Market Signal Briefing

The exploit leveraged a flaw in Truebit’s pricing logic, letting the attacker mint unlimited TRU tokens and drain ETH reserves.

Truebit Protocol has suffered a major security breach resulting in the loss of approximately $26.5 million in ETH.

The incident has also triggered a collapse in the value of its native token, TRU, which plummeted by nearly 100% within hours.

Smart Contract Breach Blockchain security firm PeckshieldAlert flagged the incident via X, stating that Truebit had fallen victim to an exploit that drained over 8,500 ETH, worth approximately $26.5 million, from one of its smart contracts.

On-chain data shows that the attacker took advantage of a vulnerability in the smart contract’s pricing logic, which allowed them to mint TRU tokens at no cost. The hacker then repeatedly minted and sold the tokens back into the protocol’s bonding curve, draining its ETH reserves through a rapid buy-sell cycle. The stolen funds have since been transferred to two addresses, 0x2735…cE850a and 0xD12f…031a6.

The exploit had an immediate impact on the TRU token, causing its value to drop almost 100% within hours and leaving it worthless on most exchanges.

At the time of writing, the DeFi platform has confirmed that it is aware of the security threat while also advising users to avoid interacting with the affected smart contract. The team has not yet released a full post-mortem, but stated that it is in contact with law enforcement and is taking all necessary measures to address the issue.

Truebit Breach Linked to Sparkle Attack Interestingly, PeckShield has identified the Truebit hacker as the same individual responsible for the Sparkle attack that occurred nearly two weeks ago. In that episode, the culprit similarly exploited a flaw in the project’s smart contract to mint tokens at an artificially reduced cost, which was then swapped for approximately 5 ETH. The stolen funds were later routed through Tornado Cash, a privacy protocol commonly used to hide transaction trails.

You may also like: Uniswap’s Hayden Adams Rejects Claims AMMs Are Unsustainable Hundreds of EVM Wallets Quietly Drained as Unknown Exploit Steals Over $107K Arthur Hayes Dumps ETH for $6M in Pendle, Lido, and Emerging DeFi Tokens Overall, crypto-related hacks reached a record high in 2025, with more than $2.72 billion stolen, according to TRM Labs. The year began on a rough note in February, when North Korean hackers stole $1.5 billion from centralized exchange Bybit, the largest crypto exploit recorded to date.

That incident set the pace for the rest of the year, as TRM Labs reported a rise in more organized and professional hacking activity across the sector. However, the trend eased toward the end of the year, with a recent report showing that such losses dropped by more than 60% in December compared to figures recorded in November.

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Bitcoin Price Analysis: Sideways Start to 2026$Bitcozin has kicked off the first week of 2026 with sideways price action, showing hesitation after the strong volatility seen at the end of 2025. As traders assess macroeconomic signals and institutional flows, BTC remains range-bound, struggling to establish a clear short-term trend.

Bitcoin price in the past week - TradingView

At the time of writing, Bitcoin is trading near $90,000, caught between well-defined support and resistance zones.

Bitcoin Analysis: Clear Range With No Breakout YetLooking at the 4-hour BTC/USD chart, Bitcoin is still moving inside a horizontal range, confirming consolidation rather than trend continuation.

Key resistance: ~$94,500Key support: ~$85,300Lower psychological level: ~$80,000Price has repeatedly failed to break above the $94.5K resistance, while buyers continue to step in above the $85K area, keeping Bitcoin locked in a sideways structure.

BTC/USD 4H - TradingView

Momentum indicators support this view. The Stochastic RSI is currently hovering near oversold territory, suggesting short-term relief bounces are possible, but without strong volume, any upside move remains limited.

As long as Bitcoin stays within this range, the market remains in wait-and-see mode.

ETF Outflows Add Bearish PressureAdding to the cautious tone, Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs saw notable outflows this week:

$400.2 million worth of $Bitcoin sold$159.9 million worth of $Ethereum soldThese outflows, including activity linked to BlackRock and other major ETF issuers, signal reduced institutional appetite in the short term. While not a full trend reversal, the selling pressure explains why Bitcoin has struggled to reclaim higher levels above resistance.

US Unemployment Data: A Key Catalyst AheadMarkets are now closely watching US unemployment data, scheduled for release at 8:30 AM ET today.

Expected unemployment rate: 4.5%This data point is critical. A higher-than-expected figure could fuel rate-cut expectations, potentially supporting Bitcoin and risk assets. Conversely, stronger labor data may reinforce a cautious Fed outlook, keeping pressure on crypto markets.

Bitcoin Prediction: What to Watch NextFor now, Bitcoin remains neutral to slightly bearish in the short term:

A break above $94,500 could open the door toward $98,000–$100,000A loss of $85,300 support would expose BTC to a deeper pullback toward $80,000Until a decisive breakout occurs, traders should expect continued range trading, with macro data and ETF flows acting as the main drivers.

United States spot Bitcoin and Ether exchange-traded funds (ETFs) shed over $1 billion in combined outflows since Tuesday, marking an early-year pullback after a brief rebound to start 2026. 

SoSoValue data shows spot Bitcoin (BTC) ETFs recorded roughly $1.13 billion in outflows between Tuesday and Thursday, offsetting $1.17 billion in inflows on Jan. 2 and Monday. Spot Ether (ETH) ETFs had a similar pattern, with about $258 million exiting since Wednesday, after posting modest inflows earlier in January.  

The reversal erases gains accumulated in the opening days of the year, signaling renewed caution among investors. It suggests that early inflows were fragile, with investors trimming exposure as sentiment softened. 

The renewed outflows also extended a cautious tone that carried over from the end of the year. CoinShares reported on Dec. 29 that crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs) shed $446 million over the Christmas period, reflecting a fragile year-end sentiment and lingering caution following earlier market volatility. 

Spot Bitcoin ETF data in January 2026. Source: SoSoValueETF momentum cooled after mid-2025 surgeSoSoValue’s monthly flow data shows that both spot Bitcoin and Ether ETFs saw their strongest accumulation phase in July 2025. Bitcoin funds peaked at over $6 billion in monthly inflows, while Ether products saw over $5 billion. 

Since then, flows have trended downward. Spot Bitcoin ETFs saw $750 million in outflows in August, then recovered in September and October. This was followed by their second-strongest outflow month in 2025 in November, as $3.48 billion exited the funds.

Ether ETFs followed a similar, though smaller-scale, trajectory. Inflows accelerated through July and August before turning negative in November and December. 

The shift followed October’s sharp market correction, when a roughly $20 billion liquidation event triggered widespread deleveraging across crypto markets. Analysts described the event as controlled deleveraging rather than a systemic cascade. 

While the event was not deemed a structural failure, ETF flow data suggests that investors reassessed exposure in the weeks that followed, contributing to heavier redemptions in November and December. 

Monthly ETF flow data since 2025. Source: SoSoValueAltcoin ETFs show smaller but steadier inflowsBy contrast, spot ETFs tracking altcoins like XRP (XRP) and Solana (SOL) posted smaller monthly inflows but avoided outflow months. While inflow figures are significantly smaller, they consistently posted inflows amid broader volatility from the major funds. 

XRP and Solana ETFs attracted steady inflows since their launch in late 2025 and into January, even as BTC and ETH ETFs faced heavy redemptions. This suggests that some investors are rotating into more targeted exposure rather than fully exiting the asset class. 

