Ethereum is trading in the $2,930–$2,950 range as of January 25, 2026, consolidating after a broader pullback from January highs above $3,400. The move lower reflects near-term macro caution and heavy ETF-related selling rather than a breakdown in network fundamentals.

With Bitcoin hovering near $89,000 and risk sentiment mixed, ETH has shifted into a range-bound phase where price is lagging underlying activity.

ETF Pressure Weighs on Price, Not Structure

Short-term pressure has largely come from spot ETH ETF outflows, which exceeded $600 million between January 20–23, led in part by a single-day $250 million exit from BlackRock’s ETHA. This selling has cooled momentum and kept ETH capped below the $3,000 handle.

However, the flow data points more toward rotation and profit-taking than institutional abandonment. On-chain tracking shows whales accumulating roughly $1 billion worth of ETH during the recent correction, while funding rates and open interest have reset from crowded long conditions. That combination suggests leverage is being flushed, not confidence.

On-Chain Activity Tells a Different Story

Beneath the price, Ethereum’s network activity remains strong. Daily active addresses have climbed toward 1.3 million, while transaction counts are holding between 1.9 million and 2.2 million per day.

Validator behavior reinforces this trend: exit queues are near zero, entry queues are rebuilding, and staking participation continues to rise, tightening circulating supply.

Low fees and improved efficiency post-upgrades are also driving sustained DeFi and app usage, reinforcing a “price weak, fundamentals firm” dynamic that has historically preceded larger trend moves.

Ethereum Rises Despite U.S.-Iran Tensions

On the geopolitical front, the tensions are rising between the U.S. and Iran as Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warns it is “more ready than ever” amid U.S. warships moving toward the Middle East. The warning comes after Iran’s recent crackdown on protests, which left thousands dead, and Trump has set strict red lines for military action, including preventing mass executions and violence against civilians.

Despite these geopolitical tensions, Ethereum (ETH) continues to rise. This shows that investors remain confident in Ethereum’s growth, likely supported by strong developments like the Ethereum Foundation prioritizing post-quantum security.

Ethereum Price Prediction: Compression Builds Near $2,950 as ETH Eyes Its Next Leg

Technically, Ethereum price prediction is bearish as ETH is holding above $2,850–$2,900, a key support zone aligned with prior demand and Fibonacci confluence. RSI remains subdued near 35–40, signaling caution but not capitulation.

A reset toward support followed by a reclaim of $3,060 would reopen upside toward $3,190–$3,400, while a clean break below $2,800 would risk a deeper retracement toward $2,700.

Looking ahead, Ethereum’s 2026 roadmap adds weight to the longer-term case. The upcoming Glamsterdam upgrade and later Hegota phase focus on scalability, efficiency, and sustainability, building on blob infrastructure progress and accelerating Layer-2 adoption.

With over 8.7 million new contracts deployed entering the year, analysts increasingly view 2026 as a potential breakout period if macro conditions stabilize.

Ethereum (ETH/USD) Trade setup: Accumulate near $2,850–$2,900, target $3,190–$3,400, invalidation below $2,700.

Bitcoin Hyper: The Next Evolution of BTC on Solana?

Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) is bringing a new phase to the BTC ecosystem. While BTC remains the gold standard for security, Bitcoin Hyper adds what it always lacked: Solana-level speed. The result: lightning-fast, low-cost smart contracts, decentralized apps, and even meme coin creation, all secured by Bitcoin.

Audited by Consult, the project emphasizes trust and scalability as adoption builds. And momentum is already strong. The presale has surpassed $30.9 million, with tokens priced at just $0.013635 before the next increase.

As Bitcoin activity climbs and demand for efficient BTC-based apps rises, Bitcoin Hyper stands out as the bridge uniting two of crypto’s biggest ecosystems. If Bitcoin built the foundation, Bitcoin Hyper could make it fast, flexible, and fun again.

The post Ethereum Price Prediction: $3,000 Rejected, But On-Chain Data Tells Another Story appeared first on Cryptonews.

Bitcoin is trading near $88,700 as markets weigh a pullback from $97K against rising regulatory clarity in the US, internal network debates, and shifting technical momentum. Senate crypto reforms, growing BIP-110 adoption, and rumors around GameStop’s BTC transfer have added noise, but price action suggests consolidation, not collapse. The $88K zone now stands as the key pivot for Bitcoin’s next directional move.

Bitcoin Governance Debate Resurfaces as BIP-110 Node Adoption Expands

Bitcoin’s long-running governance debate has resurfaced as adoption of Bitcoin Improvement Proposal 110 (BIP-110) edges higher. Roughly 2.38% of Bitcoin nodes are now running BIP-110, a temporary soft fork designed to limit non-monetary data, or “spam,” embedded in transactions.

The proposal restores restrictions on OP_RETURN data and output sizes that were loosened in recent Bitcoin Core updates.

The issue has divided the community. Critics argue that allowing excessive arbitrary data risks turning Bitcoin into a data-storage network, raising node costs and pushing out smaller, home-run operators, which could increase centralization. Supporters counter that usage should not be artificially limited and that existing spam filters are ineffective.

While the debate may create short-term noise, it has little direct price impact. Over time, efforts like BIP-110 reinforce Bitcoin’s decentralization, strengthening its credibility as resilient, trust-minimized money.

GameStop Moves 4,700 BTC to Coinbase Prime, Raising Sale Speculation

GameStop has moved its entire Bitcoin holding, roughly 4,710 BTC worth over $420 million, to Coinbase Prime, sparking speculation that a sale may be imminent. According to CryptoQuant, the company acquired its Bitcoin at an average price near $107,900, meaning a full exit at current levels around $90,800 would imply an unrealized loss of roughly $76 million.

Large transfers to institutional trading platforms often precede selling, but the move alone does not confirm liquidation. GameStop has not issued any public statement, leaving markets to interpret the intent.

The broader impact on Bitcoin appears limited. More than 190 publicly listed companies now hold Bitcoin on their balance sheets, underscoring continued institutional participation.

Even if GameStop were to exit, it would represent an isolated corporate decision rather than a shift in overall institutional confidence. Short-term volatility is possible, but longer-term demand remains intact.

Bitcoin Price Prediction: BTC Tests $88K Support as Breakout Pressure Builds

Bitcoin price prediction remains bearish as BTC is trading near $88,600, entering a corrective phase after failing to hold the $97,300 swing high earlier this month. On the 4-hour chart, price has slipped back into a rising channel that guided the move from the $83,800 low.

The rejection at channel resistance marked a momentum shift, reinforced by long upper wicks and a bearish engulfing candle that broke short-term support.

BTC is now testing a key confluence zone between $88,000 and $87,300, which aligns with prior demand and the lower boundary of the ascending channel. Recent candles show smaller bodies with lower wicks, suggesting selling pressure is easing rather than accelerating. However, price remains below the 50-EMA and 100-EMA, while the 200-EMA near $91,200 continues to cap rebounds, keeping near-term bias cautious.

RSI has rebounded from oversold levels near 30 and is stabilizing around 40–42, signaling balance but not strength. The structure resembles a descending flag within a broader uptrend. If $87,300 holds, a reclaim of $90,000 could open $92,400–$94,500. A clean break below risks $85,600.

Bitcoin (BTC/USD) Trade Setup: Buy $87,500–$88,000, target $94,000, stop below $85,500.

Bitcoin Hyper: The Next Evolution of BTC on Solana?

Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) is bringing a new phase to the BTC ecosystem. While BTC remains the gold standard for security, Bitcoin Hyper adds what it always lacked: Solana-level speed. The result: lightning-fast, low-cost smart contracts, decentralized apps, and even meme coin creation, all secured by Bitcoin.

Audited by Consult, the project emphasizes trust and scalability as adoption builds. And momentum is already strong. The presale has surpassed $30.9 million, with tokens priced at just $0.013635 before the next increase.

As Bitcoin activity climbs and demand for efficient BTC-based apps rises, Bitcoin Hyper stands out as the bridge uniting two of crypto’s biggest ecosystems. If Bitcoin built the foundation, Bitcoin Hyper could make it fast, flexible, and fun again.

The post Bitcoin Price Prediction: BTC at $88K as BIP-110 Adoption and GameStop Fuel a Make-or-Break Zone appeared first on Cryptonews.

US spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds recorded their weakest performance in nearly a year, shedding $1.33 billion in net outflows during a shortened four-day trading week, according to data from SoSoValue.

The pullback marks the worst weekly showing since February 2025 and reflects a sharp reversal in investor sentiment after strong inflows the previous week.

The outflows follow a period of optimism, when spot Bitcoin ETFs pulled in $1.42 billion in net inflows.

Midweek Bitcoin ETF Outflows Surge as $709M Exits in Single Day

Selling pressure peaked midweek. Wednesday alone saw $709 million exit Bitcoin ETFs, making it the heaviest outflow day of the week.

Tuesday followed closely behind with $483 million in redemptions. Outflows eased toward the end of the week, with $32 million leaving on Thursday and $104 million on Friday.

The magnitude of the withdrawals echoes the turbulence seen in late February 2025, when Bitcoin ETFs lost $2.61 billion in a single week during a sharp market downturn.

