ReportWire

Tag: crypto

  • Bitcoin And Crypto ETFs Set To Attract $130 Billion-Plus Inflows This Year, JPMorgan Predicts

    [ad_1]

    According to analysts at JPMorgan, crypto-focused exchange-traded funds (ETFs), particularly for Bitcoin (BTC), are expected to see inflows in 2026 that will far exceed those from 2025. 

    Led by Nikolaos Panigirtzoglou, the analysis highlights a significant trend where capital flowing into the crypto market through ETFs reached a record high of $130 billion last year, driven by a growing interest in digital asset treasuries (DATs).

    DAT Companies Lead Crypto Inflows In 2025

    Panigirtzoglou explained that the inflows observed in 2025 were largely attributed to Bitcoin and Ethereum (ETH) ETFs, which the analyst suggests were primarily fueled by retail investors, as well as Bitcoin acquisitions by DAT companies. 

    In contrast, participation from institutional investors and hedge funds, as indicated by the buying activity in Bitcoin and Ethereum Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) futures, appeared to have declined compared to 2024. 

    Related Reading

    The analysts noted that over half of the total digital asset inflows in 2025, approximately $68 billion, came from DAT companies. Another $23 billion was attributed to formal strategies, marking a slight increase from $22 billion in Bitcoin buying from the previous year. 

    Notably, other DATs acquired about $45 billion in digital assets, a significant rise from just $8 billion in 2024. However, most of these purchases occurred earlier in the year, and by October, the momentum in crypto buying from DATs had markedly decreased.

    Crypto venture capital funding also contributed to the overall capital flows, though this area remained substantially lower than the peaks experienced in 2021 and 2022. 

    While total crypto venture capital funding saw a modest increase in 2025 compared to 2024, the number of deals declined sharply, and investment activity became increasingly concentrated in later-stage funding rounds. 

    JPMorgan further suggested that this muted growth in venture funding was, in part, due to the increasing allocation of capital toward DATs. Funds that might have otherwise been directed to early-stage startups were increasingly diverted toward treasury strategies that provide immediate liquidity.

    Regulatory Changes Anticipated To Boost Institutional Interest 

    Looking forward, the analysts expect a rebound in institutional crypto flows in 2026, which could be spurred by the anticipated passage of additional regulatory measures, such as the Crypto Market Structure Bill (CLARITY Act) in the US. 

    This anticipated legislation is expected to further entrench institutional adoption of digital assets, along with renewed institutional engagement in areas like venture capital funding, mergers and acquisitions, and initial public offerings (IPOs). 

    However, the expected markup of this bill has been delayed late on Wednesday, as crypto industry leaders, including the cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase (COIN), have withdrawn their support for the legislation. 

    This is attributed to issues related to key provisions, which the firm’s CEO, Brian Armstrong, has described as making this version “materially worse than the current status quo”.

    The daily chart shows BTC’s price inching closer to regaining the key $100,000 milestone. Source: BTCUSDT on TradingView.com

    At the time of writing, the market’s leading cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, was trading at $96,050, having recorded gains of 10% over the previous fourteen days, as broader inflows have already returned to the market since the beginning of the year. 

    Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com 

    [ad_2]

    Ronaldo Marquez

    Source link

  • Bitcoin’s journey in 2026 will depend on Trump, oil, and AI – MoneySense

    [ad_1]

    2025 was a milestone year for BTC and other cryptocurrencies. The passing of the GENIUS Act in the U.S., which regulates U.S. dollar stablecoins, confirmed crypto’s status as a mainstream asset. Equally important was the proliferation of cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in Canada, the US, and other countries. Investors no longer need to jump through hoops or navigate the crypto ecosystem to invest in BTC, ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL) or other cryptocurrencies. Now, getting exposure to crypto is as easy as buying an S&P 500 Index ETF or a S&P/TSX Composite Index ETF. 

    How did BTC perform as an investment in 2025? Although it was down a relatively modest 7.32% from the beginning to the end of 2025, investors experienced wild up and down swings through the year.  Here’s how much BTC gained or lost in each quarter of 2025.

    What the Venezuela crisis means for BTC

    2026 is off to a wild start. The US special forces entered Venezuela, captured the country’s leader Nicholas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and flew them to New York to face charges. 

    How does this affect BTC? BTC trades in two ways: sometimes as a safe haven asset like gold, and other times like a technology stock that rips higher in times of market optimism and exuberance. In the weeks since this year began, BTC has traded like a safe haven asset, gaining on the back of rising geopolitical tensions exemplified by the US military action in Venezuela. 

    The best crypto platforms and apps

    We’ve ranked the best crypto exchanges in Canada.

    From the beginning of 2026 to now (mid January 2026) BTC has gained over 8% and gold is up about 5%. Why so? Much of the geopolitical uncertainty these days is caused by actions taken by, or statements made by the US government. As a result, investors are on the lookout for assets that are—at least partially—independent of US government influence. 

    Enter gold and BTC. They’re both globally traded assets that aren’t structurally controlled by the US—or any other country. Further, both are considered by many investors to be alternative forms of money. In fact, gold and BTC are often clubbed together as hard assets; that is, assets the value of which cannot easily be manipulated or inflated by governments, including the US.

    Does this mean that the price of BTC will continue to rise this year as long as geopolitical uncertainty persists? It’s not that simple.

    BTC’s fate in 2026 will depend on inflation and interest rates

    While BTC—like gold—does rise on the back of geopolitical uncertainty, it is also (somewhat paradoxically) considered a risk-on asset. In other words, just like stocks, it gains substantially in low-interest rate regimes when the market is flush with liquidity. Therefore, for BTC to gain substantially in 2026, inflation (especially in the US, which is the world’s largest capital market) would need to be soft and interest rates would need to remain low. 

    Article Continues Below Advertisement


    US inflation data right now is encouraging, with the headline U.S. consumer price index (CPI) for December 2025 coming in at 2.7% on an annual basis. This is in line with expectations and within the U.S. Federal Reserve’s (the Fed’s) comfort zone—which means that the Fed may not be in a hurry to raise interest rates. This is positive news for BTC.

    The chart below shows the CPI trajectory from 2021 to the latest print for December 2025. As is clear from the chart, CPI has remained relatively low—within the 2% to 3% band—for well over a year on the back of soft crude oil prices and efficiency gains from the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI). 

    Source: cnbc.com as of January 13, 2026

    Where BTC goes in 2026 will in no small part depend on the price of oil, the continued adoption of AI by large global companies, and the effect these will have on inflation.

    Crypto price swings are common

    Cryptocurrencies including BTC, ETH, XRP, SOL, BNB, and others are speculative and highly volatile assets subject to significant price movements. Even stablecoins, which are seemingly “safe,” may be risky if not adequately backed by real-world assets.

    Investing in bitcoin and other crypto coins carries significant market, technological, and regulatory risks. Invest in crypto only if it aligns with your broader investment goals, time horizon, and risk profile, and always stay vigilant about crypto scams.

    Get free MoneySense financial tips, news & advice in your inbox.

