Market Signal Briefing

The company says that accepting bitcoin payments has led to a "self-reinforcing cycle" where crypto revenue helps fund upgrades and improvements.

New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - January 17, 2026) - WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of F5, Inc. (NASDAQ: FFIV) between October 28, 2024 and October 27, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important February 17, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline.

SO WHAT: If you purchased F5 securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the F5 class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=46672 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than February 17, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period created the false impression that they possessed reliable information pertaining to F5's projected revenue outlook and anticipated growth while also minimizing risk from seasonality and macroeconomic fluctuations. In truth, F5's optimistic claims, touting its purported best-in-industry security and overall emphasis and confidence in F5's ability to meet and capitalize on the growing security needs for its clientele fell short of reality; F5 was, at the time, the subject of a significant security incident, placing its clientele's security and F5's future prospects at significant risk. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the F5 class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=46672 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

-------------------------------

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280633

Source: The Rosen Law Firm PA

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Affordability is the key issue in 2026, which, to many Americans' chagrin, is another election year. Housing is front and center in this debate. Home prices remain stubbornly high, and mortgage rates, though easing slightly, are still challenging for first-time buyers.  

The larger issue comes down to supply and demand. Millions of Americans are effectively priced out of conventional single-family homes, and the search for affordable housing has become urgent.

But it’s not as simple as just building more homes. Traditional homebuilders are struggling to keep up with demand due to labor shortages, zoning restrictions, and rising material costs.

Get UMH Properties alerts:

One area that may provide a compelling solution is manufactured housing. These are factory-built homes that can be placed in communities. These homes cost 30–50% less per square foot than site-built houses, can be built much faster, and provide an ownership pathway for households otherwise stuck renting.

They also generate strong recurring income for investors when placed in well-managed communities, where homeowners own their units but rent the land, creating “sticky” occupancy and reliable cash flows.

For investors, this combination of rising demand, limited supply, and predictable revenue streams creates an attractive opportunity. Sun Communities Inc. NYSE: SUI,  Champion Homes NYSE: SKY, and UMH Properties Inc. NYSE: UMH represent three distinct ways to invest in this market. Each offers a different investment theme: community operators with scale, manufacturers benefiting from volume growth, and smaller operators focused on yield and organic expansion.

Key Risks to the Manufactured Home Growth While manufactured housing has strong structural tailwinds, investors should weigh several risks. First, regulatory pressure is rising, particularly in states and municipalities scrutinizing rent increases in manufactured home communities. Any widespread implementation of rent controls could limit revenue growth for community operators.

Second, interest-rate sensitivity affects both manufacturers and buyers. Many manufactured home purchasers rely on specialized chattel loans, which carry higher rates than traditional mortgages. Rising rates could reduce demand for new homes, affecting companies like Champion Homes most directly.

Finally, zoning and local resistance remain persistent challenges. Even as demand grows, building new communities can be delayed or blocked in certain regions, limiting growth opportunities for smaller operators like UMH Properties. These risks do not negate the opportunity but highlight the importance of selecting companies with scale, operational efficiency, and diversified geographic exposure.

Sun Communities: A Defensive Play on the Housing Shortage Sun Communities is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that is one of the largest owners and operators of manufactured housing communities in North America. The company benefits from a structural advantage: residents who own their homes but rent the land rarely move, creating sticky occupancy and dependable cash flow.

Overall MarketRank™82nd Percentile

Analyst RatingHold

Upside/Downside5.0% Upside

Short Interest LevelHealthy

Dividend StrengthStrong

News Sentiment0.91 Insider TradingSelling Shares

Proj. Earnings Growth3.69%

See Full Analysis

SUI’s national footprint also allows it to acquire and professionalize smaller, fragmented properties, boosting efficiency and net operating income over time. The company’s presence in high-growth Sun Belt markets further supports demand as population inflows continue to pressure local housing supply.

While political scrutiny over rent increases is a real risk, the company's scale, operating discipline, and diversified portfolio position it to navigate regulatory challenges better than smaller peers.

For investors seeking a defensive way to benefit from the affordability crisis, Sun Communities offers steady income with long-term growth potential. Analysts give SUI stock a consensus price target of $136.69, but the latest analyst ratings have had price targets between 3% and 4% higher. Plus SUI stock pays a dividend with an attractive 3.3% yield and has increased the dividend by an average of 4.6% in the last three years. 

Champion Homes: The Picks-and-Shovels Play on Manufactured Housing Champion Homes approaches the manufactured housing opportunity from the other side of the equation: production. As one of the largest manufacturers of factory-built homes in the U.S., the company stands to benefit directly from rising demand for lower-cost housing options.

Overall MarketRank™64th Percentile

Analyst RatingModerate Buy

Upside/Downside10.0% Upside

Short Interest LevelHealthy

Dividend StrengthN/A

News Sentiment0.70 Insider TradingSelling Shares

Proj. Earnings Growth7.16%

See Full Analysis

Manufactured homes can be built faster and at significantly lower cost per square foot than traditional site-built houses, making them increasingly attractive to first-time buyers, retirees, and workforce households.

The appeal of SKY is operating leverage. As shipments rise, incremental volume can translate into outsized gains in margins and earnings. In addition, government and municipal initiatives aimed at expanding affordable housing could support long-term demand for factory-built homes.

The tradeoff is cyclicality. Manufactured home purchases often rely on specialized financing, which can tighten when interest rates are high or economic conditions weaken.

Having said that, SKY stock is expensive at 24x earnings, and the company’s backlog is down year-over-year. But it’s not that expensive to the sector average for construction stocks, and it could be more rewarding if affordability pressures continue to shift buyers toward manufactured housing at scale.

UMH Properties: A High-Yield Play on Affordable Housing Demand UMH Properties offers a hybrid of income and growth within the manufactured housing space. The company is a self-administered REIT that owns and operates communities primarily in the Midwest and Northeast. These are two regions where zoning restrictions and limited new construction have created persistent housing shortages.

Overall MarketRank™57th Percentile

Analyst RatingModerate Buy

Upside/Downside8.5% Upside

Short Interest LevelN/A

Dividend StrengthWeak

News Sentiment0.48 Insider TradingAcquiring Shares

Proj. Earnings Growth7.53%

See Full Analysis

Unlike many peers, UMH has focused on organic growth by filling vacant sites within existing communities, improving returns without heavy acquisition spending. This “infill” strategy allows UMH to increase occupancy and rental revenue while keeping capital expenditures relatively modest.

The company also stands out for its higher dividend yield (5.67% as of this writing), appealing to investors seeking current income alongside long-term appreciation. To that end, UMH stock has a consensus price target of $18, giving it the highest upside of the stocks on this list.

However, UMH is smaller and more leveraged than larger competitors, which can magnify risk during periods of higher interest rates or tighter credit markets. Still, in under-supplied regions where demand for affordable housing remains strong, UMH’s disciplined growth approach could translate into improving cash flow and shareholder returns over time.

Should You Invest $1,000 in UMH Properties Right Now?Before you consider UMH Properties, you'll want to hear this.

MarketBeat keeps track of Wall Street's top-rated and best performing research analysts and the stocks they recommend to their clients on a daily basis. MarketBeat has identified the five stocks that top analysts are quietly whispering to their clients to buy now before the broader market catches on... and UMH Properties wasn't on the list.

While UMH Properties currently has a Moderate Buy rating among analysts, top-rated analysts believe these five stocks are better buys.

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Portfolio breadth, sector focus, and dividend yield set these small-cap ETFs apart for investors weighing diversification against simplicity.

Both the iShares Morningstar Small-Cap ETF (ISCB 0.16%) and the State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF (SPSM 0.30%) aim to give investors access to U.S. small-cap stocks, but they differ in portfolio breadth, costs, and day-to-day usability. The iShares Morningstar Small-Cap ETF stands out for its broader portfolio and recent outperformance, while the State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 600 Small Cap ETF offers lower costs, larger assets under management (AUM), and greater liquidity for investors.

