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Markets are entering a highly volatile week driven by political, economic, and corporate developments. Investors are reacting to renewed tariff threats from US President Donald Trump toward Canada, which were partially eased after Canada ruled out a trade deal with China, as well as rising chances of a partial US government shutdown as funding negotiations stall in Congress. Key data releases include the US Consumer Confidence report on Tuesday and producer price inflation data on Friday, both of which could influence expectations around growth and inflation. The Federal Reserve is also set to announce its interest rate decision on Wednesday, with markets overwhelmingly expecting rates to remain unchanged. At the same time, quarterly earnings from major technology companies including Microsoft, Meta, Tesla, and Apple are adding further uncertainty, with stock futures already under pressure at the start of the week.
Crypto markets have weakened alongside broader risk assets, with total market capitalization falling about 1.8 percent to around 3 trillion. Bitcoin dropped to roughly 86,000, its lowest level in five weeks, before rebounding slightly to near 87,700, leaving it close to key technical support levels that could determine whether the market stabilizes or slides further. Ether also declined, briefly dipping below 2,800, while most alternative cryptocurrencies saw sharper losses. The combination of macroeconomic uncertainty, political risk, central bank policy decisions, and corporate earnings is expected to keep digital asset prices highly sensitive to news throughout the week. Source
Binance has applied for a Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation license in Greece as the July 1 deadline approaches for crypto firms to be authorized to operate in the European Union. The exchange established a Greek holding company, Binary Greece, in December with share capital of 25,000 euros and an indefinite operating horizon, signalling a long-term commitment. The company is working with the Hellenic Capital Market Commission on its application, which has reportedly been fast-tracked despite Greece not yet granting any MiCA licences to other providers. Binance said it selected Greece partly due to its strong economic outlook, with government forecasts pointing to GDP growth of 2.4 percent in 2026, and cited the country’s regulatory environment as supportive of financial stability and investor protection.
Without approval, Binance would be required to stop offering services across the EU from July onward, making the license critical to its regional operations. The application comes as European regulators tighten oversight, with France warning that many registered crypto firms have not yet secured MiCA authorization and pushing back against automatic EU-wide passporting of licences. While Binance has publicly welcomed MiCA as a step toward clearer rules and stronger user protections, the broader regulatory landscape remains contested, with the European Commission advocating centralized supervision by the European Securities and Markets Authority and some member states resisting the move. Several major companies, including Coinbase, Kraken, Bitstamp, eToro, Circle, and Revolut, have already obtained MiCA licences. Source
Nifty Gateway, one of the best-known early NFT marketplaces, will shut down on February 23, 2026, after entering withdrawal-only mode in late January. Owned by crypto exchange Gemini, the platform has given users about a month to move their NFTs and funds, with withdrawals available through linked Gemini accounts or directly to banks via Stripe. Launched in 2020, Nifty Gateway helped bring NFTs to a mainstream audience by enabling credit card purchases and hosting curated releases from major artists such as Beeple and Grimes. It reached more than $300 million in sales during the peak of the NFT boom in mid-2021, but activity declined sharply as the market cooled. In 2024, the company pivoted away from operating a traditional marketplace and rebranded as Nifty Gateway Studio, focusing on onchain creative projects and brand partnerships.
Gemini said the closure will allow it to concentrate on building its broader crypto platform while continuing to support NFTs through its wallet product. The shutdown adds to a growing list of high-profile exits from the NFT sector following years of reduced trading volumes and investor interest. At the same time, parts of the market have shown limited signs of recovery, with total NFT market capitalization rising around 20 percent in the first two weeks of 2026 to just over 3 billion dollars, including a single-day increase of about 300 million dollars alongside higher trading activity. Source
Kansas lawmakers have introduced a bill that would create a state-managed Bitcoin and digital assets reserve fund overseen by the state treasurer, integrating cryptocurrencies into the state’s unclaimed property system. Under the proposal, digital assets would be considered abandoned after three years of owner inactivity and transferred to the state or a qualified custodian, where they could be held in their original form or staked. Any staking rewards, interest, or airdropped tokens generated during this period could be retained by the state, subject to legislative approval, while the original assets would remain claimable by their owners. The bill also treats Bitcoin differently from other digital assets by prohibiting its transfer to the general fund and keeping it solely in the reserve, while 10 percent of most other digital asset deposits would be routed to the state’s general fund.
