Market Signal Briefing

These companies see massive AI-driven growth potential.

Tech companies like Nvidia, Microsoft, Meta Platforms, and Alphabet are getting a lot of attention these days. They have been among the early leaders in capitalizing on the AI megatrend. As a result of all the hype, their share prices have skyrocketed.

However, they aren't the only companies benefiting from the AI megatrend. Here are three unexpected companies capitalizing on AI that are hiding in plain sight.

Image source: Getty Images.

Brookfield Corporation Brookfield Corporation (BN +1.22%) is a leading global investment firm. It has over $1 trillion in assets under management across real estate, infrastructure, renewable energy, and other asset classes. Its expertise has put it in a strong position to capitalize on the AI infrastructure megatrend.

The investment firm sees a $7 trillion opportunity to invest in AI infrastructure over the coming decade. One way it aims to capitalize on this opportunity is through the recent launch of its inaugural Brookfield Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Fund. Brookfield is an investor in the fund (as is Nvidia), which aims to acquire up to $100 billion in AI infrastructure assets. Initial investments include the launch of Brookfield-backed cloud services company Radiant. The company also plans to invest in AI factories (specialized data centers to support AI).

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This fund is only the beginning. Brookfield's operating companies are investing in renewable energy to support AI power demand (including building 10.5 gigawatts (GW) of power for Microsoft), as well as the data centers and semiconductor fabrication facilities to support the need for compute power. The company's wide-ranging investments in AI infrastructure position it well to capitalize on this megatrend.

Prologis Prologis (PLD +0.38%) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on owning and operating logistics facilities, like warehouses. The company also has experience installing solar energy and battery storage systems at its sites to support its customers' power needs.

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The REIT's expertise in constructing powered building shells is leading it to expand into developing data centers on some of its vast land bank. It sees a generational value creation opportunity to invest in data centers. The company has started $2 billion of data center development projects since 2023 and currently has $1 billion of projects representing 300 megawatts (MW) of power capacity under development.

Prologis ended last year with a data center power pipeline of 5.7 GW of capacity. The company believes it can develop over 10 GW of capacity in the future. The REIT estimates it can invest $30 billion to $50 billion in data center development projects over the next decade, which could create $7.5 billion to $25 billion in value for shareholders due to the strong economics of these projects.

NextEra Energy NextEra Energy (NEE 0.31%) is a leading electric utility and clean power development company. It's one of the largest renewable energy producers, a leader in battery storage, and a top developer of electric and gas transmission infrastructure. The company also has expertise in gas power and nuclear energy.

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The company's leadership in clean energy infrastructure has made it the partner of choice for major technology companies seeking to secure power supplies for their AI data centers. For example, NextEra Energy recently signed 2.5 GW of clean energy contracts (solar and battery storage) with Meta Platforms. It also signed a collaboration with Google to accelerate nuclear energy deployment, including the restart of a dormant 615-MW nuclear power plant by early 2029.

NextEra Energy is also leveraging its power expertise to develop data centers in collaboration with other companies. For example, it's working with Google to jointly develop multiple GW-scale data center campuses across the country. Additionally, it's working with ExxonMobil to develop a 1.2 GW gas plant to power a data center.

AI-driven growth catalysts Brookfield Corporation, Prologis, and NextEra Energy aren't the first companies most investors think of when they're looking for AI stock investments. However, these companies have significant growth potential as they capitalize on the trend. With the market currently overlooking these unexpected AI stocks, you have the potential to earn robust returns by investing in them before others see their AI-driven upside.

Matt DiLallo has positions in Alphabet, Brookfield Corporation, Meta Platforms, NextEra Energy, and Prologis. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, Brookfield, Brookfield Corporation, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, NextEra Energy, Nvidia, and Prologis. 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.

Smithfield Foods Today

SFD

Smithfield Foods

$22.75 -0.35 (-1.52%)

As of 01/23/2026 04:00 PM Eastern

52-Week Range$18.43▼

$26.07Dividend Yield4.40%

P/E Ratio10.25

Price Target$28.31

For companies that have recently returned to the public markets, the first major acquisition is a defining moment. It signals to investors exactly how management intends to use its capital to generate growth. Smithfield Foods NASDAQ: SFD, which completed its Initial Public Offering (IPO) in January 2025, has wasted little time in making its move. The pork industry giant has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Nathan’s Famous NASDAQ: NATH for $102 per share.

While the headlines focus on the union of two iconic American food brands, the deal represents much more than a simple product line expansion. It is a calculated financial maneuver designed to convert perpetual royalty payments into immediate earnings growth. By leveraging its massive operational scale, Smithfield aims to optimize a legendary brand it already knows intimately. For shareholders, this looks less like a gamble and more like a mathematical certainty.

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A Cash Deal in a Debt World The financial terms of the acquisition reveal a disciplined, conservative approach to growth. Smithfield has agreed to pay $102 per share in an all-cash transaction. This values the total enterprise at approximately $450 million. For investors analyzing the deal, the most critical detail is not the price tag itself, but how the bill is being paid. Smithfield is funding the purchase entirely with cash on hand.

In the current economic environment, interest rates can make borrowing money expensive. Many corporate acquisitions require the buyer to take on new loans, which adds interest payments that eat into future profits. Smithfield’s ability to finance this deal without issuing new debt is a significant sign of balance sheet strength. The company ended the third quarter of fiscal 2025 with over $3 billion in available funds. Furthermore, its leverage ratio sits at a healthy 0.8x net debt to adjusted EBITDA, indicating the company is not overextended.

Using idle cash to acquire a profitable asset is a strategy often viewed favorably by the market. Cash sitting in a bank account earns interest, but inflation can erode its value over time. By deploying that cash to buy an operating business, Smithfield expects the transaction to be immediately accretive to its adjusted earnings per share (EPS).

This means the deal should start adding to Smithfield’s bottom line as soon as it closes, rather than requiring a long turnaround period to become profitable. Additionally, Smithfield pays a dividend yield of roughly 4.32%, and this acquisition supports that payout by securing reliable future cash flows. This fiscal discipline suggests that Smithfield is prioritizing high-probability returns over speculative gambling.

From Renter to Owner: A $9 Million Opportunity The primary financial driver behind this acquisition is the elimination of rent. For over a decade, Smithfield Foods has acted as the manufacturer and distributor for Nathan’s Famous retail products. Every time a consumer bought a pack of Nathan’s hot dogs at a grocery store, Smithfield did the hard work of making, packaging, and shipping the product. However, because they didn’t own the brand, they had to pay a high-margin licensing fee back to Nathan’s corporate entity for the right to put the name on the package.

By acquiring the company, Smithfield effectively stops writing those checks. The company projects $9 million in annual run-rate cost savings by the second anniversary of the closing. A large portion of this savings comes simply from extinguishing that licensing obligation. This transaction transforms Smithfield from a brand renter to a brand owner, allowing it to capture the full profit margin on every package sold.

Operational risks in mergers are usually high because combining factories, workforces, and supply chains can be messy and expensive. However, this deal carries virtually no integration risk. Smithfield is already the supply chain for Nathan’s retail business. The factories making the hot dogs today are the same ones that will make them tomorrow. There are no new computer systems to merge or factories to close. This transaction is purely a change in financial ownership structure, allowing Smithfield to streamline its most profitable segment, Packaged Meats, without the friction of merging disparate operations.

Beef vs. Pork: The Inflation Hedge To understand why this deal makes sense right now, investors must look at the commodities market. Nathan’s Famous creates products that are 100% beef. Recently, the company struggled with a 16-20% surge in the cost of beef and beef trimmings. As a standalone entity heavily dependent on a single protein source, Nathan’s had limited tools to fight this inflation. When the cost of cattle goes up, their margins go down.

Smithfield Foods operates in a different reality. It is the world’s largest pork processor and hog producer. Currently, the pork industry is benefiting from lower grain and feed costs, boosting Smithfield’s core profitability. By acquiring Nathan’s, Smithfield diversifies its protein portfolio, adding a premium beef brand to its pork-dominant lineup.

This diversification acts as a hedge. When pork margins are tight, beef might perform well, and vice versa. More importantly, Smithfield brings massive procurement scale to the table. As a global food giant, Smithfield has hedging capabilities and buying power that a smaller company like Nathan’s could never match. Smithfield can manage volatile beef input costs more effectively, stabilizing the margins of the Nathan’s brand.

Furthermore, consumer behavior plays a role here. In times of inflation, shoppers often trade down from expensive cuts like steak to more affordable options like hot dogs and sausages. By owning a premium hot dog brand, Smithfield captures this volume. This secures a premium beef asset at a time when smaller operators are struggling with costs, positioning Smithfield to dominate the processed meat aisle across both pork and beef categories.

Disciplined Growth: A Strategic Base Hit Smithfield Foods Stock Forecast Today12-Month Stock Price Forecast:
$28.31
24.45% Upside

Moderate Buy
Based on 11 Analyst Ratings

Current Price$22.75High Forecast$32.00Average Forecast$28.31Low Forecast$23.00Smithfield Foods Stock Forecast Details

This acquisition is best characterized as a high-probability base hit rather than a risky home run swing. It does not fundamentally alter the size of Smithfield Foods, but it secures a vital asset in perpetuity. Previously, Smithfield’s rights to the Nathan’s brand were set to expire in 2032. This deal removes that expiration date, ensuring that the cash flows from this premium brand remain with Smithfield forever.

The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2026, pending standard regulatory reviews, including the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). Given the consumer nature of the product, the parties have signaled confidence in the timeline by including specific termination fees and closing conditions.

For stockholders, this move reinforces the Moderate Buy consensus surrounding the stock. It supports the bull case that Smithfield is a disciplined capital compounder, willing to use its strong balance sheet to lock in long-term value. By removing the licensor from the equation, Smithfield has streamlined its operations and set the stage for sustained margin growth in its Packaged Meats segment. Investors now have a clear catalyst to watch as Smithfield integrates this iconic brand into its financial portfolio, turning a long-standing partnership into permanent ownership.

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The SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (NYSEARCA:SPY) returned 17.72% for all of 2025, dividends included. An ETF called the Procure Space ETF (NASDAQ:UFO) returned 66.36% in the same time period, more than 3 times more than the SPY. I believe this ETF can repeat its performance in 2026 despite already performing so well, as the structural tailwinds are likely to keep carrying it higher.

The S&P 500’s performance in 2025 marked yet another blockbuster year after performing well in both 2023 and 2024. Many analysts thought that double-digit gains for a third straight year would be too unlikely, but the market ended up proving them wrong. 2026 is off to a great start for the S&P as well, though a correction is certainly overdue at this stage.

But can the market prove bears wrong yet again? It’s certainly possible as the Federal Reserve is likely to keep cutting rates this year. Jerome Powell is out in 2026, and he will be replaced by a Trump appointee. Thus, this may give the market a looser-than-expected setup, especially if the president is unwilling to let the stock market go down no matter what.

