Donald Trump Introduces His Own Coin, But It’s Not What You Expected!
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is preparing to launch his own coin, which is set to take place on Wednesday. While some people speculated that it might be a cryptocurrency, Trump’s project is more of a traditional product than a digital asset.
New Coin to Support Presidential Campaign Donald Trump, who is running for the presidency of the United States again, announced the launch of a new coin to raise funds for his election campaign. The project, titled "Silver Medallion First Edition President Trump," aims to distribute physical silver to Americans who support his political vision and want to see him back in office. Although many of his supporters expected Trump to release a cryptocurrency, this new coin is something entirely different. Launch of Limited Edition Coin Trump announced that the coin will be sold for $100 each through the website RealTrumpCoins.com. The coin will be made of 99.9% pure silver and will only be available in a limited edition. One side of the coin will feature Donald Trump’s likeness, while the other side will display the White House accompanied by the phrase "In God We Trust." This coin is expected to be one of several activities that Trump undertakes to secure the necessary funding for his campaign ahead of the upcoming presidential elections in the U.S. The coin comes at a time when Trump is actively seeking new ways to bolster his campaign and ensure he has the resources he needs. He stated that this silver coin is the "ONLY OFFICIAL coin" he has designed and that was minted in the U.S. under his leadership. Cryptocurrency Expectations Unfulfilled In recent months, several meme coins featuring themes related to Donald Trump have appeared in the market, capitalizing on his popularity. However, Trump has distanced himself from these unofficial tokens and emphasized during the introduction of his silver coin that: "I’ve seen a lot of coins using my beautiful face, but they’re not official. RealTrumpCoin.com is the only place to purchase the official Trump coin." At first glance, Trump’s announcement of a new official coin might seem related to cryptocurrency, as many of his fans have been expecting him to introduce a digital asset. For instance, last week, 84% of bettors on the Polymarket platform believed that Trump would come out with his own cryptocurrency. This anticipation was fueled by the launch of the World Liberty Financial project, which was speculated to potentially include an official Trump cryptocurrency. World Liberty Financial and the True Purpose of the Coin The World Liberty Financial project does contain a token called WLFI, but this token lacks the key characteristics of a classic cryptocurrency as many had envisioned. Although WLFI has been presented as a type of digital asset, it is not the classic cryptocurrency that Trump fans hoped for. While speculation continues regarding whether Trump will eventually come up with his own cryptocurrency project, the silver coin remains his current official product and focuses more on traditional investment in precious metals. Thus, Trump continues to favor physical, tangible assets rather than joining the wave of digital assets that currently dominate the financial world. Trump's fondness for cryptocurrencies. Donald Trump also commented on the Fatty token before the presidential campaign. #Fatty caught Trump's attention because one of the characters in the game mimics Donald Trump, and they are also counting on Don's participation in their new video clip. The first episode featured UFC Champion Jiří Procházka and world-famous beauty contest winners. Fatty.io is still in presale, and it is expected to be one of the best launches of this period. Notice: ,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“
A Bet on Maduro Earned $400,000. Polymarket Faces Insider Trading Allegations
The arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces has not only caused geopolitical shockwaves, but also ignited controversy on the decentralized prediction market Polymarket. Just hours before the event, three newly created crypto wallets placed massive bets on Maduro’s removal — and astonishingly predicted the outcome with 94% accuracy.
🔹 Record Profits, Rising Suspicions
One wallet reportedly turned a $34,000 investment into an incredible $400,000. Together, the three wallets generated over $630,000 in profits. Notably, all three wallets bet solely on Venezuela- and Maduro-related events, with no previous betting history — triggering strong suspicions of insider trading.
🔹 Predictions Minutes Before the Operation
In the final hours before the Friday night raid (10 PM EST), the odds of Maduro being ousted jumped from 6% to 12.5% within just 35 minutes. These were the exact moments when key bets were placed — raising serious ethical and legal questions about advance knowledge of the operation.
🔹 U.S. Justice Ready to Strike
After Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were arrested in Caracas on charges of narco-terrorism and weapons trafficking, U.S. prosecutor Pam Bondi stated: “Maduro and his wife will soon face the full force of American justice, on U.S. soil, in American courts.” Other high-ranking Venezuelan officials, including Maduro’s son, face similar indictments. Despite the political unrest and ongoing national strike in Venezuela, the crypto markets have remained notably stable.
🔹 Prediction Markets – A Powerful Tool, But for Whom?
More crypto companies are exploring prediction markets. Coinbase is already collaborating with Kalshi to launch its own platform. Other players like Gemini and Crypto.com are following suit. But this growing trend raises a crucial question:
Where’s the line between intelligent speculation and using privileged, non-public information for profit?
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Wall Street Embraces Crypto: Bank of America Urges Clients to Allocate Up to 4% to Digital Assets
Wall Street is making a decisive turn toward cryptocurrencies. Bank of America, one of the largest financial institutions in the United States, has issued new guidance encouraging clients to include digital assets in their investment portfolios, reflecting the growing institutional adoption of crypto.
Bank of America Signals a Strategic Shift Toward Crypto Starting January 5, financial advisors from Bank of America Private Bank, Merrill, and Merrill Edge will begin recommending that clients allocate between 1% and 4% of their portfolios to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. These investments will be made through selected crypto ETPs, with no minimum asset requirements. This change allows advisors to act as actively involved portfolio managers, rather than merely executing crypto-related orders. Chris Hyzy, Chief Investment Officer at Merrill, believes that even a small allocation can be suitable for most investors. “For investors with a strong interest in thematic innovation and an understanding of higher volatility, a modest allocation of 1% to 4% to digital assets may be appropriate,” Hyzy said. These products provide exposure to cryptocurrencies without the risks associated with self-custody, which explains their growing popularity among traditional investors.
Regulatory Pressure Eases, Adoption Accelerates This move follows a broader easing of regulatory tensions around digital assets. With U.S. President Donald Trump advocating for a less restrictive regulatory environment, financial institutions have become increasingly open to embracing crypto as a legitimate asset class. Nevertheless, Bank of America cautioned clients that market volatility remains a defining characteristic of digital assets. “The link between adoption and long-term value is real, but not guaranteed, and periods of speculative excess can push prices far beyond actual utility,” Merrill noted. Notably, Bank of America has also collaborated with institutions such as Citi and Goldman Sachs on the development of digital tokens representing major global currencies.