That episode, often referred to by analysts as the “February Freeze,” coincided with Bitcoin’s drop from above $109,000 to below $80,000 and included a record $1.14 billion single-day outflow on Feb. 25.

BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), the largest spot Bitcoin ETF by assets under management, posted outflows on all four trading days last week.

Data from SoSoValue shows the fund experienced its heaviest redemptions on Tuesday and Wednesday, accounting for a significant share of the overall decline.

IBIT currently holds about $69.75 billion in net assets, representing roughly 3.9% of Bitcoin’s total circulating supply.

Despite the recent pullback, the broader picture for spot Bitcoin ETFs remains positive.

Since their launch in January 2024, cumulative net inflows stand at $56.5 billion, with total net assets across all US spot Bitcoin ETFs reaching approximately $115.9 billion.

Ethereum ETFs were not spared from the broader risk-off move. Spot Ether ETFs posted $611 million in net outflows for the week, reversing the prior week’s $479 million inflow streak.

Wednesday was again the worst day, with $298 million redeemed, followed by $230 million on Tuesday.

Total net assets for Ether ETFs now sit around $17.7 billion, with cumulative inflows of $12.3 billion since their July 2024 debut.

Solana ETFs Defy Broader Sell-Off as Bitcoin, XRP Funds See Outflows

Not all crypto-linked funds followed the same pattern. Spot Solana ETFs continued to attract capital, recording $9.6 million in net inflows over the week, extending a multi-week positive trend.

Bitwise’s BSOL remained the category leader by assets. Spot XRP ETFs, meanwhile, saw mixed flows, ending the week with $40.6 million in net outflows after a sharp $53 million exit on Tuesday.

The ETF drawdowns come amid signs of shifting market dynamics on-chain. According to a CryptoQuant report, Bitcoin holders have begun realizing net losses for the first time since October 2023.

The firm noted the market has moved from a profit-taking phase into a loss-realization phase, with roughly 69,000 BTC in realized losses since Dec. 23, a pattern reminiscent of past transitions from bull to bear markets.

The post US Spot Bitcoin ETFs See Worst Week in One Year After $1.33B Outflows appeared first on Cryptonews.

Solana is trading near $126, slipping modestly over the past 24 hours but holding a price zone that traders are watching closely. While short-term price action reflects broader market caution, Solana’s underlying activity tells a very different story. Network usage, institutional interest, and upcoming protocol upgrades are all accelerating, creating a widening gap between price and fundamentals as the market heads deeper into 2026.

This divergence is shaping Solana’s near-term outlook and its longer-term investment narrative.

Solana Finds Balance Near $126 After January Pullback

Solana ended the session near $126.72, with daily trading volume around $2.74 bn and a market capitalization just under $72 bn, ranking the token #7 globally. The recent pullback follows a rejection near $147.50, with price now consolidating inside a defined support band between $124 and $127.

On the technical side, SOL remains below its 50-EMA near $134 and 200-EMA around $136, confirming that short-term momentum has cooled. However, candlestick behavior has shifted.

Recent sessions show smaller bodies and reduced downside follow-through, suggesting selling pressure is fading rather than accelerating. As long as $125 holds, the move looks corrective, not structural.

On-Chain Activity Remains Firm Despite Price Weakness

While price has softened, Solana’s network activity continues to expand at record speed.

Key on-chain metrics stand out:

• DEX volume reached $107 bn, surpassing Ethereum, Base, and BSC combined in recent periods
• Stablecoin transfer volume climbed to $312 bn, highlighting real payment and settlement use
• Active addresses surged to 27.1 million, up more than 50% week over week
• Staking participation hit all-time highs, signaling long-term confidence rather than speculative churn

These figures point to real demand rather than short-term trading flows, reinforcing Solana’s role as a high-throughput settlement layer.

Real-World Asset Tokenization Gains Momentum on Solana

Institutional adoption is quietly reshaping Solana’s positioning. Enterprise blockchain firm R3 is building Solana-native infrastructure focused on private credit and trade finance, while Coinbase completed full Solana chain integration, expanding liquidity access across major regions.

At the same time, Solana has crossed $1 bn in tokenized real-world assets, supported by flows tied to BlackRock’s BUIDL initiative and rising USDC velocity. This shift is reframing Solana from a speculative trading chain into an institutional-grade platform for tokenized finance.

Solana (SOL/USD) Technical Outlook: $125 Support Tested as $136 Comes Into Focus

From a price perspective, Solana price prediction seems bearish as SOL is testing a rising trendline that originates from December lows. RSI remains subdued near 38–40, reflecting caution but not exhaustion. A clean break below $124 would expose $120.90, while a reclaim above $131.50 would signal renewed upside toward $136 and $141.60.

Looking further ahead, the upcoming Alpenglow upgrade, targeting faster finality and expanded block capacity, reinforces Solana’s long-term thesis. If fundamentals continue to outpace price, the current range may prove to be a positioning phase rather than a peak.

Solana Trade idea: Buy near $124–$125, target $136, stop below $120.90.

Bitcoin Hyper: The Next Evolution of BTC on Solana?

Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) is bringing a new phase to the BTC ecosystem. While BTC remains the gold standard for security, Bitcoin Hyper adds what it always lacked: Solana-level speed. The result: lightning-fast, low-cost smart contracts, decentralized apps, and even meme coin creation, all secured by Bitcoin.

Audited by Consult, the project emphasizes trust and scalability as adoption builds. And momentum is already strong. The presale has surpassed $30.9 million, with tokens priced at just $0.013625 before the next increase.

As Bitcoin activity climbs and demand for efficient BTC-based apps rises, Bitcoin Hyper stands out as the bridge uniting two of crypto’s biggest ecosystems. If Bitcoin built the foundation, Bitcoin Hyper could make it fast, flexible, and fun again.

The post Solana Price Prediction: Why $126 Could Be the Calm Before SOL’s Next Surge appeared first on Cryptonews.

XRP is trading near $1.92, with 24-hour volume around $1.92 bn and a market cap of $116.6 bn, keeping it ranked #5 among cryptocurrencies. After January’s pullback, price has stabilized, pointing to a shift from active selling toward positioning. Recent sessions show XRP consolidating in a tight range, with buyers consistently stepping in around $1.88–$1.90.

That support has limited further downside while volatility narrows, putting focus on whether this consolidation resolves higher or gives way to renewed pressure.

RLUSD Gains Traction on Binance as XRP Liquidity and Institutional Use Expand

Ripple’s USD-backed stablecoin RLUSD is quickly emerging as a key catalyst. On January 22, 2026, Binance listed RLUSD for spot trading, including an XRP/RLUSD pair, alongside a temporary zero-fee promotion. Initially launched on Ethereum, RLUSD’s upcoming integration with the XRP Ledger is expected to enhance settlement efficiency and on-chain activity.

The stablecoin’s regulatory positioning stands out:

• Approved by NYDFS and cleared by the OCC
• Designed for institutional and compliance-first use
• Positioned as a bridge between traditional finance and crypto rails

Analysts see this as a structural positive for XRP, as increased RLUSD usage ties liquidity flows more closely to the XRP ecosystem.

Leadership and Institutional Momentum: Why XRP’s Long-Term Case Is Strengthening

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse remains optimistic about 2026, pointing to regulatory progress and institutional demand as drivers for the next growth phase. He has highlighted momentum around US crypto legislation and framed regulatory clarity as a long-term unlock for enterprise adoption.

Beyond stablecoins, Ripple continues expanding its banking footprint. Recent partnerships, including DXC Technology’s integration with Ripple infrastructure, aim to support custody, payments, and tokenization for institutions managing trillions in assets. These developments reinforce XRP’s role beyond speculation, anchoring it in real financial use cases.

XRP Technical Outlook: $1.90 Support Tested as XRP Nears a Breakout Decision

Technically, XRP price prediction is neutral as XRP is compressing inside a symmetrical triangle, formed by lower highs from $2.40 and higher lows near $1.87. The 50-EMA around $1.97 caps short-term rallies, while the 200-EMA near $2.02 reinforces resistance. RSI near 48–50 signals balance rather than exhaustion.

A confirmed break above $1.96 could open a move toward $2.05–$2.15, while a loss of $1.88 would expose $1.83. Until then, XRP remains in decision mode.

XRP Trade setup: Buy on a confirmed break above $1.96, target $2.10–$2.15, stop below $1.88.

Bitcoin Hyper: The Next Evolution of BTC on Solana?

Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) is bringing a new phase to the BTC ecosystem. While BTC remains the gold standard for security, Bitcoin Hyper adds what it always lacked: Solana-level speed. The result: lightning-fast, low-cost smart contracts, decentralized apps, and even meme coin creation, all secured by Bitcoin.

Audited by Consult, the project emphasizes trust and scalability as adoption builds. And momentum is already strong. The presale has surpassed $30.9 million, with tokens priced at just $0.013625 before the next increase.

As Bitcoin activity climbs and demand for efficient BTC-based apps rises, Bitcoin Hyper stands out as the bridge uniting two of crypto’s biggest ecosystems. If Bitcoin built the foundation, Bitcoin Hyper could make it fast, flexible, and fun again.

