Coinpedia Fintech News

The crypto market is heading into a busy week as the Federal Reserve’s rate decision and the major U.S. economic reports are lined up for this week. Meanwhile, the global crypto market cap is feeling the pressure as it stands at $2.75 trillion, down 1.6% in the past 24 hours, while Bitcoin has fallen below $80,000.
Key U.S. Events This Week To Watch
28 October: Fed Meeting and Rate Decision
The Federal Open Market Committee’s rate meeting on 27 – 28 October will be the first major event to watch. At its September meeting, the Fed raised the federal funds rate by 0.25 percentage points to 3.75%–4%, for the first time in more than three years.
However, CME FedWatch data suggests an 88% chance of no rate change this time. Earlier Coinpedia news reported that New York Fed President John Williams said there is no urgency to raise rates again immediately.
For now, traders will watch Chair Kevin Warsh’s press briefing for clues about the next policy move.
29 October: September PCE Inflation data & Initial Jobless Claims
Attention will then turn to September’s Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) inflation report scheduled for October 29, 2026. It is expected to show a rise in inflation following recent increases in consumer and producer prices.
Headline PCE inflation is expected to rise to 3.6% year over year from 3.4% in August. Monthly PCE is forecast at 0.5%, while core PCE is expected to increase 0.3% month over month and 3.1% annually.
Along with it, we’ve Initial jobless claims data for the week is also scheduled to release simultaneously. Last week Claims fell to 194,000 ending October 17 and are now expected to rise to 198,000.
29 October: U.S. Q3 2026 GDP Data
Another very important data to release this week is the U.S third quarter 2026 GDP growth report. Economists expect the U.S. economy to grow at an annual rate of 3.0% to 3.2%, up from 2.2% in the second quarter.
$12B Bitcoin Options Expiry Adds to Volatility in the Market
Lastly, the week will end with an options expiry on Friday, bringing another potential source of volatility, as approximately $11.1 billion to $12.2 billion in Bitcoin options are set to expire. As of now, Bitcoin is trading near $79,921, with $78,000 serving as a key support level.
Ethereum also faces an options expiry, with 322,586 contracts worth around $777 million set to expire. The reported max pain price is $2,500, while ETH is trading below $2,300.

XRP is showing potentially bullish signals in exchange activity ahead of the Federal Reserve’s October 28 interest-rate decision. Withdrawal transactions are approaching their August highs, while deposit shares are nearing previous lows, indicating that withdrawals account for a growing proportion of exchange transactions.
XRP Withdrawals Approach August Highs as Exchange Deposits Decline
XRP’s exchange transaction mix is shifting toward withdrawals, providing a potentially encouraging signal for the token’s supply dynamics. On October 25, withdrawals accounted for 55.75% of XRP deposit and withdrawal transactions on Binance, approaching the August 18 high of 56.75%. Across centralized exchanges, the withdrawal share reached 54.85%, close to its previous peak of 55.4%.
Meanwhile, Binance’s deposit share declined to 44.25%, nearing its August low of 43.25%. Across all centralized exchanges, deposits accounted for 45.15%, compared with the previous low of 44.5%. This shift suggests that withdrawals are accounting for a larger share of XRP’s exchange transactions. If the trend continues alongside declining exchange balances, it could indicate that less XRP is immediately available for trading on centralized platforms.
XRP Whale Activity Strengthens as Binance Spread Reaches 49.5%
Another development is the widening gap between Binance’s whale-versus-retail spread and the corresponding reading across the broader centralized exchange market. On October 26, Binance’s spread reached 49.5%, compared with 29.7% across all centralized exchanges. The difference of 19.8 percentage points highlights a stronger relative concentration of whale-related withdrawal activity on Binance.
The gap was considerably smaller on July 28, when Binance registered 35.5% and the broader exchange market recorded 33%, leaving a difference of just 2.5 percentage points. Combined with the withdrawal-heavy transaction mix, the data provide a potentially constructive signal for XRP’s market structure. Sustained net exchange outflows and stronger spot demand would offer further support for this interpretation.
Fed Decision Could Provide the Next Catalyst for XRP
The Federal Reserve’s October 27–28 meeting is another important event for cryptocurrency markets. Investors are watching the interest-rate decision and policymakers’ guidance for clues about financial conditions and demand for risk-sensitive assets.
With withdrawal shares approaching August highs, the upcoming policy announcement provides a timely catalyst to watch as traders assess whether XRP’s changing exchange dynamics can translate into stronger buying momentum. If these trends persist alongside sustained net outflows, they could strengthen the case for a more favorable supply environment. Renewed spot demand following the Federal Reserve’s decision could further improve XRP price recovery prospects.

The US Federal Reserve faces a difficult decision ahead of its October 28 meeting as rising inflation and higher energy prices coincide with concerns about economic growth. Markets expect the Fed to keep interest rates unchanged, but Chair Kevin Warsh’s comments will be closely watched for clues about future rate decisions.
US inflation accelerated in September, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rising 3.7% year over year. The Producer Price Index (PPI), which measures changes in prices received by businesses, increased 1.3% from August. Higher energy prices have added to inflation concerns, while the US-Iran conflict has raised further uncertainty over energy costs.
Inflation and Economic Weakness Complicate Fed Policy
The Fed aims to bring inflation down to its 2% target, but higher energy costs could slow that progress. At the same time, high borrowing costs are weighing on housing affordability, and job cuts have raised concerns about employment.
This leaves policymakers balancing two risks. Keeping interest rates high could help control inflation but put further pressure on economic activity. Cutting rates could support growth but risk keeping inflation elevated.
These conditions have raised concerns about stagflation, which occurs when high inflation coincides with weak economic growth. Whether the US economy faces a sustained period of stagflation will depend on how prices, employment, and economic output develop.
Expectations of another rate increase at the October meeting have declined after New York Fed President John Williams and Fed Vice Chair Philip Jefferson indicated that policymakers could take time to assess the economy following September’s rate increase.
Bloomberg Federal Reserve reporter Maria Luisa Capora said investors will focus on Warsh’s explanation for the expected pause and any indications about future policy.
Fed Guidance and Economic Data in Focus
Warsh’s comments could influence expectations for interest rates. A signal that rates may remain high for longer could put pressure on stocks, while indications of potential rate cuts could raise concerns about whether the Fed is doing enough to control inflation.
Investors will also watch the October 29 releases of US third-quarter GDP, Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) inflation, and initial jobless claims. These reports will provide further information about economic growth, price pressures, and labor-market conditions.
The Bank of Japan’s monetary policy meeting on October 29–30 and the US midterm elections on November 3 are also on the calendar.
The Fed’s decision will depend on how policymakers assess persistent inflation alongside economic risks. Investors will look to the policy statement and Warsh’s press conference for a clearer indication of the central bank’s next steps.

