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18 Jan 2026, 09:54
Ethereum Validator Exit Queue Hits Zero as Staking Demand Surges
Ethereum’s staking landscape has flipped decisively bullish, with the validator exit queue dropping to zero for the first time since mid-2025, a shift that signals fading sell-side pressure and growing confidence in Ether as a yield-bearing asset. Key Takeaways: Ethereum’s validator exit queue has dropped to zero as staking inflows surge to multi-year highs. Rising entry backlogs and institutional staking are tightening ETH supply and reducing sell pressure. Analysts see the shift as a bullish structural signal despite ETH trading below its all-time high. Data from the Ethereum Validator Queue shows the exit queue has fallen from a September 2025 peak of roughly 2.67 million ETH to none, while the entry queue has surged more than fivefold over the past month to about 2.6 million ETH. The imbalance has pushed estimated entry wait times to roughly 45 days, while validators seeking to exit are being processed within minutes. Ethereum Staking Backlog Signals Tighter Supply Market participants say the reversal points to strengthening supply dynamics for Ether, as more tokens are locked into staking contracts rather than becoming available for sale. Leon Waitmann, head of research at Onchain Foundation, said the growing entry backlog could lift Ethereum’s staking rate toward new highs once those validators go live, calling the setup bullish for the months ahead. Institutional demand has been a key driver. Ethereum staking currently offers yields of around 2.8% annualized, an increasingly attractive return for large holders seeking income without liquidating positions. Among the largest contributors is BitMine Immersion Technologies , chaired by Tom Lee, which has staked more than 1.25 million ETH, over a third of its total holdings, according to public disclosures. Broader onchain data reinforces the trend. Analytics firm Santiment reports that more than 46.5% of Ethereum’s total supply, about 77.85 million ETH, is now held in the proof-of-stake deposit contract, valued at roughly $256 billion at current prices. Meanwhile, data from Beaconcha.in shows total staked ETH at around 36.1 million, representing close to 29% of circulating supply. Zero Ethereum is waiting to be unstaked! Exit queue: 0 ETH This has not happened since July 2025. Last time, it preceded a strong ETH price rally. At the same time, staking demand is accelerating. Entry queue: 1,811,273 ETH waiting to be staked What does it… pic.twitter.com/gipHBhpQYH — Leon Waidmann (@LeonWaidmann) January 12, 2026 Despite the surge in staking participation, ETH’s price remains below its August 2025 all-time high of $4,946. Still, analysts say the collapse of the exit queue and swelling entry demand underscore a structural shift that could support prices if momentum holds. Ethereum User Activity and Retention Surge as New Addresses Double As reported, Ethereum is seeing a notable influx of new users , with onchain data showing activity retention among recent entrants has nearly doubled over the past month, according to Glassnode. The firm said a sharp rise in first-time interacting addresses suggests fresh users are driving network growth, rather than short-term spikes from existing participants, with new active addresses climbing from just over 4 million to around 8 million in a single month. Broader metrics point to sustained momentum. Active addresses have more than doubled year over year, while daily transactions recently hit a record 2.8 million, up roughly 125% from last year, data from Etherscan shows. Analysts link the trend to lower fees and growing stablecoin usage, alongside Ethereum’s shift toward layer-2 execution while retaining settlement on the main chain. Last week, Buterin said the Ethereum network has solved the blockchain trilemma, crossing a milestone many in crypto long viewed as unattainable. The post Ethereum Validator Exit Queue Hits Zero as Staking Demand Surges appeared first on Cryptonews .
18 Jan 2026, 09:53
Opportunities Heat Up in Bitcoin and Altcoin Market
Bitcoin and altcoin volumes were low, but significant developments are expected soon. Martinez highlights a bullish flag for SUI Coin, indicating a potential rise. Continue Reading: Opportunities Heat Up in Bitcoin and Altcoin Market The post Opportunities Heat Up in Bitcoin and Altcoin Market appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .
