Nasdaq Moves to Expand Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF Options
Nasdaq Moves to Expand Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF Options Looser ETF options limits could improve liquidity, trading flexibility, and hedging for both institutional and retail crypto participants. Ethereum taking a hard hit in space, as a spaceman is hitting him. Created by Kornelija Poderskytė from DailyCoin Google News Follow Button Nasdaq, a major US stock exchange, has filed a proposal with US regulators to loosen options limits on major Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs. A technical shift could significantly expand how institutional investors hedge and trade around the largest crypto-linked funds.
The request, disclosed in a notice from the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), targets position and exercise limits on options tied to several spot crypto ETFs, including BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) and iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA). The change would alter how much exposure a single market participant can hold through derivatives linked to these products. What Nasdaq is Trying to Change Options position limits set a maximum on how many contracts a single investor can hold. These rules mostly affect big players like hedge funds, market makers, and large asset managers, rather than everyday traders. Nasdaq is asking regulators to loosen or remove these limits, saying that Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs are now liquid enough to handle larger, more flexible options trading. If approved, the change would bring crypto ETF options closer to the way options on widely traded stocks and commodities are regulated, where higher or even unlimited position limits are common. Limits on Options Could Constrain Trading Spot Bitcoin ETFs have quickly become a key way for large investors in the U.S. to gain exposure to crypto, attracting billions in inflows and changing how institutions buy and hold digital assets. On top of these ETFs, options are increasingly being used by professional investors to hedge risk, manage price swings, and handle large portfolios.
But current limits on how many options contracts one investor can hold can make these strategies harder to execute, especially during periods of market stress when demand for hedging spikes.
In those moments, liquidity can thin across different contract dates and exchanges, pushing up trading costs and limiting flexibility for big players.
The proposal also highlights broader regulatory implications. While the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs was a major step for U.S. crypto markets, how regulators treat the options and other derivatives linked to these funds will signal just how mainstream digital assets can become in traditional financial markets. Why This Matters The SEC will review Nasdaq’s proposal, including a public comment period. If approved, it could boost crypto ETF liquidity, tighten spreads, and make hedging and trading easier for institutional investors. $BTC $ETH $XRP #Mag7Earnings
Gold price reaches another record as experts predict continued increase
supported by sustained safe-haven demand, US monetary policy easing, robust central bank buying – with China extending its gold-buying spree for a 14th month in December – and record inflows into exchange-traded funds. Prices have gained more than 17 per cent this year.
The latest catalyst “is effectively this crisis of confidence in the US administration and US assets, that was set off by some of the erratic decision-making from the Trump administration last week”, said Kyle Rodda, a senior market analyst at Capital.com.
US president Donald Trump abruptly stepped back on Wednesday from threats to impose tariffs on European allies as leverage to seize Greenland.
Over the weekend, he said he would impose a 100 per cent tariff on Canada if it followed through on a trade deal with China. $BTC
What you need to know about new UK rules on cryptocurrency
The UK government is set to introduce new legislation by 2027 to regulate cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, bringing them under a framework similar to traditional financial products. The Treasury's plans will mandate crypto firms to adhere to specific standards and rules, which will be rigorously overseen by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This regulatory reform aims to increase transparency in the burgeoning crypto market, making it easier to detect suspicious activity, impose sanctions, and hold firms accountable. Chancellor Rachel Reeves stated that this move is crucial for securing the UK's position as a world-leading financial centre, providing certainty for firms, strong consumer protections, and deterring illicit actors. The new rules are intended to support legitimate crypto businesses by bringing their services within the FCA's remit, aiming to make the UK a top choice for cryptoasset firms looking to grow. $BTC
Bitcoin’s $150,000 forecast slash proves the institutional “sure thing” is actually a high-stakes
itcoin’s $150,000 forecast slash proves the institutional “sure thing” is actually a high-stakes gamble for 2026 In Focus▸Bitcoin▸Analysis Bitcoin’s $150,000 forecast slash proves the institutional “sure thing” is actually a high-stakes gamble for 2026 Yet, new data shows $50 billion in ETF inflows could fundamentally break the four-year cycle and trap retail bears.
