Market Signal Briefing

Hey, Siri, butt out!

Google and Apple listened in on and recorded millions of unwitting customers’ conversations — and will soon fork over a combined $163 million to resolve the eavesdropping debacle, according to a pair of bombshell lawsuits.

Apple has started sending out payments to settle its $95 million class-action complaint, which accused the Cupertino tech giant of spying on users who never once uttered the prompt, “Hey, Siri,” according to court documents.

A hand holding an iPhone with the Siri interface showing the text “Go ahead, I’m listening…” wachiwit – stock.adobe.com Some people reported that their Apple devices pushed ads for brands — like Olive Garden and Air Jordan — that they had discussed in conversations that were secretly recorded.

Google, meanwhile, has reached a tentative, $68 million settlement after its Google Assistant surreptitiously activated and recorded users without the hot words, “OK Google,” according to court documents viewed by The Post.

That deal, part of a 2019 lawsuit, still has to be OKed by a judge.

Siri and Google Assistant are voice-activated aides that can perform tasks, including sending text messages, making calls or reciting the weather.

Both tech behemoths, which are accused of using the secret recordings to improve their respective products, have denied any wrongdoing.

Apple now requires users to opt in before recorded audio is used for improving Siri’s functionality, according to The Mac Observer.

A close-up of a smartphone displaying Google’s AI-powered search feature with the text “AI in Search” and “Ask anything”. Koshiro K – stock.adobe.com Anyone who purchased an iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, MacBook, iMac, HomePod, iPod touch or Apple TV between Sept. 17, 2014 and Dec. 31, 2024 and experienced an unintended Siri activation was eligible for a payout. Some have been doled out via prepaid cards or direct deposit.

The amount paid out to individuals is capped at $20 per Siri-enabled device, according to the settlement website, with a maximum of five impacted devices per person.

The $95 million figure represents about nine hours of profit for Apple, which raked in $93.74 billion in net income over the last fiscal year.

“Apple denies all of the allegations made in the lawsuit and denies that Apple did anything improper or unlawful,” the giant said on its website.

The suit was filed in 2019 by Fumiko Lopez and others who alleged their recorded discussions were shared with third-party businesses, such as restaurants and brands, which led to targeted ads in Apple Search and Safari.

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Two plaintiffs said their mentions of the Olive Garden and Air Jordan speakers led to them getting ads for those products.

Another said he got ads for a brand-name surgical treatment after discussing it with his doctor.

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In 2020, Apple paid $113 million to settle another class-action lawsuit that accused it of deliberately slowing down older-model iPhones to hide battery issues and push users to purchase newer devices.

The device maker also denied any wrongdoing in that case.

Members of the class-action suit against Google include all users in the US who purchased a Google-made device and whose Gmail accounts were associated with at least one Google Assistant-enabled device between May 18, 2016 and Dec. 16, 2022.

The final settlement amount still needs approval from a federal judge.

HomeDividends AnalysisDividend Quick Picks

SummaryDividend Kings underperformed SPY in 2025, averaging 4.91% total return versus SPY's 17.72%, though 14 Kings outperformed the index.2026 began strongly for Dividend Kings, up 4.66% through January 23rd, outpacing SPY's 1.07% gain.Nineteen Dividend Kings appear both potentially undervalued and offer long-term annualized expected returns of at least 10%.Dividend Yield Theory and analyst growth forecasts underpin the selection of promising Kings, with forward-looking return estimates driving investment decisions. Thapana Onphalai/iStock via Getty Images

2025 Review 2025 will be a year to forget for the Dividend Kings as, on average, they only mustered a 4.91% total return. While earning a positive return by being invested in some of the most tenured dividend growers is never a bad thing, underperforming

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

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

From sector tilts to portfolio concentration, key differences between these ETFs could shape your approach to growth investing.

The Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK +0.59%) and the iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF (IWO 1.96%) both track U.S. growth stocks, but their approaches diverge: MGK concentrates on the nation’s largest, fastest-growing companies, while IWO targets growth names from the small-cap end of the market.

This comparison breaks down the two funds across cost, performance, risk, and portfolio construction to help investors decide which may best fit their strategy.

Snapshot (cost & size)MetricMGKIWOIssuerVanguardiSharesExpense ratio0.07%0.24%1-yr return (as of Jan. 25, 2026)15.25%15.35%Dividend yield0.35%0.56%Beta (5Y monthly)1.201.45AUM$32 billion$13 billionBeta measures price volatility relative to the S&P 500. The 1-yr return represents total return over the trailing 12 months.

IWO charges a noticeably higher expense ratio than MGK, though IWO’s yield edges slightly higher for those seeking a bit more income from a growth ETF.

Performance & risk comparisonMetricMGKIWOMax drawdown (5 y)-36.02%-42.02%Growth of $1,000 over 5 years$1,954$1,097What's insideIWO delivers exposure to over 1,000 small-cap U.S. growth stocks, with a sector tilt toward healthcare (making up 26% of assets), technology (23%), and industrials (20%).

Its largest positions include Bloom Energy, Credo Technology Group, and Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, and each represents less than 2% of the portfolio. Launched over 25 years ago, IWO may appeal to investors looking for long-term access to innovative smaller companies.

MGK, by contrast, is built around mega-cap growth. It contains only 60 stocks, with technology making up 55% of the fund. Its top holdings — Nvidia, Apple, and Microsoft — dominate the portfolio, resulting in a more concentrated bet on the largest and most established growth names in the U.S. market.

