• AXS price jumped more than 12% to above $2.50 on January 26, 2026.
• The gains saw Axie Infinity outpace the broader gaming sector.
• WEMIX and Ronin also rose, but top tokens like The Sandbox and Immutable were flat.

Axie Infinity’s native token, AXS, has surged by double digits in the past 24 hours, extending its recent gains.

The uptick also marked a notable rebound for the gaming token, after prices revisited support around $2.00 over the weekend. All this happens as investors weigh opportunities in a largely subdued cryptocurrency market.

Gold rocketed to record highs above $5,000 and silver rallied above $100, moves that have stolen the shine from crypto, with Bitcoin labouring under $90,000.

Axie Infinity price jumps 12%

The overall crypto picture portends caution, and capital flight shows this as seen in recent weeks. However, even as whales pile into precious metals, some altcoins like Axie Infinity are defying immediate sentiment.

On Monday, AXS climbed by more than 12% to hit highs of $2.54.

This double-digit spike over the past 24 hours allowed buyers to attempt a retest of $3.00, which also acted as a hurdle when Axie Infinity exploded last week.

However, while AXS delivered a strong double-digit performance, most gaming sector tokens exhibited minimal movement. Most remained flatlined or dipping slightly, including The Sandbox, Gala, Decentraland and Immutable.

Exceptions to this include WEMIX, which saw gains of around 5% in the same period, and Ronin (RON), which was posting modest gains of about 6% amid low overall activity.

The broader gaming category is still recovering from the last cycle’s challenges. Crypto analyst Zack shared reasons why the Axie Infinity price is surging in a post on X.

$AXS ripping higher feels ironic — it’s the exact ecosystem most people had already written off.
So what actually flipped the script?
– SLP inflation finally shut down
– bAXS introduced as the new reward layer (non-transferable, reputation-based, anti-bot by design)
– Atia’s… pic.twitter.com/qUjUTrlQBC

— Zack (@0xZackon) January 26, 2026

Can AXS hold onto gains?

Axie Infinity’s momentum stems from ongoing ecosystem updates and whale accumulation, positioning it ahead in the GameFi revival.

Yet, sustained holding depends on macroeconomic factors and sector-wide adoption. Investors will eye upcoming developments for confirmation of this rally’s longevity.

The technical outlook for AXS, therefore, remains cautiously optimistic in the short term, with resistance levels near the $2.90-$3.00 and at $5.10 levels.

AXS bulls may target these levels next, provided price holds above $2.00.

However, a downside flip looms if broader crypto sentiment sours further, potentially testing lower support zones. Key support levels lie at $1.86 and $1.20.

The bearish outlook strengthens with indicators such as the negative MACD and RSI. Currently, the momentum indicators signal sell-off pressure. Profit-taking by recent buyers also poses a risk.

AXS price reached highs of $10 in January 2025, before plummeting sharply. Meanwhile, the all-time high for the token is $165, which it reached in November 2021.

The post AXS price pumps 12% as Axie Infinity outpaces gaming sector tokens appeared first on CoinJournal.

• Algorand price rose nearly 9% to above $0.12.
• The token posted a sharp rebound from weekly lows amid a fresh daily volume spike.
• Buyers could target $0.20 next, but profit-taking is likely.

Algorand is among the altcoins to post slight gains on Monday as top coins faced downward pressure.

The ALGO token, which touched lows of $.011 on Sunday, jumped to near $0.13 amid a notable volume-driven recovery.

Bulls are likely to fancy continuation from their weekly trough.

As data from CoinMarketCap shows, ALGO has climbed by over 9% in the past 24 hours, erasing much of the prior week’s losses. Daily volume was up 170% to over $69 million.

However, while buyers have pushed prices above $0.12, they remain well off monthly highs near $0.15.

Sentiment is capped within the confines of what is happening around the broader market.

Crypto analysts at QCP Group shared insights on how investors currently view the ecosystem.

“The pressure looks macro-led rather than crypto-native, with tariff rhetoric, US fiscal brinkmanship and renewed nerves around potential US-Japan action to steady the yen stacking into a familiar cocktail of uncertainty and de-risking,” the analysts noted.

According to the platform, the week is laden with key events to watch.

Apart from the looming US government shutdown, other factors are major tech earnings and the Fed decision expected this midweek.

They believe volatility will likely stay sticky and broader price action “choppy until macro clarity improves.”

Algorand price gains amid key developments

There’s no momentum building across the broader cryptocurrency market, with Bitcoin’s struggle below $90,000 key to the downbeat sentiment.

But recent developments seem to have pointed buyers towards the layer-1 token ALGO.

Increased transaction throughput, developer adoption, and network activities, like Algorand’s Verifiable Random Function, all give bulls an upper hand.

VRF offers a cryptographic feature enabling secure, tamper-proof randomness for decentralized applications like gaming, lotteries, and NFTs.

The team recently announced a major impact of VRF in a post on X.

ALGO price forecast

Technical indicators, such as a Relative Strength Index (RSI) upsloping from oversold conditions, suggest a bullish rebound is likely.

The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) indicator shows bears remain in sight.

However, the histogram is signalling weakening bearish momentum, and also shows a potential bullish crossover on the daily chart.

The 50-day exponential moving average sits at $0.129 and is the first resistance level.

If prices break above $0.15, continuation above $0.20 could open up a path to yearly highs of $0.40.

Short-term, the outlook might include pullbacks amid profit-taking. The zone around $0.11 to $0.10 is critical to the bulls’ ambition.

The post Algorand price bounces on 170% volume surge appeared first on CoinJournal.

• Solana price hovered near $122 on January 26, 2026.
• ETFs’ inflows fail to influence SOL price.
• Technical indicators signal a bearish continuation and likely dump to $100.

Solana’s price has faced mounting downward pressure, with SOL failing to hold onto gains seen at the start of the year.

On January 26, the altcoin traded around $122, down on the day and in tandem with the broader cryptocurrency market struggles.

While River (RIVER) skyrocketed, and Algorand flipped green, Solana aligned with Bitcoin, Ethereum and XRP’s latest price struggles.

The SOL token changed hands nearly 8% down from the prior week, losses that persist despite positive institutional signals.

Analysts are largely bullish, but the overall bearish trend concerns a potential short-term dump to the critical $100 support level.

Solana continues to attract institutional interest

SOL’s price dip comes as top coins shed capital from various investment products.

But despite institutional investors showing selective enthusiasm last week amid a $1.73 billion outflow hole, Solana stood out as one of those to record inflows.

According to CoinShares’ report, investors still put over $17 million in SOL products, including a spot exchange-traded fund.

Bitcoin saw over $1 billion in outflows in the same period.

Digital asset investment products recorded US$1.73B in outflows last week.@Bitcoin, @ethereum and XRP (@Ripple) all saw outflows totalling US$1.09B, US$630M and US$18.2M respectively, highlighting negative sentiment was broad-based. @solana bucked this trend with inflows of… pic.twitter.com/tefIwdc2zW

— CoinShares (@CoinSharesCo) January 26, 2026

A week earlier, digital asset products recorded $2.17 billion in inflows, with Solana attracting over $45.5 million.

“Dwindling expectations for interest rate cuts, negative price momentum and disappointment that digital assets have not participated in the debasement trade yet have likely fuelled these outflows,” said James Butterfill, head of research at CoinShares.

The Solana-specific interest highlights its appeal amid broader market caution.

However, bulls have failed to stem the price slide from highs of $133 in the past week.