If something like this happens, I expect the UFO ETF to repeat its tremendous 2025 performance. It’s not just monetary policy, though.

Why the Procure Space ETF (UFO) will do well long-term UFO tracks premier space startups that were neglected by the market years ago but are now coming into the spotlight. The space economy is growing faster than ever, and this growth is built to last since it is no longer just government-funded NASA money made to quench curiosity. Companies are actually finding space profitable.

McKinsey expects the space economy to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035. Orbital launches by year have exploded from just 102 in 2019 to 324 in 2025. In fact, the 2020s have already crossed 1250 launches in total, which puts it just above the 1233 launches during the 1970s space race peak.

Stocks held by this ETF are the ones growing the fastest and are still small enough to deliver multibagger returns. Planet Labs (NYSE:PL) is the largest holding at 6.47%, followed by Rocket Lab (NASDAQ:RKLB), and AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ:ASTS) at 5.35%.

Why I expect a blockbuster repeat in 2026 Aside from the obvious market forces that can take this ETF higher, there’s something else that I believe can drive explosive growth for all these space stocks.

SpaceX is planning a $1.5 trillion IPO “sometime in 2026”. If we look at betting odds, the market puts a 55% chance of this happening halfway through the year.

Once SpaceX becomes publicly traded, it will turn into the benchmark for all space stocks. Wall Street is willing to pay a triple-digit forward earnings premium for a maturing, controversial electric vehicle company, such as Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA), due to Elon Musk and his promises. I believe the Street will pay a truly ungodly premium for SpaceX, something that will likely surpass the numbers you see with Palantir (NASDAQ:PLTR).

This serves as the perfect catalyst for the UFO ETF to do well in 2026.

It’s not just private companies investing in space Even if the SpaceX IPO does not happen and the stock market starts to plateau this year, I wouldn’t turn away from UFO. The space economy is here to stay. And while the government is neglecting agencies like NASA, it is not at all neglecting space.

You’ve likely heard of the Golden Dome project, something that President Donald Trump has been pushing for. It involves spending some $831 billion over two decades. That estimate is likely to prove conservative, but even half of that amount will supercharge the startups held by the Procure Space ETF. Government money meant for defense is an ultra-sticky source of high-margin revenue. You can look back at Palantir for how much the market loves companies that can woo DoD money.

In short, UFO remains a solid buy in my book.

Want Up To $1,000? SoFi Is Giving New Active Invest Users Free Stock Looking to grow your money but unsure where to begin? SoFi Active Invest is offering a limited-time promotion—open an account, fund it with $50 or more, and you could receive up to $1,000 in complimentary stock for Active Invest accounts.

From $0 commission trading to fractional shares and automated investing, this app is designed to simplify investing for everyone, whether you’re just starting or already experienced. Its easy to sign up and secure your bonus. (sponsor)

DISCLOSURE:

Offer valid from 12/15/25 through 1/2/26. Customer must fund their Active Invest account with at least $50 within 45 days of opening the account. Receive a minimum of $15. Probability of member receiving $3,000 is a probability of 0.026% If you don’t make a selection in 45 days, you’ll no longer qualify for the promo. Percentages for the $3,000 are subject to decrease. See full terms and conditions.

INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE Brokerage and Active investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, member FINRA(www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org).

Advisory services are offered by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Information about SoFi Wealth’s advisory operations, services, and fees is set forth in SoFi Wealth’s current Form ADV Part 2 (Brochure), a copy of which is available upon request and at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.

Probability of Member receiving $1,000 is a probability of 0.026%; If you don’t make a selection in 30 days, you’ll no longer qualify for the promo. Customer must fund their account with a minimum of $50.00 to qualify.

Other fees, such as exchange fees, may apply. Please view our fee disclosure to view a full listing of fees.

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Investing in an Initial Public Offering (IPO) involves substantial risk, including the risk of loss. Further, there are a variety of risk factors to consider when investing in an IPO, including but not limited to, unproven management, significant debt, and lack of operating history. For a comprehensive discussion of these risks please refer to SoFi Securities’ IPO Risk Disclosure Statement This should not be considered a recommendation to participate in IPOs and investors should carefully read the offering prospectus to determine whether an offering is consistent with their investment objectives, risk tolerance, and financial situation. New offerings generally have high demand and there are a limited number of shares available for distribution to participants. Many customers may not be allocated shares and share allocations may be significantly smaller than the shares requested in the customer’s initial offer (Indication of Interest). For more information on the allocation process please visit IPO Allocation.

New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - January 25, 2026) - Leading securities law firm Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against CoreWeave, Inc. (NASDAQ: CRWV) and certain of the Company's senior executives for securities fraud after significant stock drops resulting from the potential violations of the federal securities laws.

If you invested in CoreWeave, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/coreweave-inc-class-action-lawsuit.

Investors have until March 13, 2026, to ask the Court to be appointed to lead the case. The complaint asserts claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on behalf of investors in CoreWeave securities. The case is pending in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey and is captioned Masaitis v. CoreWeave, Inc., et al., No. 2:26-cv-00355.

Why is CoreWeave Being Sued for Securities Fraud?

CoreWeave is an AI-focused cloud computing company that builds and operates data centers offering high-performance GPU infrastructure. CoreWeave relies on multiple partners to develop its data centers and provide the infrastructure needed for its AI computing operations, including Core Scientific, a large digital infrastructure company. On July 7, 2025, CoreWeave announced a merger agreement with Core Scientific.

During the relevant period, CoreWeave repeatedly assured investors it could capitalize on the "robust" and "unprecedented" demand for its services given its "competitive strengths," including its ability to "deploy" AI infrastructure "at massive scale" and "rapidly scale our operations."

As alleged, in truth, CoreWeave overstated its ability to meet customer demand and concealed significant construction delays at its data centers.

Why did CoreWeave's Stock Drop?

On October 30, 2025, Core Scientific announced it did not receive enough shareholder votes to approve the merger with CoreWeave and, as a result, terminated the merger agreement. This news caused the price of CoreWeave stock to drop $8.87 per share, or more than 6%, from $139.93 per share on October 29, 2025, to $131.06 per share on October 30, 2025.

Then, on November 10, 2025, CoreWeave lowered guidance for revenue, operating income, capital spending, and active power capacity for 2025 due to "temporary delays related to a third-party data center developer who is behind schedule." This news caused the price of CoreWeave stock to drop $17.22 per share, or more than 16%, from $105.61 per share on November 10, 2025, to $88.39 per share on November 11, 2025.

Finally, on December 15, 2025, The Wall Street Journal reported that the "completion date" for a "huge data-center cluster" in Denton, Texas to be leased by OpenAI, "has been pushed back several months," and that the site builder, Core Scientific, had flagged delays at the site months earlier. The Wall Street Journal also reported that Core Scientific had flagged additional delays at sites in Texas and elsewhere "since at least February." This news caused the price of CoreWeave stock to drop $2.85 per share, or more than 3%, from $72.35 per share on December 15, 2025, to $69.50 per share on December 16, 2025.

Click here for more information: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/coreweave-inc-class-action-lawsuit.

What Can You Do?

If you invested in CoreWeave, you may have legal options and are encouraged to submit your information to the firm.

All representation is on a contingency fee basis, there is no cost to you. Shareholders are not responsible for any court costs or expenses of litigation. The firm will seek court approval for any potential fees and expenses.

Submit your information by visiting:

https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/coreweave-inc-class-action-lawsuit

Why Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP?

BFA is a leading international law firm representing plaintiffs in securities class actions and shareholder litigation. It has been named a top plaintiff law firm by Chambers USA, The Legal 500, and ISS SCAS, and its attorneys have been named "Elite Trial Lawyers" by the National Law Journal, among the top "500 Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyers" by Lawdragon, "Titans of the Plaintiffs' Bar" by Law360 and "SuperLawyers" by Thomson Reuters. Among its recent notable successes, BFA recovered over $900 million in value from Tesla, Inc.'s Board of Directors, as well as $420 million from Teva Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd.

For more information about BFA and its attorneys, please visit https://www.bfalaw.com.

https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/coreweave-inc-class-action-lawsuit

Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/281469

Source: Bleichmar Fonti & Auld

Ready to Announce with Confidence? Send us a message and a member of our TMX Newsfile team will contact you to discuss your needs.

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New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - January 25, 2026) - Leading securities law firm Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP announces that it has filed a class action lawsuit against Ardent Health, Inc. (NYSE: ARDT) and certain of the Company's senior executives for securities fraud after a significant stock drop resulting from potential violations of the federal securities laws.

If you invested in Ardent Health, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/ardent-health-inc-class-action-lawsuit.

Investors have until March 9, 2026, to ask the Court to be appointed to lead the case. The complaint asserts claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on behalf of investors in Ardent Health securities. The class action is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee. It is captioned Postiwala v. Ardent Health, Inc., et al., No. 3:26-cv-00022.

Why is Ardent Health Being Sued for Securities Fraud?

Ardent Health and its affiliates operate acute care hospitals and other healthcare facilities. A critical aspect of Ardent Health's operations is the collection of accounts receivable and the framework by which Ardent Health determines the collectability of such accounts. According to the lawsuit, Ardent Health stated that it 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."

As alleged, in truth, Ardent Health did not primarily rely on "detailed reviews of historical collections" in determining collectability of accounts receivable, but instead "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. The lawsuit alleges that Ardent Health's purported misrepresentations are a violation of the federal securities laws.

Why did Ardent Health's Stock Drop?

On November 12, 2025, after market hours, Ardent Health revealed it had completed "hindsight evaluations of historical collection trends" that resulted in a $43 million decrease in revenue for the quarter. Ardent Health also revealed that it increased its professional liability reserves by $54 million because of "adverse prior period claim developments" resulting from a set of claims between 2019 and 2022 "as well as consideration of broader industry trends."

This news caused the price of Ardent Health stock to drop $4.75 per share, or more than 33%, from a closing price of $14.05 per share on November 12, 2025, to $9.30 per share on November 13, 2025.

Click here for more information: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/ardent-health-inc-class-action-lawsuit.

What Can You Do?

If you invested in Ardent Health, you may have legal options and are encouraged to submit your information to the firm.

All representation is on a contingency fee basis; there is no cost to you. Shareholders are not responsible for any court costs or expenses of litigation. The firm will seek court approval for any potential fees and expenses.

Submit your information by visiting:

https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/ardent-health-inc-class-action-lawsuit

Why Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP?

BFA is a leading international law firm representing plaintiffs in securities class actions and shareholder litigation. It has been named a top plaintiff law firm by Chambers USA, The Legal 500, and ISS SCAS, and its attorneys have been named "Elite Trial Lawyers" by the National Law Journal, among the top "500 Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyers" by Lawdragon, "Titans of the Plaintiffs' Bar" by Law360 and "SuperLawyers" by Thomson Reuters. Among its recent notable successes, BFA recovered over $900 million in value from Tesla, Inc.'s Board of Directors, as well as $420 million from Teva Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd.

