Market Signal Briefing

Sun, 25/01/2026 - 8:59

Retail investors are doubling down on a major XRP comeback in 2026 despite the token struggling to find its footing.

Cover image via U.Today Retail investors are placing bets on the XRP token staging a significant comeback in 2026. 

There is a 73% chance of the Ripple-affiliated token breaking the $2.75 price level before the end of the current year, accordiong to the data from Robinhood Derivatives shows that

The data in question comes from Robinhood’s "Event Contracts," which is a binary options product that makes it possible to speculate on specific outcomes. 

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A path to $3.00?Can XRP reclaim the $3 level? The market views a move above $3.00 as a literal coin flip, with contracts trading at roughly 53¢ (53% chance).

Even a push to $3.25 retains significant support, trading at 44¢. Nearly half the market believes XRP can pull off a massive price surge to the $3 range.

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These "event contracts" are binary in nature. Traders buy a contract for a price between $0.01 and $0.99. If XRP hits the target price by the Dec. 31, 2026, deadline, the contract settles at $1.00. If the target is missed, the contract expires worthless.

XRP's price performance The popular altcoin has experienced a devastating retrace during the first month of the year. 

The Ripple-linked token began the year with strong bullish momentum, opening around the $1.95–$2.00 level.

Buying pressure accelerated in the first week. The token eventually reached a year-to-date high of approximately $2.40. 

However, the trend reversed violently immediately after hitting the $2.40 peak. 

The price sliced back through the psychological $2.10 and $2.00 support zones without much resistance.

As of January 25, XRP is trading at $1.8942, which means it has erased 100% of its gains for 2026. 

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What are the implications in terms of cycle development?

For the first time in more than two years, Bitcoin holders are realizing losses on their investment in the leading digital asset. This change in dynamics comes as BTC and the broader crypto market are believed to be on the brink of a bear cycle.

According to a weekly CryptoQuant report, Bitcoin holders have not seen this shift since October 2023. The negative turn in profit dynamics has dominated the past 30 days.

Bitcoin Sees Change in Profit Dynamics CryptoQuant said Bitcoin holders have realized losses accumulating to 69,000 BTC since December 23. This is the first time network participants have realized net losses in a 30-day period since October 2023.

The Bitcoin network has witnessed a decline in realized profits since March 2024. The plunge came with prices losing momentum as the bull phase came to an end. Analysts found similarities between the current market dynamic and the 2021-2022 bull cycle. After realized net profits peaked in January 2021, they began to decline. February and November 2021 saw a series of lower local tops, followed by net losses. Notably, BTC holders realized lower net profits at higher prices at the time.

Following a similar trend, realized net profits peaked in January 2024. Since then, there have been a series of lower peaks in December 2024, July, and October 2025. Currently, the profit margin has turned negative, and holders are realizing net losses.

Early-stage Bear Market Signs Bitcoin net realized profits have fallen from 4.4 million BTC in October 2025 to 2.5 million BTC currently, a level not seen since March 2024. Analysts said this level is similar to that seen in March 2022, during the early stages of the last bear market.

Interestingly, current net realized losses are also following patterns similar to trends seen in March 2022. At the time, the bear market was already underway, and bitcoin’s price had lost its momentum. Considering investor sentiment and speculation surrounding the market, this dynamic confirms that the bear market has indeed begun.

You may also like: $47M Bitcoin Vanishes From South Korean Prosecutors’ Custody in Shocking Seizure Mishap GoMining Survey Shows 55% of Bitcoiners Never Use it for Real-World Payments Bitcoin Price in the Crosshairs Again as Trump Threatens Canada With 100% Tariffs Analysts have confirmed that most on-chain metrics and profit dynamics are consistent with early-stage bear market conditions. Last week, CryptoPotato reported that bitcoin’s demand conditions had improved; however, the improvement did not trigger any significant changes. There are no remarkable shifts in demand from exchange-traded funds or spot indicators. Instead, demand has contracted over the past 30 days.

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TLDR: Russia designated WhiteBit and parent company W Group as undesirable organizations under new ruling. Exchange management allegedly transferred $11 million to Ukraine’s armed forces, including $0.9M for drone purchases. WhiteBit accused of running gray schemes that enabled illegal withdrawal of funds from Russia’s borders. Platform reportedly provides technical infrastructure support to United24’s cryptocurrency donation system. WhiteBit, a prominent Ukrainian cryptocurrency exchange, has been classified as an undesirable organization by Russia’s Prosecutor General. 

The designation extends to W Group, the exchange’s parent company, and all associated affiliates. 

Russian authorities allege the platform facilitated illegal fund transfers from Russia and provided financial support to Ukraine’s military operations. The action represents another escalation in the ongoing tension between the two nations.

Exchange Accused of Facilitating Illegal Fund Transfers Russia’s Prosecutor General’s Office claims WhiteBit enabled various unauthorized transactions through its platform. These activities allegedly included gray schemes designed to move money out of Russian territory.

The supervisory authority maintains that such operations violated current regulations governing financial transactions.

The designation affects not only WhiteBit but also encompasses W Group and its subsidiaries. Russian law enforcement believes the group’s websites served as channels for questionable financial activities. 

Russia’s Prosecutor General has designated Ukrainian crypto exchange WhiteBit as an “undesirable organization,” alleging it was used to illegally move funds out of Russia and to finance Ukraine’s armed forces. The designation also covers WhiteBit’s parent company W Group and its…

— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) January 25, 2026

The platforms allegedly processed transactions that circumvented established legal frameworks. Such accusations form the basis of the undesirable organization classification.

WhiteBit began operations in 2018 under the leadership of Ukrainian entrepreneurs. The exchange has grown substantially since its inception. 

Platform operators claim their user base exceeds 8 million individuals across various markets. Daily trading volumes reportedly reach $11 billion on spot markets and $40 billion on futures markets.

The exchange operates without registration in Russia under current cryptocurrency regulations. Russian authorities maintain that no crypto exchanges hold proper registration within their jurisdiction. 

The Bank of Russia continues working on legislative amendments to regulate exchanges and crypto exchangers. These regulatory changes are expected to be finalized by July 1.

Alleged Military Support and Donation Platform Cooperation Russian authorities assert WhiteBit’s management transferred approximately $11 million to Ukraine since 2022. The funds allegedly supported various military initiatives undertaken by Ukrainian forces.

 Among these transfers, roughly $0.9 million reportedly went toward drone procurement. These claims form a central component of the Prosecutor General’s justification for the designation.

The Russian agency also highlighted WhiteBit’s partnership with Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This cooperation allegedly involved technical assistance to the United24 fundraising platform. 

