Steven Walgenbach
Crypto journalist, analyst, and software developer | Ecoinimist founder | Twitter - @__CryptoSteve and @ecoinimist
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Elon Musk isn’t pretending X’s algorithm is perfect — in fact, he called it “dumb” this week. But instead of hiding it, he opened the doors completely. X has now fully open-sourced its Grok-powered ranking system, giving the public an unusually detailed look at how the “For You” feed actually works.
It’s a move we rarely see from major social platforms. Engineers and researchers can dig through the code, understand how posts are ranked, and even point out flaws or improvements. Musk’s stance seems to be: if the algorithm needs work, why not let the world help make it better?
The result is a transparency-first approach that flips the usual playbook. Rather than keeping recommendation systems locked behind proprietary walls, X is betting on openness, community input, and real-time iteration.
Whether people agree with Musk or not, this shift toward open algorithms could set a new standard for how social platforms build trust.
#ElonMusk #X #News
It’s a move we rarely see from major social platforms. Engineers and researchers can dig through the code, understand how posts are ranked, and even point out flaws or improvements. Musk’s stance seems to be: if the algorithm needs work, why not let the world help make it better?
The result is a transparency-first approach that flips the usual playbook. Rather than keeping recommendation systems locked behind proprietary walls, X is betting on openness, community input, and real-time iteration.
Whether people agree with Musk or not, this shift toward open algorithms could set a new standard for how social platforms build trust.
#ElonMusk #X #News
Pump.fun is signaling a major evolution in its business model — and the broader market is paying attention. After dominating the memecoin launchpad space, the platform is now stepping into early-stage startup funding with its new investment arm, Pump Fund.
Instead of relying on traditional VC gatekeeping, Pump Fund is launching alongside a $3 million community-driven hackathon, giving builders 30 days to ship a token, share progress, and let the market itself decide which projects deserve funding. Twelve winners will secure backing at a $250,000 valuation, and the scope isn’t limited to crypto — founders across industries can participate.
Co-founder Alon Cohen noted on X that demand for strong builders hasn’t slowed down over the past three years, even as market conditions shifted. With more early-stage teams tokenizing and AI-driven ideas gaining traction, he says the appetite for innovative founders is stronger than ever.
The pivot comes as Pump.fun’s memecoin-fueled trading boom has cooled. After hitting a record $11.75B in monthly volume in January 2025, activity has since tapered off, prompting the platform to widen its lens and back startups with long-term potential.
For Pump.fun, this marks more than a product update — it’s a strategic repositioning toward sustainable innovation in Web3. And for founders, it may open a new path to funding that’s driven by users rather than investors.
$PUMP #memecoins #CryptoNews
Instead of relying on traditional VC gatekeeping, Pump Fund is launching alongside a $3 million community-driven hackathon, giving builders 30 days to ship a token, share progress, and let the market itself decide which projects deserve funding. Twelve winners will secure backing at a $250,000 valuation, and the scope isn’t limited to crypto — founders across industries can participate.
Co-founder Alon Cohen noted on X that demand for strong builders hasn’t slowed down over the past three years, even as market conditions shifted. With more early-stage teams tokenizing and AI-driven ideas gaining traction, he says the appetite for innovative founders is stronger than ever.
The pivot comes as Pump.fun’s memecoin-fueled trading boom has cooled. After hitting a record $11.75B in monthly volume in January 2025, activity has since tapered off, prompting the platform to widen its lens and back startups with long-term potential.
For Pump.fun, this marks more than a product update — it’s a strategic repositioning toward sustainable innovation in Web3. And for founders, it may open a new path to funding that’s driven by users rather than investors.
$PUMP #memecoins #CryptoNews
Institutions Are Changing How They Play the Bitcoin Market — And It Matters
A new trend is emerging in the Bitcoin market, and it’s catching the attention of analysts across the industry. Institutional investors, who previously relied heavily on cash-and-carry arbitrage to generate low-risk returns, are now shifting gears — and taking on more direct Bitcoin exposure instead.
Recent ETF data paints a clear picture. U.S.-listed Bitcoin ETFs have attracted $1.2 billion in net inflows so far this month, reversing December’s steady redemptions. But the story isn’t just about money moving back into ETFs. It’s about why it’s moving.
With futures spreads narrowing and funding costs rising, the once-popular arbitrage trade has lost much of its appeal. The math simply doesn’t work the way it used to. As a result, large investors are abandoning hedged trades and placing more confident, directional bets on Bitcoin’s long-term upside.
The shift is also visible on the CME. Open interest in standard and micro Bitcoin futures has surged 33%, and analysts note that these aren’t defensive hedges — they’re predominantly speculative long positions. It’s a sign that “sticky” institutional capital is positioning for sustained appreciation rather than quick, low-risk gains.
Even Bitcoin’s subdued volatility is playing a role. BTC has been locked in a relatively stable range near $90,000, with implied volatility dropping to its lowest level in three months. This calm environment squeezes arbitrage margins but also gives long-term investors more confidence to build positions without the noise of dramatic swings.
