• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Axie Infinity (AXS) price jumps past $2 amid renewed GameFi investor interest.
• On-chain data shows rising exchange balances and declining holders.
• $2 remains a key support, with volatility and profit-taking signalling a looming pullback risk.

Axie Infinity (AXS) has staged an impressive comeback, surging past the $2 mark in the latest rally.

The token’s recovery has captured the attention of GameFi enthusiasts and investors alike.

This rebound comes amid a broader resurgence in the gaming and decentralised finance sector.

Strong AXS price recovery and market momentum

Over the past week, Axie Infinity (AXS) has jumped nearly 92%, highlighting renewed investor interest.

Today, in just 24 hours, the token rose by 19%, with its price currently at $2.406. This surge represents a strong rebound from the $1.06 low recorded earlier this week.

Furthermore, AXS’s market capitalisation now stands at $407 million, supported by over $1 billion in daily trading volume.

Such activity underscores the high liquidity and demand driving the current rally.

The rally is partly fueled by renewed optimism in the GameFi space.

Investors are increasingly attracted to projects like Axie Infinity that combine gaming with blockchain incentives.

South Korean traders, in particular, have contributed significantly to the token’s resurgence, trading AXS at a premium on major exchanges.

Additionally, the project’s development of the bAXS token has provided further momentum by promising new staking and ecosystem benefits.

On-chain data signals caution

Despite the bullish momentum, several on-chain indicators suggest caution.

The number of AXS holders has declined sharply in the past week, signalling profit-taking among investors.

Exchange balances have also risen slightly, indicating potential selling pressure that could slow or reverse gains.

Meanwhile, weekly active addresses on the Ronin network remain below 10,000, showing that user growth has yet to fully recover.

Futures open interest for AXS has reached $130 million, the highest in three years, highlighting elevated speculative activity and liquidation risk.

Furthermore, the transaction flow data presents a mixed picture.

Some investors are withdrawing AXS from exchanges, signalling bullish sentiment.

Others are depositing tokens back onto exchanges, suggesting caution or potential profit-taking.

These conflicting signals emphasise that while the short-term rally is strong, market dynamics remain fragile.

Axie Infinity price forecast

Looking ahead, $2 serves as a critical support level for Axie Infinity.

A sustained move above this point could pave the way for further gains in the short term.

However, the declining holder count and high speculative activity suggest that volatility may persist.

Investors should monitor both trading volume and on-chain metrics to gauge market sentiment.

Long-term growth for Axie Infinity (AXS) will likely depend on revitalising user engagement and expanding its GameFi ecosystem.

Despite the impressive rebound, caution is warranted as the token navigates this critical phase.

The post Axie Infinity surges past $2 as GameFi market revives, but caution looms appeared first on CoinJournal.

• X’s API ban erased Yaps, removing most of the real token utility of KAITO.
• Insider wallet transfers before the shutdown intensified sell pressure.
• KAITO’s price has fallen below key support, leaving the token near all-time lows.

Kaito has officially begun winding down its Yaps product after losing access to the X API, marking a major turning point for the project and its token economy.

The decision follows a recent policy change by X, formerly Twitter, which banned applications that reward users for posting content on the platform.

X cited a surge in AI-generated spam and low-quality engagement as the primary reason for revoking API access from so-called “reward-for-posting” or InfoFi apps.

Why X’s move forced Kaito to pull down Yaps

Yaps was Kaito’s flagship product and the core driver of user engagement across the ecosystem.

The program rewarded users with KAITO tokens for creating and interacting with crypto-related posts on X.

For many participants, Yaps represented the main reason to hold and use the KAITO token.

According to multiple industry estimates, Yaps accounted for roughly 70% of KAITO’s practical token utility.

Hence, the shutdown triggered an immediate and severe demand shock for the token.

Kaito confirmed that the Yaps incentive program and its associated leaderboards would be sunset rather than modified.

The company stated that the product could not operate in compliance with X’s new API restrictions.

This forced exit exposed the risks of building token-driven engagement models on centralized social platforms.

Thousands of users were affected by the move almost overnight.

Data shared by market trackers indicates that approximately 157,000 Yaps-associated accounts were banned or disabled following the policy enforcement.

The sudden loss of users accelerated selling pressure as participants exited positions tied to the discontinued program.

Market reaction and insider trading concerns

The market reaction to the Yaps shutdown was swift and decisive.

KAITO fell 19.5% in a 24-hour period, sharply underperforming the broader crypto market, which declined by just 1.05% over the same timeframe.

The token dropped to around $0.5449, sliding close to its all-time low of $0.4717 recorded in December.

Trading volume surged to over $153 million in 24 hours, representing more than the project’s daily market capitalization turnover.

This spike in volume signaled conviction-driven selling rather than a temporary volatility spike.

Sentiment deteriorated further after allegations of insider trading began circulating within the crypto community.

On-chain analysts flagged a wallet linked to the Kaito team that deposited 5 million KAITO tokens, worth roughly $2.7 million at the time, to Binance.

The transfer occurred approximately seven days before the public announcement of the Yaps shutdown.

This deposit represented nearly 2% of the circulating supply and was the largest exchange inflow for KAITO in the last 90 days.

While no wrongdoing has been proven, the timing raised concerns about information asymmetry.

Retail investors interpreted the move as a potential loss of confidence from insiders.

Trust erosion compounded the downside pressure already created by the loss of token utility.

At the same time, Kaito is attempting to reposition its business model.

The company announced a pivot toward Kaito Studio, a product focused on connecting brands with vetted creators.

Unlike Yaps, the new model emphasizes quality-driven marketing and analytics rather than mass token incentives.

This transition reduces reliance on retail participation but introduces uncertainty around KAITO’s future role.

It remains unclear whether brands will be required to use KAITO as a payment or settlement token.

Without a clearly defined demand loop, token value accrual becomes harder to justify in the near term.

KAITO price analysis and ecosystem transition

From a technical perspective, KAITO confirmed a bearish breakdown.

The price slipped below the key $0.60 support level, which had acted as both a psychological and structural floor.

Momentum indicators have turned decisively negative following the breakdown.

The MACD histogram has flipped bearish while the RSI hovered near 44, suggesting further downside remained possible.

Algorithmic trading systems also appear to accelerate selling after the $0.60 support was lost.

With limited historical support below current levels, the next major technical target sits near $0.47.

Kaito price forecast

KAITO currently trades at approximately $0.5449 with a market capitalization near $131 million and a fully diluted valuation of approximately $540 million.