For more guidance on ETF investing, check out the full guide at this link.

What this means for investorsMGK and IWO take drastically different approaches to capturing the growth sector of the market. MGK focuses exclusively on mega-cap stocks, while IWO targets small-cap companies.

This key difference results in significantly different risk profiles and performances. Small-cap stocks have plenty of growth potential, but they also tend to be more volatile. IWO has a higher beta and more severe max drawdown, suggesting more significant price fluctuations than MGK.

Despite small-cap stocks’ growth potential, MGK’s mega-cap focus has resulted in higher five-year total returns. That’s likely at least partly due to MGK’s top three holdings — Nvidia, Apple, and Microsoft — experiencing explosive growth over the last few years.

The two funds also differ in their sector allocations and diversification. IWO holds over 1,000 stocks, while MGK contains just 60. MGK is also much more tilted toward technology, with its top three holdings combined making up more than 35% of the fund. Meanwhile, all of IWO’s holdings each represent less than 2% of total assets.

Both funds can be smart buys, but the right one for you will depend on your goals. IWO has been more volatile in recent years, but it offers far more diversification with less of a tilt toward tech. MGK is hyper-focused on a small selection of industry leaders, which can be both a risk and an advantage, depending on how the market is faring.

Katie Brockman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Apple, Bloom Energy, Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool recommends the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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

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.

January 25, 2026 23:36 ET  | Source: Vivani Medical, Inc.

ALAMEDA, Calif., Jan. 25, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vivani Medical, Inc. (Nasdaq: VANI) (“Vivani” or the “Company”), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing miniature, ultra long-acting drug implants, today announced the pricing of a best efforts registered direct offering of 1,689,200 shares of its common stock at an offering price of $1.48 per share and concurrent private placement of 1,351,351 shares of its common stock at an offering price of $1.48 per share purchased by Gregg Williams, the Chairman of the Company’s board of directors. The registered offering and the private placement were priced “at-the-market” under the rules and regulations of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC. The gross proceeds to the Company from the registered offering and private placement are expected to be approximately $4.5 million, before deducting placement agent fees and estimated offering expenses. The registered offering and private placement are expected to close on or about January 27, 2026, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the registered offering and private placement to fund ongoing research and clinical development of the Company’s product candidates, as well as for working capital and general corporate purposes.

ThinkEquity is acting as sole placement agent for the registered direct offering.

The securities in the registered direct offering were offered and will be issued pursuant to a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-278869), including a base prospectus, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on April 22, 2024 and declared effective on May 3, 2024. The offering will be made only by means of a written prospectus. A final prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus describing the terms of the offering will be filed with the SEC and will be available on its website at www.sec.gov. Copies of the final prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus relating to the offering may also be obtained, when available, from the offices of ThinkEquity, 17 State Street, 41st Floor, New York, New York 10004.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction.

About Vivani Medical, Inc.

Leveraging its proprietary NanoPortal™ platform, Vivani develops biopharmaceutical implants designed to deliver drug molecules steadily over extended periods of time with the goal of guaranteeing adherence and improving patient tolerance to their medication. Vivani is developing a portfolio of GLP-1 based implants for metabolic diseases including obesity and type 2 diabetes. These NanoPortal implants are designed to provide patients with the opportunity to realize the full potential benefit of their medication by avoiding the numerous challenges associated with the daily or weekly administration of orals and injectables, including tolerability issues and loss of efficacy. Medication non-adherence occurs when patients do not take their medication as prescribed. This affects an alarming number of patients, approximately 50%, including those taking daily pills. For more information, please visit www.vivani.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: “target,” “believe,” “expect,” “will,” “may,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “would,” “positioned,” “future,” and other similar expressions that are used in this press release, including statements regarding Vivani’s business, products in development, including the therapeutic potential thereof, the planned development thereof, and its technology, strategy, cash position and financial runway. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on Vivani’s current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of Vivani’s control. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in such statements, including, without limitation, risks of unexpected costs or delays; and risks and uncertainties associated with the development and commercialization of products and product candidates that may impact or alter anticipated business plans, strategies and objectives. Actual results and outcomes may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. The foregoing sets forth many, but not all, of the factors that could cause actual results to differ from our expectations in any forward-looking statement. There may be additional risks that the Company considers immaterial, or which are unknown. A further list and description of risks and uncertainties can be found in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2025, as updated by the Company’s subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Any forward-looking statement made by Vivani in this press release is based only on information currently available to the Company and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of added information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law.

For Investor Relations Inquiries:

Company Contact:
Donald Dwyer
Chief Business Officer
[email protected]
(415) 506-8462

Investor Relations Contact:
Jami Taylor
Investor Relations Advisor
[email protected]
(415) 506-8462

Media Contact:
Sean Leous
ICR Healthcare
[email protected]
(646) 866-4012

Carlisle Companies is well-positioned to benefit from a projected rebound in U.S. residential construction driven by lower interest and mortgage rates in 2026. CSL's revenue mix, with 74% from construction materials and strong execution, supports optimism for earnings and EPS outperformance as housing demand recovers. Despite recent revenue volatility, CSL maintains profitability and market leadership, trading at a P/S of 3.12x, which appears undervalued relative to peers.

