Market Signal Briefing

Monero (XMR) is leading the crypto market bounce by breaking out of a macro resistance level and breaching above the $600 barrier for the first time. A legendary trader has suggested that the cryptocurrency is mirroring silver’s historical breakout and could see a massive price discovery rally.

Monero Soars To New Highs On Monday, Monero outperformed the rest of the market, surging nearly 21% toward its new all-time high of $611.01. The privacy-focused cryptocurrency has been leading the start-of-year market rally, experiencing a 43% increase over the past seven days.

XMR’s rally has been fueled by renewed interest in privacy tokens and redirected liquidity toward the project, which has driven its market capitalization to $10 billion for the first time.

Amid this performance, veteran trader Peter Brandt drew a parallel between Monero and Silver’s long-term charts, suggesting that the cryptocurrency could be near a massive breakout.

In an X post, Brandt compared Monero’s current rally to silver’s historical breakout, which led to a massive run toward new highs. Silver saw a multi-decade price setup in which its price accumulated below and retested a macro ascending resistance trendline.

According to the chart, its price formed its long-term resistance during its 2011 peak, when it reached a slightly higher ATH of $49.83 before correcting. During its Q4 2025 rally, silver finally broke above this key level, nearly doubling its price toward its latest ATH of $86.23.

XMR mirrors silver’s setup. Source: Peter Brandt on X Similarly, Monero has been forming its multi-year ascending trendline in the monthly timeframe since its 2017 high. In 2021, the cryptocurrency retested this area, also hitting a slightly higher ATH before retracing.

Now, XMR has broken out of its ascending resistance and could see a similar path to silver’s recent breakout into price discovery, the post suggested.

XMR to See 50% Breakout Or Breakdown Next? Market observer TraderSZ recently shared an optimistic outlook for Monero once it broke through its crucial resistance area and turned this level into support. To the trader, the cryptocurrency could reach three main price targets if momentum continues.

Per the post, the initial breakout level could reach the $685 area, a more than 30% rally from the resistance level. Moreover, it could surge between 50% and 80% toward the $790 and $900 levels, like silver’s recent price discovery progression in the monthly chart.

Analyst 0xMarioNawfal also highlighted XMR’s performance as “price continues to trend aggressively higher, breaking through previous resistance levels with strong momentum and minimal pullback.”

To him, the structure remains bullish, with buyers stepping in and “no clear signs of distribution yet.” As a result, he forecasted potential volatility but added that as long as the price holds above recent breakout levels, the trend will remain intact.

Nonetheless, Ali Martinez posted a more concerning forecast for the cryptocurrency, suggesting that a significant correction may be around the corner. According to the chart, Monero has been forming a multi-year rising wedge pattern since 2017, with the price bouncing between the upper and lower boundaries.

Based on this, XMR could likely fail to turn the macro resistance into support and begin a long-term 50% decline toward the $300 area, where the pattern’s lower boundary is currently located.

As of this writing, Monero is trading at $597, a 47.5% increase in the monthly timeframe.

XMR’s performance in the one-week chart. Source: XMRUSDT on TradingView Featured Image from Unsplash.com, Chart from TradingView.com

BTC failed as the preferred investment choice for investors after hitting two-year lows, while gold and silver continue to set new highs. According to an investment specialist, if gold continues to rise in price, it may soon surpass the S&P 500 in market capitalization. 

Karel Mercx, a Dutch investment advisory firm Beleggers Belangen, wrote that BTC has failed as a debesement trade. He noted that the Bitcoin priced in gold showed a weaker cycle than the last one, spanning a 4-year period. Bitcoin failed to hold above 20 ounces in gold terms at the beginning of 2026 and is now hovering around two-year lows, according to TradingView data. 

Bitcoin priced in gold hits two-year lows Karel Mercx wrote in September of last year that if gold rises above $ 4,000 and Silver above $50, while BTC is below $ 100,000, a major crash is likely. Mercx said the BTC 4-year price cycle narrative is dead. He has now confirmed that gold emerged as the preferred choice for investors in the debasement trade at the start of 2026, as markets reacted to the U.S. action against Fed Chair Jerome Powell. The market reaction has pushed gold and Silver to new ATHs as BTC lags 20% below its ATH.

Source: TradingView; BTC priced in gold shows a two-year low. According to Mercx, the narrative that Bitcoin is the alternative destination for investors seeking a hedge against inflation and fiat currency dilution has been broken. Capital flows are pointing toward gold and silver amid the current market reaction to the opened investigations into Fed Chair Powell. According to the specialist, investors are choosing the original hard money over the digital experiment.

Contrary to Mercx’s opinion, James Lavish, a hedge fund manager and macroeconomic expert, stated that the crypto trend remains bullish in the long term, despite short-term volatility. He believes Bitcoin’s long-term curve has just begun, especially for institutional investors. Lavish traced his remarks from the 1971 era when the U.S. left the gold standard. He noted that the USD supply exploded, creating a structural inflation problem, and that the U.S. government now faces huge debts. Lavish noted that the country’s only solution is to debase its currency over time, setting the stage for Bitcoin to shine. 

A crypto trader and host of New Era Finance, Michael Van de Poppe, echoed Mercx’s claims, acknowledging that time may be running out for the BTC market to rebound. He suggested that time is running out for a breakout, or crypto markets will start to tumble, confirming the bearish divergence. 

Crypto execs say Bitcoin 4-year cycle is dead Benjamin Cowen, a crypto trader and CEO of Into The Cryptoverse (ITC), highlighted S&P 500 performance versus gold as the most important factor to note at the moment. Cowen argued that if the SPX breaks down against gold, the current market dynamics will change completely.

Source: X post; SPX/Gold year chart. The sentiment that BTC’s 4-year price cycle is nearing its end has been echoed across the industry. Simon Dixon, founder and CEO of Bnk To The Future, revealed on X that the BTC 4-year cycle is dead, noting that 2026 would form a new era. 

According to Cipher X, the 4-year cycle was never a law of nature, but rather a liquidity pattern with different macroeconomic conditions, different participants, and varying constraints. It highlighted that the assumption that timing stays forever broke, and not BTC. 

BTC began the year at $87,500 before rebounding above $90,000. At the time of publication, the token was up 2% on the monthly chart, trading at $92,031. Gold was down 0.2% on the daily chart, trading at $4596, while silver was trading at $85 per ounce.

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Monero (XMR) has emerged as a leading performer in the cryptocurrency market, achieving a new all-time high. On January 12, the privacy-focused digital asset reached nearly $600 before stabilizing around $577, according to CoinGecko data. This development has sparked renewed attention in the crypto space, as Monero’s market capitalization surpassed $10.5 billion, positioning it as the 18th-largest cryptocurrency globally.

The rise in Monero’s value comes despite its removal from several major exchanges, including Binance, which ceased its services with the token at the start of 2024. This delisting has not deterred the Monero community, as industry observers and analysts continue to discuss its potential trajectory.

Cryptocurrency analyst il Capo of Crypto likens Monero to precious metals such as gold and silver, suggesting possible short-term declines but anticipating a longer-term upward trend. George, another market commentator, predicts Monero’s price could reach $800-$900 in the near future. Meanwhile, Greeny forecasts a possible surge past $1,000, and Kazi remains optimistic, envisioning a rise to $10,000. Achieving this level would require Monero’s market cap to climb to approximately $185 billion, comparable to Tether’s USDT.

Historically, Monero’s previous record highs have been followed by significant corrections. In May 2021, the cryptocurrency’s price exceeded $500, only to fall below $200 shortly after. A similar pattern occurred in the spring of 2025. Current market indicators, such as the Relative Strength Index (RSI), suggest that Monero could be overbought. With an RSI above 70, the asset might face a pullback. As of now, Monero’s RSI stands at approximately 78, indicating potential for a near-term price adjustment.

