Market Signal Briefing

The largest bank in the U.S. is going to work with what is arguably the world's strongest consumer brand.

Goldman Sachs is a leading force in capital markets and investment banking activities. But it just showed once again that it could not figure out how to successfully break into consumer banking. The financial services institution has decided to sell the $20 billion Apple Card portfolio, a program it has run since its inception in 2019, to Wall Street rival JPMorgan Chase (JPM +1.05%). The transaction is expected to close in 24 months, according to the press release.

Here's what investors need to know.

Image source: JPMorgan Chase.

JPMorgan Chase gains access to high-value consumers The Apple Card partnership surprisingly wasn't a winning product offering for Goldman Sachs. Unexpectedly high charge-off rates as a result of looser lending standards, with a particularly higher proportion of approvals to consumers with FICO scores below 660 (considered fair to very poor), led to the troubles. This is part of the bigger struggles Goldman Sachs had getting its consumer banking efforts off the ground.

But one person's trash could be another person's treasure. That's what JPMorgan Chase, the biggest domestic bank with $4.4 trillion in assets, is hoping for. It has a leading position in consumer banking, serving 85 million consumers.

JPMorgan Chase will immediately gain access to more than 12 million Apple Card customers (data is from January 2024). Today, this likely means tens of millions of people who own Apple devices and are also more affluent than the general population. Being able to cross-sell the bank's vast array of products and services is the key opportunity here.

On the fourth-quarter 2025 earnings call, JPMorgan Chase management highlighted the challenge of properly integrating Apple Card into their internal systems. But optimism is there. "In terms of the portfolio and the transaction, this is, you know, an economically compelling transaction for us," CFO Jeremy Barnum said.

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Expect minimal financial impact Goldman Sachs will still handle the Apple Card for the next two years until this deal closes. After it does, assuming regulatory approvals take place, investors shouldn't expect much of a financial impact for JPMorgan Chase.

As of Dec. 31, the bank had $1.5 trillion in total loans in its portfolio. Apple Card's $20 billion in balances would represent a tiny 1.3% of that entire sum. That's not going to move the needle in any meaningful way.

This transaction, in my view, also doesn't have any influence on the investment implications of JPMorgan Chase stock. Given its expensive valuation, with shares trading at a price-to-book ratio of 2.5, this isn't a worthy portfolio addition right now.

JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Neil Patel has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Apple, Goldman Sachs Group, and JPMorgan Chase. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Choosing between the Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) and the Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) really comes down to how you feel about the current market rotation.

Dividend income investing usually isn't as simple as just picking the best dividend stocks. Your personal goals and income requirements can have a big impact on whether you focus on dividend growth or high yield.

Dividend growth stocks tend to have greater durability and sustainability, but can come with low yields. High yield stocks can help solve the income problem, but they can also turn into yield traps that damage total returns. That makes the argument between the Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG +0.22%) and the Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD 0.45%) an interesting one.

Is the current market environment built more for classic dividend growth or one that focuses on high yield with a quality tilt?

Image source: Getty Images.

Dividend growth vs. high yield The Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF tracks the S&P U.S. Dividend Growers Index. It targets large-cap stocks that have grown their annual dividend for at least 10 consecutive years. It eliminates the top 25% of yields in order to avoid some of those potential yield traps and weights the final portfolio by market cap.

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There's good and bad in this strategy. On the plus side, the elimination of high-yielders makes this more of a pure dividend growth play, even if it comes at the expense of income. On the downside, the market cap-weighting gives preference to the biggest companies regardless of yield or dividend history.

The Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF follows the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index. It targets companies of all sizes that have paid (but not necessarily grown) dividends over the past decade and scores them using metrics such as return on equity (ROE), cash flow to debt, dividend growth rate, and yield. The 100 stocks with the best combination of these factors make the final cut.

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This methodology produces a portfolio heavily tilted toward the yield factor, but filled with higher-quality stocks. This is, in my opinion, an advantageous way of building the portfolio. Selecting purely by yield can be dangerous because it gives no consideration to sustainability. By selecting stocks only backed by quality balance sheets helps address that problem.

Which ETF is the better buy? The Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF has benefited from its market-cap-weighting strategy because it's made Broadcom, Microsoft, and Apple its top three holdings. That's helped past performance relative to other dividend ETFs, but what happens if the market keeps rotating away from tech as it's begun to do in 2026?

The Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF has lagged mightily over the past three years, but that's a function of its strategy being out of favor, not the strategy itself. Overall, I really like that it incorporates dividend growth history, dividend quality, and high yield into its strategy. That really helps it identify a portfolio of top-tier stocks.

I believe that the Schwab ETF is the better buy right now. With questions surrounding the direction of the economy, the health of the labor market, and the geopolitical backdrop, we could see a continuation of the current rotation away from tech and into more defensive issues. Its portfolio is much better positioned for that type of scenario.

David Dierking has positions in Apple and Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Apple, Microsoft, and Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF. The Motley Fool recommends Broadcom and recommends the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon on Saturday confirmed he was not asked to be Federal Reserve chair, hours after President Trump disputed a report saying he offered Dimon the role.

Earlier this week, the Wall Street Journal reported Trump offered to nominate Dimon for Fed chair, although the news outlet added the JPMorgan boss took the offer as a joke. Trump in a Truth Social post on Saturday denied that report, and JPMorgan later affirmed the president’s assertion.

“There was no job offer,” Dimon said in a statement.

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon said President Trump did not offer to nominate him to be Federal Reserve chairman. AP In an email to Reuters, bank spokesperson Trish Wexler said she should have been “more vigilant” in correcting the Wall Street Journal story before it was published.

Trump on Saturday also posted he plans to sue JPMorgan sometime in the next two weeks for allegedly “debanking” him following the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol by his supporters.

Wexler said the bank would not discuss specific clients, but the bank believes “that no one’s account should be closed because of political or religious beliefs.”

“We appreciate that this Administration has moved to address political debanking and we support those efforts,” she said.

Dimon, one of Wall Street’s most influential figures, has come out against some of the Trump administration’s policies.

Trump said on Truth Social on Saturday that he intends to sue JPMorgan for “debanking” him following the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol. REUTERS Earlier this week, Dimon voiced support for the independence of the Fed, days after the Justice Department opened a criminal investigation into current Fed Chair Jerome Powell, whose term expires in May.

Dimon and top JPMorgan executives have also pushed back on the Trump administration’s proposed 10% cap on credit card interest rates, saying it would result in millions of households losing access to credit.

Trump on Wednesday suggested in a Reuters interview he was inclined to nominate either White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett or former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh to replace Powell.

2026 could be the year of Ethereum, setting the stage for further growth.

