January 15 AI agent marketplace launch is driving renewed Virtuals Protocol (VIRTUAL) demand.Rising users, revenue, and partnerships support Virtuals Protocol’s growth.Bullish technicals and long positioning are accelerating VIRTUAL price momentum.The Virtuals Protocol price is surging as focus shifts to AI crypto ecosystems.Today, VIRTUAL crypto has surged by 22.3%, emerging as one of the strongest daily gainers, outperforming much of the broader crypto market.At the time of writing, Virtuals Protocol (VIRTUAL) was trading around the $1.00–$1.05 range.This price action is not random, and several aligned catalysts are driving momentum higher.January 15 catalyst puts Virtuals Protocol back in focusThe most immediate reason the Virtuals Protocol price is pumping is anticipation around January 15.Virtuals Protocol is preparing to launch its first decentralised AI agent marketplace.This launch introduces the concept of autonomous, revenue-generating AI agents that can be deployed, traded, and monetised on-chain.For many traders, this represents a tangible use case rather than a purely speculative AI crypto narrative.As excitement builds around this milestone, capital has flowed back into VIRTUAL crypto ahead of the event.AI crypto momentum lifts VIRTUAL priceRecently, the broader AI crypto sector has also regained momentum.Renewed interest in AI infrastructure has followed high-profile developments across the industry.This sector-wide rotation has benefited projects with clear execution and real-world applications.Virtuals Protocol sits directly at the intersection of AI, agents, and on-chain automation.As a result, the VIRTUAL price has captured spillover demand from traders seeking exposure to AI-driven protocols.OpenMind AGI partnership strengthens the narrativeAnother major factor supporting the Virtuals Protocol price is its partnership with OpenMind AGI.This collaboration connects Virtuals AI agents with physical robotics.Recent demos showed robots running on OM1 OS autonomously executing voice-commanded DeFi tasks.These tasks included cross-chain USDC transfers targeting yield opportunities.This “embodied AI” angle adds depth and credibility to the VIRTUAL crypto investment thesis.On-chain usage is rising, not just hypeBeyond headlines, Virtuals Protocol is showing improvement in on-chain activity.Active decentralised exchange users have rebounded to roughly 3,700.These levels were last seen during the previous mid-December rally.More importantly, daily protocol revenue has climbed back to around $26,000.This suggests usage is translating into real economic activity rather than short-lived speculation.Ecosystem updates reinforce execution strengthRecent ecosystem updates from Virtuals Protocol have further boosted confidence.The project updated its website to clearly outline its 2026 roadmap and four core pillars.A full recap of 2025, shared on X by Virtuals Protocol, highlighted consistent shipping across the ecosystem.Multiple agent platforms, infrastructure tools, and analytics dashboards reached new milestones.These updates reinforce the view that Virtuals Protocol is actively building, not stalling.Elliott Wave perspective highlights key timingSome analysts note that the recent rally appears to be a three-wave move.Price reacted cleanly from the Fibonacci support associated with a potential wave 2 low.The next one to two weeks are considered critical.Holding a higher low on the next pullback would favour a five-wave advance.$VIRTUAL
Good reaction to our fibonacci support zone for wave ii but clearly only a 3-wave move to the upside. The next 1-2 weeks will be very important. If the price can hold a higher low in wave (4) in the next pullback, this would give us the next 5-wave move to the upside… pic.twitter.com/7iUGWTfwft— More Crypto Online (@Morecryptoonl) January 4, 2026Such a move would help confirm a larger trend reversal for Virtuals Protocol.Short-term outlook for Virtuals Protocol priceThe short-term outlook for the Virtuals Protocol price remains constructive…

PEPE memecoin surges with high volume and strong short-term momentum.Whale activity and open interest boost bullish market sentiment.Key support at $0.0000037, while the immediate resistance lies near $0.000010.The meme coin market is roaring back, and PEPE coin is leading the charge.After a quiet holiday period, speculative appetite returned with force.PEPE memecoin has surged over 61% in less than a week, reigniting retail and investor enthusiasm.Other meme tokens like BONK, POPCAT, and MOG followed, showing gains between 20% and 75% over the past week.This resurgence has pushed the total meme coin market cap above $46 billion, according to CoinMarketCap at press time.PEPE coin has particularly captured attention due to strong trading volume and community activity.Its 24-hour volume has exceeded $1.4 billion, confirming high liquidity and robust investor interest.The Futures open interest for PEPE has also risen sharply, hitting $470 million, a bullish sign for leveraged traders.Short liquidations totalling over $10 million in just a few days have added upward momentum to the price.Whales are reportedly increasing their holdings, further strengthening the bullish narrative.PEPE price technical analysisTechnically, PEPE has rebounded above key resistance levels at $0.000005648.Its 7-day and 14-day gains stand at 61% and 69%, highlighting strong momentum in the short term.However, traders should remain cautious, as PEPE is still below its 50-day and 100-day EMAs.A large head-and-shoulders pattern is forming, signalling potential bearish risk if momentum fades.This is further supported by the fact that the Relative Strength Index (RSI) for PEPE is above 74, indicating an overbought market.PEPE coin price analysisPEPE coin price analysis | Source: TradingViewHowever, the MACD shows a bullish crossover, reinforcing the possibility of further upside before an actual pullback occurs.PEPE’s price remains 72% below the all-time high of $0.00002803, leaving room for potential long-term growth.While recent pullbacks of around 2–3% suggest minor profit-taking, they do not negate the broader bullish trend.PEPE coin price predictionThe meme coin rally has been fueled by a rotation of capital from more stable assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum.Lower volatility in major cryptocurrencies has allowed speculative tokens like PEPE memecoin to shine.Social sentiment also plays a role, as platforms and influencers share bullish setups and trading strategies.If bullish momentum continues, PEPE coin could rise toward the psychological $0.000010 level.The 50-day SMA and MACD signals suggest further upside is possible in the short to medium term.However, the head-and-shoulders pattern and EMA resistance indicate traders should remain cautious.The support at $0.0000037 is critical; a breach could trigger a retracement.Overall, PEPE memecoin shows strong potential for gains, making it a key watch for speculative investors in the first quarter of 2026.The post PEPE coin price forecast: bulls lead as memecoins roar back appeared first on CoinJournal.

via CoinJournal: Latest Crypto News, Altcoin News and Cryptocurrency Comparison https://coinjournal.net/news/pepe-coin-price-forecast-bulls-lead-as-memecoins-roar-back/

