Political chaos is driving investors to bet on gold as a safe haven asset, while Bitcoin fails to spark confidence, analysts say. Worries about a US federal government shutdown and fiscal volatility have “weighed on Bitcoin,” Gabe Selby, head of research at CF Benchmarks, told DL News. “Near-term bullish catalysts for Bitcoin remain intact but are increasingly political rather than monetary,” he said. Selby’s analysis comes as the top cryptocurrency is significantly trailing behind other asset classes ...

Market Overview - The total crypto market capitalization fell below $3 trillion in January, with a critical support level identified around $2.86 trillion, which, if broken, could lead to further declines [7] - Analysts have noted that the structure of the total crypto market capitalization is approaching a critical threshold, indicating potential fragility [1] Trading Volume and Investor Sentiment - Total trading volume on centralized exchanges reached $1.118 trillion in January, with Binance accounting for over $490 billion, marking the lowest level since July of the previous year unless a significant rebound occurs [2] - There is a noticeable decline in retail investor demand, with small-scale on-chain trading activity dropping sharply since August of the previous year [3] - The cautious sentiment among investors has led to hesitance in buying, despite many altcoins being 70-90% below their peak prices [3] Stablecoin Market Dynamics - The capitalization of ERC-20 stablecoins declined in January, along with a significant drop in stablecoin reserves held on exchanges, indicating that funds are leaving the market rather than rotating internally [5][6] - The decline in stablecoin market cap and exchange reserves suggests a shift in investor behavior towards cashing out entirely from the market [5] Market Risks and Future Outlook - Analysts have pointed out that the risk of a potential US government shutdown and concerns surrounding the yen carry trade have pushed investors into a defensive stance, reducing trading activity and new investments [4] - Without fresh liquidity, Bitcoin could potentially fall below $70,000, as indicated by recent reports [6]

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee has postponed the hearing on the cryptocurrency market structure bill due to a winter storm, with the new date set for Thursday. The bill aims to clarify the regulatory framework for cryptocurrency markets, specifically delineating the roles of the SEC and CFTC in overseeing digital assets [1][8]. Group 1: Legislative Process - The Senate Agriculture Committee intended to debate and vote on amendments to the cryptocurrency market structure bill, which seeks to define how the CFTC regulates the cryptocurrency market [1]. - The Senate Banking Committee also needs to review its version of the bill, which has been delayed without a new date set, making the legislative process challenging [8][9]. - The approval process involves both committees modifying their respective bills, merging them, and then submitting a unified version for a vote in the Senate [9]. Group 2: CLARITY Act Overview - The CLARITY Act, passed by the House in July 2025, aims to establish a structured framework to address regulatory uncertainties in the digital asset market, defining digital assets, intermediary roles, and disclosure obligations [2]. - The Act focuses on regulating market activities rather than assets, setting registration and conduct standards for exchanges, brokers, and dealers to enhance market integrity and transparency [2][4]. Group 3: Regulatory Authority - The CFTC is granted exclusive regulatory authority over "digital commodities" and their spot markets, particularly for assets with functional and decentralized blockchains, such as Bitcoin [3][5]. - The SEC retains oversight of digital assets classified as securities, which possess investment contract characteristics or have not reached decentralization standards, maintaining authority over primary market issuance and investor protection [3][6]. Group 4: Impact on Investment - The cryptocurrency industry has long sought market structure legislation to protect against unfavorable regulatory actions, particularly during the Biden administration, where several exchanges faced lawsuits from the SEC [10]. - The CLARITY Act aims to resolve regulatory ambiguities by clearly defining digital assets and assigning regulatory responsibilities, potentially reducing the "regulatory risk premium" and encouraging institutional investment in compliant platforms and quality tokens [10][11]. - Clear regulatory frameworks could facilitate the management, tracking, and trading of digital assets, attracting more investors and potentially increasing the value of various tokens [10].

Core Viewpoint - Stablecoins are transitioning from experimental phases in cryptocurrency to becoming integral components of trusted financial infrastructure, as highlighted by OKX's launch of a new debit card in Europe [1]. Group 1: Regulatory Environment - European regulators are enhancing the momentum for stablecoins through the implementation of the EU's Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) framework, which standardizes regulations for stablecoin issuers and crypto service providers across the bloc [1]. Group 2: Product Launch - OKX has introduced a new crypto payments card in Europe, enabling users to spend stablecoins directly at merchants that accept Mastercard [2]. - The OKX Card connects self-custody wallets to real-world payments, offering fee-free spending with a 0.4% market spread applied at the point of conversion [2]. Group 3: User Experience - Unlike traditional crypto cards that require manual conversions or preloading, the OKX Card allows users to pay with stablecoins directly from their wallets, converting assets only at the time of purchase [3]. - Users can earn crypto rewards of up to 20% during a limited promotional period [3]. Group 4: Functionality and Integration - The card supports tap-to-pay functionality through mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, and is usable at over 150 million locations globally [4]. - Designed to integrate with OKX's onchain infrastructure, the card emphasizes user control and avoids centralized custody [4]. Group 5: Compliance and Future Outlook - OKX issues the card through a licensed European payments provider, adhering to anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) regulations [5]. - The expansion of stablecoins into the financial mainstream is supported by Mastercard, with expectations that stablecoins will soon see widespread adoption for instant, low-cost global payments [5].