The proposal has sparked debate over how a government would safely manage and govern crypto holdings on its balance sheet, including who would control transactions, how decisions would be recorded, and how assets would be protected from theft or operational failures. Industry observers warn that price volatility, weak custody practices, or unclear oversight could expose the state to financial losses and reputational damage, and that public trust would depend on strong transparency measures. Suggestions include publishing reserve policies, disclosing custody arrangements in plain language, listing on-chain addresses if applicable, and providing regular independent attestations, so residents can verify the state’s holdings and management practices. Source
Cathie Wood’s ARK Invest increased its exposure to crypto-related stocks during a sector-wide pullback, buying shares of Coinbase, Circle and Bullish across its ARK Innovation and ARK Fintech Innovation ETFs. The firm purchased about 42,000 Coinbase shares worth roughly $9.4 million, alongside around 129,000 Circle shares valued near $9.2 million and about 88,500 Bullish shares worth approximately $3.2 million. The moves came as Coinbase shares fell around 3% on the day, while Circle was mostly flat and Bullish declined about 2%. At the same time, ARK trimmed other holdings, including selling roughly $8 million worth of Meta Platforms stock.
The broader crypto downturn in the fourth quarter of 2025 weighed heavily on ARK’s ETFs, with crypto-linked equities identified as a major source of weakness. Coinbase was the largest drag on performance across several ARK funds, as its shares dropped more sharply than Bitcoin and Ether, partly due to a 9% quarter-on-quarter decline in centralized exchange trading volumes after October’s liquidation event. Roblox was another significant detractor after warning about weaker operating margins and facing added pressure from a ban in Russia. Despite the short-term slump, ARK remains optimistic about the sector’s long-term prospects, forecasting the crypto market could reach $28 trillion by 2030, growing at a 61% annual rate, with Bitcoin making up about 70% of that value and potentially trading near $950,000 to $1 million as institutional adoption continues to rise. Source
Ledger is preparing a potential initial public offering in the United States that could value the hardware wallet company at more than $4 billion, with Goldman Sachs, Jefferies, and Barclays lined up to lead the deal. The listing, which could take place as soon as this year, would put Ledger on the New York Stock Exchange and follows BitGo’s recent debut as 2026’s first crypto-focused IPO, which raised up to $213 million at a valuation close to $2 billion. Ledger’s move comes as crypto companies increasingly look to U.S. public markets, encouraged by a more supportive regulatory stance under President Donald Trump and renewed interest in digital asset infrastructure among institutional investors.
Market sentiment toward crypto IPOs remains uneven, with Circle’s shares surging after its listing, while many other crypto stocks have fallen alongside Bitcoin in recent months. Analysts say Ledger may benefit from tightening custody regulations and growing institutional participation, which favour secure asset storage providers over trading platforms that depend on volatile volumes. At the same time, its business remains partly tied to consumer hardware cycles, leaving revenue exposed during prolonged market downturns. With Bitcoin trading below recent highs and investors cautious about macroeconomic conditions, the success of Ledger’s IPO is likely to hinge on both regulatory clarity and the broader trajectory of the crypto market. Source
Michael Saylor said the greatest risk to Bitcoin comes from ambitious actors seeking to push protocol changes, arguing that major alterations should be rare and carefully considered. His comments triggered strong reactions within the community, with some interpreting them as criticism of developers promoting non-monetary uses such as NFTs and onchain images. Others countered that resisting change is dangerous for a system that has historically required bug fixes and upgrades, while some pointed to ongoing disputes over blockchain spam and proposals like BIP-110, which aims to temporarily filter non-financial data from the network. The debate highlights a long-running divide between those who want to keep Bitcoin’s design largely frozen and those who support expanding its technical capabilities, including features like quantum-resistant addresses and data storage.
Quantum computing emerged as another focal point in the discussion, with some investors calling it the true existential threat to Bitcoin. Venture capitalist Nic Carter has urged rapid adoption of post-quantum cryptography, while Blockstream CEO Adam Back dismissed those warnings as exaggerated, saying developers are already researching defenses without public alarmism. Market analyst James Check added that fears over quantum computing are not currently influencing Bitcoin’s price, attributing recent declines instead to long-term holders selling their coins. Together, the arguments reflect broader tensions over how Bitcoin should balance security, innovation, and stability as it matures. Source
Markethive is presented as a comprehensive customer acquisition platform designed to help businesses and individuals attract, engage, and convert leads through an integrated set of digital marketing tools. The article outlines the importance of structured acquisition strategies and reviews common channels such as content marketing, blogging, social media, video, email marketing, SEO, promo codes, and optimized landing pages. Markethive differentiates itself by combining these functions into a single ecosystem that includes a proprietary social media network, advanced content distribution, planned smart email responders, built-in analytics, promo code tracking, and an upcoming site and landing page builder called Sitemaker. Together, these features are positioned as a way to streamline marketing workflows, improve conversion rates, and support both retail-focused businesses and entrepreneurs seeking recurring income opportunities.
