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VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Endeavour Silver Corp. (“Endeavour” or the “Company”) (NYSE: EXK; TSX: EDR)  reports full year 2025 production of 6,486,661 silver ounces (“oz”) and 37,164 gold oz, and in combination with base metal production, a silver equivalent ( 1) (“AgEq”) production of 11.2 million oz. Fourth quarter 2025 production was 2,030,206 silver ounces, 13,785 gold oz, and AgEq production of 3.8 million oz. All dollar amounts are in US dollars ($).

“Endeavour delivered another year of strong growth in 2025, highlighted by record silver equivalent production and the successful ramp-up at Terronera,” commented Dan Dickson, Chief Executive Officer. “Our team’s commitment to operational excellence and strategic investment has positioned us to unlock significant value for our stakeholders as we continue to advance our portfolio and strengthen our financial foundation. Looking ahead, we remain focused on disciplined growth and delivering long-term value.”

Q4 2025 Production Overview

Terronera Declared Commercial Production: Announced commercial production at Terronera effective October 1, 2025 (see news release from October 16, 2025 here). While ramping up toward full capacity, Terronera maintained a steady output with no significant shutdowns and average recoveries of 82.6% for silver and 72.5% for gold. Guanaceví Maintains Stable Throughput: Due to slightly lower silver grades and slightly higher throughput, production of silver was slightly lower than the planned range with gold production at the higher end of the range. Kolpa Production Meets Expectation: Kolpa throughput exceeded plan and while processed grade for silver and lead were in line with expectations, zinc grades were lower than planned.Definitive Agreement to Sell Bolañitos Mine: Entered into a definitive agreement to sell the Bolañitos mine for US$30 million cash and US$10 million in Guanajuato Silver shares, plus up to US$10 million in contingent consideration payable upon achieving production milestones at the Bolañitos Mine, (see news release from November 24, 2025 here). The mine continued to perform during the fourth quarter with silver production in line with plan and gold production lower than plan due to lower grades.Metal Sales and Inventories: Sold 1,879,937 silver ounces and 12,614 gold ounces during the fourth quarter. A total of 262,131 silver ounces and 736 gold ounces of bullion inventory and 55,877 silver ounces and 861 gold ounces in concentrate inventory were held at December 31, 2025.Completed US$350 Million Convertible Notes Offering: Closed a US$350 million convertible senior notes offering and repaid the majority of third-party debt. Remaining funds will be used to advance the Pitarrilla project and for general corporate purposes (see news release from December 4, 2025 here). Q4 2025 Mine Operations

Consolidated silver production was 2,030,206 oz in Q4 2025, in line with plan and 146% higher than Q4 2024, due to the addition of Kolpa and Terronera production, Bolañitos production shifting toward higher silver grades in 2025, and lower production in the comparative period at Guanaceví due to the trunnion failure in August 2024 which was resolved in late December 2024. Excluding Kolpa and Terronera, consolidated silver production was 27% higher than Q4 2024.

Consolidated gold production was 13,785 oz in Q4 2025, 52% higher than Q4 2024. Higher gold production was due to the addition of Terronera and 14% higher gold production at the Guanaceví mine, partially offset by 59% lower production at the Bolañitos mine. Excluding Terronera, consolidated gold production was 38% lower than Q4 2024.

In Q4 2025, following the declaration of commercial production effective October 1, 2025, Terronera’s throughput was 154,180 tonnes, producing 352,002 oz of silver and 8,148 oz of gold. The material processed during the quarter had an average grade of 86 grams per tonne (g/t) of silver and 2.27 g/t of gold. During Q4 2025, Terronera experienced lower average grades as mining activities were strategically focused in lower-grade areas of the deposit. This approach aligns with the planned production ramp-up and the mine’s transition through various zones. Looking ahead, operations are scheduled to shift into higher-grade areas by H2 2026, which is expected to significantly improve grade averages. The team also remains committed to optimizing and refining plant processes to enhance metal recoveries, while steadily increasing throughput.

In Q4 2025, Guanaceví throughput was 78% higher than Q4 2024 as Guanaceví’s Q4 2024 production was negatively impacted by the trunnion failure. Despite silver and gold grades being 34% and 35% lower, respectively, silver production was 22% higher and gold production was 14% higher as a result of the higher throughput. Throughput and grades were in line with plan. Supplies of local third-party feed continued to supplement mine production, amounting to 23% of quarterly throughput.

In Q4 2025, Kolpa’s throughput was 198,830 tonnes of material producing 631,867 oz of silver, 5,570 tonnes of lead and 3,034 tonnes of zinc. The material processed had average grades of 108 g/t silver and 3.06% lead, 1.83% zinc and 0.20% copper. While silver and lead grades are in line with management expectations, zinc grades were lower. Significant progress has been achieved toward increased plant capacity to 2,500 tpd. In Q4 2025, the site commissioned a new crushing circuit and commenced installation of a new ball mill to be completed in Q1 2026.

In Q4 2025, Bolañitos’ throughput was 12% lower than throughput in Q4 2024. Silver grades were 82% higher than the comparative period, driving 60% higher silver production, while gold grades were 47% lower, driving 59% lower gold production. Throughput and gold grades were below plan, while silver oz grades were consistent with plan. The grade variation is due to mining from different locations in the ore body. The sale of Bolañitos is expected to close in January 2026.

Consolidated Production Highlights for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2025

Three Months Ended December 31, 20252024% ChangeThroughput (tonnes)551,010165,591233%Silver ounces produced2,030,206824,529146%Gold ounces produced13,7859,07552%Lead tonnes produced5,750-N/AZinc tonnes produced3,034-N/ACopper tonnes produced106-N/APayable silver ounces produced1,967,199817,292141%Payable gold ounces produced13,3628,89850%Silver equivalent ounces produced13,767,7131,550,529143%Silver ounces sold1,879,937654,519187%Gold ounces sold12,6148,34351% 1 Silver equivalent (AgEq) is calculated using 80:1 silver: gold ratio, 60:1 lead ratio, 85:1 zinc ratio and 300:1 copper ratio plus silver ounces or $30/oz silver, $2,400/oz gold, $1,800/tonne lead, $2,550/tonne zinc and $9,000/tonne copper.

Consolidated2,3 Production Highlights for the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2025

Twelve Months Ended December 31,  20252024% ChangeThroughput (tonnes)1,464,590781,43987%Silver ounces produced6,486,6614,471,82445%Gold ounces produced37,16439,047(5%)Lead tonnes produced314,917-N/AZinc tonnes produced39,016-N/ACopper tonnes produced3284-N/APayable silver ounces produced6,340,2864,438,35443%Payable gold ounces produced36,34038,327(5%)Silver equivalent ounces produced111,206,3787,595,58448%Silver ounces sold6,321,7854,645,57436%Gold ounces sold36,33638,522(6%) 1 Silver equivalent (AgEq) is calculated using 80:1 silver: gold ratio, 60:1 lead ratio, 85:1 zinc ratio and 300:1 copper ratio plus silver ounces or $30/oz silver, $2,400/oz gold, $1,800/tonne lead, $2,550/tonne zinc and $9,000/tonne copper.
2 Terronera pre-operating production is excluded. Terronera achieved commercial production on October 1, 2025, therefore three months of results are included in the year-to-date consolidated results.
3 The Kolpa acquisition closed on May 1, 2025, therefore eight months of results are included in the year-to-date consolidated results.

Production Tables for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2025 for the Mexico Operating Mines

Three Months Ended December 31, 2025TerroneraGuanaceviBolanitosTonnes processed154,180104,38093,620Tonnes per day1,6761,1351,018Silver ounces produced352,002877,554168,783Silver grade g/t8629166Silver recovery82.6%89.7%85.4%Gold ounces produced8,1483,0022,636Gold grade g/t2.270.991.03Gold recovery72.5%90.1%84.8%Silver Equivalent ounces produced(1)1,003,8221,117,703379,632 Totals may not add up due to rounding

Production2 Tables for the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2025 for the Mexico Operating Mines

Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2025TerroneraGuanaceviBolanitosTonnes processed154,180402,992393,940Tonnes per day1,6761,1041,079Silver ounces produced352,0023,915,077608,388Silver grade g/t8633457Silver recovery82.6%90.3%84.0%Gold ounces produced8,14813,74715,270Gold grade g/t2.271.161.37Gold recovery72.5%91.5%87.9%Silver Equivalent ounces produced(1,2)1,003,8225,014,8261,829,957 Totals may not add up due to rounding
2 Terronera pre-operating production is excluded. Terronera achieved commercial production on October 1, 2025, therefore three months of results are included in the year-to-date consolidated results.

Production Tables for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2025 for the Peru Mine

Three Months Ended December 31, 2025KolpaTonnes processed198,830Silver ounces produced631,867Silver grade g/t108Silver recovery %91.4%Lead tonnes produced5,750Lead grade %3.06%Lead recovery %94.4%Zinc tonnes produced3,034Zinc grade %1.83%Zinc recovery %83.4%Copper tonnes produced106Copper grade %0.20%Copper recovery %26.7%Silver Equivalent ounces produced(1)1,266,557 Totals may not add up due to rounding

Production Tables for the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2025 for the Peru Mine

Eight Months3 Ended December 31, 2025KolpaTonnes processed513,478Silver ounces produced1,611,194Silver grade g/t108Silver recovery %90.7%Lead tonnes produced14,917Lead grade %3.08%Lead recovery %94.3%Zinc tonnes produced9,016Zinc grade %2.07%Zinc recovery %84.9%Copper tonnes produced284Copper grade %0.21%Copper recovery %26.7%Silver Equivalent ounces produced(1)3,357,774 Totals may not add up due to rounding 
3 The Kolpa acquisition closed on May 1, 2025, therefore eight months of results are included in the year-to-date consolidated results.

About Endeavour Silver

Endeavour is a mid-tier silver producer with four operating mines in Mexico and Peru and a robust pipeline of exploration projects across Mexico, Chile, and the United States. With a proven track record of discovery, development, and responsible mining, Endeavour is driving organic growth and creating lasting value on its path to becoming a leading senior silver producer.