The post XRP Price Prediction: Symmetrical Triangle at $1.90 – Breakout or Breakdown Next? appeared first on Cryptonews.

The Ethereum Foundation has officially elevated quantum resistance to a top strategic priority with the formation of a dedicated Post Quantum team backed by $2 million in funding.

The new initiative comes as blockchain networks face mounting pressure to defend against quantum computing threats that industry experts increasingly warn could materialize within years rather than decades.

Ethereum researcher Justin Drake announced the team formation on Friday, revealing that Thomas Coratger will lead the effort alongside Emile, a core contributor to leanVM.

“After years of quiet R&D, EF management has officially declared PQ security a top strategic priority,” Drake said, adding that the foundation has been developing its quantum strategy since a 2019 presentation at StarkWare Sessions.

Foundation Commits Resources Across Multiple Fronts

The Ethereum Foundation is launching comprehensive defensive measures spanning research, development, and infrastructure testing.

Antonio Sanso will kick off bi-weekly All Core Devs Post Quantum breakout calls next month, focusing on user-facing security, including dedicated precompiles, account abstraction, and transaction signature aggregation with leanVM.

The foundation announced two $1 million prize competitions to strengthen cryptographic foundations.

The newly launched Poseidon Prize targets the hardening of the Poseidon hash function, while the existing Proximity Prize continues to drive hash-based cryptography research.

“We are betting big on hash-based cryptography to enjoy the strongest and leanest cryptographic foundations,” Drake stated.

Multi-client post-quantum consensus development networks are already operational, with pioneer teams including Zeam, Ream Labs, PierTwo, Gean client, and Ethlambda working alongside established consensus clients Lighthouse, Grandine, and Prysm.

Weekly post-quantum interop calls, coordinated by Will Corcoran, are managing collaborative technical development across these diverse implementation teams.

The foundation will host a three-day expert workshop in October, bringing together top specialists from around the world, building on last year’s post-quantum workshop in Cambridge.

An additional dedicated post-quantum day is scheduled for March 29 in Cannes, ahead of EthCC, to create multiple forums for advancing research and coordination across the global Ethereum development community.

Industry Voices Split on Timeline Urgency

The quantum threat has divided blockchain leaders on both timeline predictions and strategic priorities.

Independent Ethereum educator sassal.eth called quantum computing “a very real threat for blockchains” that is “coming sooner than most people think,” praising the foundation’s defensive preparations.

Pantera Capital General Partner Franklin Bi predicted that traditional financial institutions will struggle with the transition to post-quantum cryptography.

“People are over-estimating how quickly Wall Street will adapt to post-quantum cryptography,” Bi said, adding that blockchain networks possess unique capabilities for system-wide upgrades at a global scale.

He argued that successful quantum resistance could transform select blockchains into “post-quantum safe havens for data and assets,” particularly as traditional systems face prolonged periods of vulnerability due to single points of failure.

Bitcoin community assessments remain sharply contested. Vitalik Buterin previously shared Metaculus data showing a median 2040 timeline for quantum computers breaking modern cryptography, with roughly a 20% probability before the end of 2030.

Blockstream CEO Adam Back has dismissed near-term concerns, claiming practical threats remain decades away and accusing critics of creating unnecessary market alarm.

Project ZKM contributor Stephen Duan acknowledged transition challenges while calling quantum resistance “inevitable,” noting that his team will soon upgrade multiset hashing to a lattice-based construction.

ZKsync inventor Alex Gluk also said the network’s Airbender prover is already “100% PQ-proof,” highlighting Ethereum’s unmatched ability to adapt to emerging threats while maintaining its position as the global financial settlement layer.

Foundation Plans Comprehensive Roadmap Release

The Ethereum Foundation will publish detailed strategic guidance on pq.ethereum.org covering full transition planning to achieve zero loss of funds and zero downtime over the coming years.

Drake highlighted recent artificial intelligence breakthroughs in formal proof generation, noting that specialized mathematics AI recently completed one of the hardest lemmas in hash-based SNARK foundations in a single eight-hour run costing $200.

The foundation is developing educational materials, including a six-part video series with ZKPodcast and enterprise-focused resources through EF Enterprise Acceleration.

Ethereum now has representation on the post-quantum advisory board, Coinbase announced this week, bringing together leading cryptography researchers to assess long-term blockchain security risks as quantum computing capabilities advance across government and private-sector development programs.

The post Ethereum Launches $2M Quantum Defense Team as Threat Timeline Accelerates appeared first on Cryptonews.

Bitcoin is trading near $89,500, locked in a tight range that reflects consolidation rather than weakness. While price action remains compressed, a series of institutional and regulatory developments this week is reshaping how the market views Bitcoin’s longer-term role.

South Korea’s $48M Bitcoin Custody Breach Raises Alarms

South Korean authorities are investigating the disappearance of roughly 70 bn won ($48 mn) worth of seized Bitcoin from official custody. The issue surfaced during a routine audit by the Gwangju District Prosecutors’ Office, according to local reports.

Preliminary findings suggest the loss resulted from a phishing attack, after a staff member reportedly accessed a fake website, leading to leaked credentials. While details remain limited due to the ongoing investigation, the case has reignited debate around how governments store and protect confiscated digital assets.

Importantly, the incident does not reflect a failure of the Bitcoin network itself. Instead, it underscores weaknesses in human processes and custody frameworks. Long term, this type of breach may push governments toward stricter crypto custody standards, ironically strengthening institutional confidence rather than weakening it.

UBS Explores Crypto for Private Banking Clients

In a separate but related signal, UBS is reportedly evaluating plans to offer cryptocurrency investing to select private banking clients, beginning with Bitcoin and Ether for wealthy Swiss customers. According to Bloomberg, the bank is assessing third-party partners to support the rollout.

If successful, UBS could later expand the service into the US and Asia-Pacific, aligning with similar initiatives from Morgan Stanley and JPMorgan. The move reflects growing demand among high-net-worth investors for crypto exposure through trusted, regulated institutions, rather than exchanges alone.

Bitwise’s Bitcoin-Gold ETF Signals Macro Thinking

Adding to the institutional theme, Bitwise Asset Management has launched the Bitwise Proficio Currency Debasement ETF (BPRO) on the NYSE. Unlike spot Bitcoin ETFs, BPRO is actively managed and blends Bitcoin, gold, precious metals, and mining equities, with at least 25% allocated to gold at all times.

The fund carries a 0.96% expense ratio and targets long-term investors focused on capital preservation. By pairing Bitcoin with gold, Bitwise frames BTC as a macro hedge against currency debasement, not a speculative trade.

Bitcoin Price Forecast: $89,500 Range Tightens as Breakout Pressure Builds

Bitcoin is trading near $89,500, holding inside a narrowing range after a sharp rejection from the $97,000 peak earlier this month. On the 2-hour chart, price action points to compression rather than breakdown. BTC continues to defend the $87,300–$88,000 support band, an area repeatedly tested and protected by buyers.

Long lower candlestick wicks around this zone suggest sellers are struggling to gain follow-through, signaling thinning supply at lower levels.

From a structural view, Bitcoin remains anchored to a rising trendline that has guided price higher since the $83,800 low. While price briefly slipped below the 50-EMA and 100-EMA, it has stabilized near the 200-EMA, which is flattening instead of rolling over.

This behavior typically reflects a transition phase, not a confirmed trend reversal. The broader setup resembles a descending flag within an ascending channel, a formation that often resolves in the direction of the prevailing trend.

Momentum supports this outlook. RSI has rebounded from oversold levels near 30 and is now hovering around 48–50, signaling balance rather than renewed selling pressure. Recent candles show smaller bodies and reduced volatility, often seen before range expansion. If BTC dips, $87,400 remains key support. A push above $90,980 would open the path toward $92,400 and $94,250.

Trade setup: Buy near $88,000–$87,500, target $94,000, stop below $85,500.

Bitcoin Hyper: The Next Evolution of BTC on Solana?

Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) is bringing a new phase to the BTC ecosystem. While BTC remains the gold standard for security, Bitcoin Hyper adds what it always lacked: Solana-level speed. The result: lightning-fast, low-cost smart contracts, decentralized apps, and even meme coin creation, all secured by Bitcoin.

Audited by Consult, the project emphasizes trust and scalability as adoption builds. And momentum is already strong. The presale has surpassed $30.9 million, with tokens priced at just $0.013625 before the next increase.

As Bitcoin activity climbs and demand for efficient BTC-based apps rises, Bitcoin Hyper stands out as the bridge uniting two of crypto’s biggest ecosystems. If Bitcoin built the foundation, Bitcoin Hyper could make it fast, flexible, and fun again.

The post Bitcoin Price Prediction: BTC Stuck at $89,500 – Are Korea’s Breach and UBS the Catalyst? appeared first on Cryptonews.

Las Vegas Valley businesses, from restaurant chains to small juice bars, are embracing Bitcoin payments as mainstream adoption accelerates, with companies avoiding credit card processing fees averaging 2.5% to 3.5% while tapping into a growing customer base actively seeking crypto-friendly merchants.

The shift follows Square’s November 2025 decision to enable roughly 4 million U.S. merchants to accept Bitcoin payments with zero processing fees through 2026.