All signs point to a meaningful shift in market structure: institutions are no longer just extracting basis profits — they’re taking a real stance on where Bitcoin is headed. And right now, that stance appears increasingly bullish.
#Bitcoin #InstitutionalInvesting #CryptoMarkets $BTC
A new trend is emerging in the Bitcoin market, and it’s catching the attention of analysts across the industry. Institutional investors, who previously relied heavily on cash-and-carry arbitrage to generate low-risk returns, are now shifting gears — and taking on more direct Bitcoin exposure instead.
Recent ETF data paints a clear picture. U.S.-listed Bitcoin ETFs have attracted $1.2 billion in net inflows so far this month, reversing December’s steady redemptions. But the story isn’t just about money moving back into ETFs. It’s about why it’s moving.
With futures spreads narrowing and funding costs rising, the once-popular arbitrage trade has lost much of its appeal. The math simply doesn’t work the way it used to. As a result, large investors are abandoning hedged trades and placing more confident, directional bets on Bitcoin’s long-term upside.
The shift is also visible on the CME. Open interest in standard and micro Bitcoin futures has surged 33%, and analysts note that these aren’t defensive hedges — they’re predominantly speculative long positions. It’s a sign that “sticky” institutional capital is positioning for sustained appreciation rather than quick, low-risk gains.
Even Bitcoin’s subdued volatility is playing a role. BTC has been locked in a relatively stable range near $90,000, with implied volatility dropping to its lowest level in three months. This calm environment squeezes arbitrage margins but also gives long-term investors more confidence to build positions without the noise of dramatic swings.
All signs point to a meaningful shift in market structure: institutions are no longer just extracting basis profits — they’re taking a real stance on where Bitcoin is headed. And right now, that stance appears increasingly bullish.
#Bitcoin #InstitutionalInvesting #CryptoMarkets $BTC
Fidelity Digital Assets Says Crypto’s Quiet 2025 Sets Up a Big 2026
Fidelity Digital Assets is taking a surprisingly optimistic stance on where crypto is headed — and it has nothing to do with price charts. Their new 2026 outlook argues that the quiet tone of 2025 wasn’t stagnation at all, but a reset period where the industry rebuilt its plumbing, regulation, and institutional infrastructure.
Chris Kuiper, Fidelity’s VP of Research, highlights something many observers may have missed: nearly every major bank signaled plans to expand digital asset capabilities last year. It didn’t make headlines, but it signals a shift from “experimental” to “inevitable.” The sentiment around Bitcoin has also matured. For the first time in years, 2025 didn’t produce the usual wave of “Bitcoin is dead” obituaries. Instead, attention turned toward regulated ETPs, custody evolution, tokenization, and legal clarity.
Where things get especially interesting is the institutional side. Fidelity expects pensions, endowments, foundations, and corporate treasuries — the massive, slow-moving allocators — to begin taking measurable steps into digital assets. And in the advisory world, tens of trillions of dollars sit with RIAs and wealth managers who are finally gaining the tech and compliance frameworks to offer crypto in a streamlined, consistent way. As those channels mature, crypto may develop something the market has never truly had: a structural demand floor.
Fidelity is also looking ahead to emerging issues like quantum readiness, noting that custodians and blockchain developers are already working on the next generation of cryptographic security. And depending on how U.S. market structure legislation plays out, traditional finance may soon get the regulatory green light it’s been waiting for.
Their broader message is simple: the groundwork laid in 2025 could quietly set up 2026 to be transformative — not because of hype, but because the financial system is preparing to absorb digital assets at scale. For an industry used to dramatic cycles, that kind of slow, steady integration may end up being the real story.
#MarketOutlook #Crypto2026 #FidelityDigitalAssets
Chris Kuiper, Fidelity’s VP of Research, highlights something many observers may have missed: nearly every major bank signaled plans to expand digital asset capabilities last year. It didn’t make headlines, but it signals a shift from “experimental” to “inevitable.” The sentiment around Bitcoin has also matured. For the first time in years, 2025 didn’t produce the usual wave of “Bitcoin is dead” obituaries. Instead, attention turned toward regulated ETPs, custody evolution, tokenization, and legal clarity.
Where things get especially interesting is the institutional side. Fidelity expects pensions, endowments, foundations, and corporate treasuries — the massive, slow-moving allocators — to begin taking measurable steps into digital assets. And in the advisory world, tens of trillions of dollars sit with RIAs and wealth managers who are finally gaining the tech and compliance frameworks to offer crypto in a streamlined, consistent way. As those channels mature, crypto may develop something the market has never truly had: a structural demand floor.
Fidelity is also looking ahead to emerging issues like quantum readiness, noting that custodians and blockchain developers are already working on the next generation of cryptographic security. And depending on how U.S. market structure legislation plays out, traditional finance may soon get the regulatory green light it’s been waiting for.
Their broader message is simple: the groundwork laid in 2025 could quietly set up 2026 to be transformative — not because of hype, but because the financial system is preparing to absorb digital assets at scale. For an industry used to dramatic cycles, that kind of slow, steady integration may end up being the real story.