Ethereum price gains as bulls eye $3,500 amid broader cryptocurrency gains.The Ethereum network’s stablecoin transfer volume hit $8 trillion.Bulls could target a surge to $4,000-$4,500, although bears remain alert.The price of the Ethereum token is hovering in the green as optimism across the cryptocurrency market lifts Bitcoin to $93,000. AI tokens were among the cryptocurrencies that rallied.With ETH at $3,171 at the time of writing, analysts are pointing to a potential squeeze past $3,500.The top altcoin network’s unprecedented stablecoin transfer volumes, as well as overall risk market trends, make the odds in favour for the bulls.However, traders have also taken note of a $63 million short position by a major whale, largely signaling big investors’ view of the asset’s near-term trajectory.Ethereum price retests $3,200 resistance levelEthereum’s price climbed to highs of $3,211 early Monday.It marks a notable rebound that sees bulls reclaim the level after falling to lows of $2,700 in mid-December 2025.The token had failed to clear above $3,000 after climbing to near $3,400 earlier that month.Ethereum Price ChartEthereum price chart by TradingViewHowever, as top altcoins joined Bitcoin in a broader market upswing, ETH rose from a support level near $3,100.Bulls boasted the upper hand with daily volume jumping 40% to over $17 billion.Ethereum’s price gains aligned with the uptick for equities, which showed gains as the market reacted to news of a US operation in Venezuela.Analysts at QCP Group said in a note to investors.“After a range-bound December, crypto broke higher in early Asia, with $BTC and $ETH clearing $92k and $3,100. The move coincided with gains in equities and weaker oil prices following the US operation that led to the detention of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro.”Gains for Ether also come as the network eyes momentum amid a record stablecoin transfer volume.Token Terminal data shows the Ethereum network has achieved a historic milestone, with stablecoin transfer volumes crossing $8 trillion in the fourth quarter of 2025.This record high, nearly double the volume recorded earlier in the year, highlights Ethereum’s dominance as a hub for stablecoin transactions.Real-world payment use rather than speculative trading provided fuel for this growth.Bulls target $3,500, but what do analysts say?According to QCP Group, crypto price performances in the past week show “alignment with broader risk assets.”This could signal a shift in sentiment, which may then strengthen bullish narratives.2/ Crypto’s alignment with broader risk assets is looking less like a coincidence and more like a regime shift to start the year, helped by year-end tax loss harvesting fading and policy optionality back on the radar.— QCP (@QCPgroup) January 5, 2026From a technical point of view, bulls have the potential to climb toward $3,500.If price breaks out above this level, the next target could be $4,000 or higher.This short-term outlook, however, may include a sharp reversal, with any upside squeeze threatened by profit taking.As aforementioned, a large whale has taken a $63 million short position, with a liquidation threshold at $4,545.Weakness may signal a pullback to $3,000, especially if Bitcoin falters and fails to extend gains.BTC falling below $90k will spell bad news for bulls.The post Ethereum network growth hits $8T milestone, bulls eye $3,500 level appeared first on CoinJournal.

via CoinJournal: Latest Crypto News, Altcoin News and Cryptocurrency Comparison https://coinjournal.net/news/ethereum-network-growth-hits-8t-milestone-bulls-eye-3500-level/

Crypto ETFs are being studied as a regulated gateway for public access to digital assets.Japan will cut crypto taxes to 20% and reclassify major tokens as financial products.Institutional shifts in Japan could have wider implications for global markets.Japan is laying the groundwork for crypto exchange-traded funds as part of a broader effort to bring digital assets into its regulated financial system.The shift was outlined by Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama during her New Year address at the Tokyo Stock Exchange, where she confirmed government backing for integrating blockchain-based assets into the country’s stock and commodity exchanges.The comments place Japan alongside jurisdictions that are rethinking how digital assets fit within traditional markets, with 2026 framed as a pivotal year for implementation.Katayama described 2026 as the first year of a new digital phase for Japan’s economy, pointing to developments overseas to underline the direction of travel.She highlighted how crypto ETFs in the US have expanded access to digital assets by embedding them within familiar investment structures, rather than treating them as a separate asset class operating outside regulated exchanges.ETFs enter policy debateThe minister’s remarks signalled a clear intention to use existing exchange infrastructure as the foundation for digital asset adoption.By anchoring crypto trading to securities and commodity exchanges, policymakers appear focused on standardisation and oversight, rather than rapid deregulation.Katayama also linked crypto ETFs in the US to their growing use as an inflation hedge for households, suggesting that Japan is assessing how similar products could function within domestic portfolios.As Minister of State for Financial Services, she pledged full support for exchanges developing fintech-focused trading systems.This backing indicates that crypto-linked products are no longer being treated as experimental but as instruments that could sit alongside equities, commodities, and derivatives.Tax and legal reset for 2026The ETF discussion coincides with sweeping regulatory changes already locked in for 2026.Japan will cut its crypto tax rate from a maximum of 55% to a flat 20%, aligning digital assets with stocks and other conventional investments.The government has also reclassified 105 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, as financial products under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act.These changes allow investors to carry forward crypto trading losses for up to three years, mirroring rules that apply to equities.The clearer framework has prompted long-standing preparations by domestic firms.Implications beyond domestic marketsJapan’s evolving stance is being watched closely outside the country.As the largest foreign holder of US Treasury bonds, with holdings of about $1.2 trillion, Japan plays a significant role in global capital flows.Any reallocation by Japanese institutions toward digital assets could influence market sentiment well beyond Asia.At home, the Financial Services Agency has already approved the country’s first yen-pegged stablecoin, JPYC, and has discussed allowing banks to hold and trade crypto directly.Katayama has characterised 2026 as a turning point for addressing Japan’s economic challenges through fiscal policy and targeted investment in growth sectors, with digital assets now firmly part of that strategy.With lower taxes, clearer legal definitions, and ETF-style products edging closer, Japan is repositioning crypto from the fringes of finance toward the centre of its regulated markets.The post Crypto ETFs may soon hit Japan amid tax cuts and regulatory reset appeared first on CoinJournal.

via CoinJournal: Latest Crypto News, Altcoin News and Cryptocurrency Comparison https://coinjournal.net/news/crypto-etfs-may-soon-hit-japan-amid-tax-cuts-and-regulatory-reset/

Starknet uses zero-knowledge rollups to batch transactions off chain and settle on Ethereum.The project is also pursuing Bitcoin DeFi integration through its BTCFi initiative.The STRK token price remained stable despite the disruption.Starknet, an Ethereum layer-2 network built on zero-knowledge rollups, entered 2026 dealing with an unexpected mainnet disruption that temporarily interrupted network activity.The incident surfaced at a moment when layer-2 infrastructure is increasingly critical to Ethereum’s scaling roadmap, with developers and users relying on these networks for faster execution and lower costs.As decentralised applications expand across finance, gaming, and experimental Bitcoin-linked use cases, even short periods of downtime draw attention to operational resilience.The latest disruption placed Starknet under that spotlight, testing its response processes while the broader ecosystem monitored network stability.The Starknet team acknowledged the issue through an X post, confirming that the network was experiencing downtime and that engineers were actively investigating the cause.The update stressed that work was underway to restore full functionality as quickly as possible, although no technical explanation was shared at the time.When the message was published, the mainnet had already been unavailable for just over two hours, marking a notable interruption for developers and users relying on live applications.Network interruptionThe disruption did not come with immediate details on whether transaction sequencing, proof generation, or another component was affected.Starknet’s architecture relies on batching large volumes of transactions off chain before submitting cryptographic proofs to Ethereum.Any failure along that pipeline can temporarily halt activity, even if user funds remain secure on the base layer.During the outage window, on-chain data indicated stalled execution rather than loss of state, aligning with typical safety mechanisms used by ZK-rollup networks.How Starknet worksStarknet operates as a ZK-rollup based layer-2, processing transactions away from Ethereum’s main chain and periodically settling them with validity proofs.This design aims to deliver higher throughput and lower fees while inheriting Ethereum’s security guarantees.The network has positioned itself as an infrastructure for complex smart contracts, decentralised finance protocols, and gaming applications that require fast settlement.Its reliance on cryptographic proofs means performance gains are tied closely to the reliability of off-chain components.Bitcoin DeFi focusBeyond Ethereum-native use cases, Starknet has been promoting a Bitcoin DeFi, or BTCFi, arc.The initiative frames the network as a bridge for Bitcoin-related financial applications seeking exposure to Ethereum’s programmability.By enabling Bitcoin-linked assets or logic to interact with decentralised applications, Starknet has aimed to broaden its relevance beyond a single ecosystem.The timing of the disruption, however, highlights how operational stability remains central as these cross-ecosystem ambitions develop.Market responseDespite the mainnet downtime, the STRK token price held steady at $0.08898 at the time of writing, suggesting limited immediate market reaction.Starknet priceSource: CoinMarketCapShort-term resilience in the token contrasted with the technical interruption, indicating that traders may be viewing the issue as operational rather than structural.As engineers continued work on restoring full functionality, attention remained focused on updates from the team and the duration of the disruption rather than price volatility.The post Starknet faces fresh mainnet disruption appeared first on CoinJournal.