According to Fox5Vegas, at Cane Juice Bar and Cafe on Rainbow near Windmill, district manager Tyler Peterson serves fresh-pressed sugar cane juice that customers can pay for with cash, card, or Bitcoin after eight months of crypto implementation.

“Bitcoin is getting very popular with mainstream people, not just the people that are actually into things like cryptocurrencies,” Peterson said, noting the payment option helps the business “move forward” while attracting new customers who specifically seek Bitcoin-accepting locations.

Small Business Growth Through Bitcoin Maps

Peterson confirmed customers who normally wouldn’t know about his shop come in specifically to use Bitcoin, with calls and inquiries arriving regularly.

“So actually some customers we have generated off of accepting Bitcoin,” Peterson said. “That Bitcoin map is helping us out a lot.”

Consumers can locate Bitcoin-accepting businesses through dedicated Bitcoin maps or Cash App’s directory feature, creating organic discovery channels for merchants willing to accept crypto payments.

Jeremy Querci, a Bitcoin consultant with Sovreign, explained that businesses accepting Bitcoin now range from medical practices to juice bars to children’s play places, with payment processing requiring just a few taps on a phone.

“At the time of checkout, you say you want to pay in Bitcoin and the business can bring up a QR code that you scan with your phone with any Bitcoin app,” Querci said, while Peterson asserted the technology will become progressively easier as “it’s the future.”

National Chains Lead Corporate Bitcoin Adoption

The momentum extends beyond small businesses into major restaurant chains, with Steak ‘n Shake announcing this week plans to pay all hourly employees at company-operated restaurants a Bitcoin bonus of $0.21 for every hour worked starting March 1, with funds accessible after a two-year vesting period.

CEO Will Reeves positioned the move as part of the 91-year-old burger chain’s transformation into “a real bitcoin company, putting sound money into the hands of working Americans.“

Lightning Network payments enabled across all U.S. Steak ‘n Shake locations in mid-May 2025 brought transaction fee savings of nearly 50% compared with credit cards, alongside roughly 15% increases in same-store sales in the months following launch.

The rollout received public backing from Jack Dorsey, who enthusiastically endorsed the chain’s Bitcoin adoption plans when the company first polled followers about accepting crypto.

Infrastructure Advances Enable Mainstream Payments

Cash App rolled out Bitcoin Lightning payments and stablecoin transfers in November 2025, allowing eligible users to pay over the Lightning Network in seconds with no fee using either BTC or USD balances after scanning a Lightning QR code.

The app introduced Bitcoin Map, an in-app directory that helps customers find nearby Square merchants and other businesses accepting Bitcoin, enabling users to locate stores, get directions, and pay directly over Lightning at checkout.

Just yesterday, crypto payments firm Mercuryo partnered with Visa to enable near-real-time conversion of digital assets into fiat currency, allowing users to send proceeds directly to Visa debit and credit cards via Visa Direct.

“This partnership with Visa will further enhance Mercuryo’s ability to deliver a fast, low-cost user experience,” said Mercuryo co-founder and CEO Petr Kozyakov, noting the integration reduces friction historically associated with moving funds across borders or cashing out digital assets.

The corporate adoption mirrors explosive growth across the broader crypto payments landscape, with crypto card volumes surging from roughly $100 million monthly in early 2023 to over $1.5 billion by late 2025, representing a 106% compound annual growth rate, according to Artemis Analytics.

Annualized volumes now exceed $18 billion, while traditional peer-to-peer stablecoin transfers grew just 5% to $19 billion over the same period.

At the time of publication, Bitcoin is trading around $89,500, down roughly 5% over the previous week, as Bitcoin spot ETFs experienced steep outflows totaling $1.62 billion across four trading days amid compressed yields on basis trades that dropped below 5% from around 17% a year ago.

The post Las Vegas Businesses Ditch Credit Card Fees for Bitcoin Payments appeared first on Cryptonews.

The US Securities and Exchange Commission has agreed to dismiss its enforcement case against Gemini, the cryptocurrency exchange founded by billionaire twins Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, after investors in its defunct lending program recovered their crypto assets in full.

In a joint filing submitted Friday to federal court in Manhattan, the SEC and Gemini Space Station cited the complete repayment of assets to users of the Gemini Earn program through the Genesis Global Capital bankruptcy process.

The repayments were completed between May and June 2024, according to the court document.

SEC Drops Gemini Case After Earn Investors Made Whole

The regulator said the decision followed the “100 percent in-kind return” of crypto assets to affected investors, meaning customers received the same digital assets they had originally deposited rather than cash equivalents.

Based on that outcome, the SEC concluded that dismissing its claims against Gemini was appropriate.

The case stems from charges brought in January 2023, when the SEC accused Gemini Trust Company and Genesis Global Capital of offering unregistered securities through the Gemini Earn program.

Under the arrangement, Gemini users loaned their crypto to Genesis in exchange for yield, with Gemini acting as the platform intermediary.

At its peak, the Gemini Earn program held approximately $940 million in customer assets.

That balance was frozen in November 2022 when Genesis halted withdrawals amid broader market turmoil following the collapse of several major crypto firms.

Genesis later filed for bankruptcy, triggering months of negotiations among creditors, regulators, and counterparties.

Unlike many firms that failed during the 2022 crypto downturn, Genesis ultimately returned customer assets rather than liquidating holdings and distributing cash proceeds.

That outcome played a central role in the SEC’s decision to unwind its case against Gemini.

SEC Drops Gemini Case as Crypto Policy Softens and Exchange Grows

The dismissal comes amid a broader shift in the SEC’s approach to digital asset regulation under US President Donald Trump.

The administration has signaled a more accommodating stance toward the crypto sector, with Trump publicly pledging to support mainstream adoption of digital assets and ease regulatory pressure on the industry.

In its filing, the SEC stressed that the dismissal does not reflect its position on other crypto-related enforcement actions, underscoring that the decision was specific to the facts of the Gemini case.

The exchange has continued to expand its institutional footprint following the resolution of the Earn dispute.

Gemini made a high-profile debut on Nasdaq last year, reflecting renewed investor interest in regulated crypto platforms as the market rebounds. According to LSEG data, the company is currently valued at approximately $1.14 billion.

The post SEC Drops Enforcement Case Against Winklevoss-Founded Crypto Exchange Gemini appeared first on Cryptonews.

US authorities have arrested former Canadian Olympic snowboarder Ryan Wedding, ending a years-long international manhunt for a figure investigators describe as a major cocaine trafficker who relied on cryptocurrency to move and conceal illicit profits.

Wedding, 44, was taken into custody in Mexico late Thursday and transferred to the United States on Friday, according to US officials.

The former athlete, who competed for Team Canada at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, had been listed among the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted fugitives, with a reward of up to $15 million offered for information leading to his capture.

Former Olympic Snowboarder Faces US Charges in Global Drug Case

US Attorney General Pam Bondi said Wedding, whom she described as a “onetime Olympian snowboarder-turned alleged violent cocaine kingpin,” will face federal charges in the US related to drug trafficking, murder, and operating a criminal enterprise spanning multiple countries.

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the arrest in a post on X, crediting cooperation with Mexican authorities for locating Wedding after more than a decade on the run.

Investigators allege that Wedding played a senior role in cocaine distribution networks tied to Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel, overseeing shipments from Colombia into the United States and Canada.

According to US officials, the operation generated more than $1 billion annually in illegal proceeds at its peak.

The US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned Wedding in November, accusing his organization of using cryptocurrency to move and launder drug profits.

In its notice, the Treasury said digital assets were used to obscure the flow of funds and conceal large sums derived from narcotics trafficking.

Mexico’s Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch said Wedding voluntarily surrendered at the U.S. Embassy before being handed over to the FBI.

Patel later told reporters that Wedding had been hiding in Mexico for over 10 years and was believed to be under cartel protection.

Wedding arrived Friday at Ontario International Airport in Southern California, where federal officials held a press conference following his transfer.

Authorities said they seized firearms, luxury vehicles, artwork, and other assets connected to the alleged criminal enterprise, and indicated further arrests may follow as the investigation continues.

Ryan Wedding’s Earlier Cocaine Case Predates Latest US Charges

This is not Wedding’s first encounter with US law enforcement. In 2008, he was arrested in California in a cocaine trafficking sting involving a Vancouver-based operation.

He was convicted in 2009 and sentenced to four years in prison, before being released around 2011.

The arrest comes as crypto-related crime remains a growing concern. According to Chainalysis, illicit cryptocurrency addresses received a record $154 billion in 2025, a sharp increase from the year before.

In another case, US prosecutors have charged a 23-year-old Brooklyn resident, Ronald Spektor, with stealing roughly $16 million in cryptocurrency from around 100 Coinbase users through an alleged phishing and social engineering scheme.

The post FBI Arrests Former Olympic Snowboarder and Top Cocaine Trafficker in Crypto-Linked Case appeared first on Cryptonews.

After a negative print on January 20, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) linked to XRP have resumed their accumulation. After a brief pullback on January 20, XRP-linked exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have resumed accumulation, adding fresh fuel to bullish XRP price prediction.