Schwab Center for Financial Research chief investment strategist Liz Ann Sonders discusses the preparation for a chance of market instability and analyzes projections on ‘Barron's Roundtable.' #fox #media #breakingnews #us #usa #new #news #breaking #foxbusiness #barronsroundtable #economy #markets #stocks #investing #wallstreet #finance #business #volatility #uncertainty #growth #outlook #strategy

Meritage Homes (MTH) remains a 'strong buy' due to absolute valuation and robust balance sheet, despite ongoing industry headwinds and declining fundamentals. MTH's net leverage ratio of 1.82 and 69% owned lot portfolio provide resilience and long-term positioning as the housing cycle turns. Recent results show revenue and profit declines, but net new orders are rising and cancellation rates remain contained compared to peers.

New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - January 26, 2026) - Levi & Korsinsky notifies investors that it has commenced an investigation into Bgin Blockchain Limited ("Bgin Blockchain Limited") (NASDAQ: BGIN) concerning potential violations of the federal securities laws.

Bgin released unaudited financial results on November 14, 2025, for the six months ended June 30, 2025, revealing that total revenue had declined roughly $96 million from the previous year, operating expenses increased 582.8%, and the Company's gross profit of $84.8 million in the prior year had plummeted to a gross loss of $6.3 million.

Bgin also disclosed on December 15, 2025, that the Company had "resolved not to renew or negotiate new terms for continued engagement" with its current auditor and had "approved the engagement of . . . an independent registered public accounting firm, to serve as the auditor of the Company, effective December 12, 2025."

Following this news, the Company's shares fell over 59% on December 29, 2025.

If you suffered a loss on your Bgin Blockchain Limited securities and would like to explore a potential recovery under the federal securities laws, Learn More About the Investigation or contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. via email at [email protected] or call (212)363-7500 to speak to our team of experienced shareholder advocates.

WHY LEVI & KORSINSKY: Over the past 20 years, Levi & Korsinsky LLP has established itself as a nationally-recognized securities litigation firm that has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders and built a track record of winning high-stakes cases. The firm has extensive expertise representing investors in complex securities litigation and a team of over 70 employees to serve our clients. For seven years in a row, Levi & Korsinsky has ranked in ISS Securities Class Action Services' Top 50 Report as one of the top securities litigation firms in the United States. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

CONTACT:
Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
Joseph E. Levi, Esq.
Ed Korsinsky, Esq.
33 Whitehall Street, 27th Floor
New York, NY 10004
[email protected]
Tel: (212)363-7500
Fax: (212)363-7171

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/281592

Source: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP

New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - January 26, 2026) - Levi & Korsinsky notifies investors that it has commenced an investigation into Mereo BioPharma Group plc ("Mereo BioPharma Group plc") (NASDAQ: MREO) concerning potential violations of the federal securities laws.

On December 29, 2025, before the market opened, Mereo announced results from its Phase 3 ORBIT and COSMIC studies for setrusumab (UX143) in Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI). The company reported that neither study failed to achieve its primary efficacy endpoint of reduction in annualized clinical fracture rate compared to placebo.

Following this news, MREO's stock price fell over 89% to open at $0.25 per share.

If you suffered a loss on your Mereo BioPharma Group plc securities and would like to explore a potential recovery under the federal securities laws, Learn More About the Investigation or contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. via email at [email protected] or call (212)363-7500 to speak to our team of experienced shareholder advocates.

WHY LEVI & KORSINSKY: Over the past 20 years, Levi & Korsinsky LLP has established itself as a nationally-recognized securities litigation firm that has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders and built a track record of winning high-stakes cases. The firm has extensive expertise representing investors in complex securities litigation and a team of over 70 employees to serve our clients. For seven years in a row, Levi & Korsinsky has ranked in ISS Securities Class Action Services' Top 50 Report as one of the top securities litigation firms in the United States. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

CONTACT:
Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
Joseph E. Levi, Esq.
Ed Korsinsky, Esq.
33 Whitehall Street, 27th Floor
New York, NY 10004
[email protected]
Tel: (212)363-7500
Fax: (212)363-7171

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/281594

Source: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP

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.

January 26, 2026 01:00 ET  | Source: VEON Ltd.

Dubai and Tashkent, January 26, 2026: VEON Ltd. (Nasdaq: VEON), a global digital operator (“VEON” or, together with its subsidiaries, the “VEON Group”), today unveiled the new network operations center for Beeline Uzbekistan in Tashkent, in a ceremony attended by Sherzod Shermatov, Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, and Kaan Terzioglu, VEON Group CEO as well as Beeline Uzbekistan board members and its executive team. Today, VEON also launched BuildX, its new software development and artificial intelligence company in Uzbekistan.

Sherzod Shermatov, Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, Kaan Terzioglu, VEON Group CEO, Andrey Pyatakhin, Beeline Uzbekistan CEO, and Gediz Sezgin, Beeline CTO, at the opening of the Network Operations Center in Tashkent.

Beeline Uzbekistan’s Network Operations Center (NOC) in Tashkent serves as a digital command hub, providing around-the-clock oversight of more than 5,850 base stations and ensuring connectivity for 7.7 million Beeline Uzbekistan customers as of September 2025. Operating as a proactive monitoring center, it detects outages in real time, enabling engineers to coordinate rapid repairs often before users experience service disruption. The NOC continuously tracks critical network performance metrics, reinforcing the customer experience on the Beeline Uzbekistan network, which was recently recognized as Uzbekistan’s most consistent network according to independent analysis by Opensignal.

In addition to the NOC, Beeline Uzbekistan also operates a dedicated Security Operations Center (SOC) that monitors and responds to cybersecurity threats across its network and digital services. Working closely with IT and development teams, the SOC supports rapid response and helps maintain a secure and reliable digital environment for customers and partners.