Monero, recognized for its privacy features, has consistently generated interest in the crypto market. Unlike Bitcoin, which records transactions on a transparent blockchain, Monero employs advanced cryptographic processes to obscure sender and receiver details, ensuring greater privacy for its users. Its distinct approach to anonymity has made it the preferred choice for those seeking enhanced confidentiality in digital transactions.

The cryptocurrency market operates 24/7, characterized by high volatility. Investors and traders closely monitor price movements, using technical analysis tools like the RSI to assess potential trends. While some analysts continue to express bullish sentiments towards Monero, the unpredictable nature of the market necessitates caution.

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are a popular mechanism for investors seeking exposure to cryptocurrencies. An ETF can track a particular asset or group of assets, providing a diversified investment vehicle. In the case of crypto ETFs, regulators typically focus on aspects such as custody solutions, market integrity, and investor protection. Approval processes for such financial instruments involve rigorous evaluation to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

The institutional interest in cryptocurrencies continues to grow, driven by client demand and the potential for new revenue streams. Large financial institutions explore various crypto products to offer their clients diversified investment opportunities. Asset managers often consider creating funds or investment vehicles that incorporate digital currencies to meet evolving client needs.

Market risks, including volatility and regulatory uncertainty, remain inherent challenges for digital assets. Cryptocurrencies like Monero face unique pressures due to their privacy features, drawing attention from regulatory bodies concerned with potential misuse. Investors weigh these factors when considering long-term commitments to privacy coins.

The competitive landscape within the crypto market sees multiple issuers pursuing similar products. Timelines for product launches and regulatory approvals can be unpredictable, often requiring amendments and adjustments to initial filings. Stakeholders keep a watchful eye on developments, seeking signs of regulatory shifts or market changes that could impact asset performance.

As Monero’s price fluctuates, the market continues to anticipate further developments. Upcoming decisions, including possible amendments to regulations or new product offerings, hold the potential to influence market dynamics. Investors remain attentive, analyzing data and market signals to inform their strategies.

In summary, Monero’s recent surge underscores the dynamic nature of the cryptocurrency market. While some foresee continued growth, historical patterns and technical indicators suggest caution. The forthcoming period will likely involve close scrutiny from market participants, as they assess the evolving landscape and potential implications for Monero and similar assets.

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Bitcoin treasury company Strategy has continued its accumulation of the cryptocurrency, taking its holdings to 687,410 BTC with the latest purchase.

Strategy Has Acquired Another 13,627 Bitcoin As announced in an X post by Strategy co-founder and chairman Michael Saylor, the company has completed a new Bitcoin acquisition involving 13,627 BTC, spending an average of $91,519 per token or a total of about $1.25 billion.

This purchase is rather large; in fact, it’s the biggest buy that the firm has made since July of last year. In his usual Sunday foreshadowing post, Saylor hinted that the acquisition would be significant, using the caption: “₿ig Orange.”

In a reply to the post, the Strategy chairman reflected on the company’s accumulation journey, saying, “Ironic that our $60.25 billion Bitcoin position started with a $0.25 billion purchase in August 2020.”

Following the purchase announcement, Strategy’s stack has officially grown to 687,410 BTC and total investment to $51.80 billion. At present, these holdings are valued at $63.28 billion, meaning that the treasury company is in a profit of more than 22%.

According to the filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, the new acquisition took place in the week between January 5th and 11th, funded using proceeds from the company’s MSTR and STRC at-the-market (ATM) stock offerings.

Last Monday, Strategy announced expansions for both its Bitcoin treasury and US Dollar reserve, but the focus this week appears to have been on the cryptocurrency alone. The USD reserve, which was created by the company at the start of December, has seen two additions so far, and the latest one took its value to $2.25 billion.

In another X post, Saylor has also shared a chart that compares annualized returns for the best-performing assets in the “Bitcoin Standard Era,” referring to the period since August 2020 when the firm made its first purchase of the cryptocurrency.

Looks like Nvidia has seen the best returns in this period | Source: @saylor on X As displayed in the graph, MSTR has produced the second-most annualized returns in this timespan, with its profits of 60% surpassing even BTC’s, which has managed a return of 45%.

The number one performing asset in the period has been Nvidia (NVDA), posting annual returns of 68%. The strength behind the company’s stock was initially driven by the Ethereum mining boom and more recently, by the rise of AI datacenters.

“The best-performing assets of this decade are Digital Intelligence $NVDA, Digital Credit $MSTR, and Digital Capital $BTC,” Saylor wrote, framing each asset under a distinct role.

BTC Price Bitcoin kicked off 2026 with a recovery surge, but bullish momentum has faded for the asset as its price is still trading around $91,400.

The price of the coin seems to have taken to sideways movement in recent days | Source: BTCUSDT on TradingView Featured image from Dall-E, chart from TradingView.com

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Dogecoin started a fresh decline below the $0.1450 zone against the US Dollar. DOGE is now consolidating losses and might face hurdles near $0.140.

DOGE price started a fresh decline below the $0.1420 level. The price is trading below the $0.140 level and the 100-hourly simple moving average. There is a key declining channel forming with resistance at $0.1395 on the hourly chart of the DOGE/USD pair (data source from Kraken). The price could extend losses if it stays below $0.1400 and $0.1420. Dogecoin Price Dips Again Dogecoin price started a fresh decline after it closed below $0.1500, like Bitcoin and Ethereum. DOGE declined below the $0.1450 and $0.1420 support levels.

The price even traded below $0.140. A low was formed near $0.1348, and the price is now showing bearish signs. It is consolidating below the 23.6% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $0.1539 swing high to the $0.1348 low.

Dogecoin price is now trading below the $0.140 level and the 100-hourly simple moving average. If there is a recovery wave, immediate resistance on the upside is near the $0.1390 level.

Source: DOGEUSD on TradingView.com The first major resistance for the bulls could be near the $0.140 level. There is also a key declining channel forming with resistance at $0.1395 on the hourly chart of the DOGE/USD pair. The next major resistance is near the $0.1420 level. A close above the $0.1420 resistance might send the price toward the $0.1445 resistance or the 50% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $0.1539 swing high to the $0.1348 low. Any more gains might send the price toward the $0.150 level. The next major stop for the bulls might be $0.1540.

More Losses In DOGE? If DOGE’s price fails to climb above the $0.1400 level, it could continue to move down. Initial support on the downside is near the $0.1350 level. The next major support is near the $0.1320 level.

The main support sits at $0.1280. If there is a downside break below the $0.1280 support, the price could decline further. In the stated case, the price might slide toward the $0.120 level or even $0.1180 in the near term.

Technical Indicators

Hourly MACD – The MACD for DOGE/USD is now gaining momentum in the bearish zone.

Hourly RSI (Relative Strength Index) – The RSI for DOGE/USD is now above the 50 level.

Major Support Levels – $0.1350 and $0.1320.

Major Resistance Levels – $0.1400 and $0.1420.

A large on-chain transfer linked to Pump.fun has put fresh focus on how the memecoin launchpad is handling the proceeds of its token sale.

Summary

A Pump.fun-linked wallet sent $148M in USDC and USDT to Kraken. Total deposits since November now exceed $750M from ICO proceeds. The move has renewed debate over treasury use and transparency. A wallet associated with Pump.fun deposited roughly $148 million in stablecoins to Kraken on Jan. 13, according data from to on-chain analyst EmberCN.

The latest transaction continues a pattern of sizable exchange-bound transfers seen over the past two months.

$148M transfer adds to months-long flow to Kraken Blockchain data shows the latest deposit consisted of USDC and USDT moved to Kraken within a short time window. EmberCN noted that the funds originated from wallets tied to the Pump.fun’s (PUMP) token sale, which took place in mid-2025.

