Vitalik Buterin, a co‑founder of Ethereum, opened the year 2026 by describing the network’s recent progress while also highlighting the remaining challenges that impede its long‑term objectives.
Investment managers are set to boost funding for green‑technology firms this year as regulatory clarity improves and borrowing costs fall. They now face stricter criteria, demanding proof of profitability alongside carbon‑reduction claims. Policy shifts such as Trump’s decisions, AI expansion, and broader electrification continue to shape capital flows. Energy use at U.S. data centers could surge 130 % by 2030, making heat‑recovery, renewable projects and efficiency software attractive bets. Grid‑technology stocks outperformed the market in 2025, and U.S. grid investment is projected to exceed $128 bn within two years. Nuclear startups captured about 20 % of climate‑venture dollars, with both fusion and fission projects gaining investor confidence despite valuation debates. Disaster‑resilience firms also posted strong returns, beating the S‑P 500 by 6.5 % over a decade. Venture capital for alternative‑protein and cell‑culture technologies collapsed by roughly 90 % in 2025, and prospects for recovery appear slim. Agricultural‑tech segments such as automation retain modest interest, but overall sustainable‑agri buyouts fell sharply, with U.S. crop‑farm deals dropping to near zero. Investors are therefore shifting capital toward sectors with clearer profit paths and stronger policy support.
XRP is moving into a new stage, driven by growing institutional interest reflected in ETF inflows, while its price activity remains relatively quiet.
Prices continue to climb, but there is no panic.
On‑chain data shows a steady drawdown of XRP balances on crypto exchanges, pushing reserves to their lowest level in several years. CryptoQuant reports that total exchange holdings fell from roughly 2.65 billion XRP at the end of 2025 to about 1.85 billion in early 2026. This near‑800 million token outflow marks the most dramatic supply contraction in recent history. Binance, the platform with the largest XRP liquidity, mirrored the broader trend. Between 2024 and early 2025 the exchange held over 3 billion XRP, dropping to the 2 billion range by late 2025 and further to around 1.85 billion at the start of 2026. The rapid depletion underscores a shift of assets away from centralized venues. Glassnode data, highlighted by the BULLRUNNERS account, suggests overall exchange balances may be as low as 1.44 billion XRP, a steep decline from previous weeks. The reduced supply coincides with XRP price climbing above $2, currently trading near $2.15. Simultaneously, Spot XRP ETFs have recorded continuous net inflows since launch, reinforcing the bullish narrative.
XRP is moving inside a clean descending channel on the five‑day chart, indicating a controlled correction rather than distribution. Momentum appears to be cooling, but the price consolidation suggests a healthy pause. Analysts view this compression as a typical precursor to later expansion in a well‑structured market. The 21‑day EMA is the critical pivot; a weekly close above it followed by a retest would signal a shift to bullish momentum. Breaking the channel top near $2.30 could open a rally toward $3.10‑$3.30. Egrag Crypto assigns roughly a 60% chance to an upside breakout, 30% to continued ranging, and 10% to a downside drop toward $1. Traders should focus on EMA support retests and channel boundaries rather than short‑term noise. Structural confirmations help position for potential upside while limiting downside risk. This disciplined, structure‑first approach offers a clearer roadmap for the next significant move.
PwC’s latest report names Ripple as a critical financial‑services infrastructure, highlighting its growing legitimacy in the global finance ecosystem. The analysis praises Ripple’s ability to deliver real‑time settlement, cross‑border payment and liquidity‑management capabilities for banks, fintechs and payment providers. By framing Ripple beyond a digital token, PwC signals a shift toward viewing blockchain solutions as core infrastructure. RippleNet addresses the slow, costly nature of traditional cross‑border transfers by enabling fund movement in seconds with minimal fees. This speed and cost advantage gives XRP tangible utility, positioning it as a bridge between legacy finance and decentralized systems. The platform’s compliance‑focused, scalable design makes integration with existing banking infrastructure feasible. The report notes that clearer U.S. regulations are prompting PwC to expand crypto advisory services, boosting confidence among institutional clients. Endorsement from a trusted advisor like PwC could accelerate Ripple adoption by major banks and payment networks. Institutional trust and operational reliability are now key drivers of crypto integration. PwC’s validation marks a milestone for XRP, turning it from a speculative asset into a core component of modern payments. It reflects a broader industry trend where blockchain is treated as essential infrastructure rather than a niche investment. The recognition underscores Ripple’s role in creating a faster, more transparent and interconnected financial system.