October 26, 2026 07:08:28 UTC
LIC, BlackRock And Fidelity Among Anchor Investors In ₹8,110 Crore Jio Round
Jio Platforms raised about ₹8,110 crore from anchor investors on October 19, two days before its public issue opened for bidding. The anchor book drew a mix of domestic and global institutions, including Life Insurance Corporation of India, BlackRock and Fidelity. Shares were allotted to 212 anchor investors at ₹1,119 each, the top of the price band. Demand in this round far exceeded supply, with bids worth around ₹2.5 lakh crore, more than 30 times the shares reserved. Anchor investors cannot sell immediately after listing because their holdings come with a mandatory lock-in, which helps limit selling pressure in the stock’s early trading days on BSE and NSE.
October 26, 2026 06:45:42 UTC
When will unsuccessful Jio IPO applicants get refunds?
Applicants who do not receive shares should have their money released on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. Most IPO bids are placed through ASBA or UPI, where funds are blocked in the investor’s bank account rather than withdrawn. In those cases, the block is lifted and the amount becomes available again, instead of a separate refund being sent. Partial allottees will see the unused portion of their blocked amount released on the same day.
October 26, 2026 06:45:42 UTC
When did the Jio Platforms IPO open and close?
The Jio Platforms IPO opened for public bidding on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, and closed on Friday, October 23. Tuesday, October 20, was a market holiday for Dussehra. The price band was set at ₹1,065 to ₹1,119 per share. Demand built quickly, with the issue fully covered within about 100 minutes of opening on day one, the fastest for any large Indian IPO. Subscription climbed to 3.16 times on day one and 5.57 times by the end of day two before closing at 22.19 times.
October 26, 2026 06:33:07 UTC
Not every retail investor will get shares
Retail investors applied for more than 23 crore shares against roughly 8.5 crore reserved for them. Because the category was oversubscribed nearly three times, allotment will be decided by lottery, and many small applicants may get nothing. Investors can check their status on the KFin Technologies, NSE and BSE websites once results are published.
October 26, 2026 06:14:12 UTC
Final IPO price set at ₹1,119, the top of the band
Jio Platforms has fixed its issue price at ₹1,119 per share, the upper end of its ₹1,065 to ₹1,119 range, after the offer was subscribed about 22 times. At that price, the company is valued at roughly ₹10.3 lakh crore heading into its stock market debut on Wednesday, October 28. Reports put the final issue size at ₹30,188 crore.
October 26, 2026 06:14:12 UTC
Check your Jio IPO allotment on KFin Technologies
KFin Technologies is the registrar for the issue. To check your status: Click “Submit”, Go to ipostatus.kfintech.com, Choose “Jio Platforms Ltd” from the list of IPOs, Enter your PAN, application number or demat account number
October 26, 2026 06:05:36 UTC
Allotment results expected by late evening
Jio Platforms will finalise share allotment today, Monday, October 26. Investors who bid in the ₹30,213 crore IPO should be able to see their status on the KFin Technologies, NSE and BSE websites later tonight. The stock is scheduled to debut on the exchanges on Wednesday, October 28.

Indian crypto exchange CoinDCX has now admitted a $15.99 million loss after attackers drained funds from old wallets linked to its July 2025 hack. The confirmation came three days after blockchain investigator ZachXBT first reported the suspected theft.
Meanwhile, CoinDCX co-founder Sumit Gupta initially rejected the claims, saying they were just rumours.
CoinDCX Confirms $15.99M Loss From Deprecated Wallets
In a company announcement, CoinDCX said it detected unusual activity on October 21, 2026, and identified irregular fund movements the following day. Its investigation found that old wallet infrastructure, compromised during the July 19, 2025, incident, still held funds because an automated sweeping service had failed.
The service was designed to move deposits from individual user addresses into secure operational wallets. However, deposits sent to old addresses accumulated on-chain instead of being transferred to the primary wallets.
On October 21, attackers drained 15.99 million USDT and 5,784 TRX across 44 transfers, according to the supplied report. CoinDCX said the company would absorb the loss entirely.
CoinDCX: Rumour, Denial and Acceptance of Loss
In an October 22 post, blockchain investigator ZachXBT said approximately 15.99 million USDT and 5,783.81 TRX had been stolen from CoinDCX-linked wallets. CEO Sumit Gupta initially dismissed the claims as a rumour, saying none of the exchange’s addresses had been affected.
ZachXBT strongly criticised the response, accusing the company’s co-founders of either lying about the theft or being negligently incompetent. He also urged users to withdraw their funds from CoinDCX if they valued their assets.
Withdraw all funds from CoinDCX if you value your assets.
Its co-founders are clowns running a circus.
They publicly and privately denied a theft of its assets occurred meaning they straight up lied or are negligently incompetent.
Later they disclosed the $16M theft and… pic.twitter.com/uEmtogPonq
— ZachXBT (@zachxbt) October 22, 2026
CoinDCX later confirmed the loss in a company update, saying the funds were drained from old wallet infrastructure compromised during its July 19, 2025, security incident.
Now, the question is why the old wallets still held customer funds despite the security breach.
Why Old Wallets Still Held Customer Funds
Well, after its July 2025 hack, which caused a reported $44 million loss, CoinDCX asked users to switch to new deposit addresses. However, some users and platforms continued sending funds to old wallets.
CoinDCX said it still accepted money sent to old wallet addresses and added it to users’ accounts. It was supposed to move that money to safer wallets using a separate sweeping service.
But when that system failed, the money stayed in the old wallets, where hackers could still reach it.
CoinDCX Says User Funds Remain Safe
Following the announcement, the exchange said affected customer balances had been credited internally and that its active wallets, cold storage, and trading systems were not affected.
CoinDCX also said Tether froze approximately $2.21 million of the stolen funds.