United24 operates as a donation channel accepting cryptocurrency contributions for Ukrainian needs. The platform collects digital assets to support various national initiatives.

Law enforcement officials believe WhiteBit provides ongoing technical infrastructure support to United24. This arrangement enables the fundraising platform to process cryptocurrency donations efficiently. 

The collaboration between the exchange and government-affiliated entities raised concerns among Russian authorities. Such connections contributed to the decision to label the organization as undesirable.

Starting July 1, 2027, the Central Bank of the Russian Federation plans to implement penalties for unauthorized cryptocurrency intermediary activities. 

These measures aim to establish accountability for platforms operating outside regulatory frameworks. 

The initiative reflects broader efforts to control cryptocurrency-related operations within Russian borders. Authorities continue developing comprehensive oversight mechanisms for the digital asset sector.

Cover image via U.Today Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by our writers are their own and do not represent the views of U.Today. The financial and market information provided on U.Today is intended for informational purposes only. U.Today is not liable for any financial losses incurred while trading cryptocurrencies. Conduct your own research by contacting financial experts before making any investment decisions. We believe that all content is accurate as of the date of publication, but certain offers mentioned may no longer be available.

XRP trading volumes have plunged 52% in the last 24 hours as traders paused to assess the next move at the start of a new week.

XRP trading volumes came in at $1.06 billion, a 52% drop from the past day, according to CoinMarketCap data, suggesting lower activity.

The drop in volumes follows a broader trend in the crypto sector as analysts note a flat market often occurring on Sundays.

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According to Maartunn, a community analyst at CryptoQuant, typically Sundays are just flat, while he referred to the previous Sunday as "dead." While this might suggest lesser activity, Maartunn sounds a note of caution, volatility might come out of nowhere. "Don’t sleep on it, be prepared in case volatility kicks in," the analyst said.

XRP price actionAt the time of writing, XRP was down 1.15% in the last 24 hours to $1.81 as the crypto market saw selling pressure early Sunday session.

The cryptocurrency is down 7.82% in the last seven days amid continued profit taking in the market, aided by macro concerns.

XRP has steadily declined since reaching a high of $2.41 at the year's start. Since Jan. 6, XRP has only spent two days in the green, closing all other days in losses. The cryptocurrency subsequently lost the $2 level, which coincides with the daily MA 50, trading below it since Jan. 19.

The first task for bulls will be to regain the daily MA 50 and convert it into support. If this is done, XRP might target $2.18 and $2.41 next. Meanwhile, support is expected at $1.85 if selling pressure persists in the market.

What's coming?Five fix amendments are set to be activated on the XRP Ledger mainnet this week, with the impact of the fix upgrades ranging from AMM, token escrows, clawback feature and the overall network efficiency.

According to xrpscan data, five fix amendments included in XRPL version 3.0.0 are set to be activated on the XRP Ledger mainnet with the current countdown now 2 days 13 hours from now, with a potential date being Tuesday, Jan. 27.

These amendments include fixTokenEscrowV1, fixIncludeKeyletFields, fixMPTDeliveredAmount, fixAMMClawbackRounding and fixPriceOracleOrder.

Original U.Today article

Sun, 25/01/2026 - 9:46

Does the rate of SHIB have enough strength to drop to the $0.0000070 zone?

Cover image via U.Today Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by our writers are their own and do not represent the views of U.Today. The financial and market information provided on U.Today is intended for informational purposes only. U.Today is not liable for any financial losses incurred while trading cryptocurrencies. Conduct your own research by contacting financial experts before making any investment decisions. We believe that all content is accurate as of the date of publication, but certain offers mentioned may no longer be available.

The market is going down on the last day of the week, according to CoinMarketCap.

Top coins by CoinMarketCapSHIB/USDThe rate of SHIB has declined by 2% over the last 24 hours.

Image by TradingViewOn the hourly chart, the price of SHIB is falling after a breakout of the local support at $0.00000774. If the situation does not change by the end of the day, one can expect a test of the $0.00000760-$0.00000770 range soon.

Image by TradingViewOn the bigger time frame, the picture is also bearish. The rate is on the way to the support at $0.00000765.

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If a breakout happens, the accumulated energy might be enough for an ongoing drop to the $0.00000750 zone.

Image by TradingViewOn the bigger time frame, the price of SHIB is approaching the support at $0.00000678. If bulls cannot seize the initiative, traders may witness a test of the $0.0000060-$0.0000070 range next month.

SHIB is trading at $0.00000774 at press time.

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Nigeria has faced a significant setback in its effort to regulate its crypto industry after one of the companies participating in the sandbox halted its peer-to-peer (P2P) services. The company, which recently earned a provisional license, released a statement halting the service after five months of launching it.

The move comes as Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) tightens oversight of the crypto industry under its Accelerated Regulatory Incubation Program (ARIP). ARIP is a sandbox program designed to help crypto exchanges in the country transition from a largely informal market into a regulated industry. This way, the exchanges are integrated into Nigeria’s capital markets framework.

Nigeria faces challenges in its move to regulate the crypto industry According to its statement, Quidax claimed that the decision to halt its peer-to-peer (P2P) services was a result of user preference. Quidax informed users via email that its P2P marketplace would be shut down, removing ads, merchant chats, and other services. The exchange claimed that while it is shutting down its P2P marketplace and other services, products, including instant swaps and order book trading, would continue to operate without issues.

P2P trading has long been one of the most controversial segments of the crypto economy of Nigeria. It enables users to buy and sell digital assets directly with one another, while settling transactions through bank transfers offline. The structure has made P2P a liquidity channel, but also another headache for regulators. Analysts and experts have noted that regulating the marketplace will show the practical limits of what regulators are currently willing/able to do when it comes to the crypto industry.

While it remains very active, there have been a lot of issues concerning the service and other vices being carried out by users acting as merchants on several exchanges. In 2024, the SEC raised concerns about P2P crypto markets. The regulator highlighted several issues, including opaque transaction flows, difficulties in monitoring off-platform settlements, and the risks of exchange rate manipulation on platforms. The Nigerian regulator also noted the issue of foreign P2P platforms operating in legal grey areas in the country.

Platform licensing slows as regulators move to determine readiness According to reports, Quidax was supposed to correct all the issues and risks with its P2P service. Rather than allow P2P activity spill into informal channels, the exchange was supposed to create an internal structure that would put the service within a controlled and regulated environment. Users who sign up to become merchants would have to complete a full verification process, which includes a level 3 know-your-customer verification, two-factor authentication, and a minimum participation history. The applications were reviewed by Quidax, and approved merchants were awarded special badges.