Magazine: How crypto laws changed in 2025 — and how they’ll change in 2026

Monero overtakes Zcash as the top privacy coin as ZEC tumbles on core-team turmoil. Analysts say XMR could soon retest and beat its ATH.

Emir Abyazov2 min read

9 January 2026, 09:50 AM

Monero (XMR) is back in the driver’s seat: it’s widely being ranked as the largest privacy coin by market cap, overtaking Zcash (ZEC) and reclaiming the “default privacy” narrative.

Zcash was hit by fresh governance drama after the Electric Coin Company (ECC) development team resigned following a dispute with the nonprofit Bootstrap board — an internal rupture that spooked traders and reopened old questions: Who steers Zcash when the builders walk?

That uncertainty bled straight into price action. On January 8, 2026, ZEC fell roughly ~17–20% in a day across major market reports — yesterday’s move (relative to today, Jan 9) that shoved Zcash into “damage control” mode while the market rotated elsewhere.

Why Monero benefits even more from the Zcash crisisMonero (XMR) has long been considered the default privacy coin because its privacy is on by default, while Zcash’s shielded protocol remains optional and under-used. That difference matters more now than ever.

When Zcash was gaining market cap and price in late 2025, even briefly overtaking Monero thanks to a strong rally and high-profile endorsements, traders still saw it as a tech-driven privacy play, not the de-facto privacy cash alternative.

While Zcash proponents argue this is just restructuring and the protocol stays intact (the team is reportedly starting a new entity to continue work) critics say the execution risk just spiked. This kind of leadership vacuum is exactly the kind of event that spooks investors and pushes capital toward protocols perceived as more stable or community resilient, like XMR.

Simple market psychology at play: fewer questions about future upgrades = more confidence to hold and rotate capital in. As ZEC drops 15–25% on governance fears, XMR has been the biggest beneficiary in relative terms.

Can XMR exceed its highest peak soon?Monero’s prior all-time high sits near ~$540, and recent price action through early January 2026 has seen XMR testing resistance around the $460–$490 range — a key zone it hasn’t stayed above sustainably since 2021.

According to aggregated market reporting, there’s an active technical breakout setup forming, some analysts see a cup-and-handle or bull-flag pattern that could propel XMR toward $2,000 if momentum continues and volume stays elevated. That’s a long-term view, not a guarantee, but it highlights how traders are framing the narrative after Monero flipped Zcash again.

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Report to be released at approximately 7:00 AM CET on January 23, 2026 One live video webcast for analysts, investors and journalists at 9:00 AM CET , /PRNewswire/ -- Ericsson's (NASDAQ: ERIC) financial report for the fourth quarter 2025 will be published at approximately 7:00 AM CET on January 23, 2026. The company will issue a press release with the complete financial report attached, including tables, in PDF format. Following publication of the press release, the financial report will be available on Ericsson's website: https://www.ericsson.com/en/investors

President and CEO Börje Ekholm and CFO Lars Sandström will comment on the report and take questions at a live video webcast at 9:00 AM CET (8:00 AM GMT London, 3:00 AM EST New York).

Join the webcast or please go to www.ericsson.com/investors

To ask a question: Access dial-in information here

The webcast will be available on-demand after the event and can be viewed on our website.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

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Glencore's London-listed shares popped 8% on Friday morning, after it was confirmed a possible $260 billion takeover bid from Rio Tinto was back on the table.

Shares were last seen just over 8% higher. Meanwhile, London-listed shares of Rio Tinto fell 1.6% at the open, after its Australian shares ended Friday's session 6.3% lower.

Glencore share price

"Rio Tinto and Glencore have been engaging in preliminary discussions about a possible combination of some or all of their businesses, which could include an all-share merger between Rio Tinto and Glencore," Rio Tinto, the larger of the two companies, said in a statement early Friday morning.

"The parties' current expectation is that any merger transaction would be effected through the acquisition of Glencore by Rio Tinto by way of a Court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement."

If completed, the deal would create the world's largest mining company. European mining shares rose in early trade on Friday, with the Stoxx Europe Basic Resources index adding around 0.5%. Copper mining firm Antofagasta jumped 3%, while Anglo American was up 2.3%.

CNBC has approached both companies for further comment. Rio Tinto said it had until 5 p.m. London time (12 p.m. ET) on Feb. 5 to either announce a firm intention to make an offer for Glencore or announce that it does not intend to make an offer.

Rio Tinto and Glencore discussed a merger in late 2024, but talks collapsed over issues such as valuation and the future of Glencore's coal mines.

Back in August, Rio Tinto CEO Simon Trott announced a reorganization of the business. Trott promised to cut costs and unlock up to $10 billion from its asset base by making the company focus on three core product groups — iron ore, aluminium and lithium and copper.

A deal between Rio Tinto and Glencore would add to recent M&A activity in the mining sector, after Anglo American and Canada's Teck Resources agreed to merge in a $66 billion deal last September. The merger is expected to create one of the world's top five copper producers.

Renewed talks between Glencore and Rio Tinto have also been by rising demand for copper, with prices of the red metal hitting an all-time high of $13,000 a ton this week.

BENGALURU, KA, Jan. 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BENGALURU, KA - January 07, 2026 - -

ANSR, a global leader in establishing and operating Global Capability Centers (GCCs), has been recognized as a Leader in the Everest Group Global Capability Center (GCC) Setup Capabilities in India – PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2025. This marks the second consecutive year that Everest Group has acknowledged ANSR's expertise in enabling enterprises to design, establish, and scale their GCC operations in India, reinforcing the company's position in the global GCC ecosystem. Additional information on ANSR's GCC setup capabilities is available at https://ansr.com/global-capability-center/.

According to Everest Group, "ANSR continues to show maturity in enabling rapid GCC setups. Its GCC-as-a-Service model provides a standardized, fast-track approach to establishing centers, backed by deep expertise and integrated capabilities across the entire GCC setup value chain. These strengths have positioned ANSR as a Leader in Everest Group's Global Capability Center (GCC) Setup Capabilities in India PEAK Matrix Assessment 2025," said Akshay Mathur, Partner, Everest Group.

The recognition reflects ANSR's focus on enabling global enterprises with GCC capabilities spanning setup, operations, transformation, and carve-outs. With a proven track record of supporting more than 175 global brands, ANSR combines strategic advisory with execution excellence to accelerate setup cycles and ensure long-term scalability across diverse industry sectors. Its AI-enabled platforms further enhance speed, integration, and operational performance, helping enterprises achieve predictable outcomes across their GCC lifecycle. The company's continued leadership in this space follows its earlier industry recognition, highlighted in CXOToday's feature on ANSR's leadership in India's GCC ecosystem, underscoring the growing strategic importance of India as a GCC destination .

"This consecutive recognition from Everest Group is a powerful validation of the work we are doing with global enterprises as they reimagine how and where their critical capabilities are built. GCCs have become central to the world's digital and AI-driven transformation, and India is at the heart of that shift. At ANSR, we are committed to helping our clients unlock this opportunity with speed, scale, and confidence, powered by our AI-enabled platforms and two decades of execution expertise. We look forward to continuing to shape the future of the GCC model alongside our customers," said Lalit Ahuja, Founder and CEO, ANSR.

