Market Signal Briefing

Ethereum has taken a sharp turn after facing a firm rejection at the $3,220 level, with price breaking structure and slipping into a weaker posture. The speed of the drop and lack of strong buying interest raise an important question for traders: Is this merely an early warning sign within a broader uptrend, or the start of a deeper distribution phase that could pressure ETH further in the near term?

Rejection At $3,220 Signals Distribution, Not A Shakeout Crypto analyst PEPE is Friend highlighted that Ethereum’s sharp rejection at the $3,220 level was deliberate rather than random. The drop was clean, with key structure breaking down, selling pressure accelerating, and price quickly flushing toward the $3,106 area, aligning with a classic distribution behavior rather than a simple shakeout.

Assessing the current price reaction, there are still no signs of a true reversal. The bounce has been notably weak, trading volume remains thin, and buyers have yet to show a strong commitment. Instead of signaling renewed bullish momentum, the move higher appears to be a technical pullback within a broader weakening structure.

Source: Chart from PEPE is Friend on X The key technical zone remains well-defined. ETH is trading below the former support band between $3,170 and $3,200. As long as the price stays below this range, any upside move is likely to be viewed as a selling opportunity rather than the start of a sustained recovery. 

When this price action is viewed alongside Ethereum spot ETF data, the picture becomes clearer. While ETF flows remain positive daily, they lack strong momentum or a standout confirmation day. Capital appears to be absorbed rather than aggressively deployed, suggesting institutional demand is not yet strong enough to drive a decisive breakout. Until that changes, sellers are expected to remain in control below the $3,170–$3,200 resistance zone.

Ethereum Slips Below $3,062 As Bears Regain Short-Term Control In an X post, Kamile Uray noted that Ethereum has closed below the $3,062 level, shifting attention toward the next major downside zone at $2,623. This level is now critical, as holding above it could allow ETH to stabilize and attempt another recovery move.

On the upside, a clean break above the pink-box resistance near $3,445 would activate bullish formations such as a cup-and-handle or an ascending triangle, opening the door for a move toward the $3,894 area.

Further strength would be confirmed if ETH manages to close above the $3,661 high, which would mark the first higher high on the daily chart relative to the previous downtrend, improving the bullish outlook. Still, $3,894 remains a key level, as it aligns with the 0.618 Fibonacci retracement of the last decline.

On the downside, a clear break below the $2,623 low would expose ETH to deeper losses, with the $2,274–$2,104 zone emerging as the next major support area. This region hosts a potential bullish “Libra” reversal setup, and Ethereum could once again attempt a bounce toward its previous all-time high if reversal confirmation appears there.

ETH trading at $2,960 on the 1D chart | Source: ETHUSDT on Tradingview.com Featured image from iStock, chart from Tradingview.com

Ether (ETH) price saw a daily candle close below $3,000 on Tuesday, but a positive is that data showed large holders were buying throughout the dip. While ETH whale accumulation signals growing confidence, conflicting indicators suggest rising market risk for the altcoin.

Key takeaways:

ETH whales and institutional investors bought over $130 million in Ether as the price closed below $3,000 on Tuesday.

BitMine added more than 92,500 ETH in January, showcasing the growing demand for staking yield.

Whales bought the dip as ETH traded below $3,000ETH dropped 7.83% to $2,938 on Tuesday, marking its largest daily correction since November 4, 2025. Despite the drop, on-chain tracker Lookonchain reported ETH accumulation from whales and institutional investors.

According to the data, Trend Research borrowed 70 million USDT from Aave to purchase 24,555 ETH worth roughly $75.5 million, bringing its total holdings to 651,310 ETH valued at nearly $1.92 billion. Separately, an OTC whale address acquired 20,000 ETH, worth $58.8 million, via FalconX and Wintermute.

Institutional investor accumulation of ETH extended beyond trading desks. BitMine has added 92,511 ETH in January, valued at $268 million.

The ETH treasury company said it expects to become the largest Ethereum staking entity once its planned 4.2 million ETH is fully staked, generating an estimated $367 million to $393 million annually in staking rewards. The company added that it projects another $35 million to $40 million in income from cash operations.

However, not all large capital flows were supportive. On Wednesday, BlackRock transferred 30,828 ETH worth about $91 million to Coinbase Prime, fueling concerns over potential sell-side volatility.

ETH breaks uptrend as downside liquidity comes into focusFrom a technical standpoint, ETH’s longer-term chart suffered a bearish shift after closing below $3,000. The move also pushed the price below the four-month point of control near $3,100, the level where the highest volume traded over that period, signaling that the market has lost its most accepted price range.

Ether one-day chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe breakdown coincided with a bearish break of structure (BOS), suggesting trend continuation to the downside. Based on current liquidity clusters, ETH could eventually test external liquidity zones around $2,718 and $2,620.

Over the past 24 hours, $287 million in leveraged positions were liquidated, with longs accounting for $257 million, highlighting forced selling pressure.

Data from Hyblock adds to the cautious mood. The whale versus retail delta has flipped negative, falling to -6,480 for ETH, indicating that whales are reducing their long exposure or adding shorts more aggressively than retail traders. Such shifts have preceded periods of heightened short-term volatility.

On the other hand, 76% of retail traders are in long positions, pointing to the potential for a price reversal near the key swing lows.

ETH price, whale versus retail delta, and true retail long positions percentage. Source: HyblockThis article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision. While we strive to provide accurate and timely information, Cointelegraph does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information in this article. This article may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Cointelegraph will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from your reliance on this information.

Meme Coins Price Prediction Shiba inu

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Shiba Inu’s lead developer, Shytoshi Kusama, has gone quiet for over 21 days on X, sparking growing speculation across the community.

Many believe this unexpected silence could mean something big is coming, adding momentum to a bullish Shiba Inu price prediction as attention shifts back to the project.

Kusama last spoke publicly on December 8, when the team was focused on helping wallet holders affected by the Shibarium hack.

Now, with no updates since, investors are wondering if a major announcement is just around the corner.

The pseudonymous ambassador of the Shiba Inu blockchain is known as a cryptic figure who has consistently led the community to new stages of growth through product launches and more.

With 1 million followers waiting on his next moves, whatever comes out of his mouth could get things moving within the Shiba Inu community.

Shiba Inu Price Prediction: SHIB Retests Key Trend Line Support and Could Get Moving SoonThe daily chart shows that SHIB broke out of a falling wedge earlier this month, as meme coins experienced a strong uptick.

Source: TradingViewThe price is now on track to retest the upper trend line of this pattern to retest buyers’ commitment.

If we get a strong bounce off this mark, SHIB should rapidly recover to $0.0000095, meaning a 21% upside potential.

Meanwhile, if positive momentum accelerates, SHIB may set its eyes on two other targets – $0.000014 and $0.000022.

The Relative Strength Index (RSI) would act as the “canary in the coal mine” for such a move. The oscillator must rise above the signal line to confirm that momentum has flipped on the side of bulls.

SHIB’s positive performance has paved the way for top crypto presales in this category like Maxi Doge ($MAXI). This meme coin has already raised over $4.5 million, reflecting its potential to deliver big gains like Dogecoin (DOGE) once did.

Maxi Doge ($MAXI) is About to Bring Meme’s Energy to the Trading WorldMaxi Doge ($MAXI) is an exciting meme coin presale catering to ‘degens’, risk-takers, and sleep-deprived traders eager to hit a home run to escape mom’s basement.

This community-centered token has pulled in $4.5 million in its ongoing presale by making meme coin trading both fun and rewarding for holders.

Its Maxi Ripped and Maxi Gains tournaments will give $MAXI investors the chance to share their biggest “Ws” to earn bragging rights and attractive rewards.

In addition, they’ll get to bounce their ideas and insights with other members of the community through a dedicated hub to which they will get exclusive access.

Staking rewards for $MAXI make it even more appealing with an APY of 69%.

To buy $MAXI and join at this early stage, simply head to the official Maxi Doge website and link up a compatible wallet (e.g. Best Wallet).

You can either buy with ETH or USDT or use a bank card to buy $MAXI in seconds.

Visit the Official Maxi Doge Website Here

Prices for large-cap cryptocurrencies rebounded on Wednesday afternoon following news that President Donald Trump struck a ”long-term deal” with NATO regarding Greenland.

Bitcoin, the largest crypto by market cap, rebounded above $91,000 immediately following a post from Trump on Trust Social, where he said the U.S. has formed a “framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland” and that he “will not be imposing the Tariffs that were scheduled to go into effect on February 1st.”

Stocks and crypto prices have languished in recent days ahead of Trump’s looming tariff threat, which would impose new tariffs on goods from eight European countries. Bitcoin traded as low as $87,207 on Wednesday, amid two consecutive weak trading days. 

U.S. spot bitcoin and ether exchange-traded funds posted a combined net outflow of around $713 million on Tuesday, with experts pointing to macroeconomic uncertainty caused by geopolitical tension.