Ripple CTO Emeritus David Schwartz has given one of his clearest explanations yet of why XRP should rise in value if the XRP Ledger succeeds. He argued that the token would still find a role even in a world where Bitcoin dominates global settlement.
“Even if you imagine a world where nearly all settlement is done using bitcoin,” Schwartz wrote on X, a successful XRPL would probably host several versions of wrapped or bridged Bitcoin, “and XRP will capture value bridging them.”
The Debate That Set It Off
Schwartz’s comments came during a heated argument on X about what actually drives XRP’s price. XRP commentator Saul argued that XRPL burns transaction fees to keep validators from being paid for producing blocks, not to push the price up. He said the deflation caused by those very low fees has little direct effect on price. Another user disagreed, saying the burn was a deliberate design choice and accusing Saul of not understanding the ledger.
Schwartz’s Thesis In One Line
Schwartz then summed up his own view. Low fees and reliable operation make XRPL a good place to move and store value. That draws value onto the network, and XRP captures part of it because of advantages no other asset on the ledger has.
Three Reasons XRP Captures Value
According to Schwartz, XRP has several built-in advantages on XRPL:
Bridging liquidity: XRP links trading pairs through auto-bridging, an example Saul raised and Schwartz agreed with
No counterparty: it is the only counterparty-free asset that any XRPL account can accept
Fees: users must hold XRP to pay transaction fees on the network
“All of those things can help drive value and demand,” Schwartz wrote.
The One Scenario Where XRP Loses
Schwartz said it is “very unlikely” that XRPL could succeed in financial applications while XRP itself sees little demand. The only way he could see that happening is if the world ended up with one completely dominant settlement asset, which he also considers unlikely.
Even in that case, his Bitcoin example suggests XRP would keep a role. As long as several wrapped versions of the dominant asset exist on XRPL, XRP can act as the bridge between them.
Why It Matters For XRP Holders
Schwartz’s argument ties XRP’s long-term value to how much the XRP Ledger is used, not to its fee burn or speculation alone. The case depends on XRPL winning real financial activity, which is still the main open question for the network.

The Black Monday crash many traders feared this week never happened. Prices finished above Friday’s levels, and the fourth quarter is now being tipped as a strong one for altcoins.
According to an analyst who tracks altcoin cycles, fear is still keeping many investors out of the market. Most still expect this cycle to deliver smaller gains than the last one, and that lack of agreement leaves room for a much bigger rally than expected.
Where The Market Stands
Bitcoin: after its first push from $58,000 to $88,000, it is now consolidating between $80,000 and $83,000.
The low: Bitcoin’s bottom appears to be in, based on a bullish divergence on the weekly chart similar to the one seen in 2022.
Altcoins: many altcoin charts show the same divergences that appeared months before earlier breakouts.
Headlines about war, oil prices or interest rates make a weak basis for investment decisions, the outlook argues, since markets have often done the opposite of what those fears suggested.
Skip The Crowded Trades
The biggest names in today’s hottest narratives, including NEAR, Venice and Zcash, have already become consensus trades with limited short-term upside. The better opportunity lies in tokens whose fundamentals keep growing while their prices stay flat.
The Four Narratives And The Picks
1. AI Meets Crypto: Bittensor (TAO)
Bittensor’s ecosystem keeps growing, with more revenue coming from its subnets, while the token has traded sideways for two to three years. It has also held its value against Bitcoin through the 2025 bear market, one of the strongest charts in crypto. As AI attention spreads, money could rotate from NEAR into Bittensor.
2. The Agentic Economy: SUI
SUI is the pick for payment systems used by AI agents. Fears about upcoming token unlocks look overblown, since early investors usually hedge their positions well in advance. SUI’s weekly chart shows a bullish divergence that has been building since the start of the year, and the RSI and MACD indicators are starting to turn higher.
3. The Ethereum Ecosystem: Optimism And More
Negative sentiment around Ethereum is driven by price alone, while the network itself has improved steadily. ETH has spent about five years in a range between $2,000 and $4,500, and a breakout could lift the whole ecosystem. Optimism is named as one of the Ethereum-based tokens to watch.
4. Real-World Assets: Plume And Ondo
For tokenization, Plume stands out. It is breaking out of a range it has held since November last year, backed by a bullish divergence on the MACD. Ondo is also mentioned as an option in the same narrative.

