Global bank messaging network SWIFT has tested Societe Generale’s euro-pegged stablecoin as part of a collaboration aimed at improving interoperability between traditional financial systems and blockchain-based assets.
Societe Generale’s digital asset subsidiary, SG-Forge, on Thursday announced it successfully completed the exchange and settlement of tokenized bonds in both fiat and digital currencies.
“This initiative showed that tokenized bonds can leverage existing payment infrastructures, enabling financial institutions and corporates to benefit from faster settlements and secure, compliant operational processes through the integration of ISO 20022 standards,” SG-Forge said.
“First MiCA-compliant stablecoin for SWIFT’s interoperability”
The joint project demonstrated the feasibility of key market operation use cases, including issuance, delivery-versus-payment settlement, coupon payments and redemption.
As part of the cooperation, SG-Forge provided its open-source standard, called Compliance Architecture for Security Tokens (CAST), including its security token and the EURCV stablecoin.
Notably, SG-Forge referred to its EURCV stablecoin as the first onchain settlement asset that is compliant with Europe’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework and is “natively compatible with Swift’s interoperability capabilities.”
SG-Forge’s post on LinkedIn on Thursday. Source: SG-Forge
“By proving that Swift can orchestrate multi-platform tokenized asset transactions, we’re paving the way for our customers to adopt digital assets with confidence, and at scale,” SWIFT’s tokenized assets product lead, Thomas Dugauquier, said in a joint announcement.
“It’s about creating a bridge between existing finance and emerging technologies,” he added.
SWIFT works with 30 banks on a shared blockchain-based ledger
SWIFT had announced plans to “add blockchain-based ledger to its infrastructure stack” in September 2025.
SG-Forge was one of at least 30 financial institutions worldwide that SWIFT named as partners for its ledger project, which focuses on real-time, 24/7 cross-border payments and began with a conceptual prototype developed by Ethereum software firm Consensys.
SWIFT’s post on LinkedIn in December 2025. Source: SWIFT
SWIFT’s forthcoming system is expected to apply blockchain technology to provide a “secure, real-time log of transactions” shared between financial institutions that will record sequence, validate transactions and enforce rules through smart contracts.
Cointelegraph reached out to SG-Forge and SWIFT for comment on the specific blockchain networks used in the recently completed project, but had not received a response by the time of publication.
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Bitcoin is showing considerable strength in the short term, opening the gates for a rally to $100,000 and then to $107,500.
Select major altcoins are showing strength, but Monero (XMR) is leading from the front.
After the sharp rally on Tuesday, Bitcoin (BTC) bulls are attempting to extend the gains above $97,000. The strong inflows of $753.8 million in BTC exchange-traded funds on Tuesday, according to Farside Investors data, show that the rally was backed by solid buying from institutional investors.
Crypto sentiment platform Santiment said in a post on X that retail traders may FOMO if BTC begins “teasing $100k in the next few days.”
Another bullish case was presented by crypto analyst Midas, who said in a post on X that BTC’s current structure is following the 2020-2021 cycle. If history repeats, BTC may reach $150,000.
Crypto market data daily view. Source: TradingView
However, not everyone is outright bullish on BTC. Global investment manager VanEck said in its Q1 2026 Outlook that BTC’s four-year cycle broke in 2025, which supports “a more cautious near-term outlook over the next 3-6 months.” Select analysts from the company differed in their view, “remaining more constructive on the immediate cycle,” the report said.
What are the target levels to watch out for in BTC and the major altcoins? Let’s analyze the charts of the top 10 cryptocurrencies to find out.
Bitcoin price prediction
BTC rallied above the $94,789 resistance on Tuesday, but the breakout is facing selling near the $96,846 level.
The upsloping 20-day exponential moving average (EMA) ($91,418) and the relative strength index (RSI) near the overbought zone signal that bulls are in control. A close above the $96,848 level clears the path for a rally to $100,000 and subsequently to $107,500.
The first support on the downside is the breakout level of $94,789 and then the 20-day EMA. Sellers will have to swiftly tug the price below the 50-day simple moving average (SMA) ($89,959) to weaken the bullish momentum.
Ether price prediction
Ether (ETH) broke above the resistance line of the symmetrical triangle pattern on Tuesday, indicating that the bulls have overpowered the bears.
The bears will try to pull the price back inside the triangle, but if the bulls successfully defend the resistance line, the ETH/USDT pair may rally to $3,659 and then to $4,000.
Contrary to this assumption, if the price skids back into the triangle, it is likely to find support at the moving averages. If the price rebounds off the moving averages, the bulls will again attempt to resume the up move. The bears will be back in the driver’s seat on a close below the support line.
XRP price prediction
XRP (XRP) bounced off the moving averages on Tuesday, indicating solid demand at lower levels.
The upsloping 20-day EMA ($2.06) and the RSI in positive territory indicate that the bulls have the upper hand. That increases the possibility of a break above the downtrend line, signaling a potential trend change. The XRP/USDT pair may then rally to $2.70.