Despite the slight success of the program and the safeguards put in place, the feature has now been discontinued, suggesting that the Nigerian regulator might even be looking into stricter models to control P2P in the future. The timing of Quidax’s announcement came at a time when things related to licensing have slowed. The exchange and fellow competitor Busha were expected to transition into full crypto licenses by August 2025, but things have since stalled, with the Nigerian regulator pausing approvals to determine its readiness.

Meanwhile, the crypto regulation in Nigeria is becoming more demanding. Earlier this year, the SEC raised minimum capital requirements for crypto platforms, slamming a N2 billion minimum balance on the platforms. Under the Investment and Securities Act (2025), digital assets are now classified as securities, bringing crypto activities under capital markets regulation. In addition, the Nigerian government recently sought to include the crypto population in its new tax regime.

The Nigerian government recently ordered crypto platforms to mandate their users to include their tax identification number in their accounts. While P2P platforms have not been provided with a standalone regulation, they are now treated as a Digital Assets Intermediary and are expected to maintain a minimum capital of N500 million. In a case where crypto services mix with P2P services, then the burdens are expected to increase.

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Explore how differences in cost, risk, and global diversification set these two international ETFs apart for investors.

Both Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:VWO) and iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF (NASDAQ:ACWX) target international stocks, but their approaches diverge. VWO is dedicated to emerging markets, focusing on companies in countries such as China, Brazil, and Taiwan. ACWX, meanwhile, includes both developed and emerging non-U.S. equities, making it a more globally diversified option. This analysis compares their cost, performance, risk, and portfolio composition to help investors weigh which may better match individual goals.

Snapshot (cost & size)MetricVWOACWXIssuerVanguardISharesExpense ratio0.07%0.32%1-yr return (as of Jan. 25, 2026)28.53%31.86%Dividend yield2.64%2.7%Beta0.560.74AUM$112.62 billion$8.53 billionBeta measures price volatility relative to the S&P 500; beta is calculated from five-year weekly returns. The 1-yr return represents total return over the trailing 12 months.

VWO has a considerably lower expense ratio, while both funds currently offer identical dividend yields.

Performance & risk comparisonMetricVWOACWXMax drawdown (5 y)-34.31%-30.06%Growth of $1,000 over 5 years$1,069$1,267What's insideLaunched nearly 18 years ago, ACWX tracks non-U.S. large- and mid-cap stocks, holding 1,796 companies across developed and emerging markets, with a portfolio tilt toward financial services, industrials, and technology. The largest positions are Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (2330.TW), Tencent Holdings Ltd. (0700.HK), and ASML Holding N.V. (AMS:ASML).

By contrast, VWO tilts toward emerging markets, with substantial stakes in technology, financial services, and consumer cyclical sectors. Its largest positions are Taiwan Semiconductor (commonly referred to as TSMC), Tencent, and Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. (9988.HK). TSMC alone makes up over 10% of the fund’s assets. This concentration may introduce greater volatility than ACWI’s broader diversification.

What this means for investorsWith both ETFs holding little to no U.S. stocks, investors based in the U.S. should be aware of the risks associated with investing in these ETFs compared to U.S.-centered funds.

International stocks can move very differently from American stocks and exhibit volatility that U.S. investors may not be used to, as those foreign stocks may move more closely in line with the relevant country’s economic and political structures and events.

Most of the top holdings of both ACWI and VWO are companies based in Asia. U.S. investors may want to keep an eye on relevant data and events in the relevant foreign country or continent to better understand the companies and the stock associated with each ETF.

It is also important to note that ACWI pays its dividends semi-annually, while VWO pays quarterly. Investors should consider how often they want to receive dividends throughout the year.

GlossaryETF: Exchange-traded fund that holds a basket of assets and trades like a stock on exchanges.
Expense ratio: Annual fund operating costs expressed as a percentage of the fund's average assets.
Dividend yield: Annual dividends paid by a fund divided by its current share price, shown as a percentage.
Beta: Measure of how volatile an investment is compared with a benchmark index, often the S&P 500.
AUM: Assets under management; the total market value of all assets a fund manages.
Max drawdown: The largest peak-to-trough decline in an investment's value over a specific period.
Total return: Investment performance including price changes plus all dividends and distributions, assuming reinvestment.
Emerging markets: Economies transitioning toward developed status, often with faster growth and higher investment risk.
Developed markets: Economies with mature financial systems, higher incomes, and more established regulatory frameworks.
Sector exposure: The percentage of a fund's assets invested in specific industries, such as technology or financials.
Index fund: Fund designed to track the performance of a specific market index by holding similar securities.
Large-cap and mid-cap stocks: Shares of companies with large or medium market values, typically more established businesses.

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

This semiconductor and networking specialist is increasingly the chip of choice for artificial intelligence (AI) processing in the data center space.

The dawn of artificial intelligence (AI) saw Nvidia (NVDA +1.53%) take the pole position, as its graphics processing units (GPUs) provided the computational horsepower necessary to handle the rigors of AI. The stock has risen 1,160% since early 2023, fueled by unprecedented demand for its AI-centric chips.

However, 2025 saw a changing of the guard. Broadcom (AVGO 1.61%) stock outpaced Nvidia, rising 49% compared to 39% gains for Nvidia. Let's take a look at what's driving Broadcom higher and why I predict we could see a repeat performance in 2026.

Image source: Getty Images.

The next big winner The speed and flexibility offered by GPUs made them the go-to for AI training and inference in the early days of the AI boom, but priorities have begun to shift. While Nvidia's chips are still best in class and demand remains high, the sheer magnitude of energy consumption has become a consideration.

That's where Broadcom's application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) come in. These specialized AI chips can be customized, making them more energy-efficient for specific, repetitive tasks. As a result, data center and cloud operators are shifting the mix of their AI-capable chips, substituting Broadcom's ASICs for a portion of their GPUs to save energy and, ultimately, money. The trade-off is that these ASICs don't offer the same level of flexibility as GPUs, which can be deployed for a wide variety of high-performance computing tasks.

In the fourth quarter, Broadcom generated record revenue that accelerated 28% year over year to $18 billion, driving adjusted earnings per share (EPS) that jumped 37% to $1.95. The company left no doubt that AI was fueling the results, as its AI semiconductor revenue accelerated 74% year over year to $6.5 billion.

Management expects its AI-driven growth to continue. Broadcom's first-quarter forecast calls for AI semiconductor growth of over 100% to $8.2 billion, fueled by demand for AI accelerators and Ethernet AI switches.

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Don't take my word for it Ark Invest founder and CEO Cathie Wood just released the firm's Big Ideas 2026 report, which examines disruptive and groundbreaking technologies. In the report, Wood lays out the case for ASICs:

Our research suggests that ASICs designed by companies like Broadcom ... will continue to take share as AI labs and hyperscalers search for cost-effective compute.

