๐ค Bloomberg: Bitcoin ETFs could see massive inflows in 2026
๐ Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas expects $50โ70B to flow into spot Bitcoin ETFs in 2026 if BTC rises to the $130kโ140k range.
The momentum is already visible: in the first two trading days of the year, net inflows reached $1.2B, which annualizes to roughly $150B.
Even under a weak market scenario, ETF inflows could still hit around $22B. If macro conditions improve, demand for Bitcoin ETFs may accelerate significantly โ reinforcing their role as a major gateway for institutional capital into BTC. ๐ฐ
๐ Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas expects $50โ70B to flow into spot Bitcoin ETFs in 2026 if BTC rises to the $130kโ140k range.
The momentum is already visible: in the first two trading days of the year, net inflows reached $1.2B, which annualizes to roughly $150B.
Even under a weak market scenario, ETF inflows could still hit around $22B. If macro conditions improve, demand for Bitcoin ETFs may accelerate significantly โ reinforcing their role as a major gateway for institutional capital into BTC. ๐ฐ
๐8
๐ณ Whales didnโt sleep in 2025
The 21 largest Bitcoin holders massively increased their positions last year, accumulating BTC worth around $40 billion in total. ๐ฐ
While retail was panicking, trading noise, or waiting for โconfirmation,โ big players were quietly stacking. No hype, no emotions โ just long-term conviction.
The 21 largest Bitcoin holders massively increased their positions last year, accumulating BTC worth around $40 billion in total. ๐ฐ
While retail was panicking, trading noise, or waiting for โconfirmation,โ big players were quietly stacking. No hype, no emotions โ just long-term conviction.
๐5โค2
๐ Bitcoin may skip a new ATH in 2026
๐ New research suggests Bitcoin is unlikely to set a new all-time high in 2026, despite short-term bullish signals. Analysts note a clear contrast: while lower timeframes show attempts at recovery, bears still control higher timeframes.
๐ A potential golden cross on the daily chart (21/50 SMA) could spark a short-term rally, but it doesnโt invalidate multiple long-term โshortโ signals. According to Material Indicators, BTC is likely to retest the yearly open near $87,500, with whales seemingly pushing for a deeper support test.
On higher timeframes, conditions remain fragile. Without weekly closes above the 50-week SMA (~$101,500) and stronger RSI readings, both Bitcoin and Ethereum remain at critical inflection points.
Bottom line: short-term volatility and bounces are possible, but a new ATH may have to wait until 2027. ๐คท
๐ New research suggests Bitcoin is unlikely to set a new all-time high in 2026, despite short-term bullish signals. Analysts note a clear contrast: while lower timeframes show attempts at recovery, bears still control higher timeframes.
๐ A potential golden cross on the daily chart (21/50 SMA) could spark a short-term rally, but it doesnโt invalidate multiple long-term โshortโ signals. According to Material Indicators, BTC is likely to retest the yearly open near $87,500, with whales seemingly pushing for a deeper support test.
On higher timeframes, conditions remain fragile. Without weekly closes above the 50-week SMA (~$101,500) and stronger RSI readings, both Bitcoin and Ethereum remain at critical inflection points.
Bottom line: short-term volatility and bounces are possible, but a new ATH may have to wait until 2027. ๐คท
โค3๐3
๐ณ Zcash governance drama: team walks away to stay independent
โก๏ธA major governance split has hit Zcash ($ZEC). The CEO of Electric Coin Company (ECC) stated that Bootstrap, the nonprofit overseeing Zcash development, has drifted away from the projectโs original mission.
As a result:
โฅ The entire Zcash development team has left ECC
โฅ Developers are forming a new company to continue maintaining and building Zcash
โฅ The Zcash protocol itself is unaffected โ the network is running normally
In simple terms, the dev team chose to exit under Bootstrapโs control to preserve independence and keep developing the privacy-focused coin without external pressure. ๐ง
ECC has been responsible for Zcash development since launch, while Bootstrap controlled governance, budgets, and team conditions.
This marks a major shift in who steers Zcashโs future โ but not a disruption to the chain itself. ๐๐
โก๏ธA major governance split has hit Zcash ($ZEC). The CEO of Electric Coin Company (ECC) stated that Bootstrap, the nonprofit overseeing Zcash development, has drifted away from the projectโs original mission.