BuildX, a new software development and AI company headquartered in Tashkent’s IT Park, builds on VEON’s existing software development capabilities, including QazCode in Kazakhstan, which has developed AI-driven applications, cloud-native platforms, enterprise systems and data analytics solutions for customers. BuildX will focus on developing scalable, export-ready technology solutions, contributing to Uzbekistan’s ambition to further develop its digital economy and enhance its position as a technology hub in Central Asia.

“Uzbekistan has a fast-growing digital economy driven by robust policies that support digital transformation. We are determined to make our country a regional technology hub, building on this policy foundation, strong private sector players and our young digital talent,” said Minister Sherzod Shermatov at the opening ceremony. “I commend VEON for its continuous investments into Uzbekistan’s digital economy and for their proactive participation in our vision with initiatives spanning many areas of digital growth including customer services on digital platforms, essential connectivity and digital talent development.”

“The two significant initiatives that we announce today demonstrate our commitment to Uzbekistan’s digital future. Our state-of-the-art Network Operations Center will enhance Beeline Uzbekistan’s capability to deliver outstanding customer experience. Our enterprise solutions company BuildX will empower Uzbek and international businesses with AI and digital solutions that enhance people’s lives and access to services,” said Kaan Terzioglu, VEON Group CEO and Beeline Uzbekistan Chairman. “We are delighted not only to support our customers and business partners, but also to contribute to the digital economy vision of Uzbekistan with these and other initiatives.”

As a subsidiary of VEON, BuildX will develop advanced software, digital platforms and AI solutions for the Group, its operating companies, and the broader enterprise market. BuildX plans to enhance its team by recruiting and training local engineers and data scientists, contributing to the development of national talent with advanced digital skills in Uzbekistan. It will collaborate with universities, startups, and technology partners to foster innovation and strengthen the local tech ecosystem.

About VEON
VEON is a digital operator that provides connectivity and digital services to nearly 150 million connectivity and over 140 million digital users. Operating across five countries that are home to more than 6% of the world’s population, VEON is transforming lives through technology-driven services that empower individuals and drive economic growth. VEON is listed on NASDAQ. For more information, visit: https://www.veon.com

About Beeline Uzbekistan

Beeline Uzbekistan is a digital operator that serves 7.7 million customers with mobile connectivity and 7.9 million total monthly active users across its digital services and applications. Its digital portfolio includes financial services application Beepul, digital-first brand OQ, the recently launched streaming application KINOM and super-app hambi. BuildX, Beelab and VEON Adtech are also headquartered in Uzbekistan, contributing to software and IT technologies ecosystem in the country. Beeline Uzbekistan is wholly owned by VEON.

Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer

This release contains “forward-looking statements”, within the meaning of the Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to VEON’s strategic ambitions. There are numerous risks, uncertainties that could cause actual results and performance to differ materially from those expressed by such statements, including risks relating to VEON’s strategic ambitions, among others discussed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in VEON’s 2024 Form 20-F filed with the SEC on April 25, 2025 and other public filings made by VEON with the SEC. The forward-looking statements contained herein speak only as of the date of this release and VEON disclaims any obligation to update them, except as required by law.

Contact Information 
VEON
Hande Asik
Chief Strategy and Communications Officer
[email protected]

Bitcoin is finding it difficult to regain upside momentum as persistent supply pressure continues to cap rallies, according to on-chain analytics firm Glassnode. The firm notes that recent price advances have repeatedly stalled near levels where short-term holders originally bought, triggering selling activity from investors looking to exit at breakeven or cut losses. This dynamic has created a strong overhead supply zone, particularly between $98,000 and $100,000, making a sustained breakout above the $100K level challenging in the near term.

Glassnode highlights that many investors accumulated bitcoin during the 2025 highs, and recent rebounds have encouraged these holders to sell into strength. This behavior reinforces resistance and leaves the upside fragile. From a market structure perspective, futures trading volumes remain compressed, leverage usage is subdued, and overall participation is thin. As a result, recent price movements have occurred in relatively low liquidity environments, increasing vulnerability to renewed distribution.

Options and prediction markets are reinforcing this cautious outlook. On Polymarket, traders are increasingly betting that bitcoin will continue consolidating rather than staging an immediate rally. In contrast, sentiment around gold remains decisively bullish. Market participants are assigning higher odds that gold will hold above $5,500 through mid-year, reflecting expectations of ongoing macroeconomic stress and geopolitical uncertainty.

Gold has surged to fresh record highs above $5,000 an ounce, supported by sustained central bank buying, escalating geopolitical flashpoints, and a weaker U.S. dollar. These factors have strengthened gold’s role as a reliable hedge against global risk, drawing capital that might otherwise flow into riskier assets like cryptocurrencies.

Meanwhile, ether is underperforming bitcoin, with weak demand, muted derivatives activity, and little evidence of a rotation back into higher beta crypto assets. Bitcoin is currently trading around $87,000, stuck in what Glassnode describes as a digestion phase, working through internal supply constraints rather than responding to external catalysts. For now, gold is absorbing macro stress, while bitcoin remains range-bound as the market waits for stronger participation and clearer signals for renewed upside.

<Copyright ⓒ TokenPost, unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited>

Bitcoin fell on Sunday evening as a broad risk-off mood weighed on the crypto market amid rising uncertainty in the US.