In short, Wood predicts that Broadcom will continue to "chip" away at Nvidia's share of the AI data center market. Furthermore, the report states that AI infrastructure investment (read "data centers") could exceed $1.4 trillion by 2030, which helps illustrate the magnitude of the opportunity.

Perhaps more intriguing is the company's valuation. Broadcom stock is currently trading at 31 times forward earnings, cheaper than Nvidia's multiple of 39. While that's still a premium, these AI chipmakers are leaders in the AI chip space, which is expected to drive their growth for years to come. That's why I own both.

That said, I predict that Broadcom stock will outpace Nvidia in 2026.

Wall Street expects the company to gain about 25% this year.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM +2.29%) is coming off another solid year, gaining 54% in 2025. It has many tailwinds and an excellent business model, and Wall Street rates it a buy -- with 98% of 49 covering analysts calling it one.

However, the average consensus target price is $408.50, or a 25% increase over the next 12 to 18 months. While that might sound encouraging, I think Wall Street is wrong; I think TSMC can go much higher.

Image source: Taiwan Semiconductor.

AI needs TSMC TSMC is a foundry, and it makes the semiconductors that drive much of today's technology, from smartphones and autonomous vehicles to the all-important artificial intelligence (AI). The company works with nearly every high-profile AI developer, counting names like Nvidia, Amazon, and Apple as clients. It's not the only game in town, but TSMC has the dominant position, and its partners rely on it to keep their platforms competitive.

Companies like Amazon, Meta Platforms, and Alphabet all said they were planning to increase their AI spend this year, which altogether equals several hundred billion dollars. TSMC is also raising its capital expenditure (capex) spend to meet this increasing demand, and management said that increased spend correlated with increasing opportunities. It's guiding for sales to increase 30% in 2026.

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The stock will follow the results A stock could move based on a variety of factors, and sometimes it doesn't seem to make logical sense; that's what often creates opportunities for astute investors.

However, in general, a stock moves along with performance. Wall Street has certain expectations for each company, and how well the company grows as well as how well it meets expectations will generally dictate where the stock goes. That's where valuation fits in, since the higher a company's earnings, for example, the higher the stock can grow without exceeding a reasonable P/E ratio.

In TSMC's case, it trades at a P/E ratio of 31, which is quite attractive for a company growing as fast as it is and with as many opportunities. The stock has gained 54% over the past year while the P/E ratio has remained essentially flat.

TSM data by YCharts

That means it should easily jump higher with increased sales and earnings.

Wall Street expects 2026 earnings per share (EPS) of $13.05 on average, up from $10.65 in 2025, a 23% increase. It's also looking for a 31% increase in sales, in line with management's guidance. However, the company beat on EPS for the past four quarters, and by quite a bit, including $0.16 in the fourth quarter.

The highest price target for TSMC stock is $520, which is 59% higher than today's price, and I think there's a good chance that it can reach that price over the next 12 to 18 months.

Jennifer Saibil has positions in Apple and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta Platforms, Nvidia, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Tesla's stock outlook hinges on the rollout of its robotaxi and its regulatory approvals. Management's ambitious projections often face delays and skepticism.

HomeStock IdeasLong IdeasConsumer 

SummaryDuolingo is a highly profitable, rapidly growing leader in online language learning, now trading at a bargain valuation for the first time since its IPO.AI is an accelerator for DUOL, enhancing its product and growth opportunities, while its first-mover advantage and gamified platform create a strong moat against competition.Adjusted EV/FCF of 36.5, paired with 38% top line and 86% FCF growth for 2025, positions DUOL as cheaper and faster-growing than comparable tech peers.stockcam/iStock Unreleased via Getty Images

Introduction Duolingo (DUOL) is the leader in language teaching and a household name that needs no introduction. As a highly profitable and rapidly growing consumer tech app, Duolingo has long enjoyed a large premium. That has finally

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

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

Global betting companies are increasingly looking to secure a foothold in Africa's fast-growing gambling market. Super Group has been among those moving early and investing heavily in the continent.

Explore how sector focus and risk profiles set these two popular ETFs apart for investors seeking either growth or stability.

The Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF (VOOG +0.40%) and the SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust (DIA 0.56%)are both large, highly liquid U.S. equity ETFs, but they take distinct approaches.

While VOOG tracks the S&P 500 Growth Index, emphasizing fast-growing companies, the Dow Jones Industrial Average represents 30 established blue chip stocks.

This comparison highlights where their strategies, costs, and risk profiles diverge for investors weighing growth versus blue chip stability.

Snapshot (cost & size)MetricVOOGDIAIssuerVanguardSPDRExpense ratio0.07%0.16%1-yr return (as of Jan. 19, 2026)19.31%13.50%Dividend yield0.49%1.43%AUM$22 billion$44 billionBeta (5Y monthly)1.080.89Beta measures price volatility relative to the S&P 500. The 1-yr return represents total return over the trailing 12 months.

VOOG is more affordable on fees, with an expense ratio less than half that of DIA. However, DIA’s significantly higher dividend yield may appeal to income-focused investors.

Performance & risk comparisonMetricVOOGDIAMax drawdown (5 y)-32.74%-20.75%Growth of $1,000 over 5 years$1,965$1,601What's insideDIA tracks the Dow Jones Industrial Average, holding just 30 blue chip U.S. companies and offering exposure heavily tilted toward financial services (making up 28% of assets), technology (20%), and industrials (15%).

Its largest positions include Goldman Sachs, Caterpillar, and Microsoft. With a 28-year track record and roughly $44 billion in assets under management (AUM), DIA is a long-established, highly liquid ETF, with no notable structural quirks or leverage resets.

VOOG, meanwhile, tracks the S&P 500 Growth Index and holds 140 stocks, heavily weighted toward technology (49%), with communication services and financial services also heavily represented.

Its top holdings are Nvidia, Apple, and Microsoft. Compared to DIA, VOOG is more concentrated in high-growth tech names and has a broader roster of holdings, leading to different sector and risk profiles.

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

What this means for investorsBoth VOOG and DIA target major indexes. VOOG contains growth stocks within the S&P 500, while DIA focuses on the Dow Jones Industrial Average.

VOOG is far broader, with nearly five times as many holdings as DIA. However, it’s also much more targeted toward technology stocks. Tech makes up close to half of VOOG’s portfolio, compared to just 20% for DIA.

Tech stocks often experience greater volatility than more established industries, as evidenced by VOOG’s higher beta and much deeper max drawdown. However, tech can also be more lucrative, as seen with VOOG’s higher one- and five-year total returns compared to DIA.