#MarketOutlook #Crypto2026 #FidelityDigitalAssets
AXS Faces a Pivotal Test as Momentum Meets Major Sell Walls
Axie Infinity’s AXS token is entering a critical phase on the daily chart, with strong bullish momentum pushing into a heavily defended resistance zone. Momentum indicators continue to point upward, supported by rising short- and medium-term EMAs and a MACD structure that reflects building trend strength.
Buyers have dominated recent sessions, driving a series of higher closes and signaling renewed appetite across the market.
But despite the strength beneath the surface, AXS now confronts several significant ask walls that could determine whether the uptrend continues. Key sell-side liquidity appears near 2.161 and again around 2.494–2.500, where large concentrations of orders could slow or temporarily halt any breakout attempt. Clearing these barriers would create the runway needed for a meaningful extension of the current rally.
On the downside, multiple substantial bid walls remain active, particularly around 1.888 and deeper at 1.060 and 1.000. These levels represent important structural support, yet they also underscore how sharp the decline could be if sentiment shifts and any of these defenses give way.
With bullish momentum meeting stiff resistance, AXS is fast approaching an inflection point. The coming sessions will reveal whether buyer strength is enough to overcome sell-side pressure or whether the market pauses to reset before attempting another upward leg.
#AXS #CryptoAnalysis #CryptoTrading $AXS
Axie Infinity’s AXS token is entering a critical phase on the daily chart, with strong bullish momentum pushing into a heavily defended resistance zone. Momentum indicators continue to point upward, supported by rising short- and medium-term EMAs and a MACD structure that reflects building trend strength.
Buyers have dominated recent sessions, driving a series of higher closes and signaling renewed appetite across the market.
But despite the strength beneath the surface, AXS now confronts several significant ask walls that could determine whether the uptrend continues. Key sell-side liquidity appears near 2.161 and again around 2.494–2.500, where large concentrations of orders could slow or temporarily halt any breakout attempt. Clearing these barriers would create the runway needed for a meaningful extension of the current rally.
On the downside, multiple substantial bid walls remain active, particularly around 1.888 and deeper at 1.060 and 1.000. These levels represent important structural support, yet they also underscore how sharp the decline could be if sentiment shifts and any of these defenses give way.
With bullish momentum meeting stiff resistance, AXS is fast approaching an inflection point. The coming sessions will reveal whether buyer strength is enough to overcome sell-side pressure or whether the market pauses to reset before attempting another upward leg.
#AXS #CryptoAnalysis #CryptoTrading $AXS
DASH Faces a Make-or-Break Moment as Liquidity Walls Tighten
DASH is approaching a decisive moment on the 1-day chart. Momentum has cooled after an overbought surge, but buyers are still holding key ground as major bid walls cluster around the $70–68 range. If these supports hold, DASH could attempt another push toward resistance at $97.86—though large sell walls at $78 and $84.50 stand in the way and will require strong buying pressure to clear.
Order book data shows that clearing the $84.50 ask wall could open more than 11% upside, while failing to defend the $68 bid wall could trigger a rapid 10% downside move. With RSI normalizing and momentum indicators showing a slowdown—but not a reversal—DASH is now consolidating in a zone that could shape its next major trend.
Traders are watching closely as the balance between these liquidity walls determines whether DASH breaks higher or enters a deeper correction.
#DASH #CryptoMarkets #TechnicalAnalysis $DASH
DASH is approaching a decisive moment on the 1-day chart. Momentum has cooled after an overbought surge, but buyers are still holding key ground as major bid walls cluster around the $70–68 range. If these supports hold, DASH could attempt another push toward resistance at $97.86—though large sell walls at $78 and $84.50 stand in the way and will require strong buying pressure to clear.
Order book data shows that clearing the $84.50 ask wall could open more than 11% upside, while failing to defend the $68 bid wall could trigger a rapid 10% downside move. With RSI normalizing and momentum indicators showing a slowdown—but not a reversal—DASH is now consolidating in a zone that could shape its next major trend.
Traders are watching closely as the balance between these liquidity walls determines whether DASH breaks higher or enters a deeper correction.
#DASH #CryptoMarkets #TechnicalAnalysis $DASH
Institutions Divide on Bitcoin as Cathie Wood Makes a Fresh Case for 2026
Cathie Wood’s latest outlook positions Bitcoin as a uniquely effective portfolio diversifier, highlighting its low correlation with equities, bonds, and gold. Ark’s data suggests BTC’s behavior could offer stronger risk-adjusted returns for large allocators heading into 2026.
The comments contrast sharply with Jefferies strategist Christopher Wood, who just removed his 10% Bitcoin allocation due to concerns about future quantum-computing threats. Meanwhile, firms like Morgan Stanley, Bank of America, and Itaú Asset Management continue to support small but strategic exposure to Bitcoin as a hedge against market and FX volatility.
#Bitcoin #PortfolioStrategy #CryptoInvesting $BTC
Cathie Wood’s latest outlook positions Bitcoin as a uniquely effective portfolio diversifier, highlighting its low correlation with equities, bonds, and gold. Ark’s data suggests BTC’s behavior could offer stronger risk-adjusted returns for large allocators heading into 2026.