The transfer brings the total amount sent to Kraken since Nov. 15 to approximately $753 million in stablecoins. All of the funds are traced back to proceeds from the PUMP initial coin offering, based on publicly visible wallet activity.

Similar movements have occurred at regular intervals since late 2025, often involving nine-figure sums. In some cases, stablecoins deposited to Kraken were later observed moving toward Circle-related addresses, suggesting possible redemptions or internal treasury operations.

Neither Pump.fun nor Kraken has publicly commented on the purpose of the latest transfer. The scale and consistency of these deposits have drawn attention across crypto markets, especially given Pump.fun’s central role in Solana’s memecoin economy.

Treasury management, pressure points, and open questions Pump.fun has previously pushed back against claims that such transfers represent cash-outs or liquidation activity. Team members have described past movements as routine treasury management, including diversification, operational spending, and preparation for reinvestment.

Still, the timing has fueled debate. The most recent transfer comes amid increased scrutiny of the platform, which includes complaints about its previous creator fee structure and slower revenue growth when compared to periods of peak memecoin trading. 

Alon Cohen, a co-founder, acknowledged the flaws in the previous fee model earlier this month. He presented a new strategy that would shift incentives away from volume-driven token launches and toward traders and liquidity.

At the same time, the company continues to face legal scrutiny. A court decision is expected later this month in an amended civil lawsuit accusing Pump.fun of racketeering and insider trading. While the recent transfer is not directly tied to the case, it has raised fresh questions around transparency and governance.

As with past transfers, the market reaction has been cautious rather than abrupt. Observers remain watchful, waiting to see whether there are additional movements or a formal response from the team.

In what has to be one of the most outrageously bullish price predictions of 2025, Wall Street strategist Tom Lee predicted that Ethereum (ETH 1.02%) -- currently trading around $3,250 -- will skyrocket in value to hit a price of $62,000 in 2026.

That's a massive 20x increase in price within an incredibly short period of time. If Lee is right, a modest upfront investment of just $1,000 in Ethereum would be worth north of $20,000 within the next 12 months. So is he right?

The key catalyst for Ethereum A lot depends, of course, on market sentiment. Right now, there's not a lot of bullish sentiment on Ethereum, which is down 35% from its all-time high of almost $5,000 in August.

Image source: Getty Images.

But there's one catalyst that could turn things around for Ethereum: a full-scale embrace of real-world asset (RWA) tokenization by Wall Street.

Ethereum is already the preferred blockchain of Wall Street. It is now shaping up to be the premier blockchain for real-world asset tokenization, which has already been tagged by top consulting firms as a multitrillion-dollar market opportunity.

Where does Ethereum go from here? Just remember: History tells us that Ethereum is unlikely to skyrocket in value if Bitcoin (BTC 0.67%) is not also skyrocketing. The correlation between Ethereum and Bitcoin returns over the most recent 12-month period is a very robust 0.75. Over a longer time period, the correlation has been closer to 0.90. In other words, the two cryptocurrencies tend to move together, both up and down.

So keep your expectations in check. As long as Bitcoin is mired below the psychologically important $100,000 price level, then that $62,000 price prediction for Ethereum is unlikely to happen.

Dominic Basulto has positions in Bitcoin and Ethereum. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Bitcoin and Ethereum. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

TLDR: Strategy acquired 13,627 bitcoin between January 5-11, 2026, at an average price of $91,519 per coin. The company now holds 687,410 BTC with total acquisition costs reaching $51.80 billion at $75,353 average. ATM program raised $1.25 billion through sales of 6.8 million MSTR shares and 1.2 million STRC shares combined. STRC Stock captured 43% of trading volume for bitcoin purchases, demonstrating efficient capital formation. Strategy has purchased 13,627 bitcoin for approximately $1.25 billion at an average price of $91,519 per coin during the week of January 5-11, 2026. 

The company now holds 687,410 BTC acquired for roughly $51.80 billion at an average cost of $75,353 per bitcoin. 

The acquisition was funded through the sale of preferred stock and common shares under the firm’s at-the-market offering program.

Preferred Stock Sales Generate Capital for Bitcoin Purchases Strategy raised $1.247 billion in net proceeds through its at-the-market program during the same period. 

The capital came primarily from two sources: 6.8 million shares of MSTR common stock generating $1.128 billion and 1.2 million shares of STRC preferred stock producing $119.1 million. The STRC offering represents the Variable Rate Series A Perpetual Stretch Preferred Stock.

The company maintains substantial capacity for future issuances across multiple securities. Available amounts include $10.26 billion for MSTR stock, $3.92 billion for STRC stock, and $20.34 billion for STRK stock. 

Additional capacity exists with $1.62 billion for STRF stock and $4.01 billion for STRD stock. These preferred instruments carry fixed rates ranging from 8% to 10% annually.

The timing of these transactions coincided with increased market activity in Strategy’s securities. Trading volumes in STRC stock reached significant levels, providing the company with opportunities to raise capital while maintaining price stability. 

The preferred stock structure allows for continuous capital formation without requiring large single transactions.

Market Observer Highlights STRC Trading Dynamics Adam Livingston, a market commentator, noted the potential scale of Strategy’s capital raising through STRC preferred stock. 

🔥DID STRATEGY JUST RAISE $70 MILLION IN ONE DAY WITH STRC?!?🔥

For those of you who made fun of this NOT being an iPhone moment, you can now recant your statements to save yourself some credibility!

43% of the STRC trading volume last week was monetized into Bitcoin.

What if… pic.twitter.com/4RI2RlpHuc

— Adam Livingston (@AdamBLiv) January 12, 2026

He suggested the company might have captured 40% of the daily trading volume. With total STRC volume of 1.76 million shares and a price near $100.07, this approach could yield approximately $70 million in a single day.

Livingston referenced that 43% of STRC trading volume from the previous week was converted into bitcoin purchases. 

This pattern demonstrates how Strategy uses preferred stock liquidity to fund its bitcoin acquisition strategy. The instrument trades within a tight price band around par value, reducing market disruption during issuance.

The preferred stock approach provides Strategy with what Livingston describes as deep liquidity and continuous capital formation capabilities. 

Unlike traditional equity offerings that may impact stock prices, the preferred shares maintain stable valuations. This structure enables the company to scale its bitcoin purchases without significant market friction or timing constraints.

Strategy’s Bitcoin [BTC] accumulation curve tells a long and deliberate story. Since 2020, the firm has added Bitcoin across multiple market cycles.

It served during bull peaks. It also accumulated through deep drawdowns and extended consolidation phases. As a result, BTC’s average cost gradually rose to about $75,000.

The chart below highlights dense purchase clusters during periods of volatility. These entries came when uncertainty was high, not when sentiment peaked.

This behavior points to conviction-led accumulation rather than momentum-driven buying.

Source: Strategy

By the 5th of January, Strategy’s holdings reached exactly 673,783 BTC. At press time prices, those reserves were worth roughly $61.75 billion.

For Strategy, Bitcoin now functions as a core balance-sheet asset, not a tactical trade.

The firm’s founder, Michael Saylor, teased with a post on X saying, “Big Orange.” The comments section reacted with overwhelmingly positive and bullish sentiments.

This wasn’t a new purchase signal since no information followed that disclosure. Therefore, the post was emphasized more as a signal than an action—it reinforces scale and positioning.

More broadly, Strategy’s approach reflects a wider institutional trend. Accumulation has become patient, long-term, and structurally embedded—underscoring deepening institutional conviction in Bitcoin.

Bitcoin whales tighten supply Bitcoin inflows to Accumulation Addresses have risen steadily, and the trend has strengthened sharply since late 2024. Long-term holders continue to absorb supply with growing intensity.

This behavior has now persisted for several months. Importantly, it mirrors earlier accumulation phases seen near major cycle inflection points.

