hodler

19 Jan 2026, 22:00

$790 Million In Crypto Longs Decimated As Bitcoin Plunges To $93,000

Bitcoin and the altcoins have plummeted during the past day, leading to the liquidation of a large amount of crypto longs in derivatives markets. Crypto Sector Has Seen A Notable Amount Of Liquidations In The Last Day According to data from CoinGlass, the past day’s volatility in the crypto market has been accompanied by a swath of liquidations. The “liquidation” of a contract occurs when it accumulates losses of a certain degree and is forcibly shut down by the exchange. In the digital asset sector, volatility tends to be high, so a large number of liquidations take place on a regular basis. The last 24 hours involved one such volatile event, as the table below depicts. Related Reading: Bitcoin Short-Term Holders Take Profits: 41,800 BTC Sent To Exchanges In total, the crypto market has faced $874 million in liquidations within this window. Out of these, long contracts have made up for an overwhelming share: $788 million. The reason for liquidations being this lopsided naturally lies in the price action that has developed over the last day. Bitcoin saw a sudden drop from $95,500 to a low of $93,000, while Ethereum went from $3,350 to $3,200. In percentage terms, these drops aren’t too big, but the rapid nature of them is what triggered the liquidations. The source of the crash could lie in revitalized US-EU tariff tensions. As reported by Reuters, President Donald Trump vowed over the weekend to implement tariffs on eight European nations. Starting February 1st, goods from Denmark, Great Britain, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland will face an additional 10% import tariff. If the US isn’t allowed to acquire the Danish territory of Greenland, these tariffs will go up to 25% on June 1st. 2025 already saw several events where tariff-related uncertainty affected the crypto market, so it’s not surprising to see that the latest news has also been accompanied by volatility. As is usually the case, the latest market volatility has led to Bitcoin-related contracts occupying a disproportionate share of liquidations. As is visible in the above heatmap, Bitcoin has seen liquidations of around $233 million in the past day. Ethereum, the next-ranked coin in this category, has witnessed $156 million in contracts being involved. Related Reading: XRP In A ‘Super Cycle’? SuperTrend Suggests Another Story From the altcoins, Solana, XRP, and Dogecoin have ranked the highest with $61 million, $41 million, and $35 million in liquidations, respectively. SOL being ahead of XRP despite being smaller in market cap may be because of its 6% plunge being larger than the latter’s 4% drop. Bitcoin Price Bitcoin has seen a slight rebound from its low as the cryptocurrency’s price is now back at $93,100. Featured image from Dall-E, chart from TradingView.com

19 Jan 2026, 22:00

Litecoin retraces 6.5% – Can whales and ETF inflows lead to a reversal?

Litecoin retraces 6.54% in the past 24 hours, despite $2M in ETF inflows.

19 Jan 2026, 22:00

Solana (SOL) Price Prediction: Is $150 the Top Before the Next Crypto Breakout?