via CoinJournal: Latest Crypto News, Altcoin News and Cryptocurrency Comparison https://coinjournal.net/news/starknet-faces-fresh-mainnet-disruption/

Key takeawaysXRP has flipped BNB to become the third-largest cryptocurrency by market cap.The coin could rally towards the $2.3 resistance level in the near term.XRP tops $2.1XRP, the native coin of the Ripple ecosystem, is up 13% in the last seven days, outperforming Bitcoin and Ether in the process. The rally comes as institutional and retail demand push prices higher.XRP spot ETFs listed in the United States (US) experienced inflows of $43 million last week. Data revealed that since their debut in November, the funds have maintained steady weekly inflows, suggesting growing institutional investor interest.The five XRP ETF products recorded approximately $13.6 million in inflows on Friday, taking the cumulative net inflow to $1.18 billion and net assets to $1.37 billion.In addition to that, retail interest in XRP is slowly returning following the coin’s poor performance in December. Data obtained from Coinglass shows that XRP’s futures Open Interest (OI) increased to approximately $3.8 billion on Monday, up from $3.6 billion the previous day. The OI averaged $3.3 billion on Thursday, signaling that retail demand is slowly returning. XRP eyes a breakout above $2.3The XRP/USD 4-hour chart is bullish and efficient as the coin has performed well over the past few days. At press time, XRP is trading at $2.12, above the 50-day EMA support level of $2.05.The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) indicator upholds a positive outlook on the daily chart, with green histogram bars expanding above the mean line. XRP/USD 4H ChartThe Relative Strength Index (RSI) at 75 and rising supports XRP’s bullish thesis. If the RSI continues to increase, XRP could enter the overbought region.If the bullish trend continues, XRP could rally towards the next resistance levels represented by the 100-day EMA at $2.22 and the 200-day EMA at $2.34. However, failure to push higher could see XRP retest the $2.00 psychological level once again. The post Ripple price prediction: XRP eyes breakout above $2.3 appeared first on CoinJournal.

via CoinJournal: Latest Crypto News, Altcoin News and Cryptocurrency Comparison https://coinjournal.net/news/ripple-price-prediction-xrp-eyes-breakout-above-2-3/

Key takeawaysDOGE is trading above $0.146 after adding 18% to its value in seven days.The leading memecoin could face a correction below $0.14.DOGE trades above $0.14Meme coins such as Dogecoin (DOGE), Shiba Inu (SHIB), and Pepe (PEPE) are leading the cryptocurrency market rally thanks to the geopolitical tension in Venezuela. The United States conducted an operation in Venezuela over the weekend, capturing Former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. They were brought to the U.S. and will appear in federal court at noon on Monday, according to a spokesperson for the U.S. District Court in the Southern District of New York.This tension allowed the crypto market to rally higher, with Dogecoin extending its gain for the fifth consecutive day while SHIB and PEPE take a pause. The outlook remains bullish, but DOGE could face a slight retrace below the $0.14 level in the near term. Dogecoin could retrace below $0.14The DOGE/USD 4-hour chart is bullish and efficient thanks to Dogecoin’s rally over the past seven days. The dog-themed meme coin extends its recovery over the 50-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) at $0.14339 and could rally higher in the near term. DOGE/USD 4H ChartIf the bulls continue to push higher, DOGE could aim for the 200-day EMA at $0.18202, aligning with the overhead supply zone between $0.18100 and $0.18500.The technical indicators are bullish. The RSI of 73 shows that DOGE is heading into the overbought region. The MACD lines continue to rise alongside green histogram bars, signaling a surge in bullish momentum.However, if the bullish trend subsides, DOGE could slip below $0.14339 and risk retesting the $0.1300 psychological level.The post DOGE could retrace below $0.14 following recent rally: Check forecast appeared first on CoinJournal.

via CoinJournal: Latest Crypto News, Altcoin News and Cryptocurrency Comparison https://coinjournal.net/news/doge-could-retrace-below-0-14-following-recent-rally-check-forecast/

Stacks price rose 12% to near $0.38 as Bitcoin flipped green.The layer-2 token could surge to $0.56 and target higher levels if BTC extends gains.Bulls may, however, face a pullback as RSI hits overbought conditions.Several altcoins, including Stacks, soared amid Bitcoin’s impressive rally on Monday. Ethereum and XRP also rose to key levels.While BTC pumped to above $93,800, the impact was for buoyed altcoins such as Stacks to spike to multi-week highs.As the flagship digital asset looks to hold onto the gains, the layer-2 solutions Stacks is off intraday highs and eyeing a key price level.Volume spikes hint at buying pressure for STX.Stacks price jumps 12% to above $0.37On January 5, 2026, STX surged by over 12%, outperforming many peers in the altcoin space.This upward movement coincided with Bitcoin’s push toward $94,000.BTC came close to the mark as buyers touched intraday highs of $93,972 across top crypto exchanges.Meanwhile, STX also briefly toyed with highs near $0.38 amid broad market optimism.Traders see Stacks as a “Bitcoin beta” play, where movements in BTC often lead to outsized returns.Utility for DeFi, NFTs, and scalable applications that are secured by Bitcoin’s network see several such tokens appeal to investors.BTC onchain never worked for institutions due to hard tradeoffs.That’s no longer the case.Stacks integrations and upgrades changed the setup.Here are 7 reasons institutions are now deploying BTC via Stacks. 🧵 ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/ikGxkv8kBV— The Advisor.btc 🟧 (@theadvisorbtc) December 31, 2025Stacks price forecast: channel breakout sees bulls eye $0.56The STX token has extended its recent advance following a technical breakout from a long-standing descending channel that had defined its price action for several months.The channel, characterised by a series of lower highs and lower lows, has been in place since the token peaked in May 2025, reflecting sustained bearish control.During this period, STX largely traded below its 50-day simple moving average, reinforcing the downtrend.The latest move above the upper boundary of the channel, however, has also pushed the token above its 50-day SMA, a development that suggests a potential shift in short-term momentum.Analysts note that this breakout opens the door to a retest of the $0.56 level, which coincides with the extension of the broader downtrend line from the May 2025 high.That area is viewed as technically significant, having previously marked the zone of a sharp 27% decline during the October 10, 2025 market sell-off, and could act as a key test of bullish conviction going forward.Stacks Price ChartStacks price chart by TradingViewOn the daily chart, the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) indicator continues to point to improving momentum, reinforcing the near-term bullish bias as long as buying interest remains dominant.That said, the setup also carries signs of overheating. The daily Relative Strength Index (RSI) has moved into overbought territory, suggesting the rally may be vulnerable to a pause or reversal.Under these conditions, Stacks could see a period of consolidation or a sharper pullback if traders begin locking in profits.In the event of renewed selling pressure, analysts flag the $0.30 level as initial support, with a deeper retracement potentially testing the $0.24 area.The post Stacks price forecast: STX channel breakout points to retest of $0.56 appeared first on CoinJournal.