Likewise, the broad-based S&P 500 index recorded its steepest drop since October, falling 2.1% at market close on Tuesday. Stocks surged earlier on Wednesday after Trump ruled out the use of military force in Greenland, and continued higher following his Truth Social post.

Ethereum, the second-largest free-floating cryptocurrency, is once again up over the important psychological level of $3,000, up about 1.28% on the day. XRP and Cardano’s ADA, both popular tokens among retail traders, are up over 4%.

Leading digital asset treasuries and crypto mining firms have also seen a slight rebound, with the largest Bitcoin treasury Strategy and Ethereum DAT BitMine climbing 2.3% and 3.3%, respectively, according to The Block’s crypto equities tracker.

Liquidations pile up According to CoinGlass, there has been over $1 billion worth of long and short liquidations over the past 24 hours of whipsaw trading.

Speaking to this volatility, liquidations over the past 12 hours were roughly split between long and shorts, with a combined $544.16 million wiped out. However, $215.88 million out of the $275.82 million shorts liquidated in that time frame occurred within the past four hours.

Bitcoin has traded between roughly $87,500 and $97,500 within the past hour, and is currently at $90,070 according to The Block's price chart.

Bitcoin (BTC) price chart. Source: The Block/TradingView

Disclaimer: The Block is an independent media outlet that delivers news, research, and data. As of November 2023, Foresight Ventures is a majority investor of The Block. Foresight Ventures invests in other companies in the crypto space. Crypto exchange Bitget is an anchor LP for Foresight Ventures. The Block continues to operate independently to deliver objective, impactful, and timely information about the crypto industry. Here are our current financial disclosures.

© 2026 The Block. All Rights Reserved. This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

ARK sees Bitcoin growing from about $2 trillion to $16 trillion by 2030, implying a price near eight hundred thousand dollars per BTC.Bitcoin has become less volatile, with stronger risk-adjusted returns in 2025, reinforcing its role as a long-term store of value.ARK warns Nvidia faces rising AI competition, meaning future gains may be slower and more earnings-driven.Cathie Wood’s ARK Invest has laid out one of its clearest long-term views yet on Bitcoin and Nvidia, two assets that defined the 2024–2025 market cycle. The firm’s latest Big Ideas 2026 report predicts that the Bitcoin market cap will increase by 700% over the next four years. 

It also predicts that Nvidia’s dominance in AI hardware may face growing pressure from competitors.

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Bitcoin Price to Hit $800,000?ARK argues that Bitcoin’s behavior changed meaningfully in 2025. Its drawdowns were smaller, volatility declined, and risk-adjusted returns improved compared to past cycles.

How Bitcoin Price Moved Along Key Events in 2025. Source: ARK InvestMeasured by the Sharpe Ratio, Bitcoin outperformed Ethereum, Solana, and the broader CoinDesk 10 Index across multiple time frames. That shift supports ARK’s view that Bitcoin is increasingly acting like a safe-haven asset rather than a purely speculative one.

As a result, ARK expects Bitcoin to dominate a rapidly expanding crypto market. The firm estimates total cryptocurrency market capitalization could reach $28 trillion by 2030, growing at roughly 61% annually.

Crucially, ARK believes Bitcoin could account for 70% of that market, lifting its market capitalization to around $16 trillion by the end of the decade.

Crypto Market Cap Prediction by 2030. Source: ARK InvestBased on current supply projections, that implies a Bitcoin price of roughly $800,000 per coin. That’s a near nine-fold increase from today’s $90,000 levels.

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However, ARK’s forecast is not purely bullish across all use cases. The firm reduced its expectations for Bitcoin adoption as an emerging-market safe haven, citing the rapid rise of dollar-backed stablecoins. 

Instead, ARK increased its “digital gold” assumption after gold’s market cap surged sharply in 2025.

Nvidia Growth Continues, But Competition TightensARK’s outlook for Nvidia is more cautious in tone, even as AI demand continues to surge.

The firm expects global AI infrastructure spending to exceed $1.4 trillion by 2030, driven mainly by accelerated servers. That trend supports long-term demand for AI chips, including Nvidia’s GPUs.

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But ARK highlights a key shift. Hyperscalers and AI labs are increasingly focused on total cost of ownership, not raw performance alone. 

That opens the door for custom AI chips and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs).

Competitors such as AMD, Broadcom, Amazon’s Annapurna Labs, and Google’s TPU platforms are already shipping or preparing next-generation chips. 

Nvidia Faces Intense Competition from AMD. Source: ARK Invest

Many offer lower operating costs per hour than Nvidia’s highest-end systems, even if performance lags in some cases.

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ARK’s data shows Nvidia’s newest GPUs are among the most powerful, but also among the most expensive to run. That pricing pressure could limit Nvidia’s ability to expand margins at the same pace seen in recent years.

What This Means for Nvidia’s StockARK does not predict a collapse in Nvidia’s business. Instead, it signals a shift from explosive dominance to more competitive growth.

For Nvidia’s stock, this implies a different trajectory than Bitcoin’s. Rather than multiple expansion, future gains may depend on earnings growth, software revenue, and ecosystem lock-in.

Nvidia Stock Price Chart Over the Past Year. Source: Google FinanceIn practical terms, Nvidia’s share price may still rise over time, but likely with slower growth, higher volatility, and sharper reactions to competition and margin pressure. The easy phase of AI-driven rerating may be over.

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68% of XLM Traders Are Short—Could Accumulation Still Trigger a Reversal?XLM crashes 11% as bearish pattern validates short-term downside risksShort positioning dominates, increasing liquidation risk below $0.20 supportBullish CMF divergence hints accumulation and possible short-term reversalStellar’s price has remained under pressure as broader crypto market weakness continues to weigh on altcoins. XLM has declined steadily, validating a bearish chart pattern and reinforcing short-term downside risks. 

While traders may look to capitalize on this momentum, on-chain behavior suggests XLM holders are positioning differently.

Stellar Holders Could Rescue XLMDerivatives data highlights a clear imbalance in market positioning. The liquidation map shows exposure skewed roughly 68% toward short traders, signaling strong bearish conviction. Such dominance often increases sensitivity to volatility, as crowded trades amplify price reactions when momentum shifts.

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Below current levels, a dense cluster of long liquidation leverage sits between $0.20 and $0.185. A move into this zone could trigger forced liquidations, adding selling pressure and accelerating a decline. This setup explains why bears are eyeing further downside, as liquidity pockets remain vulnerable under key supports.

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

XLM Liquidation Map. Source: CoinglassDespite bearish positioning, macro indicators offer early signs of divergence. The Chaikin Money Flow has formed higher lows for four consecutive days, even as the XLM price printed lower lows. This bullish divergence suggests capital inflows are increasing beneath the surface.

CMF tracks buying and selling pressure through price and volume. Rising CMF during a price decline often signals accumulation rather than distribution. For Stellar, this pattern implies investors are gradually building positions, creating conditions for a potential short-term reversal once selling pressure fades.

XLM CMF. Source: TradingViewXLM Price Needs To Secure SupportXLM trades near $0.212 at the time of writing, holding just above the $0.210 support level. Earlier this week, the altcoin broke down from a descending triangle pattern, a formation that typically favors bearish continuation. That breakdown keeps downside risks elevated in the near term.

The descending triangle projects a potential 14% drop toward $0.188, placing XLM roughly 11% away from the target. However, the price may stabilize before reaching that level. Support is likely to emerge around $0.210 or, at worst, near $0.201. This uncertainty supports a neutral-to-bearish outlook.

XLM Price Analysis. Source: TradingViewA shift in momentum depends on defending key levels. If $0.210 holds as support, Stellar could regain stability. A sustained bounce may push XLM toward the $0.230 resistance zone. Reclaiming that level would invalidate the bearish pattern and signal a short-term reversal driven by improving demand.

Disclaimer

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

The Sandbox [SAND] has managed to post a 2.24% daily price increase, while trading volume surged by over 113%, standing out as the broader crypto market remains under heavy pressure. 

This move comes as Bitcoin slips below the $90,000 support level and Ethereum loses the $3,000 mark, reinforcing a risk-off tone across major assets. 

However, amid widespread weakness and shaken confidence, SAND continues to attract attention through rising participation and improving derivatives engagement. 

Traders appear increasingly selective, rotating into altcoins that show early signs of resilience rather than following broad market direction. 

This divergence places SAND in focus as market participants reassess positioning beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum dominance during heightened volatility.

SAND finally breaks free from its downtrend SAND has broken decisively out of its multi-month descending channel, marking a meaningful structural shift on the daily chart. 

Price no longer respects the downward-sloping resistance that capped every recovery attempt for months. 

Instead, buyers have managed to push above the channel boundary with conviction, confirming a change in market control. 

This breakout followed the extended consolidation near the $0.11 demand zone, where downside momentum gradually weakened. 