Standard Chartered analysts say 2026 will be the year of Ethereum (ETH +0.84%). Its team thinks the popular smart-contract crypto could outperform Bitcoin (BTC 0.03%) this year. It set a bullish $40,000 price target for the end of 2030, suggesting an upside of around 1,100%. As I write this (Jan. 13), Ethereum is trading at around $3,300.

It is a big jump, but it wouldn't be an impossible one. If stablecoins, real-world asset tokenization, and decentralized finance grow at the levels some predict, the amount of funds on the Ethereum blockchain could snowball. Historically, there's a strong correlation between total value locked (TVL) and Ethereum's price.

Becoming an Ethereum millionaire Ethereum often gets overshadowed by Bitcoin in investment terms. Where Bitcoin grew over 125% in the past two years, Ethereum has only gained 33%. There's over $120 billion in spot Bitcoin ETFs due to strong institutional demand, while spot Ethereum ETFs contain just $18 billion, per Coinglass data.

Even so, it's still the second-biggest crypto by market cap and it dominates the decentralized finance industry. Even more striking? It has huge growth potential that doesn't seem to be priced in. Citigroup estimates that stablecoin issuance alone could grow from around $280 billion today to between $1.9 trillion and $4 trillion.

Given that Ethereum currently accounts for just over 50% of the stablecoin market, per DefiLlama, it's fair to say that it will capture some of that market. Ethereum currently has $75.32 billion in funds in its ecosystem. If even $950 billion in stablecoins were issued on its blockchain, that would increase its TVL by over 1,100%. And that's before we consider similar growth in real-world asset tokenization.

These figures show Ethereum's potential, but its success is far from a slam dunk. That's partly because some traditional finance players are developing their own blockchains, so they may not use any public cryptos at all. Plus, while Ethereum is extremely reliable, it struggles with transaction speeds and scalability. That represents an opportunity for Ethereum's competitors, including Solana, which could also eat into its market share.

Using crypto to retire a millionaire is risky Crypto has made some millionaires, but it is extremely volatile and the industry is still relatively young. There's a lot of uncertainty about how it will evolve. Even if Standard Chartered's predictions come true and Ethereum soars 1,100% in four years, you'd need to have over $90,000 worth of Ethereum today for it to make you a millionaire.

Moreover, investing in high-risk assets like cryptocurrencies isn't generally viewed as a solid way to build wealth for retirement, particularly if your crypto holdings aren't balanced out by less risky assets. Many millionaires got there by making steady long-term contributions to a diversified portfolio held in a tax-advantaged account.

Ethereum could certainly help you retire with a considerable nest egg, depending on your investment strategy, timeline, and risk tolerance. Just make sure you manage your exposure so that a prolonged price slump won't derail your retirement plans.

The president's push to acquire Greenland threatens higher prices for luxury imports.

The future is looking brighter for this healthcare giant.

Medtronic (MDT 2.18%) is coming off a strong year. The company performed well in 2025, despite some threats to its business, including the impact of tariffs on its operations.

As 2026 begins, the good news is that Medtronic hasn't peaked yet. There are still solid reasons to consider buying shares of Medtronic this year, especially for long-term, income-seeking investors.

Let's consider three of them.

Image source: Getty Images.

1. Medtronic now has a simpler, more focused business Last year, Medtronic announced that it would separate its diabetes business into a stand-alone, publicly traded entity. The transaction is expected to be complete by the end of this year, considering the timeline management provided to investors. There are several reasons why this is a great move for the medtech leader.

First, Medtronic was unable to keep pace with industry leaders in certain niches of the diabetes care market, including the development of top-of-the-line continuous glucose monitoring systems. Even within the insulin pump category, Medtronic had strong challengers.

Second, diabetes care is Medtronic's only direct-to-consumer unit, and it generates significantly lower operating margins than the rest of its business. In its fiscal year 2025, ending on April 25, 2025, diabetes care accounted for 8% of revenue but only 4% of operating profits. Once it gets rid of this division, Medtronic will be more focused on its B2B operations and should unlock more profitable growth opportunities.

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2. Medtronic has a new growth driver Last year, Medtronic received regulatory clearance in the U.S. for the Hugo system, a robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) device, for use in urologic procedures. This won't boost Medtronic's top-line growth this year, or even next.

However, it introduces an important long-term opportunity for the company, as robotic surgery is an underpenetrated market with attractive long-term prospects. That's because the minimally invasive procedures they enable allow surgeons to perform procedures with significant advantages, but many eligible procedures are still not being performed robotically.

Even with stiff competition from other medical device leaders, Medtronic's entry into this market represents an important development for the company. As shipments for the device gain traction and new indications help that, the Hugo system will eventually contribute meaningfully to Medtronic's results.

3. Medtronic has a fantastic dividend streak Medtronic is an excellent stock for dividend-seeking investors. The healthcare giant has increased its payouts for 48 consecutive years while offering a forward yield of 3%. Medtronic is on track to become a Dividend King -- or a corporation with at least 50 straight years of annual dividend increases -- in the next couple of years. And it will continue hiking its payouts long after that. That's one more reason why the stock is a buy this year.

Expense ratios, yield, and risk profiles set these two bond ETFs apart—here’s what investors should weigh before choosing.

The iShares Core US Aggregate Bond ETF (AGG 0.17%) stands out for its much lower cost, broader diversification, and slightly higher yield compared to the iShares 3-7 Year Treasury Bond ETF (IEI 0.18%), though it has experienced a deeper historical drawdown.

Both AGG and IEI are popular fixed-income funds from IShares, but they serve different purposes. AGG seeks to capture the entire U.S. investment-grade bond market, while IEI focuses solely on intermediate-term U.S. Treasury bonds. This comparison looks at cost, performance, risk, and portfolio makeup to help decide which may suit an investor's needs.

Snapshot (cost & size)MetricIEIAGGIssuerISharesISharesExpense ratio0.15%0.03%1-yr return (as of 2026-01-09)4.1%4.4%Dividend yield3.5%3.9%AUM$17.7 billion$136.5 billionThe 1-yr return represents stock price appreciation over the trailing 12 months.

AGG looks more affordable thanks to its 0.03% expense ratio, a fraction of IEI's 0.15%, and also offers a modestly higher yield at 3.9% versus 3.5% for IEI.

Performance & risk comparisonMetricIEIAGGMax drawdown (5 y)-14.05%-17.83%Growth of $1,000 over 5 years$903$857What's insideAGG is designed to cover the total U.S. investment-grade bond market, holding over 13,000 securities as of its 22.3-year history. Its top positions include Blackrock  (BLK +0.56%) at 2.66%, and Treasury Notes that mature on Feb. 2, 2035, at 0.42% of the portfolio, reflecting a blend of government, and private company investments.

