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4 Feb 2026, 14:05

Coinbase challenges Australia’s Big Four banks for targeting crypto and fintech firms

Coinbase has accused Australia’s largest banks of systematically restricting access to basic financial services for crypto and fintech firms. In a submission to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Economics, the Nasdaq-listed exchange stated that debanking now poses a direct risk to competition, innovation, and public trust in Australia’s economy. The exchange stated that banks are increasingly shutting off lawful businesses and individuals by closing accounts and imposing limits on transactions with digital assets. According to Coinbase, these moves are no longer isolated compliance decisions but coordinated policies to restrict how people use their own money. Banks tighten controls as crypto rules advance Coinbase said that the Big Four banks – Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, ANZ, and National Australia Bank – have control over the majority of transaction accounts and payment rails. As a result, account closures can be a way to exclude businesses from the formal economy. The company said such outcomes are more akin to an indirect regulatory ban than to routine risk management. The submission stated that the banks relied heavily on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing requirements to justify closures. However, Coinbase warned that customers often do not receive a clear explanation, a notice period, or access to dispute resolution. Over time, this lack of transparency has eroded confidence in the financial system, particularly among fintech users and small businesses. Coinbase also cited data that, as early as 2021, as many as 60% of fintech firms in Australia had been denied banking services. The exchange said that the issue has not been resolved, despite repeated inquiries and public commitments by policymakers. The complaint comes as Australia looks to tighten oversight of crypto platforms . Proposed legislation would impose the burden of an Australian Financial Services Licence on major exchanges, resulting in a new compliance cost. Lawmakers face pressure to enforce transparency rules The exchange urged lawmakers to act on five transparency measures recommended by the Council of Financial Regulators based on a Senate inquiry. Although the government had backed such measures in August 2022, they were never legislated. The proposals would require banks to document the reasons for de-banking, share the reasons for debanking with the affected customers, provide access to internal dispute resolution, give at least 30 days’ notice before closing core accounts, and self-certify their compliance with the framework. Coinbase argued that these measures would provide a balance between controls to prevent financial crime and fairness and due process. The treasury has acknowledged the issue in previous consultations and said it was working with banks and industry groups to increase transparency. However, Coinbase said that voluntary engagement has not achieved meaningful change, given the amount of market power held by the largest lenders. The exchange said ongoing debanking puts investment and reduced consumer choice at risk and undermines Australia’s reputation as a regional fintech hub. It also said that inconsistent access to banking services makes compliance difficult, not that it increases safeguards. Coinbase pointed to overseas models, where access to basic banking is protected. In the European Union, legal residents have a basic account guaranteed. In Canada, banks are required to open accounts for most applicants, including those without jobs or with prior bankruptcies. In the United States, political scrutiny has increased following federal action to prevent viewpoint-based and crypto-related debanking . Coinbase said these developments are proof of an emerging international consensus that access to finance should not be limited without legitimate cause. If you're reading this, you’re already ahead. Stay there with our newsletter .

