Market Signal Briefing

TLDR:

MANTRA CEO John Patrick Mullin confirms staff cuts in non-essential areas to optimize resources. The company seeks to recover after a 90% collapse in its asset value occurred in April 2025. The new strategy for 2026 will focus on disciplined execution and real-world asset tokenization. MANTRA has initiated a deep reorganization process that includes significant layoffs within its workforce. John Patrick Mullin, its Chief Executive Officer, stated that this was a necessary measure to guarantee the firm’s stability and the future of MANTRA and the OM token, following a 2024 marked by financial instability.

Today, I’m sharing one of the most difficult decisions we’ve had to make at MANTRA.

After the most challenging year MANTRA has faced for a multitude of reasons, I’ve decided to restructure the company. This includes reducing our team size and parting ways with a number of…

— JP Mullin (🕉, 🏘️) (@jp_mullin888) January 14, 2026 The staff reduction primarily affected the marketing, business development, and human resources departments. Moving forward, the company seeks greater organizational agility and efficiency to survive a cost structure that became unsustainable due to the shifting dynamics of the crypto market.

The Causes Behind the OM Token Crisis The project still suffers from the consequences of the unfortunate event in April 2025. On that date, the asset experienced a crushing 90% collapse. At the time, a combination of forced liquidations and low liquidity wiped out billions in market capitalization, seriously affecting confidence and the future of MANTRA and the OM token.

In addition to external pressure, increased competition in the real-world asset (RWA) sector has forced management to rethink its operational priorities. Nevertheless, Mullin asserts that they remain optimistic and that the redirection of resources will allow them to meet the technical development goals currently demanded by the market.

In summary, throughout 2026, the platform intends to focus exclusively on developing products that generate long-term profitability and sustainability. Although the asset is currently trading near $0.08—far from its all-time highs—the community hopes that this transparency will help clearly define the future of MANTRA and the OM token.

TL;DR

Billy Markus said Bitcoin is unlikely to reach a new all-time high in the near term, despite stable market conditions. BTC trades near $95,000, around 25% below its October peak close to $126,000. His comments reflect a cautious short-term view, while long-term fundamentals such as network security, institutional interest, and holding trends continue to support a constructive outlook for Bitcoin over time.
Bitcoin returned to the spotlight after fresh remarks from Billy Markus on social media. The Dogecoin co-creator shared a restrained view on current price action, arguing that expectations of an imminent breakout appear premature. His comments emerged as Bitcoin continued to trade well below its most recent record, following several months of consolidation.

Posting on X, Markus stated that while the crypto market appears stable, he prefers to wait for clear confirmation before reacting to price movements. He stressed that optimism should be grounded in observable data rather than short-term enthusiasm. This position aligned with his broader habit of separating technological progress from market cycles.

man crypto is doing good and all but also wake me up when ATHs are being broken

— Shibetoshi Nakamoto (@BillyM2k) January 13, 2026

Bitcoin Market Signals And Price Context Bitcoin recorded its latest all-time high in early October, reaching $126,198 during a period marked by strong inflows and rising institutional exposure. Since then, the asset pulled back and stabilized around $95,000, representing a decline of roughly 25% from its peak.

Despite this retracement, several indicators remained firm. Hash rate levels stayed near historical highs, while on-chain data showed continued accumulation by long-term holders. These signals suggested that selling pressure mainly came from short-term participants, rather than a broader shift in demand.

Market observers noted that Bitcoin followed a familiar cycle pattern. After major highs, the asset often enters extended consolidation phases before resuming broader upward trends. From this angle, Markus’s caution reflected historical behavior, not a dismissal of Bitcoin’s longer-term trajectory.

Dogecoin Co-Creator’s Selective Crypto Outlook Beyond price expectations, Markus reiterated his selective stance on digital assets. He consistently expressed confidence in a small group of projects, placing Bitcoin and Ethereum at the top, followed by Dogecoin and a limited number of alternatives. This view contrasted with broader market enthusiasm for higher-risk tokens.

He also continued to criticize speculative trading practices, comparing frequent crypto trading to gambling and highlighting the importance of discipline over hype. NFTs remained another point of skepticism, which he described as driven more by speculation than lasting utility.

Even so, his remarks did not dismiss crypto’s future. By emphasizing established networks with proven security and adoption, Markus reinforced the idea that long-term value depends on infrastructure, resilience, and real-world integration, rather than rapid price moves alone.

Ethereum has broken above $3,330 with rising volume and open interest, setting the stage for a potential move toward the $4,000 level.

Ethereum (ETH), the second-largest crypto asset by market value, has moved out of a multi-week trading range and pushed above key resistance. The shift follows increases in trading volume and activity in both derivatives and spot markets.

Ethereum Breaks Out Above $3,330 Ethereum moved past the $3,330 level, confirming a breakout from a symmetrical triangle on the daily chart, according to chartist Ali Martinez. This pattern had formed during a period of sideways movement.

Ethereum $ETH breakout confirmed!

Upside now opens toward $4,000. pic.twitter.com/z8039fJ99a

— Ali Charts (@alicharts) January 14, 2026

The short-term trend has turned upward following the breakout, with attention now on whether ETH can reach $3,600 and eventually $4,000. The structure is still intact, provided that ETH continues to be above $3,300, where $3,000 is the support and $2,600 as the lower boundary of the previous range.

In addition, Michaël van de Poppe noted that Ethereum held its 21-day moving average, which has supported a short-term uptrend since mid-December. “Now, it’s ready to make new highs and continue the uptrend,” he said, adding that the $3,800 area is his next target.

Meanwhile, Daan Crypto Trades pointed to $3,350 as a key level. However, he cautioned that it remains a resistance until proven otherwise, depending on the daily closing strength around that level.

“Breaking above this ~$3,350 level should lead to a move higher to catch the Daily 200MA next,” he said.

Momentum Builds as Price and Volume Climb At the time of writing, ETH is trading at around $3,300, showing a 24-hour gain of 6% and a 7-day rise of almost 4% (per CoinGecko’s data). The move above $3,300 followed several failed attempts and was supported by an increase in volume. A reclaim of $3,450 is seen as key for a faster push toward $4,000.

You may also like: Ethereum Sets Record With 393,600 New Wallets in One Day Bitcoin’s 2026 Rally Has Legs – But Only If These Risks Fade Ethereum Topped $3,250 in Recovery as BitMine Stakes Over $2B ETH As previously reported, a MACD golden cross has formed, along with a crossover between the 9- and 21-day moving averages. This setup has appeared in previous cycles before extended price moves. Ethereum is now attempting to sustain these gains while testing overhead resistance.

Open Interest Reaches 3-Month High Open interest in Ethereum futures on Binance has risen to $8.6 billion, its highest level since October 9. This follows a long period of stabilization after sharp liquidations brought open interest below $7 billion in late 2025. Arab Chain reported that the increase may reflect growing trader interest.

“The renewed activity in the derivatives market shows rising appetite for leverage,” the analyst said.

While the rise appears steady, analysts warn that continued spikes in open interest may raise volatility risk if the price reverses.

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Bitcoin price has moved into a decisive phase as BTC price trades above a former consolidation ceiling. Price just left an accumulation range that limited upside since the end of November. This move coincided with increased macro sensitivity, which was caused by the uncertainty concerning the tariff decision by the U.S. Supreme Court.

While the ruling remains unresolved, Bitcoin price has continued responding to internal structure rather than headline volatility. Price behavior is now characterized by sustained participation and not by range-bound hesitation.

Tariff Ruling Outcome Keeps Bitcoin Price Exposed BTC price remains sensitive to the Supreme Court tariff case because the outcome carries asymmetric macro consequences. While the supreme court delayed issuing a ruling, markets are already pricing the decision itself. 

According to Polymarket, the likelihood of the court declaring the tariffs to be illegal sits around  67%. Such an outcome would mean more than $600 billion in potential refunds, which would have a significant relaxing effect on the financial situation.

This matters for Bitcoin price because such an outcome would weaken fiscal restraint and raise liquidity expectations. Risk assets usually gain in that case because the capital does not move towards defensive positioning. Bitcoin historically responds positively when liquidity expectations expand, even before policy changes materialize.

However, a ruling in favor of the tariffs would still reshape market expectations. The decision supporting the tariffs would also strengthen stricter terms and maintain ambiguity regarding the trade expenses. That scenario could pressure risk appetite and slow BTC price momentum. 

Therefore, despite the delay, Bitcoin price continues reacting to the expected outcome, not the timing. Markets trade probabilities, which keeps Bitcoin price structurally responsive rather than directionless.