IEI, by contrast, focuses exclusively on intermediate-term U.S. Treasury bonds, with 84 holdings. Its largest exposures are Treasury Note that mature on Feb. 15, 2029, at 4.08%, Treasury Notes that mature on Nov. 30, 2030, at 3.60%, and Treasury Notes that mature on May 15, 2029 at 2.93%. Both funds avoid quirks like leverage or currency hedging, sticking to straightforward U.S. bond exposure.

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

What this means for investorsIf you're looking for a predictable place to park your cash, you could do a lot worse than the iShares Core US Aggregate Bond ETF or the iShares 3-7 Year Treasury Bond ETF. That said, these haven't been great income investments over the past five years.

Investors who bought either one of these ETFs in early 2021 don't have a lot to smile about. If you include dividend payments received over the past five years, investors who bought the iShares 3-7 Year Treasury Bond ETF have realized a measly 0.96% gain. Folks who invested in the iShares Core US Aggregate Bond ETF and held the dividends are down by 0.7% over the same time frame.

While the past five years have been disappointing for both of these ETFs, the returns they provide could swing deep into positive territory if the Federal Reserve lowers interest rates.

While the iShares Core US Aggregate Bond ETF represents thousands of debt issuers, bonds belonging to entities with the largest amounts of outstanding debt are given a higher weight. This leads to concentration in the largest issuers of debt, which aren't necessarily the entities you'd like exposure to.

GlossaryETF (Exchange-traded fund): A fund holding many securities, traded on an exchange like a stock.
Expense ratio: Annual fund operating costs expressed as a percentage of the fund’s average assets.
Diversification: Spreading investments across many securities to reduce the impact of any single holding.
Dividend yield: Annual cash distributions from a fund divided by its current market price.
Beta: A measure of an investment’s volatility compared with a benchmark index, such as the S&P 500.
AUM (Assets under management): Total market value of all assets managed within a fund.
Max drawdown: The largest peak-to-trough decline in value over a specified period.
Total return: Investment performance including price changes plus all interest and dividends, assuming reinvestment.
Investment-grade bond: Bond rated relatively safe from default by major credit rating agencies.
Intermediate-term bond: Bond with a medium-length maturity, typically around three to ten years.
U.S. Treasury bond: Debt security issued by the U.S. government to finance its operations.
Leverage (in funds): Using borrowed money or derivatives to increase a fund’s exposure beyond its net assets.

This ETF could be poised for substantial growth over the next decade.

The right investment can build life-changing wealth, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are low-maintenance investments that can pack a punch.

Growth ETFs are designed to earn above-average returns, maximizing your earnings with minimal effort on your part. While nobody can say for certain what the market will do in the coming years, one powerhouse ETF could significantly outperform the S&P 500 (^GSPC 0.06%) over the next decade.

Image source: Getty Images.

A growth ETF with a strong track record The Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth ETF (SCHG 0.25%) is a powerful growth fund with a slew of advantages. It contains nearly 200 large-cap stocks that exhibit growth characteristics, positioning them for above-average returns.

NYSEMKT: SCHGSchwab Strategic Trust - Schwab U.s. Large-Cap Growth ETF

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Large-cap stocks tend to be more stable than their smaller counterparts, and many of the companies in this ETF are industry-leading giants with a long history of not only surviving downturns, but thriving over time.

Over the last 10 years, the Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth ETF has earned total returns of around 441%, as of this writing, compared to around 270% for the S&P 500. In other words, if you'd invested $10,000 a decade ago, you'd have around $54,000 versus $37,000, respectively.

SCHG data by YCharts

Another advantage of this fund is its rock-bottom expense ratio of 0.04%, meaning you'll pay $4 per year in fees for every $10,000 invested. That's a fraction of the fee many other growth funds charge, which could potentially save you thousands of dollars over time.

Can this ETF beat the market in the next 10 years? Past performance isn't necessarily indicative of future returns, so although this fund has significantly outperformed the market previously, that doesn't guarantee it will continue to do so.

That said, this ETF's heavy tilt toward the tech industry could help propel it forward in the years to come. Roughly half of the fund is allocated to tech stocks, and top holdings include major names such as Nvidia, Apple, and Microsoft.

Much of this fund's growth has come in the last five years or so, as tech stocks -- particularly those involved in the growth of artificial intelligence (AI) -- have surged. With experts predicting that AI is poised for long-term gains, this ETF could be on the verge of substantial growth.

The key to maximizing your earnings Keeping a long-term outlook is critical when investing in a growth ETF, as this type of investment can be more volatile during periods of economic instability. If the market takes a turn for the worse in the coming years, this fund could be hit harder than an S&P 500-tracking fund.

For example, throughout the bear market of 2022, the Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth ETF sank well below the S&P 500.

SCHG data by YCharts

However, between January 2022 and today, the Schwab fund has earned total returns of more than 58% -- surging past the S&P 500 yet again.

SCHG data by YCharts

The short term can be rocky with growth funds, so be prepared for more significant price fluctuations. But strong investments are more likely to rebound from downturns, and staying invested for at least five to 10 years can help limit the impact of short-term volatility.

Growth ETFs can be fantastic investments for building wealth, but a long-term outlook is key. The Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth ETF has a powerful stock lineup and a history of beating the market, and with enough time, it has the potential to crush the S&P 500.

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NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SharonAI Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries (“Sharon AI”), a leading Australian Neocloud (SHAZ:OTC Markets, SHAZW:OTC Markets), today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its 50% ownership interest in Texas Critical Data Centers LLC (“TCDC”) to New Era Energy & Digital, Inc. (Nasdaq: NUAI) (“New Era”), as previously announced on Dec. 23, 2025, and has closed and consummated the sale.

This transaction represents a natural inflection point for Sharon AI – now a pure-play cloud GPU compute infrastructure provider – and we look forward to allocating the proceeds of sale from the TCDC divestment to expanding our core Neocloud platform.

Share New Era has acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding membership interests of TCDC and Sharon AI has no continuing ownership interest, governance rights, or control provisions with respect to the project.

The consideration New Era will pay Sharon AI will be an aggregate of US$70m and is comprised of a US$50m Senior Secured Convertible Promissory Note, US$10m in Cash and US$10m in Equity. For further details, please revisit our earlier announcement from December 23rd, 2025 (read here).

The sale of Sharon AI’s interest in TCDC is expected to facilitate further investment in Sharon AI’s core Neocloud operations, bringing high performance compute to market, at scale, for its hyperscale, research, enterprise and government customers alike. This US$70m in expected proceeds follow the recent approximately US$100m Convertible Note capital raising by Sharon AI.