    Read more about crypto:



    About Aditya Nain


    About Aditya Nain

    Aditya Nain is an author, speaker and educator who writes about Canadian investments, personal finance and crypto. He has co-authored two books and taught at universities for 12 years.

    [ad_2]

    Aditya Nain

    Source link

  • Is Gambling with Crypto secure in 2026 – Tech Digest

    [ad_1]

    Share


    Depending on which corner of the internet you hang out on, your view on how safe or unsafe crypto is will vary wildly. While some have unrelenting trust in crypto’s transparency and speed, others associate it with scary news headlines and grey markets. When talking about casinos using crypto, things only get more hotly debated.

    At the core of the problem is a lack of a mature, regulated market, meaning both good and bad operations co-exist. A secure crypto casino like Razed must be trusted based on other customer reviews and its overseas license, making it hard to differentiate from an untrusted operation.

    The secure crypto casinos will generally use encryption and decentralized servers to make sure that user data is private and that their activity is mostly anonymous. KYC is minimal.

    Crypto gambling websites do a good job in boasting about their “Provably Fair” algorithms, and rightly so, as this is the first time where players can now verify the randomness of every spin themselves by checking the blockchain.

    This level of transparency was non-existent in traditional fiat-based systems, though, you had the benefit of relying on the license provider to check for you, which has its own set of benefits.

    It is the move towards open-source verification that has shifted the burden of trust from a brand’s reputation or the license provider to logic of the code itself. In other words, in a less regulated market, the onus is on the individual to look after themselves. When looking at the Razed casino model, its security only becomes clear after you really inspect it, and this is a concern for non-technical customers.

    Blockchain integrity

    One of the main factors contributing to security in 2026 is the stability of major networks. The technology of Ethereum has moved on to support faster and more secure transactions than ever before, reducing the risk of network congestion or lost funds. Smart contracts handle the payouts, but it is up to the casinos individually to implement safety measures in terms of limitations (things that are automatic at normal casinos). Again, this means the ceiling for crypto casinos is high, but the floor is low. Withdrawal friction may be low, and actually, it may be more able than fiat casinos to payout during a busy liquidity crunch period – the operator has no ability to slow down or freeze the funds.

    The legal landscape

    The perceived safety of digital gambling is often tied to global regulations. In 2026, things are progressing to raise the floor. Many jurisdictions are coming forward with clear frameworks for blockchain-based gaming. These laws require operators to hold specific licenses and undergo regular third-party audits, though there is still a lack of high-authority jurisdictions with their own crypto casino licenses.

    By nature, crypto is decentralized and therefore global. It’s very difficult for countries to stop their citizens from using overseas platforms, especially when they simply use a VPN. But greater regulation can help legitimacy and bring trust to those who are less technical.

    While no online activity is entirely without risk, gambling with crypto in 2026 is safer than it has ever been. If you don’t have the skills to examine the smart contracts yourself, you can rely on customer reviews, licenses, and growing regulation.

    Discover more from Tech Digest

    Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

    [ad_2]

    Tech Digest Correspondent

    Source link

  • Bitcoin Whales Hit The Sell Button — $135K Price Target Now Trending

    [ad_1]

    According to TradingView data, big holders on Bitfinex have been trimming long positions after a late-December peak of 73,000 BTC. The move follows a broader drop in whale holdings of roughly 220,000 BTC during 2025, a change that has analysts and traders parsing what comes next.

    Related Reading

    Price action has been steady. Bitcoin has been moving inside a tight range around $88,000 to $92,000 while the market seeks direction.

    Whale Moves And Historical Patterns

    Based on reports, some traders see this as a classic unwind pattern that precedes price gains. In early 2025, a similar fall in long positions coincided with Bitcoin slipping under $74k then staging a sharp rebound.

    That past recovery climbed to about $112k in 43 days after positions were flushed. MartyParty, a commentator on X, pointed to that episode when noting Bitfinex whales were “aggressively closing $BTC longs,” a behavior that has in the past been followed by big swings.

    Market Breadth And Investor Mix

    Reports have disclosed that on-chain tracker CryptoQuant finds overall whale holdings fell by over 200,000 BTC across the year, while smaller investors have increased exposure. This shift is being read by some as a sign that ownership is broadening.

    If more participants hold coins, price moves can be supported by a wider base of buyers. That does not guarantee higher prices, but it does change the way risk spreads through the market.

    BTCUSD now trading at $90,619. Chart: TradingView

    Price Range And Resistance Levels

    Traders are watching a near-term ceiling around $94,000 that has capped several rallies. Bitcoin currently sits near $91.5k. A sustained break above that $94,000 level with volume would be a stronger confirmation for bulls. On the flip side, a failure to move higher could see the range widen to the downside, especially if funding costs rise or if liquidations pick up.

    Fractal Targets And Caution

    Some analysts are using past patterns to project targets. Based on reports, one scenario maps a repeat of the spring-and-rally sequence, aiming at $135k or more if history repeats closely enough.

    Related Reading

    That view depends on similar market conditions lining up, which is not certain. Whales are not a single, unified actor; different groups can close positions for different reasons, and some trades are used as hedges rather than bets on price direction.

    Volume, funding rates, and net positioning on major derivatives platforms will matter. A clean breakout above $94,000 with rising spot demand would support the bullish case.

    Conversely, rising selling pressure at that level could keep Bitcoin confined to the $88,000–$92,000 band until a new catalyst appears. The current action looks like a setup in progress — one that could lead to sharp moves once traders decide on direction.

    Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView

    [ad_2]

    Christian Encila

    Source link

  • How stablecoins could modernize Canada’s financial system – MoneySense

    [ad_1]

    Speed is also a problem. Traditional payment systems can take days to process cross-border transfers. Reducing this friction could boost productivity and strengthen Canada’s economy at a time when both are desperately needed.

    Enter stablecoins: regulated digital currencies that combine the reliability of traditional money with the efficiency of modern technology.

    What is a stablecoin?

    A stablecoin is a digital currency pegged 1:1 to a traditional currency, such as the Canadian dollar. Unlike Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies whose values can vary wildly, stablecoins (true to their name) are designed to hold stable value. This makes them practical for everyday or recurring payments.

    Think of stablecoins as the digital equivalent of cash: familiar and stable in value, but built on blockchain technology. This allows money to move instantly, securely, and across borders without relying on slow intermediaries.

    The best crypto platforms and apps

    We’ve ranked the best crypto exchanges in Canada.

    Why Canada needs faster, smarter payment solutions

    Stablecoins could change how Canadians send and receive money. Each year, Canadians send roughly US$8 billion abroad. Families that depend on remittances could save significant amounts annually, while businesses could recoup lost funds from cross-border transactions.

    Beyond individual savings, a more efficient payment system strengthens the economy; it supports innovation, improves competitiveness, and makes it easier for Canadian companies to engage in global trade.

    Trust through regulation

    Global regulators are taking notice. The U.S. is moving forward with the GENIUS Act, and the European Union has its Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation. Canada is keeping pace with a recently announced national stablecoin framework that, when in place, will ensure stablecoins meet strict standards, similar to traditional financial tools.