Several forces are driving this shift. First, ETF-related demand has tightened liquid supply. Next, macroeconomic uncertainty has pushed large holders toward hard assets.

Source: X

At the same time, declining exchange balances signal reduced sell-side pressure. Together, these dynamics encourage whales to accumulate rather than distribute.

Historically, sustained inflows into accumulation addresses emerge when price trades near perceived value zones. That pattern appears intact.

As accumulation accelerates while price holds firm, market structure tightens. Consequently, upside volatility risk increases.

Looking ahead, investors should monitor liquidity conditions, rate expectations, and ETF flow consistency.
They should also watch for sharp exchange inflows, which may signal distribution.

Until then, accumulation remains the dominant signal, reinforcing a constructive outlook for Bitcoin.

Divergent exchange flows signal consolidation Bitcoin’s Exchange Netflows exhibited mixed signals in early January 2026. Late 2025 saw persistent net outflows, tightening available supply.

However, flows briefly flipped positive, with roughly 1100 BTC moving onto exchanges over the last 48 hours. This shift followed Bitcoin’s pullback from the $94,000 high and points to short-term distribution during consolidation.

Source: CryptoQuant

Whales appeared divided. Some large holders sent coins to exchanges, signaling early profit-taking. Still, the broader trend from prior months showed continued institutional outflows.

Retail activity remained secondary. At the same time, inflows to accumulation addresses persisted, which reinforced the longer-term supply absorption.

Price continues to range between $89,000 and $94,000, currently near $91,000. Reduced sell pressure supports the structure, though ETF flow volatility and macro caution cap momentum.

All this together, 2026 remains structurally constructive. If liquidity improves, constrained supply could magnify upside volatility.

Final Thoughts Strategy and institutional holders maintain patient, conviction-driven Bitcoin accumulation, buying through volatility and market cycles. Tightening supply, persistent inflows to accumulation addresses, and declining exchange balances reinforce market structure.

World Liberty Financial has added a new on-chain market, quietly expanding how its ecosystem puts capital to work.

Summary

World Liberty Financial launched World Liberty Markets, a lending platform built on Dolomite. Users can supply or borrow assets including USD1, ETH, cbBTC, USDC, and USDT. The platform is designed to support future tokenized real-world assets and governance-led expansion. World Liberty Financial has rolled out a new lending product, adding another piece to its growing on-chain financial stack.

On Jan. 12, the Trump-affiliated project announced the launch of World Liberty Markets, a lending and borrowing platform built on top of Dolomite’s liquidity infrastructure.

A Dolomite-powered lending layer World Liberty Markets allows users to supply assets to earn yield or borrow against their portfolios using Dolomite’s existing money market system. At launch, supported assets include USD1, WLFI, ETH, cbBTC, USDC, and USDT.

World Liberty Markets is now live, built to give users access to transparent, high-performance liquidity markets provided by @dolomite_io. You can earn on supplied assets or borrow against your portfolio with fast, flexible liquidity. WLFI Markets is designed to make these tools…

— WLFI (@worldlibertyfi) January 12, 2026 The platform positions USD1, WLFI’s dollar-pegged stablecoin, as a core asset within the system. Users can supply USD1 to earn yield or use it as collateral, with WLFI describing the product as a way to keep the stablecoin “productive” across its ecosystem.

Instead of creating a lending protocol from the ground up, WLFI is relying on Dolomite’s well-established infrastructure, which will provide fast execution and flexible liquidity across various asset pairs. World Liberty Markets serves as a front-end layer, tailored specifically to WLFI users and products.

Governance, incentives, and future expansion WLFI said the new market is intended to act as a unified interface for future services. WLFI token holders will be able to propose and vote on new collateral types, incentive structures, and market parameters as the platform evolves.

Alongside the launch, WLFI activated a USD1 Points Program within World Liberty Markets. Users who supply USD1 may earn points under terms set by launch partners, though the project noted that conditions may change and participation carries risk.

WLFI’s rollout is part of a longer-term strategy centered on tokenized real-world assets. Rather than limiting itself to in-house products, the platform is being built to support both third-party and WLFI-issued RWAs as they are introduced. Over time, this approach is meant to push USD1 beyond purely crypto-native markets.

World Liberty Financial is also widening its presence at the intersection of crypto and traditional finance. The platform recently applied for a national trust bank charter through WLTC Holdings LLC, a move that would bring USD1 issuance and custody under federal supervision. 

That step has drawn attention, not just for what it enables, but because of WLFI’s political ties and its stated ambitions inside regulated markets.

Inside the ecosystem, governance has been moving in the same direction. Treasury funds are being steered toward incentives designed to drive USD1 adoption, a decision that effectively places the stablecoin at the center of WLFI’s long-term strategy.

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Key Points:

SEC Chairman Paul Atkins addresses potential U.S. Bitcoin seizure.$60 billion in Bitcoin linked to Venezuela remains unverified.Market reactions are muted; Bitcoin price remains stable. U.S. SEC Chairman Paul Atkins, in a Fox Business interview, addressed unverified reports of Venezuela’s Bitcoin holdings worth up to $60 billion, without confirming potential U.S. actions.

The potential seizure of a sovereign nation’s Bitcoin would raise complex international law questions, affecting markets and showcasing custody challenges in cryptocurrency governance.

Uncertainty Over Venezuela’s Alleged $60 Billion Bitcoin Reserves SEC Chairman Paul Atkins addressed speculation over the possible U.S. seizure of Bitcoin allegedly held by Venezuela. During a Fox Business interview, Atkins stated he is not involved in the decision-making process and the U.S. actions “remain to be seen.”

The primary focus involves the unconfirmed reports that Venezuela holds up to 600,000 BTC worth approximately $60 billion. Analysts have not verified these figures, and no changes in U.S. or Venezuelan policies have been officially stated.

Market reactions have been limited, with Bitcoin prices maintaining stability around $91,000. Comments by Atkins did not trigger notable reactions in the industry, underscoring the ongoing uncertainty of these reports.

Potential Consequences of U.S. Seizing a Nation’s Bitcoin Did you know? Venezuela’s alleged $60 billion in Bitcoin reserves, if confirmed, would represent approximately 3% of Bitcoin’s fully diluted market cap, posing significant international law challenges.

According to CoinMarketCap, Bitcoin’s price stands at $91,392.24, with a market cap of $1.83 trillion and a market dominance of 58.70%. The 24-hour trading volume increased by 108.69%, yet Bitcoin has seen a 19.01% price decline over 90 days. Price changes were -0.04% over 24 hours, -2.66% over 7 days, and 1.12% over 30 days, with the circulating supply at 19.98 million BTC.

Bitcoin(BTC), daily chart, screenshot on CoinMarketCap at 01:12 UTC on January 13, 2026. Source: CoinMarketCap The Coincu research team notes that while there is no precedent for the U.S. seizing a sovereign nation’s Bitcoin, such actions could profoundly impact international relations and regulatory frameworks, particularly concerning sovereignty and cryptocurrency ownership rights.

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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Bitcoin price action remained constrained on Monday, with BTC hovering around $91,000 after briefly dipping below that level amid renewed geopolitical and macroeconomic tensions. The crypto market reacted cautiously after Donald Trump announced a proposed 25% tariff on any country conducting business with Iran, a move that heightened global risk aversion and pressured digital assets during U.S. trading hours.

Despite the volatility, Bitcoin is still up roughly 0.8% over the past 24 hours, though repeated rejections near the $92,000 level underline the market’s lack of conviction. Ethereum followed a similar path, trading just under $3,100 and slipping around 0.6% on the day, reflecting broader consolidation across major cryptocurrencies.

While large-cap assets stayed rangebound, privacy-focused cryptocurrencies outperformed the market. Monero surged more than 15% to reclaim the $600 level, Zcash gained about 7%, and RAIL posted gains exceeding 30%. These moves came even as Dubai announced restrictions on privacy coins, suggesting continued investor demand for censorship-resistant crypto assets despite regulatory pressure.