“We are pleased to have executed the sale of our position in TCDC. I would like to thank the New Era team for working diligently and wish them the best of luck as they move into the development phase of this project. This transaction represents a natural inflection point for Sharon AI - now a pure-play cloud GPU compute infrastructure provider – and we look forward to allocating the proceeds of sale from the TCDC divestment to expanding our core Neocloud platform to meet accelerating demand from hyperscale, research enterprise and government customers in Asia-Pacific,” said James Manning, Co-Founder and Chairman of Sharon AI.

About SHARON AI

SharonAI Holdings Inc. (“Sharon AI”) and its subsidiaries, a leading Australian Neocloud, is a High-Performance Computing company focused on Artificial Intelligence and Cloud GPU Compute Infrastructure. Our cloud GPU platform and compute infrastructure is accelerating the build of AI factories and sovereign AI solutions, powering the next wave of accelerated computing adoption. For more information, visit www.sharonai.com.

Forward Looking Statements:

This press release may contain, and our officers and representatives may from time to time make, “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are not historical facts and which are not assurances of future performance. Forward-looking statements are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. In some cases you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “project,” “strategy,” “plan,” “expect,” “goal,” “seek,” “future,” “likely” or the negative or plural of these words or similar expressions or references to future periods. Examples of such forward-looking statements include but are not limited to express or implied statements regarding SHARON AI’s management team’s expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future including, without limitation, statements regarding:

Service and product offerings; Receipt and use of proceeds; Further investment in Neocloud operations, bringing high performance compute to market, at scale, for its hyperscale, research, enterprise and government customers; and The strengthening of Sharon AI’s partner network. In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. You are cautioned that such statements are not guarantees of future performance and that actual results or developments may differ materially from those set forth in these forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include, among others, all of the risks described in the “Risk Factors” section of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the SEC on October 21, 2025, as amended. Additional assumptions, risks and uncertainties are described in detail in our registration statements, reports and other filings with the SEC, which are available at www.sec.gov.

The forward-looking statements and other information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and SHARON AI does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.

More News From SharonAI Holdings Inc.

Dividend stocks are a good way for investors to diversify their strategies.

Dividend stocks can be a good way for investors to add sources of reliable passive income to their portfolios. Stocks have whipped up and down in recent years, and while this is nothing new for long-term-minded investors, diversifying your investment strategy can sometimes be just as important as diversifying your portfolio.

The key to investing in dividend stocks is to make sure they have a good track record, are generating enough free cash flow and earnings to cover their dividend, and also have the capacity to raise it in the future.

My top dividend stock to buy this month is Procter & Gamble (PG 0.07%), which has a trailing-12-month dividend yield of roughly 2.9%. Here's why I think the company is a top dividend stock to own.

Image source: Getty Images.

A Dividend King that will reliably continue to pay healthy dividends As a dividend stock, Procter & Gamble is as reliable as it gets. The company is a Dividend King, meaning it has paid and increased its annual dividend for at least 50 years. In fact, the company has accomplished this feat for an incredible 69 years. The company is also poised to continue doing so, as reflected in its trailing free-cash-flow yield and payout ratio.

Data by YCharts.

The free-cash-flow yield is higher than the dividend yield, and the company's payout ratio is about 60%. The payout ratio looks at the amount of dividends paid out each quarter or year as a percentage of earnings. It's ideal if a company can cover its capital distributions from its earnings, so it doesn't have to dip into other sources of capital. At a 60% payout ratio, this shows Procter & Gamble has plenty of capacity to keep increasing its annual dividend.

Now, Procter & Gamble isn't exactly a high-flying artificial intelligence stock that is going to triple your money in a bull market. It's a mature blue-chip stock. However, the company is a safe defensive pick because it makes many household items, including paper towels, laundry detergent, and soap, that families use daily and will likely prioritize during a recession.

It's a good idea for investors to have some of these safer, steadier stocks in their portfolios, especially in these market conditions, which seem to flip on a dime from bullish to bearish and back again. Plus, a nearly 3% dividend yield is solid and will only get more attractive if interest rates keep falling.

Bram Berkowitz has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - January 18, 2026) - WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities and sellers of put options of Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. (NASDAQ: SFM) between June 4, 2025 and October 29, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important January 26, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline.

SO WHAT: If you purchased Sprouts securities and/or sold put options during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Sprouts class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=48630 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than January 26, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants provided investors with material information concerning Sprouts' growth potential for the fiscal year 2025. Defendants' statements included, among other things, confidence in Sprouts' customer base to remain resilient to macroeconomic pressures and that Sprouts would instead benefit from the perceived tailwinds from a more cautious consumer. Defendants provided these overwhelmingly positive statements to investors while, at the same time, disseminating materially false and misleading statements and/or concealing material adverse facts concerning the true state of Sprouts' growth potential; notably, that a more cautious consumer could result in significant slowdown in sales growth and the purported tailwinds would be unable to dampen the slowdown or would otherwise fail to manifest entirely. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the Sprouts class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=48630 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

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New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - January 18, 2026) - WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE: ARE) between January 27, 2025 and October 27, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important January 26, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline.

SO WHAT: If you purchased Alexandria Real Estate securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Alexandria Real Estate Equities class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=48531 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than January 26, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually handle securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants provided investors with material information concerning Alexandria Real Estate's expected revenue and funds from operations ("FFO") growth for the 2025 fiscal year, particularly as it related to the growth of Alexandria Real Estate's real estate operations. The defendants' statements included, among other things, confidence in Alexandria Real Estate Equities' lease activity, occupancy stability, and ability to develop its tenant pipeline.

According to the lawsuit, defendants provided these overwhelmingly positive statements to investors while, at the same time, disseminating materially false and misleading statements and/or concealing material adverse facts concerning the true state of its Long Island City ("LIC") property. In particular, Alexandria Real Estate's claims and confidence about the leasing value of the LIC property as a life-science destination. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the Alexandria Real Estate class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=48531 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

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New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - January 18, 2026) - WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces a class action lawsuit on behalf of purchasers of securities of Varonis Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: VRNS) common stock between February 4, 2025 and October 28, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"). A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than March 9, 2026.

SO WHAT: If you purchased Varonis securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Varonis class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=50337 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than March 9, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements and or failed to disclose that: (1) Varonis would not be able to maintain ARR projections while converting both its federal and non-federal existing on-prem customers to the software-as-a-service ("SaaS") alternative offering; (2) Varonis was not equipped to convince existing users of the benefits of converting to the SaaS offering or otherwise maintain these customers on its platform, resulting in significantly reduced ARR growth potential in the near-term; and (3) as a result of the foregoing, defendants' positive statements about Varonis' business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the Varonis class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=50337 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

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To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280753

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New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - January 18, 2026) - WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, continues to investigate potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of America's Car-Mart, Inc. (NASDAQ: CRMT) resulting from allegations that America's Car-Mart may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public.