Asia Market Open: Bitcoin Dips Under $88K, Gold Hits Record Above $5K As Yen Hits Two-Month Peak

Shalini Nagarajan

Crypto Reporter

Shalini Nagarajan

Part of the Team Since

Jan 2024

About Author

Shalini is a crypto reporter who provides in-depth reports on daily developments and regulatory shifts in the cryptocurrency sector.

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27 minutes ago

Bitcoin dipped under $88,000 as Asia opened to mixed trade, with investors leaning into safety and pushing gold to a record above $5,000 an ounce.

In China, stocks moved in different directions. The Shanghai index rose 0.12%, and China A50 gained 0.49%, while the SZSE Component slid 0.74% and DJ Shanghai eased 0.09%. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng edged up 0.04%.

Gold extended a rally that has reshaped the commodity market. Spot gold rose 1.79% to $5,071.96 an ounce by 0159 GMT after touching $5,085.50 earlier, and US gold futures for February delivery gained 1.79% to $5,068.70.

Market snapshot Bitcoin: $87,781, down 1.3% Ether: $2,867, down 2.6% XRP: $1.89, down 0.6% Total crypto market cap: $3.04 trillion, down 1.4% Greenland Tariff Threat Rolled Back As Trade Risks LingerInvestors have treated the metal as a refuge through shifting policy expectations and geopolitical stress. Prices surged 64% in 2025, and they have gained more than 17% this year, supported by safe-haven demand, expectations of easier US monetary policy, central bank buying and ETF inflows.

President Donald Trump’s trade threats stayed in focus. He abruptly stepped back on Wednesday from threats to impose tariffs on European allies as leverage to seize Greenland, and he said over the weekend he would impose a 100% tariff on Canada if it followed through on a trade deal with China.

He has also threatened to hit French wines and champagnes with 200% tariffs in an apparent effort to pressure French President Emmanuel Macron into joining his “Board of Peace” initiative.

Some observers fear the board could undermine the United Nations’ role as the main global platform for conflict resolution, though Trump has said it will work with the UN.

US Futures Ease After Volatile Week Marked By Trade RisksCurrency markets also turned volatile. The yen jumped to more than a two-month high on speculation that coordinated intervention by US and Japanese authorities could be imminent, and Tokyo’s top currency diplomat left that prospect open while keeping markets guessing.

The yen rose as much as 1.2% to 153.89 per dollar, its strongest since November. The euro hit a four-month high of $1.1898 and was last up 0.4% at $1.18665, as traders trimmed dollar positions ahead of the Federal Reserve meeting and watched for a possible announcement by the Trump administration of a new Fed chairman.

Wall Street faces another busy week after a rocky stretch. US stock index futures fell modestly on Sunday evening as markets braced for the Fed decision on Wednesday and a wave of corporate earnings, after last week’s pullback tied to geopolitical strains and trade uncertainty.

A new deep-dive from A16z research partner and Georgetown computer science professor Justin Thaler pours cold water on breathless quantum panic, arguing that while quantum threats are real, the crypto industry is badly mismatching urgency to reality. Quantum Fear vs.

Bitcoin price began the week under pressure after CME futures reopened well below Friday’s close, drawing attention to a large pricing gap.

Summary

Bitcoin futures on CME opened the week with a sharp downside gap after weekend selling pushed prices lower in the spot market. The $2.9K gap has become a key level traders are watching, as similar gaps have often influenced short-term price moves. While near-term momentum remains fragile, analysts say longer-term catalysts could still reshape Bitcoin’s 2026 outlook. CME Bitcoin futures opened near $86,560 after closing the previous session around $89,500, leaving a downside gap of roughly $2,940.

The move reflects selling that took place over the weekend, when spot Bitcoin (BTC) continued trading while CME futures were closed.

How the CME gap formed Since the CME has set trading hours while Bitcoin trades continuously, large weekend price changes often appear as gaps when futures markets reopen. When prices move sharply during this period, futures often reopen at very different levels. 

The sharper the spot price swing during the closure, the wider the gap at the open. This weekend’s decline pushed futures to reopen well below Friday’s settlement, making the gap one of the more noticeable ones seen this month.

Analysts are divided on what may happen next. Some market participants believe the pullback is simply a pause after Bitcoin’s mid-month rally. If buying pressure returns, they expect prices to move back toward previous resistance levels, which could lead to the CME gap being filled.

Others disagree, arguing that losing key price levels multiple times may push Bitcoin lower before a durable recovery can begin.

What traders are watching next In the short term, Bitcoin appears to be testing support between $86,000 and $88,000. A move back above $95,000 would signal improving momentum. However, a continued drop below current support could lead to further downside toward the low $80,000 range.

Looking ahead to 2026, opinions remain mixed. Supporters point to growing institutional adoption, strong exchange-traded fund demand, and wider use of stablecoins and digital reserves. Grayscale has suggested a possible new all-time high in the first half of 2026, while Binance founder Changpeng Zhao has described 2026 as a potential breakout year.

Even so, caution is still needed. Future U.S. laws, such as the CLARITY Act, are expected to affect how money flows into digital assets. Favorable policy changes could support long-term demand, while delays or setbacks may keep volatility high.

Ethereum’s price action may appear dull at first glance, but a deeper look at market data suggests a far more interesting narrative is unfolding beneath the surface. While spot price movement remains capped below key resistance levels, derivatives and futures metrics are painting a picture that often precedes major price expansion rather than follows it.

