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5 Feb 2026, 17:15

Russian analysts predict Bitcoin bottom near $60,000

Bitcoin will reach the bottom of the current downturn in the coming weeks, somewhere in the range between $60,000 and $65,000, Russian market watchers say. Dropping below the $70,000 mark, the leading cryptocurrency hit a low unseen in well over a year, losing more than 40% of its value since the latest all-time high above $125,000 in October 2025. Three scenarios pitched in search of the bottom The price of Bitcoin (BTC) is likely to continue to fall in the near term before it reaches firm ground, according to Russian experts following global developments closely. Commenting for the business news portal RBC, the leading analyst of Cifra Markets, Alexander Kraiko, suggested three scenarios for the next six months, based on historical data from previous cycles. The first model he detailed is centered on the pattern observed in 2019, which is similar to the current situation. With a rising stock market and amid a pause in the U.S. Federal Reserve’s balance sheet reduction at the time, Bitcoin rose from around $3,000 to $13,000 and then fell to $6,500. “If we extrapolate that pattern to the current cycle, the market is already close to its lows, in the range of $67,000 – $73,000,” said the specialist whose company is a licensed provider of crypto brokering services in Russia and other members of the Commonwealth of Independent States ( CIS ). Kraiko described the second model as a classic downtrend, as seen in 2022. In this worst-case scenario, BTC may find itself in the $35,000 – $40,000 range, although major differences would prevent that. Back then, both cryptocurrencies and stocks declined together, while Bitcoin’s current correction is approaching 130 days, while stock indices remain close to their all-time highs. Besides, monetary policies are much more predictable now than four years ago, when the sharp increase in the Fed rates played a major negative role. The third approach to predicting the future is to value Bitcoin against gold rather than the U.S. dollar. Last week’s correction of the precious metal’s price may signal the beginning of a prolonged sideways trend, as witnessed at the start of the decade. “If you look at the Bitcoin price in gold in December 2024, one BTC would have bought about 41 ounces. Currently, that’s about 15 ounces. The global trend line and support zone are located around 13 ounces, Alexander Kraiko explained. “Historically, when gold formed a local high at $2,075 in 2020 and then entered a multi-year sideways trend, Bitcoin began a steady rise approximately two months later,” he elaborated, concluding: “Thus, the first and third models largely coincide and complement each other. This suggests that the bottom is more likely to form within the next month and a half. Another drawdown of approximately 10% – roughly around $65,000 – is possible.” Other predictions hover around that mark According to Roman Nekrasov, an independent consultant in the field of information technologies, Bitcoin has several support levels now. The first one is around $68,000 – $69,000, where those who expected it to fall below the psychological $70,000 mark are starting to buy again. He also told RBC: “Usually, after breaking such psychologically significant levels, a buyback begins – some investors reduce their positions, while others, conversely, increase their exposure to the asset, expecting further growth.” His estimate suggests that the next support level will be in the range $65,000 – $67,000, and the bottom may be reached at $63,000, although investors may not allow it to fall that far down. According to Dmitry Savintsev, analyst at the algorithmic trading services provider Cryptorg, the likely support level is somewhere between $65,500 and $69,000. Not everyone is so optimistic, however. The likelihood of a further decline in the price of Bitcoin is quite high, believes Dmitry Tselischev, managing director of the Russian investment firm Rikom-Trust. In an article published by the Prime news agency, the executive commented that while the dip is not indefinite, it will likely stop at around $55,000 to $60,000 – that’s the zone of historically high demand, where institutional investors flock. Tselischev is convinced the current dynamics are not so much due to the crypto market’s own problems, but rather the “global liquidity cycle and investors’ shift to risk-off mode.” “The collapse itself, as a result, has completely undermined the faith of most investors in Bitcoin as an alternative to traditional asset classes. The currency is now increasingly viewed as an instrument hypersensitive to rates, liquidity, and technology markets, rather than as ‘digital gold,’” he added. According to the analyst, this strengthens Bitcoin’s correlation with growth stocks, “making the cryptocurrency more of a speculative asset in a portfolio than a safe haven.” This week’s decline brought the exchange rate of BTC in U.S. dollars to its lowest level since November 2024, when President Donald Trump returned to power in Washington. Since the beginning of the year alone, the top cryptocurrency has fallen more than 20%. Meanwhile, Russia is preparing to adopt comprehensive regulations for cryptocurrency investment that should give even its ordinary citizens legal access to digital assets. The respective legislation, which must be adopted by July 1, is based on a new regulatory concept released by the Bank of Russia in late December. The policy document recognizes Bitcoin and the like, including stablecoins, as “monetary assets.” They are currently treated mainly as property. Don’t just read crypto news. Understand it. Subscribe to our newsletter. It's free .