ANSR's comprehensive GCC platform is designed to support organizations at every stage of their global capability development. From entity setup and talent acquisition to people consulting, HR services, payroll, workspace and infrastructure management, and legal compliance, ANSR provides end-to-end solutions that align seamlessly with enterprise goals and governance standards. With a proven record of launching over 175 GCCs, the company continues to position itself as a partner for multinational organizations looking to leverage India's dynamic GCC ecosystem for long-term capability building. Through its technology-enabled offerings, ANSR aims to deliver predictable, scalable, and future-ready outcomes for global enterprises, while helping them navigate complex operational, regulatory, and talent landscapes.

About ANSR

ANSR is the definitive global leader in establishing and operating Global Capability Centers. With over 175 GCCs built for more than 100 Fortune 500 companies across India, Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia, ANSR combines strategic insight, proven execution, and proprietary technologies to help enterprises build long-term global capabilities.

As pioneers of the GCC-as-a-Service (GaaS) model and creators of the 1Wrk platform, ANSR accelerates enterprise transformation by enabling organizations to build future-ready teams in talent-rich innovation hubs. With over a decade of experience and a high-impact team of GCC specialists, ANSR delivers predictable, measurable business outcomes through world-class capability centers.
To know more, visit https://ansr.com/

###

For more information about ANSR Global Corporation Private Limited, contact the company here:

ANSR Global
Clint Thomas
+919739097351
[email protected]
Ground and 3rd Floor, L1, Banyan Block, Manyata Embassy Business Park SEZ, Nagawara Outer Ring Road, Bengaluru 560 045

Glencore PLC (LSE:GLEN) and Rio Tinto Ltd (LSE:RIO, ASX:RIO, OTC:RTNTF) have confirmed they are in talks to complete a $260 billion mega-merger that would create the world's largest miner.

Both groups released statements to the stock exchange earlier, confirming discussions that would see Rio take over Glencore in an all-share deal. 

Any transaction would come against a backdrop of intensifying competition for copper assets.

Prices have surged to record highs, highlighting supply constraints that analysts believe will worsen over the next two decades.

The recent merger between Anglo American and Teck Resources has added pressure on major miners to scale up in response.

Glencore has increasingly positioned itself as a copper growth company, with plans to double output by the mid-2030s, while Rio has focused on streamlining under its new chief executive, Simon Trott.

One key uncertainty remains coal. Rio exited the sector years ago, while Glencore has been restructuring its coal assets, potentially making them easier to separate.

The British grocer also reaffirmed guidance for retail underlying operating profit after sales rose in the third quarter and Christmas period.

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--TP ICAP Group, a world-leading provider of market infrastructure, has agreed to acquire Vantage Capital Markets (Vantage), a global brokerage with significant presence in London, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Dubai.

The acquisition, subject to regulatory approval, strengthens TP ICAP’s position in equity derivatives and fixed income, particularly across APAC markets, while enabling Vantage to leverage TP ICAP’s extensive US footprint. Vantage’s leadership team will remain in place, ensuring continuity and stability for clients.

Nicolas Breteau, CEO of TP ICAP Group, commented:

“We are delighted to welcome Vantage Capital Markets to the TP ICAP Group. This acquisition forms part of our targeted investment strategy to drive profitable growth, expand our global reach, and broaden our product offering. It strengthens our presence in key APAC markets across several asset classes and opens exciting opportunities in the US, where Vantage will be able to leverage our footprint to scale at pace. We look forward to working with Vantage’s talented team to deliver even greater value to our clients.”

Roderick Wurfbain, CEO of Vantage Capital Markets, added:

“Joining TP ICAP, the world’s leading IDB, marks an exciting new chapter for us. We are confident that, together, we will accelerate our growth – notably in the US – and continue to provide outstanding service to our clients worldwide.”

Completion of the transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close in Q2 2026.

Notes to Editors:

Vantage Capital Markets is an established leader in brokerage services, specialising in equity derivatives and fixed income, and more than 80 brokers. The firm operates in Hong Kong, London, Tokyo, and Dubai, employing more than 80 brokers and serving over 800 institutional clients globally. About TP ICAP Group plc

TP ICAP is a global leader in connecting buyers and sellers across financial, energy, and commodities markets. Leveraging our expertise and cutting-edge technology, we provide unparalleled OTC liquidity and data solutions. Our portfolio includes renowned brands such as ICAP, Tullett Prebon, PVM, Liquidnet, and Parameta Solutions. These brands deliver trusted broking services, comprehensive data & analytics, and insightful market intelligence to clients worldwide. With a presence in over 60 offices across 28 countries, TP ICAP is committed to driving market efficiency and innovation.

The FTSE 100 Index soared to a record high of £10,153 earlier this week and then pulled back to the current £10,000. It remains 33% above its lowest level in April last year. 

BAE Systems, Babcock, and Rolls-Royce are leading the rally Copy link to section

Companies in the defense industry have continued the bull run they started a few years ago as investors position themselves for more demand this year.

BAE Systems stock has jumped by 19% this year, making it the top gainer in the FTSE 100 Index. It has jumped by 75% in the last 12 months and 300% in the last five years.

Babcock International stock has jumped by 16% this year and is up by nearly 200% in the last 12 months.

Rolls-Royce Holdings stock has jumped by 10% in 2026 and is now up by 121% in the last 12 months. It has been one of the most resilient companies in the FTSE 100 Index after soaring by over 1,000% in the last five years.

These companies have one thing in common: they are all defense contractors and have a presence in the United States. In a Truth Social post, the US president said that the US will boost its defense spending from nearly $1 trillion today to over $1.5 trillion.

He reiterated this view in an interview with Sean Hannity, the popular Fox News host. Trump argues that the rising geopolitical tensions will request the country to produce more weapons compared to what is happening today.

On top of this, Trump warned that companies in the industry will need to boost their production and invest in plants in the country, noting that many of them were spending huge sums of money on dividends and share buybacks.

BAE Systems, Babcock, and Rolls-Royce Holdings are the biggest players in the military contracting industry. They manufacture equipment like ships, artillery, mortar systems, and engines. 

BAE Systems, Babcock, and Rolls-Royce have a presence in the United States, meaning that they will benefit from this spending boost.

European countries are also spending more money on their defense now that tensions with the US are rising. Data shows that the EU spent over €314 billion in defense in 2024, up sharply from €221 billion in 2021. Estimates are that the EU’s defense spending will jump to over €392 billion this year, led by Germany.

Other top movers in the FTSE 100 Index  Copy link to section

The other top movers in the FTSE 100 Index are Glencore and Rio Tinto. While their stocks are little changed this year, they may experience some heightened volatility in the coming days after they restarted their merger talks, which will create the biggest mining company in the world. A merger would create a company with an enterprise value of over $260 billion.

The two companies are considering an all-share merger, a move that will combine all their operations, with Rio Tinto shareholders retaining most of the shares in the combined entity.

This deal would come a few months after Anglo American concluded its buyout of Teck Resources. These companies are aiming to boost their market share in the copper mining industry, which has thrived recently as its price has jumped to a record high.

READ MORE: Why Glencore-Rio Tinto merger buzz could signal a new phase of mining sector consolidation

Meanwhile, Associated British Foods is the main laggard in the FTSE 100 Index this year, with its stock falling by 13%. Coca-Cola stock fell by 6.6%, while Shell is down by 6.5%. Other top laggards in the index are companies like Admiral Group, Tesco, DCC, British American Tobacco, and Unilever.