ETH continues to face repeated rejections in the $3,200–$3,300 range, largely because it is still trading below its 200-day moving average. From a purely technical chart perspective, this keeps Ethereum in what looks like a weak or indecisive market structure. However, focusing only on the chart overlooks critical signals emerging from volume profiles and futures flows.

Market data increasingly suggests that Ethereum is being quietly accumulated rather than distributed. One of the most telling indicators comes from the futures market, where open interest has been steadily rising even as prices pull back. This behavior indicates that new positions are being opened instead of traders exiting existing ones. Importantly, this growth in open interest is not accompanied by aggressive funding rate spikes, implying leverage remains balanced and speculative excess is limited.

This type of futures activity often reflects calculated positioning by institutional investors or large market participants rather than short-term retail speculation. Rising futures exposure without excessive funding pressure typically signals confidence in future price appreciation while avoiding unnecessary volatility.

Additionally, every pullback toward the $2,900–$3,000 support zone has been absorbed relatively quickly. While buyers are not aggressively pushing prices higher, demand consistently shows up during declines. This absorption behavior aligns with classic accumulation phases, where larger players gradually increase exposure without driving the market upward prematurely.

In this context, Ethereum’s seemingly uninteresting price action may actually be a sign of strength. The divergence between stagnant spot prices and improving derivatives metrics suggests that the market is positioning for a potential breakout. Historically, such conditions often resolve with expansion once resistance levels are cleared and broader market sentiment aligns with the underlying data.

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Meanwhile, a more hawkish Bank of Japan policy stance and warnings of yen intervention strengthened the Japanese yen, raising the risk of an unwind of yen carry trades.

XRP was already on the back foot ahead of the latest events, as traders reacted to the Senate delaying progress of the Market Structure Bill.

Despite rising geopolitical risks, the medium-term outlook for XRP remains bullish.

Below, I will explore the key drivers behind recent price trends, the medium-term (4-8 weeks) outlook, and the key technical levels traders should watch.

US President Trump Threatens 100% Tariff on Canada This weekend, President Trump reacted to a Canada-China trade deal, potentially giving Chinese manufacturers another avenue to dodge US tariffs, stating:

“If Governor Carney thinks he is going to make Canada a “Drop Off Port” for China to send goods and products into the United States, he is sorely mistaken. China will eat Canada alive, completely devour it, including the destruction of their businesses, social fabric, and general way of life. If Canada makes a deal with China, it will immediately be hit with a 100% tariff on all Canadian goods and products coming into the U.S.A.”

XRPUSD – Daily Chart – 260126 – Flash Crash XRP Price Forecast: Short-, Medium-, and Long-Term Targets Despite last week’s outflows, three consecutive days of inflows through January 23 indicated resilient demand for XRP-spot ETFs, affirming a positive short-term outlook (1-4 weeks), with a target price of $2.5. Furthermore, expectations that the Senate will pass the Market Structure Bill continue to support XRP at current price levels. These scenarios reaffirm the bullish longer-term price projections:

Medium-term (4-8 weeks): $3.0. Longer-term (8-12 weeks): $3.66. Key Downside Risks to the Bullish XRP Outlook Several scenarios could challenge the constructive bias. These include:

The Bank of Japan signals multiple rate hikes to reach a hawkish neutral interest rate (potentially 1.5%-2.5%). A higher neutral rate would narrow US-Japan rate differentials. A narrower rate differential could trigger a yen carry trade unwind, mirroring events in mid-2024. An unwind of the yen carry trade would invalidate the bullish short-term outlook. Fading bets on an H1 2026 Fed rate cut. Further delays and partisan opposition to the Market Structure Bill. XRP-spot ETFs report outflows. These events would weigh on risk assets, sending XRP below $1.85 and indicating a bearish trend reversal.

Technical Analysis: Levels to Watch XRP slid 4.16% on Sunday, January 25, following the previous day’s 0.25% loss, closing at $1.8339. The token saw heavier losses than the broader crypto market cap, which dropped 3.06%. However, XRP recovered in early trading on Monday, January 26, rising above $1.85.

Nevertheless, the losses left XRP trading below its 50-day and 200-day EMAs, indicating a bearish bias. However, the bullish fundamentals continue to counter bearish technicals, reinforcing the positive outlook.

Key technical levels to watch include:

Support levels: $1.85, $1.75, and then $1.50. 50-day EMA resistance: $2.0277. 200-day EMA resistance: $2.2869. Resistance levels: $2.0, $2.5, $3.0, and $3.66. On the daily chart, a break above $2.0 would bring the 50-day EMA into play. Importantly, a sustained move through the 50-day EMA would signal a near-term bullish trend reversal. A bullish trend reversal would enable the bulls to target $2.2. A breakout above $2.2 would pave the way toward the 200-day EMA.

Significantly, a sustained move through the EMAs would reinforce the bullish medium- and longer-term price targets.

XRPUSD – Daily Chart – 260126 – Bullish Structure XRP Outlook Hinges on Crypto Legislation, ETFs, and Central Banks Looking ahead, crypto-related legislative developments will be key for XRP’s near-term price outlook. Bipartisan support for the Market Structure Bill would raise expectations of the Senate passing the Bill, driving demand for XRP.

However, US economic indicators, the Fed’s interest rate decision, and demand for XRP-spot ETFs will also influence the near-term price outlook.

