What Sparked the PENGUIN Price Surge? The Nietzschean Penguin (PENGUIN), a Solana-based memecoin, surged more than 560% after a social media post from the United States White House unexpectedly intersected with crypto culture. On Friday, the official White House account published an image on X showing US President Donald Trump walking through snow alongside a penguin, a post that quickly spread across social platforms. While the post made no reference to crypto, traders rapidly linked the imagery to the PENGUIN token, triggering a wave of speculative buying. Before the post, PENGUIN was trading at a market capitalization of roughly $387,000. Within 24 hours, trading volume jumped to $244 million, according to data cited by SolanaFloor. At the time of publication, PENGUIN’s market capitalization stood near $136 million, with the token changing hands around $0.13, based on figures from DEXScreener. The scale and speed of the move placed PENGUIN among the most active tokens on Solana over the weekend, despite the absence of any formal endorsement or project update. Investor Takeaway The rally highlights how external cultural events, even without crypto intent, can rapidly translate into price action in thinly capitalized memecoins. Why Did Traders React So Aggressively? PENGUIN launched via Pump.fun, a Solana-based memecoin launchpad known for enabling rapid token creation and viral trading cycles. According to Pump.fun co-founder Alon Cohen, the reaction reflected broader market behavior rather than fundamentals. “The early success of PENGUIN is proof that onchain trading was never dead, just a sleeping giant waiting for the right moment,” Cohen said. The episode shows how memecoin markets remain tightly linked to online attention rather than traditional valuation anchors. In this case, a politically themed image, amplified by social media algorithms, was enough to draw liquidity back into a sector that has struggled to regain momentum since late 2024. PENGUIN’s move also stood out because it occurred during a broader downturn across memecoins. After being one of the strongest-performing segments of the crypto market in 2024, the sector suffered sharp losses as several celebrity-linked tokens dropped more than 80% from peak levels, eroding trader confidence. Are Memecoins Recovering After a Difficult Year? The PENGUIN rally comes against a mixed backdrop for memecoins. In 2025, an estimated 11.6 million crypto tokens failed, with the majority tied to short-lived memecoin launches on platforms such as Pump.fun and similar services. The flood of new tokens diluted liquidity and left many traders nursing losses. Still, early 2026 showed brief signs of renewed interest. Total memecoin market capitalization rose by about 23% in January, climbing from roughly $38 billion in December 2025 to more than $47 billion, according to CoinMarketCap data. That move coincided with a sharp increase in online discussion around memecoins. Analytics firm Santiment reported a spike in social media mentions tied to memecoins during the same period, suggesting that speculative appetite had not disappeared, but rather lay dormant after months of subdued trading. “Memecoins typically lead when risk appetite returns. The rebound in the Fear and Greed Index from extreme fear toward neutral reinforces this shift,” said Vincent Liu, chief investment officer at trading firm Kronos Research. Investor Takeaway Short bursts of memecoin activity tend to track sentiment changes rather than long-term trends, making timing and liquidity more decisive than narratives. What Limits the Sustainability of These Rallies? Despite the January bounce, the broader memecoin market has since retreated. Total sector capitalization fell back toward $39 billion as crypto prices moved sideways, with repeated short-term rallies followed by pullbacks. That pattern suggests traders remain cautious after the sharp reversals seen over the past year. PENGUIN’s rapid ascent fits this profile. The token benefited from a unique attention trigger, but such events are difficult to replicate and often fade as quickly as they appear. With no underlying roadmap or utility update tied to the move, future price action is likely to depend on continued social engagement rather than structural demand.

What Did the Court Filing Reveal? The US Securities and Exchange Commission’s civil lawsuit against Gemini Trust Company and Genesis Global Capital over the Gemini Earn program has been dismissed with prejudice, according to court filings in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York.The parties submitted a joint stipulation to dismiss the case on Friday, effectively ending the SEC’s claims that the crypto lending program involved unregistered securities. A federal judge must still approve the stipulation, but the filing signals that the dispute is nearing its formal conclusion. The decision comes roughly nine months after the SEC paused the case in April 2024, during a period when the agency was reassessing several crypto-related enforcement actions. With the dismissal, one of the most closely watched crypto lending lawsuits in the US appears to be coming to an end. Investor Takeaway The dismissal removes a major legal overhang for Gemini, but it also highlights how enforcement outcomes can hinge on investor restitution and bankruptcy resolutions rather than court rulings alone. Why Did the SEC Agree to Dismiss the Case? The SEC’s decision was tied to the recovery of Gemini Earn investors’ assets through the Genesis bankruptcy process. According to the filing, investors received a full in-kind return of their crypto holdings in mid-2024. Gemini also agreed to contribute up to $40 million to support the return of those assets. Genesis had already resolved its own dispute with the SEC by agreeing to pay a $21 million penalty. With investor losses addressed and Genesis settled, the regulator signaled that further litigation against Gemini was no longer necessary. This outcome underscores the role of bankruptcy proceedings in shaping crypto enforcement cases. Rather than resolving the dispute through a final judicial ruling on securities law, the matter was effectively closed through financial remediation and negotiated settlements. How Did the Gemini–Genesis Case Begin? The SEC filed its lawsuit in January 2023 against Gemini and Genesis, alleging that the Gemini Earn program constituted an unregistered securities offering. The case emerged during a period of aggressive enforcement, when regulators intensified scrutiny of crypto lending products following a series of high-profile collapses in the industry. At the time, crypto lending platforms were under pressure after the failure of several firms that had relied on opaque risk management and interlinked borrowing. The Gemini–Genesis partnership became a focal point because it linked a major US exchange with a large institutional crypto lender. The lawsuit also reflected a broader policy direction under the Biden administration, when regulators sought to test the boundaries of securities law in the digital asset sector through litigation rather than legislative reform. What Does the Dismissal Say About US Crypto Enforcement? The Gemini case joins a growing list of crypto-related actions that have been dropped or softened since the change in US political leadership in January 2025. The current administration has publicly stated that it intends to loosen regulatory pressure on the sector. Other cases that have been withdrawn or scaled back involve major industry players, including Binance, Kraken, Uniswap, Immutable, and Robinhood. In parallel, the Department of Justice recently dismissed its insider trading case against a former OpenSea executive after an appeals court overturned his convictions. Taken together, these developments point to a shift in enforcement strategy. Rather than expanding litigation, regulators appear more willing to close cases when restitution has been achieved or when legal uncertainty makes continued prosecution less attractive. Investor Takeaway The trend of dropped or resolved crypto cases suggests a softer enforcement environment, but it does not eliminate regulatory risk for lending and yield products that resemble traditional securities. What Are the Implications for Crypto Lending Models? The end of the Gemini–Genesis case leaves open a fundamental question: how US regulators will treat crypto lending products going forward. The lawsuit did not produce a definitive court ruling on whether such programs fall under securities law, leaving legal boundaries partly undefined. For exchanges and lenders, this ambiguity cuts both ways. On one hand, the dismissal may encourage firms to revisit yield products that were previously shelved amid regulatory pressure. On the other, the lack of clear legal precedent means future enforcement actions could still arise under different political or regulatory conditions. For investors, the episode reinforces a key lesson from the crypto lending cycle: returns offered by yield programs often carry hidden counterparty and legal risks that only become visible during market stress or insolvency proceedings. What Comes Next for Gemini and the US Market? Once the judge formally approves the dismissal, Gemini will be free from one of its most prominent legal battles in the US. The exchange can shift focus toward rebuilding trust in lending-related offerings, though any renewed expansion will likely be cautious given the industry’s recent history.

In 2017, Ripple (XRP) underwent one of the largest rallies seen in crypto. XRP was one of the best altcoins to buy at the time, surging from $0.0068 on January 3rd, 2017, to an all-time high of $3.84 on January 4th, 2018. Crypto has seen plenty of similar rallies over the years, and savvy investors are always on the lookout for undervalued tokens to capitalize on their early-stage growth. Currently, Digitap ($TAP) is gaining traction as the next big financial-utility token, demonstrating potential for massive growth similar to XRP in 2017. The ongoing crypto presale of this emerging project has been outperforming the broader crypto market over the past few months, raising over $4.3 million in record time. How the Undervalued XRP Emerged as the Best Crypto to Buy in 2017 XRP’s exponential rally in 2017 was driven by a massive surge in demand after a significant period of neglect and consolidation. It was down nearly 90% from its previous high of $0.06, trading in a sideways pattern for over two years. The sudden rise in inflows led to FOMO among retail investors, taking XRP from $0.0068 back to $0.06 by April 2017.  Following a three-week consolidation in April after significant profit-taking, XRP resumed its rally, reaching $0.40 in May 2017. A 5,700% surge within five months quickly elevated Ripple from a forgotten, undervalued altcoin to one of the largest cryptocurrencies at the time.  However, following this rally, XRP faced a much-anticipated correction in May 2017, entering a sideways consolidation. The consolidation continued until 12 December 2017, when the XRP price shot up nearly 50% within a day, sparking another parabolic rally to $3.84. Now, Digitap is showing early signs of a similar surge in the upcoming bull cycle, attracting investors looking for the best crypto to buy in 2026. Why Investors Are Searching for Early-Stage Opportunities In 2025, the crypto market experienced increased volatility. After reaching a new ATH of $3.73 trillion in December 2024, the total crypto market cap (TOTAL) declined by 37% in Q1 2025.  One of the leading causes for the bearish action was worsening global macroeconomic events, including the escalating trade tensions between the US and China. Although the crypto market recovered in Q2 and Q3 2025, it again declined in Q4, ending the year with a net 7.85% decrease. However, emerging signs indicate that global trade tensions are beginning to cool. Many countries are now negotiating to restore economic stability, which will gradually reduce volatility and restore investor risk sentiment. Now investors are in search of the best altcoin to buy in 2026, speculating that another bull cycle could begin this year. Having witnessed the impact of macroeconomic tensions on risk assets, crypto investors are shifting to projects such as Digitap, which offers real-world utility and has the potential for long-term, massive growth. Digitap ($TAP): An Omni-Banking Crypto Ecosystem and Payment-Focused Utility Token Similar to XRP, Digitap is a payment-centric utility token that aims to simplify crypto and fiat spending and enhance cross-border payments. But it’s not just another remittance platform; it is an entire digital omni-banking ecosystem built to bridge DeFi and TradFi. Digitap allows users to connect their crypto wallets and traditional bank accounts for frictionless cross-border payments. What sets it apart from other finance utility projects is that the platform is already functional and available on Android, iPhone, and the web. Digitap doesn’t rely on promises or concepts to drive attention; it is actively building a user base on a live platform where users can deposit, exchange, withdraw, and spend their fiat and crypto. It also offers the Digitap card, a Visa-backed virtual and physical card that users can link to Apple Pay and Google Pay to make crypto-to-fiat payments anywhere Visa is accepted.  Digitap’s Native Token’s Utility and Platform Upgrade At the core of Digitap’s omni-banking ecosystem is the native token $TAP, currently available at a discounted price of $0.0439 in the rapidly moving crypto presale. The token is crucial for unlocking the full power of the platform. It unlocks staking, VIP rewards, and governance for holders.  The platform has successfully completed a major upgrade to enable Solana deposits into Digitap. After this upgrade, users will be able to fund their Digitap wallets with SOL and stablecoins on the Solana network. Apart from Solana, integration for Ethereum and Bitcoin is also underway as part of the project’s next phase of multichain expansion. Can $TAP Deliver XRP-like Returns in the Next Bull Run? The $TAP crypto presale is gaining momentum with nearly 200 million tokens sold, and the price will surge to $0.0454 in the next stage. Following the presale, the token is planned to list at $0.14 across multiple major crypto exchanges, offering a potential 218% return on investment to those who invest at this stage. Amid the upgrade, the team has launched an incentive program that allows buyers to unlock a 65% bonus on their next $TAP purchase by entering promo code WALLET65 at checkout to claim the extra tokens. As the broader market is coming out of an extended period of consolidation and uncertainty, $TAP investors are drawing similarities to XRP’s 2017 rally. With rising usecases for DeFi and demand for crypto-to-fiat payments, Digitap could be the best opportunity for a massive return in the next bull run. If the new banking-utility token even partially mimics the historical XRP price rally, it could be the best crypto to buy in early 2026. Discover the future of crypto cards with Digitap by checking out their live Visa card project here: Presale https://presale.digitap.app   Website: https://digitap.app  Social: https://linktr.ee/digitap.app Win $250K: https://gleam.io/bfpzx/digitap-250000-giveaway 