As a result:
โฅ The entire Zcash development team has left ECC
โฅ Developers are forming a new company to continue maintaining and building Zcash
โฅ The Zcash protocol itself is unaffected โ the network is running normally
In simple terms, the dev team chose to exit under Bootstrapโs control to preserve independence and keep developing the privacy-focused coin without external pressure. ๐ง
ECC has been responsible for Zcash development since launch, while Bootstrap controlled governance, budgets, and team conditions.
This marks a major shift in who steers Zcashโs future โ but not a disruption to the chain itself. ๐๐
๐4
๐ง๐ท Brazilian presidential hopeful wants a national Bitcoin reserve
Brazilian political activist and presidential candidate Renan Santos, founder of the Mission Party, says Brazil should create a strategic Bitcoin reserve, calling the idea โfeasibleโ and pointing to El Salvador as an example. ๐ธ๐ป๐ง
Santos claims Bitcoin is already part of his election manifesto and believes blockchain can be used by the public sector to fight corruption and reduce embezzlement. He argues that more countries are moving toward BTC reserves and that Brazil shouldnโt be left behind.
Interest in Bitcoin at the state level is growing: Brazilian lawmakers previously held hearings on BTC reserves, and draft bills have proposed adding Bitcoin and other โsecureโ cryptocurrencies to the treasury. ๐ต
With elections set for October 4, Santos positions himself as a โBrazilian Bukele,โ pushing pro-Bitcoin, pro-sovereignty policies โ while controversy continues to follow his bold views.
Brazil stacking sats next? ๐
Brazilian political activist and presidential candidate Renan Santos, founder of the Mission Party, says Brazil should create a strategic Bitcoin reserve, calling the idea โfeasibleโ and pointing to El Salvador as an example. ๐ธ๐ป๐ง
Santos claims Bitcoin is already part of his election manifesto and believes blockchain can be used by the public sector to fight corruption and reduce embezzlement. He argues that more countries are moving toward BTC reserves and that Brazil shouldnโt be left behind.
Interest in Bitcoin at the state level is growing: Brazilian lawmakers previously held hearings on BTC reserves, and draft bills have proposed adding Bitcoin and other โsecureโ cryptocurrencies to the treasury. ๐ต
With elections set for October 4, Santos positions himself as a โBrazilian Bukele,โ pushing pro-Bitcoin, pro-sovereignty policies โ while controversy continues to follow his bold views.
Brazil stacking sats next? ๐
๐3โค1
๐ Bitcoin capital inflows are drying up
๐ต๏ธโโ๏ธ CryptoQuant CEO Ki Young Ju says liquidity flows are now far more diversified, making it pointless to time โfresh inflowsโ like in past cycles. Long-term institutional players have broken the old model where whales sell and retail buys the dip.
Large holders such as Strategy are unlikely to dump any meaningful portion of their 673k BTC, reducing the risk of panic sell-offs. Meanwhile, capital has rotated into equities and precious metals. ๐น
A classic -50%+ crash from ATH, seen in previous cycles, now looks unlikely. Instead, the market may face months of boring sideways price action.
๐ต๏ธโโ๏ธ CryptoQuant CEO Ki Young Ju says liquidity flows are now far more diversified, making it pointless to time โfresh inflowsโ like in past cycles. Long-term institutional players have broken the old model where whales sell and retail buys the dip.
Large holders such as Strategy are unlikely to dump any meaningful portion of their 673k BTC, reducing the risk of panic sell-offs. Meanwhile, capital has rotated into equities and precious metals. ๐น
A classic -50%+ crash from ATH, seen in previous cycles, now looks unlikely. Instead, the market may face months of boring sideways price action.
Trying to short BTC here hoping for a sudden nuke?
Good luck with that. ๐ถโ๐ซ๏ธ
๐3๐2๐2
๐ No pardon this time
๐ฐ The New York Times reports that Donald Trump has shown no interest in pardoning former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried.
Despite speculation in parts of the crypto community, SBF is not on Trumpโs mercy list. For now, the ex-head of the collapsed exchange remains far from any political lifeline.
Looks like even in crypto, some bags are simply too heavy to bail out. ๐คท
๐ฐ The New York Times reports that Donald Trump has shown no interest in pardoning former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried.
Despite speculation in parts of the crypto community, SBF is not on Trumpโs mercy list. For now, the ex-head of the collapsed exchange remains far from any political lifeline.