SO WHAT: If you purchased America's Car-Mart securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=46025 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

WHAT IS THIS ABOUT: On September 4, 2025, during market hours, Benzinga published an article entitled "America's Car-Mart Stock Plunges After Sales Volume Dip, Delinquency Uptick." The article stated that America's Car-Mart, Inc. stock was trading "lower after the company reported first-quarter results. The company reported a first-quarter loss of 69 cents per share, compared with a net loss of 15 cents per share in the year-ago period."

On this news, America's Car-Mart's stock fell 18.2% on September 4, 2025.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

-------------------------------

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280755

Source: The Rosen Law Firm PA

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Crude oil prices spiked then slid over recent trading sessions following the U.S. capture of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro. Ted Parkhill attributes the price action to the U.S. increasing access to oil, thus creating more oversupply.

Steak ‘n Shake has expanded its Bitcoin treasury by investing $10 million, marking a strategic move eight months after integrating the Lightning Network for BTC payments in its U.S. outlets. The investment reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to cryptocurrencies as part of its broader digital transformation strategy.

This decision follows Steak ‘n Shake’s integration of the Lightning Network, a layer-2 payment protocol designed to enable faster and cheaper Bitcoin transactions. By adopting this technology, the restaurant chain became one of the early adopters within the fast-food industry, catering to the growing demand for digital currency payments among customers. The Lightning Network facilitates microtransactions by creating off-chain payment channels, significantly reducing congestion on the Bitcoin blockchain.

The $10 million Bitcoin acquisition underscores the company’s belief in the long-term value and utility of digital currencies. Steak ‘n Shake’s CEO commented that this move aligns with their vision of embracing innovative financial technologies to enhance customer experience and streamline operations. The company has observed a positive reception from tech-savvy consumers, appreciative of the ability to conduct seamless transactions using Bitcoin.

The integration of the Lightning Network has positioned Steak ‘n Shake as a pioneering entity in the adoption of cryptocurrency within the quick-service restaurant sector. This advancement exemplifies the industry’s evolving landscape as companies increasingly explore blockchain technology to enhance service delivery. The Lightning Network’s capability to process transactions with reduced fees and faster settlement times offers a competitive edge by attracting a niche customer base inclined towards digital payment solutions.

The decision to bolster its Bitcoin reserves also reflects a growing trend among corporations to diversify their asset portfolios with cryptocurrency. Companies like Tesla and MicroStrategy have previously made headlines for integrating Bitcoin into their balance sheets, citing reasons such as inflation hedging and diversifying financial assets. For Steak ‘n Shake, this move may similarly serve as a hedge against potential economic volatility and currency depreciation.

However, the volatile nature of cryptocurrency markets poses inherent risks. Bitcoin’s value is subject to significant fluctuations, which could impact the financial stability of companies holding large amounts of digital assets. Despite these risks, supporters argue that Bitcoin offers a hedge against traditional market dynamics and inflationary pressures, providing long-term value.

Industry analysts have noted the strategic timing of Steak ‘n Shake’s latest investment, coinciding with Bitcoin’s recent price surges. As the cryptocurrency market experiences renewed interest, largely driven by institutional investments and regulatory developments, companies are increasingly viewing Bitcoin as a viable asset class. Steak ‘n Shake’s decision aligns with this broader trend of institutional adoption, which has contributed to the growing legitimacy of cryptocurrencies in mainstream finance.

Regulatory frameworks around cryptocurrency remain a key consideration for businesses, with ongoing developments influencing how digital assets are perceived and integrated into corporate strategies. While the U.S. has yet to finalize comprehensive cryptocurrency regulations, firms engaging with digital currencies must navigate a complex and evolving regulatory environment. This includes considerations around tax implications, reporting requirements, and the legal status of cryptocurrencies as financial instruments.

Steak ‘n Shake’s enhanced Bitcoin holdings highlight the intersection of technology and finance, as companies seek innovative ways to engage consumers and optimize operational efficiencies. The restaurant chain’s proactive approach in embracing digital currencies reflects a broader shift towards digitalization within the food service industry, amid changing consumer preferences and technological advancements.

Looking ahead, Steak ‘n Shake plans to continue exploring opportunities within the cryptocurrency and blockchain spaces. The company is assessing the potential of expanding its cryptocurrency payment options and further integrating blockchain technology into its supply chain management. These initiatives are part of a broader strategic vision to harness emerging technologies for sustained growth and competitive advantage.

No immediate comment was provided by Steak ‘n Shake on further cryptocurrency-related initiatives. The company is expected to monitor market trends and regulatory developments closely as it navigates this dynamic landscape. As the digital currency ecosystem continues to evolve, businesses like Steak ‘n Shake may play a pivotal role in shaping the future of financial transactions in the retail sector.

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Gold and copper have moved higher even as the Federal Reserve continues to signal patience on rate cuts, a divergence that shows how markets tend to price liquidity conditions ahead of formal policy shifts rather than wait for confirmation from central banks.

These metals are responding to changes in real yields, funding conditions, and forward expectations, and that behavior has often appeared in earlier stages of easing cycles. In previous cycles, Bitcoin reacted later to the same forces, with its strongest advances arriving only after metals had already repositioned for looser financial conditions.

The current setup looks familiar. Gold is attracting defensive capital as real returns on cash and Treasuries compress, while copper is responding to improving expectations for credit availability and global activity. Together, they suggest that markets are adjusting to an environment where restrictive policy is nearing its limit, regardless of how long official rhetoric remains cautious.

Bitcoin has yet to reflect that shift, but history shows that it tends to move only after the underlying liquidity signal becomes harder to ignore.

Metals move before central banks actFinancial markets typically reprice conditions before policymakers acknowledge a turn, especially when the cost of capital begins to shift at the margin.

Gold’s behavior across multiple cycles illustrates this clearly. Data from LBMA pricing and analysis from the World Gold Council show that gold often begins rising months before the first rate cut, as investors respond to peaking real yields rather than the cut itself.

In 2001, 2007, and again in 2019, gold prices moved higher while policy was still “officially” restrictive, reflecting expectations that holding cash would soon offer diminishing real returns.

Copper strengthens the signal even further because it responds to a different set of incentives. Unlike gold, copper demand is tied to construction, manufacturing, and investment cycles, which makes it sensitive to credit availability and funding conditions.

When copper prices rise alongside gold, it points to more than defensive positioning, suggesting that markets expect looser financial conditions to support real economic activity.