Trump’s Tariffs Odds Chart (Source: Polymarket) Cup-and-Handle Breakout Reshapes Price Structure Bitcoin price has finally broken the accumulation range that limited a break since late November last year. The breakout confirms the cup and handle pattern breakout above the supply zone around $94,000. BTC has managed to flip this resistance zone to support. At the time of writing, Bitcoin market value sits around $97,000.

This move followed a 4% daily surge ignited by the CPI data release. The CPI catalyst came with a positive impact on the price structure. BTC is now targeting to reclaim the $100,000 level. The structure reflects stronger buyer control than the prior range behavior.

The DMI indicator highlights extremely bullish conditions. The +D signal line crossed above the -D signal line at the 21 level. This occurred on Monday, 12 Jan. BTC gained momentum below the $92k level. This activity signalled buyers taking control of the structure.

After the crossover, the +D signal surged to 47.30. At the same time, the -D dropped to 9.8. The ADX confirms momentum strength at 32, above the 25 threshold. Ultimately, BTC reclaiming $100k appears a matter of time, strengthening the long-term BTC price prediction.

BTC/USD 4-Hour Chart (Source: TradingView) To sum up, Bitcoin price continues to trade from a position of structural control as long as the BTC price holds above the $94,000 support zone. Notably, the the price action expansion does not reflect reactive positioning , but rather sustained buyer dominance. 

Continuation would only be weakened in the case of a breakdown below this level. However, the technical structure, momentum alignment, and macro uncertainty resilience are currently in favor of reclaiming $100,000. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) The ruling could influence liquidity conditions, risk sentiment, and capital allocation across markets.

Uncertainty shifts focus toward structure and positioning rather than headline-driven reactions.

Markets price expected outcomes early, which shapes positioning before official decisions occur.

Bitcoin briefly spiked to $97,500 on Wednesday as improving macro sentiment boosted risk assets, driving a sharp increase in liquidations and renewed ETF demand.

CryptocurrencyTickerPriceBitcoin(CRYPTO: BTC)$97,561.89Ethereum(CRYPTO: ETH)$3,387.58Solana(CRYPTO: SOL)$147.07XRP(CRYPTO: XRP)$2.15Dogecoin(CRYPTO: DOGE)$0.1488Shiba Inu(CRYPTO: SHIB)$0.058829Notable Statistics:

Coinglass data shows 149,828 traders were liquidated in the past 24 hours for $848.51 million.        In the past 24 hours, top gainers include Dash, Internet Computer and Monero. Notable Developments:

Crypto Custodian Company BitGo Targets Nearly $2 Billion Valuation In NYSE IPO Senate Crypto Vote In 72 Hours: What Are The Chances Of The Bill Passing? Polymarket Trader Loses $2.4 Million In 8 Days: What Went Wrong? Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP Rallying But Here’s Why Crypto Is A ‘Ghost Town’ MicroStrategy Trades Like A Bitcoin Fund — And January 15 Could Bring A Market Jolt Strategy Director Buys MSTR For First Time In 3.5 Years—Here’s Why That Matters Chainlink Up 4%, ETF Launches As Senate Bill Drops: Can LINK Repeat The XRP Rally? Trader Notes:  Altcoin Sherpa said Bitcoin has finally broken out of its two-month consolidation range, though market sentiment remains cautious due to lingering fear from past false breakouts.

Despite the hesitation, he remains bullish, noting that a move toward $100,000 is still the base case unless a major macro shock emerges.

Crypto analyst Kevin highlighted that if Bitcoin reclaims the 2-day timeframe 200 EMA/SMA and shows sustained follow-through, it would be historically unprecedented for what is considered a "bear market year."

Such a move would mark a major structural shift into a bullish regime, with the critical resistance zone between $96,000 and $101,600.

Crypto trader Jelle added that Bitcoin's downtrend has officially ended, pointing to a clean break and retest of the descending trendline, a clear market structure shift, and the former local high now acting as support.

With these confirmations in place, the next major resistance lies between $100,000 and $105,000, with momentum firmly back in bulls' favor.

Image: Shutterstock

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Bitcoin (BTC) surged sharply this week, surpassing the $96,000 mark as renewed institutional demand and easing inflation concerns boosted sentiment across crypto markets.

The action followed a strong inflow into U.S. spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and a softer-than-feared U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, which reduced expectations of aggressive interest rate tightening by the Federal Reserve.

The rally ended a prolonged consolidation phase that had kept Bitcoin trading sideways for more than a month. As prices broke through key resistance levels near $94,000–$95,000, short sellers were forced to close positions, adding further momentum to the upside.

BTC's price records important gains on the daily chart. Source: BTCUSD on Tradingview Bitcoin ETF Inflows Signal Institutional Return U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $753.7 million in net inflows on Tuesday, the largest single-day total since October. Fidelity’s FBTC led with $351 million, followed by Bitwise’s BITB with $159 million and BlackRock’s IBIT with $126 million, according to data from SoSoValue.

The surge suggests institutional investors are rotating back into crypto-linked products after year-end portfolio adjustments and tax-related selling weighed on the market in late 2025. Ether-focused ETFs also saw renewed interest, with $130 million in net inflows across five products.

Bitcoin rose around 3% following the data, trading near $94,600 at the time, while Ethereum gained more than 6% to around $3,320. Broader crypto markets followed, lifting total market capitalization above $3.3 trillion.

Inflation Data Supports Risk Assets The latest U.S. CPI report showed inflation holding steady at 2.7% year-on-year, largely in line with expectations. The absence of an inflation surprise reduced fears of further rate hikes and reinforced views that the Federal Reserve could pivot toward rate cuts later in the year.

Lower real-rate expectations typically support risk assets, including cryptocurrencies, by reducing the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets, such as Bitcoin. U.S. equities also advanced, suggesting the crypto rally was part of a broader shift in risk sentiment rather than an isolated move.

Short Liquidations Add Fuel to the Rally As Bitcoin surged past $96,000, bearish positions were wiped out. Data from Coinglass shows more than $290 million in Bitcoin short positions were liquidated within 24 hours, compared with about $24 million in long liquidations. Across the broader cryptocurrency market, short liquidations totaled close to $700 million.

Strong spot buying, rising open interest, and technical breakouts contributed to the move. Bitcoin is now testing former resistance levels as support, with chart patterns indicating a possible continuation toward the $105,000–$110,000 range if momentum persists.

While short-term consolidation remains possible near the $98,000–$100,000 zone, sustained ETF inflows, reduced selling pressure from long-term holders, and continued corporate accumulation suggest underlying demand remains firm.

Cover image from ChatGPT, BTCUSD chart from Tradingview

Journalist

Posted: January 15, 2026

The Zcash Foundation has confirmed that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission [SEC] has concluded its inquiry into the organization. 

The Foundation stated that no enforcement action was recommended, bringing regulatory closure to a review that began in 2023.

Zcash SEC inquiry ends without enforcement action In a statement shared this week, the Foundation said the SEC had formally ended its investigation related to an inquiry titled “In the Matter of Certain Crypto Asset Offerings [SF-04569]”, which was initiated following a subpoena issued on 31 August 2023.

According to the Foundation, the SEC has informed it that no enforcement action or further changes will be pursued in connection with the matter.

The inquiry centred on crypto asset offerings and was part of a broader regulatory review conducted by the SEC during a period of heightened scrutiny across the digital asset sector.

The SEC has not issued a public statement regarding the conclusion of the inquiry.

Regulatory clarity follows period of internal uncertainty The closure of the SEC inquiry comes shortly after reports earlier this month that several developers associated with the Zcash ecosystem had stepped away from active roles. 

While the Foundation has not characterized these departures as coordinated or systemic, the developments raised questions among market participants about governance stability and long-term development continuity.

Against that backdrop, confirmation that the SEC does not intend to pursue enforcement action removes a significant source of regulatory overhang for the Foundation and the broader Zcash ecosystem.

Zcash development activity shows volatility, recent stabilization On-chain development data for Zcash [ZEC] shows that activity has remained uneven over the past year. Development metrics declined sharply toward the end of 2025, dropping to 0.5 in early January. 

However, it has rebounded and is around 2.9 as of this writing.

Source: Santiment

While current development levels remain below prior peaks seen earlier in the cycle, the recent flattening suggests that core maintenance and protocol work have continued despite organizational changes.

ZEC price steadies after prolonged decline ZEC’s price action has mirrored the broader uncertainty surrounding the project. After a sustained downtrend through late 2025 and earlier in the year, the token has recently seen a bounce. 

As of this writing, it was trading around $437, with an over 6% increase,  according to TradingView data.

Source: TradingView

While the move does not yet indicate a broader trend reversal, the price has held above recent local lows. The positive trend coincides with the announcement of regulatory clarity from the Foundation.