New developments in the crypto space are speeding up in the new year. While the end of 2025 marked a downturn for Bitcoin and most cryptocurrencies, 2026 has brought a significant recovery. Now, many investors are rotating toward cryptos that could outperform other asset classes. This rotation also includes upcoming coins, and the search for the best crypto presale is very much ongoing. One project in particular is stealing all the spotlight among presale investment opportunities: DeepSnitch AI. Its disruptive AI use case and its massive adoption potential make it the next likely 100x crypto eruption of the year. US Senate puts off vote on crypto market bill On January 14, after a heated debate, the US Senate Banking Committee decided to put off a vote on the long-awaited crypto market bill, a landmark legislation that would be consequential for crypto. The decision came in the wake of crypto exchange giant Coinbase pulling off its support for the current draft of the bill. The event wasn’t positive for crypto, since there were high expectations of a swift approval. On the other hand, deeper discussions for a bill that could very much shape the future of crypto are always welcome. [caption id="attachment_186646" align="aligncenter" width="1440"] Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott (center) chose to slow down the crypto market structure bill process amid numerous objections.[/caption] While the crypto market's legislative process has slowed down, the search for high-growth cryptos has not. In fact, what counts as among the best crypto presales at the beginning of this year is precisely growth potential, not necessarily how much has been raised by a certain project. Here are some of the best crypto presales to keep in mind this January. Best crypto presales for high growth in 2026 1. DeepSnitch AI (DSNT) High growth: that’s what investors are looking at. And no presale has greater potential than DeepSnitch AI in this regard. This is due to its unmatched combination of sophisticated technology, product/market fit, and massive adoption potential, which makes it the leader among the best crypto ICOs. The project is developing a system of AI agents (most of which are already working) that generate market intelligence out of crypto data. Each agent performs a set of tasks, and they as a whole work as a brain.  For instance, SnitchScan analyses on-chain data and spots sentiment shifts, SnitchFeed provides an outlook of likely winning coins, and AuditSnitch tells you whether a coin's risk profile is “clean”, “cautious”, or “sketchy”. A tool with such power is no doubt attractive to any crypto holder around the world, a market estimated at more than 600 million. This huge adoption potential is confirmed by the astonishing pace of DeepSnitch AI’s presale: more than $1.3m has been raised in only 4 out of 15 stages, something that in itself places it among the best crypto presales. The entry price is still only $0.03681, which creates a huge growth upside. Moreover, a big team announcement that will expand further on that upside is expected soon. But the presale is due to end at the end of January, and only those who take part in it now might enjoy exponential returns of 100x or more down the road. Take part in the presale. 2. Sonami (SNMI) Sonami’s place among the best crypto presales is partially due to its pioneering role as a Solana Layer-2. The growth of Solana as an alternative to Ethereum has created a thriving ecosystem, which Sonami aims to improve in terms of speed and cost. The presale is in its initial stage with an entry price of $0.00106, making it an early-stage token. So far, the explosive pace seen in DeepSnitch AI is absent, but the coin’s innovative dimension is a good factor to bet on. 3. Space (SPACE) Another interesting project to be considered among the best crypto presales this month is Space, a prediction market crypto. So far, the presale is already oversubscribed, with more than $13 million raised on a goal of $2.5 million. While this indicates clear demand for the coin, oversubscriptions aren’t necessarily a good sign for continuing demand after the token generation event, since they dilute holdings. Still, given the low entry price of only $0.069, Space is a bet worth considering. Conclusion The best crypto presales are those that can generate exponential returns down the road for you, not necessarily the ones that raise a lot of money. This month, the clear leader, the one everyone’s talking about, is DeepSnitch AI. Its unique blend of product sophistication and adoption potential makes it the next likely 100x crypto eruption. But only those who act now and invest in the presale before it’s too late will see their wallets explode. Visit the official website to buy into the DeepSnitch AI presale now, and visit X and Telegram for the latest community updates. FAQs Are Sonami and Space safe coins? There is always risk with presales, but also higher rewards if you get them right. If you prefer to wait until the coins enter the market and assess their risk through AuditSnitch, that’s an excellent choice! How advanced is DeepSnitch AI’s product development? Very advanced. Indeed, unusually advanced for a presale. Almost all AI agents are operational. Still, further developments are on the way. What would make DSNT’s price jump 100x? The answer is DeepSnitch AI’s massive adoption potential. It is estimated that when more than 1.2 million people are using the tool, DSNT’s price would be around $3.50, which is roughly 100 times its current presale price.

The crypto market, as we know it, is changing. Instead of liquidity flowing towards projects and products for short-term speculation, we’re now seeing more long-term investment patterns. One market where this shift has been largely noticeable is in the Ethereum ETF market. Recent data shows that the demand for Ethereum ETF products is outstripping supply. Analysts expect that it's only a matter of time before all this demand reflects on the Ethereum price. However, while all of this is going on, analysts point out that investors are also looking towards lower-priced, high-potential opportunities for significant returns like Remittix. Ethereum ETF Flows Signal Structural Change in the Crypto Market The rise of the Ethereum ETF has become one of the most important developments in recent crypto news. According to data reported by Cointelegraph and Farside Investors, U.S.-based spot Ethereum ETFs recorded approximately $474.6 million in net inflows in a single week. This level of demand is notable because it exceeds the amount of new ETH entering circulation over the same period. From a crypto analysis perspective, this creates a supply-demand imbalance, and it shows that investors are very interested in what is happening with Ethereum. On-chain activity supports this institutional thesis. Data shows that the number of active Ethereum addresses and daily transactions is rising. This suggests that more and more people are getting interested. However, experts are warning that this shift does not guarantee that Ethereum will continue to experience uninterrupted upside. However, it does indicate that Ethereum ETFs are now transforming ETH into an asset worth holding long-term, instead of just for temporary speculation.  Remittix: The ETH PayFi Solution Capturing Investor Attention As Ethereum ETFs consolidate capital at the top of the market, attention is gradually rotating toward platforms solving practical problems in the ecosystem. Remittix, an altcoin that is solving the $19 trillion problem of global cross-border payments, is starting to get a lot of attention from major investors. In fact, the PayFi solution has already secured over $28.8 million in private funding, and more investors are still trooping in. According to analysts, Remittix holds a strong appeal because it focuses on how cryptocurrency is actually used. The project has already crossed several execution milestones. The Remittix wallet is live on the Apple App Store, marking its first major product release, and according to the team, Google Play support is coming next. In addition to this, the team has also announced that the full Remttix PayFi crypto-to-fiat system will launch on February 9, 2026.  Why Investors Are Paying Attention to Remittix: Secured over $28.8 million in private funding Fully audited and verified by CertiK, with a #1 ranking on CertiK Skynet Multiple listings secured on top exchanges like BitMart and LBANK Strong global adoption potential with Remittix already delivering direct crypto-to-fiat settlement in 30 different countries. Ethereum ETFs are redefining how capital interacts with cryptocurrency. Their steady inflows signal that trust and confidence in blockchain technology as a long-term investment opportunity are increasing among traditional investors. Remittix plays into this favorable narrative by offering actual value for everyday users. This, in turn, allows RTX to address a different layer of demand, like usability, settlement, and real-world payments. Discover the future of PayFi with Remittix by checking out their project here: Website: https://remittix.io/    Socials: https://linktr.ee/remittix FAQs 1. What makes Remittix different from Bitcoin? Remittix is focused on direct crypto to fiat payments with live products and a confirmed launch timeline, rather than relying on legacy positioning or sentiment cycles. In addition to this, it also offers a more explosive upside potential compared to Bitcoin 2. Why are utility tokens gaining attention alongside Ethereum ETFs? As Ethereum ETFs absorb capital at the top of the market, investors start to look for platforms that are lower-priced and solve real adoption problems, such as payments, like Remittix. This allows them to capitalize on the Ethereum ETF's positive narrative at a much lower entry price. 3. Is Remittix relevant in an ETF-dominated crypto market? Yes, it is. While Ethereum ETFs provide investment exposure, Remittix focuses on infrastructure. This, in turn, enables users and businesses to move value between crypto and fiat, supporting broader crypto adoption.