Recent moves in CME and LME copper futures show that's exactly what happened, with prices pushing higher despite uneven growth data and caution from central banks.

Graph showing the price of copper from Jan. 22, 2025, to Jan. 15, 2026 (Source: TradingEconomics)This combination carries an outsized influence on the market because it reduces the risk of a false signal. Gold alone can rise on fear or geopolitical stress, while copper alone can react to supply disruptions.

When both move together, it usually reflects a broader adjustment in liquidity expectations, one that markets are willing to price even without explicit policy support.

Real yields shape the cycle more than policy headlinesThe common driver across gold, copper, and eventually Bitcoin is the real yield on long-dated government debt, particularly the US 10-year Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities yield. Real yields represent the return investors receive after inflation and act as the opportunity cost for holding non-yielding or low-yielding assets.

When those yields peak and begin to decline, the relative appeal of scarce assets improves, even if policy rates remain elevated.

US Treasury data shows that gold prices have tracked real yields closely over time, with rallies often beginning once real yields roll over rather than after rate cuts occur. Hawkish messaging has almost never managed to reverse that relationship once the real return on Treasuries started compressing.

Copper is less directly linked but still responds to the same backdrop, as falling real yields tend to come with easier financial conditions, a softer dollar, and improved access to credit, all of which support industrial demand expectations.

Graph comparing the price of gold to the real 10-year Treasury yield (inverted) from 2004 to 2026 (Source: LongtermTrends)Bitcoin operates within this same framework but reacts later because its investor base tends to respond only after the liquidity shift is clearer. In 2019, Bitcoin’s rally followed a sustained decline in real yields and gathered momentum as the Fed moved from tightening to easing.

In 2020, the relationship became more extreme as real yields collapsed and liquidity flooded the system, with Bitcoin’s performance accelerating well after gold had already repositioned.

This sequencing explains why Bitcoin can appear disconnected during early phases of a cycle. It is not responding to isolated data prints or single-rate decisions, but to the cumulative effect of real-yield compression and liquidity expectations that metals tend to reflect earlier.

Graph showing the performance and 30-day correlation between Bitcoin and gold from 2017 to 2026 (Source: Newhedge)Capital rotation explains Bitcoin’s delayed responseThe order in which assets respond during easing cycles reflects how different types of capital reposition. Early in the process, investors tend to favor assets that preserve value with lower volatility, which supports demand for gold.

As expectations for easier credit and improved growth strengthen, copper begins to reflect that shift through higher prices. Bitcoin typically absorbs capital later, once markets are more confident that easing will materialize and that liquidity conditions will support riskier, more reflexive assets.

This pattern has repeated across cycles. In 2019, gold’s rally preceded Bitcoin’s breakout, with Bitcoin eventually outperforming once rate cuts became reality. In 2020, the timeline compressed, but the sequence remained similar, with Bitcoin’s strongest gains arriving after policy and liquidity responses were already underway.

Because Bitcoin’s market is smaller, younger, and more sensitive to marginal flows, its moves tend to be sharper once positioning shifts in its favor.

Right now, metals appear to be repricing conditions ahead of confirmation, while Bitcoin remains range-bound. That divergence has often existed in the early stages of easing cycles and has resolved only after real-yield compression became persistent enough to alter capital allocation decisions more broadly.

What would invalidate the setupThis framework depends on real yields continuing to ease. A sustained reversal higher in real yields would undermine the rationale for gold’s advance and weaken the case for copper, while leaving Bitcoin without the liquidity tailwind that has supported past cycles.

An acceleration in quantitative tightening or a sharp appreciation in the dollar would also tighten financial conditions and pressure assets that depend on easing expectations.

A renewed surge in inflation that forces central banks to delay easing materially would pose a similar risk, as it would keep real yields elevated and limit the scope for liquidity to expand. Markets can anticipate policy shifts, but they can't sustain those expectations indefinitely if the underlying data turns against them.

For now, futures markets continue to price in the eventual easing, and Treasury real yields remain below their cycle highs. Metals are responding to those signals. Bitcoin is yet to do so, but its historical behavior suggests that it tends to move only after the liquidity signal becomes more durable.

If real yields continue to compress, the path that metals are tracing now has often led Bitcoin to follow later, and with considerably more force.

Dogecoin drops 14% from yearly highs as whale transfers 500M DOGE to Binance.

Newton Gitonga2 min read

18 January 2026, 06:56 PM

Edited 18 January 2026, 06:57 PM

The memecoin market has demonstrated its volatile nature once more. After gaining approximately $10 billion in market capitalization during the opening days of 2026, the sector has surrendered roughly 85% of those gains within a single week. The sharp reversal underscores the inherent risk profile of these digital assets.

Dogecoin has not escaped the broader market downturn. The popular memecoin currently trades at around $0.1366, down 1.45% in the last 24 hours.

Technical Resistance Creates BarrierThe $0.15 price level has emerged as a formidable obstacle for DOGE. Since falling below this threshold in mid-November 2025, the token has attempted to reclaim it on four separate occasions. Each effort has failed. The most recent rejection occurred just ten days ago.

Following that unsuccessful breakout attempt, Dogecoin experienced six consecutive sessions of losses. The decline reached nearly 15% before finding temporary support. A subsequent rebound of approximately 9% has brought renewed attention to the $0.13 level.

The technical chart reveals a pattern of failed breakouts and swift pullbacks. Traders now watch whether $0.13 can hold as meaningful support. The price action suggests a market struggling to establish clear direction amid conflicting signals.

Massive Whale Transfer Raises ConcernsRecent blockchain data has added another layer of uncertainty to Dogecoin's outlook. On January 14, DOGE tested the $0.15 resistance level before retreating 7% to $0.13. This pullback coincided with significant on-chain activity that caught market attention.

WhaleAlerts detected a substantial transfer of 500 million DOGE tokens to Binance. The movement represents a considerable position shift by large holders. Such transfers to exchanges typically precede selling activity, as investors move assets to trading platforms ahead of liquidation.

The timing of this whale movement is particularly significant. It occurred precisely as DOGE failed to break through resistance, suggesting institutional or high-net-worth participants lack confidence in an immediate upward move. The transaction value exceeds the threshold for traditional portfolio rebalancing and indicates a strategic position exit.

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

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Dogecoin (DOGE) News

Story [IP] also ended the week in positive territory, rising by roughly 20% to trade near $2.74 at press time. The token saw a midweek surge toward the $3.80-$4.00 zone before facing selling pressure, having fallen since.

Momentum appeared to stabilize, with the RSI at around 56. CMF was positive, with modest capital inflows despite the retracement.

This is a classic cooldown after a fast rally, with buyers still defending higher levels into the weekly close.