Regulatory resolution reshapes near-term narrative With the SEC inquiry formally closed and no enforcement action forthcoming, Zcash enters 2026 with greater regulatory certainty than it has had in recent years.

While challenges remain, including rebuilding developer momentum and restoring market confidence, the removal of regulatory ambiguity marks a clear shift in the project’s near-term outlook. 

Final Thoughts The SEC’s decision not to pursue enforcement removes a major regulatory uncertainty that has weighed on the Zcash Foundation since 2023. While development activity and price remain subdued, regulatory resolution provides a clearer baseline for assessing Zcash’s next phase.

TL;DR

Ethereum staking hit a new benchmark: more than 36 million ETH is staked on the Beacon Chain, close to 30% of circulating supply. The record reframes market structure, with more supply committed and less immediately liquid, sharpening liquidity management and potentially amplifying marginal flows for desks and custodians. Focus now shifts to persistence: whether the stake share holds near 30% as a 2026 planning baseline or retreats when conditions change. Ethereum staking just set a fresh benchmark: more than 36 million ETH is now staked on the network’s Beacon Chain, amounting to nearly 30% of circulating supply right now. This record-high staking level makes Ethereum’s supply profile look tighter, even before anyone talks about price. For market participants, the number is startling in its simplicity: it is a single, measurable share of supply that is committed rather than freely circulating. It also frames staking as a mainstream posture, not a niche preference, because 30% is too large to ignore in any liquidity discussion.

Locked supply shifts A figure like 30% does not explain everything, but it changes the operating context today materially. Staked ETH is, by definition, earmarked for staking, which reduces the pool that can move quickly in response to headlines. The governance takeaway is that participation is rising even as flexibility becomes a scarcer resource. In practice, this can sharpen day-to-day liquidity management for brokers, custodians, and trading desks that rely on predictable availability. When supply is more committed, marginal flows can have outsized visibility, and volatility can feel more abrupt because the buffer is thinner.

For builders, the milestone is a signal about user intent. If staking reaches an all-time high, product design gravitates toward simpler staking journeys and clearer reporting, since the behavior is no longer optional for many users. The commercial implication is that wallets and platforms will compete on how cleanly they operationalize staking, not on whether they offer it. That means transparent positioning, sensible defaults, and risk disclosures that match the fact pattern: a large share of supply is locked, and users need to understand what that commitment means for access, timing, and reversibility.

The next question is whether this level holds. If the staked total remains around 36 million ETH and the share stays near 30%, it becomes a reference point for 2026 planning. The key watch item is whether the market treats this lockup ratio as a new baseline or as a peak that retreats when conditions shift. Either outcome will be informative, because the benchmark is visible: the Beacon Chain’s staked ETH sits at a record, and the network’s liquid supply is smaller. That is the structural datapoint that persists beyond a single session over time.

21h05 ▪ 4 min read ▪ by Luc Jose A.

Summarize this article with:

At the start of 2026, markets show a striking contrast: traditional funds attract record inflows, while Bitcoin ETFs lose momentum. This divergence, far from anecdotal, could signify a strategic shift among institutional investors, between seeking stability and persistent distrust of cryptos. In an uncertain economic context, arbitrages harden, redefining allocation priorities. Bitcoin, long touted as an alternative safe-haven asset, now seems relegated to the background by portfolio managers.

In brief Bitcoin ETFs start 2026 in an uncertain climate, with only $660M in net inflows since the beginning of the year. After four days of losses, a technical rebound of $753M was recorded on January 13, without reversing the underlying trend. Monthly flows to Bitcoin ETFs have sharply declined since July 2025, falling from +$6B to -$1.09B in December. Meanwhile, traditional ETFs recorded a record inflow of $46B in just six days. A volatile start to the year for Bitcoin ETFs This start of the year illustrates the persistent volatility of Bitcoin ETFs. According to data from Farside Investors, these listed products saw an inflow of $753 million this Tuesday, January 13, marking their second consecutive day of recovery after four negative sessions.

This rebound comes amid uncertainty, where investors struggle to regain the momentum observed during the first half of 2025. Despite this temporary boost, cumulative flows for the year remain modest, with $660 million in net inflows since January 1st. This figure, well below prior peaks, reflects a gradual disengagement by institutional investors.

The underlying trend has sharply reversed over the past six months, as shown by the evolution of monthly flows :

July 2025 : nearly $6 billion in net inflows into Bitcoin ETFs ; December 2025 : $1.09 billion in net outflows, marking the low point of the second half of the year ; January 2026 : $660 million in net inflows, despite two positive technical days. This gradual decline in momentum can be explained by several factors: increased crypto market volatility at year-end, the absence of clear macroeconomic catalysts, as well as ongoing regulatory uncertainties.

Added to this is heightened investor caution, which seems to slow down positions taken on bitcoin-related products, despite the temporary return of flows observed over the past 48 hours.

Between strategic accumulation and signals of caution While Bitcoin ETFs struggle to regain traction, traditional investment products record an extraordinary start to the year.

According to Eric Balchunas, ETF analyst at Bloomberg, traditional ETFs attracted $46 billion in inflows in just six days, a pace four times higher than the historical average. “ETFs recorded $46 billion in inflows over the first six days of the year, an abnormally high level for a start to the year. If they maintain this pace, they would reach $158 billion for the month, about four times the usual average,” he specified in a post on X.

This rush to traditional products reflects a massive repositioning of investors towards vehicles perceived as more stable or predictable, in marked contrast to the structural volatility of cryptos.

In this environment, some crypto products still try to stand out. Ether ETFs recorded $130 million in net inflows on Tuesday, bringing their total to $240 million since the start of the year.

Meanwhile, Solana ETFs show steady growth, with $67 million in cumulative net inflows in 2026. However, leading savvy investors follow a different path. According to Nansen, these investors hold more short positions on bitcoin, with $122 million in short positions. Bullish bets focus only on a few specific assets like Ether, XRP, Zcash, or the memecoin PUMP, reflecting extreme selectivity in an uncertain market context.

While bitcoin jumps beyond $95,000, the question of its place in institutional portfolios remains open. Between ETF disengagement and strategic accumulation behind the scenes, market signals depict a quiet reconfiguration, where caution no longer necessarily means withdrawal, but repositioning.

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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.

Bitcoin’s price rallied above $95,000 during the last 24 hours, signalling a definitive shift in market structure rather than a simple volatility spike.

According to CryptoSlate's data, the top crypto rose by more than 3% to reach a high of over $96,000, its highest price level since mid-November. BTC has retraced to $95,028 as of press time.

Trading firm QCP Capital described this situation as a “Goldilocks environment” in which the US job market remains robust, and inflation appears stable.

According to a note from the firm, risk appetite is returning across the board, lifting equities, precious metals, the dollar, and digital assets simultaneously.

Bitcoin ETF flows and leverage flushMeanwhile, Bitcoin's price rise was fueled by a textbook convergence of spot demand and leverage fragility, as US spot Bitcoin ETFs drew in approximately $753.8 million in a single session.

Data from Coinperps showed net inflows of $753.8 million with no net outflow from any of the 12 spot Bitcoin ETFs that day. In practical terms, this suggests the move reflected broad-based creations across the complex rather than a single product’s quirk or a one-off rotation.

Meanwhile, the composition of these flows provides distinct evidence of institutional conviction.

The biggest contributions came from Fidelity’s FBTC, which saw $351.4 million in inflows, followed by Bitwise’s BITB with $159.4 million, BlackRock’s IBIT with $126.3 million, and Ark/21Shares’ ARKB with $84.9 million.

Compounding this buy-side pressure was a wave of forced buying that wiped out approximately $600 million in bearish crypto bets. Notably, this is the largest short liquidation event in the market since the Oct. 10 rout.

Data from CoinGlass showed that roughly $290 million in Bitcoin shorts were wiped out as part of the broader $600 million crypto liquidation event.

These liquidations function as mechanical buy orders that hit the market when traders run out of margin. This creates a feedback loop: ETF inflows tighten spot conditions, prices rise, shorts get squeezed, and liquidations force more buying.

Regulatory clarity and macro evolutionBeyond the immediate price action, the crypto market is digesting significant structural news that pairs domestic legislative progress with a broader macro-political tailwind.

Earlier this week, details of the Clarity Act, a market structure framework for crypto assets, were released by the US Senate.

The legislation seeks to clearly distinguish crypto assets as either commodities or securities and define which regulatory authorities oversee each category.

Essentially, the framework permanently co-opts Bitcoin, Ethereum, stablecoins, and spot ETFs into part of the US financial system. Market observers have argued that this legislation would spur a bull run for the industry.

