Market Signal Briefing

Journalist

Posted: January 13, 2026

The cryptocurrency market posted modest gains on the 12th of January following comments from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell about institutional independence, but the rally remains fragile and heavily tilted toward Bitcoin rather than alternative cryptocurrencies.

Total crypto market capitalization climbed back to $3.1 trillion, according to CoinMarketCap, though overall sentiment remained neutral with neither bulls nor bears in control.

Powell’s remarks trigger market movement In a video statement, Powell addressed mounting pressure from the Trump administration on the Federal Reserve’s independence.

The Fed Chair revealed he has faced threats of “criminal indictment” related to his refusal to set interest rates according to presidential preferences.

“The threat of criminal charges is a consequence of the Federal Reserve setting interest rates based on our best assessment of what will serve the public, rather than following the preferences of the President,” Powell said.

He warned that political interference poses risks to the Fed’s ability to conduct monetary policy based on economic evidence rather than political pressure—a distinction that matters significantly to crypto investors.

Why interest rates matter for crypto Interest rate policy directly affects liquidity in risk assets like cryptocurrencies.

Higher rates typically drain capital from speculative investments as money flows toward safer, yield-bearing instruments. Lower rates make borrowing cheaper and often push capital into higher-risk markets.

Given President Trump’s pro-crypto stance and repeated calls for lower rates, some investors interpreted Powell’s defense of Fed independence as a signal that rate cuts could remain on the table at upcoming Federal Open Market Committee meetings.

That expectation appears to have fueled the market bounce.

Bitcoin absorbs the bulk of inflows Despite the broad market rebound, liquidity flows reveal a stark divide between Bitcoin [BTC] and altcoins.

The Altcoin Season Index—which measures whether capital favors alternative cryptocurrencies over Bitcoin—dropped sharply from 57 to 39 over the past 24 hours, pushing the market closer to “Bitcoin season” territory.

Source: CoinGlass

Bitcoin’s market capitalization rose from $1.80 trillion to $1.82 trillion, while the total altcoin market cap struggled to hold above $1.25 trillion.

Of the billions in inflow added to the overall market, Bitcoin captured a disproportionate share of $200 billion.

Leverage traders in altcoin positions faced mounting pressure. In the hour preceding publication, $3.07 million in long positions were liquidated across the altcoin market, compared to $247,000 million in shorts.

Bitcoin showed the opposite pattern. According to data from CoinGlass, more short positions were liquidated than longs, suggesting traders betting against Bitcoin were caught off guard by the rally.

The path forward depends on key levels Whether Bitcoin can sustain momentum—and potentially trigger a broader altcoin rally—depends on critical technical thresholds.

Watching the liquidity zone between $92,500 and $94,000 is imperative. A clean break above $94,000 could mean an extended rally, though such a move would likely deepen Bitcoin’s dominance rather than lift altcoins broadly.

Source: CoinGlass

Only select altcoins aligned with current market narratives, such as privacy-focused tokens, may benefit meaningfully from a continued Bitcoin rally. Most alternative cryptocurrencies would likely struggle to keep pace.

Failure to clear the $94,000 resistance zone may keep capital rotating among a narrow selection of tokens rather than sparking the broad-based altcoin rally or decline that many traders anticipate.

For now, Bitcoin maintains its grip on market liquidity, leaving altcoins waiting for clearer directional signals.

Final Thoughts The broader crypto market rallied after comments from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell referenced pressure from the US administration. Market sentiment quickly skewed in favor of the bulls, with altcoins recording gains. However, a sustained rally remains contingent on Bitcoin reclaiming the $94,000 level.

On Sunday night, a lot of people in markets did the same thing at the same time: they opened a video and listened to a central banker sound like he was reading from a crisis manual.

Jerome Powell said the Federal Reserve had received grand jury subpoenas and that the Trump administration had threatened a criminal indictment over testimony tied to a renovation project.

Powell called it a political pretext aimed at pressuring the Fed to cut rates.

The Associated Press framed it as an unprecedented escalation and a direct hit to the idea that the Fed makes decisions without political pressure.

That phrase, “Fed independence,” can sound like a textbook concept until you watch it get repriced in real time.

By Monday morning, the classic safety valves started hissing.

Gold punched to a record around $4,600 an ounce, the dollar slipped, and equity futures leaned lower.

Reuters captured the tone across global markets as “stocks wobble, dollar dips,” which is about as polite as wire copy gets when traders are really saying, “What happens if the rulebook changes?”

Crypto did what it often does when the macro story shifts from numbers to trust.

Bitcoin and Ethereum climbed around 1.5% and 1.2% before retracing amid the dollar’s sharpest drop in three weeks.

This is the part where the usual crypto macro script, “rates up, Bitcoin down,” stops being enough.

Because the shock here is bigger than the next Fed meeting.

It’s about whether the institution that sets the price of money can be leaned on, scared, or bent. That sounds abstract. Markets have a way of turning abstract things into a line item.

Independence risk is a price, even if nobody admits itEvery cycle has a moment where crypto traders learn that “macro” is about more than a dot plot.

Sometimes it’s a liquidity story. Sometimes it’s a currency story. Sometimes it’s a story about what people believe will still be true in a year.

Central bank independence sits in that last bucket.

If investors believe the Fed’s reaction function can be changed by legal threats or political pressure, they start demanding compensation. They demand it in places that matter for crypto.

The International Monetary Fund has been unusually blunt on this theme.

According to the IMF, political pressure can erode credibility, unmoor inflation expectations, and trigger broader instability.

It has also laid out the case for protecting independence as a long-run anchor for price stability and trust.

Trust is the input. Pricing is the output.

When that trust gets questioned, the market doesn’t wait for a constitutional seminar.

It goes shopping for hedges, reprices volatility, and adjusts what it thinks future policy will look like under pressure.

That creates a new volatility channel for Bitcoin. The channel is governance risk.

The three ways this can hit Bitcoin in 2026If you want a useful framework, you can think about Fed-independence risk as three overlapping transmission lines.

They can reinforce each other or fight each other, and that helps explain why crypto can move like gold one day and like a levered tech proxy the next.

1) The dollar credibility channelWhen independence comes under strain, investors start asking uncomfortable questions about the future path of policy and the long-run commitment to price stability.

That shows up in the dollar.

Reuters described the dollar index falling as investors weighed the political and fiscal risk implied by the escalation.

Gold tends to benefit when the market wants an asset that feels outside the political blast radius.

The Financial Times linked the record gold move directly to fears around Fed independence.

Crypto’s relevance here is emotional as much as financial.

Bitcoin’s origin story is tied to distrust in institutions, and whenever the world’s most important central bank looks like it’s under pressure, that narrative wakes up.

2) The term premium channelThere’s a nerdy phrase that becomes a headline the moment institutional trust gets questioned: term premium.

Term premium is the extra compensation investors demand for holding long-dated government bonds, above what they expect short-term rates to average over time.

It’s where “this feels riskier than it used to” often ends up living.

The New York Fed publishes a widely used estimate called the ACM term premium.

The San Francisco Fed publishes an alternative decomposition for Treasury yields that also separates expected short rates from a term premium component.

If the long end sells off without a big change in near-term rate expectations, term premium is usually part of the story.

That matters for bitcoin because term premium is the bond market’s way of shouting, “uncertainty is rising.”

Some sell-side research has been connecting that to Bitcoin directly.

Geoff Kendrick at Standard Chartered has argued that bitcoin’s relationship with the 10-year term premium has strengthened since early 2024, and he has used that lens in his medium-term Bitcoin framing.

3) The plumbing channel, rates volatility and liquidityEven if you never look at the word “independence,” you still feel it in the mechanics of markets.

Independence risk tends to lift uncertainty. Uncertainty lifts volatility. Volatility tightens risk budgets, and tighter risk budgets change how much leverage the system can carry.

In rates, the shorthand for this is MOVE, the Treasury volatility index.

ICE describes MOVE as a leading indicator of fixed-income volatility, based on options tied to rates.

When rates vol rises, it bleeds into cross-asset positioning.

That hits crypto through leverage, funding, and forced unwinds.

In practice, it can also overpower the “Bitcoin as a hedge” story in the short run, because liquidations don’t wait for narratives to resolve.

This is why Bitcoin can catch a bid on the first headline, then puke if the move triggers broader deleveraging.

Why 2026 turns this into a calendar tradeThe market can live with noise. It struggles with deadlines.

2026 has deadlines.

Powell’s term as chair ends in May 2026, which turns succession into a pricing input.

There’s also a legal storyline sitting on the calendar.

The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments tied to President Trump’s attempt to remove Fed Governor Lisa Cook, with oral argument scheduled for January 2026, according to Mayer Brown’s legal analysis of the Court’s order.

ABC News also reported the Court would take up the case and allow Cook to remain for now.

Put those together, and independence risk stops being a vibe.

It becomes something with dates, and dates create trades.

What crypto markets should watch, a practical dashboardIf you want a clean way to cover this without turning the piece into a data dump, you can describe it as a “trust dashboard.”

These are the inputs that will tell you which channel is dominating week to week.

Watch the dollar as the global referendum.Reuters already pointed to the dollar weakness as traders digested the escalation.

In future episodes, pay attention to DXY and to dollar performance against the Swiss franc and euro.

These are classic “trust” pairs that tend to move when people want distance from US political risk.

Watch long-end yields for term premium behavior.Pull the daily series from the New York Fed’s term premia page, and cross-check with the San Francisco Fed’s yield premium decompositions.

Term premium rising on governance headlines is a tell that the market is pricing a lasting credibility risk.

Watch rates volatility as the liquidity tripwire.MOVE is the simplest, headline-friendly proxy.

ICE’s own definition is a useful one-liner for readers who don’t live in bond options.

If MOVE rises while bitcoin rallies, that suggests the credibility-hedge story is overpowering the deleveraging story.