As the price reclaimed the mid-range region near $0.15, higher lows began to form. This structural improvement placed the $0.20 back into focus as a potential reclaim zone, rather than a distant ceiling. 

Even so, the breakout itself already signals that sellers no longer dominate the prevailing structure, shifting market focus toward upside continuation dynamics.

Source: TradingView

Momentum was now aligned with the improving price structure. The MACD continued to trend above its signal line, while the histogram expanded steadily, reflecting strengthening upside pressure, not just a relief bounce. 

At the same time, Parabolic SAR sat below the current price, reinforcing a bullish trend-following signal. 

These indicators rarely shift simultaneously without broader participation, as buyers maintain control without aggressive spikes. 

However, momentum indicators still require confirmation through sustained price behavior.

Even so, their current alignment supports the idea that SAND’s breakout rests on improving trend strength rather than temporary volatility-driven moves.

Exchange outflows persist as holders absorb supply Spot netflows remained firmly in the negative, reinforcing continued supply absorption during the breakout. 

At the time of press, SAND recorded net exchange outflows of roughly $442K, signaling that tokens continue moving off exchanges instead of returning for distribution. 

This behavior suggested that holders had positioned themselves for continuation rather than short-term profit-taking. 

Importantly, these outflows occured alongside a sharp volume increase, strengthening their relevance. In this context, buyers absorb available liquidity without triggering aggressive sell responses. 

Besides, the pace of outflows stays controlled, not extreme, which points to steady conviction rather than panic-driven accumulation. 

As a result, sell-side pressure remains muted, allowing price to stabilize above reclaimed structural levels.

Source: CoinGlass

Leverage builds as traders increase exposure On the leverage side, the Open Interest has surged 8.33% to $48.7 million, confirming that derivatives traders are actively increasing exposure alongside spot strength. 

This expansion indicates new positions entering the market rather than short-covering alone. Rising Open Interest during price expansion often reflects growing directional confidence. 

However, leverage introduces volatility risk if momentum stalls. For now, positioning appears measured, not excessive. 

Funding dynamics remain stable, suggesting traders favor directional continuation rather than crowded speculation. 

As leverage builds gradually, it supports trend extension without immediate overheating concerns. Therefore, derivatives participation currently complements the bullish structure instead of undermining it.

Source: CoinGlass

Can SAND extend beyond resistance? SAND appears positioned to extend beyond its recent ceiling, supported by aligned momentum signals, sustained exchange outflows, and rising derivatives participation.  

Even amid broader market weakness, SAND’s ability to attract volume and leverage points to growing confidence in a broader recovery phase, favoring further upside extension rather than a short-lived rebound.

Final Thoughts SAND shows relative strength as traders rotate into selective altcoins during market stress. Improving structure and participation suggest that the move reflects intent, not a short-lived bounce.

The proposed ETF would hold NEAR directly, aiming to reduce premiums and discounts seen in the current trust.

Grayscale has filed an S-1 registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to convert its existing Grayscale Near Trust into a spot NEAR exchange-traded fund (ETF) listed on the NYSE Arca.

The move is the latest in a continued push by major asset managers to expand the crypto ETF market beyond flagship assets like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) into a broader range of altcoins.

Details of the Proposed ETF Conversion The filing, first flagged on X by ETF Hearsay’s Henry Jim on January 20, outlines plans to uplist the Grayscale Near Trust under the ticker GSNR on NYSE Arca, pending SEC approval.

The product currently trades over the counter and was launched in May 2024 as a private vehicle before opening to public trading in September 2025.

Under the proposal, the trust would be renamed Grayscale Near Trust ETF and operate as a passive product holding NEAR tokens directly. Shares would be created and redeemed in blocks of 10,000 through authorized participants, using an in-kind and cash mechanism designed to keep prices closer to net asset value.

The trust currently carries a 2.50% expense ratio, with ETF fees still to be announced. Data from the Grayscale website shows that as of January 21, the product was managing about $900,000 in assets, with shares trading at about $2.85 and the reported NAV sitting near $2.19. Grayscale has acknowledged that the trust has often traded at sizable premiums or discounts, an issue the ETF format aims to reduce.

The prospectus also outlines optional staking, though it remains inactive. Staking would only begin if specific regulatory and tax conditions are met, and Grayscale retains discretion over whether to pursue it.

You may also like: Ripple President: Half of Fortune 500 to Adopt Crypto in 2026 Ethereum and Solana ETFs Record Historic Trading Volumes in Early 2026 Bitwise Files for 11 Altcoin ETFs Targeting AAVE, UNI, SUI, More NEAR Price Action Looking at the market, the ETF filing has failed to trigger an immediate price response, suggesting traders may be cautious about timing and approval odds. At the time of the filing, NEAR was trading around $1.53, reflecting a 69% dip over the previous year and a drop of about 17% in the past week.

This price context is relevant for the proposed ETF, as its value will be directly tied to the often-volatile spot price of NEAR.

Grayscale’s move is part of a broader trend of asset managers seeking regulatory approval for altcoin-focused ETFs. In late December 2025, competitor Bitwise filed for 11 single-asset crypto ETFs targeting tokens including Aave (AAVE), Uniswap (UNI), and Sui (SUI).

That filing, which also included NEAR as one of its targets, was noted by ETF analyst Eric Balchunas as evidence of issuers racing for a first-mover advantage. Furthermore, the success of recent Ethereum and Solana ETFs, which saw record trading volumes in early January 2026, has likely encouraged this wave of new filings.

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Billionaire VC and Bitcoin bull Tim Draper is more confident that crypto markets will boom in 2026. Specifically, he believes that Bitcoin (BTC) could record a major upward swing, reaching his long-standing $250,000 target within the next six months.

Draper, who is no stranger to optimistic Bitcoin price targets, also expects the benchmark crypto to eventually skyrocket to $10 million as it replaces U.S. dollar dominance.

BTC To Reach $250,000 Territory In 2026, Says Draper Draper made an early, lucrative bet on tech and later acquired his first Bitcoins at $4. In his Jan. 19 post on X, Draper revealed that he had lost everything after the collapse of Mt. Gox exchange. He later bought confiscated Silk Road Bitcoins in a government auction, where he paid over market at $632, fortifying his standing as a prominent crypto backer. 

The billionaire accurately forecasted $10,000 for BTC in 2014 and later set the $250,000 target in 2018 with a 2022 deadline.

Unfortunately, the crypto market went on to endure major shocks, including the 2022 downturn tied to the catastrophic failure of Terra-Luna and FTX’s demise. Bitcoin slumped to $16,000 lows by late 2022, forcing Draper to repeatedly reset timelines. 

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Draper argued at the time that the next wave of Bitcoin adoption— and the accompanying price surge to $250K —would be spurred by women, given that they control roughly 80% of retail spending.

Earlier last year, Draper reiterated his $250,000 call, citing regulatory tailwinds for the top crypto under the pro-crypto Trump administration. BTC’s path to $250,000 would also be boosted by multiple firms adopting Bitcoin as a treasury reserve asset, he posited.

“My next prediction was thwarted by a misguided administration. Now, we are back on track,” Draper noted.

According to CoinGecko, Bitcoin is currently trading hands at $90,933, meaning that it would have to rally roughly 174% within the next six months to reach Draper’s lofty $250K target.

The Case For Bitcoin Hitting $10 Million Looking beyond 2026, Draper sees Bitcoin replacing U.S. dollar dominance and becoming the standard currency underpinning the international economy. He contends the share of the greenback will “keep shrinking” due to inflation and debt, while Bitcoin grows. Before this happens, the world’s oldest and largest cryptocurrency will reach the much-coveted $10 million mark.

“I’m calling $250,000 in six months, and all up from there. $1,$2, maybe $10 million before Bitcoin eclipses the use of the dollar. The Bitcoin network keeps growing while the dollar keeps shrinking,” the billionaire VC postulated.

Nevertheless, not all analysts share Draper’s optimistic outlook. Veteran analyst Peter Brandt, for instance, recently forecasted that Bitcoin could endure a painful 75% correction before resuming a long-term strong rally.

Elon’s Grok AI Predicts the Price of XRP, Solana and PEPE By the End of 2026 Pepe Solana XRP

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Elon Musk’s ChatGPT rival, Grok AI, has released explosive 2026 price forecasts for XRP, Solana, and Pepe.

According to the AI model, a prolonged bull market, backed by clearer and more supportive U.S. regulation, could propel major cryptocurrencies to new all-time highs in the next market cycle.

Here’s how Grok AI expects three of the crypto market’s most prominent assets to perform over the coming year.

XRP ($XRP): Grok AI Forecasts a $27.52 XRP by 2027, or 1,350% GainsRipple’s XRP ($XRP) entered 2026 with notable strength, gaining 19% in the opening week of the year. Currently trading around $1.90, the token could post gains of up to 1,350% in a full bull market, with Grok AI modeling a move toward $27.52 by the end of the year in a 2026 bull market.