18 Jan 2026, 09:53
AI and robotics momentum boosts China tech stocks
China is entering the year with a sense of renewal, fueling a rally in stocks despite lingering economic weakness. The shift comes nearly a year after DeepSeek rattled global markets by challenging US dominance with the launch of its open-source DeepSeek-R1, a highly capable AI model. Since then, reports from credible sources show that Chinese tech shares have opened the year strongly, buoyed by fresh breakthroughs across sectors such as commercial rockets, robotics, and flying cars. *]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="4d56dde5-c468-481e-b9a0-8e9bb957abbd" data-testid="conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn="assistant"> As a result, a Nasdaq-style index tracking Chinese technology stocks has climbed nearly 13% in January 2026, while a gauge of Hong Kong-listed Chinese tech firms has risen close to 6%. Both benchmarks have outperformed the Nasdaq 100 over the same period. China’s growth outlook remains resilient Since April last year, analysts have noticed that China’s stock market has been on an upward trend , mainly due to enthusiasm for local technology, despite the Asian nation’s difficulties managing low consumer spending and a housing crisis. With this finding, sources noted that individuals have placed bets on prediction markets anticipating sustained upward momentum in the coming months, driven by the introduction of a new, highly capable AI model from DeepSeek and China’s economic plan set to focus on technological independence over the next five years. On Friday, January 16, Mark Mobius, a managing director of Mobius Emerging Opportunities Fund, released a statement noting that “The stock market indicates that what China is doing in the technology sector will be very exciting in the future,” adding that, “We must remember that China’s goal now is to surpass the US in technology, high-level chips, and various types of AI. So investments are flowing in that direction.” Meanwhile, since DeepSeek shook up the market worldwide with its cheap, cutting-edge AI models on January 27, 2025, the tech company has motivated other Chinese-based firms to accelerate their efforts and develop their own model versions. This situation demonstrates a growing trend in the tech industry, with companies, mostly leading Chinese internet firms such as Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. and Tencent Holdings Ltd ., increasingly interested in generative AI. The tech industry faces stiff competition amid the AI boom era Just as with generative AI, Chinese-based firms have also shown heightened interest in creating robots, sparking stiff competition in the sector. These Chinese robots have participated in marathons, engaged in boxing matches, and performed folk dances, proving their power. On the other hand, the manufacturing sector is integrating high-end language models into advanced equipment such as precision machinery and flying taxis. With these advancements in the tech sector, investors have adopted a new perspective towards China, transforming it from an earlier view as just a cost-effective manufacturing base into a serious rival to major US tech firms. This change in perspective comes at a time when global investors are seeking new opportunities to expand. In the meantime, data from Jefferies Financial Group Inc., dated January 13, showed that a team of 33 Chinese AI stocks saw their combined market value surge by around $732 billion in 2025. With these results, Jefferies anticipated that China could still do better, as its market value in the AI industry is just 6.5% of the United States. Want your project in front of crypto’s top minds? Feature it in our next industry report, where data meets impact.
18 Jan 2026, 09:44
BlackRock scooped up over $1 billion of these cryptocurrencies in a week
BlackRock ramped up its exposure to digital assets this week, channeling more than $1 billion into Bitcoin ( BTC ) and Ethereum ( ETH ) through its spot exchange-traded funds ( ETFs ). This move highlights the investment manager’s aggressive buying in 2026, which has contributed to a short-term rebound in the two leading assets. The bulk of the inflows went into Bitcoin via BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), which recorded net purchases totaling roughly $1.04 billion over the five days from January 12 to January 16. While the week included one day of notable outflows, sustained buying across the remaining sessions more than offset the dip. The most aggressive accumulation occurred midweek, when IBIT alone attracted over $600 million in a single session, coinciding with broader strength across spot Bitcoin ETFs. Total Bitcoin spot ETF inflows. Source: Coinglass BlackRock Ethereum inflows Ethereum also saw meaningful capital allocation, with BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA) adding approximately $219 million worth of Ether over the same period. After starting the week with modest net outflows, ETHA reversed course, posting consecutive days of solid inflows. A standout session saw ETHA pull in nearly $150 million in one day on January 15, marking one of its strongest daily performances in recent weeks. Total Ethereum spot ETF inflows. Source: Coinglass Taken together, BlackRock’s Bitcoin and Ethereum purchases lifted combined crypto ETF exposure to about $1.25 billion for the week. This accumulation occurred alongside broadly positive flows across the wider ETF market. Bitcoin spot ETFs recorded several strong inflow days earlier in the week before a sharp pullback in the final session, while Ethereum spot ETFs maintained a net positive balance overall despite uneven daily activity. Impact on Bitcoin price Indeed, the purchases coincided with Bitcoin’s continued push toward reclaiming the $100,000 mark, having at one point surged to $98,000 before retracing and holding the $95,000 support zone. As of press time, the flagship cryptocurrency was trading at $95,093, having rallied almost 5% over the past week. Bitcoin seven-day price chart. Source: Finbold On the other hand, Ethereum is holding above the $3,000 support level and was valued at $3,309 at press time, a gain of more than 7% over the past week. Featured image via Shutterstock The post BlackRock scooped up over $1 billion of these cryptocurrencies in a week appeared first on Finbold .