This positive view will be invalidated in the near term if the XRP price turns down and breaks below the moving averages. That suggests the pair may remain inside the descending channel for a while longer.
BNB price prediction
BNB (BNB) closed above the $928 level on Tuesday, completing a bullish ascending triangle pattern.
The bears will attempt to trap the aggressive bulls by pulling the BNB price below the moving averages. If they manage to do that, the BNB/USDT pair may drop to the uptrend line and then to the $790 level.
Contrarily, if the price turns up from the $928 level, it suggests that the bulls have flipped the level into support. That increases the likelihood of a rally toward the pattern target of $1,066.
Solana price prediction
Solana (SOL) reached the $147 level on Tuesday, where the bears are expected to pose a strong challenge.
The upsloping 20-day EMA ($135) and the RSI near the overbought zone suggest the path of least resistance is to the upside. If buyers clear the $147 level, the SOL/USDT pair may pick up momentum and soar toward $172.
The moving averages are the crucial support to watch out for on the downside. A break below the moving averages indicates that the bulls have given up. That may keep the Solana price inside the $117 to $147 range for a few more days.
Dogecoin price prediction
Dogecoin (DOGE) turned up from the moving averages on Tuesday, signaling that the bulls are attempting to take charge.
If buyers thrust the price above the $0.16 resistance, the DOGE/USDT pair will complete a bullish inverse head-and-shoulders pattern. The Dogecoin price may then rally toward the target objective of $0.20.
Instead, if the price turns down sharply from the $0.16 level, it suggests that the bears continue to sell on rallies. That may keep the pair range-bound between $0.16 and $0.12 for some time.
Cardano price prediction
Buyers successfully defended the 20-day EMA ($0.39) in Cardano (ADA), indicating a positive sentiment.
There is minor resistance at $0.44, but if the level is crossed, the ADA/USDT pair may rally to the breakdown level of $0.50. The recovery is expected to face significant selling at the $0.50 level, but if the bulls prevail, the Cardano price may ascend to $0.60. Such a move signals a potential trend change in the near term.
Sellers will have to swiftly yank the price below the moving averages if they want to retain the advantage. The pair may then slide to $0.33.
The vertical rally has pushed the RSI above the 87 level, signalling that the XMR/USDT pair is overbought in the near term. That may result in a few days of consolidation or correction in the near term.
Any pullback is expected to find support at the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement level of $607. A shallow correction increases the likelihood of the continuation of the uptrend. The Monero price may then skyrocket toward $915. The bullish momentum is expected to weaken on a close below the 50% retracement level of $571.
Bitcoin Cash price prediction
Bitcoin Cash (BCH) is attempting to find support at the moving averages, but the bears continue to exert pressure.
A break and close below the 50-day SMA ($589) suggests that the market rejected the breakout above the $631 level. That may trap the aggressive bulls, pulling the BCH/USDT pair to $563 and later to $518.
On the contrary, the bulls will attempt to resume the uptrend by pushing the Bitcoin Cash price above the $670 level. If they can pull it off, the pair may surge to $720, where the sellers are expected to step in.
Chainlink price prediction
Chainlink (LINK) turned up sharply from the moving averages on Tuesday, indicating that the bulls are trying to form a higher low.
The bulls will attempt to strengthen their position by pushing the Chainlink price above the $14.98 resistance. If they manage to do that, the LINK/USDT pair may rally toward $17.66. That brings the large $10.94 to $27 range into play.
Sellers are likely to have other plans. They will try to halt the recovery at the $14.98 level and pull the price below the moving averages. That may keep the pair stuck inside the $11.61 to $14.98 range for some more time.
This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision. While we strive to provide accurate and timely information, Cointelegraph does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information in this article. This article may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Cointelegraph will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from your reliance on this information.
The GENIUS Act was designed to keep stablecoins as payment tools rather than savings products. As a result, it bans issuers from paying interest or yield to stablecoin holders.
Community banks argue that a loophole exists because exchanges and affiliated partners can still offer rewards on stablecoin balances, even if the issuer itself does not pay yield.
Smaller banks are more concerned than large banks because they rely heavily on local deposits. Any outflow of deposits could directly reduce lending to small businesses and households.
Banks also note that reward programs can be funded through platform revenues or affiliate structures, making the ban ineffective in practice if partner incentives continue.
In the US, the GENIUS Act of 2025 was intended to provide a federal framework for payment stablecoins. The law established strict standards for reserves and consumer protection. However, the banking sector soon warned Congress of a potential loophole in the stablecoin rules.
This article examines what the GENIUS Act was designed to achieve and the regulatory gap that bankers are concerned about. It explains why community banks are more affected than larger institutions, outlines counterarguments from the crypto industry and explores the options available to Congress.
What the GENIUS Act was trying to prevent
The GENIUS Act aimed to prevent stablecoins from functioning as savings products. Lawmakers wanted stablecoins to continue operating as payment instruments. For this reason, the law prohibits stablecoin issuers from paying interest or yield to holders solely for holding the token.