    These regulations help ensure that stablecoins are backed by high-quality reserves, so each digital dollar equals a real one. Strong regulation builds confidence and allows Canadians to feel more secure using new payment tools. In 2023, Coinbase research showed that 72% of Canadians say regulation is important, and 29% of non-owners say they would purchase crypto if the industry were better regulated.

    Article Continues Below Advertisement


    Canadian dollar-backed stablecoins like QCAD are already in development. With the regulatory framework in place, stablecoins could soon start showing up in everyday life—starting with business payment processors and e-commerce platforms.

    Canada’s chance to lead

    Canada has long been a hub for innovation, but it has lagged in integrating the advances into practical financial tools. Stablecoins give Canadians a chance to embrace faster, cheaper, and more efficient payments that are better suited to digital life and keep pace with trends in the global financial system.

    By modernizing the backbone of our financial system, stablecoins could help families and businesses save money, strengthen productivity, and expand participation in the digital economy. Faster, smarter payments aren’t just convenient—they’re essential for Canada’s economic future.

    Information is provided for informational purposes only and is not investment advice. This is not a recommendation to buy or sell a particular digital asset or to employ a particular investment strategy. Coinbase Canada, Inc. is registered as a Restricted Dealer in all provinces and territories of Canada. Trading in crypto assets may result in the loss of invested capital.

    Although the term “stablecoin” is commonly used, there is no guarantee that the asset will maintain a stable value in relation to the value of the reference asset when traded on secondary markets or that the reserve of assets, if there is one, will be adequate to satisfy all redemptions.

    Get free MoneySense financial tips, news & advice in your inbox.

    Read more about stablecoins:



    About Jessica Barrett


    About Jessica Barrett

    Jessica Barrett is the editor-in-chief of MoneySense. She has extensive experience in the fintech industry and personal finance journalism.

    [ad_2]

    Jessica Barrett

    Source link

  • GENIUS Act Key Provisions In Spotlight: XRP Attorney Deaton Alerts To Bankers’ Role

    [ad_1]

    In the lead-up to the potential passage of the crypto market structure bill, known as the CLARITY Act, Faryar Shirzad, Chief Policy Officer at Coinbase, shed light on the ongoing discussions surrounding key provisions of the already enacted GENIUS Act. 

    GENIUS Act Under Fire

    Shirzad noted that the stablecoin rewards provisions of the GENIUS Act are currently a central topic of debate among lawmakers. Shiraz remarked, “reopening it now only creates uncertainty and risks the future of the US Dollar as commerce moves onchain.”

    Shirzad emphasized the importance of protecting the GENIUS Act, arguing that rewards benefit consumers without adversely affecting community banks.

    Related Reading

    He alleged that the motivation behind banks’ opposition to stablecoin rewards is evident. He claimed that US banks currently generate approximately $176 billion annually from the $3 trillion they hold at the Federal Reserve (Fed) and another $187 billion from card swipe fees, which averages to nearly $1,440 for each household. 

    This results in over $360 billion yearly from payments and deposits, in addition to substantial unused lending capacity, as the Federal Reserve incentivizes banks to maintain reserves rather than deploy them.

    According to Shirzad, stablecoin rewards pose a challenge to these financial margins—not by impeding banks’ ability to lend, but by introducing real competition in payment systems. 

    Shirzad further expressed alarm at how, during these Senate discussions, China has recognized the opportunity presented by the bank lobby. 

    The country has recently announced interest payments to users of its Digital Yuan, aiming to undermine the supremacy of the US dollar. He warned that banning rewards in the Senate would inadvertently aid China’s efforts to challenge the dollar’s dominance.

    Concluding his remarks, Shirzad asserted that the opposition from banks toward stablecoin rewards is not based on prudential concerns but stems from a desire to protect lucrative revenue streams threatened by competition. 

    Deaton Critiques ABA’s Threat To Stablecoin Rewards

    John E. Deaton — attorney for XRP holders in the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) lawsuit against Ripple Labs and a former Senate candidate — also reacted to these developments. He emphasized the importance of the situation as China officially began offering interest on the digital yuan. 

    He highlighted that the American Bankers Association (ABA) is exerting pressure on the Senate to close a “third-party loophole” in the GENIUS Act, which would restrict companies like Coinbase (COIN) and Kraken from offering rewards to consumers.

    Related Reading

    Deaton argued that banning American firms from providing yield to everyday citizens does not protect banks, as claimed by the ABA; rather, it risks forcing global reliance on China’s currency over the US dollar. 

    He emphasized that major banks are threatened by the concept of digital dollars because they are unable to “rent” that money back to consumers if individuals are earning yield themselves.

    The criticism also extended to banking officials, with Deaton asserting that the Banking Policy Institute, led by figures like Jamie Dimon, has crafted an anti-crypto bill last year that undermines the interests of average Americans. 

    He contended that if the Senate capitulates to the bank lobby, it effectively imposes a hidden tax on retail investors and customers nationwide to safeguard Wall Street’s profits.

    The daily chart shows the total crypto market cap valuation at $3.08 trillion. Source: TOTAL on TradingView.com

    Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com 

    [ad_2]

    Ronaldo Marquez

    Source link

  • $18 Million Ethereum Loss Sends Whale Running To Gold

    [ad_1]

    A large crypto wallet that recently took a sharp loss on Ethereum has restructured its holdings, moving away from volatile tokens and increasing exposure to stablecoins and tokenized gold, according to on-chain tracking data.

    Related Reading

    The address drew attention after an aggressive Ethereum purchase late last year went wrong. Between November 3 and November 7, 2025, the wallet spent about $110 million to acquire 31,005 ETH at an average price of $3,581.

    As prices slid, the position was unwound. Nearly the entire holding was sold for roughly $92.19 million, locking in a loss close to $18 million within two weeks. At current prices near $3,020, that same Ethereum stack would now be valued at around $93.6 million.

    Shift Away From Ether After Costly Exit

    Based on reports from blockchain monitoring platforms, the sell-off marked a clear change in behavior. The wallet, once heavily tied to Ethereum, no longer holds a large directional bet on the asset. Instead, balances have been spread across cash-like tokens and commodities. The move reflects caution rather than an attempt to quickly recover losses.

    Gold Buying Shows Preference For Lower Volatility

    According to on-chain records, the address began building a position in Tether’s tokenized gold product, XAUT. Starting on Friday, the wallet spent $14.58 million in USDT to buy 3,299 XAUT across several transactions.

    The average purchase price came in near $4,421 per token. This was not the first gold buy. A smaller XAUT acquisition was made on December 13, roughly three weeks earlier. As of the latest data, the wallet holds 3,386 XAUT tokens worth about $14.92 million.

    ETHUSD now trading at $3,136. Chart: TradingView

    The broader portfolio now totals close to $91 million. About $58 million sits in USDT, another $18 million is held in USDC, while the remainder is split between XAUT and a reduced Ethereum balance. The composition points to capital protection rather than high-risk positioning.