Crypto is moving like a fast-paced cartoon: one minute, the market is calm, the next, prices and charts are leaping in every direction. For investors seeking clarity amid the chaos, this top 10 coins list offers a clean, professional guide, highlighting the most promising projects like Cardano, Solana, and Bitcoin Cash, while also showcasing early-stage opportunities like APEMARS ($APRZ) that combine structured entry, massive upside potential, and innovative staking rewards, all without confusing jargon or unnecessary hype Today’s watchlist includes APEMARS ($APRZ), Bitcoin (BTC), Monero (XMR), World Liberty Financial (WLFI), Polkadot (DOT), Hyperliquid (HYPE), Hedera (HBAR), Cronos (CRO), Binance Coin (BNB), and Toncoin (TON). Some are large, established networks; some are fast-growth ecosystems; and one is a presale entry that focuses on being early, before public listing. 1. Why “APEMARS” Is Getting Early-Buyer Attention Right Now APEMARS ($APRZ) presale is live and currently in Stage 4: LUNAR DRIFT. APEMARS ($APRZ) Stage 4 presale is live at an incredible price of just $0.00003003 per token, with a confirmed listing price of $0.0055, offering a projected ROI of 18,200% for early participants. Momentum is building fast, with over 500 holders already onboard, $108k+ raised, and 4.88 billion tokens sold, making this stage a rare opportunity to secure significant upside before mainstream market attention hits. $APRZ sparks as one of the top 10 coins to buy this month. Presales are simple: the earlier the stage, the more “entry leverage” buyers feel. The market doesn’t announce the last easy moment; people usually realize it after momentum shifts. If your goals are bigger than “quick flips” (home deposit, debt relief, business capital, family support), early-stage entries can feel like rare opportunities, while still carrying real risk. $2,000 Scenario: A Catchy Calculation People Actually Remember At the Stage 4 “Lunar Drift” price of $0.00003003, putting $2,000 into APEMARS ($APRZ) would get you about 66,600,066.6 $APRZ tokens, a huge token count because you’re entering while the presale price is still tiny. If $APRZ later reaches the stated $0.0055 listing price, that same amount of tokens would equal roughly $366,300.37. This is not guaranteed and is shared as simple, illustrative math, not a promise of results. How To Buy APEMARS ($APRZ) Visit the official presale page. Connect your wallet. Select your payment option. Enter your purchase amount. Confirm in your wallet and save your confirmation details. 2. Bitcoin (BTC): The “King Coin” everyone watches like a scoreboard Bitcoin is the biggest and most famous crypto, so when it moves, the whole market listens, and currently bitcoin price is at $89K, a slight dip today. It’s like the “boss level” coin; if Bitcoin goes up, many other coins feel happier too, and if it drops, people get extra careful. Right now, Bitcoin is the main reason the top 10 coins trend stays hot. Traders watch BTC for signals like market direction, confidence, and momentum. Even when new presales like APEMARS ($APRZ) look exciting, Bitcoin still acts like the market’s heartbeat, steady, powerful, and always important. 3. Monero (XMR): The Privacy Coin That Never Leaves the Conversation Monero is known for privacy. That’s its identity, and it’s why it stays relevant over time. Even when the market chases new trends, XMR has a loyal base of people who believe privacy matters. Monero doesn’t need to act like a meme coin to survive. It stays on lists because it has a clear purpose, and purpose-driven coins often stay important when the market matures. 4. World Liberty Financial (WLFI): The News-Driven DeFi Name That Keeps Turning Heads World Liberty Financial (WLFI) is a coin people watch because of its headlines and the bigger narrative around it. It has been discussed as a project connected to broader financial themes, and that alone makes it interesting for listicle-style market tracking. It’s one of the top 10 coins 2026. In simple terms: WLFI is the kind of name that can move quickly when news hits, because attention and speculation can rise fast, especially in early-quarter market cycles. 5. Polkadot (DOT): The Infrastructure Coin Built for Multi-Chain Growth Polkadot is often described as a blockchain designed to connect networks together. That “connecting” idea is why DOT stays relevant even when the market is distracted by hype. Infrastructure coins can perform strongly when the market rotates toward real utility and long-term development. DOT is not just about price; it’s about building a bigger system where multiple networks can work together. 6. Hyperliquid (HYPE): The High-Speed Trading Narrative Investors Love to Watch Hyperliquid is a name that stands out in the trading-focused part of crypto. Projects connected to trading activity often gain visibility during volatility because traders want speed, liquidity, and efficiency. HYPE is watched because it sits close to where action happens. When markets heat up, trading ecosystems can become some of the most talked-about narratives of the quarter. 7. Hedera (HBAR): The Utility Coin That Appeals to Serious Market Watchers Hedera is frequently viewed as an ecosystem focused on real-world use cases and enterprise-friendly development. Coins like HBAR often get attention when investors look for “practical” projects rather than purely hype-driven tokens. HBAR can stand out when the market wants reliability, structured growth, and long-term adoption. It’s the kind of coin that doesn't need drama to stay relevant. 8. Cronos (CRO): The Ecosystem Coin That Can Benefit From Market Activity Cronos is often tracked because it is linked to a broader ecosystem and user activity. Coins like CRO can become more visible when market participation increases, especially during strong quarters when more people trade and explore new projects. CRO tends to get attention when ecosystem incentives, growth tools, and broader platform activity rise. It’s a “market participation” coin in many investors’ eyes. 9. Binance Coin (BNB): The Large-Cap Anchor That Many Traders Trust BNB is one of the biggest names in crypto and often acts like a stability anchor in the top coins list. When investors want exposure to a large ecosystem, BNB becomes a common pick because it has strong recognition and long-term market presence. BNB is often treated as a signal coin; when it performs well, it can reflect confidence in major ecosystem activity and broader market strength. 10. Toncoin (TON): The Adoption Narrative That Can Accelerate Quickly Toncoin is watched because adoption stories can move fast in crypto. When a network grows its user base, expands tools, and becomes easier for people to use, attention often follows. TON remains a coin that investors track for growth potential tied to ecosystem expansion. In a strong quarter, user-growth narratives can become some of the most powerful drivers in the market. Conclusion If you’re tracking top 10 coins, this list gives you a “big coins + big stories + one early rocket” mix: APEMARS ($APRZ), Bitcoin, XMR, WLFI, DOT, HYPE, HBAR, CRO, BNB, and TON. The difference is simple: most coins already have big crowds, but APEMARS is still in Stage 4 (LUNAR DRIFT) with a tiny entry price and a clear post-launch support idea via Liquidity & Ecosystem Reserve. That’s why presales create the loudest regret later; people always wish they entered earlier. If you’ve been waiting for a sign, this is it: check the APEMARS presale, run your numbers, and act before “early” disappears. If you’re keeping an eye on rankings and early-stage potential, the supporting data points included here reflect insights also featured by the best crypto to buy now, known for aggregating trends, comparisons, and fresh narratives. For More Information: Website: Visit the Official APEMARS Website Telegram: Join the APEMARS Telegram Channel Twitter: Follow APEMARS ON X (Formerly Twitter) Frequently Asked Questions About the Top 10 Coins What does “Bitcoin price: top 10 coins” mean in simple words? It means people are watching Bitcoin’s price plus the biggest, most talked-about coins. These lists change fast, so traders track prices, market cap, news, and hype daily. Is APEMARS ($APRZ) already listed on exchanges? No. APEMARS ($APRZ) is in presale Stage 4 right now. That means you’re buying before public exchange listing, which can mean higher risk and higher upside potential. Why do people still buy Monero (XMR) today? Monero focuses on privacy. Some users want transactions to be harder to track. That clear purpose keeps XMR relevant even when trends change and new coins appear. How can Liquidity & Ecosystem Reserve help APEMARS after launch? It can support DEX liquidity pools, reduce rough early trading, and fund ecosystem tools and expansion. The goal is healthier trading conditions so the token doesn’t feel “empty.” Can $APRZ really do 18,200% ROI from Stage 4? That ROI figure is based on the Stage 4 price versus the stated listing price. It is not guaranteed. Crypto prices can move up or down, and presales carry real risk. Summary This professional listicle explained Bitcoin Price, top 10 coins using a market-friendly overview of BTC, SUI, XMR, WLFI, DOT, HYPE, HBAR, CRO, BNB, and TON, while highlighting APEMARS ($APRZ) Stage 4 presale stats, a $2,000 scenario, and Liquidity & Ecosystem Reserve.

What Did CertiK Say About Going Public? Blockchain security firm CertiK is exploring a potential initial public offering, according to comments made this week by co-founder Ronghui Gu during an interview at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Gu said the company does not yet have a fixed timeline or structure for an IPO, but confirmed that a public listing remains a long-term objective. “We still do not have a very concrete IPO plan. But this is definitely the goal we are pursuing,” Gu said in an interview with Acumen Media on the sidelines of the Davos meetings. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in New York, CertiK provides smart contract audits and blockchain security services for crypto-native firms. The company operates at the infrastructure layer of the Web3 stack, a segment that investors have increasingly viewed as more defensible than consumer-facing crypto products. Investor Takeaway CertiK’s IPO ambitions suggest that Web3 infrastructure firms are again testing whether public markets are open to crypto-adjacent businesses with recurring enterprise-style revenue. How Is CertiK Positioned Financially? CertiK was last valued at $2 billion during an $88 million Series B3 fundraising round in 2022. That round was co-led by Insight Partners, Tiger Global, and Advent International, during a period when private market valuations across the crypto sector were near cycle highs. Gu said Binance was CertiK’s first external backer and remains its largest investor. The firm has also raised capital from Coinbase, SoftBank, and other institutional investors. Earlier this month, CertiK announced a strategic partnership with YZi Labs, the family office of Binance founder Changpeng Zhao. “Recently Binance also made a follow up multi-eight figures investment into CertiK and became our largest investor,” Gu said during the interview. According to the company, CertiK has audited code for more than 5,000 clients and reviewed smart contracts securing roughly $600 billion in digital assets. Its services span pre-deployment audits, real-time monitoring, and post-incident analysis. Why Timing Matters for a Crypto IPO CertiK’s comments come as public listings by crypto-linked firms are returning after a prolonged slowdown. Several digital asset companies have either completed IPOs or signaled plans to tap public markets as institutional interest in the sector has improved. Recent listings have included stablecoin issuers, custodians, and trading platforms, with investors showing greater interest in firms that generate fee-based revenue and operate within clearer regulatory boundaries. Infrastructure and security providers are often viewed as lower-volatility plays within the crypto ecosystem, particularly when compared with exchanges or token issuers. Gu framed CertiK’s ambitions within that broader context, saying that public investors remain interested in Web3-native companies, particularly those focused on foundational services rather than speculation. “People are still looking forward to IPOs from Web3 native companies, especially Web3 infrastructure companies like CertiK,” he said, adding that the firm hopes to become the first publicly listed Web3 cybersecurity company. Investor Takeaway Public market interest appears strongest for crypto firms tied to security, custody, and infrastructure rather than trading volume or token prices. What Could Complicate CertiK’s IPO Path? Despite its scale and investor backing, CertiK enters any potential IPO process with reputational challenges. The firm has faced criticism over several incidents that have raised questions about judgment and controls rather than technical capability. In 2024, CertiK disclosed that its X account had been compromised after an employee fell victim to a phishing attack. Later that year, the firm drew sharp criticism after announcing that its staff had identified and exploited a $3 million vulnerability at crypto exchange Kraken, which CertiK described as a white-hat exercise. The incident prompted debate over acceptable conduct during vulnerability testing. In 2025, CertiK apologized after auditing code for a stablecoin issued by Huione Guarantee, a Cambodian marketplace later linked to illicit activity. The platform was reported to have been used by cybercriminals to launder funds and trade hacking tools and personal data. CertiK said at the time that it regretted its involvement. These episodes may attract scrutiny from public market investors who place heavy weight on governance, controls, and reputational risk, particularly for firms positioning themselves as trusted security providers. What Comes Next? CertiK has not disclosed a filing window or target exchange, and Gu stressed that an IPO remains a future objective rather than an immediate step. Any listing would depend on market conditions, regulatory clarity, and investor appetite for crypto-linked equities. For now, the company continues to operate as a privately held infrastructure provider, backed by a mix of crypto-native and traditional investors. Whether public markets will assign a premium to Web3 security firms, or apply a discount for sector-specific risk, will likely determine how soon CertiK moves from ambition to execution.

What Led to Ryan Wedding’s Arrest? U.S. authorities have arrested Ryan Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder accused of running a violent transnational cocaine trafficking organization that prosecutors say relied heavily on cryptocurrency and stablecoins to move and launder drug proceeds. Wedding was detained in Mexico City on Friday and is being transferred to the United States to face charges linked to large-scale cocaine trafficking and murder, according to a statement from FBI Director Kash Patel. Wedding had appeared on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list since 2025, with a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his capture. Prosecutors allege Wedding oversaw shipments of hundreds of kilograms of cocaine from Colombia through Mexico and Southern California into the United States and Canada, operating alongside Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel. Court filings describe a network that spanned multiple countries and relied on violence to enforce control over routes and payments. Investor Takeaway High-profile criminal cases are increasingly being used by U.S. authorities to illustrate how crypto and stablecoins are monitored within organized crime investigations. How Did Crypto Feature in the Alleged Operation? While the FBI’s arrest announcement focused on drug trafficking and homicide charges, U.S. Treasury officials have previously described cryptocurrency as a core financial channel for Wedding’s organization. In November, the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned Wedding along with a network of associates and front companies. According to Treasury disclosures, the group used cryptocurrency to move and launder cocaine proceeds while obscuring the origin of its funds. Sanctions filings tied the alleged operation to activity across five blockchains, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tron, Solana, and BNB Chain. Prosecutors have cited stablecoin usage as part of the network’s payment flows. Court records reference a documented transfer of roughly 17,300 USDT linked to a cocaine transaction, though officials have not released a full accounting of onchain activity tied to the case. Why the Treasury Focused on a Multi-Chain Network Treasury sanctions added more than a dozen crypto addresses linked to Wedding and his associates, describing the structure as a multi-chain laundering operation. Officials said the dispersion of activity across several blockchains was consistent with the scale and geographic spread of the alleged trafficking network. The case reflects a broader enforcement approach in which U.S. authorities track wallet activity across multiple chains rather than focusing on a single network. Stablecoins, in particular, have drawn attention due to their liquidity and frequent use in cross-border settlements tied to illicit trade. The sanctions action also highlights how blockchain analysis has become central to financial investigations involving organized crime, even when the underlying offenses are not crypto-related. Investor Takeaway Sanctions tied to multi-chain wallet networks show that enforcement agencies are extending oversight well beyond Bitcoin-only investigations. What Other Charges Is Wedding Facing? Beyond drug trafficking, Wedding is accused of ordering the killing of a cooperating federal witness in Colombia in January 2025. Prosecutors also allege he directed retaliatory shootings in Canada tied to stolen drug shipments. A superseding indictment unsealed in June 2024 charged Wedding with operating a continuing criminal enterprise, major drug trafficking offenses, and murder in connection with those activities. If convicted, he faces the possibility of multiple life sentences.