Crypto spot trading volume has fallen to its lowest level since November 2023, covering both Bitcoin and altcoins. The drop signals a market operating on thin participation despite headline price gains. Analysts view the contraction as a warning sign for liquidity and market depth. Bitcoin reclaimed the $94,000 threshold, marking a strong technical rebound. However, the rally occurs alongside dwindling spot volume, suggesting it is driven by a limited group of traders. Without broad‑based buying, the price advance may lack durability. The volume slump is linked to lingering effects of the October 2024 liquidation, macro‑economic uncertainty, and a shift toward derivatives and OTC desks. Thin order books increase price volatility and raise the likelihood of sharp corrections. Market participants are therefore exercising caution. Altcoin spot volumes are similarly depressed, limiting the usual “altseason” spillover from Bitcoin’s gains. Low volume undermines confidence in sustained price growth across the crypto ecosystem. A rebound in trading activity would be needed to validate the rally and restore market stability.
Bitcoin surged above $94,000 and maintained that level after the US market opened, showing no immediate decline. In the current market climate, LIT Coin is emerging as a noteworthy opportunity for investors. The article “Bitcoin Prices Surpass $94,000 as New Trends Emerge” was originally published on COINTURK NEWS.
SOL has broken above $130 and now trades around $132‑135, staying above the 100‑hourly SMA. A bullish trend line supports the pair near $135 on the hourly chart. The price recently surpassed the 23.6% Fibonacci retracement from the $123 low to the $138 high. Momentum indicators show the MACD accelerating bullishly and RSI holding above 50. Immediate support sits at $135, with secondary levels at $130 and $128. Resistance clusters at $138‑$140, while a decisive break above $145 could open the path to $150‑$155. Failure to clear $140 may trigger a pullback toward $130, and a drop below $128 could push the price toward $120. The hourly MACD is in a bullish trajectory, and the RSI remains comfortably above the neutral 50 mark. The 100‑hourly SMA continues to act as a floor for price action. Traders watch the $135 trend line for confirmation of the uptrend and the $138‑$140 zone for the next breakout test.
Ethereum saw new address creation jump 110% in the month after the Fusaka upgrade, adding about 292,000 wallets daily. This is the fastest growth rate since the 2024 bull market. Analysts view the rise as a sign of structural adoption rather than short‑term speculation. The December 3 Fusaka (Fulu‑Osaka) upgrade introduced Peer Data Availability Sampling, cutting the cost of posting data to Ethereum. Lower Layer‑2 expenses improve scalability and make DeFi, gaming, and consumer apps cheaper to use. The upgrade’s efficiency boost directly correlates with the accelerated address‑creation trend. Historically, rising wallet numbers precede higher transaction volume and deeper liquidity. Fusaka deployed without chain instability, easing institutional concerns about roadmap risk. The smooth rollout underscores that infrastructure upgrades are driving renewed network participation. ETH has reclaimed the $3,200 level as on‑chain fundamentals improve, but a large cohort of holders from mid‑2025 sits near break‑even, posing potential sell pressure. Market watchers will assess whether the address surge translates into sustained transaction demand and stable fees in Q1 2026. Continued organic growth would confirm the upgrade’s long‑term impact.
Recent metrics indicate the stablecoin sector lost $773 million within the last week. Since December 13, fiat‑pegged tokens have experienced a cumulative decline of $2.5 billion, reflecting a notable pullback in the stablecoin economy. Over the past seven days, broader cryptocurrency markets rebounded, pushing total market value above the $3 trillion threshold. Despite this overall surge, stablecoins continued to weaken, showing a clear divergence from the broader crypto rally.