via CoinJournal: Latest Crypto News, Altcoin News and Cryptocurrency Comparison https://coinjournal.net/news/stacks-price-forecast-stx-channel-breakout-points-to-retest-of-0-56/

FIU reviews linked crypto transactions to scams, fraud, gambling networks, and serious criminal activities.Non-compliant crypto platforms were fined ₹28 crore in FY 2024–25 for AML breaches.Authorities are building intelligence on transaction hotspots and high-risk digital assets.India is accelerating its push to regulate the crypto sector as enforcement agencies sharpen their focus on financial crime risks linked to digital assets.During the 2024–25 financial year, 49 cryptocurrency exchanges formally registered with the Financial Intelligence Unit, marking a decisive step toward tighter anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing controls.The move reflects a broader regulatory recalibration as authorities respond to growing evidence of crypto misuse and expand scrutiny across platforms operating in the country.The regulatory shift has also triggered wider discussion within the domestic crypto ecosystem.A recent post on X by CoinDCX CEO Sumit Gupta drew attention to the intensifying compliance environment, as exchanges increasingly operate under FIU supervision.The post circulated as registration, monitoring, and enforcement became central themes in India’s crypto policy during the financial year.FIU flags misuse risksA review of Suspicious Transaction Reports submitted by crypto platforms during FY 2024–25 revealed repeated patterns of high-risk activity, reported the Press Trust of India.The analysis found crypto funds linked to scams, fraud, gambling networks, unaccounted transfers, and peer-to-peer misuse.The FIU also identified more serious risks, including links to dark net services, terror financing, and child sexual abuse material.Exchanges under one regulatorOf the 49 registered exchanges, 45 are based in India, and four operate overseas.Unlike several jurisdictions where crypto oversight is split across multiple agencies, India has designated the FIU, which operates under the Ministry of Finance, as the single authority responsible for supervising crypto exchanges.Industry leaders have pointed out that India’s crypto market is more competitive than it is often perceived, with multiple platforms vying for users and liquidity.This competitive environment, they argue, can support innovation, provided regulatory expectations are clear and consistently enforced across all players.Compliance rules explainedCrypto exchanges in India are classified as Virtual Digital Asset Service Providers and have been covered under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act since 2023.As part of this framework, platforms are required to submit Suspicious Transaction Reports, identify wallet owners, track token fundraising activity such as IPO-style launches, and monitor transfers between hosted and un-hosted wallets.Following registration, exchanges must also disclose their banking relationships, appoint compliance officers, conduct internal audits, apply risk-based customer checks, screen transactions against sanctions lists, and carry out regular risk assessments.All relevant data must be shared with the FIU to support ongoing supervision.Enforcement and penaltiesEnforcement has accompanied registration. During FY 2024–25, crypto platforms that failed to meet Anti Money Laundering (AML) obligations were fined a combined ₹28 crore.The FIU also mapped regional transaction hotspots and identified digital assets frequently associated with illicit activity, strengthening the government’s broader monitoring and intelligence capabilities.The post India tightens crypto oversight as exchanges move under FIU monitoring appeared first on CoinJournal.

via CoinJournal: Latest Crypto News, Altcoin News and Cryptocurrency Comparison https://coinjournal.net/news/india-tightens-crypto-oversight-as-exchanges-move-under-fiu-monitoring/

RWA projects are treated as illegal fundraising, securities, or futures activities under existing law.Hong Kong-linked and offshore structures with mainland staff are explicitly targeted.Liability extends to the full Web3 service chain, not just token issuers.China has delivered one of its clearest signals yet on digital finance, formally classifying real-world asset tokenization as an illegal financial activity.A coordinated notice from seven major financial industry associations places RWA tokenization in the same prohibited category as stablecoins, cryptocurrencies, and crypto mining.The move shuts down any remaining ambiguity around whether tokenized assets could evolve under future regulatory pilots.Instead, regulators have drawn a hard line that reaches beyond project issuers to the entire Web3 service chain, including Hong Kong-linked operations and offshore structures with mainland staff.The declaration was jointly issued by the China Internet Finance Association, the China Banking Association, the China Securities Association, the China Asset Management Association, the China Futures Association, the China Association of Listed Companies, and the China Payment and Clearing Association.Unified regulatory warningThe associations stated that RWA activities have no legal basis under existing Chinese law.Tokenization was defined as financing and trading through the issuance of tokens or token-like rights and debt instruments, a structure regulators say introduces layered risks tied to fictitious assets, operational failure, and speculative trading.Crucially, authorities stressed that no Chinese regulator has approved any form of real-world asset tokenization, eliminating claims that projects are in trial phases or awaiting registration.Legal observers described the announcement as a rare example of cross-industry coordination, typically reserved for moments when regulators aim to contain systemic financial risk.Legal breaches outlinedThe notice mapped RWA activity directly to violations under China’s Criminal Law and Securities Law.Token issuance to the public while raising funds can be treated as illegal fundraising.Facilitating token transactions or distributions without approval may constitute unauthorised public securities offerings.Trading models that involve leverage or betting mechanisms can fall under illegal futures business operations.Regulators also rejected the premise that token structures can guarantee ownership or liquidation of underlying assets.Even where teams claim transparency or genuine collateral, authorities argue that risk spillovers remain uncontrollable.Hong Kong and offshore routesThe warning explicitly targets projects that attempt to bypass mainland rules through overseas compliance narratives, asset anchoring claims, or technology service exports.China’s securities regulator is urging domestic brokerages to halt involvement in RWA tokenization activities in Hong Kong, extending the policy reach beyond the mainland.A key feature of the directive is the liability standard applied to service providers.Institutions and individuals who knew or should have known that they were supporting virtual currency or RWA-related business can be held accountable.This objective standard undermines common Web3 models that rely on offshore registration while maintaining teams and operations in China.Web3 service chain impactResponsibility is not limited to project founders.Technology outsourcers, marketing agencies, influencers, payment interface providers, and operational staff all face legal exposure if they support RWA projects aimed at Chinese users.The notice states that even employing a single operations worker in China can expose an offshore project to enforcement risk.Regulators linked the crackdown to rising fraud under the RWA label, including schemes involving stablecoins, valueless tokens, and mining narratives used for illegal fundraising and pyramid activities.The timing also aligns with China’s push to internationalise the digital yuan via a new…