    Metals Outperform Crypto In 2025

    Returns from last year help explain the change. Reports have disclosed that Bitcoin fell by 6% in 2025, while Ethereum dropped 11%. Over the same period, gold surged over 60%, and silver rose an even steeper 147%.

    Related Reading

    Major stock indexes such as the S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq 100 also posted stronger performance than much of the crypto market. With those results in view, some investors appear more comfortable holding assets linked to metals or cash.

    Meanwhile, analysts at asset manager VanEck have pointed to 2026 as a possible recovery year for the crypto market. Their view contrasts with the current behavior of large wallets moving into stablecoins and gold-linked tokens.

    The divide shows how uncertain sentiment remains after a year when metals and traditional assets delivered stronger gains than major cryptocurrencies.

    Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView

    [ad_2]

    Christian Encila

    Source link

  • Crypto Users Lose Far Less To Phishing As Losses Drop 83% – Details

    [ad_1]

    Crypto phishing losses plunged in 2025, but experts warn the threat has only changed shape rather than disappeared. Reports show a sharp fall in money stolen by wallet-draining scams, even as attackers tested new tricks tied to recent protocol changes.

    Related Reading

    Scam Sniffer Data Shows Drop

    According to Scam Sniffer’s 2025 analysis, wallet drainer phishing losses fell to about $83.85 million — an 83% decline from roughly $494 million in 2024.

    The number of affected wallets dropped to around 106,000, a fall of about 68% year-on-year. These figures come from the security platform’s annual study and were picked up by major crypto outlets.

    Attackers Shift, Not Stop

    Only 11 incidents topped $1 million in 2025, down from 30 the prior year, signaling fewer headline grabs but a rise in smaller hits. The largest single theft recorded last year was roughly $6.5 million, tied to a malicious Permit signature attack.

    Average losses per victim fell to roughly $790, which suggests attackers moved toward more frequent, lower-value strikes.

    Source: Scam Sniffer

    Market Moves Mattered

    Losses followed market activity. The third quarter logged the highest damage at about $31 million, when Ethereum’s rally brought more users and approvals onchain.

    Monthly peaks included August, which posted about $12.17 million, while December was the quietest with roughly $2 million. That pattern shows fraudsters target busy trading windows.

    Source: Scam Sniffer

    Permit Signatures And New Vectors

    Reports highlighted Permit and Permit2 signature abuses as a major driver of big losses, accounting for a large share of multi-million cases.

    Scam Sniffer also flagged EIP-7702 batch signature techniques that were used in a few complex attacks after network upgrades. Security teams say these methods exploit user approval flows rather than raw smart-contract bugs.

    Total crypto market cap currently at $3.08 trillion. Chart: TradingView

    Why The Drop Happened

    Analysts attribute much of the improvement to better wallet warnings, wider use of approval revocation tools, and more active tracking by onchain monitors.

    Some defenders also point to reduced market froth in parts of the year, which lowered the pool of high-value targets. Still, multiple outlets stress that reduced totals do not equal safety.

    Related Reading

    Based on reports, phishing will likely remain cyclical: losses could spike again during big rallies or when new signing features are introduced.

    Security firms urge users to check approvals, avoid blind signing, and use wallet tools that flag risky requests. Regulators and exchanges are watching the trend, but responsibility for many attacks still falls to individual users and wallet software.

    Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView

    [ad_2]

    Christian Encila

    Source link

  • Bitcoin Faces Test After Venezuela Attack, But Analyst Sees No Major Pullback

    [ad_1]

    According to market observers, the US strikes on Venezuela early Saturday are not expected to push Bitcoin into a large sell-off. The strikes took place at around 6 a.m. UTC and lasted for about 30 minutes, reports show.

    Related Reading

    Michael van de Poppe, founder of MN Trading Capital, wrote on X that he does not expect “a widespread correction” tied to the attack, arguing the event was planned and has already passed market participants. Other analysts shared a similar view, saying dramatic moves usually come when traders expect worse things ahead.

    Bitcoin: Market Moves And Liquidations

    Based on reports, Bitcoin held firm above the $90,000 mark. CoinGecko data showed a rise of 1.50%, putting the token at $91,320 at the time of publication.

    CoinGlass figures indicate about $60 million in Bitcoin positions were liquidated over the prior 24 hours, with roughly $55 million of that coming from short bets. That kind of forced selling can amp up volatility for a short period. Still, the broader pattern this time looked muted.

    Historical Drops Have Happened Fast

    There have been episodes when conflict pushed prices down quickly. In June 2025, for example, Bitcoin fell nearly 3%, sliding from $106,000 to $103,000 inside roughly 90 minutes after explosions in Tehran.

    Bitcoin is now trading at $91,563. Chart: TradingView

    Traders point out that sudden moves often follow when markets fear ongoing escalation. Here, many market watchers see less chance of follow-up actions that would deepen panic.

    Federal Debt And Genesis Day In The Middle Of Market Noise

    Based on reports, the US national debt passed $38 trillion on Saturday, with the US National Debt Clock placing it near $38.5 at the time. That milestone came as Bitcoin fans marked “Genesis Day,” the anniversary of the first block mined by Satoshi Nakamoto.

    Paolo Ardoino, CEO of stablecoin issuer Tether, posted a celebratory message, while Sam Callahan, director of strategy and research at BTC treasury firm OranjeBTC, echoed the sentiment.

    For many in the community, the headline embedded in the Genesis Block remains a symbol of a monetary system capped in supply and not subject to the same printing pressures as fiat.

    Community Reaction And Context

    Reports have shown some in the crypto space treated events like the strike and the rising US debt as separate but related stories. A few traders said the strike could bring “green” to markets as investors interpret decisive action as a sign of control, an outlook voiced by analyst Tyler Hill.

    Related Reading

    Meanwhile, others emphasized that the immediate market response has been calm rather than panicked. Social posts and onchain flows were watched closely by hedge funds and retail traders alike.

    Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView

    [ad_2]

    Christian Encila

    Source link

  • 2026 Crypto Market Prediction: Will Prices Soar Or Face Continued Declines?

    [ad_1]

    With 2025 now closed, the crypto market is beginning 2026 with attempts to recover from one of its most challenging years. After a tumultuous period, total market capitalization has surged back above $3 trillion. However, many investors are left wondering what the new year has in store for digital assets.

    Institutions Forecast Bullish Crypto Prices For 2026

    According to a recent report by analysts at Bull Theory, the past year proved to be robust for traditional markets, particularly for metals, while cryptocurrencies fell short of expectations. Silver surged by 160%, and gold followed suit with a 66% increase. 

    In contrast, Bitcoin (BTC) wrapped up 2025 down approximately 5%, despite several positive indicators, such as consistent purchasing by Strategy, strong inflows into Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and growing institutional interest. 

    Related Reading

    Yet, when one asset class lags significantly while liquidity remains abundant, historical trends show that the gap typically narrows. In terms of specific projections, various major institutions and prominent investors have offered their forecasts for both Bitcoin and Ethereum (ETH). 

    Standard Chartered targets Bitcoin to reach $150,000 by the end of 2026, and JPMorgan projects a price of $170,000. Meanwhile, Citi’s base case stands around $143,000, with a more aggressive bull case suggesting a potential rise to $189,000. 