5 Feb 2026, 17:10

Bitcoin Collateralized Loan: Russia’s Sovcombank Makes Groundbreaking Move in Crypto Banking Revolution

BitcoinWorld Bitcoin Collateralized Loan: Russia’s Sovcombank Makes Groundbreaking Move in Crypto Banking Revolution MOSCOW, RUSSIA – In a significant development for both traditional finance and digital assets, Sovcombank has launched Russia’s first Bitcoin-collateralized loan product from a major banking institution. This pioneering move represents a strategic shift in how Russian financial entities engage with cryptocurrency markets. Consequently, businesses can now leverage their Bitcoin holdings for operational financing without liquidating their digital assets. The announcement follows months of regulatory evolution and positions Russia among nations exploring hybrid financial models. Bitcoin Collateralized Loan Mechanics and Market Context Sovcombank’s new service functions through a structured lending framework. Clients pledge Bitcoin as collateral to secure Russian ruble loans. Marina Burdonova, the bank’s Head of Compliance, explained the operational details. She emphasized that the product specifically targets business development financing. Moreover, the service requires participants to legally hold their cryptocurrency assets. This requirement aligns with Russia’s evolving regulatory stance on digital currencies. The Russian financial landscape has witnessed gradual cryptocurrency integration. Previously, Sberbank initiated a similar pilot program in December. However, Sovcombank’s launch marks the first fully operational service from a top-ten Russian bank. The timing coincides with global trends toward asset-backed crypto financing. Financial institutions worldwide now explore collateralized lending models. These models bridge traditional banking with decentralized finance principles. Regulatory Framework and Compliance Considerations Russia’s cryptocurrency regulations have undergone substantial transformation recently. The government implemented clearer guidelines for digital asset ownership. Additionally, banking authorities developed frameworks for crypto-related services. Sovcombank’s compliance approach reflects these regulatory developments. The bank restricts service access to verified legal cryptocurrency holders. This restriction mitigates potential regulatory and security risks effectively. International sanctions and economic factors influence Russia’s financial innovation. The country explores alternative financial mechanisms increasingly. Cryptocurrency integration offers potential solutions for capital access. However, regulatory compliance remains paramount for institutional adoption. Sovcombank’s structured approach demonstrates careful navigation of these complex considerations. The bank balances innovation with rigorous compliance standards. Comparative Analysis: Sovcombank Versus Global Counterparts Globally, several financial institutions now offer crypto-collateralized products. Major Swiss banks provide similar services for high-net-worth clients. Meanwhile, Asian fintech companies develop decentralized lending platforms. Sovcombank’s model differs through its integration within Russia’s traditional banking system. The table below illustrates key comparative aspects: Institution Country Service Type Launch Status Sovcombank Russia BTC-collateralized business loans Fully operational Sberbank Russia Digital asset lending pilot Pilot program Sygnum Bank Switzerland Crypto-backed financing Operational since 2020 Matrixport Singapore Institutional crypto lending Expanding services This comparative perspective highlights Russia’s position in global crypto banking. The country follows rather than leads in institutional crypto integration. However, recent developments indicate accelerated adoption. Russian banks now recognize cryptocurrency’s potential for financial innovation. Economic Implications and Business Applications Sovcombank’s Bitcoin collateralized loan service carries significant economic implications. Businesses retain cryptocurrency exposure while accessing liquid capital. This approach addresses common liquidity challenges for crypto holders. Companies can fund operations without triggering taxable events from asset sales. Furthermore, the service facilitates capital efficiency for digital asset portfolios. The Russian economy faces unique international circumstances currently. Traditional financing channels encounter increasing limitations. Alternative mechanisms gain importance consequently. Crypto-collateralized lending represents one such alternative. It enables capital circulation within regulated parameters. The service particularly benefits technology companies and export-oriented businesses. These enterprises often hold cryptocurrency for international transactions. Risk Management and Technical Implementation Sovcombank implements robust risk management protocols for its new service. The bank addresses several critical considerations: Volatility management: Loan-to-value ratios account for Bitcoin price fluctuations Collateral custody: Secure storage solutions for pledged Bitcoin assets Legal compliance: Verification of clients’ legal cryptocurrency ownership Default procedures: Clear protocols for collateral liquidation if necessary Technical implementation involves blockchain monitoring systems. The bank tracks collateral value in real-time. Automated alerts trigger when values approach threshold levels. This system maintains loan security throughout the borrowing period. Additionally, the bank developed specialized custody solutions. These solutions ensure asset protection while facilitating collateral management. Future Developments and Industry Outlook The cryptocurrency banking sector anticipates further Russian developments. Industry observers expect additional banks to launch similar services. Regulatory clarity likely encourages broader institutional participation. Moreover, product diversification may follow initial Bitcoin-focused offerings. Ethereum and other major cryptocurrencies could become acceptable collateral eventually. Global financial trends influence Russia’s trajectory significantly. Central bank digital currencies gain prominence worldwide. Blockchain technology adoption accelerates across financial sectors. Russia positions itself within these broader movements. The country develops hybrid models combining traditional and innovative approaches. Sovcombank’s initiative represents an important step in this direction. International responses to Russia’s crypto banking developments vary considerably. Some observers view these moves as financial innovation. Others express concerns about regulatory arbitrage possibilities. The global community monitors Russian developments closely. These developments may influence cryptocurrency regulation in other jurisdictions. Conclusion Sovcombank’s Bitcoin collateralized loan service marks a milestone in Russian financial services. The product enables businesses to leverage digital assets for growth financing. This development reflects broader trends toward cryptocurrency integration in traditional banking. Russia’s regulatory evolution facilitates such innovative services. The global financial community observes these developments with keen interest. Sovcombank’s initiative demonstrates practical cryptocurrency applications within regulated frameworks. Consequently, the Bitcoin collateralized loan model may inspire similar offerings worldwide. FAQs Q1: What exactly is a Bitcoin collateralized loan? A Bitcoin collateralized loan allows borrowers to use Bitcoin as security for traditional currency loans. Borrowers pledge their Bitcoin holdings to receive cash loans while maintaining cryptocurrency ownership. Q2: Who can access Sovcombank’s Bitcoin loan service? The service currently targets businesses and individuals who legally hold cryptocurrency. Applicants must demonstrate compliant cryptocurrency ownership under Russian regulations. Q3: How does Sovcombank’s service differ from Sberbank’s offering? Sovcombank launched a fully operational Bitcoin collateralized loan product. Sberbank operates a similar service as a limited pilot program still. Q4: What risks do Bitcoin collateralized loans present? Primary risks include Bitcoin price volatility affecting collateral values. Additionally, regulatory changes could impact service availability. Technical security concerns also require careful management. Q5: How might this development affect Russia’s cryptocurrency regulations? Successful implementation may encourage clearer regulatory frameworks. Positive outcomes could prompt expanded cryptocurrency banking services. However, regulatory adjustments might address emerging risks. This post Bitcoin Collateralized Loan: Russia’s Sovcombank Makes Groundbreaking Move in Crypto Banking Revolution first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