Banks supported restrictions on yield-bearing stablecoins. They argued that if stablecoins could pay yield directly, they could become an alternative to insured savings accounts. This could encourage some depositors to move funds out of traditional bank accounts. Banks also warned that the impact would fall most heavily on smaller community banks, which rely on local deposits to fund lending.
Did you know? Some US states already regulate money transmitters that handle stablecoins. As a result, a single stablecoin platform can face both federal GENIUS Act requirements and dozens of separate state licensing and reporting obligations.
The “loophole” banks are talking about
Community banks say the issue is not what stablecoin issuers do directly. Instead, they argue that the loophole arises through issuers’ distribution partners, including exchanges and other crypto platforms.
In early January 2026, the American Bankers Association’s Community Bankers Council urged the Senate to tighten the GENIUS framework, warning that some stablecoin ecosystems were exploring a perceived “loophole.” According to the group, exchanges and other partners can enable rewards for stablecoin holders even when the issuer itself is not paying interest.
This structural feature of how stablecoins operate has highlighted the regulatory gap. The GENIUS Act restricts issuer-paid yield but does not necessarily prevent third-party platforms from incentivizing customers on deposited stablecoins.
Banks argue that because distribution partners can effectively work around the restriction, the act becomes less effective in practice.
The issuer does not pay a yield.
The platform holding the stablecoin balance pays rewards to the depositor.
From the customer’s perspective, they are earning returns simply by holding stablecoins.
Did you know? Several US stablecoin issuers hold reserves primarily in short-term US Treasury bills. This makes them indirect participants in government debt markets rather than traditional banking systems.
Why community banks care more than large banks
Large banks can diversify funding sources and access wholesale funding markets more easily than smaller lenders. Community banks, on the other hand, are typically more dependent on stable retail deposits.
This is why community bankers frame the loophole debate as a local credit issue. If deposits move from community institutions into stablecoin balances, banks could have less capacity to lend to small businesses, farmers, students and homebuyers.
Banks have attempted to quantify this risk. The Banking Policy Institute (BPI) has argued that incentivizing a shift from deposits and money market funds to stablecoins could raise lending costs and reduce credit availability. The BPI has also warned that these incentives undermine the spirit of the ban on issuer-paid yield for stablecoins.
How rewards can be offered without the issuer paying interest
Banks argue that these programs can be funded through a mix of platform revenues, marketing subsidies, revenue-sharing arrangements or affiliate structures tied to stablecoin issuance and distribution.
While funding mechanics vary by platform and token, the controversy is less about any single program and more about the incentive outcome. Banks are concerned that stablecoins could offer bank customers an alternative venue for holding liquid funds.
Community banks are calling on Congress to close the loophole not only for issuers but also for affiliates, partners and intermediaries that deliver yield in practice.
Did you know? Stablecoin transaction volumes often spike during weekends and holidays, when banks are closed. This highlights how crypto payment rails operate continuously outside normal banking hours.
The crypto industry’s counterargument
Crypto advocacy groups and industry associations have pushed back strongly. The Blockchain Association and the Crypto Council for Innovation argue that Congress intentionally drew a clear line by banning issuer-paid interest while preserving room for platforms to offer lawful rewards and incentives.
Counterarguments from the crypto industry include:
Payment stablecoins are not bank deposits: Stablecoins are primarily payment and settlement tools and should not be regulated as substitutes for deposits.
Stablecoins do not fund loans like banks: Comparing stablecoins to deposit-funded lending is a category error. Industry groups argue that forcing stablecoins to mimic bank economics would suppress competition rather than protect consumers.
Banning third-party rewards could stifle innovation: Treating every incentive program as a prohibited activity could reduce consumer choice and limit experimentation in payments.
What could be the likely policy options?
Based on the public arguments so far, policymakers have several possible paths:
Affiliate and partner prohibition: Extend the GENIUS Act’s yield ban to issuer affiliates and distribution partners.
Disclosure and consumer protection approach: Allow rewards but require clear disclosures. Crypto firms could be required to explain who pays the rewards, what risks are involved and what is not insured. Regulators could also impose stricter marketing rules to prevent rewards from being presented as bank-like interest.
A narrow safe harbor: Permit certain activity-based incentives. For example, the law could allow rewards tied to usage while limiting balance-based incentives that resemble interest.
How Congress resolves this issue will shape whether stablecoins remain payments-first tools or potentially evolve into more bank-like stores of value.
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NVIDIA unveils DLSS 4.5 at CES 2026 with second-gen transformer model, 6x frame generation, and neural shading upgrades for RTX GPUs.
NVIDIA dropped DLSS 4.5 at CES 2026, packing a second-generation transformer model that uses 5x more compute than its predecessor. The upgrade targets the 250+ games already running DLSS 4, with major upcoming titles like PRAGMATA and Resident Evil Requiem queued for integration.
The company’s stock sits at $185.81 as of January 13, with shares up 0.47% over 24 hours and a market cap hovering around $4.51 trillion. This release comes as NVIDIA navigates fresh regulatory developments, with the U.S. recently approving H200 chip exports to China under certain conditions.