Institutional Adoption Gains Momentum Across the Sector A major regulatory catalyst has further fueled this shift. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) recently approved the inclusion of selected crypto assets on U.S. banks’ balance sheets. These approved assets include Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and XRP, which banks may also use to cover blockchain network fees. This decision opens the door for national banks to directly hold and utilize cryptocurrencies for settlement purposes. Meanwhile: Deutsche Bank plans to launch its crypto custody service later this year in cooperation with Bitpanda and Taurus SA, reinforcing its commitment to digital asset infrastructure.PNC Bank has become the first major U.S. bank to offer eligible customers direct spot Bitcoin trading, allowing them to buy, sell, and hold BTC directly through the bank’s platform. A Structural Shift on Wall Street? Bank of America’s move highlights a deeper transformation underway in the financial sector. What was once considered fringe or speculative is now being actively recommended by one of the most influential banks in the world. As regulatory barriers soften and institutional infrastructure expands, cryptocurrencies are increasingly positioning themselves as a permanent component of modern investment portfolios.
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Whales Dominate Crypto Markets Again As Exchange Activity Hits 10-Month High
The crypto market is heating up in early 2026 – and along with it, large-scale players are making their presence known. So-called whales, who hold vast amounts of crypto, are once again driving major price movements. Their increasing activity signals a shift back toward institutional capital and professional traders, while retail investors remain cautious. Whale Activity on Exchanges Hits Highest Level in 10 Months
The whale-to-exchange deposit ratio has surged to 0.504, a level not seen since March 2025. This metric, which tracks the 10 largest inflows relative to total exchange deposits, shows that large players are dominating market flow. Historically, this has created potential sell pressure, as whales tend to offload profits during local price highs. Exchange Inflows Are Surging
January 2026 saw a sharp spike in this metric, aligning with Bitcoin’s (BTC) push above $92,000. The surge in inflows across all major exchanges highlights a growing presence of whales rather than retail buyers – a trend that could shape market behavior in the coming weeks.
Binance Emerges as the Whale Capital Once viewed as a retail-dominated exchange, Binance has now evolved into a primary hub for large-scale transactions. The platform currently holds over 71% of all stablecoin deposits, and continues to attract significant inflows of native BTC. 🔹 Average deposit sizes on Binance are increasing, reflecting the dominance of larger traders
🔹 Following the launch of several spot ETFs, Binance has become a preferred venue for institutional inflows
🔹 Retail activity has shifted toward decentralized platforms and non-custodial wallets in the Binance ecosystem This growing concentration of large deposits suggests whales are looking to take advantage of high liquidity and potentially lock in profits during short-term market rallies.
Are Whales a Threat to BTC’s Momentum – Or a Signal for Growth? The surge in whale activity raises an important question: Is Bitcoin heading toward another sell-off, or gearing up for the next bull run? Similar spikes in activity were observed during the summer of 2025 – a period that preceded major profit-taking. While BTC still reflects signs of a weak market following a 30% pullback, on-chain metrics indicate continued accumulation into new wallets, growing interest in crypto ETFs, and renewed buying activity by whales. The market may be approaching a turning point between a fading correction and a fresh bullish trend.
Summary: Whales are back in control. Their presence on centralized exchanges is the strongest in nearly a year, with Binance emerging as the primary battleground. Whether they’re preparing to sell or doubling down on future gains, one thing is clear: whale activity will define the path for Bitcoin in the coming weeks.
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Venezuela at a Crossroads: Bitcoin, Freedom, and a New President
Venezuela's political landscape has been shaken to the core. Following the dramatic capture of President Nicolás Maduro—who was extradited to the U.S. to face federal charges of corruption and drug trafficking—attention has turned to who will lead the country next. All eyes are now on opposition leader and long-time Bitcoin advocate, María Corina Machado.
From Repression to Reform: A New Hope for Venezuela After years of authoritarian rule, hyperinflation, mass migration, and the collapse of the bolívar, there is now a glimmer of hope. Machado, winner of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize and a popular figure among liberty advocates and crypto believers, has emerged as a key candidate. According to prediction platform Kalshi, she currently has a 28% chance of winning by the end of 2026, placing her just behind Edmundo González Urrutia (32%), the presumed winner of the May 2025 election who was blocked from taking office by Maduro’s regime. Third is acting Vice President Delcy Rodríguez with 27%, who was appointed interim president by Venezuela’s Supreme Court after Maduro’s capture.
From a Worthless Currency to a Crypto Future Machado has long advocated for cryptocurrency as a tool for economic survival and national reform. In a 2024 interview with the Human Rights Foundation, she described Bitcoin as “a way for people to reclaim economic freedom.” She proposed making BTC a national reserve asset and encouraged its use in everyday life—especially as Venezuela’s currency, the bolívar, has lost over 99.99% of its value since 2013. Bitcoin could thus become not only a financial solution, but a symbol of national rebirth—bridging freedom, stability, and access to global markets.
Trump Questions, but Support Grows While U.S. President Donald Trump publicly questioned Machado’s ability to govern, analysts point to her growing support among Venezuelans at home and abroad. Over 8 million citizens have fled the country in recent years, many relying on cryptocurrencies to send money home and manage their finances.
Crypto as Government Strategy? If Machado rises to power, her administration could make cryptocurrency—especially Bitcoin—an integral part of Venezuela’s financial future. Her approach might serve as a model for other emerging nations struggling with inflation, monetary collapse, and government mistrust. Her leadership could usher in not just political freedom, but a tech-driven transformation powered by decentralized finance and open markets.
One-Minute Recap: 🔹 Maduro’s arrest opens the door for new leadership
🔹 Bitcoin supporter María Corina Machado gains momentum
🔹 BTC could become a tool of national economic reform
🔹 Trump expresses doubt, but Machado's support grows
🔹 Venezuela may become the first nation to fully integrate crypto in government
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Shiba Inu Soars 32% in 2026 as Whale Wallet Holds $3.3B in SHIB – Is a Bigger Rally Ahead?
The meme coin Shiba Inu (SHIB) is making a stunning comeback in 2026. Its price has jumped 32%, reaching above $0.0000087, amid growing whale accumulation and renewed investor interest. One of the top wallets now holds SHIB worth $3.3 billion, fueling speculation that a much larger breakout may be on the horizon.
Shift in sentiment: Trading volume more than doubled
In the past 24 hours, SHIB’s trading volume surged by 131% to $321.9 million. The total meme coin market cap climbed to $51.7 billion, increasing by 5.6% in a single day. Other meme coins also posted impressive gains:
🔹 PEPE +10%
🔹 DOGE +20%
🔹 PONKE +70%
🔹 Pudgy +8% This meme sector rebound suggests a renewed appetite for risk among investors pouring capital into volatile tokens.
SHIB Rally Mirrors Broader Crypto Recovery The overall crypto market gained 0.62% in the past 24 hours, adding 5.43% for the week. Bitcoin surged past $92,000 while Ethereum reclaimed the $3,000 level. Other major altcoins such as Solana, XRP, and BNB also recorded gains—despite geopolitical tensions, including the confirmed detainment of Venezuelan President Maduro following a U.S. military operation. These turbulent global events haven't deterred crypto markets—instead, they reflect growing investor optimism and a shift back toward risk assets, at least in the first half of 2026.
