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18 Jan 2026, 17:05

Pundit: You’ll Soon Be Able to Use XRP ETF Like a Bank

Ongoing discussions around the proposed Clarity Act have sparked renewed debate about how exchange-traded funds backed by digital assets, including XRP, could be used by investors in the future. The proposed bill in the U.S. Senate aims to clarify cryptocurrency regulations, potentially impacting how digital assets are classified and used in financial products. This could bring much-needed clarity to the crypto industry, affecting assets such as XRP, Solana, and Dogecoin. At the center of the discussion is the possibility that XRP-backed exchange-traded funds could function as more than simple investment vehicles. Some market participants believe that, under certain conditions, these products could offer functionality resembling custodial financial accounts, particularly if regulatory clarity allows for broader use of in-kind creation and redemption mechanisms. Regulatory Changes Could Alter XRP’s Treatment The Clarity Act is designed to reduce uncertainty surrounding digital asset oversight by defining when a token should fall under securities regulation versus alternative frameworks. One provision of the proposal suggests that digital assets serving as the primary holdings of U.S.-listed exchange-traded funds by January 1, 2026, could be subject to lighter disclosure obligations. This provision would apply to a select group of cryptocurrencies, including XRP, Solana, Litecoin, Hedera, Dogecoin, and Chainlink. While the bill does not explicitly redefine these assets as commodities, the regulatory relief outlined would place them closer to commodity-style treatment, similar to Bitcoin and Ethereum. Lawmakers are still debating the bill’s scope and language, with no conclusion reached yet. The XRP ETF’s are also In-Kind Funds, so you can deposit XRP directly into the fund in exchange for the exact value in shares. Most in general will choose this option post law. There are many advantages to this, you will be able to use the ETF like a “bank”. https://t.co/2G49kxUpGc pic.twitter.com/4fyeOkEYTC — Chad Steingraber (@ChadSteingraber) January 13, 2026 Community Interpretation of ETF Functionality Discussion around XRP ETFs gained traction after commentary from XRP community analyst Chad Steingraber, who highlighted the structure of in-kind ETF mechanisms. In such models, the underlying asset is exchanged directly for fund shares, rather than being converted into cash first. Steingraber argued that this setup creates flexibility that could appeal to long-term holders once regulatory standards are firmly established. According to this interpretation, investors might see XRP ETFs as a regulated environment where exposure to the asset can be maintained while benefiting from traditional market protections. In theory, this could allow investors to move between holding XRP directly on the ledger and holding ETF shares, depending on their needs at a given time. Steingraber suggested that this ability to alternate between direct ownership and fund-based exposure could encourage broader participation, particularly among those seeking regulatory oversight without fully exiting the XRP ecosystem. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 Structural and Legal Limitations Remain Despite growing interest in this concept, important limitations must be acknowledged. In practice, only authorized participants, typically large financial institutions, are permitted to create or redeem ETF shares directly through in-kind transfers. Retail investors cannot send XRP directly to an ETF issuer. Instead, they access the fund by buying or selling shares on secondary markets. Additionally, exchange-traded funds do not provide many services traditionally associated with banking. They do not offer insured deposits, credit facilities, or transactional services. As a result, while ETFs may provide regulated exposure and liquidity, they cannot replace the full functionality of financial institutions. Tax considerations also remain relevant. Moving digital assets into an ETF could trigger taxes, like capital gains, depending on the investor’s cost basis and location. XRP-backed ETFs have already demonstrated notable demand since their launch in November 2025. Cumulative net inflows across these products have reached approximately $1.37 billion, reflecting sustained interest from both institutional and retail participants. This growth has contributed to increased attention on how regulatory developments might further expand their role within the financial system. As lawmakers continue to refine the Clarity Act, market participants remain focused on how its provisions could reshape access to digital assets. The legislation could significantly change how regulated products interact with blockchain assets, even if ETFs and banks aren’t exactly alike. For now, XRP ETFs remain investment instruments rather than financial accounts. However, continued regulatory evolution may broaden investors’ engagement with them within established market structures. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are urged to do in-depth research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on Twitter , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post Pundit: You’ll Soon Be Able to Use XRP ETF Like a Bank appeared first on Times Tabloid .