The comments contrast sharply with Jefferies strategist Christopher Wood, who just removed his 10% Bitcoin allocation due to concerns about future quantum-computing threats. Meanwhile, firms like Morgan Stanley, Bank of America, and Itaú Asset Management continue to support small but strategic exposure to Bitcoin as a hedge against market and FX volatility.
#Bitcoin #PortfolioStrategy #CryptoInvesting $BTC
France’s Silent One-Third: A MiCA Deadline That Could Reshape Europe’s Crypto Landscape
France’s financial regulator has raised a red flag after revealing that nearly one-third of the country’s registered crypto firms have not yet indicated whether they plan to apply for a MiCA license before the June 30 deadline. While some companies have already submitted applications and others have openly declined to pursue authorization, a significant portion has remained completely silent — leaving regulators unsure whether these firms intend to comply, shut down, or quietly relocate.
This uncertainty comes at a time when MiCA is fully coming into force across the EU, introducing strict capital, operational, and disclosure requirements for digital asset firms. Larger players have generally embraced the framework for the clarity it brings, but many smaller companies are reportedly struggling with the cost and complexity of full compliance.
The lack of response from so many French firms is now stirring broader questions: Are these businesses overwhelmed by the new rules? Are they weighing a move to more flexible jurisdictions? Or are they waiting until the last minute to decide their fate? Whatever the reason, the next few months could mark a major turning point — not just for France, but for the competitiveness and innovation landscape of the European crypto market as a whole.
#MiCA #CryptoRegulation #EUCompliance
France’s financial regulator has raised a red flag after revealing that nearly one-third of the country’s registered crypto firms have not yet indicated whether they plan to apply for a MiCA license before the June 30 deadline. While some companies have already submitted applications and others have openly declined to pursue authorization, a significant portion has remained completely silent — leaving regulators unsure whether these firms intend to comply, shut down, or quietly relocate.
This uncertainty comes at a time when MiCA is fully coming into force across the EU, introducing strict capital, operational, and disclosure requirements for digital asset firms. Larger players have generally embraced the framework for the clarity it brings, but many smaller companies are reportedly struggling with the cost and complexity of full compliance.
The lack of response from so many French firms is now stirring broader questions: Are these businesses overwhelmed by the new rules? Are they weighing a move to more flexible jurisdictions? Or are they waiting until the last minute to decide their fate? Whatever the reason, the next few months could mark a major turning point — not just for France, but for the competitiveness and innovation landscape of the European crypto market as a whole.
#MiCA #CryptoRegulation #EUCompliance
Trump’s Comments Just Scrambled the Fed Chair Race
President Donald Trump has introduced a major twist in the search for the next Federal Reserve chair, and the ripple effects were felt almost instantly across markets and policy circles. During a White House event, Trump openly suggested he wants to keep Kevin Hassett in his current role, praising him as one of the administration’s strongest economic communicators. That single remark effectively reshuffled the shortlist and pushed former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh into the spotlight as the new presumed frontrunner.
Analysts at major firms immediately updated their forecasts, with some saying Trump’s hesitation “catapulted” Warsh into pole position. Prediction markets moved sharply, the dollar bounced from session lows, and equities turned negative — all within minutes of Trump saying the decision is already “in my mind, done,” even though he declined to reveal who he’s chosen.
The timing couldn’t be more critical. Jerome Powell’s term ends in May, inflation remains stuck above target, and the Fed is split over whether to cut rates further or hold steady. On top of that, Senate resistance to the administration’s nominees is growing, adding another layer of uncertainty to what is already one of the most consequential appointments in Washington.
Whoever Trump selects will inherit a delicate economic environment, a divided FOMC, and a political climate where every policy move is under scrutiny. For now, one thing is clear: the race for the Fed chair just became far more unpredictable.
#FederalReserve #EconomicPolicy #USPolitics
President Donald Trump has introduced a major twist in the search for the next Federal Reserve chair, and the ripple effects were felt almost instantly across markets and policy circles. During a White House event, Trump openly suggested he wants to keep Kevin Hassett in his current role, praising him as one of the administration’s strongest economic communicators. That single remark effectively reshuffled the shortlist and pushed former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh into the spotlight as the new presumed frontrunner.
Analysts at major firms immediately updated their forecasts, with some saying Trump’s hesitation “catapulted” Warsh into pole position. Prediction markets moved sharply, the dollar bounced from session lows, and equities turned negative — all within minutes of Trump saying the decision is already “in my mind, done,” even though he declined to reveal who he’s chosen.
The timing couldn’t be more critical. Jerome Powell’s term ends in May, inflation remains stuck above target, and the Fed is split over whether to cut rates further or hold steady. On top of that, Senate resistance to the administration’s nominees is growing, adding another layer of uncertainty to what is already one of the most consequential appointments in Washington.