Source: Grok XRP ranked among the best-performing large-cap cryptocurrencies last year. In July, it notched its first new all-time high (ATH) in seven years, reaching $3.65 after Ripple secured a decisive legal victory against the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

That ruling sharply reduced regulatory uncertainty surrounding XRP and helped ease fears that the SEC would pursue similar actions against other major altcoins. The return of pro-crypto Donald Trump to the White House further boosted the industry’s hopes for a fair and clear playing field.

Source: GrokFrom a technical standpoint, XRP’s Relative Strength Index (RSI) sits near 50, while the price remains slightly below its 30-day moving average. From the end of the first week of January to today, XRP’s price forms a partial bullish flag. If this formation fully resolves and favourable macroeconomic and industry conditions emerge, then a run to $27.52 is conceivable.

The recent approval of spot XRP exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the U.S is beginning to funnel traditional capital into the asset, echoing the sustained, multi-billion-dollar inflows seen after Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs launched.

Solana (SOL): Grok AI Targets $1,200 for SOLSolana ($SOL) is one of the fastest-growing smart contract platforms in the crypto sector. The network currently hosts $8.4 billion in total value locked (TVL) and commands a market capitalization above $75.6 billion, alongside surging developer activity and user adoption.

Source: GrokInterest in SOL has intensified following the launch of Solana-focused ETFs by asset managers such as Bitwise and Grayscale.

After a steep pullback toward the end of 2025, SOL has been consolidating within a critical support range and now trades near $130. A decisive move higher may hinge on Bitcoin reclaiming the $100,000 level, a milestone many analysts expect to see this year.

In Grok AI’s most optimistic outlook, Solana could rally to $1,200 by 2027. That scenario implies roughly 823% upside from current prices and would place SOL 4x above its prior all-time high of $293, set last January.

Solana also benefits from a strong long-term narrative. Increasing institutional use of the network for real-world asset tokenization, led by firms such as Franklin Templeton and BlackRock, highlights Solana’s growing role in traditional finance.

Pepe ($PEPE): Grok AI Models a 2,000% Upside ScenarioPepe ($PEPE), launched in April 2023, has grown into the largest non-doge-themed meme coin, with a market capitalization of approximately $2.2 billion.

Source: Grok Drawing inspiration from Matt Furie’s “Boy’s Club” comics, PEPE’s instantly recognizable branding and cultural staying power have helped it maintain a strong presence across crypto-focused social media.

Despite fierce competition in the meme coin arena, PEPE’s dedicated community has kept it near the top of the sector. Occasional cryptic posts from Elon Musk on X have further fueled speculation that PEPE could be sitting alongside DOGE and BTC in his portfolio.

PEPE currently trades around $0.0000051, roughly 82% below its December 2024 all-time high of $0.00002803.

Under Grok’s most bullish assumptions, PEPE could surge by as much as 390%, climbing to approximately $0.000025, just short of ATH.

Maxi Doge (MAXI): A Meme Coin Engineered for Maximum VolatilityFinally, outside of Grok’s projections, the crypto presale space continues to attract investors hunting for high-risk, high-reward opportunities.

Maxi Doge ($MAXI) has quickly become one of January’s most talked-about presales, raising over $4.5 million ahead of its anticipated exchange debut.

The project positions introduce an exaggerated, gym-bro reinterpretation of Dogecoin. Loud, irreverent, and deliberately outrageous, Maxi Doge embraces the raw meme energy that originally defined meme coin culture.

After years of DOGE dominating the meme spotlight, Maxi Doge is assembling its own Maxi Doge Army, united by meme loyalty, degen trading tactics, and a taste for extreme volatility.

MAXI is issued as an ERC-20 token on Ethereum’s proof-of-stake network, giving it a smaller environmental footprint than Dogecoin’s proof-of-work design.

The current presale round offers staking rewards of up to 69% APY, though yields decline as more tokens are staked. MAXI is priced at $0.0002795 in the latest phase, with automatic price increases scheduled for each subsequent funding stage. Tokens can be purchased using MetaMask or Best Wallet.

Say goodbye to Dogecoin. Maxi Doge is the new dog in town!

Stay updated through Maxi Doge’s official X and Telegram pages.

Visit the Official Website Here

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Crypto Price Prediction Today 20 January – XRP, Cardano, Shiba Inu Crypto Price Prediction Today 19 January – XRP, Cardano, Bitcoin Hyper Crypto Price Prediction Today 16 January – XRP, Solana, Maxi Doge Crypto Price Prediction Today 15 January – XRP, Dogecoin, BTC Hyper Crypto Price Prediction Today 14 January – XRP, PEPE, Maxi Doge Ad Disclosure

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If you are anything like me, you believe in the bright long-term future of crypto. Well, that does not change the fact that prices for XRP, Bitcoin, and Ethereum do not look great at the moment.

These dips across the market were triggered by Bitcoin dropping back toward $89,000 after getting rejected near the $98,000 level.

Fundamentally, nothing has gone wrong; these coins are improving as time goes by. Technically, though, the market is going through a weak phase. Every rally is getting shut down at key resistance levels. Below is how things could play out for these three as we head into 2026.

Bitcoin Price Prediction: Collapse Toward $80,000 Is Possible?BTC price is consolidating inside a symmetrical triangle after a sharp downside move, driven by growing risk-off sentiment as political uncertainty continues to weigh on markets.

Source: BTCUSD / TradingViewThe purple highlighted zone marks the area where Bitcoin was previously rejected before the selloff. Bitcoin is currently trading at $89,500. A break below the support trendline would likely open the door for a deeper correction toward the $80,000 level.

RSI is sitting around 43, showing weakening momentum. Combined with the recent rejection and ongoing uncertainty, the bearish scenario is currently favored.

That said, support is starting to build in the $87,000–$85,000 area. If this zone holds and Bitcoin manages a daily close above the resistance trendline, the bearish outlook would be invalidated, and a bullish shift could take shape. In that case, the next major resistance sits near the $105,000 level.

Ethereum Price Prediction: $3,000 Breakdown Puts Structure at RiskWhen Bitcoin is down, the rest of the market usually follows, and Ethereum is no exception. ETH is currently trading below $3,000, which puts the higher lows structure it has been building at risk.

A clean loss of this level could lead to a deeper correction toward the $2,700–$2,800 support zone.

Source: ETHUSD / TradingViewETHUSD is currently trading below a key resistance zone, forming an ascending consolidation that often leads to a breakout, but that move is not confirmed yet.

From a momentum perspective, the higher timeframe structure remains in place, but RSI is still below 50, which means it’s currently leaning bearish.

For a bullish continuation to be confirmed, Ethereum needs a strong daily close above resistance, ideally followed by a clean retest and improving momentum. Until then, this remains a developing bullish setup rather than a confirmed breakout.

XRP Price Prediction: XRP Feels Trapped in DowntrendXRP price is currently down 60% from its highs and has been in a downtrend for eight days in a row. Momentum has faded, but RSI at 43 has not yet signaled oversold conditions.

Source: XRPUSD / TradingViewXRP is trading inside a clear descending channel. This explains why every bounce lately has been corrective rather than trend-changing.

Price recently pushed off the lower boundary near the $1.80 area, which is acting as a short-term demand zone and a key bullish invalidation level. As long as XRP holds above $1.80, this bounce remains technically valid, but the structure is still fragile.

The first real test for buyers sits around the $2.40–$2.50 zone. It lines up with prior resistance and the upper part of recent consolidation. A clean break and hold above that area would be the first signal that momentum is shifting. Also, it will open the door for a move toward the $3.00 level next.

Maxi Doge ($MAXI) Is Quietly Building Momentum While the Majors StruggleWhile Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP are all stuck fighting heavy resistance and fading momentum, some traders are already shifting their focus to where upside does not depend on perfect technical breakouts. That is where Maxi Doge is starting to stand out.

Maxi Doge is built for high volatility phases exactly like this one. When majors grind lower, chop sideways, and frustrate traders, capital often rotates into aggressive memecoin narratives with asymmetric upside. That rotation usually starts before the broader market realizes risk is turning back on.

The project has already raised strong early capital, showing conviction even while sentiment across large caps stays weak. On top of that, Maxi Doge offers eye-catching staking rewards, the current APY sitting around 70%, giving traders a yield angle while waiting for sentiment to flip.

Historically, some of the biggest memecoin runs have started when Bitcoin looked shaky, and altcoins were stuck in downtrends. Maxi Doge is positioning itself for that exact moment. If momentum shifts heading into 2026, the projects accumulated during uncertainty are often the ones that move first and hardest.

For traders looking beyond the current chop in BTC, ETH, and XRP, Maxi Doge is shaping up as a high-risk, high-reward alternative worth watching closely.