5 Feb 2026, 17:03

European Central Bank maintains 2% rate amid easing inflation

The ECB has once again kept its benchmark interest rate at 2%, holding firm for the fifth consecutive meeting. The decision came on Thursday and was fully unanimous, matching exactly what most economists had expected. This pause follows slightly better-than-expected GDP growth and a drop in core inflation, which has now fallen to 2.2%, the lowest reading since late 2021. The economy of the eurozone grew 0.3% in Q4 2025, beating forecasts. At the same time, headline inflation dropped to 1.7% in January, from 2% the previous month. That decline gave the ECB more space to maintain its stance without needing to react urgently. President Christine Lagarde said, “We are in a good place, inflation is in a good place,” repeating a phrase she has used multiple times since last summer. Governing council highlights strong economy and low joblessness 33In its official statement , the ECB’s governing council described the economy as “resilient in a challenging global environment.” It pointed to low unemployment, higher public investment, increased defense spending, and healthy private sector balance sheets as signs of strength. They repeated their forecast that inflation should settle around the 2% target in the medium term. The euro barely budged after the announcement. It rose just slightly against the dollar, sitting just below $1.181 by Thursday afternoon. But currency concerns weren’t ignored. Lagarde confirmed that the governing council had talked about the exchange rate and the recent weakness of the dollar. “The dollar weakness didn’t start yesterday,” she said. “It’s been going on since March 2025. We concluded that the impact since last year is incorporated in our baseline.” One economist, Sylvain Broyer from S&P Global Ratings, said the ECB “can keep the autopilot on this time,” since the stronger euro is helping absorb external shocks while growth keeps surprising to the upside. Last month, the euro even pushed past $1.20 for the first time since 2021, thanks in part to the falling US dollar. Some policymakers worry that a stronger euro might hurt exporters and suppress inflation, but so far, there’s no sign of panic. Inflation drop seen as temporary, rate cut odds stay low Lagarde cautioned not to read too much into the January inflation figure. “It’s a single data point,” she said. “We shouldn’t let monetary policy be held hostage by one number.” Still, she acknowledged that the ECB is happy to see core inflation drop closer to its preferred range. “We are pleased that it’s coming down towards our targets.” Sören Radde, from hedge fund Point72, said, “This communication should cement expectations of a high bar for action and a prolonged hold.” Meanwhile, Claus Vistesen, an economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, said the latest policy statement had “a hawkish slant,” meaning it focused on good news while avoiding any talk of potential risks to inflation. Traders in swaps markets still haven’t ruled out another cut later this year. But the odds are slim—only about a 20% chance for a 0.25% rate cut, according to current market pricing. The ECB’s rate cuts, which began in June 2024, have already brought borrowing costs down to their lowest since December 2022. Lagarde also fielded a question on AI. She didn’t hesitate to label investment in artificial intelligence as the “big story” across both public and private sectors. But for her, the real issue is whether all that spending actually helps. “The really interesting thing from our perspective is how it will impact productivity, and how it will contribute or not to inflation, depending on the level of improved productivity,” she said. Don’t just read crypto news. Understand it. Subscribe to our newsletter. It's free .

5 Feb 2026, 16:47

Volatility roars back: VIX tops 20 amid tech and crypto sell-offs

More on markets Nasdaq-100 dips again, with over 30 of its stocks now in oversold territory Crypto meltdown intensifies as $1T in market cap is erased in less than three weeks ETFs heavily allocated to Alphabet feel the pressure as GOOG and tech slide SpaceX–xAI deal reignites IPO countdown as prediction markets take bets on the date Deutsche Bank stands firm on $6,000 gold target as it says the bullish case remains intact

5 Feb 2026, 16:45

Circle USDC Partnership with Polymarket Signals Crucial Shift for Digital Dollar Infrastructure