Whale Wallets Control the Majority of SHIB Supply According to on-chain data, the ten largest wallets now hold over 62% of SHIB's total supply. The largest wallet alone holds roughly 41%—equivalent to $3.3 billion. As a result, SHIB’s market capitalization rose by 12.47% to $5.34 billion.
The meme sector as a whole surged 20% in the past week to reach a $45.3 billion market cap. Other notable performers include: 🔹 USLESS, MOG, DOG, BONK, and FLOKI with gains between 33% and 54%
🔹 194 million SHIB tokens were burned in 7 days (+414%), amplifying the bullish momentum
What’s Next for SHIB Price? SHIB is currently trading at $0.00000874, holding above the key $0.00000850 support after its breakout. Technical indicators suggest: 🔹 MACD remains in bullish territory
🔹 The histogram is weakening, pointing to a potential slowdown
🔹 RSI dropped to 69.14 – out of the overbought zone but still bullish If bullish momentum holds, SHIB could break resistance at $0.000009. A further push may open the path toward $0.00001 and even $0.000011. However, if selling pressure returns, SHIB could drop to the $0.00000820 level.
Conclusion:
Shiba Inu is once again cementing its status as a leading meme coin. The combination of whale accumulation, spiking volume, aggressive token burns, and a broader crypto recovery suggests that 2026 could become a breakout year for SHIB.
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CLARITY Act: Will 2026 Reshape Crypto Market Rules in the US?
The crypto market is increasingly focused on the long-awaited U.S. CLARITY Act, a bill that aims to introduce clear rules for digital assets and their market structure. While prices remain range-bound, many experts believe that regulatory clarity—rather than short-term speculation—will be the true catalyst for the next growth phase.
CLARITY Act: The Blueprint for the Blockchain Future According to investor and crypto advocate Anthony Scaramucci, the CLARITY Act needs to be passed before the U.S. midterm elections. The bill is expected to remove key regulatory roadblocks that have hindered blockchain adoption—especially in areas like tokenization of real-world assets. Scaramucci also noted that altcoins tend to rise based on real-world utility, not hype. But without legal certainty, many projects struggle to move beyond early development.
Coinbase: CLARITY Will Surpass the GENIUS Act A lead strategist at Coinbase Institutional emphasized that the CLARITY Act is far broader in scope than previous laws like the GENIUS Act. While GENIUS opened the door for banks to engage with stablecoins, CLARITY aims to define how the entire U.S. crypto market operates—including trading, custody, and token classification. Its complexity has slowed its progress, but it also amplifies its long-term potential.
On-Chain and Market Data Signals: A Shift Is Forming Analysts are closely watching early 2026 trends that may signal a turning point: 🔹 Bitcoin dominance is rising—a pattern often seen near market cycle bottoms
🔹 Accumulation in BTC and ETH is increasing, while long-term holders remain inactive
🔹 Ethereum’s daily transactions now exceed volumes from the 2021 NFT peak
🔹 Broader valuation metrics suggest capital rotation into undervalued assets This data pattern historically precedes stronger recovery cycles.
Stablecoins, Tokenization, and Real-World Use Cases The CLARITY Act could expand upon the regulatory foundation laid by the GENIUS Act. By allowing non-banking entities to issue regulated stablecoins and tokens, it would open the door to blockchain-based payment systems, loyalty programs, and real-world asset platforms. Experts say this legal clarity is crucial for mass adoption beyond trading and speculation.
Why 2026 Is on the Radar While crypto prices remain subdued, institutional interest is quietly accelerating. U.S.-based Bitcoin ETFs have seen some of the strongest launches in ETF history, despite minimal promotion. With improving regulatory transparency and increased access to crypto-related financial products for advisors, institutional adoption could ramp up significantly. The CLARITY Act may well be the trigger that aligns regulation, capital, and infrastructure—and sparks a new era of crypto growth.
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MetaMask Warning: New Phishing Wave Targets Users with Fake 2FA Verification
Users of the popular crypto wallet MetaMask have become the target of a dangerous phishing campaign exploiting trust in two-factor authentication (2FA). Scammers are sending out fake emails claiming that users must update their 2FA login credentials by January 4, 2026, or lose access to key wallet features. In reality, it's a trap — the real goal is to steal their recovery phrases and gain access to digital assets.
Phishing Email in Action Security expert 23pds from blockchain security firm SlowMist was among the first in the industry to alert users to the scam. He explained that the phishing attack uses a convincing 2FA interface, including countdown timers and prompts, all designed to trick users into revealing their seed phrases. The entire process looks legitimate but is crafted with one purpose: to steal sensitive wallet information from unsuspecting users.
How to Stay Safe? Key Recommendations Cybersecurity analyst Tomas Meskauskas previously warned against similar attacks, stressing that users should always:
🔹 Carefully verify the sender's email address
🔹 Never enter login or recovery details via links in an email
🔹 Activate 2FA only through official platforms Australian security firm MailGuard also intercepted fake emails warning about "unusual activity" on MetaMask accounts, urging users to activate 2FA immediately — but directing them to fraudulent websites.
Attack History & Rising Threats MetaMask suffered a similar attack in 2022 when a vulnerability in Apple’s iCloud backups led to the theft of crypto assets and NFTs worth over $650,000. The stolen assets included NFTs worth 132.86 ETH and APE tokens valued at over $250,000. Blockchain security company Halborn has repeatedly urged MetaMask and other crypto projects to establish incident response protocols, emphasizing that no one can catch every phishing attempt.
MetaMask: "We Will Never Email You First" The MetaMask team reminded users that the company:
🔹 Never sends emails without a prior support request
🔹 Never asks for recovery phrases or Google/Apple account info
🔹 Cannot initiate email communication without explicit user request In conclusion, MetaMask is urging users to be extra cautious and reminds them that the only way to stay safe is to carefully verify anything related to wallet access — especially email notifications.
Secure yourself before it’s too late. Your wallet is only as safe as your behavior.
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Japan’s Retail Sales Hit Decade-High, Yet Investors Flock to U.S. Markets
Despite booming retail sales and strong performance in domestic equities, Japanese retail investors are shifting their capital abroad, with the majority favoring U.S. markets. Even as Japan's corporate sector thrives, households are increasing their exposure to foreign assets, especially amid the ongoing second term of President Donald Trump.
Record Outflows from Japanese Stocks, Foreign Buying Remains Strong Data from the Japan Exchange Group and the Investment Trusts Association Japan show that by November 2025, Japanese households had withdrawn a net ¥3.8 trillion ($24.3 billion) from local stocks and mutual funds. This represents the fastest domestic equity sell-off in over a decade, even as the Topix index surged more than 25%. Meanwhile, purchases of foreign stocks via mutual funds remained near a record high at ¥9.4 trillion, matching levels from 2024 and reinforcing strong investor confidence in overseas—especially U.S.—markets.