4 Feb 2026, 14:04

Gold’s rally fuels surge in ‘digital gold’ trading in Brazil

Brazilian interest in digital copies of gold traded on the cryptocurrency market has increased amid the metal’s recent significant rise, despite a recent drop. The volume of transactions in so-called “digital gold,” such as the Pax Gold (PAXG) token, increased by around 300% in 2025, according to a survey conducted by Mercado Bitcoin (MB). According to local media outlet InfoMoney, the rate of growth indicates an increasing tendency among local investors , notwithstanding the market’s continued small size. Compared with the over R$9.7 billion exchanged by the two primary gold exchange-traded funds listed on Brazil’s stock exchange, GOLD11 and BIAU39, digital gold recorded trading volume of about R$50 million last year. However, according to MB, the development is a result of growing interest in several avenues for gaining exposure to gold. The company claims that while the number of investors purchasing this kind of commodity climbed by 20%, the average investment value in digital gold more than doubled, rising 94% during the period. Global gold performance drives demand In Brazil, the movement accompanies the behaviour of gold on the international scene. Geopolitical, fiscal, and monetary uncertainties have been keeping the metal in global portfolios as a safe-haven asset. Pax Gold reached US$3.1 billion in 2025 worldwide, or about R$16 billion. Regaining some momentum: gold price January correction. The metal was up by about 6% on Tuesday, after the latest trends continued to signal preference for demand for defensive assets amid a wider world that is daunting to predict. Gold on Wednesday increased again and stood at US$5,034/oz per ounce, up 2.84%. The diversification thesis of US assets that has been supporting gold is unaffected by last week’s decline, according to analysts at JPMorgan and UBS. They contend that, supported by purchases by central banks and ongoing geopolitical threats, the metal should continue its upward path. Crypto dynamics and corporate support The internal dynamics of the crypto-asset market have also aided in the expansion of digital gold. By purchasing actual gold to support their tokens, businesses have aided in this growth. For instance, Tether buys a lot of the metal to back its XAUT coin. Frequently referred to as “digital gold,” Bitcoin is not the same as gold-backed coins. According to Rony Szuster, head of research at MB, “When people say that Bitcoin is ‘digital gold,’ it’s a conceptual comparison based on characteristics like scarcity.” PAX Gold, XAUT, and other gold tokens are examples of assets that are directly backed by real gold. The metal is merely represented digitally by these tokens. Each token in Pax Gold represents a certain amount of gold that is kept in vaults approved by the London Bullion Market Association, a British organisation under the supervision of the Bank of England. Pax Gold is backed by actual bullion. Custody and accessibility Szuster claims that custody is one of the primary distinctions between conventional ETFs and gold-backed tokens. Investors can move tokens to digital wallets and maintain direct control using digital gold. “With PAX Gold, the investor can transfer the token to a hard wallet and maintain custody, something that doesn’t exist with ETFs, where you buy a fund share without direct control over the asset or its safekeeping,” he explained. He continued by saying that the model depends on a centralised issuer, even though it is backed by actual gold. The organisation in charge of issuing the tokens and holding the metal is still trusted. “Because the physical gold is stored and linked to the asset, it is possible to invest in gold simply through the stablecoin, buying fractions of the metal starting from accessible values, without having to worry about other expenses,” stated Giresse Contini, director of marketing, growth, and digital channels at MB. Contini claims that between 2024 and 2025, the amount of digital gold under MB’s custody increased by 122%, highlighting the expanding significance of tokenised bullion in Brazil’s investing environment. The post Gold’s rally fuels surge in ‘digital gold’ trading in Brazil appeared first on Invezz

4 Feb 2026, 13:59

Gold Price Forecast: Hits $5,000 as JPMorgan Predicts $6,300

Gold is trading near $5,055 per ounce as of writing , up 2.82% over the past 24 hours, signaling a gradual recovery after a violent correction. The rebound follows a dramatic plunge late last month that rattled global markets. Prices had surged to record highs amid geopolitical tension and macroeconomic uncertainty before reversing sharply. Traders now track whether this recovery can sustain momentum or pause for consolidation. What Triggered the Sharp Decline? Gold prices collapsed more than 9.8% on January 30, marking the steepest one-day drop since 1983. Selling pressure intensified after CME Group raised margin requirements on Comex gold futures to 8% from 6%. Silver margins rose to 15% from 11%, which forced leveraged traders to cut positions quickly. As a result, liquidation spread across precious metals and extended losses into the following sessions. The move underscored how positioning, not fundamentals, drove the speed of the decline. Volatility Reaches Rare Extremes Market behavior shifted sharply as gold volatility surged to levels rarely seen in modern trading. Bloomberg data showed 30-day volatility climbing above 44%, the highest reading since the 2008 financial crisis. Source: Bloomberg via X That figure exceeded Bitcoin's roughly 39% volatility, an unusual inversion for an asset long viewed as a stable store of value. Gold began trading more like a speculative instrument during the selloff, even as it maintained strong long-term performance. Over the past 12 months, gold has remained up about 66%, while Bitcoin is down roughly 21%. Asian Demand Sparks a Rebound Gold rebounded strongly during Asian trading on February 3rd and 4th as buying interest returned after the extreme selloff. Spot gold climbed about 2% intraday before settling near $5055 as of writing, while silver surged as much as 6%. Platinum and palladium also posted gains. A softer US dollar helped ease pressure on dollar-priced metals. Meanwhile, Chinese demand returned to focus as buyers flocked to Shenzhen ahead of Lunar New Year holidays, signaling renewed physical interest at lower price levels. Central Banks Anchor the Bull Case Despite near-term turbulence, major banks continue to project higher gold prices over the medium term. JPMorgan lifted its end-2026 gold forecast to $6,300 per ounce, the highest among global peers. The bank cited sustained central bank buying and ongoing reserve diversification as key drivers. JPMorgan now expects central banks to purchase around 800 tonnes of gold in 2026, up from a previous estimate of 755 tonnes. Deutsche Bank, Société Générale, and UBS also maintain targets near or above $6,000, reinforcing confidence in structural demand. Macro Risks Still Shape the Outlook Geopolitical risks and uneven global growth continue to support gold’s strategic appeal. Investors remain alert to developments involving Iran after US President Donald Trump signaled potential talks on a new nuclear deal. Source: X Any diplomatic progress could reduce safe-haven demand in the short term. At the same time, expectations for US rate cuts later this year and persistent inflation concerns keep gold relevant in diversified portfolios. These forces continue to shape price action across global markets. Technical Structure Holds Firm From a technical perspective, gold has retraced into key Fibonacci levels following its extended rally. Prices have respected a rising trendline while finding support near the 0.65 and 0.618 retracement zones. Source: CryptoMojo_TA via X This structure suggests a phase of sideways consolidation rather than a trend reversal. Traders now watch whether gold can stabilize above these levels before attempting another move higher. Correction, Not a Trend Shift Analysts broadly describe the recent plunge as a sharp correction within an ongoing bull market. Fundamental drivers remain intact, while positioning resets after months of aggressive buying. Gold now faces a period of adjustment, but longer-term targets from major banks suggest the story remains far from over.