The wide gap between circulating and total supply highlights ongoing dilution risk.

In the short term, price action remains fragile as long as KAITO trades below the $0.60 resistance zone.

A failure to hold above $0.50 could open the door to a retest of the $0.47 all-time low.

Any relief rallies are likely to face heavy selling pressure from trapped holders near prior support levels.

A bullish reversal would require a sustained reclaim of $0.60 accompanied by declining sell volume.

Fundamentally, clarity around insider wallet activity and transparent communication from the team are critical.

Longer-term upside depends on whether Kaito Studio can generate real demand that directly involves the KAITO token.

Until that narrative is proven, KAITO is likely to remain volatile and sentiment-driven.

For now, the market appears to be pricing in caution rather than confidence.

The post Kaito winds down Yaps product after losing access to the X API appeared first on CoinJournal.

• Bitwise’s spot Chainlink ETF offers direct LINK exposure via NYSE Arca.
• The ETF trades as CLNK with a 0.34% fee and an early fee waiver.
• The ETF approval signals rising acceptance of altcoin ETFs in the US.

Bitwise Asset Management has received approval to list its Chainlink ETF on the NYSE Arca.

This launch opens a new avenue for US investors to gain exposure to Chainlink (LINK) without directly holding the cryptocurrency.

Trading for the ETF, which will carry the ticker CLNK, is expected to begin as soon as tomorrow.

The Bitwise Chainlink ETF

The Bitwise Chainlink ETF is a spot ETF, meaning it directly holds LINK tokens.

Therefore, investors can now participate in LINK’s potential upside through traditional brokerage accounts.

This approach eliminates the complexities of self-custody, private keys, and wallets that come with holding crypto directly.

Initially, the ETF will not offer staking services, but Bitwise plans to explore staking as a future feature.

In addition, the fund comes with a management fee of 0.34% annually, which is in line with many similar investment products.

To attract early investors, Bitwise will waive sponsor fees for the first three months on up to $500 million of assets under management.

This incentive is designed to encourage adoption and build liquidity in the ETF at launch.

A new chapter for crypto ETFs

The approval of the Chainlink ETF reflects growing regulatory acceptance of cryptocurrency-based financial products.

It follows a broader trend of institutional investors seeking regulated exposure to alternative cryptocurrencies beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum.

By listing on the NYSE Arca, Bitwise ensures the ETF meets strict regulatory standards and offers a familiar investment framework.

The market response has been positive, with LINK prices experiencing a boost as investor sentiment rises.

This development may also set the stage for other altcoin ETFs to enter the US market in the near future.

Investors now have a streamlined way to add Chainlink to their portfolios through a regulated vehicle.

Moreover, the ETF’s fee incentives and potential staking features make it an attractive option for both retail and institutional participants.

The approval of CLNK is particularly significant because it highlights the growing acceptance of altcoins in mainstream finance.

It demonstrates that regulators are willing to permit direct investment in specific cryptocurrencies via structured products.

This move also bridges the gap between the crypto market and traditional finance, providing a more secure and accessible entry point.

As investors monitor the ETF’s performance, the broader crypto ecosystem may experience a ripple effect.

For Chainlink, this listing could increase adoption and market interest, potentially impacting token liquidity and price discovery.

At press time, Chainlink’s native token LINK was already up 5.15%, trading at $13.91, showing the ETF approval has had a positive impact on the altcoin.

The post Bitwise’s Chainlink ETF approved for listing on NYSE Arca appeared first on CoinJournal.

• XRP price jumps 3.5% after Ripple gains Luxembourg EMI license approval.
• XRP’s trading volume has surged 74%, signalling strong market and institutional interest.
• The immediate XRP price support lies at $2.08, while the immediate resistance is at $2.29.

Ripple has secured preliminary approval for an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license from Luxembourg’s financial regulator, the CSSF.

The milestone positions Ripple to expand Ripple Payments across the European Union, bringing institutional-grade digital asset infrastructure to the region.

We’ve secured our preliminary Electronic Money Institution license approval from Luxembourg’s Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF). 🇪🇺

This is a pivotal step toward scaling Ripple Payments across the EU, bringing institutional-grade digital asset infrastructure… pic.twitter.com/GW3c9gVhDs

— Ripple (@Ripple) January 14, 2026

The market reacted positively to the news, with XRP price climbing 3.5% over the last 24 hours, slightly outperforming the broader crypto market’s 3.37% gain.

Trading volume also surged 74% to $4.65 billion, reflecting strong investor and institutional interest.

Ripple’s European expansion

This EMI license is a critical step for Ripple in scaling regulated payment services across Europe.

Luxembourg’s regulatory framework allows Ripple to passport its services across the EU and EEA under the upcoming MiCA regulations.

Ripple now has over 75 licenses and registrations worldwide and has processed more than $95 billion in transactions.

The company emphasises its role in bridging legacy finance with digital assets to unlock trillions in dormant capital.

With the EU leading in digital asset regulation, Ripple aims to help institutions move from pilot programs to commercial-scale operations.

The Luxembourg EMI license reinforces Ripple’s commitment to regulatory compliance, which could accelerate institutional adoption of XRP.

XRP price movement

Following the announcement, XRP price surged to $2.14, with a 24-hour range of $2.06 to $2.18.

The cryptocurrency crossed key technical thresholds, including the 7-day and 30-day SMAs, signalling bullish momentum.

The MACD histogram turned positive, while RSI remains at 61.63, indicating the market is not overbought.

High volume confirms the breakout, reducing volatility risks and suggesting strong market conviction.

XRP’s gains were supported by a broader crypto market rally, with Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) posting 3.1% and 3.0% gains, respectively.

The Fear & Greed Index at 52 reflected neutral sentiment, allowing XRP to slightly outperform its peers.

XRP price forecast

Traders should watch $2.08 as immediate support, which is critical for sustaining the recent rally.

The first major resistance sits at $2.19, followed by $2.29 and $2.36.

Holding above $2.08 could see XRP test these resistance levels, while a drop below may open the path to $2.00.

The Luxembourg EMI license approval adds a fundamental catalyst that could support XRP’s price in the medium term.

With regulatory clarity and institutional adoption on the rise, XRP is poised to capture further upside in the European market.

Investors and traders should, however, closely monitor whether XRP can maintain strong volume above $3.5 billion, which would validate its breakout and signal continued bullish momentum.

The post XRP price jumps as Ripple secures Luxembourg EMI license appeared first on CoinJournal.