BitcoinWorld Circle USDC Partnership with Polymarket Signals Crucial Shift for Digital Dollar Infrastructure In a significant move for the digital asset ecosystem, Circle Internet Financial has forged a pivotal partnership with prediction market platform Polymarket. Announced on March 21, 2025, this collaboration aims to fundamentally upgrade the payment infrastructure supporting prediction markets by transitioning Polymarket’s trading collateral from bridged USDC to Circle’s native USDC. This strategic shift underscores a broader industry trend toward enhanced security, regulatory clarity, and institutional adoption of dollar-denominated digital currencies. Circle USDC Partnership: A Technical and Strategic Breakdown The core of the agreement centers on a technical migration with profound implications. Currently, Polymarket utilizes a version of USDC that exists on the Polygon blockchain as a “bridged” asset. This means the tokens originated on another chain, like Ethereum, and were moved across via a bridge—a third-party protocol that can introduce complexity and potential security vulnerabilities. Consequently, Circle will now issue USDC directly on the Polygon network for Polymarket. This native issuance eliminates the bridge dependency, creating a more direct and secure link between the user’s funds and the official issuer. Industry analysts view this as a logical evolution. “The move from bridged to native assets is a maturation signal,” notes Dr. Anya Sharma, a fintech researcher at the Stanford Digital Currency Initiative. “It reduces counterparty risk, simplifies the technical stack, and aligns with regulatory expectations for clearer asset provenance.” The transition, scheduled to occur over the coming months, will be phased to ensure user funds are seamlessly migrated without disrupting market operations. The Growing Importance of Payment Infrastructure Circle’s focus on building “dollar-based payment infrastructure” is not incidental. As prediction markets and other blockchain-based applications scale, their underlying financial rails must be robust. Native USDC offers several distinct advantages over its bridged counterpart: Enhanced Security: Removes bridge smart contract risk, a vector for several high-profile exploits in recent years. Guaranteed Redemption: Native USDC is always redeemable 1:1 for U.S. dollars directly through Circle, ensuring full backing. Regulatory Clarity: Provides a clearer audit trail and compliance framework for platforms operating in evolving regulatory environments. Operational Efficiency: Streamlines integrations and reduces transaction settlement layers. Context and Impact on the Prediction Market Landscape Polymarket operates as a decentralized information markets platform, allowing users to trade on the outcomes of real-world events. The platform has processed billions of dollars in volume, establishing itself as a major player. The choice of collateral is critical for such platforms, impacting user trust, liquidity, and regulatory standing. The shift to native USDC represents a substantial upgrade in its foundational financial layer. This partnership arrives amid increased scrutiny of the prediction market sector. Regulatory bodies, including the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), have shown growing interest in how these markets operate. Using a regulated, transparent stablecoin like native USDC can help platforms demonstrate operational integrity. Furthermore, it strengthens the argument for prediction markets as tools for information aggregation rather than pure speculation. The impact extends beyond Polymarket. This partnership sets a precedent for other decentralized applications (dApps) and fintech platforms. It demonstrates a viable path for migrating away from complex, multi-chain asset wrappers toward simpler, issuer-direct models. Data from blockchain analytics firm IntoTheBlock shows a steady increase in native USDC circulation across non-Ethereum chains, suggesting this is a sector-wide trend. Expert Analysis on Market Effects “Circle’s strategy is clearly one of embedding its stablecoin as the default digital dollar within specific verticals,” explains Marcus Chen, a partner at crypto-focused venture firm Archetype. “First, it was cross-border payments and treasury management. Now, we see it moving decisively into decentralized finance and prediction markets. Each successful integration like this one with Polymarket creates a network effect, making USDC more entrenched and useful.” The timing is also noteworthy. The transition period of “coming months” will allow both companies to manage the technical logistics while communicating clearly with users. A smooth