Crypto mining stocks also rallied after Meta unveiled its “Meta Compute” initiative, aimed at expanding large-scale AI and data center infrastructure. Shares of Iren, Bitfarms, Riot Platforms, Bitdeer, and Cipher Mining rose between 6% and 10%, benefiting from optimism around high-performance computing demand.

In traditional markets, gold and silver prices reached new record highs as investors sought safe-haven assets. Sentiment was further impacted after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell confirmed he is facing a criminal investigation, intensifying tensions between the Fed and the Trump administration.

Analysts note that Bitcoin faces strong resistance between $93,500 and $95,000, a zone that has capped recent rallies. With derivatives positioning reset and macro volatility elevated due to inflation data, bank earnings, and geopolitical risks, traders are watching whether BTC can reclaim $95,000 and ETH $3,500 to signal the next bullish phase.

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Cardano creator and Input Output Global (IOG) CEO Charles Hoskinson has sharply criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, claiming its approach to cryptocurrency has left the American crypto industry in a worse position than under former President Joe Biden. In a wide-ranging interview with CoinDesk TV, Hoskinson expressed disappointment with what he described as a lack of structure, coordination, and long-term vision in Trump’s crypto policy.

Hoskinson, who co-founded Ethereum and leads development of the Cardano blockchain, said early optimism following Trump’s election victory in November 2024 quickly faded. According to him, the launch of Trump Coin ahead of the 2025 inauguration symbolized an “institutionalized extractive model” that damaged public trust in crypto. He argued that the U.S. government’s perceived involvement in memecoins—tokens with no inherent utility—blurred ethical lines and fueled speculation, scams, and investor losses. Since its launch, Trump Coin has reportedly lost more than 80% of its peak value.

The Cardano founder believes these memecoin launches undermined a rare opportunity for bipartisan crypto regulation in early 2025. Hoskinson said legislation such as the GENIUS Act and the Clarity Act might have passed more smoothly if concerns over Trump’s crypto business ties had not surfaced. Instead, crypto has become a divisive political issue, stalling progress on regulatory clarity and market structure reform.

Hoskinson also criticized the administration’s internal processes, describing them as chaotic and inconsistent. He claimed industry leaders were not properly consulted, even when Cardano’s ADA token was named as part of a proposed U.S. crypto reserve. He further questioned the appointment of David Sacks as crypto czar, arguing that leadership failures have left the industry without accountability or direction.

While some industry figures remain optimistic about incremental regulatory progress, Hoskinson warned that the window for meaningful reform may be closed until at least 2029. He concluded that the lack of clear strategy and respect for institutional balance has politically “weaponized” crypto, harming its reputation and future in the United States.

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Strategy, formerly known as MicroStrategy, has once again reinforced its long-term Bitcoin strategy with a major acquisition that is shaping market sentiment. The company disclosed that it spent $1.25 billion to purchase 13,627 Bitcoin, marking its largest single buy in the past six months. This aggressive accumulation has drawn attention to the $88,000–$92,000 price range, which is increasingly viewed by investors and traders as a critical psychological support zone for Bitcoin and for Strategy’s stock, MSTR.

With this latest transaction, Strategy’s total Bitcoin holdings have climbed to approximately 687,410 BTC, further cementing its position as the world’s largest corporate holder of Bitcoin. Since December, the company has completed seven separate Bitcoin purchases, with average acquisition prices tightly clustered between roughly $88,210 and $92,098 per BTC. This consistency has effectively created a market anchor, signaling where management appears most comfortable allocating capital.

Following the announcement, MSTR shares were largely unchanged, trading near $162, suggesting that the market had largely priced in the purchase. However, the broader implications remain significant. Because many investors view MSTR as a leveraged proxy for Bitcoin exposure rather than a traditional software company, its stock often amplifies Bitcoin’s price movements in both directions.

If Bitcoin were to break decisively below the $88,000 support area, investor sentiment could weaken, increasing near-term downside risk for MSTR. Such a move could compress the stock’s premium relative to its Bitcoin holdings, an important factor given Strategy’s reliance on issuing equity and debt to fund further accumulation. A narrowing premium may heighten concerns about dilution and make future capital raises less attractive to shareholders.

While a drop below this range would not force Strategy to sell its Bitcoin, it could alter the narrative around its buying strategy. Instead of disciplined accumulation, investors may begin to see the purchases as concentrated near a technically vulnerable level. This dynamic could lead to increased volatility in MSTR, particularly during periods when Bitcoin is testing key support levels.

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Key takeaways:

Institutional investors selling Bitcoin is visible through the Bitcoin ETFs recording $1.38 billion in net outflows across four trading sessions. 

BTC futures data shows a neutral 5% basis rate, well below the 10% level that typically defines a true bullish breakout.

Bitcoin (BTC) price briefly jumped above $92,000 on Monday after US federal prosecutors opened a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Despite the odd outcome, Bitcoin traders remain skeptical due to exchange-traded fund outflows and weak demand for bullish leveraged BTC positions.

Bitcoin/USD vs. gold and silver. Source: TradingViewDespite the recent rebound, Bitcoin is still down 23% since October 2025, while gold and silver reached all-time highs in 2026. This divergence has led traders to question whether the digital store-of-value narrative is losing strength. As a result, even if Bitcoin rallies another 14% toward $105,000, investors may hesitate to turn bullish, particularly as analysts grow less confident that the US will deliver further economic stimulus in the near term.

Goldman Sachs no longer expects an interest rate cut in March, citing sticky inflation and resilient labor market data despite temporary slowdowns. US President Donald Trump has openly criticized the Fed for keeping interest rates elevated, even as inflation remained above the 2% target throughout the second half of 2025. Powell’s time as Fed chair ends in April, opening the door for a successor potentially more inclined toward looser monetary policy.

Powell is being investigated over the Fed’s building renovation project, prompting analysts to question whether central bank independence could be at risk—a scenario that could favor alternative scarce assets such as Bitcoin. Powell said the action should be viewed within the broader context of the Trump administration’s threats. 

Bitcoin fails to hold $94,000 despite major corporate buyingEven as Bitcoin reclaimed $91,000 on Monday, traders showed little interest in turning bullish, according to BTC derivatives data.

BTC 2-month futures basis rate. Source: Laevitas.chBitcoin’s risk profile appears largely unchanged by the power struggle between the Fed and the Trump administration, as the BTC futures annualized premium, or basis rate, remained near a neutral-to-bearish 5%. Periods of bullish sentiment are typically characterized by BTC futures trading at a 10% premium or more relative to spot markets.

More importantly, Bitcoin spot ETFs recorded $1.38 billion in net outflows across four consecutive trading days. Even more concerning, Bitcoin has been unable to sustain levels above $94,000 over the past month, despite Strategy (MSTR US) adding $1.25 billion worth of BTC. The company led by Michael Saylor announced on Monday its largest Bitcoin purchase since July 2025.

While Bitcoin may function as an alternative hedge to the traditional financial system, there is little evidence that a confidence crisis in the US dollar is unfolding. Despite the $601 billion fiscal deficit recorded in the final three months of 2025, the US government debt has retained its investment-grade status. Meanwhile, yields on the 5-year Treasury have remained below 3.8% over the past couple of months.

US Dollar Strength Index (left) vs. US 5-year Treasury Yield. Source: TradingViewIf traders were bracing for an imminent economic downturn, the US dollar would likely have weakened against a basket of foreign currencies, as measured by the DXY index. Instead, the US Dollar Strength Index rebounded to 99 from a 96.7 low in late November 2025. As a result, there is currently no clear evidence of a debasement trade, despite the strong rally in precious metals.