Pump.fun [PUMP] saw a brief uptick this week following the launch of the network’s new creator callout feature, which allows creators to share trending coins with their followers.

The token gained about 17% this week, but that was after it failed to hold more gains.

At the time of writing, RSI was moderately bullish with minimal overheating. MACD was marginally positive, though momentum was slowing.

While the update boosted short-term engagement and trading activity, it seems traders still aren’t sure about chasing follow-through beyond the initial announcement-driven move.

Other notable winners Beyond the top movers, several altcoins posted gains this week. Monero [XMR] surged by roughly 16%, riding the privacy and censorship-resistance demand wave.

Internet Computer [ICP] followed with a strong 25% jump. Chiliz [CHZ] also stood out, climbing about 24% as activity around fan tokens and sports-related crypto picked up.

Weekly losers Polygon [POL] — Profit taking begins after last week’s rally Polygon [POL] slipped into the losers column this week after a big change from last week’s sprint. The token fell by nearly 14% over the week, retreating to trade around $0.142 at press time.

Source: TradingView

The decline comes just a week after POL surged close to 50%, making this fall notable. Selling pressure seems to have picked up steadily, with the RSI showing fading bullishness.

The MACD also flattened and went lower. POL’s move seems caused by profit-taking after an aggressive rally, with traders locking in gains.

Memecore [M] falls with lesser meme hype Memecore slipped further, posting a near 11% weekly decline with weakening bullish momentum.  At press time, the token was trading around $1.55 after failing to reclaim the $1.60-$1.62 zone, where multiple MAs converged.

Price remained below key short-term EMAs, so there’s greater selling pressure. The RSI showed a loss of upside strength.

With buyers struggling to defend higher levels, Memecore’s fall shows decreasing speculative interest. Traders are perhaps becoming picky with where their money goes.

Midnight [NIGHT]’s support breaks as sellers take the reins Midnight [NIGHT] slid roughly 12% this week, an extension of the short-term downtrend.

The token dropped from the $0.070-$0.072 range to around $0.0617 at press time, a clear breakdown below prior consolidation support. Consecutive red candles mean selling pressure, with no meaningful bounce attempts.

The RSI proved weak pace, while leaving room for further downside. Meanwhile, CMF went deep into negative territory, with persistent capital outflows.

Unless NIGHT can reclaim the $0.065-$0.067 zone, bearish control is likely to remain intact.

Other notable losers There were more losses than gains this week. Bitcoin Cash [BCH] slipped nearly 8%, while XDC Network [XDC] fell around 9%.

Virtuals Protocol [VIRTUAL] saw the biggest drop among this group, down roughly 11%. The risk-off behavior is very selective.

All in all… … It was one of those weeks, with big pumps, pullbacks, and charts that probably ruined someone’s sleep schedule.

While the popular kids stayed steady, the rest of the market reminded us why this is not for the faint-hearted. As always, things change quickly, and last week’s winner can easily become next week’s cautionary tale.

DYOR, manage your risk, and we’ll see you next week!

Final Thoughts Altcoins stole the spotlight this week, with Dash’s 115% taking the lead. Profit-taking is back in play, as several recent high-flyers corrected greatly.

20h05 ▪ 3 min read ▪ by Luc Jose A.

Summarize this article with:

While the crypto ecosystem oscillates between uncertainty and consolidation, Solana attracts an unexpected wave of users. In the space of 24 hours, more than 8.9 million new addresses were created on the network, a record that reignites attention on this blockchain known for its speed and efficiency. Behind this sudden enthusiasm lies a more nuanced reality, where the enthusiasm of newcomers clashes with fragile technical signals.

In brief Solana records over 8 million new addresses in just 24 hours, a record reflecting massive network adoption. This explosion of activity is driven by the rise of DeFi projects, memecoins, and the technical attractiveness of the blockchain. Despite this enthusiasm, historic investors are beginning to reduce their exposure, increasing selling pressure. Technical indicators reveal a worrying bearish pattern, with an identified 9.5% correction risk for the SOL price. A spectacular adoption that redefines Solana network momentum In a global context of renewed interest in high-performance blockchains, Solana, thanks to its dominance in crypto trends, has recorded more than 8 million new active addresses in just 24 hours.

This spectacular growth is accompanied by strong on-chain activity, highlighting an influx of new users and investors on the network. Such development signals substantial demand for SOL and reflects the growing attractiveness of its ecosystem, notably driven by DeFi projects, memecoins, and other high-yield applications.

This massive jump in adoption is generally interpreted as a vitality signal for a blockchain network. It implies a potential increase in liquidity, but also an increased valuation of SOL in the medium term.

Several factors explain this renewed interest in Solana :

Extremely low transaction costs, which encourage daily and massive network use ; Proven scalability, capable of processing several thousand transactions per second without congestion ; The rise of memecoins and native DeFi projects on Solana, which attract both seasoned investors and a more speculative audience ; A renewed developer confidence, seeing Solana as a solid alternative to other competing Layer 1s. The exponential increase in the number of active addresses thus seems to confirm the broadening of the user base, beyond a mere fad or one-off event.

A bearish configuration and increasing selling pressure This bullish momentum is far from unanimous in the markets. Indeed, the selling pressure exerted by long-term holders now outweighs the demand generated by newcomers.

The selling pressure begins to dominate as historic investors reduce their exposure or prepare to sell. This often underestimated trend could well neutralize the positive effects of the recent influx of users.

Beyond portfolio movements, technical analysis strengthens the hypothesis of a short-term pullback. The SOL chart presents an “ascending wedge,” a pattern known for its bearish implications.

Thus, the SOL price was around $144, with an identified correction risk of 9.5%. If this scenario is confirmed, the first critical threshold is at $136, with potential support at $129. Conversely, a rebound above $146 could cancel this pattern and restart the bullish momentum.

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Luc Jose A.

Diplômé de Sciences Po Toulouse et titulaire d'une certification consultant blockchain délivrée par Alyra, j'ai rejoint l'aventure Cointribune en 2019. Convaincu du potentiel de la blockchain pour transformer de nombreux secteurs de l'économie, j'ai pris l'engagement de sensibiliser et d'informer le grand public sur cet écosystème en constante évolution. Mon objectif est de permettre à chacun de mieux comprendre la blockchain et de saisir les opportunités qu'elle offre. Je m'efforce chaque jour de fournir une analyse objective de l'actualité, de décrypter les tendances du marché, de relayer les dernières innovations technologiques et de mettre en perspective les enjeux économiques et sociétaux de cette révolution en marche.

DISCLAIMER

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author, and should not be taken as investment advice. Do your own research before taking any investment decisions.