XRP has dropped back to $1.29, nearly 65% below its all-time high. This is the third time since September that the token has fallen to this level, and the charts do not yet show a confirmed bottom.
According to an analyst who tracks XRP’s cycles, the next move depends on whether the $1.10 to $1.29 zone holds.
Each Bounce Is Getting Weaker
The two recent bounces from the same support area tell the story:
September: XRP rose from about $1.25 to $1.66.
Mid-October: From almost the same level, it reached only about $1.40.
The weaker second rebound suggests buyers are running out of strength. When XRP fell below its October 8 low, the price action became more choppy.
The Timing Looks Familiar
XRP’s current cycle has followed a similar timeline to its last one:
Last cycle: XRP peaked in April 2021 and bottomed about 14 months later, in June 2022.
This cycle: XRP peaked in July 2025 and fell to a low near $1 in August 2026, about 13 months later.
That low came at $0.985, the 50% retracement of the previous rally. The similar timing is interesting, but timing alone does not confirm a bottom.
History Says XRP Takes Its Time
Even after past lows, XRP has been slow to recover. After the June 2022 bottom, it traded sideways for almost two and a half years, mostly below $0.80. The low only became obvious in November 2024, when XRP broke out of that range and climbed from about $0.50 to above $2 within roughly a month.
There is also a warning from earlier cycles. After its early 2018 peak, XRP made a first low about eight months later. The real bottom came more than two years after the peak, roughly 95% below it. A first low is not always the final one.
XRP Price Levels To Watch
Support zone: $1.29, $1.21 and $1.10, which are Fibonacci retracement levels. $1.21 is the 61.8% “golden ratio”.
Early signal: a strong break above the recent high near $1.40, or above a short-term trendline
Major resistance: around $1.67
Upside target zone: $2.14 to $2.99, if a low is confirmed
All-time high resistance: $3.40 to $3.70
Invalidation: a decisive break below $1.10, which would make new lows under the August bottom more likely
What Would Confirm A Bottom
Confirming a meaningful low would take a strong five-leg rally from support followed by a three-leg pullback that holds above the previous low. That pattern has not appeared yet. Until it does, the chart view is that XRP is in a corrective pullback, and higher prices remain possible as long as the $1.10 to $1.29 zone holds.

Ethena has a fresh adoption catalyst, but can it finally deliver for ENA holders? USDe is now live on X Layer and OKX Wallet, bringing Ethena’s product suite to a much wider potential audience. Meanwhile, ENA is hovering around $0.18–$0.20, where traders are watching for signs of a breakout.
The timing is interesting. The expansion adds a new distribution channel just as the token’s chart hints at a possible recovery. Still, increased access doesn’t automatically mean increased buying pressure.
USDe Launch Opens Another Door for Ethena
USDe is now live on @XLayerOfficial and OKX @wallet, with one-click USDe looping in OKX Wallet coming soon.
The first USDe integration on X Layer is the @aave v3 instance allowing OKX wallet users to access USDe directly onchain.
This is the first time the millions of users on… https://t.co/2oijai5gEL pic.twitter.com/9rGKeeqTOj
— Ethena (@ethena) October 23, 2026
Ethena announced that USDe is now available on X Layer and OKX Wallet. The first integration on X Layer uses Aave v3, allowing OKX Wallet users to access USDe directly onchain.
That’s a meaningful expansion in accessibility. For the first time, millions of OKX Wallet users can access Ethena’s product suite, while one-click USDe looping in OKX Wallet is expected to arrive soon.
The next question is whether that reach translates into sustained usage. More users can create opportunities for growth, but adoption figures and token demand still need to prove themselves.
ENA Price Prediction Hinges on Breakout Confirmation
$ENA Millions Of New Users. Bullish Flag Ready To Fire 🔥
Ethena is holding the retest of the upper border of the bullish flag pattern on the daily chart.
Meanwhile, USDe just launched on OKX’s X Layer, integrating Aave v3 for the first time. This opens #ENA entire product… pic.twitter.com/xh96sJprGR
— Lana Valentis (@LanaValentis) October 24, 2026
Technically, ENA is trading around $0.18–$0.20, with a potential falling-wedge breakout drawing attention. Another technical outlook identifies a bullish flag retest, suggesting buyers may be attempting to defend a key chart level.
The projected upside targets are $0.23, $0.29, $0.36 and $0.55. However, these remain potential price levels, not guaranteed milestones. ENA needs sustained buying pressure and confirmation from price action before the bullish case strengthens.
Can Ethena Turn Wallet Reach Into Demand?
Ethena now has a broader route to potential users through OKX Wallet and X Layer. If USDe adoption grows, the expansion could strengthen the project’s visibility, but its impact on ENA remains uncertain.
For now, the ENA price prediction rests on two developing stories: broader product access and a possible technical breakout. A rally toward $0.55 is on the table, but traders still need confirmation rather than another bullish headline.

Injective is making a regulatory push in Washington while its token attempts to build a recovery. The INJ price prediction now has two talking points today, first is a potential move toward $70 and the project’s growing engagement with US financial regulators. Neither promotes immediate bullish reaction coming, but both angles put the spotlight back on Injective.
Injective Takes Its Regulatory Ambitions to Washington
Injective announced that its CEO met with officials from the White House, SEC and CFTC this month, alongside the project’s general counsel, head of policy and head of research.
The meetings reflect Injective’s effort to establish a regulatory foundation for tokenization and onchain finance in the United States. More importantly, the project points to several existing milestones rather than relying entirely on future promises.
Injective Institutional Services is an SEC-registered transfer agent providing ownership recordkeeping for tokenized securities. Meanwhile, INJ futures are listed on CFTC-regulated US markets, connecting the ecosystem to regulated financial infrastructure.
ICMYI: This month, Injective CEO @ericinjective met with officials from the White House, SEC and CFTC in Washington, joined by our General Counsel, Head of Policy and Head of Research.
Injective has spent years building the regulatory foundation to bring tokenization and onchain… pic.twitter.com/prUSse4mYs
— Injective 🥷 (@injective) October 24, 2026
Tokenization Plans Could Strengthen Injective’s Position
Injective is developing institutional-grade infrastructure for bringing tokenized stocks, funds and real-world assets onchain. Its legal and policy teams are also engaging with US lawmakers and regulators on digital asset regulation.
These developments could strengthen Injective’s institutional positioning. However, regulatory engagement doesn’t automatically translate into increased token demand or higher prices. That’s where market participants need to separate project progress from speculation.
INJ Price Prediction Faces Critical Resistance Levels
⚡ $INJ: THE $70 SUMMIT STARTS AT BASE CAMP 👀
INJ’s weekly chart puts $6.52 at the foundation of the recovery scenario, with price currently around $7.64.
Holding that support keeps $15.81 in focus as the first major resistance, followed by $33.09.
The projected route… pic.twitter.com/N22oeuQ6dE
— Giannis Andreou (@gandreou007) October 24, 2026
The weekly chart places INJ around $7.64, with $6.52 serving as the foundation of the bullish recovery scenario. Holding that level keeps $15.81 in focus, followed by $33.09.
Beyond $33.09, the previous high near $53 becomes the next major hurdle. A confirmed break above that peak could open the door to price discovery toward $70, although pullbacks and resistance remain part of the projected route in INJ.
For now, the INJ price prediction depends on price confirmation as much as regulatory progress. A sustained weekly breakdown below $6.52 would weaken the bullish roadmap, leaving the $70 target firmly in speculative territory.