Qualified Person

Dale Mah, P.Geo., Vice President Corporate Development, a qualified person under NI 43-101, has approved the scientific and technical information related to operations matters in this news release.

Q4 2025 Financial Results and Conference Call

Q4 2025 financial results will be released before market open on Friday February 27, 2026, and Management will host a conference call the same day at 10:00 a.m. PST / 1:00 p.m. EST to discuss the results.

Date:Friday February 27, 2026  Time:10:00am PST / 1:00pm EST  Telephone:Canada & US + 1-833-752-3348 International + 1-647-846-2804  Replay:Canada & US +1- 855-669-9658 International +1-412-317-0088 Access code is 2019594; audio replay will be available on the Company’s website Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Such forward-looking statements and information herein include but are not limited to statements regarding the advancement of Endeavour’s portfolio and strengthening of its financial foundation; Endeavour’s focus on disciplined growth and delivering long-term value; operational plans at Terronera; the release of Edneavour’s financial results and the timing and results of various activities, including the timeline for closing the sale of Bolanitos. The Company does not intend to and does not assume any obligation to update such forward-looking statements or information, other than as required by applicable law.

Forward-looking statements or information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, production levels, performance or achievements of Endeavour and its operations to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements. Such factors include but are not limited to unexpected changes in production and costs guidance; the ongoing effects of inflation and supply chain issues on the Terronera Project economics; changes in national and local governments’ legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments in Canada, Chile, the USA, Mexico and Peru; financial risks due to precious metals prices; operating or technical difficulties in mineral exploration, development and mining activities; risks and hazards of mineral exploration, development and mining (including, but not limited to environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected geological conditions, pressures, cave-ins and flooding); inadequate insurance, or inability to obtain insurance; availability of and costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development; diminishing quantities or grades of mineral reserves as properties are mined; risks in obtaining necessary licenses and permits; fluctuations in the prices of silver and gold; fluctuations in currency markets (particularly the Mexican peso, Peruvian sol, Chilean peso, Canadian dollar and U.S. dollar); and challenges to the Company’s title to properties; as well as those factors described in the section “Risk Factors” contained in the Company’s most recent form 40F/Annual Information Form and the Prospectus Supplement Dated April 3, 2025 filed with the S.E.C. and Canadian securities regulatory authorities.

Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including but not limited to: the continued operation of the Company’s mining operations, no material adverse change in the market price of commodities, forecasted mine economics, mining operations will operate and the mining products will be completed in accordance with management’s expectations and achieve their stated production outcomes, and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or information, there may be other factors that cause results to be materially different from those anticipated, described, estimated, assessed or intended. There can be no assurance that any forward-looking statements or information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

BT Group PLC (LSE:BT.A) is heading into its third-quarter results with investor attention once again fixed on Openreach line losses, but analysts at Citi argue that the more important issue lies further downstream in the consumer business.

In a note ahead of the results on 5 February, Citi said Openreach broadband losses are likely to dominate headlines, as they have in recent quarters.

However, it cautioned that this focus risks obscuring a deeper problem. Around 51% of Openreach revenue comes from within the BT group itself, meaning its reported performance can be supported by volumes from BT’s own retail divisions, albeit potentially at the expense of their profitability.

That dynamic helps explain why Openreach has continued to deliver revenue growth and occasional positive surprises, despite an increasingly competitive broadband market.

The cost, Citi argues, has been borne by Consumer, where pricing pressure, retention offers and weaker mix have steadily eroded earnings expectations.

Over the past year, Consumer has accounted for £105 million of the £131 million downgrade to group EBITDA forecasts for 2026/27, according to Citi, with expectations for future growth also being pared back.

By contrast, Openreach has so far held up better than feared.

Citi reiterated its 'sell' rating on BT with a target price of £1.40, suggesting the market remains too focused on infrastructure metrics while underestimating the structural pressure on consumer telecoms returns.

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.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fortuna Mining Corp. (NYSE: FSM | TSX: FVI) is pleased to report that, from Tuesday, December 23, 2025, through Wednesday, January 7, 2026, the Company repurchased an aggregate of 1,700,000 common shares on the open market of the New York Stock Exchange under its normal course issuer bid (NCIB). Shares were acquired at a weighted-average price of $10.01 per share for a total gross consideration of $17,019,894, excluding brokerage fees. All repurchased shares will be cancelled. To date, Fortuna has repurchased approximately 11 percent of the 15,347,999 shares authorized under the NCIB (refer to Fortuna news release dated April 30, 2025).

Fortuna’s organic growth pipeline in West Africa continues to advance on multiple fronts. At Diamba Sud, early works are underway, with engineering and procurement activities progressing and ground broken for the new accommodation camp. Supported by the robust PEA economics (refer to Fortuna news release dated October 15, 2025), the Company is advancing a feasibility study targeted for the second quarter of 2026 and is progressing the following:

Continuing the early works program to materially de-risk the execution schedule ahead of full development.Securing approval of the environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) in the first quarter of 2026.Applying for and receiving an exploitation permit before the expiry of the exploration permit in June 2026, positioning Diamba Sud for a construction decision soon thereafter.
At Séguéla, a processing plant expansion feasibility study is underway to evaluate options to support long-term production growth driven by ongoing resource expansion, including the potential future incorporation of underground mineralization at the Sunbird deposit into the mine plan.

About Fortuna Mining Corp.

Fortuna Mining Corp. is a Canadian precious metals mining company with three operating mines and a portfolio of exploration projects in Argentina, Côte d’Ivoire, Mexico, and Peru, as well as the Diamba Sud Gold Project in Senegal. Sustainability is at the core of our operations and stakeholder relationships. We produce gold and silver while creating long-term shared value through efficient production, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility. For more information, please visit our website.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Jorge A. Ganoza
President, CEO, and Director
Fortuna Mining Corp.

Investor Relations:
Carlos Baca | [email protected] | fortunamining.com | X | LinkedIn | YouTube

Forward-looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements which constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively, “Forward-looking Statements”). All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, are Forward-looking Statements and are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those reflected in the Forward-looking Statements. The Forward-looking Statements in this news release include, without limitation, statements relating to Fortuna’s intentions with respect to the NCIB and the effects of repurchases of common shares thereunder, including any enhancement to shareholder value; the expected timing of the completion of a feasibility study, securing approval of the ESIA, receiving an exploitation permit, and making a construction decision at Diamba Sud; statements regarding the potential future incorporation of underground mineralization at the Sunbird deposit into the mine plan at Séguéla; as well as Fortuna’s capital priorities and its business strategy, plans and outlook. Often, but not always, these Forward-looking Statements can be identified by the use of words such as “expected”, “estimated”, “potential”, “open”, “future”, “assumed”, “projected”, “used”, “detailed”, “has been”, “gain”, “planned”, “reflecting”, “will”, “anticipated”, “estimated” “containing”, “remaining”, “to be”, or statements that events, “could” or “should” occur or be achieved and similar expressions, including negative variations.

Forward-looking Statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Forward-looking Statements. Such uncertainties and factors include, among others, operational risks associated with mining and mineral processing; uncertainty relating to Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates; uncertainty relating to capital and operating costs, production schedules and economic returns; risks relating to the Company’s ability to replace its Mineral Reserves; risks related to the conversion of Mineral Resources to Mineral Reserves; uncertainty relating to the repatriation of funds as a result of currency controls; environmental matters including obtaining or renewing environmental permits and potential liability claims; uncertainty relating to nature and climate conditions; laws and regulations regarding the protection of the environment (including greenhouse gas emission reduction and other decarbonization requirements and the uncertainty surrounding the interpretation of omnibus Bill C-59 and the related amendments to the Competition Act (Canada); risks relating to the termination of the Company’s mining concessions in certain circumstances; developing and maintaining relationships with local communities and stakeholders; risks related to the Company’s ability to obtain adequate financing for planned exploration and development activities; legislative or regulatory developments; any significant changes to common share price or trading volume; continued availability of capital and financing; changes to general economic, market or business conditions; business opportunities that become available to, or are pursued by, Fortuna; operational risks associated with mining and mineral processing; risks associated with war, hostilities or other conflicts, such as the Ukrainian – Russian conflict and the Israel – Hamas war, and the impacts such conflicts may have on global economic activity; risks related to the Company’s ability to obtain adequate financing for planned exploration and development activities; as well as those factors discussed under “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Information Form for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in Forward-looking Statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended.

Forward-looking Statements contained herein are based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management, including but not limited to prevailing and further market prices for Fortuna’s common shares; that Fortuna’s future results of operations will be consistent with past performance and management expectations in relation thereto; the continued availability of capital; future cash flow and debt levels; that there will be no material adverse change affecting the Company, its properties or its production estimates (which assume accuracy of projected head grade, mining rates, recovery timing, and recovery rate estimates and may be impacted by unscheduled maintenance, labor and contractor availability and other operating or technical difficulties); that there will be no significant disruptions affecting the Company’s operations; the accuracy of the Company’s current Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates; the duration and effect of global and local inflation; the duration and impacts of geo-political uncertainties on the Company’s production, workforce, business, operations and financial condition; the expected trends in mineral prices, inflation and currency exchange rates; that all required approvals and permits will be obtained for the Company’s business and operations on acceptable terms; that there will be no significant disruptions affecting the Company's operations and such other assumptions as set out herein. Forward-looking Statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any Forward-looking Statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by law. There can be no assurance that these Forward-looking Statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on Forward-looking Statements.

PDF available: http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/e3f65d5e-fd59-4bcc-8ce0-1f17b41795ed

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Jay Parikh, head of Microsoft's CoreAI group. Microsoft 2026-01-08T10:00:01.243Z

Microsoft is reshuffling teams to bolster its GitHub software development platform. It's part of a plan to overhaul GitHub to compete with AI coding tools, recent meeting audio shows. GitHub faces new AI rivals such as Cursor and Claude Code as developer preferences shift. Microsoft wants to overhaul GitHub to compete with AI coding rivals and embrace AI agents, and the company has started reshuffling teams to make that happen, according to people familiar with the changes.

GitHub is a leading software development platform that Microsoft acquired in 2018. GitHub had an early lead because of its popularity as a place to store code. Lately, though, GitHub has faced more competition from AI tools such as Cursor and Anthropic's Claude Code.