Published: Jan 18, 2026 at 19:19

The Hyperliquid (HYPE) sideways trend has persisted since December 18, 2025.

Hyperliquid price long-term analysis: bearish The altcoin has remained range-bound above the $22 support and below the moving average lines or resistance at $27. Upward movement has been hindered by resistance at $27, which is below the moving averages. The altcoin is trading within a confined range, above the $22 support but below the moving average lines.

On the upside, HYPE could reach a high of $36 if it rebounds and breaks above the moving average lines. Conversely, if the altcoin weakens and loses the $20 support, it may fall below $18. Currently, the altcoin is at $25.59.

Technical Indicators: Resistance Levels – $60 and $70

Support Levels – $40 and $30

Hyperliquid price indicators analysis The 21-day and 50-day SMAs are horizontal, but price bars have dropped below the moving average lines. The appearance of Doji candlesticks has resulted in price bars remaining stationary. On the 4-hour chart, the price bars have been moving both below and above the horizontal moving averages.

What is the next direction for Hyperliquid? On the 4-hour chart, the HYPE price remains in a sideways trend, above the $23 support but below the $26.50 resistance. The cryptocurrency price is rising near the resistance level of $26.50. The altcoin is likely to turn down if it meets resistance at $26.50 and begins to fluctuate within a limited range.

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

A crypto whale has opened a $2.14M leveraged long on Dogecoin at $0.137621 using 10x leverage. The position sits near liquidation as DOGE struggles to break resistance levels.

Newton Gitonga2 min read

18 January 2026, 07:52 PM

A crypto whale known for selling 255 Bitcoin in December has opened a massive leveraged position on Dogecoin. The trader bought over 15.6 million DOGE tokens using 10x leverage on Hyperliquid.

The position carries a notional value of $2.14 million with an entry price of $0.137621 per token. Current data shows an unrealized loss of $8,331 as Dogecoin trades at $0.1374. The move signals a dramatic shift in strategy for the wallet that previously dumped significant Bitcoin holdings.

Aggressive Portfolio ExpansionThe Dogecoin long represents just one element of a broader trading strategy. The same whale simultaneously opened a 5x leveraged short position on DASH, a privacy-focused cryptocurrency. This dual approach suggests the trader expects divergent performance across different altcoin sectors.

The whale's total portfolio shows substantial exposure across major cryptocurrencies. Ethereum positions account for $232.4 million in value. Bitcoin holdings reach $146.9 million despite the previous December sale. Solana exposure sits at $69.7 million. All three positions maintain long exposure.

Total active perpetual positions now equal $457 million. The overall leverage ratio stands at 11.35x across the entire portfolio. Current unrealized losses total $3.31 million portfolio-wide.

High Risk, Narrow MarginsThe timing of this Dogecoin bet raises questions. The meme coin has struggled to reclaim its December peak of $0.15209. A brief price surge failed to sustain momentum. The past week brought volatility without a clear directional breakout.

Funding rates currently sit in negative territory. Dogecoin faces resistance at key technical levels. These market conditions make the whale's aggressive entry particularly notable.

The 10x leverage creates significant risk parameters. Small price movements will generate outsized profits or losses. The liquidation price sits at $0.12309, leaving minimal downside room. The entry point stands roughly 12% above the liquidation threshold.

This narrow margin contradicts typical conservative risk management. The position size and leverage suggest strong conviction rather than cautious speculation. The whale appears to anticipate a sharp reversal in altcoin market sentiment.

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

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Dogecoin (DOGE) News

Trove Markets, a planned decentralized perpetuals exchange for collectibles like Pokémon cards and Counter-Strike 2 skins, is abandoning Hyperliquid and rebuilding its platform on Solana just one week after closing an $11.5 million token sale premised on Hyperliquid integration.

"We're pivoting Trove to Solana," pseudonymous team member "Unwise" wrote on X Sunday. "After recent sentiment around Trove, the liquidity partner that had been supporting our Hyperliquid path chose to unwind their 500k $HYPE position. That was their decision and we fully respect it."

The pivot stems from a core requirement of Hyperliquid's HIP-3 infrastructure: builders must stake 500,000 HYPE tokens, currently worth around $12.5 million, to deploy perpetual futures markets on the platform. The staking requirement, activated in October 2025, serves as a security bond that validators can slash if a deployer misbehaves. 

Following recent controversy surrounding Trove's public token sale, the liquidity partner who put up the HYPE apparently lost faith in the project, forcing the pivot mere hours before the TROVE token is scheduled to go live at 9 p.m. UTC (after being delayed by two hours late Sunday). The identity of the liquidity partner was not disclosed. 

When that partner chose to exit and liquidate the position, Trove lost access to the infrastructure underpinning its entire product. "This changes our constraints: we're no longer building on Hyperliquid rails," Unwise wrote, adding that the team is now "rebuilding the perp DEX on Solana from the ground up."

The pivot extends a turbulent week for the project. As The Block previously reported, Trove's January 8-11 token sale descended into chaos when the team modified its smart contract to extend the ICO deadline just five minutes before close, then reversed the decision 14 minutes later. The whiplash caught Polymarket traders mid-repositioning, with one reportedly losing approximately $73,000 on a wager that would have yielded roughly $200 if successful.

Blockchain investigator ZachXBT separately alleged that $45,000 in SOL from Trove's fundraising accounts was transferred to prediction market platforms. Unwise responded that the funds were paid to an influencer for advertising purposes, and that the influencer independently moved them to prediction markets — an explanation ZachXBT noted amounted to an admission of undisclosed paid promotion.

Crypto traders on social media expressed displeasure with the move, with many requesting refunds for their initial investments in the replies of Unwise's announcement. 

The TROVE token has not yet launched and is not trading on spot markets. The project had planned a February 10 mainnet launch on Hyperliquid, following 100% of tokens unlocking at the token generation event. Unwise did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Block. 

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.

NEW YORK, Jan. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Klarna Group plc (NYSE: KLAR) pursuant and/or traceable to the registration statement and related prospectus (collectively, the “Registration Statement”) issued in connection with Klarna’s September 2025 initial public offering (the “IPO”), of the important February 20, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline in the securities class action first filed by the Firm.

SO WHAT: If you purchased Klarna securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Klarna class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=48971 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than February 20, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs’ Bar. Many of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, the Registration Statement contained false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Defendants materially understated the risk that its loss reserves would materially go up within a few months of the IPO, which they either knew of or should have known of given the risk profile of many individuals agreeing to Klarna’s buy now, pay later (“BNPL”) loans; and (2); as a result, defendants’ public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times and negligently prepared. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the Klarna class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=48971 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor’s ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

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Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

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Contact Information:

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The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
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