What’s Actually New
The second-gen transformer model represents the technical meat here. NVIDIA trained it on an expanded dataset, giving the AI better context awareness for scene analysis and smarter pixel sampling. The practical result? Performance Mode now matches or beats native resolution quality, while Ultra Performance becomes genuinely usable for 4K gaming.
Dynamic Multi Frame Generation is the other headline feature. Rather than locking frame generation at a fixed multiplier, the system now shifts automatically based on scene demands. A 6x mode for RTX 50 Series GPUs arrives this spring through Streamline Plugin updates.
Neural Shading Gets Faster
The RTX Neural Texture Compression SDK hit version 0.9 with some notable benchmarks. Block Compression 7 encoding runs 6x faster than before, while inference speed jumped 20% to 40% compared to version 0.8. Developers can now save up to 7x system memory without tanking frame rates.
RTX Kit update 2026.1 bundles these improvements with bug fixes for the Neural Shaders SDK and adds Vulkan support for RTX Hair rendering.
ACE Expands AI Character Options
NVIDIA’s ACE platform now supports the Nemotron Nano 9B V2 model through an In-game Inferencing SDK plugin. The model handles real-time reasoning for non-scripted NPC interactions. Developers can disable intermediate reasoning traces to speed up responses when precision matters less than snappiness.
Qwen3-8B support expanded to include 4B and 600M variants, giving studios more flexibility when balancing memory usage against response quality.
Developer Timeline
DLSS 4.5 Super Resolution is available now through the Streamline Plugin. The 6x Dynamic Multi Frame Generation mode hits this spring. Nsight Graphics 2025.5 already shipped with dynamic shader editing and RTX Hair visualization in the Ray Tracing Inspector.
For NVIDIA investors watching the gaming segment, adoption velocity matters. DLSS 4 became the company’s fastest-adopted gaming tech ever. Whether 4.5 maintains that momentum—particularly with the 6x mode requiring RTX 50 Series hardware—will show up in developer integration rates over the coming quarters.
FLOKI shows neutral momentum at $0.00005377 with RSI at 59.81. Analysts predict potential 420% upside to $0.000280 within 4 weeks despite current bearish MACD signals.
Recent analyst predictions for FLOKI have converged around a bullish medium-term outlook despite current mixed signals. James Ding noted on January 10, 2026, that “FLOKI shows bullish momentum with RSI at 64.03 and MACD turning positive. Technical analysis suggests a potential 40% upside target of $0.000280 within 4 weeks.”
Tony Kim provided a more cautious assessment on January 12, 2026, stating that “FLOKI trades at $0.00005075 with neutral RSI at 55.43. Technical analysis suggests potential 575% upside to $0.000280 within 4 weeks, though momentum remains bearish.”
Darius Baruo offered additional perspective on January 11, 2026, explaining that “FLOKI shows bullish MACD momentum despite neutral RSI at 58.61. Technical analysis suggests potential recovery to $0.000280-$0.000320 range within 4-6 weeks based on recent analyst forecasts.”
The consensus among these analysts points to a $0.000280 price target, representing approximately 420% upside from current levels.
FLOKI Technical Analysis Breakdown
Current technical indicators present a mixed picture for FLOKI price prediction. The token is trading at approximately $0.00005377 with a modest 4.03% gain over the past 24 hours. Trading volume on Binance spot markets reached $12.82 million, indicating moderate market interest.
The RSI reading of 59.81 places FLOKI in neutral territory, neither overbought nor oversold. This suggests room for movement in either direction without immediate technical constraints. The Bollinger Band position at 0.69 indicates FLOKI is trading closer to the upper band, suggesting some upward momentum within recent price ranges.
However, the MACD histogram shows bearish momentum at 0.0000, creating a divergence with analyst expectations. The Stochastic oscillator presents a mixed signal with %K at 64.46 and %D at 51.57, indicating potential for continued volatility.
Floki Price Targets: Bull vs Bear Case
Bullish Scenario
The bullish case for FLOKI centers around the analyst consensus target of $0.000280. This Floki forecast represents a significant breakout above current resistance levels. For this scenario to materialize, FLOKI would need to break above the immediate resistance level and sustain momentum through increased trading volume.
Key technical confirmation signals include RSI moving above 65, MACD histogram turning positive, and a decisive break above current trading ranges. The convergence of multiple analyst predictions around the $0.000280 level suggests this target has strong technical foundation.
Bearish Scenario
The bearish case considers the current MACD bearish momentum and potential support level breaks. If FLOKI fails to maintain current levels, the next significant support would likely be tested around $0.000051. A break below this level could trigger further downside toward previous consolidation zones.
Risk factors include broader cryptocurrency market volatility, potential regulatory concerns, and the inherent volatility associated with meme-based tokens. The disconnect between current bearish momentum indicators and bullish analyst predictions creates uncertainty that could resolve in either direction.
Should You Buy FLOKI? Entry Strategy
For investors considering FLOKI, the current price level around $0.00005377 presents a potential entry point based on analyst predictions. However, the mixed technical signals suggest a cautious approach may be prudent.