Looks like even in crypto, some bags are simply too heavy to bail out. ๐คท
๐4๐1
๐ Too early to bury the 4-year cycle
๐ต๏ธโโ๏ธ Analyst Willy Woo says itโs premature to declare the death of Bitcoinโs classic 4-year cycles.
According to him, capital inflows into BTC are slowing down in a very familiar way โ the same pattern seen in previous cycles. In other words, nothing โnewโ yet: the market may simply be following its old playbook.
So before calling this cycle โdifferent,โ Woo suggests taking a breath and watching the data. Bitcoin might still be moving to a rhythm we already know ๐ฌ
๐ต๏ธโโ๏ธ Analyst Willy Woo says itโs premature to declare the death of Bitcoinโs classic 4-year cycles.
According to him, capital inflows into BTC are slowing down in a very familiar way โ the same pattern seen in previous cycles. In other words, nothing โnewโ yet: the market may simply be following its old playbook.
So before calling this cycle โdifferent,โ Woo suggests taking a breath and watching the data. Bitcoin might still be moving to a rhythm we already know ๐ฌ
๐3๐3
๐ Bitcoin Open Interest hits a new low
Bitcoinโs open interest has dropped to its lowest level since 2022. This signals that leverage has largely been flushed out of the market, with traders stepping back and risk being reduced. ๐
๐ค Historically, similar open interest lows since 2022 have often marked periods of consolidation โ or even the early stages of bullish reversals โ especially once price action begins to stabilize.
In short: fewer leveraged bets, calmer conditions, and a setup that has previously aligned with market resets. Whether this turns bullish again will depend on what price does next. ๐๐ง
Bitcoinโs open interest has dropped to its lowest level since 2022. This signals that leverage has largely been flushed out of the market, with traders stepping back and risk being reduced. ๐
๐ค Historically, similar open interest lows since 2022 have often marked periods of consolidation โ or even the early stages of bullish reversals โ especially once price action begins to stabilize.
In short: fewer leveraged bets, calmer conditions, and a setup that has previously aligned with market resets. Whether this turns bullish again will depend on what price does next. ๐๐ง
๐2๐2
๐ฏ CryptoQuant: $79,000 is a key Bitcoin support
๐ According to CryptoQuant, the $79K level is one of the most important support zones for Bitcoin. This price closely matches the realized price (average entry) of US spot Bitcoin ETF investors.
At BTC โ $79,000, most ETF holders are at breakeven. A sustained break below this level would push institutions into unrealized losses, which could trigger profit-protection behavior, forced selling, and additional downside pressure on the market. ๐ต
In short: $79K isnโt just a chart level โ itโs a psychological and institutional line in the sand. ๐ง
๐ According to CryptoQuant, the $79K level is one of the most important support zones for Bitcoin. This price closely matches the realized price (average entry) of US spot Bitcoin ETF investors.
At BTC โ $79,000, most ETF holders are at breakeven. A sustained break below this level would push institutions into unrealized losses, which could trigger profit-protection behavior, forced selling, and additional downside pressure on the market. ๐ต
In short: $79K isnโt just a chart level โ itโs a psychological and institutional line in the sand. ๐ง
๐3๐1
๐ฆ Altcoins are taking over spot trading
๐ On-chain data shows a clear shift in market activity: altcoins now dominate spot trading volumes. They account for around 50% of total volume, surpassing both Bitcoin (27%) and Ethereum (23%).
This suggests traders are increasingly rotating into higher-risk assets in search of better short-term returns, while BTC and ETH take a back seat.
Historically, such dominance often reflects speculative appetite and can precede periods of heightened volatility across the altcoin market. ๐ฅ
๐ On-chain data shows a clear shift in market activity: altcoins now dominate spot trading volumes. They account for around 50% of total volume, surpassing both Bitcoin (27%) and Ethereum (23%).
This suggests traders are increasingly rotating into higher-risk assets in search of better short-term returns, while BTC and ETH take a back seat.
Historically, such dominance often reflects speculative appetite and can precede periods of heightened volatility across the altcoin market. ๐ฅ
1๐7โค1
๐ซก 17 Years Since Bitcoin Went Live
On January 10, it marked 17 years since Hal Finney announced the launch of Bitcoin. ๐
Hal wasnโt just an early supporter โ he became the first person in history to receive a BTC transaction, sent directly by Satoshi Nakamoto.
๐ฐ Around that same time, Finney publicly speculated that 1 BTC could one day be worth $10 million. Back in 2009, this sounded almost absurd.