Whoever Trump selects will inherit a delicate economic environment, a divided FOMC, and a political climate where every policy move is under scrutiny. For now, one thing is clear: the race for the Fed chair just became far more unpredictable.
#FederalReserve #EconomicPolicy #USPolitics
Vitalik Buterin Declares 2026 the Year Ethereum Reclaims Its Core Values
Vitalik Buterin has issued one of his most direct calls to action in years, arguing that Ethereum has drifted too far from its founding principles. In a new post, he says the ecosystem has compromised decentralization, privacy, and user self-sovereignty in pursuit of mainstream adoption — and that 2026 must be the year the community “takes back lost ground.”
Buterin highlighted how full nodes have become harder to run, how many dapps now rely heavily on centralized servers, and how users have gradually lost control over their own data. To change course, he is pushing for easier node operation, improved private payments, more robust social recovery wallets, and a return to applications that don’t depend on centralized infrastructure.
He pointed to upcoming upgrades like the Kohaku release and the Glamsterdam fork as critical steps toward rebuilding trustlessness in the protocol. Buterin also reiterated the importance of Ethereum passing the “walkaway test” — the idea that the network should remain secure and self-sustaining even if its core developers were to step away for decades. That will require quantum-resistant cryptography, a more resilient block-building model, and an architecture that can withstand centralization pressures long-term.
Beyond the base layer, Buterin is also calling for innovation in decentralized stablecoins that are backed by a diversified basket of assets rather than pegged to a single national currency. Such models, he argues, are essential for giving users real independence from governments and traditional financial systems.
His message is clear: Ethereum’s next chapter depends on rediscovering the values that made it meaningful in the first place — and ensuring the protocol is built to last for generations.
#Ethereum #Blockchain #VitalikButerin $ETH
Vitalik Buterin has issued one of his most direct calls to action in years, arguing that Ethereum has drifted too far from its founding principles. In a new post, he says the ecosystem has compromised decentralization, privacy, and user self-sovereignty in pursuit of mainstream adoption — and that 2026 must be the year the community “takes back lost ground.”
Buterin highlighted how full nodes have become harder to run, how many dapps now rely heavily on centralized servers, and how users have gradually lost control over their own data. To change course, he is pushing for easier node operation, improved private payments, more robust social recovery wallets, and a return to applications that don’t depend on centralized infrastructure.
He pointed to upcoming upgrades like the Kohaku release and the Glamsterdam fork as critical steps toward rebuilding trustlessness in the protocol. Buterin also reiterated the importance of Ethereum passing the “walkaway test” — the idea that the network should remain secure and self-sustaining even if its core developers were to step away for decades. That will require quantum-resistant cryptography, a more resilient block-building model, and an architecture that can withstand centralization pressures long-term.
Beyond the base layer, Buterin is also calling for innovation in decentralized stablecoins that are backed by a diversified basket of assets rather than pegged to a single national currency. Such models, he argues, are essential for giving users real independence from governments and traditional financial systems.
His message is clear: Ethereum’s next chapter depends on rediscovering the values that made it meaningful in the first place — and ensuring the protocol is built to last for generations.
#Ethereum #Blockchain #VitalikButerin $ETH
Goldman Sachs Deepens Its Bet on Tokenization and Prediction Markets
Goldman Sachs is expanding its focus on crypto-adjacent technologies after CEO David Solomon revealed that the firm is ramping up research into tokenization, stablecoins, and CFTC-regulated prediction markets. Solomon said he recently met with the “two big prediction companies” to understand how their markets could intersect with Goldman’s trading and advisory operations.
The bank is also actively engaging with policymakers in Washington as the Clarity Act continues to evolve, marking one of the most significant regulatory debates in the digital-asset sector. Solomon emphasized that while adoption may take time, Goldman sees tokenization and prediction markets as “important” and “real,” with dedicated teams exploring their long-term potential.
#DigitalAssets #Tokenization #GoldmanSachs
Goldman Sachs is expanding its focus on crypto-adjacent technologies after CEO David Solomon revealed that the firm is ramping up research into tokenization, stablecoins, and CFTC-regulated prediction markets. Solomon said he recently met with the “two big prediction companies” to understand how their markets could intersect with Goldman’s trading and advisory operations.
The bank is also actively engaging with policymakers in Washington as the Clarity Act continues to evolve, marking one of the most significant regulatory debates in the digital-asset sector. Solomon emphasized that while adoption may take time, Goldman sees tokenization and prediction markets as “important” and “real,” with dedicated teams exploring their long-term potential.
#DigitalAssets #Tokenization #GoldmanSachs
CME Group Expands Into Altcoins With New Cardano, Chainlink and Stellar Futures
CME Group is taking another major step into the digital asset market with the upcoming launch of regulated futures contracts tied to Cardano (ADA), Chainlink (LINK) and Stellar (XLM). Set to go live on February 9 pending regulatory approval, the new contracts will be available in both standard and micro sizes, giving traders more flexibility and capital-efficient ways to manage exposure.