Domestic Strength, Global Preference Even with solid corporate earnings, supportive fiscal policies from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, and the Bank of Japan’s rate hikes, investors continued to prioritize global diversification. A weaker yen has made foreign assets more attractive when converted into local currency, further tilting retail demand toward dollar-based investments. “The outflow has been unprecedented,” said Adarsh Sinha, Global Head of G10 Rates and FX Strategy at BofA Securities.
“Tax-exempt accounts like NISA have accelerated foreign equity purchases.” Efforts by policymakers to steer household wealth into domestic capital markets have fallen flat as Japanese investors double down on international exposure.
Weaker Yen, Lower Yields, Structural Headwinds Forecasts for the yen remain pessimistic. Both JPMorgan and BNP Paribas SA expect it to weaken further, potentially hitting 160 JPY per USD by the end of 2026, driven by persistent structural gaps between the Japanese and U.S. economies. 🔹 10-year Japanese government bonds yield roughly 200 basis points less than their U.S. counterparts
🔹 Inflation-adjusted rates remain negative, reducing the appeal for income-focused investors
Asian Markets Mixed, Japan Futures Point to Strong Open Futures contracts for the Nikkei 225 suggest a bullish reopening after the New Year break, trading at 51,075 in Chicago and 50,620 in Osaka, both above the last close of 50,339.48. Regional performance across Asia was mixed: 🔹 Australia’s ASX/S&P 200 rose by 0.21%
🔹 Hong Kong’s Hang Seng climbed to 26,442
🔹 South Korea’s KOSPI surged by 2.46%, while other major indexes remained flat
Nomura Warns of Overexposure to U.S. Tech Hideyuki Ishiguro, Chief Strategist at Nomura, cautioned that many retail investors in Japan may be overweight on U.S. tech stocks, making their portfolios vulnerable to potential corrections in the overvalued tech sector. “2026 should be a year of reassessing asset allocation,” Ishiguro added.
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Trump Bets on Reviving Venezuela’s Oil Industry – Markets Skeptical, U.S. Oil Stocks Slip
As Donald Trump unveils his ambitious plan to revive Venezuela’s oil sector with U.S. support, investors and energy executives are pouring cold water on the idea. Wall Street is signaling clear skepticism: a quick rebound is unrealistic, and the risks—both political and financial—are immense. News of potential recovery triggered a selloff in major U.S. energy stocks, while analysts warned that logistical breakdowns and decades of mismanagement in Venezuela’s oil sector could stall any real progress for years to come.
$100 Billion Needed – and a Decade of Work Ahead According to Bloomberg, restoring Venezuela’s oil infrastructure would require over $100 billion in investment and at least ten years of rebuilding—and that’s the optimistic scenario. Francisco Monaldi, energy policy director for Latin America at Rice University’s Baker Institute, said that bringing production back to 1970s levels—nearly 4 million barrels per day—would demand $10 billion in annual capital for a decade. “A faster recovery would require even more aggressive spending,” he added. Venezuela is currently producing only around 1 million barrels per day, despite having the largest proven oil reserves in the world.
Infrastructure Collapse: Ports, Pipelines, and Refineries in Ruin Following years of economic decline under Nicolás Maduro—who was captured by U.S. forces last weekend—the oil infrastructure lies in disarray: 🔹 Port operations are sluggish – supertanker loading takes up to 5 days, versus 1 day seven years ago
🔹 Oil platforms are abandoned – some are stripped for parts in broad daylight
🔹 Pipelines are corroding and leaking, some reportedly dismantled and sold as scrap by the state oil company
🔹 The once-mighty Paraguana refining complex now runs intermittently at minimal capacity; some units are completely offline The country can’t even refine what little oil it still extracts, as key facilities are non-functional or obsolete.
Wall Street Says: Don’t Buy the Hype Analysts at RBC Capital Markets, including Helima Croft, warned that hopes for a quick output boom are wishful thinking. “Some will treat this like a ‘mission accomplished’ moment,” they wrote, “but reaching 3 million barrels per day is highly unlikely anytime soon—even if sanctions are lifted and political power transitions smoothly.” Neil Shearing, chief economist at Capital Economics, added that having the world’s largest reserves means little without the capacity to exploit them. Even if Venezuela achieved 3 million barrels per day, he noted, it would only add about 2% to global supply.
Oil Prices React—But Gains Will Be Limited Goldman Sachs analysts suggest Venezuela’s situation could shift Brent crude prices by about $2 per barrel in either direction. If production increases, prices may ease. If output falters, prices could rise. Their long-term model shows that if Venezuela reaches 2 million barrels per day by 2030, it could lead to a $4-per-barrel decline in Brent prices compared to current projections.
Chevron Holds On—Exxon and Conoco Stay Away Chevron remains the only major U.S. oil company currently operating in Venezuela. It accounts for roughly 25% of the country’s current output, under a special license allowing it to bypass certain U.S. sanctions. ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips, both of which had assets expropriated in the early 2000s under Hugo Chávez, are still absent. Exxon has stated it will only consider returning if conditions change significantly. Chevron, meanwhile, remains cautious: “We continue to prioritize the safety of our people and the protection of our assets in Venezuela, operating in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations,” the company said.
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James Wynn Reenters the Market: Veteran Trader Opens Massive BTC Long as Market Strengthens
Renowned crypto market veteran James Wynn is once again in the spotlight after entering a major long position on Bitcoin, just as the leading cryptocurrency broke above the $93,000 mark. His bold move adds to growing market optimism that another strong bullish phase may be underway.
Wynn Goes Big – 124 BTC With 40x Leverage In a recent post on X, Wynn announced that he reopened a long position totaling 124.18 BTC, utilizing 40x leverage. His average entry price is approximately $91,332, putting him at a floating profit of over $211,000. The total position is valued at around $11.5 million. In addition to Bitcoin, Wynn also holds a highly leveraged position in the memecoin PEPE—more than 364 million tokens at 10x leverage, with a position size of $2.6 million. This trade has already generated profits exceeding $590,000, according to available data.
Market Momentum Builds as Sentiment Shifts Wynn’s timing coincides with Bitcoin’s breakout from a consolidation phase, as price action begins to strengthen despite lingering geopolitical tension between the U.S. and Venezuela following the capture of President Maduro. As of publication, data from CoinMarketCap shows the total crypto market cap at $3.16 trillion, with daily trading volume reaching $90 billion. The Crypto Fear & Greed Index has returned to neutral for the first time since October, signaling a balanced market mood. A notable rebound was also observed in the Coinbase Premium Index, which has flipped back into positive territory since its year-end dip—a sign of renewed U.S. institutional buying after December’s tax-driven selloffs.
End of the Classic Four-Year Cycle – or the Start of Something Bigger? Some analysts argue that the current price action is not the tail end of a traditional four-year cycle, but rather the beginning of a new long-term growth phase. Market expert David suggests that Bitcoin is increasingly following a power-law model, with extended growth intervals and diminishing volatility. According to his analysis, Bitcoin’s current price remains below its intrinsic trendline, indicating significant upside potential. His year-end target? $218,000 per BTC.
