The CME FedWatch indicates a 75.6% probability that rates will stay unchanged ahead of the January 28 and March 18, 2026 FOMC meetings, with a 41.4% chance of a cumulative 25‑basis‑point cut.
SWIFT announced it is developing a blockchain‑based ledger to modernize cross‑border payments. The news has triggered speculation that the system may resemble the XRP Ledger, known for fast, low‑cost transactions. SWIFT has not confirmed any partnership with Ripple or use of XRPL technology. A shared, real‑time ledger would let authorized banks view each payment instantly, cutting settlement times from days to seconds. By reducing intermediaries, the model promises lower fees, better liquidity management, and fewer reconciliation errors. Both banks and end‑users could benefit from quicker, more predictable international transfers. Details on the ledger’s protocol, architecture, and interoperability remain undisclosed. Nonetheless, the move signals that major financial institutions now view distributed ledger technology as a core infrastructure, not a niche experiment. The sector will watch closely to see whether SWIFT’s system merely mirrors existing networks or introduces new capabilities that reshape global finance.
SMQKE announced that SWIFT will be upgraded to Ripple, referencing a Matthew Le Merle presentation that places Ripple within a wider digital infrastructure shift. He shared the claim on Twitter, prompting discussion about a global payments system moving to blockchain rails for real‑time settlement. The statement linked traditional finance’s structural upgrade to tokenized networks. Le Merle, a Bitwise advisory board director, described how modern finance now depends on digital custodians like Anchorage and Fireblocks, replacing many bank‑only functions. He said legacy networks such as SWIFT, Visa, and Mastercard are being transformed into digital equivalents, naming Ripple and Yellowcard as examples. Stablecoins such as Tether and Circle were also highlighted as part of the new ecosystem. If SWIFT adopts a Ripple‑style blockchain, the XRP Ledger could become the backbone for instant cross‑border settlements, enhancing XRP’s utility and price prospects. Le Merle noted institutional interest, including BlackRock’s move into tokenization, where XRP already holds a prominent role. The scenario underscores XRP’s growing relevance in global finance.
VivoPower International PLC has joined forces with Lean Ventures to establish a $300 million investment vehicle aimed at acquiring shares of Ripple Labs. The initiative capitalizes on the strong cryptocurrency ecosystem in South Korea. The approach is capital‑light, allowing VivoPower to obtain exposure to Ripple and its native token XRP without allocating its own capital. The structure is expected to generate approximately $75 million in fee‑based revenue over a three‑year horizon.
Venezuela’s deepening recession and a depreciating bolívar are accelerating stablecoin use, according to TRM Labs. Hyperinflation, sanctions and limited banking services push citizens to seek alternatives. Stablecoins are now viewed not just as stores of value but also as daily transaction media. Persistent macro‑economic instability and vague crypto regulation are expected to further expand this trend. P2P networks and USDT have become de‑facto retail banking tools across the country. Over a third of crypto‑related site visits from Venezuelan IPs target a single global P2P exchange, filling gaps left by unreliable banks. Local mobile‑wallet services integrate with banks to support informal settlement rails for everyday commerce. These platforms enable payroll, remittances and vendor payments despite infrastructure challenges. Chainalysis ranks Venezuela 18th worldwide and ninth when adjusted for population in crypto adoption. Stablecoins, especially USDT, now underpin cross‑border purchases and local transactions. The ecosystem is driven by necessity rather than speculation, with users relying on blockchain to bypass intermittent domestic banking services. Western Union plans a dollar‑backed stablecoin on Solana for 2026, while Visa pilots payouts in Circle’s USDC for gig workers. Both initiatives aim to reduce fees, speed settlement and lower dependence on volatile fiat channels. These developments signal broader confidence in stablecoins as viable financial infrastructure.
Schiff views the image as forecasting financial ruin for those holding Bitcoin.
XRP ranks third among non‑stablecoin cryptocurrencies by market‑cap weight. Launched in June 2012, Ripple created the network to enable fast, large‑scale cross‑border payments for banks and corporations. By 2018 it became a popular altcoin, briefly inflating its founder’s paper wealth. To match Bitcoin’s peak $2.5 trillion market cap, XRP would need about a 20× (1,900 %) rise. While such a jump is improbable, a modest increase could still add considerable value if its addressable market grows. The comparison highlights XRP’s upside relative to its current size. Ripple’s On‑Demand Liquidity settled $1.3 trillion in Q2 2025, targeting $5.2 trillion annually. Analysts project XRP could seize 14 % of the $150 trillion SWIFT market by 2030. Market pricing, however, has not yet reflected this potential. The XRP Ledger now supports programmable smart contracts, opening new developer use cases. If it rivals Ethereum’s $375 billion market cap, XRP could gain up to $500 billion. Growing activity suggests additional upside beyond payments.