The proposal would let regulators suspend transactions before gains are laundered or moved.Authorities want to extend stock market-style enforcement tools to crypto trading.Recent actions by tax and financial regulators show tighter alignment with traditional finance rules.South Korea’s financial regulators are reviewing whether to allow transactions to be suspended before suspected price manipulators can move or launder gains.The idea is to act earlier in fast-moving crypto markets, where profits can be transferred quickly and become harder to trace.If adopted, the change would mark a significant step in the country’s second phase of crypto regulation, which is expected to expand beyond user protection and address market abuse more directly, alongside work on stablecoin rules that are yet to be formally introduced.Early intervention toolsThe Financial Services Commission, or Financial Services Commission, is reviewing a payment suspension system that would allow regulators to block crypto transactions at an earlier stage.Local outlet Newsis reported on Tuesday that the proposal would enable authorities to act before suspected manipulators cash out or launder potentially illicit profits.Under the current framework, freezes often depend on court warrants.That process can take time, giving suspects room to conceal funds. Regulators argue that crypto markets move faster than traditional assets, making delays more costly.The proposed system would mirror tools already used in South Korea’s stock market, where accounts linked to suspected manipulation can be frozen before profits are realised.Closing enforcement gapsMarket watchdogs have flagged specific tactics that can generate large but unstable gains in crypto trading.These include front-running, automated wash trading, and placing high buy orders that inflate prices.Such profits can vanish quickly once assets are moved off exchanges.Regulators say crypto markets require stronger tools because assets can be transferred into private wallets with relative ease. This mobility, they argue, makes early intervention critical.Lessons from capital marketsSouth Korea has already expanded its powers in traditional finance. Amendments to the Capital Markets Act, an Capital Markets Act, took effect in April 2025.These changes allow account freezes for suspected unfair trading or illegal short sales.According to reports, the FSC discussed extending similar measures to crypto during a closed-door meeting in November.The talks took place while authorities were reviewing the first price manipulation case handled under the amended capital markets rules.South Korea adds on regulatory tighteningThe proposal builds on a series of measures highlighting South Korea’s effort to bring crypto regulation in line with standards applied in conventional financial markets.On Oct. 10, the National Tax Service warned that cryptocurrency holdings kept in cold wallets remain subject to enforcement, noting its authority to conduct home searches and seize offline storage devices in tax evasion investigations.On Dec. 7, the Financial Services Commission examined the idea of applying bank-style liability to crypto exchanges, which would require platforms to compensate users for losses caused by hacks or system failures even in the absence of proven negligence.The post South Korea weighs preemptive crypto account freezes to curb market abuse appeared first on CoinJournal.

via CoinJournal: Latest Crypto News, Altcoin News and Cryptocurrency Comparison https://coinjournal.net/news/south-korea-weighs-preemptive-crypto-account-freezes-to-curb-market-abuse/

Morgan Stanley files S-1 for a trust tracking Bitcoin(BTC) and Solana (SOL).The trust will stake SOL, reflecting rewards in its NAV.SOL price rises 2.44%, breaking key Fibonacci resistance.Morgan Stanley has officially filed a Form S-1 application with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to establish Bitcoin and Solana Trusts.The move highlights the bank’s growing interest in the cryptocurrency sector. It also reflects Morgan Stanley’s strategy to provide clients with diverse investment opportunities in digital assets.The proposed Solana Trust will allow investors to gain indirect exposure to Solana (SOL) without holding the cryptocurrency directly.Morgan Stanley’s institutional push into SolanaThe S-1 filing outlines plans to structure the Solana Trust as a Delaware statutory trust.Shares in the trust are expected to track the performance of SOL through a designated pricing benchmark.The trust will also stake a portion of its Solana holdings through regulated third-party providers.This staking mechanism allows rewards to be reflected in the fund’s net asset value (NAV).Morgan Stanley’s involvement signals regulatory confidence in Solana-based financial products.It mirrors the adoption path of Bitcoin ETFs, which saw significant inflows after bank-backed launches.The trust is passively managed, meaning it will hold Solana without active trading or leverage.Custody arrangements will involve regulated third parties to safeguard investor assets.The S-1 filing remains preliminary, with sales permitted only after SEC effectiveness.Investors seeking exposure to Solana through traditional brokerage accounts now have a potential path via this trust.Implications for the crypto marketInstitutional adoption like this tends to reduce sell pressure on staked assets.Already, over 563 million SOL are staked across the network, supporting price stability.The bank’s Bitcoin product will be called Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust.The trust will hold Bitcoin outright similar to the Solana Trust, without the use of derivatives or leverage, and will calculate its net asset value daily based on a pricing benchmark drawn from major spot exchanges.The fund will follow a passive strategy and will not actively trade Bitcoin in response to market conditions.Notably, Morgan Stanley’s filing follows Bitwise’s $16.8 million Solana ETF inflows earlier this week.It also coincides with a broader trend of altcoin rotation, as Bitcoin dominance dips and investors seek high-beta opportunities.Regulators’ response will be closely watched, particularly in relation to the VanEck Solana ETF decision due by October 2026.Market participants see this as a positive signal for Solana’s long-term growth and liquidity.Solana price reactionSolana’s price has responded to these developments with a notable rally.In the past 24 hours, Solana (SOL) has risen by 2.44% to $138.77, outperforming Bitcoin (BTC) and closely tracking Ethereum (ETH).The altcoin’s trading volume has also surged 43% to $5.1 billion, marking the strongest trading activity since December 2025.Technical analysis shows SOL has cleared the 23.6% Fibonacci retracement at $138.45 and the 7-day SMA at $130.5.Solana price analysisSolana price analysis | Source: TradingViewThe MACD histogram has also turned positive, confirming bullish momentum, and RSI-14 is also bullish, although nearing the overbought region.The next resistance is at $151.18, with support at $117.88, aligning with Fibonacci levels.The market will likely monitor whether SOL holds above the $138.45 support level to confirm continued bullish momentum.The upcoming options expiry on January 7, however, adds a layer of short-term volatility, with $145 million in SOL contracts set to expire.The post Morgan Stanley files a Form S-1 application for Solana Trust in the US appeared first on CoinJournal.

via CoinJournal: Latest Crypto News, Altcoin News and Cryptocurrency Comparison https://coinjournal.net/news/morgan-stanley-files-a-form-s-1-application-for-solana-trust-in-the-us/

Legacy wallets risk deletion during Bitcoin Core v30 migration.Back up wallet and data directories before attempting upgrades.Modern wallets and hardware wallets remain largely safe.A critical bug has been discovered in Bitcoin Core v30, raising alarms for users planning to upgrade their wallets.The issue specifically affects the wallet migration process, which is designed to transfer old wallets to the latest software version.Under certain conditions, this migration can delete wallet files, putting users’ funds at risk.Developers have confirmed that the bug primarily impacts older legacy wallets, particularly those that have not been renamed or updated in years.Modern wallets and hardware wallets are largely unaffected, according to official sources.However, the risk remains significant for anyone running a node with outdated wallet files and attempting a migration.The Bitcoin Core wallet bugThe problem arises when Bitcoin Core tries to migrate an unnamed legacy wallet located in a custom wallet directory.If pruning is enabled, the software can misinterpret the migration process and inadvertently delete all files in the wallet directory.This is not a network-level bug, so the Bitcoin blockchain itself remains secure.Instead, the threat is local: users may lose access to their funds if no external backup exists.The vulnerability only triggers during migration attempts.Simply running the software or syncing the blockchain is not enough to cause file deletion.Developers quickly responded by removing v30.0 and v30.1 binaries from the official download page.Users are now urged to avoid running any wallet migrations until a fixed version is released.Steps users should takeThe Bitcoin Core v30 bug is dangerous but avoidable, provided users follow official guidance and prioritise backups.Bitcoin Core recommends backing up the entire wallet and data directories before attempting any upgrades.This precaution can prevent potential loss, especially for legacy wallet users.It is also advised to check whether the wallet is classified as “legacy” or “modern.”For those with legacy setups, extra care should be taken when handling migration procedures.Users should also verify their directory configurations, including the -walletdir parameter, to ensure files are not accidentally removed.Keeping offline or external backups remains the safest way to protect funds.While the bug does not compromise the network, the risk to individual wallets is real and immediate.The community is awaiting the release of Bitcoin Core v30.2, which will address the migration bug and restore safe upgrade procedures.Until then, cautious users are strongly advised to pause any wallet migrations and secure backups externally.The discovery of this bug serves as a reminder that software updates, while necessary for security and performance, can introduce unforeseen risks to legacy systems.By taking simple precautions, users can avoid potential losses and ensure their Bitcoin holdings remain safe.The post Critical wallet bug found in Bitcoin Core v30, users urged to backup appeared first on CoinJournal.