    Cathie Wood of ARK Invest envisions a long-term scenario where Bitcoin could hit $500,000, contingent on widespread institutional adoption. Tom Lee from Fundstrat anticipates Ethereum will trade between $7,000 and $9,000 by early 2026, fueled by the tokenization of real-world assets.

    New Regulations And Economic Optimism

    The analysts further highlighted that, unlike previous years, this cycle looks distinct in several key aspects. For one, crypto is no longer encumbered by operating within a legal gray area. 

    New regulatory frameworks, particularly in the US, are poised to offer clearer guidelines, reducing uncertainty and facilitating easier access for institutional investors.

    The anticipated changes aim for simplified regulations that could enhance market structure while broadening institutional participation beyond just Bitcoin and Ethereum. 

    Moreover, several factors suggest that a sharp movement in the crypto markets could be on the horizon. The end of quantitative tightening on December 1, 2025, coupled with a growing GDP, signals a conducive environment for crypto. 

    Related Reading

    With inflation stabilized below 3% and unemployment at 4.6%, there are indications that the Federal Reserve (Fed) may adopt a more dovish stance, especially with a new Fed Chair expected to take office in May 2026. 

    Overall, as the new year begins, the crypto market finds itself in a position of underperformance rather than excess. This contrasting state often results in rapid repricings as gaps are closed in response to liquidity alignment. 

    As a result, Bull Theory analysts believe that 2026 could very well be the year when these disparities start to correct, leading to a potentially bullish environment for cryptocurrencies.

    The daily chart shows the total crypto market cap recovery above the $3 trillion mark. Source: TOTAL on TradingView.com

    Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com 

    [ad_2]

    Ronaldo Marquez

    Source link

  • Bitcoin’s Bear Market Might Not Be New: Data Points To A 2-Month Slide

    [ad_1]

    According to CryptoQuant’s head of research Julio Moreno, Bitcoin may already be two months into a bear market after several of his indicators flipped to bearish in early November.

    Related Reading

    Moreno pointed to the price sliding below its one-year moving average as the clearest technical confirmation, and he used that signal to argue a lower trading range may be on the path ahead.

    Bitcoin Technical Signals, Market Mood

    Moreno said a likely bottom could sit near the realized price, which he put in the $56,000–$60,000 band. That would mean a drawdown of roughly 55% from Bitcoin’s all-time high — a drop that is large but smaller than past crashes that hit 70% or 80%.

    Market momentum is muted. Bitcoin began 2025 near $93,000, peaked at about $126,050 in October, and ended the year below where it started, according to CoinGecko. Trading hovered around $88,920 as of Friday, based on available data.

    Derivatives Show Caution Ahead Of Expiry

    Bitcoin was holding the $87,000–$89,000 range as $1.85 billion in options approached expiry. Reports show derivatives volume fell 39% while open interest remained flat, a mix that points to hesitation rather than aggressive positioning by traders.

    Technical measures show price compression near support, and traders are watching expiry closely because a larger move could follow when those contracts settle. Volatility has been lower than in some previous selloffs, and that has left price action tighter than many expected.

    Institutional Accumulation And The Missing Shock

    Moreno and others note the environment feels structurally different. Large institutional players and regulated ETFs have been buying more regularly, and those flows are not known to be selling in panic.

    That steady demand has helped prevent the kind of cascading failures seen in 2022, when Terra, Celsius and FTX collapsed and amplified losses across the market. Because those big shocks did not occur this time, the drawdown looks more controlled, even if prices are moving down.

    BTCUSD now trading at $89,043. Chart: TradingView

    Outlook Hinges On Macro And Regulation

    Some analysts still predict 2026 could bring fresh highs, citing expected US rate cuts and a friendlier policy stance in Washington. At the same time, observers are watching whether Bitcoin’s tighter link to US stocks holds as macro and regulatory decisions land.

    If the correlation weakens, crypto may chart its own course. If it stays strong, the path for Bitcoin could be shaped largely by broader market moves rather than crypto-specific flows.

    Related Reading

    What Traders Will Watch

    Based on reports and Moreno’s view, the key items to monitor are the one-year moving average, realized price levels near $56,000–$60,000, the outcome of options expiries, and whether institutional buyers continue steady purchases.

    Price action has been calmer than some past crises, but that calm has masked real downside risk. Analysts and traders are split; some expect a return to growth next year, while others are preparing for lower prices before any sustained recovery.

    Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView

    [ad_2]

    Christian Encila

    Source link

  • a16z Crypto’s 2026 Call: Stablecoins Will Surpass Visa

    [ad_1]

    The firm suggests digital wallets could eventually handle payments at a scale rivaling global card networks.

    Venture capital firm a16z Crypto has outlined its top expectations for the digital asset sector in a post shared on X on January 1, pointing to major shifts in payments, privacy, and blockchain use cases in 2026.

    The list framed a future where stablecoins will rival global card networks, privacy tools will become a key competitive advantage, and crypto firms will move beyond trading as markets prepare for a possible rebound.

    The Main Story: A Vision Beyond Trading

    The firm’s detailed list framed 2026 as a pivotal year for maturing blockchain applications. A central theme is the evolution of stablecoins from a niche crypto tool into a core component of global finance.

    a16z suggested these digital dollars could trigger a long-awaited modernization of banking infrastructure, stating “the internet becomes the bank.” This implies a future where digital wallets and decentralized networks handle payments and wealth management at a scale rivaling traditional giants.

    Additionally, a16z identified privacy as “the most important moat in crypto.” This marks a significant shift in narrative, suggesting that the ability to conduct verifiable yet confidential transactions will become a primary feature attracting users, rather than just transparent speculation.

    This outlook arrived at a time when crypto markets are displaying unusual calm, with analytics from Santiment showing trading activity for major assets like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) has slowed to yearly lows, with many altcoins losing momentum at the tail end of 2025.

    Macro Signals Hint at Rotation Toward Crypto in 2026

    While short-term interest looks muted, several analysts see conditions lining up for a stronger year ahead. For instance, market observers pointed to the Federal Reserve ending quantitative tightening and cutting rates three times in 2025, with further reductions expected in 2026. Lower borrowing costs and looser liquidity have historically favored risk assets, including digital currencies.

    You may also like:

    Another analyst, Bull Theory, compared Bitcoin’s current pause to mid-2020, when gold and silver rallied first before capital later flowed into crypto. Precious metals are again setting records, which some view as a sign that liquidity may rotate next rather than exit markets.

    Altcoins, however, remain mixed. Solana (SOL) held near $126 through December even as spot trading slowed, though recent ETF inflows suggest institutions are still paying attention. Other large tokens, such as Cardano (ADA) and Dogecoin (DOGE), ended the year lower, reflecting limited retail interest.

    Against this backdrop, a16z’s focus on payments, privacy, and practical blockchain uses suggests the next phase may depend less on speculation and more on whether crypto can prove its value in everyday finance as 2026 unfolds.

