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Bitcoin fell below the $70,000 support level for the first time since late 2024, hitting a session low of $69,074.

Total market liquidations exceeded $830 million in 24 hours, with leveraged long positions bearing the brunt of the volatility.

Analysts cite the nomination of Kevin Warsh for Federal Reserve Chair and high miner production costs as primary bearish catalysts.

Bitcoin plummeted below the critical $70,000 mark on Thursday, sending the digital asset to its lowest valuation in over 15 months. The sell-off, which accelerated during early trading hours, has forced the market into what analysts describe as a “full capitulation” phase, characterized by massive deleveraging and a collapse in investor sentiment.

According to market data, Bitcoin reached a low of $69,074, a price point not seen since November 2024. The sudden move triggered a cascade of forced liquidations across major exchanges, totaling more than $830 million in a single day. Over the past week, the broader crypto market has seen approximately $6.7 billion in leveraged positions wiped out, as short-term holders and momentum traders exit their positions.

Market observers point to a combination of macroeconomic shifts and structural industry pressure as the primary drivers of the downturn. The recent nomination of Kevin Warsh to succeed Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has introduced fresh anxiety regarding a potentially more restrictive monetary regime. Traders are increasingly concerned that Warsh’s history of balance-sheet skepticism could lead to tightened liquidity, weighing heavily on speculative assets like Bitcoin.

“It is clear the crypto market is in full capitulation mode,” noted Nic Puckrin, co-founder of Coin Bureau. “This is no longer a short-term correction, but rather a transition from distribution to reset—and these typically take months, not weeks.”

The pressure is particularly acute for the mining sector. With the average production cost estimated at $87,000, the current price leaves most operators at a significant loss. Reports indicate that miners are liquidating reserves to cover operational overhead and debt obligations, a phenomenon known as “miner capitulation” that adds sustained selling pressure to the order books.

Despite the bearish momentum, some technical indicators suggest a bottom may be forming. On-chain data tracking the “Profit/Loss Supply” metric shows a convergence that has historically preceded cycle lows. While the Crypto Fear & Greed Index has plunged to a reading of 16—indicating “extreme fear”—institutional outflows from spot Bitcoin ETFs have begun to show signs of slowing, even as $1.62 billion exited the funds earlier this year.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

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Bitcoin fell below $70,000, hitting lows near $69,900 on some exchanges amid a broader risk-off move in global markets.

The drop erased much of the post-2024 bull gains, with sentiment plunging into “extreme fear” on the Fear and Greed Index at 11.

Miners face intensified pressure as BTC trades ~20% below estimated production costs around $87,000, while ETF outflows and liquidations add to downside risks.

Bitcoin dropped below $70,000 on Thursday, extending a sharp selloff that has seen the leading cryptocurrency shed over 7% in the past 24 hours and retreat to levels last seen in late 2024.

The decline, which took BTC to as low as $69,917 on CoinDesk data and $69,101 on Bitstamp, aligns with weakness in global technology stocks and a broader deleveraging across risk assets. Precious metals like silver also plunged sharply, underscoring a flight from growth-oriented investments.

Extreme fear has gripped the crypto market, with the Crypto Fear and Greed Index falling to 11—a rare level indicating heightened panic. On-chain metrics show fading spot demand, reduced participation, and tightening liquidity, while open interest in BTC futures has contracted significantly. Analysts note this as full bear-market signals, with rebounds proving fragile.

Miner stress has intensified, as Bitcoin’s price hovers roughly 20% below the estimated average production cost of around $87,000. Historically, such conditions have preceded capitulation phases in bear markets, potentially leading to hashrate adjustments despite recent rebounds from drawdowns.

The selloff has also triggered substantial liquidations, wiping out millions in leveraged positions, and contributed to continued outflows from U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs. Traders are watching for potential deeper corrections toward $67,000 or lower, though some view the reset as healthy before eventual recovery in volatile conditions. (news.bitcoin.com)

“Bears have taken firm control,” noted one market observer, highlighting the breach of $70,000 support as a psychological turning point amid thin liquidity and coordinated selling pressures.

For context on Bitcoin’s price dynamics, see this related overview at Cryptopress.site coins. As the dust settles, the move underscores ongoing correlations with traditional risk assets and the need for caution in leveraged DeFi and futures positions.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

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Binance completed a $100.7 million Bitcoin purchase, marking the start of a $1 billion asset conversion for its SAFU fund.

The exchange plans to shift its entire emergency reserve from stablecoins to Bitcoin over the next 30 days.

On-chain data confirms the acquisition of 1,315 BTC as the asset traded near $77,000.

Binance has officially launched its strategic transition to a Bitcoin-heavy reserve for its Secure Asset Fund for Users (SAFU), completing an initial purchase of 1,315 BTC. The transaction, valued at approximately $100.7 million, was confirmed by on-chain analytics firm Arkham Intelligence, which tracked the movement of funds from Binance’s internal wallets to a designated SAFU address.

This move follows a January 30 announcement in which the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by volume detailed a 30-day plan to convert its $1 billion insurance fund entirely into Bitcoin. The fund was previously held in stablecoins, specifically USDC and USDT, a composition established in 2024 to provide stability. However, the exchange is now pivoting back to the market’s primary cryptocurrency to signal long-term conviction in Bitcoin as a sovereign reserve asset.

According to Cointelegraph, the transaction occurred as Bitcoin faced downward pressure, trading at a significant discount from its 2025 highs. Analysts suggest that Binance is utilizing this period of market volatility to execute its buy-side strategy. The exchange has roughly $900 million in remaining stablecoin liquidity to deploy over the next three weeks to complete the full $1 billion conversion.

“Binance is prepared to manage market uncertainty while supporting Bitcoin’s long-term role as a core asset,” a company representative noted in a statement to the community. To address concerns regarding Bitcoin’s price volatility compared to stablecoins, Binance has committed to maintaining a $1 billion valuation for the fund. If a market downturn causes the value of the BTC holdings to drop below $800 million, the exchange has pledged to replenish the reserve with additional capital to restore its baseline.

The SAFU fund was established in 2018 as an emergency insurance pool, funded by a portion of trading fees, to protect users during security incidents or system failures. This recent shift marks one of the largest structural shifts in exchange-led Bitcoin demand in early 2026, coinciding with continued accumulation from other major institutional players.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

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The U.S. House of Representatives voted 217-214 to pass a $1.2 trillion funding package, ending a partial government shutdown that began on Feb. 1.

The legislation restores funding to major federal agencies, including the SEC and CFTC, through Sept. 30, though the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) only received a short-term extension.

The shutdown had temporarily halted regulatory progress on crypto frameworks, stablecoin rules, and pending spot ETF applications.