The United States' capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro pushed oil prices to their lowest point in four years, yet cryptocurrency markets have remained steady.
Ethereum handled approximately $8 trillion in stablecoin transfers in the fourth quarter, nearly twice the volume recorded in Q2. During the same period, the count of active addresses and daily transactions rose to their highest levels.
Trend Research, the LD Capital subsidiary, built a $2 billion Ethereum stake of about 626,000 ETH using a loan from Aave at an average price of $3,186. The price slump generated an unrealized loss of roughly $141 million. When ETH recovered to around $3,200, the position flipped to an $8.77 million paper profit. The firm employed Aave’s decentralized lending to gain leverage, reflecting a broader institutional move toward capital‑efficient strategies. Robust risk frameworks, ample collateral, and possible hedges let it hold the position through deep drawdowns. This approach contrasts sharply with typical retail behavior, emphasizing longer horizons and higher risk tolerance. Ethereum’s rise to $3,200 stems from network upgrades, renewed DeFi activity, growing institutional use, and shifting macro risk appetite. The rally validates the thesis that ETH functions as core Web3 infrastructure rather than mere speculation. Consequently, many institutional investors see similar upside potential. On‑chain analysis by EmberCN exposed the trade, illustrating the intrinsic transparency of blockchain assets. Such visibility enables market‑wide monitoring but also subjects large players to greater scrutiny. As institutions like Trend Research expand their crypto exposure, they increasingly shape market dynamics.
The second week of January 2025 packs the most influential US labor reports and Federal Reserve commentary of the year. Analysts view this data‑dense window as the benchmark for 2025’s inflation, growth and policy trajectory. Market volatility typically spikes, making precise interpretation critical across all asset classes. Tuesday brings the ADP private‑sector employment report, an early gauge of hiring trends that can sway pre‑NFP moves. Later that day Fed voting member Michelle Bowman will speak, offering forward guidance that can amplify or mute the ADP impact. Wednesday’s Initial Jobless Claims provide a real‑time pulse, while Thursday’s Non‑Farm Payrolls and unemployment rate deliver the definitive employment picture, including wage growth and participation metrics. Stronger‑than‑expected payrolls and wages tend to lift the dollar, push bond yields higher and dampen equity appetite. Moderate results often support a “soft landing” narrative, easing bond volatility and sparking modest equity gains. Weak job growth with low wage pressure can revive rate‑cut expectations, weakening the dollar and boosting bonds. Investors should prioritize wage data, labor‑force participation and the Fed’s tone over headline numbers alone. Global markets will feel the ripple through currency flows, commodity pricing and emerging‑market debt. Robust risk management and data‑driven decision making are essential to navigate the heightened sensitivity of this pivotal week.
Janet Yellen, the first woman to chair the Federal Reserve, said the conditions for fiscal dominance are strengthening. She delivered the remarks at the American Economic Association meeting in Philadelphia on January 4. Yellen highlighted that rising federal debt forces the Fed to keep rates low to ease debt‑service costs, undermining inflation control. The U.S. national debt topped $38.5 trillion in early 2026, hitting a level once projected for 2030. The Congressional Budget Office forecasts a $1.9 trillion deficit this year, pushing debt to nearly 100 % of GDP and possibly 118 % within a decade. Economists such as Loretta Mester warn that policymakers underestimate the urgency, while noting fiscal dominance could become a real threat. Yellen urges Congress to act on looming Social Security and Medicare shortfalls to avoid a bipartisan bailout. David Romer doubts a cross‑party agreement will prevent a fiscal crisis, stressing that inaction harms both the Treasury and the Fed. The consensus among experts is that close monitoring and decisive reforms are essential to curb the debt burden.