18 Jan 2026, 16:50

Scott Bessent dismisses EU threats over U.S. tariffs

Scott Bessent went on NBC and said Europe cannot secure itself, and that is why Donald Trump, now in his second term as president, is pushing to take over Greenland. He said the United States will not step back. He said Europe talks tough but does not have the strength to protect key regions. Scott dismissed threats from the European Union to block a tariff deal reached last year. He said that the deal is not final and can be changed. He explained that Trump is using emergency powers to force results. “First of all, the trade deal hasn’t been finalized, and an emergency action can be very different from another trade deal,” Scott said on Meet the Press. He added that Trump “leverages his emergency powers to do this.” Trump raises tariffs while Bessent defends legal authority and Fed stance Trump announced a 10% tariff on goods from eight European countries starting February 1. The tariff rises to 25% in June unless there is a deal tied to the purchase of Greenland. French President Emmanuel Macron called the tariff unacceptable and said he will ask the EU to use its strongest retaliation tool. Scott showed no concern about that response. On the same show, Scott said it is very unlikely the Supreme Court will block Trump’s use of emergency powers to impose tariffs. A ruling could come as early as this week. “I believe that it is very unlikely that the Supreme Court will overrule a president’s signature economic policy,” Scott said. “They did not overrule Obamacare. I believe that the Supreme Court does not want to create chaos.” He pointed to a June ruling where the court upheld a key Affordable Care Act provision that created a panel recommending preventive care services insurers must cover at no cost. Scott used that example to argue the court avoids destabilizing major policy. “The national emergency is avoiding a national emergency,” Scott said. He said Trump is using economic pressure to prevent a military conflict. He framed Greenland as part of a wider strategy that includes Arctic competition, a planned Golden Dome missile shield, and past European reliance on Russian energy. He said that energy dependence helped fund Russia’s war against Ukraine. When asked if Trump’s posture toward Europe was a bargaining tactic, Scott said the president is not changing course. “Europeans project weakness, US projects strength,” he said. He added that Trump believes stronger security is not possible without Greenland becoming part of the United States. Scott also spoke about the Federal Reserve. He said the Senate would be “quite happy” with any of the four candidates being considered to replace Fed chair Jerome Powell. “I believe we will probably be hearing from the banking committee soon,” Scott said. He called for more oversight of the Fed, noting it can print its own money. Last week, Scott publicly denounced the Justice Department decision under Trump to open a criminal investigation into Powell, drawing a clear line between oversight and prosecution. If you're reading this, you’re already ahead. Stay there with our newsletter .

