Market Signal Briefing

2 mins mins

Key Points:

President Trump announces tariffs related to Greenland, impacting major European nations.Denmark and other affected countries face escalating tariffs starting February 1.Trade policies strain political relationships over territorial disputes. Senate Democrats plan to introduce legislation to counteract Trump’s tariffs on European nations, announced via Truth Social, over the Greenland annexation issue starting February 1.

The announcement could strain US-European relations, potentially impacting international trade and geopolitical dynamics, as Trump’s tariffs intensify economic and political tensions with strategic allies.

Main Content: On January 18th, President Donald Trump declared a 10% tariff on European countries opposing U.S. plans regarding Greenland, escalating trade tensions. The tariffs target Denmark, Norway, Sweden, among others, with rates increasing to 25% by June 1st.

Such tariffs could disrupt international trade, putting pressure on economic ties between the U.S. and Europe. As tariffs rise, European exports to the U.S. will become increasingly expensive, potentially affecting market dynamics.

Certain leaders have voiced concerns. Chuck Schumer criticized the tariffs for harming U.S.-Europe connections, highlighting potential economic ramifications for both regions.

Trump’s Tariff Strategy and European Response Did you know? Greenland’s strategic location has spurred geopolitical interest since Cold War times, highlighting its enduring role in international negotiations.

Bitcoin (BTC) is currently priced at $95,043.44, with a market cap of $1.90 trillion. The cryptocurrency commands a 58.93% market dominance, although its 24-hour trading volume of $16.49 billion reflects a 43.63% drop. Recent fluctuations show a 7-day gain of 4.84%, amidst a 90-day decrease of 14.21%, according to CoinMarketCap data.

Bitcoin(BTC), daily chart, screenshot on CoinMarketCap at 05:37 UTC on January 18, 2026. Source: CoinMarketCap Coincu researchers suggest potential regulatory modifications stemming from heightened geopolitical tensions. Financial outcomes may involve increased market volatility while regulatory clarity could arise from heightened intervention, influencing the broader economic landscape.

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice. We encourage you to do your own research before investing.

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Rongchai Wang Jan 18, 2026 06:48

BNB trades at $947 with neutral RSI and strong momentum indicators. Technical analysis suggests Binance Coin could reach $950-$1,050 range by February 2026.

Binance Coin (BNB) is showing promising technical signals as it trades near $947, positioning itself for a potential breakout toward the $1,000 psychological level. With multiple analysts converging on similar price targets and technical indicators showing mixed but improving momentum, this BNB price prediction explores the key levels traders should watch in the coming weeks.

BNB Price Prediction Summary • Short-term target (1 week): $970-$980 • Medium-term forecast (1 month): $950-$1,050 range
• Bullish breakout level: $971.38 • Critical support: $935.20

What Crypto Analysts Are Saying About Binance Coin Recent analyst commentary has been notably bullish on BNB's prospects heading into February 2026. Felix Pinkston noted on January 11 that "BNB price prediction shows bullish momentum at $912.96 with technical indicators suggesting Binance Coin could reach $950-$1,050 by February 2026 amid neutral RSI conditions."

Building on this sentiment, Luisa Crawford observed on January 15 that "BNB trades at $933 with neutral RSI and resistance at $956. Technical analysis suggests Binance Coin could reach $950-$1,050 range by February 2026 following bullish breakout signals."

Most recently, Terrill Dicki reinforced this Binance Coin forecast on January 17, stating that "BNB trades at $937 with neutral RSI and strong momentum indicators suggesting Binance Coin could reach $950-$1,050 range by February 2026 following bullish technical signals."

The consensus among these analysts points to a consistent $950-$1,050 target range, suggesting institutional confidence in BNB's upward trajectory.

BNB Technical Analysis Breakdown Current technical indicators present a mixed but increasingly bullish picture for Binance Coin. Trading at $947.06, BNB sits comfortably above its key moving averages, with the 7-day SMA at $937.36 and the 50-day SMA at $883.62 providing strong support levels.

The RSI reading of 65.39 places BNB in neutral territory, suggesting there's still room for upward movement before reaching overbought conditions. However, the MACD histogram at 0.0000 indicates bearish momentum in the short term, though this could represent a healthy consolidation before the next leg up.

Perhaps most telling is BNB's position within the Bollinger Bands. With a %B position of 0.86, Binance Coin is trading near the upper band resistance at $962.76, indicating strong bullish pressure. The daily ATR of $23.96 suggests moderate volatility, providing opportunities for both entry and exit strategies.

Key resistance levels to watch include the immediate resistance at $959.22 and the stronger resistance at $971.38. On the downside, immediate support sits at $935.20, with stronger support at $923.34.

Binance Coin Price Targets: Bull vs Bear Case Bullish Scenario In the bullish case for this BNB price prediction, a break above the strong resistance level of $971.38 could trigger a rapid move toward the $1,000 psychological level. Given the consistent analyst targets in the $1,050 range, this represents a realistic upside scenario for February 2026.

Technical confirmation would come from a sustained break above the current Bollinger Band upper resistance at $962.76, combined with RSI moving into the 70+ range and MACD turning decisively positive. Volume expansion above the current 24-hour average of $84.9 million would provide additional confirmation.

Bearish Scenario The bearish scenario involves a failure to hold the immediate support at $935.20, which could trigger a retest of the stronger support at $923.34. A break below this level might see BNB retesting the 50-day SMA at $883.62.

Risk factors include broader cryptocurrency market weakness, regulatory concerns affecting Binance, or a general risk-off sentiment that could pressure the entire exchange token sector.

Should You Buy BNB? Entry Strategy Based on current technical levels, potential entry points for BNB include any pullback toward the $935-$940 range, which aligns with recent support and the 7-day moving average. More aggressive traders might consider entries on a break above $960 with confirmation volume.

For risk management, a stop-loss below $920 would protect against a significant breakdown while allowing room for normal volatility. Position sizing should account for the $23.96 daily ATR, suggesting potential daily moves of 2.5% in either direction.

The current Binance Coin forecast suggests a favorable risk-reward ratio for medium-term positions, with potential upside to $1,050 representing approximately 11% gains from current levels.

Conclusion This BNB price prediction points to a bullish outlook for Binance Coin through February 2026, with a high-confidence target range of $950-$1,050. The convergence of analyst predictions, combined with technical indicators showing BNB trading near resistance with room for RSI expansion, supports this optimistic scenario.

However, traders should remain mindful that all cryptocurrency price predictions carry inherent risks, and positions should be sized appropriately. The key levels to watch remain the $971.38 resistance for bullish confirmation and $935.20 support for downside protection.

Disclaimer: This analysis is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Cryptocurrency investments carry significant risk, and past performance does not guarantee future results.