    SPECIAL OFFER (Exclusive)

    SECRET PARTNERSHIP BONUS for CryptoPotato readers: Use this link to register and unlock $1,500 in exclusive BingX Exchange rewards (limited time offer).

    [ad_2]

    Wayne Jones

    Source link

  • Crypto ETFs Defy The Pullback With $32 Billion In Fresh Investor Cash

    [ad_1]

    According to Farside Investors data, US investors put close to $32 billion into US crypto exchange-traded funds in 2025 even as markets lost steam late in the year.

    Related Reading

    Spot Bitcoin ETFs drew the biggest share, with $21.4 billion in net inflows. That is smaller than the $35 billion that poured into Bitcoin ETFs in 2024.

    Blackrock Dominates Flows

    BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF, IBIT, accounted for most of the activity. Reports show IBIT took in about $24.7 billion. That makes its inflows roughly five times larger than the nearest rival, Fidelity’s FBTC.

    Source: Farside Investors

    Market watchers noted IBIT ranked near the top among all ETF flows, placing behind only a few broad index funds and a big treasury bond fund.

    If IBIT’s number is removed, the wider spot Bitcoin ETF group actually finished the year with about $3 billion in combined outflows.

    Grayscale’s Bitcoin product lost nearly $4 billion on the year. Bitcoin’s price was lower than at the start of 2025; it began the year around $93,500.

    Ethereum Interest Strong But Cooling

    Based on reports, interest in Ethereum ETFs was real, but the momentum looks uneven. BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum Trust, ETHA, sits at nearly $12.6 billion in inflows. Fidelity’s FETH follows at $2.6 billion, while Grayscale’s Ethereum Mini Trust ETF holds about $1.5 billion.

    Still, public on-chain data showed little renewed demand for spot Bitcoin and Ether ETFs in the last month of the year, suggesting flows may slow into 2026.

    Ether ETFs benefited from being new and giving investors a regulated way to own ETH, but recent days have seen quieter buying.

    BTCUSD currently trading at $87,688. Chart: TradingView

    Spot Ether ETFs, which only became widely tradable after their July 2024 launch, gathered $9.6 billion in their first full year. Spot Solana ETFs, launched in late October, added $765 million through year end.

    Altcoin ETFs Show Curiosity, Not Frenzy

    Litecoin and XRP ETFs also began trading in the latter half of the year, giving investors more choices for regulated altcoin exposure.

    The sums are small compared with Bitcoin and Ether. Solana’s $765 million is an example of early interest that has not yet turned into a large, steady stream of assets. These products are being tested by the market.

    Related Reading

    Global Flows Tell A Different Story

    Industry trackers reported that crypto ETFs listed worldwide experienced $2.95 billion in net outflows in November, and there was about $179 billion invested in crypto ETFs globally at the end of that month.

    Regulators and exchanges moved faster this year under new SEC leadership that was more open to approvals, which in turn helped institutional adoption in the US.

    Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView

    [ad_2]

    Christian Encila

    Source link

  • VC Hype Bubble Bursts as 2025 Crypto Projects Sink Below Valuations

    [ad_1]

    A widening gap between VC pricing and public market caps signals a reset after narrative-driven optimism cooled.

    Crypto venture capital firms poured billions into early-stage tokens during 2025’s risk-on rebound, but many of those bets are now trading far below their headline fundraising values.

    The growing gap between private funding numbers and public market caps highlights a market reset after narrative-driven optimism cooled.

    Data recently shared by CryptoRank shows dozens of well-funded projects losing hundreds of millions, and in some cases nearly all, of their implied value once tokens reached open markets, raising fresh questions about pricing discipline during bull cycles.

    VC Valuations Meet Public Market Reality

    CryptoRank’s comparison of VC valuations versus current market capitalizations painted a stark picture. Humanity Protocol, once priced at a $1 billion valuation during private rounds, now sits at around $285 million. Plasma and ICNT show smaller gaps by comparison, with Plasma at roughly $224 million versus a $500 million valuation, and ICNT near $247 million against $470 million.

    The steepest drops are harder to ignore. Fuel Network, Double Zero, and Bubblemaps, which recently mocked American rapper Soulja Boy over his past involvement in crypto and NFT promotions, each carried billion- or near-billion-dollar valuations yet are now trading around $11 million, $373,000, and $6 million, respectively.

    Camp Network and TreeHouse followed a similar path, falling from $400 million valuations to around $15 million and $16 million. Privasea also stood out, dropping from $180 million to about $1 million.

    However, other projects have shown more modest declines. For example, Sosovalue has held up relatively well at around $152 million compared to a $200 million valuation, while Yieldbasis is trading near $34 million against a $50 million initial valuation.

    You may also like:

    Meanwhile, Momentum and Bitlight sit closer to the middle, with market caps of around $43 million and $34 million after funding rounds that priced them at $100 million and $170 million.

    Funding Rebounds, but Caution Replaces Euphoria

    This valuation reset has come even with overall VC activity picking up again in 2025. Data from CryptoRank shows quarterly crypto venture investment climbing to about $10 billion in Q2 2025, the strongest level since early 2022. Additionally, funding remained elevated at nearly $8 billion in both Q3 and Q4.

    By contrast, funding during the bear market years fell steadily, bottoming near $689 million in Q3 2023 before stabilizing between $1 billion and $2.5 billion through most of 2024. The 2025 recovery closely tracked Bitcoin’s price climb above $126,000 mid-year before easing toward the $80,000 to $100,000 range by year-end.

    What stands out is not just the size of the rebound but also its timing. The largest capital deployment came during Q2 2025, when sentiment was strongest and token prices were rising quickly. Many of the projects now trading well below VC marks were funded during this window, according to CryptoRank data.

    For many investors, the takeaway is not that venture capital has returned, but that public markets are less willing to accept private round narratives at face value. As several analysts on X noted, the gap between VC pricing and live trading data has become a risk signal rather than a badge of confidence, reinforcing the need for sober expectations as capital flows back into crypto.

    SPECIAL OFFER (Exclusive)

    SECRET PARTNERSHIP BONUS for CryptoPotato readers: Use this link to register and unlock $1,500 in exclusive BingX Exchange rewards (limited time offer).

    [ad_2]

    Wayne Jones

    Source link

  • Ethereum’s 2026 Overhaul Aims To Cut Costs, Boost Speed, Limit Censorship

    [ad_1]

    According to reports, Ethereum plans two major hard forks in 2026 that aim to change how the network runs. Mid-2026 will see the Glamsterdam upgrade, and late 2026 is set for Heze-Bogota. These steps are meant to speed up transaction handling, add new validation tools, and make the chain harder to censor.

    Related Reading

    Ethereum Trading, Options Pressure

    Ethereum is currently above $2,900 as the market awaits a large options expiry. Reports put the expiring notional at $6 billion, with more call options than puts. Many contracts could end up worthless if ETH fails to rise above $3,100, the so-called max pain level.

    Analysts see a consolidation range between $2,700 and $3,100 into year-end, and some experts offer a bearish 2026 view, pointing to possible drops toward $1,800–$2,000 if broader market conditions worsen.