One of the best-performing cryptos of the previous cycle has been Solana. It soared as other cryptocurrencies were failing to take off. However, with the market approaching 2026, analysts are posing a new question, which is how much potential upside there is before capital starts to rotate in earlier-stage assets? A single crypto below $1 is something that is starting to draw the interest of investors that think that Solana is going to reach the high end of its current trend. This brings out a more general concern that tends to manifest itself in the later stages of bull markets. Big caps decelerate and small tokens which have early utility start moving faster. Now the question is whether such a transition is coming back. Solana (SOL) At the time of writing, Solana is trading around the value of $147, and its market cap is greater than $70B. There is good liquidity depth and Solana still commands a significant portion of smart contract activity following its 2024-2025 explosion. It also has a high NFT foundation and good developer engagement, which has it as one of the pillars of the smart contract space. Nonetheless, the chart of Solana has some major resistance areas that fall within the range of 150-170. Such fields have not been resistant to the previous breakouts and are hard to clear without new catalysts. Solana is no longer cheap and unknown in valuation terms. Due to these forces, most of the observers have estimated a smaller attractive forward price range. In 2026, some projections have Solana between $170 and $190 representing an approximate increase of 15% to 28%. The said limitation is one of the main reasons why investors consider other crypto investments that are still new in terms of their valuation cycle. Why Investors Compare SOL with Mutuum Finance (MUTM) Mutuum Finance (MUTM) is one of the projects that are becoming visible at this stage of rotation. It is a new crypto constructing a lending protocol to which users will be able to provide assets to earn yield or place collateral to borrow without selling long-term positions. MUTM is founded on Ethereum and intends to utilize stable and volatile collateral, which is utilitarian instead of hypothetical. It started preselling the project in early 2025 at $0.01. It sells currently at $0.04 in Phase 7 as this represents a 300% increment during structured distribution. It has already attracted over 18,800 investors who have invested more than $19.8M in the presale. Among the total supply of tokens (4B) 45.5% (1.82B tokens) of the amount was given to presale buyers and more than 830M tokens have already been purchased. MUTM is in the early discovery stage and liquidity saturation is not as much of a hindrance to movement as it is in larger tokens because in the MUTM, valuation can be negotiated freely and demand will not require billions of inflows to alter the price. Solana Limitations and MUTM Strengths The size of Solana is its primary weakness. Its market capital is in the billions of dollars and thus it requires large inflows to be propelled to an increase in price. It is not a weakness, just the consequence of growing up. The mature assets are more of a mid-growth equity than the early-stage investment that is on the speculative end. This upsets an upside mismatch among traders interested in multipliers. Mutuum Finance is on the opposite end of that curve. It has not yet been priced in usage, listings and protocol revenue as it is still in presale. The historical repricing of lending tokens is triggered by the initiation of V1 protocol utilization since the quantity of borrowed monies, liquidation, and interest earnings are quantifiable indicators that affect the value. Early DeFi lifecycle analysts now think that MUTM might trade at a range of $0.10 to $0.14 in the first adaptability of 2026. Those are a 2.5x to 3.5x increase in the existing prices of $0.04 presale without speculative blowouts. More distant goals of the higher usage model are as high as $0.20 to 0.32 which would reflect about 5x-8x increase. Security, Demand Signals and Whale Positioning The second reason that MUTM is starting to receive attention is that the protocol has already fulfilled one of its major infrastructure stacks. V1 codebase Mutuum Finance completed a Halborn Security audit of the codebase. The MUTM token had also scored 90/100 in the token scan of the CertiK, and there is also a bug bounty of $50,000 running during the launch. This form of validation is often found in the DeFi ecosystem in the pre-serious-use stage. The presale phase 7 has also been selling out at a much faster rate than others. Analysts take this to be allocation tightening behavior which is typical towards the end of structured sales. There have also been higher entries in larger wallets that include purchases above $115,000. The accumulation of the whales in the presale periods is mostly considered a prospective indicator instead of a hype indicator. Solana is not a top-performing large cap in the crypto market, yet its direction is not explosive. By comparison, Mutuum Finance is moving in the initial-utility window in which lending protocols have largely experienced price discovery. When seeking the next crypto breakout, the rotation story is moving the interest of mature coins such as SOL to new DeFi coins such as MUTM, which are currently below $1. For more information about Mutuum Finance (MUTM) visit the links below: Website: https://www.mutuum.com Linktree: https://linktr.ee/mutuumfinance

19 Jan 2026, 21:55

South Korea sentences crypto operators in USDT scam

South Korean authorities imprisoned two fraudsters for laundering $1 million in USDT from a voice phishing operation. The leader was sentenced to five years in prison, while his employee was sentenced to two years and eight months. The 41-year-old leader, along with his employee, operated an illegal crypto exchange. They laundered $1 million using Tether’s USDT to support a voice phishing group. Funds vanished within an hour South Korean prosecutors stated the criminals used Telegram to contact the exchange chief for three months. The criminals pretended to be police officers or relatives to trick victims into sending money to accounts managed by the illegal exchange. The exchange received the money from local banks after the victims sent funds to these accounts. Then the employees converted the deposited fiat currency for USDT . The funds moved fast from cheques, to cash deposited to the sketchy exchange, and finally to Tether coins. A prosecutor said that regulators and banks could not freeze victims’ accounts. There was not enough time to recover the funds after the victims reported the scams to the police. Other prosecutors informed the court that the voice phishing operation was located abroad, but they did not reveal the exact location. They told the court the process was so fast that the money disappeared within one hour. Presiding Judge Lee Young-cheol said the court considered that the defendants did not try to repair the victims’ severe harm, reported Yeongnam Ilbo. The judge described the crimes as heinous and said the defendants made it nearly impossible to recover the lost money. The leader and his employee are facing charges under the Special Act on the Prevention of Damage and Refund of Damage from Telecommunications Financial Fraud. South Korean officials said they could not determine the number of victims who lost money to the voice phishing fraud. South Korean officials warn of rising stablecoin fraud The adoption of cryptocurrencies is accelerating in South Korea , but criminals are increasingly using them to scam people, too. Regulators reported a 54% increase in suspicious crypto transactions last year compared to the previous year. South Korean ministers are urging quick government action to prevent criminals from exploiting stablecoins like USDT and USDC. In September, lawmaker Jin Sung-joon said stablecoins are increasingly likely to be misused in foreign exchange crimes like illegal currency exchange. “We need a coordinated, proactive strategy encompassing law enforcement authorities such as KoFIU and the Korea Customs Service, in tracking, identifying and prosecuting criminal funds,” said the lawmaker. He added, “More policy measures should be outlined to prevent illegal, unauthorized remittances and tackle financial crimes involving crypto assets.” Don’t just read crypto news. Understand it. Subscribe to our newsletter. It's free .