When the crypto market emerged more than a decade ago, its proponents pitched it as "us vs. them" – a rebel fight against Wall Street and traditional markets. Over time, the great divide slowly closed with the debut of popular traditional instruments like futures and ETFs tied to cryptocurrencies, and now the two worlds have merged on decentralized platforms. The market-beating rally in Hyperliquid's HYPE token, a decentralized exchange, reflects just that, according to Hyunsu Jung, CEO of Nasdaq-listed ...

Core Viewpoint - Tether has rapidly become a significant player in the global gold market, accumulating around 140 tons of gold valued at approximately $24 billion, positioning itself similarly to a central bank in its gold strategy [1][4][6]. Group 1: Gold Accumulation and Market Impact - Tether purchased over 70 tons of gold last year, surpassing most central banks except Poland, which added 102 tons [2]. - The company's gold purchases have contributed to a 65% rally in gold prices last year, indicating its role as a significant new buyer in the market [12]. - Tether's buying rate is about one to two tons per week, with plans to continue this pace for the foreseeable future [8][10]. Group 2: Strategic Positioning and Future Plans - Tether aims to compete with major banks in gold trading, seeking to establish itself as a leading trading entity in the gold market [14][15]. - The company has hired senior gold traders from HSBC to enhance its trading capabilities and explore market inefficiencies [16]. - Tether is also investing in royalty companies related to gold mining, diversifying its exposure in the gold sector [18][19]. Group 3: Geopolitical Context and Market Sentiment - Tether's CEO predicts that geopolitical rivals to the US dollar may launch gold-backed alternatives, reflecting a broader distrust in government debt [4][20]. - The company's strategy aligns with emerging market users of its dollar stablecoin, who view gold as a protective asset against currency debasement [20][26]. - Tether's gold strategy has gained traction amid a significant market rally, as investors seek alternatives to holding US dollars [23][26].

Core Insights - American Bitcoin Corp. (NASDAQ:ABTC) has rapidly accumulated Bitcoin, becoming the 18th-largest Bitcoin treasury within five months of its public debut, holding 5,843 BTC valued at $520 million [2][3] - The company aims to surpass Galaxy Digital Inc. (NASDAQ:GLXY) to become the 17th-largest corporate holder of Bitcoin, while Michael Saylor's Strategy Inc. (NASDAQ:MSTR) leads with $63 billion in Bitcoin [3] Company Performance - American Bitcoin, a majority-owned subsidiary of Hut 8 Corp. (NASDAQ:HUT), began trading on Nasdaq on September 3, 2025, as a hybrid Bitcoin mining and treasury company [4] - The stock has experienced a significant decline of approximately 76% since its launch, attributed to Bitcoin's price drop and the expiration of the lock-up period for early investors [5] Analyst Perspectives - Roth Capital analyst Darren Aftahi has initiated coverage of ABTC with a "Buy" rating and a price target of $4, indicating positive future expectations [6] - The Moving Average Convergence Divergence indicator has signaled a "Buy" for the stock, suggesting potential upward momentum [6] Market Activity - As of the latest data, Bitcoin is trading at $89,097.07, reflecting a 0.48% increase over the last 24 hours [7] - American Bitcoin shares fell 0.63% in after-hours trading after a 5.30% increase during the regular session, indicating volatility in stock performance [7]

Tether’s new stablecoin, USAT, could pose the first serious challenge to Circle’s (CRCL) USDC in the U.S. market, analysts say — if it can win over institutions. Launched in partnership with federally chartered bank Anchorage Digital and Cantor Fitzgerald, USAT is Tether’s first attempt at a U.S.-regulated dollar token aimed at institutional users. Tether's flagship stablecoin, the $186 billion USDT, dominates global crypto trading and emerging markets. But USAT enters a more crowded, compliance-driven a ...

Core Viewpoint - Coinbase stock is experiencing a significant decline, remaining below its 50-day moving average since November, and has recently shown bearish technical indicators due to Bitcoin's price drop below $90,000 [1] Group 1: Stock Performance - Coinbase shares have extended a five-day losing streak, remaining well below both their 50-day and 200-day moving averages [1] - The stock has been negatively impacted by the recent slump in Bitcoin prices, which has raised concerns among investors [1] Group 2: Market Context - The overall market is experiencing volatility, with the U.S. dollar, Bitcoin, and other cryptocurrencies falling amid geopolitical tensions, while gold and silver prices are rallying [1] - Related news indicates that major financial institutions like Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs are actively engaging with Bitcoin and cryptocurrency markets, suggesting ongoing interest despite current market challenges [1]

A friend called me some time ago to share her heartbreak over the declining value of the U.S. dollar. She is a forex broker who told me that the dollar's decline isn't inspiring confidence within the global trading community. I just checked the charts and noticed that the U.S. dollar index, which calculates the value of the USD relative to a basket of foreign currencies, has fallen to 96.16 on Jan. 27. It is the index's lowest point since mid-February 2022. Related: Dollar debasement fears send 'Bitcoin ...