Bitcoin ETFs Regain Institutional Momentum Adding fuel to the bullish narrative is a surge in net inflows into spot Bitcoin ETFs. Data from SoSoValue reveals a total net inflow of $459 million between late December and early January—with more than $320 million flowing into BlackRock’s IBIT fund. This institutional appetite not only boosts confidence but also reduces the available BTC supply, exerting upward pressure on prices in the open market.
Conclusion Wynn’s aggressive reentry comes at a pivotal moment for Bitcoin, both technically and psychologically. While short-term volatility remains, a confluence of market signals and institutional flows suggests the rally may be far from over.
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Bitcoin Surges Past $93,000 Amid U.S. Operation in Venezuela – Here's Why It's Rising
As Latin America's geopolitical scene turns into a high-stakes chessboard, Bitcoin is quietly climbing. Following a U.S. military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, BTC has rallied above $93,000, breaking key technical levels and reigniting interest from global investors. This price spike comes as the market shakes off speculative excess and faces serious questions about the potential transfer of Venezuela's massive BTC reserves. Let’s break down the three main reasons behind Bitcoin’s latest rally.
1. “Clean Slate” Effect After New Year’s Market Reset While traders still debate whether the bull market is intact, BTC has held above $88,000, forming a strong base for growth heading into 2026. According to analysts at Matrixport, the market is going through a classic “clean slate” effect—when traders close speculative positions at year-end, leaving the market refreshed and ready for a natural trajectory. Nearly $30 billion in leveraged positions on Bitcoin and Ethereum futures have been wiped out since the October peak. “A new year with clean positioning is often an ideal setup,” Matrixport stated.
“With speculation flushed out, crypto markets are leaner and healthier heading into 2026.”
2. Venezuela’s Shadow BTC Reserves Could End Up in U.S. Hands Intelligence reports suggest that the Venezuelan regime may have accumulated up to 600,000 BTC, an amount worth over $60 billion—comparable to the holdings of giants like MicroStrategy and BlackRock. These assets, including Bitcoin and Tether, were reportedly acquired through gold swaps and USDT oil exports as a way to bypass U.S. sanctions. But after the January 3 capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces, attention has shifted to the possible seizure of these reserves. If confiscated, these BTC could either be frozen as forfeited assets or even added to U.S. strategic reserves—representing a major supply squeeze, which is bullish for Bitcoin’s price.
3. Technical Breakout and Bullish Momentum In response to geopolitical developments, whales and institutional players have increased their Bitcoin exposure, opening new long positions. BTC has gained over 2% in the past 24 hours, currently trading at $92,432, with a daily high of $93,204. Trading volume has surged by 41%, signaling rising interest across the board. Analyst Joe Consorti highlighted that Bitcoin has broken above its 50-day moving average for the first time since October. It's now testing price zones last seen in early December, indicating a decline in selling pressure and a potential move toward the 50-week moving average near $101,000.
BTC has also cleared both the 200-MA and 200-EMA on the 4-hour chart, signaling a potential short- to mid-term uptrend. Key resistance remains around $94,000, which bulls are now eyeing as the next breakout level.
Takeaway The crypto market is kicking off 2026 with renewed strength. A mix of geopolitical shocks, technical tailwinds, and potential supply constraints is setting the stage for Bitcoin’s next bullish chapter.
#BTC , #bitcoin , #CryptoNews , #venezuela , #CryptoCommunity Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies! Notice: ,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“
Cryptocurrencies Stay Calm as Trump Again Threatens Force — This Time Colombia Is in Focus
While geopolitical tensions in Latin America are once again intensifying, the cryptocurrency market is sending an unexpected signal: it remains steady. The latest source of uncertainty comes from remarks by Donald Trump, who openly suggested the possibility of military action against Colombia. Although similar threats have triggered sharp market swings in the past, investors are reacting with notable restraint this time.
Trump Shifts His Focus: From Venezuela to Colombia Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump stated that a military intervention against Colombia is a scenario he considers plausible. When directly asked whether such action was possible, he responded affirmatively. He also sharply criticized the Colombian government for what he described as a failure to curb cocaine trafficking into the United States. His comments were widely interpreted as an attack on President Gustavo Petro, implying that Colombia’s current leadership may not remain in power for long. Unlike the recent developments in Venezuela, however, this is not about a completed operation but rather an explicit threat and a test of market nerves.
Regional Pressure Is Expanding Colombia is not the only country mentioned in Trump’s recent remarks. He has repeatedly warned that Mexico could also face pressure due to drug routes flowing into the United States. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum denied that the U.S. is directly involved in efforts to combat cartels on Mexican territory, prompting Trump to respond that “something will have to be done.” At the same time, Washington is closely monitoring Cuba, a long-standing ally of Venezuela. Together, these developments point to rising geopolitical pressure across the region, rather than an isolated incident.
Crypto Markets Refuse to Panic Despite the escalating rhetoric, cryptocurrencies remain remarkably calm. Bitcoin has shown no major volatility, and the market has not seen the wave of liquidations typically associated with geopolitical shocks. The Crypto Fear & Greed Index remains in neutral territory, suggesting investors are not adopting a defensive stance. This marks a clear departure from past behavior, when even the threat of conflict was enough to rattle crypto markets.
Why the Reaction Is Different This Time Historically, geopolitical crises have had mixed effects on digital assets. When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Bitcoin initially fell alongside global markets. The recovery, however, was swift—particularly in regions where traditional banking systems faltered and cryptocurrencies became an alternative financial tool. Similar patterns have emerged in sanctioned economies. Iran, for example, has long relied on cryptocurrencies for cross-border transactions despite U.S. sanctions. Available data estimate that crypto transaction volumes involving Iran reached nearly $1 billion in 2021. Today’s situation suggests the crypto market is more mature and less reactive. Investors appear increasingly capable of distinguishing between rhetorical escalation and genuine systemic risk.
A New Signal for Investors As geopolitical tensions rise across Latin America, cryptocurrencies are demonstrating that they are no longer merely speculative assets driven by headlines. Threats aimed at Colombia are becoming a test of market resilience rather than a trigger for panic. This growing ability to filter out political noise may indicate that the crypto sector is entering a new phase—one in which geopolitics still matters, but no longer serves as an automatic catalyst for chaos.