Amazon has had a busy few months with its artificial intelligence pursuits.

Amazon (AMZN +1.96%) recently launched a new website for Alexa+, the latest iteration of its AI chatbot. While it's only available to a limited number of early access users, the eventual goal for the Alexa+ site is to better compete with OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google Gemini.

This recent move highlights Amazon's effort to catch up with its artificial intelligence rivals. I think Alexa+ is far less likely to become users' go-to AI agent than ChatGPT or Gemini at this point, considering ChatGPT has 700 million weekly users and Gemini already has 650 million monthly users.

But its latest chatbot update aside, Amazon is positioning itself to benefit from AI for years to come, including striking a major deal with OpenAI. And it could help Amazon become a much more significant AI player very soon. Here's how.

Image source: Getty Images.

OpenAI deals could push Amazon further ahead Amazon scored a very large deal with OpenAI in November in which the company will pay for Amazon Web Services (AWS) computing power -- to the tune of about $38 billion over the next seven years.

The deal isn't an investment for either company; instead, it will make OpenAI a significant customer of AWS. Just a few years ago, it would have been far less likely for Amazon to get OpenAI as a customer because Microsoft's (MSFT 1.11%) early investment in OpenAI gave it a first right of refusal for cloud computing services.

But the relationship between Microsoft and OpenAI has changed, paving the way for Amazon to benefit from one of the world's foremost AI chatbot companies. Not only is the deal significant for Amazon because of the potential revenue, but also because Amazon has been losing ground in the cloud computing market recently.

At the end of the third quarter of 2025, AWS had 29% of the cloud computing market, compared to Microsoft Azure's 20% and Google Cloud's 13%. While still in the lead, AWS's share of the cloud was higher a few years ago, at about 34% before ChatGPT debuted in 2022. With OpenAI now a significant AWS customer, Amazon could see its cloud computing market share gain ground again.

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And there could be another deal with OpenAI in the works. The Information reported last month that Amazon is in talks with OpenAI about potentially investing at least $10 billion into the AI company. The move could give Amazon access to more AI tech and would also give OpenAI some of Amazon's Trainium AI processors.

Nothing is set in stone yet, but a deal like this could help Amazon establish itself as more of an AI peer with Alphabet and Microsoft, which also design their own AI processors.

Amazon's $2 trillion opportunity Based on its new announcements of Alexa+, its cloud computing deal, and potential investment with OpenAI, it's clear that Amazon is working to gain a bigger footing in the artificial intelligence space.

I think what the company does with consumer chatbots and Alexa+ is less important than the AWS deals it makes. Amazon relies on its cloud computing company as its main source of profit -- accounting for about 66% of its third-quarter operating income.

And there's plenty of room for more growth. Goldman Sachs estimates that artificial intelligence will generate $2 trillion in global AI cloud computing spending by 2030.

With Amazon already striking major deals, the company is well on its way to utilizing its cloud computing prowess to gain more ground in AI.

Chris Neiger has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, Amazon, Goldman Sachs Group, and Microsoft. The Motley Fool recommends the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of TM either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

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

Vancouver, British Columbia – TheNewswire - January 9th, 2025 – Prismo Metals Inc. (“Prismo” or the “Company”) (CSE: PRIZ) (OTCQB: PMOMF) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Infinitum Copper Corp. (TSXV: INFI) (“Infinitum”) whereby Prismo will increase its interest in the Hot Breccia copper project, located in the heart of Arizona’s prolific copper belt, from 75% to 95%. In addition, Prismo has obtained an irrevocable option to acquire Infinitum’s remaining 5% interest, providing a clear path to 100% interest in the project.

Alain Lambert, CEO of Prismo commented: “The absence of a clear mechanism to secure full ownership at Hot Breccia had previously limited our ability to fund drilling and pursue potential third-party partnerships. The transaction announced today totally removes that constraint and materially improves the strategic flexibility of the project.”

He added: “Prismo remains firmly committed to advancing Hot Breccia. The recent extension of certain milestone obligations under the option agreement with Walnut Mines LLC (the “Option Agreement”), the owner of the Hot Breccia claims, together with the deal announced today, provides the Company with additional flexibility as we evaluate a range of strategic alternatives. Each of these pathways is intended to position Prismo to commence drilling on what we consider to be one of the most compelling copper exploration opportunities in Arizona and the broader United States.”

Dr. Linus Keating, manager of Walnut Mines LLC, enthusiastically commented: “Walnut Mines is solidly in favor of any action that moves Hot Breccia closer to a serious drill program. We are hopeful that this transaction will accomplish that goal in 2026. In our opinion, this property remains one of the best copper exploration opportunities in North America.”

Under the terms of the transaction, Prismo will pay Infinitum CA $185,000 to acquire a 20% additional interest in the Hot Breccia project and assume all of Infinitum’s remaining obligations under the Option Agreement to issue shares to Walnut, which is currently evaluated at approximately CA $54,000 through the issuance of Prismo common shares at a deemed issue price of $0.11 per share, subject to adjustments at closing. Prismo has also agreed to pay 5% of any consideration received in connection with a transaction in which Prismo assigns its interest in Hot Breccia to a third-party. The cash payment will be funded through a third party as an advance to the Company and will not utilize its working capital which is earmarked for the advancement of the Silver King project. Closing of the transaction is expected to take place on or around January 16th.

Prismo’s Hot Breccia project lies at the heart of the Arizona Copper Belt, which hosts several globally significant porphyry copper deposits.  Examples of these significant deposits are Freeport McMoRan's Miami-Inspiration mining complex, BHP's San Manuel mine, Rio Tinto and BHP's Resolution deposit and others (see Figure 1).  

Figure 1. Location of the Hot Breccia Project in the Arizona Copper Belt.

Historical drilling carried out in the mid to late 1970’s by a Rio Tinto subsidiary intersected high-grade copper mineralization at depths ranging from 640 to 830 meters below surface. Several holes targeted an area with a coincident magnetic high, believed to be caused by magnetite skarn that was cut in the drill holes and that occurs in xenoliths in cross cutting dikes exposed at the surface. Prismo believes those intercepts may represent the periphery of the upper portion of a large mineralized system.  

Support for the Company’s mineralization model at the project comes from several sources, including the results of historical drilling, geophysical surveys, distribution of dikes with xenoliths of Cu-bearing skarn, the 2023 ZTEM survey as well as the results of an AI study. The anomalous target area identified in Prismo’s modelling measures 1,100 meters by 1,150 meters.  

Dr. Craig Gibson, Chief Exploration Officer of Prismo stated: “The copper exploration target at Hot Breccia has geophysical, geochemical and geological features characteristic of many porphyry copper deposits. The project area has a regional setting similar to BHP-Rio Tinto's Resolution copper deposit located 40 kilometers to the northwest of Hot Breccia and which is considered to be one of the greatest copper discoveries in the history of North American mining.”  He added: “The drill program is intended to drill through the entire prospective Paleozoic carbonate stratigraphy into the postulated porphyry body/breccia zone. The exploration team will take advantage of geological information provided by each hole during drilling to refine targeting of subsequent holes.”

