Market Signal Briefing

Trove shifted its focus from Hyperliquid to Solana after securing over 11.5 million dollars in Hyperliquid-related funds. Members of the village have been demanding a refund because the initial terms of their investment do not apply. Advisors on-chain pointed out some activity with the HYPE token, which further drew focus before the launch of the TROVE token. Trove Markets has raised the ire of its community following its sudden flip in its decentralized perpetual exchange, which transitioned from Hyperliquid to Solana, amid having raised over $11.5 million for its launch, which was based on its Hyperliquid model. Backers are now demanding refunds as the project’s TGEP approaches.

The token sale for TROVE was expected to take place between January 8th and January 11th, and the token generation sale was also expected to continue on Monday at 4:00 pm UTC. Nevertheless, Trove has admitted that the move to Solana and the handling of requests for refunds could take some extra time.

Trove first disclosed the pivot in a Friday post on X. Shortly after, one of the project’s builders, known as “Unwise,” explained that a liquidity partner had withdrawn 500,000 Hyperliquid (HYPE) tokens that Trove needed to deploy its product on Hyperliquid’s infrastructure.

“This changes our constraints,” Unwise said. “We’re no longer building on Hyperliquid rails, so we’re rebuilding the perp DEX on Solana from the ground up.”

Hyperliquid exit sparks backlash The announcement caught many supporters off guard. In November, Trove raised a separate $20 million to purchase 500,000 HYPE tokens required for Hyperliquid’s HIP-3 staking model. That stake acts as a slashable security bond needed to launch a perpetual market on Hyperliquid, which made the project’s original roadmap heavily dependent on that ecosystem.

As a result, critics argue that Trove raised capital under specific technical and ecosystem assumptions that no longer apply. Several backers immediately took to X to demand refunds rather than a revised roadmap.

“Refund everyone ASAP and re-raise with your new conditions,” wrote X user NMTD.HL. “People did not invest in your ICO for you to launch on Solana.”

Another user, HYPEconomist, echoed the sentiment. “You raised money to build on Hyperliquid. Give it back and raise again on Solana if that’s what your community wants.”

Others have asked Trove to elucidate their intentions with refund options following the TGE and how the Solana rebuild impacts existing promises.

Trove pushes ahead with Solana rebuild Despite all this criticism, Trove is set to work on Solana and assist in building their product of a limitless collectibles exchange based on perpetual exchange. The platform aims to support trading for assets such as Pokémon cards and Counter-Strike 2 skins, a niche that Bitwise projected in September could grow into a $21.4 billion market.

Trove said the Solana pivot allows the team to rebuild without the constraints imposed by Hyperliquid’s staking and liquidity requirements. However, the team has not yet detailed how it plans to replace the capital structure tied to the original HYPE stake.

On-chain activity raises new questions Adding to the controversy, blockchain investigator ZachXBT and the Hyperliquid News account flagged several Trove-related transfers involving HYPE tokens. The observations relied on data from the Hyperliquid block explorer, Hypurrscan, and have fueled speculation about how the tokens raised for the Hyperliquid launch were distributed after the pivot.

So far, Trove has not publicly addressed the flagged transfers. Cointelegraph reached out for comment but did not receive an immediate response.

With the TGE looming ever closer, Trove faces ever-creasing pressure to repair public trust and make it abundantly clear how the project’s refund structure and Solana roadmap relate to each other. The results may determine how future projects communicate changes in the now-skeptical world of token economics.

Highlighted Crypto News:

Newrez to Recognize Cryptocurrency Holdings in U.S. Mortgage Qualification Framework

TLDR: Nexo has processed $30 billion in cumulative stablecoin inflows since launching operations in 2018. Monthly inflows exceeded $2 billion throughout 2021 and 2022 following the peak DeFi expansion period. October 2024 liquidation events accelerated investor shift toward established lending platform solutions. Growing adoption reflects demand for liquidity access without requiring complete asset position liquidation. Nexo has reached a milestone of $30 billion in cumulative stablecoin inflows as of January 2026, according to recent market analysis. 

The crypto lending platform has maintained steady user engagement despite market volatility. This achievement reflects sustained demand for crypto-backed financial services across multiple market cycles since the platform’s 2018 inception.

Platform Activity Peaks During Market Expansion The crypto lending platform experienced significant growth following the 2020 decentralized finance expansion. 

Monthly stablecoin inflows exceeded $2 billion during 2021 and 2022, marking the highest activity period in Nexo’s operational history. This surge aligned with broader market momentum following the previous bull cycle peak.

Market analyst Darkfost highlighted the platform’s performance trajectory in recent commentary. The data shows how investor behavior shifted between high-growth periods and subsequent market corrections. 

Activity levels during 2023 reflected more conservative approaches despite reduced volumes compared to peak periods.

🗞️ $30B in Stablecoin Inflows on @Nexo

Nexo is a well-known platform recognised for its ecosystem of crypto services, particularly crypto-backed loans. 

The platform is more than just a simple exchange, offering a full range of financial services.
This business has been very… pic.twitter.com/yHpmHDr0gP

— Darkfost (@Darkfost_Coc) January 19, 2026

The platform’s service offerings extend beyond simple exchange functions. Users access crypto-backed loans alongside various financial instruments within an integrated ecosystem. 

This comprehensive approach has differentiated Nexo within the competitive lending sector throughout its operational timeline.

Risk Management Drives Current Adoption Patterns Recent market events have influenced investor preferences toward established lending platforms. The October 10 liquidation event affected numerous market participants across various protocols. 

This incident prompted reassessment of risk exposure among both retail and institutional investors.

Stablecoin movements indicate growing preference for liquidity access without position liquidation. 

Investors maintain exposure to digital assets while securing additional capital through collateralized arrangements. This strategy allows portfolio preservation during periods of heightened market uncertainty.

The platform continues attracting both individual users and institutional participants. Demand patterns suggest sustained interest in yield generation opportunities alongside liquidity management solutions. 

These services enable capital efficiency without requiring complete asset disposition during market fluctuations.

Growing adoption rates demonstrate evolving investor priorities within digital asset markets. Users seek platforms offering established operational records and comprehensive service frameworks. 

The steady increase in stablecoin activity reflects confidence in proven lending models over newer protocols with limited operational history.

Key NotesSHIB burn rate surged by 3,904.47% in 24 hours.A total of 410,754,214,607,594 SHIB has been removed from the total initial supply. SHIB price is not responding positively to this supply shock, as it trades at $0.000007859. Canine-themed memecoin Shiba Inu SHIB $0.000008 24h volatility: 5.9% Market cap: $4.64 B Vol. 24h: $162.15 M has seen its token burn rate skyrocket by 3,904.47% over the last 24 hours. According to Shibburn, the dedicated burn tracker for the digital asset, this massive burn rate is equivalent to the permanent disappearance of a total of 29,998,516 SHIB. Analysts and market watchers expect this momentum to trigger an uptick for SHIB price.

Shiba Inu Price Fails to Respond to Burn Within the last 24 hours, Shiba Inu has experienced a 6% decline in market value, according to data from CoinMarketCap.

As a result, the memecoin is currently trading at $0.000007859, an unexpected price level after the weekend crash. A supply shock is often perceived as a mechanism that pumps the token price, following the principle of supply and demand.

Reduced supply with increased demand should translate into upscale prices, but not in the case of SHIB. Its latest 3,904.47% surge in burn rate cleared out almost 30 million Shiba Inu.

Also, it increased the total number of burnt SHIB from the initial supply to 410,754,214,607,594. Consequently, the ecosystem has 585,407,401,755,234 SHIB in circulation, while another 3,838,383,637,171 SHIB remains staked.

A week ago, market analysts saw potential for the memecoin to hit $0.00000870 after stabilizing above the $0.00000810 zone. Insights gathered from TKResearch Trading showed that whales were controlling SHIB’s exchange liquidity. Exchanges recorded a net outflow of 80 trillion SHIB, with exchange balances declining from 370.3 trillion to 290.3 trillion.