For more information about BFA and its attorneys, please visit https://www.bfalaw.com.

https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/ardent-health-inc-class-action-lawsuit

Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/281464

Source: Bleichmar Fonti & Auld

Ready to Announce with Confidence? Send us a message and a member of our TMX Newsfile team will contact you to discuss your needs.

Contact Us

New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - January 25, 2026) - Leading securities law firm Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP announces that it has filed a class action lawsuit against BellRing Brands, Inc. (NYSE: BRBR) and certain of the Company's senior executives for securities fraud after a significant stock drop resulting from potential violations of the federal securities laws.

If you invested in BellRing, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/bellring-brands-inc-class-action-lawsuit.

Investors have until March 23, 2026, to ask the Court to be appointed to lead the case. The complaint asserts claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on behalf of investors in BellRing securities. The class action is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. It is captioned Denha v. BellRing Brands, Inc., No. 1:26-cv-00575.

Why is BellRing Being Sued for Securities Fraud?

BellRing develops, markets, and sells "convenient nutrition" products such as ready-to-drink ("RTD") protein shakes primarily under the brand name Premier Protein. During the relevant period, Defendants represented that sales growth reflected increased end-consumer demand, attributing results to "organic growth," "distribution gains," "incremental promotional activity," and "[s]trong macro tailwinds around protein" among other factors. At the same time, Defendants downplayed the impact of competition on demand, insisting BellRing was not experiencing any significant changes in competition, and that in the RTD category particularly, BellRing possessed a "competitive moat," given that "the ready-to-drink category is just highly complex" and the products are "hard to formulate."

As alleged, in truth, BellRing's reported sales during the Class Period were driven by its key customers stockpiling inventory and did not reflect increased end-consumer demand or brand momentum. Following the destocking, BellRing admitted that competitive pressures were materially weakening demand.

Why did BellRing's Stock Drop?

On May 6, 2025, BellRing's CFO revealed "several key retailers lowered their weeks of supply on hand, which is expected to be a mid-single-digit headwind to our third quarter growth," adding "[w]e now expect Q3 sales growth of low single digits." BellRing's CEO further revealed that retailers had been "hoarding inventory to make sure they didn't run out of stock on shelf" and "protecting themselves coming out of capacity constraints," but since there had been "several quarters of high in-stock rates," customers "felt comfortable about bringing [inventory] down. We thought this could happen."

This news caused the price of BellRing stock to drop $14.88 per share, or 19%, from a closing price of $78.43 per share on May 5, 2025, to $63.55 per share on May 6, 2025.

On August 4, 2025, after market hours, BellRing reported its 3Q 2025 financial results and "narrowed its fiscal year 2025 outlook for net sales." Then, during the Company's August 5, 2025 earnings call, BellRing's CEO attributed the narrowed guidance to "several other competitors" gaining space to sell their products with a large retailer and that "it is not surprising to see new protein RTDs enter[ed]" the convenient nutrition market.

This news caused the price of BellRing stock to drop $17.46 per share, or nearly 33%, from a closing price of $53.64 per share on August 4, 2025, to $36.18 per share on August 5, 2025.

Click here for more information: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/bellring-brands-inc-class-action-lawsuit.

What Can You Do?

If you invested in BellRing, you may have legal options and are encouraged to submit your information to the firm.

All representation is on a contingency fee basis; there is no cost to you. Shareholders are not responsible for any court costs or expenses of litigation. The firm will seek court approval for any potential fees and expenses.

Submit your information by visiting:

https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/bellring-brands-inc-class-action-lawsuit

Why Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP?

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Palantir's stock has an incredibly high price tag.

Artificial intelligence (AI) investing has started to become a bit concerning for some investors. Some believe that the market is in an AI bubble and that it could burst any day and send some of the largest stocks tumbling. While this is a possibility, I think investors need to take a more refined view.

I see both the absence and the emergence of a bubble in the AI sector at the same time. How can that be? It all depends on which companies you look at.

Some stocks, like hardware providers, are actually trading at fairly cheap valuations compared to other big tech stocks. On the flip side, certain AI application companies have extreme valuations, such as OpenAI. However, OpenAI isn't public yet, so you can't bet for or against it.

However, there's one AI stock trading on public markets that is becoming common to bet against: Palantir (PLTR +2.31%). Palantir is an AI software company, and analysts have issued many warnings about the stock. So, should you bet against it?

Image source: Getty Images.

Palantir's business is excelling Palantir makes artificial intelligence-powered data analytics software. The primary idea is to take information from multiple data streams and give its users real-time insights to help them determine what to do next. The company also has features to automate the decision-making process with generative AI tools. Palantir's software originally catered to government businesses, but it found adoption in the commercial sector as well.

Both government and commercial clients have rapidly adopted Palantir's software, and its revenue growth has been nothing short of astounding.

PLTR Revenue (Quarterly YoY Growth) data by YCharts. YoY = year over year.

Palantir's revenue growth continues to accelerate, showcasing how popular an AI offering it is becoming.

With just that information, you'd be a fool to bet against Palantir's stock. But there's more to the picture.

What you pay for a stock matters Palantir's impressive performance comes at a cost. While many software companies trade for 10 to 20 times sales, with some getting as expensive as 30 times sales, Palantir has completely blown by this level.

PLTR PE Ratio (Forward) data by YCharts. PE Ratio = price-to-earnings ratio. PS Ratio = price-to-sales ratio.

It trades for nearly 110 times sales. It is also fully profitable, so using the forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is also valid. At more than 160 times forward earnings, it's among the most expensive stocks in the market.

As a result of its high valuation, Palantir stock may struggle if the company sees its growth decelerate throughout the year. That's exactly what Wall Street analysts are predicting, with 2025's revenue growth expected to be about 54% and 2026's expected to be about 43%.

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That could set the stock up for disaster, making it a candidate to bet against. However, I wouldn't suggest shorting the stock. Palantir's stock has long exceeded normal valuation ranges. It may continue to do so, making it a good stock not to short. Instead, investors can avoid it and invest in one of the many popular AI options on the market.

Spending on chip fabrication equipment is soaring -- and sending these stocks higher.

So far, 2026 is proving to be a challenging year for investors hoping the three-year bull market rally can continue. The S&P 500 index is essentially flat for the year and many sectors are in the red year to date.

But there's one index group in which every stock is up by double-digits and four of the group's five stocks are up more than 25% since Jan. 1. I'm talking about the S&P 500 Semiconductor Equipment & Materials index group. These are companies that supply complex fabrication and test equipment to semiconductor and related industries around the world. Here are the five companies in the group and their performance year to date (since Jan. 1).

Applied Materials (AMAT +1.13%), up 26.6% in 2026.

Lam Research (LRCX 1.27%), up 33.4%

KLA (KLAC +0.85%), up 25.1%

Teradyne (TER +0.02%), up 19.8%

Qnity Electronics (Q 2.68%), up 25.8%

So, what's going on with these stocks? Well, unlike highflying chipmaker stocks like Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices, these companies don't make artificial intelligence (AI) chips. Instead, they manufacture the systems used to produce most new chips and advanced displays globally. That makes them the ultimate AI pick-and-shovel play.

For example, most of the world's largest semiconductor manufacturers are Applied Materials customers. That includes Nvidia, Intel, Samsung Electronics, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, Broadcom, ASML Holding, Micron Technology , and Texas Instruments. And there are many, many more.

Semiconductor sales are forecast to soar in coming years And semiconductor sales are poised for record-breaking growth. The semiconductor industry was valued at between $630 billion and $680 billion in 2024 and analysts expect that to rise to as much as $1.1 trillion by 2030. Most of that growth will be driven by the massive growth of AI and data centers.

A recent report by McKinsey, however, says those estimates might be significantly underestimating the industry's true worth. McKinsey predicts the value by 2030 will be between $1.5 trillion and $1.8 trillion.

Image source: Getty Images.

Chipmakers are increasing capex estimates And chipmakers are ramping up their capital expenditures on equipment. This month, Taiwan Semiconductor announced plans to spend between $52 billion and $56 billion on equipment and other capex in 2026, up from the $41 billion it spent in 2025. The company also raised capex expectations for the next three years.

The new estimates blew analyst expectations out of the water. And they indicate that companies like TSMC will need more machines to manufacture advanced semiconductors. TSMC is the second-largest semiconductor stock on the planet by market cap, exceeded only by Nvidia. In addition, in exchange for lower tariffs on goods it exports, Taiwan has announced it will invest at least $250 billion in semiconductor and technology manufacturing in the U.S.

The Jan. 15 capex announcement by TSMC gave four of the five S&P 500 semiconductor equipment stocks a big boost last week. Applied Materials' share price rose 8%, Lam Research climbed 7%, KLA rose 6%, and Teradyne climbed 3%. That announcement is hardly an outlier. In fact, it looks a lot more like an industry trend. Nvidia's capital expenditures are expected to rise from $3.2 billion last year to about $6.2 billion this year and $7.6 billion in 2027.

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If chipmakers are planning to ramp up spending on equipment and machinery that aggressively, it bodes very well for the equipment and materials makers who supply it. That means that if you believe the AI buildout will continue -- as I do -- then Applied Materials and other semiconductor fabrication and testing equipment stocks are set to soar in the near term. Each is worth an  investment right now.

Matthew Benjamin has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends ASML, Advanced Micro Devices, Applied Materials, Intel, Lam Research, Micron Technology, Nvidia, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, and Texas Instruments. The Motley Fool recommends Broadcom and Teradyne. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

This post may contain links from our sponsors and affiliates, and Flywheel Publishing may receive compensation for actions taken through them.

The abrdn Platinum ETF Trust (NYSEARCA:PPLT) has surged 185% over the past year, transforming platinum from an overlooked industrial metal into a standout commodity performer. The rally reflects a fundamental shift in supply-demand dynamics that has platinum outpacing even gold’s strong performance. Investors now face the question of whether this momentum can continue or if the rally has run too far.

The Supply Story That Actually Matters Platinum’s rally isn’t about investor whimsy. It’s about supply constraints meeting structural demand. South Africa’s dominance of global platinum production has become a critical vulnerability. Major producer Sibanye Stillwater (NYSE:SBSW) posted a $3.6 Rand billion loss (a little over $200 million) in Q2 2025, exemplifying how unsustainable cost structures are forcing industry-wide supply discipline. The market has responded by bidding up both platinum prices and mining stocks on the thesis that constrained supply will persist.

South African miners face rising energy costs, labor pressures, and aging infrastructure. When producers can’t profitably extract metal at current prices, supply tightens. That’s the macro tailwind PPLT investors should watch: whether South African production continues to struggle or whether higher prices incentivize enough new output to flood the market. Monitor quarterly production reports from major miners and South African energy policy developments.

What the ETF Structure Tells You PPLT provides pure exposure to physical platinum through a structure similar to gold ETFs like SPDR Gold Shares (NYSEARCA:GLD). With $2.9 billion in assets and a 0.6% expense ratio, the fund offers straightforward price participation without income generation. This means returns depend entirely on whether platinum’s supply constraints can withstand any production response to higher prices.