This comparison highlights where each ETF may appeal, focusing on recent results, portfolio makeup, risk, and practical considerations for investors seeking small-cap exposure.

Snapshot (cost & size)MetricSPSMISCBIssuerSPDRISharesExpense ratio0.03%0.04%1-yr return (as of 2026-01-09)11.2%17.46%Dividend yield1.62%1.38%AUM$13.08 billion$253.45 millionThe 1-yr return represents total return over the trailing 12 months.

SPSM is more affordable with a slightly lower expense ratio and a marginally higher dividend yield, making it appealing for cost-conscious, income-focused investors. ISCB, while a bit pricier, offers broader diversification and stronger recent performance.

Performance & risk comparisonMetricSPSMISCBMax drawdown (5 y)(34.83%)(32.26%)Growth of $1,000 over 5 years$1,290$1,323What's insideISCB tracks a broad basket of 1,578 small-cap U.S. stocks, with its largest sector weights in industrials (19%), financial services (17%), and healthcare (13.9%). The fund's top holdings -- Lumentum Holdings (LITE 5.53%), Albemarle Corp (ALB 6.18%), and Kratos Defense and Security Solutions (KTOS +4.95%) -- each account for less than half a percent of assets, supporting broad diversification. With a fund age of 21.5 yrs, ISCB brings long-term continuity and a tilt toward industrials and technology compared to peers.

SPSM, by contrast, holds 607 U.S. small-cap stocks and leans slightly more toward financial services (18%), followed by industrials (16%) and technology (15%). Its top positions -- Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals (ARWR 3.64%), Sanmina Corp. (SANM +1.74%), and Advanced Energy Industries (AEIS 1.33%) -- are also modest in size, reflecting broad market exposure. SPSM’s structure and sector mix make it a straightforward, low-cost option for small-cap exposure.

For more guidance on ETF investing, check out the full guide at this link.

NYSEMKT: SPSMSPDR Series Trust - State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 600tm Small Cap ETF

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What this means for investorsInvesting in small-cap index funds can be a solid way to diversify your portfolio and reduce risk, while potentially capitalizing on the larger growth possible with smaller, earlier-stage companies. Small-cap stocks can be more volatile, performing better in bull markets, but introducing more downside risk.

SPSM has a slightly lower expense ratio, which allows you to keep more of your money invested. It also offers a slightly higher dividend yield than ISCB. That combination may appeal to more cost-conscious investors. One of the biggest differences between the two funds is the total assets under management, a contest SPSM wins in a landslide. ISCB has performed slightly better over the last five years, with more growth and a smaller max drawdown. This is likely due to fund's overall holdings, which number more than 1,500, compared to SPSM's 607.

When deciding between the two ETFs, it may also be helpful to look at the funds' top holdings. ISCB's inclusion of healthcare among its top sectors may appeal to investors looking for opportunities in that dynamic yet defensive space, while SPSM's higher concentration in tech stocks may appeal to investors who want to ride the current uptrend in the sector.

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GlossaryETF: Exchange-traded fund that holds a basket of assets and trades like a stock.
Expense ratio: Annual fund operating costs expressed as a percentage of the fund's average assets.
Dividend yield: Annual dividends paid by a fund divided by its current share price, shown as a percentage.
AUM: Assets under management; the total market value of all assets held by the fund.
Small-cap: Companies with relatively low market values, typically a few hundred million to a few billion dollars.
Sector weight: Percentage of a fund's assets invested in a particular industry sector.
Holdings: The individual securities, such as stocks or bonds, that a fund owns.
Max drawdown: The largest peak-to-trough decline in value over a specific period, showing worst-case loss.
Growth of $1,000: Illustration showing how a $1,000 investment would have increased or decreased over time.
Beta: Measure of a fund's volatility relative to the overall market, typically compared to the S&P 500.
Total return: Investment performance including price changes plus all dividends and distributions, assuming reinvestment.
Liquidity: How easily and quickly an investment can be bought or sold without significantly affecting its price.

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.

This post may contain links from our sponsors and affiliates, and Flywheel Publishing may receive compensation for actions taken through them.

© mayu85 / Shutterstock.com

When bond investors chase yield, they often overlook the engine that drives total returns: price appreciation from interest rate movements. The iShares MBS ETF (NYSEARCA:MBB) demonstrates this dynamic perfectly. While its 4% yield attracts income seekers, the fund has benefited from mortgage-backed securities price movements in recent periods.

What MBB Actually Does MBB provides exposure to agency mortgage-backed securities, the bonds backed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae. These aren’t the risky subprime mortgages from 2008. They carry implicit or explicit government guarantees, eliminating credit risk. What remains is interest rate sensitivity and prepayment risk.

MBB’s scale creates meaningful advantages for investors. The fund manages $39 billion in assets, allowing institutional-level efficiency that translates to a 0.04% expense ratio among the lowest in fixed income. This cost structure compounds over time, ensuring more mortgage interest flows through as monthly dividends rather than being consumed by fees.

The Return Engine Beyond Yield The past year illustrates how MBB generates returns beyond its yield. The fund delivered strong total returns, with the majority coming from price appreciation as mortgage spreads compressed. This demonstrates the dual benefit: steady monthly income from the 4% yield combined with capital gains when rate environments cooperate.

This infographic illustrates the MBB ETF’s mechanics, from government-backed mortgages to monthly income and price appreciation, alongside its best use case and a breakdown of its pros and cons. The Tradeoffs You Accept Duration cuts both ways, and MBB’s track record shows this clearly. The fund has delivered strong performance in recent periods and over the long term, but experienced challenges during the 2022 rate spike. When the Federal Reserve aggressively tightened policy, bond values compressed across the market, illustrating how duration risk materializes during hiking cycles.

Prepayment risk also matters. When rates fall sharply, homeowners refinance, returning principal to MBB earlier than expected. The fund must reinvest at lower yields, dampening future income. This caps upside in aggressive rate-cutting scenarios.

Who Should Avoid This Investors with short time horizons or those prioritizing capital preservation should look elsewhere. MBB can swing 2% to 3% in a month during rate volatility. Retirees who need stable principal values may find this unsettling, even with monthly income.

Growth-focused investors will also find MBB limiting. Over longer periods, this fixed-income allocation tool serves portfolio diversification rather than wealth-building objectives, making it unsuitable for those seeking equity-like growth.

Consider Vanguard’s Lower-Cost Alternative Cost-conscious investors should examine Vanguard’s alternative. The Vanguard Mortgage-Backed Securities ETF (NASDAQ:VMBS) charges 0.03% annually, undercutting MBB by one basis point. While this difference appears trivial, it compounds meaningfully over decades—a $100,000 allocation held 30 years saves approximately $3,000 in cumulative fees, making VMBS worth considering for buy-and-hold investors.

MBB works best as a core bond holding for investors who understand that mortgage-backed securities deliver returns through both income and rate sensitivity, but only when rates cooperate and prepayment risk stays contained.

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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.

Alphabet is emerging as a leader in the AI race, even among other big tech companies, and it's looking like the strongest horse in that race.

Google's parent company, Alphabet (GOOG 0.85%) (GOOGL 0.83%), is one of the original Silicon Valley tech giants that have come to dominate the stock market.

It has also emerged as the leader among those original tech giants in artificial intelligence (AI), and it's eating into the market share of OpenAI, the company that made AI mainstream in the first place with the launch of ChatGPT back in late 2022.

OpenAI might have launched the first large language model (LLM) to achieve mass success, but since its peak 50% market share in the Enterprise LLM API space in 2023, it has fallen to 25% market share.

Image source: Getty Images.

As reported by Menlo Ventures, OpenAI has been totally eclipsed by its start-up rival Anthropic, which has secured 32% market share with its Claude LLM. And Google's Gemini isn't far behind it at 20% market share.

But despite Claude's rise to prominence, I think Gemini will win out in the Enterprise AI market for the simple reason that it has Alphabet behind it. Anthropic is still a start-up with all the weaknesses that come with that. Sure, Anthropic is set to achieve profitability in 2028, a full two years ahead of OpenAI, but Alphabet is already profitable. It also has incredibly vast resources to invest in AI development. Here's what I mean.