These analysts are still anticipating that an incoming price increase clears the path to the 200-day EMA at $0.00001054.

Maxi Doge Presale Takes Front Stage The reason for Shiba Inu’s failure to move in the direction of its burn rate is not yet known, but investors have taken a liking to Maxi Doge (MAXI), another canine-themed crypto asset.

By all means, this token is gaining traction and enjoying the limelight, and has successfully entered the league of the best crypto presales of 2025. Investors have seen this new project gather positive momentum, which has now caused it to grow significantly in such a short time.

So far, its ongoing project presale has raised a total of $4,498,836, underscoring its strong traction. This is an indication that investors perceive its long-term potential and are willing to invest their funds.

Current Presale Stats:

Current price: $0.000279

Amount raised so far: $4.49 million

Ticker: MAXI

Purchases can be completed using credit or debit cards, as well as cryptocurrency. Read how to buy Maxi Doge in our guide.

Disclaimer: Coinspeaker is committed to providing unbiased and transparent reporting. This article aims to deliver accurate and timely information but should not be taken as financial or investment advice. Since market conditions can change rapidly, we encourage you to verify information on your own and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content.

Shiba Inu (SHIB) News, Market News

Benjamin Godfrey is a blockchain enthusiast and journalist who relishes writing about the real life applications of blockchain technology and innovations to drive general acceptance and worldwide integration of the emerging technology. His desire to educate people about cryptocurrencies inspires his contributions to renowned blockchain media and sites.

Godfrey Benjamin on X

Dogecoin price plunges below $0.13 as bears take control. Technical analysis reveals key support and resistance levels traders must watch in the coming sessions.

Newton Gitonga2 min read

19 January 2026, 09:55 AM

Dogecoin has entered a fresh decline phase, mirroring the broader cryptocurrency market weakness seen in Bitcoin and Ethereum. The popular meme coin dropped below several critical support zones, raising concerns among traders about further downside potential.

The digital asset broke beneath the $0.1350 threshold, triggering a cascade of selling pressure. DOGE subsequently fell through the $0.1300 and $0.1250 support levels before reaching a low near $0.1154. The price currently trades below $0.130 and remains under the 100-hourly simple moving average, signaling continued bearish momentum.

At the time of writing, Dogecoin trades at $0.1276, suggesting a 7.13% decline in the last 24 hours.

Technical Recovery Faces Strong ResistanceA brief recovery attempt pushed Dogecoin above $0.1220, clearing the 23.6% Fibonacci retracement level measured from the $0.1512 swing high to the $0.1154 low. However, this bounce appears limited in scope. Technical indicators suggest bulls face an uphill battle to reclaim lost ground.

The immediate resistance sits at $0.130. Breaking this barrier would be the first step toward a meaningful recovery. The next significant obstacle emerges near $0.1330, which aligns with the 50% Fibonacci retracement level of the recent downward move. This zone represents a critical test for buyers attempting to reverse the bearish trend.

Beyond $0.1330, the price would need to overcome resistance at $0.1350 and an accompanying trend line. A daily close above this level could open the door to $0.1380. Additional upward momentum might push DOGE toward $0.140, with the next major target at $0.1420.

Downside Risks Remain ElevatedThe technical picture grows darker if Dogecoin fails to climb above $0.1300. Continued weakness could trigger another leg down. Initial support on the downside rests near $0.1250, followed by a more substantial floor at $0.1220.

The main support zone sits at $0.120. A breakdown below this level likely accelerates selling pressure. Such a move could send the price tumbling toward $0.1150 or even $0.1135 in the near term. The risk of cascading liquidations increases with each support level lost.

Market participants are closely monitoring momentum indicators. The hourly MACD for DOGE/USD is losing steam in bearish territory. The Relative Strength Index has dropped below 50, confirming the current weakness. These technical signals suggest sellers maintain control of short-term price action.

ENRICH your inbox with our best storiesDon’t miss out and join our newsletter to get the latest,
well-curated news from the crypto world!

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

Read more about

Dogecoin (DOGE) News

Four High-Impact US Economic Events Set to Influence Bitcoin Sentiment This WeekTrump’s Davos speech could spark crypto volatility via trade, tariff, or macro policy signals.Initial jobless claims may sway Fed rate-cut expectations, impacting Bitcoin risk sentiment.Core PCE inflation data could pressure BTC if hotter readings delay monetary easing.Consumer sentiment revisions may influence retail-driven crypto demand and short-term price momentum.As Bitcoin bulls defend the $90,000 psychological level even amid geopolitical-induced volatility, traders are eyeing a packed US economic calendar that could sway crypto sentiment.

With Federal Reserve (Fed) rate-cut expectations in flux, key data releases and high-profile speeches may trigger sharp moves in BTC and altcoins.

Here’s a breakdown of the four pivotal events, each poised to ripple through crypto markets this week.

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US Economic Events to Watch This Week. Source: Trading EconomicsPresident Trump SpeaksPresident Donald Trump’s address at the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 21 at 1:30 PM ET is expected to be a market mover. Expectations are high given his history of unscripted remarks on trade, tariffs, and geopolitics.

Trump dominates World Economic Forum in Davos. His speech will be closely watch by European leaders as Greenland situation escalates.

Reporting from Switzerland:pic.twitter.com/1qkUCw2Ewy

— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) January 19, 2026 As the largest US delegation ever attends Davos, Trump’s comments could address ongoing tariff disputes, potential military actions, or economic policies, directly impacting USD strength and global risk appetite.

Crypto markets, highly sensitive to macro shifts, may see volatility if Trump signals hawkish trade stances, potentially strengthening the dollar and weighing on Bitcoin prices.

Conversely, pro-growth or crypto-friendly hints could spark a rally.

Initial Jobless ClaimsThursday’s Initial Jobless Claims report, due January 22 at 1:30 PM ET, provides a timely snapshot of the US labor market health. It shows the number of US citizens who filed for unemployment insurance for the first-time last week.

Economists surveyed by Trading Economics forecast initial jobless claims at 203,000 for the week ended January 15, up from 198,000 the week before that.

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This high-impact release comes amid a resilient jobs picture, as previous data surprised at 198,000, below the expected 215,000. It signals a strong economy and boosts the dollar.

🚨 BREAKING 🚨

🇺🇸 U.S. INITIAL JOBLESS CLAIMS JUST DROPPED:

📌 ACTUAL: 198K
📌 FORECAST: 215K

LABOR MARKET STILL HOLDING STRONG 👀🔥 pic.twitter.com/Re0SSd9mkt

— Mr. Bitcoin Whale (@MrBitcoinWhalee) January 15, 2026 For Bitcoin, lower claims (indicating fewer layoffs) could reinforce hawkish Fed expectations, raising yields and pressuring risk-on assets like crypto.

Recent trends show claims near all-time lows adjusted for labor force size, with no recession signs evident.

“In fact, adjusting for the labor force size, jobless claims are near *all-time lows* going back to 1965,” wrote crypto mortgage firm Milo.

If claims beat forecasts again, BTC sentiment might sour, extending pullbacks from $90,000 highs amid fears of delayed rate cuts.

Softer data, however, could revive easing hopes, supporting a crypto rebound. This event aligns with broader macro scrutiny, as analysts correlate labor strength with crypto movements.

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With Bitcoin’s correlation with equities high, deviations from expectations could spark volatility, especially after the Trump speech.

Core PCE Price IndexAlso, on January 22 at 1:30 PM ET, the Core PCE Price Index m/m, the Fed’s preferred inflation measure, is forecast at 0.2%, up from the previous 0.1%.

This November data release, alongside October’s 0.2%, will shape rate-cut probabilities for 2026, with hotter inflation potentially delaying easing and bolstering the USD.

Fed Rate Cut Probabilities. Source: CME FedWatch ToolFor Bitcoin, persistent inflation above targets could erode risk sentiment, as higher yields attract capital away from crypto.

Meanwhile, recent web analyses note increasing ties between PCE and crypto volatility, with moderate rises expected but surprises possible amid tariff talks.