Beyond standard marketing infrastructure, Markethive emphasizes collaborative growth through its ecosystem design, including company-specific supergroups, affiliate program integration, and a cooperative lead-generation system that distributes customers and prospects among active participants. The platform is also developing blockchain-based components, including its Hivecoin token and decentralized data infrastructure, to enhance security, transparency, and user ownership of data. By combining cooperative marketing, shared digital storefronts, and a full-stack marketing toolkit, Markethive aims to lower barriers to customer acquisition, particularly for small businesses and network marketers, while creating a shared environment where individual success is linked to the overall growth of the network. Source
SharpLink Gaming is positioning itself as a long-term, shareholder-focused Ethereum treasury rather than a firm chasing rapid accumulation. CEO Joseph Chalom says the company will only add ETH when it benefits shareholders, specifically when its multiple to net asset value is above 1, avoiding frequent capital raises that would dilute equity holders. The company currently holds 865,797 ETH worth more than 2.6 billion dollars and has not made a major purchase since October, putting it far behind rival BitMine Immersion Technologies, which holds over 4.2 million ETH and has pursued high-profile investments such as a 200 million dollar stake in MrBeast’s company. Chalom argues that restraint and discipline, rather than size alone, will define SharpLink’s strategy and reputation in 2026.
Despite its approach, SharpLink’s stock has dropped more than 60 percent over the past six months, though Chalom says institutional ownership is rising as long-term investors buy into its methodical strategy. The company has also begun staking part of its holdings, committing 170 million dollars’ worth of ETH to the Linea layer-2 network to generate enhanced yields and incentives, marking its first major move into more productive use of its assets. SharpLink ultimately aims to hold 5 percent of Ethereum’s circulating supply, similar to BitMine, but says it will prioritize ETH per share and investor alignment over aggressive expansion, presenting itself as a disciplined alternative in the growing digital asset treasury sector. Source
The UK Financial Conduct Authority has opened the final stage of consultation on 10 proposed rules designed to bring the crypto sector closer to traditional financial market standards. The regulator says the measures aim to support an open, sustainable and competitive market while ensuring investors better understand the risks involved, rather than trying to eliminate risk entirely. The proposals span areas such as business conduct requirements, buying crypto with credit, regulatory reporting, safeguarding of customer assets, and how retail collateral should be treated when borrowing crypto, with feedback due by March 12.
The package was first outlined in December as part of the government’s broader crypto policy roadmap, and the FCA says it has since made significant progress refining the framework. Earlier this month, it also set out plans for a new licensing regime that will require crypto asset service providers to obtain FCA authorization to operate in the UK, bringing them under tighter regulatory oversight. The application window for this regime is expected to open in September 2026, with final details to be confirmed. Source
Merkle Manufactory, the company behind the decentralized social protocol Farcaster, will return the full 180 million dollars it raised from venture investors following the sale of the project to infrastructure firm Neynar. Co-founder Dan Romero emphasized that Farcaster is not shutting down, and the protocol will continue to operate as Neynar assumes responsibility for its contracts, code repositories, core app, and the Clanker project. The transition reflects a strategic shift toward a developer-focused approach, with Neynar overseeing the platform’s operations and maintenance while prioritizing infrastructure and long-term sustainability over purely ideological goals.
The handover of Farcaster mirrors broader changes in the decentralized social media space, where infrastructure-focused teams are taking operational control from founder-led organizations. Lens Protocol, another major decentralized social platform, recently transitioned stewardship to Mask Network, highlighting a trend toward professional management of these ecosystems. Observers note that these developments indicate a maturation phase for on-chain social platforms, emphasizing reliability, scalability, and developer support rather than relying solely on decentralization or cultural momentum. Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin cited Farcaster and Lens as examples of platforms that can change operators without disrupting user networks or governance, signaling a shift toward infrastructure-driven growth in the sector. Source
Japan’s Financial Services Agency is considering rule changes that could allow cryptocurrencies to be included as eligible assets for exchange-traded funds, potentially as early as 2028. The proposed framework would combine crypto inclusion with enhanced investor-protection measures, enabling retail investors to access regulated exposure to Bitcoin and other digital assets through traditional brokerage accounts. Major financial groups, including Nomura Holdings and SBI Holdings, are expected to be among the first to develop crypto-linked ETF products if the regulatory adjustments are approved, bringing Japan closer in line with markets such as the United States and Hong Kong, which authorized spot crypto ETFs in 2024.