Image source: Shutterstock

bnb price analysis bnb price prediction

Timothy Morano Jan 18, 2026 07:00

Cardano trades at $0.40 with neutral RSI at 50.25. Technical analysis suggests potential move toward $0.44 Bollinger Band resistance or retreat to $0.35 support zone.

ADA Price Prediction Summary • Short-term target (1 week): $0.41-$0.43 • Medium-term forecast (1 month): $0.35-$0.44 range
• Bullish breakout level: $0.44 • Critical support: $0.35

What Crypto Analysts Are Saying About Cardano While specific analyst predictions are limited for the current trading session, recent institutional forecasts provide context for Cardano's trajectory. According to earlier January projections from the BTCC Research Team, ADA was expected to trade between $0.40 and $0.45 during January 2026, with an average price target around $0.43.

CoinEdition's analysis from early January suggested ADA could reach between $0.45 and $0.75 in Q1 2026, driven by Midnight adoption and regulatory developments. However, current price action at $0.40 suggests the market is consolidating within the lower end of these projected ranges.

On-chain metrics indicate ADA's trading volume on Binance has reached $20.5 million over the past 24 hours, reflecting moderate institutional interest during this consolidation phase.

ADA Technical Analysis Breakdown Cardano's current technical picture presents a neutral-to-bearish setup with several key indicators worth monitoring. The RSI reading of 50.25 places ADA directly in neutral territory, suggesting neither overbought nor oversold conditions.

The MACD configuration shows concerning signals with the histogram at 0.0000, indicating bearish momentum despite the MACD line (0.0024) trading slightly above the signal line (0.0024). This flat histogram suggests weakening upward momentum and potential for a bearish crossover.

Bollinger Bands analysis reveals ADA trading at the middle band ($0.39) with a %B position of 0.54. This positioning indicates Cardano is slightly above the 20-day moving average but well below the upper band resistance at $0.44. The lower band sits at $0.35, establishing a clear trading range.

Moving averages paint a mixed picture with short-term averages (SMA 7: $0.40, SMA 20: $0.39, SMA 50: $0.39) clustering around current price levels, while the SMA 200 at $0.64 highlights the significant distance from long-term trend support.

The Stochastic oscillator shows %K at 27.82 and %D at 22.25, suggesting ADA may be approaching oversold territory, potentially setting up for a relief bounce.

Cardano Price Targets: Bull vs Bear Case Bullish Scenario The primary bullish target for this ADA price prediction centers on the $0.44 Bollinger Band resistance level. A sustained break above the immediate resistance at $0.41 could trigger momentum toward this upper band target, representing a 10% upside move from current levels.

Technical confirmation would require RSI breaking above 60 and MACD histogram turning positive. Volume expansion above the current $20.5 million daily average would support bullish momentum. The Cardano forecast in this scenario suggests potential for testing the January high projections around $0.45.

Bearish Scenario The downside risk focuses on the $0.35 Bollinger Band lower support. Current MACD bearish momentum and proximity to strong support at $0.39 suggest vulnerability to further weakness. A break below the immediate support cluster around $0.39 could accelerate selling toward the $0.35 zone.

Risk factors include the significant gap between current price and the 200-day moving average at $0.64, indicating ADA remains in a longer-term downtrend despite recent consolidation.

Should You Buy ADA? Entry Strategy Current technical conditions suggest a range-bound approach for ADA price prediction strategies. Conservative entries could target the $0.39 support zone with stop-losses below $0.35 to limit downside exposure to the Bollinger Band lower boundary.

More aggressive traders might consider positions above $0.41 resistance breaks, targeting the $0.44 upper band with stops below $0.40. The neutral RSI provides flexibility for both approaches, though the bearish MACD momentum favors patience.

Risk management should account for the $0.02 daily ATR, suggesting position sizes appropriate for potential 5% daily moves in either direction.

Conclusion This ADA price prediction suggests Cardano remains trapped in a consolidation pattern between $0.35-$0.44 Bollinger Band boundaries. While earlier January forecasts projected higher targets, current technical analysis indicates ADA needs to overcome immediate resistance at $0.41 before challenging the $0.44 breakout level.

The Cardano forecast carries moderate confidence given mixed technical signals, with RSI neutrality offset by bearish MACD momentum. Traders should monitor volume expansion and RSI direction for clearer directional signals in the coming sessions.

Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency price predictions involve significant risk and uncertainty. Technical analysis provides probabilities, not guarantees. Always conduct independent research and consider your risk tolerance before trading.

Image source: Shutterstock

ada price analysis ada price prediction

Lawrence Jengar Jan 18, 2026 07:06

SOL Price Prediction Summary • Short-term target (1 week): $148-152 • Medium-term forecast (1 month): $160-180 range • Bullish breakout level: $145.81 • Critical support: $140.41...

SOL Price Prediction Summary • Short-term target (1 week): $148-152 • Medium-term forecast (1 month): $160-180 range
• Bullish breakout level: $145.81 • Critical support: $140.41

What Crypto Analysts Are Saying About Solana Recent analyst reports from blockchain research platforms have outlined optimistic targets for Solana's price trajectory. According to data compiled from Blockchain.News, multiple analysts are converging on similar price targets for the coming weeks.

Rongchai Wang noted on January 14, 2026: "If bullish momentum builds from current consolidation levels, SOL could target the $160–$180 range over the course of January 2026." This sentiment was echoed by James Ding, who highlighted on January 15: "Solana shows bullish momentum above key moving averages with analyst targets ranging from $153 to $480 in 2026."

Most recently, Peter Zhang observed on January 17: "Solana trades at $144.17 with analysts forecasting $160-$180 targets within weeks," reinforcing the consensus around these near-term price objectives.

SOL Technical Analysis Breakdown Solana's current technical setup presents a mixed but cautiously optimistic picture. At $142.72, SOL is trading above its key short and medium-term moving averages, with the 20-day SMA at $137.34 and 50-day SMA at $132.63 providing solid support foundation.

The RSI reading of 58.78 sits comfortably in neutral territory, indicating room for upward movement without entering overbought conditions. However, the MACD histogram at 0.0000 suggests bearish momentum, creating a conflicting signal that traders should monitor closely.

Solana's position within the Bollinger Bands at 0.71 indicates the price is closer to the upper band ($150.06) than the lower band ($124.61), suggesting recent bullish pressure. The immediate resistance level sits at $145.81, while strong support holds at $140.41.

With daily volatility measured at $5.64 ATR, SOL maintains healthy price movement characteristics that support both breakout potential and risk management strategies.

Solana Price Targets: Bull vs Bear Case Bullish Scenario If SOL successfully breaks above the immediate resistance at $145.81, the path toward the $160-180 analyst target range becomes increasingly viable. The bullish case relies on maintaining momentum above the 20-day moving average and seeing the MACD histogram turn positive.