Microsoft in January 2025 formed a new group focused on building AI tools under ex-Facebook engineering boss Jay Parikh. The group, called CoreAI Platform and Tools, combined Microsoft's developer division, AI platform team, and GitHub.

Still, Microsoft and GitHub have remained somewhat separate, and the company has been moving people and resources around over the past few months to better coordinate efforts such as sales, one of the people said. The latest change, happening this week, is moving a small group of Microsoft engineers over to GitHub.

The goal, the people said, is to better compete with AI coding tools that rival GitHub Copilot, while getting in the race to build AI agents and fulfill Parikh's vision to build an "agent factory."

In an internal meeting late last year, Parikh spoke about needing to overhaul GitHub to compete with Cursor and Claude Code, according to audio reviewed by Business Insider.

"GitHub is just not the place anymore where developers are storing code," Parikh said at the time. "We want it to be the center of gravity for all of AI-powered software development."

Microsoft wants GitHub's AI tools to be available wherever developers work, not just inside one app, to wants to make GitHub a kind of dashboard for managing multiple AI agents.

The latest changes are also part of what Parikh said would be new investment in improving the basic parts of GitHub. In the meeting, Parikh said those include making improvements to its GitHub Actions tool that automates building, testing, and deploying code, analytics and insights tools so teams can see how their code is performing, security for keeping the code safe, and making sure the company can meet local data storage rules to offer GitHub in new countries.

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Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of META 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.

China's commerce ministry is reviewing Meta Platforms' more-than $2 billion acquisition of Manus, a Singapore-based artificial-intelligence startup with Chinese founders.

These could be the next biotech giants.

The healthcare sector underperformed broader equities in 2025, but that shouldn't deter investors. Many companies in the industry performed relatively well and appear to be solid buy-and-hold options.

And we're not just talking about the most prominent, best-known healthcare leaders on the market. Plenty of smaller players in the field are worth serious consideration, too.

Let's consider two such companies in the biotech industry: Axsome Therapeutics (AXSM 0.69%) and Exelixis (EXEL +5.79%). Here's why both are worth investing in and holding on to through 2026 and beyond.

Image source: Getty Images.

1. Axsome Therapeutics Over the past few years, Axsome Therapeutics has made slow and steady clinical and regulatory progress. The company's lineup of approved products now features Auvelity for depression, Symbravo for migraines, and Sunosi for daytime sleepiness due to narcolepsy, which it acquired from Jazz Pharmaceuticals.

Axsome Therapeutics still has several upcoming catalysts that will allow it to expand its lineup and generate stronger revenue. The biotech is inching closer to earning approval for Auvelity in Alzheimer's disease agitation, an area with high unmet need, considering the fact that some 5 million AD patients in the U.S. alone experience agitation, but there is only one approved medicine for it. Auvelity could exceed blockbuster status in this indication alone.

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Axsome has other candidates expected to earn approval soon. The company is nearing the submission of an application for AXS-12 in the treatment of narcolepsy. Several other programs are also undergoing late-stage studies. These include AXS-14 in fibromyalgia and Sunosi in ADHD.

Meanwhile, Axsome's top line was pretty strong throughout 2025. Through the first nine months of 2025, the company recorded $442.5 million in revenue, representing a 65.8% increase compared to the same period last year.

And the company's late-stage pipeline candidates could address the needs of millions of patients, including in some areas with few treatment options, such as AD agitation. New launches will help boost revenue and, eventually, enable Axsome Therapeutics to turn a profit. That's what makes the stock attractive to hold over the next five years.

2. Exelixis Exelixis, a specialist in oncology, relies on a single product for revenue and earnings growth. The company's Cabometyx is approved for use across a range of different cancers, including some forms of liver and kidney cancer. Exelixis is the most-prescribed tyrosine kinase inhibitor (a kind of cancer drug) in renal cell carcinoma, the most common kidney cancer.

The therapy has routinely won more indications and has proved to be a pipeline in a drug. Through Sept. 30, 2025, Exelixis recorded revenue of $1.7 billion, up almost 7.5% compared to the first nine months of 2024. Further, Exelixis has successfully defended its patent rights and shouldn't face generic competition for its crown jewel until the next decade. 

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Exelixis successfully establishing itself in a corner of the highly competitive oncology market, dominated by the largest drugmakers, is quite impressive. Exelixis is also working diligently to develop new products, and we can expect to see some progress in this area for the company in 2026. Last year, Exelixis announced strong phase 3 results for its next-gen cancer medicine, Zanzalintinib, in metastatic colorectal cancer.

There is a good chance we will see a regulatory submission relatively soon. This is important. Not only will it allow Exelixis to decrease its exposure to Cabometyx and start planning for life after that patent cliff, but the biotech is also entering a market where there is a high need.

Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the world, despite being highly treatable when caught early. But once it metastasizes, current treatment options are mostly inadequate, and Zanzalintinib could help change that. It could generate strong sales for Exelixis over the next decade.

And the biotech will continue to develop newer cancer medicines, given its proven expertise in the field and a lineup that features programs across all stages of development. The stock appears to be a buy entering 2026.

The Trump administration is preparing for a high-stakes meeting with Danish officials next week, seeking to discuss how the U.S. can acquire the world's largest island.

The White House has spoken frequently about taking control of Greenland in the wake of a weekend military operation to depose Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, raising alarm in Europe about Washington's territorial ambitions.

President Donald Trump, who has long coveted making Greenland a part of the United States, has said the mineral-rich and sparsely populated island is integral to national security and insisted he's "very serious" about trying to acquire it.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has since urged Trump to "stop the threats," while Greenland's leader described the notion of U.S. control over the territory as a "fantasy."

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Wednesday that he intends to convene with senior government officials next week to discuss the situation. It comes after a request from Denmark's Foreign Minister Lokke Rasmussen and his Greenlandic counterpart, Vivian Motzfeldt.

CNBC takes a look at four key issues ahead of the meeting.

Military action or island purchase Speaking on Wednesday, Rubio was asked by a reporter if he would withdraw the option of using the U.S. military to take over Greenland.

"I'm not here to talk about Denmark or military intervention," Rubio said, before reiterating his plans to meet with Danish officials next week. "We'll have conversations with them then, but I'm not adding things further ... to that today."

His comments came as the White House confirmed that Trump and his national security team were "actively" discussing a potential offer to buy Greenland — and that while diplomacy has always been the first option, all options, including military force, remain on the table.

Trump previously sought to buy Greenland in 2019 during his first term as U.S. president, only to be told the island was not for sale.

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The prospect of U.S. military action in Greenland, meanwhile, triggered a strong response from Denmark's Frederiksen.

"I believe that the U.S. president should be taken seriously when he says that he wants Greenland," Frederiksen told Danish broadcaster TV2 on Monday, according to a CNBC translation.

"But I also want to make it clear, that if the United States chooses to attack another NATO country militarily, then everything stops. That is, including our NATO and thus the security that has been provided since the end of the Second World War," she added.

Top Republican and Democrat lawmakers have also pushed back on the idea of using military force to take over Greenland.

Europe's responseEuropean leaders, who had previously been reluctant to exercise megaphone diplomacy in defense of Greenland, changed tack earlier in the week.

"The Kingdom of Denmark – including Greenland – is part of NATO," a joint letter published by several European leaders said on Tuesday.

"Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland," they added.

Rasmus Sinding Søndergaard, senior researcher with the foreign policy and diplomacy department at the Danish Institute for International Studies, said diplomatic engagement should be the primary focus for European policymakers when they sit down with Rubio next week.

Other avenues for European lawmakers to consider include further robust political statements, lobbying U.S. officials who do not want to see any military action in Greenland and, potentially, threats of economic retaliation, Søndergaard said.

He conceded, however, that there were likely limitations for Europe in case of a worst-case scenario where the U.S. seeks to take Greenland by force, citing other security concerns for European countries, namely Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

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"Greenland is a territory that is not very easily defended militarily. There is very little infrastructure, and it is obviously a very large island, so this idea of having some sort of military defense is not really what we're looking at here," Søndergaard told CNBC's "Europe Early Edition" on Thursday.

Independence Opinion polls have previously shown that Greenlanders overwhelmingly oppose U.S. control, while a strong majority support independence from Denmark.

Tony Sage, CEO of Critical Metals, which is developing one of the world's largest rare earth assets in southern Greenland, said one aspect of the situation that seems to have been overlooked is that most Greenlanders favor independence.

"I believe — having a lot of experience in Greenland over the last two years, personally — but our partner, who's been there 20 years, knows the people very well. They're very staunch, and they want independence," Sage told CNBC's "The China Connection" on Thursday.

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"So, I believe they will go for independence when they announce their referendum, and that's where Denmark and the U.S. have really got to come to grips with the situation," he continued. "Who's going to be the biggest benefactor of that independence if they, in fact, do go ahead with the referendum."

Greenland, a self-governing Danish territory of around 57,000 people, was granted greater autonomy over its affairs in 2009 through a self-government act, although Denmark remains responsible for the island's foreign and defense policies.

The act also gave the island the right to hold an independence referendum. Most Greenlandic political parties support independence, although they are split over the pace with which to reach it.

Arctic security In setting his sights on the vast and sparsely populated Arctic island once again, Trump suggested that Russia and China pose a security challenge to the U.S. in Greenland.

"It's so strategic," Trump told reporters onboard Air Force One on Sunday. "Right now, Greenland is covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place. We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security."

Analysts, however, have questioned Trump's assertion that Greenland must be acquired on national security grounds, while European leaders have said Arctic security is an objective that must be achieved collectively.

Marion Messmer, director of the International Security Programme at London's Chatham House think tank, acknowledged that it is true to say that both Russia and China have increased their military activities in the Arctic in recent years — and, if Moscow launched missiles at the U.S., they would likely fly over Greenland.

"However, what is not clear is why Washington needs full control over Greenland to defend itself," Messmer said in a written analysis published Tuesday.

She cited the fact that the U.S. already has a presence at Pituffik Space Base, as well as a decades-old defense agreement with Denmark that allows Washington to continue to use it.