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Profitability matters We all love an underdog story of a little guy overcoming a giant, right? Well, investing is another story, and that story's not Rudy. Barring a miracle for OpenAI or Anthropic, Alphabet is a giant that neither can realistically overcome.

For its latest results, for the third quarter of 2025, Alphabet reported revenue of $102.3 billion, up 16% over Q3 2024. Net income totaled $34.9 billion, up 33% over Q3 2024. And diluted earnings per share (EPS) grew by 35% over Q3 2024. On the cash front, Alphabet's free cash flow came in at $24.4 billion, up 39% over Q3 2024. The company also holds $98.5 billion in cash, which is enough to pay off its entire debt of $44.2 billion twice.

And while profitability for its start-up rivals is still years away at best, Alphabet is running a 59% gross margin and a 32% net income margin.

Alphabet also has its own cloud infrastructure that I would wager both OpenAI and Anthropic have had to use at some point. And the company has more than enough money to buy as many data centers as it needs without needing to ask early investors to pour in more money without seeing a concrete return.

Case in point: Alphabet recently inked a 25-year power purchase agreement with NextEra Energy to resurrect the Duane Arnold Energy Center in Iowa, expressly to provide more electricity for Alphabet data centers it has either planned or owns in the area.

Alphabet also simply flat-out acquired Intersect, a data center energy infrastructure company, for $4.75 billion in December 2025. That's a rounding error for a company of Alphabet's size.

That's just what you can do when you have Alphabet's resources. And I haven't even mentioned the company's engineering quality or prowess at developing new software, but suffice it to say it has talent in spades.

Sure, we all like to see the little guy win. But isn't it also entertaining when a world-class team absolutely dominates in its sport?

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.

All three of these stocks sport dividend yields above 6%.

If you're in the market for some no-brainer dividend stocks, I have some good and less-good news for you. The good news is that investing in healthy and growing dividend-paying stocks is a solid, no-brainer move -- because dividend payers can be powerful investments. Unfortunately, though, hardly any stock qualifies as a no-brainer investment.

For best results, use your brain to follow and keep up with any companies in which you invest. Here are a handful of solid dividend-paying contenders for your long-term portfolio.

Image source: Getty Images.

Why dividend payers? First, though, just in case you're not fired up about dividend-paying stocks, check out the table below -- as it might surprise you.

Dividend-Paying Status

Average Annual Total Return, 1973-2024

Dividend growers and initiators

10.24%

Dividend payers

9.20%

No change in dividend policy

6.75%

Dividend non-payers

4.31%

Dividend shrinkers and eliminators

(0.89%)

Equal-weighted S&P 500 index

7.65%

Data source: Ned Davis Research and Hartford Funds.

See? Dividend stocks are not just for your grandparents. Their solid performance shouldn't be surprising, either, because for a company's management to feel secure about committing to an ongoing dividend payment, the company typically needs to have grown to a certain size with fairly reliable income. Here are some promising dividend payers to consider.

1. Pfizer According to our Motley Fool Money research, the best high-yield savings accounts offered interest rates of around 4% to 4.3% in January. Invest in shares of Pfizer (PFE 0.83%), though, and you're looking at a fat dividend yield of, recently, 6.81%!

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The stock has been in a slump in recent years in part due to shrunken demand for its COVID-19 vaccine and COVID-19 treatment, Paxlovid, as well as the expirations of patent protection for several key drugs. But the company has a lot more going on than that -- such as some investments that can result in an approved GLP-1 weight-loss drug for Pfizer.

Pfizer's stock is enticing, too, with a recent forward-looking price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 8.5, well below its five-year average of 9.8.

2. Verizon Communications Verizon Communications (VZ 1.14%) sports a dividend recently yielding even more than Pfizer: 6.93%! Better still, Verizon has been increasing its payout for 19 years in a row (though generally not with huge increases).

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If you're looking for a fast grower, look elsewhere. Verizon is a cash cow, though, collecting gobs of recurring revenue from its 146 million-some wireless accounts (as of October 2025). It boasts more than a million miles of fiber and it covers 99% of the U.S. population with its 4G LTE network. Verizon was recently raking in more than $130 billion in annual profit and close to $20 billion in net income.

Verizon's stock is also appealingly priced, with a recent forward-looking price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 8.2, below its five-year average of 8.8.

3. United Parcel Service Then there's United Parcel Service (UPS 1.57%), with a recent dividend yield of 6.1%. The company has been hurt as Amazon has been sending it far fewer packages to deliver, but UPS still has a lot going for it. For example, it sports a massive fleet of 500-plus aircraft and as of 2024, some 135,000 ground vehicles. Its nearly 500,000 employees delivered more than 22 million items in 2024 -- each day.

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With a recent a recent forward-looking price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 14.7, a bit below its five-year average of 15.4, UPS' stock seems attractively priced. But do note that the company is facing some challenges, including slowing growth and shrinking profit margins. Management is aware of that, though, and is working on a turnaround, in part by cutting costs and adding more automation.

Any believers in UPS who buy now can enjoy a generous dividend payment every quarter while waiting for a turnaround. Given the significant dividend yields for each of these companies, and their chances to keep growing, they seem like some of the best dividend stocks to consider.

HomeIndustriesClothing/TextilesSportsWatchSportsWatchNike finally gets involved in one of the fastest-growing global sports. Is it too late?Nike signed No. 1-ranked pickleball player Anna Leigh Waters to its roster of sponsored athletesPublished: Jan. 17, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. ET

Nike is finally getting into the pickleball game — but is it too little, too late?

Nike’s NKE wait-and-see approach to the fast-growing paddle sport that blends tennis, badminton and ping-pong is changing, after the company made No. 1-ranked pickleball player Anna Leigh Waters the first professional pickleball player to join its roster of sponsored athletes earlier this week. Waters will serve as a global pickleball ambassador for the sports-apparel giant.

Arizona Gold & Silver Inc (TSX-V:AZS, OTCQB:AZASF, FRA:A9J0) CEO Mike Stark joined Proactive to discuss the appointment of Dr Lex Lambeck as senior vice president of exploration, alongside Greg Hahn’s transition to vice chair.

Stark explained that the move reflects the natural evolution of the company as its flagship Red Hills project continues to demonstrate scale and long-term potential.

Stark said the company has been preparing for this transition for several years, noting that the Red Hills system is extensive and requires experienced technical leadership to unlock its full value.

He highlighted Lambeck’s background, including his role at MAG Silver, which was acquired in a $2.1 billion transaction, as a key reason for the appointment.

During a recent site visit, Stark said Lambeck, Hahn and himself walked the entire three-kilometre strike length of the project, of which only half has been drilled to date.

According to Stark, Lambeck was quick to recognise the scale of the opportunity and asked detailed technical questions that reinforced his confidence in the appointment.

Stark also noted that drilling continues at Red Hills, with Lambeck expected to play a hands-on role as exploration advances. He said recent results and visuals from hole 159 have generated strong enthusiasm internally and among shareholders.

Proactive: Alright welcome back inside our Proactive newsroom, and joining me now is Mike Stark. He is the CEO of Arizona Gold & Silver Inc. Mike, it’s great to see you again. How are you?

Mike Stark: Really well, thank you very much.

You’ve had some interesting news out today. You’ve hired Dr Lex Lambeck as senior vice president of exploration as Greg Hahn moves to vice chair. This looks like a natural progression.

Absolutely right. Since 2019, when we made our first acquisition on this property, Greg came to me and said we were going to need some help. This is a big system. It’s taken time to find the right person, and we now have the right guy.

Tell me more about Dr Lambeck.

MAG Silver Corp selling for $2.1 billion says a lot. Lex can handle multiple projects, which we have. He’s a get-the-job-done guy, and his resume is impressive. We couldn’t have a better fit at this time.

You recently visited site together. What was his reaction?