If MOVE rises and bitcoin falls, the plumbing is winning.

Watch gold and bitcoin together, then watch who leads.Gold already surged to a record on the independence headlines.

When gold leads, and Bitcoin follows, markets are often in “credibility hedge” mode.

When Bitcoin leads, and gold is flat, crypto is usually trading as liquidity beta.

Three scenarios for 2026, with signpostsNobody gets to forecast politics with precision. Markets don’t need precision. They need ranges and signals.

Here are three scenarios that cover most of the plausible space, and the signposts that would show up in the dashboard.

Scenario A: Institutions absorb the shockThe legal fight drags, the Fed’s operational independence holds, and the market treats the episode as a flare-up that fades.

In this world, term premium stabilizes, MOVE stays contained, and the dollar stops reacting to each headline after a few cycles.

Crypto implication: Bitcoin goes back to trading mostly on liquidity, growth, and risk appetite.

Signposts: steady ACM term premium, muted MOVE, no sustained dollar trend after headlines.

Scenario B: Chronic pressure becomes the baselinePressure becomes recurring, the market starts to price a standing governance premium, and every new legal step triggers another small repricing.

The dollar weakens on shocks, gold stays well bid, and term premium drifts higher because investors keep demanding more compensation for uncertainty.

Crypto implication: Bitcoin’s identity stays split.

It rallies on credibility angst, sells off on liquidity squeezes, and volatility becomes part of the package.

Signposts: repeated dollar dips in “feud” moments, a persistent bid in gold, term premium gradually rising in decompositions.

Scenario C: Markets price a reaction-function shiftLeadership outcomes and legal precedent convince investors that policy can be steered.

This is the world where term premium can jump, inflation expectations can become jumpier, and cross-asset volatility rises.

There’s historical research that helps explain why markets take this seriously.

Work on Nixon-era pressure on Fed Chair Arthur Burns documents how political interference can shape policy choices and outcomes, and it’s often cited as a cautionary episode. Nixon

Newer academic work has built datasets on presidential interactions with Fed officials and estimates the macro effects of political pressure shocks.

Crypto implication: Bitcoin can get a medium-term bid as a credibility hedge, while still suffering brutal short-term drawdowns when the plumbing tightens.

Signposts: higher term premium in ACM, higher rates vol in MOVE, sustained weakness in the dollar, and larger swings in risk assets.

A final detail markets will keep circling, the rate cut backdropIt’s easy to forget this when the headlines are dramatic, but the base macro context still matters.

Some major forecasters are already penciling in easing during 2026.

Goldman Sachs has published a rate-cut outlook for 2026 in its research commentary, including a path toward lower policy rates across the year under its macro assumptions.

That matters because independence risk can change how the market interprets cuts.

If cuts come from a weakening economy, that’s one story. If cuts look like they are arriving under pressure, that’s a different story, and it can push investors into hedges even while nominal rates fall.

Crypto traders don’t need to become Fed historians to trade that difference.

They just need to watch what the bond market is charging for uncertainty.

Because this week’s Powell moment was a signal that a new kind of macro risk has entered the chat.

In 2026, Fed independence has dates attached to it, legal arguments attached to it, and now a market reaction attached to it.

That makes it tradable.

Crypto markets should treat it like a factor, track it like a factor, and respect it like a factor.

Mentioned in this article

Key points:

Bitcoin could reach the $94,789 level, where the bears are expected to step in.

Select major altcoins are showing strength, indicating that the recovery may continue for some more time.

Bitcoin (BTC) bulls have pushed the price above $92,000, but higher levels may attract sellers. The net outflows of $1.37 billion from BTC exchange-traded funds from Tuesday to Friday last week, according to SoSoValue data, show that institutional investors remain cautious.   

Fidelity Investments director of global macro Jurrien Timmer said in a post on X that BTC is “following the internet S-curve a lot closer now than the power law curve.” He added that if BTC consolidates for the next year, then the $65,000 level “could become a do-or-die line in the sand” for BTC.

Crypto market data daily view. Source: TradingViewIrrespective of the near-term uncertainty, the world’s largest corporate BTC holder, Strategy, added 13,627 BTC to its balance sheet last week at an average price of $91,519 per coin. That boosts the company’s holdings to 687,410 BTC, acquired at an average price of $75,353 per coin.

Could BTC and the major altcoins break above their overhead resistance levels? Let’s analyze the charts of the top 10 cryptocurrencies to find out. 

S&P 500 Index price predictionThe S&P 500 Index (SPX) rallied to a new all-time high on Friday, signaling the resumption of the uptrend.

SPX daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe upsloping moving averages and the relative strength index (RSI) in the positive territory indicate an advantage to buyers. There is resistance at the 7,000 level, but it is likely to be crossed. The index could then surge to 7,290.

Time is running out for the bears. They will have to yank the price below the 50-day simple moving average (6,819) to weaken the bullish momentum. The index could then drop to the 6,720 level.

US Dollar Index price predictionThe US Dollar Index (DXY) cleared the 50-day SMA (99.06) on Friday, but the bulls could not sustain the higher levels.

DXY daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe index has slipped to the 20-day exponential moving average (98.60), which is likely to act as support. If the price rebounds off the 20-day EMA, it increases the possibility of a rally to the overhead resistance at 100.54. A close above the 100.54 level signals the start of a new up move.

Sellers are likely to have other plans. They will attempt to pull the price below the 20-day EMA. If they do that, the index could slide to the solid support at 97.74. That suggests the index may remain inside the 96.21 to 100.54 range for some more time.  

Bitcoin price predictionBTC’s pullback from the $94,789 resistance took support at the moving averages, indicating buying on dips. 

BTC/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe bulls will try to strengthen their position by pushing the Bitcoin price above the $94,789 level. If they succeed, the BTC/USDT pair could surge to the $100,000 level and then to $107,500. Such a move suggests the corrective phase may be over.

On the contrary, if the price turns down from $94,789 and breaks below the moving averages, it signals that the bears remain active at higher levels. That could keep the pair stuck inside the $84,000 to $94,789 range for some more time.

Ether price predictionEther (ETH) has turned up from the 20-day EMA ($3,088), indicating that the bulls are attempting to seize control.

ETH/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewA close above the resistance line tilts the advantage in favor of the buyers. The ETH/USDT pair could rally to $3,569 and later to $4,000.

On the other hand, if the price turns down from the resistance line and breaks below the moving averages, it suggests that the pair may remain inside the triangle for a few more days. The bears will gain the upper hand on a break below the support line. The Ether price could then collapse to $2,623.

XRP price predictionBuyers are attempting to maintain XRP (XRP) above the moving averages, but the bears have kept up the pressure.

XRP/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewIf the price dives below the moving averages, it suggests that the XRP/USDT pair may remain inside the descending channel pattern for a while longer. The $1.61 level is the crucial support to watch out for on the downside. A break and close below the $1.61 level increases the risk of a drop to the Oct. 10 low of $1.25. 

Buyers will have to propel the XRP price above the downtrend line to signal a short-term trend change. The pair could soar to $2.70 and subsequently to $3.10.

BNB price predictionBNB (BNB) has been trading inside a narrow range between the moving averages and the $928 overhead resistance. 

BNB/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe upsloping 20-day EMA ($887) and the RSI in the positive zone increase the likelihood of an upside breakout. If that happens, the BNB/USDT pair will complete a bullish ascending triangle pattern. The BNB price could then rally to the target objective of $1,066.

On the contrary, if the price turns down and breaks below the moving averages, it suggests that the bears are fiercely defending the $928 level. That could pull the pair down to the uptrend line and then to the $790 support.

Solana price predictionSolana (SOL) turned up from the moving averages and has reached the $147 level, where the bears are expected to step in.

SOL/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe upsloping 20-day EMA ($134) and the RSI above the 64 level suggest the path of least resistance is to the upside. A close above the $147 resistance could start a new up move to $172.

Instead, if the Solana price turns down and breaks below the moving averages, it indicates that the SOL/USDT pair could extend its stay inside the $117 to $147 range for a while longer.

Dogecoin price predictionDogecoin (DOGE) is witnessing a tough battle between the bulls and the bears at the moving averages.

DOGE/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe flattish moving averages and the RSI near the midpoint do not give a clear advantage either to the bulls or the bears. If the price slumps below the moving averages, the DOGE/USDT pair could descend to $0.13 and then to $0.12. 

On the upside, a break and close above the $0.16 resistance signals that the market has rejected the break below the $0.13 support. The Dogecoin price could rally to $0.19 and thereafter to $0.22.

Cardano price predictionBuyers are attempting to maintain Cardano (ADA) above the moving averages, but the weak bounce heightens the risk of a breakdown.

ADA/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewIf the price skids below the moving averages, the ADA/USDT pair could drop to $0.37 and then to $0.33. Buyers are expected to aggressively defend the $0.33 level, as a break below it could sink the pair to the Oct. 10 low of $0.27.

The first sign of strength will be a break and close above $0.44. The Cardano price could then rally to the breakdown level of $0.50, which is a critical resistance to watch out for. Buyers will have to pierce the $0.50 level to signal a comeback.

Bitcoin Cash price predictionBuyers attempted to push Bitcoin Cash (BCH) above the $670 resistance on Sunday, but the bears held their ground.

BCH/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe bears are attempting to strengthen their position by pulling the Bitcoin Cash price below the 20-day EMA ($619). If they do that, the BCH/USDT pair could tumble to the 50-day SMA ($586). Buyers are expected to defend the 50-day SMA, as a close below it suggests that the breakout above $631 may have been a bull trap. The pair may then plummet to $518.

Contrarily, if the price turns up from the moving averages and breaks above $670, it signals that buyers remain in charge. The pair could then ascend to $720, which is expected to act as a solid resistance.

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.

Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) has rebounded from late-November lows as Bitfinex maintains a constructive medium-term outlook for 2026 but warns that near-term upside could be limited.