• Ukraine blocks Polymarket for operating without a gambling license.
• Polymarket is a decentralised prediction market where users bet on real-world events.
• ISPs in Ukraine have been instructed to restrict access to Polymarket’s domain.

Ukraine has blocked access to the popular prediction market platform Polymarket.

The action was taken because authorities classify the platform as engaging in unlicensed gambling.

Internet service providers in Ukraine have been instructed to restrict access to Polymarket’s domain.

This decision is part of a broader effort to regulate online gambling and protect consumers.

Regulatory action and legal basis

The official block is based on Resolution No. 695, issued by the National Commission for the Regulation of Electronic Communications (НКЕК) on December 10, 2025.

The resolution implements a prior decision by the State Agency PlayCity, which identified unlicensed gambling platforms.

Under Ukrainian law, any website facilitating gambling without a license must be restricted.

Internet providers are legally required to comply with the block and prevent access for users.

The resolution also mandates oversight to ensure compliance, including inspections and reporting by authorities.

Polymarket’s domain has been added to the public registry of blocked resources in Ukraine.

Authorities warned that noncompliance by providers could result in legal consequences.

This move reflects Ukraine’s ongoing crackdown on unlicensed online gambling platforms.

Hundreds of sites have been blocked alongside Polymarket under similar regulations.

Polymarket’s operations and why Ukraine blocked it

Polymarket is a decentralised prediction market where users bet on real-world events.

Participants buy and sell “shares” that represent outcomes, with payoffs depending on the actual results.

For example, a market might predict whether a city will be occupied by the end of the year.

Users place bets using USDC, a stablecoin, on the Polygon blockchain.

Transactions and results are recorded publicly, ensuring transparency through blockchain technology.

Polymarket is valued at approximately $8 billion and was founded in 2020 by Shayne Coplan.

The platform has seen significant activity, with Ukraine-related markets exceeding $100 million in bets by the end of 2025.

Authorities expressed concern over war-related betting markets, citing legal and reputational risks.

Prediction markets like Polymarket are considered gambling under Ukrainian law, despite their decentralised and blockchain-based operations.

This legal interpretation has led to similar restrictions in other countries, including Romania, France, Belgium, and Thailand.

Push to regulate crypto-based platforms

Ukraine’s action against Polymarket underscores the increasing scrutiny of crypto-based platforms.

Authorities are determined to enforce licensing requirements and prevent unregulated gambling.

While Polymarket continues to operate in other jurisdictions, its access in Ukraine is now fully restricted.

The move is part of a broader trend of regulatory oversight for online betting and crypto platforms worldwide.

Users in Ukraine must now seek licensed alternatives or risk accessing illegal platforms.

The post Ukraine blocks Polymarket over unlicensed gambling appeared first on CoinJournal.

• Binance Coin (BNB) tests key resistance near $931 for a potential breakout.
• Price could target $960–$1,000 if resistance is broken.
• Binance ecosystem upgrades and liquidity programs boost demand.

The Binance token, BNB coin, currently trading around $907.84, is holding its position as the fourth-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalisation.

With a market cap of over $125 billion, Binance Coin (BNB) has surpassed XRP, signalling its growing influence among top-tier digital assets.

BNB coin price technical analysis

BNB has been trading within a consolidation range between $894 and $920 for the past several days.

Most notably, the token is testing key resistance near $931, which has capped price advances recently.

A decisive daily close above this level could open the door for a strong upward move.

Short-term traders should closely watch the support around $856–$880, which has proven resilient in absorbing sell pressure.

Technical indicators suggest a potential breakout, with the 20-day EMA trending above the 50-day EMA, signalling bullish momentum.

Momentum indicators, including RSI around 58 and a bullish MACD crossover, add to the positive outlook.

Furthermore, past trading patterns, like ascending triangles and Adam & Eve reversal formations, indicate that BNB may be primed for a significant surge.

Derivatives data also support this sentiment, with futures open interest rising to $1.5 billion and long-to-short ratios favouring bullish positions.

Funding rates flipping positive further suggest that traders are anticipating gains in the near term.

Binance ecosystem catalysts

The rise of BNB coin is not only technical but also fundamental.

The BNB Chain Foundation recently launched a $100 million liquidity program to support DeFi, gaming, AI, and ecosystem tokens.

This initiative strengthens the network’s adoption and increases on-chain activity, which can drive further demand for BNB.

An upcoming Fermi hard fork is also expected to improve block speed and throughput, making the network more efficient for users and developers.

Binance’s strategic support for memecoins and high-volume trading pairs has also contributed to BNB’s momentum.

BNB coin price forecast

Investors and traders should closely monitor BNB’s price action, as a decisive move above current resistance levels may mark a new phase of growth for the Binance ecosystem.

If the BNB coin price successfully breaks above the $931 resistance, the next short-term targets could range from $960 to $1,000.

Failure to surpass this level could see BNB retest support zones around $856–$880, maintaining a range-bound pattern.

The current consolidation, combined with strong on-chain activity and bullish derivatives positioning, suggests that BNB is on the verge of a breakout.

The post BNB coin on the verge: possible breakout could propel price toward $1,000 appeared first on CoinJournal.

• PancakeSwap (CAKE) has rebounded 1.8% as volume surged and short-term momentum improved.
• The proposal to cut CAKE supply by 11.1% could support price stability.
• January catalysts include the BNB Chain upgrade and PancakeSwap AMA.

PancakeSwap (CAKE) is back in focus as traders reassess its price outlook amid governance-driven supply changes, improving technical signals, and several important January catalysts.

After weeks of pressure, CAKE has shown early signs of stabilisation, drawing renewed attention from both traders and long-term participants.

At press time, PancakeSwap (CAKE) was trading around the $2.00 level, after a 1.8% gain over the last 24 hours.

This rebound follows a sharp 10.29% decline over the past 30 days, highlighting persistent volatility in the PancakeSwap price.

In this article, we explore how supply dynamics, technical indicators, and ecosystem events could influence the PancakeSwap (CAKE) price outlook.

PancakeSwap’s CAKE supply cut proposal

One of the most closely watched developments is PancakeSwap’s governance proposal to reduce CAKE’s maximum supply.

The proposal seeks to cut the max supply from 450 million to 400 million tokens, representing an 11.1% reduction.

This move builds on Tokenomics 3.0, which already burned approximately 8.19% of the total supply in 2025.

If approved, only about 50 million CAKE would remain unminted, significantly lowering future dilution risk.

A clearer scarcity narrative often supports stronger long-term confidence, particularly in mature DeFi protocols.