We walked the entire three-kilometre strike. We’ve only drilled 1.5 kilometres. Lex kept saying, “Holy smokes, we have huge potential here.” He sees the big picture and asks great questions.

Drilling continues and he’ll be very hands-on?

Exactly. He loved what he saw coming out of hole 159. It’s very exciting times for Arizona shareholders.

Quotes have been lightly edited for style and clarity

This post may contain links from our sponsors and affiliates, and Flywheel Publishing may receive compensation for actions taken through them.

The artificial intelligence (AI) revolution has sparked a new wave of high-performing investments, including Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA), which has become the face of the industry, while Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG)(NASDAQ:GOOGL) has advanced its position in the space, leapfrogging over rivals with the release of Gemini 3 in November. Other companies, like Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ:AMD), have also benefited from rising demand for AI hardware. 

Yet there is one stock that stands out as perhaps the cheapest AI stock on the market with the best opportunity for hypergrowth: Micron Technology (NASDAQ:MU). Although its stock has risen over 250% in the past year, it still trades at valuations that suggest it is deeply discounted given its role in AI memory supply.

Micron’s Core Business and AI Role Micron produces dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and NAND flash memory chips essential for data storage and processing. The company designs, manufactures, and sells these components worldwide, focusing on high-performance solutions for data centers, mobile devices, and automotive applications. Its high-bandwidth memory products support AI accelerators, enabling faster data handling in systems from Nvidia and others. 

This positions Micron to power the expansion of AI data centers, where memory demand is surging. The company’s high-bandwidth memory capacity is sold out through 2026, reflecting tight supply amid growing AI workloads. Industry forecasts indicate DRAM shortages will extend well beyond 2026, as AI applications consume more wafer capacity than traditional uses. 

Micron has more business than it can handle due to a lack of available clean room space — leaving it able to handle only 50% to 66% of its key customers’ medium-term bit demand. While more clean room capacity will begin to come online in 2027, demand is still expected to outstrip supply.

The memory maker holds about 21% market share in high-bandwidth memory, trailing SK Hynix but still benefiting from AI’s insatiable demand.

Sold-Out Inventory Signals Strength Micron’s inventory constraints highlight its market leverage. High-bandwidth memory — critical for AI chips — requires three times the production area of standard memory, limiting output. Micron has confirmed its entire 2026 supply of high-bandwidth memory, including the upcoming HBM4 generation, is already allocated. This scarcity supports higher pricing and margins, with the company redirecting resources from consumer products to meet AI demand. It is targeting approximately 20% shipment growth in both DRAM and NAND this year.

The company is investing in new facilities and just broke ground on a megafab near Syracuse, N.Y., backed by over $6 billion in CHIPS Act funding, to boost future capacity.

Attractive Valuation Amid Growth Micron trades at 34 times trailing earnings, under 10 times estimates, and goes for just a fraction of its long-term earnings growth rate. Analysts forecast earnings growing 70% annually over the next five years, driven by AI trends. 

For the second quarter of fiscal 2026, Micron is guiding for revenue to $18.7 billion, a 132% year-over-year increase, and adjusted earnings of $8.42 per share. Fiscal 2025 revenue was $37.4 billion. If revenue growth holds flat sequentially after the second quarter, annual revenue could approach $75 billion — double last year’s total — with adjusted earnings near $33.68 per share. Applying the 34X multiple, it yields a potential share price of $1,145, implying a threefold increase from current levels around $363. 

Consensus estimates forecast full-year fiscal 2026 earnings per share at $32.67 — which would yield an $1,110 stock price — with next-year estimates at $41.54 per share. 

Compared to peers, Micron’s forward price-to-earnings ratio of 9.6 is far lower than the sector average of 25x, reflecting its cyclical nature but underscoring undervaluation amid the memory supercycle.

Key Takeaway Micron having zero sequential growth is highly unlikely, as AI market expansion shows no signs of slowing. Demand for high-bandwidth memory and related products remains constrained, supporting Micron’s outlook.

Now, having come so far, so fast, it is possible Micron could see its stock pullback. Yet, even if the market doesn’t recognize its full potential, Micron stands out as one of the most undervalued AI stocks available. The company’s strategic shift toward AI infrastructure, combined with sold-out capacity and robust guidance, positions it for continued strength and growth through 2026 and beyond.

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Disclosure: The opinions, analyses, and evaluations here are ours and not provided by any bank, financial institution, or any other company. They have not reviewed, approved or endorsed our content.

Vitalik Buterin Admits Ethereum ‘Backslided’ Over The Last 10 YearsVitalik Buterin says Ethereum’s push for scale over the past decade weakened its core promise of decentralization and self-sovereignty.A new 2026 roadmap aims to reduce reliance on trusted servers by enabling local verification and stronger privacy protections.The plan signals a long-term re-architecture intended to shift trust away from centralized intermediaries and back to individual users.Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has marked 2026 as the year the blockchain will reclaim its “cypherpunk” origins.

On January 16, Buterin unveiled a technical roadmap designed to reverse what he described as a decade of “backsliding” on decentralization.

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How Ethereum Plans to Fix Its CompromisesThe Ethereum co-founder admitted that the network’s pursuit of mainstream scalability compromised its foundational promise of self-sovereignty.

2026 is the year that we take back lost ground in terms of self-sovereignty and trustlessness.

Some of what this practically means:

Full nodes: thanks to ZK-EVM and BAL, it will once again become easier to locally run a node and verify the Ethereum chain on your own computer.…

— vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) January 16, 2026 According to him, the current ecosystem leaves users dangerously reliant on centralized infrastructure to interact with the ledger. This dependence centers on trusted servers and Remote Procedure Calls, or RPCs.

This architecture forces users to trust third-party data providers rather than verifying the chain themselves.

To dismantle this reliance, the 2026 roadmap prioritizes the deployment of Helios and Zero-Knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machines (ZK-EVMs).

These technologies aim to democratize the “full node” experience, allowing standard consumer hardware to verify incoming data using Bridges and Local Verification (BAL).

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By shifting verification to the edge, Ethereum aims to eliminate the need for users to blindly trust centralized gateways such as Infura or Alchemy.

The roadmap also introduces aggressive “privacy UX” features that could place the network at odds with data-hungry analytics firms.

So, Buterin proposed integrating Oblivious RAM (ORAM) and Private Information Retrieval (PIR). These cryptographic protocols allow wallets to request data from the network without revealing specific access patterns, effectively blinding RPC providers to user activity.

This move is designed to prevent the “selling off” of user behavioral data to third parties.

On the security front, the network will standardize on social recovery wallets and time locks. These tools aim to make fund recovery intuitive without reverting to centralized custodians or cloud backups that could be “backdoored by Google” or other tech giants.

Additionally, Ethereum will harden user interfaces by using decentralized storage protocols such as IPFS. This reduces the risk of hijacked front ends that could lock users out of their assets.

While he cautioned that these improvements might not arrive with the immediate next release, the 2026 agenda represents a fundamental re-architecting of how the world’s second-largest blockchain handles trust.

“It will be a long road. We will not get everything we want in the next Kohaku release, or the next hard fork, or the hard fork after that. But it will make Ethereum into an ecosystem that deserves not only its current place in the universe, but a much greater one,” he stated.

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This privacy coin is having a moment right now, and it's making investors wonder if it could one-up Bitcoin.

If you want a shortcut to losing your money in crypto, start by buying an asset that people are saying is the next Bitcoin (BTC 0.24%) right after it makes a big price move. Nonetheless, if some investors are to be believed, Monero (XMR 11.68%) is one of the few coins that just might have a plausible claim to becoming the next Bitcoin, thanks to its defining capability, providing on-chain privacy by default.

But being obviously valuable is not the same as an asset being the next Bitcoin -- nor is it even necessary for something to be the next Bitcoin to be a great investment -- so let's unpack what's going on with Monero in a bit more detail and evaluate whether this privacy coin is a real candidate for displacing the king cryptocurrency.

Image source: Getty Images.