migration could boost user confidence significantly. Historical data from similar platform upgrades, such as exchanges moving to self-custody models, often correlates with increased user deposits and trading activity post-transition. The Broader Stablecoin Competition and Regulatory Horizon Circle’s move is also a competitive play in the intense stablecoin arena. While USDC is a dominant force, it faces competition from Tether’s USDT, PayPal’s PYUSD, and potential future offerings from traditional financial giants. Securing key infrastructure partnerships is essential for maintaining market share. By providing native issuance on multiple blockchains, Circle offers a compelling value proposition for enterprises seeking regulatory compliance and technical reliability. Looking ahead to 2025, regulatory frameworks for stablecoins are expected to crystallize in several major jurisdictions, including the United States and the European Union under MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets). These regulations will likely impose strict requirements on issuers regarding reserves, redemption, and transparency. Circle’s model of direct, native issuance on multiple chains positions both it and its partners, like Polymarket, favorably for this new regulatory environment. It proactively addresses concerns about reserve clarity and operational risk that have plagued some bridged and algorithmic stablecoins. Comparison: Bridged vs. Native USDC on Polygon Feature Bridged USDC (Previous) Native USDC (New) Issuer Third-party bridge protocol Circle directly Redemption Path Depends on bridge liquidity & security Direct 1:1 with Circle Regulatory Clarity Complex, multi-party Direct issuer liability Smart Contract Risk Bridge contract + token contract Primarily token contract only Auditability Requires tracking across chains Simplified, on-chain issuance records Conclusion The Circle USDC partnership with Polymarket is far more than a simple technical upgrade. It represents a strategic deepening of ties between a leading stablecoin issuer and a pioneering prediction market platform. This shift to native USDC enhances security, prepares the platform for a more regulated future, and strengthens the overall infrastructure of the digital dollar ecosystem. As the transition unfolds over the coming months, it will serve as a critical case study for other applications considering a move toward native asset issuance. Ultimately, this collaboration underscores the ongoing maturation of the cryptocurrency sector, where reliability, compliance, and user protection are becoming paramount. FAQs Q1: What is the main difference between bridged USDC and native USDC? A1: Bridged USDC is created by locking the original asset on one blockchain (e.g., Ethereum) and minting a representation of it on another (e.g., Polygon) via a third-party bridge. Native USDC is issued directly on the destination blockchain (Polygon) by the official issuer, Circle, without an intermediary bridge, offering a more direct and secure claim on the underlying dollars. Q2: Why is Polymarket making this change to native USDC? A2: Polymarket is transitioning to improve security by eliminating bridge-related risks, to ensure guaranteed 1:1 redemption directly with Circle, and to align with expected regulatory standards that favor clear asset provenance and issuer accountability. Q3: Will Polymarket users need to do anything during the transition? A3: Polymarket has stated the transition will be phased over several months. The platform will likely handle the technical migration of funds in the background. Users should expect clear communication from Polymarket regarding any required actions, but the goal is a seamless experience with no disruption to trading. Q4: How does this affect the overall USDC supply and stability? A4: The migration itself does not change the total USDC supply; it changes the form in which it exists on the Polygon network. It reinforces USDC’s stability by moving a portion of its circulating supply onto a more secure and direct issuance model, potentially increasing institutional confidence in the asset. Q5: Does this partnership indicate a trend for other crypto platforms? A5: Yes. The move from bridged to native assets is a growing trend across decentralized finance (DeFi). Platforms are prioritizing security and regulatory preparedness. Circle’s partnership with Polymarket may encourage other dApps and services on Polygon and other chains to seek similar native integrations with stablecoin issuers. This post Circle USDC Partnership with Polymarket Signals Crucial Shift for Digital Dollar Infrastructure first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