18 Jan 2026, 09:32
XRP Price Prediction: $1.28B ETF Inflows Offset Bearish Triangle Near $2.05
Ripple’s XRP is trading at $2.06, with a 24-hour volume of $1.37 bn. The token ranks #5 globally, holding a market capitalization of $124.9 bn. Circulating supply stands at 60.7 bn XRP, with a maximum supply capped at 100 bn. Despite solid fundamentals, XRP has slipped 0.28% over the past 24 hours, extending its decline to a fourth consecutive session. ETF inflows are offering some support. Spot XRP ETFs attracted $1.28 bn, helping absorb selling pressure even as broader market sentiment remains cautious. Price: $2.06 Market cap: $124.9B 24‑hour volume: $1.37B ETF inflows: $1.28B Coinbase Pushback on Senate Bill Could Pressure XRP and Stablecoins This week, Coinbase pulled back its support for the US Senate Banking Committee’s draft Market Structure Bill. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong explained that the draft has some big problems, especially around stablecoins and the interest people earn on them. He said the proposed changes “would kill rewards on stablecoins, allowing banks to block their competition.” In simple words, these rules could stop people from earning interest on stablecoins and give more control to traditional banks. “After reviewing the Senate Banking draft text over the last 48 hours, Coinbase unfortunately can’t support the bill as written,” Armstrong said. “This version would be materially worse than the current status quo,” he added. “We’d rather have no bill than a bad bill.” U.S. Senate cancels its vote on the crypto market structure bill COINBASE SAYS IT CAN’T BACK THE SENATE BANKING CRYPTO DRAFT. Claims it risks “A DE FACTO BAN” on tokenized stocks, hits DeFi privacy, weakens CFTC vs SEC & could kill stablecoin rewards. NO BILL > BAD BILL pic.twitter.com/3antyA32k0 — Money Ape (@TheMoneyApe) January 15, 2026 Stablecoins are digital money that stay close to the value of the US dollar, and many people use them to earn interest. If these new rules pass, banks could limit how stablecoins work, which might take away opportunities for crypto users and reduce competition. Coinbase is warning that this could shift control of money back to banks and affect both investors and the broader crypto market. People are now watching closely to see how this will play out. If these stablecoin restrictions pass, XRP could face pressure as crypto investors may move cautiously, reducing demand. This could slow price growth and keep XRP near key support levels. XRP Price Prediction: Descending Triangle Signals Breakdown Below $2.05 Toward $1.90 XRP price prediction is neutral as XRP is currently trading around $2.0568, sitting just above a key support zone near $2.0527. Price action is compressing within a descending triangle, a structure often associated with bearish continuation. The triangle’s lower boundary aligns with horizontal support, while the upper trendline shows consistent lower highs. Recent candles show indecision, with small-bodied formations and no clear momentum shift. The leading technical indicator, such as RSI, is hovering near 45, indicating neutral momentum but leaning slightly bearish. The moving averages (red and blue) remain flat, suggesting a lack of trend strength. XRP/USD Price Chart – Source: Tradingview Fibonacci levels highlight $2.1127 and $2.1911 as potential resistance zones if price breaks upward, while $1.9764 and $1.9144 mark downside targets on a breakdown. Until a decisive move occurs, the triangle pattern remains in play. A confirmed close below $2.0527 could open a short setup targeting $1.9144, while a breakout above $2.1127 would invalidate the bearish bias and favor a move toward $2.1911. Trade idea: short below $2.0527. Bitcoin Hyper: The Next Evolution of BTC on Solana? Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) is bringing a new phase to the Bitcoin ecosystem. While BTC remains the gold standard for security, Bitcoin Hyper adds what it always lacked: Solana-level speed. The result: lightning-fast, low-cost smart contracts, decentralized apps, and even meme coin creation, all secured by Bitcoin. Audited by Consult , the project emphasizes trust and scalability as adoption builds. And momentum is already strong. The presale has surpassed $30.7 million, with tokens priced at just $0.013585 before the next increase. As Bitcoin activity climbs and demand for efficient BTC-based apps rises, Bitcoin Hyper stands out as the bridge uniting two of crypto’s biggest ecosystems. If Bitcoin built the foundation, Bitcoin Hyper could make it fast, flexible, and fun again. Click Here to Participate in the Presale The post XRP Price Prediction: $1.28B ETF Inflows Offset Bearish Triangle Near $2.05 appeared first on Cryptonews .