Factors like profit-taking after 2025 highs and macroeconomic headwinds appear to override these inflows, keeping SOL within a bearish hold.

SOL price prediction: Bears eye $100

With price touching the psychological support level of $120 again, analysts say bears could target $100 next.

Sellers last hovered in this region in April 2025, with the bounce that followed pushing prices to above $200.

The downtrend risks such an extended move, and technical indicators reinforce the overall bearish outlook.

For instance, the MACD displays negative momentum and histogram divergence signaling further downside.

Elsewhere, the daily RSI hovers neutral in the 40-46 bracket. Although not decisively oversold, it’s not supportive of a quick rebound.

Price could drop lower if the pressure exposes buyers to key levels around $118 and $112 if profit hunters take out the $120 mark.

Network fundamentals remaining robust is a play for buyers, both in the short-term and long-term. In this case, a sustained rebound above $130 could accelerate gains toward $150-$180.

The price level of $200 is the main target.

The post Solana price prediction: SOL risks drop to $100 despite institutional inflows appeared first on CoinJournal.

• River price rose sharply as bulls defied the broader market downturn.
• The token exploded more than 40% in 24 hours to hit a new all-time high above $87.
• RIVER recently received backing from Justin Sun and Arthur Hayes.

Several altcoins are deep in the red amid a broader cryptocurrency market downturn that has pushed Bitcoin well under $90,000.

But as BTC struggles, River’s native token RIVER has defied the odds, with price surging 40% in the past 24 hours to reach a new all-time high above $87.

The move sees the token rank as one of the top gainers across the altcoin sector.

River price explodes to new all-time high

River is a crypto protocol building a chain abstraction stablecoin platform.

The protocol eyes traction across the ecosystem with its liquidity and yield offering.

RIVER, the native governance and utility token, has surged significantly in recent days and skyrocketed 40% over the past 24 hours to smash through resistance to a new all-time high.

The token has pumped more than 200% in the past week and by more than 2,070% in the past month.

It peaked at $87.79 across major exchanges on January 26, 2025, more than 70x off the all-time lows reached in September 2025.

River’s explosive rally comes as the token’s market capitalisation ballooned past $1.6 billion, which aligns with the robust demand highlighted by a 39% jump in daily trading volume.

CoinMarketCap data shows the altcoin’s trading volume spiked to over $108 million in the past 24 hours.

Meanwhile, total value locked (TVL) climbed to over $162 million, as DeFi users flocked to the protocol’s cross-chain offerings.

In terms of gains, River’s performance stands in stark contrast to the prevailing market sentiment.

Bitcoin, the bellwether asset, dipped below $88,000 amid macroeconomic jitters.

Ethereum and other altcoins followed suit as risk-off sentiment grips traders.

The same headwinds could see RIVER ‘s price retreat sharply.

What catalysed the RIVER price rally?

Likely catalysts for RIVER’s meteoric rise include the latest listings and major backing in a fresh round.

Of the more than $14 million in capital raised, a landmark $12 million is from a strategic funding round backed by heavyweight investors that attracted TRON DAO, Justin Sun, Maelstrom Fund founder Arthur Hayes, and The Spartan Group.

Notably, the round also drew commitments from Nasdaq-listed companies and blue-chip institutions across the United States and Europe, lending unprecedented credibility to River’s vision.

River plans to plough this capital infusion into its multi-chain expansion plans, with DeFi applications available across Sui, Ethereum, BNB Chain, and Polygon.

Amplifying the momentum for the token is fresh exchange listings.

Both HTX and OKX have injected new liquidity and retail access to the token. Bulls capitalised on this, stacking positions as open interest in RIVER perpetuals.

Resistance looms at $90, but with funding secured and listings live, RIVER could test $100 in the coming days. However, a sharp pullback is possible given profit-taking deals.

 

The post River price defies market downturn, explodes 40% to new ATH appeared first on CoinJournal.

Key takeaways

• Monero is down 4.5% in the last 24 hours and risks dropping below the January low.
• The coin has lost 42% of its value since hitting an all-time high price of $798 twelve days ago.

XMR continues to decline as the market remains bearish

XMR, the native coin of the Monero blockchain, is one of the worst performers among the top 20 cryptocurrencies by market cap in the last 24 hours. It has lost 4.5% since Sunday and now trades below $460.

The bearish performance comes as the broader cryptocurrency market continues to underperform. XMR defied market conditions in December and early January, rallying to a new all-time high of $798 on January 14.

Its rally was fueled by growing demand for privacy-focused cryptocurrencies, with DASH, ZEC, and ZCash also rallying during that period.

However, the rally has died, and XMR has lost 42% of its value since then. It is currently trading at $459 and risks dropping below the January low of $413 if the bearish trend continues. 

Monero could dip below the 100-day EMA support

The XMR/USD 4-hour chart is bearish and efficient as it has lost 42% in the last two weeks, suggesting reduced demand for the privacy coin.

Currently, XMR is hovering above $450, stabilizing above the 100-day EMA at $437, after a 10% drop on Sunday. 

If the bearish trend continues, XMR could drop below the January low of $413, wth the 200-day EMA at $383 still the primary trend floor. 

The MACD line stays below the signal with both falling toward the zero line, flagging firm bearish momentum. Furthermore, the RSI at 32 indicates a bearish shift as sellers retain the near-term edge without oversold conditions. 

On the flip side, if the bulls regain control, XMR could rally above the 50-day EMA at $485, clearing the path for further pump above $500.

The post XRM could dip below the January low of $413: Check forecast appeared first on CoinJournal.

• The company lifted its 2025 operating income guidance to $40 million.
• A non-cash Bitcoin impairment of $680 million to $700 million is expected for 2025.
• Metaplanet projected a $632 million ordinary loss and $491 million net loss for 2025.

Metaplanet, a Tokyo-listed Bitcoin treasury company, has raised its revenue and operating income forecasts for 2025 and issued much higher guidance for 2026, even as it flagged a large non-cash Bitcoin write-down that is set to dominate its annual results.

In a notice released on Monday, the company said its Bitcoin income generation business is expected to deliver stronger-than-expected performance, particularly in the final quarter of the year.

However, Metaplanet also projected a steep ordinary loss and net loss for 2025, driven largely by accounting adjustments tied to Bitcoin’s valuation at year-end.

The company is scheduled to file its full-year results on Feb. 16.

Revenue upgrade driven by Bitcoin income generation

Metaplanet said it now expects 2025 revenue of 8.905 billion Japanese yen, or around $58 million, based on its updated guidance.

The company also raised its operating income forecast to $40 million, signalling improved performance at the operating level despite broader market volatility affecting its holdings.

Management said Q4 2025 revenue from its Bitcoin income generation business “is expected to significantly exceed initial projections,” which led it to lift full-year revenue guidance for that segment to about $55 million.

That compares with around $40 million previously announced, showing a sharp upgrade in the contribution from its Bitcoin-linked revenue stream.

Large impairment set to drive headline loss

Even with the stronger operating forecasts, Metaplanet expects to report a deep annual loss for 2025.

The company projected an ordinary loss of $632 million and a net loss of $491 million. These figures are largely attributed to a Bitcoin impairment loss estimated at roughly $680 million to $700 million, which is expected to be recognised in its year-end reporting.

Metaplanet explained that the impairment is a “non-cash accounting adjustment reflecting period-end price fluctuations” and said it has no direct impact on its cash flows or day-to-day operations.