If PCE exceeds forecasts, BTC might face downward pressure, but cooler readings could boost sentiment.

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Consumer SentimentWrapping up the week for US economic events with crypto implications is the consumer sentiment report.

On January 23 at 3:00 PM ET, the Revised University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index for January is expected at 54.0, flat from the preliminary 54.0, marking historically low levels not seen in 75 years.

Consumer Sentiment is the lowest its been in 75 years.

Main Street (the average Joe & Jane) are squeezed into despair.

Crypto is a retail phenomena (institutions only recently started entering Bitcoin and Ethereum).

So we need Main Street to be healthy for Crypto to rise pic.twitter.com/1JTcVsUhFX

— yourfriendSOMMI ❤️💛💚💙 (@yourfriendSOMMI) January 12, 2026 This gauge reflects Main Street’s economic mood, crucial for retail-driven crypto adoption. Low sentiment signals squeezed consumers amid high costs and uncertainty. This could dampen Bitcoin enthusiasm as institutions dominate, but retail fuels rallies.

If the revision beats expectations, it could lift BTC sentiment, signaling recovery. Conversely, misses might extend caution, pressuring prices.

Bitcoin (BTC) Price Performance. Source: BeInCryptoAs of this writing, Bitcoin was trading for $92,663, down by nearly 3% in the last 24 hours.

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.

Amid Trump’s tariff talk and the recent threat to European markets, the crypto market crashed hard on the 19th of January, 2026. The crypto market cap fell from $3.23 billion to $3.13 billion, marking a $100 billion drop. 

Amid this broader market crash, Ethereum [ETH]was hit hard, erasing recent gains. Ethereum dropped to a low of $3,177 before slightly rebounding. 

At press time, ETH traded at $3,192, down 3.58% on the daily charts, reflecting immediate bearish pressure. 

Market crash triggers $109 million in liquidations After ETH dropped, breaching $3.2K, Futures positions, especially longs, saw massive liquidations. The liquidation heatmap showed that ETH was overleveraged across the $3350-$3450 price range. 

Source: CoinGlass

However, the price crashed from a high of $3368 to $3117, triggering a huge liquidation pool below $3200. Once the price tapped it, longs were liquidated, triggering a cascade of liquidations that drove market sell-offs. 

According to CoinGlass data, total liquidation jumped to a monthly high of $109 million. Among these forcibly liquidated positions, longs accounted for $101 million. 

Source: CoinGlass

Often when such massive longs are liquidated, downside pressure accelerates, a precursor to lower prices. 

Ethereum whale buys the dip Interestingly, after the market dipped, an Ethereum whale took the opportunity to accumulate ETH at a discount. According to the Onchain Lens, a whale bought 10,057 ETH for $33.68 million from Binance.

After the purchase, the whale supplied it to Aave V3 and borrowed $45 million in USDT to buy 13,461 stETH. In another wallet, the whale withdrew and spent $129 million USDT to buy 38,780 stETH.

Source: Onchain Lens

With such a move, the whale signaled confidence, as the market preferred to earn yield amid a weakened market structure. 

With ETH locked in DeFi, the liquid supply is effectively reduced, thereby disrupting price stability during a retrace.

Coupled with that, exchange activities echoed this buy-the-dip sentiment. According to CryptoQuant data, outflows surged to 517,471 ETH between the 18th and the 19th of January.

Source: CryptoQuant

As a result, ETH’s Exchange Netflow extended its bullish structure, holding within a negative zone for eight consecutive days. Usually, a negative netflow suggests higher outflows, a clear sign of aggressive spot accumulation.

In addition to whale accumulation, such a market setup gives hope for a potential recovery from the current pullback.

Is ETH at risk, or is it just a mere pullback? Ethereum retraced, triggered by macroeconomic uncertainty and not structural weakness. In fact, demand remains relatively high, as observed above, from both whales and retail in equal measure.

Even though the altcoin saw a massive jump in bearish pressure. As such, the Ethereum SMI Ergodic Indicator made a bearish crossover and fell to 0.18.

Source: TradingView

At the same time, ETH dropped below long-term moving averages, 100 and 200 EMAs, signaling intense downside pressure.

If external issues continue to affect investor sentiment, ETH could drop to $3,166 and potentially breach the $3k support level.

Conversely, if the demand manages to absorb the external pressure, ETH will clear these losses and reclaim $3.3k.

Final Thoughts An Ethereum whale bought the dip, acquiring 10,057 ETH for $33.68 million. ETH dropped 3.58%, triggering $109 million in total liquidations. 

Bitcoin (BTC) takes a beating as the new week begins with markets held hostage by global trade tariff uncertainty.

Bitcoin dips below $92,000, but traders warn that a much deeper support retest is on the horizon.

Tariffs take center stage again as analysis agrees that conditions will likely get worse before the risk-asset bull run continues.

Gold and silver take the opportunity to make fresh all-time highs, but faith that Bitcoin will copy them remains.

US macro data is due for release as Fed rate cuts fade into the background.

Bitcoin is already laying the foundations for a sustainable uptrend.

Bitcoin price action: Volatility guaranteedBitcoin saw snap losses as US futures markets opened — a move that many expected based on current tariff talk.

In line with several infamous moments from 2025, nerves over international trade sent risk assets tumbling. 

BTC/USD briefly dipped below $92,000 before recovering, per data from TradingView.

BTC/USD one-hour chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView
“Get ready for a volatile week ahead!” trader CrypNuevo summarized in his latest X analysis thread.

Like others, CrypNuevo expected problematic moves thanks to the resurgence in broader market uncertainty. The US Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday means that the full stock market reaction will only be felt on Tuesday.

“Markets don't like uncertainty, but markets like when the uncertainty dissappears. So I'm leaning to some downside pressure pushing price back inside the range and potentially trading into the range lows, before any real reversal,” he continued.

Important support levels include the 2026 yearly open around $87,000, as well as the range lows at $80,500 — both of which are now targets.

BTC/USDT one-day chart. Source: CrypNuevo/X
A look at exchange order books, meanwhile, reveals long liquidations mounting below the yearly open, increasing the odds of a liquidity run lower.

“Based on all of this, we still consider the most likely scenario that there is a shakeout in the stock market causing Bitcoin to drop back inside the range and trading towards the range lows in the coming weeks,” CrypNuevo added.

BTC order-book liquidity data. Source: CrypNuevo/X
Trader Daan Crypto Trades nonetheless warned that a key breakout level from earlier — the 2025 yearly open at $93,500 — was now lost.

$BTC Moved straight down from the futures open when TradFi got a chance to react to the new tariffs announced over the weekend.

Price found support on the 4H 200EMA for now but has lost the breakout level.

This still has not been a market which I'm actively trading, which I am… pic.twitter.com/FSIxgWrnIM

— Daan Crypto Trades (@DaanCrypto) January 19, 2026 “It is essential for the bulls to hold this breakout after 2 months of sideways price action,” he told X followers Sunday. 

“If price falls back down below $93K-$94K, then this was just a liquidity grab in a larger down trend.”Tariffs promise a week of mayhemTariff wars are firmly back on the radar for risk-asset traders as tensions flare between the US and EU over Greenland.

Markets instantly reacted when futures opened late Sunday, sparking volatility despite Wall Street staying closed Monday for the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.

Retaliatory measures are already flying between the two sides, including the possible cancellation of bilateral trade talks that resulted from previous rounds of tariff talks last year. The US plans to put up to 25% tariffs on Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, Netherlands, and Finland from Feb. 1. 

As Cointelegraph reported, crypto and stocks were highly sensitive to tariff-driven news throughout 2025. In April, Bitcoin set a new local low under $75,000 after US President Donald Trump’s tariff “Liberation Day.”

S&P 500 futures one-day chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView
Now, commentators are considering whether or not the roadmap will look similar as the latest trade debacle progresses.

“President Trump ALWAYS leads with a punishing and threatening message, it's part of his negotiation tactic. And, it has worked for him,” trading resource The Kobeissi Letter wrote in an X post on the topic. 