18 Jan 2026, 09:25
Solana CEO pushes back on Buterin’s blockchain longevity vision
An Indian director of an audit firm has been held in connection with a $3 million crypto fraud probe that has gained widespread attention across India. In a new twist to the GainBitcoin cryptocurrency fraud case, an official of the audit firm appointed by the Pune Police and Cyber Police investigating the case has been arrested by the Mumbai police. According to reports, the official of the audit firm was arrested for stealing seized digital assets worth about Rs. 30 crore ($3.3 million), in alleged collusion with police personnel. The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) released a statement saying it arrested an official of the Indian audit firm Gaurav Harish Mehta, and is looking for other co-conspirators, including officers attached to the investigations whose identities have cropped up in the investigation that spanned from Mumbai to Pune. Indian director held in connection with stolen crypto The case originated from the GainBitcoin fraud case that was popular in India around 2018. The case was registered at Nigdi and Dattawadi police stations in Pune, under various sections of the IPC, MPID Act, and the Information Technology Act. Mehta’s lawyer, Aftab Qureshi, argued in a court sitting that the police merely falsely implicated Mehta. He claimed that his client was called in to assist with the investigations and arrested him in the process. Qureshi argued that the police lied to Mehta, pretending that he was going to assist them with the case, but instead, they are making him the scapegoat. Despite his claims that his client had been falsely accused, the 47th Metropolitan Magistrate Court refused his plea and asked that Mehta be remanded in police custody as investigations continue and new information continues to unfold. It remains unknown if Mehta will be eligible for bail later in the year. The GainBitcoin scam involved several unscrupulous elements luring Indian investors with the promises of high returns through cryptocurrency investments. Like most crypto scams, the perpetrators targeted Indian residents with little or no knowledge about how crypto worked, but were hoping to make profits through the investments. However, things didn’t go as planned for everybody as investors discovered that they had all been dragged into fake crypto investments, which eventually led to the police being involved. After several back-and-forths with investigations, the police were able to raid the location of the scammers, get their hands on sensitive forensic materials, and subsequently appointed an Indian audit firm to help investigate the fraud. Now, the police are accusing the firm that they hired of siphoning more than Rs. 30 crore. According to the Indian police, the force appointed advocate Ravindranath Patil, who had worked as a director with KPMG, as a technical expert in the case. Police continue investigations into the stolen assets Patil acted as the technical expert when the Indian police engaged KPMG in August 2018 to conduct a forensic audit of the seized cryptocurrency wallets. Subsequently, another firm was appointed to act as an independent forensic auditor. During this process, crypto hardware wallets seized from the accused persons were provided for technical examination. Investigations claimed that instead of safeguarding the seized digital assets, officials of the audit firm embezzled the funds. Investigators attached to the Indian police claimed that the officials colluded with a few police officers, physically moving digital assets from the wallets and diverting the funds to private exchanges and hardware wallets. The embezzlement was discovered during a technical and digital footprint analysis carried out by the Indian police. DCP Sangramsingn Nisandar confirmed the incident and claimed the Indian police seized several electronic devices in raids at different locations in Mumbai and other cities. The Indian police mentioned that the probe has revealed several large crypto transactions carried out that have been linked to the accused. They mentioned that the case is expected to widen, as they anticipate the inclusion of more officers of the Indian police. In addition, they also expect that several influential figures with a stake in the digital assets will surface in the coming days. However, the investigation into the case remains ongoing as they anticipate what is to come. If you're reading this, you’re already ahead. Stay there with our newsletter .