How Zhao Described Prison and the Impact of the Pardon Binance founder and former chief executive Changpeng “CZ” Zhao has spoken publicly about his prison sentence and subsequent pardon, offering rare personal detail about a chapter that reshaped both his career and the crypto industry’s relationship with US regulators. In an interview with CNBC’s Squawk Box at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Zhao said the October pardon granted by President Donald Trump lifted what he called a lingering psychological burden that remained even after he completed a four-month prison sentence related to violations of the US Bank Secrecy Act. “I was a free man before, but with a felon status,” Zhao said. “Now I’m a real free man.” Zhao pleaded guilty in 2023 to failing to implement adequate anti-money-laundering controls at Binance and stepped down as chief executive as part of a broader settlement with US authorities. He said he had not expected to serve time in prison, pointing to earlier enforcement cases that typically ended with deferred prosecution or home confinement rather than incarceration. “No one in U.S. history had ever gone to jail for a single registration failure under the Bank Secrecy Act,” Zhao said, adding that he believed home confinement was the harshest outcome he faced. He described the first days of incarceration as “brutal,” recounting strip searches and the shock of the prison environment, but said he treated the experience as something to endure and leave behind. Investor Takeaway Zhao’s remarks underline how US enforcement actions can carry personal and reputational consequences that extend beyond financial penalties, reinforcing the stakes for executives operating in regulatory grey zones. What Zhao Said About the Pardon Process and Trump Links Zhao said he did not immediately seek a pardon after his release from prison. According to his account, lawyers submitted a petition months later, after media reports began linking his case to the Trump administration’s pro-crypto stance. He described the pardon process as opaque, calling it a “black box,” and denied any direct outreach or lobbying of Trump or his family. Zhao said he has never spoken with Trump and only saw him from the audience at a Davos event this week. “There’s really no connection,” Zhao said, pushing back on reporting that suggested business relationships between Binance and Trump-linked entities influenced the decision. Zhao also addressed reporting around Abu Dhabi–based investor MGX and the use of World Liberty Financial’s USD1 stablecoin in a Binance transaction. He said the stablecoin was used purely as a payment method rather than an investment in the issuer. “If I accept a stablecoin as payment, that doesn’t mean I invested in the issuer,” Zhao said, adding that the funds were converted gradually. FTX, Responsibility, and the Limits of Zhao’s Involvement When asked about the collapse of rival exchange FTX and whether its founder Sam Bankman-Fried deserved a pardon, Zhao declined to weigh in on that case. He also rejected narratives that portray him as a driving force behind FTX’s downfall. Zhao said Binance briefly explored a potential acquisition of FTX in 2022 but withdrew after losing confidence in the accuracy of the exchange’s financial disclosures. He said he had no insight into FTX’s balance sheet before media reports raised alarms about insolvency. The comments reflect Zhao’s continued effort to draw a line between Binance’s actions and the failures of competitors, at a time when the industry remains sensitive to questions about accountability and systemic risk. Investor Takeaway Zhao’s account reinforces how quickly confidence can evaporate in crypto markets when disclosure doubts emerge, leaving even large platforms unwilling to proceed without clarity. How Zhao Views Crypto Markets After Stepping Aside Zhao said he does not actively trade crypto and avoids trying to time price movements, describing himself as a long-term holder rather than a short-term trader. He declined to give near-term price targets but offered a longer-range view on market structure. According to Zhao, bitcoin could enter what he described as a “supercycle” in 2026, potentially breaking the asset’s long-standing four-year rhythm tied to halving events. “With the U.S. being so pro-crypto now and other countries following, I think we could break the four-year cycle,” Zhao said. The comment reflects growing optimism among some industry figures that regulatory clarity in major jurisdictions could alter historic boom-and-bust patterns, even as others remain cautious about macro and policy risks. What Zhao Says He Would Do Differently Asked what he would change if he could start over, Zhao offered a blunt answer. He said he would have blocked US users from Binance from the outset. “At the beginning, we were a small tech startup,” Zhao said. “If I had known what I know now, I would have just blocked U.S. users and avoided a lot of trouble.”

KEY TAKEAWAYS Crypto markets operate continuously, allowing news to impact prices instantly without delays caused by market hours or institutional review cycles. Perpetual futures and leveraged trading structures amplify reactions to headlines, causing rapid price movements disconnected from fundamental metrics. Financial media and real-time alerts shape trader expectations, often driving price action based on sentiment rather than economic value. Thin liquidity and fragmented markets increase sensitivity to sudden shifts in sentiment, magnifying news-driven volatility. Fundamentals remain important for long-term valuation, but in the short term, markets consistently respond to information flow before underlying data.   Cryptocurrency markets respond quickly and strongly to news stories, regulatory announcements, and real-time media updates. Price changes happen often within minutes of news breaking, even when there isn't much movement in protocol indicators or the economy as a whole. In contrast, fundamentals like company profitability or macroeconomic data play a bigger, longer-term role in valuing many traditional asset types. To understand why live crypto news changes markets faster than fundamentals, you need to look at how market architecture, trading behaviour, sentiment dynamics, and media ecosystems all work together. This research study utilises structural ideas, academic viewpoints, and empirical market behaviour to elucidate the phenomena, providing analysts, traders, and investors with a thorough context for one of the defining characteristics of cryptocurrency. Understanding the Basics of Crypto: Hard to Get yet Important In classical finance, fundamentals are things like revenue, earnings, cash flows, or economic activity that can be measured. Investors use these objective data points to determine the worth of organisations or assets over time. On the other hand, a lot of cryptocurrencies are not businesses and don't have the same kinds of income streams or basic ways to figure out how much they are worth. In crypto, on the other hand, fundamental proxies are more likely to include network health, on-chain activity, development progress, adoption rates, and liquidity. These things change slowly and are often hard to measure accurately in real time. Fundamentals are important, especially for long-term investors and institutional investors, but they don't usually hold prices steady in the short term. Instead, prices in the markets are usually dependent on what people think will happen in the future with adoption, regulation, and technical improvement. These are often influenced by news and public opinion rather than real economic data. In the end, fundamentals matter for long-term value, but perceptions and stories typically drive short-term price changes. Trading 24/7 Makes Signals Come Right Away Cryptocurrency exchanges are always open, unlike stock markets, which close after regular trading hours and on weekends. There is no closing bell, and the market doesn't close on weekends or holidays. This implies that every tweet, news story, or regulatory announcement is immediately taken into account when prices are set. Normally, basic data would be included at set reporting times. But in crypto, news is valued right away because there is no institutional break for study. Prices change in minutes or even seconds, showing how quickly information from around the world changes. The structure of the crypto market has changed from fragmented, retail-dominated trading venues to integrated, advanced systems that run 24/7 and are powered by digital exchanges, blockchain-native derivatives, and global liquidity pools. In this setting, news items like regulatory explanations, partnership announcements, or comments from influencers can quickly spread through markets because trading never stops. Perpetual Futures and Leverage Let Prices Find Their Way Quickly The fact that perpetual futures contracts are so common is one of the most fundamental structural elements that speed up how quickly markets respond to news. These derivatives, which are sometimes termed "perps," don't have an expiration date, so traders can keep their leveraged bets open forever. Unlike regular futures, which settle on specified dates, perps use funding mechanisms to keep up with spot pricing. Perpetual contracts currently make up most of the trading activity in cryptocurrencies, especially for big assets like Bitcoin, where a lot of trade happens in the derivatives market instead of the spot market. This structural characteristic speeds up reaction times: what used to take days for fundamental revaluation now happens in minutes. Derivative funding rates, coordinating leverage across venues, and the fact that many traders hedge or speculate without owning the underlying asset all make prices change very quickly. In other words, the way perps are built into every major trading platform changes prices based on how people feel before the fundamentals can have a big effect on price drivers. News and Mood: Mind Over Money Investor psychology has a big impact on crypto prices. Sentiment is very important since a lot of people in the market make judgments based on stories that are shared publicly, especially on social media sites like Twitter, Reddit, and Telegram. Sensational news can make people feel things like fear and greed, which can change how they buy or sell things very quickly, which has a big effect on price changes. Sentiment can spark fear of missing out (FOMO), which might make them quickly buy stocks when good news comes out. On the other hand, fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD) can cause fast sell-offs even when the fundamentals stay the same. Social media makes this dynamic even stronger by quickly spreading tales, whether they are true or not, and changing the way people think about the market as a whole. Also, real-time sentiment from social media has been shown to be a better predictor of short-term crypto returns than sentiment from traditional news media. This is strong evidence that emotional interpretations sometimes trump rational fundamental analysis in the short term. Market Depth, Liquidity, and Fast Price Changes Another important reason why news impacts crypto markets so quickly is liquidity, which is how easy it is to buy or sell assets without changing the price too much. A lot of cryptocurrencies, especially smaller altcoins, don't have many orders on their books, hence they don't have a lot of liquidity. Even medium-sized trades made in response to news might cause big price swings in thin markets. When news breaks, liquidity might go up or down in a way that isn't always clear. For example, when people panic sell, a lot of market makers pull back liquidity, which makes spreads wider and price fluctuations bigger. Speculative purchasing when good news comes out can also quickly drive prices up since order books don't have enough depth to handle the extra trading pressure smoothly. This dynamic makes modest catalysts seem like big market occurrences, and prices move faster than the fundamentals would suggest. Why Fundamentals Don't Always Keep Up Even when fundamentals go better, including when protocol performance, adoption metrics, or on-chain utility improve, markets may not respond right away because these changes happen over longer periods of time and aren't as obvious as news signals that happen right away. It takes interpretation, analysis, and sometimes reporting that is delayed by time to include the basics.  News, on the other hand, shows events, which are short periods of time that traders can use to make trades right away. This disparity between what is really happening and what is being exchanged makes it so that perceptions based on current events tend to affect short-term prices more than long-term values. FAQs Why does crypto react faster to news than traditional assets? Crypto markets trade continuously and rely heavily on sentiment, allowing information to influence prices immediately. Do fundamentals matter in crypto markets? Yes, fundamentals shape long-term value, but they often lag behind short-term price movements driven by news and sentiment. How do derivatives affect news-driven volatility? Leverage and perpetual futures accelerate price reactions by amplifying trader positioning and liquidation cascades. Why does social media have such a strong impact on crypto prices? Social platforms rapidly distribute information and emotion, encouraging herd behavior and immediate trading responses. Can fundamental analysis outperform news-driven trading? Over longer time horizons, fundamentals can guide investment decisions, but short-term price action is typically dominated by news. References Analysis of crypto market structure and reaction patterns in range versus trend behaviors: crypto news Research on how perpetual futures reshape pricing and liquidity dynamics in crypto markets: crypto news Studies on the effect of crypto news and sentiment on volatility and investor psychology: European Business