Fast forward to today โ with Bitcoin established as a global asset, institutional adoption growing, and scarcity becoming more obvious โ imagining such a price no longer feels purely hypothetical.
History reminds us: the boldest ideas often look unrealisticโฆ until they donโt. ๐
On January 10, it marked 17 years since Hal Finney announced the launch of Bitcoin. ๐
Hal wasnโt just an early supporter โ he became the first person in history to receive a BTC transaction, sent directly by Satoshi Nakamoto.
๐ฐ Around that same time, Finney publicly speculated that 1 BTC could one day be worth $10 million. Back in 2009, this sounded almost absurd.
Fast forward to today โ with Bitcoin established as a global asset, institutional adoption growing, and scarcity becoming more obvious โ imagining such a price no longer feels purely hypothetical.
History reminds us: the boldest ideas often look unrealisticโฆ until they donโt. ๐
๐5
โ๏ธ $180M+ in USDT Frozen on Tron
A series of large-scale USDT address freezes has been recorded on the Tron blockchain, with the total amount exceeding $180 million. ๐
According to reports, the affected wallets may be linked to Iran, although there is no official confirmation so far. If verified, this would align with ongoing regulatory and sanctions-related enforcement in the crypto space.
The situation once again highlights a key risk of centralized stablecoins: issuers retain the ability to freeze funds at the protocol level, especially under legal or political pressure.
Worth keeping an eye on ๐
A series of large-scale USDT address freezes has been recorded on the Tron blockchain, with the total amount exceeding $180 million. ๐
According to reports, the affected wallets may be linked to Iran, although there is no official confirmation so far. If verified, this would align with ongoing regulatory and sanctions-related enforcement in the crypto space.
The situation once again highlights a key risk of centralized stablecoins: issuers retain the ability to freeze funds at the protocol level, especially under legal or political pressure.
Worth keeping an eye on ๐
๐ฅ4๐2
๐ Reality of Bitcoin Mining Today
A miner shared his current results: running 27 ASIC devices, his monthly revenue is about $4,800 (~0.053 BTC). After electricity and hosting costs, net profit is just over $1,000.
Over 3.5 years, mining delivered returns comparable to simply buying BTC outright. Despite this, he sticks to a mine & hold strategy rather than selling.
His long-term bet is on higher transaction fees and a rise in ASIC hardware prices during the next bull market, which could significantly improve overall profitability. ๐ต๐
A miner shared his current results: running 27 ASIC devices, his monthly revenue is about $4,800 (~0.053 BTC). After electricity and hosting costs, net profit is just over $1,000.
Over 3.5 years, mining delivered returns comparable to simply buying BTC outright. Despite this, he sticks to a mine & hold strategy rather than selling.
His long-term bet is on higher transaction fees and a rise in ASIC hardware prices during the next bull market, which could significantly improve overall profitability. ๐ต๐
โ2๐1
๐ฆ๐ช Dubai Bans Privacy Coins, Tightens Stablecoin Rules
Dubaiโs financial regulator DFSA has rolled out new digital asset rules in the DIFC.
๐ From January 12, privacy-focused cryptocurrencies such as Monero and Zcash are banned due to the inability to ensure transaction transparency, AML compliance, and sanctions enforcement.
๐ต At the same time, DFSA revised its stablecoin definition. Only tokens pegged to fiat currencies and backed by highly liquid reserves now qualify as stablecoins. Algorithmic assets like Ethenaโs USDe no longer fall under this category, although their circulation is not prohibited.
Under the new framework, licensed DIFC firms will independently assess and approve crypto assets without prior regulator approval โ shifting more responsibility to market participants.
Dubaiโs financial regulator DFSA has rolled out new digital asset rules in the DIFC.
๐ From January 12, privacy-focused cryptocurrencies such as Monero and Zcash are banned due to the inability to ensure transaction transparency, AML compliance, and sanctions enforcement.
๐ต At the same time, DFSA revised its stablecoin definition. Only tokens pegged to fiat currencies and backed by highly liquid reserves now qualify as stablecoins. Algorithmic assets like Ethenaโs USDe no longer fall under this category, although their circulation is not prohibited.
Under the new framework, licensed DIFC firms will independently assess and approve crypto assets without prior regulator approval โ shifting more responsibility to market participants.
๐2๐1
๐ Mid-Tier Crypto Exchanges Close the Gap in 2025
๐ Major crypto exchanges increased trading volumes in 2025, but growth was uneven, according to data compiled by WuBlockchain.