Visit the Official Maxi Doge Website Here

TL;DR

TRON ended 2025 as one of the largest stablecoin networks, with over $81 billion in total supply dominated by USDT. Daily transfer volumes have steadily increased, reflecting consistent real-world usage rather than speculative activity. Justin Sun’s recent statements highlight TRON’s growing role as a reliable blockchain for stablecoin payments, positioning the network as foundational infrastructure for crypto transactions worldwide.
Justin Sun recently remarked that 2026 could be a pivotal year for TRON, pointing to sustained network activity and increasing relevance in stablecoin transfers. His comments suggest that TRON is evolving into a core infrastructure layer for digital payments rather than a blockchain driven primarily by speculation. Observers note that low transaction fees and fast settlement times have made TRON particularly attractive for high-volume stablecoin transactions across multiple regions.

https://twitter.com/justinsuntron/status/2013816372074025024

Messari Data Shows Stablecoins Driving Network Strength Data published by Messari underscores TRON’s expanding influence in the global stablecoin market. By the end of 2025, TRON hosted approximately $81.8 billion in stablecoins, with USDT accounting for $80.9 billion. Average daily USDT transfers reached roughly $23.8 billion, demonstrating ongoing usage for payments and settlements rather than sporadic spikes from trading activity. This positions TRON as one of the main blockchains for dollar-pegged transfers globally, emphasizing reliability and consistent throughput.

Network Metrics Reflect Broader Participation Beyond stablecoin volumes, TRON’s core network metrics show solid growth. Daily active addresses and transaction counts increased significantly year on year, while quarterly revenue surpassed $1 billion. Although DeFi activity and decentralized exchange volumes showed modest declines, the network’s economic impact remains strong. This indicates that TRON’s current expansion is driven more by stablecoin payments than speculative DeFi activity, creating a more sustainable usage model.

Price Trends Remain Secondary to Usage TRX token price action has been subdued compared with on-chain fundamentals, hovering around $0.30 after local highs. Technical indicators show limited momentum, suggesting that the market is processing gains while the network continues to facilitate substantial transaction volumes. This decoupling reinforces the idea that TRON’s value is increasingly defined by its role as a settlement layer rather than short-term price swings.

With strong on-chain metrics and stablecoin dominance, TRON is entering 2026 with a clear focus. The network appears set to reinforce its position as a global platform for stablecoin payments, with growth measured by transaction flow and revenue rather than speculative DeFi trends. If these patterns continue, TRON could emerge as a central infrastructure layer supporting broader crypto adoption worldwide.

XRP Price Prediction: Ripple CEO at Davos Predicts Crypto ATHs This Year – $5 XRP Next? XRP

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Anas Hassan

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Anas is a crypto native journalist and SEO writer with over five years of writing experience covering blockchain, crypto, DeFi, and emerging tech.

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1 minute ago

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse predicts the crypto market will see new highs this year. “I’m very bullish, and yes, I’ll go on record as saying, I think we’ll see an all-time high,” he told CNBC.

Analysts say the XRP price prediction aligns with this projection as Ripple’s token continues gaining institutional support that could propel it toward $5 this year.

Ripple CEO Says Institutional Demand Enough to Send XRP to New HighsGarlinghouse stated he believes this is the moment to use crypto and blockchain technology to enable economic access for a more efficient, more scalable, and utility-focused global financial system.

Spirited dialogue during today’s WEF session (to say the least), but one important point of agreement across the panelists was that innovation and regulation aren’t on opposite sides.

I firmly believe this is THE moment to use crypto and blockchain technology to enable economic… https://t.co/4d3jNeNC4h

— Brad Garlinghouse (@bgarlinghouse) January 21, 2026 He added that “major” financial institutions showing interest in crypto is a “massive sea change.” “I don’t think that’s priced into the crypto market as much as I would have expected right now.”

XRP, Ripple’s payments token, became a breakout trade of this month’s crypto rally after gaining over 20% before its recent cooling toward $1.90 at the time of writing.

Ripple has positioned the token as a compliant alternative for institutions navigating tighter oversight of dollar-pegged assets.

Recently, Ripple’s U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin RLUSD debuted its spot trading on Binance, expanding the token’s reach on one of the world’s largest digital asset exchanges.

The listing marks a notable step in RLUSD’s rollout and reflects Ripple’s push to position the stablecoin as a payments-focused asset with institutional-grade infrastructure.

Analyst ChartNerd revealed that XRP has already broken out of a textbook falling wedge pattern, accompanied by strong bullish RSI divergence.

Now, it’s successfully backtesting the upper trendline of the RSI compression and the falling wedge breakout, which could see it reclaim the $2.50 zone and target a new high around $5.00.

XRP Price Prediction: Weekly Chart Shows Critical $2.00 Support TestThe weekly XRP/USDT chart shows a market in a corrective phase following a strong impulsive rally, with price now compressing around a decisive inflection zone.

XRP continues respecting the critical $2.00 support area, which has repeatedly absorbed selling pressure and acted as a base for short-term stabilization.

However, the broader structure remains capped by a descending trendline from the July peak and clearly defined horizontal resistance near $3.00, which previously marked distribution and aggressive profit-taking.

Source: TradingViewMomentum indicators reinforce this cautious tone. RSI hovers in the low-40s and trends lower, reflecting weakening bullish momentum and confirming the bearish divergence that formed near cycle highs.

This suggests upside attempts remain vulnerable to rejection unless momentum meaningfully improves.

Price action also remains below key Fibonacci retracement levels between roughly $2.80 and $3.25—an area that now represents a heavy supply zone where sellers are likely to re-emerge on rallies.

Provided XRP holds above this level, price will likely continue consolidating with a slight bullish bias, potentially attempting a grind toward the descending trendline around the mid-$2 range.

Maxi Doge Presale Raises $4.5M To Position for XRP RallyIf XRP reclaims the $3.00 level and resumes its bullish rally, presale projects like Maxi Doge (MAXI) would attract capital from investors seeking high ROI opportunities.

Maxi Doge is an early-stage memecoin following the Dogecoin playbook that helped it surge over 10x during the 2023-2024 breakout rally.

The presale project has established an alpha channel to help traders exchange insider tips and share trade ideas, mirroring the early days of Dogecoin.

The MAXI presale has already raised over $4.5 million and offers 70% annual staking rewards for early participants at the current $0.000279 price.

To buy early before price increases, visit the official Maxi Doge website and connect a crypto wallet like Best Wallet.

You can pay with existing crypto like USDT and ETH, or use a bank card to complete your purchase immediately.

Visit the Official Maxi Doge Website Here

Ethereum posted a sharp correction over the past week, with cumulative losses exceeding 11%. During that period, whales redistributed roughly 110,000 ETH, according to on-chain data cited by analyst Ali Martinez. The move reduced concentration in large addresses and spread funds across multiple wallets.

ETH lost the $3,000 level and dropped from a daily high of $3,109.93 to a low of $2,901.33. At the time of writing, the price rebounded slightly, posting a modest 0.8% uptick and moving just back above $3,000. Trading volume rose 17% over the past 24 hours, reaching $37 billion.

Ethereum’s pullback coincided with tensions across global financial markets. Following a speech by U.S. President Donald Trump at Davos, part of the capital rotated into assets considered safe havens. In that context, gold climbed more than 2.15%, while the broader crypto market fell around 2.95% over the same period.

On the technical side, the $2,716 level stands out as the next relevant support if Ethereum resumes its decline under selling pressure.

Source: https://x.com/alicharts/status/2013913711724159000

Disclaimer: Crypto Economy Flash News are based on verified public and official sources. Their purpose is to provide fast, factual updates about relevant events in the crypto and blockchain ecosystem.

This information does not constitute financial advice or investment recommendation. Readers are encouraged to verify all details through official project channels before making any related decisions

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A disagreement over US crypto regulation has spilled into public view, drawing the Cardano and XRP communities into an unexpected clash. The reason is the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, a proposed bill intended to define how digital assets are regulated in the United States. 

The disagreement started after Charles Hoskinson openly criticized Brad Garlinghouse over his stance on the legislation, which led to pushback from prominent XRP community members. This comes just after reports have suggested growing frustration among lawmakers toward Coinbase over disagreements tied to the Clarity Act.

Hoskinson’s Criticism And Garlinghouse’s Position In Full Context The tension came to the surface during a livestream in January 2026, where Hoskinson criticized Garlinghouse’s apparent support for advancing the Clarity Act despite its shortcomings. In the video, Hoskinson expressed skepticism about the bill’s direction and origins, remarking sarcastically, “And what we got is Elizabeth Warren wrote the bill, that’s leadership we can believe in.”

He went on to challenge the idea that passing an imperfect bill is preferable to continued uncertainty, pointing directly to the position of Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse. Hoskinson questioned whether handing regulatory power to the same institutions that previously sued, subpoenaed, or shut down crypto businesses could truly be considered progress.