KEY TAKEAWAYS Micro-cap cryptos, with market caps below $50 million, offer low-priced entry points that can lead to significant gains through volatility and early adoption. High-reward potential stems from innovative projects that may achieve mainstream success, transforming small investments into substantial returns. Inherent risks include extreme price fluctuations, low liquidity, and the possibility of project failure or scams. These assets attract high-risk traders due to the thrill of speculative opportunities and the asymmetry of modest downside versus high upside. Effective risk management involves thorough research, diversification, and tools such as stop-loss orders to navigate an unpredictable environment.   Micro-cap and penny cryptos are a unique group that really shows what high-stakes trading is all about. These digital assets have modest market capitalisations and low per-coin prices, which makes them quite interesting because they have significant upside potential and substantial downside risk. Drawing on existing information about how the cryptocurrency market works, this article examines what makes these assets so tempting to traders who thrive on volatility and are willing to take risks for the prospect of big profits.  We want to give you a comprehensive understanding by examining definitions, characteristics, opportunities, and risks, drawing on analytical insights from industry sources. The conversation also discusses how microcap companies that invest in crypto are similar, which has a greater impact on risk exposure. People sometimes compare micro-cap cryptocurrencies to early-stage firms in the traditional financial markets, where limited recognition and resources can make things harder or easier.  They are appealing because they can turn small investments into large returns, but this makes them more vulnerable to market changes. Cryptocurrency is still attracting significant interest from various groups, including publicly traded firms. The volatility of these assets is a major reason they remain a playground for experienced traders willing to take risks. This research-focused examination investigates the underlying mechanisms of this attraction, highlighting empirical findings from market classifications and investment patterns. What Are Micro-Cap and Penny Cryptos? Micro-cap cryptocurrencies are digital assets with market caps below $50 million. This limit makes them the smallest group in the crypto ecosystem, alongside large-cap assets ($10 billion+), mid-cap assets ($1 billion to $10 billion), and small-cap assets ($100 million to $1 billion). Penny cryptos, a type of micro-cap, cost less than a cent to a few dollars per token. These are good places for investors with little money to start. The low market capitalisation directly affects their pricing, leading to coins that are cheap but very risky. Small groups or even individuals often work on these assets, developing new blockchain applications that could solve specific challenges in fields such as decentralised banking, gaming, or supply chain management. But as they are still new, they don't always have the same infrastructure and community support as older cryptocurrencies. This description fits with how the market as a whole classifies stocks. Micro-caps are like penny stocks in traditional equities since they are fledgling companies with unclear futures. At the same time, research on microcap companies, small publicly traded companies with relatively low valuations, shows how their engagement in bitcoin investments makes similar patterns stronger. For example, when big corporations invest in crypto assets, they put themselves in the same low-liquidity situations that micro-cap cryptos are known for. This makes the distinctions between asset classes less clear and strengthens the high-risk profile. The Chance of High Rewards The main reason people are interested in micro-cap and penny cryptos is that they can grow rapidly. Because they are so small, even modest amounts of fresh capital or good news might cause prices to rise quickly, leading to returns much higher than those of more established assets. Traders who spot good projects early might benefit from mainstream adoption, which can cause a coin's value to skyrocket as it develops popularity. This potential stems from the fact that many micro-caps are quite inventive and often lead the way in new technologies, such as layer-2 scaling solutions and new tokenomics models. The low entry barrier is a big draw for people looking to make a lot of money. A small investment can buy many tokens, allowing traders to make substantial profits if the project succeeds. Historical patterns in the crypto market show that some small-cap coins have moved to higher capitalization levels, making early investors very happy. Also, the speculative climate makes it possible to use leveraged trading tactics, which use derivatives or margin positions to take advantage of volatility and make more money. Examples from other industries, such as microcap companies capitalizing on cryptocurrency trends, further highlight this reward aspect. Some companies might make a lot of money by strategically investing in cryptocurrencies, which could lead investors to perceive micro-cap cryptocurrencies as a way to make similar profits. But these kinds of incentives aren't guaranteed and depend on how the market feels, how well the technology works, and other economic reasons. The Risks That Are Built In Even though they have some good points, micro-cap and penny cryptos are very risky and can lead to significant losses. High volatility is a sign of this, and low trading volumes make price swings worse, which makes them easy to manipulate or dump suddenly. Liquidity problems make this much worse because there are fewer people in the market, which makes it hard to make deals without hurting prices. Many of these assets lack strong fundamentals, and projects could fail due to poor execution, competition, or regulatory issues. Scams, rug pulls, or abandonment are more likely when developers are anonymous or work in small groups. In these cases, the developers leave with the investors' money. Micro-caps can be more affected by broader market concerns, such as changes in investor sentiment or economic downturns. When microcap companies invest in crypto, they take on more risks, such as balance sheet volatility that could threaten their financial stability. The risk is even higher because of accounting problems, such as determining the value of volatile assets, and insurance gaps for losses tied to crypto. Another layer of risk comes from regulatory monitoring, which might include actions by the SEC, since micro-caps sometimes operate in grey areas of compliance. Why Traders Who Take Risks Are Drawn in Traders who are willing to take big risks for big rewards are drawn to micro-cap and penny cryptos because they offer an exciting environment. The combination of low costs and significant volatility makes it exciting to find "hidden gems" that could change your life, which is great for people who can handle uncertainty and are good at doing in-depth research. These traders typically see the sector as a way to get involved in cutting-edge technologies, where the risk of becoming an early adopter outweighs the potential rewards. The speculative character aligns with the psychological profiles of risk-takers, who are drawn to the fact that outcomes are not equal: there is little downside relative to the size of the investment, but unlimited upside. In situations like microcap firms' crypto initiatives, the promise of big rewards is similar to this allure, enticing traders who see similarities in using volatility to make money. In the end, the sector's unpredictability creates a group of smart speculators who use advanced tactics to get around. To reduce risk, traders should do their homework and assess a project's technology, team qualifications, use case, and competitive position. Setting defined financial goals and using tools such as stop-loss orders can help control volatility. Diversifying across many assets lowers exposure. Microcap companies in crypto use techniques such as carefully allocating resources and seeking specialised insurance to cover potential losses. It's important to keep up with changes in the law since following the rules can help you avoid legal problems. FAQs What defines a micro-cap cryptocurrency? A micro-cap cryptocurrency typically has a market capitalization below $50 million, often featuring low coin prices and high speculative potential. Why do micro-cap cryptos offer high rewards? Their small size allows for dramatic price increases with minimal capital influx, enabling early investors to capitalize on growth before widespread adoption. What are the main risks associated with penny cryptos? Key risks include high volatility, liquidity issues, weak fundamentals, and vulnerability to scams or regulatory changes. How can traders manage risks in micro-cap investments? Traders should perform in-depth due diligence, diversify holdings, set investment goals, and use risk management tools such as stop-loss orders. Are there parallels between micro-cap cryptos and traditional microcap companies? Yes, both face volatility and risk amplification when involved in crypto, underscoring the need for insurance and regulatory oversight to maintain stability. References Understanding Micro Cap Cryptocurrencies: Opportunities and Risks - Create AI Blog How Crypto Investments Can Put Microcap Companies at Risk - NSI Insurance Group

KEY TAKEAWAYS NFT gaming economies collapse from token inflation, as Axie Infinity's SLP oversupply (250 million produced daily vs. 50 million sunk) crashed prices by 97% and users by 70%. Play-to-earn models exploit labor arbitrage in developing nations but fail without endless growth, turning gaming into grinding. Gamers view NFTs as cash grabs akin to loot boxes, with developer Mark Venturelli calling P2E "a brilliant solution to the wrong problem." Hybrid collaborations between blockchain and gaming experts, plus education, bridge divides for sustainable integration. Fixes like token sinks, gameplay upgrades, and non-NFT entry points show promise, as in Sky Mavis' planned overhauls and Otherside's successful test.   NFT gaming economies, which use blockchain and non-fungible tokens in video games to let players own assets and earn money through play-to-earn (P2E) mechanisms, promised to change how people own things and make money, but they haven't worked out as well as hoped. Industry analysis shows that there are systemic problems, such as token inflation that can't be sustained, a reliance on constant growth, and a lack of congruence with core gaming experiences.  These problems have led to valuations dropping and players leaving. This article examines these problems using real-world facts and expert opinions, focusing on well-known examples like Axie Infinity and outlining solutions to move forward, such as developer interventions and collaborative models. We explain why P2E models don't work by combining criticisms from game developers and economists, and also show what hybrid approaches might work for the long term. Comprehending NFT Gaming Economies NFT gaming economies are based on blockchain-based assets like characters, land, and objects that players can purchase, sell, or trade for real-world money. In Axie Infinity, for example, players can use in-game currencies like Smooth Love Potion (SLP) to do this. These systems encourage people to join by offering P2E, where grinding gives you tokens that can be exchanged for cash.  This draws in low-wage workers from poor countries. But this makes a Ponzi-like organisation that relies on fresh people coming in to keep asset prices high. NFT games differ from typical games with closed economies because they feature unlimited resource creation, limited sinks for consumption, and external market influences that make the game more unpredictable. The Axie Infinity Collapse: A Lesson in What Not to Do Axie Infinity, the NFT game with the most players, is a good example of an economy that has fallen apart. The SLP token fell from more than $0.40 in the middle of 2021 to $0.01 by January 2022. This wiped out gains and cut daily earnings for casual gamers, which used to be $75, down to $2.20. In the third quarter of 2021, daily active users rose to more than two million, but they declined 70% from their peak.  Transaction volumes also fell 70%, and the cheapest Axie NFTs were trading for less than minting costs at $30. Breeding, a major sink, had only 5% of players participate, and only 5% of breeders kept going each month, worsening the problem of too much SLP production (250 million daily vs. 50 million consumed). This crash, which occurred during a crypto slump, shows how growth fuelled by excitement in places like the Philippines (40% of players) led to excess supply when speculation died down. Main Economic Problems: Inflation and Dependence on Growth The main cause is hyperinflation, which happens when too many tokens are minted without enough utility sinks. In Axie, the monthly SLP surplus hit 6 billion, flooding markets as "scholars" in low-GDP countries like the Philippines ($3,300 per person) and Venezuela worked hard to find ways to make money. P2E needs a steady stream of new players to sustain demand, but players leave when their incomes fall below local wages.  For example, SLP returns sank below the Philippines' $7 daily minimum. Asset values drop because breeding adds risk, and without forced scarcity, economies resemble 'houses of cards' influenced by hype cycles. Analysts say no developer has solved this surge-labor problem: as currencies rise, workers from the global south join the system until it becomes overburdened. Skepticism About Gamers: A Cultural and Historical Divide Gamers oppose NFTs because they see them as just another "shady" way to make money in a market expected to reach $314 billion by 2026. Loot boxes and microtransactions make $88-92.6 billion a year, so NFTs are just another way to take money from gamers. Mark Venturelli, a Brazilian developer, calls P2E "a brilliant solution to the wrong problem" because it doesn't align with a fun-first design.  He argues that blockchain outsiders buy their relevance without gaining any industry influence. Players criticized moves like Riot's Valorant NFT attempt, and traditional companies now face significant backlash for adopting NFTs. P2E prioritizes work over play, turning off core audiences who want escape, not labor.  Why These Models Don't Work in the Long Run NFT games shift gamers' priorities: value is based on earnings, not enjoyment, turning players into workers and investors into speculators who hire others through "scholarships." Alexis Ohanian, one of the founders of Reddit, said that P2E would take over 90% of the gaming market. But in reality, grinding and asset devaluation take away the reasons to play.  Jeff 'JiHo' Zirlin, one of the founders of Sky Mavis, said that there was too much money in the system through an 'experimental sink'. However, volatility persists due to 'rapid expansion'. More general criticisms point out that blockchain doesn't repair prior failures with real money, such as Diablo's auction house.at Works Instead: Fixes, hybrids, and new ideas Successful pivots put gaming ahead of making money. Sky Mavis wants to make it easier for people to play by adding combat overhauls, land-based modes, upgrades, and non-NFT starters. Newer games like PegaXY make scholarships an official part of maintaining investor stability. Hybrid models, where blockchain companies work with gaming studios, help fill knowledge gaps, since few joint ventures are doing well yet.  The Otherside test from Yuga Labs had 2,000 players simultaneously and received positive reviews from influencers. This shows that Web3-native experiences can keep people interested without forcing them to play to earn. Teaching people through guidelines creates trust. NFTs are based on giving creators more power in art and music as a model for gaming. Future Outlook and Suggestions for Strategy Sky Mavis is valued at $3 billion and could process $2 billion in transactions. Money can solve things, but to keep things going, sinks must be enforced, issuance must be restricted, and design must be fun. Clear communication and collaboration can help build trust, unlocking blockchain's promise of ownership without economic issues. FAQs Why did Axie Infinity's economy collapse? Uncontrolled SLP production led to hyperinflation, with prices falling from $0.40 to $0.01 amid a player exodus and low breeding participation. What is the main flaw in play-to-earn NFT games? They rely on constant new users for demand, fostering oversupply from low-wage grinders and asset devaluation. Why are gamers skeptical of NFTs? Past abuses, such as microtransactions, breed distrust, leading some to view NFTs as unnecessary monetization in a thriving industry. What alternatives work for NFT gaming? Hybrid models, token sinks, gameplay-focused updates, and education foster engagement without relying solely on P2E. Can NFT games recover? Yes, via innovations like Sky Mavis' battle revamps and land modes that emphasize fun over earnings. References Here's Why Many Gamers (Rightfully) Aren't so Game on NFTs - nftnow The Biggest NFT Video Game's Economy Is Collapsing Because NFT Games Don't Work - Reason Magazine