Kobeissi referred to what it calls Trump’s “tariff playbook” — a set pattern that the US has used to introduce its trade measures and one to which markets react identically every time.

“The market's reaction will likely come with a similar emotional selloff, but the impact may be less severe given there is time to digest the news,” it predicted.

The playbook involves 12 phases that play out over several weeks. During this time, markets have several bouts of weakness as uncertainty over trade comes and goes, but the outcome is always one that favors risk.

“Over the next 2-4 weeks, various members of the Trump Administration continue to tease progress toward a trade agreement,” step 11 states.

The final result is “a trade deal is announced and markets hit new record highs.”

Gold, silver push to new highsWhile risk assets experience cold feet in the short term, however, precious metals continue to benefit from the chaos. 

Gold approached $7,000 per ounce for the first time to start the week, while silver also put in new all-time highs of $94.

“Gold continues to tell the future,” Kobeissi commented.

XAU/USD one-day chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView
Against Bitcoin, gold remains just shy of two-year highs, having almost doubled in BTC terms since August 2025.

XAU/BTC one-week chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView
Commenting, network economist Timothy Peterson remained confident in Bitcoin’s ability to catch up with gold’s historic moves.

“Bitcoin and Gold trendlines are literally on top of each other. Both are headed to the same place, just taking different paths,” he told X followers at the weekend.

Bitcoin vs. gold chart. Source: Timothy Peterson/X
Last week, Peterson predicted that gold could still enjoy “at least” five more years of bull market, with stocks potentially due an even longer uptrend.

3/3

1) Are stocks at top-of-cycle? Yes! Does that mean crash? No!

2) How long can stocks stay on top? 20 years! ('85 - '05) The reason: the internet.

3) What about this time? 20 years! The reason: AI + robotics.

4) Is gold at top-of-cycle? No!

5) How long till it… pic.twitter.com/u8VmP66n7e

— Timothy Peterson (@nsquaredvalue) January 16, 2026
Mixed inflation cues into Fed rate decisionBeyond tariffs, traders have more to contend with as the week rolls on.

Delayed US macroeconomic data is due for release, this time in the form of the Federal Reserve’s “preferred” inflation gauge.

The Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index for November will come on Thursday, joining ongoing initial jobless claims and the first revision of Q3 GDP data.

Even without the tariff catalyst, the macro picture is one of contradictions. A strong start to 2026 for stocks comes amid unprecedented tensions between the Fed and the US government over financial policy, along with broader geopolitical uncertainty involving the Middle East.

“While investors will be fixated on the prospect for rising volatility around tariff and geopolitical headlines this week, the recent market action has remained extremely bullish to start the year,” trading resource Mosaic Asset Company summarized in the latest edition of its regular newsletter, “The Market Mosaic.”

Mosaic also observed a commodities breakout in progress — something that it forecasts “has massive implications for the inflation outlook.”

Last week, Cointelegraph reported on mixed US inflation data, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI) for November going their separate ways.

The Fed, meanwhile, is still seen holding interest rates at current levels at its January meeting, providing no liquidity relief for crypto and risk assets.

Fed target rate probabilities for January FOMC meeting (screenshot). Source: CME Group FedWatch ToolBitcoin markets flip “structurally healthy”Bitcoin price action is giving analysts cause for optimism as a distinct trend shift gets underway for the first time in months.

According to onchain analytics platform CryptoQuant, buyers are steadily regaining control of the market trajectory with last week’s move to near $98,000.

“The recent Bitcoin rebound is not a leverage-driven futures rally, but a move initiated by the recovery of real buying demand in the spot market,” contributor COINDREAM wrote in one of its “Quicktake” blog posts.

The findings related to cumulative volume delta (CVD) on both spot and derivatives markets.

“Spot Taker CVD shifted clearly from sell-dominant to buy-dominant first, and futures Taker CVD followed this trend afterward,” CryptoQuant continued. 

“This indicates that the market is not in the late stage of an overheated rally, but rather in the early phase of demand recovery.” Bitcoin CVD data (screenshot). Source: CryptoQuant
This new "structurally healthy” uptrend contrasts considerably with most of Q4 2025, where downside persisted after a record liquidity wipeout at October’s all-time highs of $126,000.

CryptoQuant notes that overall open interest (OI) on derivatives has dropped by nearly 17.5% since then in BTC terms.

“At present, Open Interest is showing signs of a gradual recovery, suggesting a slow return of risk appetite,” contributor Darkfost commented in another “Quicktake” post. 

“If this trend continues and strengthens, it could increasingly support a continuation of the bullish momentum, although for now the rebound remains relatively modest.” Bitcoin open interest data (screenshot). Source: CryptoQuantThis article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision. While we strive to provide accurate and timely information, Cointelegraph does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information in this article. This article may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Cointelegraph will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from your reliance on this information.

TLDR: Table of Contents

TLDR:Critical Infrastructure Requires Better DAO FrameworksConvex and Concave Problem Framework Shapes DAO DesignPrivacy and AI Integration Address Governance Limitations Current token-based oracle designs cannot secure assets beyond their market cap without extracting excessive rent from users. Buterin’s convex-concave framework distinguishes problems requiring compromise from those needing decisive leadership. Zero-knowledge proofs and AI assistants can address privacy deficits and decision fatigue plaguing DAO participation. Communication platforms deserve equal priority with technical infrastructure in next-generation DAO architecture design. Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has outlined a vision for transforming decentralized autonomous organizations through advanced technology. 

In a recent statement, he argued that current DAO structures fall short of their original promise. Buterin emphasized the need for privacy tools and artificial intelligence to address fundamental governance challenges.

Critical Infrastructure Requires Better DAO Frameworks Buterin identified several areas where improved DAOs are essential for blockchain ecosystem development. 

Oracle systems for decentralized stablecoins and prediction markets remain vulnerable to manipulation by large token holders. 

Current token-based oracle designs cannot secure assets effectively without extracting excessive rent from users. The market cap limitation means the cost of attacking these systems stays relatively low.

Dispute resolution mechanisms for advanced smart contracts also need better DAO structures. Insurance applications and similar use cases require subjective judgment that current systems cannot provide reliably. 

The challenge extends beyond technical solutions to social coordination problems that existing governance models fail to address.

List maintenance represents another critical function requiring robust DAO oversight. Communities need trusted registries of secure applications, canonical interfaces, and verified token addresses. 

These seemingly mundane tasks form the foundation of user safety and ecosystem interoperability.

Convex and Concave Problem Framework Shapes DAO Design Buterin introduced a framework distinguishing between convex and concave problems to guide DAO architecture decisions. Concave problems benefit from compromise solutions that average input from multiple sources. 

We need more DAOs – but different and better DAOs.

The original drive to build Ethereum was heavily inspired by decentralized autonomous organizations: systems of code and rules that lived on decentralized networks that could manage resources and direct activity, more…

— vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) January 19, 2026

These situations demand systems that resist capture attempts and financial attacks through robust design.

Convex problems require decisive action and clear leadership to achieve optimal outcomes. In these cases, decentralized processes should focus on accountability rather than direct decision-making. 

The framework suggests different governance structures suit different types of organizational challenges.

Project funding and maintenance exemplify areas where traditional corporate structures prove inefficient. 

Short-duration initiatives may not justify legal entity formation costs. Long-term maintenance after original teams depart requires sustainable community coordination mechanisms.

Privacy and AI Integration Address Governance Limitations Two fundamental problems plague current DAO implementations according to Buterin’s analysis. Privacy deficits transform governance into social games where participants optimize for reputation over sound decisions. 

Decision fatigue causes participation rates to decline as members face constant voting requirements.

Zero-knowledge proofs offer privacy solutions that can shield governance processes from social manipulation. 

Buterin suggested multi-party computation and fully homomorphic encryption for specific use cases where ZK alone proves insufficient. These cryptographic tools enable confidential yet verifiable decision-making.

Artificial intelligence should augment rather than replace human judgment in governance systems. 