    Parallel Execution

    Glamsterdam targets parallel processing by letting multiple transactions run at the same time instead of one after another. Block access lists will tell nodes which data each transaction needs, which makes parallel work safer and more efficient.

    Protocol-level proposer-builder separation, or ePBS, is also planned. That move is expected to cut some centralization risks and make it easier for validators to use zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs without being penalized for extra compute time.

    Gas limits are expected to rise in stages, with talk of reaching 200 million per block after key changes land. About 10% of validators could start verifying ZK proofs rather than rechecking all transactions by year-end, based on current projections.

    Ether trading at $2,974 on the 24-hour chart: TradingView

    The push toward parallel execution could reduce slowdowns that happen when demand spikes. But higher gas limits come with tradeoffs. Running bigger blocks or faster workloads can raise hardware needs, which could make it harder for smaller validators to stay in the network. That balance between speed and decentralization will be watched closely.

    Layer-2 Throughput Could Jump Sharply

    A major part of the story is layer-2 scaling. Increasing the number of data blobs per block to 72 or more would give L2 systems much more space to store transaction data, which could let them process hundreds of thousands of transactions per second in aggregate.

    Designs like ZKsync’s Elastic Network aim to let users keep money on Ethereum while using faster L2s. An interoperability layer is also being discussed to move activity between different L2s more easily. Still, user experience, liquidity splits, and coordination between chains remain open issues that need work.

    Related Reading

    Heze-Bogota: Censorship Resistance

    Heze-Bogota will add tools to help groups of validators make sure certain transactions are included. Fork-choice inclusion lists are meant to reduce the risk that transactions get blocked if only part of the network remains honest. That change is more about values and permissionless access than it is about raw speed.

    Featured image from Firi, chart from TradingView

    [ad_2]

    Christian Encila

    Source link

  • Bitcoin’s $126K Sprint May Be Over — Fidelity Predicts 2026 Slide

    [ad_1]

    Fidelity’s top markets strategist has warned that Bitcoin’s October high of $126,000 could mark the top of the current cycle, and investors should be ready for a rough ride in 2026.

    Related Reading

    According to Jurrien Timmer, a notable pullback is possible next year with key support seen in a range of $65,000 to $75,000. That view sits alongside data points and trader commentary that recall past big drops after sharp peaks.

    Cycle Warning From Fidelity

    According to Timmer, Bitcoin’s price history follows a roughly four-year rhythm tied to halvings. Past peaks have been followed by steep corrections of about 70 to 85%.

    For example, after a high of $1,137 in 2013 the price slipped to roughly $230, and the 2017 peak near $14,050 later traded down toward $3,415. Prices surged again after 2021, and that pattern of parabolic advance then sharp retreat has been repeated. Some traders say those falls are tests of patience rather than a sign the story is broken.

    Historical Charts Show Parabolic Moves

    Reports have disclosed that long-term log charts help put these swings in perspective by showing percentage growth across cycles, which can make big-dollar moves easier to read.

    Market action often looks like a rapid climb to a peak, a quick drop, and a long period where prices move sideways and gains feel slow. Those sideways stretches are where many long-term holders are rewarded, though it can take years.

    Galaxy Research has flagged overlapping macro and market risks that make forecasting harder for 2026, and options and volatility trends suggest Bitcoin is behaving more like a macro asset than a pure growth gamble. Galaxy Research is still bullish on a multi-year view and projects a path toward $250,000 by the end of 2027.

    BTCUSD now trading at $89,510. Chart: TradingView

    First Quarter Patterns May Matter

    Based on reports from traders, the first quarter has in past cycles been a period that often supports price stability, although recent years have shown less regularity. Large inflows and treasury buys that could arrive in 2025 might be offset by early-cycle selling from big holders.

    The balance between institutional demand and whale supply will likely show itself in the first half of 2026, making that stretch important for whether historical four-year rhythms hold firm.

    Related Reading

    2026 Could Provide Clues

    If prices pull back into the $65,000–$75,000 area, it would fit the historical correction range and offer a test of market structure. Traders and investors will be watching liquidity, derivatives flows, and how quickly spot buyers step in after any sharp declines. Patience has paid off before; the largest gains came after extended calm, not right after the low was printed.

    Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView

    [ad_2]

    Christian Encila

    Source link

  • Bitcoin Outlook Discord: Tom Lee Breaks Down Fundstrat’s Position

    [ad_1]

    According to reports, Fundstrat analysts are sending mixed signals about Bitcoin’s path in 2026. One line of work inside the firm sees a noticeable pullback early next year, while another predicts new highs arriving soon after.

    Related Reading

    Sean Farrell, Fundstrat’s head of digital asset strategy, is reported to have told clients that a “base case” would see Bitcoin move down toward the $60,000–$65,000 range in the first half of 2026.

    The same internal material attributes fallbacks for other major tokens — ETH toward about $1.8K–$2K and SOL near $50–$75 — which were framed as potential buying opportunities should markets correct.

    Risk Models And Shorter Time Horizons

    Farrell’s note, which has circulated as screenshots on social media and among clients, stresses risk management and the possibility of a meaningful drawdown before any sustained rally.

    The language in those client slides points to cautious positioning and to taking advantage of lower price levels if they arrive.

    Tom Lee’s Bullish Outlook Remains Publicly Strong

    By contrast, Tom Lee — Fundstrat’s co-founder and a longstanding voice on Bitcoin — has publicly said he expects new all-time highs in early 2026, with some media summaries quoting optimistic ranges as high as $200,000 by late January 2026.

    He has emphasized macro drivers, institutional flows, and cycle dynamics as reasons for continued upside in the coming months.

    Different Roles, Different Time Frames

    Reports have disclosed that the two views reflect different analytical roles inside the firm: one focused on portfolio-level downside planning and the other on longer-term macro scenarios.

    BTCUSD currently trading at $87,838. Chart: TradingView

    Several clients and observers on X (formerly Twitter) have pushed back on the idea that these are contradictory; instead, they say the notes reflect distinct mandates and time frames.

    Market Reaction and What Investors Are Hearing Now

    Markets reacted to the story with a mix of skepticism and quick profit-taking. Some traders flagged how fast sentiment can change when internal notes leak, while others said the range of outcomes — from roughly $60,000 to $200,000 — only underlines how uncertain forecasts remain for 2026.

    Trading desks are reported to be treating the internal slides as one input among many, not as an official firm forecast.

    Related Reading

    Public Takeaway

    According to the coverage, Fundstrat has not issued a unified, public forecast that collapses the two views into one number.

    Instead, clients and the market are being asked to weigh a downside scenario presented by the digital-assets team against a bullish macro scenario voiced by leadership.

    Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView

    [ad_2]

    Christian Encila

    Source link

  • Banks Could Favor A Higher XRP Price, Finance Expert Says

    [ad_1]

    XRP has continued to trade lower as crypto prices weaken across the board, with the total market shedding more than $1.3 trillion since October.

    Related Reading

    During the past three months, XRP has dropped more than 30%, keeping pressure on sentiment even as some commentators argue the token’s purpose goes far beyond short-term price moves.