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 8, 2026) - Myriad Uranium Corp. (CSE: M) (OTCQB: MYRUF) (FSE: C3Q) ("Myriad" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a binding and updated letter of intent (the "LOI") dated January 7, 2026 with Rush Rare Metals Corp. ("Rush"), in relation to a proposed merger transaction (the "Merger") under which Myriad would acquire 100% of the issued and outstanding common shares of Rush (the "Rush Shares") pursuant to a statutory plan of arrangement (the "Arrangement"). This binding and updated LOI follows the previously announced non-binding LOI announced on August 6, 2025 which expired in October 2025, and reflects the ongoing belief of both parties that a merger of the companies is in their mutual best interests.

Under the terms of the LOI, Myriad will acquire all of the Rush Shares by issuing one Myriad common share (each, a "Myriad Share") for every 1.85 Rush Shares issued and outstanding, resulting in an exchange ratio of one (1) Rush Share to 0.5405 Myriad Shares (the "Exchange Ratio"). In addition, all of Rush's convertible securities would cease to be exercisable for Rush Shares and would instead be exercisable for Myriad Shares, with appropriate adjustments made to reflect the Exchange Ratio under the Arrangement.

Based on the Closing Prices on the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE") of C$0.425 per Myriad Share and C$0.195 per Rush Share on January 6, 2025, the last business day prior to the date of execution of the LOI, the Exchange Ratio represents a premium to Rush shareholders of 18%. Based on a 20-day Volume Weighted Average Price ("VWAP") for the 20 business days prior to the execution of the LOI, the Exchange Ratio represents a premium to Rush shareholders of 22%.

As previously announced, Rush will create a subsidiary ("Rush Spinco") to which it will transfer all of its right, title and interest in and to its Boxi Property in Quebec, and as part of the Arrangement, shareholders of Rush as of the effective date and time of the completion of the Merger would receive shares of Rush Spinco, in addition to the Myriad Shares they will receive under the proposed Merger. Myriad's focus is wholly on achieving 100% ownership of Copper Mountain Uranium Project in Wyoming and continuing to unlock its value and the value of its Red Basin Project in New Mexico as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Myriad and Rush are parties to a property option agreement (the "Option Agreement") dated as of October 18, 2023, as amended, pursuant to which Myriad has earned a 75% interest in Copper Mountain by incurring over $5.5 million in eligible expenditures on the property.

Believing that unified ownership of Copper Mountain is significantly more valuable than the aggregate values of separate ownership, the boards of directors of Myriad and Rush have determined that the Merger is in the best interests of the shareholders of both companies and that the Merger is also the fastest and most efficient way to unify ownership of Copper Mountain in Myriad. They have also determined that consolidating ownership of the Copper Mountain also greatly simplifies and streamlines ongoing operations and decision-making in relation to the project.

Myriad CEO Thomas Lamb commented: "Strong results from our Fall 2024 drill program, continued exploration success through 2025, and the discovery of substantial additional historical data at Copper Mountain have significantly enhanced our understanding of both the project and the broader district. Notably, this includes the U.S. Department of Energy's Bendix report from 1982, which estimated Copper Mountain's uranium endowment as among the largest in the United States. Against this backdrop, it makes eminent sense to consolidate 100% ownership as efficiently as possible.

Having earned a 75% interest under the existing option agreement, we believe that a merger with Rush represents the most direct and effective path to full ownership. This outcome is clearly in the best interests of both Myriad and Rush. Myriad is well financed to continue advancing Copper Mountain through additional drilling and exploration, and our technical team is delivering strong results in de-risking the project while steadily expanding our geological and data-driven understanding of its scale and potential.

Full ownership would allow both sets of shareholders to benefit from increased sector momentum, greater market traction, and a unified strategy as we continue to unlock value at Copper Mountain. The project exhibits large-scale potential at a time when secure domestic sources of uranium are becoming increasingly critical.

I would like to personally thank the Rush team for being excellent partners at Copper Mountain over the past several years and for their collaboration in helping to define the project's full potential. We look forward to welcoming Rush shareholders as shareholders of Myriad."

Under the LOI, the parties have agreed to use commercially reasonable best efforts to negotiate and enter into a definitive agreement respecting the Merger within thirty (30) days of the execution of the LOI. The parties will continue to work diligently toward completion of the transaction and will provide further updates as warranted.

While the LOI is binding on both parties, until replaced by an executed definitive agreement, Closing of the Transaction remains subject to a number of conditions, including completion of final due diligence by both companies, negotiation and execution of an appropriate definitive agreement, approval of the Rush shareholders in general meeting, approval of the British Columbia Supreme Court, and approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE"). Following completion of the Merger, Rush would become a wholly owned subsidiary of Myriad and would be delisted from the CSE. It is not anticipated that the transaction will require approval of Myriad shareholders.

About Myriad Uranium Corp.

Myriad Uranium Corp. is a uranium exploration company which holds a 75% interest in the Copper Mountain Uranium Project in Wyoming, USA. Copper Mountain hosts several known uranium deposits and historic uranium mines, including the Arrowhead Mine which produced 500,000 lbs U3O8. Copper Mountain saw extensive drilling and development by Union Pacific during the late 1970s including the development of a mine plan to fuel a planned fleet of California Edison reactors. Operations ceased in 1980 before mining could commence due to falling uranium prices. Approximately 2,000 boreholes have been drilled at Copper Mountain, and the Project has significant exploration upside. Union Pacific is estimated to have spent C$117 million (2024 dollars) exploring and developing Copper Mountain, generating significant historical resource estimates. The Company also holds a 100% interest in the Red Basin Uranium Project in New Mexico, which has a near-surface mineralisation, with significant upside potential. Our Crux Investor overview page including recent interviews can be viewed here. The Company's presentation can be viewed here. News releases regarding historical drilling can be viewed here and here. News releases regarding chemical assays of 2024 Copper Mountain drilling can be viewed here and here. A news release detailing a comprehensive assessment of Copper Mountain's uranium endowment by Bendix Engineering for the US Department of Energy published in 1982 can be viewed here.

For further information, please refer to Myriad's disclosure record on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca), contact Myriad by telephone at +1.604.418.2877, or refer to Myriad's website at www.myriaduranium.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking information" that is based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections. This forward-looking information includes, among other things, Myriad's business, plans, outlook and business strategy. The words "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "likely", "expect," "anticipate," "intend", "estimate", "plan", "forecast", "project" and "believe" or other similar words and phrases are intended to identify forward-looking information. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, including statements regarding future estimates, plans, objectives, timing, assumptions or expectations of future performance are forward-looking statements and contain forward-looking information, including, but not limited to: the terms of the Merger, the completion of the Merger, including receipt of required shareholder, regulatory, court and CSE approvals; the ability of the parties to satisfy, in a timely manner, the other conditions to the closing of the Merger; the prospects of the combined company following completion of the Merger; that the anticipated benefits of the Merger will be realized; the anticipated timing of completion of the Merger; and the delisting of the Rush Shares following the Merger. Forward-looking information also involves known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual events or results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future events or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking information or statements, including, among others: the failure to obtain shareholder, regulatory, court or CSE approvals in connection with the Merger, failure to complete the Merger, failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the Merger or implement the business plan for the combined company, negative operating cash flow and dependence on third party financing, uncertainty of additional financing, no known current mineral reserves or resources, reliance on key management and other personnel, potential downturns in economic conditions, actual results of exploration activities being different than anticipated, changes in exploration programs based upon results, and risks generally associated with the mineral exploration industry, environmental risks, changes in laws and regulations, community relations and delays in obtaining governmental or other approvals and the risk factors with respect to Myriad and with respect to Rush set out in the companies' most recent annual management discussion and analysis and other filings which have been filed with the Canadian securities regulators and available under Myriad's and Rush's respective profiles on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Although Myriad has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or implied by 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 forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. Myriad undertakes no obligation to update or reissue forward-looking information as a result of new information or events except as required by applicable securities laws.

The CSE has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this news release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/279794

Source: Myriad Uranium Corp.

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Credit: Deepanker Verma from Pexels Google and startup Character.AI have settled lawsuits filed by families accusing artificial intelligence chatbots of harming minors, including contributing to a Florida teenager's suicide, according to court filings Wednesday.

The settlements cover lawsuits filed in Florida, Colorado, New York and Texas, according to the legal filings, though they still require finalization and court approval.

"Parties have agreed to a mediated settlement in principle to resolve all claims between them," the Florida filing stated.

The terms of the settlement were not disclosed.

The cases include one from Megan Garcia, whose 14-year-old son Sewell Setzer Jr. took his own life in February 2024.

Garcia's lawsuit alleged her son became emotionally dependent on a "Game of Thrones"-inspired chatbot on Character.AI, a platform that allows users to interact with fictional characters.

Setzer's death was the first in a series of reported suicides linked to AI chatbots that emerged last year, prompting scrutiny of ChatGPT-maker OpenAI and other artificial intelligence companies over child safety.

Google was connected to the case through a $2.7 billion licensing deal it agreed to in 2024 with Character.AI.

The tech giant also hired Character.AI founders Noam Shazeer and Daniel De Freitas—both former Google employees who rejoined the tech giant as part of that deal.

A spokesperson for Character.AI declined to comment. Garcia and Google did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Character.AI announced in October it would eliminate chat capabilities for users under 18 following the uproar over the suicide case.

© 2026 AFP

Citation: Google, Character.AI agree to settle suits involving teen suicide (2026, January 8) retrieved 8 January 2026 from https://techxplore.com/news/2026-01-google-characterai-involving-teen-suicide.html

This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Here are three stocks with buy ranks and strong growth characteristics for investors to consider today, January 8:

Micron Technology, Inc. (MU - Free Report) : This memory and storage products company carries a Zacks Rank #1, and has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 93.3% over the last 60 days.

Micron Technology has a PEG ratio of 0.21 compared with 1.16 for the industry. The company possesses a  Growth Score of A.

Eli Lilly and Company (LLY - Free Report) : This large-cap pharmaceutical company carries a Zacks Rank #1, and has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its next year earnings increasing nearly 6% over the last 60 days.

Eli Lilly has a PEG ratio of 0.77 compared with 1.31 for the industry. The company possesses a Growth Score of B.