Liam 'Akiba' Wright Jan. 23, 2026 at 10:35 pm UTC Share
Cover art/illustration via CryptoSlate. Image includes combined content which may include AI-generated content. Bitcoin price forecasts for 2026 from major banks, asset managers, and market commentators span a wide range, roughly from $75,000 to $250,000, with many targets clustering in the low-to-mid six figures. The wide range reflects uncertainty about whether institutional demand can offset softer retail participation and whether Bitcoin’s macro sensitivity to liquidity conditions reasserts itself during 2026. Standard Chartered cut its 2026 forecast to $150,000 in December 2025, down from a previous $300,000 target. Geoffrey Kendrick, Global Head of Digital Assets Research at the bank, said the pace would be slower than expected, with the bull case increasingly dependent on ETF buying rather than an expansion of corporate treasury purchases. Bernstein maintains a $150,000 target for 2026 with a $200,000 peak in 2027, projecting an elongated bull cycle where institutional buying offsets retail panic selling and breaks the traditional four-year pattern. JPMorgan established a $170,000 fair value estimate within six to twelve months using a gold-based framework that adjusts for Bitcoin’s higher volatility and risk profile. Tom Lee of Fundstrat projected $200,000 this month, while Michael Saylor of Strategy has discussed a $150,000 level as a plausible outcome under continued institutional adoption. Carol Alexander of the University of Sussex expects a high-volatility range between $75,000 and $150,000 with a $110,000 center, representing one of the more conservative views among widely cited forecasts. Charles Hoskinson of Cardano has floated a $250,000 scenario, arguing constrained supply could meet accelerating institutional demand. Bull case for Bitcoin The bull case for $150,000 to $250,000 rests on institutions absorbing available supply through ETFs, wealth platforms, and longer-horizon allocation strategies. Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas has estimated a base case of roughly $15 billion in crypto ETF inflows for 2026, with upside scenarios as high as $40 billion if market conditions improve. Galaxy Digital’s 2026 outlook forecasts U.S. spot crypto ETF net inflows could exceed $50 billion as wealth management platforms and model portfolios broaden access. Early 2026 flow data also showed a strong start, with U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs drawing about $1.1 billion across the first two trading days, including a roughly $697 million net inflow on the second trading day. Though that was quickly wiped out across the next few weeks. $BTC $ETH #Mag7Earnings #SouthKoreaSeizedBTCLoss
Bitcoin fell below $88,000 on January 25, 2026, following elevated transaction fees on the Solana network and significant whale transfers to the Binance exchange, according to on-chain data.
Bitcoin faces bear market The cryptocurrency declined over both the prior 24-hour and seven-day periods at the time of reporting, with the drop coinciding with two notable on-chain developments, according to analyst Taha.
Large Bitcoin holders moved substantial amounts of the cryptocurrency to Binance on January 21, according to the analyst. Such exchange inflows have historically aligned with distribution or positioning ahead of selling, though they do not guarantee immediate price declines $BTC
How the ultra-wealthy are using bitcoin to fund their yacht upgrades and Cannes trips
Let's say an investor has a house in Switzerland and a beach house in Miami. They're worth, perhaps, $10 million. But what they are really looking for right now is a line of credit for some time on the slopes at St. Moritz, a trip to the Cannes film festival and a few upgrades to the yacht.
In traditional finance, they might be able to approach their bank and use those assets to secure a flexible, short-term loan. However, if a substantial part of the investor's assets is in crypto, it's likely much harder $BTC
Bitcoin slipped below the $88,000 level on Sunday as crypto markets weakened in thin weekend trading, extending a pullback that has weighed on the crypto market over the past week.