Hoskinson’s remarks did not go unanswered. Vet, a notable XRP community member and XRP Ledger dUNL validator, reposted the video on X and criticized Hoskinson’s approach. Vet questioned why Hoskinson chose to publicly attack Garlinghouse instead of contributing constructively to the legislative process, writing, “How about focusing on helping shape the Clarity Bill instead of crashing out on Brad for no reason, Charles?”

Why The Clarity Act Matters To Both Communities The Clarity Act is one of a few bills introduced during the current crypto-positive Trump administration that aims to bring structure to a regulatory environment that has been uncertain for years. The Clarity Act, in particular, was introduced to bring clarity around whether digital assets should be treated as securities or commodities and which agencies should oversee them. 

The bill represents a necessary step toward legal certainty and institutional participation. Supporters of XRP tend to see engagement with lawmakers as a practical route forward after years of legal battles. However, others like Charles Hoskinson are of a different notion. 

The Clarity Act is not without its issues. Sources close to the White House say the administration is considering pulling its support for the Clarity Act if Coinbase does not return to negotiations over stablecoin yield provisions. However, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong noted that Coinbase is actively working to find common ground with banks on yield-related issues.

A similar Act, called the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins Act, or the “GENIUS Act,” was signed into law in 2025 by President Donald Trump as part of efforts to create better regulatory clarity towards stablecoins in the United States. 

Interestingly, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse was part of the crypto industry leaders that expressed support for the Genius Act after it was signed into law.

XRP trading at $1.90 on the 1D chart | Source: XRPUSDT on Tradingview.com Featured image from Adobe Stock, chart from Tradingview.com

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Scott Matherson is a leading crypto writer at Bitcoinist, who possesses a sharp analytical mind and a deep understanding of the digital currency landscape. Scott has earned a reputation for delivering thought-provoking and well-researched articles that resonate with both newcomers and seasoned crypto enthusiasts. Outside of his writing, Scott is passionate about promoting crypto literacy and often works to educate the public on the potential of blockchain.

TL;DR

Steak ‘n Shake will pay hourly workers a $0.21 per hour Bitcoin bonus. Bonuses vest over two years and are supported by Fold. The chain already holds $10M in Bitcoin and accepts it as payment. The fast-food chain Steak ’n Shake plans to provide a Bitcoin bonus to hourly workers. The program starts on March 1 for employees at company-operated locations. Workers will earn a bonus of $0.21 worth of Bitcoin for each hour they work. This amount will accumulate with a two-year vesting period before payout.

A full-time employee working a standard 40-hour week would earn about $8.40 in Bitcoin weekly. Over a 52-week year, this equals approximately $437 in Bitcoin. The company stated the program is supported by Fold, a Bitcoin rewards and payments firm. The move signals a corporate effort to use digital assets as a tool for employee retention.

How the Bitcoin Bonus Program Operates Employees will receive their accumulated Bitcoin after completing this timeframe. The program is limited to hourly staff at restaurants the company operates directly. Franchise locations are not included in the initial rollout.

The chain began accepting Bitcoin payments across its network in May 2025. The company recently disclosed it holds about $10 million in Bitcoin on its balance sheet. It noted that same-store sales rose after introducing Bitcoin payments, though it did not specify the exact cause of the holding’s growth.

Demographic data suggests the program targets a younger workforce A National Restaurant Association brief from April 2025 indicates about 40% of restaurant workers are under 25 years old. Around 60% are under 35. A recent OKX survey found higher trust in crypto platforms among younger generations, with 40% of Gen Z and 41% of millennials expressing confidence.

The initiative follows a broader trend of companies integrating Bitcoin. In May 2025, Block Inc. announced it would roll out Bitcoin payments on its Square point-of-sale systems. The feature allows merchants to accept Bitcoin via the Lightning Network, settling in fiat or holding the crypto asset.

PayPal introduced a similar option in July 2025 Its “Pay with Crypto” feature lets merchants accept various cryptocurrencies, converting them to fiat or stablecoins at checkout. Corporate adoption as a reserve asset has also increased. Data from BitcoinTreasuries.NET shows 194 public companies now hold a combined 1.13 million Bitcoin on their balance sheets.

The crypto market posted a sharp drop, losing roughly $150 billion in market capitalization over a 24-hour period. The pullback was concentrated in Bitcoin and major altcoins, amid broad-based selling and liquidations across exchanges.

Bitcoin fell below the $90,000 level during Tuesday’s session after trading above $96,000 days earlier. The decline triggered a wave of leveraged position liquidations and increased selling pressure in the spot market. Ethereum, Solana, and other large-cap tokens recorded double-digit losses, while memecoins saw even steeper declines.

At the same time, gold absorbed significant capital inflows and climbed above $4,800 per ounce, setting a new all-time high. The market downturn coincided with geopolitical tensions in Northern Europe and a rotation of capital toward assets viewed as safe havens.

Against that backdrop, Dogecoin co-founder Billy Markus reacted on X with a single word, “Oh,” in response to a Polymarket post addressing the crypto market crash. Markus operates under the pseudonym Shibetoshi Nakamoto and maintains an active presence on social media.

Source: https://x.com/BillyM2k/status/2013787394932384151

Disclaimer: Crypto Economy Flash News are based on verified public and official sources. Their purpose is to provide fast, factual updates about relevant events in the crypto and blockchain ecosystem.

This information does not constitute financial advice or investment recommendation. Readers are encouraged to verify all details through official project channels before making any related decisions

A long-dormant Bitcoin wallet from the early days of the network has suddenly become active. On-chain data shows the wallet moved its entire balance after sitting untouched for 13 years. The wallet held 909.38 Bitcoin. At current prices, the transfer is worth about $85 million. Blockchain analytics firm Arkham Intelligence flagged the transaction after the funds moved to a new Bitcoin address.

Records show the wallet first received Bitcoin in 2013. At that time, one Bitcoin traded for less than $seven. The total value of the holdings back then was about $6,400.

Source: Arkham A Stark Reminder of Bitcoin’s Growth The scale of the gain highlights Bitcoin’s long-term rise. Over the same 13 year period, traditional assets delivered far smaller returns.

If the same $6,400 had gone into a low cost S and P 500 index fund, it would be worth about $37,000 today. That reflects a gain of roughly 481%.

Gold also performed well but lagged far behind. Benchmark gold prices rose by around 150% over the same period. Bitcoin, by comparison, delivered a gain of roughly 13,900 times the original value.

For many investors, this contrast helps explain why early Bitcoin holders are often called whales.

Old Bitcoin Wallets Are Waking Up This transfer is not an isolated case. On-chain data shows a wave of older Bitcoin wallets becoming active again in 2024 and 2025.

Wallets held by early users, some inactive for more than 10 years, have collectively moved over $50 billion worth of Bitcoin. In many cases, the coins were eventually spent rather than just reshuffled.

The reason behind the latest move remains unclear. It could be a routine security update, a change in custody, or the first step toward selling. Analysts will watch closely to see if the funds move to known exchange wallets.

Security Concerns May Be a Factor Some analysts point to rising discussion around future quantum computing risks. Early Bitcoin coins exposed public keys in older transaction formats.

While experts say quantum threats remain years away, some long-term holders may be upgrading wallet security as a precaution.

For now, the move serves as a reminder. Bitcoin’s earliest believers are still out there, and when they act, the market pays attention.

Disclaimer The information provided by Altcoin Buzz is not financial advice. It is intended solely for educational, entertainment, and informational purposes. Any opinions or strategies shared are those of the writer/reviewers, and their risk tolerance may differ from yours. We are not liable for any losses you may incur from investments related to the information given. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are high-risk assets; therefore, conduct thorough due diligence. Copyright Altcoin Buzz Pte Ltd.

Strategy crosses 700,000 BTC milestone with $2.13 billion buyStrategy has announced one of its biggest Bitcoin purchases of all time.

8-K filing. Strategy Inc. has surpassed the 700,000 Bitcoin mark after acquiring an additional 22,305 BTC between Jan. 12 and Jan. 19, 2026.Strategy Inc. (MSTR) has substantially increased its cryptocurrency holdings, finally surpassing the 700,000 BTC milestone. According to a Form 8-K filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Tysons Corner-based firm acquired an additional 22,305 BTC between Jan. 12 and Jan. 19, 2026, for approximately $2.13 billion.

$76K per BTC. Total holdings now stand at 709,715 BTC, with a cumulative cost basis of about $54 billion.Strategy has surpassed the 700,000 Bitcoin mark after acquiring an additional 22,305 BTC between Jan. 12 and Jan. 19, 2026, according to a Form 8-K filing with.

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The average purchase price for this latest tranche was $95,284 per Bitcoin. Strategy’s total holdings have swelled to 709,715 BTC with a total cost basis of $54 billion. The average cost per coin now stands at nearly $76,000 following the most recent purchase. The latest buying spree was funded entirely by the company’s "At-The-Market" (ATM) equity offering program.

Bitmine doubles down on Ethereum with $108.7M weekly buyBitmine just added 35,268 ETH worth $108.7 million, lifting its Ethereum holdings to 4.2 million ETH and total assets to $14.5 billion.