Data from SoSo Value shows that ETFs brought in $9 million in the past two days.

As a result, XRP’s ETF assets stand at $1.37 billion, still surpassing Solana-linked ETF products as Wall Street’s appetite for the top altcoin persists.

Ongoing accumulation seems to indicate that whales are aware of something that the rest of the market is ignoring.

Is XRP getting ready to make an explosive move?

XRP Price Prediction: Descending Triangle Breakout Could Finally Push XRP Above Its 200-Day EMA

The price has bounced off the $1.90 support multiple times already, creating a strong floor from which XRP could start running higher.

The last rally started after the token broke out of the descending triangle shown in the chart, but faced strong selling pressure at the 200-day exponential moving average (EMA).

A similar setup has formed now, anticipating a potential move from bulls over the next few days if the $1.90 level holds.

If that happens, the odds of a bullish breakout above the 200-day EMA will rise. This translates into a short-term target of $2.50, followed by a much stronger move to $3.10 at least.

As altcoins regain momentum and prepare for the next major rally, top crypto presales like Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) are gaining serious traction.

This high-potential project has already raised over $30 million, aiming to bring Solana’s fast speeds and low costs to the Bitcoin network.

Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) Revamps BTC’s Use Cases by Leveraging Solana’s Power

While BTC is a great store of value, it has always been slow and expensive to move – until now.

Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) is a crypto presale that brings Solana’s world-class speed to the Bitcoin blockchain.

This new layer 2 solution solves the biggest problems Bitcoin has faced by reducing transaction fees to nearly zero and enabling instant asset transfers.

For the first time, BTC holders will get to do more than just buy and hold.

Through this L2, they will finally put their Bitcoin to work by lending, staking, and trading their assets without leaving the security of the Bitcoin network.

The crypto community is already moving fast, with over $30 million raised to bring this vision to life.

At the heart of this project is the $HYPER token. As adoption grows and more users tap into its fast, low-cost Layer 2 features, demand for $HYPER is expected to rise.

If you want to get in early, you can still grab $HYPER at its presale price.

Simply visit the official Bitcoin Hyper website and connect any wallet, such as Best Wallet.

You can swap USDT, USDC, or ETH, or use a bank card to buy $HYPER tokens in seconds.

The post XRP Price Prediction: Price Holds Strong as ETF Inflows Quietly Return – Do Whales Know Something? appeared first on Cryptonews.

Dogecoin has just taken a massive leap into the mainstream, with 21Shares officially launching the first-ever DOGE-backed spot ETF in the United States.

This landmark move marks a major milestone not just for Dogecoin, but for the entire meme coin space, showing that Wall Street is finally taking DOGE seriously.

The TDOG ETF was launched in collaboration with House of Doge, the token’s unofficial “corporate arm”, further legitimizing DOGE’s presence in traditional finance.

With institutional access now unlocked, a bullish Dogecoin price prediction looks more realistic than ever.

The launch of the first spot ETFs could draw significant attention and inflows to the top meme coin. Can Wall Street’s growing appetite for risk push Dogecoin to $1,000?

Dogecoin Price Prediction: DOGE Finds Strong Floor at $0.12 – What Happens Next?

DOGE has been progressively building a solid floor at $0.12 from which it has bounced multiple times already.

The token has been consolidating between this level and the $0.15 resistance for a while. As new ETF launches like TDOG hit the market, Wall Street’s frantic buying could add the necessary fuel for DOGE’s next leg up.

The first target if that happens would be $0.17, meaning a 36% upside potential in the near term, followed by a much stronger move to $0.20.

The first target if that happens would be $0.17, meaning a 36% upside potential in the near term, followed by a much stronger move to $0.20.

With strong community backing, growing mainstream recognition, and increasing use cases, DOGE hitting $1 in the coming years is a realistic milestone.

While $1,000 remains out of reach for now, long-term growth in the crypto space has shown that even the most ambitious targets can’t be ruled out entirely.

As meme coins start to rebound, a new presale is catching fire with the potential to follow in Dogecoin’s legendary footsteps.

This token has raised $4.5 million so far in its ongoing presale to launch a thriving community that embraces risk-taking and YOLO trades.

Maxi Doge ($MAXI) Brings Dogecoin’s Vibe to 2026

Maxi Doge ($MAXI) is one of the hottest meme coin presales of 2026, with the potential to mimic the explosive move Dogecoin made in 2021.

Token holders get to participate in fun competitions like Maxi Ripped and Maxi Gains to boast their biggest “Ws” with fellow members of the community. They’ll earn more than just bragging rights as the project’s rewards pool is up for grabs as well.

In addition, $MAXI investors get exclusive access to an idea hub that they can use to draw ideas from like-minded traders who are constantly scanning the market for the best setups.

This meme coin’s staking rewards put some icing on the cake, offering a 69% APY to early buyers who seize this presale before it comes to an end.

If you missed Dogecoin a few years ago, you probably don’t want to miss this one.

To buy $DOGE, simply head to the official Maxi Doge website and link up any compatible wallet like Best Wallet.

You can just swap USDC, USDT, or ETH to get your first tokens or simply use a bank card.

The post Dogecoin Price Prediction: First SEC-Approved DOGE ETF Goes Live – Can DOGE Hit $1,000? appeared first on Cryptonews.

Ripple has extended its custody partnership with Garanti BBVA Kripto, reinforcing its commitment to the Turkish cryptocurrency market.

Analyst says this is bullish for the XRP price prediction as technical indicators point to a $2.50 breakout if the $2.00 psychological resistance is overcome in the coming days.

Ripple Wins Turkish Garanti BBVA Partnership

Reece Merrick, Ripple’s Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa, announced the partnership extension on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing the continuation of their existing relationship.

The collaboration ensures that Garanti BBVA’s retail customers maintain access to secure custody and transfer services for multiple cryptocurrencies, including XRP, Bitcoin, and Ethereum.

Garanti BBVA’s cryptocurrency journey began in late 2024 following a successful pilot program conducted with both Ripple and IBM.

The initial phase attracted approximately 14,000 early adopters.

This partnership was specifically designed to provide the bank with enterprise-grade key management infrastructure, enabling secure deployment and management of digital asset services.

Beyond the Turkish partnership, Ripple has secured another important regulatory milestone.

The company recently obtained a “Green Light Letter” from Luxembourg’s Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF), representing preliminary approval for an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license.

While the regulator has completed its legal assessment, final authorization remains pending.

This development adds to Ripple’s extensive regulatory portfolio, which now includes over 75 licenses across global jurisdictions.

XRP Price Prediction: XRP Forms Rare W-Pattern at $1.95 Support

The 4-hour XRP/USDT chart reveals several compelling technical patterns. Price action has been consolidating within a falling wedge formation, a pattern that frequently precedes bullish breakouts rather than continued downtrends.

The narrowing range between lower highs and lower lows suggests diminishing selling pressure as the asset approaches a critical decision point.

A notable W-pattern has formed near the wedge’s lower boundary, with the $1.88–$1.90 zone demonstrating robust support.

This repeated defense of key levels indicates strong buying interest at these prices, establishing a potential launching pad for upward movement.

Currently trading around $1.95, XRP faces immediate resistance in the $1.98–$2.00 zone, which coincides with the wedge’s upper trendline.

A decisive 4-hour close above this critical area would confirm both the falling wedge breakout and the W-pattern reversal signal.

If XRP successfully breaks through the $2.00 psychological barrier, analysts anticipate initial upside targets between $2.10 and $2.20.

Strong momentum could extend the rally toward the $2.35–$2.40 region, with some optimistic projections suggesting movement toward $2.50.

However, traders should remain cautious of potential downside scenarios.

A rejection at the $2.00 resistance level, followed by a breakdown below wedge support, could postpone the bullish thesis.

Such a development might result in renewed consolidation or a retest of the lower $1.80 range.

Beyond XRP: Bitcoin Hyper Raises $30M As First True BTC Layer 2

While XRP attracts attention for its potential breakout, investors are also watching Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER), a project creating the first authentic Layer 2 solution for Bitcoin using Solana-based technology.

The platform combines speed and scalability while maintaining Bitcoin’s security framework.

The Bitcoin Hyper presale has already raised over $30 million, demonstrating strong market interest.

The project’s Solana-powered Layer 2 infrastructure enables developers to build Bitcoin-native decentralized applications, offering BTC holders new opportunities to utilize their assets through purpose-built on-chain tools.

As major wallets and exchanges prepare to integrate this scaling solution, demand for $HYPER is expected to increase rapidly.

The token is currently available during the presale phase at $0.013625.

Interested investors can visit the official Bitcoin Hyper website and connect their preferred wallet (such as Best Wallet) to swap USDT or SOL for $HYPER, or purchase directly using a bank card before the next price increase.

The post XRP Price Prediction: Ripple’s Turkey Push Fuels $2.50 Target – But $2.00 Must Crack appeared first on Cryptonews.

Wearing a pair of interesting sunglasses, Binance founder CZ said that Bitcoin could enter a supercycle in 2026. If that happens, altcoins like XRP and Ethereum could explode.

Bitcoin is currently trading around $88,000 after getting rejected near the $98,000 level for the second time.