Those willing to take on more risk for greater earning potential may prefer VOOG, while investors seeking a more stable ETF might opt for DIA.

The two funds also have distinct advantages in terms of fees and dividend income. DIA charges more than double the fees of VOOG, with an expense ratio of 0.16% compared to 0.07%. This means investors will pay $16 or $7 per year in fees, respectively, for every $10,000 invested.

Despite its higher fee, DIA has the edge with a much higher dividend yield. For those seeking long-term passive income, this fund’s relative stability and higher dividend yield could be a selling point.

GlossaryETF (Exchange-traded fund): A fund holding a basket of securities that trades on an exchange like a stock.
Index: A rules-based basket of securities used to track and measure a segment of the market.
Expense ratio: Annual fund operating costs expressed as a percentage of the assets you invest.
Dividend yield: Annual dividends paid by a fund or stock divided by its current share price.
Total return: Investment performance including price changes plus all dividends and distributions, assuming reinvestment.
Beta: A measure of an investment’s volatility compared with a benchmark index, often the S&P 500.
Max drawdown: The largest peak-to-trough decline in value over a specified period.
AUM (Assets under management): Total market value of all assets a fund or manager oversees.
Blue-chip: Shares of large, established companies with stable earnings and strong reputations.
Sector weighting: The percentage of a fund’s assets invested in each industry sector.
Growth investing: Strategy focusing on companies expected to grow earnings or revenues faster than the market.
Liquidity (in ETFs): How easily ETF shares can be bought or sold without significantly affecting their price.

BlackRock and Vanguard are both known to be heavy investors in the bond market. How do their bond funds stack up against each other?

This comparison looks at two leading U.S. bond market ETFs: Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND +0.11%) and iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (AGG +0.09%). Both aim to provide broad, investment-grade exposure to taxable U.S. bonds, making them core options for investors seeking income and portfolio diversification.

Snapshot (cost & size)MetricBNDAGGIssuerVanguardISharesExpense ratio0.03%0.03%1-yr return (as of Jan. 24, 2026)3.11%3.2%Dividend yield3.85%3.88%Beta0.270.27AUM$384.63 billion$136.5 billionBeta measures price volatility relative to the S&P 500; beta is calculated from five-year weekly returns. The 1-yr return represents total return over the trailing 12 months.

BND and AGG have similar expense ratios and dividend yields, but AGG actually pays considerably more in dividends, because its current price per share is $100.11 (as of Jan. 24, 2026), while BND’s is $74.25.

Performance & risk comparisonMetricBNDAGGMax drawdown (5 y)-17.93%-17.83%Growth of $1,000 over 5 years$852$857What's insideWith a 22-year track record, AGG is an established ETF that tracks the total U.S. investment-grade bond market, with 13,067 holdings. About 74% of the ETF’s holdings are AA-rated bonds, the second-highest rating a bond can receive for safety from debt default.

BND is very similar to AGG, as both ETFs have around 50% of their total bond holdings comprised of U.S. government bonds. However, approximately 72% of BND’s bonds are AAA-rated, the highest rating.

What this means for investorsWith BND having a higher concentration of higher-rated bonds, it will be a less risky investment because it’s tied to bonds that are less likely to default. AGG, on the other hand, has more lower-rated bonds that have more potential to default, but there’s also more potential for yields to compensate for the increased risk it carries. Although AA bonds are very unlikely to default, so the risk gap isn’t significant.

When choosing between these two ETFs, it’s more about whether investors prefer a higher-risk/higher-reward approach to the bond market or a safer one.

Regardless, investors have to exercise more patience with bond ETFs, as the bond market arguably experienced its worst year in U.S. history in 2022, and it has been a slow climb back up in prices since then. Also, both ETFs pay dividends monthly, which may be a positive for investors who prefer more frequent payouts than the common quarterly frequency.

GlossaryETF (Exchange-traded fund): A fund that trades on stock exchanges, holding a basket of underlying assets like bonds or stocks.
Expense ratio: Annual fund operating costs expressed as a percentage of the fund’s average assets.
Dividend yield: Annual cash distributions from a fund divided by its current share price, shown as a percentage.
Assets under management (AUM): The total market value of all assets managed within a fund or investment product.
Beta: A measure of how much an investment’s price moves relative to a benchmark, often the S&P 500.
Max drawdown: The largest peak-to-trough decline in an investment’s value over a specific period.
Total return: Overall investment performance including price changes plus all interest and dividend payments, assuming reinvestment.
Investment-grade bonds: Bonds rated as relatively low risk of default by major credit rating agencies.
Yield: The income generated by a bond or fund, usually expressed as an annual percentage of its price.
Diversification: Spreading investments across many securities to reduce the impact of any single holding’s performance.
Taxable bond: A bond whose interest payments are subject to federal income tax, and sometimes state or local taxes.
Inflation-protected bonds: Bonds whose principal and interest payments adjust with inflation, helping preserve purchasing power.

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

Investing in cryptocurrencies can be tricky, but these ETFs may make it simpler for investors to get involved in the booming market.

Both the Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC +0.12%) and CoinShares Bitcoin Mining ETF (WGMI +4.71%) offer exposure to Bitcoin (BTC 1.00%), but their approaches differ: FBTC tracks spot Bitcoin itself, while WGMI holds shares of companies tied to Bitcoin mining and infrastructure. This comparison unpacks their costs, performance, risks, and what’s inside to help clarify which ETF may appeal to a crypto-focused portfolio.

Snapshot (cost & size) MetricFBTCWGMIIssuerFidelityCoinSharesExpense ratio0.25%0.75%1-yr return (as of Jan. 24, 2026)-14.53%92.48%AUM$17.41 billion$341.93 millionBeta measures price volatility relative to the S&P 500; beta is calculated from five-year weekly returns. The 1-yr return represents total return over the trailing 12 months.

WGMI has a higher expense ratio, but it has shown significant price gains over the last 12 months, while FBTC has fallen in price.

Performance & risk comparisonMetricFBTCWGMIMax drawdown (2 y)-32.64%-62.79%Growth of $1,000 over 2 years$1,922$2,604What's insideWGMI currently invests in 25 companies, primarily in the technology sector. Its top holdings include IREN Ltd. (IREN +8.30%), Cipher Mining (CIFR +1.03%), and Hut 8 Corp. (HUT +5.62%) The fund has been trading for nearly four years and has increased in price by approximately 87.56% within that span.

FBTC, by contrast, is a single-asset trust that tracks the daily price of BTC using a Bitcoin price feed. Barely two years old, the ETF’s price has risen 85.57% since its inception.