What Happened: In its latest blog post, the exchange said geopolitical uncertainty, mixed spot ETF flows, and the need for sustained acceptance above resistance are keeping Bitcoin range bound.

A year-end reset in derivatives markets has cleared legacy positioning, creating a cleaner setup marked by cautious optimism, longer dated upside exposure alongside short-term downside hedges, with volatility compressed but gradually firming.

However, analysts cautioned that Bitcoin is now entering a dense supply zone between roughly $92,100 and $117,400.

In this range, breakeven selling from prior buyers is likely to generate heavy overhead resistance, meaning it could take time and consistent spot demand to absorb supply and enable a sustained breakout.

Why It Matters: Bitfinex noted that macro conditions are reinforcing near-term caution.

U.S. data point to slowing but resilient growth, with a hiring pause, rising productivity, and a Federal Reserve expected to remain on hold in the near term.

A narrowing trade deficit driven by falling imports also signals softer consumption and uneven momentum.

At the same time, global crypto markets continue to move toward deeper institutional integration.

Regulatory developments in the U.S. and Japan point to a shift toward clearer oversight, exchange-based access, and closer links between stablecoins and traditional banking, laying the foundation for the next phase of digital asset adoption, even as Bitcoin digests near-term supply pressure.

Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs

© 2026 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

Pump.fun admits previous creator fee flaw: with a trader-first model now at hand, meme coin fans can get more for less.

Market Sentiment:

Bullish Bearish Neutral

Published: January 12, 2026 │ 5:29 PM GMT

Created by Kornelija Poderskytė from DailyCoin

Pump.fun is walking back the fee design it championed to attract meme-coin creators, conceding the model didn’t produce the kind of sustainable behavior the platform needs. The company says it will pivot away from paying creators in a way that, in practice, encouraged a flood of new tokens without reliably translating into durable liquidity and repeat trading.

LATEST: ⚡️ Pump.​fun will overhaul its creator fee system after concluding the existing model may have skewed incentives toward low-risk token creation instead of high-risk trading, co-founder Alon Cohen said. pic.twitter.com/xMAlCql0aE

— CoinMarketCap (@CoinMarketCap) January 12, 2026 The change is framed as a redesign of incentives: reward the activity that keeps the marketplace functioning—traders and trading volume—rather than primarily subsidizing coin launches. Details of the new framework are still thin, but multiple reports describe a move toward trader-centric rewards, including mechanisms where traders play a larger role in determining how rewards are set or distributed.

Pump.Fun’s Data-Driven Dee Reversal Pump.fun’s earlier approach, often described as a “dynamic” creator-fee system, was meant to align launches with ongoing engagement. Instead, the platform now says the structure pushed users to optimize for creation, not for healthy secondary-market turnover—an outcome that can leave late buyers facing illiquid charts and rapid attention decay.

Sponsored

In a separate development that added fuel to the narrative, Pump.fun’s founder resurfaced publicly after an extended absence from X, promising an overhaul of creator fees in 2026. Around that announcement, PUMP token was reported up roughly 10% on the day, underscoring how tightly the price action is tied to platform headlines rather than fundamentals.

Memecoin Cycle Is Back, But Still Fragile The timing matters. Memecoin trading has been warming up across the market, and PUMP token itself has been cited breaking above its 20-day average amid higher platform activity and rising volumes.

Some coverage notes the move hasn’t yet produced a clean technical trend reversal—more FOMO heat than actual confirmation.

That backdrop raises the stakes for Pump.fun’s redesign: when retail speculation returns, fee mechanics and reward loops can either deepen liquidity or accelerate churn.

Why This Matters For PUMP holders, the immediate question is whether trader-focused rewards drive stickier volume without turning into another short-lived subsidy.

If the new structure meaningfully improves execution—tighter spreads, deeper liquidity, less incentive to spam launches—it could stabilize revenue and sentiment.

If not, the same reflexive, headline-driven rallies may fade as quickly as they arrive, taking liquidity with them.

Dig into DailyCoin’s popular crypto scoops today:
Grayscale’s ADA ETF In Play? Cardano Volume Jumps
Bitcoin Clings to $90,000 as Key U.S. Events Loom

People Also Ask: What exactly changed with Pump.fun’s creator fees?

The Dynamic Fees V1 model (introduced Sept 2025) is being overhauled. New features include fee sharing across up to 10 wallets post-launch, transferable coin ownership, revocable update authority, and assignable percentages—no more hard-coded at deployment.

Why did Pump.fun make this change?

Co-founder Alon Cohen said the old system skewed incentives toward low-risk token creation (easy launches, early value extraction) instead of high-risk trading (liquidity and volume generation). Traders are the “lifeblood” of the platform, so the imbalance was “dangerous” long-term.

Did they fully scrap creator fees?

Not totally scrapped—rebalanced and evolved. Fees still exist for organized teams/projects, but future iterations will use a “market-based approach” where traders decide if a token narrative warrants them.

How does this benefit traders?

Shifts risk/reward away from creators (who could extract early) toward those providing liquidity and volume. Aims to reduce low-effort churn and encourage sustainable trading activity.

Any more changes coming?

Yes—Cohen teased a series of updates in 2026 focused on rebalancing incentives further. Pump.fun team members won’t accept creator fees; it’s positioned as a community/trencher feature.

DailyCoin's Vibe Check: Which way are you leaning towards after reading this article?

Market Sentiment

100% Bullish

This article is for information purposes only and should not be considered trading or investment advice. Nothing herein shall be construed as financial, legal, or tax advice. Trading forex, cryptocurrencies, and CFDs pose a considerable risk of loss.

Trump-backed World Liberty Financial has launched its first decentralized finance web app, World Liberty Markets. This allows users to lend and borrow its dollar-backed stablecoin, USD1. Built on Dolomite’s infrastructure, the platform allows users deploy USD1 or use assets like ETH, USDC, and USDT as collateral. The launch is a significant step in the US as USD1’s real-world use surges with its circulating supply hitting $3.4 billion.

Trump’s WLFI Lets Users to LendTrump has been very positive toward crypto since winning elections. According to latest press release, World Liberty Financial, a crypto company backed by Donald Trump’s family, has launched out its first DeFi web application, called World Liberty Markets. Announced on Monday, the new platform allows users to lend and borrow using the firm’s dollar-pegged stablecoin, USD1.

The platform is built using technology from the DeFi protocol Dolomite and lets users lend and borrow crypto assets directly onchain, with USD1 acting as the main asset.

5/ Users will influence what comes next. WLFI token holders can propose and vote on new collateral assets and incentive structures inside WLFI Markets. As WLFI Markets grows, the community’s influence over the system grows with it.

— WLFI (@worldlibertyfi) January 12, 2026 Zak Folkman, Co-Founder and COO of World Liberty Financial, said, “A year ago, we set out to build a stablecoin that could compete with the biggest names in crypto, and USD1 has exceeded every expectation. Now we’re giving USD1 users access to even more ways to put their stablecoins to work. World Liberty Markets is a major step forward, and it’s just the first of many products we’re planning to roll out over the next 18 months.”

World Liberty Markets allows users to lend and borrow USD1, while also letting them use other assets like WLFI, ETH, cbBTC, USDC, and USDT as collateral.

The platform also includes a USD1 Points Program that gives rewards to users who deposit the stablecoin. However, the company did not share specific details about how the program works or who qualifies.

According to World Liberty Financial, the launch is a big step in making USD1 more useful in real-world crypto activity by bringing it into live DeFi markets. The stablecoin’s circulating supply has recently touched $3.4 billion.

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The Bank of Italy has projected that Ethereum faces infrastructure risks if the crypto asset drops to zero. The bank issued a report highlighting that some validators would exit the ecosystem, thereby reducing the total supply of ETH, securing the network.

Bank of Italy economist Claudia Biancotti has raised concerns over Ethereum’s infrastructure if the ETH price were to collapse to zero. The economist published a report titled ‘What if Ether Goes to Zero? How Market Risk Becomes Infrastructure Risk in Crypto,” pointed out that if ETH collapsed to zero, it would jeopardize its security and limit its transaction processing capacity. 

Ethereum’s price collapse could impact stablecoins The bank’s report noted that Ethereum was a financial infrastructure rather than a speculative digital currency. The Ethereum network relies on validators to power its economic and financial ecosystem, who receive financial incentives in ETH for running the blockchain.

Biancotti analyzed the existing link between the stability of Ethereum as a self-sustaining infrastructure that powers tokenized assets and the incentives validators receive for managing the blockchain.    

According to Biancotti’s report, some validators would bail out of the ecosystem, causing a reduction in the total stake of ETH used to approve transactions. The validator exit would then lead to low block production and weaken Ethereum’s security against attacks.

Biancotti argues in the report that Ethereum is increasingly utilizing the network as a settlement layer for financial instruments, which means that volatility on the blockchain could compromise the ecosystem’s reliability. The report also identified potential risks on instruments built on top of Ethereum when volatility becomes an issue. 

These assets include tokenized securities and stablecoins that rely on Ethereum to reach transaction finality. The report also identified potential risks that could spill over into payment and settlement use cases that regulators increasingly monitor, especially with bridges linking traditional finance with the decentralized ecosystem.

A previous Cryptopolitan report, dated July 29, 2025, noted that Equity research and brokerage firm Bernstein flagged unique risks facing Ethereum treasuries. According to the report, these treasuries are facing risks associated with smart contracts and liquidity constraints.

The report by the Bank of Italy emphasized that authorities and lawmakers face a dilemma regarding whether and how supervised intermediaries should be permitted to rely solely on public blockchains to power financial transactions.

The bank suggested that stablecoins and the underlying blockchain technology should be considered unsuitable for facilitating transactions in a regulated environment or deployed for use with proper risk mitigation strategies, such as business continuity plans and contingency plans.