A more dovish Fed rate path and a dovish BoJ neutral rate (potentially 1%-1.25%) would boost sentiment. Strong US XRP-spot ETF inflows, the progress of the Market Structure Bill, and increased XRP utility would reaffirm the constructive bias.

In summary, these price catalysts support a medium-term (4–8 weeks) move to $3.0. The US Senate’s passing the Market Structure Bill would reinforce the longer-term (8–12 weeks) price target of $3.66.

Beyond 12 weeks, these key events are likely to drive XRP to its all-time high of $3.66 (Binance). A breakout above $3.66 would support a 6- to 12-month price target of $5.

Bitcoin’s onchain data points to supply overhang and weak participation, while gold’s breakout is priced by markets as a durable macro regime shift. Updated Jan 26, 2026, 2:20 a.m. Published Jan 26, 2026, 2:11 a.m.

Good Morning, Asia. Here's what's making news in the markets:Welcome to Asia Morning Briefing, a daily summary of top stories during U.S. hours and an overview of market moves and analysis. For a detailed overview of U.S. markets, see CoinDesk's Crypto Daybook Americas.

Gold’s breakout above $5,000 is beginning to look less like a spike and more like a regime shift, as bitcoin drifts sideways around $87,000 in the early hours of Hong Kong trading, in a low-conviction market that continues to struggle with internal supply dynamics.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW

Onchain indicators suggest the divergence reflects market structure rather than sentiment alone.

In its latest report, CryptoQuant says bitcoin holders have started selling at a loss for the first time since October 2023, with older buyers exiting positions and newer holders stepping in, a pattern that typically marks a market moving into consolidation rather than acceleration.

Glassnode says the market is being held back by supply, with rallies repeatedly running into sellers near the prices where recent buyers originally bought in.

Options and prediction markets reinforce that view: the market is pricing gold’s strength as persistent while fading expectations for a near-term resurgence in bitcoin rally.

Glassnode writes that the price continues to stall below key short-term holder cost bases near $98,000, with a dense supply overhang above $100,000 – meaning there are enough sellers at higher levels to cap rallies and make a sustained move above $100k difficult in the near term.

Recent rallies have drawn out breakeven sellers and loss-driven exits from investors who accumulated during the 2025 highs, reinforcing overhead resistance and keeping upside fragile.

Market mechanics reinforce that diagnosis.

Futures volumes remain compressed, leverage deployment is subdued, and recent price movements have occurred in thin liquidity rather than alongside expanding participation.

On Polymarket, traders are assigning higher odds to gold holding above $5,500 through mid-year, while increasingly betting that bitcoin sees further consolidation before any renewed upside.

For now, gold is absorbing macro stress, while bitcoin remains in digestion mode, working through internal supply rather than responding to external catalysts.

Market MovementBTC: Bitcoin is trading around $87,000, struggling to gain traction as overhead supply, thin participation, and subdued leverage keep rallies vulnerable to renewed distribution.

ETH: Ether is underperforming bitcoin, with price action reflecting weak demand, muted derivatives participation, and little sign that investors are rotating meaningfully back into higher beta crypto assets.

Gold: Gold surged to a fresh record above $5,000 an ounce as investors piled into the metal amid rising geopolitical flashpoints, sustained central bank buying, and a weaker U.S. dollar, reinforcing its role as a durable hedge against global risk.

Nikkei 225: Japan’s Nikkei slid as Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed amid rising geopolitical uncertainty, with a stronger yen weighing on Japanese stocks while other regional benchmarks moved unevenly.

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Bitcoin price extended losses and traded below $88,500. BTC is consolidating losses and might attempt a recovery wave if it clears $88,500.

Bitcoin started a minor recovery wave from the $86,000 level. The price is trading below $88,200 and the 100 hourly Simple moving average. There is a new bearish trend line forming with resistance at $88,000 on the hourly chart of the BTC/USD pair (data feed from Kraken). The pair might recover if it manages to settle above $86,200 and $86,000. Bitcoin Price Dips Further Bitcoin price failed to stay above the $89,000 support and extended losses. BTC declined sharply below the $88,500 and $87,000 support levels.

The bears even pushed the price below $86,500. A low was formed at $86,007, and the price is now attempting a recovery wave. There was a move above the 23.6% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $91,099 swing high to the $86,007 low.

Bitcoin is now trading below $88,500 and the 100 hourly Simple moving average. If the price remains stable above $86,500, it could attempt a fresh increase. Immediate resistance is near the $88,000 level. There is also a new bearish trend line forming with resistance at $88,000 on the hourly chart of the BTC/USD pair.

The first key resistance is near the $88,500 level since it is close to the 50% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $91,099 swing high to the $86,007 low.

Source: BTCUSD on TradingView.com A close above the $88,500 resistance might send the price further higher. In the stated case, the price could rise and test the $89,200 resistance. Any more gains might send the price toward the $90,000 level. The next barrier for the bulls could be $91,000 and $91,500.

More Losses In BTC? If Bitcoin fails to rise above the $88,500 resistance zone, it could start another decline. Immediate support is near the $86,700 level. The first major support is near the $86,200 level.

The next support is now near the $85,500 zone. Any more losses might send the price toward the $83,500 support in the near term. The main support sits at $82,500, below which BTC struggle to recover in the near term.

Technical indicators:

Hourly MACD – The MACD is now losing pace in the bearish zone.

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

Major Support Levels – $86,700, followed by $86,000.

Major Resistance Levels – $88,500 and $89,200.

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Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Ardent Health, Inc. (NYSE: ARDT) between July 18, 2024 and November 12, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important March 9, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline.