The move signals accelerating institutional demand for altcoin risk-management tools and signals growing confidence in the pricing integrity of these networks. With CME already reporting record crypto derivatives volumes in 2025, the addition of ADA, LINK and XLM futures marks a significant expansion of its product suite and a broader shift toward regulated altcoin participation in traditional markets.
#CryptoNews #DigitalAssets #CMEGroup
CME Group is taking another major step into the digital asset market with the upcoming launch of regulated futures contracts tied to Cardano (ADA), Chainlink (LINK) and Stellar (XLM). Set to go live on February 9 pending regulatory approval, the new contracts will be available in both standard and micro sizes, giving traders more flexibility and capital-efficient ways to manage exposure.
The move signals accelerating institutional demand for altcoin risk-management tools and signals growing confidence in the pricing integrity of these networks. With CME already reporting record crypto derivatives volumes in 2025, the addition of ADA, LINK and XLM futures marks a significant expansion of its product suite and a broader shift toward regulated altcoin participation in traditional markets.
#CryptoNews #DigitalAssets #CMEGroup
Bitmine Makes a $200M Bet on MrBeast — And It Says a Lot About Where Crypto Is Heading
Bitmine just dropped $200 million into Beast Industries — yes, that Beast Industries, the company behind MrBeast’s massive creator empire. It’s a fascinating crossover moment between crypto, mainstream entertainment, and the next wave of fintech.
Bitmine, which is pushing to become the world’s leading Ethereum treasury and eventually accumulate 5% of all ETH, is clearly thinking beyond traditional market narratives. Pairing up with one of the most influential creators on the planet gives them cultural reach most crypto firms can only dream of.
Crypto companies teaming up with creator ecosystems? That might be a preview of what’s coming next.
#CryptoNews #Ethereum #MrBeast
Bitmine just dropped $200 million into Beast Industries — yes, that Beast Industries, the company behind MrBeast’s massive creator empire. It’s a fascinating crossover moment between crypto, mainstream entertainment, and the next wave of fintech.
Bitmine, which is pushing to become the world’s leading Ethereum treasury and eventually accumulate 5% of all ETH, is clearly thinking beyond traditional market narratives. Pairing up with one of the most influential creators on the planet gives them cultural reach most crypto firms can only dream of.
Crypto companies teaming up with creator ecosystems? That might be a preview of what’s coming next.
#CryptoNews #Ethereum #MrBeast
Trump Steps Back from Firing Powell as Fed Probe and Stubborn Inflation Raise Stakes
President Donald Trump said he has “no plan” to fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, even as a Justice Department probe into the Fed’s $2.5 billion headquarters renovation escalates political pressure on the central bank. The investigation, which includes grand jury subpoenas tied to Powell’s congressional testimony, has raised fresh questions about Fed independence at a time when monetary policy is already under intense scrutiny.
Despite signaling no immediate move to oust Powell, Trump said it’s “too early” to determine whether the probe could ultimately give him grounds to act. He also confirmed he will move ahead with nominating Powell’s successor “in the next few weeks,” praising potential candidates Kevin Hassett and Kevin Warsh.
Meanwhile, fresh inflation data complicates the Fed’s path forward. Wholesale prices rose 3% in November, while core consumer inflation held stubbornly at 2.6% for the fourth straight month — both signs that price pressures remain sticky. Several Fed officials expect inflation to cool later this year, but differ sharply on how quickly rate cuts should follow.
With political pressure building, inflation proving persistent, and the Fed’s next leadership choice looming, the central bank’s independence and policy direction are entering a critical stretch.
#FederalReserve #Inflation #EconomicPolicy
President Donald Trump said he has “no plan” to fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, even as a Justice Department probe into the Fed’s $2.5 billion headquarters renovation escalates political pressure on the central bank. The investigation, which includes grand jury subpoenas tied to Powell’s congressional testimony, has raised fresh questions about Fed independence at a time when monetary policy is already under intense scrutiny.
Despite signaling no immediate move to oust Powell, Trump said it’s “too early” to determine whether the probe could ultimately give him grounds to act. He also confirmed he will move ahead with nominating Powell’s successor “in the next few weeks,” praising potential candidates Kevin Hassett and Kevin Warsh.
Meanwhile, fresh inflation data complicates the Fed’s path forward. Wholesale prices rose 3% in November, while core consumer inflation held stubbornly at 2.6% for the fourth straight month — both signs that price pressures remain sticky. Several Fed officials expect inflation to cool later this year, but differ sharply on how quickly rate cuts should follow.
With political pressure building, inflation proving persistent, and the Fed’s next leadership choice looming, the central bank’s independence and policy direction are entering a critical stretch.
#FederalReserve #Inflation #EconomicPolicy
Algorand Foundation Makes a Strategic Return to the U.S.
The Algorand Foundation has officially moved its operations back to the United States after years in Singapore, marking a major shift in timing with Washington’s renewed push for clearer crypto regulation. The organization is rolling out a new board of directors and forming an Ecosystem Advisory Council as it repositions itself ahead of a pivotal Senate Banking Committee vote on landmark digital asset legislation.