European Central Bank calls for tightened stablecoin regulations The Monetary Fund and the European Central Bank cautioned about Stablecoin risks in the Financial Stability Review dated November 2025. The report outlined that stablecoins pose financial stability risks, especially if they continue to expand and accumulate in a small group of users. The review also noted that the shrinking bridge between traditional finance and decentralized infrastructures implies that a severe shock to stablecoins could trigger deposit outflows, runs, and asset fire sales.

The study comes amid growing global demand for stablecoin usage among retail and institutional investors. A previous cryptopolitan report highlighted that stablecoin supply has expanded significantly in recent times. The report noted that Ethereum-based stablecoins reached record turnover in 2025. The report noted that 2025 saw remarkable growth in stablecoin usage, with over 593K daily active addresses moving stablecoins.

Meanwhile, Cryptopolitan reported that stablecoin activity in Europe surged last year despite tightened regulations. The report referenced data from Artemis, a stablecoin analytics platform, which indicated that transactions in the Eurozone in 2025 exceeded 100 million. Additional data from the platform shows that the number of unique stablecoin active addresses sits at an all-time high of 46.2 million.

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The following article is adapted from The Block’s newsletter, The Daily, which comes out on weekday afternoons.

Happy Monday! Crypto enters the second full week of 2026 in reset mode, with bitcoin hovering around $91,000 as macro crosscurrents, ETF outflows, and a sweeping derivatives position flush shift the market from late-2025 excess toward a quieter structural rebuild, according to BRN analysts.

In today's newsletter, bitcoin and privacy coins rise as President Trump and Fed Chair Jerome Powell's conflict escalates, Tether freezes $182 million in USDT on Tron, Strategy goes big with its latest bitcoin buy, and more.

Meanwhile, Iran's Revolutionary Guard has reportedly moved $1 billion through UK-registered crypto exchanges since 2023.

P.S. Don't forget to check out The Funding, a biweekly rundown of crypto VC trends. It's a great read — and just like The Daily, it's free to subscribe!

Bitcoin, privacy coins gain as Trump-Powell conflict escalates Bitcoin climbed above $92,000 late Sunday as markets reacted to escalating political pressure on the Federal Reserve following remarks from Chair Jerome Powell.

Privacy-focused tokens led the rally, with Monero surging nearly 18% to fresh all-time highs and Zcash jumping almost 10% as investors rotated toward censorship-resistant assets. Powell said the U.S. Department of Justice threatened a criminal indictment over his 2025 congressional testimony, framing the move as retaliation for defending central bank independence. "The threat of criminal charges is a consequence of the Federal Reserve setting interest rates based on our best assessment of what will serve the public, rather than following the preferences of the President," said Powell, whose term as chair is scheduled to end in May. President Trump has repeatedly attacked Powell for resisting deeper and faster rate cuts, intensifying concerns about political interference in monetary policy. Analysts said the timing of the rise alongside gains in gold points to a renewed safe-haven bid tied to fears around the dollar and the legacy financial system. Traders are now watching Powell's dispute with the DOJ, U.S. inflation data, and broader policy signals as key catalysts that could drive further volatility this week. Tether freezes $182 million in USDT tied to five Tron addresses Tether froze $182 million in USDT across five Tron wallet addresses on Jan. 11 in a coordinated single-day enforcement action, according to onchain data.

The freezes followed a formal law-enforcement request related to a months-long case and align with Tether's voluntary wallet-blacklisting policy covering lawful investigations and sanctions compliance, a spokesperson for the stablecoin issuer told The Block. Tether has now blocked more than $3 billion in USDT globally, dwarfing rival enforcement activity and freezing roughly 30 times more value than Circle's USDC since 2023, according to AMLBot. The move underscores stablecoins' central role in illicit crypto activity, which accounted for 84% of illegal transaction volume in 2025, according to Chainalysis. Strategy makes its largest bitcoin buy in six months Strategy bought another 13,627 BTC for approximately $1.25 billion at an average price of $91,519 between Jan. 5 and Jan. 11, marking its largest weekly purchase since July and lifting its total holdings to 687,410 BTC.

The buys were funded through at-the-market sales of Strategy's common stock, MSTR, and perpetual Stretch preferred stock, STRC. Strategy's latest acquisitions came after MSCI decided not to immediately exclude digital-asset treasury companies from its indexes, easing months of uncertainty for crypto-linked equities. MSCI has another quarterly index review in May ahead of a June rebalancing. Bernstein says window for crypto market structure bill is 'here and now' Analysts at Bernstein said the window to pass a U.S. crypto market structure bill is "here and now," warning that momentum could fade if lawmakers do not act quickly.

The analysts led by Gautam Chhugani said the biggest risk to passage is a standoff between banks and crypto platforms over whether exchanges should be allowed to offer yield-like rewards on stablecoin balances. Bernstein argued the bill's fate hinges less on token classification or DeFi rules and more on resolving bank concerns about deposit flight as stablecoins scale. Tensions escalated earlier on Monday after Coinbase signaled it may reconsider support for the legislation if broader limits on stablecoin rewards are imposed. Standard Chartered says '2026 will be the year of Ethereum' as bank backs ETH outperformance Standard Chartered said "2026 will be the year of Ethereum," backing ETH to outperform BTC even as it cut its year-end price target to $7,500 from $12,000.

Global Head of Digital Assets Research Geoffrey Kendrick said Ethereum's dominance in stablecoins, tokenized real-world assets, and DeFi, alongside rising throughput, supports a recovery in the ETH-BTC ratio toward its 0.08 2021 highs. The bank also lowered its 2027 and 2028 ETH targets to $15,000 and $22,000, respectively, but raised its longer-term forecasts, introducing a $30,000 target for 2029 and $40,000 for 2030 as onchain adoption and regulatory clarity improve. In the next 24 hours U.S. CPI inflation data is due at 1:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday. Est. MoM 0.3%; Core 0.3%. Est. YoY 2.7%; Core 2.7%. Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey will speak at 9 a.m. U.S. FOMC member Thomas Barkin follows at 9 p.m. Never miss a beat with The Block's daily digest of the most influential events happening across the digital asset ecosystem.

Disclaimer: This article was produced with the assistance of OpenAI’s ChatGPT and reviewed and edited by our editorial team.

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.

Journalist

Posted: January 13, 2026

Ripple has formally asked the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s Crypto Task Force to adopt a legal framework that would allow tokens such as XRP to fall outside securities law once an issuer’s original fundraising obligations have ended.

In a 9 January letter to the SEC, Ripple argued that crypto regulation should follow “the lifespan of the obligation”, not permanently attach securities status to a token simply because it was once sold in a capital-raising transaction.

Source: U.S. SEC

The request comes as Congress prepares to finalize market-structure legislation and the SEC, under Chair Paul Atkins, begins rewriting its crypto rulebook through its new Crypto Task Force.

The legal framework Ripple is pushing At the center of Ripple’s submission is a bright-line distinction between a securities transaction and the asset that trades afterwards.

Ripple argues that securities law should only apply where there is privity — a direct legal relationship between the issuer and buyer in a primary sale that creates enforceable rights and obligations. 

Once that relationship ends, the token should no longer be subject to securities jurisdiction.

Ripple warned that treating every issuer sale as a permanent capital raise leads to what it calls the “zombie promise” problem, where decades-old statements are deemed legally binding on secondary-market buyers who never saw them. 

In mature markets, such as crypto exchanges, Ripple argues that commodity-style rules, rather than securities law, should govern trading.

This is because buyers are relying on liquidity, price discovery, and utility rather than issuer promises. 

Why this matters for XRP Ripple’s position directly reflects its multi-year legal battle with the SEC over whether XRP is a security.

The SEC’s original lawsuit was based on the idea that Ripple’s sales of XRP created an ongoing investment contract.

Ripple is now arguing that even if XRP was once distributed through securities-like transactions, the token itself should not carry permanent securities status once those promises expire.

Under Ripple’s framework, XRP would be regulated only when Ripple itself is making enforceable commitments, not when the token trades between third parties on exchanges.

That would embed Ripple’s courtroom defense into federal policy.

Why the timing matters The US crypto regulatory system is shifting rapidly. Congress has already passed the GENIUS Act on stablecoins and is preparing comprehensive market-structure legislation for early 2026. 

Meanwhile, the SEC has launched Project Crypto to transition from an enforcement-first approach to formal rulemaking.

Ripple is positioning XRP inside that new framework before the rules are finalized.

Final Thoughts Ripple is seeking a legal standard that would permit crypto tokens to be traded as non-securities once the original fundraising obligations have been fulfilled. The framework could permanently remove XRP and many similar tokens from SEC securities jurisdiction.

TLDR:

The DFSA officially bans privacy tokens and the use of mixers within the DIFC. Licensed firms now assume the responsibility of auditing the assets they offer. The new framework tightens the definition of stablecoins, excluding algorithmic ones. The legal structure of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) underwent a significant shift as of January 12, 2026. The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) has officially implemented the new crypto regulations in Dubai.

🚨BREAKING: Dubai’s financial regulator has banned privacy tokens across the Dubai International Financial Centre, citing AML and sanctions risks. The updated rules also bar mixers like Tornado Cash. pic.twitter.com/VOUJ5w4bmn

— SolanaFloor (@SolanaFloor) January 12, 2026 The new policy strictly prohibits privacy tokens and anonymity tools, such as mixers, within its jurisdiction. With these changes, the emirate aligns itself with global compliance standards—similar to the European Union’s MiCA regulation—effectively eliminating the possibility of conducting transactions that conceal identity data. 

According to the DFSA, concerns regarding security and money laundering leave no room for flexibility when it comes to assets designed for opacity.

Corporate Responsibility and the New Status of Stablecoins The shift of responsibility toward corporations is one of the most critical updates in the new crypto regulations in Dubai. Instead of maintaining a centralized list of approved assets, the regulator now requires licensed firms to continuously assess and document the suitability of the tokens they choose to list. 