What this means for investorsAs with most cryptocurrencies, investors must be aware of the risks associated with crypto-related ETFs. FBTC especially carries a higher risk because it’s been on the market for only 2 years and holds BTC solely. So the fund’s price can be highly volatile and reliant on the coin’s success, as cryptocurrencies are generally more volatile than stocks.

And while WGMI’s holdings are actual stocks, many of its top holdings are tied to the crypto market, so it can carry a higher risk than many other ETFs.

It should also be noted that no beta measurement is provided for either ETF. The beta measures price volatility relative to the S&P 500, and is often calculated from five-year weekly returns. And since both funds are less than five years old, that type of measurement isn’t applicable at the moment. They also don’t offer dividends.

What’s interesting with WGMI is that it may gradually become less of a Bitcoin mining ETF, as many mining companies, including those in the ETF, are actively transitioning to or incorporating high-performance computing (HPC) and AI data center operations.

Common reasons for transitions include diversifying revenue streams and/or moving away from mining, which has become increasingly controversial due to concerns about environmental impact. So if investors don’t mind the transition that WGMI is undergoing, it’s still a great option for indirect exposure to crypto.

GlossaryETF (Exchange-traded fund): A fund that trades on stock exchanges like a stock, holding a basket of assets.
Spot bitcoin ETF: An ETF that holds actual bitcoin, aiming to track its market price directly.
Bitcoin mining: The process of validating bitcoin transactions and creating new coins using specialized computing hardware.
Crypto-infrastructure companies: Businesses providing hardware, software, or services that support cryptocurrency networks and mining operations.
Expense ratio: Annual fund operating costs expressed as a percentage of the fund’s average assets.
Assets under management (AUM): The total market value of assets a fund or manager oversees for investors.
1-year return: The fund’s total percentage gain or loss over the most recent 12-month period.
Total return: Investment performance including price changes plus any income or distributions, assuming reinvestment.
Beta: A measure of an investment’s volatility compared with a benchmark index, typically the S&P 500.
Max drawdown: The largest peak-to-trough percentage loss over a specified time period.
Volatility: The degree to which an investment’s price moves up and down over time.
Diversification: Spreading investments across different assets to reduce the impact of any single holding’s performance.

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

Palantir has recently been a top performer, with shares up 130% over the last 12 months. The company will need to overcome rising competition and a high valuation to stay relevant.

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

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

Journalist

Posted: January 25, 2026

Render [RENDER] saw a good start to 2026. It saw a price growth of 85% in the first week of January, far outstripping its artificial sector peers Chainlink [LINK] and Bittensor [TAO].

Since then, the Open Interest has tailed off by nearly 30%, Coinalyze data showed. While the breakout past the psychological $2 former resistance was encouraging, the price has come back to the same demand zone.

A recent AMBCrypto report measured the on-chain metrics of RENDER against another AI token, Artificial Superintelligence Alliance [FET]. The report found that Render metrics did not measure favorably to FET.

Moreover, the longer-term downtrend on the price chart remained unbroken.

Can RENDER bulls turn this situation around?

Source: RENDER/USDT on TradingView

The positive signs were there. The OBV made a new high when RENDER rallied to $2.71 two weeks ago, showing buyers were dominant in the market. The daily RSI also remained above neutral 50, showing upward momentum was not fully expunged by the retracement.

While the indicators and the stability above $2 in recent days were promising, they also warned of a precarious position for the bulls. The $2.94 swing high from November was not breached during the recent rally, which meant the long-term downtrend was unbroken.

Why traders should wait for a dip The liquidation map showed that the cumulative short liquidation leverage nearby could drag prices lower. The $1.86-$1.88 area could be a key short-term liquidity target that RENDER prices would be drawn to.

This area lies within the higher timeframe former supply zone from $1.68-$1.86 from November.

Therefore, traders can wait for a sweep of this region before looking to buy Render tokens. The cumulative long liquidation leverage above $2.15 could attract prices higher after a dip toward $1.80.

Final Thoughts Render’s early January rally measured just over 85%, but the token was unable to shift the 1-day swing structure bullishly. Traders should anticipate a price dip below $2 in the coming days, which would likely be followed by a rebound back above $2.15. Disclaimer: The information presented does not constitute financial, investment, trading, or other types of advice and is solely the writer’s opinion.

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

Ripple's renewed custody deal with Garanti BBVA expands secure crypto storage and transfers to millions of retail banking customers, signaling that institutional-grade digital asset infrastructure is moving from pilot programs to mainstream adoption.

Cover image via U.Today Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by our writers are their own and do not represent the views of U.Today. The financial and market information provided on U.Today is intended for informational purposes only. U.Today is not liable for any financial losses incurred while trading cryptocurrencies. Conduct your own research by contacting financial experts before making any investment decisions. We believe that all content is accurate as of the date of publication, but certain offers mentioned may no longer be available.

Dogecoin is now trading sideways after dropping for seven consecutive days from Jan. 14 to 20. Since Jan. 20, Dogecoin's price has traded in a range between $0.12 and $0.129. This stabilization is reflected in the derivatives market as seen in the open interest.

According to CoinGlass data, Dogecoin's open interest came in at $1.41 billion, a 0.2% increase in the last 24 hours.

Although the increase seems small, it remains significant as it might point to stabilization after a massive sell-off since the past week.

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The price drop in the market saw derisking across the derivatives market, with open interest falling as a result.

The slight increase in open interest remains significant as leverage gets flushed out from the market, which might yield the stabilization needed for the price to aim for the next move.

At the time of writing, Dogecoin was still trading in the red, down 0.3% in the last 24 hours to $0.1242 and down nearly 10% weekly.

The broader crypto market is mostly trading in the red early Saturday with $292 million in liquidations in the last 24 hours, according to CoinGlass data.

The Federal Reserve's interest rate decision is awaited Jan. 28, which might spark volatility in the markets. Traders expect the Fed to hold rates steady, with only two quarter-point cuts anticipated in 2026.

Dogecoin newsCyber Hornet has filed for an S&P Crypto 10 ETF, which could be the first S&P-linked spot basket and includes Dogecoin.

The 21Shares Dogecoin ETF (TDOG) was listed on Nasdaq this week. This milestone builds on 21Shares' partnership with House of Doge, which began in April 2025.

In late 2025, 21Shares launched the 21Shares 2x Long Dogecoin ETF (TXXD), offering U.S. investors twice the daily exposure to Dogecoin, and introduced a Dogecoin ETP in Europe — the only one endorsed by the Dogecoin Foundation.