The notice linked the impairment to quarter-end mark-to-market accounting treatment and referenced Bitcoin holdings valued at year-end prices, with Bitcoin shown at $87,876 in the disclosure.

BTC holdings and treasury metrics expand sharply

Metaplanet also reported rapid growth in its Bitcoin treasury business during 2025, underlining how the company has built up its exposure to Bitcoin while developing income generation activities around its holdings.

BTC holdings rose from 1,762 BTC at the end of 2024 to 35,102 BTC at the end of 2025, showing a significant increase in the company’s balance sheet allocation.

It also reported BTC yield per diluted share of 568% for the year. The company uses this metric to measure how much Bitcoin backing each diluted share has increased, offering a per-share view of its Bitcoin accumulation.

While the impairment is expected to weigh heavily on reported net results, Metaplanet’s updated figures suggest it is still expanding its treasury position and Bitcoin-linked operations at a pace.

2026 guidance rises but earnings remain uncertain

For 2026, Metaplanet forecast revenue of around $103 million and operating income of $73 million, representing a sharp step up from its 2025 targets.

The company said almost all of its 2026 revenue is expected to come from the Bitcoin income generation business, reinforcing the segment’s central role in its business model.

Metaplanet also projected selling, general and administrative expenses of about $29 million for 2026 as it ramps up operations.

However, it said it will not provide guidance for ordinary income or net income for 2026 due to the difficulty of forecasting Bitcoin prices, signalling that future reported earnings could remain volatile even if operating performance strengthens.

The company added that it publishes daily data on its BTC holdings, unrealised gains and losses, and related metrics, offering investors regular visibility into how price swings affect its treasury position.

The post Metaplanet boosts forecasts despite Bitcoin write-down clouding annual results appeared first on CoinJournal.

• Zilliqa price drops 3.6%, extending a 7-day downtrend amid weak market sentiment.
• Binance delisting and Upbit supply increase reduce liquidity and add pressure.
• Technicals show ZIL below key EMAs with RSI near oversold levels.

Zilliqa (ZIL) has seen a sharp dip in its price over the past 24 hours.

The token is currently trading at $0.004822, down 3.6%, underperforming the broader cryptocurrency market, which fell by 0.9%.

This decline extends a seven-day downtrend of approximately 7.75%, signalling sustained bearish sentiment.

Exchange delistings and market liquidity

One of the main drivers behind ZIL’s recent weakness is exchange delistings.

On January 23, 2026, Binance removed the ZIL/BTC spot trading pair as part of its market quality optimisation.

This followed a prior delisting of the ZIL/BTC margin pair in June 2025.

Delisting reduces liquidity and arbitrage opportunities for traders.

It also signals declining exchange support, often prompting sell-offs as market participants adjust their positions.

With fewer direct BTC and ETH trading pairs, ZIL now relies heavily on USD-stable pairs like ZIL/USDT for trading volume.

Traders are closely watching whether liquidity consolidates or further fragments on these remaining pairs.

Supply update adds to the downward pressure

Another factor influencing ZIL’s decline is a recent circulating supply update.

Upbit reported an increase of 443,195,861 ZIL in the first quarter of 2025.

This adjustment raised the circulating supply from roughly 19.905 billion to 20.349 billion ZIL.

The increase, representing about 2.2% of the quarterly supply, reflects staking rewards, protocol inflation, and team token unlocks.

A larger supply can dilute the value of each token if demand does not increase proportionally.

Public confirmation of the supply increase often renews focus on potential sell-side pressure, especially during periods of market weakness.

Combined with reduced exchange liquidity, the supply update has amplified bearish sentiment among traders.

ZIL technical analysis

Technical indicators further reinforce ZIL’s short-term bearish trend.

The token is trading below all major exponential moving averages on the daily chart.

Its 7-day simple moving average sits at $0.00497, while the 30-day SMA is at $0.00519, both above the current price.

The 14-day relative strength index (RSI) is 38.37, suggesting that the token is approaching oversold conditions.

Meanwhile, the weekly RSI stands at 47.00, indicating neutral market conditions.

The MACD histogram is negative at –0.000095, confirming continued bearish momentum.

These technical signals suggest that selling pressure remains, although short-term consolidation could occur due to the oversold conditions.

Zilliqa price forecast

Traders should keep a close eye on key support and resistance levels in the coming days.

The immediate support is near the recent swing low of $0.0045846, which may act as a floor for further declines, according to analysts.

On the upside, the first significant resistance is at $0.0669, a level that ZIL must close above to trigger a potential trend reversal.

Market participants should also monitor trading volumes on remaining pairs to gauge whether the sell-off is stabilising.

Short-term price action will likely be influenced by liquidity trends, supply dynamics, and technical momentum.

Until a bullish catalyst emerges, ZIL may continue to face pressure, with consolidation around current levels being the most probable scenario.

The post Zilliqa (ZIL) price slides amid exchange delistings and supply update appeared first on CoinJournal.

• XRP trades near $1.88 as buyers defend the $1.80–$1.84 support zone.
• Technicals conflict as oversold signals clash with a strong downtrend.
• Break below $1.80 risks $1.70, while $2.05 is key for recovery.

XRP is trading at a critical juncture as price action compresses near a well-defined support zone.

The token is currently hovering around the $1.88 level after several sessions of persistent selling pressure.

The level has become a near-term inflection point, with buyers seeking to support prices while sellers continue to reinforce the broader downtrend.

Market participants are increasingly divided on whether XRP is forming a local bottom or preparing for another leg lower.

Macro weakness limits XRP bulls’ ability to sustain rebounds

Recent data shows XRP has erased most of its January gains amid a broader market-wide capitulation.

The wider crypto market has remained under pressure as risk sentiment deteriorates and leverage continues to unwind.

This macro weakness has limited the ability of XRP bulls to sustain rebounds, even when technical indicators flash early recovery signals.

At the same time, XRP’s long-term fundamentals continue to generate cautious optimism.

Japan’s plans to recognise XRP as a regulated financial asset under its Financial Instruments and Exchange Act have drawn significant attention.

This potential regulatory clarity could improve institutional confidence and liquidity over the medium to long term.

However, regulatory optimism has not yet translated into immediate price strength.

Short-term traders remain focused on technical structure rather than distant policy developments.

Technical signals paint a mixed picture

From a technical perspective, XRP is showing both constructive and concerning signals.

Several analysts note that XRP recently bounced from oversold territory on the Relative Strength Index (RSI).

This RSI recovery has historically preceded short-term relief rallies.

On-chain metrics also suggest declining sell pressure, with long-term holders showing signs of accumulation.

These factors support the argument that XRP may be carving out a local bottom.

However, bearish structure remains intact on higher timeframes.

XRP continues to trade below a descending trendline that has capped its price since early January.

The token is also struggling to reclaim key moving averages, including the 30-day and the 100-day simple moving averages.

In addition, momentum indicators such as the MACD remain in bearish territory, reinforcing downside risk.

Repeated failures near the $1.90 to $1.95 zone suggest sellers are still in control of rallies.

This technical rejection aligns with broader market weakness rather than isolated XRP-specific selling.

Adding to uncertainty, institutional demand signals have cooled.

Reports indicate waning enthusiasm around XRP-linked investment products.

This decline in demand removes a potential source of upside momentum in the near term.

Sentiment is divided between capitulation and recovery hopes

Market sentiment surrounding XRP reflects deep uncertainty.

Some traders view the recent decline as a classic capitulation phase, arguing that weak hands are exiting while stronger holders quietly accumulate.