4 million ETH. Bitmine Immersion has purchased 35,268 ETH worth $108.7 million in one of its largest single-week acquisitions.Bitmine Immersion just raised the stakes in crypto treasury warfare. In one of its largest single-week purchases to date, the company snapped up 35,268 ETH worth $108.7 million, pushing its total Ethereum holdings to an astonishing 4,203,036 ETH.

Based on current spot valuations near $3,085, Bitmine’s crypto stash now clocks in at $12.96 billion in Ethereum alone.  This is so impressive that may seem delusional given that the price of ETH has been dropping hard in the last 24 hours, even breaking below the $3,000 mark as markets continue to react to the Greenland situation.

$14.5 billion. The company’s combined digital assets and cash reserves exceed $14.5 billion, including $979 million in cash and $22 million allocated to high-risk investments.The firm’s combined digital and cash reserves are valued at over $14.5 billion, including $979 million in cash and $22 million in high-risk investments like Eightco Holdings.  At the same time, Bitcoin remains a sideshow in Bitmine’s strategy, with just 193 BTC on the books — less than 0.2% of total holdings. It is ironic, considering that Bitmine's boss Tom Lee is primarily known for his bullish stance toward Bitcoin.

XRP monthly chart flashes first major macro warning since 2024 breakoutIf XRP price breaks below $1.88, the next stop is not a small dip.

Bear trap. XRP is at a technically fragile point on the monthly chart, with the Bollinger Bands midline near $1.89 now acting as the critical make-or-break level.XRP is in a really delicate position technically, and the monthly chart just gave its first serious macro warning since the 2024 breakout. 

If the current $1.89 midline on the Bollinger Bands flips into resistance, the downside magnet is not a mild dip but a brutal collapse: $0.20, the next logical level in the volatility corridor. That is an 88% drop from the current price point, as visible on the TradingView chart.

Make or break. Losing the mid-band would invalidate most breakout assumptions made since November 2024.The structure is as straightforward as it is brutal. The monthly candles are showing XRP having a hard time holding the middle band. This is the first time since its Q4,2024, liftoff, where there was an over 300% rally after years of it being stuck sideways. 

Now that same band has flattened, and the candle bodies are closing into it like dead weight. The lower band has not been tested since 2022, and it has been widening since the parabola began. 

Losing the midband here is not just a dip, it makes every breakout bet made since November 2024 invalid. When this band broke up in 2020, the price of XRP went into a two-year bear flat. The difference now is scale: the lower band sits at $0.20, not $0.60.

TL;DR

Bitwise launched a Chainlink ETP; Matt Hougan said its moderate reception reflects an incomplete understanding of the network’s role in crypto infrastructure. The CIO described LINK as a software platform that connects blockchains and external systems, providing key services for stablecoins, DeFi, and asset tokenization. Chainlink holds between 50% and nearly 100% market share across several verticals and is used by DTCC, SWIFT, JPMorgan, Visa, Fidelity, and other institutional players. Bitwise launched a Chainlink ETP after completing its registration without public promotion. The product began trading with moderate volumes and tight spreads, well below the flows seen in Bitcoin ETPs. Matt Hougan, CIO of Bitwise, said the market’s initial response reflects a limited understanding of the role LINK plays within crypto infrastructure.

Hougan described Chainlink as one of the most important and least understood assets in the sector. He said reducing the project to a “data oracle” fails to capture its operational scope or its weight within on-chain financial systems. The network operates as a software platform that connects blockchains to one another and to the external world through critical services for financial applications.

The Fundamental Role of Chainlink in the Crypto Industry The network provides price feeds, cross-chain interoperability, proof of reserves, process automation, and tools related to compliance and execution. These services support operations across stablecoins, DeFi protocols, prediction markets, and asset tokenization frameworks. Many stablecoins rely on Chainlink for pricing, reserves, and cross-network transfers. Several tokenization projects use it for valuation, servicing, and regulatory processes. Multiple DeFi applications depend on its feeds for smart contract execution.

Hougan said Chainlink holds dominant market shares across several of these verticals. In different segments, its share ranges from 50% to nearly 100%. The infrastructure is already used by institutional and traditional financial market participants, including DTCC, SWIFT, JPMorgan, BNP Paribas, Visa, Mastercard, Euroclear, Fidelity, Franklin Templeton, FTSE Russell, Coinbase, Aave, Deutsche Börse, and Polymarket.

Market Context and Forward Outlook Chainlink ranks eleventh by market capitalization, with a value near $10 billion. According to Hougan, the project’s size contrasts with its level of institutional adoption and its broad presence across the main value flows of the crypto ecosystem. Bitwise’s ETP aims to provide direct exposure to that infrastructure layer.

In the market, LINK recorded volatility over the past month. After trading sideways in late December, the token rose in early January and moved above $14. It later corrected and returned to the $12.3 area. Santiment data show that wallets among the top one hundred holders increased their balances during a dip below $13, while retail addresses reduced their exposure.

Hougan said institutional demand for Chainlink-linked products will grow as stablecoins, tokenized assets, and financial services continue to migrate toward on-chain systems.

Binance, the largest crypto exchange by trading volume, has listed Ripple's RLUSD stablecoin on its platform.

On Jan. 21, the exchange announced that it would open spot trading pairs, including RLUSD/USDT, RLUSD/U, and XRP/RLUSD, on Jan. 22 by 8 AM UTC.

Critically, Binance will initiate trading on the RLUSD/USDT and RLUSD/U pairs with zero fees until further notice.

To a casual trader, this reads like a straightforward listing announcement. However, industry experts noted that the move could fundamentally alter the market hierarchy and cement RLUSD's rapid growth over the past year.

The logic here is not that Binance magically creates value, but that the exchange can change how the market routes value. If that routing translates into sustained net issuance, RLUSD could plausibly jump into the top three stablecoins in a rapidly expanding market.

Engineering a liquidity eventThe specific mechanics of the Binance listing suggest a push for dominance rather than mere participation.

By waiving fees, Binance is not merely adding trading pairs; it is subsidizing adoption. Zero-fee stablecoin pairs have a history of changing market share on centralized exchanges by redirecting where trades clear.

Kaiko’s analysis of stablecoin dynamics on Binance offers a precedent for disrupting these numbers. After the exchange re-listed USDC in March 2023, the token’s market share on centralized exchanges reportedly surged from roughly 60% to above 90%.

This shift did not necessarily mean USDC instantly became the superior asset. It meant Binance made it the cheapest and most convenient rail, and the market followed the incentives.

Kaiko has also documented how zero-fee regimes can dominate exchange volume and reshape market structure.

This presents both a promise and a warning for Ripple’s stablecoin. Incentives can create deep liquidity quickly, but they can also inflate activity that evaporates when the subsidy ends.

For RLUSD to move toward the top three, two distinct “flywheels” must spin in sequence.

The first is routing adoption. Zero fees encourage market makers and high-frequency desks to quote tighter spreads and push more flows through RLUSD pairs.

This improves the experience for all participants by deepening the order book, reducing slippage, and ensuring more reliable execution. In stablecoin markets, where product differentiation is often thin, the preferred asset is frequently the one that trades most efficiently.

The second flywheel is balance-sheet adoption. Market cap grows only when RLUSD is actually held, whether as exchange collateral, in DeFi lending markets, or in treasury allocations.

Binance creates the environment for this by expanding RLUSD utility. The listing announcement confirmed that portfolio margin eligibility will be added, increasing the token’s utility in leveraged trading strategies.

Furthermore, inclusion in Binance Earn is planned. This would give users yield-bearing incentives to hold the asset rather than simply trade it.

The math behind the climbDespite this strategic setup, the numerical gap RLUSD must close to reach the top three is substantial.

Data from CryptoSlate shows that RLUSD has a circulating supply of around $1.4 billion. This places it among the top 10-largest stablecoins by market cap but significantly behind market leaders Tether's USDT and Circle's USDC.

To breach the “top 3 stablecoin,” RLUSD would need roughly $5.1 billion in new circulation to displace Ethena’s USDe, whose supply sits around $6.47 billion.

Over a 12-month period, reaching that benchmark would require approximately $424 million in net new RLUSD issuance per month

These are large numbers that would require RLUSD to grow four to seven times from its current base within a relatively tight window.

However, macro tailwinds may assist this ascent.

The US Treasury has publicly argued that the stablecoin market, currently valued at around $300 billion, could grow tenfold by the end of the decade. That would imply that the market could reach $3 trillion by 2030.

Meanwhile, US banking giant JPMorgan is more optimistic, projecting that stablecoins could reach $2 trillion within two years under a bullish adoption scenario.

If those trajectories materialize, RLUSD reaching the top three will not only be about stealing market share from incumbents but also about riding a rising tide.

Institutional plumbing over retail hypeWhile the Binance listing provides the liquidity spark, Ripple’s best case for the top three relies on institutional plumbing.