The U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday passed a $1.2 trillion spending package in a narrow 217-214 vote, effectively ending a partial government shutdown that has paralyzed several federal agencies since the weekend. The bill, which now moves to President Donald Trump for his expected signature, provides full-year funding for 11 of the 12 annual appropriations bills, ensuring that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) return to full operational capacity.

While the majority of federal operations are now funded through the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) remains on a temporary leash. Lawmakers agreed to a short-term patch for the DHS that expires on Feb. 13, buying only ten days for further bipartisan negotiations over immigration enforcement and border accountability measures. This “technical lapse” over the weekend had previously stalled routine operations at the SEC, including the review of corporate disclosures and market oversight.

The brief four-day lapse in funding had immediate consequences for the digital asset industry. During the shutdown, the SEC’s divisions of Corporation Finance and Investment Management were forced to halt the review of registration statements and prospective crypto-linked investment products. Industry analysts warned that continued gridlock could have delayed a highly anticipated wave of stablecoin regulations and decentralized finance (DeFi) frameworks currently under review by the House Financial Services Committee.

“The Republican Party is sticking together because the stakes are so high,” House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters following the vote. He emphasized that reopening the government was a priority to maintain national stability, even as hard-line conservatives pushed for deeper spending cuts. The vote was nearly derailed by last-minute opposition from a few Republicans but was secured after intensive internal negotiations.

The resolution provides a sigh of relief for crypto market participants who feared a prolonged regulatory vacuum. With the SEC and CFTC back in session, the focus shifts back to the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act and other legislative efforts aimed at providing a permanent regulatory framework for the U.S. crypto ecosystem. Prior to the shutdown, the American Bankers Association and other stakeholders had been actively meeting with the White House to discuss market structure and the prohibition of interest on payment stablecoins.

Market sentiment remained cautiously optimistic following the news. Bitcoin, which has dipped toward the $73,000, showed signs of stabilization as the threat of a long-term bureaucratic bottleneck receded. Traders are now looking toward the Feb. 13 deadline to see if a broader agreement on the final remaining spending bill can be reached without further disruption to financial regulators.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

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xAI has posted a job listing for a crypto finance expert to train its AI models on quantitative finance, on-chain analysis, and market microstructure.

The hiring comes as xAI completes its merger with SpaceX, creating a combined company valued at approximately $1.25 trillion ahead of a potential IPO.

The integration seeks to build space-based data centers, potentially reducing costs for AI compute through orbital infrastructure.

Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company, xAI, is seeking a crypto quantitative expert to bolster its AI training capabilities with specialized knowledge in cryptocurrency markets. The role involves analyzing on-chain data, decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols, and market dynamics to enhance next-generation AI models.

This recruitment effort aligns with the recently announced merger between xAI and SpaceX, which values the unified entity at a reported $1.25 trillion. The deal integrates Musk’s AI ambitions with his space exploration ventures, including Starlink satellites and orbital data centers. Industry observers note that this could position the company to address escalating AI compute costs by shifting infrastructure to space, where energy and cooling are more efficient.

SpaceX has acquired xAI, forming one of the most ambitious, vertically integrated innovation engines on (and off) Earth → https://t.co/3ODfcYnqfg pic.twitter.com/el40rCUBGe

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) February 2, 2026

Elon Musk stated in a company update, “This marks not just the next chapter, but the next book in SpaceX and xAI’s mission: scaling to make a sentient sun to understand the Universe and extend the light of consciousness to the stars.” The merger, executed via a stock swap, brings together xAI’s Grok chatbot with SpaceX’s rocket and satellite technologies, potentially enabling real-time data processing for AI applications.

However, the consolidation raises concerns about regulatory scrutiny, including antitrust issues and national security implications given SpaceX’s government contracts. Analysts suggest the move could face reviews from bodies like the Federal Trade Commission, especially amid Musk’s expanding influence across tech sectors. A source familiar with the deal indicated that the merger supports plans for space-based AI compute, which Musk estimates could become the lowest-cost option within two to three years.

The merger has also spotlighted the combined entity’s cryptocurrency holdings, including approximately 8,300 Bitcoin, which could play a role in future AI-financial integrations.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

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Hyperliquid is introducing “Outcome Trading” through the HIP-4 upgrade, which is currently active on the protocol’s testnet.

The new primitive supports fully collateralized contracts for prediction markets and bounded options without the need for leverage or the risk of liquidations.

Markets will be denominated in the native USDH stablecoin and utilize the HyperCore engine for high-performance settlement.

Hyperliquid, the decentralized derivatives powerhouse, is broadening its financial reach with the debut of Outcome Trading via the HIP-4 (Hyperliquid Improvement Proposal 4) upgrade. Announced on Monday, the new feature allows the protocol’s core engine, HyperCore, to support range-settled contracts designed specifically for prediction markets and bounded, options-like instruments.

The introduction of Outcome Trading marks a significant architectural shift from the platform’s primary focus on perpetual futures. These new contracts are fully collateralized, meaning they settle within a predefined range and carry no risk of margin calls or forced liquidations. By removing leverage from the equation, Hyperliquid aims to provide a lower-risk environment for event-based trading, a sector that has seen explosive growth and regulatory attention over the past year.

According to the development team, the new primitive is designed to enhance the “expressivity” of the Hyperliquid Layer 1 blockchain. “The outcome primitive expands the expressivity of HyperCore, while composing with other primitives such as portfolio margin and the HyperEVM,” the team noted. The feature is currently undergoing testing on the testnet, with plans to launch canonical markets once technical stability and user feedback have been integrated.

Initial mainnet deployments will focus on standardized markets derived from objective settlement sources, all denominated in USDH, Hyperliquid’s native stablecoin. Over time, the protocol intends to transition the infrastructure toward permissionless deployment, mirroring the success of the HIP-3 framework which allowed users to create custom perpetual markets. This evolution follows a period of record activity for the exchange, which recently saw its total open interest surpass $4.9 billion amid growing demand for on-chain assets.

Market reaction to the announcement was swift, with the protocol’s native HYPE token rising more than 10% to surpass the $32 mark. Investors are increasingly viewing Hyperliquid not just as a decentralized exchange, but as a foundational Layer 1 stack capable of hosting complex DeFi applications. The addition of dated, non-linear contracts further distinguishes the network from its competitors by integrating prediction market capabilities directly into its high-speed settlement layer.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

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Nomura Holdings has tightened risk management and reduced crypto positions after unspecified losses at its Laser Digital unit in Q3 FY2025.

The adjustments contributed to a 9.7% year-over-year decline in net income to ¥91.6 billion, with European operations posting a ¥10.6 billion loss.

Despite the cutbacks, Nomura’s CFO affirmed the firm’s ongoing dedication to digital assets and plans for medium- to long-term expansion.