On the spot market, the top players were Binance, Bybit, MEXC, and Gate. Binance remains the clear leader, with volumes nearly 5x higher than its closest competitor, though its growth lagged the broader market. Meanwhile, MEXC, Bitget, and Gate stood out with strong gains across key metrics. ๐งฎ
In derivatives (mainly perpetual futures), leaders included Binance, MEXC, OKX, Bybit, Bitget, and Gate. Total derivatives volume among major exchanges grew by around 37%. Bitget nearly quadrupled its volumes, while Gate and OKX grew by about 40%. ๐
Website traffic surged at HTX (over 3x), with solid growth at MEXC (+70%) and KuCoin (+40%). The sharpest traffic declines were seen at Bybit, Bitfinex, and Binance.
๐ Major crypto exchanges increased trading volumes in 2025, but growth was uneven, according to data compiled by WuBlockchain.
On the spot market, the top players were Binance, Bybit, MEXC, and Gate. Binance remains the clear leader, with volumes nearly 5x higher than its closest competitor, though its growth lagged the broader market. Meanwhile, MEXC, Bitget, and Gate stood out with strong gains across key metrics. ๐งฎ
In derivatives (mainly perpetual futures), leaders included Binance, MEXC, OKX, Bybit, Bitget, and Gate. Total derivatives volume among major exchanges grew by around 37%. Bitget nearly quadrupled its volumes, while Gate and OKX grew by about 40%. ๐
Website traffic surged at HTX (over 3x), with solid growth at MEXC (+70%) and KuCoin (+40%). The sharpest traffic declines were seen at Bybit, Bitfinex, and Binance.
๐4โค1
This media is not supported in your browser
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
Saylor: Bitcoin as a Tool for Survival
Michael Saylor stated that for people living in countries with rapidly depreciating currencies โ such as Nigeria โ Bitcoin is not an investment, but a survival tool.โ๏ธ๐งฐ
In an interview, he compared BTC to insulin for a diabetic, calling it the only reliable way to preserve โeconomic energyโ and protect savings from hyperinflation. ๐ฉ
The message is clear: in unstable monetary systems, Bitcoinโs role goes far beyond speculation โ it becomes a means of financial self-defense. ๐ฅฝ
Michael Saylor stated that for people living in countries with rapidly depreciating currencies โ such as Nigeria โ Bitcoin is not an investment, but a survival tool.โ๏ธ๐งฐ
In an interview, he compared BTC to insulin for a diabetic, calling it the only reliable way to preserve โeconomic energyโ and protect savings from hyperinflation. ๐ฉ
The message is clear: in unstable monetary systems, Bitcoinโs role goes far beyond speculation โ it becomes a means of financial self-defense. ๐ฅฝ
๐4๐ฏ1
Crypto soothsayer
โ๏ธ $180M+ in USDT Frozen on Tron A series of large-scale USDT address freezes has been recorded on the Tron blockchain, with the total amount exceeding $180 million. ๐ According to reports, the affected wallets may be linked to Iran, although there is noโฆ
โ ๏ธ Crypto and Sanctions Evasion: Chainalysis Report
๐ According to Chainalysis, Iran and Russia have emerged as key players in using cryptocurrencies to circumvent international sanctions.
Overall, the volume of illicit crypto transactions hit a new record in 2025, reaching $154 billion โ a 162% increase year over year. Analysts point out that geopolitical pressure is increasingly pushing sanctioned states toward crypto-based financial rails. ๐ต๐
The report also highlights the growing influence of Chinese money-laundering networks, which have transformed crypto crime into a highly organized, professional industry. ๐
The findings underline a shifting landscape where crypto is playing a larger role in both global finance โ and global enforcement challenges. ๐
๐ According to Chainalysis, Iran and Russia have emerged as key players in using cryptocurrencies to circumvent international sanctions.
Overall, the volume of illicit crypto transactions hit a new record in 2025, reaching $154 billion โ a 162% increase year over year. Analysts point out that geopolitical pressure is increasingly pushing sanctioned states toward crypto-based financial rails. ๐ต๐
The report also highlights the growing influence of Chinese money-laundering networks, which have transformed crypto crime into a highly organized, professional industry. ๐
The findings underline a shifting landscape where crypto is playing a larger role in both global finance โ and global enforcement challenges. ๐
๐4