Historical drill holes cut high grade skarn mineralization including 23 meters with 0.54% Cu at 640 meters depth (hole OC-1), 18 m with 1.4% Cu and 4.65% Zn at 830 meters depth (hole OCC-7), and 7.6 m with 1.73% Cu and 0.11% Zn at 703 meters and 4.6 meters with 1.4% Cu and 0.88% Zn at 716 meters (OCC-8).  Mineralization occurs within a several hundred-meter-thick altered zone hosted in favorable Paleozoic carbonate rocks that underly a sequence of Cretaceous andesitic volcanic rocks.  These carbonates are the same rocks that host the high-grade copper mineralization at Freeport’s nearby Christmas mine.  The historical drilling intersected a blind mineralized intrusion associated with the skarn mineralization, providing an immediate drill target that is believed to be the source of the mineralization at Hot Breccia (Figure 2). Several magnetic highs in the region surrounding the proposed intrusion may also indicated buried skarn mineralization and provide additional exploration targets.

Click Image To View Full Size

  Figure 2. Schematic cross section at Hot Breccia showing updated interpretation after Barrett (1974).

Notes:

(1)Barrett, Larry Frank (1972): Igneous Intrusions and Associated Mineralization in the Saddle Mountain Mining District Pinal County, Arizona. Unpublished Master's Thesis, University of Utah. 

(2)Barrett, Larry Frank (1974): Diamond drill hole OC-1, O’Carroll Canyon, Pinal County, Arizona, unpublished internal report, Bear Creek Mining. 

About Hot Breccia

The Hot Breccia property consists of 1,420 hectares in 227 contiguous mining claims located in the world class Arizona Copper Belt between several very well understood world-class copper mines including Morenci, Ray and Resolution (Figure 1). Hot Breccia shows many features in common with these neighboring systems, most prominently a swarm of porphyry dikes and series of breccia pipes containing numerous fragments of well copper-mineralized rocks mixed with fragments of volcanic and sedimentary derived from considerable depth. Prismo performed a ZTEM survey last year that identified a very large conductive anomaly directly beneath the breccia outcrops.  

Sampling at the project has shown the presence of copper mineralization associated with dacite dikes that transported fragments of strongly mineralized carbonate rocks to the surface from depths believed to be 400-1,000 meters. Drilling deep holes is necessary to tap into the source of these mineralized fragments found at surface.

Assay results from historical drill holes are unverified as the core has been destroyed, but information has been gathered from memos, photos and drill logs that contain some, but not all, of the assay results and descriptions.  Technical information from adjacent or nearby properties does not mean nor does it imply that Prismo will obtain similar results from its own properties.

Data on previous drilling and geophysics is historical in nature and has not been verified, is not compliant with NI 43-101 standards and should not be relied upon; the Company is using the information only as a guide to aid in exploration planning.

Qualified Person

Dr. Craig Gibson, PhD., CPG., a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-01 and Chief Exploration Officer and a director of the Company, has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure in this news release.

About Prismo Metals Inc.

Prismo (CSE: PRIZ) is a mining exploration company focused on advancing its Hot Breccia copper project in Arizona and its Palos Verdes silver project in Mexico.

Please follow @PrismoMetals on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube

Prismo Metals Inc.

1100 - 1111 Melville St., Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 3V6  Phone: (416) 361-0737

Contact:

Alain Lambert, Chief Executive Officer [email protected]

Gordon Aldcorn, President [email protected]

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “intends” or “anticipates”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “should”, “would” or “occur”. This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward‐looking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management's expectations and intentions with respect to, among other things: the timing, costs and anticipated results of drilling at Hot Breccia; the ability of Prismo to fund drilling and pursue potential third-party partnerships; the Company’s strategic flexibility with respect to the Hot Breccia project going forward; the number of shares issuable by Prismo to Walnut pursuant to the transaction described in this news release; and the Company’s expectations regarding mineralization and other qualities of the Hot Breccia project.

These forward‐looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things: delays in obtaining or failure to obtain appropriate funding to finance the exploration program at Hot Breccia; the risk that the Company will not enter into a third-party partnership with respect to the Hot Breccia project; the risk that mineralization will not be as anticipated at the project; the risk that the Company will not be able to take advantage of geological information to refine drill targeting; metal prices; market uncertainty; and other risks and uncertainties application to exploration activities and the Company’s business as set forth in the Company’s disclosure documents available for viewing under the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that: the ability to raise capital to fund the drilling campaign at Hot Breccia and the timing of such drilling campaign; the ability of the Company to enter into a third-party partnership on the project; that the project will have the anticipated mineralization and other qualities; and the  Company will be able to take advantage of geological information to refine drill targeting.

Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. We seek safe harbor.

J Sainsbury PLC (LSE:SBRY) fell foul of the same heightened expectations that scuppered Tesco PLC (LSE:TSCO) on Thursday in the wake of its solid festive trading update.

Sainsbury delivered a robust set of numbers on Friday, confirming it was a big grocery winner over Christmas.

But the absence of a fresh upgrade to profit guidance, despite a strong trading update, left investors underwhelmed. Shares fell 5% to 312p in early trading.

The supermarket group, which had already raised its full-year guidance in November, reiterated its forecast for over £1 billion in retail underlying profit.

That may be prudent, but some in the market were clearly betting on more, particularly after Sainsbury posted 5.4% growth in grocery sales in the third quarter, well ahead of an industry grappling with falling volumes.

As Clive Black of Shore Capital notes, Sainsbury stood out by building units in baskets during a "volume-light" festive period, a clear sign it’s pulling shoppers from rivals.

The retailer gained share for the sixth Christmas in a row, helped by initiatives like Aldi Price Match and a well-received Taste the Difference range.

Non-food was the drag. Sales at Argos dipped 1%, despite a rise in units sold, while general merchandise and clothing within Sainsbury’s slipped too.

For all the momentum in food, the wider business needs to improve before the market fully re-rates the shares.

Still, cash generation impressed. Free cash flow is now expected to exceed £550 million, up from £500 million previously. With more than £800 million set to be returned to shareholders this year, Sainsbury is striking a balance between investment and reward.

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

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

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

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

Why Trust CoinGape

CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.

In big XRP news today, Ripple-backed Evernorth Holdings announced a strategic collaboration with Doppler Finance, an XRPfi infrastructure provider. The companies will work towards boosting institutional liquidity, treasury management, and adoption on the XRP Ledger (XRPL).

XRP News: Evernorth and Doppler Finance to Boost Institutional Adoption on XRPL Ripple-backed XRP treasury Evernorth Holdings tapped Doppler Finance to advance institutional liquidity and treasury use cases on the XRP Ledger (XRPL), as per an official announcement on January 9.

The strategic collaboration between XRP treasury and core on-chain infrastructure paves the way for deeper convergence between traditional finance and XRPL-native financial systems.

This will boost institutional adoption of the XRP Ledger ecosystem, providing liquidity, treasury management, and on-chain support, a major news for the XRP community.

Doppler’s institutional-grade architecture will bring institutional capital into the XRP ecosystem. It will also help establish commercial, operational, and technical foundations required for long-term growth.

Ripple-Backed Evernorth Holdings and Doppler to Expand XRP Reach In the major XRP news, the companies will also work on coordinated strategic communications and market-facing initiatives. It includes joint announcements, publications, and offline engagements.

In addition, Evernorth and Doppler intend to focus on global market expansion efforts targeting both institutional and retail participants. It will increase XRP adoption and strengthen confidence in XRPL-native financial infrastructure.

The companies claimed commitment to positioning XRP as a key asset among institutionals and the crypto community. This is part of the vision to bridge traditional finance and the crypto market.