Over the past two years, Ripple has assembled a stack that resembles that of a payments and capital markets infrastructure provider more than that of a typical crypto issuer.

The foundation of any potential growth is a regulatory posture that has resulted in RLUSD being issued under a New York DFS Limited Purpose Trust Company Charter. At the same time, Ripple has received conditional approval for an OCC charter.

This dual layer of state and federal oversight sets a bar for transparency and compliance that few other issuers can claim.

For corporate treasurers and bank compliance officers, this regulatory perimeter often matters more than brand recognition.

Perhaps the most direct catalyst for sticky institutional adoption is that Ripple has quietly positioned itself at the center of the global payment network as a platform that settles, secures, and moves digital money.

Last year, Ripple had a $4 billion acquisition spree that included the purchase of prime broker Hidden Road, custody firm Palisade, treasury-management platform GTreasury, and stablecoin payments provider Rail.

These firms form the foundation of a vertically integrated enterprise spanning trading, custody, payments, and liquidity management.

This move essentially expands RLUSD’s growth runway beyond crypto exchange wallets. It moves the asset into multi-asset margin and financing workflows where stablecoin balances can scale rapidly.

A stress testThe risk remains that while trading volume can be manufactured, adoption cannot.

Binance’s own spot market has cooled recently, with CoinDesk Data reporting spot volume fell to $367 billion in December 2025, the lowest since September 2024.

Yet even at these reduced levels, Binance remains large enough that a fee subsidy can reshape liquidity routing.

So, the ultimate danger in this move is that RLUSD could become a “cheap rail” but not a “held asset.”

If trading volume explodes but circulating supply barely grows, the market will have its answer: Binance can create liquidity, but not necessarily durable adoption.

For RLUSD to credibly challenge for the top three, the story must evolve from “listed and traded” to “used and held.”

Mentioned in this article

Between gold, the S&P 500 and Bitcoin, Polymarket traders give gold a 47% chance of being the best performing asset in 2026, compared to 39% for Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) and 14% for the S&P 500 (NYSE:SPY) Gold Up 12.6%, Bitcoin Flat Year-To-Date Gold, as measured by (NYSE:GLD), is up 12.

Is The 180% Axie Infinity (AXS) Rally Just Exit Liquidity For Holders? Charts Have The AnswerAXS breakout holds, but bearish RSI divergence warns momentum is fading.Whales and long-term holders sell into strength as short-term traders chase gains.Key $2.20 support decides pullback risk or trend failure after 180% AXS surge.Axie Infinity is having a strong day. AXS is up about 17% today, confirming the breakout that was flagged earlier. With this move, the token is now up roughly 180% month-on-month, putting it among the top performers in the GameFi space.

But big rallies often raise one uncomfortable question. Is this strength real demand, or is it providing exit liquidity for larger holders? The charts and on-chain data point to a more complex answer.

Breakout Confirms, but Momentum Starts to CoolThe AXS price breakout itself was clean.

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AXS broke out of a bullish flag after a few sessions of consolidation. Price rallied to a high near $2.54, a move of roughly 168% from the base. But the reaction at $2.54 matters.

Price was sharply rejected, leaving a long upper wick. That wick signals active selling, not passive profit-taking. It establishes $2.54 as a real supply level.

Momentum now adds a warning.

Between January 17 and January 21, the AXS price seems to be printing higher price highs while RSI is forming a lower high. RSI measures momentum by comparing recent gains and losses. When the price rises, but the RSI weakens, upside strength is fading, a pattern known as bearish divergence. For divergence confirmation, the next candle needs to form below $2.54, while the RSI stays lower than the last peak.

Axie Infinity Pattern: TradingViewWant more token insights like this? Sign up for Editor Harsh Notariya’s Daily Crypto Newsletter here.

This developing bearish divergence does not invalidate the breakout.

It suggests that continuation now requires new demand, not just the momentum of earlier buyers. Without it, the rally is vulnerable to a pullback, pause, or even reversal.

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Big Holders Sell Into Strength While Short-Term Buyers ChaseOn-chain data explains why the rally looks unstable.

Since January 13, AXS price climbed from about $0.95 to $2.39, a gain of roughly 151%. Over the same period, whale supply fell from 255.16 million AXS to about 244 million AXS. That means whales sold roughly 11.2 million AXS, or about 4.4% of their holdings, directly into rising prices.

AXS Whales: SantimentHODL waves confirm this behavior.

HODL waves track how long coins have been held and show which holder groups are increasing or decreasing supply. The 1-year to 2-year cohort dropped sharply, falling from 13.73% of the total supply to about 4.16%. Long-term holders are using this rally to reduce exposure, not build it.

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NUPL explains why this is happening now. Net Unrealized Profit/Loss (NUPL) measures whether holders are sitting in profit or loss. A negative value means holders are still underwater. For AXS, NUPL remains deep in the capitulation zone, but the intensity of losses is easing.

Since late December, NUPL has improved from roughly −3.4 to around −0.5. In simple terms, holders are still selling at a loss, but each price rally reduces that loss. That creates strong incentives to sell into strength to recover capital.

Losses Going Down: GlassnodeShort-term holders are doing the opposite. The 1-month to 3-month cohort increased its share from 2.64% to 4.76%, an increase of over 80%. These buyers are chasing momentum, not recovering losses.

HODL Waves: GlassnodeThis is the classic exit-liquidity structure. Long-term holders and whales sell as losses shrink, while short-term traders buy, expecting a fast continuation.

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Cost Basis And AXS Price Levels Show Where Exit Liquidity Turns RiskyCost basis data shows where this GameFi setup holds or breaks.

The most important near-term support sits at $2.17–$2.20, a level also on the price chart. Roughly 1.99 million AXS were accumulated in this range. As long as price holds above it, pullbacks remain corrective.

Key AXS Price Clusters: GlassnodeBelow that, the strongest structural support lies at $1.62–$1.64, where about 3.50 million AXS were accumulated. A break below $1.63, a level on the price chart, would signal that short-term buyers are trapped and the breakout structure is failing.

Strongest Support If Price Corrects: GlassnodeOn the upside, bulls need a clean daily close above $2.54, roughly 6% above current levels, to reopen the path toward $2.72 and potentially $3.01.

AXS Price Analysis: TradingViewUntil that happens, upside moves are likely to meet selling pressure rather than acceleration.

Disclaimer

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

WalletConnect has announced support for the TRON network, connecting over 600 WalletConnect-enabled wallets and 70,000 dApps to TRON’s ecosystem. The integration allows seamless TRC‑20 token transfers, direct access to DeFi, NFT, and GameFi dApps, and improved multi-wallet connectivity for consumers and developers.

TRON, a major settlement network for USDT, processed an estimated $7.9 trillion in USDT transfers in 2025 alone, highlighting its role as a high-throughput stablecoin rail. WalletConnect CEO Jess Houlgrave stated the move expands global access to faster and cheaper payments, while TRON founder Justin Sun emphasized the network’s capacity to support mainstream stablecoin use.

Source: WalletConnect

Disclaimer: Crypto Economy Flash News is prepared using official and publicly verified sources by our editorial team. Its purpose is to quickly inform about relevant events in the crypto and blockchain ecosystem.

This information does not constitute financial advice or an investment recommendation. We recommend always checking the official channels of each project before making related decisions.

TL;DR:

US-listed XRP ETFs recorded net outflows of $53.31 million on January 21. The asset’s price lost the psychological support of $2 and is currently trading near $1.89. Geopolitical tensions and Trump’s tariff threats have driven global risk aversion. Wednesday, January 21, was marked by extreme caution in the institutional market. The XRP ETF outflows and token price reflect a shift in investor sentiment, as they opted to reduce exposure following the second consecutive day of massive withdrawals, according to SoSoValue data.

This divestment trend coincides with evident technical weakness in short-term charts. After losing the $2.00 mark, XRP is struggling to find stability, while momentum indicators like the RSI suggest that although pressure has eased, bearish sentiment still dominates the sector.

The macroeconomic environment is another factor playing a leading role in this pullback. Trump’s recent tariff threats toward the European Union have generated a capital movement toward haven assets, draining liquidity from risk assets like cryptocurrencies.

Technical Analysis and Key Levels for XRP Investors Despite stabilization attempts, the MACD indicator remains in the red, confirming that sellers maintain control of the market. Consequently, traders are closely watching the $1.85 to $1.90 range, a level that could determine the price direction in the coming days.

On the other hand, a recovery in inflows to exchange-traded funds will be a necessary catalyst to restore institutional confidence. If global risk sentiment improves, XRP could attempt a new assault on the $2 zone, although caution remains the prevailing norm for now.

In summary, the crypto market is in a “wait and see” phase while assimilating geopolitical news from Davos. Only a confirmation of exhausted selling pressure and a shift in the macro narrative will allow the token to recover the ground lost recently.