Tradr ETFs has expanded its leveraged product lineup with the launch of four new short single-stock exchange-traded funds, giving traders a new way to express high-conviction bearish views on select U.S.-listed equities. The Cboe-listed funds, which began trading on January 22, seek to deliver the inverse of twice (-200%) the daily performance of their respective underlying stocks: Applied Digital, IREN, Lucid Group, and Nebius Group. The launches mark Tradr’s first short single-stock leveraged ETFs since 2022 and reflect growing demand among active traders for precise tools to navigate volatile and theme-driven equity markets. New Short Leveraged Products Hit the Market The four new ETFs are designed to provide amplified inverse exposure on a daily basis, allowing traders to benefit from short-term declines in individual stocks without using margin or options. The funds launched are: Tradr 2X Short APLD Daily ETF (Cboe: APLZ), tracking Applied Digital Corporation Tradr 2X Short IREN Daily ETF (Cboe: IREZ), tracking IREN Limited Tradr 2X Short LCID Daily ETF (Cboe: LCIZ), tracking Lucid Group, Inc. Tradr 2X Short NBIS Daily ETF (Cboe: NBIZ), tracking Nebius Group N.V. Each ETF seeks to return twice the inverse of its underlying stock’s daily move, resetting exposure at the end of each trading day. Takeaway The new products give traders leveraged downside exposure to individual stocks without the operational complexity of short selling or options. Return to Short Single-Stock Strategies Tradr said the launches represent a return to short single-stock leveraged ETFs after its earlier introductions of TSLQ and NVDS in 2022, which were among the first products of their kind. Matt Markiewicz, Head of Product and Capital Markets at Tradr ETFs, said the decision reflects both prior demand and recent trading activity in related long strategies. “Today's launches represent our first short single stock leveraged ETFs since 2022, when Tradr introduced TSLQ and NVDS, the first ever ETFs of their kind,” Markiewicz said. “Given the positive reception and activity we've seen in our long strategies on Applied Digital, IREN and Nebius, we are excited to bring these inverse exposures to the market so that traders can efficiently express a high conviction bearish view as well,” he added. The comments highlight how issuers are increasingly tailoring ETF products around specific stocks and tactical trading use cases rather than broad market exposure. Takeaway Single-stock leveraged ETFs are increasingly being used as tactical tools tied to specific narratives and volatility. Targeting Active and Professional Traders Tradr ETFs positions its products explicitly for sophisticated investors and professional traders with short-term, high-conviction views. The firm said its leveraged and inverse ETFs allow traders to avoid margin requirements and the complexity of options strategies, while still achieving magnified exposure to daily price movements. With the addition of the four new funds, Tradr’s lineup has expanded to 62 leveraged ETFs, representing more than $2 billion in assets under management. The ETFs are available through most major brokerage platforms, broadening access to leveraged trading strategies that were once the domain of derivatives markets. Takeaway Leveraged ETFs continue to gain traction as accessible substitutes for margin and options-based strategies. High Risks Remain Central to the Product Design Tradr emphasised that the funds are intended strictly for short-term trading and active monitoring, noting that leveraged ETFs behave very differently from traditional long-only funds. Because the ETFs reset daily, their performance over periods longer than one trading session can diverge significantly from the underlying stock’s cumulative return, particularly in volatile or sideways markets. The company warned that leverage magnifies both gains and losses and that extreme daily moves in the underlying stock could result in the loss of an investor’s entire position. Tradr also noted that the funds do not attempt to cap daily losses, meaning a move of more than 50% in the underlying stock in an adverse direction could theoretically result in a total loss. Takeaway These ETFs are designed for tactical trading, not long-term holding, and require close risk management. Why These Stocks? The choice of Applied Digital, IREN, Lucid, and Nebius reflects continued trader interest in companies tied to high-growth, capital-intensive, or technology-driven themes. Such stocks often experience elevated volatility, making them attractive candidates for leveraged products aimed at short-term directional trading. By offering both long and inverse strategies on the same names, Tradr is positioning itself to serve traders on both sides of the market, depending on sentiment and macro conditions. The approach also mirrors a broader trend in the ETF industry toward increasingly granular exposure, where single stocks and specific themes are packaged into exchange-traded products. Takeaway Volatile, narrative-driven stocks remain prime candidates for leveraged ETF innovation. Leveraged ETFs in a Volatile Market Environment The launch comes amid continued volatility across equity markets, driven by shifting interest rate expectations, sector rotations, and stock-specific catalysts. In this environment, leveraged and inverse ETFs have seen renewed interest from traders seeking short-term exposure without committing to complex derivatives strategies. However, regulators and issuers alike continue to stress the importance of investor education, given the non-linear performance and elevated risks associated with daily reset products. As leveraged ETF offerings expand, market participants are increasingly differentiating between tools designed for intraday or short-term positioning and those suitable for longer-term investment. Takeaway The growing menu of leveraged ETFs underscores demand for tactical trading tools, even as risk awareness remains critical. Tradr’s Broader Product Strategy Tradr ETFs focuses on providing instruments that allow investors to express precise market views with leverage and efficiency. The firm said it will continue to evaluate new opportunities based on trading activity, volatility, and investor demand, while maintaining a clear focus on professional and sophisticated users. As single-stock ETFs — both long and short — gain acceptance, issuers like Tradr are likely to remain at the forefront of product innovation in this niche segment. Whether the new inverse funds see sustained adoption will depend on market conditions, volatility, and traders’ appetite for amplified downside exposure. Takeaway Tradr is doubling down on leveraged single-stock ETFs as a core differentiator in an increasingly specialised ETF landscape.

CertiK is making one of the boldest statements in Web3 infrastructure: it wants to be public. The security firm says it has set a roadmap to become the first publicly traded company in Web3 infrastructure, pitching the move as the next step in scaling institutional-grade security and regulatory tooling. The plan is backed by a recent investment from Binance, which CertiK says makes the exchange its largest investor to date. In a market where Web3 infrastructure is increasingly judged by enterprise credibility, that type of backing doesn’t just add capital—it signals strategic alignment with one of the biggest liquidity and distribution players in crypto. What’s driving CertiK’s public market ambition? CertiK is framing a potential listing as a maturity move: a way to align its growth with the expectations of institutions, regulators, and enterprise customers that demand measurable transparency and operational rigor. That positioning is not accidental. The “public company” story only works if CertiK can show it’s building infrastructure that extends beyond the typical audit shop model. The company’s strategy leans heavily into that, emphasizing product scaling, regulatory collaboration, and the kind of repeatable monitoring systems that large institutions want before they commit meaningful capital on-chain. CertiK CEO and co-founder Ronghui Gu said taking the company public would be a natural next step, with the firm focused on strengthening trust, security, and transparency across the Web3 ecosystem. Skynet Enterprise: the product that makes this institutional At the center of CertiK’s institutional push is Skynet Enterprise, an enterprise-grade security platform built for real-time monitoring, risk visibility, and higher data quality requirements. CertiK says Skynet Enterprise is designed to meet the needs of both large institutions and regulators, providing dashboards and alerting systems that allow security incidents to be monitored as they happen. The pitch is straightforward: if regulators and risk teams can see the same real-time on-chain signals, the market becomes harder to game and easier to supervise. CertiK also said it is working with regulatory bodies to implement Skynet Enterprise, reinforcing the idea that compliance is becoming a product feature—not just a legal checkbox. Investor Takeaway A public listing narrative only holds if revenue is institutional and repeatable. Skynet Enterprise is CertiK’s clearest path toward subscription-like security infrastructure, not one-off audits. Formal verification and the Spoq engine: scaling audit quality CertiK is also doubling down on technical differentiation in audits, positioning formal verification as a core methodology for risk-averse clients. The company says it is applying Formal Verification powered by its proprietary Spoq engine, a framework designed to reduce the effort needed to produce high-assurance proofs for system software. The company claims the engine integrates AI to improve the scalability and execution efficiency of formal verification, aiming to deliver higher mathematical certainty than manual review alone—especially for institutional buyers who treat smart contract risk as operational risk. This matters in a market where audit fatigue is real. Many projects still “check the box” with a report. Institutions don’t. They want defense-in-depth: monitoring, verification, and incident response built into the lifecycle. Why Web3 infrastructure going public would change the market CertiK’s public ambition is a sign of how much the sector has shifted. Web3 infrastructure firms used to grow quietly behind protocols. Now, security providers sit on top of massive flows, influence trust narratives, and increasingly act as gatekeepers for institutional adoption. CertiK is already pitching scale: more than 5,000 enterprise clients, over $600 billion in assets secured, and more than 180,000 vulnerabilities detected. It also claims a valuation above $2 billion and says it is backed by top-tier investors. If CertiK does move toward public markets, it would put a spotlight on an under-discussed category: the security layer that makes the rest of crypto investable. It would also force the industry to price Web3 security less like a service shop—and more like infrastructure. Investor Takeaway If CertiK goes public, expect copycats. A successful Web3 infra listing would reset how investors value compliance-first, enterprise-facing crypto businesses. For now, CertiK is still at the roadmap stage. But the direction is clear: scale institutional products, deepen regulator-grade monitoring, and build the kind of repeatable security infrastructure that can support a public-company story. In a market where trust is still the limiting factor, CertiK is betting that security becomes the category that finally breaks into traditional capital markets first. Full Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4bblWrYjrg

High-speed Layer 1 (L1) networks like SUI are pushing performance to new heights. But from a banking perspective, most users struggle to move funds easily between crypto and fiat, and spending crypto remains a headache.  This frustration is driving investors (and users) towards omni-bank altcoins to buy, such as Digitap ($TAP). Digitap offers out-of-the-box functionality, including global Visa card payments, a delivered app for iOS/Android, tiered KYC access, and an upcoming Solana integration for fast, low-cost, private transactions.    This combination has prompted analysts to recommend it as the best crypto to buy this year. As an early-stage crypto presale token, its $0.0439 price tag is also heavily discounted against SUI’s mature $1.50 valuation.    SUI Focuses On Speed, But Banking Access Remains Limited SUI has built its reputation on fast settlement and low fees with a core idea of programmable smart assets for global scale. Its architecture is designed to handle high transaction volumes, which appeals to developers and traders who value performance. At around $1.50, SUI reflects growing interest in scalable networks. However, speed alone does not solve everyday finance. Most SUI users still rely on third-party tools to convert crypto into spendable funds. This adds friction and reduces convenience for people who want to use cryptocurrencies outside of trading. Retail users want a simple tool that makes deposits, withdrawals, payments, and transfers hassle-free.  This is significant. With major turbulence in the fiat economic system, payments are a key pathway to increased adoption. Financial access has to be globally accessible, low-cost, and with minimal friction. Speed is an important element, but speed alone is not enough to resolve banking concerns.  Because of this, some investors are reassessing SUI’s role when seeking altcoins to buy. While the network offers technical strength, it lacks direct consumer finance layers. Moreover, it is struggling on the price front, down nearly 70% this year.  Digitap: A Live Omni-Bank Platform Designed For Immediate Use Digitap is structured as an omni-bank that merges crypto and fiat services into one live application. Users can manage balances, make payments, and move funds without switching between multiple apps. One account allows for total user control for typical banking functions, with easy conversion between crypto and fiat.  This approach focuses on daily financial use rather than speculation. Users can download the app in minutes and make payments at cafes, restaurants, stores, and online outlets with Visa-compatible cards. International transfers through IBAN accounts can be completed in seconds.  The platform is already live on iOS and Android, which is reassuring for investors because there is no risk of product delivery failure, a common issue in speculative crypto presales. Instead of selling a roadmap, Digitap allows users to interact with real features today.  Digitap also links platform activity to token demand. Token value is tied to real use in the financial industry. A fixed 2B $TAP supply prevents arbitrary token printing that would dilute value, while a 50% platform profit redistribution rewards users and investors directly for holding and using the token.  Solana Integration Brings Speed And Lower Fees To Digitap Digitap recently confirmed that Solana is being added to the banking app, following strong community demand. Once live, users will be able to fund their Digitap wallets using SOL, USDT on Solana, and USDC on Solana.  This upgrade improves transaction speed and reduces fees. Solana deposits are designed to provide faster confirmations and smoother onboarding for users who prefer high-performance networks. While Bitcoin manages around 7 transactions per second (tps) and Ethereum 15, Solana averages around 600.  It also marks the first step in Digitap’s broader multi-chain rollout, with Ethereum and Bitcoin integrations already in development. Solana was chosen first because of community feedback and due to its superior technical performance. A large-scale banking network necessitates a hyper-efficient network. If fees are high and speed is low, adoption will be highly improbable.  By combining Solana’s speed with banking tools inside one app, Digitap strengthens its position in the crypto presale market. This integration supports real spending and transfers, reinforcing why many analysts consider it to be a leading candidate for the best crypto to buy in the payments category. Banking Performance: Why $TAP Is The Best Altcoin To Buy SUI offers technical performance, but Digitap adds banking utility and multi-chain access. This difference is becoming more important as users look for altcoins to buy that deliver speed, cost, accessibility, and convenience in one platform.  For investors seeking the very best crypto to buy this year, Digitap’s live platform and Solana integration strengthen its case. Its crypto presale stage offers discounted entry, and its timing could not be better.  Faith in traditional banking is waning amid daily shocks. Digitap, meanwhile, offers an ideal replacement as a fast, low-cost, accessible banking ecosystem.   Discover how Digitap is unifying cash and crypto by checking out their project here: Presale: https://presale.digitap.app Website: https://digitap.app  Social: https://linktr.ee/digitap.app  Win $250K: https://gleam.io/bfpzx/digitap-250000-giveaway 