The single biggest risk is a supply response. If platinum prices stay elevated long enough, struggling miners will restart idled capacity or new projects will come online. The single biggest opportunity is continued supply discipline meeting steady industrial demand from automotive catalysts and hydrogen fuel cells. Watch South African mine output and PPLT’s premium or discount to net asset value for early warning signs.

Want Up To $1,000? SoFi Is Giving New Active Invest Users Free Stock Looking to grow your money but unsure where to begin? SoFi Active Invest is offering a limited-time promotion—open an account, fund it with $50 or more, and you could receive up to $1,000 in complimentary stock for Active Invest accounts.

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Advisory services are offered by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Information about SoFi Wealth’s advisory operations, services, and fees is set forth in SoFi Wealth’s current Form ADV Part 2 (Brochure), a copy of which is available upon request and at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.

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Investing in alternative investments and/or strategies may not be suitable for all investors and involves unique risks, including the risk of loss. An investor should consider their individual circumstances and any investment information, such as a prospectus, prior to investing. Interval Funds are illiquid instruments, the ability to trade on your timeline may be restricted. Brokerage and Active investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA(www.finra.org) /SIPC(www.sipc.org).

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Cryptocurrency XRP

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Arslan Butt

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Arslan Butt is an experienced webinar speaker, market analyst, and content writer specializing in crypto, forex, and commodities. He provides expert insights, trading strategies, and in-depth analysis...

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27 minutes ago

XRP is trading near $1.89–$1.91 as January draws to a close, holding a well-defined triple-bottom support around $1.88 after slipping below the $2.00 mark earlier this week. The pullback has coincided with ETF outflows and a sharp drop in trading volume, but price action suggests stabilization rather than renewed selling pressure.

With volatility compressing and buyers repeatedly defending the same demand zone, XRP is approaching a technical decision point that could define its next directional move.

ETF Outflows Ease Short-Term Momentum Without Breaking the ThesisShort-term pressure has been driven largely by institutional flows. According to data reported by CryptoQuant, U.S. spot XRP ETFs recorded their first weekly net outflows, totaling approximately $40.6 million toward the end of January. Trading volume has also declined sharply, with some estimates showing a 50%+ drop in 24-hour activity, signaling trader hesitation rather than aggressive selling.

That said, the flow data points to rotation and profit-taking, not abandonment. XRP remains one of the few large-cap tokens with clear regulatory positioning in the US, and earlier ETF inflows north of $1 billion underscore that institutional interest hasn’t disappeared. The current reset appears more about leverage clearing than confidence breaking.

Core Adoption Trends Remain Unchanged Despite Price WeaknessFundamentally, Ripple’s long-term thesis remains unchanged. XRP continues to underpin on-demand liquidity (ODL) across Ripple’s global payments network, offering faster and cheaper settlement compared to legacy systems.

More than 300 financial institutions remain connected to RippleNet, and ongoing regulatory clarity following 2025 rulings continues to distinguish XRP from many peers.

While no major partnership headlines have emerged this week, the absence of negative ecosystem news reinforces the view that the current weakness is market-driven, not fundamental.

XRP Price Prediction: Volatility Shrinks at $1.90 – Breakout or Breakdown Ahead?From a technical perspective, XRP price prediction remains cautiously neutral near term. On the 2-hour chart, price is stabilizing inside a descending channel, capped by a falling trendline near $1.95. XRP is trading below the 50-EMA and 100-EMA, while the 200-EMA near $1.99 continues to act as firm resistance.

XRP Price Chart – Source: Tradingview Support is clearly defined between $1.88 and $1.85, where repeated long lower wicks suggest responsive buying. RSI has recovered into the mid-40s after oversold readings, indicating easing downside pressure. Volatility has contracted, forming a descending wedge, a structure that often resolves higher if support holds.

A successful break above $1.95 would expose $2.03–$2.06, signaling structural repair. Conversely, a decisive loss of $1.85 would open downside toward $1.80 and $1.77.

XRP Trade setup: Accumulate near $1.88–$1.85, target $2.03–$2.06, invalidation below $1.80.

Bitcoin Hyper: The Next Evolution of BTC on Solana?Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) is bringing a new phase to the BTC ecosystem. While BTC remains the gold standard for security, Bitcoin Hyper adds what it always lacked: Solana-level speed. The result: lightning-fast, low-cost smart contracts, decentralized apps, and even meme coin creation, all secured by Bitcoin.

Audited by Consult, the project emphasizes trust and scalability as adoption builds. And momentum is already strong. The presale has surpassed $30.9 million, with tokens priced at just $0.013635 before the next increase.

As Bitcoin activity climbs and demand for efficient BTC-based apps rises, Bitcoin Hyper stands out as the bridge uniting two of crypto’s biggest ecosystems. If Bitcoin built the foundation, Bitcoin Hyper could make it fast, flexible, and fun again.

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The Ethereum Foundation has elevated post-quantum security to a top strategic priority. It announced the creation of a dedicated Post Quantum team with $2 million in funding. The move reflects growing concern that quantum computing could threaten existing blockchain cryptography within a shorter timeframe.

Ethereum Sets Post-Quantum Security Roadmap The initiative was also confirmed by Ethereum researcher Justin Drake. He wrote in an X post that the foundation has transitioned from long-term research to active implementation. He also mentioned that Ethereum’s work in quantum defense started as early as 2019, as part of its initial strategic discussions at StarkWare Sessions.

The newly formed team for Post Quantum will be headed by Thomas Coratger. He will work with Emile, who is part of the leanVM team. Their responsibilities will include research as well as protocol design. Testing of the infrastructure will also form part of this team to ensure the security of Ethereum in the face of quantum threats.

Expanding coordination of Ethereum devs around post-quantum readiness. Antonio Sanso will be hosting bi-weekly. All Core Devs Post Quantum calls next month User-facing security concerns will be discussed in these calls. 

To build upon the cryptographic base, the foundation has announced two prizes that will be worth $1 million each. The new Poseidon Prize will focus on strengthening the security of the Poseidon hash function.

The existing Proximity Prize will continue to support research in hash-based cryptographic systems. Drake has noted that hash-based cryptography has strong security properties along with easy design assumptions.

The development of post-quantum consensus is already in progress in various networks. Zeam, Ream Labs, PierTwo, Gean client, and Ethlambda have started cooperating with the well-known Ethereum consensus clients Lighthouse, Grandine, and Prysm. Interoperability meetings take place once a week. These meetings are coordinated by Will Corcoran.

The foundation has also planned in-person collaboration. A three-day workshop with experts has been planned in October. It will be a continuation of its post-quantum workshop held in Cambridge a year ago. A new post-quantum dev day has been planned on March 29 in Cannes before EthCC.

Industry Views Differ on Quantum Risk There are divided opinions in the wider blockchain industry about the timing of quantum risks. In an X post, Ethereum educator Sassal0x discussed quantum computing as a pressing issue. The CEO of Blockstream, however, believes that quantum risks are still decades away.

However, traditional financial institutions may experience challenges in embracing the new cryptography. Franklin Bi, the general partner at Pantera Capital highlighted in an X post that, blockchain has an edge over traditional institutions. Blockchain has the capacity to make global updates. As a result, some blockchains may be considered safe havens.

Additionally, Ethereum Co-Founder Vitalik Buterin has previously pointed to existing forecast data to highlight the probability of such breaks happening before the year 2030.

On the other hand, other developers such as the creator of the ZKsync network, Alex Gluk, pointed to the network’s existing “100% post-quantum proof” Airbender prover. Gluk went on to say this demonstrates Ethereum’s “flexibility to adapt to new threats in space.”

However, the Ethereum Foundation has announced its plans to release a guide detailing the transition process via pq.ethereum.org. The guide will include a list of steps that are meant to ensure a transition towards a state of quantum resistance. The goal is to ensure there is no downtime or loss of funds as the study of quantum continues.

XRP Price Faces a 25% Crash Warning as ETF Demand FallsHidden bullish divergence failed, leaving XRP vulnerable just above the $1.85–$1.86 breakdown zone.ETF outflows and flat HODLer positioning show buyers missing as downside risk quietly builds.A daily close below $1.85 could trigger a slide toward $1.70 and possibly $1.42.The XRP price is sitting in a dangerous spot. At around $1.89, XRP is trading just 1% above a key breakdown zone. On the surface, the chart looks calm. Underneath, several signals suggest risk is quietly building. What makes this setup unusual is not just the proximity to support. It is what failed to happen earlier.

XRP recently printed a bullish signal that usually leads to at least a short-term rebound. This time, it barely moved. That failure is the real warning.

Between December 31 and January 20, the XRP price formed a hidden bullish divergence on the daily chart. Price made a higher low, while the Relative Strength Index (RSI) printed a lower low.

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A hidden bullish divergence usually signals that selling pressure is weakening and that buyers may soon regain control. It does not guarantee a rally, but it often leads to a bounce or at least a period of upside relief.

That did not happen here.

After the divergence flashed, XRP barely moved higher. Price stalled, and momentum never expanded. This tells us something important. Sellers may have slowed down, but buyers did not step in to replace them.

Key Divergence Failed: TradingViewWant more token insights like this? Sign up for Editor Harsh Notariya’s Daily Crypto Newsletter here.

This kind of divergence failure often appears in weak markets. It shows hesitation, not strength. When a bullish signal fails, it usually means demand is missing, not that the signal was wrong.

The rising XRP wedge structure still points to a possible 25% downside move if support breaks. With buyers absent and sellers slowly regaining control, XRP is approaching a moment when even a modest downside move could trigger a much larger move.

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Also, if buyers do not show up after the selling pressure eases, what happens when sellers return?

ETF Flows and Holder Data Confirm Demand Is WeakeningThe answer starts with capital flows.

For the first time in weeks, XRP-related ETF products recorded net outflows. The week ending January 23 saw a total outflow of roughly $40.5 million. This came after a long stretch of steady inflows, making it a clear shift in behavior.

ETF flows matter because they reflect large, directional capital. When inflows stop and turn negative, it usually means institutional demand is pausing or stepping back.

Weak ETF Demand: SoSo ValueOn-chain data tells a similar story.

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The XRP Hodler Net Position Change metric, which tracks the monthly balance change of long-term holders, has flattened and begun to slip. On January 20, long-term holders controlled roughly 232.1 million XRP. By January 24, that figure had dropped to about 231.55 million XRP.

Hodlers Not Buying More: GlassnodeThis is not aggressive selling, but it is not accumulation either. After the divergence flashed, long-term holders did not add meaningfully. That confirms what the price action already suggested. Buyers were not confident enough to commit.

When ETF demand stalls and long-term holders pause at the same time, rebounds tend to struggle.

Whale Selling Keeps XRP Price Breakdown Risk AliveWhile buyers hesitated, one group did act.