5 Feb 2026, 16:30

Pro-XRP Lawyer Deaton Claims JPMorgan Is Manipulating Bitcoin, Just Like Silver

John E. Deaton, a pro-XRP attorney who has become a prominent voice in US crypto policy circles, is alleging that large banks, naming JPMorgan and CEO Jamie Dimon, are using “paper markets” to suppress bitcoin’s price, arguing the setup resembles past precious-metals playbooks where heavy futures positioning allegedly muted spot-market signals. Deaton’s comments followed a widely shared remark from Galaxy Digital CEO Mike Novogratz, who told Bloomberg that “Bitcoin was not supposed to act like this. Something went wrong. I think we’re getting close to the bottom, but we’ll see.” Deaton framed the disconnect as especially notable given what he called supportive macro tailwinds and a friendlier political backdrop for crypto. Are Bitcoin, XRP And Altcoins Manipulated? “Novogratz is right — the math isn’t mathing,” Deaton wrote on X. “When gold hits all-time highs and Bitcoin stalls despite the same macro tailwinds + a very friendly crypto administration — you have to look at the paper markets. We’ve seen this movie before with Silver — heavy shorting via futures can suppress price action even when physical demand is through the roof.” He pushed the argument further, casting the moment as a structural shift rather than a temporary market quirk. “I believe we are seeing the same bank playbook being run on BTC. I also believe we are watching the Financialization of Bitcoin and Crypto in real-time,” Deaton said. “The same players who spent years suppressing Silver prices with paper contracts are now using the same tools on BTC and other crypto assets. It’s not a failure of the tech — it’s a coordinated effort by the old guard to keep the Digital Gold narrative in a cage.” Deaton also tied market-structure claims to the policy fight in Washington, pointing to a widening rift between large banks and crypto-native firms. “We see the old guard — JPMorgan and Jamie Dimon — publicly attacking the new guard — Coinbase and Brian Armstrong ,” he wrote, arguing banks were simultaneously lobbying to slow crypto legislation while applying similar leverage in derivatives markets. While Deaton’s bitcoin claim is an allegation, JPMorgan has faced major penalties tied to manipulative conduct in precious-metals futures. In September 2020, the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission ordered JPMorgan Chase & Co. and subsidiaries to pay $920.2 million (including $311.7 million in restitution, $172.0 million in disgorgement, and a $436.4 million civil monetary penalty) for manipulative and deceptive conduct and spoofing in precious metals and US Treasury futures that the CFTC said spanned “at least eight years.” The Department of Justice, in a parallel resolution, said JPMorgan entered into a deferred prosecution agreement tied to two wire-fraud counts and paid more than $920 million in combined penalties, disgorgement, and victim compensation. DOJ court documents described the precious-metals scheme as occurring roughly between March 2008 and August 2016, involving unlawful trading in markets including gold and silver futures. Deaton’s post lands as silver itself has been violently repriced. Spot silver hit a record $121.64 on Jan.29 before sliding sharply down to around $73.575 on February 5, 2026. The current rumor making the rounds on X is simple: JPMorgan opened large shorts around the $120 top, then covered into the slide near $78 as delivery hit. At press time, XRP traded at $1.43.