A sustained move above $150 would likely trigger additional buying interest, potentially accelerating the move toward the $160 level. The Bollinger Band upper boundary at $150.06 serves as the first major technical hurdle in this scenario.

Bearish Scenario Should Solana fail to hold current levels, the immediate support at $141.56 becomes critical. A break below this level could trigger further selling toward the strong support at $140.41.

The most concerning scenario would involve a breach of the 20-day moving average at $137.34, which could signal a deeper correction toward the 50-day average at $132.63. The bearish MACD histogram reading adds weight to this downside risk.

Should You Buy SOL? Entry Strategy For those considering SOL positions, the current technical setup suggests waiting for clearer directional signals. Conservative buyers might consider entries on any pullback toward the $140-141 support zone, with stops below $137.

Aggressive buyers could enter on a confirmed break above $145.81, targeting the $160-180 range highlighted in recent Solana forecasts. This approach carries higher risk but offers better reward potential if the bullish scenario unfolds.

Risk management remains crucial given the conflicting MACD signal. Position sizing should account for potential volatility, with the daily ATR of $5.64 providing guidance for stop-loss placement.

Conclusion Based on current technical indicators and recent analyst commentary, SOL price prediction points toward a cautiously optimistic outlook with medium-term targets in the $160-180 range. The technical setup shows mixed signals that require careful monitoring, but the overall trend structure remains supportive of higher prices.

Traders should watch for a decisive break above $145.81 to confirm bullish momentum, while maintaining awareness of the $140.41 support level as a critical downside marker. The convergence of multiple analyst targets around $160-180 provides a reasonable medium-term objective for Solana forecast models.

This analysis is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Cryptocurrency investments carry significant risk, and past performance does not guarantee future results.

Image source: Shutterstock

sol price analysis sol price prediction

Journalist

Posted: January 18, 2026

The Sandbox [SAND] performed strongly this week. The token’s price moved steadily higher before surging sharply over the past 24 hours.

On the 17th of January, SAND was up nearly 15% on the day, marking one of its strongest single-day performances in weeks. The move followed a period of tight consolidation, where price action remained constrained before breaking higher.

That breakout introduced fresh short-term dynamics on the daily chart.

SAND’s price pushed above its 20-day and 50-day exponential moving averages, levels that had previously limited bullish attempts. This shift signaled improving momentum, as buyers regained control after several weeks of indecision.

Source: TradingView

Volume spike confirms renewed market interest The bullish price action aligned with a sharp rise in trading activity. Daily Spot Volume surged to around $140 million, nearly tripling compared to recent sessions.

That volume expansion reflected renewed market participation, with traders and investors stepping in alongside the breakout. Historically, similar volume behavior during The Sandbox [SAND] rallies has supported continuation rather than isolated spikes.

Derivatives data shows growing speculative activity Momentum also extended into Derivatives markets.

Open Interest climbed notably over the past 24 hours, reflecting an increase in outstanding leveraged positions.

At press time, Open Interest stood near $25 million. The rise suggested that traders committed additional capital in line with the prevailing direction, instead of positioning against the move.

Source: Coinalyze

Holder growth supports longer-term engagement Beyond price and Derivatives data, on-chain trends also leaned constructive. The number of SAND holders continued to rise through mid-January.

That steady wallet growth pointed to improving longer-term engagement, with new participants entering as market conditions strengthened.

Source: CoinMarketCap

Taken together, SAND’s move above key moving averages, expanding Spot Volume, rising Open Interest, and growing holder count highlighted a clear shift in short-term market structure.

Final Thoughts SAND’s latest move reflected more than a short-term bounce, with participation expanding across Spot, Derivatives, and on-chain activity. If these trends persist, the breakout could mature into a broader recovery phase, though follow-through remains key. 

3 mins mins

Key Points:

Main event involves U.S. government retaining Bitcoin assets internally.Bitcoin remains on government’s balance sheet after speculation.This decision aligns with strategic reserve policy under Executive Order 14233. The U.S. Department of Justice confirmed that 57.55 Bitcoin, forfeited by Samourai Wallet developers, will remain on the U.S. government’s balance sheet under Executive Order 14233.

This strategic retention sidesteps prior auction practices, establishing Bitcoin as a reserve asset, aligning with goals for a substantial U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, calming market concerns.

U.S. Retains $6.3 Million in BTC for Strategic Reserve Earlier this month, the U.S. Marshals Service addressed speculations surrounding the potential sale of Bitcoin assets seized from developers Keonne Rodriguez and William Lonergan Hill of Samourai Wallet. The assets, totaling approximately 57.55 BTC valued at $6.3 million, remain within the government’s reserve. Executive Order 14233 underpins this decision.

Bitcoin will not be sold and will remain on the balance sheet as part of the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR). This decision underscores the growing importance of digital assets within governmental strategies, aligning with broader fiscal custodial objectives.

Senator Cynthia Lummis, a pro-crypto advocate, emphasized the importance of this decision, noting that liquidation would undermine trust in government digital asset management. Patrick Witt confirmed the offense, with his statement being the focal point of market discussions.

Bitcoin Retention Marks Shift in U.S. Asset Management Did you know? The U.S. government’s decision to retain 57.55 BTC aligns with a historic shift from selling seized cryptocurrencies, contrasting with past practices like the Silk Road Bitcoin auction.

As of January 18, 2026, Bitcoin, symbol BTC, is priced at $95,116.49 with a market cap of $1.90 trillion, representing 58.95% market dominance. Notable price changes include a 4.30% rise in 60 days, highlighting its shift despite a 90-day decline of 14.46%, as per CoinMarketCap.

Bitcoin(BTC), daily chart, screenshot on CoinMarketCap at 07:07 UTC on January 18, 2026. Source: CoinMarketCap The Coincu research team highlights the strategic significance of retaining digital assets like Bitcoin as reserves. This approach may insulate the government from market volatility while highlighting the increasing role of cryptocurrencies in national finance strategies.

“We have received confirmation from DOJ that the digital assets forfeited by Samourai Wallet have not been liquidated and will not be liquidated. They will remain on the USG balance sheet as part of the SBR.” — Patrick Witt, Executive Director, White House President’s Council of Advisors for Digital Assets DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice. We encourage you to do your own research before investing.

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

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

The AI buildout is creating a supply-demand imbalance in storage devices. Prices of DRAM and NAND storage devices soared in 2025.

For the last three years, growth investors have been chasing just about anything that merely touches semiconductors, data centers, or cloud computing. The reason, obviously, is due to the proliferation of generative artificial intelligence (AI) across all facets of the technology value chain.