This isn't a scarce asset Bitcoin became Bitcoin because it combines two things that are very rare together: a fixed supply that's harder to mine over time, and an easy-to-understand investment thesis that's grounded in its scarcity. The result is that many of the asset's holders can explain the entire supply policy in one breath without sounding like they are reading from a technical manual. In short, there's a maximum of 21 million Bitcoin that can ever exist, and, roughly every four years, halvings make the steady influx of new supply from mining even smaller than before, so even if demand doesn't constantly increase, prices are more likely to keep rising over time than not.

Monero's supply policy is a touch more complex. Like Bitcoin, Monero uses proof of work (PoW), meaning miners expend computing power and energy to secure the network and earn newly issued coins as a reward for their investment and ongoing expenses. Unlike Bitcoin's issuance, which perpetually trends closer and closer to zero, theoretically eventually actually reaching it, Monero's supply policy transitions its issuance into so-called tail emissions, which are permanent and fixed block rewards that began in 2022 and never end.

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But a small, steady issuance rate still results in holders getting their value constantly slightly diluted over time as the total supply grows. It's important to note here that the degree of dilution we're talking about is on the order of 1% per year, so it isn't a dealbreaker for owning the asset so much as it is a quirk that makes it harder to exhibit the same supply and demand dynamics that Bitcoin does relative to its price. Bitcoin does not require new demand to absorb ongoing issuance forever, but Monero does, even if that demand is fairly modest in the grand scheme of things.

Furthermore, when someone pitches an asset as being the next Bitcoin, they're usually at least in part pitching the feature of absolute scarcity. None of this makes Monero bad; it just makes it different from Bitcoin, which it isn't trying to be anyway. It almost certainly will not replicate Bitcoin's adoption arc, so now let's turn to the issue of whether it's worth buying anyway.

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Privacy has a steep price Monero's investment thesis is that it's private digital cash. Privacy has a plethora of legitimate uses, including personal safety, business confidentiality, and the simple desire to just be unknown to others.

Alas, privacy is something that collides head-on with what financial regulators want.

If a crypto exchange, bank, or other financial institution has to prove where certain capital came from, privacy-by-default coins like Monero are going to pose a problem, as they're inscrutable unless specifically engineered to provide a way to drop the veil. On that front, major exchanges have repeatedly restricted or removed Monero in various jurisdictions as a result of regulator pressure. Binance, one of the biggest and most important crypto exchanges, delisted Monero in 2024, and it's far from being the only major one to do so in that period.

Regulators may one day change their opinion on privacy assets. Until then, expect Monero to be tough to purchase, anxiety-provoking to hold, and perhaps difficult to sell. For most investors, those risks disqualify it from being worth purchasing.

Bitcoin (BTC) could reclaim $100,000 as support and rally toward $107,000 in the coming days, driven by a combination of supportive technical and fundamental metrics.

Key takeaways:

Bitcoin’s breakout is gaining traction, backed by bullish technicals and fading selling pressure.

Macro signals lean bullish, with liquidity expansion and divergence between BTC and gold.

Ascending triangle, bull cross raise BTC rally oddsBitcoin confirmed its breakout from a multi-week ascending triangle earlier this week and shifted into a textbook post-breakout retest phase.

After pushing above the pattern’s upper boundary near $95,000, BTC pulled back to retest the former resistance as support before bouncing higher, a move typically associated with valid breakouts rather than false moves.

Holding this reclaimed level keeps the “real breakout” structure intact and preserves the pattern’s measured upside objective near $107,000, derived by adding the triangle’s maximum height to the breakout point, by February.

BTC/USD daily chart. Source: TradingViewAt the same time, Bitcoin’s daily chart approached a potential bullish crossover between the 20-day (green) and 50-day (red) exponential moving averages (EMAs).

The last time BTC printed a similar bull cross, the BTC price advanced by roughly 17% over the following month, strengthening the case for trend continuation if the signal is confirmed.

Bitcoin long-term holders reduce sellingBitcoin’s breakout gained credibility as selling pressure from long-term holders continued to fade.

Data tracking UTXOs spent by OG Bitcoin holders, coins dormant for more than five years, showed that distribution into recent local tops had slowed materially.

As of January, the 90-day average of spent outputs peaked near 2,300 BTC earlier in the cycle but later declined toward the 1,000 BTC level, suggesting fewer coins hitting the market.

STXO from OG Bitcoin holders (>5y). Source: CryptoQuantEarlier in the rally, OG selling had surged to levels well above the previous bull market, reflecting an unusually attractive exit window created by spot ETF demand, deeper liquidity, and institutional participation.

“This suggests that OGs have also slowed down their selling,” said analyst DarkFrost, adding:

“Their selling pressure, which can sometimes be massive, has clearly decreased, and the prevailing trend now seems to lean more toward holding rather than distribution.”The slowdown in OG selling also aligned with the largest net Bitcoin outflows from exchanges since December 2024.

BTC net transfer volume from/to exchanges. Source: GlassnodeNegative Bitcoin-gold correlation: Bullish for BTC?Another macro signal aligned with the breakout thesis came from Bitcoin’s historical relationship with gold.

In past instances where BTC’s correlation with gold turned negative, Bitcoin rallied by an average of 56% within roughly two months. The lone exception in May 2021 was driven by exogenous shocks, including China’s mining crackdown and forced deleveraging.

BTC/USD weekly chart. Source: TradingViewAs of 2026, the setup appeared more favorable, supported by rising global liquidity and the end of the Federal Reserve’s quantitative tightening.

Bitwise’s Matt Hougan noted that Bitcoin bull markets have historically coincided with expanding global M2 supply, saying that the ongoing monetary easing cycle could position Bitcoin to outperform gold in 2026 and reinforce the case for a sustained breakout toward higher levels.This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision. While we strive to provide accurate and timely information, Cointelegraph does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information in this article. This article may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Cointelegraph will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from your reliance on this information.

Crypto lending platform Nexo faces a half-million-dollar penalty from California regulators for making thousands of loans without proper licensing, throwing cold water on the company’s plans to restart operations in the United States.

The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation slapped Nexo with a $500,000 fine after discovering the firm gave out crypto-backed loans to more than 5,456 people in the state without getting the necessary approvals first.

Regulators say the company also skipped basic steps like checking if borrowers could actually pay back the money.

What regulators found The enforcement action targets a Cayman Islands-based part of Nexo called Nexo Capital Inc. Officials found the company handed out both personal and business loans backed by cryptocurrency between July 26, 2018, and November 22, 2022, all while operating without a valid California license.

“Lenders must follow the law and avoid making risky loans that endanger consumers—and crypto-backed loans are no exception,” said KC Mohseni, who runs the state financial department.

Regulators discovered Nexo didn’t bother looking into whether borrowers had the money to repay loans, what other debts they already owed, or what their credit looked like. These are standard checks that traditional lenders must perform before handing out money.

Beyond paying the fine, Nexo must move all California customer money to a properly licensed U.S. partner company within the next 150 days.

The punishment comes at a bad time for Nexo. The corporation has been indicating that it wants to return to the American market, but this action raises concerns about whether existing problems will continue to hinder that effort.

Although the punishment is for previous actions, it comes at a time when digital currency startups are questioning whether regulators are softening their stance.

California carries significant weight in these areas. It is the country’s largest state in terms of population and economic activity, making it an important market for any company that provides consumer financial services. What happens in California often foreshadows how things will unfold nationally.

During the time period regulators examined, Nexo grew its crypto-backed lending business substantially before eventually pulling out of the U.S. market altogether. The company left as state and federal officials increased their scrutiny of how it operated.

Questions about Nexo’s future These days, Nexo no longer offers its traditional crypto lending products to American customers. It only provides crypto-backed borrowing services to people outside the United States, a change that came after multiple run-ins with regulators.

Kadan Stadelmann, who works as Chief Technology Officer at Komodo Platform, said the findings should worry people. “The fact that Nexo failed basic ability-to-repay checks for thousands undoubtedly raises red flags about systemic compliance shortfalls, and consumers should heed these warnings,” he noted.