This premise seeks to professionalize the sector by demanding greater due diligence from financial operators.

On the other hand, this regulatory framework redefines what is considered a “fiat crypto token.” To be classified as a stablecoin under the new crypto regulations in Dubai, a currency must be 100% backed by high-quality liquid reserves.

Consequently, algorithmic stablecoins are left out; while they are not banned, they will now be treated as standard high-risk crypto assets, losing their status as official stablecoins.

This regulatory adjustment arrives during a period of expansion for the United Arab Emirates. While the EU imposes strict bank reserve requirements, Dubai positions itself as an attractive haven for companies seeking operational clarity. 

However, this appeal now comes with stricter oversight regarding transaction transparency, marking the end of the anonymity era in one of the world’s most important financial hubs.

Key NotesSouth Korean exchange Upbit accounted for 45% of IP's $272 million trading volume during the rally.The token broke through a prolonged downtrend that started in October 2025, crossing above key moving averages.Story Protocol launched a community engagement campaign to reward long-term holders coinciding with the price surge. The price of Story Protocol’s IP token rose by more than 26% over the previous 24 hours to peak at $2.90, beating the cryptocurrency market and signaling the token’s largest intraday increase since October 2025.

According to data from CoinMarketCap, IP IP $2.82 24h volatility: 24.9% Market cap: $959.04 M Vol. 24h: $292.89 M has settled to $2.75 as of the time of this article’s publication. This follows a 24-hour period during which the token saw nearly $272 million in trading volume. South Korean cryptocurrency exchange Upbit reportedly drove 45% of this volume, propelling an overall bullish sentiment for IP as the second full week of trading for the year gets underway.

IP claims the top slot as highest gaining cryptocurrency by 24-hour price increase. Source: CoinMarketCap

Community Sentiment Drives Price Activity With nearly half of the volume coming from activity on Upbit, it’s difficult to pinpoint a general market driver for the token beyond geography. Despite entering the week as crypto’s strongest performer, IP’s activity appears to be largely driven by community sentiment.

Story recently announced a renewed interest in setting community standards around rewarding its longest serving members or, “OGs” as they’re referred to.

Being an OG has always been more than just a title, whether Seeker, Adept, or Ascendant.

The standard was always there: genuine, long-term community contribution.

With the help of our community, it’s time to refine those standards even further.

What it means to be an OG ↴ pic.twitter.com/Y7Ey4pblxQ

— Story (@StoryProtocol) December 28, 2025

The timing of the community engagement campaign coincides with IP’s recent price flip. After peaking at around $13.72 in September 2025, the token experienced an extended downturn.

From a technical perspective, the daily chart shows IP breaking out of a prolonged downtrend. The token’s price has crossed above its moving averages, signaling potential trend reversal momentum. The RSI indicator has surged into positive territory after spending months in oversold conditions, reflecting renewed buying pressure. This technical breakout, combined with the price reclaiming the $2.50 support level that held during December 2025, suggests growing momentum, though traders should watch for confirmation of sustained volume above key resistance levels.

Story rallied more than 25% over 24 hours to kick off the week | Source: TradingView

While current sentiment for IP appears to remain bullish following this technical breakout, the token’s sustainability hinges on broader market participation. The heavy concentration of trading volume on Upbit raises questions about whether this momentum can extend beyond regional interest. Without greater indication of diverse market engagement to push prices decisively above the $2.60 resistance threshold, the current price point of $2.77 represents a cautiously optimistic but unconfirmed signal for the next 24-hour cycle.

Disclaimer: Coinspeaker is committed to providing unbiased and transparent reporting. This article aims to deliver accurate and timely information but should not be taken as financial or investment advice. Since market conditions can change rapidly, we encourage you to verify information on your own and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content.

Cryptocurrency News, News

Tristan is a technology journalist and editorial leader with 8 years of experience covering science, deep tech, finance, politics, and business. Before joining Coinspeaker, he wrote for Cointelegraph and TNW.

Tristan Greene on X

Ethereum’s price is compressing into a tightening triangle, with converging support and resistance levels signaling a decisive breakout as volatility continues to contract.

Summary

ETH is trading into a triangle apex with converging support and resistance Price remains above the Point of Control, supporting bullish bias A volume-backed breakout is needed to confirm direction Ethereum’s (ETH) current price action is entering a critical technical phase as the market continues to coil within a well-defined triangle pattern. This structure reflects a period of volatility compression, where price is being squeezed between rising support and descending resistance. Such formations often precede decisive directional moves, making this a key moment to monitor.

As Ethereum trades deeper into the apex of the triangle, the window for sideways movement continues to narrow. From a technical perspective, this compression suggests that a breakout is becoming increasingly likely, with the direction of that move dependent on volume confirmation and how price behaves around key structural levels.

Ethereum price key technical points Ethereum is trading within a triangle apex, with dynamic support and resistance converging Price is holding above the Point of Control, a constructive bullish signal A confirmed breakout requires strong volume expansion to validate direction ETHUSDT (4H) Chart, Source: TradingView Triangle patterns form when markets enter a state of balance, with neither buyers nor sellers able to assert full control. Over time, this balance tightens as price action compresses, reducing volatility and limiting range expansion. Eventually, the market is forced to resolve this compression through a breakout.

In Ethereum’s case, dynamic support and resistance are converging rapidly, creating a narrowing apex zone. This zone represents a decision point at which the price can no longer trade sideways. The closer price moves toward the end of the triangle, the higher the probability of a sharp expansion in volatility.

Importantly, breakouts from triangle structures tend to be most effective when accompanied by strong volume. Without volume confirmation, moves beyond the pattern are more prone to failure and false breaks.

Volume as the confirmation signal At present, Ethereum’s volume profile remains subdued, which is typical during consolidation phases. Declining volume during compression does not weaken the setup; rather, it reflects market participants waiting for confirmation before committing capital.

For a true breakout to occur, volume must expand meaningfully as price exits the apex. A surge in volume signals participation, conviction, and acceptance at higher or lower prices. This influx allows the market to sustain momentum beyond the initial breakout point.

Until such volume expansion is observed, Ethereum may continue to trade tightly within the triangle, even as the breakout draws closer.

Point of control and bullish bias A notable technical detail in Ethereum’s current structure is that price remains above the Point of Control. From a market profile perspective, this is a constructive signal, as it suggests that the area of highest traded volume is acting as support rather than resistance.

Holding above the Point of Control within a compression structure often tilts probabilities slightly in favour of an upside resolution. As long as Ethereum maintains acceptance above this level while remaining within the apex, the likelihood of a bullish breakout increases.

If this scenario plays out, the next logical upside objective sits at the value area high, located around the $3,600 region. This level represents a major resistance zone where price previously encountered selling pressure and would act as the first significant test of bullish continuation.

Why apex zones matter Apex zones are inherently unstable price regions. As support and resistance converge, the market’s ability to trade sideways diminishes. This creates pressure that must be resolved through directional movement.

Historically, assets that compress deeply into triangle apexes tend to produce stronger breakouts compared to those that break earlier in the structure. The longer the compression persists, the more energy is stored for the eventual move.

Ethereum’s price action currently reflects this dynamic. With each passing session, volatility contracts further, reinforcing the idea that a breakout is approaching rather than optional.

What to expect in the coming price action In the immediate short term, Ethereum may continue consolidating within the triangle as volume remains muted. However, as the price moves closer to the apex, the likelihood of a decisive breakout increases.

From a technical, price-action, and market-structure perspective, Ethereum is approaching a pivotal moment. The compression phase is nearing completion, and a volatile breakout appears increasingly likely in the coming weeks as the triangle structure resolves.

Key NotesThe company stakes 1.26 million ETH while pursuing shareholder approval to expand authorized shares for continued growth.Bitmine's $14 billion treasury ranks second globally behind Strategy, with daily trading volume reaching $1.3 billion.MAVAN staking infrastructure launches Q1 2026, targeting over $1 million daily revenue from Ethereum staking operations. Bitmine (NYSE: BMNR), the world’s largest Ethereum ETH $3 117 24h volatility: 0.3% Market cap: $377.48 B Vol. 24h: $18.99 B treasury holder, has increased its holdings that now amount to 3.45% of Ether’s total supply. In particular, holding 4.168 million ETH, of which 1.256 million are staked to secure the Ethereum network and generate staking rewards for the company.

Bitmine’s treasury holdings update came in a press release dated on Jan. 12, in which its chairman, Thomas “Tom” Lee, urged shareholders to vote favorably to increase BMNR authorized shares, requiring 50.1% of outstanding shares to vote YES.

🧵🪡
BitMine shareholders, please read this thread carefully. It is about the upcoming shareholder vote and why we need every shareholder to participate:

➡️ this company's charter is unusual
➡️ and needs 50.1% of outstanding shares to vote YES
➡️ to increase authorized shares…

— Bitmine (NYSE-BMNR) $ETH (@BitMNR) January 9, 2026

This vote is crucial for Tom Lee’s plans to raise funds and continue increasing Bitmine’s treasury holdings. As of this writing, total holdings sum up to $14 billion, including the 4.17 million reported ETH at $3,119 per token, 193 BTC, a $23 million stake in Eightco Holdings (NASDAQ: ORBS) (“moonshots”) and total cash of $988 million.

With this treasury size, Bitmine is the world’s second-largest global treasury, only behind Michael Saylor’s Strategy (NASDAQ:MSTR). Strategy has reportedly acquired 13,627 Bitcoin BTC $91 745 24h volatility: 0.9% Market cap: $1.84 T Vol. 24h: $44.56 B for $1.25 billion at $91,519 per bitcoin, as Coinspeaker noted. BMNR is also the 67th most traded stock in the US, trading $1.3 billion per day at a five-day average.

Lee’s ultimate goal as an Ethereum treasury company is to hold a mark of 5% of Ether’s total supply, staking most of it.