18 Jan 2026, 16:30

Lumen's stock rose 46.3% on Pac-12 and Palantir $200M partnership deals

Lumen Technologies’ shares increased by 46.3% in 2025. Compared to that, the S&P 500’s gain was 16.4%. The increase was not due to improved fundamentals. A number of cooperative ventures raised interest and share values. Things began to improve in August when Lumen signed a network-as-a-service agreement with the Pac-12 conference’s broadcasting division. The deal strengthened the stock and aided in its recovery from earlier losses. Deals with Palantir fueled momentum. The turning point occurred in October when Palantir and Lumen reached an agreement on a $200 million partnership. Because the transaction integrated Lumen’s technology with a significant AI software platform, investors saw it as a strong vote of confidence. AI hardware was already gaining traction. Lumen gained an extra boost after Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing reported higher-than-expected fourth-quarter profits in early 2026. Strong sales of AI chips at TSMC were viewed as a sign that demand will eventually shift to Lumen’s Private Connectivity Fabric technology. News played a major role in last year’s growth. The stock increased 46% as a result of the purchasing frenzy that followed each announcement of a new partnership. The challenge now is whether that emphasis can shift from spectacular news to assurance in consistent, long-term performance. In 2026 so far, Lumen shares are up about 8.8%, even as the S&P 500 has been flat. The company is laying out an ambitious plan to support that optimism. Lumen says it will add 34 million new intercity fiber miles by the end of 2028, taking its total network to 47 million miles. That would be more than double the 16.6 million miles it reported in 2025, a sweeping nationwide build-out aimed at what it sees as surging, AI-driven demand for network capacity. Recent trading suggests investors are starting to buy into that story. When Bank of America raised its price target, the stock jumped 3.6%. Last year’s partnerships sparked interest, but this year’s gains come from the ongoing AI infrastructure trend. Lumen’s plan to double its network shows it is positioning itself as a key piece of the AI economy. Whether this continues to work as AI development speeds up is the open question. Despite improving finances, analysts remain apprehensive Analysts are cautious despite improved finances. The median target sits at $7.56, below where shares have been trading. Bank of America’s higher targe t st ill came with reservations. The firm stated that the better valuation stems from balance sheet fixes, cash from selling the Consumer Fiber unit, PCF deals, and cost cuts. Better finances, not growing sales. Lumen outlined its strategy at an Industry Analyst Forum. The company wants to be a digital networking services provider for AI. Three main goals: build the physical backbone, modernize its network, and create a connected ecosystem. Paying for all this depends on having the necessary funds. Lumen says it will have full funding by mid-2026, with debt and interest costs significantly reduced. The test comes on February 3, 2026. That’s when Lumen reports fourth-quarter and full-year numbers. Investors will see if cost savings are showing up and whether the company can fund its $47 million-mile network expansion without compromising its fixed-up balance sheet. Lumen’s current valuation is still predicated on its improved balance sheet and significant cost reductions. The upcoming earnings report should show the company’s capacity to go from basic financial stability to real momentum. Until then, the increase is essentially a bet on management’s ability to implement a long-term plan. The short-term goal is easy. The key performance indicators (KPIs) must demonstrate a distinct shift from stability to growth in order to lend credibility to the AI infrastructure narrative. The most significant concern is what happens if AI excitement fades. This year’s surge has been fueled by major trends, making it sensitive to fluctuations in overall AI sentiment. Strong news about AI hardware has helped drive the stock upward, but a lull in enthusiasm or a larger market drop may swiftly shift the tone. Market attention swings quickly, and if the AI story loses speed, Lumen’s stock may swing dramatically, regardless of how effectively the firm operates behind the scenes. When it comes to monitoring development, two factors are crucial. By the end of 2028, 34 million additional fiber miles will be added as part of the physical build-out. Whether the infrastructure narrative is accurate will be revealed by updates on this coast-to-coast expansion. The second step is the Private Connectivity Fabric transaction flow. Although the Palantir collaboration represented a significant turning point, further expansion will necessitate a consistent flow of corporate contracts. More PCF victories would solidify Lumen’s position as crucial plumbing for the AI economy. Join a premium crypto trading community free for 30 days - normally $100/mo.