Stadelmann pointed out that California’s rules focus heavily on making sure loans are backed by enough collateral to protect people from defaults. The state also has strong borrower protections designed to prevent a repeat of the 2008 financial meltdown, but in the crypto world.

He also mentioned that Nexo’s settlement approach, where companies do not admit or deny wrongdoing, helps firms avoid problems like shareholder lawsuits or getting blocked from obtaining future licenses. However, he warned the company “could face further admissions, increasing fines, or regulatory monitors” as officials continue examining its track record.

“Other crypto companies have faced similar regulatory penalties, including the likes of FTX and Binance, and remain in business. Why not Nexo?” Stadelmann asked.

The California action adds to Nexo’s growing list of regulatory headaches in America and raises fresh questions about whether firms with checkered compliance histories can make a comeback, even if the political winds seem to be shifting in crypto’s favor.

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Bitcoin and crypto prices have surged into 2026, with bitcoin nearing $100,000 and adding 10% since its December lows (just as Bank of America’s chief executive issues a huge $6 trillion crypto warning).

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The bitcoin price remains well below its October peak of $126,000, however, even as traders bet on a 2026 Federal Reserve flip.

Now, as Goldman Sachs says a major catalyst could be about to ignite the market, U.S. president Donald Trump has said the dovish economic adviser Kevin Hassett is unlikely to be named as the new Fed chair—a blow to the burgeoning bitcoin price rally.

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ForbesBank Of America CEO Issues Serious $6 Trillion Crypto Warning As Bitcoin Surges Toward $100,000 PriceBy Billy Bambrough

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U.S. president Donald Trump has said Federal Reserve chair front-runner Kevin Hassett is unlikely to be named to the role, something that could cause a bitcoin price shock.

AFP via Getty Images

"Kevin Hassett is so good … if I move him, I would lose you. It’s a serious concern to me," ‍Trump said during an event at the White House in comments reported by Reuters.

"I actually want to keep you where you are, if you want ‌to know the truth," Trump said, sending the Polymarket odds of Hassett being named as Fed chair Jerome Powell’s replacement sharply lower and boosting his rival, the former Fed governor Kevin Warsh to almost 60%.

Trump has repeatedly signalled he would name Hassett as the new Fed chair in recent months, with Hassett’s odds hitting almost 90% on Polymarket in December.

Later, at another event in Florida, Trump said he’d made his decision on who to nominate for Fed chair. “In my mind, done,” he said in comments reported by the Financial Times.

While Warsh has invested in crypto companies and is an advisor to the institutional crypto bank Anchorage, he’s seen as a less dovish than Hassett, meaning interest rates may stay higher for longer if he’s revealed as Trump’s pick.

Expectations that interest rates may fall sharply in 2026 once Trump replaces Powell have supported bitcoin, crypto and equity markets in recent months.

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Forbes‘Very Surprised’—Bitcoin And Crypto Braced For Huge $8 Trillion Wall Street Price ‘Shocker’By Billy Bambrough

The bitcoin price has bounced back from its December lows, climbing toward $100,000 per bitcoin as traders brace for Donald Trump's Federal Reserve chair reveal.

Forbes Digital Assets

Hassett would have been “more dovish than Kevin Warsh and therefore more supportive for crypto,” Aurelie Barthere, principal research analyst at Nansen, said in emailed comments.

Earlier this week, Trump revealed he’s inclined to nominate either Hassett or Warsh as Powell’s replacement in a Reuters interview.

“The two ‍Kevins are very good," Trump said. "You have some other good people too, but I'll be announcing something over the next couple of weeks."

Santiment, a market intelligence platform, has revealed today that ETH held in the official Proof of Stake contract wallet jumped by 38.4% over the past 12 months. POS contract holdings are now 77.85 million ETH worth $256 billion, representing approximately 46.59% of ETH’s total supply held in a single wallet. 

The amount of Ether locked in Ethereum’s Proof of Stake (POS) contract system has jumped to a new all-time high amid the growing institutional participation. The POS contract system holds Ethereum tokens that validators stake to secure the Ethereum blockchain.

The rise in staked ETH value reflects increased interest in long-term staking from network users. 

ETH total staked ETH hits a new ATH of ~ 36 million  According to the Santiment report, there is a common misconception across the crypto ecosystem that POS contract holders are whale wallets. However, contrary to whale wallet behaviour, the POS contract staking wallet can’t allow sudden withdrawals to exchanges. The staked ETH can only be withdrawn slowly through validator exits, which are rate-limited by the protocol.

📊 The official Ethereum Proof-of-Stake deposit contract (formerly the "Beacon Chain" wallet) now holds 77.85M $ETH worth just over $256B, rising by 38.4% coins held in the past year.

💸 Its purpose is to hold ETH that has been staked by validators to secure the Ethereum… pic.twitter.com/FNf43AmSOb

— Santiment (@santimentfeed) January 17, 2026

Another misconception often raised by bears is that, in the event of adversities, the wallet size poses a liquidity risk. For instance, if the price of ETH were to drop sharply, prompting many validators to exit quickly, withdrawals could slow. Other concerns raised include the risk that the ETH price will be influenced by a small number of institutions over time. 

Meanwhile, the total staked ETH has hit another all-time high, reaching approximately 35.97 million ETH, according to validatorqueue data. The value represents approximately 30% of ETH’s total supply and a staked market cap surpassing $118 billion. 

Total ETH staked vs the % of supply staked. Source: Validatorque The Ether price has lost roughly 3.53% year to date and 0.02% over the past 24 hours. The token was trading at $3,297 at the time of publication, up 15% over the past month. 

Ethereum’s Exit and Entry validator queue. Source: Validatorqueue The Ethereum validator network now includes approximately 976,495 active validators plus an additional 2.57 million ETH waiting in the entry queue. At the same time, the validator exit queue has remained at a historic low of 32, reflecting a limited selling pressure from existing stakers. 

Bitmine plans to begin staking ETH via its own validator network Staked ETH enhances the security of the Ethereum blockchain by requiring validators to lock up ETH to propose and verify blocks. So far, the Liquid Staking Protocol, Lido Finance, remains the largest single provider of staking operations, accounting for approximately 24% of all staked ETH, according to Dune Analytics.

The growth in total staked ETH has largely been driven by institutional players such as Bitmine Immersion Technologies. The Ethereum-focused treasury firm recently showed plans to start staking ETH for rewards through its MAVAN solution by depositing $219 million into the POS contract wallet. 

Arkham Intelligence tracked multiple wallets linked to Bitmine, showing transfers totaling 74,880 ETH, a pattern associated with institutional staking setups that collect funds before validator creation. 

Tom Lee confirmed in a post that Bitmine had finally begun staking its held ETH to earn interest income.  The step would mark the firm’s first time staking through its own validator, MAVAN, especially with its current 4.07 million ETH with an approximate APY of 3.12%. This means that Bitmine could earn approximately 126,800 ETH, valued at $374 million, annually at the current ETH price.

Additionally, Ethereum’s total value locked (TVL) could increase this year as institutional participants enter the staking market. According to Sharplink’s co-CEO Joseph Chalom, stablecoins may be the biggest driver of growth this year, targeting approximately $500 billion by year’s end, representing approximately 62% growth from current levels.

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XRP has become the default trading chip of South Korea, bypassing Bitcoin and Ethereum to dominate the country’s high-velocity retail market.

While institutional capital worldwide typically gravitates toward Bitcoin as a store of value, South Korean trading patterns tell a different story.

Data from the country's largest exchanges reveals that when the market heats up, domestic traders consistently prioritize XRP for its liquidity and speed. This preference is a structural anomaly that has defined the local retail playbook for 2025.

Dunamu, the operator of the dominant Upbit exchange, listed XRP as the platform's most-traded asset for the year, ranking it ahead of the two largest cryptocurrencies by market capitalization.

Notably, the pattern is repeated on Bithumb, the nation's second-largest venue, where market data places the XRP/KRW pair second in volume share, trailing only the USDT stablecoin pair.