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Wallets holding between 10 million and 100 million XRP began reducing exposure. On January 18, this cohort held roughly 11.16 billion XRP. By the latest reading, their balance had dropped to about 11.07 billion XRP.

That is a reduction of around 90 million XRP. At the current XRP price, this represents roughly $170 million worth of distribution.

XRP Whales Dumping: SantimentThis selling pressure also helps explain why XRP failed to react to the hidden bullish divergence. It also explains why the price remains pinned near support. From a technical perspective, the risk is now clear.

A daily close below $1.85-$1.86 would break wedge support and activate the downside target. That opens the door toward the $1.70 region first, followed by a deeper move toward $1.42 if momentum accelerates. That would come close to the near 25% breakdown target.

XRP Price Analysis: TradingViewOn the upside, XRP needs to reclaim $1.98 to weaken bearish pressure. That would provide short-term relief, but without renewed buyer participation, it would likely remain a bounce rather than a trend shift. Right now, the imbalance is obvious. Selling exists. Buyers do not.

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

Welcome to Latam Insights, a compilation of the most relevant crypto news from Latin America over the past week. In this week's edition, Brazil streamlines rules for banks entering the crypto industry, a Colombian pension fund-manager reveals the development of a bitcoin investment product, and Revolut applies for a banking license in Peru.

01/25 update below. This post was originally published on January 23

Bitcoin has limped into 2026, flailing in the wake of a gold price boom that’s catapulted it to an eye-watering $34 trillion market capitalization (triggering predictions of even more gains to come).

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The bitcoin price, which plummeted under $100,000 per bitcoin in November, has struggled to regain its early 2025 momentum as Bank Of America’s chief executive issues a serious $6 trillion warning.

Now, with bitcoin and crypto primed for an imminent, “massive” shock, bitcoin-backing BlackRock fixed income chief Rick Rieder has become a surprise favorite to be named as U.S. president Donald Trump’s pick as Federal Reserve chair.

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Forbes‘It’s Now Happening’—Urgent $38 Trillion U.S. Dollar ‘Collapse’ Warning Issued As Markets Brace For Gold And Bitcoin Price ShocksBy Billy Bambrough

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BlackRock chief executive Larry Fink embraced U.S. president Donald Trump during this week's World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland amid a gold boom that's left the bitcoin price in the dust.

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"I think [bitcoin] will take the place of gold to a large extent? Yeah, I do, because it’s so much more functional than passing a bar of gold around,” Rieder, whose odds of being named as the next Fed chair have rocketed to almost 40% this week on the Polymarket prediction platform, told CNBC in 2020, adding, “I think bitcoin is here to stay.”

“Rick Rieder’s odds of being next Fed chair have increased dramatically,” Geoff Kendrick, head of digital assets research at Standard Chartered Bank, said in emailed comments. "He will run the economy hot which should help crypto."

01/25 update: Rick Rieder has continued to climb the odds on the Polymarket and Kalsi prediction platforms to succeed Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell, becoming the surprise favorite and topping former Fed governor Kevin Warsh.

Rieder’s odds topped 60% on Polymarket and Kalshi this weekend before dropping back slightly, while the previous front runner Warsh saw his odds fall sharply to around 30%.

“Until an announcement is made by President Trump, any reporting about the Federal Reserve chairman nominations process is pointless speculation,” White House spokesperson Kush Desai said in a statement to the Financial Times.

Speculation over who will take over from Powell at the Fed has fueled bitcoin, crypto and stock market moves over the last year, with traders betting U.S. president Donald Trump’s eventual appointee will lock in lower interest rates.

“Bitcoin got off to another weak start … having failed repeatedly to break back and hold above $90,000,” David Morrison, senior market analyst at Trade Nation, said in emailed comments, warning the market is “struggling to sustain upside without fresh catalysts,” and pointing to lower exchange-traded fund (ETF) interest as holding back the market.

“This has been a disappointing two days for crypto bulls who could have reasonably expected bitcoin … to have regained upward strength given the rebound in global equities since Wednesday afternoon.”

Meanwhile, the gold price has continued to outperform on the back of the so-called debasement trade that sees investors opt for scarce assets due to expectations the Fed will cut rates this year and government spending will spiral out of control.

"Expectations for at least two Fed cuts in 2026 continue to undermine the dollar, while concerns over U.S. public finances, political pressure on the Fed, and lingering global risks keep gold well bid on dips," Morrison said.

“Despite short-term overbought signals, gold is on track for a strong weekly gain, and price action suggests pullbacks are being treated as opportunities rather than trend breaks. This is a high-risk trading environment.”

The gold price has soared to $5,000 per ounce, leaving bitcoin and everything else in the dust so far in 2026.

“Gaining nearly 7% since Monday, gold is recording its strongest nominal growth in history and one of its most powerful weeks in terms of momentum,” Alex Kuptsikevich, the FxPro chief market analyst, said in emailed comments, calling its current level “unthinkable" just a couple of years ago.

“The rally is driven by geopolitics, fiscal problems, the associated debasement trade, lower rates and capital outflows from other markets,” Kuptsikevich said.

“When the Fed began tightening monetary policy in 2022, money market fund holdings stood at $5.5 trillion. By the end of 2025, they had increased to $7.7 trillion. As interest rates fall, money will flow into other assets. But to where? Stocks are fundamentally overbought, and bitcoin has fallen out of favour due to declining volatility.”

BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, led a Wall Street bitcoin and crypto adoption charge in 2023, with the company spearheading a campaign to bring a fully-fledged bitcoin exchange-traded fund to market.

BlackRock’s bitcoin ETF has rocketed to become one of the fastest growing ETFs of all time following its early 2024 launch, holding almost 800,000 bitcoin worth $70 billion on behalf of investors.

In September last year, Rieder said he thought the bitcoin price is “going to go up,” advising investors to hold bitcoin alongside gold to give them “a little bit of ballast in the portfolio against potential for currency depreciation.”

Fears of further currency depreciation have fueled the so-called debasement trade in recent months, propelling the gold price towards $5,000 per ounce, while investors have also piled into silver.

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ForbesThe Dollar ‘Will Fall’—Serious Fed ‘Crisis’ Warning Predicted To Blow Up The Bitcoin PriceBy Billy Bambrough

The bitcoin price has failed to rocket alongside the gold price so far in 2026, though some think that could change.

Forbes Digital Assets

Trump has teased his decision for current Fed chair Jerome Powell’s replacement for almost a year now, throwing out different names and keeping traders guessing.

Trump said Rieder was “very impressive," in an interview with CNBC this week. “I’d say we’re down to three, but we’re down to two. And I can probably tell you, we’re down to maybe one, in my mind,” Trump said.

Former Fed governor Kevin Warsh, who has also been a vocal supporter of bitcoin and crypto, remains the front runner, according to Kalshi and Polymarket contracts, after former favorite Kevin Hassett, Trump’s national economic council director, was all but ruled out of the race.

Expectations that interest rates may fall sharply in 2026 once Trump replaces Powell have supported bitcoin, crypto and equity markets in recent months, with Trump repeatedly saying his Fed chair pick will have to promise to heavily cut interest rates.

“Undermining the Fed’s independence makes holding the greenback a less attractive safety play," Samer Hasn, senior market analyst at XS.com, said via email.

"For the crypto markets, this "politicized dollar" narrative serves as a long-term bull case, even if current prices are dipping. If investors lose faith in U.S. government debt and the Fed’s autonomy, decentralized assets like bitcoin and "hard" assets like gold, which has already seen skyrocketing prices, become the logical hedge against institutional decay."

For most of the week, the Ethereum price has remained in a range-bound spell, putting in no significant movement outside of the $3,000 and $2,880 price boundaries. Amid rising speculations, an on-chain analysis has recently been put out, which provides an answer to the question.

Open Interest Across Exchanges Falls To $17 Billion In their latest QuickTake post on CryptoQuant, analytics platform Arab Chain reveals that there has been a fall in active Ethereum derivatives contracts across major exchanges, as indicated by data from the Ethereum: Open Interest-All Exchanges, All Symbol metric. Typically, rising Open Interest (OI) across exchanges indicates that more traders are entering leveraged positions. On the other hand, falling OI reflects more exits of leveraged positions, and by extension, reduced aversion to risk.

In the Quicktake post, Arab Chain highlights that open interest across exchanges has dipped to about $16.9 billion, marking the lowest level reached since mid-December last year. This, in turn, reflects an overall reduction in risk appetite across the Ethereum derivatives market. Because there is less speculative activity, there are also reduced risks of liquidations. Hence, the Ethereum price stands a higher chance of consolidating.

Source: CryptoQuant What’s Happening On Binance? While exchanges in general are recording significant pull-outs from the derivatives market, Binance has shown an outlier performance. Arab Chain highlights that the world’s largest exchange by trading volume has instead recorded about $7.5 billion in Open Interest. Interestingly, this reading slightly exceeds the December average range of $6.8–$7.4 billion. 

The divergence between the Open Interest values across all exchanges and that of Binance suggests that, while market participants are reducing their risk exposure, there is still liquidity in the derivatives market. Rather than a blatant exit, it has been repositioned toward the deeper and more liquid venue.

Arab Chain also explains that this behavior indicates a change in market operations from a higher-risk trading environment to one more price and risk efficient. In conclusion, the large traders are yet to make their exits but are merely reducing their exposure, while holding high-quality positions on Binance.

In addition, Ethereum’s proximity to the $3,000 price — especially as OI declines — shows that the market has been absorbing the deleveraging events while showing little selling pressure. Ultimately, Binance’s OI retaining levels above December’s support the idea that the market still has strong derivatives backing. Hence, the broader picture remains bullish. As of this writing, Ethereum trades at $2,958, reflecting a 0.33% growth since the past day, according to CoinMarketCap data.

ETH trading at $2,947 on the daily chart | Source: ETHUSDT chart on Tradingview.com Featured image from Pexels, chart from Tradingview.com

Sun, 25/01/2026 - 10:06

If Bitcoin were to capture gold’s entire monetary premium, the price per coin would need to rise approximately 19x from current levels.

Cover image via www.freepik.com If the market truly viewed Bitcoin as the digital equivalent of gold, the price of a single coin wouldn't be struggling to reclaim $100,000. 

In fact, according to Bill Miller IV, Chief Investment Officer at Miller Value Partners, the leading cryptocurrency would be trading near $1.7 million. 

Now that gold is hitting record highs, critics have been quick to declare the correlation dead. Miller, however, argues that the lack of correlation is exactly the point.

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The $1.7 million math Miller’s hypothetical price target is derived from a simple market cap parity calculation.

If Bitcoin were to capture gold’s entire monetary premium, the price per coin would need to rise approximately 19x from current levels.

Miller’s post comes after the recent divergence between the two assets. Gold experienced a massive rally in 2026, which was driven by central bank buying and geopolitical hedging. In the meantime, Bitcoin's price action has been extremely underwhelming, with the cryptocurrency struggling to reclaim even the $90,000 level. 