US tech stocks are entering a pivotal earnings week as investors question whether the AI boom can justify its mounting costs. The Nasdaq Composite fell 0.21% on October 23 to close at 25,955.34, while the S&P 500 dropped 0.52% to 7,623.68, extending its weekly decline. With Microsoft, Alphabet, and Amazon preparing to report results, investors will scrutinize cloud growth, AI monetization, and capital expenditure for signs that heavy investments are translating into sustainable earnings.
The upcoming reports could test whether the recent pullback is a temporary setback or a broader reassessment of AI valuations.
1. Microsoft (MSFT) Stock: Can Azure Growth Ease AI Spending Concerns?
Microsoft reports its fiscal first-quarter 2027 results on October 28, with Wall Street focused on Azure growth, Copilot adoption, and AI infrastructure spending. Analysts expect earnings of $4.71 per share on revenue of $90.63 billion.
The key question is whether accelerating AI demand can support Microsoft’s growth without putting further pressure on margins and cash flow. Investors will also assess management’s outlook for Azure and future capital expenditure.
Strong cloud guidance and evidence of AI monetization could restore confidence. Slower growth or higher-than-expected spending could intensify concerns about investment returns.
2. Alphabet (GOOGL) Stock: Can Google Cloud Strengthen the Earnings Outlook?
Alphabet reports earnings on October 28 as investors assess Google Cloud growth, advertising demand, and the financial impact of AI-powered search. Analysts expect earnings of $3.03 per share on revenue of approximately $127.92 billion.
Google Cloud’s performance will be particularly important as Alphabet expands its AI infrastructure. Meanwhile, investors will look for evidence that AI-powered search can preserve advertising growth while creating new monetization opportunities.
Strong cloud results and resilient advertising revenue could support the stock. Rising investment costs combined with weaker search growth could leave investors questioning the returns from Alphabet’s AI strategy.
3. Amazon (AMZN) Stock: Will AWS Growth Offset Rising AI Costs?
Amazon is scheduled to report earnings on October 29, putting AWS revenue growth, operating margins, and AI infrastructure spending in focus. Analysts expect earnings of $1.96 per share on revenue of approximately $202 billion.
AWS remains central to Amazon’s profitability and AI strategy. Investors will assess whether demand for cloud computing and AI services can sustain growth while the company expands its infrastructure. Retail margins and forward guidance will also influence expectations for overall profitability.
Strong AWS growth and improving margins could support the bullish case. Higher spending without a corresponding improvement in revenue expectations could weigh on investor confidence.
Big Tech Earnings Could Set the Market’s Next Direction
Microsoft, Alphabet, and Amazon face a common challenge: demonstrating that AI investments can generate sustainable financial returns. Azure, Google Cloud, and AWS growth will offer important clues, but capital expenditure and forward guidance could ultimately determine how investors respond.
If cloud growth and AI monetization exceed expectations, the results could help stabilize US tech stocks. If spending rises faster than returns, the sector’s valuation concerns may persist.

Maelstrom founder Arthur Hayes has dumped $22.28 million in altcoins, including ETH, ENA, ETHFI, UNI AERO, PENDLE, and ZAMA. Hayes says he is stepping away from directional trading, warning that crypto prices may need to fall further before the next recovery begins.
Is another crypto sell-off coming before the next rally?
Arthur Hayes Sells $22.28M in ETH, ENA and UNI
In a recent tweet, Hayes confirmed that Maelstrom had closed all positions in its directional trading portfolio and taken profits from several cryptocurrencies.
“I dumped it all. The Maelstrom directional book, took profits on ETH, ENA, UNI and other shitcoins.”
According to on-chain data shared by Lookonchain, the fund moved around $22.28 million in crypto assets. This included 6,400 ETH worth $15.2 million, 14 million ENA worth $2.76 million, and 323,000 UNI worth $2.24 million.
Arthur Hayes (@CryptoHayes) is dumping $22.28M worth of tokens!
Including:
6,400 $ETH ($15.2M),
14M $ENA ($2.76M),
323,000 $UNI ($2.24M),
1.89M $ETHFI ($1.23M),
546,609 $AERO ($398K),
120,000 $PENDLE ($244K),
3M $ZAMA ($214K).https://t.co/gau6egd7Vmhttps://t.co/DXKXubxP65 pic.twitter.com/wV19JL4o6S
— Lookonchain (@lookonchain) October 24, 2026
The sales also included 1.89 million ETHFI worth $1.23 million, 546,609 AERO worth $398,000, 120,000 PENDLE worth $244,000 and 3 million ZAMA worth $214,000. Some of these tokens were transferred to exchanges, including Binance.
Hayes Says, “We Gotta Go Down to Go Up”
Hayes said he was concerned about the current macroeconomic and geopolitical outlook and would remain on the sidelines until conditions became clearer.
“I think we gotta go down to go up,” he wrote, adding that he would wait for an “all clear signal” before making his next move.
I dumped it all. The Maelstrom directional book, took profits on $ETH, $ENA, $UNI and other shitcoins. I think we gotta go down to go up. It looks a bit dicey out there in macro and geopolitical land. Going to sit on the sidelines and wait for the all clear signal … Brrrrr
— Arthur Hayes (@CryptoHayes) October 24, 2026
The decision marks a change from his position just nine days earlier, when he shared a bullish outlook on Bitcoin and Ether.
Key Reason Behind Arthur Hayes’ Altcoin Sell-Off
Arthur Hayes sees growing risks for the crypto market due to rising tensions in the Middle East following a missile strike in Saudi Arabia. These tensions have also pushed Brent crude futures above $113 a barrel amid reports of tanker attacks in the region.
Adding to these concerns, U.S. inflation reportedly rose to 3.7%, lowering hopes for interest rate cuts in the near future.
Hayes said he plans to wait for clearer market signals before investing again, stating, “Going to sit on the sidelines and wait for the all-clear signal.”