Investors are favoring cryptocurrencies with clear use cases and development roadmaps. Mutuum Finance (MUTM) has emerged as a top candidate, drawing strong interest during its presale. Rising presale numbers indicate a move from speculative tokens toward structured models. This trend highlights MUTM as a preferred option for those seeking the best crypto to buy today. Shiba Inu (SHIB) continues to face technical pressure as its price slides below key support levels. The token has dropped to $0.000008273, sustaining a correction of over 16% in a month. Momentum indicators, including moving averages and MACD, remain negative, prompting caution among investors. Consequently, SHIB is rarely listed among the leading cryptocurrencies for accumulation. MUTM’s Phase 6 presale is 98% complete, priced at $0.035 with over $19.5 million raised and 18 480 holders. The upcoming Phase 7 will lift the price to $0.04, eventually targeting $0.06 at launch, promising early buyers potential gains of around 500%. An independent Halborn audit and a daily leaderboard with $500 bonuses further boost confidence. These factors combine to position Mutuum Finance as a compelling choice for investors looking for the best cryptocurrency today.
Capital A and Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia have entered into a letter of intent to explore the creation and testing of a ringgit‑denominated stablecoin within Bank Negara Malaysia’s Digital Asset Innovation Hub. The partnership will concentrate on designing, developing, and piloting the digital currency, utilizing the central bank’s innovation platform to meet regulatory standards and ensure technical soundness.
Dogecoin is holding the critical $0.14 support level as it forms a descending triangle on the three‑day chart. The market exhibits limited volatility and firm buying pressure, hinting at a possible rebound that could lift prices to the $0.21‑$0.47 range if the pattern breaks upward. Maintaining a position above the triangle’s lower boundary underscores strong buyer defense.
Spot XRP exchange‑traded funds attracted more than $20.1 million in net inflows on Friday, extending a run of 19 straight days of positive cash flows. The surge aligns with heightened bullish sentiment on social media and signals growing investor confidence in XRP, which is currently trading near $2.03.
Dogecoin is holding the crucial $0.14 support zone on the three‑day chart, reflecting robust buyer defense. The cryptocurrency trades within a descending triangle on the three‑day timeframe, exhibiting compressed volatility and sustained buying pressure. It remains above the lower boundary of the triangle, indicating strong buyer resilience. A breakout to the upside could trigger a bounce targeting the $0.21 to $0.47 range.
Liquidity worldwide is turning increasingly bullish as 2026 approaches. The global M2 money supply is edging toward a record $130 trillion, with China accounting for the majority of this growth. This expansive M2 environment bolsters risk‑on assets across markets. The ample liquidity lends support to cryptocurrencies, yet the sector’s total market capitalization fell 21% in the fourth quarter of 2025 as investors grew more cautious. Despite the drop, the record‑high M2 supply continues to provide a supportive backdrop for digital assets.
Crypto analyst Steph Is Crypto points out that XRP is retesting the $1.99 region, a major rejection point from 2017. He calls this a potential turning point and stresses that staying above the zone would confirm a long‑term reversal. The monthly chart shows a clear structure around this level. Previous rejections at $1.99 (2017), $1.60 (2021) and $0.70 (2023) have acted as long‑standing ceilings for XRP. Earlier this year the price broke above $1.99 and now revisits the same barrier. Converting this resistance into support would signal renewed strength in the asset’s price framework. A sustained hold above $1.99 over the next few monthly candles could mark the first lasting uptrend since late 2024. If the level fails, price may fall toward $1.60, which previously served as resistance and now could act as support, with $0.70 as a deeper reference. Market participants are closely watching this zone to gauge XRP’s future direction.
The market focus has moved from Bitcoin to the US Treasury General Account (TGA). The TGA recently topped $1 trillion, creating a large liquidity gap. When the Treasury refills its account, dollars leave the broader system, draining liquidity. To avoid a 2026 recession, the government must release $150‑200 billion back into banks. Quantitative tightening has ended, and the Fed cut rates for the third time in 2025, lowering the target range to a three‑year low. A new $40 billion‑per‑month Treasury bill purchase program adds fresh liquidity. This pivot follows Bitcoin’s 35 % correction, while firms like Vanguard and Charles Schwab begin offering crypto products to millions of users, encouraging aggressive buying on dips. Bitcoin now trades about 18 % above its 2021 highs, lagging the NASDAQ. The BTC/NASDAQ ratio is near the weekly EMA, which currently supports price. After a strong breakout in 2024‑25, momentum stalled as AI‑driven tech stocks surged, but that rally is cooling. Analysts note the tech‑stock slowdown may let the BTC/NASDAQ ratio swing back toward Bitcoin. Early signs show small‑cap indices like the Russell 2000 beginning to outperform larger tech indexes. A favorable rotation could reignite Bitcoin’s upside in the coming weeks.