Market participants are watching the governance vote outcome, expected by mid-January, as a potential trigger for increased demand.

The supply discussion also strengthens the broader SEO narrative around PancakeSwap (CAKE), supply discipline, and sustainable token economics.

January catalysts: BNB Chain upgrade and AMA exposure

January brings several ecosystem-level catalysts that could influence sentiment around PancakeSwap (CAKE).

The BNB Chain Fermi Hard Fork, scheduled for January 14, aims to reduce block times to roughly 0.45 seconds.

Faster blocks could improve decentralised exchange efficiency, indirectly benefiting PancakeSwap usage.

PancakeSwap already accounts for an estimated 40% of BNB Chain traffic, amplifying the impact of network upgrades.

On the same day, Stellar (XLM) is hosting an AMA with PancakeSwap, expanding cross-community visibility.

While the AMA is primarily informational, it reinforces PancakeSwap’s role within the broader DeFi conversation.

Together, infrastructure upgrades and ecosystem engagement add short-term relevance to the PancakeSwap price discussion.

Technical rebound and short-term momentum

From a technical perspective, CAKE has started to recover from oversold conditions.

The Relative Strength Index (RSI) has climbed from below 30 to approximately 48.5, moving out of deeply oversold territory.

At the same time, on the daily chart, the MACD indicator has printed a bullish crossover, with the histogram turning positive for the first time in over a week.

These signals suggest improving short-term momentum for the PancakeSwap price.

PancakeSwap (CAKE) price forecast

The PancakeSwap price forecast hinges on whether supply cuts, technical momentum, and January catalysts can align.

Approval of the supply reduction proposal would likely strengthen the bullish case by reinforcing scarcity.

Sustained trading volume and a hold above the $2.02 support level are critical for near-term stability.

A breakout above $2.15 could shift momentum toward a short-term bullish continuation.

However, failure to hold current levels may expose CAKE to renewed downside pressure.

The post PancakeSwap (CAKE) price outlook: supply cuts, technical rebound, and key January catalysts appeared first on CoinJournal.

• Whale wallets and new accounts are accumulating large amounts of Chainlink (LINK).
• Chainlink’s reserve surpasses 1.5M LINK to support network growth.
• White House mention and high social activity boost adoption signals.

Chainlink (LINK) has been attracting attention due to recent whale activity and growing institutional support.

According to Onchain Lens, newly created wallets have accumulated significant amounts of LINK.

Wallet 0x10D withdrew 202,607 LINK worth $2.7 million, while wallet 0xb59 withdrew 207,328 LINK worth $2.78 million.

This coordinated accumulation suggests that a single entity or institutional player may be building a substantial position in LINK.

These large purchases occurred after a period of relative selling, signalling renewed confidence among major holders.

To confirm this, LINK’s trading volume has increased by roughly 63%, indicating that market participants are taking note.

Chainlink reserve growth and institutional adoption

In addition to the whale accumulation, the official Chainlink reserve update shows that the network has accumulated 87,829.55 LINK in a single day.

This brings the total LINK held in the Chainlink reserve to over 1.5 million tokens.

The Reserve is designed to support long-term growth by acquiring LINK using revenue from enterprise adoption and on-chain service usage.

Such accumulation demonstrates that the network itself is actively investing in its sustainability.

Institutional recognition of Chainlink is also on the rise.

A recent tweet highlighted that Chainlink was mentioned in the White House Digital Asset Report.

RESERVE UPDATE

Today, the Chainlink Reserve has accumulated 87,829.55 LINK.

The Chainlink Reserve now holds a total of 1,504,209.16 LINK.https://t.co/oxMv5N3rFC

The Chainlink Reserve is designed to support the long-term growth and sustainability of the Chainlink Network by… pic.twitter.com/s0jMtlMrtr

— Chainlink (@chainlink) January 8, 2026

This acknowledgement indicates that regulators and government bodies are monitoring LINK adoption and partnerships.

At the same time, social engagement metrics point to a strong community interest.

A recent report by Phoenix Group stated that Chainlink leads gaming projects in social activity, with over 6.2K engaged posts and 1.3 million interactions.

This combination of on-chain accumulation, reserve growth, and social attention reinforces the idea that Chainlink is gaining real-world traction.

Current market context

At press time, Chainlink was trading at $13.15, down roughly 5.5% over the past month.

Its 24-hour trading range is between $13.09 and $13.49, with a market capitalisation of $9.31 billion.

Circulating supply stands at 708 million LINK, while the Chainlink reserve and treasury holdings continue to concentrate significant amounts of the token.

Despite being down over 33% year-to-date, whale accumulation and reserve growth may act as a stabilising force.

Chainlink price forecast

With whale purchases and Chainlink reserve growth, LINK could see support around $13 and attempt to reclaim the $13.7–$14 range.

Sustained accumulation from both new wallets and institutional players may provide upward momentum.

If social engagement and real-world adoption continue, the network could experience renewed interest from investors.

However, price movements will still depend on overall market sentiment and broader cryptocurrency trends.

Chainlink’s combination of on-chain growth, institutional recognition from the White House Digital Asset Report, and robust social activity suggests that a potential bounce in LINK price could be on the horizon.

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• H100 Group signs preliminary deal to acquire Future Holdings AG.
• Bitcoin tops $92K as mining difficulty dips to 146.4 trillion.
• Adam Back supports the expansion of corporate BTC treasury operations.

Sweden-listed H100 Group has signed a preliminary agreement to acquire Swiss Bitcoin treasury company Future Holdings AG.

The deal, backed by Bitcoin pioneer Adam Back, aims to expand H100 Group’s presence into Switzerland’s institutional crypto market.

Future Holdings AG, co-founded and funded by Adam Back, specialises in managing Bitcoin treasuries for corporate clients.

The transaction is currently a non-binding letter of intent, with formal documentation and regulatory approvals needed before closing.

H100 Group Bitcoin treasury strategy

H100 Group has been actively growing its Bitcoin holdings through convertible loan agreements and treasury acquisitions.

By acquiring Future Holdings AG, H100 Group gains access to established Swiss infrastructure for managing institutional Bitcoin assets.

The proposed purchase consideration is around CHF 600,000, which includes Future Holdings’ cash on hand and payment in newly issued H100 shares.

This acquisition aligns with H100 Group’s strategy to strengthen its position as a leading corporate Bitcoin treasury company.

Adam Back’s involvement adds credibility and highlights the growing trend of institutional Bitcoin adoption across Europe.