Buterin warned against deploying large language models as autonomous decision-makers. Instead, AI tools should scale human intention through individual-level assistants or platform-level consensus mechanisms. 

The communication layer deserves equal attention with technical governance infrastructure in successful DAO design.

After more than five years of legal battle, the SEC vs Ripple case officially ended on August 7, 2025. Even so, a new talk started again on X, with many questioning whether the case is truly closed or could return in the future

To clear the confusion, Coinpedia stepped in to fact-check to see if the claim is true or not.

Who Made This Claim?The claim started spreading on X, mainly through XRP-focused accounts and several crypto media outlets. It was based on a confirmation of Ripple’s $125 million civil penalty and the fact that the SEC did not file any further appeals. Together, these developments led many to say the case was “officially closed.”

But is this claim true? Let’s break it down.

Coinpedia’s Key Findings: What’s Actually True?Ripple vs SEC Lawsuit Is Officially OverThe long-running Ripple vs SEC lawsuit has officially ended from a legal and procedural standpoint. According to Coinpedia’s review, the appeal was formally terminated on August 7, 2025, bringing the case to a close. 

Ripple has to pay a $125 million penalty related only to its institutional XRP sales, after the court rejected attempts to reduce the fine.

SEC Case Cannot Be ReopenedLegal expert Bill Morgan explained that confusion around the case comes from the doctrine of res judicata, which prevents a case from being reopened once a final judgment is reached. Since there are no pending appeals, the SEC cannot bring the same claims against Ripple again.

XRP Itself Is Not a SecurityMorgan also noted that the SEC’s approach played a key role in this outcome. By separating institutional sales, programmatic sales, and other XRP distributions, the court was forced to examine XRP itself, not just Ripple’s conduct. Because of this, the SEC cannot relitigate whether XRP is a security.

Summary Table: Coinpedia’s Evidence Against the TheoryClaim Made by TheoryCoinpedia’s Counter-EvidenceSEC vs Ripple case fully closedYes – The lawsuit itself is closedRipple pays $125M fineTrue – the court kept the full amount.XRP is a securityThe court ruled that XRP itself is notSEC can’t relitigate XRP statusTrue—res judicata locks it in.ConclusionClaimIs the SEC vs. Ripple case officially closed?Verdict❌ TrueFact-Check by CoinpediaAs per Coinpedia research and a review, the SEC vs Ripple lawsuit has officially ended, with no further appeals pending. As clarified by Bill Morgan, the SEC cannot reopen or relitigate the same issues, including whether XRP itself is a security.
Trust with CoinPedia:CoinPedia has been delivering accurate and timely cryptocurrency and blockchain updates since 2017. All content is created by our expert panel of analysts and journalists, following strict Editorial Guidelines based on E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness). Every article is fact-checked against reputable sources to ensure accuracy, transparency, and reliability. Our review policy guarantees unbiased evaluations when recommending exchanges, platforms, or tools. We strive to provide timely updates about everything crypto & blockchain, right from startups to industry majors.

Investment Disclaimer:All opinions and insights shared represent the author's own views on current market conditions. Please do your own research before making investment decisions. Neither the writer nor the publication assumes responsibility for your financial choices.

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Pi Network’s PI slumps toward its October low as US-EU trade tensions spike and over 4.6M daily unlocks fuel mounting selling pressure.

Summary

Pi Network’s PI dropped sharply in 12 hours, trading near its October all-time low after a long period of stagnation.​ The slide followed new US tariffs that escalated trade tensions with the EU and rattled global markets when Asia opened.​ Heavy daily token unlocks above 4.6M PI continue to add selling pressure and raise concerns about further downside. Pi (PI) Network’s native token declined sharply over a 12-hour period, approaching its October all-time low after weeks of price stagnation, according to market data.

PI is trading around 0.189 USD, down roughly 7–8% over the last 24 hours.

The cryptocurrency’s decline coincided with broader market volatility triggered by escalating trade tensions between the United States and the European Union. The U.S. President announced a new set of tariffs against eight countries as part of efforts to purchase Greenland from Denmark, according to official statements.

The European Union responded by convening an emergency meeting. French President Emmanuel Macron called for the union to deploy a “trade bazooka” that would substantially restrict U.S. access to European markets, according to reports.

Cryptocurrency markets initially remained stable as these geopolitical developments unfolded, but declined when Asian stock markets and futures opened, market data showed. The Pi token, which had avoided volatility during previous market fluctuations, experienced significant losses during this episode.

The token did not participate in the early January rally when Bitcoin surged and numerous altcoins posted double-digit percentage gains, according to price data.

Token unlock schedules may contribute to price instability, according to industry analysts. Data from PiScanUnlock indicates that the average number of daily token unlocks exceeds 4.6 million, which could create selling pressure as investors gain access to previously locked coins.

The Pi Network token reached its previous all-time low in October, according to historical price records.

Roughly $63 million in Tornado Cash deposits has been linked to the $282 million cryptocurrency wallet compromise of Jan. 10.

Blockchain security firm CertiK said in a Monday X post that its monitoring systems identified Tornado Cash interactions tied to the exploit. 

The update expands on the post-theft money laundering mechanics of the Jan. 10 incident, which is being tracked by multiple crypto investigators due to the amount lost and the speed at which funds were moved.

Source: CertiKCertiK diagram maps the laundering pathAccording to CertiK's analysis, a portion of the stolen Bitcoin (BTC) was bridged to Ethereum, converted into Ether and then split across several addresses. 

CertiK’s found that at least 686 BTC was bridged to Ethereum using a cross-chain swap, resulting in 19,600 ETH received by a single Ethereum address. 

The funds were then split across multiple wallets, with several hundred ETH sent onward from each address before entering Tornado Cash, a privacy-focused mixing protocol.

The $63 million figure represents only a portion of the total amount lost. However, the fund movement shows how the attacker is working to obscure the trail after the initial cross-chain transfers during the exploit.  

Recovery chances drop to “near zero” after entering mixersThe fund movements observed in the Jan. 10 compromise reflects an established laundering playbook, according to Marwan Hachem, CEO of blockchain security firm FearsOff. 

“This flow follows the classic large-scale laundering playbook pretty closely, especially for cross-chain thefts involving BTC and LTC,” Hachem told Cointelegraph.

He said that the use of THORswap for Bitcoin-to-Ether conversions and the subsequent breakdown of funds into roughly 400 ETH chunks before entering the mixer were “textbook,” as they help reduce attention and make post-mixing recovery significantly harder.

“Tornado Cash is a major kill switch for traceability,” he said, adding that recovery chances “drop to near zero” in most cases after funds enter a mixer.

According to Hachem, mitigation options after mixer deposits are limited and increasingly unreliable.

Social engineering attack turns into seed phrase compromiseAs previously reported by Cointelegraph, the Jan. 10 theft was traced to a social engineering attack that tricked the victim into revealing a seed phrase. 

Blockchain investigator ZachXBT said that the attacker impersonated wallet support staff, gaining full control over the victim's holdings. The compromised wallet held about 1,459 BTC and over 2 million Litecoin (LTC). 

Portions of the stolen assets were also swapped into privacy-focused digital assets. 

Security firm ZeroShadow previously said that about $700,000 of the stolen funds were flagged and frozen early in the laundering process, though the vast majority of the assets moved out of reach. 

Magazine: Big questions: Would Bitcoin survive a 10-year power outage?

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

Ethereum price is down while daily transactions now exceed 2021 peaks as cheap L2 data, stablecoin payments, and rising staking queues signal durable, non-speculative network demand.

Summary

Ethereum price is down, while daily transactions climbed from 1.8M to 2.1M in two weeks, eclipsing 2021 bull-cycle peaks while average fees sit near multi-year lows.​ Stablecoin payments, led by Tether’s USDT at roughly twice USDC’s volume, now dominate on-chain activity as Ethereum underpins mainstream settlement rails.​ Around 30% of ETH is staked, the validator exit queue is at zero, and 2.6M ETH is waiting to enter, signaling strong confidence despite Vitalik’s ‘bloat’ warning.​ Ethereum (ETH) price is down, while daily transaction count has climbed above the peaks of the 2021 bull cycle even as users pay some of the lowest average fees seen in recent years.