So What: If you purchased Ardent Health securities 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 Ardent Health class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=50392 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 9, 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 handle 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 throughout the Class Period made misrepresentations regarding Ardent Health's accounts receivable. Defendants publicly reported Ardent Health's accounts receivable on a quarterly basis. They further stated that Ardent Health employed an active monitoring process to determine the collectability of its accounts receivable, and that this process included "detailed reviews of historical collections" as a "primary source of information." Further, defendants represented that Ardent Health considered "trends in federal and state governmental healthcare coverage" and that its "management determines [when an] account is uncollectible, at which time the account is written off." When defendants began to reveal increased claim denials by third-party payors, they downplayed the issue, stating that the increased payor denials were "turning [] more into a slow pay versus not getting paid," and did not write-off the uncollectible accounts. In addition, defendants represented that Ardent Health maintained professional malpractice liability insurance in amounts "sufficient to cover claims arising out of [its] operations[.]" In truth, Ardent Health did not primarily rely on "detailed reviews of historical collections" in determining collectability of accounts receivable nor did "management determine[] [when an] account is uncollectible." Instead, Ardent Health's accounts receivable framework "utilized a 180-day cliff at which time an account became fully reserved." This allowed Ardent Health to report higher amounts of accounts receivable during the Class Period, and delay recognizing losses on uncollectable accounts. And Ardent Health did not even maintain professional malpractice liability insurance in amounts "sufficient to cover claims arising out of [its] operations[.]" In truth, Ardent Health's professional liability reserves were insufficient to cover "significant social inflationary pressure in medical malpractice cases the past several years," which had been an "increasing dynamic year-over-year" in Ardent Health's New Mexico market. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the Ardent Health class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=50392 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

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Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses in Smart Digital to Contact Him Directly to Discuss Their Options

If you purchased or acquired securities in Smart Digital between May 5, 2025 and September 26, 2025 at 9:34 AM EST and would like to discuss your legal rights, call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).

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New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - January 25, 2026) - Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against Smart Digital Group Limited ("Smart Digital" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: SDM) and reminds investors of the March 16, 2026 deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action that has been filed against the Company.

Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See www.faruqilaw.com.

As detailed below, the complaint alleges that the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by making false and/or misleading statements and/or failing to disclose 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; (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; and (5) as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.

On September 26, 2025, the Company's stock price collapsed 86.4% to close at $1.85 per share following an intraday halt by the NASDAQ Stock Market (the "NASDAQ") for volatility just minutes after the market opened. Before the next trading day began, the SEC suspended trading in SDM securities from September 29, 2025, through October, 10, 2025, due to "potential manipulation" in the Company's securities "effectuated through recommendations made to investors by unknown persons via social media to purchase the securities of SDM, which appear to be designed to artificially inflate the price and volume of the securities of SDM." The SEC cautioned "broker-dealers, shareholders and prospective purchasers that they should carefully consider the foregoing information along with all other currently available information and any information subsequently issued by the company." With the SEC suspension scheduled to expire, on October 11, 2025, NASDAQ suspended trading in SDM securities pending a request for additional information. At the time of this filing, trading in SDM securities remains suspended with no end in sight.

The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class who is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision to serve as a lead plaintiff or not.

Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding Smart Digital's conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others.

To learn more about the Smart Digital class action, go to www.faruqilaw.com/SDM or call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).

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Gold climbed to a fresh all-time high, crossing $5,000 an ounce on Monday and extending its record-breaking run as investors seek the safety of the yellow metal amid rising geopolitical tensions and global fiscal risks.

Spot gold prices and U.S. gold futures for February gained 1.2%, trading at $5,042 and $5,036 an ounce, respectively.

The precious metal's surge comes as recent flashpoints from Greenland and Venezuela to the Middle East underscore higher geopolitical risk, reinforcing gold's appeal as a hedge against uncertainty.

"The recent further leg up in gold and silver prices has arrived on the back of geoeconomics issues related to Greenland," HSBC wrote in a note last week.

Silver also rallied Monday, with spot prices jumping 3% to $106.1 per ounce, also benefiting from industrial demand.

Analysts at Union Bancaire Privée said Friday that prices have rallied on the back of sustained demand from both institutional and retail buyers.

"We anticipate that gold should enjoy another strong year, reflecting ongoing central bank and retail investment demand, with a year-end target price of USD 5,200 per ounce," UBP said.

Goldman Sachs sees the demand base for gold to have broadened beyond traditional channels. Western ETF holdings have climbed by about 500 tonnes since the start of 2025, while newer instruments used to hedge macro-policy risks, including physical purchases by high-net-worth families, have become an increasingly important source of demand.

The investment bank recently lifted its December 2026 gold price forecast to $5,400 an ounce, up from $4,900 previously, arguing that hedges against global macro and policy risks have become "sticky," effectively lifting the starting point for gold prices this year.

Central bank purchases also remain robust. Goldman estimates central-bank purchases are now averaging around 60 tonnes a month, far above the pre-2022 average of 17 tonnes, with emerging-market central banks continuing to shift reserves into gold.

Crucially, the bank assumes that hedges against global macro-policy risks, including concerns around fiscal sustainability, will remain in place through 2026, unlike election-related hedges that unwound quickly after the U.S. vote in late 2024.

"We assume that hedges of global macro policy risks remain stable as these perceived risks (e.g. fiscal sustainability) may not fully resolve in 2026," Goldman said last week.