Ultimately, the appeal of Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies remains subdued, as reflected in ETF flows and muted demand for leveraged BTC positions, suggesting relatively low odds of a surprise rally toward $105,000 in the near term.

This article is for general information purposes and is not intended to be and should not be taken as, legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed here are the author’s alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph. 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.

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Solana’s push toward $145 comes with a clear shift in market mood. Crowd and smart money sentiment both lean bullish, reinforcing confidence behind the rally. 

However, on-chain data tells a more cautious story. New weekly wallets have dropped sharply from 30.2 million in November to just 7.3 million recently. 

That divergence matters. Price momentum often feeds on expanding participation, not contraction. Still, traders appear willing to front-run a breakout.

Optimism dominates short-term positioning, even as underlying usage cools. This imbalance creates tension. Momentum traders see opportunity, while fundamentals trail behind. 

Solana now sits at a critical point where sentiment drives price, but network growth must eventually follow to sustain strength.

Breaking the channel changes the narrative Solana has broken out of a multi-month descending channel, altering its broader technical structure. The breakout signals a potential shift from corrective behavior to trend recovery. 

Price traded near $140 at press time, with $145 acting as the immediate ceiling. Above that zone, momentum could open the path toward $150 and $170. 

Importantly, the MACD supports this move. The indicator has flipped bullish, with rising histogram bars confirming strengthening upside momentum. 

However, price still needs follow-through. A clean hold above former channel resistance would validate the reversal. 

Otherwise, rejection risks pulling Solana back into consolidation. Therefore, this breakout places buyers in control, but only sustained pressure confirms the trend change.

Source: TradingView

Solana exchange outflows quietly support the rally Spot market data showed that netflows remained negative, signaling continued exchange withdrawals. At press time, netflows printed around -$1.53 million, while price hovered near $140. 

That dynamic suggests reduced sell-side pressure. Tokens moving off exchanges often reflect holding behavior rather than distribution. However, the magnitude of outflows remains moderate, not aggressive. 

This indicates steady support, not extreme accumulation. Therefore, the rally benefits from supply tightening without showing signs of exhaustion. Price can grind higher under these conditions. 

Still, inflows could quickly flip sentiment if sellers return near resistance. For now, spot flows quietly favor bulls, providing a stable foundation beneath rising prices.

Shorts feel the pressure near resistance Liquidation data revealed growing stress among short positions as Solana pushed higher. 

On the 12th of January, total short liquidations reached roughly $7.24 million, clearly outweighing long liquidations near $3.75 million. 

Binance and Bybit accounted for a large share of those losses. This imbalance showed that bearish traders continue to fade the rally. 

However, price refused to roll over. As resistance approaches, trapped shorts face increasing pressure. A break above $145 could trigger another wave of forced exits. 

That scenario would accelerate upside volatility. Therefore, liquidation dynamics now favor buyers, especially if momentum strengthens through key levels.

Funding confirms aggressive long conviction OI-Weighted Funding Rates flipped positive at the time of writing, reinforcing the bullish bias. At 0.0072%, funding reflected that traders were paying to stay long. This behavior signals conviction, not hesitation. 

Open Interest-Weighted data also reduced noise, highlighting where capital concentrated. However, rising funding introduces risk. 

Overcrowded longs can unwind fast if prices stall. For now, funding remains controlled, not overheated. Therefore, leverage supports the move rather than distorting it. 

As long as funding stays positive but restrained, Solana can maintain upward pressure. Still, traders must watch for sharp spikes, which often precede local pullbacks.

Can Solana clear $145 convincingly? Solana has built enough structural and positioning strength to challenge the $145 resistance with conviction. 

Although network growth has slowed, current price action reflects trader dominance rather than usage expansion. 

Momentum now leads fundamentals.

As long as positioning remains controlled and supply stays constrained, Solana’s rally holds the edge, positioning the asset to push beyond $145 and sustain upside pressure in the near term.

Final Thoughts Solana’s structure and positioning favor continuation, placing buyers firmly in control near resistance. Momentum has overtaken fundamentals, giving bulls the upper hand to extend the rally beyond $145.

Ethereum needs to get to a point where its value proposition remains even if developers stop active work on the protocol, according to its co-founder Vitalik Buterin.

“We must get to a place where Ethereum's value proposition does not strictly depend on any features that are not in the protocol already,” said Buterin in a post to X on Monday.

He said Ethereum protocols should aspire to be like hammers: once purchased, they remain usable, unlike services that lose functionality when a vendor walks away.

Source: Gabriel Shapiro
While Ethereum has a long technical roadmap ahead, the network needs to reach a point where its core features are fully in place, and builders can ossify if they choose, Buterin said.

“Being able to say ‘Ethereum's protocol, as it stands today, is cryptographically safe for a hundred years’ is something we should strive to get to as soon as possible,” he added.

Vitalik Buterin’s seven areas of improvementTo achieve this, Buterin called for a full quantum-resistance solution to secure Ethereum against future cryptographic threats, while a scalable architecture, including Zero-Knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machines (ZK-EVM) and Peer Data Availability Sampling (PeerDAS), would enable Ethereum to handle thousands of transactions per second. 

Buterin added a general-purpose account model for signature validation, a robust gas schedule free of security vulnerabilities, and a block-building model that can resist centralization and censorship pressures, will also crucial to ensure Ethereum stands the test of time.

“Every year, we should tick off at least one of these boxes, and ideally multiple,” in order to “maximize Ethereum's technological and social robustness for the long term,” he said.

Last week, Buterin said implementing ZK-EVM validation and PeerDAS solutions would give Ethereum greater decentralization, consensus, and high bandwidth — better positioning it to solve the blockchain trilemma that has long forced projects to sacrifice one for the others.

The Splurge part of the Ethereum technical roadmap seeks to implement cryptography solutions that make the network resistant to quantum attacks. No solution has been fully rolled out yet, however.

“Ideally, we do the hard work over the next few years, to get to a point where in the future almost all future innovation can happen through client optimization, and get reflected in the protocol through parameter changes,” said Buterin. 

Ethereum needs better decentralized stablecoinsOn Sunday, Buterin also argued that Ethereum needs better decentralized stablecoins to give people greater independence from the traditional finance system.

He suggested a stablecoin backed by a diversified basket of assets and currencies, rather than relying solely on one, like the US dollar, so its stability isn’t dependent on a single nation.

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

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Bitcoin price started a consolidation phase below $92,000. BTC is holding the $89,500 support and might attempt to start a fresh increase.

Bitcoin started a recovery wave above $90,000 and $90,500. The price is trading above $91,000 and the 100 hourly Simple moving average. There is a bullish trend line forming with support at $90,650 on the hourly chart of the BTC/USD pair (data feed from Kraken). The pair might continue to move up if it stays above the $90,000 zone. Bitcoin Price Stays In A Range Bitcoin price managed to stay above the $89,500 support and started a minor recovery wave. BTC was able to settle above $90,000 and $90,500.

The bulls were able to push the price above $91,500, and the 23.6% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $93,770 swing high to the $89,225 low. However, the price seems to be facing a major hurdle near the $92,000 level.

The 50% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $93,770 swing high to the $89,225 low is acting as a resistance. Besides, there is a bullish trend line forming with support at $90,650 on the hourly chart of the BTC/USD pair.

Bitcoin is now trading above $91,000 and the 100 hourly Simple moving average. If the price remains stable above $90,500, it could attempt a fresh increase. Immediate resistance is near the $92,000 level. The first key resistance is near the $92,800 level.

Source: BTCUSD on TradingView.com The next resistance could be $93,450. A close above the $93,450 resistance might send the price further higher. In the stated case, the price could rise and test the $94,000 resistance. Any more gains might send the price toward the $94,500 level. The next barrier for the bulls could be $95,000 and $95,500.