Japanese financial powerhouse Nomura Holdings Inc. is paring back its exposure to cryptocurrencies in response to market volatility that led to losses at its digital asset subsidiary, Laser Digital, during the third quarter of fiscal 2025.

The Zurich-based Laser Digital, launched in 2022 to handle Nomura’s crypto trading, asset management, and venture investments, suffered hits to its proprietary trading book amid turbulent conditions in the digital asset markets. This contributed to broader challenges in Nomura’s European operations, which swung to a ¥10.6 billion loss, dragging down group-wide results. Overall, the firm’s net income fell 9.7% year-over-year to ¥91.6 billion, falling short of analyst expectations and prompting a 5.3% drop in shares following the earnings announcement.

Risk management tightening has been a key response, with Nomura implementing stricter position controls to mitigate short-term profit volatility. “We have tightened our management of positions, as well as risk exposure [to curb short-term volatility in profit],” said Chief Financial Officer Hiroyuki Moriuchi during an earnings call. Despite the reductions, Moriuchi emphasized that Nomura’s “commitment to digital asset-related businesses remains unchanged,” with hopes to expand operations in the medium to long term.

The decision reflects broader caution among traditional financial institutions navigating crypto’s inherent risks, such as price swings and regulatory uncertainties. Analysts note that while Laser Digital’s losses were unspecified, they highlight the challenges of proprietary trading in volatile assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Nomura’s move comes even as the subsidiary recently applied for a U.S. operating permit, signaling continued strategic interest despite near-term retreats. (Crypto Briefing)

For context, see this key X post from @TheBlock__: Japan’s Nomura cuts down crypto exposure following Q3 losses.

Japan's Nomura cuts down crypto exposure following Q3 losses https://t.co/C1Ddy9L3Nw

— The Block (@TheBlock__) February 2, 2026

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

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The crypto market opens February 2026 in turmoil, with total capitalization at $2.68 trillion amid heightened volatility and fear. Dominated by Bitcoin‘s 57% share, the sector faces pressure from macroeconomic headwinds and internal dynamics, yet pockets of resilience suggest potential rebounds. Key news revolves around widespread liquidations and institutional shifts, signaling a possible capitulation phase before recovery.
The weekend’s crypto crash stands as the pivotal event, erasing nearly $290 billion in market value as Bitcoin plunged below $77,000—its lowest since mid-November 2025. Triggered by a confluence of factors including US-Iran geopolitical tensions, a potential government shutdown, and Trump’s nomination of hawkish Fed Chair Kevin Warsh amid hotter-than-expected PPI data, the selloff amplified forced liquidations exceeding $2.5 billion in a single day. This marked the largest wipeout since the October 2025 crash, with over 69,000 BTC realized at net losses for the first time since 2023, highlighting retail capitulation while institutions appeared to accumulate on weakness. Analysts view this as a stress test exposing leverage vulnerabilities, with oversold conditions (e.g., daily Stochastic readings) potentially setting up short-term bounces, though sustained hawkish policies could prolong the downturn into a broader bear phase targeting Bitcoin’s 200-week moving average around $60,000-$70,000. External pressures like precious metals declines below $4,700/oz for gold further underscore risk-off sentiment, but improving on-chain metrics for select altcoins hint at selective opportunities amid the chaos.
Other news:
Positive
Hyperliquid’s HYPE token exploded to record highs with $1B open interest and $4.8B volume on its DEX, democratizing market making via HIP-3.HBAR showed bullish patterns in a falling wedge despite a 35% drop, with $749K weekly inflows breaking a negative streak.Institutions bottom-fished amid crashes, as seen in MicroStrategy’s 4.55% stock rise while Bitcoin fell.
Neutral
XRP consolidated around $1.51 with institutional developments like Coinbase’s USDC engine boosting cross-border utility.Emerging market stocks saw $39B inflows in January, potentially spilling over to crypto as a diversification play.Solana challenged Ethereum with faster growth, though both faced ETF outflows.
Negative
Crypto stocks slid in pre-market, with Bitcoin stabilizing at $77K after a sharp selloff.January ETF outflows hit $1.61B for BTC and similar for ETH, pushing risk premiums higher.Bear market calls intensified, with predictions of a slow decline through mid-2026.
What’s moving?
Amid the downturn, Hyperliquid’s HYPE emerged as the top gainer, up significantly with exploding DEX volumes, positioning it as a mover defying the crash. Losers included Ethereum (-6.39% to $2,288) and Monero (-10.91%), reflecting altcoin pain. Buying opportunities exist in oversold majors like Bitcoin at $77,139, where whale accumulation signals potential rebounds to $80,000 resistance, and HBAR post-35% drop for its inflow reversal. Other movers like ASTER, CHZ, and AXS show whale interest for February pumps. No clear low-risk buys beyond dips, so here’s Bitcoin’s price evolution chart illustrating the January slide:

The post Crypto Weekly Snapshot – February’s Market Meltdown appeared first on Cryptopress.

Total crypto liquidations exceeded $2.5 billion in the past 24 hours, with Ethereum accounting for $1.14 billion and Bitcoin for $765 million.

The ‘Hyperunit whale,’ associated with former BitForex CEO Garrett Jin, closed out a leveraged ETH position on Hyperliquid, realizing a $250 million loss and leaving the account with just $53.

BitMine Immersion Technologies is facing over $6 billion in unrealized losses on its holdings of more than 4.24 million ETH.

Bitcoin fell to a nine-month low of $77,195, driven by $817 million in net outflows from U.S. spot ETFs.

Macro factors, including a partial U.S. government shutdown and the nomination of Kevin Warsh as Fed chair, intensified risk-off sentiment across markets.

The cryptocurrency market faced severe turbulence on January 31, 2026, as a cascade of liquidations wiped out over $2.5 billion in positions, highlighting the dangers of excessive leverage in volatile conditions. Major assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum led the decline, with prices dropping to multi-month lows amid thinning liquidity.

At the center of the turmoil was the so-called Hyperunit whale, who exited an entire leveraged Ether position on the decentralized perpetuals exchange Hyperliquid. The trader, linked to Garrett Jin, incurred a staggering $250 million loss, reducing the account balance to a mere $53. This event alone contributed significantly to the broader market deleveraging, as Ether plunged 11.63% to around $2,362. On-chain intelligence firm Arkham identified the activity, with details shared on X by verified accounts like @BCDNewsBot.

INFAMOUS HYPERUNIT WHALE EXITS ENTIRE ETH POSITION, TAKES $250M LOSS AND IS LEFT WITH $53 — ARKHAM

— BDN NEWS WIRE (@BCDNewsBot) January 31, 2026

Compounding the pressure, BitMine Immersion Technologies—associated with investor Tom Lee—reported unrealized losses exceeding $6 billion on its 4.24 million ETH holdings, valued at approximately $9.6 billion at current prices. The firm’s recent acquisition of 40,302 ETH came just before the sharp downturn, underscoring the risks of large-scale treasury strategies in a bearish environment. As market commentator The Kobeissi Letter noted, “In a market where liquidity has been choppy at best, sustained levels of extreme leverage are resulting in ‘air pockets’ in price.”