4 Feb 2026, 13:50

BTC Rewards App Revolution: Fold Launches Groundbreaking Unified Payment Platform

BitcoinWorld BTC Rewards App Revolution: Fold Launches Groundbreaking Unified Payment Platform In a significant development for cryptocurrency adoption, Fold has officially launched its unified BTC rewards payment application, fundamentally transforming how consumers integrate Bitcoin into their daily financial activities. This innovative platform, reported by Walter Bloomberg on October 26, 2024, represents a major milestone in bridging traditional finance with digital asset rewards systems. The application seamlessly merges Bitcoin rewards with conventional payment functionalities, potentially accelerating mainstream crypto integration. Consequently, this launch signals a pivotal shift toward practical cryptocurrency utility beyond speculative trading. Fold’s BTC Rewards App Integrates Bitcoin with Daily Finance The newly launched Fold application represents a comprehensive financial services platform specifically designed for Bitcoin enthusiasts. Unlike previous iterations that focused primarily on rewards, this unified app combines multiple financial functions into a single interface. Users can now manage payments, track Bitcoin rewards, and handle everyday transactions through one cohesive system. This integration addresses a longstanding challenge in the cryptocurrency space: fragmentation between traditional banking and digital asset management. Industry analysts note that Fold’s approach mirrors broader trends in fintech consolidation. The company has strategically positioned itself at the intersection of payment processing and cryptocurrency accumulation. By offering tangible Bitcoin rewards for regular spending, Fold creates immediate utility for digital assets. This practical application contrasts sharply with abstract investment strategies that dominate much of the cryptocurrency conversation. Therefore, the platform serves as both a payment tool and an educational gateway for new Bitcoin adopters. Technical Architecture and User Experience Design Fold’s development team has engineered the application with particular attention to security and accessibility. The platform utilizes advanced encryption protocols to protect user data and cryptocurrency holdings. Simultaneously, the interface maintains intuitive design principles familiar to conventional banking app users. This balance between sophisticated security and user-friendly operation represents a significant technical achievement. Moreover, the application’s architecture supports seamless integration with existing payment networks and cryptocurrency exchanges. The technical implementation follows several key principles: Multi-layer security: Biometric authentication combined with hardware security modules Real-time conversion: Instant fiat-to-Bitcoin conversion at point of transaction Cross-platform compatibility: Native applications for iOS and Android with web access Regulatory compliance: Built-in KYC/AML procedures meeting international standards This technical foundation enables the platform’s core functionality: rewarding users with Bitcoin for everyday purchases. The reward mechanism operates through partnerships with merchants and payment processors. When users make qualifying purchases, they automatically receive Bitcoin rewards deposited directly into their Fold wallets. This process occurs transparently in the background, requiring no additional steps from users beyond their normal payment routine. Market Context and Competitive Landscape Fold enters a competitive landscape populated by both traditional rewards programs and emerging cryptocurrency platforms. However, the company’s specific focus on Bitcoin differentiation positions it uniquely within this market. Unlike credit card rewards that offer points or cash back, Fold provides direct Bitcoin accumulation. This approach appeals particularly to younger demographics and cryptocurrency enthusiasts who prioritize digital asset acquisition. Furthermore, the timing coincides with increasing institutional acceptance of Bitcoin as a legitimate asset class. The broader financial services industry has witnessed gradual cryptocurrency integration over recent years. Major payment processors now support crypto transactions, while traditional banks explore digital asset custody services. Fold’s unified application accelerates this convergence by placing cryptocurrency rewards at the center of consumer payment experiences. Industry observers suggest this model could influence how other fintech companies approach cryptocurrency integration. Consequently, Fold’s launch may represent an inflection point in practical cryptocurrency adoption. Comparison of Rewards Platforms Platform Reward Type Cryptocurrency Support Merchant Network Fold Bitcoin Native Global Traditional Credit Cards Points/Cash Limited Extensive Crypto Exchange Cards Various Tokens Multiple Growing Cashback Apps Fiat Currency None Selective Potential Impact on Cryptocurrency Adoption Patterns Fold’s unified BTC rewards application could significantly influence how ordinary consumers interact with Bitcoin. By embedding cryptocurrency accumulation into routine financial activities, the platform demystifies digital asset acquisition. Users need not understand blockchain technology or trading strategies to benefit from Bitcoin exposure. Instead, they simply use the application for regular purchases and automatically accumulate cryptocurrency. This frictionless approach addresses one of the primary barriers to mainstream cryptocurrency adoption: perceived complexity. The psychological impact of earning Bitcoin through spending rather than purchasing may prove substantial. Behavioral economists suggest that “earned” assets often receive different mental accounting than purchased assets. Users might develop stronger attachment to Bitcoin acquired through regular spending rewards. This emotional connection could foster longer-term cryptocurrency engagement beyond speculative trading. Additionally, the platform provides natural cryptocurrency education as users monitor their accumulating Bitcoin balances alongside