Fundamentally, nothing has gone wrong. Bitcoin, XRP, and ETH continue to improve over time. Technically, though, these coins are still in a weak phase. Below is how things could play out for the three as we head into 2026.

Bitcoin (BTC)

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Bitcoin Price Prediction: What If BTC Just Broke Out?

BTC is starting to tighten up inside a squeezing structure, with rising support pushing price into a descending resistance line. It is basically a classic compression setup.

The main level to watch is the $96,000–$98,000 resistance zone, which has shut down every bounce so far. A daily close above that area would be a big deal and could open the door for a move toward $102,000, then $105,000.

On the downside, rising support from the recent lows in the low $80,000s has held up well, keeping higher lows intact and stopping a deeper breakdown.

Momentum is neutral but slowly improving. For now, Bitcoin is stuck in consolidation after the recent drop, and this is a patience game.

Ethereum Price Prediction: ETH Holds Support but Lacks Conviction

Ethereum spot ETFs continue to record outflows. However, the recent outflows are low compared to past days’ outflows, which is a good sign. ETH spot ETFs recorded $42 million in outflows

ETH price is trying to hold its structure after a rough pullback, with price riding along rising support but struggling to break through the $3,400–$3,500 resistance zone.

That area has rejected price multiple times, which is why ETH keeps stalling instead of trending higher. As long as the rising support around the high $2,600s to $2,700 zone holds, the bigger structure stays constructive, and this move looks more like consolidation than a full breakdown.

A clean break above $3,500 would be the first real sign of strength and could open the door for a push toward $4,300, with $5,000 as the larger upside target.

Momentum is still weak but starting to stabilize. RSI needs to push back above 50 to support a stronger bullish move.

XRP Price Prediction: XRP Tries to Escape the Downtrend, Is $2.50 Next?

XRP is still stuck inside a well-defined descending channel, which explains why rallies keep getting sold into instead of turning into real trend reversals.

Price recently bounced from the $1.80 area, which is acting as a key demand zone and the main bullish invalidation level.

As long as XRP holds above that level, this bounce remains technically valid, but the structure is still weak overall. The first real test for buyers sits around the $2.40–$2.50 zone, where the price previously broke down and where the upper channel resistance lines up.

A clean break and daily hold above that area would be the first sign that momentum is shifting, opening the door for a move toward the $3.00 target zone.

Momentum is still mixed. RSI is sitting around 42. Notice something? All three are sitting at the same point waiting for the major move.

Holding above $1.80 keeps the bullish scenario alive, while a break below that level would invalidate the setup and likely send XRP back toward lower support

Bitcoin Hyper Is Loading While the Market Sleeps

With Bitcoin compressing under $100,000, Ethereum stuck below major resistance, and XRP still fighting its downtrend, the market is clearly in a waiting phase. That is usually when attention quietly shifts to projects that do not need a confirmed breakout to start moving.

That is where Bitcoin Hyper is starting to stand out.

Bitcoin Hyper is being positioned as a high-beta play built specifically for volatility cycles like the one CZ is hinting at. When Bitcoin enters a supercycle, capital does not just flow into majors. It spills into smaller, faster-moving narratives that offer asymmetric upside, especially while the big names are still consolidating.

The project has already raised over $30.9M, showing strong early conviction even while the broader market remains cautious. On top of that, Bitcoin Hyper offers staking rewards around 39% APY, giving holders an incentive to stay locked in instead of trading short-term noise.

Historically, the biggest winners of new cycles are rarely the assets that break out last. They are the ones accumulated quietly while Bitcoin ranges, Ethereum chops, and XRP frustrate traders. Bitcoin Hyper is clearly targeting that window.

If Bitcoin really does enter a supercycle in 2026, the projects built and accumulated during this compression phase are often the ones that move first and hardest once momentum returns. Bitcoin Hyper is shaping up to be one of those names traders keep an eye on.

The post Crypto Price Prediction Today 23 January – XRP, Bitcoin, Ethereum appeared first on Cryptonews.

French authorities have opened a preliminary investigation into a data breach at Waltio, a cryptocurrency tax reporting platform used by tens of thousands of investors.

This occurred when hackers reportedly got access to sensitive user information and tried to blackmail the company.

The event has brought up new issues regarding the exposure of personal data in the crypto industry, as target fraud and physical attacks against holders are becoming more and more frequent in France.

Authorities Link Waltio Breach to Shiny Hunters’ Extortion Attempt

In a statement released this week, French cybersecurity institutions confirmed that, via its cybercrime division, the Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office had issued an order to the National Cyber Unit of the Gendarmerie to establish the extent of the breach and identify exposed users.

Officials advised that users whose information might have been stolen should be wary of scammers who claim to be genuine service providers or other officials and force them to give up their digital assets using the stolen information.

The law enforcement agencies reported that some more recent fraudsters posed as crypto businesses, bank anti-fraud units, or even law enforcement officers and magistrates.

French newspaper Le Parisien stated that the attack at Waltio was associated with a ransom demand by a hacking organization called Shiny Hunters.

The group purportedly had obtained personal information of approximately 50,000 Waltio users, most of whom reside in France, and said it had samples of the stolen information as proof.

Waltio later filed a complaint of attempted extortion and unauthorized access to the automated data system.

Waltio said its initial internal assessment showed that the attackers accessed tax reports for the 2024 period. These documents included users’ email addresses, information on crypto profits or losses, and asset balances at the end of the year.

The company stated that banking details, administrative records, and tax identification data were not affected and that its core infrastructure was not compromised.

Waltio added that its services remain operational and that client funds are not at risk.

France Tightens Oversight After Crypto Data Breach Amid Rise in Kidnapping Cases

Waltio was founded in France and is headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand. It serves roughly 150,000 users and focuses on simplifying crypto tax compliance for European investors, particularly in France, Spain, and Belgium.

The platform aggregates transaction data from more than 700 exchanges, wallets, and blockchains to calculate capital gains, losses, and staking income, and generates tax-compliant reports for local filings.

The investigation comes amid heightened scrutiny of crypto-related data leaks in France.

In the last year, police have attributed a number of home invasions, kidnappings, and attempted kidnappings to the criminals who intended to use the knowledge of the victims having digital assets.

Although the leakage of data has not been directly linked to these crimes, the investigation teams have not eliminated the chances of the data being used to establish potential targets.

Fraud victims have been cautioned to keep evidence, report to the police, and address the data protection authority in France in instances where they feel that their personal data has not been sufficiently safeguarded.

The Waltio incident is not the first case of data exposure in the crypto industry in the past.

Hardware wallet manufacturer Ledger announced earlier this month that a breach of a third-party payment processor, Global-e, took place, exposing the data of its customers.

Last month, crypto tax software developer Koinly also notified users of a potential email data breach related to the use of a third-party analytics platform.

The post French Crypto Tax Platform Waltio Hit by 50,000-User Data Breach appeared first on Cryptonews.

Those hoping that early 2026 would mark a major turning point for mainstream crypto adoption may need to temper expectations. at least for now.

Coinbase has recently pulled its backing for the CLARITY Act, a proposed framework designed to give U.S. regulators clearer authority over the digital asset sector. As a result, the U.S. Senate Banking Committee has delayed consideration of the bill by several weeks.

Even so, broad-based crypto regulation in the U.S. appears unavoidable before year-end. At the same time, Bitcoin’s share of the total crypto market has been declining since summer, often interpreted as an early signal that capital is rotating into altcoins such as XRP, Dogecoin, and Pepe ahead of the next major market upswing.

XRP (XRP): Payments Blockchain Eyes $5 as Momentum Builds

XRP ($XRP), with a market capitalization of roughly $115 billion, remains the most established crypto in global payments, known for its rapid settlement speeds and low transaction fees.

The XRP Ledger (XRPL) was engineered specifically for banks and financial institutions, positioning itself as a modern alternative to slower and costlier legacy networks like SWIFT.

Ripple’s growing influence has attracted recognition from high-profile entities, including the UN Capital Development Fund and even the White House, reinforcing XRP’s reputation as a potentially transformative global payments solution.

After concluding its long-running legal dispute with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, XRP rallied to a new all-time high of $3.65 in mid-2025. Since then, broader market softness has triggered a pullback of around 48%, leaving the token trading near $1.89.

Despite this correction, XRP’s stay below $2 may be short-lived. One of the most significant recent developments has been the approval of spot XRP ETFs in the U.S., opening the door to regulated exposure for both institutional and retail investors.

Further ETF launches and improved regulatory clarity could push XRP toward the $5 level by Q2.

Dogecoin (DOGE): Will the Doge Army Ever See $1 DOGE?

Launched in 2013, Dogecoin ($DOGE) is the first and biggest meme coin, supported by one of the most loyal communities in crypto. What started as a parody now commands a market capitalization of approximately $20.7 billion.

DOGE’s explosive rise during the 2021 bull market, fueled by high-profile endorsements from figures like Elon Musk, Snoop Dogg, and Gene Simmons, cemented its place in internet and pop culture history.

While its origins are lighthearted, Dogecoin’s scale and liquidity help reduce the extreme volatility seen in smaller meme tokens. As a result, DOGE often trades more in line with major assets such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP.