Bitcoin also suffered, slipping below $78,000 for the first time since April 2025, with a low of $77,195 marking a 7.79% daily drop and a 13% weekly decline. This move pushed BTC beneath its true market mean of $80,700, a level not breached since October 2023. Strategy, the largest corporate Bitcoin holder with over 700,000 BTC, saw its holdings turn underwater against its $76,037 cost basis.

The sell-off was amplified by macroeconomic headwinds, including a U.S. government shutdown after funding talks failed, and President Trump’s nomination of Kevin Warsh as Fed chair, signaling a hawkish interest-rate stance. These factors drove $817 million in net outflows from U.S. Bitcoin ETFs, with BlackRock’s IBIT alone seeing $317 million in redemptions. Precious metals like gold and silver also reversed sharply, reflecting broader risk aversion.

While the event echoes the $19 billion liquidation cascade following Trump’s October 2025 tariff announcement, analysts suggest a potential rebound could hinge on improved liquidity and retail inflows. However, with leverage ratios reset and sentiment cautious, short-term recovery remains uncertain. For more context, see related coverage at Cryptopress.site.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

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Bitcoin dropped below $79,000 on Saturday, marking its lowest price level of 2026 so far.

The market saw $650 million in liquidations within a single 60-minute window, primarily targeting overleveraged long positions.

This latest crash follows a volatile week where macroeconomic pressures and tech sector weakness weighed on digital assets.

Analysts are now closely watching the $75,000 support zone to determine if the bearish trend will intensify.

Bitcoin’s price plummeted on Saturday, breaking through the critical $79,000 support level and sparking a massive wave of forced liquidations across major exchanges. According to data from CoinGlass, the market witnessed $650 million wiped out in just 60 minutes, as the sudden downward move caught leveraged traders off guard. This event marks the most significant leveraged flush seen in the crypto market since late 2025.

The breakdown follows a week of mounting tension in the global financial markets. On Thursday, Bitcoin had already retreated to the $84,000 range following weak earnings reports from major tech firms like Microsoft, which triggered a broader selloff in risk assets. The inability of bulls to defend the $80,000 psychological barrier today led to an accelerated decline as stop-loss orders and automated liquidation engines were triggered in rapid succession.

“The market is experiencing a classic long squeeze,” said a market analyst at The Block. “When Bitcoin slices through high-volume support areas like $80,000, the resulting cascading liquidations create a feedback loop that drives price impact far faster than spot selling alone could achieve.”

The broader digital asset market has followed Bitcoin’s lead, with Ether (ETH) and Solana (SOL) experiencing mid-single-digit percentage losses. Sentiment has shifted sharply toward caution as traders reassess the impact of persistent inflation data and the ongoing correlation between crypto assets and the Nasdaq. Market participants are now focused on the $75,000 level, which many consider to be the next major technical floor.

As of press time, Bitcoin continues to trade with high volatility, and on-chain signals suggest that some whales are moving assets to exchanges, potentially indicating further selling pressure. Investors are advised to monitor spot ETF inflow data, which has served as a primary liquidity driver for Bitcoin throughout this year.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

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For thousands of years, precious metals like gold and silver have served as reliable stores of value, hedges against inflation, and symbols of wealth. Yet owning them physically comes with challenges: high storage costs, security risks, limited divisibility, and cumbersome trading.

Now imagine owning a precise fraction of a London-vaulted gold bar, tradable instantly from your phone, divisible to eight decimal places, and transferable globally in seconds—without ever touching the metal. This is the promise of tokenized precious metals, one of the most practical bridges between traditional finance and blockchain technology.

Tokenization represents physical metals as digital tokens on a blockchain, backed 1:1 by audited reserves. As gold prices surge toward record highs in 2026, tokenized versions have seen explosive growth, with the total market cap exceeding $5 billion.

This guide explores the mechanics, history, benefits, risks, and future of tokenized precious metals—ideal for beginners curious about blockchain’s real-world applications and intermediate investors seeking diversified exposure.

Secure vault storage underlies tokenized metals, with professional custodians like Brink’s holding physical bars to back every digital token. What Is Tokenization of Precious Metals?

Tokenization converts rights to a physical asset into a digital token on a blockchain. For precious metals, each token represents a specific amount of allocated metal—typically one fine troy ounce of gold—stored in professional vaults.

These tokens function as ERC-20 (Ethereum) or similar standards, enabling seamless wallet-to-wallet transfers, trading on crypto exchanges, and integration with decentralized finance (DeFi).

Key features:

Full backing — Tokens are redeemable (oftenily or with conditions) for physical delivery.

Transparency — Regular third-party audits and on-chain proofs verify reserves.

Fractional ownership — Investors buy tiny fractions, democratizing access to assets once reserved for institutions.

Major examples include gold (dominant) and growing silver tokenization, with platinum and palladium emerging slowly.

A Brief History of Tokenized Precious Metals

Gold’s digitization predates modern crypto. Early attempts in the 1990s, like e-gold, failed due to regulatory issues.

Blockchain revived the concept in the late 2010s. Paxos launched PAX Gold (PAXG) in September 2019 as the first major regulated tokenized gold, approved by the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS). Tether followed with Tether Gold (XAUT) in early 2020.

Initial adoption was slow, but rising gold prices, institutional interest in real-world assets (RWAs), and DeFi growth drove expansion. By 2026, tokenized gold’s market cap has hit all-time highs above $5 billion, fueled by gold’s rally toward $5,000 per ounce and broader RWA tokenization trends.

Silver tokenization trails but grows, with total tokenized silver around $434 million.

How Tokenized Precious Metals Work: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

The process is straightforward yet relies on trust and technology:

Custody and Storage — The issuer purchases and stores physical metal in secure, insured vaults (e.g., LBMA-approved in London or Switzerland).

Auditing — Independent firms conduct regular audits, publishing reports and sometimes bar serial numbers.

Minting Tokens — Upon deposit, the issuer mints equivalent tokens on a blockchain (usually Ethereum).

Trading and Transfer — Tokens trade on exchanges or transfer peer-to-peer.

Redemption — Holders (above minimums) can redeem tokens for physical delivery, often with fees.