BTC traded around $87,800 in U.S. afternoon hours, down roughly 2% over 24 hours, according to CoinDesk data. Ether fell toward $2,880, while solana, XRP and cardano each posted losses of between 3% and 5% on the day. Most major tokens have remained sharply down over the past seven days, reflecting the fragile sentiment across the market. $BTC
$BTC is currently trading near $89,400. While the retail crowd is waiting for $100K, the institutional story is different: Corporate Adoption: "Digital Asset Treasury" (DAT) companies now hold over $125 billion in crypto, up from $117B last year. Ledger IPO: The hardware wallet giant Ledger is preparing for a massive $4 billion New York IPO, signaling that crypto infrastructure is moving back into the public stock markets. Trending Tokens: $ENSO $RIVER
$AXS USDT Perp - Last Price: 2.856 USDT (₹798.90) | +16.67% (24h Vol: Not specified) Overview: AXS is Axie Infinity, the play-to-earn gaming pioneer. +16.67% driven by gaming sector rebound or Ronin chain updates. Technical Analysis: Reclaiming 200-day MA; bullish divergence on MACD. Support at 2.50 USDT; target 3.50 USDT. Market Sentiment & Risks: Esports/gaming boom aids it. Affordable at ₹798.90 in PK. Recommendation: Strong buy for gamers $AXS
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$STG USDT Perp - Last Price: 1.994 USDT (₹55.77) | +20.56% (24h Vol: Not specified) Overview: STG is probably Stargate Finance, a cross-chain liquidity protocol. The 20.56% uptick reflects DeFi recovery, possibly from TVL (Total Value Locked) increases or bridge upgrades. Technical Analysis: Golden cross (50/200 EMA) intact, with RSI at 65 (bullish but not overheated). Support at 1.50 USDT; resistance at 2.20 USDT. Market Sentiment & Risks: Fundamentals strong for interoperability plays. At ₹55.77, it's value-oriented for PKR holders. Watch Ethereum gas fees. Recommendation: Accumulate for long-term hold. $STG
$OG USDT Perp - Last Price: 0.9835 USDT (₹275.11) | +23.46% (24h Vol: Not specified) Overview: OGUSDT likely represents "OG" (Original Gangster) token, a meme or NFT play with cultural appeal. The 23.46% gain may stem from community-driven events or metaverse hype. Technical Analysis: Approaching $1 psychological level, with high volume confirming breakout. Fibonacci retracement suggests 61.8% extension target at 1.10 USDT. Support at 0.80 USDT. Market Sentiment & Risks: Meme resilience is key here; ties to broader NFT revival. PKR at ₹275.11 positions it as a mid-tier option for locals. Risks include sector-wide dumps. Recommendation: Buy the dip near support for steady gains. $OG
$BLUAI USDT Perp - Last Price: 0.07860 USDT (₹2.19) | +25.30% (24h Vol: Not specified) Overview: BLUA could be "Blue" token from a DeFi or AI project (e.g., BlueArk or similar). The 25.30% rise suggests integration news, like partnerships with major chains, amid AI-crypto convergence trends. Technical Analysis: Volume profile shows accumulation at lower levels, now breaking out. EMA (Exponential Moving Average) crossover is bullish. Support at 0.06 USDT; aim for 0.10 USDT if momentum holds. Market Sentiment & Risks: Strong for tech-driven narratives, but micro-cap status means high manipulation risk. At ₹2.19, it's a low-entry play for Pakistani users facing rupee depreciation. Overall sentiment: Optimistic, but monitor for profit-taking. Recommendation: Long with 10x leverage max; exit on signs of exhaustion. $BLUAI
$KAIA USDT Perp - Last Price: 0.06630 USDT (₹18.54) | +27.55% (24h Vol: Not specified) Overview: KAIA might refer to a blockchain project like Kaiachain or a K-pop/NFT crossover token (speculative; could be "Kaia" from emerging Asian ecosystems). The 27.55% gain points to regional hype, perhaps from South Korean or Southeast Asian adoption news. Technical Analysis: Bullish engulfing candle on the daily chart, with price testing upper trendline resistance. Stochastic oscillator is rising from oversold levels. Support at 0.05 USDT; breakout above 0.07 USDT could target 0.09 USDT. Market Sentiment & Risks: Positive for altcoin season, but low liquidity risks sharp reversals. PKR conversion to ₹18.54 makes it affordable locally, especially with Pakistan's growing Web3 interest. Watch global risk-off events like US Fed decisions. Recommendation: Moderate buy for momentum traders; pair with stablecoins to hedge PKR volatility. $KAIA