This aligns with a broader national trend where altcoins account for 70% to 80% of trading volume on domestic centralized exchanges, a figure that far exceeds the global average of roughly 50%.

Why do South Koreans prefer XRP?The “why” behind this dominance is found in the difference between conviction and utility.

South Korea’s market is optimized for short-horizon decisions rather than “buy and hold” strategies. In this environment, the best asset is not necessarily the one with the strongest store-of-value thesis, but the one that functions most cleanly as a tool for speculation.

This is because the country's local infrastructure rewards this specific utility.

Korea’s major exchanges like Upbit are built around spot trading in South Korean won (KRW). When traders wish to express a view on the market, they rarely move into illiquid assets. They rotate into assets that remain tradeable during surges.

XRP offers deep order books, tight spreads, and low friction for execution. It has become the “ergonomic” choice for a retail user base trained to treat it as a core rotation pair.

This utility is critical at 9 AM, which Upbit identifies as its busiest trading hour. As the workday begins, liquidity surges into the market and traders require an asset that can absorb this morning rush without seizing up.

XRP consistently serves as the default vehicle for this liquidity, functioning more like high-speed rail for capital than an investment.

Volatility substitutes for leverageMeanwhile, structural constraints within the country have also forced speculative energy into XRP.

Crypto research firm Tiger Research noted that significantly more capital flows into foreign exchanges than remains in domestic markets.

This is largely because these investors are chasing derivative products that are not available at home. Notably, South Korean domestic exchanges primarily offer spot trading.

That restriction creates a split market, with traders seeking leverage going offshore. This means that those remaining on domestic platforms must manufacture their own leverage by trading assets with high volatility (or “beta”).

XRP occupies a “sweet spot” for this demographic because it exhibits sufficient volatility to generate significant short-term returns while maintaining sufficient liquidity to allow traders to exit positions quickly. So, it effectively serves as a proxy for leverage in a spot-only market.

Moreover, the psychology of the market further amplifies this behavior.

Many South Korean traders missed the early, exponential growth phases of Bitcoin and Ethereum. Seeking to replicate those life-changing returns, they have aggressively turned to altcoins like XRP to capture similar upside.

This pursuit of high-growth assets has historically led domestic traders to drive euphoric rallies in the crypto market, with Korean investors repeatedly profiting from short-term trades in low-cap, high-volatility assets.

The ‘XRP Army' moatBeyond market mechanics, the preference is sustained by a uniquely intense community culture.

Tatsuya Kohrogi, Ripple’s Senior Manager of Ecosystem Growth, recently characterized the South Korean XRP community as “next level,” highlighting an engagement intensity that surpasses that of other major regions.

This fervor is a natural output of the country's high penetration rate. Reports indicate that over 7 million South Koreans (approximately 15% of the total population) are now registered on local exchanges.

This density created a distinct social momentum that consistently fueled XRP’s price performance last year. Notably, Crypto analyst Dom noted several instances in which Upbit's buying power exceeded that of global heavyweights like Coinbase and Binance.

The pattern shows that XRP traders do not just trade the asset; they also consistently show up to defend it on their local platforms.

Institutional bridgeThis intense retail engagement is now beginning to pull institutional infrastructure into its orbit.

While the market’s preference for XRP began as a speculative habit, shifting global narratives and local developments are hardening it into a structural feature.

For years, XRP carried the tail risk of a US regulatory crackdown, but that cloud has thinned. The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) ended its lawsuit against Ripple in August 2025, and since then, major financial firms like Franklin Templeton have announced XRP-focused ETFs.

This global shift in legitimacy is now being mirrored by domestic infrastructure upgrades tailored to Korea's unique market composition.

Recognizing the depth of the local XRP market, regulated entities are moving to support it.

BDACS, one of only four licensed crypto custodians in South Korea, is actively bridging the gap between blockchain technology and traditional financial institutions.

The firm has collaborated with Ripple to provide digital asset custody services for tokenized securities, including stablecoins such as Ripple USD (RLUSD), and, notably, XRP itself.

By building custody solutions for the very asset that dominates retail turnover, firms like BDACS are validating the market's choice.

Thus, the narrative surrounding XRP has shifted from being a “speculative tool” to one that is being institutionalized.

Mentioned in this article

A major crypto whale added to a large Ether long as Ethereum’s market share held a key level on chart data. Together, the moves kept attention on whether ETH can keep gaining traction against the wider market.

Arkham says Hyperunit Whale added to a large Ether longArkham said the “$10B Hyperunit Whale,” which it links to Garrett Jin, increased an existing Ether long by another $66.2 million. In the same post on X, Arkham said the whale’s ETH long now totals about $733.3 million, while the combined long exposure across ETH, SOL, and BTC tops $900 million.

Hyperunit Whale ETH Long. Source: Arkham Intelligence

The Arkham dashboard for the labeled entity “HyperUnit BTC Whale” showed a portfolio value of about $3.33 billion at the time of the screenshot. The holdings table listed roughly 30.664K BTC valued near $2.91 billion, alongside about 126.425K AETHWETH worth roughly $415.36 million, with smaller balances shown in other tokens.

Arkham also highlighted the scale of the position by asking whether this could become the first $1 billion long since James Wynn. Arkham did not publish additional details in the post about venue, leverage, or liquidation levels for the reported long exposure. Source: Arkham Intelligence, X.

ETH dominance holds a key level as momentum indicators turn positiveEthereum’s share of the total crypto market capitalization held a key support zone, according to a chart shared by X user JamesEastonUK. The TradingView data showed ETH dominance stabilizing near the mid range after a sharp rebound from early 2025 lows, with price structure remaining above a long watched horizontal level.

ETH Dominance 3 Day Chart. Source: TradingView, JamesEastonUK

At the same time, momentum indicators shifted. The MACD on the ETH dominance chart flipped bullish, signaling a change in trend strength after a prolonged negative phase. Meanwhile, histogram bars expanded, which reflected improving momentum rather than a flat or fading move.

In addition, volume increased alongside the recent push higher. That rise suggested broader participation as ETH dominance recovered from the lower band marked on the chart. As a result, Ethereum’s market share remained near 12.5% at the time of the snapshot, keeping the key level intact while technical signals aligned to the upside.

Ding ding ding — we have two winners!

Two solo miners independently processed full blocks and pocketed sweet payouts of around $300,000 each, outgunning the top mining operations that typically mine blocks on the top cryptocurrency’s network in incredible odds.

Two Lucky Solo Miners Win $300K Bitcoin Lottery On Thursday, one miner solved block 932373 of the Bitcoin blockchain, bagging a 3.157 BTC reward— valued at roughly $304,650 at current prices. Bitcoin is trading at approximately $95,221, down a paltry 0.3% in the last 24 hours, but up 5.2% on a weekly basis, according to CoinGecko.

This was preceded by another independent miner successfully striking gold earlier this week by solving a valid block and banking a payout worth around $295,000, according to Mempool Space.

These solo miners work independently rather than contributing hashpower to a pool, receiving the full payout— an increasingly improbable feat given the dominance of large, industrial-scale mining operations over the last decade.

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Miners currently receive 3.125 BTC plus transaction fees for adding a block to the Bitcoin network. As part of the proof-of-work consensus mechanism in the apex crypto, payouts are issued in newly minted Bitcoin.

It’s worth noting that a solo miner is a mining operation using an independent pool that isn’t a notable brand or publicly traded company dominating the Bitcoin mining industry, such as Foundry USA, AntPool, or F2Pool.

In the old days, people could mine the crypto at home using their computers all day long. But as the network has grown and difficulty has increased, miners now typically consist of companies using massive amounts of computational resources to mine the world’s largest cryptocurrency.

Mining has become increasingly difficult as hashrate climbs with each halving cycle, tightening margins and lowering profitability, while forcing miners to diversify revenue streams into industries such as artificial intelligence and high-performance computing to cover operational costs.

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According to a senior White House crypto adviser, the Bitcoin tied to the Samourai Wallet forfeiture was not liquidated by federal authorities. The assets will remain held by the government under its strategic reserve plan, the adviser said on social media.