Future Holdings AG previously raised significant capital, roughly CHF 28 million, to develop its Bitcoin treasury solutions.

The company’s expertise in regulatory compliance and treasury management makes it a valuable partner for H100 Group.

This move reflects a broader pattern of Bitcoin treasury consolidation in public markets, with firms seeking to combine expertise and infrastructure.

Bitcoin price breaks $92 as Bitcoin mining difficulty drops

Notably, the Future Holdings AG acquisition deal comes amid notable Bitcoin market developments.

To start with, Bitcoin has surpassed $92,000.

In addition, the mining difficulty has adjusted downward to approximately 146.4 trillion, providing temporary relief for miners after months of rising difficulty.

Bitcoin mining difficulty finally blinked lower in 2026, giving miners a brief breather.$BTC pic.twitter.com/S1v1LsnhMJ

— NekoZ (@NekozTek) January 11, 2026

The decline in mining difficulty signals a slight decrease in total hash power, which can affect block times and miner profitability.

For H100 Group, these market conditions highlight the growing importance of strategic BTC treasury management.

Corporate treasury companies like H100 and Future Holdings AG are positioning themselves to benefit from both price growth and institutional adoption trends.

Adam Back has been instrumental in supporting these initiatives, contributing capital and expertise to strengthen Bitcoin treasury operations.

Bitcoin price outlook

Market analysis shows that Bitcoin’s price momentum remains strong as it surpasses $92K.

However, short-term volatility is expected, with potential retracements near support levels around $88,000 to $90,000.

Continued institutional adoption, such as the H100–Future Holdings deal, could provide upward pressure on BTC.

Mining adjustments, macroeconomic conditions, and liquidity events may also influence price movements over the coming weeks.

Also, with H100 Group expanding its Swiss operations, the alignment of corporate treasury strategies and rising BTC prices may create further market interest.

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• Dogecoin whale accumulation spikes signal confidence and reduce sell pressure.
• Dogecoin ETF inflows show growing institutional interest in DOGE.
• Japan partnerships expand Dogecoin’s real-world use and adoption potential.

Dogecoin (DOGE) has shown signs of stabilisation around $0.14 as the new year begins.

The DOGE price has increased by 1.18% over the past 24 hours, slightly outperforming the broader cryptocurrency market.

This modest gain results from multiple bullish catalysts converging as the memecoin market sees a resurgence in investor interest.

Whale accumulation boosts confidence

On-chain data shows a 300% surge in large DOGE transactions, with whales accumulating 218 million DOGE ($31 million) in 12 hours.

Such accumulation by major holders typically signals confidence and reduces immediate sell pressure.

Historically, sustained whale buying has preceded short-term rallies in the DOGE price.

Record Dogecoin ETF inflow

According to data from SoSoValue, Grayscale’s Dogecoin Trust ETF (GDOG) recorded a $7.55 million inflow on January 8, marking its largest single-day purchase since launch.

Historically, ETF inflows indicate growing institutional interest and structural buying pressure in the DOGE market.

Even modest institutional participation can have a notable impact on meme coins like Dogecoin.

Continued inflows may help maintain support around $0.144, which is a critical level for converting the 50-day moving average into a bullish foundation.

Dogecoin’s real-world expansion in Japan

In an agreement announced on Thursday, the Dogecoin Foundation, through its corporate arm House of Doge, has partnered with abc Co., Ltd. and ReYuu Japan Inc. to explore real-world adoption in Japan.

This strategic collaboration focuses on regulated tokenisation, payment infrastructure, and real-world asset solutions.

Japan represents a high-adoption market for cryptocurrencies, and expanding utility beyond memes can increase long-term demand for DOGE.

While no immediate product launch has been announced, these partnerships establish a roadmap for future integration with merchants and financial services.

Dogecoin price outlook: the key levels to watch

Dogecoin (DOGE) remains in a sideways trading range between $0.1387 and $0.145, reflecting consolidation after a prolonged downtrend from mid-2025.

The 50, 100, and 200-day EMAs continue to act as resistance, while momentum indicators such as MACD and RSI show neutral to mildly bullish conditions.

While technical indicators suggest sideways trading for now, the fundamentals point to potential upside if institutional and real-world adoption trends continue.

The combination of whale accumulation, ETF inflows, and the strategic partnerships in Japan has created guarded optimism for DOGE price movement.

In the short term, a daily close above $0.145 could trigger a short-term rally toward $0.15–$0.16, while a breakdown below $0.14 would risk revisiting support near $0.12.

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• Bitcoin currently trades in a tight range near $90K amid a 3-day streak of ETF outflows.
• The current market consolidation mirrors pre‑2025 surge patterns with low volatility.
• The key levels to watch include the support at $90K, the immediate resistance at $95K, and $100k in case of a breakout.

Bitcoin (BTC) price has remained stuck in a narrow trading range around $90,000.

The cryptocurrency is showing signs of consolidation after a volatile start to 2026.

Bitcoin ETF flows and macroeconomic uncertainties are playing a key role in the price movement.

Bitcoin ETF outflows weigh on BTC price

In early January, Bitcoin spot ETFs initially attracted strong inflows, signalling renewed institutional interest.

However, a three-day streak of outflows totalling over $1 billion has nearly erased those gains.

This shift indicates waning conviction among institutional investors.

The outflows have contributed to Bitcoin’s inability to break above $95,000.

Traders are cautious as geopolitical tensions between the USA, Latin American countries and Iran, and broader risk-off sentiment, weigh on the market.

ETF redemption patterns are currently a major driver of near-term price behaviour.

These flows may represent tactical rotation rather than long-term liquidation.

Investors could be reallocating capital to other assets while maintaining exposure to Bitcoin.

Nonetheless, the short-term pressure has kept BTC trading in a tight range between roughly $88,000 and $95,000.

Echoes of pre‑2025 rally patterns

Bitcoin’s current sideways trading resembles the consolidation phase before its 2025 rally.

In the months leading up to the surge, BTC spent nearly 50 days in a narrow range, a phenomenon called time-based capitulation.

This period allowed weak hands to exit and set the stage for a powerful upward move.

The current market consolidation mirrors that pattern, suggesting the market may be quietly building momentum.

Unlike traditional capitulation, this phase does not involve panic selling or sharp drops.

Instead, low volatility and a steady range characterise this pre-rally accumulation period.

Some analysts see this as a signal that Bitcoin could be preparing for a significant breakout.

The ETF outflows and geopolitical pressures may simply be temporary obstacles.