The developer team at Dogecoin Foundation and House of Doge has announced the "Such" app, expected in the first half of 2026. The Such app is anticipated to bring new ways to interact with and further utility to Dogecoin.

Dogecoin (DOGE) is showing signs of stabilization after experiencing seven consecutive days of price declines between January 14 and January 20. Following this sell-off, Dogecoin’s price has entered a consolidation phase, trading within a narrow range between $0.12 and $0.129 since January 20. This sideways movement suggests that selling pressure may be easing, allowing the market to reset after a volatile week.

This stabilization is also visible in the derivatives market. According to CoinGlass data, Dogecoin’s open interest currently stands at $1.41 billion, marking a modest 0.2% increase over the past 24 hours. While the rise may appear minor, it is notable in the context of a broader market derisking event, during which leverage was significantly flushed out. The slight uptick in open interest could indicate renewed confidence among traders and a potential foundation for Dogecoin’s next price move.

Despite these early signs of balance, Dogecoin remains under pressure in the short term. At the time of writing, DOGE is trading at approximately $0.1242, down 0.3% over the last 24 hours and nearly 10% on a weekly basis. The broader cryptocurrency market is also largely in the red, with around $292 million in liquidations recorded in the past day, according to CoinGlass. This cautious market sentiment reflects ongoing uncertainty as traders await macroeconomic signals.

One major catalyst on the horizon is the U.S. Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision scheduled for January 28. While markets widely expect rates to remain unchanged, any deviation from expectations could introduce fresh volatility across risk assets, including cryptocurrencies. Current projections suggest only two quarter-point rate cuts may occur in 2026, keeping monetary conditions relatively tight.

On the fundamental side, Dogecoin continues to gain institutional and ecosystem momentum. Cyber Hornet recently filed for an S&P Crypto 10 ETF that would include Dogecoin, potentially marking the first S&P-linked spot crypto basket. Meanwhile, the 21Shares Dogecoin ETF (TDOG) has been listed on Nasdaq, expanding regulated exposure for investors. Looking ahead, the Dogecoin Foundation and House of Doge plan to launch the “Such” app in the first half of 2026, aiming to enhance Dogecoin’s utility and user engagement.

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Bitcoin ETFs experienced a sharp reversal in momentum as significant outflows erased much of the recent gains, according to data from SoSo Value. Over a five-day period, nearly $1.72 billion exited spot Bitcoin ETFs, pushing total net asset value down to $115.88 billion from $124.56 billion recorded on January 16. This sustained withdrawal trend reflects a cooling sentiment among investors rather than a single-day shock.

BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) emerged as one of the largest contributors to the outflows, reporting $101.62 million in redemptions. Fidelity’s Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC) followed as the second-largest contributor, with $1.95 million in net outflows. As a result, cumulative net inflows across all Bitcoin ETFs declined to $56.49 billion from $57.82 billion, highlighting the impact of consistent redemptions over multiple sessions.

The outflow trend began on January 16, when $394.68 million left Bitcoin ETFs, ending a four-day inflow streak that had added $1.81 billion. After markets reopened on January 20 following the weekend, redemptions resumed immediately with $483.38 million in net outflows. Selling pressure intensified on January 21, which marked the largest single-day outflow at $708.71 million. Although outflows briefly slowed to $32.11 million on January 22, they accelerated again the following day.

Trading activity also weakened alongside the ETF outflows. Daily trading volume fell to $3.36 billion by January 23, down from $5.51 billion recorded just two days earlier, signaling reduced investor engagement.

Broader market indicators have reinforced the bearish outlook. A Coinbase Institutional survey revealed that 26% of institutional investors now believe the crypto market is in a bear phase, a sharp rise from September levels. On-chain data from CoinGlass showed the Coinbase Bitcoin Premium Index remained negative for nine consecutive days, while the Fear and Greed Index registered extreme fear at 25. Glassnode data further indicated persistent selling pressure, with much of Bitcoin’s circulating supply currently held at a loss, adding to downside risk despite Bitcoin trading around $89,400 at press time.

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Journalist

Posted: January 25, 2026

Bitcoin [BTC] treasuries, led by Michael Saylor’s Strategy, scooped up 494,000 BTC in 2025, bringing their collective holdings to 1.13 million coins. 

According to Bitcoin For Corporations (BFC), corporate treasury firms scaled holdings despite BTC closing 2025 in the red, down 6.4%, and underperforming every asset class, including silver and gold. 

Source: X/BitcoinForCorps

The report added that although major Bitcoin buys slowed later in 2025 as market correction deepened, the treasury firms didn’t offload their stash. In fact, overall holdings climbed steadily, as shown by the chart. 

According to BFC, capital raising for BTC by the treasuries shifted to preferred stocks or the so-called ‘digital credit’ that offers variable interest rates. 

In fact, Strategy deployed five of its preferred stocks, which have since surpassed its convertible debt offerings, thereby reducing overall bankruptcy risk. Metaplanet also unveiled Mars and Mercury, while Strive issued SATA preferred stock to advance its capital-raising war chest. 

Treasuries hit 5% of total BTC supply Overall, the newly deployed mechanics allowed the corporate treasury firms to scale their holdings to 5.1% of the total BTC supply, according to Bitbo data. Out of this, Strategy represents two-thirds, or about 3.3%, at 709,715 BTC. 

Source: BitBo

In contrast, ETFs control 7.1% or nearly 1.5 million BTC as of early 2026, underscoring their lead in institutional demand. This has made the BTC price extremely sensitive to ETF flows. 

The collective demand from treasury firms and ETFs, as tracked by the 30-day average Apparent Demand Growth (ADG) metric, has been negative since December. This meant that even if treasury firms increased their holdings, the potential sell-off from ETFs could drag the market. 

Source: CryptoQuant

In fact, even the selling pressure from long-term holders (LTHs) or investors who have held BTC for more than 5 months had eased significantly in the past few months (blue line).

But the ADG remained negative, underscoring that steady ETF demand had yet to pick up momentum.  

In the Q2 2025 bull run, the explosive recovery from $74K to over $120K occurred when the Apparent Demand Growth metric turned positive (green bars). Put differently, the BTC price may remain muted below $100k until overall demand improves.  

Final Thoughts  BTC treasuries crossed 1 million coins, reaching 5% of the total BTC supply  Apparent Demand Growth has remained negative since December and continues to decline, suggesting prolonged price weakness for BTC. 

Authorities have not confirmed the exact amount missing, but a local report put the loss at $47.7 million, possibly stolen after an agency worker clicked a phishing link.

The Gwangju District Prosecutors’ Office recently discovered that the Bitcoin it had confiscated in a criminal case and stored as part of an investigation was no longer accessible, according to a report by a South Korean news outlet.