But in 2025, a new pocket of the AI realm made its center-stage debut -- and investors are overwhelmingly enthusiastic. Some of the top-performing AI stocks last year were quantum computing developers. In particular, pure plays such as Rigetti Computing and IonQ have burst onto the scene as speculative leaders of the quantum AI arena.

Nevertheless, another player outperformed its cohorts: Enter D-Wave Quantum (QBTS +0.38%), whose shares skyrocketed 211% in 2025, handily trouncing the S&P 500, Nasdaq Composite, and all of the "Magnificent Seven" stocks.

As D-Wave stock fires on all cylinders, smart investors are surely wondering if the company can keep rallying. Let's take a look at what drove D-Wave's meteoric rise last year and look at the company's underlying valuation trends to assess where the stock could be headed in 2026.

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What does D-Wave Quantum do? D-Wave designs quantum computers that use annealing technology -- a method that leverages superconducting qubits. In simple terms, quantum annealing systems allow qubits to naturally converge into their lowest-energy state.

This approach is useful in optimization-based tasks that require analyzing multiple outcomes to the same application. Today, D-Wave's systems are currently tested in settings such as supply chain management, scheduling, manufacturing and logistics, and portfolio optimization.

Image source: Getty Images.

Can D-Wave Quantum shares keep going parabolic? Last year the S&P 500 gained roughly 16%, marking the third consecutive year the index generated a double-digit gain. According to an analysis published by Fisher Investments, the sectors that outperformed the broader stock market last year include communications services, financials, materials, industrials, utilities, and of course, technology.

One of the things that makes investing in D-Wave interesting is that quantum computing's applications are believed to be so broad, the company theoretically has an ability to benefit from rising investment in each of the major industries above. Hence, speculative investors are pouring capital into D-Wave before its next potential breakout.

While these prospects make following D-Wave's momentum tempting, is it really a smart idea?

With a share price of $28, D-Wave stock might look dirt cheap. But smart investors understand there is more to a company's valuation profile than its underlying stock price.

QBTS PS Ratio data by YCharts

Over the last year, the run-up in D-Wave stock has fueled pronounced levels of valuation expansion. As of this writing (Jan. 14), D-Wave boasts a price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 342. Let's take a look at how that stacks up to other megatrends previously seen in the stock market.

History doesn't repeat, but it often rhymes The AI revolution has drawn a lot of comparisons to the dot-com bubble from the late 1990s and early 2000s. During the early days of the internet, investors were paying absurd premiums for companies that had very little -- and in some cases virtually zero -- sales or profits.

In other words, investors bought more into a narrative around how the internet would change the world rather than understanding which companies were truly positioned to benefit from an online ecosystem.

One of the most notable casualties of the dot-com era was Cisco Systems. Cisco was the ultimate pick-and-shovel player of the internet revolution. Each time a new website was created or a data center was constructed, Cisco's routers and networking gear were in demand.

As we now know, many companies that were hoping to capitalize on the rise of the internet were forced to rein in their capital expenditures (capex) as their business ideas failed to gain traction. This reduction in infrastructure was a direct headwind for companies like Cisco -- which saw its market cap fall by as much as 89% in the aftermath of the dot-com bubble.

CSCO Market Cap data by YCharts

Given D-Wave has nowhere near the influence that Cisco once had, I'm predicting the company could follow an even harsher reversal. By the end of this year, I think investors will have woken up to the fact that quantum computing remains primarily an exploratory technology for now -- lacking critical commercial scale or enterprise adoption.

By December 2026, I think D-Wave Quantum will have turned into a falling knife and could be trading at penny stock levels.

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

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

Solana Labs CEO Anatoly Yakovenko said Solana fees could fund AI-assisted development to write and improve Solana's codebase in the future.

In a strategic move, popular American fast food outlet Steak ‘n Shake has added $10 million worth of Bitcoin (BTC) to its balance sheet this week, deepening its crypto push roughly eight months after it launched BTC payments.

Steak ‘n Shake started accepting the leading crypto as payment at all its US restaurant locations in May 2025 through the Lightning Network. The move was touted as a way to reduce card processing fees by 50% and attract the younger, crypto-savvy customers.

The decision to implement Bitcoin payments has apparently paid off, as Steak ‘n Shake has recorded a major boost in sales. The firm noted a more than 15% month-over-month growth in the fourth quarter of last year.

“Eight months ago today, Steak n Shake launched its burger-to-Bitcoin transformation when we started accepting bitcoin payments,” the company wrote in a post on X. “Our same-store sales have risen dramatically ever since.”

Steak ‘n Shake explained that it had basically created a “self-sustaining” system: customers pay in BTC, sales spike, and all crypto earned from payments for its burgers and milkshakes is being placed inside its Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. Those funds will then help fund upgrades, including improving food quality and restaurant revamps, without increasing prices on its menu.

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Last October, the restaurant franchise unveiled the Bitcoin Steakburger to celebrate the five-month anniversary of Bitcoin payments. The burger has the iconic Bitcoin logo emblazoned on the top bun. It also began donating a percentage of each Bitcoin Meal to fund open-source Bitcoin development.

Although the $10 million is a drop in the ocean compared to the Bitcoin stockpiles of bigger publicly listed companies, such as Strategy’s 687,410 BTC valued at over $65.5 billion (more than 3.2% of all the Bitcoin that will ever exist), it’s an indication of relentless corporate accumulation.

That said, Steak ‘n Shake is one of only a handful of leading fast food restaurants in the US that accept BTC. Chipotle began accepting Bitcoin and other cryptos through Flexa in 2022.

A White House official stated on Friday that the Bitcoin seized by Federal law enforcement from the creators of the crypto mixing service Samourai Wallet has not been liquidated and will be added to President Trump’s Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.

The confirmation was shared on X by the executive director of the President’s Council of Advisors for Digital Assets, Patrick Witt:

“We have received confirmation from DOJ that the digital assets forfeited by Samourai Wallet have not been liquidated and will not be liquidated,” Witt wrote in his post, adding that the forfeited Bitcoin would remain part of the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.

Rumors of liquidation surfaced last month after lawyers and family members of the now-incarcerated co-founders suggested that rogue Department of Justice attorneys in New York were planning to sell the funds. Such a move would have violated Executive Order 14233, signed by U.S. President Donald Trump in March 2025, which mandates that any Bitcoin holdings the government receives via criminal or civil forfeiture “shall not be sold” and must be held in the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.

Samourai developers Keonne Rodriguez and William Lonergan Hill pleaded guilty last July to one count each of conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money-transmitting business for their roles in creating Samourai, a privacy tool prosecutors said was used to launder over $200 million in dirty money.

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In November, Rodriguez was sentenced to five years in prison, while Hill received a lesser sentence of four years due to his recent autism diagnosis, as well as his advanced age. The pair began their sentences earlier this month.

Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Is Still A Priority: White House  Patrick Witt said in a recent interview that setting up the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve remains on the government’s “priority list” and that the government plans to move quickly on it once the U.S. Treasury and Commerce agencies mutually decide on how to address certain legal requirements.

Pro-crypto Senator Cynthia Lummis sponsored a Bitcoin reserve bill that seeks to accelerate the process by accumulating 1 million Bitcoin over five years. The US government, meanwhile, has indicated its intent to accumulate Bitcoin through budget-neutral means, without spending new taxpayer money.

While seeded with confiscated assets, the SBR validates the premier crypto’s position in modern reserve strategy, one increasingly reflected in how institutions value and incorporate the asset into global finance.

According to Arkham Intelligence data, the US government currently holds 328,372 Bitcoin, worth over $31.7 billion at today’s prices.

Sun, 18/01/2026 - 2:00

One of Shiba Inu's new tokens, TREAT, has turned one today after multiple months of providing the ecosystem with compelling use cases.

Cover image via U.Today The Shiba Inu community has celebrated a notable milestone for one of the new tokens recently added to the Shiba Inu ecosystem.

On Saturday, Jan. 17, a Shiba Inu team member, Lucie, stirred discussions across the community on X, revealing that the TREAT token is marking its one-year anniversary today.

The post, which highlights the ecosystem growth and development while fostering more adoption for Shibarium, has sparked excitement among community members.

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TREAT's uses cases explainedBeyond being a meme token like SHIB itself, TREAT has been launched to be a utility and governance token that supports the ecosystem’s growth and tech features.

The token, which has continued to make waves since its emergence, was built on Shiba Inu’s Ethereum Layer-2 solution, Shibarium. This network focuses on enhancing privacy, protection and security while ensuring compliance.

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Following its design, TREAT serves as the Shiba Inu ecosystem’s utility token, which aims to support rewards, payments and decision-making on the Shibarium network.

While TREAT has been designed to serve multiple purposes, it offers its holders the ability to vote on key decisions that concern the Shiba Inu ecosystem.

While the launch of the TREAT token about a year ago marked further development of the Shiba Inu ecosystem, its first anniversary highlights one year of successful deployment as the ecosystem continues to grow.

TREAT's price todayDespite achieving a major milestone today, TREAT is seen trading in the red territory, showing notable price declines over the last day.

This follows the broader market trend, which has remained negative over the past days. Notably, TREAT is trading at $0.0001646 after dropping about 5.31% over the last day.

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XRP-linked futures open interest has climbed to a striking $4.03 billion, indicating that traders are deploying heavy leverage.

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Justin Bons, the founder and CIO of CyberCapital, has laid out a blunt and unsettling view of where Bitcoin could be headed over the next decade. In a detailed note shared on X, Bons noted that Bitcoin is moving toward total collapse within the next seven to 11 years, which is going to be caused by the way the network pays for its security and the continued fall of block rewards.

Reduced Miner Payouts To Cause Complete Bitcoin Collapse? Bitcoin is known for its halving cycle, which reduces the block rewards given to miners by about 50% every 210,000 blocks, which comes up to about roughly four years. Bons’ critique focuses on this event as the reason why Bitcoin’s network security will finally fail and cause a complete collapse of the leading cryptocurrency.

As each halving cuts the block rewards further, Bons believes Bitcoin is drifting toward a point where it can no longer reliably fund the miners who protect the network, setting off a chain of risks that become harder to ignore with every cycle. 

Many Bitcoin proponents will argue that the Bitcoin network is still highly secure due to the rising hashrate. However, according to Justin Bons, hashrate can rise even while real security is weakening because advances in mining hardware reduce the cost of producing hashes. The most important thing is how much money is actually being made by miners, since that figure represents the profitability and the cost an attacker would have to match or exceed.

Charts tracking block rewards and miner revenue show that, in economic terms, Bitcoin’s security is already lower than it was several years ago. Keeping security at current levels, he says, would require either transaction fees so high that users would simply stop using the network or the price of Bitcoin to double every four years at a pace that would quickly outpace the size of the global economy.

Bitcoin Miner Revenue. Source: @Justin_Bons on X

Prediction: Bitcoin To Plunge In Two To Three Halvings The seven to 11-year timeframe Bons outlined for Bitcoin’s collapse is tied directly to its halving schedule. According to the industry expert, the cost of attacking the Bitcoin network for a sustained period could fall into territory that makes such attacks financially attractive within two to three more halvings.

If miner payouts are low enough, Bons believes the potential rewards from hitting multiple exchanges or protocols could outweigh the cost of carrying out the attack. The most realistic scenario for this to happen is through double-spend attacks against exchanges. 

Bitcoin is now trading at $95,270. Chart: TradingView An attacker controlling 51% of the entire mining power could deposit Bitcoin, trade it for another asset, withdraw those funds, and then roll back the blockchain to reclaim the original coins.

He also highlights data showing that Bitcoin’s security budget relative to its total market value has been trending downward for years. This means Bitcoin does not automatically become safer as it grows larger.

Bitcoin Security Budget as % of Market Cap. Source: @Justin_Bons

This leaves Bitcoin facing an eventual breaking point. From here, it is either the network increases its fixed 21 million supply cap to restore miner incentives, a move that would likely split the chain, or the entire Bitcoin ecosystem accepts the risk of double-spend attacks.

Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView

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Posted: January 18, 2026

At the time of writing, Axie Infinity had outpaced its fellow gaming tokens with gains of 39% over the last 24 hours. In fact, the altcoin has seen over 50% gains this week alone, having appreciated by 93% since the year started.

During this rally, AXS had the highest trading volume in the sector after three consecutive days of $100 million. The daily trading volume spiked by more than 190%, climbing to $326 million according to CoinMarketCap.

This is evidence of AXS’s dominance over other gaming tokens. However, despite the altcoin’s bullish strength since the start of the year, it remains trapped within a massive downward channel. Hence, the question – Is a breakout on the way?

AXS eyes multi-month channel breakout A look at AXS’s daily chart revealed that the altcoin was approaching the upper resistance of a multi-month descending channel. This downtrend saw AXS hit a four-year low in December, before bulls returned and ignited the ongoing price trajectory.

With the Web3 gaming sector back in the midst of traders, bulls could push the price past the descending trendline resistance. A break and hold above $1.50 could see it rally by more than 200% – To around $4.70.

Source: AXS/USDT on TradingView

Worth noting, however, that the market bears could also retaliate, preventing bulls from higher advances. If that happens, the anticipated trend reversal would be ruled out and possibly, the price would extend its current trend.

Price sandwiched between liquidity clusters The liquidity clusters were concentrated above $1.30 to $1.60, as per data from CoinGlass. AXS’s price rallied as it absorbed liquidity that was sitting above it on the charts.