Skillsoft Corp. (SKIL - Free Report) : This instructor-led training services company carries a Zacks Rank #1, and has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 19.8% over the last 60 days.

Skillsoft has a PEG ratio of 0.20 compared with 0.75 for the industry. The company possesses a Growth Score of B.

See the full list of top ranked stocks here.

Learn more about the Growth score and how it is calculated here.

Bitcoin trades at $ 91,405 at the time of writing, holding steady as analysts revisit the role of hidden Bitcoin holdings tied to sanctioned states and entities. These so-called “shadow” reserves do not appear in official disclosures and often rely on opaque methods such as illicit transfers, covert mining, or off-chain settlements.

Who controls the largest hidden pools of Bitcoin, and how do analysts track them?

1. Venezuela and the Alleged $60 Billion Bitcoin ReserveVenezuela stands at the center of current speculation. Intelligence-style reports claim the country accumulated between 600,000 and 660,000 Bitcoin since 2018, placing its value between $60 billion and $67 billion at current prices. Reports link the buildup to gold exports, oil sales settled in USDT, and seized domestic mining operations.

According to these accounts, Venezuela converted gold sales between 2018 and 2020 into Bitcoin at an average price near $5,000. Later, the state oil company PDVSA reportedly accepted USDT for crude exports from 2023 to 2025, then converted the stablecoins into BTC to reduce exposure to sanctions. 

Analysts stress that no on-chain evidence confirms these figures, yet the scale alone keeps Venezuela at the top of shadow reserve discussions.

2. North Korea’s Cyber-Fueled Bitcoin AccumulationNorth Korea does not rely on mining or purchases to build Bitcoin exposure. Instead, the regime depends heavily on cybercrime. United Nations estimates show North Korea-linked hackers stole more than $630 million in crypto during 2022 and $1.34 billion during 2024. In early 2025, the Lazarus Group drained $1.4 billion in Ethereum from the Bybit exchange.

These thefts often include Bitcoin and later conversions into BTC through decentralized platforms. Analysts link these funds to weapons development and foreign currency needs. Laundering tactics include wallet hopping, mixers, and decentralized exchanges, which complicate attribution and tracking.

3. Bitcoin Mining in Russia’s Shadow TerritoriesRussia-linked shadow territories such as Donbas, Transnistria, and Abkhazia host large-scale Bitcoin mining operations. These regions benefit from near-zero energy costs and weak regulatory oversight. Mining produces new Bitcoin with no transaction history, which appeals to actors seeking clean coins.

Analysts say these operations support sanctions evasion, influence campaigns, and personal enrichment. While no official reserve exists, the steady output of newly mined BTC creates a persistent shadow supply that feeds illicit and gray-market channels tied to sanctioned networks.

4. China’s Gray-Market Bitcoin ChannelsChina banned public crypto trading in 2021, yet demand continues through over-the-counter desks and offshore platforms. Mainland investors access Bitcoin using USDT, private brokers, and nested exchange services. Chainalysis data shows OTC Bitcoin demand from mainland China has grown sharply since the ban.

While analysts doubt systematic state accumulation, rumors persist that Chinese authorities still hold roughly 15,000 BTC from PlusToken seizures. Courts in China recognize Bitcoin as property, which allows continued informal use. This gray-market activity creates hidden demand rather than a centralized reserve, yet it still shapes global liquidity.

5. Sanctioned Darknet Markets and ExchangesDarknet platforms such as Hydra Market once handled massive Bitcoin flows tied to ransomware, drugs, and illicit services. Before its shutdown, Hydra processed billions of dollars in BTC and funneled funds through Russian exchanges. Blockchain researchers found that most illicit Bitcoin entering Russian platforms in 2019 traced back to Hydra.

Although Hydra no longer operates, similar OFAC-listed entities continue to route Bitcoin through layered wallets and mixing services. These networks do not hold reserves in the traditional sense, yet they control significant shadow liquidity that analysts track through illicit flow analysis.

Why Shadow Holdings MatterShadow Bitcoin holdings influence liquidity, enforcement strategies, and geopolitical risk. Analysts rely on transaction patterns, seizure records and intelligence reports rather than balance sheets. 

As Bitcoin matures, scrutiny of hidden supply intensifies. The question remains simple yet unresolved. How much Bitcoin truly sits beyond the reach of public ledgers?

Anas Hassan

Crypto Journalist

Anas Hassan

Part of the Team Since

Jun 2025

About Author

Anas is a crypto native journalist and SEO writer with over five years of writing experience covering blockchain, crypto, DeFi, and emerging tech.

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Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin argued in his latest post that the network must prioritize bandwidth scaling over latency reduction, noting that physics and the requirements of decentralization fundamentally limit how quickly blockchain consensus can operate.

His technical explanation positions Ethereum as “the world heartbeat” rather than a high-frequency transaction processor, with Layer 2 networks handling speed-intensive applications.

Buterin’s posts follow Ethereum’s recent technical breakthroughs addressing the blockchain trilemma through zero-knowledge EVMs and PeerDAS technology, combined with accelerating on-chain adoption, which has driven 110% growth in new addresses since December’s Fusaka upgrade.

Increasing bandwidth is safer than reducing latency

With PeerDAS and ZKPs, we know how to scale, and potentially we can scale thousands of times compared to the status quo. The numbers become far more favorable than before (eg. see analysis here, pre and post-sharding…

— vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) January 8, 2026 Bandwidth Scaling Offers Safe Path ForwardButerin explained that increasing bandwidth is a safer technical approach than reducing block times.

“With PeerDAS and ZKPs, we know how to scale, and potentially we can scale thousands of times compared to the status quo,” he wrote, noting that no fundamental physics prevents combining extreme scale with decentralization.

Latency reduction faces greater constraints from the speed of light and the need to support nodes in rural environments worldwide, including home setups outside data centers.

The network must also maintain censorship resistance and anonymity for validators while ensuring economic viability for geographically distributed staking operations.

Buterin acknowledged that moderate improvements remain possible through P2P enhancements and reduced validator counts per slot, potentially delivering 3-6x latency gains to reach 2-4 second block times.

Beyond those limits, the network hits insurmountable physical and economic barriers that cannot be solved through engineering alone.

AI Applications Demand City-Scale InfrastructureThe Ethereum founder argued that artificial intelligence will inevitably require faster infrastructure than any global blockchain can provide.

“If an AI can think 1000x faster than humans, then to the AI, the ‘subjective speed of light’ is only 300 km/s,” Buterin explained, noting that AI agents communicating at machine speed can only achieve near-instant responses within city-scale distances.

This reality means hyper-local applications will require dedicated Layer 2 chains optimized for specific geographic regions or even individual buildings.

While Ethereum’s base layer serves planetary coordination needs, its rollup ecosystem will handle both localized high-speed requirements and expanded global capacity demands.

Buterin dismissed suggestions that Ethereum should become “the world video game server,” instead positioning the mainnet as fundamental infrastructure providing trustless consensus for higher-layer applications.

“Ethereum belongs to Terra, and its L2s will serve both hyper-localized needs in its cities, and hyper-scaled needs planet-wide,” he wrote.

Technical Constraints Define Realistic LimitsButerin’s 2021 analysis on blockchain scaling established concrete boundaries for node requirements.

Computing power faces practical limits around 5-10% of CPU capacity for block verification due to DoS attack margins, offline sync requirements, battery life considerations, and background network tasks.

Bandwidth constraints similarly limit throughput despite advertised connection speeds, with usable capacity far below theoretical maximums due to multiple applications, provider reliability issues, and peer-to-peer network overhead.

Storage requirements max out around 512 gigabytes for consumer hardware, with larger databases creating exponential verification costs as size increases.

The combination creates interaction effects in which database access costs scale logarithmically with size, meaning a 4x increase in state could result in a 6x increase in verification time.

These fundamental limitations persist even with technical improvements like statelessness and state expiry.

In a separate post today, Buterin compared Ethereum to Linux and BitTorrent, emphasizing how both technologies combine decentralization with mass-scale adoption.

“Linux is quietly depended on by billions of people and enterprises worldwide,” he wrote, noting that governments and major corporations rely on open-source infrastructure without compromising its foundational principles.

One metaphor for Ethereum is BitTorrent, and how that p2p network combines decentralization and mass scale. Ethereum's goal is to do the same thing but with consensus.

Another metaphor for Ethereum is Linux.

* Linux is free and open source software, and does not compromise on…

— vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) January 8, 2026 The comparison suggests that Ethereum can serve both purist users who demand maximum autonomy and enterprise clients seeking resilient infrastructure.

“What we call trustlessness, they call prudent counterparty risk minimization,” Buterin observed, highlighting alignment between crypto values and corporate risk management.

Recent network data support growing institutional confidence, with new address creation reaching 292,000 per day following December’s Fusaka upgrade.

At the same time, major financial institutions, including JPMorgan and Deutsche Bank, are developing Ethereum-based tokenization products for deployment across global markets.

Trusted Editorial content, reviewed by leading industry experts and seasoned editors. Ad Disclosure

Data shows the Bitcoin transfer volume has been following a long-term decline, suggesting network activity has been shrinking despite price growth.

Bitcoin Total Transfer Volume Has Been Going Down As explained by CryptoQuant author Axel Adler Jr in a new post on X, the Total Transfer Volume has steadily been declining for Bitcoin since January 2023. This metric measures, as its name suggests, the total amount of the cryptocurrency that’s becoming involved in transactions on the blockchain every day.

When the value of this metric rises, it means the investors are ramping up their transfer activity. Such a trend may be a sign that trading interest in the asset is going up.

On the other hand, the indicator registering a drop suggests holders are moving around fewer tokens, potentially because the market isn’t attracting their attention.

Now, here’s the chart for the Bitcoin Total Transfer Volume (denominated in BTC) shared by Adler Jr that shows the trend in its 30-day and 365-day simple moving averages (SMAs) over the last decade:

Looks like both of these SMAs have been heading down since a while now | Source: @AxelAdlerJr on X As displayed in the above graph, the Bitcoin Total Transfer Volume saw its 30-day SMA plummet during the 2022 bear market. This trend isn’t anything unusual, as bearish phases with long stretches of consolidation tend to be boring for investors, so they tend to shift their interest away from the cryptocurrency.