Bitcoin price has tumbled toward $80,000 as institutional outflows, leveraged liquidations, and a broader market sell-off weigh on investor sentiment. BTC price approached $80,400 after failing to sustain its rebound toward $85,000, leaving the market at a critical technical juncture. The latest decline comes as U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs register consecutive daily outflows and technology stocks face renewed selling pressure. With Bitcoin now testing a major psychological support level, traders are watching whether buyers can absorb the selling or whether the correction will extend toward lower support zones.
Bitcoin ETF Outflows Extend as Institutional Demand Weakens
Institutional investment flows have become a central concern for Bitcoin bulls. U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $635.6 million in net outflows on October 22, reversing the previous session’s $524.8 million in inflows and marking the largest single-day withdrawal since June.
BITCOIN ETF OUTFLOWS COULD BE MUCH BIGGER.
Bitcoin ETFs recorded $137.9M in net outflows on October 23, led by BlackRock's IBIT with $110.3M.
· Month-to-date net outflows: $313.5M
· 24h onchain custody outflow: 6,998 $BTC (~$571.6M)
Only 3 of 12 funds have reported. Final… pic.twitter.com/jHhdHvg8AQ
— Onchain Lens (@OnchainLens) October 24, 2026
The October 23 data also showed another $137.9 million in net outflows. After attracting substantial inflows earlier in the week, Bitcoin ETFs experienced a sharp reversal on October 22, followed by a significant outflow the next day. This suggests that institutional demand has weakened.
Wall Street Sell-Off and Crypto Liquidations Add Pressure on BTC
Bitcoin’s decline has coincided with a broader retreat from risk assets, particularly technology stocks. Selling spread into Asian equity markets as investors assessed concerns surrounding AI spending, technology valuations, and escalating geopolitical tensions. Bitcoin also weakened alongside the broader crypto market, highlighting how changes in risk appetite can influence demand for digital assets.
Bitcoin’s derivatives market is showing clear signs of pressure, with $90.88 million in BTC positions liquidated over 24 hours. Long positions accounted for $81.16 million, or 89.3% of the total, while short liquidations stood at just $9.72 million, representing 10.7%.
When Bitcoin falls sharply, leveraged bullish positions can be forcibly closed as traders fail to maintain the required margin. These closures can generate additional selling, accelerating the decline and making it harder for buyers to stabilize the market.
The combination of weaker equities, ETF outflows, and long liquidations provides a plausible explanation for the pressure on Bitcoin. However, these factors should be treated as contributing market conditions rather than proof that one event alone caused the latest drop.
Bitcoin Price Analysis: Can BTC Hold $80,000?
Bitcoin price is testing the critical $80,000 support zone after its latest decline, putting the next move in focus. A sustained hold above this level could trigger a rebound toward $82,000–$83,000, with $85,000 acting as the next major resistance. However, a decisive breakdown below $80,000 could expose BTC to further downside toward $78,400.
The immediate price action remains vulnerable until Bitcoin reclaims nearby resistance and establishes a higher trading range. Traders are watching whether buyers defend the psychological support or sellers force a deeper correction.
What Comes Next for BTC?
Bitcoin’s next major move will depend on whether buyers can absorb selling pressure around $80,000 and whether institutional demand returns when ETF trading resumes.
The upcoming Federal Reserve decision on October 28 is another event traders will be watching for signals about interest rates and broader financial conditions. However, its effect on Bitcoin will depend on how the decision compares with market expectations.

Cryptocurrency exchange HTX has added Russia to its list of restricted jurisdictions, giving the crypto exchange the power to limit services, restrict withdrawals, and close affected accounts.
The move follows similar decisions by Bitget and MEXC, as UK and EU sanctions and Binance’s reported suspension of ties add pressure on HTX’s international operations.
HTX Adds Russia to Its Restricted Countries List
Under its updated User Agreement, HTX’s restrictions apply to individuals living in or accessing the platform from Russia, as well as companies registered or primarily operating there.
The exchange can restrict access to its products, limit withdrawals, or close affected accounts. However, HTX has not disclosed when the restrictions took effect or confirmed whether it has started suspending Russian accounts.
Meanwhile, Russia now joins other restricted jurisdictions, including the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Singapore, Iran, and Syria.
HTX Adds Russia to List of Restricted Jurisdictions, Following Bitget and MEXC
According to Russian business media outlet RBC, cryptocurrency exchange HTX has included Russia in its list of restricted jurisdictions under its user agreement. The restrictions apply to… pic.twitter.com/EGS3pUFMGA
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) October 24, 2026
The exchange also says its restricted country list can change as regulations and services evolve, and users are responsible for checking updated terms.
UK and EU Sanctions Put HTX Under More Pressure
The policy change follows sanctions targeting HTX and its parent entity, Huobi Global SA. The UK government sanctioned Huobi Global SA, alleging that it was part of a “shadow financial system” that channeled more than $1.5 billion.
The European Union later included HTX in its Russia-related sanctions package, prohibiting EU entities from conducting business or transactions with the network. The measures targeted crypto platforms suspected of helping facilitate transactions linked to sanctions evasion.
Russia Faces More Restrictions on Crypto Access
Compliance pressure has also affected HTX’s links with other crypto platforms. On 25th August, Binance announced that it suspended transaction matching and network ties with HTX and 10 other crypto service providers. The move reduced HTX’s access to cross-exchange institutional liquidity.
Meanwhile, Bitget added Russia and Belarus to its prohibited jurisdictions list and advised affected users to withdraw assets by October 21.
MEXC also announced plans to discontinue services for users in Russia and Belarus from October 20.
The combined moves show growing pressure on international exchanges serving Russian users, although the supplied reports do not establish that all platforms are coordinating a wider market exit.