If history repeats, a sustained push above resistance could trigger renewed bullish momentum.

The key Bitcoin price levels to watch

One of the key price levels to watch out for is the key support that remains near $90,000.

A break below this support could open the door to further declines toward $86,000–$88,000.

However, a sustained move above $95,000 would signal renewed institutional buying and potential acceleration.

If Bitcoin overcomes $100,000, the market could revisit mid‑2025 highs and even target $110,000 in the medium term.

Moving forward, traders and investors should monitor both technical levels and macro catalysts to gauge the timing and scale of the next potential surge.

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• XRP’s rally paused as spot ETF inflows slowed and early profit-taking emerged.
• Technical resistance triggered selling, but long-term holders stayed largely inactive.
• Price outlook hinges on holding key support while ETF demand stabilises.

XRP entered 2026 with powerful momentum after ending last year on a strong institutional narrative.

The token quickly outperformed Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) in early January, drawing renewed attention from traders, funds, and mainstream media.

Spot XRP ETFs were a major driver of this enthusiasm, as consistent inflows signalled sustained institutional demand.

Low exchange balances reinforced the bullish case by suggesting limited immediate sell-side supply.

This combination helped propel XRP sharply higher in the first days of the year.

However, the rally is now facing its first meaningful stress test.

Price action has turned volatile as ETF flows cool and short-term traders begin to lock in gains.

Although the shift does not mark a trend reversal yet, it does highlight growing fragility beneath the bullish narrative.

XRP ETF momentum slows as early exuberance fades

Spot XRP ETFs recorded their first net outflows since launch on January 7, breaking a long streak of daily inflows.

The pullback was concentrated in one large product, while other issuers still saw modest inflows.

Even so, the headline reversal weighed heavily on sentiment.

ETF flows have been central to XRP’s 2026 rally, making any slowdown psychologically significant.

The outflows coincided with broader weakness across crypto ETFs, including Bitcoin and Ether products.

This suggests the move was driven more by risk reduction than by XRP-specific panic.

Cumulative ETF inflows remain firmly positive, keeping the longer-term institutional thesis intact.

Still, the market is now adjusting to the idea that ETF demand may not rise in a straight line.

As flows normalise, prices become more sensitive to technical levels and short-term positioning.

XRP price forecast

XRP’s short-term outlook hinges on how it behaves around critical support zones.

Holding above the $2.00–$2.05 region would signal that the pullback is corrective rather than structural.

A sustained break below that area could open the door to deeper retracements toward the high-$1.80s.

On the upside, bulls need a decisive daily close above the $2.25–$2.35 range to regain control.

Such a move would indicate that selling pressure has been absorbed.

If momentum rebuilds, a recovery toward $2.60 and $2.80 becomes technically plausible.

Medium-term prospects remain tied to ETF flow trends and broader crypto sentiment.

As long as cumulative ETF assets stay elevated and exchange supply remains constrained, downside risk may be limited.

However, the explosive pace seen at the start of 2026 is unlikely to repeat immediately.

Instead, XRP appears poised for consolidation as the market digests gains.

If demand reaccelerates later in the year, this cooling phase could form the base for another advance.

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• The entire Electric Coin Company team behind Zcash development exited after governance changes.
• A new company will be formed to continue the same privacy-focused mission.
• The Zcash protocol remains unaffected despite leadership and governance turmoil.

Electric Coin Company, the long-standing development organisation behind Zcash, is preparing to start a new company following a sudden and highly public split tied to governance disputes.

According to public statements and reporting, the entire Electric Coin Company team has departed from its previous organisational arrangement with Bootstrap, the nonprofit created to support Zcash.

Notably, the exit was not framed as a routine resignation or gradual transition.

Instead, the company’s leadership described the situation as a breakdown in alignment that made continued work impossible.

The move marks a major turning point for one of the cryptocurrency industry’s most prominent privacy-focused projects.

Zcash has long positioned itself as “private money,” and the organisational fracture highlights growing tensions between mission-driven development teams and nonprofit governance structures.

Governance conflict at the centre of the split

At the core of the dispute is Bootstrap, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit created to support Zcash by governing the Electric Coin Company.

Josh Swihart, CEO of Electric Coin Company, publicly stated that a majority of Bootstrap board members had moved into clear misalignment with the mission of Zcash.

He specifically named Zaki Manian, Christina Garman, Alan Fairless, and Michelle Lai as central figures in that majority.

Swihart said that over recent weeks, changes imposed by the board altered the terms of employment for the Electric Coin Company team.

Those changes, according to his account, made it impossible for the team to perform their duties effectively and with integrity.

As a result, the entire team left after what Swihart characterised as constructive discharge.

Constructive discharge refers to situations in which working conditions are changed so significantly that employees are effectively forced to resign.

The framing suggests the split was driven by governance actions rather than disagreements over technology or code.

The dispute also exposed confusion around roles and titles, with Swihart acknowledging that public listings showing him as executive director of Bootstrap were outdated.

A new company, but the same mission

Despite the split, Swihart emphasised that the departing team is not abandoning its core vision.

He confirmed that the former Electric Coin Company team plans to found a new company.

The goal of that new entity, he said, remains building “unstoppable private money.”

This language mirrors Zcash’s long-standing emphasis on privacy, censorship resistance, and user sovereignty.

Importantly, Swihart and other figures stressed that the Zcash protocol itself is unaffected by the organisational changes.

Zcash’s codebase is open-source, and no single company owns or controls the network.

That distinction is critical for users and developers concerned about continuity and security.

Former Electric Coin Company CEO and Zcash founder Zooko Wilcox defended the Bootstrap board and stated that Zcash remains permissionless, secure, and safe to use.

His response highlighted the reality that leadership perspectives differ sharply on the causes and implications of the split.

Market reaction, Zcash price drops

ZEC, the native token of the Zcash network, saw a notable price drop in the aftermath of the announcement.

At press time, Zcash was trading at around $443.38, down 10.3% in a day, eroding the majority of its December gains.

The price decline reflects uncertainty around governance, leadership stability, and future development direction.

At the same time, supporters of the departing team argued that separating from what they view as hostile governance may ultimately strengthen development.

They see the creation of a new company as a way to protect mission-driven work from nonprofit board dynamics.

Critics, however, worry about fragmentation and the loss of institutional continuity.

The episode underscores broader challenges facing decentralised projects that rely on hybrid structures combining nonprofits, companies, and open-source communities.