At press time, most of the clusters were concentrated above $1.50. However, there were some that semed to be forming below this level too. This suggested that both bulls and bears remain interested in the altcoin.

Source: CoinGlass

The altcoin’s sustained price spike was a result of a short squeeze that cleared sell orders that were forming above the price. That implited there may be a risk of a retracement that would trigger the orders sitting below $1.50. Especially since liquidity acts as a price magnet.

Is a supply crunch in sight? Now, AXS has slashed its circulating token supply after disabling Smooth Love Potion (SLP) rewards in Origin mode. This has reduced the daily emissions by about 90%, heightening the chances of a supply crunch.

On the demand side, the community underlined its confidence in AXS after voting for its treasury to stake 9 million Ethereum (ETH). This can be interpreted as institutional-grade execution reinforcing the long-term vision of the gaming token.

If the token supply remains reduced and the community’s demand increases, genuine buyers could easily drive up the altcoin’s price.

Final Thoughts AXS has rallied by 93% since the start of the year, outpacing all other Web3 gaming tokens. Axie Infinity now faces a crucial test around the $1.50-level. 

Yakovenko warns protocol stagnation equals death, emphasizes decentralized development beyond founding teams

Skip to the content Home Other-News Bitcoin ETFs Experience Outflows Following Recent Inflow Trend

Jean-Luc Maracon January 18, 2026

Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) saw net outflows amounting to approximately $394.68 million on January 16. This development marks a shift from a previous four-day period during which the funds experienced a net inflow of about $1.81 billion. This trend reversal is notable within the context of cryptocurrency investment dynamics.

On this day, BlackRock’s IBIT was the sole ETF to record inflows, attracting roughly $15.09 million. In contrast, Fidelity’s FBTC experienced the most significant redemptions, totaling approximately $205.22 million. This stark difference highlights the varied investor sentiment across different funds.

Several factors could be influencing this shift in ETF flows. Market analysts suggest that the overall volatility in the cryptocurrency market may be contributing to the outflows. Bitcoin, often seen as a barometer for the broader crypto market, has experienced price fluctuations that may affect investor confidence.

The regulatory environment also plays a critical role in shaping investor decisions. The ongoing evolution of cryptocurrency regulations globally has led to increased scrutiny and uncertainty, potentially impacting investor behavior towards Bitcoin ETFs. Additionally, regulatory decisions in major markets can significantly influence the attractiveness of such investment vehicles.

Institutional interest in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies has waxed and waned, influenced by market conditions and regulatory developments. While some institutions continue to show strong interest in integrating cryptocurrencies into their portfolios, others remain cautious, awaiting clearer regulatory guidelines.

ETFs are popular among investors for their ability to offer exposure to Bitcoin without requiring direct ownership of the cryptocurrency, thus sidestepping some of the complexities associated with direct trading. However, the fluctuating inflows and outflows of these ETFs underscore the inherent volatility and risk associated with cryptocurrency investments.

Looking ahead, the market will be closely monitoring any regulatory announcements or market shifts that could further influence ETF flows. As these funds serve as a barometer for institutional interest in cryptocurrencies, their performance can provide insights into broader market trends.

In conclusion, while the recent outflows from Bitcoin ETFs may raise concerns, they also reflect the dynamic nature of the cryptocurrency market and the various factors at play. Investors and market participants will need to continue navigating these complexities as they assess their strategies within this evolving landscape.

Post Views: 1

Jean-Luc Maracon Jean-Luc Maracon is a French-Swiss expert in decentralized finance, known for his sharp analysis of Bitcoin, European Web3 projects, and crypto regulatory challenges. Splitting his time between Geneva and Paris, he brings a unique perspective blending traditional finance with blockchain innovation. He regularly collaborates with crypto platforms across Europe to help make digital investing more accessible. Specialties: Bitcoin, staking, European regulation, crypto security, Web3.

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XRP could reach a new all-time high in 2026, with analysts increasingly pointing to the $8 level as a realistic long-term target. While some market commentators continue to promote extreme price forecasts, current market structure, fundamentals, and historical trends suggest that a move toward $8 is a more achievable scenario.

At present, XRP price is trading near $2, meaning a rally to $8 would still represent a 4x return from current levels.

Top Reasons Why XRP Price Rally is on Cards Ripple’s Expansion Strengthens XRP’s Long-Term OutlookOne of the strongest reasons for a positive XRP price outlook in 2026 is Ripple’s fast global expansion. Ripple has spent over $4 billion acquiring major financial infrastructure firms. This has turned the company into a full-service digital asset provider. 

Key deals include G Treasury for treasury and liquidity management, Rail for global corporate payments, Palisade for digital asset custody, and Hidden Road, now Ripple Prime, for institutional prime brokerage services. 

Ripple also holds more than 75 global licenses. This makes it one of the most regulated crypto firms in the world. These moves are boosting real-world use of Ripple’s ecosystem. This directly supports long-term demand for XRP.

Regulatory Clarity Could Boost XRP Price in 2026Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse recently highlighted progress on U.S. crypto market structure legislation, stating that regulatory clarity is better than continued uncertainty.

Clearer rules could unlock greater institutional participation in crypto markets. For XRP, which has faced years of regulatory pressure, this would remove a major barrier to long-term growth.

Improved regulation is a key factor behind optimistic XRP price predictions for 2026.

XRP DeFi Growth Creates New DemandXRP is no longer just a trading asset. New DeFi platforms now allow holders to earn 8% to 12% yield by staking XRP on-chain. Earlier, most investors only held XRP on exchanges without earning income. 

These yield options encourage long-term holding, increase on-chain activity, and attract institutional players. As XRP’s real-world use grows, it builds a stronger case for higher prices in the next market cycle.

Institutional Interest in XRP Products Is RisingFutures-based XRP investment products are gaining stronger demand than expected.

Market analysts note that XRP futures launched after Solana’s but are already seeing higher interest levels, signaling growing institutional confidence.

While XRP ETFs may not match Bitcoin ETF inflows, steady institutional accumulation can provide long-term price support into 2026.

Even after early investors sold over 200 million XRP, the price has stayed stable near $2. This shows strong buying interest from long-term holders. It is a classic sign of accumulation. As long as XRP trades between $1.90 and $3.40, analysts believe a solid base is forming for the next major breakout.

Bitcoin dominance remains high near 58%. This means most capital is still concentrated in Bitcoin. Historically, once Bitcoin finishes a major rally, money rotates into large altcoins. This “altseason” effect has previously triggered strong XRP rallies. If Bitcoin hits new highs in the next cycle, XRP could benefit sharply.