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However, Miller pointed to the historical lack of correlation between the two.

"Wrong - the correlation between BTC and gold over the past decade is 0.09 (none). Why would you expect it to move at the same time?" he said. 

As reported by U.Today, Miller recently confirmed that he remained bullish on Bitcoin despite the recent underperformance. 

More than digital gold Ark's Cathie Wood also recently dismantled the narrative that Bitcoin is merely "digital gold."

Wood believes Bitcoin has "miles to go" just to catch up to gold. She views the current price as an early entry point.

She also argues that Bitcoin is the only asset in the world that functions as both a risk-on and a risk-off asset. 

Finally, Wood argues that Bitcoin is actually harder money than gold due to the physics of mining.

Related articles

Bitcoin sank in 2025, even though conventional crypto wisdom suggests it should have had a great year.

Gold is a precious metal, and it has been considered a store of value for ages because of its scarcity. Even to this day, investors buy it hand over fist during times of heightened political and economic uncertainty.

Then there is Bitcoin (BTC 1.12%), a fully decentralized cryptocurrency that was launched in 2009. Even though it's entirely digital, it's also a scarce asset because it has a fixed total supply that can never be changed. As a result, a growing number of investors characterize it as a digital version of gold.

But that thesis fell apart last year when gold and Bitcoin went in entirely different directions, and it's crystal clear that one of these assets is a much better buy in the face of elevated inflation, soaring government spending, and erratic economic policies. Read on.

Image source: Getty Images.

Bitcoin's status as digital gold is in doubt Assets like stocks and real estate produce income, which means they can generate internal growth to create value for investors. Assets like gold and Bitcoin, on the other hand, produce nothing, so they draw their value from two primary sources: speculation, and the gradual devaluation of paper currencies.

Up until 1971, the U.S. was on the gold standard, which prevented the government from printing paper money unless it had an equivalent amount of physical gold to match. After abandoning that mechanism, money supply exploded, so the purchasing power of the U.S. dollar has collapsed by about 90% since then.

Per the chart, the price of gold in dollar terms has trended higher almost in lockstep with the increase in money supply.

Gold Price in US Dollars data by YCharts

As a result, any time investors fear a sharp increase in money supply is on the horizon, they pile into gold. The U.S. government ran a budget deficit of $1.8 trillion in fiscal 2025 (ended Sept. 30), which sent the national debt to a record high of $38.5 trillion. Throughout history, governments have opted to increase money supply to devalue their domestic currencies in order to make challenging fiscal deficits easier to manage. This time probably won't be any different, which is why gold soared by a whopping 64% last year.

Bitcoin, however, fell by 5% on the year, which puts into serious doubt the idea that it's a digital equivalent to the shiny yellow metal. This is concerning in my opinion, because the cryptocurrency isn't very useful in any other capacity.

Today's Change

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-1003.06

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Real gold looks like the better buy in 2026 Bitcoin is fully decentralized, which means no person, company, or government can control it. It is also built on a secure and transparent system of record called a blockchain, which gives investors confidence to hold it for the long term. Combined with its capped supply of 21 million coins, these factors have contributed to the cryptocurrency's meteoric rise in value.

During the past 10 years, Bitcoin has obliterated gold in terms of performance. Their returns aren't even in the same stratosphere, with the cryptocurrency surging by 22,890%, and the shiny yellow metal climbing by just 335%.

Bitcoin Price data by YCharts

However, this is one of those cases where past performance is absolutely not a reliable indicator of future results, and 2025 was proof of that. But here's the burning question: What could be in store for 2026?

The U.S. government is on track for another trillion-dollar deficit during fiscal 2026, which will propel the national debt to even greater heights and stoke further fears about the growing money supply and weakening dollar.

Moreover, the Federal Reserve has cut interest rates six times since September 2024. Plus, the central bank recently ended its quantitative tightening program and is now actively buying government-backed securities once again, which increases the size of its balance sheet. An increasing money supply is a typical consequence of both of these policy stances.

Therefore, this year is likely to serve up very similar political and economic conditions to last year, meaning gold will probably be a much better buy than Bitcoin once again.

In this week’s edition of the weekly recap, GameStop transferred its entire 4,710 Bitcoin holdings worth $420 million to Coinbase Prime.

Summary

GameStop transferred 4,710 BTC worth $420M to Coinbase Prime, raising treasury questions. Senate Democrats filed amendments to reshape Republican-led crypto legislation. UK FCA entered final consultation stages for nationwide crypto firm regulation. Additionally, Senate Democrats filed amendments to Republican-led cryptocurrency legislation seeking policy concessions, and the UK Financial Conduct Authority reached final consultation stages on comprehensive crypto firm regulation.

GameStop Bitcoin transfer raises treasury concerns Blockchain analytics firm CryptoQuant identified Friday that a wallet labeled GameStop transferred its complete holdings of 4,710 BTC valued at approximately $420 million to Coinbase Prime. Arkham Intelligence blockchain data confirms the transfers and prompted observers to speculate the video game retailer may abandon its Bitcoin treasury strategy. Senate Democrats propose cryptocurrency bill modifications Several U.S. Senate Democrats involved in crypto market structure legislation negotiations filed requested amendments Friday seeking inclusion of their top policy priorities. The proposed modifications target the draft legislation advanced by Republicans in the Senate Agriculture Committee. UK regulator advances crypto firm consultation The Financial Conduct Authority reached the final consultation phase Friday on cryptocurrency firm regulation, publishing guidance on consumer duty application within the sector. The FCA requested feedback by March 12 on additional rules and consumer duty implementation for cryptoasset companies operating in the United Kingdom. The regulator aims to open the crypto asset permissions application gateway in September 2026. Zhao predicts Bitcoin cycle disruption Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao stated Friday he believes Bitcoin will break its traditional four-year cycle this year due to increasing crypto-friendly policies from the U.S. and other nations. While acknowledging inability to predict daily price movements, Zhao told CNBC’s Squawk Box that “if you look at the five, ten year horizon, it’s very easy to predict. We’re going to go up.” UBS opens crypto investing to private clients Swiss banking giant UBS Group will enable cryptocurrency investing for select private banking customers according to sources familiar with the initiative. The world’s largest wealth manager overseeing approximately $4.7 trillion in assets as of September will extend crypto access to high net-worth and ultra-high net-worth clients. Revolut pursues de novo U.S. banking charter London-based fintech Revolut is preparing to apply for a de novo national banking charter in the United States, abandoning previous acquisition strategies according to Financial Times reporting. The company reversed course after determining that acquiring an existing lender posed major hurdles including potential obligations to maintain physical branches. Binance seeks Greek MiCA license The cryptocurrency exchange applied for Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation licensing in Greece ahead of the July 1 deadline requiring EU-operating crypto-asset service providers to secure authorization. Binance is collaborating with Greece’s Hellenic Capital Market Commission on the application after establishing a holding company in the EU member state in December. Ledger targets NYSE listing The French hardware crypto wallet manufacturer plans an initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange this year targeting a valuation exceeding $4 billion according to Financial Times reporting. Sources indicate Ledger is working with Goldman Sachs, Jefferies, and Barclays to facilitate the IPO as soon as this year. BitGo completes NYSE debut Digital asset infrastructure company executives rang the New York Stock Exchange opening bell Thursday morning. Class A common stock priced at $18 per share, surpassing the expected $15-17 range, with BitGo offering 111,821,595 shares raising potential $213 million at nearly $2 billion valuation. Hong Kong announces stablecoin licensing timeline Financial Secretary Paul Chan informed World Economic Forum attendees in Davos Tuesday that Hong Kong will issue stablecoin provider licenses in the first quarter. These will be the first licenses granted since Hong Kong’s new stablecoin licensing regime took effect August 1 last year. Solana Mobile launches SKR token airdrop The company initiated Tuesday a native token distribution allowing Seeker phone users and active dApp participants to claim SKR assets. The announcement stated “Seeker and SKR are a bet that there’s another way for mobile: that the people who use the network should own the network.” Over 100,000 eligible users can claim stakes in the mobile-focused blockchain ecosystem through this distribution. Pump.fun establishes investment division The meme coin launchpad launched Pump Fund, a new investment arm dedicated to supporting startup projects within its ecosystem. The initiative aims to “advance the startup ecosystem on pump fun by aligning itself with projects long-term” according to X announcements.

Ripple’s digital asset, XRP, is facing new challenges as market volatility raises questions about its potential decline to the $1.90 mark. As of January 24, XRP’s price movements are under close scrutiny, with analysts monitoring shifts that may impact its value.

XRP has been experiencing a period of fluctuation, with its price showing no definitive trend. Currently trading at a certain range, the cryptocurrency is influenced by a mix of investor sentiment and broader market dynamics. Analysts are keeping a keen eye on whether the asset will break below the psychological $2 barrier, which could pave the way for a drop to $1.90.

The situation: XRP’s price stability is threatened by several factors. Market experts cite the ongoing legal challenges faced by Ripple with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as a significant influence. The lawsuit, which questions whether XRP should be classified as a security, has created uncertainty that impacts investor confidence.

For context, the SEC lawsuit has been a long-standing issue, with Ripple vigorously defending against the claims. The outcome remains uncertain, but any resolution could significantly affect XRP’s market performance. Investors are weighing these legal developments alongside technical indicators in making trading decisions.

Adding to the mix, the broader cryptocurrency market is also experiencing a period of volatility. Bitcoin and Ethereum, which often set the market tone, have shown inconsistent performance, further complicating XRP’s outlook. Traders are cautious, as the correlation between major cryptocurrencies can lead to simultaneous price shifts.

In recent months, technical analysis has shown XRP oscillating between support and resistance levels, with $1.90 identified as a crucial support zone. If the price breaks this level, analysts warn of potential further declines. Technical indicators, including moving averages and relative strength index, are being used to predict possible trends.

The bullish perspective: Some traders remain optimistic, believing that XRP could rebound if it maintains above key support levels. Positive news, such as favorable legal outcomes or partnerships, could bolster confidence and drive prices upward. However, the current climate suggests caution is warranted.

The bearish view: Conversely, those expecting a decline argue that unless significant positive developments occur, the downward pressure could persist. The legal uncertainty and market volatility are considerable challenges, potentially outweighing bullish signals.

Market participants continue to watch Ripple’s legal proceedings closely. Observers note that any updates from the SEC case could trigger sharp price movements. Until a clearer resolution emerges, XRP’s price trajectory remains unpredictable.

Ripple’s strategic moves, including expanding its use cases and partnerships, are also factors to consider. These initiatives aim to strengthen XRP’s utility and adoption beyond speculation. However, their impact may be limited in the short term given the prevailing market and regulatory conditions.

The timing of Ripple’s next legal updates or strategic announcements will be crucial. Investors and traders are poised to react, adjusting their positions based on new information. This anticipation contributes to the market’s inherent volatility.