 

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• 20% of SKR supply is reserved for Solana Seeker phone users and developers via airdrop.
• Seeker Season 1 saw over 100,000 users, 9 million transactions, and $2.6 billion in volume.
• SKR launches on January 21 with governance, staking, and Guardian delegation.

Solana Mobile has officially confirmed plans to airdrop a significant portion of its upcoming SKR token to users of its Seeker smartphone.

The announcement marks a major milestone for the Solana Mobile ecosystem as it transitions from early adoption into a token-powered governance and incentive model.

With the SKR launch scheduled for January 21, Solana Mobile is positioning the Seeker phone as a central gateway to crypto-native mobile experiences.

The airdrop is designed to reward early participants who helped validate the concept of crypto-first smartphones.

Airdrop details and snapshot confirmation

Solana Mobile has confirmed that 20% of the total SKR token supply has been set aside specifically for an airdrop.

The allocation is intended for both Seeker phone users and developers who actively participated in the ecosystem.

According to the company, a snapshot has already been taken to determine eligibility for the airdrop.

This means participation during Seeker Season 1 is the key factor in qualifying for SKR tokens.

Solana Mobile has not yet released exact individual allocation figures, but further details on claims are expected soon.

The company has emphasised that the airdrop is meant to recognise real usage rather than speculative behaviour.

This approach reinforces SKR’s role as a utility and governance token rather than a short-term promotional asset.

Seeker Season 1 proves crypto mobile demand

The airdrop follows the conclusion of the first-ever Seeker Season.

Season 1 recorded participation from more than 100,000 Seeker users.

During the season, users interacted with over 265 decentralised applications.

The ecosystem processed more than 9 million transactions over the period.

Total on-chain volume during Season 1 reached approximately $2.6 billion.

Solana Mobile described these results as proof that crypto-native mobile devices can scale.

The data also demonstrates sustained engagement rather than one-time experimentation.

This performance set the foundation for introducing SKR as a coordination mechanism for the platform.

Transition into Seeker Season 2

Alongside the SKR announcement, Solana Mobile confirmed the launch of Seeker Season 2.

Season 2 begins immediately following the conclusion of the first season.

While full details are still forthcoming, the company has indicated that new incentives are coming.

This suggests that SKR will play an active role in future engagement and rewards.

The timing positions the token launch as a bridge between past participation and future growth.

By tying seasons together, Solana Mobile is encouraging long-term involvement rather than one-off usage.

SKR token launch and utility

The SKR token is scheduled to launch on January 21 at 2:00 a.m. UTC.

In the United States, this corresponds to January 20 at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

SKR is designed to function as both a governance and utility token within the Seeker ecosystem.

Token holders will be able to delegate SKR to network participants known as Guardians.

Guardians play a role in securing the ecosystem, verifying devices, and curating the decentralised app store.

Delegation is also expected to unlock staking-style rewards for participants.

This model aims to decentralise decision-making while maintaining ecosystem quality.

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• Ethereum ETF inflows and whale accumulation boost the ETH price rally.
• The BPO hard fork has raised the blob limit, improving Ethereum scalability.
• An overbought RSI signals possible short-term volatility despite strong.

Ethereum has continued its upward price momentum, extending a strong weekly rally even as the broader crypto market slipped slightly.

At press time, Ethereum (ETH) was up 1.13% over the past 24 hours, building on a robust 7-day gain of roughly 9.60%.

These price gains come despite a modest 0.44% decline in the overall crypto market, underscoring Ethereum’s relative strength.

The ETH bullish momentum is underpinned by a combination of institutional demand, improving Ethereum scalability, and favourable on-chain dynamics.

However, technical indicators suggest that caution may be warranted in the near term with the RSI currently in the overbought region.

ETF inflows reinforce Ethereum’s institutional narrative

One of the key catalysts for the Ethereum rally has been sustained inflows into spot Ethereum ETFs.

Data from Coinglass shows that spot Ethereum ETFs attracted approximately $114.7 million in net inflows on January 6, 2026.

These inflows occurred even as some legacy products recorded outflows, suggesting fresh institutional capital is entering the market.

For investors, ETF demand signals growing confidence in Ethereum as a long-term, regulated asset.

It also helps absorb potential selling pressure, providing price stability during periods of broader market uncertainty.

Market participants increasingly view ETF flows as a barometer of institutional sentiment, similar to how YCharts data is often used to track macro trends across traditional assets.

Blob Parameter-Only hard fork boosts Ethereum scalability

Beyond demand-side factors, Ethereum’s fundamentals have improved following recent network upgrades.

The Fusaka upgrade, activated in December 2025, introduced meaningful enhancements to Ethereum scalability.

Central to this progress is the Blob Parameter-Only hard fork, commonly referred to as the BPO hard fork.

The BPO hard fork, which went live on Wednesday at 1:01:11 UTC, raised the blob limit per block, increasing the amount of data that can be processed efficiently.

By expanding blob capacity, Ethereum reduced data costs for Layer-2 rollups without overburdening the base layer.

This design aligns with Ethereum’s long-term rollup-centric roadmap championed by Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin.

Lower Layer-2 fees have already translated into stronger network usage, with daily transactions reaching multi-month highs.

The BPO upgrade also improves conditions for advanced scaling solutions, including zero-knowledge Ethereum virtual machines (zkEVMs).

These zkEVMs rely heavily on efficient data availability, making the higher blob limit a structural advantage.

Developers view BPO as a stepping stone toward even larger upgrades, including the planned Glamsterdam hard fork, which is expected later in 2026.

The Glamsterdam hard fork is expected to further enhance throughput and computational efficiency across the Ethereum ecosystem.

Together, these changes strengthen Ethereum’s value proposition as a scalable settlement layer for decentralised applications.

Whale accumulation supports price, but momentum overheats

On-chain data adds another layer of support to Ethereum’s bullish narrative.

Large holders, often referred to as whales, have accumulated more than 3.62 million ETH over the past month, according to CryptoQuant data.

At the same time, Ethereum exchange reserves have fallen to levels not seen in nearly nine years.

Reduced exchange balances typically imply lower immediate selling pressure.

This pattern suggests that long-term holders are positioning for higher prices rather than short-term exits.

However, momentum indicators are beginning to flash warning signs.

Ethereum’s relative strength index (RSI) has climbed to around 64, placing it near the overbought territory.

Historically, such elevated RSI readings can precede short-term pullbacks or periods of consolidation.

Upcoming derivatives events, including near-term options expiries, could amplify volatility.

Ethereum price forecast

Ethereum’s medium- to long-term outlook remains constructive, supported by ETF inflows, improving Ethereum scalability, and a declining liquid supply.