18 Jan 2026, 14:04

Silver Forecast: Peter Schiff Predicts XAG Rally and Potential New All-Time High

Silver trades at $90.13 at the time of writing , posting a minimal 24-hour gain of 0.08% after a quiet session and 12.92% in the last 7 days. The metal remains close to record territory following weeks of strong performance that placed it among the top-performing precious metals. Prices have stayed elevated despite sharp intraday swings. That resilience keeps silver firmly in focus. Is the market preparing for another leg higher? Schiff Flags Strength Despite Pullbacks Precious metals investor Peter Schiff highlighted renewed strength across mining stocks after an early sell-off tied to a pullback in gold and silver. He noted that many miners closed the session with solid gains even as gold ended down more than $30 and silver fell over $3 intraday. Schiff stated that he expects a strong rally in the coming week. His comments reinforced attention on silver’s broader trend rather than short-term price noise. Schiff also reiterated his long-standing skepticism toward Bitcoin’s performance, urging investors to focus on precious metals instead. According to prior comments reported by Coinpaper, Schiff described the current phase as the early stage of what he called a historic bull market in precious metals. Drivers Behind Silver’s Recent Surge Silver has posted sharp gains after stabilizing above the $80 psychological level. Earlier trading sessions saw the metal near $83.59, close to its previous all-time high of $85.94, before momentum carried prices higher. Over the past year, silver prices have risen roughly 160%, supported by a mix of macroeconomic and sector-specific forces. Source: X Geopolitical uncertainty continues to support safe-haven demand. At the same time, expectations for U.S. Federal Reserve rate cuts remain a key factor. Markets continue to price in potential easing during 2026, with upcoming labor and inflation data set to guide expectations. A weaker dollar has also supported precious metals pricing. Industrial demand plays a growing role. Silver remains critical for electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and electronics manufacturing. That structural demand contrasts with purely speculative flows and adds depth to the current rally. Market Reaction to Global Events Recent geopolitical developments added another layer to market behavior. U.S. military intervention in Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro did not trigger a traditional flight to safety. Instead, stocks, Bitcoin, and precious metals all advanced. This unusual alignment suggested a short-term “rally across the board,” reflecting broad risk appetite rather than fear-driven flows alone. Meanwhile, the CME has prepared for potential market stress by implementing updated margin rules as volatility across precious metals increased. Those measures signal heightened awareness of rapid price movements as silver trades near historic levels. Can Silver Reach $100 per Ounce? The $100 level remains a key psychological target. In the near term, geopolitical risks linked to Venezuela continue to support safe-haven demand. President Donald Trump has indicated that further military actions remain possible if U.S. demands go unmet, keeping uncertainty elevated. From a longer-term perspective, lower interest rates would favor non-yielding assets such as silver by reducing opportunity costs. Continued industrial demand, combined with constrained mining supply, could support higher prices. For silver to reach or exceed $100, sustained physical demand, steady investment flows, and limited supply response would need to align. More extreme scenarios, such as runaway inflation, financial instability, or a genuine physical shortage, could push prices well beyond that level. Analysts continue to monitor the balance between paper markets and physical availability. Technical Structure Supports Near-Term Upside Short-term technical analysis shows silver holding above key demand levels . On lower timeframes, market structure has shifted bullish, with prices remaining above the $88.60 zone. Analysts tracking these levels point to potential upside targets near $91.80 and $93.00 if support holds. Pullbacks continue to appear corrective rather than trend-breaking. Source: Tradingview via X As silver trades near record highs, volatility remains elevated. The market now watches whether momentum and macro forces can sustain the move. The next sessions may provide clarity.

18 Jan 2026, 12:34

Ethereum Exit Queue Hits Zero as Weekly Chart Signals a Possible Turn

Ethereum’s validator exit queue dropped to zero, wiping out the wait to leave staking while the entry line still stretches past 45 days. At the same time, a widely shared weekly chart flagged an inverse head and shoulders setup as ETH trades near a major volume shelf. Ethereum validator exit queue drops to zero as withdrawals clear Ethereum’s validator exit queue fell to zero, signaling that no validators were waiting to leave the network at the time of the latest update. Data shown on the Ethereum Validator Queue dashboard, provided by Beaconcha.in, listed exit queue ETH at 0 and the wait time at 0 minutes, reflecting a fully cleared line for exits. Meanwhile, the dashboard showed the network still facing heavy demand on the way in. The validator entry queue stood at about 2,597,854 ETH, with an estimated wait of 45 days and 2 hours, based on a churn setting of 256 per epoch. That gap between a cleared exit queue and a long entry queue pointed to net inflows into staking, since validators continued to line up to join while departures stayed absent. The same dashboard also reported an 8.5 day “sweep delay,” which tracks the time it takes for balances to be processed and swept through the system. Even with the exit queue cleared, that delay can still affect when funds move through withdrawal mechanics, depending on validator status and scheduling. Network totals stayed elevated in the snapshot. The dashboard listed about 977,886 active validators and roughly 36.0 million ETH staked, equal to 29.65% of supply, while the displayed annual percentage rate sat near 2.81%. The page showed the figures were last updated about 125 minutes before the capture. Ethereum weekly chart highlights inverse head and shoulders setup near key volume shelf Meanwhile, a weekly Ethereum chart shared by trader Donald Dean on X outlined an inverse head and shoulders structure as ETH traded around $3,313 on Coinbase. The chart marked the left shoulder in late 2024, the head in early 2025, and the right shoulder in late 2025, a formation many traders use to map a potential trend reversal if price clears the neckline zone. Ethereum U.S. Dollar Weekly Chart. Source: TradingView Coinbase / X Dean pointed to ETH sitting near the 0.618 Fibonacci level, shown around $3,344 on the chart, while volume profile bars on the right highlighted a dense “volume shelf” in the low to mid $3,000s. That matters because heavy traded zones often act as decision areas, since price can stall there while buyers and sellers settle positioning. If ETH holds above that shelf, traders often treat it as support; however, if it loses the area, attention typically shifts to the next volume shelf lower on the profile. The chart also showed higher horizontal reference levels, including a marked line near $4,123 and a prior peak zone above $4,800. Dean framed $4,867 as an upper target tied to a challenge of previous highs, but that path depends on ETH reclaiming and maintaining levels above the mid $3,000 region first. As a result, the setup remains conditional: the pattern strengthens only if price pushes through the resistance band and sustains acceptance above it on the weekly timeframe.