PAX Gold (PAXG) and Tether Gold (XAUT)—the two dominant tokenized gold assets. PAX Gold (PAXG) and Tether Gold (XAUT)—the two dominant tokenized gold assets. Major Tokenized Precious Metals: A Comparison

Two tokens dominate over 90% of the market:

Feature PAX Gold (PAXG) Tether Gold (XAUT) Issuer Paxos (NYDFS-regulated) Tether (Cayman Islands-based) Launch Year 2019 2020 Blockchain Ethereum (primarily) Ethereum & Tron Backing 1 token = 1 troy oz London Good Delivery bar 1 token = 1 troy oz (allocated bars) Market Cap (2026 est.) ~$2-2.5 billion ~$2.6 billion Redemption Yes (minimums apply, delivery fees) Yes (direct bar delivery available) Transparency Monthly audits, bar-level info Attestations, serial number lookup Strengths Strong U.S. regulation, institutional trust Higher liquidity, multi-chain support

(Data approximate based on 2026 reports.)

Smaller projects exist for silver (e.g., Aberdeen Standard Physical Silver, Kinesis) and niche metals.

Benefits and Advantages

Tokenized metals offer compelling improvements over physical ownership:

Fractional Ownership → Buy $50 worth of gold—impossible with physical bars.

24/7 Liquidity → Trade anytime on global crypto exchanges, unlike traditional markets.

Lower Costs → No storage fees (issuer-covered), reduced transport/insurance.

Global Accessibility → Anyone with internet can invest, bypassing banks or brokers.

Transparency and Security → Audits and blockchain immutability reduce fraud risk.

DeFi Integration → Use as collateral for lending, yield farming, or stablecoin pairs.

In 2025-2026, trading volumes for tokenized gold reached $178 billion—surpassing most gold ETFs.

Pros and cons at a glance: tokenized metals combine gold’s stability with blockchain efficiency, though counterparty risk remains. financestrategists.com Real-World Applications and Adoption

Investors use tokenized metals to:

Hedge inflation and currency devaluation (especially in emerging markets).

Diversify portfolios alongside stocks, bonds, and Bitcoin.

Earn yield in DeFi protocols accepting PAXG/XAUT as collateral.

Enable cross-border payments settled in “digital gold.”

Adoption surged in 2025-2026 as institutions like BlackRock explored RWAs and gold hit records. Tokenized versions provide easier, faster exposure than ETFs for crypto-native users.

Challenges and Risks

Tokenized metals aren’t risk-free:

Counterparty Risk → You trust the issuer to hold reserves. Audits mitigate but don’t eliminate this.

Regulatory Uncertainty → Varying global rules; some jurisdictions restrict redemption.

Premiums and Tracking Errors → Tokens sometimes trade above/below spot price.

Redemption Hurdles → High minimums (e.g., 430 oz for PAXG delivery) and fees.

Smart Contract Risks → Though rare, blockchain vulnerabilities exist.

PAXG’s stricter regulation appeals to conservatives; XAUT’s liquidity suits active traders.

Future Outlook

Tokenized precious metals are early in adoption. As RWAs mature, expect:

More metals (platinum, palladium) and issuers.

Seamless TradFi integration (e.g., tokenized gold in brokerage accounts).

Institutional inflows as regulations clarify.

Enhanced oracles and decentralized custody reducing counterparty risk.

With gold and blockchain both time-tested, this sector could grow to tens of billions in market cap this decade.

Conclusion

Tokenized precious metals represent one of blockchain’s most practical applications: taking an ancient store of value and making it fit for the digital age. They preserve gold and silver’s intrinsic qualities—scarcity, durability, universal appeal—while adding liquidity, accessibility, and efficiency that physical ownership can’t match.

Whether hedging uncertainty, diversifying a portfolio, or exploring DeFi, tokenized metals offer a compelling middle ground between tradition and innovation.

Start small, choose a reputable issuer, and always verify audits. The future of precious metals is digital—and it’s already here.

Explore related articles on Cryptopress.site, such as “Tokenization of Real Estate: Breakthroughs and Barriers in 2025 Pilots“.

The post Tokenized Precious Metals: Bringing Gold, Silver, and Other Metals into the Blockchain Era appeared first on Cryptopress.

President Trump officially nominated Kevin Warsh on Friday to replace Jerome Powell as Chair of the Federal Reserve when his term expires in May 2026.

Warsh, a former Fed governor and Morgan Stanley veteran, is historically viewed as a fiscal hawk, though he has recently aligned with Trump’s calls for lower interest rates.

The nominee has a background in the digital asset space, having served as an advisor to Bitwise and an early investor in the algorithmic stablecoin project Basis.

Bitcoin and broader markets reacted with volatility; BTC dipped toward $81,000 as investors weighed Warsh’s history of favoring monetary discipline and a smaller Fed balance sheet.

President Donald Trump announced on Friday via Truth Social his intention to nominate former Federal Reserve Governor Kevin Warsh to lead the U.S. central bank. The decision follows months of public tension between the White House and current Chair Jerome Powell, whom Trump has frequently criticized for maintaining high interest rates. Warsh, who served on the Fed board from 2006 to 2011, is expected to bring a “regime change” to the institution, focusing on monetary reform and a significant reduction of the Fed’s $7.5 trillion balance sheet.

In the cryptocurrency sector, Warsh’s nomination presents a complex profile for investors. Unlike many traditional economists, Warsh has engaged directly with the industry. He previously served as an advisor to crypto index fund Bitwise and was an angel investor in Basis, an algorithmic stablecoin project that shuttered in 2018 due to regulatory hurdles. While he has described Bitcoin as an important asset and a potential hedge against currency debasement, he has also referred to cryptocurrency more broadly as “software” rather than money, signaling a preference for clear regulatory frameworks and the possible development of a wholesale CBDC.

Market reaction to the news was swift and largely risk-off. Bitcoin fell over 3% to the $81,000 range as prediction market odds on Polymarket for Warsh’s nomination surged past 95%. Analysts at 10x Research noted that Warsh’s reputation for fiscal restraint and his past warnings about “speculative excess” during the 2008 financial crisis have made some traders nervous about future liquidity. However, proponents argue that his understanding of blockchain technology could lead to more sophisticated policy than the current administration’s approach.

“I have known Kevin for a long period of time and have no doubt that he will go down as one of the GREAT Fed chairmen, maybe the best,” Trump stated in his announcement, emphasizing Warsh’s experience in monetary policy and his ability to communicate complex economic shifts to the public. If confirmed by the Senate, Warsh will inherit an economy currently navigating a 3.5% to 3.75% interest rate environment and a contentious debate over the independence of the central bank.

The nomination now moves to the Senate Banking Committee. While Republicans hold the majority, some members, including Senator Thom Tillis, have expressed reservations about moving forward with any Fed confirmations until ongoing investigations into the central bank’s internal operations are resolved. This potential political deadlock could create further uncertainty for global markets and digital asset volatility heading into the second quarter of the year.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

The post Trump Nominates Former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh to Succeed Jerome Powell appeared first on Cryptopress.