As a result, on-chain data reflect this transition toward institutionalization.

CryptoQuant’s Spot Average Order Size shows that around the $90,000 level, retail participation remains limited while mid- to large-sized orders are relatively prominent. This suggests a phase in which large investors are cautiously adjusting positions while awaiting regulatory clarity.

Bitcoin Spot Average Order Size (Source: CryptoQuant)Meanwhile, this legislative momentum coincides with a macro environment in which the US is trying to reassert its dominance.

According to QCP, the market has remained resilient despite rising geopolitical tensions and US involvement in Venezuela and Iran.

QCP Capital posits that the upcoming midterm elections are a key driver of this resilience. The firm suggested that the Trump administration is incentivized to maintain flush liquidity and pursue equity market highs as a measure of political success.

Considering this, QCP argued that BTC's break above $95,000 fundamentally changes the dynamic, as the top crypto had previously lagged behind the recent rally in equities and precious metals.

It added:

“With potentially further fiat currency debasement in the US, which has been driving precious metals higher, the relative cheapness of Bitcoin relative to precious metals at this point may spur a rotation to digital assets.”

What is next for Bitcoin?Due to these developments, Bitcoin investors are now weighing three potential scenarios for the next weeks:

The first is a “squeeze-and-fade” range trade, where BTC gives back part of the move if ETF inflows revert toward flat or negative.The second is a “flow-led grind,” where multiple positive days of inflows allow BTC to behave less like a squeeze chart and more like a spot accumulation market.Lastly, the third scenario is a “reflexive breakout,” in which another cluster of $500 million to $700 million inflow days triggers a self-fulfilling rally in a supportive macro environment.Allen Ding, Head of Bitfire Research, told CryptoSlate that the market's volatility metrics would be a key indicator in the coming weeks.

According to him:

“Following a period where Bitcoin’s 30-day implied volatility hit a yearly low of 40%, the decisive breakout past $96,000 for BTC and $3,300 for ETH confirms that a clear upward direction for the market is now established.”

He added that this momentum would be supported by a stabilizing macro environment and significant liquidity catalysts, including South Korea's lifting of crypto investment bans.

Ultimately, the market would view this $95,000 recovery as a successful stress test of BTC's ability to climb back over six figures.

Bitcoin Market Data

At the time of press 2:13 pm UTC on Jan. 14, 2026, Bitcoin is ranked #1 by market cap and the price is up 3.66% over the past 24 hours. Bitcoin has a market capitalization of $1.9 trillion with a 24-hour trading volume of $58.67 billion. Learn more about Bitcoin ›

Crypto Market Summary

At the time of press 2:13 pm UTC on Jan. 14, 2026, the total crypto market is valued at at $3.24 trillion with a 24-hour volume of $153.74 billion. Bitcoin dominance is currently at 58.74%. Learn more about the crypto market ›

Mentioned in this article

Posted In: Bitcoin, US, Analysis, Crypto, ETF, Liquidations, Macro, Market, Price Watch, TradFi, Trading

XRP (XRP) is holding above $2, but the move has yet to confirm a bullish shift, with a stronger technical validation expected at higher levels, according to an analyst.

Key takeaways:

XRP reclaimed its 50-day moving average in early January, signaling early signs of a trend reversal.

Institutional flows into XRP were the highest last week, diverging sharply from the market, which saw heavy outflows during the same period.

Onchain volume metrics suggest XRP’s move above $2 is driven by balanced participation rather than speculative excess.

XRP investment product inflows support price stabilityXRP began 2026 by reclaiming a bullish position above its 50-day simple moving average (SMA) during the first weekend of January. The move aligns with a classic downtrend retest, a structure that leads to higher prices if buyers maintain control. However, the price action so far suggests stabilization rather than acceleration.

XRP one-day chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThis stability appears reinforced by institutional investors’ participation. While the digital asset market experienced one of its worst weekly performances since mid-2023, with roughly $454 million in outflows, XRP price moved in the opposite direction. 

CoinShares data showed $45 million in weekly inflows into XRP, a more than 400% increase week over week, that stood in contrast to broader market outflows.

This contrast has helped XRP hold above $2 even as liquidity conditions tightened elsewhere, highlighting that its recent strength is not purely sentiment-driven.

Volume data and trader outlook define the rangeCryptoQuant data adds further nuance. Trading volume Z-Scores on Binance hover around 0.44, placing activity slightly above the 30-day average but firmly within a neutral range.

XRP z-score for trading volumes on Binance. Source: CryptoQuantThis suggests XRP’s price is not being pushed by speculation, but by balanced activity between buyers and sellers, a condition seen during accumulation phases.

Meanwhile, market analyst CrediBULL said that a completed “triple tap” at range highs leaves two paths: either a pullback toward $1.77 within a larger uptrend, or a defended base around $2 where dips continue to be bought. Given the current market, the analyst favors an uptrend, targeting higher, untapped levels at around $3.

However, futures trader Dom emphasized that while $2.10 has held for months, moves toward the mid-$2.40 range could only deliver a meaningful market shift on the daily chart. The analyst believed that strong price action likely begins once the altcoin establishes acceptance well above the $2.40 level. 

XRP daily chart analysis by Dom. Source: XCoincidentally, XRP’s rally last week stalled just below $2.40, where the price was rejected on Jan. 6. The pullback followed more than $100 million in net whale selling between Jan. 4 and Jan. 7. While whale outflows remain elevated, a shift in behavior would need to be seen if XRP retests the $2.40 level.

XRP Whale flows 30-DMA. Source: CryptoQuantThis article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision. While we strive to provide accurate and timely information, Cointelegraph does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information in this article. This article may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Cointelegraph will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from your reliance on this information.

TLDR Zcash Foundation’s SEC investigation ends without enforcement action, providing regulatory clarity. Zcash faced internal disruptions after the resignation of several core team members earlier this year. Zcash’s price increased by 12.5%, reaching $437.28, following the SEC’s closure of its investigation. The SEC’s decision marks the first positive news for ZEC in 2024 after a difficult period. Zcash’s market cap grew by 12.51%, reaching $7.2 billion, while trading volume increased by 21.77%. The Zcash Foundation confirmed the U.S. SEC has concluded its investigation without recommending any enforcement action. This development brings regulatory relief to the foundation, following internal disruptions after the departure of core team members.

SEC Investigation Ends Without Enforcement On August 31, 2023, the Zcash Foundation received a subpoena from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The inquiry was titled “In the Matter of Certain Crypto Asset Offerings (SF-04569).” The SEC has now ended the investigation without proposing any enforcement or further action.

The foundation publicly confirmed the conclusion of the SEC’s review on its official website. It stated, “The SEC has informed us that it does not intend to recommend any enforcement action.” This notification ends a period of uncertainty for the privacy-focused project.

The foundation emphasized its commitment to transparency and compliance. It said this result reflects its efforts to align with regulatory expectations. No penalties or operational changes were required from the foundation as part of the conclusion.

Zcash Gains Relief Following Internal Team Exit Earlier this year, Zcash faced pressure after a major portion of its team resigned. Reports indicate that its members left the project. The development created concerns about the project’s future direction and internal stability.

This resolution from the SEC brings the first positive development for ZEC in 2024. The foundation has not announced any leadership replacements or structural changes. However, it continues to focus on privacy-first financial infrastructure.

The Zcash Foundation reaffirmed its mission to build public goods for financial privacy. It has resumed normal operations and communications. The SEC has not issued additional comments on the matter as of now.

ZEC Price Jumps Over 12% After the core team exited, Zcash price plunged 20%, but as of press time, CoinMarketCap data reveals that Zcash (ZEC) trades at 437.28, marking a 12.5% increase over the last 24 hours. The market cap followed with a 12.51% rise, reaching $7.2 billion. Trading volume rose by 21.77%, climbing to $791.52 million within the same time.

Source: CoinMarketCap The ZEC price chart shows a steep early spike followed by a brief decline, then steady upward momentum with multiple short corrections. Following this, the price gradually increased, reaching new intraday highs, with the price hitting a session high of approximately $443.

TL;DR

Solana logged 518,400 x402 stablecoin payments on Sunday, edging Base at 505,000 and marking the first lead shift between the two networks. The margin was 13,400 transactions, small in absolute terms but big as a signal that payment automation traffic can rotate quickly. With more than 1,023,000 combined payments in a single day, the metric turns stablecoin usage into a throughput race that will be watched into the next sessions. Solana just edged past Base in x402 on-chain activity, a metric described as automated stablecoin transactions. On Sunday, Solana recorded 518,400 payments while Base logged 505,000, marking the first time Solana has led on this measure. Solana’s brief lead over Base shows how quickly automated stablecoin traffic can rotate. For traders and builders watching payment rails, the crossover landed as an unexpected, data-first headline. The margin is slim, but the optics are sharp: one network topped the chart, and the other suddenly had to explain second place publicly.