Entry strategy considerations include waiting for confirmation above $0.000061 resistance for bullish positioning, or alternatively, accumulating on any dips toward $0.000051 support levels. Given the significant upside potential suggested by analysts, position sizing should account for the high-risk nature of meme token investments.
Stop-loss levels could be set below $0.000051 to limit downside exposure, while profit-taking zones might be established in stages toward the $0.000280 target.
Conclusion
The FLOKI price prediction landscape presents compelling upside potential based on recent analyst forecasts targeting $0.000280 within 4-6 weeks. Despite current bearish momentum indicators, the convergence of multiple technical analyses around this price target suggests significant probability for substantial gains.
However, investors should approach this Floki forecast with appropriate risk management given the volatile nature of cryptocurrency markets and the mixed technical signals currently present. The 420% upside potential comes with corresponding downside risks that must be carefully considered.
Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency price predictions are inherently speculative and subject to high volatility. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Always conduct your own research and consider your risk tolerance before making investment decisions.
Update Jan. 14, 2:20 pm UTC: This article has been updated to add comments from Manta CEO John Patrick Mullin.
Mantra, a blockchain project focused on real-world assets (RWAs), is restructuring its operations after what its leadership described as the most difficult year in the company’s history, marked by a sharp token collapse and prolonged market pressure.
On Wednesday, Manta CEO John Patrick Mullin announced that the company would transition to a leaner and more capital-efficient structure following a period of expansion. The changes include job cuts across multiple teams and a streamlining of operations to better match near-term market conditions.
“I take full accountability for these decisions and for the path that led us here,” Mullin wrote. “I know this is an incredibly challenging situation, particularly for those directly impacted, for their families, and for everyone at MANTRA. I’m especially sorry to those leaving us.”
Mullin said the restructuring was driven primarily by a broader strategic reset rather than a narrow focus on cost reduction.
He told Cointelegraph that while downsizing would lower expenses and extend runway, the core motivation was to sharpen execution and concentrate resources on areas where Matra sees the strongest long-term opportunities.
“This hasn’t changed our core RWA strategy in the slightest. If anything, we are doubling down on it,” Mullin told Cointelegraph, adding that they are prioritizing their layer-1 chain, mantraUSD, and Mantra Finance.
Token collapse and prolonged market pressure
The restructuring follows a steep decline in Mantra’s OM token that began early last year.
According to CoinGecko, the OM token reached an all-time high of $8.99 on Feb. 23, 2025, before collapsing sharply to $0.59 by April 15. It remains around 99% below its previous high before the collapse.
OM token’s one-year price chart. Source: CoinGecko
At the time, Mullin said that the incident was bigger than Mantra and called on exchanges to reassess how leverage is applied to native tokens.
Following the crash, Mantra announced a series of governance and transparency measures, including validator decentralization efforts, the launch of a real-time tokenomics dashboard and the burning of 150 million staked OM tokens to reduce supply.
Despite those measures, the prolonged downturn continued to weigh on the project’s finances. Mullin acknowledged that Mantra’s cost base had become unsustainable given current market conditions, prompting the decision to cut staff and narrow its focus.
The restructuring also comes after months of strained relations between the company and crypto exchange OKX.
On Dec. 8, Mullin urged OM holders to withdraw their tokens from OKX, alleging inaccurate information related to a token migration. OKX disputed the claims, saying it had evidence suggesting coordinated market activity before the April crash.
Mullin said the layoffs disproportionately affected business development, marketing, human resources and other support functions, as the company concentrates resources on core execution.
Cointelegraph is committed to independent, transparent journalism. This news article is produced in accordance with Cointelegraph’s Editorial Policy and aims to provide accurate and timely information. Readers are encouraged to verify information independently. Read our Editorial Policy https://cointelegraph.com/editorial-policy
Bitcoin (BTC) consolidated around $95,000 toward Wednesday’s Wall Street open as analysis dismissed macroeconomic threats.
While geopolitical risks and US trade policy uncertainty remain in focus, traders appeared more influenced by liquidity conditions and relative asset performance, with Bitcoin lagging gold and equities before reclaiming $95,000.
Key points:
Bitcoin prepares its next move after a key daily close above the 2025 yearly open.
Gold and stocks at all-time highs contrast the volatility risk from geopolitical tensions and the US Supreme Court tariff ruling.
BTC price action faces multiple hurdles, with $100,000 a turning point.
Bitcoin analysis: Macro risk “already priced in”
Data from TradingView showed cooler BTC price action returning after a run to two-month highs near $96,500.
These came as geopolitical tensions involving the US increased, including fresh potential intervention in Venezuela and Iran, as well as concerns over Greenland.
At the same time, the spat between the government and Federal Reserve took on an increasingly public character, with central banks worldwide rallying in support of Fed Chair Jerome Powell.
S&P 500 futures hit fresh record highs in advance of Tuesday’s US session, while gold built on existing records on the day, reaching $4,639 per ounce.