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The Year of Memecoins: Explosive Start to 2026 Signals Major Comeback for DOGE, SHIB, and PEPE
The year 2026 has kicked off with a surge of excitement in the crypto world — especially in the memecoin sector. Once considered tired and overlooked, the market is now making headlines again. In just the first few days of January, the total market capitalization of meme tokens has surged by over 30%, marking a powerful rebound not seen since the early crypto boom days. 🔹 Total sector capitalization jumped $12 billion in just four days
🔹 Top gainers include PEPE (+65%), DOGE (+18.5%), and SHIB (+17%)
Memecoins Back in the Spotlight While Bitcoin pushes past $90,000 and eyes the key psychological barrier of $100,000, memecoins like Dogecoin, Shiba Inu, and Pepe are proving they’re far from obsolete. The total value of the meme sector has now surpassed $47.3 billion, and analysts believe this could be just the beginning. Crypto analyst Shah posted on X that if this trend continues, we may witness “a wild memecoin rally.” According to him, memes are regaining favor thanks to their community-driven power and ease of trading compared to more complex altcoins.
Why Now? This resurgence isn't based on hype alone. Experts point to a blend of strategic and market factors: 🔹 Tax optimization: End-of-year selloffs allowed major players to record losses for tax purposes and re-enter the market at lower prices in January
🔹 Post-FUD sentiment: After a wave of fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD) in December, retail investors are returning with renewed confidence
🔹 Spiking search interest: Since January 1, online searches for meme tokens have surged, signaling growing mainstream interest Crypto analyst Tervelix adds: “We’re seeing a recurring pattern — after tax-loss harvesting in December, capital flows right back in. Whales clean up their books, then jump back in to ride the Q1 narrative.”
Buckle Up for Volatility Memecoins can skyrocket — but they’re also notoriously unpredictable. Still, DOGE, SHIB, PEPE, and other community tokens are seen as sentiment catalysts, often leading broader market moves. Whether this momentum holds throughout Q1 will depend not only on Bitcoin’s trajectory but also on broader public engagement and media amplification.
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Europe to Trump: “We Won’t Repeal Our Rules” — The Tech Clash Escalates in 2026
Tensions between Brussels and Washington are heating up. The European Union has made it clear that it won’t bow to pressure from President Donald Trump’s administration and is determined to enforce its own digital rules — even if it risks triggering a trade conflict with the United States.
Brussels Prepares a Counteroffensive as Trump Threatens Retaliation The European Commission is doubling down in 2026, sharpening its focus on enforcing the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and the Digital Services Act (DSA). These laws are designed to crack down on tech monopolies, force platform openness, and demand stronger content moderation from companies like Apple, Meta, Google, and Amazon. But the move has drawn sharp criticism from Washington. Trump’s team is reportedly threatening tariffs on European goods if the EU doesn’t back down. The U.S. argues that Europe’s regulations disproportionately target Silicon Valley giants, while turning a blind eye to Chinese competitors.
Europe Stands Firm Teresa Ribera, head of competition policy within the EU, said she had to be “blunt” with her U.S. counterparts: “I told them openly — we won’t repeal our rules just because America disagrees.” There’s growing determination in Brussels to stay the course — even if it means diplomatic fallout across the Atlantic.
Apple and Meta Adjust, Google and Musk Under Fire While tech firms have criticized Europe’s approach in public, several have already adjusted their operations quietly. Apple and Meta implemented changes in response to recent fines. Meanwhile, new investigations have been launched: Meta is being scrutinized over whether it blocks AI developers from accessing WhatsAppGoogle faces questions about scraping online content for AI trainingX (Twitter) received a €120 million penalty for violating DSA transparency rules — prompting fierce backlash from Elon Musk and U.S. officials U.S. Responds with Visa Bans As retaliation, the U.S. last month barred former EU commissioner Thierry Breton and four others from entering the country, accusing them of censorship and suppressing U.S.-based social media platforms. Senator Marco Rubio called it part of a broader effort to dismantle the "global censorship-industrial complex" and warned the list could grow if European regulators don’t change their approach.
TikTok, AI, Search Bias: New Fronts in the Fight The EU is also ramping up scrutiny of TikTok over alleged election interference, and probing Google’s dominance in search results — a case that could result in a massive fine. Legal experts say Europe’s enforcement of digital laws has become increasingly difficult due to Trump’s aggressive stance, which is emboldening U.S. tech firms to push back harder — both in Europe and at home.
Warnings Against Capitulation Analysts at Brussels-based think tank Bruegel have warned that softening enforcement would damage Europe’s economic standing. Strong competition enforcement, they argue, is crucial to preserving Europe’s global competitiveness. MEP Alexandra Geese (Greens/EFA) went further, saying current enforcement remains slow and insufficient. She described the situation as “an assault on democracy led by tech oligarchs through social media — and Europe is failing to defend itself.”
Summary:
2026 marks a critical turning point in the battle over digital sovereignty. The EU is preparing to stand its ground against Trump’s pressure and continue enforcing its rules — regardless of trade threats or geopolitical friction. For European regulators, this could be their biggest challenge since the creation of digital legislation.
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Washington Pressures U.S. Oil Giants to Return to Venezuela, Tying Compensation to New Investment
The administration of President Donald Trump has made it clear in recent weeks that U.S. oil companies will not recover compensation for assets expropriated by Venezuela more than two decades ago unless they return to the country and commit substantial new investment. The White House and the State Department have informed firms that any financial settlement will be conditional on actively helping to revive Venezuela’s severely damaged oil industry.
A Dispute Rooted in the Chávez Era In the early 2000s, Venezuela—under then-president Hugo Chávez—expropriated the assets of several international energy companies after they refused to grant greater operational control to the state oil company PDVSA, as demanded by the government. While Chevron negotiated a way to remain in the country through joint ventures with PDVSA, rivals such as ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips exited Venezuela and pursued international arbitration to recover losses.
Trump: Regime Change Would Unlock Vast Oil Reserves The renewed push follows President Trump’s weekend remarks suggesting that the removal of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro would “unlock” the country’s oil reserves—estimated at $17.3 trillion in value. Venezuela currently holds the largest proven oil reserves in the world, despite producing only a fraction of its historical output. Trump has also stated that American companies are expected to lead efforts to rebuild Venezuela’s oil sector, provided they are willing to finance the recovery largely with their own capital.
Investment as a شرط for Settling Expropriation Claims According to U.S. officials familiar with discussions with oil industry executives, compensation for past expropriations will not be automatic. Companies would first need to invest heavily in restoring production, refining capacity, and export infrastructure before any old claims are addressed. This approach would be particularly costly for firms that previously relied on arbitration. ConocoPhillips reportedly spent nearly $12 billion after its Venezuelan assets were nationalized, while ExxonMobil sought to recover about $1.65 billion in lost profits through international legal proceedings. Attention to these disputes intensified again last month after President Trump ordered a blockade of Venezuelan oil tankers, bringing the issue of historic expropriations back into focus.
Oil Companies Weigh the Risks of Returning Energy companies remain cautious. A spokesperson for ConocoPhillips said the firm is closely monitoring developments in Venezuela, particularly their potential impact on global energy supply and stability, but stressed that it is too early to discuss any concrete investment or business plans. The company reiterated this position when asked about possible talks with government officials. ExxonMobil did not immediately respond to media inquiries. Analysts warn that even if U.S. oil companies decide to return, it could take years for production to increase meaningfully. Despite vast reserves, Venezuela’s output has collapsed over time due to mismanagement, lack of investment, and U.S. sanctions.