Others warn that support levels have not yet been convincingly defended.

Most importantly, the failure to reclaim $2.00 has kept confidence fragile, and breakdowns from prolonged consolidation can accelerate quickly.

Despite this, XRP’s long-term narrative remains intact for many investors.

Regulatory clarity in major jurisdictions and Ripple’s continued role in cross-border payments provide structural support.

This creates a tension between bearish short-term price action and constructive longer-term expectations.

As a result, XRP remains highly reactive to both technical levels and broader market sentiment shifts.

XRP price forecast

XRP’s near-term outlook hinges on a narrow range of key price levels.

The immediate support lies around $1.84 to $1.80, a zone that has repeatedly attracted buyers.

A decisive breakdown below $1.80 could expose XRP to deeper losses toward $1.73 and potentially $1.70.

Such a move would likely confirm bearish continuation in the short term.

On the upside, initial resistance sits near $1.92 to $1.95.

A break above this zone would challenge the descending trendline and shift short-term momentum.

The $2.01 to $2.05 region remains a critical bullish trigger.

A sustained move above $2.05 could open the door for a recovery toward $2.10 and $2.20.

Until those resistance levels are reclaimed, XRP remains vulnerable to renewed selling pressure.

For now, traders are watching support closely as XRP balances between breakdown risk and rebound potential.

The post XRP price nears key support amid conflicting signals appeared first on CoinJournal.

Key takeaways

• ETH is down 1.7% in the last 24 hours and is trading below $2,900.
• The coin could retest the $2,749 support level if the bearish trend continues.

ETH falls below $2,900

The cryptocurrency market has been bearish in the last three weeks despite an excellent start to the year. After hitting the $3,400 level earlier this month, Ether has lost nearly 20% of its value in the last two weeks.

The bearish performance saw ETH lose 1.5% of its value in the last24 hours and briefly dropped below $2,800 on Sunday. It has now slightly recovered and is currently trading above $2,880.

However, the bearish performance could persist as macroeconomic conditions continue to affect the broader crypto market. The U.S. government risks yet another shutdown as Democratic lawmakers have threatened to block a Department of Homeland Security funding bill following controversy over federal law enforcement actions.

The Federal Reserve will also give its first rate decision of 2026 soon. If the Fed keeps the interest rate the same or increases it, Ether and other leading cryptocurrencies could record further losses in the near term.

With Gold and Silver hitting new all-time highs a few hours ago, leading cryptocurrencies like BTC and ETH could continue to underperform. 

Ethereum could dip to the $2,749 support level

The ETH/USD 4-hour chart is bearish and efficient as Ether has recorded losses recently. The leading altcoin closed its daily candle below the $3,017 on Tuesday and lost 5.5% through Sunday. 

At press time, ETH is trading at $2,889, close to the key support at $2,749. If this support level holds, ETH could recover toward the daily resistance level at $3,017.

However, traders should be cautious as the momentum indicators show that the bears are currently in control. The MACD lines are within the negative territory, while the RSI of 41 is below the neutral 50. 

On the flip side, if Ether closes its daily candle below the $2,749 support, it could extend the correction toward the November 21 low at $2,623.

The post Ether could retest the $2,749 support level: Check forecast appeared first on CoinJournal.

• Coinbase is weighing an equity investment in Coinone as the Korean exchange explores a partial stake sale.
• Coinone’s valuation is under pressure from losses even as it invests in AI and new trading features.
• Deal activity is accelerating across South Korea’s crypto exchanges as global players seek regulated access.

Coinbase is weighing a potential equity investment in Coinone, South Korea’s third-largest crypto exchange, as the platform explores options that could include selling part of its controlling shareholder’s stake, according to local media and industry sources.

A local outlet reported on Sunday that Coinone has put itself on the market and is discussing scenarios tied to Chairman Cha Myung-hoon’s holdings.

Cha controls 53.44% through his personal stake and his holding company, The One Group.

The possible investment has quickly gained attention because it comes as South Korea’s crypto exchange sector enters a new phase of dealmaking, with major financial groups and global platforms looking for ways to secure access to regulated won-based trading infrastructure.

Coinone sale speculation grows after leadership shift

Sale chatter around Coinone has picked up after Cha returned to frontline management just four months after stepping down as chief executive.

Some observers have interpreted his return as a move that could support a stake transaction, particularly as the discussions reportedly link directly to his controlling position.

Coinone has not confirmed that it is pursuing a full sale.

However, the reports suggest it is exploring multiple structures around ownership, leaving the door open for partial stake sales, new strategic investors, or broader shifts in shareholder control.

Losses weigh on valuation even as tech upgrades accelerate

Coinone has said Cha stepped back into management to sharpen the exchange’s technological competitiveness as it nears a double-digit market share.

The company has highlighted investment in areas such as artificial intelligence as part of its product and infrastructure buildout.

At the same time, Coinone’s losses have continued to pressure its valuation.

Seoul Economic Daily put Coinone’s book value at 75.2B won, or about $52M, at the end of the third quarter, below Com2uS’s reported acquisition cost.

Ownership attention has also turned to Com2uS, the South Korean gaming group that accumulated a 38.42% stake in Coinone between 2021 and 2022.

The size of that holding means any transaction involving Coinone’s control structure would likely be closely watched by market participants tracking how shareholder dynamics may evolve.

Coinbase visit highlights hunt for Korea-compliant partners

Industry sources say Coinbase plans to visit South Korea this week and meet major local players, including Coinone, as it looks for partners to build products aligned with Korean rules.

The reported trip has added momentum to speculation, as South Korea remains one of the world’s most active retail crypto markets but also one of the hardest for foreign firms to enter directly.

In that context, strategic investment can offer a more workable path, allowing overseas platforms to collaborate with licensed local exchanges rather than attempting to build a standalone operation from scratch.

The reports have also circulated widely in the crypto community.

Korea crypto exchange deal wave gathers pace

Coinbase’s reported interest comes as dealmaking accelerates across South Korea’s crypto exchange sector, driven by the value of licensed platforms and their access to won-denominated trading rails.

Traditional finance groups and big tech players have been circling the market, as consolidation becomes a defining theme.

Regulators recently cleared Binance’s long-running effort to take over GOPAX, a move that has helped fuel a wider rush of takeover interest.

Naver Financial agreed to acquire Dunamu, the operator of market leader Upbit, in an all-stock deal, while local media have also reported Mirae Asset Securities is pursuing Korbit.

Coinone has attempted to stand out by building new product features.

In Aug. 2025, it launched what it called the country’s first flexible Bitcoin staking service, allowing users to earn rewards without locking up their holdings.

Still, a possible Coinbase tie-up is emerging at a time when South Korea’s exchange landscape is shifting quickly, and when global players are searching for regulated entry points into one of Asia’s most closely watched crypto markets.

The post Coinbase weighs Coinone stake as South Korea crypto deal activity surges appeared first on CoinJournal.

• Nomura Holdings and SBI Holdings are among the financial groups expected to create Japan’s first crypto ETFs.
• Global crypto market capitalisation has tripled in three years to around $3 trillion.
• US-listed spot bitcoin ETFs have grown to roughly $120 billion in total net assets.

Japan could be heading towards its first exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that invest in cryptocurrencies, with listings possible as early as 2028, Nikkei reports.

If the plan moves forward, it could give everyday investors an easier route into bitcoin and other digital tokens, without the added complexity of buying and storing crypto directly.

The development comes at a time when large global institutions are already adding crypto ETFs to their portfolios, while regulators in major markets have started treating digital assets as a more established part of modern investing.

Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) now appears set to test how far crypto exposure can go inside traditional market products, while tightening investor safeguards to match the risks involved.

Crypto ETFs could enter Japan’s regulated market

The FSA plans to add cryptocurrencies to the list of specified assets that ETFs can invest in, according to Nikkei.

This would be a key regulatory step because it would allow fund managers to create products that track crypto prices and trade them through an exchange, much like equity or commodity ETFs.

Stronger investor protection measures are also expected to be proposed alongside the change.

That is likely to be central to how Japan positions crypto ETFs, given the market’s reputation for sharp price swings and the history of losses faced by retail traders during major downturns.

If the rule change is implemented, it would bring crypto closer to Japan’s mainstream investment structure, making it available through products that are more familiar to everyday investors and operate within established oversight.

Nomura and SBI may lead the first wave

Several large financial players are already seen as potential early movers.

Nikkei named Nomura Holdings and SBI Holdings among the groups poised to create Japan’s first crypto ETFs, signalling growing interest from firms that already play a major role in Japan’s financial system.

However, any ETFs built on this framework would still need approval to list on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

That means Japan’s top exchange would decide whether these funds can trade publicly, opening the door for wider retail participation through ordinary brokerage accounts.

For fund issuers, ETFs could also provide a more scalable way to meet growing demand for crypto exposure, while keeping investors inside more regulated channels than direct crypto trading platforms.

Why ETFs could lower the barrier for retail investors

Crypto has become a significant alternative asset class, but ordinary investors still face practical hurdles when buying it directly.

Bitcoin and other digital assets are traded and stored in crypto wallets protected by private keys, which can be difficult for less experienced investors to manage safely.

This is where ETFs can change the experience.

Instead of learning how wallets work or taking responsibility for storage, investors can buy and sell ETF units through a stock exchange, similar to how they trade shares.

That ease of access is one reason crypto ETFs have become a popular gateway product in other markets.

Regulators elsewhere have already taken this route.

The US and Hong Kong approved their first spot cryptocurrency ETFs in 2024, setting a benchmark that Japan could eventually follow as it builds its own framework.

Institutional adoption is growing, despite volatility

Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies can be volatile, but the sector has continued to expand.

Global crypto market capitalisation has tripled over the past three years to around $3 trillion.

Institutional investors have also played a bigger role in turning crypto into a more portfolio-friendly asset class.

Pension funds, endowment funds for major universities such as Harvard, and government-affiliated investors have started including bitcoin ETFs in their holdings, adding weight to the idea that crypto exposure is no longer limited to high-risk retail speculation.

The US market offers an example of the scale involved once regulated products become widely available.

The total net assets of US-listed spot bitcoin ETFs now amount to roughly $120 billion.

Some in Japan’s asset management industry estimate that crypto ETFs in the country could eventually reach 1 trillion yen ($6.4 billion).

If Japan moves ahead with listings, that projection suggests a meaningful level of demand could emerge from domestic investors looking for exposure through exchange-traded funds rather than direct ownership.

The post Bitcoin ETFs in Japan: why the FSA’s next move could reshape retail investing appeared first on CoinJournal.

Key takeaways

• BTC is down less than 1% as the market remains choppy. 
• The leading cryptocurrency could retest the $87k support level before rallying higher. 

BTC’s price action remains choppy

The cryptocurrency market continues to underperform as BTC and the other leading coins are in the red. Bitcoin has lost 0.7% of its value in the last 24 hours and is now trading around $89,150. 

The broader cryptocurrency market is attempting to stabilize after this week’s sell-off. Bitcoin price started the week on a negative note, closing below key support levels: the 50-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) at $91,942.

The bulls attempted to defend the $90k psychological level but failed, with Bitcoin retesting the midpoint of a horizontal parallel channel at $87,787 before embarking on a recovery. At the time of writing on Friday, BTC is trading at around $89,175.

Will Bitcoin recover above $91k soon?

If the recovery continues, Bitcoin could extend its rally towards the first major resistance and the 50-day EMA at $91,942.

The Relative Strength Index (RSI) on the 4-hour chart is 39, pointing upward toward the neutral 50 level, indicating fading bearish momentum. For the bullish momentum to be sustained, the RSI must move above the neutral level. 

Despite that, the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) indicator showed a bearish crossover on Tuesday, suggesting a mild downward pressure.

If the recovery fails and Bitcoin’s daily candle closes below the $87,787 support level, it could extend the fall toward the lower consolidation boundary at $85,569. 

Currently, the market conditions are choppy, with no clear direction in sight. Bitcoin has eliminated most of the gains it accumulated earlier this month, thanks to the trade tensions between the United States and the European Union (EU) regarding Greenland. 

However, while the issue seems to be resolved, Bitcoin’s performance has not significantly improved.

The post Bitcoin price forecast: BTC stays below $90k as recovery signs slow down appeared first on CoinJournal.

• Hedera (HBAR) has intensified its downward trajectory.
• The token slipped towards the $0.10 mark amid persistent selling pressure and broader cryptocurrency market weakness.
• This decline comes despite the partnership with the McLaren F1 Team.

Hedera’s price fell alongside other cryptocurrencies on Friday, reaching intraday lows near $0.10.

After seeing a sharp decline on  January 19, HBAR rebounded slightly to around $0.115.

However, sell-off pressure across the risk assets market has pushed bulls into the woods to leave the brief upside as a mask of a likely deeper rot.

It’s an outlook mirrored across the altcoin ecosystem as Bitcoin struggles below $90,000.

Due to profit-taking amid macroeconomic and geopolitical headwinds, BTC has touched lows of $87,700 and currently hovers around $89,230.

HBAR dips despite McLaren partnership

Struggling altcoins, including HBAR, risk dragging lower. Hedera seems to have failed to capture upside momentum despite the news of a major partnership with McLaren.

The Hedera team announced a multi-year partnership with McLaren Racing on Thursday, revealing that the crypto company is now an Official Partner of the McLaren F1 Team.

Several crypto companies, including Coinbase, Crypto.com and Bybit have previously inked major sports sponsorship deals. Hedera is eyeing expansion via this latest move.

“Working with one of the world’s most recognized sports brands is a big step for the Hedera ecosystem. It gives us a chance to show what Web3 can look like when it’s built on a network people can trust, and when it’s tied to experiences fans actually want,” said Charles Adkins, CEO of HBAR, Inc.

HBAR technical outlook

HBAR’s chart reveals a pronounced bearish structure, with the price well below key moving averages.

The altcoin has been in a prolonged downtrend since it touched highs of $0.35 in January last year.

Technical indicators point to further downside risk, as HBAR breached the $0.12 support earlier this month and now hovers near $0.10, with oscillators like RSI trending lower. Hedera’s token is below all major averages.

If buyers fail to reclaim $0.11, losses could accelerate toward October’s lows around $0.0976.  

Hedera’s market capitalization stands at approximately $4.65 billion, reflecting a 65% drop from July 2025 peaks, exacerbated by declining total value locked at $61.5 million and a 16% stablecoin supply reduction over the past week.

HBAR futures traders have ramped up short positions, anticipating continued pressure amid absent ETF inflows.

Analysts note that while a bounce could bring the $0.16 mark into view, current metrics favor consolidation or deeper correction unless Bitcoin stabilizes.

Currently, BTC is facing pressure as investors pile into gold.

The post Hedera (HBAR) price drops toward $0.10 despite McLaren F1 partnership appeared first on CoinJournal.