    Retail Vs. Institutional Viewpoint

    According to health and finance commentator Dr. Camila Stevenson, much of the debate around XRP misses how large financial players judge settlement tools.

    Everyday traders tend to focus on charts and quick exits. Banks do not. They look at whether a system can handle stress, move large sums, and keep working when conditions worsen.
    Stevenson compared it to infrastructure testing, where strength and capacity matter more than the initial cost.

    XRP Was Built For Flows

    Based on reports from her recent video discussion, XRP was structured to act as a bridge for moving value, not as a speculative chip. With a fixed supply, the token cannot expand in quantity to meet higher transaction demand.

    Stevenson said that leaves price as the only way to support larger volumes. Analyst XFinanceBull echoed this view, encouraging market watchers to think in terms of flows rather than daily price action.

    Price Alone Does Not Prove Use

    Even so, market behavior still plays a major role. XRP trades in open markets, and speculation continues to influence price direction.

    A higher price may improve efficiency, but it does not guarantee adoption. Stevenson pointed out that many institutions position through custodians, OTC desks, and private agreements.

    These transactions often happen quietly and may not show up as sharp moves on public charts. Sudden spikes during positioning, she warned, would suggest instability rather than healthy use.

    XRPUSD now trading at $1.92. Chart: TradingView

    Why Higher Price Helps

    Stevenson argued that banks moving billions would rather use fewer units that each represent more value. Fewer tokens can mean simpler settlement and less risk of slippage during busy periods.

    Large financial systems tend to fail when money cannot move or when settlement slows, not when prices fall. In that context, a higher XRP price could support smoother transfers if volumes rise enough to test the system.

    Related Reading

    Market Reality Remains Mixed

    Despite the theory, clear proof of large-scale institutional demand remains limited. Regulation, liquidity depth, and reliable access still shape whether banks commit real volume.

    XRP’s 33% slide over recent months shows how quickly sentiment can shift, even as long-term use cases are debated. The idea that banks prefer a higher XRP price rests on future scale, not current trading patterns.

    Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView

     

    [ad_2]

    Christian Encila

    Source link

  • Solana Price Approaches $130: What’s Behind The Recent Surge?

    [ad_1]

    The Solana price has shown encouraging signs of recovery, climbing 6% on Friday to approach the $126 mark. This uptick follows a concerning dip below the crucial $120 level, which had sparked fears of a potential downtrend that could drag the cryptocurrency down toward the $100 threshold.

    Solana Price Gains Ground

    Chris MacDonald, an analyst at The Motley Fool, recently highlighted two key factors contributing to Solana’s resurgence. One significant catalyst is a proactive initiative by the Solana Foundation. 

    Bitcoinist reported earlier this week that the organization is currently assessing whether its network can withstand potential threats from quantum computing technologies. 

    In collaboration with Project Eleven, a security firm specializing in post-quantum cryptography, the Solana team has launched a quantum-resistant testnet following a comprehensive threat assessment. 

    The second notable factor driving the Solana price uptick is the announcement from health and wellness company Mangoceuticals, which revealed plans to allocate $100 million toward acquiring and holding SOL. 

    Despite the positive momentum, experts caution that Solana’s price is currently following a “clean corrective structure.” 

    Moving Averages Signal Downtrend

    From a technical analysis perspective, the 50-day simple moving average (SMA) is situated around $143, significantly higher than the current trading range, while the 200-day SMA looms even further at approximately $170, suggesting a prevailing downtrend rather than a healthy consolidation phase.

    In the short term, the 20-day exponential moving average has also rolled over near $133 and has consistently rejected previous attempts at a bounce. 

    Analysts note that until the Solana price can close above the low-$130s for an extended period, any rebounds will likely be seen merely as counter-trend movements. 

    Immediate support lies just below current trading levels at the $125 mark, followed by critical levels in the $121–$120 range, and another demand zone around $110. 

    A more significant downturn could push the price into the high $90s, with projections indicating a potential dip to around $80 if liquidations accelerate further, as NewsBTC reported on Thursday.

    The market has already registered an eight-month low near $116.9. A decisive close beneath that level could likely drag the Solana price toward the psychologically significant $100 mark. 

    On the upside, the Solana price could encounter initial resistance clustered in the $133–$138 range, with stronger resistance observed in higher levels between $144 and $147 that could prevent any new recoveries in the short-term.

    To facilitate further price recovery, the Solana price will need to clear that second group of resistance levels on a daily close, ideally supported by increased trading volume, to pave the way toward prices between $160 and $165.

    Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com

    [ad_2]

    Ronaldo Marquez

    Source link

  • 5,606 Bitcoin: Lightning Network Sets Fresh Capacity Record

    [ad_1]

    Lightning Network capacity hit a new high this week as major exchanges put more Bitcoin into off-chain channels, boosting the network’s total liquidity and changing how users move BTC.

    Related Reading

    Exchange Support Drives Capacity

    According to reports, the Lightning Network’s public capacity climbed to about 5,606 BTC, with some trackers briefly showing a peak near 5,637 BTC. That is a clear uptick from earlier levels and marks the highest recorded total so far.

    Exchanges including Binance and OKX have been named as contributors that added Bitcoin to Lightning channels, and other platforms such as Kraken and Bitfinex are expanding their support as well. These deposits are aimed at speeding up deposits and withdrawals and cutting fees for customers.

    Network Activity Vs. Public Nodes

    Based on reports, that increase in capacity has not been matched by a big rise in the number of public nodes or channels. Public node counts sit near 14,940, while public channels are roughly 48,678.

    In other words, more Bitcoin is available inside the network, but the number of hands handling traffic has not jumped in the same way. Some of this extra liquidity is concentrated in larger, custodial channels run by exchanges, which can move big sums without creating many new public routes.

    BTCUSD now trading at $86,366. Chart: TradingView

    That makes on-chain metrics a bit harder to read. Transaction counts and on-chain fee savings do show real user benefits, even when the node graph looks stable.

    A separate figure that shows real usage is the share of exchange traffic routed over Lightning. Based on reports, one exchange has routed around 15% of its Bitcoin transactions via Lightning rails after adopting Lightning integrations, pointing to meaningful operational changes at major platforms.

    New Use Cases And Funding

    Funding and protocol work are following capacity growth. Tether led a round that raised about $8 million for a startup focused on payments over Lightning, indicating interest in stablecoin flows on the network.

    Protocol upgrades — including work around Taproot-related asset handling and reliability improvements — are also being rolled out to support more varied payments and token types. These developments point to Lightning being used for things beyond tiny tips: remittances, merchant payments, and stablecoin transfers are being tested more widely.

    Related Reading

    Market watchers say this mix of exchange liquidity, developer upgrades, and rising on-platform usage could make Lightning a more practical rail for everyday BTC movement.

    Some critics warn that heavier reliance on custodial channels raises centralization risks and reduces the visibility of true peer-to-peer routing. Others note that improved user experience, lower costs, and faster finality are what ordinary users will notice first.

    Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView

    [ad_2]

    Christian Encila

    Source link