Happy Friday, folks. If your portfolio looks like a crime scene today, you’re in good company. As of today, January 30, 2026, the market has decided to test our collective blood pressure. Bitcoin (BTC) has taken a sharp 7% tumble this week, currently hovering around $82,459, with its dominance sitting heavy at 58.6%. The total market cap has retracted to roughly $2.85 trillion as institutional fatigue sets in, evidenced by nearly $818 million in spot ETF outflows. The Fear & Greed Index has plummeted from a cozy 38 to a shivering 28 (Extreme Fear), fueled by a messy macro backdrop involving US government shutdown threats and total uncertainty over the next Fed Chair. It’s a classic “risk-off” week, but as always, there are a few shiny outliers that refuse to follow the herd. From gold-backed safe havens to AI-driven infrastructure, here are the coins actually lighting up our screens while everything else fades to red.

The Shiny Coins Right Now

1. PAXG (PAX Gold) — $5,063.90 | +8.06% (7d) When the world feels like it’s ending, degens suddenly remember that shiny yellow rocks exist. PAXG is the absolute star of the week, serving as the primary exit ramp for traders fleeing the BTC volatility. While Bitcoin struggles with its “digital gold” identity crisis, PAXG is doing exactly what it was designed for: tracking the soaring price of physical gold during global geopolitical uncertainty. It’s the ultimate “defensive” play for the 2026 market regime. Key Metric: 19% YTD gain, significantly outperforming the broader crypto market in January. Short-term outlook: Bullish “I don’t always buy gold, but when I do, I prefer it on-chain.”

2. MemeCore (M) — $1.63 | +4.22% (7d) In a sea of double-digit losses, MemeCore is the only major meme-infrastructure play holding its head above water. While traditional memecoins like PEPE are bleeding out, the MemeCore ecosystem is seeing a surge in “flight-to-quality” (a term we use very loosely here) within the speculative sector. It’s currently the 39th largest asset by market cap, proving that even in a crash, people still want to bet on the culture. Key Metric: Positive 7-day price action despite a 15% drop in the total crypto market cap. Short-term outlook: Cautious Survival of the funniest.

3. WLFI (World Liberty Financial) — $0.165 | -0.07% (7d) The Trump-linked political powerhouse is showing incredible relative strength. While SOL and ETH are down 14%, WLFI is basically flat. The “political narrative” remains one of the stickiest metas of 2026, especially with the upcoming shifts in US regulatory leadership. Smart money seems to be parking here, betting that this project remains a central hub for the “DeFi for the masses” movement regardless of Bitcoin’s price floor. Key Metric: Daily volume hovering near $108 million even during the market sell-off. Short-term outlook: Bullish “We’re going to build a big, beautiful wall… around our profits.”

4. HYPE (Hyperliquid) — $22.14 | -9.70% (7d) Don’t let the red percentage fool you; HYPE is “shiny” because it is the primary venue where the $1.7 billion liquidation event occurred. Volume on Hyperliquid has reached all-time highs this week as traders leverage up to catch the falling knife or hedge their spot positions. As a decentralized perpetual exchange, HYPE thrives on volatility, and this week has been nothing but high-octane price action. Key Metric: Daily active users hitting new monthly highs as retail shifts away from centralized exchanges. Short-term outlook: Very Bullish (on volume, if not immediately on price) “Liquidation is just another word for a fresh start, right?”

5. NEAR (NEAR Protocol) — $1.43 | -12.16% (7d) NEAR is the undisputed king of the “AI Agent” narrative right now. With over 50 AI projects currently building in its ecosystem and the launch of the AI Vault tool, NEAR is transforming from a Layer-1 into a specialized AI compute layer. Despite the price dip, developer activity is at an all-time high, and the “Prividium” upgrade is bringing much-needed programmable privacy to institutional users. Key Metric: 150% increase in AI-sector TVL within the NEAR ecosystem compared to 2025. Short-term outlook: Bullish Thinking about the robots so you don’t have to.

6. TAO (Bittensor) — $223.84 | -14.65% (7d) TAO is the blueprint for decentralized AI, and even though it’s getting whacked by the “risk-off” stick, the underlying data is mind-boggling. The network is now seeing over 5.8 million daily model calls. As NVIDIA chips become increasingly scarce and expensive, TAO’s decentralized compute marketplace is the only game in town for smaller devs. It’s a “buy the dip” favorite for the AI-maximalist crowd. Key Metric: 85,000+ active developers currently participating in subnets. Short-term outlook: Cautious (waiting for BTC to stabilize) “Artificial intelligence, real financial pain.”

7. LINK (Chainlink) — $11.51 | -13.69% (7d) Chainlink is essentially the “toll booth” of the Real World Asset (RWA) revolution. With 80% of global RWA projects using LINK oracles, it doesn’t matter who wins the L1 war—Chainlink wins anyway. Institutional adoption of tokenized T-bills and stocks (shoutout to Robinhood’s new Arbitrum chain) is keeping the revenue flowing into the LINK ecosystem even when retail isn’t buying. Key Metric: 35% of total protocol revenue now comes directly from the RWA sector. Short-text outlook: Very Bullish (Long-term) The only bridge to TradFi that hasn’t collapsed yet.

8. SOL (Solana) — $118.77 | -13.93% (7d) Solana is currently the “most searched” token in the market, even as it retraces toward the $100 psychological level. The ecosystem is maturing into a DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure) and AI powerhouse, closing the market cap gap with Ethereum. While the 7-day performance is ugly, the on-chain speed and low fees mean it remains the playground for every new experiment in the space. Key Metric: 65,000 transactions per second (TPS) theoretical limit being tested by massive DePIN data flows. Short-term outlook: Fading Heat “Ethereum Killer” is so 2024. In 2026, it’s just “The Internet’s Computer.”

Hidden Gem of the Week: Canton (CC)

While the majors are bleeding, Canton (CC) is up a staggering 19.28% over the last 7 days. With a market cap of around $5.3 billion (inching its way toward the top 20), Canton is the quiet leader in institutional privacy infrastructure. Its recent “Prividium” integration allows banks to trade RWAs with customized privacy—hiding sensitive data from us plebs while keeping regulators happy. It’s the “boring” tech that’s actually making money right now.

One to Watch Closely: Bitcoin (BTC)

We are watching the $80,000 level like hawks. This is the “floor” everyone is talking about. With $9 billion in options expiring today and the US Senate blocking funding deals, BTC is at a crossroads. If it holds $80k, we could see a V-shaped recovery to $100k. If it breaks? Pack your bags for the $69,000 support level. This is the ultimate “make or break” week for the digital gold narrative.

The Final Word: Rotation or Retreat?