Key takeaways 

• PI is down 1.6% in the last 24 hours, reversing some of its Thursday gains.
• The bearish performance comes despite Pi Network announcing a creator event and new updates to support easy Pi payment integration.

PI dips below $0.19 as bearish trend resumes

PI, the native coin of the Pi network, has lost 1.6% of its value in the last 24 hours and is now trading above $0.18. 

The bearish performance comes despite Pi Network announcing plans on Wednesday to boost the ecosystem, including a creator event, integration of the PI payments system into apps built on the network, and extended access to app creation.

The team revealed that the PI payments support is limited to Test-Pi, and new or non-migrated Pioneers can now deploy app iterations by watching ads instead of paying fees.

Furthermore, Pi Network believes that the ad-supported application building on Pi App Studio could reduce the financial burden of creating Pi applications.

In addition to that, retail demand continues to increase despite PI’s price decline over the past few days. Data obtained from PiScan shows that the users have removed 1.17 million PI tokens from CEXs over the past 48 hours.

The removal from central exchanges will decrease selling pressure on PI as the tokens are transferred to long-term wallets. 

PI remains bearish and could dip lower

The PI/USDT 4-hour chart is bearish and efficient as Pi has lost 1.6% of its value in the last 24 hours. PI failed to maintain its rally above the $0.1919 support-turned-resistance level, marked by the October 11 low.

At press time, PI is trading at $0.1839. If the selloff continues, PI could retest the October 10 and January 19 lows at $0.1533 and $0.1502, respectively.

Technical indicators on the 4-hour chart suggest that the bears remain in control. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is 40, below the neutral 50, while the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) extends below the signal line.

However, if the bulls regain control and PI closes its daily candle above $0.1919, it could further extend the rally, potentially targeting the December 19 high at $0.2177.

The post PI could slip below $0.17 despite payments update: Check forecast appeared first on CoinJournal.

• Tether Gold (XAUt) outperforms crypto as investors rotate into gold-backed safety.
• Whale accumulation and new liquidity channels reinforce bullish momentum.
• Key levels to watch are the support at $4,800 and the resistance at $5,000.

Tether Gold (XAUt) is drawing intense market attention as its price surges alongside a historic rally in physical gold.

The token, which is backed 1:1 by allocated gold stored in Swiss vaults, has benefited directly from growing global demand for safe-haven assets.

As geopolitical tensions, especially in the Middle East, rise and uncertainty weighs on risk assets, investors are increasingly turning to gold and gold-linked digital instruments.

This shift has pushed XAUt firmly into the spotlight as one of the strongest-performing real-world asset tokens in the crypto market.

Tether Gold (XAUt) outperforms a weakening crypto market

XAUt is up 2.3% over the past 24 hours, clearly outperforming a broader crypto market that has remained flat to slightly negative.

This daily move extends an already strong trend, with gains of roughly 7.3% over the last seven days and nearly 10% over the past month.

At the time of writing, Tether Gold (XAUt) is trading near $4,950, just shy of its recent all-time high around $4,960.

The token’s market capitalisation stands at approximately $2.57 billion, supported by a circulating supply of just over 520,000 tokens.

Trading activity has also surged, with more than $220 million in 24-hour volume highlighting growing liquidity and participation.

These figures confirm that XAUt’s rally is not thin or speculative, but backed by meaningful capital flows.

Gold’s safe-haven rally fuels XAUt demand

The primary driver behind XAUt’s surge is the powerful rally in physical gold prices.

Over the past year, gold has climbed nearly 70%, with prices now pushing toward the psychologically critical $5,000 per ounce level.

This move has been fueled by escalating geopolitical tensions, renewed tariff concerns, and growing fears of macroeconomic instability.

Because Tether Gold (XAUt) is directly pegged to the price of physical gold, any sustained upside in gold creates immediate upward pressure on the token.

The redemption and arbitrage mechanisms behind XAUt help keep its price closely aligned with spot gold markets.

As analysts and industry leaders increasingly project gold prices approaching or testing $5,000, sentiment around gold-backed digital assets has strengthened.

This macro-driven demand gives XAUt a structural advantage over many crypto assets that rely primarily on speculative momentum.

Whale accumulation signals defensive positioning

On-chain data suggests that large investors are actively accumulating XAUt as part of a defensive strategy.

Recent reports indicate that several linked wallets purchased more than 3,100 XAUt, worth roughly $13.7 million, at an average price near $4,422.

Another whale reportedly spent over $2 million to acquire more than 430 XAUt just days ago.

These purchases point to a broader rotation from volatile crypto assets into tokenised real-world assets.

Such accumulation adds concentrated buy-side pressure and often precedes sustained price strength.

It also reinforces the narrative that XAUt is increasingly being used as an on-chain hedge rather than a short-term trade.

Liquidity and technical momentum strengthen the trend

XAUt’s recent integration on the Mantle network via Bybit has further improved accessibility and reduced transaction costs.

📣 Bybit will soon support @tethergold on @Mantle_Official.

Bybit will open $XAUT deposit and withdrawal support via Mantle on Jan 20, 2026, at 10AM UTC. Enjoy 0 withdrawal fees on Mantle for a limited time!

Learn more: https://t.co/WPYEgxDPJv pic.twitter.com/TDRAtBh5nN

— Bybit Plus (@BybitPlus) January 19, 2026

Lower friction and deeper liquidity make it easier for both retail and institutional participants to gain exposure.

From a technical perspective, momentum remains decisively bullish.

The token is trading well above its key moving averages, with the 7-day and 30-day SMAs acting as strong dynamic support.

However, the 7-day RSI near 95 indicates overbought conditions, suggesting that short-term pullbacks are possible.

Even so, overbought readings during strong uptrends often reflect persistent demand rather than imminent reversals.

Tether Gold price forecast

Looking ahead, traders should closely monitor several key price levels.

Immediate resistance sits near the all-time high zone between $4,950 and $5,000, which aligns with the psychological milestone in spot gold.

A clean breakout and sustained hold above $5,000 could open the door to further upside, especially if gold continues its macro-driven rally.

On the downside, initial support lies near $4,800, a level closely tied to recent consolidation and gold’s breakout zone.

Below that, stronger support may emerge around the $4,700 to $4,720 area, near the short-term moving averages.

As long as gold holds above critical psychological levels and whale accumulation persists, XAUt’s broader trend remains firmly bullish.

The post Tether Gold (XAUt) surges as gold approaches $5,000 mark appeared first on CoinJournal.

• Dogecoin shows weakness as price tests $0.12.
• Bears could target lows of $0.10 if memecoins continue selling off.
• The macroeconomic and geopolitical headwinds give bears an upper hand.

Dogecoin continues to exhibit signs of vulnerability amid broader market pressures.

The token’s price hovered lower and hit lows near the critical support level of $0.12.

The intraday decline of 2% aligns with broader losses across the altcoin market.

But with memecoins showing greater weakness, analysts are warning that an extended dip risks deeper pain for DOGE.

Struggles for Pepe, Shiba Inu and other top memecoins are testing investor resilience.

Dogecoin price today

Dogecoin’s price has dipped from above $0.14 to $0.12 in recent sessions.

The drop to a daily low of $0.12 comes amid a 10% slide and 39% crash over the past week and three months, respectively.

Dogecoin now risks slipping under a key psychological barrier.

The heightened selling volume doesn’t help the bulls’ cause.

Dogecoin price outlook amid broader market downturn

Analysts have recently said broader market sentiment reflects fading retail participation.