It is estimated that the losses are at “hundreds of billions of won,” though the exact figure has not been publicly confirmed.

Bitcoin Missing From Government Storage The incident reportedly came to light during a routine internal inspection of seized financial assets, a process that includes checking passwords and access information kept on removable storage devices such as USB drives. A prosecution official cited in local coverage said the loss may have occurred after someone accidentally accessed a so-called “fake site” while conducting the inspection. This has raised the possibility that the BTC was compromised through a scam link rather than a direct breach of a secured system.

Meanwhile, another local media, “The Chosun Daily,” reported that roughly 70 billion won (about $47.7 million) worth of Bitcoin was missing, and that the suspected cause was a phishing attack triggered when an agency worker visited a fraudulent website. The report stated that the wallet password or access credentials may have been exposed externally, which enabled attackers to drain the seized holdings.

Authorities are reportedly working to determine the circumstances of the loss and trace the whereabouts of the seized assets, but could not disclose specifics.

Phishing Threats Persist Phishing remains one of the most common tactics used to steal crypto, and they rely on spoofed websites or messages designed to trick victims into entering sensitive information such as private keys or login details. These scams threaten both individual and institutional crypto holders across the world.

Earlier this year, users of Ledger, the prominent France-based crypto hardware wallet company, were targeted in a phishing scam following a data breach at its e-commerce partner, Global-e. After Ledger confirmed that customer contact and order details were exposed, scammers sent personalized emails claiming a fake merger between Ledger and Trezor.

You may also like: GoMining Survey Shows 55% of Bitcoiners Never Use it for Real-World Payments Bitcoin Price in the Crosshairs Again as Trump Threatens Canada With 100% Tariffs Robert Kiyosaki Ignores BTC and ETH Prices – Here’s Why You Should Too The messages instructed users to “migrate” their wallets by entering 24-word recovery phrases on a spoofed site.

In December, Bitget CEO Gracy Chen warned of a rise in phishing scams using fake Zoom and Microsoft Teams meetings to steal crypto. Hackers send bogus links via Telegram or fake Calendly pages, then claim audio or connection issues during calls to trick victims into downloading malware. Chen urged users to verify meeting links, avoid installing software during calls, and report suspicious contacts immediately.

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The Robinhood Investor Index details which sectors and specific stocks investors are buying to start 2026.

Following the end of each calendar quarter, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires firms managing over $100 million in stocks to file a form 13F. This document itemizes which positions institutional investors bought and sold during the most recent quarter. While this can help everyday investors learn where the "smart money" is flowing, it's also a backward-looking analysis.

If you're looking for more real-time insight, you may want to check out the investor index on Robinhood Markets. Below, I'll detail the top five stocks held across Robinhood accounts and explain how these stocks can help you manage a well-balanced, diversified portfolio.

Image source: Getty Images.

1. Nvidia According to Robinhood's data, the top opportunity investors are choosing right now is large-cap electronic technology stocks. With that in mind, is it any surprise that the top allocation in this category is Nvidia (NVDA +1.53%)?

Over the last three years, Nvidia has blossomed into a full-stack artificial intelligence (AI) giant across both hardware and software ecosystems. The company's graphics processing units (GPUs) and CUDA software platform are heavily utilized by major hyperscalers across the artificial intelligence (AI) value chain.

Considering capital expenditure (capex) budgets are expected to accelerate in 2026 and through the remainder of the decade, I suspect growth investors will not only continue holding Nvidia stock, but choose to double down on the AI infrastructure king.

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2. Amazon The top position in Robinhood's retail category is Amazon (AMZN +2.12%). While most investors may view Amazon through the lens of e-commerce or cloud computing, the company has many more layers.

Amazon also operates across streaming, advertising, consumer electronics, subscriptions, grocery delivery, gaming, robotics, medical and pharmacy services, and even autonomous vehicles and broadband services.

In addition to AI-driven tailwinds, Amazon could witness a surge from its cost-friendly marketplace given some murky economic headlines featuring stubborn inflation and high unemployment.

To me, Amazon is a unique balance between growth and value right now and has proven to be a durable, resilient moneymaker during any economic cycle.

3. Tesla The top stock in the consumer durables vertical on Robinhood is Tesla (TSLA 0.07%). As you likely know, Tesla is a pioneer in both the electric vehicle (EV) and sustainable energy markets.

What investors may not understand, however, is that Tesla's EV business is headed for declining sales for a second straight year. Rising competition overseas in combination with some diminishing brand equity given Elon Musk's political rhetoric has taken its toll on the core business.

This raises the question: Why is Tesla stock so popular? I see two primary reasons.

First, Tesla tends to exhibit characteristics of a meme stock -- often witnessing pronounced volatility based on the latest headline or social media post from Musk.

Broadly speaking, retail investors -- which is Robinhood's primary end user -- have a higher appetite for risk given their lack of a fiduciary responsibility. This is all to say that, in my eyes, Tesla might be a popular choice among day traders using the Robinhood app.

In addition, Musk is on a mission to transform Tesla from a car business to a tech-enabled services platform. His plan is to build a fleet of autonomous systems spanning cars and robots.

While Tesla's ambitions in these fields, often referred to by codenames Optimus (for its robotics) and Cybercab (for its autonomous vehicle), have so far been limited, each of these moonshots could usher in additional trillions in value should the company pull off its mission.

All told, I think Tesla is a speculative stock that investors are willing to hold given its asymmetric risk-reward profile.

4. Apple Following Nvidia in the electronic technology category is Apple (AAPL 0.13%). Unlike Nvidia, however, Apple shouldn't be viewed as a hypergrowth AI play.

Instead, Apple's 2 billion+ install base provides the company with nearly unmatched customer lock-in. While the company's growth profile isn't as robust as it once was, Apple remains an enormously profitable enterprise.

If you're looking for a safe haven stock in an otherwise volatile sector such as technology, I can't think of a better example than Apple. The company is basically a royalty play on the consumer electronics industry, earning higher fees and margins every few years as customers upgrade their devices.

To me, Apple is a great blue chip stock to own and serves as a complement to less predictable growth stocks.

5. Ford The second-largest position in the consumer durables category behind Tesla is Ford Motor Company (F 1.09%). While Ford is not the name that often surfaces when you think about market-beating returns, the company still has plenty of compelling attributes.

In particular, Ford offers investors a generous 4.5% dividend yield and often supplements this distribution through special dividends. In addition, the company's forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 9 is well below that of the broader market -- with the S&P 500's forward P/E hovering around 24 at the time of this writing.

Given the company's reasonable price point and reliable passive income stream, Ford is a solid choice for value investors.