The sharp decline in the metric ended at the start of 2023, but interestingly, even though BTC has seen a significant amount of price appreciation since then, the Total Transfer Volume has only continued to slide further, albeit this time at a more gradual pace.

As the analyst has highlighted in the chart, the 30-day SMA has been following this slow decline for three years now. The 365-day has followed a bit of a delayed trajectory, with its phase of gradual downtrend only beginning in late 2023, naturally due to the fact that it’s a long-term average.

One factor behind the cooldown in Bitcoin network activity could be the introduction of spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the United States at the start of 2024. These investment vehicles allow for an off-chain route of investment into the asset, so the activity occurring on-chain no longer captures the full picture.

In some other news, the Bitcoin Coinbase Premium Gap saw a breakout into the positive territory alongside the asset’s recent recovery above $94,000, as CryptoQuant community analyst Maartunn has pointed out in an X post.

The data for the BTC Coinbase Premium Gap over the last couple of weeks | Source: @JA_Maartun on X The Coinbase Premium Gap measures the difference between the asset’s price listed on Coinbase (USD pair) and that on Binance (USDT pair), so it being positive suggests that the former’s userbase, made up of American institutional entities, applied a higher amount of buying pressure than the latter’s global userbase during the price surge.

BTC Price At the time of writing, Bitcoin is floating around $90,700, up 5.5% over the last seven days.

The price of the coin has retraced some of its recent gains | Source: BTCUSDT on TradingView Featured image from Dall-E, CryptoQuant.com, chart from TradingView.com

Editorial Process for bitcoinist is centered on delivering thoroughly researched, accurate, and unbiased content. We uphold strict sourcing standards, and each page undergoes diligent review by our team of top technology experts and seasoned editors. This process ensures the integrity, relevance, and value of our content for our readers.

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Posted: January 8, 2026

Price dips aren’t always a reset, and recent market action proves just that.

To start, the ‘new year rally’ kicked off with nearly $200 billion in inflows, which sparked a short liquidity sweep, wiping out about $500 million.

Notably, this flush hit levels we hadn’t seen since just before the pre-October crash.

Bitcoin [BTC], while not leading the rally, still pulled in close to $100 billion and even flirted with $95k. Normally, news like MSCI clearing MSTR uncertainty and the launch of the BTC ETF would have pushed it higher.

Source: TradingView (BTC/USDT)

Instead, Bitcoin ended the day down 2%, back around $90k.

What gave it away? Timing. The market was quick to flag Morgan Stanley’s BTC ETF launch and the MSCI clearance as more than just a coincidence. Instead, another round of “manipulation” chatter swept through.

To put this in context, the Q4 BTC crash was sparked by MSTR’s potential exclusion from MSCI. Fast forward to today, the recent ETF and MSCI developments aligned perfectly, giving institutions a clear dip to buy.

However, it didn’t play out that way.

Instead, Bitcoin pulled back, ETFs bled, longs got liquidated, and sentiment crept back toward “fear.”  According to AMBCrypto, this breakdown shows exactly why BTC’s dip back to $90k might not be just a “healthy” reset.

Bitcoin retreats despite two institutional catalysts  The timing of Morgan Stanley’s Bitcoin move couldn’t have been better.

On the macro side, the FUD was finally starting to fade. Technically, the New Year momentum quickly translated into real action, as BTC ETFs pulled in over $1 billion in just the first two days of trading this year. 

However, the rally didn’t last. The momentum quickly ran into resistance, and BTC ETFs saw outflows of $486 million on the 7th of January, right as news of the Bitcoin ETF filing and MSCI clearing MSTR circulated.

Source: Coinglass

Against this backdrop, Bitcoin’s dip does not appear to be a true reset.

Instead, it reflects ongoing market caution. The Coinbase Premium Index (CPI) slipped back into negative territory at ‑0.07 at press time. This signals weaker domestic demand despite seemingly bullish catalysts.

In short, the market’s reaction suggests growing sensitivity to the manipulation narrative.

From the technical angle, this backs AMBCrypto’s view: The FUD isn’t over, and BTC’s pullback looks less like dip buying and more like sentiment unwinding, keeping the risk of a deeper correction firmly on the table.

Final Thoughts Despite ETF news and MSCI clarity, Bitcoin failed to hold gains, slipped back to $90k, and saw ETF outflows, liquidations, and sentiment slide toward fear. With CPI flipping negative and traders repositioning, the move looks less like dip buying and more like lingering FUD.

Ritika Gupta is a Financial Journalist and Geopolitical Analyst at AMBCrypto, specializing in the critical intersection of world politics, economic policy, and the cryptocurrency markets. Her analysis is informed by her distinguished background, which includes professional experience at major news network. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and Psychology from Gargi College, University of Delhi. This academic training provides her with a sophisticated framework for dissecting complex issues such as international regulations, government fiscal policies, and the geopolitical forces that directly influence asset valuations. At AMBCrypto, Ritika applies this expert lens to synthesize macroeconomic data and political developments, offering readers a deeper context for market movements. She excels at explaining not just what is happening in the market, but why it is happening. Her work is dedicated to providing strategic insights that empower readers to understand the complex relationship between global events and their digital assets.

In a recent post, Vitalik Buterin used Ethereum layer1 to illustrate how a public blockchain can combine decentralization, global scale and institutional-grade trust.

Summary

Ethereum Layer1 draws lessons from BitTorrentLinux as a model for open trustEthereum as a foundational layer for finance and identityBalancing decentralization, usability and scaleTrust, open source values and long-term infrastructure Ethereum Layer1 draws lessons from BitTorrent In his latest comments shared on X, Vitalik Buterin argued that Ethereum should mirror the robustness of long-standing decentralized systems. He first referenced BitTorrent, highlighting how it has maintained its peer-to-peer structure while serving millions of users worldwide.

According to Buterin, BitTorrent proves that a decentralized network can remain unchanged at its core and still operate reliably at massive scale. Moreover, he summarized the ambition by stating that “Ethereum’s goal is to do the same thing but with consensus,” underscoring the protocol’s focus on shared agreement rather than file sharing.

He further noted that BitTorrent is relied upon by enterprises too, stressing that many businesses and even governments use it to distribute large files efficiently. However, this bittorrent scale example is not about speculation, but about infrastructure that quietly supports real-world operations.

For Ethereum, Buterin said this implies that the Layer 1 base should remain strong, open and directly accessible. It should allow individuals, companies and public bodies to interact with the network without relying on centralized middlemen, even as overall usage and on-chain activity expand.

Linux as a model for open trust Buterin then shifted his comparison to Linux, the free and open-source operating system that underpins much of today’s digital infrastructure. He argued that Linux never abandoned its core values while quietly powering systems used by billions of people around the world.

Many companies and governments depend on Linux every day for servers, infrastructure and embedded systems. Moreover, Buterin highlighted that Linux has evolved into many distinct distributions, each tailored to different needs and user profiles.

Some Linux variants are simple and designed for broad, mainstream adoption. Others, such as Arch Linux, remain minimal and highly configurable, emphasizing user control and technical purity over convenience. However, all of them ultimately rely on the same underlying open-source foundations.

In Buterin’s view, Ethereum as a Layer1 can follow a similar path. The protocol’s base layer should stay clean, robust and conservative in design. Other systems built on top, including wallets, rollups and application-specific layers, can then optimize for usability or regulatory requirements without altering the fundamental rules of the chain.

Ethereum as a foundational layer for finance and identity Expanding his argument, Buterin described Ethereum as a potential home for finance, digital identity, social tools and decentralized governance. He emphasized that the core protocol should give users full access to the network’s capabilities without forcing reliance on any single company or centralized service.

He noted that what the crypto ecosystem often calls “trustless” technology is interpreted differently in corporate environments. For many businesses, these same mechanisms are seen as tools to reduce counterparty risk and operational fragility, rather than as ideological statements about eliminating trust.

In this context, enterprise blockchain adoption becomes less about branding and more about risk management. That said, Buterin argued that predictable, rules-based infrastructure can appeal to organizations seeking systems that do not depend on the discretion or solvency of a single intermediary.

His vision positions ethereum layer1 as a neutral settlement and verification engine. Moreover, he suggested that higher layers and applications can handle user experience, compliance features and market-specific logic while the core chain focuses on security and decentralization.

Balancing decentralization, usability and scale Buterin’s message arrives as Ethereum continues to face active debates around scaling, Layer 2 architectures and protocol complexity. Since 2023, developers and researchers have intensified work on rollups, data availability improvements and roadmap changes to support higher throughput.

However, some community members worry that too much complexity at higher layers could erode accessible self-custody or tilt power toward large infrastructure providers. In response, Buterin has repeatedly stressed that layer one decentralization must remain a non-negotiable design objective.

He pointed to Linux as evidence that a minimal, conservative core can still support powerful and user-friendly systems on top. Similarly, for Ethereum, the long-term challenge is to scale transaction capacity and user access without centralizing key infrastructure or governance.

Work on scaling Ethereum networks through rollups and other techniques aims to move most user activity off the base layer. That said, Buterin’s comments underline that individuals and institutions should always retain the option to interact directly with Ethereum’s main chain if they choose.

Trust, open source values and long-term infrastructure Throughout his remarks, Buterin linked Ethereum’s roadmap to broader open-source traditions. He argued that an open source blockchain, much like Linux, can earn deep, long-term trust precisely because its rules are transparent and not controlled by one company.

According to this view, what users and enterprises ultimately seek is not blind trust, but verifiable guarantees. Moreover, the cryptographic and consensus mechanisms that enable trustless finance systems can also serve as a foundation for more resilient digital public infrastructure.

By referencing both BitTorrent and Linux, Buterin framed Ethereum as part of a multi-decade evolution of decentralized and open technologies. However, he also acknowledged that preserving these values requires constant attention as more capital, users and regulatory scrutiny converge on the ecosystem.

Looking ahead, his comparisons suggest that Ethereum’s success will be measured less by short-term market cycles and more by its durability as shared digital infrastructure. If the base layer can remain credibly neutral, decentralized and accessible while the ecosystem grows around it, Ethereum could mirror the staying power of earlier open systems.