traditional currency values. From a macroeconomic perspective, Fold’s model introduces Bitcoin into the consumer spending multiplier effect. As users spend fiat currency and receive Bitcoin rewards, they effectively convert consumption into cryptocurrency savings. This process creates a novel pathway for Bitcoin distribution throughout the economy. While the immediate scale remains modest, the conceptual framework represents innovation in cryptocurrency circulation mechanisms. Financial analysts will monitor whether this model influences broader cryptocurrency liquidity patterns. Regulatory Considerations and Compliance Framework Fold’s development team has prioritized regulatory compliance throughout the application’s design. The platform operates within existing financial regulations governing payment processing and digital asset management. Specifically, Fold implements robust Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) procedures. These measures ensure the platform meets international regulatory standards for financial services. Furthermore, the company maintains transparent relationships with banking partners and regulatory bodies across operating jurisdictions. The regulatory landscape for cryptocurrency rewards programs continues evolving as authorities develop frameworks for novel financial instruments. Fold’s approach of integrating traditional payment infrastructure with cryptocurrency rewards provides regulatory clarity. Because the platform processes transactions through established payment networks, it falls under existing regulatory oversight for payment processors. The Bitcoin rewards component functions similarly to conventional loyalty programs, albeit with digital assets rather than traditional points. This regulatory alignment facilitates sustainable platform growth while protecting consumer interests. Future Development Roadmap and Industry Implications Fold’s initial launch represents merely the foundation for planned platform expansion. Company executives have outlined development phases incorporating additional financial services and cryptocurrency features. Future updates may include Bitcoin lending options, enhanced merchant integration tools, and expanded reward structures. The company also explores partnerships with traditional financial institutions seeking cryptocurrency integration pathways. These developments could further blur boundaries between conventional banking and digital asset management. The broader fintech industry observes Fold’s progress as a potential blueprint for cryptocurrency integration. Success could inspire similar platforms from both cryptocurrency-native companies and traditional financial institutions. Conversely, challenges might inform regulatory approaches to consumer-facing cryptocurrency applications. Regardless of specific outcomes, Fold’s unified application represents tangible progress toward practical cryptocurrency utility. The platform demonstrates that digital assets can serve functional roles beyond investment vehicles, potentially accelerating overall cryptocurrency maturation. Industry experts emphasize several key factors that will determine Fold’s long-term trajectory: User adoption rates: Consumer willingness to integrate cryptocurrency rewards into daily spending Merchant participation: Expansion of partner networks accepting Fold payments Regulatory developments: Evolution of cryptocurrency regulations affecting rewards programs Bitcoin volatility: Management of reward values amid cryptocurrency price fluctuations Competitive response: Reactions from traditional rewards programs and crypto platforms Conclusion Fold’s launch of its unified BTC rewards payment application marks a significant advancement in cryptocurrency integration with everyday finance. The platform successfully merges Bitcoin accumulation with conventional payment processing through intuitive design and robust security. This innovative approach addresses longstanding barriers to mainstream cryptocurrency adoption by simplifying digital asset acquisition. While challenges remain regarding scale and regulatory evolution, the application establishes a compelling model for practical cryptocurrency utility. Consequently, Fold’s BTC rewards app may influence how both consumers and institutions perceive Bitcoin’s role in daily financial activities, potentially accelerating broader cryptocurrency adoption through tangible, reward-driven engagement. FAQs Q1: How does Fold’s BTC rewards app actually work? The application functions as a payment platform that rewards users with Bitcoin for qualifying purchases. Users link payment methods, shop with partner merchants, and automatically receive Bitcoin rewards deposited into their Fold wallets. Q2: What makes Fold different from other cryptocurrency reward programs? Fold uniquely integrates Bitcoin rewards directly into a unified payment application rather than operating as an add-on service. The platform combines payment processing, wallet management, and rewards accumulation in one interface with particular focus on Bitcoin rather than multiple cryptocurrencies. Q3: Is the Fold app available internationally? Initial launch focuses on specific markets with planned international expansion. Availability depends on regulatory approvals and banking partnerships in each jurisdiction, with the company pursuing gradual global rollout. Q4: How does Fold ensure the security of users’ Bitcoin rewards? The platform employs multi-layer security including biometric authentication, hardware security modules, and advanced encryption. Bitcoin holdings receive protection through institutional-grade custody solutions with insurance coverage where available. Q5: Can users convert their Bitcoin rewards back to traditional currency? Yes, the application includes functionality to convert Bitcoin rewards to fiat currency within the platform. However, many users choose to accumulate Bitcoin as long-term holdings given the platform’s focus on cryptocurrency adoption. This post BTC Rewards App Revolution: Fold Launches Groundbreaking Unified Payment Platform first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