Leadership said the move reflects both Algorand’s U.S. origins and the country’s significant pivot toward more supportive crypto policy. The decision comes just one week after the Jito Foundation also returned to the U.S., signaling a broader wave of crypto nonprofits re-establishing their roots stateside.
With policymakers preparing to weigh major crypto market structure rules, Algorand’s homecoming underscores the growing belief that the U.S. is once again becoming a competitive hub for blockchain innovation.
#Algorand #CryptoPolicy #BlockchainInnovation $ALGO
The Algorand Foundation has officially moved its operations back to the United States after years in Singapore, marking a major shift in timing with Washington’s renewed push for clearer crypto regulation. The organization is rolling out a new board of directors and forming an Ecosystem Advisory Council as it repositions itself ahead of a pivotal Senate Banking Committee vote on landmark digital asset legislation.
Leadership said the move reflects both Algorand’s U.S. origins and the country’s significant pivot toward more supportive crypto policy. The decision comes just one week after the Jito Foundation also returned to the U.S., signaling a broader wave of crypto nonprofits re-establishing their roots stateside.
With policymakers preparing to weigh major crypto market structure rules, Algorand’s homecoming underscores the growing belief that the U.S. is once again becoming a competitive hub for blockchain innovation.
#Algorand #CryptoPolicy #BlockchainInnovation $ALGO
The path to U.S. crypto regulation remains a "final mile" challenge.
The Senate Banking Committee recently halted the markup of its long-awaited market structure bill.
While the postponement highlights deep-seated friction between crypto-native firms and traditional banking lobbyists, White House AI and crypto adviser David Sacks is urging the industry to stay the course. Sacks described the move as a "recalibration" rather than a collapse, maintaining that legislative clarity is closer than it has ever been.
As the Senate Agriculture Committee also moves its timeline to later this month, the coming weeks will be a defining moment for the future of digital assets in America.
#Cryptocurrency #MarketStructure #FinancialRegulation
The Senate Banking Committee recently halted the markup of its long-awaited market structure bill.
While the postponement highlights deep-seated friction between crypto-native firms and traditional banking lobbyists, White House AI and crypto adviser David Sacks is urging the industry to stay the course. Sacks described the move as a "recalibration" rather than a collapse, maintaining that legislative clarity is closer than it has ever been.
As the Senate Agriculture Committee also moves its timeline to later this month, the coming weeks will be a defining moment for the future of digital assets in America.
#Cryptocurrency #MarketStructure #FinancialRegulation
Is the $97,000 Bitcoin surge a "Sucker’s Rally"?
As Bitcoin briefly touched $97K before retracing, the market is witnessing a massive tug-of-war between institutional momentum and veteran skepticism. While Spot Bitcoin ETFs have absorbed over $1 billion in just three days, prominent critic Peter Schiff is sounding a loud alarm.
Schiff suggests that traders are making a "big mistake" by rotating out of gold and silver mining stocks to chase the crypto pump. With Strategy ($MSTR) seeing heightened volatility in after-hours trading, the question for 2026 remains: Is this institutional adoption or a classic bull trap?
#Finance #Investing #MSTR #PeterSchiff $BTC
As Bitcoin briefly touched $97K before retracing, the market is witnessing a massive tug-of-war between institutional momentum and veteran skepticism. While Spot Bitcoin ETFs have absorbed over $1 billion in just three days, prominent critic Peter Schiff is sounding a loud alarm.
Schiff suggests that traders are making a "big mistake" by rotating out of gold and silver mining stocks to chase the crypto pump. With Strategy ($MSTR) seeing heightened volatility in after-hours trading, the question for 2026 remains: Is this institutional adoption or a classic bull trap?
#Finance #Investing #MSTR #PeterSchiff $BTC
Saylor’s Podcast Blowup Reignites the Bitcoin Treasury Debate
Michael Saylor is back in the spotlight — and this time, it’s for a fiery exchange that’s getting the crypto community talking.
On a recent episode of What Bitcoin Did, Saylor bristled at a question about whether the growing number of Bitcoin treasuries can realistically sustain a strategy that relies on issuing debt to buy BTC. He shot back, calling the premise “ignorant and offensive,” and doubled down on the idea that corporate Bitcoin adoption is not only rational, but inevitable.
The conversation comes at a delicate moment. Many treasury-style companies are struggling, with several trading at steep discounts and a few watching their stock prices tumble more than 90%. Yet Saylor maintains that companies — profitable or not — are better off holding Bitcoin and insists there’s massive room for growth.
Love him or disagree with him, Saylor has once again put the spotlight on one of the most controversial trends in corporate finance: the leveraged Bitcoin treasury trade. And judging by the reactions, this debate is far from over.
#Bitcoin #CryptoMarkets #Saylor
Michael Saylor is back in the spotlight — and this time, it’s for a fiery exchange that’s getting the crypto community talking.
On a recent episode of What Bitcoin Did, Saylor bristled at a question about whether the growing number of Bitcoin treasuries can realistically sustain a strategy that relies on issuing debt to buy BTC. He shot back, calling the premise “ignorant and offensive,” and doubled down on the idea that corporate Bitcoin adoption is not only rational, but inevitable.