Dollar weakens on geopolitical tensions; Europe diverges with stronger pound; investors seek safety in gold and yen amid policy uncertainty. The Erosion of the Greenback’s Global Standing The once-unshakable confidence in the US Dollar as the world’s primary reserve currency is facing a rigorous test, as transatlantic tensions and unconventional diplomacy take center stage. President Trump’s recent pursuit of Greenland and the subsequent friction with European allies have done more than just rattle diplomatic cages; they have fueled a "Sell America" sentiment that has sent the Greenback lower across the board. While the administration has since tempered its rhetoric regarding NATO and retracted immediate tariff threats, the damage to Washington’s image as a stable global leader appears more persistent. This geopolitical instability has effectively neutralized the support the Dollar might otherwise have received from a robust 4.4% US GDP growth and signs of sticky inflation, as investors now look past the data toward a more fragmented and unpredictable international order. Resilience and Divergence in a Fragmented Europe Across the Atlantic, the Euro and Pound Sterling are navigating a landscape defined by domestic resilience and widening economic divergence. The United Kingdom has emerged as a surprising leader in this space, with the Pound outperforming peers on the back of a sharp expansion in business activity and a revitalized retail sector. In contrast, the Eurozone presents a more fragile recovery; while German services show promising growth, the broader manufacturing sector remains mired in contraction. This internal split within Europe, coupled with the ongoing "Sell America" trade, has kept the EUR/USD pair hovering near multi-week highs. Investors are increasingly shrugging off mediocre Eurozone data, choosing instead to favor the shared currency as a relative safe haven against the volatility of US policy. The Search for Stability: Safe Havens and Central Bank Credibility As traditional fiat currencies grapple with political upheaval, the market's search for stability has pushed Gold toward the historic $5,000 psychological threshold. This surge is not merely a reaction to trade disputes, but a broader signal of concern over the future of central bank independence and monetary credibility. With President Trump poised to announce a new Federal Reserve Chair, markets are increasingly wary of a shift toward a more dovish, politically influenced policy path. Simultaneously, the Japanese Yen has found renewed vigor amid growing speculation that Tokyo authorities are preparing for direct market intervention to curb further depreciation. These shifts highlight a global market at a crossroads, where traditional economic indicators are being overshadowed by the urgent need for a hedge against institutional and geopolitical uncertainty. Top upcoming economic events:   1. 01/23/2026 - BoJ Interest Rate Decision (JPY) This is arguably the most significant event for the Japanese Yen. The Bank of Japan’s decision on interest rates dictates the country's monetary direction. Any shift away from their traditionally ultra-loose policy can cause massive volatility in JPY pairs and impact global carry trades. 2. 01/23/2026 - Retail Sales (MoM) (GBP) As a high-impact indicator for the United Kingdom, this report measures the total value of sales at the retail level. It is a primary gauge of consumer spending, which accounts for the majority of overall economic activity in the UK. A strong number typically boosts the Pound. 3. 01/23/2026 - ECB's President Lagarde Speech (EUR) When the head of the European Central Bank speaks, the markets listen for "hawkish" or "dovish" cues. Her comments can signal future interest rate hikes or pauses, directly affecting the Euro's strength against other major currencies. 4. 01/23/2026 - S&P Global Manufacturing PMI (USD) This is a leading indicator of economic health in the US. It surveys purchasing managers in the manufacturing sector. Since these businesses react quickly to market conditions, this provides an early look at how the US industrial economy is performing. 5. 01/28/2026 - Consumer Price Index (YoY) (AUD) Inflation is the most watched metric for the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). This Year-over-Year CPI report is the main tool used to measure inflation and determine whether the RBA needs to raise rates to cool the economy or lower them to stimulate growth. 6. 01/28/2026 - BoC Interest Rate Decision (CAD) The Bank of Canada’s announcement on the overnight rate is the primary driver for the Canadian Dollar. Traders look for the BoC’s stance on inflation and economic growth to predict the CAD’s trajectory for the coming quarter. 7. 01/28/2026 - Fed Interest Rate Decision (USD) This is the "heavyweight" event of the week. The Federal Reserve's decision on US interest rates has global ripples. It affects everything from stock markets to gold prices and determines the fundamental value of the US Dollar, the world’s reserve currency. 8. 01/29/2026 - Tokyo Consumer Price Index (YoY) (JPY) The Tokyo CPI is considered a leading indicator of national inflation trends in Japan. Because it is released ahead of the national data, it provides an essential preview of price pressures that the Bank of Japan will have to address in future meetings. 9. 01/30/2026 - Gross Domestic Product (QoQ) (EUR) The GDP report for the Eurozone's major economies (specifically the 09:00 and 10:00 releases) serves as the ultimate scorecard for economic health. It measures the total value of all goods and services produced, indicating whether the Eurozone is expanding or heading toward a recession. 10. 01/30/2026 - Producer Price Index ex Food & Energy (YoY) (USD) Often referred to as "Core PPI," this measures the change in the price of goods sold by manufacturers. It is a leading indicator for consumer inflation; when producers pay more for goods, those costs are usually passed down to the consumer, signaling future CPI rises.   The subject matter and the content of this article are solely the views of the author. FinanceFeeds does not bear any legal responsibility for the content of this article and they do not reflect the viewpoint of FinanceFeeds or its editorial staff. The information does not constitute advice or a recommendation on any course of action and does not take into account your personal circumstances, financial situation, or individual needs. We strongly recommend you seek independent professional advice or conduct your own independent research before acting upon any information contained in this article.

Interactive Brokers' prediction markets platform ForecastEx has appointed renowned academic and forecasting expert Dr. Philip Tetlock to its Board of Directors, strengthening the prediction market’s governance and intellectual foundations as it expands regulated access to probability-based trading. The appointment was announced by Interactive Brokers, which owns ForecastEx as a wholly owned subsidiary. ForecastEx operates as a CFTC-registered Designated Contract Market (DCM) and Derivative Clearing Organization (DCO), allowing market participants to trade forecast contracts linked to macroeconomic, climate, and other real-world outcomes. Dr. Tetlock is internationally recognised for his work on forecasting accuracy, decision-making under uncertainty, and probabilistic judgment — areas that sit at the core of prediction market design and integrity. Strengthening Governance and Market Integrity ForecastEx said Dr. Tetlock’s appointment adds deep subject-matter expertise relevant to market integrity, outcome resolution, and risk management, areas of growing importance as prediction markets gain broader institutional attention. Prediction markets are built on aggregating probabilities across diverse participants, with prices reflecting consensus expectations about future events. Ensuring these markets remain robust, fair, and analytically grounded is central to regulatory trust and long-term adoption. Thomas Peterffy, Founder and Chairman of Interactive Brokers, said Dr. Tetlock’s background aligns closely with ForecastEx’s mission. “We are pleased to welcome Dr. Philip Tetlock to the Board of Directors of ForecastEx,” Peterffy said. “Prediction markets are founded on the uncertainty of the future and the probabilities associated with potential outcomes.” Peterffy added that aggregated forecasts can offer meaningful insights beyond trading. “By aggregating consensus probabilities, forecast contracts can inform market participants' business, societal, and investment decisions while helping investors manage portfolio risks,” he said. “We look forward to leveraging Dr. Tetlock’s deep understanding of the forecasting space to enhance our platform and empower investors to trade the probabilities of future outcomes.” Takeaway Bringing a leading forecasting theorist onto the board signals ForecastEx’s focus on analytical rigor and regulatory credibility. Who Is Philip Tetlock? Dr. Tetlock is the Leonore Annenberg University Professor of Democracy and Citizenship at the University of Pennsylvania, with joint appointments in psychology and management at both the School of Arts & Sciences and the Wharton School. He is best known for his research into expert judgment and forecasting accuracy, including his influential work demonstrating that traditional experts often perform poorly at predicting complex outcomes. His book Superforecasting: The Art and Science of Prediction brought widespread attention to the idea that certain individuals — “superforecasters” — consistently outperform others by applying probabilistic thinking, humility, and disciplined updating of beliefs. Other notable works include Expert Political Judgment: How Good Is It? How Can We Know?, Unmaking the West: “What-If” Scenarios That Rewrite World History, and Counterfactual Thought Experiments in World Politics. These themes closely mirror the intellectual foundations of prediction markets, where participants continuously update probabilities as new information emerges. Takeaway Tetlock’s research directly underpins how modern prediction markets think about probability, bias, and decision-making under uncertainty. ForecastEx’s Role in the Prediction Market Landscape ForecastEx enables organisations and individuals to hedge or take positions on future outcomes tied to macroeconomic indicators, climate-related risks, and other benchmarks. Forecast contracts allow participants to express probabilistic views on future events while receiving a monthly return on invested capital, positioning the product as both a risk management and informational tool. Unlike unregulated prediction platforms, ForecastEx operates within a regulated derivatives framework overseen by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, a distinction that has become increasingly important as regulators scrutinise event-based contracts. Interactive Brokers clients in multiple jurisdictions, including the United States, Canada, Ireland, Hong Kong, and Singapore, can access forecast contracts, subject to local eligibility rules. Product availability varies by affiliate and country of residence, reflecting the complex regulatory environment surrounding prediction markets globally. Takeaway Regulated prediction markets are positioning themselves as serious financial instruments rather than novelty betting platforms. Why Forecasting Expertise Matters Now The appointment comes at a time when markets are grappling with heightened uncertainty across geopolitics, climate risk, monetary policy, and technological disruption. Traditional models often struggle to capture low-probability, high-impact events, increasing interest in alternative approaches to risk pricing and information aggregation. Prediction markets, when well-designed, can serve as real-time indicators of collective expectations, complementing traditional economic forecasts and analyst models. By adding a board member whose career has focused on identifying what makes forecasts accurate or flawed, ForecastEx is signalling that methodological integrity is central to its long-term strategy. Takeaway As uncertainty rises, markets that price probabilities — not just prices — are gaining strategic relevance. Interactive Brokers’ Broader Strategy ForecastEx sits within Interactive Brokers Group, one of the world’s largest electronic brokerage firms and a member of the S&P 500. Interactive Brokers provides automated execution and custody across securities, derivatives, FX, and forecast contracts on more than 170 markets worldwide. The firm has spent decades investing in automation, low-cost execution, and advanced risk management tools, positioning itself as a gateway for sophisticated retail and institutional traders. Integrating prediction markets into its broader platform allows Interactive Brokers to offer clients new ways to hedge risk and express macro views alongside traditional asset classes. Takeaway Prediction markets are becoming a strategic extension of multi-asset trading platforms rather than a niche product. What the Appointment Signals for Prediction Markets Dr. Tetlock’s appointment reflects a broader maturation of the prediction market space, as platforms seek credibility with regulators, institutions, and sophisticated investors. As forecast contracts expand into areas such as climate outcomes, macroeconomic performance, and geopolitical risk, governance and methodological soundness are likely to face increasing scrutiny. ForecastEx’s move suggests that intellectual leadership and academic grounding may become as important as technology in shaping the future of regulated prediction markets. With uncertainty set to remain a defining feature of global markets, platforms that can credibly price probabilities may play an increasingly influential role in decision-making across finance, policy, and business. Takeaway ForecastEx is betting that rigorous forecasting science will be a competitive advantage as prediction markets scale.