In summary, Buterin’s vision presents Ethereum as a protocol that can remain principled while scaling for global use, drawing on lessons from BitTorrent’s resilience and Linux’s quietly dominant role in modern computing.

Francesco Antonio Russo

Web 3.0 entrepreneur for over 4 years, expert in Cryptocurrencies and Artificial Intelligence. He uses his cross-functional skills for functional and trend-following Social Media Management.

In 2026, WalletConnect plans to push deeper into digital payments, positioning walletconnect pay as a bridge between crypto users, merchants, and the traditional financial system.

Here an interview we recently did with Wallet Connect CEO on YouTube:

Summary

WalletConnect pivots from connectivity to paymentsBuilding infrastructure for mainstream crypto adoptionNeutral network for the global crypto economy WalletConnect pivots from connectivity to payments WalletConnect has unveiled an expansion into the crypto payments sector scheduled for 2026, building on a year of rapid growth. In 2025, the connectivity infrastructure provider reported 119% year-over-year growth, processing more than $400 billion in network volume across its ecosystem.

The company currently supports over 700 wallets globally and serves 55.5 million active users. Moreover, executives frame this move as a strategic shift aimed at bringing crypto payments from onchain activity into everyday commerce, including retail, online, and financial services.

WalletConnect says it wants to close the gap between digital asset ownership and real-world spending. However, rather than abandoning its core connectivity product, the firm is layering payments functionality on top of its existing infrastructure.

Building infrastructure for mainstream crypto adoption The new initiative, branded WalletConnect Pay, will target payment solution providers and point-of-sale systems as well as online platforms. It is designed to support crypto payments across e-commerce checkouts, cards, and a range of fintech applications that want to add digital asset rails.

Banks and other financial institutions are expected to be able to plug into the same rails to unlock banks crypto payments capabilities. Moreover, the company highlights its existing footprint: more than 700 supported wallets provide broad reach across the global crypto ecosystem.

Industry data cited by WalletConnect shows that stablecoin transaction volume has already surpassed major card networks. Annual flows now reach trillions of dollars, outpacing Visa and Mastercard combined and underscoring the scale of onchain money movement.

That said, real-world utility for everyday purchases remains limited. Most consumers still cannot reliably use stablecoins such as USDC to buy coffee, groceries, or typical retail goods, even though the onchain transaction base is already massive.

WalletConnect intends to tackle this gap through strategic partnerships rather than direct competition. However, its model is to collaborate with incumbent payment processors and financial infrastructure providers, integrating crypto rails into what merchants and users already know.

This collaborative approach seeks to leverage established networks while overlaying crypto payments integration capabilities. Merchants will be able to accept payments from any supported wallet or blockchain, abstracting away the complexity of the underlying protocols.

Neutral network for the global crypto economy The company describes itself as a crypto-native analog to major global card schemes. WalletConnect aims to operate as an open, neutral network that connects millions of users and thousands of wallets without favoring specific assets or chains.

The infrastructure is built to support transactions across hundreds of blockchain networks. Users can pay with popular stablecoins, including USDC, USDT, PYUSD, and DAI, giving merchants access to a broad spectrum of dollar-linked assets.

Moreover, the platform also handles major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, as well as networks like Sui and Polygon, among others. This multi-chain wallet support aims to deliver seamless interoperability across the onchain economy.

WalletConnect says this design abstracts away the technical complexity of dealing with many chains. However, in practice it functions similarly to how traditional card networks simplify settlement and routing behind a single consumer payment experience.

The company maintains existing partnerships with leading fintech platforms, including Stripe and Coinbase Commerce. Integration with compliance and on-ramp providers such as SumSub and MoonPay further extends its market reach into both retail and institutional segments.

Previously, WalletConnect worked with dtcpay in Singapore to support point of sale crypto payments across the Asia-Pacific region. Moreover, the firm confirms that its core WalletConnect connectivity product will continue to operate alongside the new payments offering.

The companys 2026 roadmap centers on delivering comprehensive crypto payment solutions to a global audience. That said, the success of WalletConnect Pay will depend on execution, regulatory clarity, and merchant adoption, as the firm attempts to turn massive onchain volumes into everyday spending options.

In summary, WalletConnect is leveraging its walletconnect network growth and multi-chain infrastructure to move from pure connectivity to full-stack payments, targeting a world where using crypto at checkout is as simple as tapping a card.

Amelia Tomasicchiohttps://cryptonomist.ch

As expert in digital marketing, Amelia began working in the fintech sector in 2014 after writing her thesis on Bitcoin technology. Previously author for several international crypto-related magazines and CMO at Eidoo. She is now the co-founder of The Cryptonomist. She is also a marketing teacher at Digital Coach in Milan and she published a book about NFTs for the Italian publishing house Mondadori, while she is also helping artists and company to entering in the sector. As advisor, Amelia is also involved in metaverse-related project such as The Nemesis and OVER.

10h09 ▪ 5 min read ▪ by Evans S.

Summarize this article with:

Wyoming has just issued FRNT, the Frontier Stable Token, and this is a strong signal for the American crypto sphere: for the first time, a state issues a “public” stablecoin, backed by reserves managed within a legal framework. The token is now accessible to the general public, with a launch officialized from Cheyenne and a first access ramp via Kraken.

In Brief Wyoming launches FRNT, presented as the first public stablecoin issued and guaranteed by an American state. The token is backed by dollar and short-term Treasuries reserves, managed with Franklin Templeton and institutional custody. Native on Solana, FRNT also targets Avalanche, Ethereum, Arbitrum, Base, Optimism, and Polygon, with initial access via Kraken and Rain. A “Public” Stablecoin That Wants to Inspire Trust FRNT does not present itself as yet another digital dollar promise. The project emphasizes one point: the mechanism is state-based, therefore regulated, and the reserves are held in trust by the State. They are invested in dollars and short-term US Treasury bonds. This is the backbone of the narrative.

The institutional architecture is also designed to reassure. The reserve is not left to an opportunistic startup. It is entrusted to Franklin Templeton for management, with custody ensured by its affiliate Fiduciary Trust Company International. In other words: a heavyweight of traditional finance is at the heart of a crypto product, but without playing cowboy.

Behind the storefront, there is a clear political intent. Wyoming wants to prove that innovation and rules of the game can be married, without waiting for Washington to decide everything. Governor Mark Gordon speaks of expanded access, cost reduction, and public trust. The vocabulary is chosen. It is not “move fast and break things.” It is “move fast, but with a compliance binder under your arm.”

Solana on the Front Line, Then a Multichain FRNT Wyoming made a clear technical choice: native issuance starts on Solana. This is not neutral. Solana targets speed and low fees, which fits well with a stablecoin meant to circulate like digital money. For now, the public purchase goes through Kraken on Solana.

But the project does not want to be locked into a single chain. The announced plan is multichain, with extensions toward Avalanche, Ethereum, Arbitrum, Base, Optimism, and Polygon. The idea is simple: avoid the “private club” effect and go where crypto users are already active. It’s a distribution logic, not a technological beauty contest.

To connect it all, the team relies on LayerZero for interoperability and Fireblocks for secure infrastructure. Meanwhile, a second entry point is planned on the payment side: Rain, a Visa-backed card platform, on Avalanche. Here, one can guess the ambition: to take the stablecoin beyond the sole domain of traders and push it toward more everyday uses.

What FRNT Changes in the American Crypto Landscape The most interesting point is not the ticker. It is the implicit comparison. Until now, dominant stablecoins rely on private companies, their internal procedures, and their capacity to maintain market trust. FRNT arrives with a different argument: public responsibility, supervision, and a legal framework displayed as the foundation. It is a new type of competition, more institutional than marketing.

The economic model, meanwhile, slips between the lines. A stablecoin backed by Treasuries generates interest. And in local debates, the issue is admitted: diversify revenues for the State without raising taxes, by capturing part of this “collateral rent.” The public radio of Wyoming also recalls that the project took a long time to come to birth and that tangible outcomes are now awaited.

Remaining is the annoying question, the one the market always poses. Can a public stablecoin really gain usage against USDC or USDT, already everywhere in DeFi and on platforms? Technically, FRNT checks the boxes. Politically, too. But adoption is played on very concrete details: liquidity, integrations, ease of buyback, and trust in stressful situations. In crypto, credibility is not decreed. It is tested, often in bad weather. Meanwhile, Tether expands its playground by making gold as accessible as bitcoin.

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Evans S.

Fascinated by Bitcoin since 2017, Evariste has continuously researched the subject. While his initial interest was in trading, he now actively seeks to understand all advances centered on cryptocurrencies. As an editor, he strives to consistently deliver high-quality work that reflects the state of the sector as a whole.

DISCLAIMER

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author, and should not be taken as investment advice. Do your own research before taking any investment decisions.

The crypto market has slipped into a mild correction after starting the week on a strong note. Total market capitalization is down around 1–1.2%, hovering near $3.17 trillion, as traders lock in profits following Bitcoin’s repeated failure to clear the crucial $94,000–$94,500 resistance zone. This marks Bitcoin’s third rejection at this level in just five weeks, triggering selling pressure during the Asia trading session and pushing BTC down toward the $91,500 area before stabilizing.

The pullback comes amid a broader “risk-off” tone across markets. US equity futures also edged lower, reinforcing caution among traders and adding pressure to crypto assets, which have rallied sharply in recent weeks.

Altcoins Underperform as Risk Appetite CoolsAltcoins bore the brunt of the sell-off, underperforming Bitcoin as investors rotated out of higher-risk positions. XRP, Solana, and Dogecoin all posted steeper losses, with XRP dropping over 6–7% and erasing much of its recent monthly gains. This kind of move is typical during short-term corrections, where capital retreats to relatively safer large-cap assets before reassessing risk.

Despite the declines, the broader structure of the altcoin market does not yet signal a full trend reversal. Much of the weakness reflects cooling momentum rather than outright panic.

Liquidations, ETF Flows, and Miner Selling Weigh InDerivatives markets amplified the downside move. Roughly $465 million in crypto futures positions were liquidated over the past 24 hours, with long positions accounting for more than half of the total. This suggests traders were overexposed after last week’s rally and were forced to reduce leverage as prices slipped.