What this x402 flip suggests for stablecoin payment rails That slim margin equals 13,400 payments, yet it still turns into a meaningful signal when the underlying activity is automated. With 1,023,400 combined payments in the same snapshot, x402 is producing a daily number that teams can actually track. A measurable throughput contest is emerging, and it is being scored in stablecoin payments. It also creates a KPI that can be benchmarked day to day, without relying on anecdotes or one-off screenshots. For anyone building payout workflows, the question becomes where the next wave of routable demand is forming.

The flip also highlights how programmatic flows can create sudden leadership changes without a marketing campaign. Automation sends traffic where integrations are live and where execution feels predictable, so small shifts can compound fast. When payments are automated, reliability becomes the growth lever that quietly decides winners. That puts pressure on providers to keep error rates low, handle spikes smoothly, and communicate incidents in plain language for users and counterparties. For operators, it translates into dashboards, alerting, and capacity planning, because high-frequency payments leave little room for manual intervention.

What happens next will matter more than the first headline. If Solana repeats the lead, the narrative hardens into momentum; if Base regains first place, it becomes a tug-of-war instead of a turning point. The next prints will show whether this was a one-day anomaly or the start of a new baseline. Stakeholders will watch whether totals keep rising and whether the lead widens beyond a rounding error. Either way, the takeaway is pragmatic: stablecoin automation is now visible enough to be measured, compared, and acted on.

Alpaca, a mature fintech startup that provides brokerage infrastructure for many notable crypto businesses, has raised $150 million in Series D financing and secured a $40 million line of credit as it pushes toward its next phase of growth. The firm is now valued at $1.15 billion.

Drive Capital led the Series D with participation from Citadel Securities, BNP Paribas's VC wing Opera Tech Ventures, DRW Venture Capital, Bank Muscat, and Kraken, among other notable venture firms. The round also included Revolut CTO Vlad Yatsenko as an angel investor.

In addition to providing APIs and self-clearing custody solutions (essentially tools for other companies to more easily offer stocks and ETF trading), Alpaca powers 94% of all tokenized U.S. equities and ETFs, it said. The firm provides these embedded brokerage services for some 300 organizations, including the Kraken crypto exchange.

"Our mission is to open financial services to everyone on the planet," Alpaca CEO Yoshi Yokokawa said. "We are building the global standard for brokerage infrastructure so our partners can bring investing to more people. This raise gives us the fuel to deliver more faster to both our enterprise partners and active traders globally."

Noting that 2025 was "a breakout year," Alpaca said it has “dramatically expanded its product suite” to include multi-leg options, fully paid securities lending, fixed-income, and 24/5 U.S. stock trading.

It also introduced its Instant Tokenization Network at TOKEN2049 Singapore last year, with launch partners including The Solana Foundation, as well as leading real-world asset projects Dinari, Ondo Finance, and xStocks, now a target for acquisition by Kraken.

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.

On Wednesday, the Zcash Foundation announced a significant development regarding its ongoing operations: the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has concluded its investigation into the public charity. 

This news has sparked a notable recovery in the price of the Zcash native token (ZEC), signalling renewed investor confidence, with trading volume surging by 39% over the past 24 hours.

Zcash Foundation Cleared By SEC The Zcash foundation received a subpoena from the regulatory agency back in August 31, 2023, as part of a broader inquiry titled “In the Matter of Certain Crypto Asset Offerings (SF-04569).” 

After a thorough review, the Zcash Foundation was informed that the SEC does not plan to recommend any enforcement actions or changes pertaining to the organization. 

This comes amid significant regulatory changes towards digital assets under the Trump administration, including the appointment of the pro-crypto Paul Atkins as chair of the SEC. Similar enforcement actions against firms such as Uniswap (UNI), Coinbase (COIN) and Robinhood (HOOD) were dropped last year.  

ZEC Price Surges Near $440 In their statement, the foundation expressed satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing their commitment to transparency and adherence to regulatory standards. They reiterated their focus on advancing financial infrastructure that preserves user privacy for the greater good.

Following this announcement, ZEC experienced a robust increase of 12%, pushing its price to approximately $437.75 at the time of writing. This surge comes after the cryptocurrency had recently dipped to a near one-month low of $363 last Saturday, illustrating a significant turnaround. 

However, even with this recent boost, the Zcash token still has a long way to climb. The cryptocurrency remains 86% below its all-time high of over $3,191, according to CoinGecko data.

The 1-D chart shows ZEC’s price response to the SEC’s decision. Source: ZECUSDT on TradingView.com Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com 

Sui price remained on edge on January 14 as the mainnet suffered a glitch and a network stall.

Summary

Sui price rose despite the network suffering a major glitch. The glitch led to a network stall that affected its activity. Technical analysis suggests that it may be ripe for a bullish breakout. Sui Coin (SUI) was trading at $1.8510, up by ~40% from the year’s lowest level, and is hovering near the highest point since November. Its market capitalization has increased to over $7 billion, making it the 17th-largest coin in the industry. 

In a statement, the team reported that the mainnet experienced a network stall and was working on a solution. 

Sui Mainnet is currently experiencing a network stall, and the Sui Core team is actively working on a solution. Be aware that dApps such as Slush or SuiScan may not be available, and transactions may be slow or temporarily unable to process at this time. Updates will be shared as…

— Sui (@SuiNetwork) January 14, 2026 This outage was the biggest event in the network after the Cetus Protocol hack that cost users between $223 million and $260 million. Over 62,000 users were affected.

Sui has become one of the biggest players in the crypto industry. Data compiled by DeFi Llama shows that the network has a total value locked of over $1.6 billion, up from the December low of $1.35 billion. Some of the biggest protocols in the network are NAVI Protocol, Suilend, Bluefin, and Haedal. 

More data shows that Sui network has handled over $4.1 billion this month. This means that the volume will likely cross last month’s $6.6 billion. Also, its stablecoin market cap stands at nearly $500 milion, down from over $1.17 billion in October.

Sui price technical analysis  Sui Coin price chart | Source: crypto.news The daily chart shows that the Sui Coin price formed a triple-bottom pattern at $1.3214 and a neckline at $1.769. A triple-bottom is a popular bullish reversal pattern.

Sui has made a break-and-retest pattern, a common bullish continuation sign in technical analysis. It has moved above the 50-day Exponential Moving Average and is nearing the 23.6% Fibonacci Retracement level.

Therefore, the most likely Sui forecast is bullish, with the key target being at $2.50, the 38.2% retracement level. Such a move is a 30% jump above the current level.

On the other hand, a move below the support at $1.7693 will invalidate the bullish forecast. Such a move will indicate further downside, potentially to the support at $1.50.

Bitcoin and the broader crypto market turned sharply bullish after the latest CPI print came in exactly as expected, easing near-term uncertainty for risk assets. BTC price broke out of the range it had been trapped in since mid-November, while Ethereum pushed above $3,300 and several altcoins—such as Dash, Internet Computer, Pump.fun, Monero, and Zcash—also cleared key resistance zones. Even laggards like Axie Infinity saw a strong jump, supported by a noticeable rise in trading volume, adding to the “risk-on” tone.

But while traders are already eyeing $100,000 as the next milestone, the path may not be instant. Market structure and positioning signals suggest Bitcoin could spend more time consolidating below the psychological barrier before a clean breakout attempt.

Why Is $100K Hard to Break for Bitcoin Price?Bitcoin is struggling to break $100,000 because an options-driven “gamma wall” is capping the move. According to the Escape Velocity Model (v3.1), a large $129.9M call gamma wall sits at the $100K strike. As the BTC price pushes higher, dealers hedging these options are often forced to sell Bitcoin, which absorbs buying pressure and keeps volatility muted. 

Source: XThe model estimates the market needs around $574M in net buying (CVD) to chew through this resistance and the sell orders stacked above it. Smaller liquidation pockets near $98K ($43M) and $99K ($36M) may not provide enough fuel. Based on current liquidity, the probability of generating that “escape velocity” is 2.2% in one day, 57.4% over a week, and 80%+ over 30 days, suggesting BTC may stay range-bound until positioning resets.

What Would Actually Break $100K Cleanly?Bitcoin may be close to $100,000, but a clean breakout usually needs more than hype. Sellers tend to stack orders near round numbers, and options hedging can add extra resistance. Here are the key triggers that could help BTC finally clear $100K and hold above it.