Structural Challenges and Political Uncertainty Experts note that companies considering a return would face multiple obstacles, including: Unclear contractual and legal frameworksSecurity risksSeverely deteriorated infrastructureQuestions over the legality of U.S. actions against President MaduroThe risk of prolonged political instability Venezuela, a founding member of OPEC, was once a major global oil producer. By 2010, however, output had fallen below 2 million barrels per day, and the decline continued in subsequent years. Last year, Venezuela produced an average of just 1.1 million barrels per day, a small fraction of global supply and a stark contrast to its former status as a leading oil exporter.
Skepticism Persists Despite Political Rhetoric Although President Trump has suggested that U.S. firms could invest billions of dollars to rebuild Venezuela’s energy infrastructure, analysts remain cautious. Many question whether oil companies will be willing to commit capital in such a highly uncertain and volatile environment. According to analysts including Helima Croft, some market participants may embrace a “mission accomplished” narrative and plan for a rapid return to 3 million barrels per day of production. More conservative estimates, however, suggest that only several hundred thousand barrels per day could be added over the next 12 months, and only if sanctions are eased and a smooth transfer of power occurs. “Conditions remain extremely fluid,” the analysts concluded, “and the road back for Venezuela will be long and challenging.”
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XRP Whales Accumulate $3.6 Billion as Bullish Divergence Returns
The price of XRP has declined by approximately 1.1% over the past 24 hours and remains down 8.8% over the last 30 days. This makes XRP one of the weakest performers among the top ten cryptocurrencies, with only Dogecoin recording a larger monthly loss. Despite this weakness, two important signals are now emerging on the chart: the return of a bullish RSI divergence and aggressive accumulation by the largest XRP holders. Together, these developments could mark the first genuine attempt to reverse the prevailing downtrend.
Bullish Divergence Reappears: A Familiar Pattern Returns Between November 4 and December 31, XRP’s price action showed clear signs of weakness. The price formed lower lows, while the Relative Strength Index (RSI)—a momentum indicator—created higher lows. This mismatch is known as a bullish divergence and typically suggests that selling pressure is losing strength, often preceding trend reversals. A similar setup appeared between November 4 and December 1, triggering a 12% rebound in XRP’s price. That recovery ultimately failed, however, as it lacked support from whale wallets. This time, the surrounding conditions look notably different.
Whales Buy This Time: $3.6 Billion Added in Just 24 Hours During the previous divergence attempt, whale behavior played a key role in suppressing the rally. In the early stages of the December bounce (between December 1 and December 3), major wallet cohorts were net sellers: Wallets holding 1 to 10 million XRP reduced balances from 4.35 billion to 3.97 billion XRPWallets holding more than 1 billion XRP declined from 25.34 billion to 25.16 billion XRP This selling pressure likely prevented the rally from developing further. The current response is the exact opposite. Over the last 24 hours, wallets holding more than 1 billion XRP increased their balances sharply from 25.47 billion to 27.47 billion XRP. This represents an accumulation of roughly 2 billion XRP, equivalent to approximately $3.6 billion at current prices. While smaller whales (1–10 million XRP wallets) have already reduced their exposure, mega whales are clearly dominating accumulation. This shift is the key difference compared to the November attempt. Whales are now buying rather than selling as the RSI divergence forms. If these positions are maintained, XRP’s price structure will finally be supported by both momentum and supply dynamics.
Key XRP Price Levels Will Determine Whether the Reversal Holds Despite the constructive signals, price confirmation remains essential. The first critical requirement for a successful reversal is a clear 12-hour close above $1.92. This level has acted as strong resistance since December 22, rejecting every rally attempt. If XRP breaks convincingly above $1.92, the next challenge lies at $2.02. Reclaiming that zone would shift focus toward the $2.17–$2.21 range, an area that capped the previous rebound in early December. On the downside, losing support at $1.77 would significantly weaken the bullish case. Such a move would suggest whales entered too early and that the divergence is once again failing—mirroring the outcome seen at the start of December.
Conclusion: Stronger Foundations This Time, but Price Still Decides For now, the combination of a bullish RSI divergence, $3.6 billion in whale accumulation, and renewed demand across the largest XRP wallets gives the asset a much stronger technical foundation than during the last failed attempt. Final confirmation, however, depends entirely on price action. The $1.92 level remains the decisive line that will determine whether XRP can truly reverse its downtrend—or whether history is about to repeat itself once again.
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Tesla Sales in Europe Fell Nearly 40% in 2025 as Competition Intensified and Demand Weakened
The year 2025 ended extremely poorly for Tesla in Europe. According to data from France’s national automotive association and other regional registration authorities, the automaker suffered a dramatic collapse across several key European markets, highlighting a rapid erosion of its position. In France, Tesla delivered just 1,942 vehicles in December, representing a 66% year-over-year decline. Sweden saw an even sharper downturn, with December deliveries plunging by 71%. Full-year figures offered little relief, as Tesla’s total sales in Sweden for 2025 were 67% lower than in 2024.
Electric Vehicles Are Growing — Tesla Is Not What makes the decline particularly striking is that it occurred during a period of strong growth for electric vehicles across Europe. Registrations of battery-electric vehicles increased by 27% during the first eleven months of the year, while Tesla’s registrations over the same period fell by 28%. This divergence suggests the problem lies not with EV demand, but with Tesla’s competitiveness.
Norway Remains the Sole Bright Spot Norway stood out as the only major exception. In December, Tesla recorded 5,679 new registrations, marking an almost 90% year-over-year increase. This result aligns with Norway’s broader market reality, where 96% of all new vehicles sold in 2025 were fully electric, creating a uniquely favorable environment for Tesla.
European Buyers Turn Away — Musk’s Politics Matter Falling sales cannot be explained solely by pricing pressure or intensifying competition from European and Chinese automakers. A significant factor has been the public behavior of Elon Musk himself. In Germany and the United Kingdom, Tesla faced customer backlash after Musk openly expressed support for far-right political figures. These statements triggered negative public reactions and weakened brand loyalty, prompting some potential buyers to consider alternative manufacturers.
Full Self-Driving Strategy Runs Into Regulatory Reality Despite the setback, Musk has not changed course. He continues to position Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system as a future growth engine for Europe. However, a major obstacle remains: FSD is not currently legal in the European Union. European regulators have yet to approve the system, placing Tesla in direct conflict with the very authorities whose approval it needs. A central role in this process is held by RDW, the Dutch agency responsible for vehicle type approval across the EU. Tesla claimed on Musk’s social media platform X that RDW was the “primary pathway” to FSD approval and had allegedly committed to granting Dutch national approval by February 2026. That claim was quickly challenged. The following day, RDW publicly stated that Tesla’s assertion was inaccurate.