Earlier this week, Ripple achieved another milestone in boosting the TradFi-crypto market bridge as its corporate treasury management firm GTreasury acquired Solvexia.

“We are advancing practical frameworks for deploying institutional XRP liquidity onchain, with the goal of setting a higher standard for how XRP is used, managed, and scaled across global markets,” said Asheesh Birla, CEO of Evernorth.

XRP Market Surges amid this Major News XRP price bounced more than 3% from lows amid the news of Evernorth and Doppler’s partnership. The price is currently trading at $2.12, with a 24-hour low of $2.07 and a high of $2.16. Trading volume also increased by more than 11% over the last 24 hours.

Experts believe Evernorth Holdings’ proposed merger with Armada Acquisition Corp II to become the world’s largest public XRP treasury could also trigger XRP price rally. The merger is expected to close this quarter.

Derivatives markets show continued selling, according to Coinglass. The total XRP futures open interest fell 0.30% to $4.19 billion in the last 4 hours. Total futures open interest plunged almost 0.20% on CME and 0.40% on Binance.

Journalist

Posted: January 9, 2026

While Washington debates federal asset custody, U.S states are quietly driving the push towards a Bitcoin [BTC] standard. In a recent turn of events, Florida has officially joined the ranks of U.S states establishing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. Up untill now, New Hampshire, Texas, and Arizona have been the frontrunners of this race. 

On 7 January, Republican Representative John Snyder filed House Bill 1039. The bill comprised a landmark proposal to establish a Strategic Cryptocurrency Reserve Fund independent of the state treasury.

Senator Joe Gruters also supported this push by introducing SB 1040 and SB 1038, designed to create the trust infrastructure necessary to hold and manage these sovereign digital assets.

Eligibility criteria for Florida’s Bitcoin Reserve filling The filing requires a cryptocurrency to maintain an average market capitalization of at least $500 billion over the past 24 months to qualify for the reserve.

As it stands, Bitcoin is the only asset that meets this threshold, with a market cap exceeding $1.8 trillion.

Ethereum [ETH], despite its popularity as the world’s largest altcoin, remains below the cutoff at roughly $380 billion. Owing to the same, it fails to meet the long-term stability requirement.

Not the first attempt Though this move is taking solid shape in 2026, the initiative marks the culmination of a multi-year legislative effort. Last year, lawmakers withdrew earlier proposals, HB 487 and SB 550, in May 2025 after they stalled.

Then, once again, the momentum returned in October 2025. That time, Representative Webster Barnaby introduced HB 183 – Revising fiduciary standards and paving the way for the current Snyder–Gruters push.

These efforts followed President Trump’s March 2025 executive order activating the federal Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.

How did the market react to the news? Despite all this progress on the legislative front, the markets reacted to the update in a very lukewarm manner. On the price front, for instance, Bitcoin continued to trade close to $90,000 – Marking a sharp pullback from its October 2025 all-time high of $124,500.

However, while critics frame this volatility as a risk, Florida lawmakers are treating the dip as a strategic entry point rather than a warning sign.

There are heightened geopolitical tensions to look out for too.

For example – Following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, speculation has surged around Venezuela’s shadow Bitcoin reserves. Intelligence estimates suggest the regime controls as many as 600,000 BTC – Roughly 3% of the total circulating supply.

Therefore, if U.S authorities attempt to seize these holdings, prolonged legal battles could lock them out of the market for years.

Final Thoughts By building independent trust structures, states are laying the groundwork for long-term sovereign crypto custody, not short-term exposure. Emergence of three reserve models, capital allocation, direct buying, and custodial protection, shows states are experimenting pragmatically, not ideologically.

Ishika Kumari is a Crypto Analyst and Content Strategist at AMBCrypto, specializing in the analysis of cryptocurrency regulations, market trends, and the socio-political impact of blockchain technology. Her expertise is grounded in her academic background as a graduate of Political Science from the renowned University of Delhi. This discipline has equipped her with a sophisticated framework for analyzing complex governance models, international regulatory landscapes, and the economic principles that underpin decentralized systems. At AMBCrypto, Ishika applies this unique analytical lens to her work. She excels at breaking down intricate subjects—from the technicalities of new protocols to the nuances of global crypto legislation—into clear, accessible, and insightful content. Her primary mission is to bridge the gap between the complexity of the digital asset industry and the everyday reader, ensuring that AMBCrypto's audience is not just informed, but truly understands the forces shaping the future of finance.

Lawrence Jengar Jan 09, 2026 07:02

ETH price prediction suggests targets of $3,600 within 30 days, supported by analyst forecasts and institutional accumulation despite neutral RSI at 53.48.

ETH Price Prediction Summary • ETH short-term target (1 week): $3,250 (+4.1%) • Ethereum medium-term forecast (1 month): $3,400-$3,600 range • Key level to break for bullish continuation: $3,202.32 • Critical support if bearish: $3,014.80

Recent Ethereum Price Predictions from Analysts The latest ETH price prediction consensus from multiple analysts shows remarkable alignment around the $3,600 price target. Changelly's algorithmic forecast suggests a modest near-term move to $3,232.60, representing the most conservative estimate among recent predictions. Meanwhile, both Coindataflow and Blockchain.News independently arrived at $3,600 targets, citing technical momentum and moving average projections.

The most bullish Ethereum forecast comes from Polymarket traders, who assign a 40% probability to ETH reaching $5,000 by year-end 2026. This aligns with institutional sentiment, as BitMine's accumulation of over 44,000 ETH tokens signals strong confidence from sophisticated market participants.

What's particularly noteworthy is the consensus around the $3,600 ETH price target across different analytical methodologies - from proprietary algorithms to technical indicators to institutional flow analysis.

ETH Technical Analysis: Setting Up for Measured Advance Current Ethereum technical analysis reveals a market in transition, with price action consolidating near key resistance levels. At $3,122.62, ETH trades above its 20-day SMA ($3,043.02) and 50-day SMA ($3,024.29), suggesting underlying bullish momentum despite short-term consolidation.

The RSI reading of 53.48 indicates neutral conditions with room for upward movement before reaching overbought territory. However, the MACD histogram at 0.0000 suggests momentum has stalled, requiring a catalyst to break higher.

ETH's position within the Bollinger Bands at 0.68 indicates the price is trading in the upper portion of its recent range, approaching the upper band at $3,261.33. This positioning often precedes either a breakout above resistance or a pullback toward the middle band.

The daily ATR of $94.11 suggests moderate volatility, which could support a controlled advance toward resistance levels rather than explosive price action.

Ethereum Price Targets: Bull and Bear Scenarios Bullish Case for ETH The primary ETH price prediction for the bullish scenario targets $3,600 within 30 days, supported by several converging factors. Breaking above the immediate resistance at $3,202.32 would likely trigger momentum buyers, pushing ETH toward $3,400 as the first major target.

The 200-day SMA at $3,622.55 represents a critical test level. Sustained trading above this long-term average would confirm the bullish thesis and potentially open the door to the ambitious $5,000 target suggested by prediction market participants.

Volume confirmation will be crucial - the current 24-hour volume of over $1 billion on Binance suggests sufficient liquidity to support meaningful price advances.

Bearish Risk for Ethereum The bearish scenario for this Ethereum forecast would unfold if ETH breaks below the immediate support at $3,068.71. Such a move could trigger stops and lead to a test of the strong support zone at $3,014.80.