Another Drop In BTC? If Bitcoin fails to rise above the $92,000 resistance zone, it could start another decline. Immediate support is near the $91,000 level. The first major support is near the $90,650 level and the trend line.

The next support is now near the $90,000 zone. Any more losses might send the price toward the $89,500 support in the near term. The main support sits at $89,250, below which BTC might accelerate lower in the near term.

Technical indicators:

Hourly MACD – The MACD is now losing pace in the bullish zone.

Hourly RSI (Relative Strength Index) – The RSI for BTC/USD is now near the 50 level.

Major Support Levels – $91,000, followed by $90,650.

Major Resistance Levels – $92,000 and $92,800.

This Monday, MetaMask announced its collaboration with Trojan to launch a new advanced trading terminal on the Solana network. Through this alliance, Trojan aims to offer lightning-fast execution and professional automation tools directly from the most popular wallet on the market.

The partnership allows Trojan’s more than 2.5 million users and MetaMask’s global base to trade with greater agility in the memecoin market. By choosing MetaMask as its native wallet, the project facilitates access for Solana enthusiasts while also attracting Ethereum and Bitcoin investors, leveraging the low fees and scalability that have allowed Solana to outperform competitors in on-chain revenue.

For users, the next step will be the adoption of copy trading and auto-sell functions, ideal for those who cannot monitor the market 24/7.

Source:https://x.com/MetaMask/status/2010817940988309945

Disclaimer: Crypto Economy Flash News is prepared from official and verified public sources by our editorial team. Its purpose is to provide quick information on relevant events in the crypto and blockchain ecosystem. This information does not constitute financial advice or investment recommendations. We recommend always verifying the official channels of each project before making related decisions.

Asia Market Open: Bitcoin Holds $91k As Nikkei Prints Record High After Wall Street Rally

Shalini Nagarajan

Crypto Reporter

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Shalini is a crypto reporter who provides in-depth reports on daily developments and regulatory shifts in the cryptocurrency sector.

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Bitcoin stayed pinned near $91,000 on Tuesday, as traders watched Japan’s stock market burst to fresh records and treated US macro headlines as the next real trigger for crypto direction.

In Asia, Japan’s Nikkei surged to an all-time high, climbing as much as 3.6% to 53,814.79, and the Topix also set a record with a 2.4% gain to 3,599.31.

The move came after a public holiday left Tokyo playing catch-up with Wall Street’s recent rally, and traders leaned into speculation that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi could call an early election that keeps fiscal spending in play.

The Nikkei 225 hit a new record after reports of a possible snap election in Japan, while the yen weakened into ¥158-to-the-dollar territory and 10-year Japanese government bonds fell. https://t.co/RPEjUBDmL4

— The Japan Times (@japantimes) January 13, 2026 A weaker yen added fuel, since it lifts the value of overseas earnings for export-heavy companies. Chip and auto names led the charge, and breadth looked lopsided in a way that told you investors came ready to buy, with 209 of the Nikkei’s 225 stocks higher.

Market snapshot Bitcoin: $91,026, down 0.9% Ether: $3,096, down 1.6% XRP: $2.05, down 1.8% Total crypto market cap: $3.18 trillion, down 1.3% Powell Investigation Looms Even As Markets Stay Risk OnElsewhere in the region, markets opened with a modest risk bid. From the snapshot on screens, Shanghai rose 0.24%, the SZSE Component gained 0.60%, and Hang Seng added 0.14%, even as the China A50 fell 0.77%, a reminder that big-cap China stayed more cautious.

Wall Street set the tone overnight. The S&P 500 and Dow closed at record highs on Monday, and traders largely looked past the Justice Department’s criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, with tech names and Walmart among the leaders.

The Powell story still hangs over rates. Powell has said the administration threatened him with a criminal indictment over testimony tied to the Fed’s headquarters renovation, calling it a pretext to pressure the central bank into cutting interest rates faster.

Inflation Data Likely To Set Tone For Risk AssetsFor crypto, the macro calendar matters more than the noise. The US CPI report lands on Tuesday, Jan. 13, and traders will use it to price the next steps for the Fed, then the Beige Book follows on Jan. 14, and the Fed’s next policy meeting runs Jan. 27 to 28.

Koinly CEO Robin Singh said Bitcoin appears to be at a crossroads, with prices likely to enter a period of consolidation for several months despite the CLARITY Act vote scheduled for this week.

“Bitcoin’s price has moved very little at the start of the year, and overall crypto sentiment has been treading water for a while now,” he said. “The US Fed Reserve potentially slashing rates may have some minor impact on price, especially if they do it in the earlier months of the year, as the market seems to be more hesitant on the likelihood of that, and may not be priced into Bitcoin so much.”

Bitcoin’s stall near $91,000 reflects that setup. Rate expectations, dollar moves, and ETF-driven flows can shift quickly around inflation prints, and leveraged positioning tends to amplify the first move after the data hits.

Oil stayed on the front burner too. Crude settled at a seven-week high on Monday, as traders tracked unrest in Iran and the risk of supply disruption, keeping the broader risk conversation anchored to geopolitics as well as economics.

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The Bank of Italy ran a technical analysis that asks a stark question: What happens if Ethereum (ETH) falls to zero and stays there?

The recently released paper is authored by Claudia Biancotti for the Bank’s Markets, Infrastructures, Payment Systems series. It is listed as Number 74 and runs 11 pages.

Bank Of Italy Issues Technical Analysis According to the Bank, permissionless blockchains like Ethereum act as settlement systems for a wide range of tokens and contracts. The institution treats the question as a stress test on infrastructure rather than only on asset prices.

The note warns that if a native token loses most of its market value and the drop remains persistent, the economic incentives that keep validators running could vanish. Validators might exit, the paper says, and that could make settlement slow or stop.

Source: Bank of Italy What The Paper Found Based on reports in the Bank’s paper, the chain of effects is simple and worrying. Validators are paid in ETH. If ETH has next to no value, that payment no longer motivates operators.

As a result, transaction settlement could slow dramatically or, in extreme cases, halt. The paper also highlights that other assets using the chain — for example, tokenized securities or fully backed stablecoins — could become hard to move or could face security problems if the network’s defenses weaken.

Ethereum: Context And Reaction Italy’s broader regulators have recently stepped up their look at crypto risks. Reports show the Economy Ministry ordered a review of safeguards, and the Bank of Italy’s paper fits into that wider push to quantify risks tied to new payment systems.

Reuters and other outlets covered the regulator-level review in December and January as authorities pressed firms to meet emerging rules.

Potential System Risks The authors do not claim the scenario is likely. Instead, the exercise is framed as a way to show how market risk can turn into infrastructure risk. The paper points out there is no formal mechanism to “shut down” a permissionless chain in an orderly way.

Any mitigation would rely on voluntary action by validators, major staking firms, or protocol changes proposed and adopted by the community. That uncertainty is the main policy concern.

The Bank of Italy’s note is a technical, measured look at a worst-case scenario. It uses concrete data to argue that a collapse in Ethereum market value would not only hit holders but could also impair the functioning of systems that now run on Ethereum.

Featured image from Gemini, chart from TradingView

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TLDR: Bitcoin fell 2.84% over seven days to $91,177 as DOJ opened criminal probe into Fed Chair Powell Trading volume surged to $44.35 billion as markets price in uncertainty over Federal Reserve autonomy Powell admitted legal threats could influence Fed decisions, raising concerns about policy independence Dollar weakness and gold surge create mixed signals for Bitcoin amid unprecedented central bank scrutiny  Bitcoin has plummeted to $91,177.62 amid revelations that US Federal Prosecutors opened a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. 

The cryptocurrency dropped 2.84% over seven days as markets react to unprecedented legal scrutiny of America’s central bank leadership. 

Trading volume surged to $44.35 billion in 24 hours as uncertainty about Federal Reserve independence triggers widespread investor repositioning across digital and traditional assets.