4 Feb 2026, 13:45

ADP Employment Report Reveals Alarming Slowdown: US Jobs Growth Plunges to 22,000 in January

BitcoinWorld ADP Employment Report Reveals Alarming Slowdown: US Jobs Growth Plunges to 22,000 in January WASHINGTON, D.C. — January 2025 — The U.S. labor market delivered a surprisingly weak signal this morning as the latest ADP National Employment Report revealed private sector job growth of just 22,000 positions. This figure represents a significant deceleration from recent trends and falls dramatically short of economist expectations. Consequently, market participants and policymakers are now reassessing their outlook for the American economy and potential Federal Reserve actions. ADP Employment Report Details January’s Disappointing Numbers Automatic Data Processing released its closely watched National Employment Report for January 2025. The data indicates U.S. non-farm private sector employment increased by only 22,000 positions. This result missed consensus estimates by a substantial margin. Economists surveyed by major financial institutions had projected a gain of approximately 41,000 jobs. The report analyzes payroll data from over 500,000 client companies. Therefore, it provides a comprehensive snapshot of private sector hiring activity. Several key sectors showed particular weakness in the January data. The goods-producing sector actually lost jobs during the month. Meanwhile, the service-providing sector recorded modest gains. This pattern suggests consumer demand may be softening across certain industries. The report typically serves as a precursor to the official government employment data. However, analysts caution that the two reports sometimes diverge due to methodological differences. Historical Context and Seasonal Adjustments January employment data often presents challenges for accurate measurement. Seasonal adjustments attempt to account for post-holiday layoffs and weather-related disruptions. Nevertheless, the magnitude of this month’s miss suggests underlying economic factors. The 22,000 figure represents the smallest monthly gain since mid-2023. Consequently, economists are examining whether this signals a temporary pause or a more sustained slowdown. Federal Reserve Policy Implications and Market Reactions The Federal Reserve consistently monitors employment data as a key input for monetary policy decisions. Strong job growth typically supports arguments for maintaining or raising interest rates. Conversely, weak employment figures can justify rate cuts to stimulate economic activity. Today’s ADP report therefore carries significant weight for the Federal Open Market Committee’s upcoming meetings. Financial markets reacted immediately to the employment data release. Treasury yields declined across the curve as investors priced in a potentially more dovish Fed. Equity markets showed mixed responses, with rate-sensitive sectors initially gaining. The U.S. dollar weakened slightly against major currency pairs. These movements reflect changing expectations about the timing of future interest rate adjustments. January 2025 ADP Employment Report vs. Recent History Month ADP Employment Change Consensus Estimate Variance January 2025 +22,000 +41,000 -19,000 December 2024 +64,000 +58,000 +6,000 November 2024 +72,000 +65,000 +7,000 October 2024 +89,000 +75,000 +14,000 Expert Analysis and Economic Interpretation Leading economists from major financial institutions provided immediate analysis following the report’s release. Many noted that while one month doesn’t establish a trend, the magnitude of the miss warrants attention. Some analysts pointed to potential contributing factors including: Seasonal adjustment challenges following unusual holiday hiring patterns Geographic concentration of weakness in specific regions Sector-specific headwinds in technology and manufacturing Labor market rebalancing after years of tight conditions These experts generally agree that the Federal Reserve will consider this data alongside other indicators. Inflation metrics, consumer spending, and business investment will all factor into the final policy decision. Comparing ADP and BLS Employment Methodologies Understanding the difference between ADP and official government data is crucial for proper interpretation. The ADP National Employment Report surveys payroll data from its client companies. In contrast, the Bureau of Labor Statistics conducts two separate surveys for its monthly employment situation report. The establishment survey contacts approximately 145,000 businesses and government agencies. Meanwhile, the household survey interviews around 60,000 households. Importantly, the BLS report includes government employment while ADP focuses exclusively on the private sector. These methodological differences sometimes produce divergent results in any given month. Historical analysis shows the ADP report has a reasonably strong correlation with the BLS private payroll component. However, monthly discrepancies of 20,000-30,000 