via CoinJournal: Latest Crypto News, Altcoin News and Cryptocurrency Comparison https://coinjournal.net/news/critical-wallet-bug-found-in-bitcoin-core-v30-users-urged-to-backup/

Key takeawaysSUI is up 17% in the last 24 hours and is now trading at $1.95.The rally comes as Mysten Labs researchers explore privacy features for blockchains, placing Sui alongside Ethereum and Solana in the account-based model.SUI tops $1.95 after 17% rallySUI, the native coin of the Sui blockchain, is up 17% in the last 24 hours, making it the best performer among the top 20 cryptocurrencies by market cap. The coin is now trading at $1.95, close to a two-month high, thanks to this rally.The rally comes following a recent paper by Mysten Labs researchers that explores privacy features for blockchains, placing Sui alongside Ethereum and Solana in the account-based model.The paper places Sui firmly within the account-based model, alongside Ethereum and Solana. It also looked at how such systems could implement confidential balances, limited anonymity sets, or sender-receiver unlinkability using cryptographic primitives such as homomorphic encryption and zero-knowledge proofs.In addition to that, on-chain and derivatives data suggest growing market participation. Data obtained from Santiment shows that the Sui ecosystem’s trading volume reached $967.43 million on Tuesday, the highest since early December. This surge suggests that traders are taking an interest in Sui again following the poor performance recorded last month. According to DeFiLlama, Sui’s Total Value Locked (TVL) has been steadily rising since the end of December, reaching $1.04 billion on Tuesday.Furthermore, CoinGlass’s derivatives data shows that SUI futures Open Interest (OI) at exchanges rose to $947.26 million on Tuesday, up from $685 million recorded a week ago.SUI could surge to the $2.34 levelThe SUI/USD 4-hour chart is bullish and efficient as Sui has added 34% to its value in the last seven days. The coin is now trading around $1.95 and could surge higher in the near term. If the bullish trend continues, SUI could extend the rally toward the weekly resistance level at $2.34. The momentum indicators currently support further bullish movements. SUI/USD 4H ChartThe Relative Strength Index (RSI) on the 4-hour chart is 85, above the overbought threshold, indicating strong bullish momentum. Furthermore, the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) indicator shows a bullish crossover and rising green histogram bars above the neutral level.However, if the market undergoes a correction, On the other hand, if SUI corrects, it could extend the decline toward the 50-day EMA at $1.66.The post SUI surges 17% on Mysten Labs promotion, eyes $2.3 appeared first on CoinJournal.

via CoinJournal: Latest Crypto News, Altcoin News and Cryptocurrency Comparison https://coinjournal.net/news/sui-surges-17-on-mysten-labs-promotion-eyes-2-3/

Amid broader market stories, one project that’s repeatedly surfaced in newsfeeds and analyst discussions is Remittix.Remittix has locked in the launch date for its full crypto-to-fiat payments platform.The Remittix Wallet is already live on Apple’s App Store, with Android support coming soon.The crypto market has kicked off 2026 with fireworks; Bitcoin’s price recently surged toward the $94,000 range, reigniting bullish sentiment across the entire digital asset ecosystem.Standout projects like Remittix (RTX) are also becoming the rave of the moment as they continue to sweep the crypto space, thanks to real-world utility developments and a major platform launch on the horizon, adding another layer of interest to the crypto news narrative.Media Bitcoin nears $94K: what’s driving it?Bitcoin’s recent price action has been striking: the flagship cryptocurrency pushed up toward the $93,000–$94,000 zone, levels not seen since late 2025.This rise hasn’t happened in a vacuum;  several real-world and technical factors are fueling the move:Geopolitical tension and risk appetite: Rising geopolitical uncertainty, especially around developments in Venezuela and the U.S. response, created a “risk shock” that paradoxically boosted Bitcoin as traders hunted liquidity and hedge plays. BTC climbed above $93K following news of geopolitical shifts, triggering short liquidations and renewed upside pressure.Clean technical breakout levels: From the technical point of view, Bitcoin is breaking grounds as short-term moving averages now signal bullish interests. In fact, the recent move above the psychological $90K–$93K range triggered fresh entries from trend traders, bringing BTC closer to the $94K resistance.Why a pullback is still possibleDespite the rising trend toward $94K, several indicators suggest caution:Low trading volume: Recent rallies have taken place on thinner volume than ideal, often a sign that larger participants aren’t fully committed yet.Resistance above $94K: The range between roughly $94K–$96K is a heavy supply zone on the charts — if BTC can’t capture that level with sustainable liquidity, a retracement toward lower support levels is likely before the next leg up.Market psychology: Many traders are hesitating to bet their money in the crypto giant since it has been ranging for much of early 2026. And such movements mean pullbacks could emerge, causing sentiment to weaken.In essence, even though Bitcoin’s run towards the $94k zone is impressive, a near-term pullback and consolidation are still entirely possible before Bitcoin moves upwards without any hiccups.Altcoins also rallying, but in different waysWhile Bitcoin is making waves, many altcoins are running alongside. For instance:Certain AI-linked altcoins have posted double-digit gains, riding thematic interest and narrative cycles.Networks with strong developer ecosystems, staking frameworks, or real-world integrations continue drawing buyer interest even amidst Bitcoin moves.Analysts watching price patterns see rotation into utility tokens when Bitcoin stabilizes; a pattern similar to past crypto market cycles.This sets up a familiar but exciting dynamic: BTC leads, altcoins follow, but not all altcoins are created equal.Where Remittix fits in the crypto news pictureAmid broader market stories, one project that’s repeatedly surfaced in newsfeeds and analyst discussions is Remittix, particularly as its utility value narrative gains traction. Here’s the latest:Confirmed 9 February 2026 Crypto-to-Fiat LaunchRemittix has locked in the launch date for its full crypto-to-fiat payments platform; a moment that might shift the token from speculative presale status to real utility. The platform is designed to let users send crypto and have recipients receive fiat directly in bank accounts; a massive step toward everyday usability.Live Wallet + Referral ProgramThe Remittix Wallet is already live on Apple’s App Store, with Android support coming soon. The project also offers a 15% USDT referral reward program, boosting on-chain engagement…

Key takeawaysStacks’ STX is up nearly 7% in the last 24 hours and is trading at $0.378.The coin could retrace towards $0.35 thanks to the $0.39 resistance level.STX  hits $0.39 amid growing TVLSTX, the native coin of Stacks, a layer-2 protocol built on Bitcoin, is trading at $0.37 after adding 7% to its value in the last 24 hours. The rally comes as Stacks is experiencing a growing Total Value Locked (TVL). Data obtained from DeFiLlama shows that Bitcoin’s TVL is at $7.176 billion, up from $6.728 billion last week. There is a renewed interest in Bitcoin’s DeFi utility, with Stacks one of the leading DeFi platforms on the Bitcoin blockchain. Furthermore, DeFiLlama data shows that Stacks TVL is at $129.73 million, up from $116.62 million last week. Retail traders are also renewing interest in the network. Stacks futures Open Interest (OI) currently stands at $27.79 million, up from the $16 million recorded a week ago. This suggests a capital inflow driven by renewed risk-on sentiment among traders. STX could retrace below $0.35 if the $0.39 resistance holdsThe STX/USD 4-hour chart is bullish and efficient after STX added 17% to its value since hitting the $0.3060 50-day EMA level on Sunday. At press time, STX is trading at $0.3781 and could rally higher in the near term.STX/USD 4H ChartIf it extends its gains, STX could surge towards the $0.413 resistance level for the first time since November 13. An extended bullish run would allow STX to hit $0.50 for the first time since the October 10 deleveraging event.The Relative Strength Index (RSI) on the 4-hour chart is at 83, suggesting heightened buying pressure. However, with the RSI in the overbought region, STX could undergo a slight correction in the near term. If that happens, STX could retest the $0.3500 resistance-turned-support level, with the 50-day EMA at $0.3060 expected to be a strong support zone.The post STX faces key resistance at $0.39 after 7% rally appeared first on CoinJournal.