Data from Etherscan shows that daily transactions have risen from around 1.8 million to 2.1 million over the past two weeks, a roughly 14% increase. At the same time, average fees have dropped to a fraction of their long‑term norms, helped by changes that make it cheaper for Layer 2 networks to post data back to mainnet.

Ethereum is trading around 3,210 USD, down roughly 3–3.5% over the past 24 hours.

Those metrics matter because they suggest that usage is broad, not just speculative. Much of the activity is driven by payments, especially stablecoin transfers, rather than short‑lived DeFi manias. According to the piece, Tether’s USDT currently handles roughly double the transfer volume of Circle’s USDC on Ethereum, underscoring USDT’s dominance in day‑to‑day on‑chain settlement.

Scaling architecture and what’s driving usage Ethereum’s “modular scaling architecture” for enabling the unusual combo of rising throughput and falling costs. Dosh, head of business development and growth at open‑source explorer Blockscout, told Decrypt that this trend “reflects the success of Ethereum’s modular scaling architecture, particularly EIP‑4844 and its recent blob‑capacity upgrade, which allows Layer 2s to post more data to mainnet at far lower cost.” Those upgrades moved much of the heavy data load off the core chain while keeping it verifiable, improving efficiency without sacrificing security.​

Dosh added that most current usage is coming from “stablecoin transfers and payments, led by Tether’s USDT at roughly twice the volume of Circle’s USDC.” With gas prices still low, they argued, “this activity appears highly durable, aligning with the broader trend of mainstream payment integrations expanding across Ethereum‑based rails.” In other words, Ethereum is quietly becoming the back‑end of a growing number of payment and settlement workflows, rather than a venue purely for speculative trading.​

Staking, validator behavior, and network confidence Under the hood, the network’s proof‑of‑stake layer is also signaling confidence rather than stress. Roughly 30% of all Ether is now staked, according to Ethereum Validator Queue data citing the Beacon Chain. Crucially, the validator exit queue has dropped to zero, meaning there are currently no stakers lined up to withdraw their funds—a sharp reversal from a peak of about 2.67 million ETH queued to exit in September 2025.​

On the other side of the ledger, around 2.6 million ETH is waiting to enter staking, the highest level since July 2023. “Virtually no validator exits suggest a balance between operating costs and staking rewards, a sign of stability and confidence,” Dosh said. In their view, the lack of exits implies “that stakers are accumulating rather than exiting, keeping capital committed and liquid for future flexibility in higher‑volatility environments.”​

Vitalik Buterin’s warning on ‘bloat’ This stability and growth come with a caveat from Ethereum’s most influential voice. Co‑founder Vitalik Buterin used a weekend post on X to warn that the network’s long‑term health depends on resisting protocol bloat. “One of my fears with Ethereum protocol development,” he wrote, “is that we can be too eager to add new features to meet highly specific needs, even if those features bloat the protocol or add entire new types of interacting components or complicated cryptography as critical dependencies.”​

Dosh framed that intervention as a “governance concern,” arguing that “every mature software system accumulates some complexity, and Ethereum is no different.” While this so‑called bloat “doesn’t hinder current performance, it makes continued optimization essential,” they said. In their words, the data now proves Ethereum can “scale sustainably”—but that means the protocol “must also simplify sustainably to preserve long‑term resilience and agility.”

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

President Trump has warned 8 European countries of further tariffs should they block the U.S. from acquiring Greenland by June. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, says European leaders will eventually be convinced the move is beneficial to the collective security of all NATO members.

Most Wall Street analysts expect Palantir to reach or exceed $200 per share in 2026.

Palantir Technologies (PLTR 3.45%) stock has advanced 1,880% since the introduction of ChatGPT in late 2022, an event that jump-started the artificial intelligence (AI) boom. But the stock has also fallen 17% from its high because of valuation concerns and a recent rotation away from software stocks.

Bulls argue the company provides indispensable analytics and artificial intelligence tools that help commercial enterprises and government agencies make data-driven decisions. Bears argue shares trade at an absurdly expensive valuation because hype (rather than strong fundamentals) has been the primary catalyst for price appreciation.

Palantir currently trades at $170 per share, and analysts' share price forecasts range from $50 to $255. That implies 70% downside at the bearish extreme and 50% upside at the bullish extreme. However, the median target price of $200 per share suggests the stock will advance 17% in the next year.

Image source: Getty Images

Wall Street bulls argue Palantir is a leader in artificial intelligence The bull case for Palantir centers on its ability to help clients across the public and private sectors build and deploy artificial intelligence (AI) solutions that improve decision-making. Forrester Research recently ranked the company as a leader in AI decisioning platforms, and the International Data Corp. has also recognized its leadership in AI driven source-to-pay platforms, which focus on optimizing procurement and supply chain management.

Janice Quek at CFRA Research was impressed with Palantir's third-quarter financial report. Revenue increased 62% to $1.1 billion, the ninth consecutive acceleration, driven by strong sales growth in its commercial and government businesses. Quek said Palantir achieved a Rule of 40 score of 114% in the third quarter, which is "unprecedented for a software company."

Dan Ives at Wedbush Securities selected Palantir as one of his top picks for 2026, calling its software the gold standard in AI use cases. "With the company making strategic moves to remain at the forefront of AI, we believe that PLTR has a golden path to become a trillion-dollar market cap company and will grow into its valuation," Ives wrote in a note to clients.

Mariana Perez Mora at Bank of America in a recent note wrote, "We continue to see PLTR unmatched in their ability to rapidly achieve in-production solutions and provide human-machine teams with the ability to make the most informed decisions." That aligns with commentary from Palantir executive Ryan Taylor. "Our unique capability lies in moving from prototype to production."

Sanjit Singh at Morgan Stanley in a recent note praised Palantir for its latest financial results and positioning itself as the enterprise AI standard. "Palantir is not only delivering the best growth in public company software but also the best profitability in all of software," he wrote. "It is hard to find a better fundamental story in software."

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Wall Street bears argue Palantir stock is wildly overvalued The bear case for Palantir centers on valuation. The stock trades at 105 times sales, which is 10 times higher than the software industry average and three times higher than the next most expensive stock in the S&P 500. Even more concerning, among the 100 largest U.S. software stocks, only seven others ever achieved a price-to-sales ratio above 100, and they all dropped at least 67% after their valuations peaked.

In November, Mark Giarelli at Morningstar said Palantir's price-to-sales ratio represented a 350% premium to other artificial intelligence companies. He also expressed concern about the poor risk-reward profile, saying the company's revenue would need to increase at 45% annually for the next five years to justify buying the stock today.

Rishi Jaluria at RBC Capital has consistently been the most bearish analyst on Wall Street where Palantir is concerned. He believes the addressable market is limited to large and complex companies because of its focus on building bespoke solutions that require heavy consultation. Jaluria thinks commercial revenue will grow at 15% annually over the long run (down from 73% in the third quarter), which makes the current valuation unsustainable.

Michael Burry, the fund manager famous for predicting the collapse of the housing market ahead of the 2008 financial crisis, disclosed a sizable bet against Palantir during the third quarter. Two-thirds of his $1.4 billion portfolio was invested in Palantir put options, contracts that make money if the stock declines. He argues the company's software is not unique and the stock is too expensive.

Here's the big picture: Palantir has consistently delivered strong financial results in recent years, and investors have good reason to think that will continue. The AI platform market is forecast to expand at 38% annually through 2033, according to Grand View Research. Even so, Palantir's valuation is difficult (perhaps impossible) to justify and history suggests a big drawdown is coming. I think investors should keep any positions in this stock very small.

Netflix reported an operating margin of 28%, below its guided 31.5%, immediately drawing investor attention. In isolation, a margin miss would normally raise concerns about cost inflation or waning operating leverage. In this case, management was quick to draw a clear line between underlying performance and a non-recurring legal adjustment tied to Brazil.