The conversation comes at a delicate moment. Many treasury-style companies are struggling, with several trading at steep discounts and a few watching their stock prices tumble more than 90%. Yet Saylor maintains that companies — profitable or not — are better off holding Bitcoin and insists there’s massive room for growth.
Love him or disagree with him, Saylor has once again put the spotlight on one of the most controversial trends in corporate finance: the leveraged Bitcoin treasury trade. And judging by the reactions, this debate is far from over.
#Bitcoin #CryptoMarkets #Saylor
Ethereum’s 6% Rally Aligns With Vitalik’s Call for a “Decentralized Renaissance”
Ethereum surged more than 6% today, coinciding with Vitalik Buterin’s renewed push to bring the original 2014 web3 vision back into focus. In a widely shared post, Buterin emphasized that Ethereum’s core components — proof-of-stake consensus, scalable ZK-EVM rollups, decentralized messaging layers like Waku, and improved decentralized storage — have matured enough to reignite the dream of a permissionless, user-owned internet.
The market responded with conviction. ETH broke sharply higher, climbing above key moving averages and pressing into a heavy resistance cluster that has capped upside attempts in recent weeks. Analysts note that short-term momentum has flipped decisively in favor of buyers, supported by rising trend indicators and strong bid-side liquidity on major exchanges. Order-book data shows sizable demand stacked beneath current price levels, while overhead ask walls are thin enough that a clean breakout could accelerate quickly.
Traders are now watching whether Ethereum can clear the $3338–$3371 resistance pocket — a move that would signal a broader continuation rally and potentially set up a path toward higher macro levels. For now, the combination of renewed narrative strength and improving technical structure has placed Ethereum back in the spotlight as one of the market’s most active momentum plays.
#Ethereum #CryptoMarket #ETHUSD $ETH
Ethereum surged more than 6% today, coinciding with Vitalik Buterin’s renewed push to bring the original 2014 web3 vision back into focus. In a widely shared post, Buterin emphasized that Ethereum’s core components — proof-of-stake consensus, scalable ZK-EVM rollups, decentralized messaging layers like Waku, and improved decentralized storage — have matured enough to reignite the dream of a permissionless, user-owned internet.
The market responded with conviction. ETH broke sharply higher, climbing above key moving averages and pressing into a heavy resistance cluster that has capped upside attempts in recent weeks. Analysts note that short-term momentum has flipped decisively in favor of buyers, supported by rising trend indicators and strong bid-side liquidity on major exchanges. Order-book data shows sizable demand stacked beneath current price levels, while overhead ask walls are thin enough that a clean breakout could accelerate quickly.
Traders are now watching whether Ethereum can clear the $3338–$3371 resistance pocket — a move that would signal a broader continuation rally and potentially set up a path toward higher macro levels. For now, the combination of renewed narrative strength and improving technical structure has placed Ethereum back in the spotlight as one of the market’s most active momentum plays.
#Ethereum #CryptoMarket #ETHUSD $ETH
Prediction Markets Hit $701M in a Day as Regulators Tighten Their Grip
Prediction markets are entering 2026 at full speed. New data shows the sector shattered a fresh daily trading record on Monday, reaching $701.7 million in volume even as US regulators intensify efforts to restrict political, sports, and financial event markets.
Kalshi led with $465.9 million — nearly two-thirds of all activity — while Polymarket and Opinion added another $100 million, underscoring the explosive growth of a sector that has become one of crypto’s strongest use cases.
The surge comes just weeks after a controversial high-payout bet on Venezuela’s political upheaval raised concerns about insider knowledge, placing the industry back under the regulatory spotlight. Multiple US states, including New York and Nevada, are now reviewing or enforcing bans on certain markets, while a Tennessee federal judge temporarily halted state action against Kalshi this week.
The regulatory pressure is global: Ukraine recently blocked access to Polymarket, classifying prediction markets as gambling. Yet interest continues to rise, with major exchanges and self-custody wallets preparing integrations that could push adoption even further.
#CryptoNews #PredictionMarkets #Web3
Prediction markets are entering 2026 at full speed. New data shows the sector shattered a fresh daily trading record on Monday, reaching $701.7 million in volume even as US regulators intensify efforts to restrict political, sports, and financial event markets.
Kalshi led with $465.9 million — nearly two-thirds of all activity — while Polymarket and Opinion added another $100 million, underscoring the explosive growth of a sector that has become one of crypto’s strongest use cases.
The surge comes just weeks after a controversial high-payout bet on Venezuela’s political upheaval raised concerns about insider knowledge, placing the industry back under the regulatory spotlight. Multiple US states, including New York and Nevada, are now reviewing or enforcing bans on certain markets, while a Tennessee federal judge temporarily halted state action against Kalshi this week.
The regulatory pressure is global: Ukraine recently blocked access to Polymarket, classifying prediction markets as gambling. Yet interest continues to rise, with major exchanges and self-custody wallets preparing integrations that could push adoption even further.
#CryptoNews #PredictionMarkets #Web3
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