via CoinJournal: Latest Crypto News, Altcoin News and Cryptocurrency Comparison https://coinjournal.net/news/stx-faces-key-resistance-at-0-39-after-7-rally/

Key takeawaysRNDR is trading at $2.43 after adding 14% to its value in the last 24 hours.The coin is up 87% in the past seven days, making it one of the best performers in the top 100.RNDR hits $2.5 after an 87% rally in seven daysRNDR, the native coin of Render, a decentralized network that provides decentralized (Graphics Processing Unit) GPU compute service, is one of the best performers among the top 100 cryptocurrencies by market cap in the last seven days.The coin is up 87% in the last seven days and is now trading at $2.43 per coin. Thanks to the latest rally, Render’s market capitalization now stands above $1.2 billion, surpassing that of other popular coins, such as ATOM and FIL.Data obtained from Santiment shows that Render’s trading volume reached $181.36 million on Tuesday, the highest since November 7. The trading volume has been steadily rising since December, indicating that traders’ interest and liquidity in Render are increasing. Furthermore, Daily Active Addresses rose from 54 on December 26 to 536 on Tuesday, the highest level since October 12. This suggests that demand for RENDER’s blockchain usage is increasing. Finally, the derivative demand for RNDR is also increasing. According to CoinGlass, RNDR’s futures Open Interest (OI) on exchanges rose from $28.90 million on Thursday to $65.89 million on Tuesday, the highest level since October 17. The rising OI indicates new money is entering the market, which could see RNDR’s price appreciate even further. Is RNDR heading towards $3.0?The RNDR/USD 4-hour chart is bullish and efficient thanks to the coin adding 87% to its value in the last seven days. Its recent rally allowed it to surpass the 50-day EMA and 100-day EMA at $1.70 and $2.08, respectivelyIf the uptrend continues, RNDR could extend the rally toward the 200-day EMA at $2.73. An extended bullish run would see RNDR trade above $3 for the first time since the October 10 flushing event. RNDR/USD 4H ChartThe Relative Strength Index (RSI) on the 4-hour chart is at 84, above its overbought level, indicating strong bullish momentum. Furthermore, the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) indicator shows a bullish crossover and rising green histogram bars above the neutral level.However, if the market undergoes a correction, RNDR could extend its decline to the 100-day EMA and support level at $2.08.The post Render price forecast: Will RNDR hit the $3 level soon? appeared first on CoinJournal.

via CoinJournal: Latest Crypto News, Altcoin News and Cryptocurrency Comparison https://coinjournal.net/news/render-price-forecast-will-rndr-hit-the-3-level-soon/

Fees collected from takers are redistributed daily to liquidity providers in USDC.The highest fees apply when market odds are near 50% and fall toward zero at extremes.Longer-term crypto, political, and non-crypto markets remain fee-free.Prediction market platform Polymarket has made a subtle but meaningful change to how some of its crypto markets operate.Updated documentation on the site shows that 15-minute crypto up and down markets now carry taker fees, a break from the platform’s long-standing zero-fee trading model.The update appeared without a formal announcement and applies only to a narrow segment of markets.Most Polymarket markets remain fee-free, signalling a targeted structural adjustment rather than a platform-wide shift.The change was identified through revisions to Polymarket’s Trading Fees and Maker Rebates Program documentation.These sections now explain that taker-only fees have been enabled on short-duration crypto markets to fund liquidity incentives.Archived versions of the documentation indicate that this language is new, suggesting the fee model was introduced recently and without public notice.Documentation reveals new fee structureAccording to the updated material, the taker fees apply solely to 15-minute crypto markets.These are short-term contracts designed for rapid price movements, where liquidity conditions can change quickly.The platform states that fees collected from takers are redistributed daily to liquidity providers in USDC stablecoin, rather than retained by Polymarket itself.This redistribution mechanism positions the fee as a funding tool for market makers rather than a revenue stream for the platform.Other markets, including longer-term crypto predictions, political markets, and non-crypto events, continue to operate without fees.Fees tied to market oddsThe documentation outlines a variable fee model based on market odds.Fees are highest when prices are close to 50%, a range typically associated with the greatest uncertainty and trading activity. As odds move closer to 0% or 100%, the fee declines sharply toward zero.Examples included in the documentation show how this plays out in practice.A taker trade of 100 shares priced at $0.50 would incur a fee of about $1.56, which is slightly over 3% of the trade’s value at the peak of the curve.Smaller trades and those placed near probability extremes face lower charges, with very small fees rounded down.Social media reaction frames intentThe quiet rollout prompted discussion on X, where several users framed the move as a market-structure adjustment rather than a conventional fee increase.X user 0x_opus said the change would increase protection from wash trading, arguing that the platform is not charging users in the traditional sense because the fees are redirected to liquidity providers.Another trader, kiruwaaaaaa, described the move as being directed against high-frequency bots, saying the fee-funded rebates could incentivise tighter spreads and more consistent liquidity.A third user, Tawer955, offered a more detailed breakdown, calling the headline effect of the change “scary, but not as bad as it sounds.”He said the structure creates a sustainable cash flow for liquidity providers while reducing incentives for bots that previously exploited free liquidity.Impact limited to select marketsFor the majority of Polymarket users, the change is expected to have a limited impact. Only 15-minute crypto markets are affected, while the rest of the platform remains fee-free.Even within the affected markets, the fee design reduces costs for directional trades and those placed near clear probability outcomes.By concentrating fees around the most competitive price ranges and redistributing them to liquidity providers, Polymarket appears to be fine-tuning incentives in its fastest markets without altering the broader user experience.The post Polymarket quietly changes fee model for short term crypto markets appeared first on CoinJournal.