Heightened concern over macroeconomic conditions and rising geopolitical tensions has pushed Bitcoin sharply lower, with prices falling below $90,000 earlier this week.

The resulting risk-off mood and liquidation pressure have also weighed on memecoins, contributing to a roughly 10% drop in Dogecoin over the past seven days.

Technical indicators continue to point to a weak near-term outlook.

On the four-hour chart, the Alligator indicator remains neutral to bearish, with the green line positioned below the red and blue lines, signalling limited bullish momentum.

Key resistance is seen at $0.1279, while immediate support near $0.1242 is at risk of breaking.

A sustained move lower could open the door to further tests toward $0.10 or below if selling pressure persists.

Dogecoin’s 50-day moving average stands at $0.1356, well above current price levels, which analysts say underscores the short-term downtrend that has been in place since late 2025.

At the moment, DOGE is navigating a descending channel pattern formed since October.

If price fails to hold $0.12, it could further strengthen the bearish structure, with historical patterns like lower highs reinforcing seller dominance.

The asset’s struggle against resistance at $0.14, where prior rallies have faltered, also outlines this negative trend.

Both the RSI and MACD indicators point to short-term selling.

Despite this, a falling wedge structure signals a breakout with potential targets above $0.20. The main bullish goal is to reclaim $0.50.

Potential support for Dogecoin could come from the launch of the 21Shares Dogecoin ETF, an exchange-traded fund endorsed by the Dogecoin Foundation.

Analysts say broader adoption, as investors seek new exposure through a physically backed DOGE product, could provide a tailwind for bullish sentiment.

The post Dogecoin price forecast: No respite for bulls as DOGE drops to $0.12 appeared first on CoinJournal.

• LayerZero (ZRO) has absorbed a major token unlock as demand outweighs new supply.
• Speculation and leverage have led to a clean breakout above $2.20 resistance.
• Holding $2.20 support could open upside toward the $2.60–$2.70 zone.

LayerZero is currently commanding attention across the crypto market as its native token ZRO pushes higher despite heavy supply-side headwinds.

The ZRO price has surged decisively above the critical $2.20 resistance level, defying expectations tied to recent token unlocks.

At the time of writing, ZRO is trading near $2.21, posting gains of over 12% in 24 hours, 35% over the past week, and more than 74% on the monthly timeframe.

This move has positioned LayerZero as one of the strongest outperformers in an otherwise flat broader crypto market.

LayerZero demand overwhelms token unlock pressure

One of the most notable aspects of the current ZRO price rally is how the market has handled new supply.

On January 20, LayerZero unlocked approximately 25.71 million ZRO tokens, representing around 6.36% of the circulating supply.

Token unlocks of this magnitude are typically bearish, as they increase sell pressure and dilute existing holders.

Instead, ZRO demand absorbed the new supply with little visible impact on price.

On-chain data showed large transfers moving into institutional-grade custody solutions rather than exchanges.

WLFI(@worldlibertyfi) advisor @cryptogle opened a 5x long on 347,280 $ZRO($795K) over the past 2 hours.

Two weeks ago, he also spent $50K to buy 33,411 $ZRO($75.5K now) spot.https://t.co/1xdWB68yW3https://t.co/cn2UKw6Ab2 pic.twitter.com/k0X0FCGWEn

— Lookonchain (@lookonchain) January 23, 2026

This suggests accumulation rather than distribution by large holders.

In market terms, predictable supply increases lose their bearish influence when buyers are willing to absorb them.

The ability of LayerZero to withstand repeated unlocks reinforces confidence in its long-term value proposition.

This dynamic has turned what is normally a negative catalyst into a bullish signal for the ZRO price.

Speculation and momentum fuel LayerZero price strength

Beyond supply dynamics, speculative interest has played a major role in pushing ZRO higher.

Traders are positioning ahead of a teased LayerZero ecosystem event scheduled for February 10, 2026.

The clearly defined date has created a countdown effect, encouraging pre-emptive buying.

In slow market conditions, assets with identifiable upcoming catalysts often attract disproportionate capital.

As demand increased, ZRO broke above the $2.20 resistance that had capped previous rallies.

This breakout triggered short liquidations worth roughly $236,000, adding forced buying pressure.

LayerZero’s futures open interest surged by more than 30% in a single day, signalling fresh leverage entering the market.

Momentum indicators reflect this intensity, with the RSI reaching extreme overbought levels.

While this confirms strength, it also introduces short-term volatility risk.

LayerZero price forecast

The LayerZero price forecast now hinges on whether ZRO can maintain its breakout structure.

The $2.20 level is the most important area for traders to watch in the near term.

Holding above this zone would confirm former resistance as new support.

If that support holds, the next upside targets sit near $2.60 and $2.70, where prior liquidity zones emerge.

A strong continuation driven by event-related news could even open a path toward the $3.00–$3.40 range.

On the downside, failure to hold $2.20 could trigger a short-term correction.

In that scenario, traders should monitor support between $1.80 and $2.00.

The sustainability of the current bullish momentum, however, will depend on follow-through buying and concrete announcements around the upcoming LayerZero event.

The post LayerZero defies token unlock pressure, ZRO breaks above $2.20 appeared first on CoinJournal.

• Binance launched a USD1 rewards campaign, distributing $40m in WLFI tokens through weekly airdrops.
• WLFI payouts are based on users’ net USD1 balances, with higher rewards for USD1 used as collateral.
• USD1’s market cap has surpassed $3 billion, while WLFI activity has increased across DeFi and payroll uses.

Binance has rolled out a new rewards campaign for users holding USD1, offering weekly WLFI token airdrops with a total of $40 million in WLFI earmarked for distribution.

The exchange said eligible accounts that maintain a USD1 balance between Jan. 23 and Feb. 20 will receive rewards throughout the programme.

The initiative ties WLFI payouts directly to net USD1 balances on Binance, using a snapshot-based system to calculate qualifying amounts.

Binance is positioning the campaign as an incentive for users who hold or deploy USD1 across supported products, while both USD1 and WLFI continue to see growing activity across the wider crypto ecosystem.

How Binance will distribute WLFI rewards

Binance said WLFI rewards will be paid once a week, starting Feb. 2.

Each weekly distribution will cover activity from the previous seven days.

The campaign is structured to release roughly $10 million worth of WLFI tokens per week, spread across four consecutive weeks, which brings the total allocation to $40 million in WLFI.

The exchange said the rewards are designed to reflect users’ qualifying USD1 balances over time, rather than a single moment in the campaign window.

Which USD1 balances count for eligibility

Eligibility is based on users’ net USD1 balances held on Binance, with multiple account types included in the calculation.

Binance confirmed that USD1 stored in Spot, Funding, Margin, and USDⓈ-M Futures accounts will all count toward the campaign’s rewards calculation.

However, borrowed funds are excluded. Binance said reward calculations are based on net USD1 balances, meaning any USD1 that has been borrowed does not qualify for WLFI rewards.

The exchange also said that USD1 used as collateral in margin or futures accounts earns a higher reward rate.

This introduces an added incentive for users who allocate USD1 into collateral-based trading products, rather than keeping it entirely idle in standard wallets.

Snapshot and rate system used for payouts

Binance said it will take hourly snapshots of user balances throughout the campaign period. However, the rewards calculation does not rely on an hourly average.

Instead, Binance will use the lowest USD1 balance recorded each day to determine a user’s qualifying amount for that day.

For each weekly payout, Binance will then calculate rewards using a seven-day average balance.