Among crypto market participants, the anticipation of Bitcoin finally catching up with the global asset bull run was noticeably high.
“Bitcoin has been lagging behind the equity market and precious metal rally, but it has finally pushed through the $95k level that capped rallies since November,” trading resource QCP Capital wrote in its latest Asia Color market update.
QCP added another risk-asset impetus to the mix in the form of Fed economic liquidity injections.
“With potentially further fiat currency debasement in the US, which has been driving precious metals higher, the relative cheapness of Bitcoin relative to precious metals at this point may spur a rotation to digital assets,” it continued.
QCP argued that despite current implied risks to market stability, traders were already one step ahead. Even President Donald Trump’s international trade tariffs being ruled illegal — with potential multitrillion-dollar implications — should not disrupt the overall trend.
“Risks remain, notably the pending Supreme Court decision on tariffs and any escalation in Venezuela or Iran,” the update added.
“For now, the market continues to move higher in the face of these risks, which makes us believe this is already priced in. In the absence of a new unknown unknown, any further escalations should be a buy-the-dip opportunity.”
BTC price faces threat of “liquidity run”
Others also found new reasons for optimism, among them Charles Edwards, founder of quantitative Bitcoin and digital asset fund Capriole Investments.
As Cointelegraph reported, some perspectives argued that this pattern was a relief bounce within a broader downtrend. Trader Roman, who predicted that BTC/USD would target $76,000 once downside reappeared, remained bearish.
“This is text book bearish price action: volume going up – price going down followed by volume going down – price going up/sideways,” he wrote about the weekly chart.
“Maybe we retest 100k area but this is nothing to get excited about. Next time large volume comes in, it’ll likely be a move lower.”
BTC/USDT one-week chart. Source: Roman/X
Trader CrypNeuvo advised caution ahead of a potential resistance battle with Bitcoin’s 50-week exponential moving average (EMA) at $97,650.
“This could be a liquidity run towards the 1W50EMA where price could be rejected from,” he warned about the latest gains.
“Breaking above $100k (4% higher) is my invalidation to this idea.”
BTC/USDT one-day chart. Source: CrypNuevo/X
This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision. While we strive to provide accurate and timely information, Cointelegraph does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information in this article. This article may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Cointelegraph will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from your reliance on this information.
Ether trades near $3,200 as weaker network usage and US economic uncertainty limit its price upside.
Layer-2 networks drive most Ethereum activity, but cheaper rival blockchains reduce the chance of Ether reclaiming $4,000 soon.
Ether (ETH) price has repeatedly failed to sustain levels above $3,300 over the past 60 days, leading traders to question whether a durable bullish momentum is achievable in 2026. Despite the Ethereum network rolling out important upgrades and maintaining its leading position in terms of deposits, investors worry that the chances of reclaiming the $4,000 level remain low.
Total crypto capitalization, USD (left) vs. ETH/USD (right). Source: Tradingview
Ether’s performance since November has closely tracked the broader cryptocurrency market capitalization. As a result, the lack of optimism appears to be driven more by weaker overall decentralized application (DApps) usage than by issues specific to the Ethereum ecosystem. Regardless of whether traders’ concerns stem from broader economic risks, ETH price upside in the short term seems limited.
Irrespective of the factors influencing bullish crypto investors, traders have shown less interest in DApps, as reflected by declining activity on decentralized exchanges (DEX). According to DefiLlama, aggregate DEX volumes over the past two weeks totaled $150.4 billion, down 55% from the $340 billion all-time high recorded in January 2025.
Ethereum 7-day DEX volumes have hung near $9 billion after peaking at $27.8 billion in October 2025. This 65% pullback pushed Ethereum network fees down 87% to $2.6 million, from $21.3 million three months earlier. Even so, the Ethereum ecosystem continues to dominate, holding roughly a 50% share of DEX activity when combining data from Base, Arbitrum, Polygon and other layer-2 solutions.
Blockchains ranked by Total Value Locked, USD. Source: DefiLlama
Ethereum’s lead in total value locked (TVL) is strong evidence of institutional investor preference, even as competitors such as Tron, Solana and BNB Chain generate higher network fees. While some market participants argue that Ethereum has failed to fully monetize its dominance in smart contract deposits, this outcome is largely intentional and stems from its scalability strategy built around rollups.
Blockchains ranked by 30-day fees, USD. Source: Nansen
The number of transactions on Solana exceeds the combined total of its top 10 competitors, highlighting the network’s reliance on intensive validation processes and a semi-centralized development structure led by Solana Labs. According to Nansen data, Ethereum processed 54.4 million transactions over a 30-day period, while its layer-2 network Base recorded more than 600 million transactions over the same timeframe.
Ether’s two-month stretch trading below $3,200 has been particularly challenging for companies that raised debt or equity to build ETH reserves. Bitmine Immersion (BMNR US), for example, currently holds $13.2 billion worth of Ether, while its shares trade at a 9% discount to the value of those holdings, based on CoinGecko data.