Argentina’s LIBRA crypto scandal has taken a major turn after a federal judge dismissed the criminal investigation into President Javier Milei, his sister Karina Milei, and US businessman Hayden Davis.
The October 23 ruling closes the case despite reported investor losses exceeding $200 million and questions over funds linked to Davis.
Judge Says LIBRA Crash Does Not Prove Criminal Fraud
Federal Judge Marcelo Martinez de Giorgi issued the decision in a 60-page ruling after prosecutor Eduardo Taiano recommended closing the investigation. The case examined whether Milei’s promotion of the LIBRA token involved fraud, abuse of authority, or misuse of public resources.
According to the ruling, the reported events did not meet the legal standard for a criminal offense. The judge concluded that investor losses and sharp price movements alone were not enough to establish fraud.
Argentine Judge Drops LIBRA Criminal Probe Against President Milei and Hayden Davis
According to Reuters, Argentine federal judge Marcelo Martínez de Giorgi has dropped the criminal investigation into President Javier Milei, his sister Karina Milei, and U.S. businessman Hayden… pic.twitter.com/LxME8TuBuM
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) October 24, 2026
The investigation began after Milei promoted LIBRA on X in February 2025, saying the project would support small businesses. His post helped draw attention to the token before its price collapsed.
The judge acknowledged that Milei’s position as president could have given the launch greater impact, but said his actions alone did not establish a fraudulent scheme.
Karina Milei and Hayden Davis Also Cleared
The ruling also closed the investigation into Karina Milei, the president’s chief of staff. The judge said that investigators found no evidence that she received payments to arrange meetings between her brother and the token’s creators.
Meanwhile, the judge said facilitating contact alone did not establish influence peddling.
US businessman Hayden Davis, who advised the token’s launch, was also cleared in the case. Davis has denied wrongdoing, and the judge found insufficient evidence of criminal collusion between him and Argentina’s government.
Following the decision, Argentina’s presidential office declared on X that the investigation had provided “absolute proof of his innocence.”
Background of LIBRA Scandal
The LIBRA scandal, also known as “Cryptogate,” began in 2025 after Argentine President Javier Milei promoted a cryptocurrency called LIBRA on X, stating that,
“The world wants to invest in Argentina. LIBRA.”
Within hours, Milei deleted the post and distanced himself from the project. The token’s price then crashed, causing investors to lose an estimated $100 million to $251 million.
Critics had described the episode as a possible rug pull, while the court’s ruling did not establish criminal liability.

Quant (QNT) is testing a critical Fibonacci level that could determine whether its recent pullback becomes a launchpad for another rally or a deeper correction. The token is hovering near $196, with $186.49 emerging as the key support level in the current trading setup.
QNT Tests the Golden Ratio Support Zone
The daily chart shows QNT testing the 0.618 Fibonacci retracement near $186.49. This level is now central to the bullish scenario, with traders watching whether the token can hold support and attract renewed buying interest.
The proposed roadmap starts with accumulation around this zone. However, a Fibonacci level alone doesn’t guarantee a rebound. QNT needs to defend support and reclaim higher levels before the bullish setup gains strength.
Reclaiming $222 Could Shift Market Momentum
The next important level is the 0.5 Fibonacci retracement at $222.23. Reclaiming it would strengthen the recovery case and put the 280–300 region back in focus.
That move would signal improving momentum, but confirmation matters. If QNT clears $222.23 and subsequently holds it as support, traders could begin watching the previous swing high at $373.69. Until then, the higher targets remain conditional rather than assured.
⚡ $QNT: A GOLDEN RATIO PIT STOP BEFORE $373.69? 👀
QNT is testing the 0.618 Fibonacci retracement near $186.49.
The bullish roadmap calls for accumulation around this zone before another push higher.
Reclaiming the 0.5 level at $222.23 would strengthen the recovery case.… pic.twitter.com/Tjj9xE5wQm
— Giannis Andreou (@gandreou007) October 23, 2026
Losing $186 Could Expose QNT to Further Downside
The bullish outlook depends heavily on the $186.49 level. A daily close below it, followed by a failed attempt to reclaim support, would weaken the current setup.
In that scenario, the next marked downside level is $146.50. That makes the current zone particularly important for traders weighing the potential reward against the risk of further losses.
For now, the Quant price prediction hinges on whether QNT can hold $186.49 and recover above $222.23. A stronger move could reopen the path toward 280–300 and eventually $373.69, but losing support would put $146.50 back on the radar.