Bitmine’s MAVAN to Launch in 2026, Staking ETH Notably, Bitmine has nearly doubled the amount of its staked Ether, adding 596,864 in the past week, reaching 1,256,083 ETH. “Bitmine has staked more ETH than other entities in the world,” Tom Lee said as Bitmine now stakes circa 30% of its Ether holdings.

Moreover, the company doubled down on its plans to launch the Made in America Validator Network (MAVAN) in Q1 2026—a dedicated staking infrastructure for Bitmine assets. With this enterprise, the plan is to stake most of its ETH, eyeing a daily staking fee revenue greater than $1 million, using the composite Ethereum staking rate (CESR) of 2.81%, administered by Quatrefoil, as a base indicator.

“At scale (when Bitmine’s ETH is fully staked by MAVAN and its staking partners), the ETH staking fee is $374 million annual (using 2.81% CESR), or greater than $1 million per day,” stated Tom Lee. “We continue to make progress on our staking solution known as MAVAN. This will be the ‘best-in-class’ solution offering secure staking infrastructure and will be deployed in early calendar 2026,” continued Lee.

Meanwhile, Ethereum creator Vitalik Buterin has commented on the next steps for Ethereum to consolidate beyond the “walkaway test,” cementing its protocol to avoid dependency on constant developer involvement.

Disclaimer: Coinspeaker is committed to providing unbiased and transparent reporting. This article aims to deliver accurate and timely information but should not be taken as financial or investment advice. Since market conditions can change rapidly, we encourage you to verify information on your own and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content.

Cryptocurrency News, News

Vini Barbosa has covered the crypto industry professionally since 2020, summing up to over 10,000 hours of research, writing, and editing related content for media outlets and key industry players. Vini is an active commentator and a heavy user of the technology, truly believing in its revolutionary potential. Topics of interest include blockchain, open-source software, decentralized finance, and real-world utility.

Vini Barbosa on X

BitMine has acquired 24,266 Ethereum (ETH) in the week leading up to a critical shareholder vote scheduled for January 14. The acquisition brings the company’s total holdings to over 4.17 million ETH, which equals about 3.45% of the total Ethereum supply. BitMine, led by Tom Lee, is now the largest ETH treasury holder in the world.

The vote will determine whether BitMine shareholders approve the issuance of additional shares, enabling continued ETH purchases. The final deadline for votes is Sunday at 11:59 p.m. EST, with the company’s annual meeting set for January 15 in Las Vegas.

Tom Lee urged shareholders to approve the proposal, which would raise the ceiling on authorized shares. He explained that BitMine issues shares only at a premium to adjusted net asset value, which he says protects investors and increases ETH exposure. As Coinpaper reported, BitMine raised its cash reserves by $73 million last week, supporting its treasury and staking strategy.

BitMine Boosts Staking and ETH Buying The latest ETH acquisition follows a 32,977 ETH purchase the previous week. The firm is expanding its staking operations, with over 1.25 million ETH now staked through various providers. According to investor Ted Pillows on X, BitMine has staked $3.3 billion in Ethereum over the last three weeks, generating an estimated $92.7 million annually at a 2.81% yield.

Lee continues to share a bullish outlook on Ethereum, projecting near-term prices between $7,000 and $9,000 by the end of January. As Coinpaper outlined, he suggested that ETH could rise as high as $22,000 if Bitcoin reaches $250,000. He also cited Ethereum’s increasing role in finance and its long-term correlation to Bitcoin performance.

Meanwhile, VanEck’s Ethereum price prediction has resurfaced across social media. The investment firm previously outlined a bearish scenario where ETH could drop to $300, though its 2030 base and bull cases put ETH at $22,000 and $154,000, respectively.

Concurrently, daily Ethereum activity has continued to strengthen. According to Merlijn, the trader, Ethereum is entering a late-stage Wyckoff accumulation pattern, with structure building before a breakout. He suggested a potential rally to $12,000 if the current setup holds. 

This bullish sentiment has been buoyed by Ethereum averaging 1.87 million daily transactions, surpassing its 2021 DeFi peak. These active addresses are above 728,000, and new address creation reached its highest level since 2018, which is a precursor of a bull rally.

A whale withdrew 48.53 billion SHIB tokens worth $422K from Coinbase as the price dropped to $0.00000842.

Newton Gitonga2 min read

12 January 2026, 05:17 PM

A large-scale cryptocurrency investor has withdrawn 48.53 billion Shiba Inu tokens from Coinbase's hot wallet in a single transaction valued at approximately $422,700. The move, tracked by blockchain analytics platform Arkham, represents one of the most significant SHIB withdrawals recorded in recent days.

Source: Arkham

The receiving address carries the "Ethereum First Funder" designation, indicating its presence on the network since the early days of Ethereum. Despite its historical footprint, the wallet's recent activity pattern indicates a marked strategic shift toward accumulating meme coins.

Portfolio Composition Shifts DramaticallyThe whale's current holdings total $2.54 million, with 410 ETH comprising the primary position. Following the latest withdrawal, SHIB now occupies the second-largest position in the portfolio at over $408,000. This allocation represents a deliberate concentration in the meme coin sector.

Arkham's balance tracking reveals the wallet's rapid growth trajectory. The portfolio value surged from less than $500,000 to its current $2.5 million mark within a two-month period. The SHIB acquisition serves as the most recent driver of this expansion.

The timing of the withdrawal coincides with broader market weakness in SHIB. The token declined 2.83% over the past 24 hours, trading at $0.00000842 at the time of writing. This suggests the whale perceives current price levels as an accumulation opportunity rather than a deterrent.

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

Technical Levels Draw AttentionSHIB recently attempted to break through the $0.00000900 resistance level but failed to sustain momentum above that threshold. The token now trades just above critical local support zones that technical analysts are monitoring closely.

Market observers have identified $0.00000699 as a key support level that could provide downside protection. On the upside, resistance sits at approximately $0.00001102 and $0.00001203. These price points represent areas where SHIB has historically faced selling pressure during previous rallies.

Should the whale's entry point prove well-timed and SHIB reaches the identified resistance levels, the position could generate unrealized gains between $160,000 and $200,000. This potential return assumes the token can reclaim previous highs without significant dilution of the position.

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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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Latest Shiba Inu News Today (SHIB)

In brief The CEO of the Polygon Foundation has detailed new mechanisms for Polygon’s POL token, including deflationary burns and staking rewards tied directly to network usage. The move follows a slump in active addresses and a surge in daily transaction fee revenue. POL is down 6.7% on the day, with analysts attributing the drop to normal market volatility and a healthy pause, rather than a rejection of Polygon's long-term roadmap. The CEO of the Polygon Foundation released a primer Friday explicitly outlining the value accrual mechanisms for the network’s native token, POL, framing it as a direct beneficiary of the ecosystem's growth.

Sandeep Nailwal said that his tweet was intended to “explicitly restate what has always been true: If Polygon Chain and Agglayer succeed, then POL holders benefit. Full stop.”

Following Nailwal’s tweet, POL hit a weekend high of $0.1842, before erasing the lion's share of its gains with a drop of 6.7% over the past 24 hours, according to CoinGecko data.

Polygon’s choppy start to the week occurred against a backdrop of bullish fundamental messaging from executives and a broader altcoin rally, coinciding with mixed on-chain signals.

While Polygon’s daily revenue surged from lows of about $13,000 in mid-December to around $200,000 in the past week, its active address count has slumped from highs of 2.9 million in mid-December to roughly 489,000, according to Growthepie data.

According to Ryan Lee, Chief Analyst at Bitget, POL’s recent price drop “appears to be normal market volatility following an initial surge after the Open Money Stack announcement.” He argued that, “Enhanced utility, burns, and staking mechanisms strengthen POL's fundamentals, supporting sustained growth for the industry.”

Nailwal’s post highlighted three primary benefit streams for POL holders, including transaction fees, staking rewards, and future interoperability fees from Agglayer.

His tweet also emphasized the token’s deflationary design, noting that 100% of base transaction fees on the Polygon chain are burned.

The Polygon Foundation CEO cited recent network demand, which saw a single-day burn of 3 million POL, arguing that an average burn rate of 1.5 million POL per day would translate to an annual deflation of roughly 5% of the total supply, which he claimed would make POL “the most deflationary token in the entire industry.”

Transaction counts have also been elevated, recently hitting 5.9 million in a day, though this still trails Base's 10.1 million.

Polygon’s Open Money StackAlongside Polygon Labs CEO Marc Boiron, Nailwal recently unveiled plans for an “Open Money Stack,” a long-term initiative that aims to move “all money onchain.”

The ambitious framework targets the multi-trillion-dollar global money movement market, positioning Polygon’s existing infrastructure as the foundation for the next era of financial transactions.

Bitget’s Ryan Lee hailed the Open Money Stack as a “a highly innovative and forward-thinking initiative that integrates blockchain rails, stablecoin interoperability, compliance tools, and fiat on/off-ramps into a modular framework,” adding that it positions Polygon as “a leader in enabling seamless, global on-chain payments, and arguing that it will “significantly drive mainstream adoption in the crypto industry.”

Jamie Elkaleh, CMO at Bitget Wallet, echoed the view that short-term price action shouldn’t overshadow Polygon’s strategic vision. “The upgraded tokenomics through stronger utility, burns, and staking suggest fundamentals are improving even as short-term sentiment fluctuates,” Elkaleh told Decrypt.

Looking ahead, Lee expects POL to “consolidate and oscillate in the $0.15–0.25 range in the near term,” providing what he termed “a healthy accumulation zone ahead of broader ecosystem expansion.”

Meanwhile, the wider investor outlook remains largely bullish, with users of prediction market Myriad, owned by Decrypt’s parent company Dastan, putting a 76% chance on Bitcoin hitting $100,000 rather than dropping to $69,000. However, they place just a 19% chance on an "alt season" taking place in the first quarter of the year.