It remains unclear what catalyst could shift momentum back in ETH’s favor, especially as rival networks provide comparable DApps and functionality for average users, often with lower friction due to base-layer scalability. Ether’s path back to $4,000 and beyond depends heavily on renewed demand for blockchain applications and broader cryptocurrency risk appetite amid ongoing uncertainty in the US economy.
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NFT Paris’ cancellation highlights pressure on sponsorship budgets rather than just falling NFT prices.
NFT activity continues in 2026, but volumes are lower, and demand is more price-sensitive.
Conference economics often reveal market health in ways sales charts cannot.
NFT usage is shifting toward utility and infrastructure, while hype-driven formats are fading.
NFT Paris, one of Europe’s better-known non-fungible token (NFT) gatherings, was abruptly called off for 2026, alongside its sister event, RWA Paris, roughly a month before it was due to run.
A conference cancellation does not measure the NFT market in the same way a sales chart does, but it can reveal something else: whether there is still enough demand, sponsorship budget and industry momentum to keep large-scale NFT events economically viable.
With NFT trading activity and valuations widely reported to be down from prior peaks, NFT Paris’ decision offers a useful signal of what “the NFT market” looks like heading into 2026.
Did you know? NFT Paris was positioned as one of Europe’s flagship NFT conferences, bringing together artists, marketplaces, brands and Web3 startups for panels, exhibitions and deal-making.
What exactly got canceled?
NFT Paris and the adjacent RWA Paris event were billed as a Feb. 5-6 gathering at the Grande Halle de la Villette before organizers pulled the plug with roughly a month’s notice.
In the organizers’ statement, the team said the “market collapse hit us hard,” “drastic cost cuts” still were not enough, and all tickets would be refunded within 15 days.
The bigger question is what happened around the event’s funding. Some sponsors said they would not receive refunds, even as the event reiterated its ticket-refund timeline.
Large Web3 conferences typically rely heavily on sponsorships to justify venue, production and programming costs. When that underwriting disappears, it can signal that marketing budgets and the expected returns from NFT-focused visibility have tightened.
Signals from the NFT market heading into 2026
On the money side, aggregated market data has been weak compared to earlier cycles. CryptoSlam’s NFT Global Sales Volume index shows $320.2 million in NFT sales volume for November 2025. That figure is down from $629 million in October 2025. December 2025 was $303.5 million.
CoinMarketCap’s Academy coverage of the same period described November as the weakest month of 2025 and tied the slowdown to broader pressure across digital collectibles.
But activity has not vanished. DappRadar’s reporting on 2025 highlighted a pattern in which sales counts rose even as average prices and headline volumes remained comparatively subdued. In Q3 2025, 18.1 million NFTs were sold, generating $1.6 billion in trading volume. The report also noted that many NFTs were trading at lower values than before.
Taken together, the “state of the NFT market” heading into 2026 looks compressed and price-sensitive: There are plenty of transactions, far less sponsor-friendly hype and liquidity concentrated in fewer places.
Why a conference cancellation can sometimes say more than a price chart
NFT prices can swing for many reasons. These include incentive programs, thin liquidity or a handful of high-ticket sales that do not reflect the wider market. A conference, by contrast, lives or dies on whether the industry is willing to pay to gather, through ticket demand, exhibitor spending and especially sponsorship budgets.
In the event business, sponsorships and expo revenue are often treated as core pillars. The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), for example, points to a “healthy” revenue mix in which a meaningful share comes from registration and a similar share comes from expo and sponsorship.
Trade show analysts also note that many events earn most of their revenue from exhibitors rather than ticket sales.
So, when NFT Paris says the “market collapse hit us hard” despite “drastic cost cuts,” it tells us a lot about the economics surrounding NFTs, not only the assets themselves.
Where NFTs still have traction
Even in a down market, NFTs have not disappeared so much as shifted into narrower, utility-led niches.
One example is ticketing and fan access. Ticketmaster has promoted “token-gated” sales, where holding a specific NFT can unlock presales, upgraded seats or packaged experiences. This positions NFTs as access credentials rather than standalone collectibles.
At the same time, several high-profile consumer brands have scaled back or sunset NFT-style loyalty pilots. Starbucks confirmed it would end its Odyssey program on March 31, 2024, framing the move as a step to “prepare for what comes next.”
Reddit has signaled a wind-down of parts of its Collectible Avatars stack, including closing its shop and removing some on-platform functions.
Marketplace consolidation, incentives and the pivot away from “NFT-only”
Another reason a flagship conference can struggle is that the NFT economy it was built around is no longer centered on NFT marketplaces as a standalone category.
OpenSea, for instance, has been publicly repositioning itself beyond its original identity. CEO Devin Finzer has described a shift from being an NFT marketplace toward a broader “trade-everything” model.
At the same time, the trader-led marketplace era, exemplified by Blur, changed how volume is generated. Multiple researchers and analysts have linked parts of the post-2022 NFT volume story to incentive-driven activity, which can boost headline numbers without necessarily reflecting new end-user demand.