19 Jan 2026, 21:55

Bitcoin Price Faces a Pivotal Shift: New Market Structure, Institutional Funds, and Macroeconomics Now Drive Value

BitcoinWorld Bitcoin Price Faces a Pivotal Shift: New Market Structure, Institutional Funds, and Macroeconomics Now Drive Value NEW YORK, March 2025 – The fundamental drivers of Bitcoin’s market value are undergoing a profound transformation. According to a pivotal new analysis, the cryptocurrency’s price trajectory is now primarily governed by three critical variables: a new market structure, institutional fund flows, and the macroeconomic environment. This shift signals a potential departure from the historically dominant four-year halving cycle that has characterized Bitcoin’s past. Bitcoin Price Enters a New Era of Market Structure Research from prominent firms NYDIG and Wintermute, reported by CoinDesk, indicates a significant evolution. The conventional crypto market cycle, tightly coupled to Bitcoin’s block reward halving events, may be concluding. Consequently, the market is witnessing a structural change. This change is largely driven by the maturation and massive influx of capital into regulated financial products. Spot Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), approved in the United States in early 2024, have fundamentally reshaped the investment landscape. These products provide a seamless, familiar conduit for traditional capital. They have effectively demystified Bitcoin for a vast pool of institutional and retail investors who were previously hesitant to engage with crypto-native exchanges. Traditional Cycle: Historically, price action was heavily influenced by the predictable, quadrennial reduction in new Bitcoin supply (halving), leading to speculative boom-and-bust periods. New Structure: The market now integrates continuous, large-scale capital flows from ETFs and other institutional vehicles, creating a more complex and potentially stabilizing influence. This transition suggests Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are beginning a gradual integration into the broader global financial system as a more recognized asset class. The Unprecedented Influence of Institutional Funds The actions of institutional investors now represent a primary catalyst for Bitcoin’s price. Daily net flows into U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs have become a key metric watched by analysts globally. Significant inflows signal strong institutional conviction and directly increase buying pressure on the underlying asset. Conversely, sustained outflows can indicate profit-taking or risk-off sentiment among major players. Furthermore, other institutional products like futures contracts, regulated custody solutions, and corporate treasury allocations contribute to this new dynamic. The behavior of these sophisticated actors, who often employ different strategies and have longer time horizons than typical retail traders, is introducing new patterns of volatility and support levels. Expert Analysis on the Institutional Shift Market analysts emphasize that institutional participation changes the correlation structure of Bitcoin. While it was once seen as a purely speculative tech asset, its price now shows more frequent, albeit complex, relationships with traditional macro indicators. This is because large funds manage Bitcoin within diversified portfolios, making its performance sensitive to broader financial conditions. The sheer scale of capital these institutions command means their collective decisions can outweigh historical cyclical patterns driven by retail sentiment alone. Macroeconomic Environment as a Dominant Force The third crucial variable is the overarching macroeconomic climate. In 2025, factors such as central bank interest rate policies, inflation trends, geopolitical tensions, and foreign exchange movements exert a powerful influence on Bitcoin’s price. For instance, in periods of high inflation or currency devaluation, Bitcoin may attract flows as a perceived hedge, similar to gold. However, during periods of aggressive monetary tightening and rising real yields, risk assets like Bitcoin often face headwinds as capital seeks safer returns. The evolving geopolitical landscape also plays a role, as digital assets can see increased adoption in regions facing economic sanctions or capital controls. Analysts now routinely dissect Federal Reserve meeting minutes and global economic data releases to gauge potential impacts on cryptocurrency markets. Retail Investor Behavior in the Evolving Landscape While institutions are a dominant new force, retail investor activity remains a significant variable. A key question for 2025 is whether retail investors will begin shifting capital from traditional equity markets into cryptocurrency assets at a larger scale. The ease of access provided by mainstream investment apps and ETFs could facilitate this rotation. If retail investors perceive greater long-term growth potential in crypto or seek diversification away from potentially overvalued stock markets, a substantial new wave of demand could emerge. This potential shift represents a synergistic relationship with institutional flows, rather than a replacement of the old cycle. Conclusion The analysis is clear: predicting the Bitcoin price now requires a multifaceted framework that extends far beyond the calendar of halving events. The convergence of a new market structure built on institutional products, the powerful currents of institutional fund flows, and the pervasive forces of the macroeconomic environment now form the core triad of influencers. Understanding the interaction between these three variables—market structure, institutional funds, and macroeconomics—will be essential for any serious analysis of Bitcoin’s value trajectory in 2025 and beyond. FAQs Q1: What is the traditional Bitcoin halving cycle? The traditional cycle refers to a roughly four-year pattern where Bitcoin’s price tends to surge in the 12-18 months following a “halving” event, where the reward for mining new blocks is cut in half, reducing the new supply rate. Q2: How do Bitcoin ETFs change the market structure? ETFs create a regulated, familiar pathway for massive institutional and retail investment, leading to more consistent daily capital flows and potentially reducing the dominance of speculative, halving-driven volatility. Q3: Why does macroeconomics affect Bitcoin now more than before? With major institutional players involved, Bitcoin is increasingly traded as part of larger global portfolios. This makes it more sensitive to interest rates, inflation data, and broader financial market sentiment. Q4: Can the halving still impact the Bitcoin price? Yes, the halving remains a fundamental supply-side event. However, its price impact may be moderated or overshadowed by the substantial daily demand and selling pressure from institutional ETF flows and macro conditions. Q5: What should investors watch in 2025 regarding Bitcoin? Key indicators include daily net flows into U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs, statements and policies from major central banks (like the Federal Reserve), and broader equity market performance to gauge potential capital rotation. This post Bitcoin Price Faces a Pivotal Shift: New Market Structure, Institutional Funds, and Macroeconomics Now Drive Value first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