Sustained Spot Buying: BTC needs steady net buying for multiple sessions, not a quick leverage-driven spike.Strong Close And Hold Above $100K: A clean breakout is confirmed when Bitcoin flips $100K into support instead of wicking and rejecting.Options Reset (Expiry/Rollover): If the $100K “wall” is driven by options positioning, it often weakens when contracts expire or get rolled to new strikes.Fresh Institutional/ETF-Style Flows: Larger inflows can absorb the sell orders stacked near $100K and push the price into discovery.Macro Catalyst Tailwind: Softer inflation or a dovish shift can add confidence and follow-through.Tariff Ruling Headlines Could Add Volatility: A U.S. Supreme Court tariff decision can swing risk sentiment fast—risk-on could fuel a breakout, while a risk-off shock could trigger a pullback before the next attempt.What To Expect NextBitcoin is bullish, but the market is now entering the “hard part” of the move. The next phase may look less exciting than the breakout because high levels tend to slow the price down.

If BTC grinds below $100K, that’s not automatically weakness—it can be consolidation as liquidity builds. If BTC breaks and holds above $100K, the psychological barrier flips into a launchpad, and price discovery can accelerate.

For now, expect higher volatility, headline-driven swings, and a tug-of-war near $100K—until either demand overwhelms the sell wall or the market needs more time to refuel.

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Published: Jan 14, 2026 at 18:52

On January 12, 2026, MicroStrategy (now operating under the ticker "Strategy") announced its largest acquisition of the year, purchasing 13,627 BTC for approximately $1.25 billion.

This purchase, executed at an average price of $91,519, was funded by a massive stock issuance following the company’s recent inclusion in major MSCI indexing benchmarks.

MicroStrategy now controls 687,410 BTC—more than 3% of the total 21 million supply. With paper gains exceeding $10 billion, the company has effectively become a de facto "Bitcoin ETF with leverage," forcing other S&P 500 firms to reconsider their cash-heavy balance sheets.

While the federal government debates regulation, major corporate and state-level entities are aggressively locking down supply, signaling a permanent shift in how national and local treasuries view digital scarcity.

Florida’s strategic reserve Simultaneously, the state of Florida has officially entered the "Bitcoin Space Race." On January 7, 2026, State Senator Joe Gruters registered Senate Bill 1038, which would authorize the Chief Financial Officer to manage a Florida Strategic Cryptocurrency Reserve. To ensure institutional stability, the bill mandates that the state only purchase assets with a 24-month average market capitalization above $500 billion.

This "Sovereign-Scale" demand is creating a supply shock. As corporate treasuries buy Bitcoin at three times the rate it is being mined, the market is entering a "scarcity loop." Analysts suggest that if the U.S. federal GENIUS Act passes later this month, the government could transition from holding seized BTC to actively competing with corporations and states for a piece of the world's first global, digital reserve asset.

Key points:

Bitcoin is showing considerable strength in the short term, opening the gates for a rally to $100,000 and then to $107,500.

Select major altcoins are showing strength, but Monero (XMR) is leading from the front.

After the sharp rally on Tuesday, Bitcoin (BTC) bulls are attempting to extend the gains above $97,000. The strong inflows of $753.8 million in BTC exchange-traded funds on Tuesday, according to Farside Investors data, show that the rally was backed by solid buying from institutional investors.

Crypto sentiment platform Santiment said in a post on X that retail traders could FOMO if BTC begins “teasing $100k in the next few days.” 

Another bullish case was presented by crypto analyst Midas, who said in a post on X that BTC’s current structure is following the 2020-2021 cycle. If history repeats, BTC could reach $150,000.

Crypto market data daily view. Source: TradingViewHowever, not everyone is outright bullish on BTC. Global investment management firm VanEck said in its Q1 2026 Outlook that BTC’s four-year cycle broke in 2025, which supports “a more cautious near-term outlook over the next 3-6 months.” Interestingly, select analysts from the company differed in their view, “remaining more constructive on the immediate cycle,” the report added.

What are the target levels to watch out for in BTC and the major altcoins? Let’s analyze the charts of the top 10 cryptocurrencies to find out.

Bitcoin price predictionBTC rallied above the $94,789 resistance on Tuesday, but the breakout is facing selling near the $96,846 level.

BTC/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe upsloping 20-day exponential moving average ($91,418) and the relative strength index (RSI) near the overbought zone signal that bulls are in control. A close above the $96,848 level clears the path for a rally to $100,000 and subsequently to $107,500.

The first support on the downside is the breakout level of $94,789 and then the 20-day EMA. Sellers will have to swiftly tug the price below the 50-day simple moving average ($89,959) to weaken the bullish momentum. 

Ether price predictionEther (ETH) broke above the resistance line of the symmetrical triangle pattern on Tuesday, indicating that the bulls have overpowered the bears.

ETH/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe bears will try to pull the price back inside the triangle, but if the bulls successfully defend the resistance line, the ETH/USDT pair could rally to $3,659 and then to $4,000.

Contrary to this assumption, if the price skids back into the triangle, it is likely to find support at the moving averages. If the price rebounds off the moving averages, the bulls will again attempt to resume the up move. The bears will be back in the driver’s seat on a close below the support line. 

XRP price predictionXRP (XRP) bounced off the moving averages on Tuesday, indicating solid demand at lower levels.

XRP/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe upsloping 20-day exponential moving average ($2.06) and the RSI in the positive territory indicate that the bulls have the upper hand. That increases the possibility of a break above the downtrend line, signaling a potential trend change. The XRP/USDT pair could then rally to $2.70.

This positive view will be invalidated in the near term if the XRP price turns down and breaks below the moving averages. That suggests the pair could remain inside the descending channel for a while longer.

BNB price predictionBNB (BNB) closed above the $928 level on Tuesday, completing a bullish ascending triangle pattern.

BNB/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe bears will attempt to trap the aggressive bulls by pulling the BNB price below the moving averages. If they manage to do that, the BNB/USDT pair could drop to the uptrend line and then to the $790.

Contrarily, if the price turns up from the $928 level, it suggests that the bulls have flipped the level into support. That increases the likelihood of a rally toward the pattern target of $1,066.

Solana price predictionSolana (SOL) reached the $147 level on Tuesday, where the bears are expected to pose a strong challenge. 

SOL/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe upsloping 20-day EMA ($135) and the RSI near the overbought zone suggest the path of least resistance is to the upside. If buyers clear the $147 level, the SOL/USDT pair could pick up momentum and soar toward $172.

The moving averages are the crucial support to watch out for on the downside. A break below the moving averages indicates that the bulls have given up. That could keep the Solana price inside the $117 to $147 range for a few more days.

Dogecoin price predictionDogecoin (DOGE) turned up from the moving averages on Tuesday, signaling that the bulls are attempting to take charge.

DOGE/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewIf buyers thrust the price above the $0.16 resistance, the DOGE/USDT pair will complete a bullish inverse head-and-shoulders pattern. The Dogecoin price could then rally toward the target objective of $0.20.

Instead, if the price turns down sharply from the $0.16 level, it suggests that the bears continue to sell on rallies. That could keep the pair range-bound between $0.16 and $0.12 for some time.

Cardano price predictionBuyers successfully defended the 20-day EMA ($0.39) in Cardano (ADA), indicating a positive sentiment.

ADA/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThere is minor resistance at $0.44, but if the level is crossed, the ADA/USDT pair could rally to the breakdown level of $0.50. The recovery is expected to face significant selling at the $0.50 level, but if the bulls prevail, the Cardano price could ascend to $0.60. Such a move signals a potential trend change in the near term.

Sellers will have to swiftly yank the price below the moving averages if they want to retain the advantage. The pair could then slide to $0.33. 

Monero price predictionMonero (XMR) has rallied sharply since bouncing off the 20-day EMA ($510) on Saturday, indicating aggressive buying by the bulls.

XMR/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe vertical rally has pushed the RSI above the 87 level, signalling that the XMR/USDT pair is overbought in the near term. That could result in a few days of consolidation or correction in the near term.

Any pullback is expected to find support at the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement level of $607. A shallow correction increases the likelihood of the continuation of the uptrend. The Monero price could then skyrocket toward $915. The bullish momentum is expected to weaken on a close below the 50% retracement level of $571.

Bitcoin Cash price predictionBitcoin Cash (BCH) is attempting to find support at the moving averages, but the bears continue to exert pressure.

BCH/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewA break and close below the 50-day SMA ($589) suggests that the market rejected the breakout above the $631 level. That could trap the aggressive bulls, pulling the BCH/USDT pair to $563 and later to $518.

On the contrary, the bulls will attempt to resume the uptrend by pushing the Bitcoin Cash price above the $670 level. If they can pull it off, the pair could surge to $720, where the sellers are expected to step in.