Spot Bitcoin ETFs also added pressure, recording net outflows of around $243 million in a single day. BlackRock’s IBIT stood out as the lone fund to see inflows, while others saw redemptions. On top of this, reports of miner selling to meet liquidity needs, along with minor BTC liquidations tied to a US Department of Justice case, contributed to short-term supply hitting the market.

Key Levels: How Low Could Bitcoin Go?Technically, Bitcoin has returned to its familiar December trading range between roughly $85,000 and $94,500. Analysts broadly agree that as long as BTC holds above the $88,000–$90,000 zone, the move looks more like consolidation than a breakdown.

Crypto analyst Michaël van de Poppe notes that while the rejection at $94,000 looks harsh, the broader trend remains intact above $89.5K. This level aligns with the 21-day moving average and the uptrend that has held since Bitcoin rebounded from $80,000. A sustained move below that zone would raise red flags, but for now, the structure remains healthy.

Ali Martinez adds that a clear trend will only emerge once Bitcoin achieves a daily close either below $88,000 or above $94,000, suggesting choppy price action may persist in the short term.

Will the Market Recover?Despite near-term weakness, the broader outlook remains constructive. Bitcoin is still up around 6% in early 2026, Ethereum ETFs continue to attract inflows, and macro conditions are gradually turning supportive. Softer US labor data and growing expectations of future rate cuts could improve liquidity, a backdrop that has historically favored crypto.

Overall, the current dip appears more like a healthy reset than the start of a deeper downturn, with markets waiting for a clear catalyst to define the next move.

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Rising whale activity is unfolding alongside falling exchange balances, pointing to movement rather than distribution by major holders.

XRP’s on-chain activity took a sudden turn early this week as large-value transfers on the XRP Ledger jumped to a three-month high, according to new data from Santiment.

The rise in $100,000-plus transactions points to growing involvement from large holders at a time when the Ripple token’s price is pulling back, setting the stage for wider price movement in the days ahead.

Whale Activity Jumps as Exchange Balances Keep Falling Santiment said on January 8 that whale-sized XRP transfers climbed from 2,170 on Monday to 2,802 the following day, the highest daily count since October. The analytics firm warned that price movement is likely to be more erratic than usual when large holders become this active.

That behavior stands out because it contrasts with what is happening on exchanges. Separate data shared by CryptoQuant contributor CryptoOnchain showed XRP reserves on Binance falling to about 2.6 billion tokens, the lowest level since January 2024. Since late 2025, balances on the exchange have dropped from roughly 3.25 billion XRP, a shift often linked to holders moving coins into self-custody rather than preparing to sell.

Meanwhile, Arab Chain added another layer to the picture, with the platform’s analysts pointing out that whale flows to Binance have been trending lower since mid-December 2025, after peaking above 70% of total inflows in November and early December. Whales now make up about 60% of XRP deposits to the exchange, while retail participation has stayed fairly steady. Historically, according to the analysts, fewer whale deposits suggest less immediate selling interest from large players.

The data has come at a time when XRP is becoming a major talking point in broader markets. On January 6, CNBC’s Power Lunch called it the “hottest crypto trade” of 2026, pointing to heavy interest from investors seeking bigger percentage moves than Bitcoin (BTC) or Ethereum (ETH) after strong ETF inflows late last year.

Price Action Cools, But Larger Trend Still Intact At the markets, XRP was trading around $2.13 at the time of this writing, after a 6% drop in the past 24 hours, according to CoinGecko data. The token briefly touched the upper end of its weekly range around $2.40 earlier this week before sellers pushed it lower, in line with a softer session across the wider crypto market.

You may also like: Flare Launches Spot XRP Market on Hyperliquid, Allowing FXRP to Move Across Chains CNBC Crowns XRP Hottest Crypto Trade of 2026 Over BTC and ETH: Here’s Why Ripple (XRP) Looks ‘Coiled’ as Whales and Institutions Quietly Move In Zooming out, XRP is still up about 16% in the last seven days and nearly 14% over the past two weeks. Monthly gains sit just above 3%, while the yearly figure remains slightly negative.

Analysts are watching key support near $2.27, with a sustained hold above that level viewed as critical for maintaining bullish momentum. Some chartists point to a bullish setup on the XRP/BTC pairing not seen since 2018, suggesting a potential shift in relative strength. For now, rising whale transfers paired with falling exchange balances suggest positioning rather than panic, even as short-term price swings remain likely.

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After a positive start this business week that took Bitcoin to a 30-day high of $94,000, sellers managed to briefly drag down the coin’s price to $89,700 before a quick price correction took it back to $90,300. Top 5 market coins Ethereum, XRP, and BNB are all trading in the red column, counting losses as much as 7% in the last 24 hours.

Bitcoin tumbled below $90,000 for a brief period on Thursday morning, while Ethereum tanked to $3,120, causing an unwelcome market bloodbath heading into the end of the week. At the time of this reporting, the largest coin by market cap had walked slowly back above $90,300.

In the past 24 hours, Bitcoin fell 2.7%, Ethereum lost 4.1%, while XRP, Binance Coin (BNB), Solana, Dogecoin, Cardano, and Hyperliquid declined as much as 4%. The overall crypto market has tanked by 2.9% during the same period, according to CoinGecko data.

Crypto market turn to profit taking as liquidations take charge  When Bitcoin attempted to surpass $94,000 earlier in the session, sellers took control of the market and pushed it back into the $91,000–$92,000 range. Some market watchers believe holders have begun profit-taking, coupled with long liquidations, which reached $150 million in the last four hours, according to CoinGlass data. 

Looking beyond Thursday’s losses, Bitcoin and Ethereum recorded weekly gains of 3.2% and 5.1%, respectively. Other tokens, including XRP, BNB, Solana, Tron, Dogecoin, Cardano, and Hyperliquid posted up to 20% gains in the seven days ending Wednesday.

Bitcoin’s daily chart reveals that the asset briefly broke above its October downtrend into late December, only to face heavy resistance last Tuesday. According to market watchers on X, the crypto’s support levels now lie at $87,496 and $85,982–$86,291, based on retracement of the corrected October price rally and December lows. 

Bulls are holding their ground at the $83,712–$84,000 price marks, derived from the 2025 weekly low close and 38.2% retracement of the 2022 advance. If the sellers move close and breach this threshold, the market could witness another multi-month downtrend eyeing the next target between $78,342–$79,127, levels last seen in April 2025.

CryptoQuant’s SOPR Ratio, which measures realized profitability between Long-Term Holders (LTH) and Short-Term Holders (STH), has also gone weak. The ratio dropped below 1 when Bitcoin tanked from highs near $110,000–$120,000 in October down to the current $91,000 status, which means short-term holders are realizing losses while long-term holders are shedding their November 2024 to Q4 2025 profits. 

Ethereum faces institutional selling pressure Ethereum’s US institutional interest is waning, owing to the $98.45 spot ETF outflow counted on Wednesday. Moreover, the Ethereum Coinbase Premium Gap, which compares prices on Coinbase to Binance, has flipped negative. 

The 14-day simple moving average dropped to -2.285, the lowest since February last year, spelling stronger selling pressures on US-based exchanges. The negative premium poses a hurdle for Ethereum to reclaim the $3,300 resistance level. 

As seen on CoinGecko’s charts, the crypto has struggled to shake off the effects of “doomtober,” where it peaked at $4,700 and fell steeply back to the $3,200 zone, failing to climb back up to $3,500 since November 15.

US jobs data in play: Markets recovery could be delayed Crypto markets have been influenced by several factors in 2026, including geopolitical troubles between the US and Venezuela. However, the US labor market data released yesterday could have influenced today’s price shedding. As reported by the ADP, private employers added 41,000 new positions in December, a modest rebound after November’s revised decline of 29,000 jobs. 

ADP Chief Economist Nela Richardson noted that “even in those sectors that shed jobs this month, the shedding was not as strong as last month,” because December’s gains were more positive than expected. 

Economists suggest that investors are now looking at both jobs data and future Supreme Court decisions on global tariffs to find signs that could affect how much risk they are willing to take in digital assets.

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Florida bills would create a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, allowing up to 10% of key public funds to hold BTC and ETFs while enabling limited crypto tax payments.

Summary

Florida’s HB 183 and SB 1038 would establish a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve using select public funds.​ Up to 10% of the General Revenue, Budget Stabilization, and pension funds could go into Bitcoin, SEC‑registered ETFs, and tokenized securities.​ Florida follows Arizona, Texas, and New Hampshire, signaling broader state‑level Bitcoin reserve adoption across the U.S. Florida legislators have introduced bills to establish a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, with revised proposals set for debate during the 2026 legislative session, according to the proposed legislation.

Florida introduces bill to establish Strategic Bitcoin Reserve The framework, divided between HB 183 and SB 1038, was introduced by Representatives Webster Barnaby and Joe Gruters. The bills narrow the scope of eligible digital assets compared to previous 2025 proposals, focusing on Bitcoin, Securities and Exchange Commission-registered cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds, and tokenized securities, according to the legislation.

The measures would authorize Florida’s Chief Financial Officer and the State Board of Administration to allocate up to 10 percent of select public funds into eligible digital assets. Covered funds include the General Revenue Fund, the Budget Stabilization Fund, and the Florida Retirement System Trust Fund, according to the bills.

The legislation requires digital assets to be held either directly by the Chief Financial Officer, through a qualified licensed custodian, or via regulated products such as exchange-traded funds. The bills also permit Florida residents to pay certain state taxes and fees using digital assets, though any cryptocurrency received would be immediately converted to U.S. dollars, according to the proposed framework.

The measures would take effect July 1, 2026, if approved and signed into law. Lawmakers cited a March 2025 executive order creating a U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve from forfeited assets as context for state-level initiatives, according to statements from supporters.

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis has supported the effort, describing Bitcoin as “digital gold” in public statements and stating that limited exposure could enhance diversification within state-managed funds.

Florida follows Arizona, Texas, and New Hampshire, which enacted similar reserve legislation in 2025, according to state records. The outcome of Florida’s legislative process is expected to influence broader discussions on digital asset integration in public finance frameworks across U.S. states.