A break below this level would likely result in a move toward the lower Bollinger Band at $2,824.71, representing a potential 9.5% decline from current levels. The neutral RSI provides little cushion against such a move if selling pressure intensifies.

Key risk factors include broader crypto market weakness, regulatory concerns, or a shift in institutional sentiment away from ETH accumulation.

Should You Buy ETH Now? Entry Strategy For traders asking whether to buy or sell ETH, the current setup suggests a cautious bullish approach. The optimal entry strategy involves waiting for a clear break above $3,162.47 (immediate resistance) with volume confirmation before establishing long positions.

Conservative buyers should consider dollar-cost averaging into positions between $3,100-$3,150, with stops placed below $3,014.80 to limit downside risk. More aggressive traders might wait for a pullback to the $3,068.71 support level for better risk-reward positioning.

Position sizing should account for the moderate volatility indicated by the ATR reading, with initial positions kept smaller until momentum clearly establishes direction.

ETH Price Prediction Conclusion This ETH price prediction maintains a moderately bullish outlook with medium confidence, targeting $3,600 within the next 30 days. The convergence of analyst forecasts, institutional accumulation patterns, and technical setup above key moving averages supports this view.

However, the neutral RSI and flat MACD histogram suggest patience is required for the move to develop. Key confirmation signals include a break above $3,202.32 with volume and sustained trading above the 20-day SMA.

The Ethereum forecast timeline expects the initial move to $3,400 within two weeks, followed by a test of $3,600 by mid-February 2026. Failure to break above $3,202.32 within the next week would warrant reassessing the bullish thesis and potentially adjusting targets lower.

Image source: Shutterstock

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Last updated: 

10 minutes ago

Bitcoin Price Prediction Bitcoin is trading around $90,913, holding modest daily gains even as broader market sentiment remains cautious. According to the latest data, the world’s largest cryptocurrency is up 0.24% over the past 24 hours, with trading volume hovering near $41.6 bn. Its market capitalization stands at approximately $1.82 tn, reinforcing Bitcoin’s dominance as the anchor of the crypto market.

That stability comes amid visible stress in institutional flows. Crypto ETF products recorded net outflows of roughly $380 mn, a reminder that short-term positioning remains fragile. Still, price action suggests the market is absorbing supply rather than capitulating, a subtle but important distinction for trend followers.

Bitcoin Technical Analysis: Triangle Compression Signals a Volatility Expansion AheadOn the daily chart, Bitcoin is coiling into a broad symmetrical triangle, defined by a descending trendline from the $107K high and a rising support base that began near $80.5K. This structure reflects compression rather than trend exhaustion, with volatility steadily contracting.

Technically, the market remains constructive. Bitcoin continues to form higher lows, signaling that buyers are stepping in earlier on pullbacks.

The 50-day EMA has flattened and is attempting to curl higher, while RSI has reset into a neutral-bullish range without flashing bearish divergence. Recent candles, including Doji and spinning tops, point to indecision, not distribution.

Why $97K Is the Level That Matters MostThe critical resistance zone sits between $94K and $97.3K, where prior supply, the triangle’s upper boundary, and the 0.618 Fibonacci retracement converge. A daily close above this band would likely trigger a volatility expansion.

Bitcoin Price Chart – Source: TradingviewA confirmed breakout opens the door to an initial move toward $100.7K, followed by a measured advance into the $105K–$108K region if volume confirms. On the downside, failure to hold $90K risks a pullback toward $86.9K, with stronger structural support near $80.5K.

Bitcoin Outlook: A Pause Before the Next LegFrom a trading perspective, Bitcoin’s price outlook remains cautious, signaling not an ending but a transition. A clean break above $97.3K would favor continuation setups targeting low six-figure prices, while downside risk stays clearly defined below rising trend support.

As liquidity rotates and sentiment stabilizes, this period of compression may be remembered as the base for Bitcoin’s next directional move.

For long-term investors and new entrants alike, the current structure offers a reminder that markets often move most decisively just when patience runs thin, setting the stage for renewed optimism across the digital asset space.

Maxi Doge: A Meme Coin Built Around Community and CompetitionMaxi Doge is gaining traction as one of the more active meme coin presales this year, combining bold branding with community-driven incentives. The project has already raised more than $4.43 million, placing it among the stronger early performers in the meme token category.

Unlike typical dog-themed tokens that rely purely on social buzz, Maxi Doge leans into engagement. The project runs regular ROI competitions, community challenges, and events designed to keep participation high throughout the presale phase. Its leverage-inspired mascot and fitness-themed branding have helped it stand out in a crowded meme market.

The $MAXI token also includes a staking mechanism that allows holders to earn daily smart-contract rewards. Stakers gain access to exclusive competitions and partner events, adding a passive earning component while encouraging long-term participation rather than short-term speculation.

Currently priced at $0.0002775, $MAXI is approaching its next scheduled presale increase. With momentum building and community activity remaining strong, Maxi Doge is positioning itself as a meme coin focused on sustained engagement rather than one-off hype.

Click Here to Participate in the Presale

Why Trust CoinGape

CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.

The cryptocurrency market dropped 0.84% over the last 24 hours amid cautious trading, Fed uncertainty, and upcoming U.S. regulation talks.

Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin are currently responding to the potential of such significant structural shifts in accordance with the CLARITY Act proposal.

The impact of delayed Fed reduction and stricter U.S.regulations are being weighed by traders as the new crypto cycle shapes up.

CLARITY Act Could Reshape Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin Prices Bitcoin price recovered from a recent dip to $89,200, bouncing toward $91,300, but remains well below its 2025 high. The year-end run-up was unable to surpass the $95,000 mark, affirmation of the resistance and profit-taking.

If bulls regain momentum, the Long-term Bitcoin forecast could push to $92,000. A breakdown below $88,000 may trigger a deeper retracement. 

Ethereum hovered between $3,100 and $3,200, showing slight daily losses but holding onto weekly gains of over 6%.

After the consolidation, the price was trading close to $3,131. Should the bullish forces accumulate, the ETH price eyes a recovery above of $3,500 in the near future.

Nonetheless, a mood decline once more will push Ethereum under $3,000, and it will test a lower support at the $2,900 level. Dogecoin surged 23% last week but failed to hold above its $0.16 resistance. It currently trades near $0.1428.

The higher levels declined to reject DOGE to the area where it is getting back to being supported by buyers around the $0.14 area.

A loss of this zone may cause a slip to the level of $0.13, but it can bounce back to the level of $0.16 on the support.

What Is the CLARITY Act and Why It Matter The CLARITY Act is meant to control the trade of crypto by prohibiting the use of spoofing, wash trading, and false volume. It requires demonstration of reserves, frequent audits of exchange, and provides regulators with real-time access to transaction information and risks.

The bill aims at deterring opaque liquidations, front running, and untraceable losses such as the 100 billion dump in the last October.

These rules will be more transparent in case the CLARITY Act is enacted, and the legal risk of the U.S.-based institutional investors will decrease.

U.S. Senate Committees to Debate Bill on January 15 The Senate Banking and Agriculture Committees will start formal markups of the CLARITY Act on January 15. This procedure involves debate and amendments with a vote that will decide whether the bill will go to a Senate floor or not.

🚨 SENATE BANKING COMMITTEE WILL VOTE ON THE CRYPTO MARKET STRUCTURE BILL ON JANUARY 15.