The BIRB token, developed on the Solana blockchain, is slated to launch in the first quarter of 2026. Orange Cap Games, the parent company of Moonbirds, has confirmed this schedule.
Long-term investors now own roughly 68% of the total Bitcoin supply, amounting to about 14.35 million BTC. Approximately 3.41 million BTC are currently dormant, showing little to no transaction activity. The largest concentrations of Bitcoin are held by governmental bodies, exchange‑traded funds, and corporate treasuries.
President Trump has trimmed the Fed‑chair shortlist to two candidates: Kevin Warsh and NEC director Kevin Hassett. He wants a chair who will lower rates and work with the White House, shifting from Fed independence. The nomination is expected well before Jerome Powell’s term ends in 2026. Betting markets lifted Warsh’s odds from roughly 12% to over 38% after the announcement. Traders now see him as a credible alternative to Hassett and expect a pro‑cut stance. JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon backed Warsh, adding Wall Street weight. Trump insists the U.S. keep the lowest rates among major economies. A Warsh chair would likely speed up cuts, with analysts forecasting several reductions in 2025. His past criticism of high rates aligns with Trump’s aggressive monetary agenda. Lawmakers warn politicizing the role could erode Fed independence and raise inflation risks. Trump brushed aside those concerns, making rate cuts a litmus test for his pick. The final choice will shape the pace of easing and market expectations.
Whale Alert recorded a move of 207,242,926 USDT from OKX to an unknown wallet, worth about $207 million. The size of the transaction signals a large‑scale withdrawal of liquidity from a major exchange. Because the destination address is not linked to any known service, the holder’s intentions remain speculative. Such moves illustrate the growing scale of “whale” activity in the crypto ecosystem. Large off‑exchange transfers can be interpreted as long‑term holding, preparation for an OTC trade, or a hedge against market volatility. When whales pull stablecoins into private storage, it may ease short‑term sell pressure and affect sentiment. Conversely, inflows to exchanges often precede sizable sell orders. Monitoring these flows helps investors gauge institutional mood and potential price swings. Use blockchain explorers and alerts like Whale Alert to stay informed about big moves. Treat any single transaction as a data point, not a decisive signal, and look for patterns over time. Combine on‑chain analysis with fundamental and technical research before adjusting positions. The $207 million USDT shift underscores the importance of secure wallets and the role of stablecoins as a settlement layer for large players.
The Ribbon DOV Legacy Vault suffered a security breach that resulted in a loss of $2.7 million. Approximately 32 percent of all vaults have been paused, and users can no longer withdraw assets until the contract is upgraded. Aevo remains unaffected by the hack and continues normal operations. Withdrawal functionality will be restored only after the necessary contract upgrade is implemented.
The token surged by 183% following its launch on Binance Alpha, driving its market value to roughly $527 million and positioning it as a leading asset in the market.
The RAVE token debuted on December 12‑13, 2025, introducing RaveDAO’s native cryptocurrency to the market. It secured listings on major platforms, including Binance and MEXC, marking a robust entry across leading exchanges. The token is underpinned by genuine event revenue and an NFT ticketing utility, providing tangible value beyond speculation. Soon after launch, RAVE traded close to $0.58, resisting the typical speculative price spikes seen in new tokens. The rollout was supported by an established execution plan, featuring $3 million in pre‑launch revenue generated from over …
The Ribbon DOV Legacy Vault suffered a security breach that resulted in a loss of $2.7 million. Approximately 32 % of the vaults have been paused, and users cannot withdraw funds until the smart contract is upgraded. Aevo remains unaffected by the incident, with its assets and operations continuing as normal. Withdrawals will be possible only after the contract upgrade is completed and the halted vaults are reactivated.
Investigators in Vienna have uncovered that a fatal car‑arson incident was connected to passwords used for a cryptocurrency wallet, suggesting a financial motive behind the killing. Authorities in Ukraine have detained individuals whose cases are tied to the son of Kharkiv’s deputy mayor, indicating a possible involvement in criminal activities.