Bitcoin Tumbles as Fed Independence Concerns Mount The cryptocurrency market experienced sharp volatility following news of the Department of Justice probe into Powell. 

As of this writing, Bitcoin recorded a 1.03% decline in the past 24 hours as traders digest the potential ramifications for monetary policy. 

Financial analyst BitBull reported that prosecutors can now demand documents, emails, and testimony from the Fed chair regarding the central bank’s headquarters renovation project.

🚨 BREAKING: US Federal Prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into Fed Chair Jerome Powell.

First, what does this mean?

It means the government is now legally investigating the head of the Federal Reserve. They can demand documents, emails, and testimony.

This is… pic.twitter.com/1pRaFMEpfb

— BitBull (@AkaBull_) January 12, 2026

Market participants view this development as more than an administrative inquiry. Powell himself admitted that legal threats could affect Federal Reserve decision-making processes, according to reports circulating among crypto traders. 

This acknowledgment has triggered concerns that interest rate policies may no longer be determined solely by economic data. 

Bitcoin, often seen as a hedge against institutional uncertainty, initially failed to capitalize on the dollar’s weakness.

The investigation introduces unprecedented political risk into monetary policy calculations. Traders must now assess whether rate decisions reflect inflation data and employment figures or external pressures from prosecutors. 

This ambiguity creates challenging conditions for risk assets including cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin’s decline suggests investors are moving to sidelines rather than rushing into alternative assets during this initial uncertainty phase.

Crypto Markets Face Crossroads as Dollar Weakens The dollar weakened against major currencies while gold surged to record highs, creating a mixed picture for Bitcoin. 

Historically, dollar weakness has supported cryptocurrency prices as investors seek alternatives to fiat currency. However, the current environment presents unique complications that challenge traditional market relationships. 

The threat to Fed independence represents systemic risk that transcends typical currency fluctuations.

Bitcoin’s performance in coming weeks will likely depend on how markets interpret the investigation’s progression. 

If traders conclude that Federal Reserve autonomy is genuinely compromised, capital could flow toward decentralized assets like cryptocurrencies. 

Conversely, heightened regulatory uncertainty might push investors toward perceived safe havens including gold and government bonds. 

The $44.35 billion trading volume indicates active positioning as market participants evaluate these competing scenarios.

Long-term implications for Bitcoin remain uncertain but potentially significant. A Federal Reserve operating under legal or political constraints could accelerate currency debasement concerns that originally drove cryptocurrency adoption. 

Yet the investigation also highlights regulatory risks facing all financial institutions, including crypto exchanges and protocols. 

The market must determine whether this crisis strengthens Bitcoin’s narrative as sound money or exposes all assets to unpredictable government intervention.

Ethereum price failed to clear the $3,160 resistance and dipped again. ETH is now consolidating and might make another attempt to surpass $3,200.

Ethereum started a downside correction below $3,180 and $3,150. The price is trading below $3,120 and the 100-hourly Simple Moving Average. There is a key bullish trend line forming with support at $3,085 on the hourly chart of ETH/USD (data feed via Kraken). The pair could continue to move up if it stays above the $3,080 zone. Ethereum Price Starts Consolidation Ethereum price failed to surpass $3,150 and trimmed gains, like Bitcoin. ETH price declined below $3,120 and $3,120 to enter a short-term bearish zone.

The last major swing low was formed at $3,050 before the price started a consolidation phase. There was a minor upward move above $3,130, and the 23.6% Fib retracement level of the recent decline from the $3,308 swing high to the $3,050 low.

However, the bears are active near $3,150 and $3,180. Ethereum price is now trading below $3,120 and the 100-hourly Simple Moving Average. Besides, there is a key bullish trend line forming with support at $3,085 on the hourly chart of ETH/USD.

If the bulls can protect more losses below $3,080, the price could attempt another increase. Immediate resistance is seen near the $3,120 level. The first key resistance is near the $3,180 level and the 50% Fib retracement level of the recent decline from the $3,308 swing high to the $3,050 low.

Source: ETHUSD on TradingView.com The next major resistance is near the $3,200 level. A clear move above the $3,200 resistance might send the price toward the $3,265 resistance. An upside break above the $3,265 region might call for more gains in the coming days. In the stated case, Ether could rise toward the $3,320 resistance zone or even $3,350 in the near term.

Downside Break In ETH? If Ethereum fails to clear the $3,150 resistance, it could start a fresh decline. Initial support on the downside is near the $3,085 level and the trend line. The first major support sits near the $3,050 zone.

A clear move below the $3,050 support might push the price toward the $3,000 support. Any more losses might send the price toward the $2,925 region.

Technical Indicators

Hourly MACD – The MACD for ETH/USD is losing momentum in the bullish zone.

Hourly RSI – The RSI for ETH/USD is now below the 50 zone.

Major Support Level – $3,080

Major Resistance Level – $3,150

Hong Kong, Jan. 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Green Circle Decarbonize Technology Limited (the “Company” or “Green Circle”) (NYSE: GCDT), a Cayman Islands holding company that develops and manufactures Phase Change Material (PCM-TES) storage system in designs and applying on cooling and heating system though its Hong Kong subsidiary, Boca International Limited. The Company today announced the pricing of its initial public offering (the “Offering”) of 2,500,000 ordinary shares (“Shares”) at a public offering price of $4.00 per Share. The Shares are expected to begin trading on the NYSE American Market on January 13, 2026, under the ticker symbol “GCDT”.

The Company expects to receive aggregate gross proceeds of $10,000,000 from this Offering, before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by the Company. In addition, the Company has granted the underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up to an additional 375,000 Shares at the public offering price, less the underwriting discounts.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering for (i) construction of a factory to expand its production capacity (ii) the acquisition of necessary machinery for production; (iii) repayment of certain indebtedness and borrowings; and (iv) general working capital purposes.

The Offering is expected to close on January 14, 2026, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

RBW Capital Partners LLC, whose securities and brokerage services are offered through Dawson James Securities, Inc., (“RBW”) is acting as the representative underwriter for the Offering, with Revere Securities LLC acting as the co-manager. Nauth LPC is serving as the Company’s U.S. securities’ counsel and Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP is serving as counsel to the underwriter in connection with the Offering. 

The Shares described above were offered by the Company pursuant to a registration statement on Form F-1, as amended (File Number: 333-276943), that was declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on December 30, 2025. The Offering is being made only by means of a prospectus, forming a part of the effective registration statement. A copy of the final prospectus relating to the Offering, when available, may be obtained from RBW Capital Partners LLC, whose securities and brokerage services are offered through Dawson James Securities, Inc., 101 North Federal Highway, Suite 600, Boca Raton, FL 33432, or by calling +1 (561) 391-5555 or by logging on to the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

Before you invest, you should read the prospectus and other documents the Company has filed or will file with the SEC for more complete information about the Company and the Offering. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of the Company’s securities, nor shall such securities be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale of any of the Company’s securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offers, solicitations or sales would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction. Any offers, solicitations, or offers to buy, or any sales of securities will be made in accordance with the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

About Green Circle Decarbonize Technology Limited

Green Circle Decarbonize Technology Limited is a Cayman Islands holding company operating through its Hong Kong subsidiary, Boca International Limited. The Company is a provider of advanced energy saving solutions supported by proprietary phase change thermal energy storage materials and thermal engineering services.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the Company's proposed Offering. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs, including the expectation that the Offering will be successfully completed. Investors can find many (but not all) of these statements by the use of words such as “aim”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “going forward”, “intend”, “may”, “plan”, “potential”, “predict”, “propose”, “seek”, “should”, “will”, “would” or other similar expressions in this press release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and other filings with the SEC.

For more information, please contact:

Green Circle Decarbonize Technology Limited
Investor Relations Department
Email: [email protected]

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