This bill could change how crypto trades forever.

The CLARITY Act is a market structure bill focused on one thing: stopping manipulation and bringing real transparency to crypto markets.… pic.twitter.com/a9SZckZv7S

— Bull Theory (@BullTheoryio) January 8, 2026

The two-committee format is an indication of the complexity of the bill, since it touches upon both securities and commodities with the help of different regulators. It can also resolve jurisdictional disputes between the Securities and Exchange Commission and CFTC on how to define and regulate crypto assets.

What to Expect for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin Prices In the event the bill goes through, market structural will change such that institutions can explore other altcoins other than Bitcoin. That would provide Ethereum and Dogecoin with liquidity, and Bitcoin with a better price discovery and lower risk of manipulation. 

The volatility is expected to continue to be high until after the January 15 ruling, which has the potential to transform the U.S. crypto markets in a profound manner

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) The CLARITY Act is a U.S. bill aimed at regulating crypto markets by banning manipulation and requiring exchange transparency.

The U.S. Senate Banking and Agriculture Committees will debate and vote on the bill on January 15, 2026.

Why Trust CoinGape

CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.

The government of South Korea has announced plans for the promotion of digital asset exchange-traded funds, especially a Bitcoin ETF, within this year. This is coming after a series of developments regarding stablecoins and blockchain-based settlements.

South Korea Government Plans to Launch Bitcoin ETFs by 2026 As reported, the country has a plan to list its first ETF on BTC this year. The policy direction was decided in the newly announced 2026 Economic Growth Strategy of the country. According to the roadmap, this year, regulators will begin working on a set of digital asset bills termed as a second wave of legislation.

Among others, one of the essential components of the proposal is stablecoin regulation. The relevant parties are to propose a license for issuance that would involve capital requirements as well as the right of redemption for holders.

It was also confirmed that the government has plans to proceed with the launch of spot digital asset exchange-traded funds. This is following the developments in other markets. This includes as the U.S. and Hong Kong, where spot products are actively being traded. This could open the way for the launch of the spot Bitcoin ETF in 2026.

Apart from the national regulations, the South Korea regulators have also set out how the cross-border transfer of the stablecoins will be done in compliance.

The reports come after news last month that FSC has been involved in discussions regarding regulation of digital assets. This is particularly in relation to protecting investors because of the rise in stablecoins adoption.

Despite the progress that has been achieved regarding disclosure and reserve standards, a consensus on which institutions are eligible to issue stablecoins has not been reached.

Larger Digital Asset Push Taking Hold The recent policy changes and Bitcoin ETF plans highlight the increasing adoption trend of digital assets in the country. In September last year, South Korea lifted a long-standing ban that stopped crypto-related firms from accessing venture capital funding. That allowed blockchain startups to qualify for venture certification.

And institutional interest has followed. Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange by volume, late last year finalized an acquisition of Gopax, one of the nation’s largest exchanges. The deal also marked Binance’s official return to the local market after regulatory delays.

Apart from the Bitcoin ETF plan, the government is also considering the use of blockchain technology in public finance. It has plans to introduce a ‘deposit token’.  This is a type of cryptocurrency that is collateralized by commercial bank deposits. It can also distribute up to a quarter of the nation’s treasury to these instruments by the year 2030.

To make all this a reality, they plan to establish a legal framework regarding blockchain-based payment and settlement systems by the end of this year through revisions in both the Bank of Korea Act and the Treasury Administration Act.

Even wallets equipped to manage deposit tokens for government-related expenses are under consideration.

Bitcoin ETFs have registered a net outflow of over $1 billion in three days.

TLDR Table of Contents

TLDRSouth Korea to Regulate Stablecoins and Cross-Border TransactionsSpot ETFs for Digital Assets to Be Allowed in the Domestic MarketDeposit Tokens and Blockchain-Based Treasury TransactionsGet 3 Free Stock Ebooks South Korea will introduce stablecoin regulations in 2024, requiring issuer licensing, full reserves, and redemption rights. The Financial Services Commission and Finance Ministry will oversee new rules on cross-border stablecoin transactions. Digital asset spot ETFs, including Bitcoin, will be approved this year, reversing previous restrictions. Authorities will amend laws to support blockchain-based treasury transactions using deposit tokens by 2030. Government agencies will adopt digital wallets to process expenses and settlements using blockchain-linked deposit tokens. South Korea has announced major developments in its digital asset framework as part of its 2026 Economic Growth Strategy. The plan outlines new regulations for stablecoins and cross-border transactions, paving the way for Bitcoin spot ETFs.

South Korea to Regulate Stablecoins and Cross-Border Transactions The Financial Services Commission will begin drafting a second-stage digital asset bill this year, with a focus on regulating stablecoins. The proposed law will introduce requirements for issuer licensing, capital reserves, and asset management. Issuers will need to maintain 100% reserves equal to the amount of issued stablecoins, ensuring full backing of the digital assets in circulation.

The bill will also guarantee that stablecoin holders have legal rights to redemption, ensuring better protection in the event of a collapse or liquidity crisis.  Alongside domestic regulation, authorities will implement a framework for managing cross-border transactions involving stablecoins. The Financial Services Commission and the Ministry of Strategy and Finance will jointly oversee this area to prevent illicit use and ensure the safe international flow of funds.

The government will establish guidelines on how foreign-issued stablecoins can operate in South Korea’s financial system. Monitoring mechanisms and capital control rules are also expected to be included under this system. These rules will help align Korea’s digital asset policy with global standards on stablecoin usage and transfers.

Spot ETFs for Digital Assets to Be Allowed in the Domestic Market The government has confirmed plans to allow digital asset spot ETFs for the first time, beginning with Bitcoin. This move follows growing international acceptance of Bitcoin ETFs, including in the United States and Hong Kong. Currently, digital assets like Bitcoin are not recognised as eligible underlying assets for ETFs under Korean regulations.

The new policy will revise this restriction, opening the way for listing and trading of spot ETFs tied to cryptocurrencies. Regulatory bodies are expected to publish operational guidelines and eligibility standards later this year. Authorities believe the introduction of digital asset ETFs will provide investors with safer, regulated access to cryptocurrency markets.

Spot ETFs differ from futures-based products by directly tracking the market price of assets like Bitcoin, offering more transparent exposure. However, all products will be subject to market rules and risk disclosures under the capital markets law. The move is also expected to increase participation by institutional investors. Local financial institutions are reportedly preparing ETF product proposals in anticipation of the policy change.

Deposit Tokens and Blockchain-Based Treasury Transactions In a separate initiative, the government plans to expand the use of deposit tokens in public finance by 2030. These tokens will represent national treasury funds held in commercial bank accounts, operating on blockchain infrastructure. The goal is to transition at least 25% of treasury transactions to blockchain-based digital payments within four years. Authorities stated that this will enhance the efficiency of government fund management and provide real-time settlement capabilities.

The Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Bank of Korea will oversee the program. To support this transition, legal revisions will be made to the Bank of Korea Act and the National Treasury Management Act. The government will also review outcomes from pilot projects conducted in 2023 and 2024 before scaling up deployment.

As part of the plan, public institutions and agencies will receive digital wallets to process payments and settlements using deposit tokens. These wallets will be integrated with existing accounting systems for routine transactions, including operating expenses. The government aims to finalize the legal and technical infrastructure by the end of this year.