Chainlink price predictionChainlink (LINK) turned up sharply from the moving averages on Tuesday, indicating that the bulls are trying to form a higher low.

LINK/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe bulls will attempt to strengthen their position by pushing the Chainlink price above the $14.98 resistance. If they manage to do that, the LINK/USDT pair could rally toward $17.66. That brings the large $10.94 to $27 range into play.

Sellers are likely to have other plans. They will try to halt the recovery at the $14.98 level and pull the price below the moving averages. That could keep the pair stuck inside the $11.61 to $14.98 range for some more time.

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

Digital asset manager Bitwise has listed seven crypto exchange-traded products denominated in Swedish krona on Nasdaq Stockholm, giving Swedish investors regulated exposure to Bitcoin, Ether and Solana.

According to a Wednesday announcement, the SEK-denominated ETPs are available to retail and professional investors through existing brokerage accounts and may qualify for Sweden’s tax-advantaged ISK savings structure, depending on the platform.

The listings include the Bitwise Core Bitcoin ETP, spot Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) products backed by institutional custody, as well as staking-linked ETPs tied to ETH and Solana (SOL). Bitwise also listed a diversified MSCI Digital Assets Select 20 ETP tracking the largest cryptocurrencies by market capitalization, along with a hybrid product combining exposure to Bitcoin and gold.

The company appointed Marco Poblete and Andre Havas to oversee its expansion across the Nordic region.

According to the company, all Bitwise ETPs are fully backed by the underlying crypto assets held in institutional cold storage, with holdings verified through weekly independent audits.

The launch in Sweden builds on Bitwise’s broader European expansion, which began with the acquisition of ETC Group in August 2024. In April 2025, the company listed four Bitcoin and Ether ETPs on the London Stock Exchange, followed by the listing of five crypto funds on the SIX Swiss Exchange in September.

Bitwise also expands presence in the US in 2025  Beyond Europe, Bitwise expanded its US presence in 2025 as regulatory clarity around crypto improved and enforcement uncertainty eased.

In September, Bitwise filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission to launch a proposed Stablecoin & Tokenization ETF, designed to track an index of companies involved in stablecoin issuance, tokenization infrastructure, payments, exchanges and regulated crypto ETPs with exposure to Bitcoin and Ether.

In October, the company launched the Solana Staking ETF (BSOL) on the New York Stock Exchange, giving US investors direct exposure to SOL staking rewards built into the fund structure.

In December, Bitwise filed with the SEC to launch a proposed a spot Sui ETF tracking the price of the Sui (SUI) token, with Coinbase named as custodian. The SEC has yet to rule on filings by Canary Capital and 21Shares for Sui ETFs.

According to Bitwise researcher Ryan Rasmussen, more than 100 crypto exchange-traded products may launch in 2026 after the SEC adopted generic listing standards in September designed to significantly reduce approval timelines.

Magazine: Here’s why crypto is moving to Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Cointelegraph is committed to independent, transparent journalism. This news article is produced in accordance with Cointelegraph’s Editorial Policy and aims to provide accurate and timely information. Readers are encouraged to verify information independently. Read our Editorial Policy https://cointelegraph.com/editorial-policy

3 mins mins

Key Points:

USDC Treasury destroys 135.6 million USDC as part of regular operations.Routine burn reduces USDC supply, aligns with market practices.Institutional redemption, no immediate adverse market effects noted. Circle’s USDC Treasury burned approximately $135.6 million USDC on the Ethereum blockchain at 23:41 Beijing time, according to Whale Alert monitoring, as a routine supply adjustment.

The routine burn aligns with institutional redemption flows, reflecting standard operations rather than market distress, impacting USDC supply on Ethereum without indicating liquidity issues.

Circle’s $135.6M USDC Burn and Its Implications Circle conducted a sizable USDC burn as part of routine treasury operations, involving a burn of approximately 135.6 million USDC on Ethereum. The involved parties include Circle Internet Financial, which is responsible for minting and burning USDC via its treasury wallets, and Whale Alert, which detected the transaction.

The primary change is a reduction in the USDC circulating supply on Ethereum, aligning with Circle’s model where redemptions lead to a 1:1 USDC to USD payout. Such burns are typical within Circle’s redemption cycle, with this event reflecting the flow of USDC back into fiat.

Jeremy Allaire, Co-founder & CEO of Circle, stated, “USDC is a fully backed stablecoin, redeemable one-to-one with USD. As part of normal operations, large burns like the recent ~$135.6M occur when institutions redeem USDC for fiat.”The market reaction was neutral, with stakeholders recognizing the burn as routine and part of institutional activity. No significant commentary on this specific burn was released by Circle executives, and the action aligns with established USDC mint-burn mechanics.

Analyzing USDC Market Dynamics and Historical Trends Did you know? In the past, USDC releases and burns often indicated market sentiment shifts. Stablecoin burns typically suggest investors are moving capital out of crypto, while increased minting correlates with bull phases.

USDC, with a current price of $1.00 and a market cap of $75.22 billion, maintains a 2.3% market dominance. Its total market supply remains unrestricted, with recent fluctuations showing minimal change. CoinMarketCap data reveals a 24-hour trading volume of $22.75 billion, maintaining stability in the stablecoin market.

USDC(USDC), daily chart, screenshot on CoinMarketCap at 18:57 UTC on January 14, 2026. Source: CoinMarketCap According to Coincu research, consistent USDC burns align with fiat movement trends and broader economic cycles. Regulatory developments on stablecoin reserves will continue to influence issuance/redeem dynamics and Circle’s treasury operations.

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PEPE price surges 6% to $0.00000650 as short sellers face $2.99M in liquidations. Technical analysis reveals a critical resistance level ahead for the meme coin.

Newton Gitonga2 min read

14 January 2026, 07:05 PM

PEPE posted significant gains on Wednesday as market dynamics shifted in favor of bulls. The token climbed 6.57%  in the last 24 hours to reach $0.00000650 at the time of writing.

PEPE’s price action over the past 24 hours (Source: CoinCodex)

The rally comes amid broader market volatility affecting digital assets. PEPE's price movement has caught the attention of traders who monitor technical patterns for signs of sustained momentum.

Technical Analysis Points to Critical Resistance LevelMarket analysts are watching a key price threshold that could determine PEPE's trajectory in the coming weeks. The token is approaching the midpoint of its Gaussian channel, a technical formation that combines multiple indicators to identify potential trend reversals.

Crypto trader Eco Nomad highlighted the $0.00001078 level as particularly significant. This price point served as a launching pad for PEPE's record highs throughout 2024. The token struggled to maintain similar momentum in early 2025, despite showing strength during summer months.

Source: X

The Gaussian channel methodology integrates the Supertrend indicator with the Stochastic Relative Strength Index. These tools help traders assess whether current price action represents genuine breakout potential or temporary volatility.

Breaking above the midpoint could signal a shift in market sentiment. Failure to hold these levels might result in renewed downward pressure.

Trading Volume Reveals Strong Market InterestVolume metrics provide crucial insight into the strength behind PEPE's rally. Spot market activity reached $1.2 billion, placing the token second only to Dogecoin's $1.8 billion among meme coins.

Futures markets showed even stronger participation. PEPE recorded $1.76 billion in leveraged trading volume, surpassing its spot market figures. This divergence suggests traders are actively positioning for potential price movements.

The 84% increase in trading volume compared to previous periods adds weight to bullish arguments. Higher volume typically accompanies legitimate price trends rather than speculative spikes.

Liquidation data reveals an unusual pattern that favors long positions. Out of $3.10 million in forced position closures over 24 hours, short sellers accounted for $2.99 million. This represents a stark imbalance in market positioning.

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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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Published: Jan 14, 2026, 19:13 GMT+00:00

Key Points:Pump.fun’s protocol fees jumped to their highest level in four months.Its market share in the meme coin launchpad segment stands at 68%.PUMP broke above a key trend line resistance and seems ready to start recovering.

Pump.fun’s native asset, PUMP, has gone up by 13% in the past 24 hours alone, while the token has booked a 40% gain since the year started, as memecoins seem to be making a comeback.

The protocol’s activity has been surging in 2026, as top tokens like Bonk (BONK), Pudgy Penguins (PENGU), and Fartcoin (FARTCOIN) have performed quite positively.

Pump.fun Weekly Fees – Source: DeFi Llama

Data from DeFi Llama shows that Pump.fun had its best week in terms of fees since September last year. According to the crypto analytics firm, the protocol brought in nearly $24 million in fees last week.