A One-Off Tax Charge, Not a Structural Margin Problem The margin shortfall was driven by an expense related to a Brazilian tax dispute, not by weaker fundamentals. Management stressed that without this charge, operating income and margins would have exceeded guidance. For traders, this distinction is critical. Markets tend to penalise structural margin compression far more aggressively than temporary distortions caused by legal or accounting reassessments.

The tax itself, known as the Contribution for Intervention in the Economic Domain (CIDE), is a gross tax applied to certain outbound payments made by Brazilian entities to foreign companies. Netflix Brazil pays Netflix U.S. for services that allow the platform to operate locally, and until recently, the company believed these payments fell outside the scope of the tax. That interpretation was supported by a favourable lower-court ruling in 2022, which explains why Netflix had not accrued for this liability in prior periods.

The situation changed following an August ruling by Brazil’s Supreme Court in an unrelated case, which broadened the interpretation of transactions subject to the tax. As a result, Netflix reassessed its legal exposure and recorded an expense covering the period from 2022 through the third quarter of 2025.

What Does This Mean for Traders? From a trading perspective, the key takeaway is forward-looking impact. Roughly 80% of the charge relates to prior years, sharply limiting its effect on future margins. Management has also stated that it does not expect the issue to materially affect results going forward. As a result, most traders are likely to classify the Q3 margin miss as non-recurring rather than a signal of deteriorating cost discipline.

This framing shifts attention back to Netflix’s underlying operating leverage as the company moves into 2026. If margins rebound toward prior targets in coming quarters, it would reinforce confidence that Netflix’s long-term margin trajectory remains intact. Conversely, any hesitation or additional “one-off” adjustments would likely be scrutinised much more closely by the market.

Engagement at Record Levels in Core Markets Beyond margins, engagement trends continue to strengthen Netflix’s good performance. During the quarter, the company achieved its highest-ever viewing share in both the United States and the United Kingdom, two of its most strategically important markets. According to Nielsen and BARB, Netflix captured 8.6% of total viewing in the U.S. and 9.4% in the U.K.

These figures are not isolated spikes. Since the end of 2022, viewing share has increased by 15% in the U.S. and 22% in the U.K., pointing to sustained competitive gains rather than temporary content-driven surges. Total viewing hours also accelerated in the third quarter compared with the first half of the year, suggesting that engagement is still building, not flattening.

Why Does Engagement Matter for Traders? For traders, engagement metrics are not just vanity statistics. They sit at the core of Netflix’s monetisation engine. Higher share of viewing strengthens pricing power, reduces churn risk, and increases the effectiveness of advertising inventory. In practical terms, it means Netflix has more flexibility to raise prices selectively without triggering disproportionate subscriber losses.

This is particularly relevant as the company expands its advertising-supported tier. Advertisers value not only raw subscriber numbers, but attention and time spent. Rising engagement improves the quality of Netflix’s ad inventory, which feeds directly into revenue per user and long-term margin potential.

Advertising Growth Continues Netflix’s advertising business delivered its strongest quarter to date in Q3 2025, with record ad sales and a doubling of U.S. upfront commitments. While advertising remains modest relative to subscription revenue, its growth rate and improving visibility are becoming increasingly important for valuation.

Upfront commitments secured during the quarter will start contributing meaningfully to revenue in late 2025 and continue into 2026, improving forecast reliability. More importantly, management highlighted accelerating growth in programmatic advertising, which is typically more scalable and margin-accretive over time.

The drivers are structural. Netflix now offers advertisers a rare combination of global scale, highly engaged audiences, and increasingly sophisticated buying tools. The rollout of its proprietary ad tech stack has expanded available formats, improved measurement capabilities, and increased flexibility in how inventory is purchased. Management characterises the business as having moved from an experimental phase into a more established execution phase, with rapid iteration based on advertiser feedback.

What Does This Mean for Traders Looking Into 2026? For traders, the advertising roadmap is a key medium-term catalyst. Netflix plans to integrate additional demand-side platforms, enhance targeting and media planning tools globally, and roll out more interactive ad formats, including new features later this year. Over time, management expects to layer in machine-learning-driven optimisation, advanced measurement, and more sophisticated targeting capabilities.

The implication is that advertising margins may lag subscription margins in the near term as investments continue, but could expand meaningfully as the stack matures. Traders will be watching closely for signs that advertising revenue is scaling without disproportionate cost increases, a combination that could materially change Netflix’s long-term margin profile.

Netflix Guidance Looking ahead, Netflix expects fourth-quarter 2025 revenue growth of 17% and an operating margin of 23.9%, representing a year-over-year improvement despite the Brazilian tax headwind. For the full year, revenue is projected at $45.1 billion with a 29% operating margin. While slightly below prior expectations, the revision is directly linked to the tax issue rather than operational softness.

Taken together, Netflix’s recent performance paints the picture of a business that remains fundamentally robust. Engagement is rising, monetisation channels are diversifying, and margin pressure appears temporary rather than structural.

For traders, the upcoming earnings report will be less about headline beats or misses and more about confirmation: confirmation that margins normalise after Brazil, advertising momentum continues into 2026, and engagement gains remain durable.

But beyong monetisation and cash generation, traders will also focus on Netflix’s comments on the Warner Bros. Discovery deal, as well as its gaming and content strategy, which is what we will focus on in the next article.

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)---- $III #AI--Demand for technology services in Europe reached a new high in the fourth quarter as the region turned in its best performance of 2025: ISG Index.

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

Shares in BP PLC (LSE:BP.) and Shell PLC (LSE:SHEL, NYSE:SHEL) edged lower early on Monday, modest moves that nonetheless dragged the FTSE 100 into the red because of their heavy index weightings.

The weakness reflected a softer oil price and a broader risk-off mood across global markets.

Crude prices fell as fears of an imminent escalation involving Iran eased.

Brent slipped tto $62.19 a barrel, while US benchmark West Texas Intermediate was $58.84.

Although tensions remain high, there was no fresh disruption to supplies over the weekend, easing earlier concerns about output from the OPEC member.

At the same time, investor sentiment was unsettled by renewed geopolitical uncertainty elsewhere. Markets digested President Donald Trump’s push to bring Greenland under US control, alongside threats of tariffs on some European countries.

Equities weakened globally and gold climbed to a record, classic signs of investors trimming risk.

Oil has been under pressure for months amid worries that supply is running ahead of demand.

The International Energy Agency has warned of a sizeable surplus this year, although pockets of tightness persist, including disrupted shipments from Kazakhstan.

With a US holiday likely to thin trading volumes, energy stocks may remain sensitive to shifts in geopolitics and sentiment rather than company news alone.

BP fell 0.6%, while Shell was off 0.15% in early trading.

Hercules PLC (LSE:HERC) said it has secured a place on the preferred supplier list of Balfour Beatty for power transmission and distribution work, strengthening its push into the UK energy infrastructure market.

The AIM-listed group will provide specialist labour across substations, cabling and civil engineering projects, supporting Balfour Beatty’s expanding portfolio of electricity transmission and distribution schemes. Being added to the list formalises an existing relationship between the two companies and positions Hercules to benefit from rising investment in the power network.

Hercules’ presence in the sector has grown rapidly over the past year. In June it completed its largest acquisition to date with the purchase of Advantage NRG, a supplier of specialist linesmen for overhead transmission lines. This was followed in October by the acquisition of a 70% stake in Lyons Power Services, which provides power and energy infrastructure services in the UK and overseas.

Brusk Korkmaz, chief executive, said the appointment was “another milestone” in the group’s expansion, adding that it reflected both its relationship with Balfour Beatty and the specialist capabilities built through recent acquisitions.

The move comes as the UK faces sustained investment in electricity infrastructure to meet rising demand and long-term network upgrades over the next decade.

In a separate announcment, Hercules said it now expects to publish its final results for the year to the end of September 2025 in March rather than earlier as planned.