What’s next: Until more legal clarity is achieved, XRP’s price will likely remain sensitive to both regulatory news and broader market trends. Traders should be prepared for potential swings in either direction as events unfold. The coming months will be pivotal for XRP, as it navigates a complex landscape marked by legal challenges and market uncertainty.

Technical analysts are closely watching XRP’s performance, particularly its interaction with the $2.10 resistance level. Should XRP manage to surpass this threshold, it might build momentum for a potential rally. However, failure to do so could reinforce bearish sentiment, potentially accelerating a decline towards the $1.90 support. This critical level has been identified by analysts like John Isige from FXStreet, who noted on January 24 that market indicators suggest heightened volatility ahead.

On the institutional front, Ripple Labs continues to forge strategic partnerships aimed at bolstering XRP’s utility. The firm’s collaboration with financial institutions in Asia and the Middle East could play a pivotal role in enhancing the asset’s cross-border transaction capabilities. Despite these efforts, the looming SEC lawsuit casts a shadow over Ripple’s expansion plans, with CEO Brad Garlinghouse emphasizing the importance of regulatory clarity for future growth.

Meanwhile, the cryptocurrency community remains divided on XRP’s short-term prospects. Some traders, citing recent market patterns, believe there’s potential for a rebound if broader crypto market conditions stabilize. In contrast, skeptics like analyst Joseph Young argue that without a definitive resolution to the SEC case, XRP may continue to face downward pressure. This divide reflects the broader uncertainty surrounding digital assets amid regulatory scrutiny.

As Ripple awaits further developments in its legal battle, the company’s focus on increasing XRP adoption remains unchanged. By targeting emerging markets and exploring new technological applications, Ripple aims to reinforce XRP’s position in the global payments ecosystem. However, the path forward is fraught with challenges, as legal and market dynamics continue to shape the narrative around XRP.

Amid these dynamics, Ripple’s legal team remains actively engaged in negotiations with the SEC. The outcome of these discussions could significantly impact XRP’s market valuation. As of January 24, no official statements have been released regarding the progression of these talks. Market analysts are closely monitoring any developments, as a favorable settlement could potentially reverse the bearish sentiment currently surrounding XRP.

On the technical side, the $1.90 support level continues to be a critical focus for traders. Should XRP breach this threshold, further declines could be expected, possibly prompting a reevaluation of trading strategies among investors. Analysts like Sarah Tran from FXStreet emphasize the importance of this level, noting that sustained trading below it might lead to increased selling pressure.

Institutional interest in XRP remains a point of discussion. Despite the legal uncertainties, Ripple has managed to secure partnerships with several financial institutions globally. These alliances aim to enhance the utility of XRP in cross-border transactions, potentially providing a cushion against market volatility. However, the full impact of these partnerships on XRP’s price remains to be seen, particularly in light of ongoing regulatory challenges.

As the legal proceedings advance, Ripple’s executive team, including CEO Brad Garlinghouse, continues to advocate for regulatory clarity. Garlinghouse has frequently highlighted the need for a clear regulatory framework to foster innovation within the cryptocurrency space. This advocacy underscores Ripple’s commitment to navigating the complex legal landscape while striving to maintain XRP’s relevance in the digital asset market.

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Amin Ayan

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Amin Ayan is a crypto journalist with over four years of experience in the industry. He has contributed to leading publications such as Cryptonews, Investing.com, 99Bitcoins, and 24/7 Wall St. He has...

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US spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds recorded their weakest performance in nearly a year, shedding $1.33 billion in net outflows during a shortened four-day trading week, according to data from SoSoValue.

Key Takeaways:

US spot Bitcoin ETFs logged their weakest week in nearly a year, with $1.33 billion in outflows. Selling peaked midweek, led by heavy redemptions from BlackRock’s IBIT. Ether ETFs also turned negative, shedding $611 million over the same period. The pullback marks the worst weekly showing since February 2025 and reflects a sharp reversal in investor sentiment after strong inflows the previous week.

The outflows follow a period of optimism, when spot Bitcoin ETFs pulled in $1.42 billion in net inflows.

Midweek Bitcoin ETF Outflows Surge as $709M Exits in Single DaySelling pressure peaked midweek. Wednesday alone saw $709 million exit Bitcoin ETFs, making it the heaviest outflow day of the week.

Tuesday followed closely behind with $483 million in redemptions. Outflows eased toward the end of the week, with $32 million leaving on Thursday and $104 million on Friday.

The magnitude of the withdrawals echoes the turbulence seen in late February 2025, when Bitcoin ETFs lost $2.61 billion in a single week during a sharp market downturn.

That episode, often referred to by analysts as the “February Freeze,” coincided with Bitcoin’s drop from above $109,000 to below $80,000 and included a record $1.14 billion single-day outflow on Feb. 25.

BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), the largest spot Bitcoin ETF by assets under management, posted outflows on all four trading days last week.

Data from SoSoValue shows the fund experienced its heaviest redemptions on Tuesday and Wednesday, accounting for a significant share of the overall decline.

IBIT currently holds about $69.75 billion in net assets, representing roughly 3.9% of Bitcoin’s total circulating supply.

Despite the recent pullback, the broader picture for spot Bitcoin ETFs remains positive.

Since their launch in January 2024, cumulative net inflows stand at $56.5 billion, with total net assets across all US spot Bitcoin ETFs reaching approximately $115.9 billion.

Ethereum ETFs were not spared from the broader risk-off move. Spot Ether ETFs posted $611 million in net outflows for the week, reversing the prior week’s $479 million inflow streak.

Wednesday was again the worst day, with $298 million redeemed, followed by $230 million on Tuesday.

Total net assets for Ether ETFs now sit around $17.7 billion, with cumulative inflows of $12.3 billion since their July 2024 debut.

Solana ETFs Defy Broader Sell-Off as Bitcoin, XRP Funds See OutflowsNot all crypto-linked funds followed the same pattern. Spot Solana ETFs continued to attract capital, recording $9.6 million in net inflows over the week, extending a multi-week positive trend.

Bitwise’s BSOL remained the category leader by assets. Spot XRP ETFs, meanwhile, saw mixed flows, ending the week with $40.6 million in net outflows after a sharp $53 million exit on Tuesday.

The ETF drawdowns come amid signs of shifting market dynamics on-chain. According to a CryptoQuant report, Bitcoin holders have begun realizing net losses for the first time since October 2023.

The firm noted the market has moved from a profit-taking phase into a loss-realization phase, with roughly 69,000 BTC in realized losses since Dec. 23, a pattern reminiscent of past transitions from bull to bear markets.

As the crypto markets approach the monthly close, the bears seem to be gaining the upper hand. The Bitcoin price slides below $89,000, while the Ethereum price trades near the $ 3,000 psychological barrier. In the meantime, Cardano is heading towards a make-or-break area, with the price hovering around $0.35 after a sharp pullback from the 2025 highs. 

Besides, ADA’s strength appears less convincing against Bitcoin, as ADA/BTC remains trapped in a long downtrend. The focus now is whether the ADA price can defend the $0.3 to $0.35 demand zone, a region that has previously triggered rebounds, or whether sellers may initiate a deeper retest to $0.28. 

ADA Price Enters a Decisive PhaseCardano (ADA) price is trading near $0.356 on the weekly chart after a steady slide from the 2025 highs. Price is now pressing into a well-tested demand band around $0.30–$0.35, which previously acted as a base for rebounds. This zone matters in the monthly close because holding it can stabilize sentiment and invite dip-buying, while a breakdown would signal fading confidence. Momentum has softened, but buyers still have a chance to defend the structure.

The chart shows ADA losing upside traction and drifting below the mid-range, with the green band acting as a broader trend corridor that has started to weaken. The horizontal demand block around $0.30–$0.35 is the immediate cushion, while the next major downside marker sits near $0.282. On the upside, ADA needs to reclaim $0.42 to reduce breakdown risk and shift focus back toward $0.50. The MACD remains negative, hinting that sellers still control momentum.

Cardano Relative Strength Against Bitcoin is Still WeakCardano’s ADA/BTC pair shows why ADA’s recent moves can feel weaker than they look in dollars. On the weekly chart, price is hovering near 0.0000040 BTC, still trapped inside a long, descending channel that has guided the trend since the 2021 peak. This matters in the monthly close because it reflects whether capital is rotating into ADA or staying concentrated in Bitcoin. Unless the pair stabilises and breaks its downtrend structure, ADA rallies in USD may struggle to sustain.

The chart highlights a persistent series of lower highs within the channel, keeping ADA’s relative strength capped. The current level around 0.0000040 sits near a key base, suggesting buyers are trying to defend a floor. A breakdown below this region would extend the bearish structure and signal further underperformance versus Bitcoin. For a shift in narrative, ADA/BTC needs to reclaim the channel’s midline first, then challenge the upper boundary. Until then, rebounds are likely corrective rather than trend-changing.

What’s Next for Cardano (ADA) Price?Cardano’s next move hinges on how it behaves into the monthly close around a high-stakes demand zone. On the USD chart, ADA is sitting near $0.356 and leaning on the $0.30–$0.35 support band. If buyers defend this area and ADA pushes back above $0.42, the market can start pricing in a steadier recovery toward $0.50. But if ADA loses this base—and especially if it slips under $0.282—the chart shifts from “pullback” to “breakdown,” increasing downside risk.

The bigger tell is the ADA/BTC chart. ADA remains stuck in a long downtrend near 0.0000040 BTC, meaning it still isn’t consistently beating Bitcoin. For ADA bulls, a sustainable rally likely needs relative strength to improve, not just a short-lived bounce in USD. Until then, the most realistic expectation is volatility around support, with the monthly close acting as the key signal for whether ADA stabilizes—or weakens further—into February.

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TLDR: ETHZilla purchased two CFM56-7B24 engines for $12.2M through newly formed aerospace subsidiary ETHZilla Aerospace LLC.  The company sold $114.5M worth of ETH in recent months while shares dropped 97% from their August 2024 peak levels.  Aircraft engine leasing market projected to grow from $11.17B in 2025 to $15.56B by 2031 at 5.68% annual growth rate.  First tokenized asset offerings expected Q1 2026 through partnership with regulated broker-dealer Liquidityio platform. ETHZilla has acquired two CFM56-7B24 aircraft engines for $12.2 million through a newly established aerospace subsidiary.

The Ethereum treasury company made the purchase after selling $114.5 million worth of ETH in recent months. The engines are currently under lease to a major airline.

This move aligns with the firm’s strategic shift toward tokenizing real-world assets on blockchain networks.

Strategic Acquisition Through Aerospace Subsidiary The company completed the transaction through ETHZilla Aerospace LLC, according to a Friday filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

The two engines are managed by Aero Engine Solutions under a monthly fee arrangement. The deal includes a buy-sell option agreement upon lease expiration.

Either party can require the purchase or sale of engines at $3 million each if proper condition standards are met.

The aircraft engine leasing market represents a growing sector within the aerospace industry. Airlines lease spare engines to maintain operational continuity when primary engines require maintenance or fail.