The slogan “Dogecoin to $1” remains a rallying cry among supporters, but reaching that milestone by 2026 could be difficult without meaningful progress on U.S. crypto regulation.

Favorable market conditions could lift DOGE from around $0.14 today to roughly $0.50 by spring. That scenario would place it within striking distance of its 2021 all-time high of $0.7316 during a subsequent bull run.

Adoption is also gradually expanding. Tesla accepts DOGE for select merchandise, while payment platforms like PayPal and Revolut now support Dogecoin transactions.

Pepe (PEPE): The Iconic Webcomic Became One of Crypto’s Most Copied Coins

Since its debut in April 2023, Pepe ($PEPE) has risen rapidly to become the third-largest meme coin, driven by the enduring viral appeal of Matt Furie’s Pepe the Frog character.

With a market value near $2.1 billion, PEPE stands as the largest meme coin without a Shiba Inu-themed mascot. Speculation intensified after Elon Musk briefly used a Pepe image as his profile picture on X, sparking debate over his potential investment in the token.

PEPE is currently trading around $0.000004914, up 25% over the past month. Despite this rebound, the token remains about 81% below its late-2024 high of $0.00002803, following a subdued summer and a lackluster close to 2025.

Its relative strength index is at 44, indicating neutral after some recent panic selling. However, if the bull market hits in Q1, Pepe could easily rise to recapture its previous ATH by the end of the quarter.

PEPE surged 69% recently, between December 30 and January 6, highlighting its classic meme-coin behavior, magnifying broader market swings in both directions.

Bitcoin Hyper (HYPER): Meme Branding Meets Advanced Bitcoin Layer 2

Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) is a new Bitcoin Layer-2 initiative aimed at speeding up transactions, reducing fees, and unlocking advanced smart contract capabilities on the Bitcoin network.

Built on the Solana Virtual Machine, Bitcoin Hyper integrates decentralized governance and a Canonical Bridge that enables smooth cross-chain Bitcoin transfers.

The project’s presale has already secured more than $30.9 million, with some analysts speculating on potential returns of 10x to 100x once the token lists on exchanges. A recent Coinsult audit found no critical issues within the smart contract.

The HYPER token powers the ecosystem, functioning as the unit for transaction fees, governance voting, and staking rewards.

Early participants can stake tokens during the presale for yields of up to 38% APY, though rewards decline gradually as more users join.

With exchange listings expected later this year, Bitcoin Hyper’s presale offers early exposure to what supporters see as the next phase of Bitcoin’s evolution.

Visit the official website or follow Bitcoin Hyper on X and Telegram for more information.

The post Best Crypto to Buy Now January 23 – XRP, Dogecoin, PEPE appeared first on Cryptonews.

Binance is exploring plans to bring back stock trading on its platform four years after discontinuing the feature, according to a report from The Information.

The world’s largest crypto exchange removed stock tokens in 2021 amid regulatory scrutiny, but now appears ready to re-enter equity markets as competitors push toward unified investment platforms.

The timing aligns with a broader industry shift toward “everything exchanges” that combine crypto and traditional assets under a single platform.

Coinbase began rolling out stock trading to select users earlier this month while positioning itself against traditional brokerages and rival Robinhood, which has offered blended stock and crypto trading for years.

Exchanges Race to Build Unified Platforms

Binance’s potential return to stock trading comes as multiple crypto platforms accelerate efforts to merge digital assets with conventional financial products.

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong defended his company’s push into equities in a recent Fortune interview, arguing the exchange is positioned to lead as financial assets migrate to blockchain infrastructure.

“We have deep crypto expertise. We have the most trusted brand in crypto,” Armstrong said, adding that Coinbase aims to bridge traditional finance and crypto while advancing tokenized equities.

The exchange currently offers stocks through Apex Fintech Solutions with plans to expand access to all customers in the coming weeks, though fully tokenized equities remain years away pending SEC coordination.

Austria’s Bitpanda also announced Wednesday it will launch a unified investing platform on January 29, bringing stocks, ETFs, crypto, and precious metals together under one app.

The expanded platform will offer more than 10,000 stocks and ETFs at a flat €1 trading fee with zero custody fees and no payment for order flow.

Infrastructure Moves Toward On-Chain Markets

Traditional market operators are also simultaneously advancing blockchain-based trading systems.

Earlier this week, the New York Stock Exchange unveiled plans to develop a platform for 24/7 trading and on-chain settlement of tokenized securities, combining its Pillar matching engine with blockchain-based post-trade systems across multiple blockchains.

“For more than two centuries, the NYSE has transformed the way markets operate,” said Lynn Martin, President of NYSE Group.

She said the exchange is now leading the industry toward fully on-chain solutions that combine trust, regulatory rigor, and modern technology.

Yesterday, January 22, Binance founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao also told a World Economic Forum panel in Davos that he is negotiating with over a dozen governments to tokenize state-owned assets as the next major step in crypto adoption.

Zhao positioned tokenization as the third stage following exchanges and stablecoins, explaining that governments want to directly capture financial upside from their own assets rather than outsourcing value creation to private intermediaries.

Regulatory Clarity Fuels Institutional Momentum

Last month, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued a rare no-action letter to the Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation, allowing it to proceed with a controlled tokenization program covering U.S. Treasuries, ETFs, and Russell 1000 equities.

The service is scheduled to launch in late 2026 and will operate on approved blockchains with tokenized assets carrying the same legal rights as traditional securities.

Market data and institutional research suggest this regulatory momentum is already translating into measurable growth.

Earlier this month, venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz identified stablecoins, real-world asset tokenization, and privacy infrastructure as key forces shaping crypto in 2026.

These assertions come as monthly transfer volumes for tokenized equities are down roughly 17% over 30 days to about $2.05 billion, according to rwa.xyz.

However, the number of Monthly Active Addresses is up nearly 98%, with over 98,167 addresses active in the past month alone.

David Duong, Coinbase’s head of investment research, also recently said regulatory clarity improvements and deepening institutional participation are creating favorable conditions ahead.

“We expect these forces to compound in 2026 as ETF approval timelines compress, stablecoins take a larger role in delivery-vs-payment structures, and tokenized collateral is recognized more broadly,” Duong wrote in a year-end outlook.

Meanwhile, Binance confirmed today that it submitted a Markets in Crypto-Assets license application in Greece as crypto firms across Europe rush to secure regulatory approval before June 2026 transitional deadlines expire.

The post Binance Plans to Reintroduce Stock Trading Four Years After Removal appeared first on Cryptonews.

China’s ChatGPT-grade LLM, DeepSeek AI, has released striking price forecasts for XRP, Cardano, and Solana as the crypto market looks ahead to 2026.

According to the model, a prolonged bull market, backed by clearer, more supportive regulation in the United States, could propel top altcoins to new all-time highs in the next phase of the cycle.

Here’s DeepSeek AI’s projected outlook for three of the most closely watched cryptocurrencies over the coming year.

XRP ($XRP): DeepSeek AI Projects XRP at $10 by 2027

Ripple’s XRP ($XRP) entered 2026 with solid momentum, gaining 19% in the first week of the year. From its current price of $1.89, DeepSeek AI believes a fully developed bull market could lift XRP to $10 by the end of 2026, implying upside of roughly 430%, or more than 5x returns.

XRP ranked among the strongest-performing large-cap cryptocurrencies last year. In July, it posted its first fresh all-time high (ATH) in seven years, climbing to $3.65 after Ripple secured a pivotal legal victory against the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

That ruling significantly reduced regulatory uncertainty surrounding XRP and helped calm concerns that the SEC might intensify enforcement actions across the broader altcoin market. Sentiment was further boosted by the return of pro-crypto Donald Trump to the White House, injecting renewed optimism into the sector.

Technically, XRP’s Relative Strength Index is sitting near 43. Since early January, price action has been shaping a partial bullish flag formation. If that pattern completes amid favorable macro conditions and regulatory clarity, it could light a fuse that would easily send XRP to DeepSeek AI’s upper $10 projection.

Strengthening the bullish narrative, newly approved spot XRP ETFs in the U.S. are beginning to draw capital from traditional finance, echoing the sustained institutional inflows seen following the launch of Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs.

Cardano (ADA): DeepSeek AI Sees ADA Surging 3,200%

Cardano ($ADA) is one of the most academically rigorous blockchain projects in crypto. Founded by Ethereum co-creator Charles Hoskinson, the platform emphasizes peer-reviewed research, robust security, scalability, and long-term viability.

With a market capitalization above $13.3 billion and more than $164 million in TVL across its ecosystem, Cardano remains a notable competitor to Ethereum. Consistent developer engagement and a steadily expanding decentralized application ecosystem continue to support its long-term adoption outlook.

DeepSeek AI forecasts that ADA could climb to $12 by early 2026. From its current level near $0.36, that move would represent gains of approximately 3,233%, decisively quadrupling its previous ATH of $3.09 set during the 2021 bull market.

That said, ADA is currently trading at its lowest price since October 2024. If macroeconomic conditions worsen and the crypto sector lacks positive catalysts, additional downside may occur over the year.