The Altcoin Season Index stands at 22, indicating only 22% of the top 100 altcoins have outperformed Bitcoin in the last 90 days. This places the market firmly in a Bitcoin‑dominant, risk‑off phase. Investors view Bitcoin as a digital safe‑haven amid macro uncertainty. CoinMarketCap’s index measures the percentage of major altcoins that beat Bitcoin over a rolling 90‑day window, excluding stablecoins and wrapped tokens. An “altcoin season” is declared only when the metric exceeds 75%. The current 22 reading reflects a strong relative performance by Bitcoin. During 2020‑21 the index regularly topped 75, spurred by DeFi and NFT booms. Transitions to altcoin seasons historically follow Bitcoin price stability, regulatory clarity, or breakthrough tech such as layer‑2 scaling. At present those triggers are muted, keeping the index low. Portfolio managers favor a core‑satellite approach: a sizable Bitcoin core with selective satellite bets in high‑conviction altcoins. Short‑term traders tend to align with the dominant Bitcoin trend, while long‑term investors watch for early altcoin accumulation signals. A sustained rise in Bitcoin stability and a clear altcoin narrative are needed to push the index above 50.
Ethereum is stuck near $2,981 and cannot break the $3,050‑$3,060 resistance. Whales have sold over 270,000 ETH (~$793 M) in five days, adding heavy supply. This overhead supply limits upside and liquidity around $2,800 may act as a downside anchor. Technical analysis points to a likely correction. Mutuum Finance entered DeFi with the MUTM token, now in phase 7 at $0.04. It has raised $19.6 M from 18,660 supporters. Early backing could yield a 35× return ($400 → $14,000) if the roadmap succeeds, while phase 8 will rise to $0.045. Daily leaderboards and a $100 k giveaway spur participation. The project will launch a USD‑pegged stablecoin to power low‑risk lending. It offers 75‑80% LTV for ETH/USDT and 35‑40% for volatile coins, with automatic liquidation to protect the protocol. Real‑world use cases aim to draw institutional liquidity, fund buybacks and boost revenue. Compared with Ethereum’s scaling limits, MUTM is positioned for rapid DeFi growth.
The long‑term trend was bearish, but short‑term sentiment turned bullish, enabling TRUMP traders to generate profits.
PwC US shifted from a cautious crypto stance to delivering full‑stack services, including audit, consulting and advisory. Market maturation and growing institutional blockchain use drove the change. PwC now aims to lead the tokenization economy. Pro‑crypto appointments at the SEC, CFTC and other agencies under the Trump administration clarified digital‑asset rules. From 2023‑2025, legislation added tax guidance, reporting standards and banking integration for crypto. These clear frameworks cut uncertainty, prompting PwC’s early adoption. Tokenizing real assets could surpass $10 trillion by 2030, boosting demand for audit, valuation and risk services. PwC created dedicated blockchain teams, proprietary audit tools and specialized training. Its end‑to‑end model sets it apart from other Big Four firms offering narrower crypto services.
Coinbase will end its Argentine peso (ARS) to USDC conversion and local bank withdrawal services on January 31 2026. The service launched in January 2025 after gaining regulatory approval, but the company gave no public reason for the reversal. Thousands of Argentine users who relied on this gateway now face an imminent loss of fiat on‑ramp access. Argentina’s crypto framework remains unsettled, with the CNV tightening oversight and the central bank enforcing strict foreign‑exchange controls. Local platforms such as Buenbit, Lemon Cash and Ripio continue to operate, but Coinbase’s exit removes a major international player with deep liquidity. High inflation and multiple exchange rates create costly compliance and pricing challenges for foreign exchanges. Affected users must convert remaining ARS balances to crypto or withdraw to local banks before the deadline. After January 31, fiat deposits and withdrawals will be unavailable, though existing crypto holdings can remain on Coinbase, subject to higher international transfer fees. Many will turn to alternative Argentine exchanges or self‑custody solutions. The move highlights the tension between global crypto firms and volatile, regulated markets in Latin America. It may prompt other international exchanges to reassess their presence in the region while giving local platforms an opportunity to expand. The decision underscores how regulatory uncertainty and economic volatility can reshape crypto adoption pathways.
What differences were observed on the opening trading day of 2026?
The price of Convex Finance has burst through its prolonged downward trend, propelled by a strong rally. This movement has captured the interest of investors.