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Ripple has submitted a detailed letter to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Crypto Task Force, calling for a clearer and more practical approach to regulating digital assets. The letter, dated January 9, 2026, argues that current regulatory thinking creates confusion by failing to separate a crypto asset from the contract under which it was originally sold.

Ripple said future crypto rules should be based on legal rights and enforceable obligations, not vague concepts that change over time.

Ripple rejects “decentralization” as a legal testRipple strongly criticized the use of “decentralization” as a regulatory standard, calling it subjective and unreliable. The company said decentralization is not a fixed condition and can vary based on governance, code development, economics, and network participation.

According to Ripple, relying on decentralization risks two outcomes: allowing risky assets to escape oversight or trapping mature assets under securities laws long after they no longer function like securities.

Promises matter, not price hopesRipple warned against reducing securities analysis to whether buyers expect profits from the “efforts of others.” It said securities laws exist to regulate enforceable promises, not investor optimism.

If no legal promise exists, Ripple argued, buying a digital asset in hopes of price appreciation is a market risk — not a securities transaction. Once a company’s original obligations are fulfilled or expire, the asset itself should no longer fall under securities regulation.

Secondary market trades should not be securitiesA major focus of the letter was secondary market trading. Ripple said that once an asset trades freely on exchanges, without a direct relationship between buyer and issuer, securities laws should not apply.

The company compared crypto markets to commodities like gold or silver, which trade actively but are not considered securities. Ripple said high trading volume does not change an asset’s legal nature.

Why “privity” draws the legal lineRipple emphasized the importance of privity, meaning a direct relationship between buyer and issuer. In primary sales, such as initial offerings, privity exists and securities rules may apply.

In mature markets, however, buyers and sellers transact anonymously, with no direct contract or promise from the issuer. Ripple argued that treating every later sale as a capital raise would create endless legal obligations and paralyze normal business activity.

Control should be defined clearlyRipple acknowledged that regulation may still apply if a company retains direct control over a network or token, such as the ability to change code or reverse transactions. However, it stressed that control must be objectively defined.

Holding tokens, participating in open governance, or sharing economic interests should not automatically count as control, the company said.

Aligns with SEC leadership viewsRipple said that its position aligns with remarks by SEC Chairman Paul Atkins, who said investment contracts describe relationships between parties, not permanent labels attached to assets. Once promises end, regulatory obligations should end as well.

The company said clear, rights-based regulation would protect investors, reduce confusion, and allow U.S. crypto markets to mature without unnecessary legal uncertainty.

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U.S. SEC extends review timelines for the Canary PENGU and T. Rowe Price Active Crypto ETFs.  Grayscale’s Coindesk Crypto 5 ETF options proposal has entered a public comment phase. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has pushed back decisions on two high-profile crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs), by extending the review period for proposed rule changes of the Canary Pudgy Penguins (PENGU) and T. Rowe Price Active Crypto ETFs in two separate notices revealed today,  with that, U.S. SEC, then asked for a public comments on options linked to a Grayscale multi-asset crypto fund.

As both of these proposals are being reviewed by the U.S SEC under the usual 19b-4 process, which allows the regulator to delay its decision by up to 45 days. This extra time is used to closely examine how the ETFs would work, how investors would be protected, and whether there are any risks of price manipulation in the market.

Canary’s PENGU ETF seeks to bring investors to the Pudgy Penguins ecosystem, a well-known NFT collection. This makes it one of the more strange crypto-related ETF proposals currently being considered by the SEC. The filing also serves as a major test of the regulator’s willingness to approve ETFs concerning meme-related and NFT-associated assets.

While PENGU price was trading $0.0118 – $0.0120, there were no major movements, but the 24-hour trading volume surged nearly 90% and stands at $192 million.

Whereas the T. Rowe Price is a traditional asset manager, known for its mutual funds, it is now engaged in an Active Crypto ETF that invests in several kinds of cryptocurrencies other than Bitcoin and Ethereum, which signals a deeper shift by the traditional mutual fund company to broader and diversified crypto approaches. Therefore, these are the U.S. SEC’s procedural delays, as this is not a final verdict or any indication related to that.

Grayscale Crypto ETF Options Move To Public Review With these delays, NYSE American applied to list standardized options on the Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF, which includes Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cardano, XRP, and Solana. This application was also filed under the SEC’s rule-change process.

Currently,  this application has entered the public comment phase, meaning the SEC is asking for feedback on whether listing options on this fund comply with Exchange Act standards for fair disclosure to the market before making any decision.

Dubai bans privacy tokens in the DIFC over sanctions risks. Stablecoin rules tightened, with firms now responsible for token compliance. The regulator of Dubai’s main Financial free zone, Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), has reset its crypto rules. It banned the privacy tokens and tightened stablecoin definitions. All of these rules are applied only inside the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). This ban takes effect from January 12 and applies to Trading, promoting, and using the privacy tokens in funds. The goal of this new rule is to ensure strong compliance, less anonymity, and clear accountability. 

The reason behind this ban is that privacy tokens are designed to hide the transaction details and wallet owners. According to DFSA, Regulators must be able to identify who sent and received funds and where they come from. But Privacy coins make this impossible. This creates risk for money laundering and sanctions evasion. So, Dubai has fully banned rather than regulating them. 

Dubai Tightens Stablecoin Definition to Limit Risk During Market Stress Not only has Dubai banned Privacy coins, but it has also tightened its stablecoin rules. Under the new rule, only fiat-backed stablecoins with high-quality and liquid reserves can be treated as stablecoins in the DIFC. This means Algorithmic stablecoins are not banned, but they won’t be considered as stablecoins; instead, they will be treated as regular crypto tokens. This was meant to reduce the risks during the market crashes. 

The other major change is that Dubai will no longer keep an official list of approved tokens. The crypto firms themselves must decide if a token is suitable, and they will be fully responsible if something goes wrong. The regulators will audit the process and enforce compliance after the fact. This shifts risk and responsibility from the regulators to the firms. 

Dubai is aligning with the stricter rules of the U.S. and Hong Kong. In the U.S., there is still a discussion about whether privacy and compliance can coexist. Hong Kong has not officially banned the Privacy tokens, but it makes it very hard for exchanges to use them. But Dubai chooses the clear ban inside its financial center, and it is signaling to be a compliance-first crypto hub, not an anonymity one. 

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Markets are bracing for the upcoming U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, scheduled for release at 8:30 a.m. ET (13:30 GMT) on Tuesday, January 13. 

This major inflation report coincides with a period when the Federal Reserve policy direction and the stability of the leadership is uncertain. 

In the meantime, Ethereum and Bitcoin prices are responding cautiously to the expectation of the economic data, and there has been a hint of consolidation and possible breakout.

U.S. CPI to Remain Elevated at 2.7% as Fed Eyes Q1 Data Economists and traders are projecting both headline and core U.S. CPI to land at 2.7% year-over-year for December. This would be the same as the headline inflation of last month, and an upward movement of core CPI, albeit to a lesser degree, of 2.6%.

Although inflation seems to be slowly decreasing in the paper, it is still higher than the Federal Reserve’s goal of 2% and so this is putting a strain on its monetary policy decisions.

The independence of the Fed has been more of an issue due to the reports that the Department of Justice subpoenaed Fed Chair Jerome Powell.

Even though this action will not have an immediate impact on policy, it will bring in a sense of uncertainty in the leadership of the central bank. The drastic decline in the inflation of Q1 is now regarded as a decisive point in any rate reduction.

Falling energy prices have failed to move core inflation. Core PCE is the preferred inflation measure by the Fed, which is released later; thus, U.S. CPI is an important early indicator to the market.

The latest predictions indicate that the inflation rate will not fall significantly soon, and that is so, as the disruptions in the supply chain caused by previous government shutdowns remain in effect.

Bitcoin Price Consolidates Below $95K as CPI Looms Bitcoin (BTC) price continues to consolidate after its recent rebound stalled just under the $95,000 resistance zone.  At the time of reporting, BTC price is trading around $91,633, reflecting a 0.98% gain over the past 24 hours. 

However, a bearish breakdown below $88,000 could push the price toward $86,000 or even lower, with a stronger support zone near $80,000.

To the upside, regaining the $92,000 area and pushing past the $95,000 mark may lead to a challenge of the $100,000 level as per the full Bitcoin forecast report. The existing framework demonstrates an ascending wedge, which implies compression of prices.

Source by Tradingview Traders are also keeping a close lookout for a CPI surprise that may either lead to a breakout or further consolidation.

Ethereum Eyes $3,200 Recovery Amid Uncertain Momentum Ethereum (ETH) price has remained range-bound over the past two months, trading between $2,600 and $3,350.  Currently, the Ether price is trading at around $3,120 with a slight increase of 1% over the past 24 hours and a minor loss in the past week. 

ETH has remained on an upward trendline since the December lows, which is a positive indication of strength in the short-term.

Bulls need to regain the $3,150 to $3,200 resistance zone to keep the momentum going. Any failure to retain this area would push Ethereum back to $3,000 or lower. 

On the positive side, the second significant resistance is just above the level of $3,800, and might be checked should the CPI data indicate a wider risk-on mood.

Source by Tradingview To sum up, as the market sentiment shifts to both sides, the fluctuations in the price of Bitcoin and Ethereum would probably continue to be related to the macroeconomic factors, such as the U.S. CPI level.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) The U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures inflation by tracking changes in consumer goods and services prices.

The CPI report for December is scheduled for release on Tuesday, January 13 at 8:30 a.m. ET.

Trump-backed World Liberty Financial has launched World Liberty Markets, a new lending and borrowing platform powered by Dolomite, as part of its growing product suite tied to the USD1 stablecoin. The platform is now live on the company’s website and supports USD1, WLFI, ETH, cbBTC, USDC, and USDT for both lending and collateral.