“We do not share details about ongoing applications from manufacturers,” the agency said, adding that while both parties recognize the effort required to reach a decision by February, there is no guarantee the timeline will be met.
Tesla Pushes, Regulators Push Back Tensions escalated further during Tesla’s annual shareholder meeting earlier this month, when Musk told investors he would welcome pressure from European customers on regulators to approve FSD. Shortly afterward, Tesla quietly updated its website with new FSD safety statistics. Critics quickly questioned the methodology, calling the data misleading and poorly constructed. Tesla’s European team then shared a link to RDW’s contact page, encouraging supporters to thank the agency for the supposed approval. Regulators reacted sharply. RDW published a notice asking the public not to contact the agency, stating that such messages unnecessarily burden customer service and have no impact on regulatory decisions.
Outlook Remains Challenging Analysts now expect Tesla to report an 11% year-over-year decline in global deliveries for the fourth quarter. Tesla’s own guidance suggests conditions could be even worse, with the company warning the decline may approach 15%. Europe is increasingly emerging as one of Tesla’s weakest regions—at a time when competition is intensifying, regulations remain strict, and the brand is facing both technological hurdles and growing reputational challenges.
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Crypto Market Gains Momentum in Early 2026: Investor Optimism Grows Across the Board
After a cautious end to 2025, the cryptocurrency market has kicked off 2026 with renewed bullish momentum. The total market capitalization has surpassed $3.01 trillion, fueled by rising investor confidence, slowing ETF outflows, and a renewed wave of institutional interest. Bitcoin has climbed 1.6%, nearing $89,002, while Ethereum has gained 1% to trade around $3,010. Major altcoins like XRP, Dogecoin, and Cardano have also seen sharp increases. Improving macroeconomic signals and the strengthening technical structure of top tokens are drawing traders back into the market.
What’s Driving Today’s Crypto Surge? The market is currently rallying ahead of a major options expiration event involving over $2.2 billion in contracts tied to Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and Solana. This could trigger increased volatility and potentially shift market direction. At the same time, optimism is rising over upcoming crypto-related legislation in the U.S. The CLARITY Act is expected to be debated in January, which could help resolve jurisdictional disputes between the SEC and the CFTC. Meanwhile, the GENIUS Act aims to create a federal framework for stablecoins. Additionally, the SEC’s proposed “innovation exemption” could ease regulatory burdens on new crypto projects—offering a strong positive signal for the industry in 2026.
Investors Regain Confidence The crypto Fear and Greed Index has risen to 34, the highest since mid-December, reflecting a growing risk appetite and easing investor concerns. ETF outflows from Bitcoin also slowed significantly in December—just $1.09 billion, compared to $3.48 billion in November. Over the past 24 hours, the total crypto market cap increased by 1.45%, supported by technical buying, positive geopolitical crypto headlines, and general market risk-on sentiment.
DOGE and ADA Lead Altcoin Rally as Whales Return Dogecoin led the charge with an 8% jump in the last 24 hours, breaking past the resistance level at $0.121 and forming a double bottom pattern. Whale wallets accumulated more than 220 million DOGE during the session, boosting momentum. Cardano also rose 6%, as altcoin traders rotated into higher-risk assets. Among small-cap tokens, PENGU AI skyrocketed by 817%, driven by intense speculation and fresh investor interest in the first days of the new year.
Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP Test Critical Resistance Zones Bitcoin is approaching major resistance at $90,000. A successful breakout could send prices soaring toward $95,000. Ethereum is testing the $3,020 level, with a target of $3,500 ahead. If rejected, ETH may retreat toward $2,700. XRP is eyeing a breakout above $2.00. If successful, it could push toward $2.20, though a failed attempt may result in a drop back to $1.80. These resistance levels are likely to shape the short-term market dynamics.
Fed Liquidity, ETF Flows, and U.S. Jobs Data in Focus The Federal Reserve recently injected $31 billion into the banking system, increasing overall liquidity and encouraging more risk-taking among investors, including in crypto markets. Bitcoin dominance has dipped slightly to 58.96%, suggesting a possible rotation into altcoins. Although the Altcoin Season Index remains at 22, a sustained market cap above $3.1 trillion could trigger broader risk rotation. Key short-term catalysts include the U.S. jobs report on January 5 and ongoing ETF inflow trends. These factors will likely determine crypto market performance throughout Q1 2026.
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Ryan Salame Accuses Biden Administration of Biased Prosecution, Hopes for Trump Pardon
Former FTX executive Ryan Salame, currently serving a 7.5-year prison sentence, has publicly criticized the Biden administration, accusing the Department of Justice (DOJ) of politically motivated and selective prosecution. According to Salame, the DOJ under President Biden targeted individuals rather than crimes and deliberately ignored similar actions by Democratic allies. In a post on X, Salame claimed he was “chosen as a scapegoat” due to his donations to Republican campaigns. He also alleged that prosecutors ignored evidence in his favor and silenced witnesses who could confirm his innocence. Concerns over how the DOJ handled the FTX case were echoed by Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF), the founder of the collapsed crypto exchange, who reposted Salame’s message. SBF argued that the Biden-era DOJ went after people who had no knowledge of the core fraud at FTX, while disregarding evidence proving their lack of involvement. Salame further claimed that he was pressured into pleading guilty to making unlawful political donations and operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business. He accused a former assistant U.S. attorney of threatening to investigate his pregnant partner:
"They went after my wife—literally and figuratively. I eventually surrendered to make sure my loved ones wouldn’t be harmed. I refused to lie, and that’s what they wanted me to do,” he said.
Hopes for a Trump Pardon Salame expressed support for an executive order by former President Donald Trump that addresses the alleged “weaponization” of federal agencies under Biden. He is hopeful that Trump’s return could bring reform—and perhaps a presidential pardon. He referenced similar hopes held by figures like Changpeng Zhao and Arthur Hayes, who also clashed with U.S. regulators. Although Trump has not granted clemency to anyone directly involved in international crypto cases, Salame—having been a Republican donor and pleaded guilty—might stand a chance.
SBF Says He Never Had a Fair Trial Meanwhile, Bankman-Fried’s legal team argues that their client was presumed guilty from the outset. They claim the prosecutors, media, and especially the presiding judge acted with bias, and that SBF never received a fair trial.
FTX Token Slightly Up While the legal saga unfolds, the FTX token (FTT) has gained over 3%, currently trading at $0.479. Its 24-hour low and high are $0.464 and $0.484, respectively.
Stay one step ahead – follow our profile and stay informed about everything important in the world of cryptocurrencies! Notice: ,,The information and views presented in this article are intended solely for educational purposes and should not be taken as investment advice in any situation. The content of these pages should not be regarded as financial, investment, or any other form of advice. We caution that investing in cryptocurrencies can be risky and may lead to financial losses.“
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