AUDUSD currency pair can be expected to rise to the next long-term resistance level 0.6930 (former yearly high from 204 and the target price calculated for the completion of the active impulse wave c).   AUDUSD broke resistance zone Likely to rise to major resistance level 0.6930 AUDUSD currency pair recently broke the resistance zone between the resistance level 0.6765 (which reversed the price at the start of January) and the resistance trendline of the daily up channel from May. The breakout of this resistance zone accelerated the active short-term impulse wave c, which belongs to the intermediate ABC correction 2 from last April. The breakout of the resistance level resistance level 0.6765 signals the acceleration of the active daily uptrend. Given the powerful daily uptrend, significant US dollar outflows and the strongly bullish Australian dollar sentiment seen today, AUDUSD currency pair can be expected to rise to the next long-term resistance level 0.6930 (former yearly high from 204 and the target price calculated for the completion of the active impulse wave c). The subject matter and the content of this article are solely the views of the author. FinanceFeeds does not bear any legal responsibility for the content of this article and they do not reflect the viewpoint of FinanceFeeds or its editorial staff. The information does not constitute advice or a recommendation on any course of action and does not take into account your personal circumstances, financial situation, or individual needs. We strongly recommend you seek independent professional advice or conduct your own independent research before acting upon any information contained in this article.    

Traders are no longer debating roadmaps or long visions. Instead, timing has become everything. Smart capital is moving across different assets, so the best crypto to invest in right now is defined by immediacy, utility, and high upside.  This explains why Deepsnitch AI is dominating discussions around portfolio growth picks. With the launch approaching and bonuses circulating, the clock is ticking faster. Regulatory pressure is reshaping crypto timing US lawmakers are racing to pass a crypto market structure bill before the current political climate fades. According to Patrick Witt, executive director of the President’s Council of Advisors for Digital Assets, assuming crypto can operate without clear rules is unrealistic. For traders focused on the best crypto to invest in, regulatory clarity often benefits projects with live utility and clear user demand. Witt emphasized that compromises are necessary to pass legislation now rather than risk a more restrictive future framework. This situation is also shaping long-term crypto investments, as some capital looks for shelter while other capital hunts for speed. Large caps grind slowly, while early-stage plays with traction attract flows. Best crypto to invest in: Deepsnitch AI, the presale with 100x to 300x potential    Deepsnitch AI is a presale that has a live AI system running pre-launch. Snitchfeed tracks whale wallets and sudden token spikes in real time, while  SnitchGPT translates complex blockchain data into simple information for traders. This real-world utility is rare at the presale stage, which is why Deepsnitch AI is being discussed as the best crypto to invest in. DNST is priced at $0.03609, with more than $1.29 million raised and over 31 million tokens locked in staking. As traders debate the best cryptos for 2026, Deepsnitch AI is focused on the present cycle.  Launch is weeks away, and speculation around a major announcement is growing louder. That sense of urgency is pushing Deepsnitch AI into conversations about portfolio growth picks that could move fast once markets flip risk on. The project has a bonus structure with code DSNTVIP30, which delivers a 30 percent bonus on purchases $2,000 and above. DSNTVIP50 increases that to 50 percent on $5,000. DSNTVIP150 unlocks 150 percent on $10,000, while DSNTVIP300 offers a massive 300 percent bonus on $30,000. These bonuses are not permanent; they give investors a chance to capitalize on this late window, making DeepSnitch AI a top contender for the best crypto to invest in now. Bittensor volatility test Bittensor is a top AI crypto, especially after its halving reduced the daily supply. TAO trades around $236 on January 21, and long term forecasts suggest it will rise to $569, which appeals to long term crypto investment holders. However, recent price action has been unstable. Entering TAO now means accepting volatility with a limited short-term price mover. As traders compare the best cryptos for 2026, many are questioning whether Bittensor offers the same risk-reward balance as a presale with bonuses and a lower entry point.  This comparison is why Deepsnitch AI is viewed as one of the smarter portfolio growth picks for this phase of the cycle. Linea’s waiting game Linea is facing continued selling pressure, down by 21% and sitting in oversold territory. Although recovery is possible, it depends on broader market sentiment improving. For traders hunting the best crypto to invest in, Linea needs patience rather than momentum. Its outlook may fit certain long-term crypto investments, but it lacks the urgency driving Deepsnitch AI. Conclusion While Bittensor and Linea appeal to patience, Deepsnitch AI appeals to timing. With the current regulatory headlines and changing narratives, the best crypto to invest in is one that has good launch proximity and visible utility. Deepsnitch AI checks both boxes.  With presale bonuses like DSNTVIP30, DSNTVIP50, DSNTVIP150, and DSNTVIP300 still circulating, the final stage is underway. For traders seeking portfolio growth picks with 100x to 300x potential, this may be the last call before launch. Visit the official DeepSnitch AI website, join Telegram, and follow on X for the latest updates.  FAQs Why is Deepsnitch AI considered the best crypto to invest in now? Because it combines live utility, an approaching launch, and limited-time bonuses. Is Deepsnitch AI suitable for long-term crypto investments? Yes, but its current appeal is driven by near-term momentum and timing. How does Deepsnitch AI compare to the best cryptos for 2026? Unlike many of the best cryptos for 2026, Deepsnitch AI offers immediate price movement. Is this the final chance to buy Deepsnitch AI at presale prices? With launch weeks away and bonuses closing, many investors believe so.

IC Markets has appointed industry veteran Petros Kalaitzis as General Manager of IC Funded, its proprietary trading division, marking a senior leadership move that underscores the broker’s intent to double down on disciplined growth, risk governance, and long-term sustainability in prop trading. Based in Limassol, Cyprus, Kalaitzis steps into the role following more than a decade in senior positions across prop trading firms, regulated brokerages, and trading technology providers. His appointment comes at a time when the global prop trading industry is recalibrating its priorities amid heightened scrutiny, tighter capital controls, and a growing emphasis on behavioural consistency over headline-grabbing performance. Kalaitzis formally assumed the position in January 2026, transitioning from his most recent executive roles at NextTrade and FunderPro. At IC Funded, he will be responsible for overseeing strategy, risk frameworks, trader evaluation models, and operational scalability, aligning the prop business more closely with IC Markets’ institutional standards. In an exclusive comment to FinanceFeeds, Kalaitzis said the move comes at an early but pivotal stage, describing his first days at IC Funded as “very new” but underpinned by strong conviction in the business. He highlighted the strategic importance of IC Funded being “part of and backed up by IC Markets, which is a top broker on the planet,” adding that he is “very excited” and “grateful” to be taking on the role. Kalaitzis said his initial focus will be on reassessing the prop firm’s foundations, noting that “in the beginning [we’re going to focus] on re-evaluating everything we have and making IC Funded as successful as IC Markets in terms of popularity.” He also pointed to a broader structural shift in the sector, stating that “the prop trading industry has changed dramatically in the last few years,” with major brokers increasingly viewing prop trading “as an additional arm” of their core business. Looking ahead, he suggested the trend is far from over, adding that “we will see moves from other companies that will be focusing a little bit more on the prop side in 2026.” What Kalaitzis Brings to IC Funded [caption id="attachment_186458" align="alignleft" width="300"] Petros Kalaitzis, General Manager of IC Funded[/caption] Kalaitzis arrives at IC Funded with a career that spans the full lifecycle of trading businesses, from front-office dealing and liquidity management to executive leadership and strategic planning. His experience includes senior roles at The Trading Pit, Tools for Brokers, NAGA, Tickmill, Saxo Bank, eToro, and CIF, giving him a rare combination of prop trading insight and regulated brokerage discipline. Immediately prior to joining IC Funded, Kalaitzis served as Executive Director at NextTrade and as Deputy CEO and Chief Strategy Officer at FunderPro. In those roles, he was closely involved in shaping growth strategy, refining risk and evaluation frameworks, and building operational structures designed to scale without compromising control. Earlier, as Managing Director at Tools for Brokers, he worked at the intersection of technology, brokerage infrastructure, and institutional client needs. This breadth of experience is particularly relevant as prop firms mature. Once driven largely by aggressive trader acquisition and marketing, the sector is now under pressure to demonstrate robustness, transparency, and sustainability. Kalaitzis’ background in regulated environments and exchange-traded derivatives positions him to navigate that transition. Takeaway Kalaitzis’ appointment signals a shift toward institutional-grade leadership in prop trading, where operational depth and risk governance are becoming competitive advantages rather than optional extras. A Risk-First Philosophy Shaped by Experience In recent months, Kalaitzis has become an increasingly visible voice in the prop trading community, sharing succinct observations on risk management, discipline, and trader behaviour. His public commentary offers a clear window into the philosophy he is likely to bring to IC Funded. “Prop firms aren’t entertainment businesses. They are risk businesses,” Kalaitzis wrote in one recent post. In another, he argued that “Prop firms don’t punish losing days. They punish undisciplined days,” drawing a clear distinction between statistical loss and behavioural failure. These statements reflect a consistent view: that profitability without control is noise, not signal. He has also repeatedly stressed the importance of predictability over short-term gains. “Prop firms don’t want perfect traders. They want predictable ones,” he noted, adding that “Predictability shows up in risk metrics, not screenshots.” In an industry where social media often amplifies extreme wins, Kalaitzis’ emphasis on consistency stands in contrast to more promotional narratives. Takeaway A risk-first philosophy focused on predictability and discipline aligns closely with where the prop trading industry is heading as firms seek longevity over marketing-driven growth. Why the Appointment Matters for the Prop Trading Industry The timing of Kalaitzis’ move is significant. Prop trading firms globally are facing increased regulatory attention, rising operational costs, and growing trader scepticism following a wave of firm closures and rule changes. Against that backdrop, leadership appointments are being scrutinised as signals of strategic direction. Kalaitzis has consistently framed risk management as a filtering mechanism rather than a constraint. “Risk management doesn’t reduce opportunity. It filters bad decisions,” he wrote in a recent post. Elsewhere, he warned that “Aggression scales poorly. Discipline scales reliably,” a view that mirrors broader institutional thinking in both prime brokerage and asset management. His outlook also reflects a longer-term view of capital allocation. “Capital preservation interest is rising. Longevity is becoming the edge,” Kalaitzis observed, before posing a pointed question to traders: “Are you trading for survival or stimulation?” For prop firms like IC Funded, the implication is clear: sustainable capital deployment depends on trader behaviour that can withstand drawdowns, volatility, and stress. Takeaway As prop trading matures, leadership with institutional risk credentials is becoming critical to maintaining credibility with traders, partners, and regulators alike. Kalaitzis has also highlighted the behavioural roots of many failed funded accounts. “Most traders don’t blow accounts in one trade. They do it through repeated small risk violations,” he wrote, adding that “Discipline compounds. So does indiscipline.” This behavioural lens is likely to influence how IC Funded refines its evaluation criteria and ongoing risk controls. Another recurring theme in his commentary is emotional control. “If position size changes with mood, risk management doesn’t exist,” he stated, emphasising that emotion inevitably “shows up in data.” For prop firms, translating such insights into measurable metrics is increasingly seen as the next frontier in trader assessment. Under Kalaitzis’ leadership, IC Funded is expected to place greater emphasis on data-driven monitoring of trader behaviour, drawdown management, and consistency metrics, moving further away from simplistic profit targets. Takeaway Behavioural consistency, not headline P&L, is becoming the core currency of funded trading, reshaping how firms design evaluations and allocate capital. For IC Markets, the appointment also reinforces its broader positioning as a broker that blends retail accessibility with institutional-grade standards. By installing a General Manager with deep operational and risk experience at IC Funded, the group is signalling that its prop trading arm is intended to be a long-term strategic pillar rather than a short-cycle growth experiment. As the prop trading landscape continues to evolve, Kalaitzis’ leadership will be closely watched by traders and competitors alike. His emphasis on control over confidence, discipline over aggression, and longevity over excitement reflects a philosophy increasingly shared by firms aiming to survive the sector’s next phase. In his own words, “Profit without control is noise.” At IC Funded, the challenge now will be turning that principle into scalable practice.