19 Jan 2026, 21:51

210,000,000 ADA Bought in 3 Weeks: What Do Cardano Whales Know?

Over the last three weeks, large Cardano (ADA) holders have accumulated more than 210 million tokens, according to blockchain data shared by analyst Ali Martinez. This activity has emerged during a period of price weakness, with ADA falling by over 7% in the last 24 hours and trading near $0.36. The token has traded between $0.36 and $0.4 in the past 24 hours, with a broader 7-day range of $0.36 to $0.43. Market pressure has increased amid renewed tensions between the European Union and the United States, adding to the pullback across digital assets. Whales Accumulate ADA Amid Price Weakness The accumulation of 210 million ADA by large wallets took place while prices remained under pressure. On-chain activity suggests this move reflects preparation rather than response. 210 million Cardano $ADA bought by whales in the past three weeks! pic.twitter.com/Mqq4xdQGSK — Ali Charts (@alicharts) January 17, 2026 While ADA’s price has not yet responded to this buying, exchange reserves have slightly decreased . This suggests a less available supply for immediate trading. In this type of setup, smaller demand spikes can have a stronger effect on the price. Even so, whale accumulation does not guarantee an immediate reversal. It sets a base that may support future moves, if confirmed by volume and momentum. Currently, ADA is moving along the bottom edge of a symmetrical triangle that has been forming on the weekly chart. It is trading just above the $0.36 mark, which is part of a long-tested support zone ranging down to $0.28. A break below this level could push the token toward $0.27. Cardano (ADA) Price Chart 1.19. Source: TradingView The 9-week EMA is positioned at $0.41. ADA continues to trade below it, showing sellers remain in control. For sentiment to shift, it would need to reclaim this level and attempt to move toward $0.53. On the momentum side, the weekly RSI reads at around 33, hovering near levels often seen before short-term recoveries. Futures Traders Show Lower Confidence Recent data from Coinglass shows the open interest-weighted funding rate for ADA at -0.0037%. The rate has moved frequently between positive and negative in recent weeks, reflecting uncertain sentiment among futures traders. The current trend reflects cautious expectations from derivatives traders. Cardano (ADA) Funding Rate Chart 1.19. Source: Coinglass Negative funding rates like this typically occur when the majority of traders expect continued downward movement. Combined with price staying below resistance and support being tested, this adds pressure to the short-term outlook. Elsewhere, the Cardano Foundation shared support for a proposal by Draper Dragon and Draper University. The plan involves a $80 million fund focused on expanding Cardano’s adoption through investments, capital deployment, and education. Returns from the fund would be routed back to the Cardano treasury. In addition, CME Group is preparing to introduce ADA futures, with trading expected to begin on February 9, pending regulatory clearance. This move would place ADA in line with other top altcoins available in the U.S. derivatives market. The post 210,000,000 ADA Bought in 3 Weeks: What Do Cardano Whales Know? appeared first on CryptoPotato .