Major players like AerCap and Willis Lease Finance Corporation operate in this established market. The International Air Transport Association projects its airline members will spend approximately $2.6 billion on spare engine leases in 2025.

Market research from TechSci Research indicates strong growth potential for this sector. The global aircraft engine leasing market is expected to expand from $11.17 billion in 2025 to $15.56 billion by 2031.

This represents a compound annual growth rate of 5.68 percent. The industry currently faces a supply squeeze for large engines, creating favorable conditions for lessors.

ETHZilla’s shares have declined roughly 97 percent from their August peak amid broader crypto market pressures. The company sold $40 million in ETH during October to fund a stock buyback program.

An additional $74.5 million in Ethereum was liquidated in December for debt redemption purposes. Digital asset treasury companies have faced challenges as many trade below the net asset value of their cryptocurrency holdings.

Tokenization Pipeline Development The engine purchase appears connected to ETHZilla’s broader tokenization strategy outlined in December shareholder communications.

The company is partnering with Liquidityio, a regulated broker-dealer and SEC-registered alternative trading system.

The collaboration aims to tokenize various real-world assets, including aircraft engines, auto loans, and manufactured home loans.

ETHZilla previously acquired a 15 percent stake in Zippy, a manufactured home loan provider. The investment includes plans to tokenize those loans as compliant tradable instruments. The company also obtained equity in auto finance platform Karus with similar blockchain integration objectives.

In a post on X, the firm outlined its vision for the tokenization initiative. “We’re building a scalable tokenization pipeline across asset classes with predictable cash flows and global investor demand,” ETHZilla stated. The first tokenized asset offerings are scheduled for launch during the first quarter of 2026.

The strategy represents a pivot from pure cryptocurrency treasury management to blockchain-based asset tokenization.

ETHZilla aims to create onchain versions of traditional financial instruments with established cash flows. The regulated partnership structure addresses compliance requirements for securities offerings.

Journalist

Posted: January 25, 2026

MYX Finance [MYX] price action highlighted a decisive shift in trader behavior. Bulls steadily absorbed overhead supply, lifting price to $6.38 on the 24th of January and holding above the 7-day and 30-day SMAs.

As short-term structure improved, bears lost control and failed to trigger deeper pullbacks. That failure encouraged dip buyers to step in, reinforcing upside momentum.

Meanwhile, RSI hovered near 60, reflecting growing strength without signaling overextension. That kept traders confident rather than cautious.

Price also respected the 23.6% Fibonacci Retracement at $6.19, converting it into near-term support.

Source: TradingView

That defense signaled acceptance at higher levels, prompting traders to position for continuation rather than range rotation.

Moreover, volume spikes during impulsive candles pointed to conviction-led buying rather than short covering alone.

As a result, market participants increasingly favored trend-following setups. Going forward, bulls remained focused on reclaiming the $7.20–$7.50 resistance zone to extend price discovery.

However, $4.80–$5.00 continued to act as the key structural support anchoring broader sentiment.

Sustained Perp Volume signals capital rotation, not speculation MYX’s Perpetual Volume trend signaled a decisive shift in trader behavior. For months, volume remained stable around the $250–300 million range, reflecting steady but cautious participation.

However, the sudden spike toward the $550–600 million area marks a clear regime change.

Importantly, this expansion did not emerge from a low-activity base. Instead, it built on already consistent usage, suggesting growing engagement rather than thin, speculative bursts.

Source: DeFiLlama

As price momentum improved, traders increased position sizes, reinforcing liquidity depth. Consequently, bears struggled to fade rallies while bulls pressed continuation setups.

The v2 upgrade acted as a structural catalyst, improving execution and liquidity efficiency. That shift encouraged traders to scale positions rather than chase short-lived hype.

This dynamic pointed more toward conviction than pure FOMO. Participants appeared to respond to tighter spreads, improved structure, and rising confidence in MYX’s execution environment.

On top of that, broader capital rotation into perpetual DEXs amplified the move, especially as spot market activity slowed.

For MYX investors, this surge implied strengthening protocol relevance. Sustained high volume supported fee generation and validated long-term adoption, provided activity remained elevated beyond the impulse phase.

Can the MYX bulls reclaim the $7.50 zone? MYX price action continued to compress beneath the $7.20–$7.50 supply zone, signaling build-up rather than exhaustion.

Bulls defended higher lows along the ascending trendline, reflecting improving market structure. Meanwhile, price held above the short-term EMA, confirming dynamic support and upside bias.

Source: TradingView

As momentum stabilized, RSI remained near 60, showing strength without overextension.

That balance kept buyers active. Additionally, volume expanded on bullish candles, signaling commitment rather than reactive short covering.

For bulls to reclaim $7.50, the price must maintain higher lows and close into the resistance band with strong volume. If that occurred, momentum could extend into a higher trading range.

Final Thoughts MYX’s price action reflects conviction-led momentum, with buyers holding control above key technical levels and volume confirming acceptance at higher prices rather than short-term speculation. Perpetual volume expansion signals a structural shift in participation, supported by the v2 upgrade and capital rotation into perp DEXs, reinforcing MYX’s growing liquidity depth and protocol relevance.

Published: Jan 25, 2026 at 08:20

The XRP price has fallen below the moving average lines but found support above the key level of $1.80.

XRP long-term analysis: bearish

Since January 6, XRP has faced rejection at the $2.41 high, dropping to a low of $1.85. For the past five days, selling pressure has paused above the $1.80 support, allowing the altcoin to continue fluctuating below the moving average lines.

Yesterday, price movement has remained static below the moving average lines. On the downside, if the cryptocurrency retraces, it is expected to stay above the $1.80 support. XRP will resume its upward trend if buyers keep the price above the moving average lines.

Technical Indicators:   Resistance Levels: $2.80 and $3.00

Support levels: $1.80 and $1.60

XRP price indicators analysis

The 21-day SMA is above the 50-day SMA, which is sloping upwards, confirming the previous trend. On the 4-hour chart, the price bars are positioned between the downward-sloping moving average lines. The cryptocurrency price is trapped between the moving average lines, indicating a likely range-bound move for the coin.

What is the next direction for XRP? The XRP price has stopped declining after reaching a low of $1.85. On the 4-hour chart, the altcoin is trading above the $1.85 support level but below the moving average lines. The bullish momentum has broken the 21-day SMA but remains below $1.95. The upward trend will continue if buyers maintain the price above the moving average lines.

Disclaimer. This analysis and forecast are the personal opinions of the author. The data provided is collected by the author and is not sponsored by any company or token developer. This is not a recommendation to buy or sell cryptocurrency and should not be viewed as an endorsement by Coinidol.com. Readers should do their research before investing in funds.

TLDR: Bitcoin whales holding 1,000+ BTC accumulated 104,340 coins, marking a 1.5% increase in whale holdings total.  Daily transactions exceeding $1 million reached two-month highs, signaling active whale repositioning.  Analysis shows Bitcoin performs independently from gold with no clear evidence of sustained rotation.  Whale accumulation during consolidation historically precedes volatility as supply tightens on exchanges.  Bitcoin’s largest holders have executed a significant accumulation spree, adding over 104,000 coins to their wallets in recent activity.

This strategic positioning by whales holding at least 1,000 BTC comes amid renewed debate about the cryptocurrency’s relationship with traditional assets like gold.

The accumulation represents a 1.5% increase in holdings among this influential cohort, raising questions about potential market movements ahead.

Major Holders Execute Strategic Accumulation Wallets containing a minimum of 1,000 BTC have collectively accumulated 104,340 coins according to data from market intelligence platform Santiment.

This represents a notable shift in distribution as the largest holders increase their control over the circulating supply.

The accumulation pattern suggests coordinated confidence among institutional investors and high-net-worth participants who possess substantial market knowledge.

🐳 Large Bitcoin whales are accumulating at an encouraging pace, wallets with at least 1K $BTC have collectively accumulated 104,340 more coins (a +1.5% rise). Additionally, the amount of $1M+ daily transfers is back up to 2-month high levels.

🔗 Chart: https://t.co/CJOfiOBbWU pic.twitter.com/4loxDFtUdb

— Santiment (@santimentfeed) January 25, 2026

Transaction activity among major holders has surged to levels not witnessed in the past two months. Daily transfers exceeding $1 million have climbed back to these elevated thresholds, indicating active repositioning within the whale community.

This uptick in large-value movements typically signals preparation for potential volatility or strategic entries ahead of anticipated price action.

The timing of this accumulation phase deserves attention given current market conditions. Bitcoin has entered a consolidation period following recent price fluctuations, creating an environment where sophisticated investors often build positions with minimal market impact.

Whales have historically leveraged these quieter periods to accumulate without driving premiums.

What makes this accumulation particularly noteworthy is its scale and concentration. A 1.5% increase across the whale cohort translates to meaningful changes in available supply for other market participants.

Reduced liquidity on exchanges combined with growing whale holdings could amplify price movements when demand catalysts emerge.

Market Independence Challenges Rotation Theory While whales accumulate Bitcoin aggressively, new research from analyst Darkfost challenges prevailing narratives about capital flowing from gold into digital assets.

Using 180-day moving averages as benchmarks, the analysis examined periods when Bitcoin outperformed gold and vice versa.

The results showed nearly equal distribution between positive and negative signals, contradicting expectations of sustained rotation.

Throughout this cycle, many have talked about a rotation of capital from gold into Bitcoin.

Well, those people are still waiting…

📊 This chart illustrates periods where BTC outperforms or underperforms depending on gold’s trend.

It provides two signals :

🟢 Positive = BTC >… pic.twitter.com/nKWKUry9F7

— Darkfost (@Darkfost_Coc) January 24, 2026

The study reveals that Bitcoin continues evolving independently without clear evidence of systematic capital migration from precious metals.

Market participants anticipating a definitive shift from gold to Bitcoin have found limited support in the data. This independence suggests both assets serve distinct purposes within investment portfolios rather than competing directly for the same capital.

Even during periods when Bitcoin trades above its 180-day moving average while gold trades below, establishing causation remains problematic.

Multiple macroeconomic factors influence both assets simultaneously through different transmission mechanisms. Interest rate policies, currency fluctuations, and risk sentiment affect gold and Bitcoin via separate channels that rarely align perfectly.

The absence of clear correlation carries implications for understanding current whale accumulation. If Bitcoin operates independently from gold, the recent buying activity likely responds to cryptocurrency-specific catalysts rather than broader safe-haven rotation dynamics.

This could include anticipated regulatory developments, institutional adoption trends, or technical setup expectations unique to digital asset markets.

Looking ahead, the combination of whale accumulation and asset independence creates an uncertain outlook. On one hand, concentrated buying by informed participants historically precedes upward price pressure as supply tightens.

On the other hand, the lack of supportive rotation from traditional assets means Bitcoin must generate its own demand catalysts to justify higher valuations.

Market observers will monitor whether this accumulation represents conviction in near-term appreciation or simply opportunistic positioning during consolidation.