The current market regime is shifting away from pure “memecoin mania” and back toward utility-driven narratives. The fact that PAXG, LINK, and NEAR are the primary topics of conversation (and relative price strength) suggests that the “smart money” is preparing for a longer period of macro uncertainty. We are seeing a flight to safety—but in crypto, safety means tokenized gold and AI infrastructure. It’s a risk-off environment, but the “shiny” coins of 2026 are much more sophisticated than the dog-coins of yesteryear. Stay grounded, manage your leverage, and remember: the best time to look for shiny things is when everyone else is looking for the exit.

See you next week for more Shiny Coins on Cryptopress.site

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Precious metals faced a massive liquidation on Friday, with gold dropping as much as 8% to break below the $5,000 threshold and silver falling below $100 per ounce.

The correction followed reports and subsequent confirmation of Kevin Warsh as the next Federal Reserve Chairman, sparking a sharp rebound in the U.S. dollar index.

Analysts at Goldman Sachs and other institutions noted that heavy concentration in call options exacerbated the downward move as the market reached extremely overbought levels.

Precious metals markets experienced a violent correction on Friday, marking the most severe single-day decline for gold and silver in over 13 years. The sell-off saw spot gold plunge from an all-time high of $5,595 reached on Thursday to an intraday low of $4,941, while silver plummeted more than 17% at its trough, crashing through the psychological $100 support level to touch $95.

The primary catalyst for the reversal was the strengthening of the U.S. dollar following President Trump’s announcement that he would nominate former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh to succeed Jerome Powell. Warsh, who is viewed by many market participants as a “hawkish” choice compared to other potential candidates, is expected to prioritize shrinking the Fed’s balance sheet and maintaining institutional credibility, which cooled recent bets on aggressive dollar debasement.

According to market strategists, the move was intensified by technical factors. Goldman Sachs analysts previously highlighted that the recent rally was mechanically reinforced by record buying of call options. As the price turned, the unwinding of these positions created a “delta-hedging” cascade, forcing further selling. Copper also fell more than 3% in London, reflecting a broader retreat from industrial and precious commodities that had reached overextended valuations throughout January.

“Gold pulled back toward the $5,000 level as investors reassessed positioning ahead of the official announcement,” said Konstantinos Chrysikos, Head of CRM at Kudotrade. “While the correction was sharp, the metal had gained more than 20% since the start of the month, making it a classic ‘sell the news’ event once the Fed leadership uncertainty was resolved.”

Despite the volatility, some analysts maintain a bullish long-term outlook. While the immediate “fear premium” related to Fed independence and government shutdown risks has subsided, structural demand from central banks in emerging markets remains a pillar of support. However, the breach of key technical levels at $5,000 for gold and $100 for silver suggests that the market may enter a period of consolidation as traders wait for Warsh’s confirmation hearings and further signals on the 2026 interest rate path.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

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Bitcoin fell to a nine-month low of $82,134, down 7.4% in 24 hours, amid a broad market selloff driven by geopolitical tensions and U.S. policy uncertainty.

The price drop triggered $1.7 billion in crypto liquidations, with over 90% from long positions, highlighting over-leveraged trading risks.

U.S. spot Bitcoin and Ether ETFs saw combined outflows nearing $1 billion in a single day, marking one of the worst sessions of 2026.

Bitcoin (BTC) extended its decline on January 29, 2026, slipping to $82,134—a level not seen in nine months—as macroeconomic headwinds and geopolitical developments fueled a risk-off sentiment across global markets.

The drop wiped out 7.4% of its value in just 24 hours, pushing the total crypto market capitalization down by 6.7% and resulting in $1.68 billion in liquidated positions, predominantly longs.

The cascade of liquidations, totaling over $1.7 billion across exchanges, underscores the dangers of leveraged trading in volatile conditions.

Bitcoin Plunges to $81K Bitcoin dropped to a nine-month low amid geopolitical tensions and tech selloffs, triggering $1.7 billion in liquidations.

— Cryptopress (@CryptoPress_ok) January 30, 2026

Analysts note that thin liquidity amplified the move, with sell-side pressure overwhelming buy orders. Ethereum (ETH) also suffered, dropping similarly amid the broader rout.

U.S.-listed spot Bitcoin and Ether ETFs faced heavy redemptions, with outflows reaching $817.9 million for Bitcoin products and $155.6 million for Ether, combining for nearly $1 billion in a single day—the worst since November 2025. BlackRock’s IBIT and Grayscale’s GBTC led the exits, reflecting institutional caution amid rising volatility and macro uncertainty. This extends a streak of negative flows, with Bitcoin ETFs shedding $1.33 billion over the prior week.

In a counter move, Binance announced it will convert its $1 billion Secure Asset Fund for Users (SAFU) from stablecoins to Bitcoin over the next 30 days, framing it as a long-term bet on the asset’s resilience.

An open letter to the crypto community During periods of market volatility and pressure, the impact felt across the industry is naturally also felt by Binance.As a global industry leader, we hold ourselves to elevated standards and continually improve based on feedback from… pic.twitter.com/HvWEQYjuKZ

— Binance (@binance) January 30, 2026

The exchange committed to monitoring the fund and replenishing it if Bitcoin’s price fluctuations drop its value below $800 million. “This shift supports our vision for industry growth,” a Binance spokesperson stated. However, critics warn that exposing user protection to Bitcoin’s volatility could introduce new risks if prices fall further.

Market watchers attribute the downturn to a mix of factors, including speculation around U.S. President Trump’s potential nomination of inflation hawk Kevin Warsh as Fed Chair, escalating U.S.-Iran tensions, and a strengthening U.S. dollar pressuring risk assets.While some see this as a healthy correction after recent gains, others caution of potential further downside if key supports like $80,000 break. Balanced views suggest consolidation could reset over-leveraged positions, paving the way for recovery if inflows resume.

For context, see related coverage on market volatility at https://cryptopress.site/crypto-weekly-snapshot-key-news-shaking-crypto.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

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The Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador (BCR) purchased 9,298 troy ounces of gold, valued at approximately $50 million, to strengthen its international reserves.

The acquisition brings the nation’s total gold holdings to 67,403 ounces, worth roughly $360 million at current market prices.

Despite recent legal amendments making Bitcoin acceptance voluntary to satisfy IMF loan conditions, the government continues its 1 BTC per day accumulation strategy.

The Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador has executed a $50 million gold purchase, marking a significant step in the nation’s strategy to diversify its sovereign assets. According to official data from the BCR, the bank acquired 9,298 troy ounces of the precious metal, pushing the total value of the country’s gold stash to approximately $360 million. The move reflects a broader trend among global central banks to hedge against macroeconomic volatility through “hard” assets.