This ties distributions to consistency because a single daily dip in holdings could reduce the qualifying amount for that day and then affect the overall weekly average.

Binance also said payouts will use an effective annualised rate, which will be set at the time of each distribution.

As a result, the rate applied could vary between weekly drops depending on the conditions Binance sets when rewards are released.

USD1 growth and WLFI activity in early 2026

USD1, launched in April 2025, is described as a multichain stablecoin that is fully backed one-to-one by US dollars and money market funds.

Since its launch, it has recorded sharp growth. According to data from DeFiLlama, USD1’s market capitalisation now exceeds $3 billion.

The stablecoin is available across several blockchains, including Monad, Ethereum, Solana, and Aptos.

WLFI, the main token of the World Liberty Financial ecosystem, has also seen increased activity in early 2026.

It has recently been added to payroll services, decentralised finance lending platforms, and on-chain liquidity venues.

The token has drawn new interest and partnerships in recent weeks, though its connection to US President Donald Trump has also faced criticism, with some pointing to concerns around a potential conflict of interest.

Binance said users must complete identity verification and live in eligible jurisdictions to take part in the programme.

The exchange added that broker accounts are excluded and noted that reward timing may vary due to operational conditions.

The post Binance launches USD1 rewards programme with WLFI token airdrops appeared first on CoinJournal.

• Shiba Inu (SHIB) currently hovers near critical support; breaking it may trigger deeper losses.
• Momentum is weak, and future rallies are expected to be modest.
• Investors are shifting to utility and DeFi tokens for higher ROI.

Currently, Shiba Inu (SHIB) is hovering just above its critical support zone around $0.0000077.

Notably, this area represents the bottom of previous cycles and is closely watched for potential rebounds.

If it fails to hold above the support zone, a double-digit correction could follow.

Market sentiment and investor shifts

Investor sentiment around SHIB is cautious and the broader market conditions for altcoins and memecoins are fragile.

Many traders are increasingly favoring projects with real-world utility, a trend that has led some capital to rotate away from meme coins like SHIB.

This shift suggests that SHIB may face challenges regaining strong speculative demand.

Most analysts believe that Shiba Inu’s next rally would be modest compared to its past movements.

After a period of aggressive growth, the meme coin now appears to be in a consolidation phase and future price moves are likely to be gradual rather than explosive.

Investors looking for higher ROI are reportedly turning to DeFi tokens, meaning capital is flowing toward assets perceived as having greater long-term potential, which could ultimately limit the pace and size of SHIB’s short-term gains.

SHIB technical outlook and risks

Technically, Shiba Inu (SHIB) remains under pressure and its momentum has been weak after the early January gains.

The meme coin gained nearly 25% during the first weeks of the month but has given back most of those profits.

Short-term charts show lower highs and lower lows, indicating bearish patterns, with resistance at moving averages, such as the 50 and 100-period EMA, limiting upward movements.

The relative strength index (RSI) also remains in weak territory, showing little sign of a sustained reversal.

The current price action shows consolidation near the critical support at $0.0000077, but no strong breakout signals have emerged.

Holding the support at $0.0000077 is essential to prevent sharper declines.

A break below the support could lead to deeper corrections and erode investor confidence.

On-chain data and derivatives activity suggest that speculative demand is currently low.

This reduces the safety net against selling pressure, heightening risk.

However, despite these challenges, stabilizing at the support level could allow SHIB to maintain a trading range.

A measured recovery would likely require broader market strength or positive developments within SHIB’s ecosystem.

Analysts emphasize that while a modest rally is possible, the coin lacks catalysts for a parabolic surge.

Investors should monitor key support zones, market sentiment, and competition from utility-focused projects.

Shiba Inu’s near-term trajectory will largely depend on its ability to hold critical levels and adapt to shifting investor preferences.

The post Shiba Inu faces critical support amid modest rally prospects appeared first on CoinJournal.

• Wet werkelijk rendement Box 3 is set to begin on January 1, 2028, according to the Dutch parliament.
• A 36% flat tax will apply to positive net returns above a €1,800 threshold per person.
• Losses can be carried forward to offset future gains.

The Netherlands is preparing to change how it taxes investors, and the shift could have a direct impact on people holding Bitcoin and other crypto assets.

Starting in 2028, the country plans to tax unrealised gains, meaning investors could owe tax even if they have not sold their holdings.

According to a post shared by Crypto Rover, the Netherlands is moving towards taxing unrealised Bitcoin gains, bringing fresh attention to how governments may treat crypto under mainstream investment rules.

The policy is expected to cover a broad set of assets, including Bitcoin, other cryptocurrencies, stocks, bonds, and similar investments.

For many investors, the key issue is that tax would be triggered by changes in value over time, not by selling and locking in profits.

That makes the reform especially relevant for crypto holders, who often deal with sharp price swings and long holding periods.

Netherlands plans overhaul of Box 3 wealth tax

According to the Dutch parliament, the Netherlands will introduce a new tax system called Wet werkelijk rendement Box 3 starting January 1, 2028.

The idea is to tax investors based on the actual returns they make each year, rather than on estimated returns set by the government.

Under the planned approach, authorities would compare the value of a person’s assets at the start and end of the year. Any income earned during that period would also be included in the calculation.

This means investors could be taxed on both realised profits and unrealised gains that only exist on paper.

The tax will apply to Bitcoin, other cryptocurrencies, and traditional investment products.

The reform is designed to treat different asset classes equally and apply one consistent method across a modern portfolio.

Why the Netherlands is changing its tax model

The proposed change follows a court ruling that found the old Box 3 system unfair.

Under the previous framework, investors were taxed based on assumed returns, even if their holdings did not perform in line with those assumptions.

Lawmakers argue the new structure is more accurate because it is based on the real change in value of assets, rather than an estimate that may not reflect actual outcomes.

Supporters of the change believe it improves fairness, especially for investors whose returns have historically been overstated by the assumed-return method.

The planned system also reflects how investment behaviour has evolved over the years.

Many households now hold a mix of traditional assets and crypto, and the government appears to be moving towards rules that apply consistently across both categories.

How unrealised gains would be taxed each year?

Under the new rules, the government would calculate a person’s yearly investment result by comparing asset values at the beginning and end of the year, plus any income earned during that period.

A 36% flat tax would apply to positive net returns above a €1,800 annual threshold per person.

In simple terms, the tax would be linked to annual performance rather than transactions.

That means an investor could owe tax if their portfolio rises in value, even if they did not sell anything and did not receive cash from their holdings.

If an investor records a loss, that loss can be carried forward and used to offset future gains.

This gives investors some protection during negative years, although the timing mismatch between paper gains and cash flow remains a concern for some.

What the reform could mean for Bitcoin and crypto holders

For crypto investors, the biggest challenge is volatility. Bitcoin and other digital assets can rise sharply in a short time, and then fall just as quickly.

A year-end value increase could create a tax bill, even if the investor has not sold any crypto and has no cash available from those gains.

Critics warn this could create liquidity pressure, especially for long-term holders who do not want to sell their Bitcoin just to fund tax payments.

Some also fear it could push investors and crypto businesses to relocate if the system becomes too costly or difficult to manage.

With the Box 3 reform planned for 2028, the Netherlands is positioning itself for a major shift in investor taxation, and crypto holders may soon face annual tax calculations tied to market movements rather than selling decisions.

The post Netherlands to tax unrealised Bitcoin gains under new Box 3 rules appeared first on CoinJournal.