The $8 XRP price target is based on realistic market math, not hype. If Bitcoin climbs to $175,000 and the total crypto market reaches $5.7 trillion, and XRP captures 8% market share, its valuation supports a price between $7.70 and $8.50. This scenario assumes normal market growth, not extreme speculation.

Technical Patterns Point to a Major BreakoutXRP has spent years forming a strong long-term base. A clear breakout above $2.70, followed by a move past the all-time high near $3.40, could open the door for a rally toward $7 to $8.50. This target is based on past price patterns. Long consolidation periods often lead to sharp breakouts once key resistance levels are crossed.

Short-term volatility and unexpected market events could still push XRP below $1.90 temporarily. However, analysts view deep pullbacks as long-term accumulation opportunities if XRP achieves new highs in 2026.

Never Miss a Beat in the Crypto World!Stay ahead with breaking news, expert analysis, and real-time updates on the latest trends in Bitcoin, altcoins, DeFi, NFTs, and more.

FAQsWho stands to benefit most if XRP adoption continues to expand?

Cross-border payment providers, banks using Ripple’s infrastructure, and institutional traders could benefit from improved liquidity and faster settlement. Retail holders may also see improved market depth and stability.

What could change for XRP holders if U.S. crypto regulation advances further?

Clearer rules could allow more U.S.-based financial institutions to offer XRP-linked products. This may improve access, custody options, and overall market confidence for holders.

What developments should investors watch next in 2026?

Key signals include progress on U.S. crypto legislation, Ripple’s continued enterprise partnerships, and whether large institutions increase exposure to XRP-related products.

How could broader market conditions affect XRP’s trajectory?

Macroeconomic shifts, Bitcoin-led market cycles, and global risk sentiment can influence capital flows into altcoins. These factors may accelerate or delay XRP’s momentum regardless of project progress.

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The massive staking inflows are strengthening ETH’s supply-demand dynamic, potentially setting the stage for upward price momentum this year.

The Ethereum staking validator exit queue has dropped to zero — signaling a dramatic fall in selling pressure and strengthening confidence in Ether (ETH) as a yield-bearing asset.

Data from Ethereum Validator Queue shows the exit queue has fallen from its September 2025 peak of 2.67 million Ether (ETH) to 0 ETH, while the entry queue has risen more than fivefold over the last month to 2.6 million ETH, the highest since July 2023.

Wait times for the entry queue have now stretched out to 45 days, while exiting ETH is being processed in a matter of minutes.

Ethereum staking entry and exit queue data. Ethereum Validator Queue
Industry analysts said the massive staking inflows strengthen ETH’s supply-demand dynamic, potentially setting the stage for sustained upward price momentum in the coming months.

“Once the entry queue converts into active validators, the staking rate moves higher and pushes toward new all-time highs,” Onchain Foundation’s head of research Leon Waitmann said on Monday. 

“Bullish set-up for the coming months.”The massive inflows have been partly pushed by institutional demand for ETH staking yields, which is currently around 2.8% Annual Percentage Rate.

BitMine Immersion Technologies, led by chairman Tom Lee, has been a contributor, having staked over 1.25 million ETH, more than a third of its total ETH holdings.

Nearly half of all ETH is in PoS deposit contractCrypto analytics platform Santiment noted that more than 46.5% of the total ETH supply is now in the ETH proof-of-stake deposit contract at 77.85 million ETH, worth $256 billion at current prices.

Change in ETH Proof-of-Stake Deposit Contract since Jan. 2016. Source: Santiment
The total staked ETH stands at about 36.1 million, representing around 29% of the total supply, Beaconcha.in data shows.

Despite the bullish indicator, ETH’s current price of $3,300 is still down from its $4,946 all-time high set on Aug. 4, 2025, CoinGecko data shows.

Magazine: One metric shows crypto is now in a bear market: Carl ‘The Moon’

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Crucially, markets shrugged off fading bets on a March or June Fed rate cut as US economic data continued to signal a robust economy. These dynamics support a bullish medium-term price outlook.

Below, I consider the key drivers behind recent price trends, the short-term outlook, the medium-term trajectory, and the key technical levels traders should watch.

US Spot-ETF Market Sees Inflow Surge, Lifting Sentiment The US BTC-spot ETF market saw net inflows of $1.42 billion in the reporting week ending Friday, January 16, the largest since the week ending October 10. Crucially, this week’s inflows reversed $680.9 million in net outflows from the previous week and took flows in early 2026 into the black. Month-to-date net inflows in January stood at $1.21 billion.

According to Farside Investors, key flow trends for the reporting week ending January 16 included:

iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) had net inflows of $1.04 billion. Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC) reported net inflows of $194.4 million. In total, nine ETF issuers reported weekly net inflows. Meanwhile, Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) saw net outflows of $1.6 million. Demand for US BTC-spot ETFs remains crucial for the supply-demand balance trajectory. $1.6 billion of net inflows on January 13 and 14 sent BTC to a January 14 high of $97,900, its highest level since December 4. Meanwhile, net outflows of $394.7 million on January 16 left the bulls defending $95,000.

Despite the pullback to $95,000, BTC has risen 4.6% in the current week, underscoring the influence of spot ETF flows on price action.

BTCUSD – Weekly Chart – 180126 Open Interest Sets Up Bullish Outlook Revived demand for BTC-spot ETFs coincided with surging open interest (OI), signaling a breakout. Market intelligence platform Santiment commented:

”Top cap open interest is rising as we head into the weekend on sideways price action. Currently, open interest data shows: Bitcoin: $36.5B (+20.8% YTD).”

Rising OI does not necessarily signal a price breakout. However, upward OI trends, combined with increasing prices suggest new money entering long positions, a bullish signal.

Commentary on social media has turned bearish, according to Santiment, aligning with the bullish OI-BTC price signals. Santiment stated:

“According to social data, the commentary toward Bitcoin across social media has interestingly turned more and more bearish as prices have bounced this week. With markets typically moving the opposite direction of retail sentiment, the most FUD seen in 10 days may propel BTC to its first revisit above $100K since November 13th.”

The Bitcoin Test: US Labor Market and Inflation in Focus This week, US labor market and inflation data will influence the Fed’s rate path and demand for risk assets. Softer labor market conditions and cooling inflation would likely revive bets on a March Fed rate cut, boosting demand for BTC.

Crucially, inflation numbers are likely to be key, given December’s upbeat US jobs report. Economists expect the US Core PCE Price Index to rise 2.7% year-on-year in November, down from a 2.8% increase in September.

According to the CME FedWatch Tool, the chances of a March cut fell from 53.9% on December 17 to 21.1% on January 17. Meanwhile, the probability of a June cut dropped from 84.1% on December 17 to 60.7% on January 17.