jobs are not uncommon. Therefore, economists typically consider both reports alongside other labor market indicators. These include weekly unemployment claims, job openings data, and wage growth figures. The Role of Government Employment Data The upcoming Bureau of Labor Statistics report will provide the official government assessment of January employment. Market participants will closely compare the two datasets for consistency. Significant divergence between the reports could create uncertainty about the labor market’s true condition. Most analysts expect the BLS report to show somewhat stronger numbers than the ADP data. Broader Economic Context and Forward Indicators The January employment data arrives amid mixed signals from other economic indicators. Recent reports show consumer spending remains relatively resilient. However, business investment has shown signs of moderation. Manufacturing activity has been uneven across different regions and sectors. These conflicting signals complicate the economic outlook. Forward-looking labor market indicators provide additional context for interpreting the ADP report: Job openings have declined from peak levels but remain elevated historically Weekly unemployment claims continue at relatively low levels Quit rates suggest worker confidence remains moderate Wage growth has moderated but still outpaces pre-pandemic trends These indicators collectively suggest the labor market is cooling gradually rather than collapsing. The transition from an extremely tight labor market to more balanced conditions typically involves some volatility in monthly data. Regional and Sectoral Analysis The ADP report provides breakdowns by region and industry that offer valuable insights. Preliminary data suggests the weakest hiring occurred in the Midwest and Northeast regions. The South and West showed somewhat better but still modest job gains. By industry, professional and business services recorded the strongest growth. Meanwhile, manufacturing and construction showed notable weakness. This geographic and sectoral distribution aligns with other economic reports. Regional Federal Reserve surveys have indicated softening in manufacturing-heavy areas. Business sentiment surveys show continued caution among industrial companies. The technology sector continues adjusting to post-pandemic normalization of demand patterns. Conclusion The January 2025 ADP employment report delivered a surprisingly weak reading of just 22,000 new private sector jobs. This significant miss against expectations has immediately influenced financial markets and policy expectations. While monthly employment data can be volatile, the magnitude of this deviation warrants careful attention. The Federal Reserve will consider this information alongside inflation data and other economic indicators. Market participants should monitor the upcoming BLS report for confirmation or contradiction of today’s ADP data. Ultimately, the labor market appears to be transitioning to a more sustainable pace of growth after several years of exceptional strength. FAQs Q1: What is the ADP employment report and why is it important? The ADP National Employment Report is a monthly measure of private sector employment based on payroll data from over 500,000 companies. It provides an early indication of labor market trends before the official government data release, making it valuable for economists, investors, and policymakers. Q2: How does the ADP report differ from the government’s employment data? The ADP report covers only private sector employment from its client companies, while the Bureau of Labor Statistics report includes both private and government employment from a statistically representative sample. The methodologies and samples differ, sometimes leading to variations between the two reports. Q3: Why does the Federal Reserve care about employment data? The Federal Reserve has a dual mandate to promote maximum employment and stable prices. Employment data helps the Fed assess the health of the labor market and determine whether monetary policy should be adjusted to support economic growth or control inflation. Q4: Could weather or seasonal factors explain the weak January numbers? Seasonal adjustments attempt to account for typical January patterns, including post-holiday layoffs and weather impacts. While these factors may contribute to volatility, the substantial miss against expectations suggests underlying economic factors may also be at play. Q5: What should investors watch for following this ADP report? Investors should monitor the upcoming BLS employment report for confirmation, watch Federal Reserve officials’ comments for policy signals, and track other labor market indicators like wage growth and unemployment claims to assess whether this represents a trend or temporary fluctuation. This post ADP Employment Report Reveals Alarming Slowdown: US Jobs Growth Plunges to 22,000 in January first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