However, such a scenario appears less likely, as digital asset regulation remains a priority topic for U.S. lawmakers.

Solana (SOL): DeepSeek AI Targets $600 for SOL

Solana ($SOL) continues to rank among the fastest-growing smart contract platforms in the crypto industry. The network supports roughly $8.2 billion in total value locked and carries a market capitalization exceeding $72.5 billion, alongside rapidly rising developer and user activity.

Interest in SOL has accelerated following the rollout of Solana-focused ETFs from asset managers including Bitwise and Grayscale.

After a sharp correction late in 2025, SOL has been consolidating within a key support zone and is currently trading near $128. A sustained breakout may depend on Bitcoin reclaiming the $100,000 level, a milestone many analysts expect sooner rather than later.

In DeepSeek AI’s most bullish scenario, Solana could surge to $600 by 2027. That would translate to roughly 369% upside from current levels and double SOL’s previous ATH of $293, recorded last January.

Growing institutional adoption also reinforces Solana’s long-term prospects. Increasing use of the network for real-world asset tokenization by firms such as Franklin Templeton and BlackRock highlights Solana’s expanding role within traditional finance.

Maxi Doge (MAXI): A Meme Coin Built for Extreme Price Swings

Beyond DeepSeek AI’s forecasts, the crypto presale market continues to attract traders searching for the next breakout.

Maxi Doge ($MAXI) has quickly become one of January’s most talked-about meme coin presales, raising more than $4.5 million ahead of its anticipated exchange listings.

The project delivers an exaggerated, gym-bro parody of Dogecoin. Bold, unapologetic, and deliberately degenerate, Maxi Doge fully embraces the raw meme energy that originally drove meme coins into the mainstream.

After years of Dogecoin’s dominance, Maxi Doge is cultivating its own Maxi Doge Army, united by meme culture, high-risk trading strategies, and a shared appetite for extreme volatility.

MAXI is an ERC-20 token on Ethereum’s proof-of-stake network, giving it a lower environmental footprint than Dogecoin’s proof-of-work design.

Presale buyers can stake their tokens for yields of up to 69% APY, although returns decline as more users enter the pool. MAXI is currently selling for $0.0002795 in the latest presale round, with automatic price increases scheduled at each new funding stage. Interested investors can purchase using MetaMask or Best Wallet.

Say goodbye to Dogecoin. Maxi Doge is the new dog in town!

Stay updated through Maxi Doge’s official X and Telegram pages.

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The post China’s DeepSeek AI Predicts the Price of XRP, Cardano and Solana By the End of 2026 appeared first on Cryptonews.

A Shiba Inu core team member thinks the current market cycle looks unfinished, with exhaustion yet to rule out the most bullish phase for Shiba Inu price predictions.

Speaking on X, SHIB team member Lucie suggested that inactivity across meme coins reflects “time stretched, not potential removed,” as overall market structure remains muted.

This cycle has yet to see the euphoria and broad participation that typically mark market tops. Instead, Bitcoin has held dominance while risk appetite has remained selective and cautious.

Social sentiment reads much the same. Commentary from key opinion leaders has been feeding market confidence, with a focus on fundamentals over speculation.

Something Lucie identified as a tell-tale sign that the full extent of the bullish moment has yet to be realised.

Lucie ultimately echoed ex-Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao in saying, “A super cycle is close, but I could be wrong too.”

Shiba Inu Price Prediction: What a Supercycle Could Look Like For SHIB

The volatility seen over the past year has compressed into a falling wedge that now nears its apex.

And now, the latest bounce from the demand zone that has marked cycle bottoms since SHIB launched at $0.0000068 suggests a potential final bottom before breakout.

Price action over the past two months reinforces that view, carving out a bullish head-and-shoulders structure that signals a structural pivot.

Momentum indicators support the shift. The RSI has reaffirmed its uptrend, printing another higher low after dipping below the 50 neutral line.

The MACD also hints at a trend change, flattening below the signal line at levels that have previously marked the end of consolidation phases.

If the right shoulder fully develops, breakout pressure shifts toward the wedge’s key threshold at the psychological $0.00001 level.

This level must prove as support before the full 320% breakout move to $0.000033. In a full-blown altcoin season, the setup could credibly extend 490% toward all-time highs around $0.000042.

Maxi Doge: SHIB Might Not Be THE Supercycle Play

While tried and tested Doge tokens are the easy bet, when capital rotates back into meme coins, momentum almost always circles back to one high-beta Doge token.

While tried and tested Doge tokens are the easy bet, when capital rotates back into meme coins, momentum rarely spreads evenly. It almost always concentrates around one high-beta Doge token.

The pattern is hard to ignore. Dogecoin sparked the trend, Shiba Inu carried it in 2021, followed by Floki, Bonk, Dogwifhat, and Neiro. Every bull cycle eventually crowns a new Doge-inspired frontrunner.

This time around, Maxi Doge ($MAXI) is tapping into those early Dogecoin community vibes, built around sharing early alpha, trading ideas, and competitive engagement.

Participation is at its core. Weekly Maxi Ripped and Maxi Pump competitions reward top performers with leaderboard recognition, incentives, and bragging rights.

Momentum is already showing in the numbers. The $MAXI presale has raised nearly $4.5 million, while early backers are earning up to 69% APY through staking rewards.

For those who missed the Doge wave before, Maxi Doge could be the next chance to catch a meme coin before it enters the mainstream.

The post Shiba Inu Price Prediction: SHIB Team Says ‘We’re Not Done Yet’ – Could This Be the Setup for a Surprise Parabolic Move? appeared first on Cryptonews.

Bitcoin spot exchange-traded funds have experienced steep outflows over four trading days, losing a combined total of $1.62 billion.

The exit has raised a question on whether hedge funds are withdrawing their Bitcoin exposure as the market conditions change.

The withdrawals occur as Bitcoin fails to regain momentum around critical price points, while a once-popular institutional arbitrage strategy steadily loses its appeal.

BlackRock’s IBIT Leads Bitcoin ETF Outflows as BTC Slips Below $90K

As of January 22, 2026, US-listed spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded net daily outflows of $32.11 million, extending a streak of redemptions that peaked at $708.71 million on January 21, following $483.38 million on January 20, Sosovalue data shows.

In the last one week, net outflows amounted to 1.22 billion.

Trading activity stayed strong on January 22, with Bitcoin spot ETFs recording $3.30 billion in volume, even as assets under management dipped to $115.99 billion, about 6.49% of Bitcoin’s market cap.

BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust led daily outflows, with $22.35 million redeemed, equivalent to roughly 249.5 BTC.

Despite the withdrawal, IBIT remains the dominant product, holding $69.84 billion in assets and nearly 4% of the Bitcoin supply represented in ETFs.

Fidelity’s FBTC followed with $9.76 million in outflows, while Grayscale’s GBTC reported flat daily flows but remains deeply negative overall, with $25.58 billion in cumulative net outflows as investors continue rotating away from its higher 1.5% fee.

Other issuers, including Bitwise, Ark and 21Shares, VanEck, Invesco, Valkyrie, Franklin, and WisdomTree, recorded largely unchanged flows, showing a pause rather than broad panic selling.

The ETF pullback has unfolded alongside weakness in Bitcoin’s price.

BTC was trading around $89,982 on January 22, down 1.3% on the day and nearly 5% over the past week, after briefly dipping to $88,600.

Trading volume has also cooled, falling nearly 28% to $37.77 billion, a sign that market participation is thinning as prices consolidate below $90,000.

Compressed Yields Trigger Hedge Fund Exit From Bitcoin ETFs

Market observers point to hedge fund positioning as a key driver behind the ETF outflows.

Amberdata shows that yields on the Bitcoin basis trade, a strategy that buys spot Bitcoin via ETFs while selling futures to capture price spreads, have dropped below 5%, down from around 17% a year ago.

As returns compress and approach the yield available on short-dated US Treasuries, fast-moving capital has less incentive to stay deployed.

Analyst noted that while hedge funds likely represent only 10% to 20% of ETF holders, their activity can overwhelm flows in the short term when the trade stops working.

Bloomberg data shows that the unwind is visible in derivatives markets as well.

Bitcoin futures open interest on Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) has fallen below Binance’s for the first time since 2023, showing reduced participation in cash-and-carry trades by US institutions after ETFs launched there.

One-month annualized basis yields now hover near 4.7%, barely clearing funding and execution costs, as spreads tighten and arbitrage opportunities fade.

CryptoQuant indicators show apparent demand turning negative, whale and dolphin wallets shifting from accumulation to distribution.

Also, the Coinbase premium remained deeply negative, suggesting weaker appetite from US institutions.

At the same time, leverage in Bitcoin futures has climbed to its highest level since November, increasing the market’s sensitivity to sharp moves in either direction.

Flows in other crypto ETFs underline that the sell-off is not uniform.

Ethereum spot ETFs also recorded heavy outflows this week, including $41.98 million on January 22, while XRP and Solana-linked products saw modest inflows, pointing to selective institutional repositioning rather than a wholesale exit from digital assets.

The post Bitcoin ETFs Bleed $1.62B in Four Days — Are Hedge Funds Dumping BTC? appeared first on Cryptonews.