This latest purchase follows a period of strategic rebalancing for the Salvadoran treasury. While the country made headlines in late 2025 for its first major gold acquisition in decades, this new tranche signals a sustained commitment to traditional reserve assets. President Nayib Bukele, a vocal proponent of Bitcoin, acknowledged the move on social media, framing the acquisition as a way to maintain a “prudent balance” within the nation’s portfolio.

“This acquisition represents a long-term positioning, based on a prudent balance in the composition of the assets that make up the country’s international reserves,” the BCR stated in a release. The bank emphasized that gold remains a “universally strategic asset” that helps protect the local economy from structural changes in international markets.

The pivot toward gold comes at a delicate time for El Salvador’s relationship with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). To secure a $1.4 billion loan agreement, the Salvadoran government recently passed legislative reforms that scaled back the mandatory nature of Bitcoin use. Under the new framework, private businesses are no longer required to accept the cryptocurrency, and tax payments are prioritized in U.S. dollars. However, the government has not abandoned its digital asset ambitions.

On-chain data from Arkham Intelligence confirms that El Salvador’s national treasury continues to add one bitcoin per day to its reserves, in line with Bukele’s 2022 pledge. As of late January 2026, the national strategic Bitcoin reserve holds approximately 7,547 BTC, valued at over $635 million. The dual-track strategy of holding both gold and Bitcoin appears designed to satisfy international lenders while maintaining a high-upside bet on the digital asset economy.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

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JPMorgan strategist Nikolaos Panigirtzoglou projects a theoretical gold price of $8,000 to $8,500 if private investor allocations rise from 3% to 4.6%. Gold prices hit a record high near $5,600 per ounce on Jan. 29, 2026, following a 10% surge over just four trading sessions. The rally is driven by central bank demand, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, and a structural shift where gold replaces the bond portion of balanced portfolios.Gold prices could more than double from current record levels if private investors continue to pivot away from traditional fixed-income assets in favor of the precious metal, according to JPMorgan Chase & Co. global market strategist Nikolaos Panigirtzoglou. In a note released Thursday, the analyst suggested that an increase in private investor allocations from the current 3% to 4.6% of total portfolios would imply a theoretical price range of $8,000 to $8,500 per ounce.The projection follows a historic week for bullion, which surged past the $5,000 milestone on Monday and reached an intraday peak near $5,600 by Jan. 29. This rapid ascent has been fueled by a “perfect storm” of monetary support—with the Federal Reserve maintaining interest rates at 3.50%–3.75%—and intensifying geopolitical uncertainty, particularly involving the U.S. and Iran. Panigirtzoglou noted that gold is increasingly being viewed as a viable substitute for the bond component of a 60/40 portfolio, as investors seek to hedge against currency debasement and sovereign debt risks.Despite the long-term bullish outlook, the report cautioned that short-term volatility may be imminent. Momentum traders and commodity trading advisers (CTAs) are currently heavily positioned in both gold and silver, raising the risk of mean reversion or profit-taking. However, compared to other alternative assets like bitcoin or silver, JPMorgan highlighted gold’s superior liquidity and market breadth as key factors attracting institutional interest.“This 4.6% allocation to gold would imply a theoretical price of $8,000-$8,500,” Panigirtzoglou wrote, explaining that the metal is regaining relevance as an all-weather store of value at a time when confidence in traditional paper hedges is weakening. While the road to such levels may be volatile, the structural trend of central bank buying—estimated at 755 tonnes for 2026—provides a firm floor for the market.Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

The post JPMorgan Strategist Projects Gold Could Surge to $8,500 on Portfolio Allocation Shift appeared first on Cryptopress.

Bitcoin (BTC) dropped approximately 5% within a 24-hour window, hitting a intraday low near $94,000.

The decline coincides with reports of growing deadlock in the U.S. Senate regarding the much-anticipated crypto market structure bill.

Traders point to a “sell-the-news” reaction and cooling spot ETF inflows as primary drivers for the sudden volatility.

Bitcoin faced a sharp correction on Thursday, retreating from recent highs as political and regulatory uncertainty in Washington weighed on investor sentiment. The primary cryptocurrency fell roughly 5%, dropping from a stable position above $98,000 to trade near $94,300 by late afternoon, according to market data from major exchanges. This downward move triggered a cascade of liquidations in the leveraged long positions, further accelerating the price slide.

The sudden reversal appears to be driven by concerns over the Senate’s crypto market structure bill. While the industry had high hopes for a swift passage in early 2026, reports suggest that partisan squabbles and shifting priorities toward midterm elections have stalled negotiations. This legislative inertia has created a vacuum of uncertainty for institutional players who were banking on clearer compliance frameworks before increasing their exposure to the asset class.

Beyond the legislative landscape, macroeconomic factors are contributing to the pressure. Recent inflation data remains stickier than expected, leading some analysts to speculate that the Federal Reserve may maintain higher interest rates for longer than previously forecast. This environment typically favors the U.S. dollar over risk assets like cryptocurrencies. Furthermore, the record-breaking spot Bitcoin ETF inflows seen earlier in the month have begun to plateau, reducing the consistent buy-side pressure that had characterized the year’s opening weeks.

“The market was arguably overextended, and the lack of a clear ‘green light’ from D.C. gave the bears the opening they needed,” noted one senior market analyst. “We are seeing a re-evaluation of risk as the reality of a slow-moving legislative process sets in for 2026.”

Despite the dip, long-term on-chain metrics remain relatively stable, suggesting that while short-term speculators are exiting, long-term holders are yet to show signs of a mass exodus. Technical support is currently being watched closely at the $92,000 level, which served as a significant floor during previous volatility spikes.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

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The White House is convening executives from the banking and crypto sectors to address key disputes in the stalled CLARITY Act, focusing on stablecoin regulations and yields.

White House intervention: A summit hosted by the administration’s
crypto council is set for February 2 to discuss the delayed market
structure bill. Core dispute: Regulations on stablecoin yields and
rewards, with banks concerned about deposit outflows. Industry hopes:
The meeting could pave the way for compromise and advance bipartisan
legislation. The White House is taking a…

#Clarity
Read more:
cryptopress.site/crypto/white-house-to-host-crypto-and-banking-summit-amid-stalled-market-structure-bill/

Ethereum’s new ERC-8004 standard introduces portable identities and
reputations for AI agents, fostering trustless interactions and a
decentralized AI economy.
Ethereum is deploying the ERC-8004 standard on mainnet this week, aimed
at enhancing AI agent interactions. The standard enables AI agents to
carry portable identities and reputations across chains and
organizations without centralized control. This development could
accelerate the integration of AI with blockchain, creating new
opportunities for decentralized applications. In…
Read more:
Cryptopress.site/crypto/erc-8004-ethereums-bid-to-create-a-secure-ai-economy/