White House Advisor Confirms No Sale Reports have disclosed that about 57.55 BTC — roughly $6.3 million at recent prices — moved through addresses that some observers tracked, which sparked claims the coins had been sold.

The White House adviser, Patrick Witt, stepped in to clear up the matter, saying the Department of Justice confirmed there was no sale.

The coins will be kept in the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve in line with Executive Order 14233, signed in March 2025 by US President Donald Trump. That order directs that seized Bitcoin be held rather than auctioned off.

UPDATE: we have received confirmation from DOJ that the digital assets forfeited by Samourai Wallet have not been liquidated and will not be liquidated, per EO 14233. They will remain on the USG balance sheet as part of the SBR. https://t.co/v2GchC3vk8

— Patrick Witt (@patrickjwitt) January 16, 2026

Movement Of Coins Triggered Questions Based on reports from blockchain analysts, a transfer to a Coinbase Prime address led to speculation about a disposal. Market watchers noticed the trail and raised alarms because a sale could have put extra downward pressure on prices.

Some traders reacted quickly to the noise. But officials explain that transfers between custody systems do not always mean liquidation. In this case, the DOJ and related agencies say the transfer was an internal custody step and not a sale to private buyers.

BTCUSD now trading at $95,148. Chart: TradingView Background On The Case The legal action against the Samourai Wallet developers centered on charges tied to running an unlicensed money-transmitting service and aiding money laundering through mixer tools.

Those charged pleaded guilty. The forfeiture order followed those convictions, and the Bitcoin in question became part of the assets the government controls after the court rulings.

How the government manages such holdings has been a fast-moving policy issue since Executive Order 14233 was issued, which set new rules for seized crypto.

Policy And Market Effects According to officials, holding seized Bitcoin in a national reserve is meant to avoid sudden market shocks that could follow large government sales.

Some critics argue the reserve gives the government a powerful financial tool, while supporters say it prevents volatile swings.

The announcement eased some short-term market worries because uncertainty about a possible sale had been cited as a potential pressure point for crypto prices.

Reactions From Industry Observers Based on reports and social posts from crypto advocates, opinions remain split. Some welcomed the clarification as stabilizing.

Others want more transparency on how the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve will be run and when, if ever, coins might leave it.

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle may ask for hearings or written briefings to get clearer answers about custody practices and future plans.

Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView

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Christian, a journalist and editor with leadership roles in Philippine and Canadian media, is fueled by his love for writing and cryptocurrency. Off-screen, he's a cook and cinephile who's constantly intrigued by the size of the universe.

US Housing Lender Will Accept Bitcoin and Ethereum for Mortgage QualificationNewrez plans to begin recognizing certain cryptocurrency assets for mortgage qualification in February 2026 through its non-QM Smart Series loans.The policy will allow borrowers to use their Bitcoin, Ethereum, stablecoins, and spot crypto ETFs holdings for underwriting without liquidating them.The move positions Newrez ahead of government-backed lenders as private firms respond to regulatory signals from the Federal Housing Finance Agency.Newrez, a leading mortgage lender and servicer, announced plans to begin recognizing cryptocurrency assets for mortgage qualification in February 2026.

This marks a significant integration of digital finance into the traditional housing market.

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Newrez Targets Gen Z with Crypto-Inclusive Mortgage ProductsThe initiative will allow borrowers to use holdings in Bitcoin, Ethereum, USD-pegged stablecoins, and spot crypto exchange-traded funds to verify assets. Those holdings may also be used to estimate income for mortgage loan applications.

The program is exclusive to Newrez’s Smart Series product suite. The line offers non-qualified mortgage loans for borrowers who fall outside standard government-backed lending guidelines.

Newrez President Baron Silverstein said the move reflects a necessary evolution in modern lending as the crypto industry becomes increasingly integrated with traditional finance.

The lender cited internal data showing that about 45% of Gen Z and Millennial investors own cryptocurrency. It described the group as a core demographic of first-time homebuyers.

Notably, lenders historically required these borrowers to liquidate their digital holdings to prove reserves, triggering taxable events and forcing them out of the market.

“We believe that now is the right time to prudently integrate eligible crypto assets into modern mortgage lending—enabling consumers to preserve investments while accessing innovative financing solutions,” Silverstein explained.

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Newrez Sidesteps DeFi, Mandates Regulated Exchange HoldingsUnder the new policy, borrowers can qualify without selling their assets. However, the lenders will apply market-adjusted valuations to account for crypto price volatility.

“Our mission at Newrez is to do everything possible to make home happen and this innovation marks yet another step in creating new pathways to homeownership, giving consumers flexibility and control,” Leslie Gillin, Newrez Chief Commercial Officer, said.

Moreover, the program also imposes strict guardrails for these new borrowers. Newrez confirmed that borrowers can use crypto for underwriting ratios but must still pay down payments and closing costs in US dollars.

Additionally, all eligible assets must be held by US-regulated entities, such as compliant exchanges, retail FinTech apps, or SEC- or FINRA-regulated brokerages.

This requirement effectively excludes assets held in self-custody wallets or decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols.

Meanwhile, the announcement follows a broader regulatory shift in Washington.

In June 2025, the Federal Housing Finance Agency issued a directive to consider cryptocurrency in mortgage risk modeling. The agency asked Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to develop proposals for incorporating digital assets into single-family loan risk assessments.

That directive is part of the Trump administration’s wider overhaul of US financial policy. It signaled a thawing of relations between federal housing regulators and the crypto industry.

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ChatGPT has outlined its price expectations for XRP heading into February 1, 2026, projecting a moderately bullish outlook while highlighting clear upside and downside risks tied to market conditions and regulation.

According to ChatGPT’s assessment, the most likely trading range for XRP by that date is between $2.25 and $2.60. This base-case scenario reflects expectations that the token will continue consolidating slightly above current levels, supported by steady market participation but without a decisive breakout.

In a more optimistic scenario, ChatGPT sees XRP rising into a $2.60 to $3.10 range. This outlook assumes stronger momentum across the broader crypto market, improved investor sentiment, and positive catalysts such as regulatory progress or renewed strength in major assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Under these conditions, XRP could challenge higher resistance levels and briefly trade near or above the $3 mark.

XRP downside outlook  On the downside, ChatGPT noted that XRP could slip back toward the $1.90 to $2.20 area if momentum weakens. This bearish scenario is linked to potential muted trading volumes or renewed uncertainty that could keep the token locked in its recent consolidation zone.

The price ranges are informed by a combination of technical trends, model-based projections, and broader market sentiment. 

Short-term technical views suggest XRP may hover around the low-to-mid $2 range if resistance levels are gradually tested and broken. 

This outlook comes as XRP continues to record notable on-chain changes. In particular, the network has recorded its highest level of daily transactions in nearly six months. Data from January 2026 shows that the XRP Ledger is processing about 1.45 million transactions per day, extending a steady rise in network activity that began in late 2025. 

The increase has been linked to the expansion of Ripple’s On-Demand Liquidity payment corridors and the integration of stablecoins such as RLUSD, which have boosted transaction flows across payment and decentralized finance use cases.

On the other hand, on-chain data indicates that the XRP network has seen a notable drop in the number of new addresses created on the platform in 2026.

XRP price analysis  By press time, XRP was trading at $2.06, having made modest gains of less than 0.1% in the past 24 hours. On the weekly timeframe, the asset is down about 1.5%.

XRP seven-day price chart. Source: Finbold At its current price, XRP is sitting just above its 50-day simple moving average (SMA) of $2.02. This positioning suggests short-term price action is relatively stable, with the 50-day SMA acting as nearby support rather than resistance. 

However, the much higher 200-day SMA at $2.54 highlights a clear longer-term downtrend, indicating that XRP remains structurally weak and would need a sustained move higher to shift its broader technical outlook.
Meanwhile, the 14-day RSI stands at roughly 51, firmly in neutral territory. This indicates neither overbought nor oversold conditions and signals a lack of strong directional momentum.

Featured image via Shutterstock