The AIM-listed group said the audit is well advanced but requires additional work following its high level of acquisition activity during 2025. As a result, the timetable for signing off the accounts has been extended.

Hercules said it would provide a further update on the timing of the results in due course.

A catalyst lies just ahead.

Eli Lilly (LLY +0.52%) has behaved more like a tech stock in recent years than like a pharma stock. Tech players are known to soar in the double and triple digits when the environment and corporate news are supportive. Pharmaceutical companies generally take a slower but steady path, and this is due to the fact that patients always need their medicines -- this supports revenue stability over time.

So, why has Lilly become a growth stock? The company has established leadership in an area of high demand: the weight loss drug market. Lilly sells tirzepatide, sold under the name Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes and Zepbound for weight loss. Together, these drugs delivered more than $10 billion in revenue in the latest quarter and helped the company's overall revenue soar in the double digits.

I think this momentum is far from over. In fact, my prediction is that 2026 will be the year of Eli Lilly. And this is for one specific reason...

Image source: Getty Images.

Lilly's blockbuster revenue As mentioned, Lilly has generated blockbuster revenue thanks to its weight loss portfolio. Doctors have prescribed either of the injectable drugs for weight control, and demand has been high. It even resulted in drug shortages a couple of years ago until Lilly expanded its manufacturing capacity.

Demand continues to march on, and analysts predict that the obesity drug market will approach $100 billion by the end of this decade.

Right now, Lilly shares the market with Novo Nordisk, maker of Ozempic and Wegovy, but Lilly has advanced due to the efficacy of its drugs and its aggressive buildout of manufacturing infrastructure to meet demand.

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A potential new launch Why do I expect this year to be a big one for Lilly? Because the company may soon launch a key product: a weight loss pill. Lilly applied for the regulatory review of orforglipron late last year, and trial results have been solid. A pill could be a significant product for two reasons: It's more convenient for patients to take on the go and avoids a needle stick -- something many aren't too fond of. And for Lilly, a pill is cheaper and easier to manufacture than an injectable in pen format.

Rival Novo recently won approval for its weight loss pill, but I'm confident Lilly's potential pill would win market share. After taking Novo's Wegovy pill, patients must avoid food and drink for half an hour; Lilly's doesn't involve any dietary restrictions, making it extremely easy to fit into a daily routine.

A possible approval of orforglipron, initial revenue from the drug, and ongoing revenue from the rest of the weight loss portfolio should generate significant growth. And that's why I predict that 2026 may be the year of Eli Lilly.

Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, but may initiate a beneficial Long position through a purchase of the stock, or the purchase of call options or similar derivatives in NXG over the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

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

Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have 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.

Lloyds Banking Group PLC (LSE:LLOY), NatWest Group PLC (LSE:NWG) and the UK taxpayer-backed National Wealth Fund (NWF) are reportedly close to taking control of broadband provider Gigaclear, after an attempted sale failed. 

Creditors including NWF, Lloyds and NatWest will now take control of the "heavily indebted" outfit, the Financial Times reported, citing people with knowledges of the matter.

The creditors will run the business before exploring another sale process. 

Gigaclear has built a full-fibre network across over 600,000 premises around rural England, with around 160,000 customers on its books.

In 2023, the firm agreed a debt facility of up to £1.5 billion by a consortium of banks comprising Lloyds, NatWest, ABN AMRO, HSBC and several European lenders, with the NWF providing a guarantee covering £240 million of commitments.

Reports last November suggested a buyer for Gigaclear was being sought, before the consortium agreed to provide at least £80 million of new funding in December, which Gigaclear said meant it was "fully funded to deliver its plans".

The FT report said the creditors have explored options such as writing down debt.

Gigaclear is not the only UK 'altnet' broadband sector struggling with debt, with research from Enders Analysis calculating the subsector has total net debt of more than £9 billion.

Rongchai Wang Jan 19, 2026 07:55

FLOKI faces bearish momentum at $0.00004418 with RSI at 40.68, though analysts maintain ambitious $0.000280 targets representing 534% upside potential.

FLOKI Price Prediction Summary • Short-term target (1 week): $0.000039-$0.000049 • Medium-term forecast (1 month): $0.000035-$0.000280 range
• Bullish breakout level: $0.000050 • Critical support: $0.000044

What Crypto Analysts Are Saying About Floki While specific recent analyst predictions from key opinion leaders are limited, recent technical analysis from cryptocurrency researchers provides insight into FLOKI's trajectory. According to verified analyst reports from mid-January, multiple forecasters including James Ding, Tony Kim, and Caroline Bishop have maintained consistent price targets of $0.000280 for FLOKI within a 4-week timeframe.

These predictions, made when FLOKI was trading between $0.000050-$0.000052, suggested potential upside ranging from 440% to 475%. However, these ambitious targets were accompanied by caution regarding mixed technical signals and bearish momentum patterns that have since materialized in the current price action.

FLOKI Technical Analysis Breakdown The current FLOKI price prediction reveals concerning technical developments that challenge the bullish analyst forecasts. Trading at approximately $0.00004418, FLOKI has declined 9.49% in the past 24 hours with trading volume reaching $6.3 million on Binance spot markets.

The RSI indicator at 40.68 suggests FLOKI has moved from neutral territory toward oversold conditions, indicating potential selling pressure. The MACD histogram reading of 0.0000 with bearish momentum confirms the downward price pressure analysts warned about in their technical assessments.

Bollinger Band analysis shows FLOKI positioned at 0.13, meaning the token is trading very close to the lower band support level. This positioning often signals either a potential bounce opportunity or continued downside if support fails to hold.

The Stochastic indicators paint an even more challenging picture, with %K at 12.51 and %D at 10.01, both firmly in oversold territory. This suggests FLOKI may face additional near-term selling pressure before any meaningful recovery begins.

Floki Price Targets: Bull vs Bear Case Bullish Scenario For the optimistic Floki forecast to materialize, FLOKI would need to reclaim the $0.000050 resistance level that served as support in recent analyst predictions. A successful break above this level could target the $0.000065-$0.000075 range as an intermediate step toward the ambitious $0.000280 analyst target.

The bullish case requires RSI recovery above 50, MACD turning positive, and sustained trading volume above current levels. If these conditions align, the 534% upside to $0.000280 could become achievable over the analyst-projected 4-week timeframe.

Bearish Scenario The current technical setup suggests higher probability for continued downside in the near term. If FLOKI fails to hold current support around $0.000044, the next significant support may emerge around $0.000035-$0.000038.

A break below $0.000035 could invalidate the bullish analyst predictions entirely and potentially target lower support zones around $0.000025-$0.000030. The bearish momentum indicated by current MACD and Stochastic readings supports this more cautious outlook.

Should You Buy FLOKI? Entry Strategy Based on current technical conditions, the FLOKI price prediction suggests waiting for clearer entry signals rather than immediate accumulation. Potential entry points include:

A bounce from current support around $0.000044 with RSI showing divergence could offer a short-term trading opportunity targeting $0.000048-$0.000050. However, this should be accompanied by tight stop-losses around $0.000041.

For longer-term positions aligned with analyst targets, waiting for a confirmed break above $0.000050 with increased volume would provide better risk-adjusted entry conditions. This would target the $0.000065 level initially, with ultimate objectives toward the $0.000280 forecast.

Conservative investors might consider dollar-cost averaging approaches if FLOKI declines toward the $0.000035-$0.000038 support zone, where risk-reward ratios become more favorable for the ambitious upside targets.

Conclusion The current FLOKI price prediction presents a complex scenario where ambitious analyst targets of $0.000280 face significant technical headwinds. While the Floki forecast maintains substantial upside potential of over 500%, immediate price action suggests caution is warranted.

The bearish momentum indicated by RSI at 40.68, negative MACD signals, and oversold Stochastic readings challenge the near-term bullish thesis. Investors should monitor key support levels around $0.000044 and await clearer technical confirmation before positioning for the analyst-projected targets.

Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency price predictions are inherently speculative and subject to extreme volatility. This analysis is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always conduct your own research and consider your risk tolerance before making investment decisions.

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