The launch marks the second major product from the Trump-backed crypto project. The company introduced USD1 in early 2025, and the dollar-backed stablecoin has since reached a circulating supply of nearly $3.5 billion. According to data, this places it just behind PayPal’s PYUSD among the top fiat-pegged digital assets by market cap.

World Liberty Markets is designed to provide users with a way to deploy USD1 and other supported assets to earn yield or access borrowing. The platform operates on Dolomite’s infrastructure, known for its transparent, real-time liquidity provisioning and high-speed asset settlement. According to the release, WLFI confirmed that features like a mobile app and extended asset support are already in the pipeline.

World Liberty Financial Lending Product Rollout Comes Amid Regulatory Ambitions The rollout of World Liberty Markets coincides with World Liberty Financial’s ongoing effort to formalize its presence in U.S. financial markets. Recently, a related entity recently submitted an application to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) to establish a national trust bank. If approved, it would give WLFI full federal oversight over issuance, custody, and conversion of its stablecoin.

The company, which is controlled by the Trump family, has also launched initiatives to expand USD1’s use beyond trading. According to an X post, Binance has also introduced a USD1 booster program offering up to 20% APR via flexible products, limited to 50,000 USD1. 

Meanwhile, World Liberty’s USD1 Points Program has been integrated into the lending platform, rewarding eligible users who supply USD1 with points that can be used across future WLFI services.

Zak Folkman, co-founder and COO of World Liberty Financial, said in a press release that the new product helps move the ecosystem toward its long-term goal. “World Liberty Markets is a major step forward, and it’s just the first of many products we’re planning to roll out over the next 18 months,” he said.

However, despite the bullish announcements, WLFI's price has failed to recover fully after failing to break the resistance at $0.1703. At press time, WLFI price was trading at $0.1673, a 1.14% decline from the intraday high. 

Solana price is consolidating beneath major resistance with rising bullish volume, signaling strength and increasing the probability of an upside breakout toward higher targets.

Summary

Price is consolidating below the range-high resistance in a bullish structure Higher highs and higher lows indicate sustained demand Rising bullish volume increases breakout probability toward the 0.167 Fibonacci target Solana’s (SOL) price action is displaying constructive technical behavior as the market consolidates beneath a key high-time-frame resistance level, which also represents the upper boundary of the broader trading range. Instead of showing signs of exhaustion or rejection, price is compressing under resistance in a controlled manner, suggesting that buyers remain active and confident at current levels.

This type of consolidation beneath resistance is often associated with bullish continuation rather than reversal, particularly when it follows a strong advance from range lows. In Solana’s case, the current structure reflects sustained demand and improving market strength, increasing the likelihood that price is preparing for another leg higher.

Solana price key technical points Solana is consolidating beneath range-high resistance Price continues to form higher highs and higher lows Bullish volume is increasing beneath resistance Upside focus shifts toward the 0.167 Fibonacci resistance SOLUSDT (4H) Chart, Source: TradingView Solana’s broader market structure remains bullish. Since rallying from the range low, price has consistently printed higher highs and higher lows, confirming sustained upside momentum. Importantly, this structure has not deteriorated as price approaches resistance. Instead, Solana is consolidating just below the range high, a behavior that often signals absorption of supply rather than distribution.

This consolidation is occurring near the 0.618 Fibonacci retracement, which aligns closely with the value area high. From a technical standpoint, this region frequently acts as a decision zone, where markets either reject sharply or pause before continuation.

In Solana’s case, price action suggests the latter. The absence of aggressive selling and the steady formation of higher lows beneath resistance indicate that buyers are maintaining control.

Volume behavior and accumulation signals Volume behavior provides additional confirmation of the bullish thesis. As Solana consolidates under resistance, volume nodes are increasing, indicating growing participation rather than exhaustion. Rising volume at elevated price levels suggests accumulation, where demand is outweighing supply even near key resistance.

This contrasts with distribution phases, where volume typically spikes on rejection and price struggles to hold gains. Instead, Solana’s volume profile reflects strength, as buyers continue to step in on minor pullbacks and defend higher price levels.

Sustained volume expansion during consolidation often precedes impulsive breakout moves, as the market builds sufficient participation to support continuation once resistance is cleared.

Resistance levels and upside targets As long as Solana maintains its higher-low structure beneath resistance, the probability of an upside breakout remains elevated. The next major technical objective sits at the 0.167 Fibonacci high-time-frame resistance, which represents the next logical upside target once the range high is broken.

A breakout through the current resistance zone, particularly if accompanied by strong volume expansion, would likely trigger a swift continuation toward this level. Markets that consolidate tightly beneath resistance often break with momentum, as pent-up demand is released once supply is fully absorbed.

That said, confirmation remains critical. The breakout must be impulsive and volume-backed to avoid false moves or failed breakouts.

Market structure perspective From a market-structure standpoint, Solana continues to exhibit bullish continuation rather than exhaustion. The consistent formation of higher lows beneath resistance suggests that buyers remain in control. As long as this structure holds, downside risk remains limited and the broader uptrend stays intact.

A breakdown below recent higher lows would weaken the bullish setup and introduce the possibility of deeper consolidation. However, at present, there is no technical evidence suggesting such a breakdown is imminent.

What to expect in the coming price action In the near term, Solana is likely to continue consolidating beneath resistance as volume builds and price compresses further. This tightening structure increases the probability of a breakout, especially if bullish volume continues to expand.

A confirmed breakout above the range high, supported by strong volume, would open the door for a rally toward the 0.167 Fibonacci resistance and potentially higher price levels beyond that.

From a technical, price-action, and market-structure perspective, Solana’s current consolidation below key resistance appears constructive. As long as demand remains strong and volume continues to build, the probability favors bullish continuation once the breakout occurs.

BitMine Immersion Technologies (NYSE:BMNR) acquired 24,266 Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH) last week, lifting holdings to 4.17 million ETH worth $13 billion, but Chairman Tom Lee warned accumulation will slow without shareholder approval to increase authorized shares.

BitMine Needs 50.1% Shareholder Approval Or ETH Buying StopsLee said BitMine is about to exhaust its current 500 million authorized share limit, which will force the company to slow ETH accumulation when it runs out of equity to sell. 

A shareholder vote takes place Thursday at the Wynn Las Vegas requiring 50.1% of all outstanding shares—not just those voting—to approve the increase.

“This is an extremely high bar and thus, makes it very difficult to get an authorized share increase,” Lee said. 

“We need to pursue this increase now as Bitmine is soon to exhaust its current 500 million authorization. And when that happens, our ETH accumulation will slow,” he added.

BitMine now owns 3.45% of ETH’s circulating supply of 120.7 million tokens, nearly 70% of the way to its goal of 5%. 

The company added $73 million in cash last week while buying ETH, bringing total cash reserves to $988 million.

BitMine Total Assets Hit $14 BillionBitMine’s crypto plus cash plus “moonshots” holdings total $14 billion, including 4.17 million ETH, 193 Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC), a $23 million stake in Eightco Holdings (NASDAQ:ORBS), and $988 million cash.

The company staked 1.26 million ETH worth $3.9 billion, up 596,864 in the past week. 

Lee said at full scale, MAVAN (Made in America Validator Network) staking will generate $374 million annually or over $1 million per day using the 2.81% composite Ethereum staking rate.

BitMine appointed Young Kim as CFO and COO last week, adding finance and venture capital expertise as the company scales operations. 

Kim previously served as Partner and Senior Portfolio Manager at Axiom Investors from 2021-2025.

BMNR Stock Surges 4% Testing Triangle Breakout

BMNR is threading between the 0.382 Fibonacci at $31.81 and the 200-day EMA at $33.30, with the SAR flipping bullish at $28.04. 

The triangle’s upper boundary sits around $34-36, and a breakout would project toward $40-44 based on the pattern’s measured move.

What's Next for BMNRBitMine remains the largest “fresh money” buyer of ETH in the world, funding purchases by selling shares at a premium to modified net asset value (mNAV). 

Without authorization to issue new equity, the company cannot continue its aggressive accumulation strategy.

Upside targets: Breaking $34 opens $36, then $40-44 extension.

Downside risks: Losing $31 support targets $29, then $24 base.

Lee said 2026 should favor Ethereum as stablecoin adoption and tokenization drive blockchain to become the settlement layer of Wall Street.

Image: Shutterstock

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RENDER surged to a 2-month high of $2.7 as buyers stepped into the spot and Futures markets with conviction.

Market analyst Justcryptopays notes that Bitcoin’s recent break below a key trendline may signal a shift in market dynamics. 

Capital appears to be gradually rotating from Bitcoin into altcoins, suggesting growing investor interest in opportunities beyond the flagship cryptocurrency.

Source: Justcryptopays Well, Bitcoin, the benchmark of the crypto market, has traditionally captured the lion’s share of investor attention and capital, often setting overall market sentiment. Its recent break below a key trendline signals potential weakening confidence in its short-term price strength, prompting investors to explore alternative digital assets.

Altcoins, from Ethereum and Solana to emerging DeFi and Web3 tokens, may see renewed interest and higher trading activity. As 2026 begins, altcoins aim for a strong start, but shaking off the bearish momentum of 2025 will be a key challenge for bulls.

Notably, Bitcoin’s struggle to hold the psychological $90,000 level, currently trading at $90,525, signals potential caution among investors. 

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Such key price benchmarks often act as critical support or resistance, and slipping below them can shift capital flows. This dynamic may be setting the stage for an altcoin resurgence, with Ether, XRP, Solana, Cardano, and even memecoins positioned to attract renewed market attention.

What next? Well, altcoins may see increased volatility and trading activity, presenting opportunities for both short-term gains and long-term positioning. Bitcoin’s recent break below its trendline, along with its struggle to hold the $90,000 level, signals a potential shift toward a more balanced market, with altcoins gaining prominence.

As capital rotates and market dynamics evolve, vigilant investors and traders could capitalize on strategic opportunities across both established and emerging digital assets.