, or achievements. Micron is under no duty to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this press release to conform these statements to actual results.

© 2026 Micron Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. Information, products, and/or specifications are subject to change without notice. Micron, the Micron logo, and all other Micron trademarks are the property of Micron Technology, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Micron Media Relations Contact
Mark Plungy
+1 (408) 203-2910
[email protected]

Micron Investor Relations Contact
Satya Kumar 
+1 (408) 450-6199 
[email protected]

The 2025 Q4 earnings season is in full swing, with this week’s reporting docket jam-packed with notable companies.

Among the bunch are two peers, Mastercard (MA - Free Report) and Visa (V - Free Report) . Both stocks have struggled to gain ground over the last three months, both underperforming relative to the S&P 500. But given the performance, is either more attractively positioned than the other?

Quarterly ExpectationsSales and EPS expectations for both companies have largely remained stable over recent months, with Visa expected to see 14% EPS growth on 12% higher sales. Mastercard also has favorable growth prospects, with expectations alluding to 10% higher sales on 16% higher EPS.

The growth rates here for both companies are quite commendable given their mature natures, likely reflective of underlying consumer strength.

The Valuation PictureBoth stocks are a tad cheap relative to historical values, with recent weakness in price giving a fairer picture. MA shares currently trade at a 27.2X forward 12-month earnings multiple, while the same for Visa stands at 24.4X.

Both values remain below five-year medians and five-year highs. The same can be said for each’s current PEG ratio, which are again below five-year medians and nowhere near five-year highs.

The above-mentioned growth investors expect is primarily coming from continued consumer strength and an overall resilient U.S. economy. Both companies have benefited from this in their recent quarterly releases, seeing higher volumes across many key segments.

Which Looks More Attractive?The revisions trend for Mastercard (MA - Free Report) concerning its current fiscal year is more bullish than that of Visa (V - Free Report) , though it’s critical to note that both stocks have mirrored each other concerning performance over the past five years, gaining roughly 70% each. There doesn’t seem to be a clear ‘winner’ here given their similar natures, but the more favorable revisions trend for MA does give it a solid edge.

Both stocks are cheap on a historical basis, with multiples not stretched at all following poor price action over recent months. MA shares trade at a premium relative to V given stronger forecasted EPS growth but otherwise remain fair. Guidance will be a key determining factor for a decision here, as favorable commentary would likely brighten both of their EPS and sales outlooks. Both stocks remain a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - January 26, 2026) - WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces a class action lawsuit on behalf of purchasers of common stock of Vistagen Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: VTGN) between April 1, 2024 and December 16, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important March 16, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline.

SO WHAT: If you purchased Vistagen common stock during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Vistagen class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=50827 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than March 16, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants provided investors with material information concerning Vistagen's plan to develop and commercialize its drug fasedienol, an investigational pherine candidate in development for the acute treatment of social anxiety disorder (SAD). Defendants' statements included, among other things, Vistagen's positive assertions of fasedienol's future trial success based on the prior positive results associated with the PALISADE-2 clinical trial, in addition to notable enhancements and operational changes made to the execution of the PALISADE-3 clinical trial supported a strong likelihood of Phase 3 success and positioned it as a confirmatory study.

According to the lawsuit, defendants provided these overwhelmingly positive statements to investors while, at the same time, disseminating false and misleading statements and/or concealing material adverse facts concerning its Phase 3 PALISADE-3 trial study of fasedienol. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the Vistagen class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=50827 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

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Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

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To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/281731

Source: The Rosen Law Firm PA

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