Add in regulatory uncertainty around NFTs and major platforms, including the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s Wells notice disclosed by OpenSea in 2024, and the result is a market that looks more cautious, more consolidated and less willing to fund large NFT-only moments.
Did you know? Blur is an NFT marketplace built for professional traders. Its use of points and token airdrops helped it briefly dominate NFT trading volume in 2023, an example analysts often cite to show how incentives can inflate activity without signaling broader user demand.
What’s next for NFTs?
NFT Paris cancellation can be seen as a snapshot of the market’s current economics. It does not, on its own, indicate market terminality.
Against a backdrop in which monthly NFT sales volumes were widely reported to be far below prior highs, the event’s failure to pencil out fits a market with less discretionary spending.
Going into 2026, analysts are likely watching three signals:
Whether volumes hold without incentive spikes
Whether brands and sponsors return with measurable product goals
Whether NFTs show up as “invisible infrastructure” inside games, ticketing or loyalty.
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While specific analyst predictions from crypto Twitter are currently limited, recent forecasting platforms have provided concrete targets for APT. According to LongForecast’s January 7, 2026 analysis, “Aptos price forecast at the end of January 2026 is $2.43, a change of 42.1%.” This represents significant upside potential from current levels.
Interestingly, CoinCodex’s January 6 prediction suggested “Aptos is predicted to drop to $1.51 by Jan 11, 2026,” which has already been invalidated as APT currently trades at $1.87. This demonstrates the volatility in short-term predictions and highlights the importance of real-time technical analysis.
On-chain metrics and exchange data suggest growing momentum for Aptos, with Binance spot volume reaching $9.76 million in the past 24 hours alongside a strong 7.22% daily gain.
APT Technical Analysis Breakdown
Aptos is currently displaying mixed but increasingly bullish technical signals. At $1.87, APT sits above all major short-term moving averages, with the SMA 7 ($1.82), SMA 20 ($1.80), and SMA 50 ($1.80) all providing support. However, the token remains significantly below the SMA 200 at $3.58, indicating the longer-term trend is still recovering.
The RSI at 53.49 sits in neutral territory, providing room for further upside movement without reaching overbought conditions. The MACD histogram at 0.0000 shows bearish momentum is fading, while the MACD line and signal converge, suggesting a potential bullish crossover.
Bollinger Bands analysis reveals APT trading at 0.66 of the band width, positioned between the middle band ($1.80) and upper band ($2.01). This positioning suggests upward momentum with the next resistance clearly defined at the upper Bollinger Band level.
Key technical levels show immediate resistance at $1.92 and strong resistance at $1.97. Support levels are established at $1.78 (immediate) and $1.68 (strong support). The Daily ATR of $0.10 indicates moderate volatility, providing clear entry and exit parameters.
Aptos Price Targets: Bull vs Bear Case
Bullish Scenario
A break above the strong resistance at $1.97 would trigger the next leg higher toward $2.10-$2.15 in the near term. This would align with the upper Bollinger Band expansion and create momentum toward the $2.43 target suggested by LongForecast.
Technical confirmation would come from RSI pushing above 60, a bullish MACD crossover, and sustained volume above the recent $10 million daily average. The Aptos forecast becomes increasingly bullish if APT can reclaim and hold above $2.00 as psychological resistance.
A successful breakout could target the $2.43 level within 2-3 weeks, representing a 30% gain from current prices. This scenario requires broader crypto market stability and continued development momentum in the Aptos ecosystem.
Bearish Scenario
Failure to break $1.97 resistance could lead to consolidation or a pullback toward $1.78 support. A break below this level would target the strong support at $1.68, aligning more closely with the invalidated CoinCodex prediction.
Risk factors include broader crypto market weakness, regulatory concerns, or profit-taking after the recent 7.22% daily gain. The significant gap to the 200-day moving average at $3.58 also suggests potential overhead resistance in any sustained rally.
A bearish break below $1.68 would target the $1.51 level and potentially lower, requiring a reassessment of the bullish medium-term outlook.
Should You Buy APT? Entry Strategy
Current technical setup suggests strategic entry opportunities for the APT price prediction scenario. Conservative buyers should wait for a pullback to the $1.78-$1.80 support zone, which aligns with the 20-day moving average and provides a favorable risk-reward ratio.
Aggressive traders could enter on a confirmed break above $1.97 with stops below $1.85. This strategy targets the $2.10-$2.15 resistance cluster with a tight 1.5% stop-loss.
Position sizing should account for the moderate volatility indicated by the $0.10 ATR. A stop-loss below $1.68 provides protection against major trend reversal while allowing for normal price fluctuation.
Conclusion
The APT price prediction points toward a bullish January 2026, with technical indicators supporting the LongForecast target of $2.43. Current momentum, supportive moving averages, and neutral RSI provide a foundation for the anticipated 13-30% upside potential. However, traders should monitor the critical $1.97 resistance level as the key catalyst for the next significant move.
This analysis is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Cryptocurrency investments carry significant risk, and past performance does not guarantee future results. Always conduct your own research and consider your risk tolerance before investing.