Worldcoin (WLD) is trying to turn a prolonged downtrend into a recovery, but traders still have plenty of reasons to remain cautious. Its weekly chart shows the token trading around $0.54, with a potential breakout setup emerging alongside fresh developments in AI identity verification.
The bigger question is whether Worldcoin’s expanding technology ecosystem can translate into sustained demand for WLD. A partnership with Cloudflare could strengthen its position in the growing race to distinguish real humans from AI agents.
WLD Price Prediction Depends on Key Resistance Levels
WLD has moved above a descending channel on the weekly chart, according to the provided technical analysis. Buyers are defending the retest area, potentially supporting further recovery if the structure holds.
The first important level sits at $0.62. A successful move higher could bring $1.60 and $4.25 into focus, while $12 represents the longer-term bullish target. However, these are projected levels, not confirmed outcomes.
$WLD Retest Holding. The AI Identity Race Has Begun ✈️
Worldcoin is trading above the descending channel on the weekly chart. Buyers are actively defending the retest zone, which supports upward continuation.
AI-generated accounts, deepfakes, and bots are already flooding the… pic.twitter.com/3FZih2Wj1n
— Lana Valentis (@LanaValentis) October 23, 2026
The chart also identifies a support zone around $0.23. A breakdown would challenge the recovery scenario, while the technical setup alone doesn’t guarantee a sustained rally.
Cloudflare Partnership Targets AI Agents and Online Fraud
World Network and Cloudflare have introduced Trusted Agent Delegation (TAD), a framework designed to let people use personal AI agents across websites without exposing those platforms to increased fraud and abuse.
The initiative aims to restore trust between websites and users when hosted agents interact online. It will also support next-generation attestations and verification, beginning with World ID’s Proof of Human.
A white paper and working group are expected in the coming weeks, giving developers and the broader agent ecosystem an opportunity to contribute.
introducing Trusted Agent Delegation (TAD)@Cloudflare and @worldnetwork are collaborating on a new framework to enable secure agent delegation
the ultimate goal is for TAD to empower people to use their personal agents on any site across the internet, without sites getting… pic.twitter.com/qRbqodya1I
— Tiago Sada (@tiagosada) October 20, 2026
Can Worldcoin Turn Its AI Ambitions Into Demand?
Worldcoin is also developing World ID, the Orb, and World Chain to address identity challenges involving bots, deepfakes, and AI-generated accounts. Meanwhile, the market commentary on X claims daily token unlock rates have dropped 43%, potentially easing supply pressure.
Still, technology announcements aren’t automatic price catalysts. WLD’s recovery depends on whether buyers can sustain momentum beyond $0.62 and reclaim higher resistance levels. The $12 target remains an ambitious scenario, not a forecast investors should treat as guaranteed.

Cosmos (ATOM) could be approaching a critical turning point, but don’t mistake a promising chart for a confirmed rally. After an extended decline, ATOM is trading near the lower end of its weekly descending channel, with traders watching for a breakout that could open the door to higher targets. Meanwhile, developments surrounding institutional blockchain infrastructure are adding another angle to the story.
Cosmos (ATOM) Tests a Potential Trend Reversal
The weekly chart shows ATOM trading within a prolonged descending structure. The marked levels suggest $1.60 to $1.76 is an important near-term area, while $2.30 represents the next significant resistance checkpoint.
A move above these levels could strengthen the recovery case. Still, the chart’s upward projection is a bullish scenario, not evidence that buyers have regained control. Without a confirmed breakout, another rejection remains possible.
$ATOM The Infrastructure Play That Most Traders Keep Ignoring 👩‍💻
Cosmos is hovering above the broken descending channel on the weekly chart, forming a classic launchpad structure.
Cosmos technology connects major global banks to SWIFT's blockchain ledger, which involves 40+… pic.twitter.com/CEFhgVUTa2
— Lana Valentis (@LanaValentis) October 23, 2026
Institutional Blockchain Links Add Fresh Interest
The accompanying commentary highlights Cosmos technology’s connection to a blockchain ledger associated with SWIFT and involving more than 40 institutions. ATOM has also reportedly been listed on Paxos, a platform that powers crypto trading for Charles Schwab, Interactive Brokers and PayPal.
These developments could draw attention to the ecosystem’s infrastructure relevance. However, institutional connections and exchange listings don’t automatically translate into increased ATOM demand or a higher token price.
ATOM Price Prediction: Five Levels to Watch
The chart identifies $2.30 as the first upside checkpoint, followed by $3.60 and $5.30. If momentum continues, $10 becomes the next major psychological level, with $15 marking the upper target.
Each level would need to be reclaimed and sustained before the next becomes more incredible. The chart’s projection suggests substantial upside, but it doesn’t establish a timeline or guarantee that ATOM will reach its targets.
For now, Cosmos remains a potential recovery play rather than a confirmed breakout. Traders watching the ATOM price prediction should focus on resistance, sustained momentum and whether the weekly structure actually changes.

South Korea accounts for about 30% of all XRP trading volume, according to Evernorth CEO Asheesh Birla. Speaking on a panel in Korea, he said that liquidity puts the country ahead in turning XRP from a coin people trade into capital that supports tokenized real-world assets.
Birla added that XRP was the No. 1 asset on Upbit, the country’s largest crypto exchange, on most trading days since January.
Why Liquidity Matters For Tokenization
Birla argued that tokenized assets are of little use without liquidity around them. Korea’s deep XRP markets, he said, mean tokenized products launched there should be readily available, with prices close to what investors would pay off-chain.
He also said retail investors in Korea are currently ahead of institutions. Once new regulation passes, he expects the two groups to support each other.
From Payment Token To Capital Asset
Hugo of Flare said his firm sees XRP as more than a token for moving money on the XRP Ledger. On Flare, holders can:
Borrow dollar-backed stablecoins against their XRP
Put those dollars into other assets
Keep exposure to any rise in XRP’s price while doing so
He said this turns XRP from a transaction token into a capital asset that can earn yield or back a loan.
50 Million XRP Committed To Firelight
A speaker from Firelight said the platform launched pre-deposit vaults at the start of the year and has already received 50 million XRP in commitments. Firelight wants to build an insurance and protection layer on-chain, so that staked XRP acts as an economic backstop for decentralized finance.
The speaker said the lack of strong risk infrastructure is a problem across DeFi, not only for XRP. Retail users and institutions will both need that protection before on-chain capital markets can grow.
What It Means For XRP
The panel’s message was that XRP’s next stage of growth may depend on what holders do with their tokens, not on trading volume. Korea already has the volume. The open question, panellists said, is whether lending, yield and insurance products can turn that trading activity into capital that stays on-chain.