The discussions remain preliminary, reflecting regulatory intent rather than a confirmed policy shift, and formal consultations and rule revisions would be required before any ETFs could be launched. Currently, Japanese regulations prevent ETFs from directly holding digital assets, though industry players like SBI Holdings have already prepared proposals for crypto ETFs, including dual Bitcoin-XRP products and gold-crypto structures. Estimates suggest the potential market could reach 1 trillion yen, or about 6.4 billion dollars, depending on investor demand and finalized rules. Recent comments from Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama signal strong government support for fintech innovation, highlighting the role crypto ETFs could play as inflation hedges and further encouraging development in the sector. Source
U.S. spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds experienced significant outflows over four consecutive trading days, totaling $1.62 billion. The largest single-day withdrawal was $708.7 million on Wednesday, following earlier exits of $394.68 million on Friday, $483.38 million on Tuesday, and $32.11 million on Thursday. This marks one of the most sustained redemption periods since these ETFs launched in early 2024. Analysts attribute the sell-off to fading profitability in the Bitcoin basis trade, which has dropped to yields below 5% from 17% a year ago, prompting hedge funds and other fast-moving institutional investors to pull capital rapidly. The withdrawals coincide with Bitcoin’s slide under $89,000 and broader risk-off moves in the S&P 500, reflecting growing macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty.
Investor sentiment has turned increasingly bearish as the absence of major players at current levels adds downward pressure. Prediction markets now assign a 30% chance of Bitcoin dropping to $69,000, up from 11.6% last week. Market experts suggest that a return of retail interest or stabilization in macro conditions could revive ETF flows, though long-term growth will depend on slower, more consistent investment from financial advisors. Broader macro expectations, including potential changes in Federal Reserve leadership and interest rate policy, are viewed as key variables that could influence risk appetite and the trajectory of Bitcoin ETFs. Source
The Ethereum Foundation has established a dedicated Post-Quantum (PQ) team, signaling a major strategic shift toward safeguarding the network against emerging quantum computing threats. The initiative, announced by researcher Justin Drake, marks a transition from research to active implementation, with the effort centered on LeanVM, live post-quantum devnets, new developer calls, and incentive programs including $2 million in prizes. The team aims to ensure zero fund loss and uninterrupted network operations while preparing the ecosystem for a future where quantum computers could compromise current elliptic-curve cryptography. Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has emphasized the urgency of adopting post-quantum cryptography now to maintain the network’s long-term security and resilience.
The initiative includes biweekly breakout calls for core developers focused on post-quantum transactions, account abstraction, and signature aggregation, as well as contests like the $1 million Poseidon Prize to strengthen hash-based cryptography foundations. The Ethereum effort aligns with broader industry movements, including Drake’s role on a quantum advisory board at Coinbase, aimed at assessing how quantum computing could impact blockchain security and managing cryptographic transitions over time. By prioritizing post-quantum readiness, Ethereum is positioning itself to maintain cryptographic safety and network stability for decades ahead. Source
Gold prices surged to a record high of $5,080, driven by escalating geopolitical and trade tensions, including fears of a potential US government shutdown and renewed tariff threats from the Trump administration. The precious metal has gained 17% so far in January, outpacing other assets like Ether, which fell below $2,800 and remains more than 40% down from its August peak. Silver also reached historic levels above $107 per ounce, up 48% for the year, highlighting a broader shift toward traditional safe-haven assets amid growing uncertainty in global markets. Investors have increasingly favored gold over treasuries, citing the combination of government shutdown risk and rising tariff threats as key factors driving capital toward the metal.
Bitcoin, by contrast, fell to just under $86,000, erasing its year-to-date gains and diverging sharply from gold’s performance. The digital asset is now about 30% below its October peak of $126,000, reflecting waning investor appetite amid macroeconomic uncertainty. Analysts note that while gold has surged 83% over the past year, Bitcoin has declined 17%, signaling a breakdown in the historical correlation between cryptocurrencies and precious metals. Market participants attribute this divergence to Bitcoin’s sensitivity to risk-off sentiment and the perception of gold as a more reliable store of value during turbulent periods. Source
The cryptocurrency market lost around $100 billion late Sunday amid fears of a potential US government shutdown, driven by Senate Democrats threatening to block a funding bill that included money for the Department of Homeland Security. The uncertainty caused a sharp sell-off, pushing Bitcoin down 3.4% to $87,714 and Ether down 5.3% to $2,888, while over $360 million in leveraged positions were liquidated, mostly long positions. Heightened geopolitical tensions, including President Trump’s threat of 100% tariffs on Canada over a China trade deal and US military deployments to the Middle East amid rising friction with Iran, further amplified investor anxiety and risk-off sentiment.
Prediction markets now place the odds of a US government shutdown by January 31 at around 80%, a dramatic rise from below 10% just days earlier. Historical context also weighs on traders, as during the 43-day shutdown last year, Bitcoin fell from its all-time high above $126,000 to below $100,000, with gold outperforming digital assets as investors sought traditional safe havens. Market sentiment remains fragile, reflected in the Crypto Fear & Greed Index lingering at 20, deep in the “extreme fear” zone, highlighting continued caution among crypto investors amid macroeconomic and geopolitical instability. Source
Disclaimer: These articles are provided for informational purposes only. They are not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other advice.
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