Bitcoin Fear & Greed Index Indicates Improving Sentiment The rebound in demand for spot ETFs and Santiment’s price outlook aligned with the Bitcoin Fear & Greed Index’s recent trends. The Fear & Greed Index fell from 50 on January 17 to 49 on January 18, remaining in the Neutral zone. Despite the January 18 drop, the Index has climbed from 29 (Fear zone) over the week, indicating improved sentiment.

Bitcoin Fear & Greed Index – 180126 Downside Risks: Central Banks and ETF Flows While fundamentals support a constructive bias, downside risks remain, including:

The BoJ announces a hawkish neutral interest rate (potentially 1.5%-2%), signaling multiple rate hikes. Higher BoJ interest rates and Fed rate cuts would narrow rate differentials, triggering a yen carry trade unwind. US economic indicators and the Fed support a more hawkish rate path. BTC-spot ETFs face renewed outflows. These events would likely send BTC toward $90,000, exposing the November 21 low of $80,523.

In summary, the short-term outlook remains cautiously bullish as fundamentals outweigh the technicals. The medium- to longer-term outlook is constructive.

Technical Analysis The weekly gains sent BTC above its 50-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA), while remaining below the 200-day EMA. The EMAs indicated a bullish near-term but bearish longer-term bias. Crucially, improving fundamentals aligned with near-term technicals, signaling a breakout.

A break above the 200-day EMA would bring the $100,000 resistance level into play. Importantly, a sustained move above the 200-day EMA would signal a near-term bullish trend reversal, opening the door to retesting the $110,000 level. Importantly, a sustained move through the 200-day EMA would reinforce the bullish short- to medium-term price outlook.

Expense ratios, sector tilts, and risk profiles set these two small-cap growth ETFs apart for investors seeking the right portfolio fit.

The Vanguard Small-Cap Growth ETF (VBK +0.14%) and the iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Growth ETF (IJT 0.15%) both aim to capture U.S. small-cap growth stocks, offering investors exposure to fast-growing companies beyond the large-cap universe.

This comparison examines key differences in cost, performance, risk, and portfolio construction to help investors decide which fund best fits their strategy.

Snapshot (cost & size)MetricIJTVBKIssueriSharesVanguardExpense ratio0.18%0.07%1-yr return (as of Jan. 17, 2026)8.63%12.47%Dividend yield0.91%0.54%Beta (5Y monthly)1.181.43AUM$6 billion$39 billionBeta measures price volatility relative to the S&P 500. The 1-yr return represents total return over the trailing 12 months.

VBK is more affordable with a lower expense ratio, and it also has significantly higher assets under management (AUM). However, IJT offers a slightly higher dividend yield, which may appeal to those seeking more income from their investment.

Performance & risk comparisonMetricIJTVBKMax drawdown (5 y)-29.23%-38.39%Growth of $1,000 over 5 years$1,227$1,155What's insideVBK tracks a broad cohort of small-cap growth stocks, holding 552 positions. The fund allocates 27% of assets to technology, 21% to industrials, and 18% to healthcare, with top holdings including Insmed, Comfort Systems USA, and SoFi Technologies. This results in a portfolio that leans more heavily into technology than some competitors and offers wide diversification, with individual holdings accounting for only a small fraction of the fund.

IJT, by contrast, contains 348 stocks and splits its assets more evenly across technology (20%), industrials (19%), and healthcare (17%). Leading positions include Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Armstrong World Industries, and InterDigital, giving the fund a somewhat more balanced sector exposure among growth-oriented small caps.

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

What this means for investorsSmall-cap stocks can have excellent growth potential, and both ETFs focus on smaller corporations with growth characteristics -- potentially leading to higher total returns over time.

Between the two funds, VBK is slightly higher risk, with a heavier tilt toward the technology industry. Tech stocks can be incredibly lucrative, but they also tend to be more volatile. VBK's higher beta and deeper max drawdown suggest this fund has experienced more significant price fluctuations over the last few years compared to IJT.

IJT has an edge with its higher dividend yield of 0.91% compared to VBK's 0.54%. For investors focused on building a source of passive income, that could be a selling point.

However, IJT also charges an expense ratio nearly double that of VBK. Investors can expect to pay $18 per year in fees for every $10,000 invested in IJT, compared to $7 per year for VBK.

When deciding where to invest, buyers will need to consider their goals with a small-cap ETF. While all small-cap stocks tend to be more volatile than large-caps, VBK has a history of larger price swings -- yet it has also outperformed IJT over the last 12 months. While IJT's reduced focus on tech stocks can increase its stability, it can also potentially limit its earning potential.

GlossaryETF: Exchange-traded fund that holds a basket of securities and trades on an exchange like a stock.
Expense ratio: Annual fund operating costs expressed as a percentage of the fund's average assets.
Dividend yield: Annual dividends paid by a fund divided by its current share price, shown as a percentage.
Assets under management (AUM): Total market value of all assets that a fund or manager oversees.
Small-cap: Companies with relatively small stock market values, typically a few hundred million to a few billion dollars.
Growth stocks: Companies expected to grow earnings or revenue faster than the overall market, often reinvesting profits instead of paying dividends.
Max drawdown: The largest peak-to-trough decline in an investment's value over a specific period.
Beta: A measure of how much an investment's price moves relative to a benchmark index like the S&P 500.
Total return: Investment performance including price changes plus all dividends and distributions, assuming they are reinvested.
Sector allocation: How a fund's assets are divided among different industries, such as technology, healthcare, or industrials.
Diversification: Spreading investments across many securities or sectors to reduce the impact of any single holding.
Index tracking: Strategy where a fund aims to replicate the performance of a specific market index.

New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - January 17, 2026) - WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Bitdeer Technologies Group (NASDAQ: BTDR) between June 6, 2024 and November 10, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important February 2, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline.

SO WHAT: If you purchased Bitdeer 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 Bitdeer class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=49102 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 2, 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 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, defendants provided investors with material information concerning Bitdeer's research and technology roadmap for its SEALMINER Bitcoin mining machine. Defendants' statements included, among other things, confidence in Bitdeer's mass production of its fourth-generation SEALMINER (A4) rigs using its SEAL04 ASIC ("application-specific integrated circuit") chip technology expected to have a chip energy efficiency of as low as 5J/TH. Defendants provided these positive statements to investors while, at the same time, disseminating false and materially misleading statements and/or concerning material adverse facts concerning the true state of Bitdeer's SEALMINER A4 project. Specifically, defendants failed to disclose that the SEAL04 chip projected to have a chip-level energy efficiency of 5 J/TH would be ready for use in the A4 rigs with an expected mass production to begin in the second quarter 2025. Such statements absent these material facts caused investors to purchase Bitdeer securities at artificially inflated prices. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the Bitdeer class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=49102 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/.

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

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Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.
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The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-1060
Toll Free: (866) 767-3653
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Source: The Rosen Law Firm PA

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