The last time fees were this high, PUMP traded at around $0.0034, which is 17% higher than the current price. That said, this uptrend was only getting started, as PUMP quickly rose to $0.0074 just a few weeks after.

This renewed hype on memecoins seems to be catapulting Solana’s price as well, as the native asset of the smart contracts platform, SOL, has jumped by 18% as well in 2026.

Pump.fun has managed to maintain its lead in the memecoin launchpad market with a 68.3% market share. Its closest rival is Meteora, with a much lower 17.6% share, while a promising newcomer, LetsBonk.fun, faded into oblivion after the protocol stopped rewarding creators.

Pump.fun (PUMP) Token Burn Program – Source: Official Website

Another factor that contributes to boosting the price of PUMP is its ongoing token burn program. According to its official website, the protocol has taken advantage of this spike in fees to buy a higher number of tokens.

They increased the size of their daily purchases from around 370 million PUMP two weeks ago to 666 million tokens as of yesterday, bringing their total purchases to nearly 19% of the asset’s circulating supply.

Trading volumes for PUMP in the past 24 hours have increased by 28% to $346 million. This figure accounts for more than a third of the token’s circulating market cap and reflects that buying pressure is rising rapidly.

The number of PUMP holders has also jumped since the year started, from around 110,000 to 113,000 at the time of writing.

PUMP Eyes $0.0035 After Major Trend Line Resistance Breakout The daily chart shows that the price has broken above a key trend line resistance that had acted as a ceiling multiple times in the past.

PUMP/USD Daily Chart (Coinbase) – Source: TradingView

This is a relevant price action signal that could mark the beginning of PUMP’s next leg up. For now, the most relevant target for the token is the $0.0035 level, an area that acted as support in previous instances.

If the price moves above this level, that would confirm a full-blown trend reversal and could set the stage for the beginning of a bull market for the token. The next two targets in that case would be $0.0053 and $0.0072 if the rally continues.

The Relative Strength Index (RSI) favors a bullish outlook too, as it has been on an uptrend since December 26, back when it broke above the 14-day moving average.

This means that positive momentum is strong. Meanwhile, since the oscillator is still a bit far from hitting “overbought”, there’s still enough runway for PUMP to break past these areas of resistance.

Is PUMP a “canary in the coal mine” for meme season?

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Chainlink (LINK) price jumped nearly 6% intraday and is now trading around $14.20, moving closer to the key $15 level that has capped upside for weeks. The rally has improved sentiment, but LINK has not confirmed a breakout yet. For now, price remains locked in a broader $13–$15 consolidation range, where buyers keep defending dips and sellers continue to show up near resistance.

Adding to the bullish backdrop, institutional attention around Chainlink has improved, with Bitwise’s approval of the Chainlink ETF on NYSE Arca strengthening credibility and potentially supporting steadier long-term positioning. If LINK flips $15 into support, the next targets sit near $18 and $21. Until then, LINK may keep consolidating, rewarding patience over aggressive chasing.

Chainlink Price Prediction—What’s Next For LINK in 2026?Over the last two months, $13 has acted as a strong support floor, repeatedly absorbing sell pressure. On the upside, $15 is the main hurdle, lining up with both the range ceiling and a trendline barrier. This tightening price action suggests LINK may be entering a “compression before expansion” phase, but the market needs a clean push above $15 with rising volume to validate the breakout.

The weekly LINK price shows the token following a pattern of accumulation followed by a breakout. The breakout in 2023 and 2024 resulted in a 130% jump, while in July 2025, the LINK price surged by more than 60%. On the other hand, the weekly MACD is also heading towards a bullish crossover as the selling pressure fades away. Therefore, the LINK price is required to break above the accumulation zone by surging above $15.2. Technically, this may trigger a bull run, elevating the levels beyond $30. 

Chainlink price is at the foothill of a massive explosion. Hence, if the DeFi giant follows the pattern, it may soon begin with a strong rally. On the other hand, a failure may extend the consoldition restricting the rally below $16.5 until market sentiments improve. 

Trust with CoinPedia:CoinPedia has been delivering accurate and timely cryptocurrency and blockchain updates since 2017. All content is created by our expert panel of analysts and journalists, following strict Editorial Guidelines based on E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness). Every article is fact-checked against reputable sources to ensure accuracy, transparency, and reliability. Our review policy guarantees unbiased evaluations when recommending exchanges, platforms, or tools. We strive to provide timely updates about everything crypto & blockchain, right from startups to industry majors.

Investment Disclaimer:All opinions and insights shared represent the author's own views on current market conditions. Please do your own research before making investment decisions. Neither the writer nor the publication assumes responsibility for your financial choices.

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Bitcoin surged past $97,000 on Wednesday as the crypto finally caught up with a broader rally in equities and precious metals, with over $100 million in short positions liquidated in just one hour.

Source: TradingViewThe breakout comes after weeks of Bitcoin lagging behind traditional assets, with QCP Capital noting that the digital asset has pushed through the $95,000 resistance level that capped rallies since November.

The move higher reflects a strengthening risk-on environment driven by stable U.S. inflation and a resilient job market, creating what QCP describes as a “Goldilocks environment” where investors are piling into everything from stocks to precious metals and now crypto.

Despite geopolitical tensions in Venezuela and Iran, markets have remained resilient, interpreting U.S. involvement as a reassertion of global leadership rather than a source of instability.

Trump’s Economic Agenda Fuels Market ConfidenceQCP believes political calculations are driving the rally, arguing that President Trump is focused on achieving new equity market highs ahead of the midterm elections this year.

“The market is convinced that Trump will do anything to Make America Great Again, with his measure of success being new highs in equity markets,” QCP stated in its analysis.

The firm sees flush liquidity and renewed American leadership as Trump’s primary tools, naturally leading to U.S. outperformance and a global risk-on environment.

However, traditional markets showed cracks on Wednesday as Wall Street declined for a second straight session.

The S&P 500 fell 0.7%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 182 points, weighed down by mixed bank earnings that disappointed investors.

Wells Fargo plunged 4.6% on weaker-than-expected revenue, while Bank of America declined 3.8% despite beating profit estimates, highlighting how elevated valuations have left little room for disappointment.

Meanwhile, precious metals continued their explosive start to the year, with gold, silver, copper, and tin all hitting record highs as investors embraced the so-called debasement trade.

Source: YahooFinanceSilver jumped 6.1% to top $92 per ounce, while gold notched another all-time peak above $4,620, capping a remarkable 65% gain in 2025.

“When gold moves first, it usually signals declining trust in fiat currencies,” Hao Hong, chief investment officer at Lotus Asset Management, told Bloomberg. “Everything is measured against gold, then most assets look cheap right now.“

Political Turmoil Amplifies Safe-Haven DemandThe precious metals rally accelerated after deadly protests in Iran killed over 500 people, with Tehran warning it could target U.S. military bases if President Trump intervenes.

Political uncertainty intensified when the Justice Department served Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell with grand jury subpoenas over Senate testimony, pressuring the dollar and raising questions about central bank independence.

🙅‍♂️ Fed Chair Powell accuses Trump administration of using criminal threats to pressure rate cuts after DOJ grand jury subpoenas over renovation testimony, triggering bipartisan backlash.#Fed #Trump #DOJhttps://t.co/nKiwflcFWg

— Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) January 12, 2026 Farzam Ehsani, CEO of crypto exchange VALR, warned that the situation creates a paradox for digital assets.

“On the one hand, weakening confidence in dollar policy traditionally increases interest in decentralized assets as a hedge against political and currency risk,” he said.

“On the other hand, abrupt political maneuvers and aggressive polarization within the government are increasing instability, triggering short-term outflows from risky assets.“

Ray Youssef, CEO of the crypto app NoOnes, also noted that capital rotation, rather than panic, appears to be driving market moves.

“The US market is slightly down, but this is more likely due to capital rotation, as investors are shifting capital from riskier to more predictable sectors,” he explained, adding that gold and Bitcoin are increasingly treated as refuges from macro chaos.

QCP sees Bitcoin’s recent underperformance relative to precious metals as creating opportunity, suggesting that “the relative cheapness of Bitcoin relative to precious metals at this point may spur a rotation to digital assets.”

The firm acknowledged risks remain, particularly around pending Supreme Court decisions on tariffs, which have also been postponed again, and potential escalation in Venezuela or Iran, but believes these concerns are already priced in.

BREAKING: The US Supreme Court decides to NOT issue a highly anticipated ruling on the legality of President Trump's tariffs today.

This marks the second-straight time the ruling was not released as expected.

— The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) January 14, 2026 Youssef remained cautious, noting that the crypto market “continues to see active BTC selling during the U.S. trading session” and that “no compelling reason yet for the cryptocurrency’s rapid price growth.“