4 Feb 2026, 13:26

Ethereum Price Prediction: $2,150 on Trial as On-Chain Bands Map Sub-$2,000 Risk

Ethereum price prediction centers on a decisive test near $2,150 after a sharp weekly selloff . Moreover, chart structure and on-chain valuation bands point to a deeper downside zone below $2,000 if support fails. Ethereum Weekly Chart Tests $2,150 Support as Cheds Flags $1,500 Risk Ethereum slid to the $2,150 area on the weekly chart after a sharp selloff, placing price on a level traders have treated as a long-running pivot. On the TradingView weekly view, ETHUSD printed a large red candle that cut through short-term moving averages and pushed price back into a horizontal support band that has capped and supported multiple swings since 2022. Market commentator Cheds said the $2,150 zone is the most important level on the entire chart history, adding that failure to hold this area opens the door to a deeper move toward the $1,500 range. Ethereum / U.S. Dollar, 1W (ETHUSD). Source: TradingView / X Price action shows ETH rolling over from the upper Bollinger Band after repeated rejections near the $4,000–$4,600 region earlier in the cycle. As price fell, ETH slipped below the 8-week and 34-week averages and continued toward the rising long-term trendline that guided the market from the 2022 low. The 50-week average now sits overhead and acts as near-term resistance, while the long-term trendline intersects near the current support band, tightening the decision zone around $2,150. Momentum signals reflect a breakdown in structure rather than a brief pullback. The weekly sequence shows lower highs since the cycle peak, followed by a fast expansion in range as sellers pressed through prior consolidation shelves. Volume expanded on the selloff, and the candle closed near the lower half of its range, which signals sustained pressure into the weekly close. As a result, the $2,150 area now defines the line between a stabilizing base and continuation toward the next major demand pocket near $1,500, which aligns with the prior range lows from 2023 and the lower Bollinger Band zone on the weekly timeframe. Ethereum MVRV Bands Flag Sub-$2,000 as Historical Bottom Zone Ethereum’s long-term on-chain valuation model points to a familiar downside region as price trends lower on higher timeframes. Data from Glassnode shows ETH moving within the MVRV pricing bands, with past cycle lows forming when price dipped below the 0.80 band. Ali Charts said Ethereum bottoms have historically formed under this threshold, which now maps to the area just below $2,000 on the model. Ethereum MVRV Pricing Bands. Source: Glassnode via Ali Charts (X) The chart plots ETH against multiple MVRV bands that track market value relative to realized value across cycles. In prior drawdowns, price moved beneath the 0.80 band before stabilizing, then later reclaimed higher bands during recoveries. That pattern repeated during major downside phases, including the post-2021 unwind and earlier cycle resets, which marked extended basing periods near the lower valuation envelope. As the model updates, the lower band continues to rise with network cost basis over time, while upper bands expand during bullish phases and compress during consolidations. The current configuration places the historical bottom zone below the 0.80 MVRV line, which has acted as a long-term valuation floor during stress phases across multiple market cycles.