via CoinJournal: Latest Crypto News, Altcoin News and Cryptocurrency…

VeChain trends among the top cryptocurrency gainers today.The VET price was up 9% as major altcoins popped.VeChain could ride bullish sentiment to break higher in 2026.VeChain’s native token VET is among the top gainers in the cryptocurrency market over the past 24 hours, with the token up more than 9% as altcoins rally.The digital asset has capitalised on broader cryptocurrency momentum, largely helped by Bitcoin’s uptick to near $95,000. BTC price reached intraday highs of $94,764 as of writing on Tuesday, Jan 6.While this broader market sentiment could drive VeChain higher, it’s project-specific developments that have bulls extremely upbeat.VeChain (VET) jumps 9% on high volumeCoins such as Sui, XRP and Render have exploded in the past 24 hours. Also in the mix is VET, the native token of the VeChainThor network.Buyers have helped it record a notable 9% price increase to $0.013, its highest level in four weeks.This uptick has been accompanied by elevated trading volume, which CoinMarketCap shows was up 25% to over $30 million in the past 24 hours.Buyside pressure reflects fresh interest in VeChain, an ecosystem designed to bridge blockchain technology with real-world applications.Its VET token is among the top 100 cryptocurrencies today with over $1.1 billion in market cap.What’s bullish for VeChain price in 2026?Several fundamental factors could fuel optimism for VeChain and VET’s price outlook in 2026.Currently, the altcoin’s recent rise coincides with Bitcoin’s bounce towards $100,000.Reclaiming the psychological mark could drive the broader crypto market higher.Likely, this aligns with a favourable macroeconomic and geopolitical backdrop for risk assets, setting altcoins like VET on a parabolic path.Key network developments are another positive pointer to improved sentiment.Among early markers is VeChain’s 2026 manifesto, which emphasizes utility-driven growth in a market often dominated by speculation.In 2025, the VeChain team secured strategic partnerships with prominent entities. Examples are Keyrock (for liquidity and network validation), BitGo (for secure custody), Meria Finance, and Franklin Templeton (to advance tokenized assets).These collaborations introduce substantial institutional backing.As seen across the industry, they are key blocks to facilitating the integration of real-world assets on the VeChainThor blockchain and expanding enterprise adoption.Additionally, there’s the recent listing of VET/USD and VET/EUR trading pairs on Kraken. That support, effective January 2, 2026, has enhanced liquidity and accessibility for institutional and retail traders alike.$VET is now live on Kraken!$VET powers @VeChainOfficial, a blockchain connecting everyday actions to verifiable, rewarding impact.Trade now ⤵️ https://t.co/DBgvtMiC82*Geographic restrictions apply pic.twitter.com/R5mz07AuCJ— Kraken (@krakenfx) January 2, 2026Growth and what it could mean for VET is a message the VeChain team recently shared:“VeChain’s message for 2026 is simple: If you’re holding VET, you’re backing proven infrastructure, destined to power the future.”Amid a broader cryptocurrency market uptick, VeChain is well-positioned for a breakout.The post VET price gains 9% as VeChain rides bullish sentiment appeared first on CoinJournal.

via CoinJournal: Latest Crypto News, Altcoin News and Cryptocurrency Comparison https://coinjournal.net/news/vet-price-gains-9-as-vechain-rides-bullish-sentiment/

IOTA price reached highs of $0.11 as top cryptocurrencies pumped.With sentiment bullish, buyers will fancy $0.2 next.The IOTA token has surged more than 37% in the past week.Cryptocurrencies are experiencing a notable surge, with several projects, including IOTA, posting double-digit gains amid renewed investor optimism.As of writing on January 6, 2026, IOTA changed hands at $0.117. This is after the altcoin’s 14% gains in the past 24 hours. Strong momentum put the token among top performers such as Sui, Render and VeChain.Gains for the above altcoins come as Bitcoin shows a fresh resurgence with a spike to highs of $94,800. AI tokens and memecoins have also seen significant upticks even as investors weigh the latest geopolitical tension.IOTA pumps 14% to above $0.11A few altcoins stand out in the top 100 by market cap today.As well as XRP, Sui and Injective, it’s IOTA that’s demonstrated impressive gains.IOTA Price ChartIOTA price chart by CoinMarketCapBy surging more than 14% in the past 24 hours, the cryptocurrency has popped to above $0.11. This pump rides a 24-hour trading volume that has spiked 110% to over $32 million.Amid a rising market, this volume surge indicates heightened interest. Robust buying pressure and liquidity inflows could bolster further price gains.Notably, this IOTA price surge suggests growing confidence in layer-1 and utility-focused projects. Bulls might eye a shift in macroeconomic cues and technical recoveries for a breakout.IOTA’s focus on real-world adoption could be a key catalyst for the native token.Is $0.20 next for IOTA?As for most altcoins, IOTA’s technical setup still signals caution on the side of buyers.However, there are signs of a potential and then sustained breakout. Tapping into the gains to above $0.11 might bring key resistance levels into play.For IOTA, the main hurdle lies in the $0.20 region.But this also marks a coveted near-term target, and if momentum persists, sellers will be in trouble.First though, bulls need a confirmed breakout above recent highs around $0.13. The area around $0.15 is another supply zone and taking bears out of the game here could accelerate gains toward $0.20.However, this outlook depends on sustained market-wide sentiment. Rotation into small caps amid further altcoin strength, and a market that avoids widespread corrections, is what bulls want.On the flip side, support levels near $0.10 remain critical.Holding above this would reinforce the bullish case, but dipping under will encourage bears.IOTA has rallied more than 37% in the past week. Meanwhile, bulls are well off the lows of $0.08 hit in December 2025. The post IOTA price forecast: is $0.20 next after 14% gains? appeared first on CoinJournal.

via CoinJournal: Latest Crypto News, Altcoin News and Cryptocurrency Comparison https://coinjournal.net/news/iota-price-forecast-is-0-20-next-after-14-gains/

XRP price rose to $2.40 as altcoins rally in early 2026.Bulls could extend gains amid broader market momentum.Several catalysts might bolster the Ripple Army.XRP, the cryptocurrency token of Ripple, has experienced a remarkable double-digit surge, with the price climbing to $2.4 as of writing on January 6, 2026.This rally might not only boost investor confidence but also spark renewed speculation amid the return of the “Ripple Army”.In the past year, this fervent community of supporters that has long championed XRP’s potential, helped push prices to near a new all-time high.While the dip has been brutal, surmounting regulatory hurdles and market demand for XRP investment products offer fresh catalysts for bulls.XRP soars to $2.4The surge began late last week, with XRP trading at around $1.95 on January 2, 2026, before gaining momentum over the weekend.By early Tuesday, the token had risen over 23% in the past week.Over 24 hours, the price was up 11% and saw an intraday peak of $2.4.This move accelerated during the Asian trading session, with trading volumes surpassing $8.25 billion — a 138% increase within this period.The double-digit increase in price pushed XRP’s market capitalisation beyond $140 billion.XRP remains the fourth-largest cryptocurrency by market value, behind Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether.XRP price gets bullish pushAnalysts say the rally reflects a combination of supportive factors, led by a broader upswing across the cryptocurrency market.Improving sentiment has been reinforced by renewed inflows into crypto-linked spot exchange-traded funds.Bitcoin-backed ETFs recorded net inflows on Monday, ending a recent run of outflows and signalling a shift in short-term positioning.At the same time, spot ETFs tied to Ripple have continued to attract fresh capital, extending a streak of net inflows that has been in place since their launch in November 2025.JUST IN: ETF clients buy $46.1 million worth of $XRP, bringing total ETF-held net assets to $1.65 billion. pic.twitter.com/iKOV2EYhOU— Whale Insider (@WhaleInsider) January 6, 2026Bitcoin’s rally to above $94,000 means it could eye $100,000 next.If this happens, an overall bounce with more capital could flow into altcoins like XRP will follow.Significantly, bullish sentiment has also emerged amid Ripple’s expansion.What’s next for XRP?XRP’s trajectory hinges on several key developments, with optimists pointing to continued interest in XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF) as a marker.Volatility, however, is inherent in crypto markets. Macroeconomic conditions and any adverse regulatory shifts also remain key headwinds.The technical picture nonetheless signals a potential breakout to $4 or higher in the short term.Immediate resistance is at $2.8, and the $3.8 peak hovers large for bulls.If upside momentum fails, support levels are around $2.0 and $1.8.XRP price is poised near $2.34 at the time of press.The post XRP price breaks to $2.4: can bulls push prices even higher? appeared first on CoinJournal.

via CoinJournal: Latest Crypto News, Altcoin News and Cryptocurrency Comparison https://coinjournal.net/news/xrp-price-breaks-to-2-4-can-bulls-push-prices-even-higher/