The Blob Parameter-Only hard fork and higher blob limit strengthen the network’s technical foundation and support Layer-2 growth.

Continued progress toward upgrades like the Glamsterdam hard fork keeps Ethereum aligned with Vitalik Buterin’s long-term vision.

Currently, the immediate resistance for ETH lies at the 100-day EMA at $3,307, which, if broken, could open the door for further gains towards the next resistance at the 200-day EMA at $3,352.

In the short term, however, the elevated RSI suggests traders should be prepared for potential price fluctuations that could pull Ethereum down to the support at the 50-day EMA at $3,132.

But if ETF inflows remain strong and on-chain accumulation persists, any pullback may be shallow.

Overall, Ethereum appears well-positioned for further gains, but near-term caution is warranted as momentum cools.

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• Ex-CFTC Commissioner Brian Quintenz joined SUI Group Holdings’ board.
• SUI price has broken the $1.80 resistance with strong volume and on-chain growth.
• ETF-driven market rebound amplified SUI’s high-beta upside momentum.

The SUI price has staged a strong rally as the market reacts to a combination of regulatory credibility, technical momentum, and improving broader crypto sentiment.

SUI has gained 8.57% over the last 24 hours, extending its weekly advance to 29.15% and significantly outperforming the wider crypto market rebound.

This rally places SUI among the strongest large-cap altcoin performers during the current risk-on phase.

At the centre of this rally is a high-profile governance development involving SUI Group Holdings.

CFTC Commissioner Brian Quintenz joins SUI Group Holdings board

SUI Group Holdings announced the appointment of former CFTC Commissioner Brian Quintenz to its board of directors, effective January 6.

Quintenz joins the board as an independent director and will also serve on the audit committee.

He previously served as a commissioner at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and later as Global Head of Policy at a16z crypto.

This appointment immediately strengthened perceptions of regulatory legitimacy surrounding SUI Group Holdings and its institutional strategy.

SUI Group Holdings is a Nasdaq-listed company that maintains a treasury of approximately 108 million SUI tokens.

The company has positioned itself as an institutional gateway to the Sui ecosystem through structured treasury management and infrastructure alignment.

Brian Quintenz publicly framed his appointment as a validation of SUI Group Holdings’ SUI treasury strategy.

That messaging resonated strongly with investors seeking regulatory clarity amid increased scrutiny of digital asset markets.

For many market participants, the presence of a former CFTC Commissioner reduces perceived governance and compliance risk.

This regulatory signalling has become a meaningful catalyst for the SUI price rally.

Technical breakout confirms growing demand

Beyond governance headlines, the SUI price has delivered a decisive technical breakout.

SUI moved above the key $1.80 resistance level and continued higher toward $1.98, marking a multi-month high.

The breakout was supported by a sharp expansion in trading activity.

The 24-hour trading volume surged to approximately $2.19 billion, representing a 132% year-over-year increase.

A high trading volume during a resistance break is often interpreted as confirmation of trader conviction.

On-chain data further supports the bullish narrative.

Transaction activity on the Sui network has increased by roughly 30% since late November.

This rise suggests growing organic usage across decentralised finance (DeFi), gaming, and application-layer deployments.

Importantly, the market also absorbed a $65 million SUI token unlock on January 1 without sustained downside pressure.

Token unlock absorption is frequently viewed as a stress test of underlying demand.

SUI’s ability to maintain upward momentum following the unlock reduced fears of supply-driven sell-offs.

Together, these factors reinforced confidence that the rally was not purely speculative.

SUI price forecast

The near-term SUI price forecast remains constructive but increasingly dependent on key technical levels.

The former resistance zone around $1.85 now acts as an important support area.

Holding above this level would signal continued structural strength.

Below that, the 50-day exponential moving average (EMA) near $1.66 represents a critical medium-term support.

On the upside, sustained momentum could allow SUI to challenge the 100-day EMA near $2.00.

A successful break above $2.10 would likely attract trend-following capital and further volume expansion.

However, failure to hold above $1.85 could trigger short-term consolidation after the sharp rally.

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• Legacy wallets risk deletion during Bitcoin Core v30 migration.
• Back up wallet and data directories before attempting upgrades.
• Modern wallets and hardware wallets remain largely safe.

A critical bug has been discovered in Bitcoin Core v30, raising alarms for users planning to upgrade their wallets.

The issue specifically affects the wallet migration process, which is designed to transfer old wallets to the latest software version.

Under certain conditions, this migration can delete wallet files, putting users’ funds at risk.

Developers have confirmed that the bug primarily impacts older legacy wallets, particularly those that have not been renamed or updated in years.

Modern wallets and hardware wallets are largely unaffected, according to official sources.

However, the risk remains significant for anyone running a node with outdated wallet files and attempting a migration.

The Bitcoin Core wallet bug

The problem arises when Bitcoin Core tries to migrate an unnamed legacy wallet located in a custom wallet directory.

If pruning is enabled, the software can misinterpret the migration process and inadvertently delete all files in the wallet directory.

This is not a network-level bug, so the Bitcoin blockchain itself remains secure.

Instead, the threat is local: users may lose access to their funds if no external backup exists.

The vulnerability only triggers during migration attempts.

Simply running the software or syncing the blockchain is not enough to cause file deletion.

Developers quickly responded by removing v30.0 and v30.1 binaries from the official download page.

Users are now urged to avoid running any wallet migrations until a fixed version is released.

Steps users should take

The Bitcoin Core v30 bug is dangerous but avoidable, provided users follow official guidance and prioritise backups.

Bitcoin Core recommends backing up the entire wallet and data directories before attempting any upgrades.

This precaution can prevent potential loss, especially for legacy wallet users.

It is also advised to check whether the wallet is classified as “legacy” or “modern.”

For those with legacy setups, extra care should be taken when handling migration procedures.

Users should also verify their directory configurations, including the -walletdir parameter, to ensure files are not accidentally removed.

Keeping offline or external backups remains the safest way to protect funds.

While the bug does not compromise the network, the risk to individual wallets is real and immediate.

The community is awaiting the release of Bitcoin Core v30.2, which will address the migration bug and restore safe upgrade procedures.

Until then, cautious users are strongly advised to pause any wallet migrations and secure backups externally.

The discovery of this bug serves as a reminder that software updates, while necessary for security and performance, can introduce unforeseen risks to legacy systems.

By taking simple precautions, users can avoid potential losses and ensure their Bitcoin holdings remain safe.

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