18 Jan 2026, 12:25

Hong Kong to roll out central gold clearing system in MOU with Shanghai Gold Exchange

Hong Kong plans to formalize a new link with the Shanghai Gold Exchange through a memorandum of understanding that will be signed at the Asian Financial Forum next week, according to Financial Secretary Paul Chan in a blog post published on Sunday. Paul said he was leaving for Davos to attend the World Economic Forum, where about 3,000 political and business leaders from more than 100 countries will meet to talk about global risks. He said he would hold meetings, deliver speeches, and promote Hong Kong’s position under China’s upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan. Gold clearing plans target faster trades and lower costs Paul said Hong Kong needs to move faster in a global environment that is changing by the month. Under the One Country, Two Systems framework, the city plays the role of a connector and value builder, especially as global trade rules change. One area the government wants to push harder is gold trading, with the goal of building an international gold hub . He said demand for gold has grown as investors look beyond US dollar assets. Gold prices jumped more than 60% in 2025, the biggest annual gain since 1979. By the third quarter of last year, global gold demand by value rose 44% year on year to $146 billion. Paul added that Asia now needs more reliable platforms for storing, trading, clearing, and pricing gold. Gold trading activity inside Hong Kong has already picked up. By November, average daily turnover of 99 tael gold on the local exchange climbed more than two times from a year earlier to HK$2.9 billion. Paul said the growth exposed a weakness. All over-the-counter spot trades still rely on direct settlement between buyers and sellers. There is no central clearing, which slows trades and raises risks. The government is now pushing to build a central gold clearing system as core financial infrastructure. Paul said the system aims to raise efficiency, improve physical delivery, cut transaction costs, and add liquidity. A trial run is planned within the year, and the Shanghai Gold Exchange has been invited to take part. The memorandum to be signed at the Asian Financial Forum will also include new details on strengthening this clearing system and preparing for future market links with the mainland. Trade digitization supports wider finance and logistics overhaul Paul said geopolitical tensions are not only changing asset allocation. They are also reshaping global trade, supply chains, and business models. Hong Kong plans to upgrade its entire trade ecosystem to protect its role as an international trade center. The government is supporting mainland firms expanding overseas while also speeding up digital upgrades across logistics and trade finance at home. One project is the Port Community System, which launched last week. The platform now connects more than 2,300 companies. It uses artificial intelligence and blockchain to offer real-time cargo tracking around the clock. The system is designed to improve transparency across the logistics chain and make trade data easier to use for financing. Another effort is the CargoX project, led by the government and the Monetary Authority with other agencies. The project uses cargo, logistics, and trade data to simplify trade finance processes and help small and medium-sized firms access funding. A new roadmap will be released this week. It will focus on data, infrastructure, and connectivity, with 20 proposals aimed at building a more digital and competitive trade finance ecosystem. Paul said Hong Kong will keep its open-market policies regardless of whatever, adding that public consultation on the next budget is under way, covering industry growth, job creation, public services, and living standards. He said policymakers must balance these goals against global political risks, local economic transition pressures, and the need to control public spending growth. Hong Kong is also positioning itself as a regional precious metals hub and as a bridge to mainland markets. International clearing is seen as key because it lets investors trade gold without physically moving it. Bloomberg News reported in October that the Shanghai Gold Exchange was already in advanced talks with Hong Kong officials on joining an international clearing system. Gary Ng Cheuk-yan, a senior economist at Natixis Corporate and Investment Bank, said cooperation with Shanghai could strengthen Hong Kong’s role by expanding yuan-based products and attracting overseas investors. “With improved storage and clearing systems, Hong Kong can provide a regulated, safe environment to develop the gold trading ecosystem,” Gary said. “Hong Kong can leverage its multicurrency offerings – including the Hong Kong dollar, US dollar and yuan – to build the necessary storage and clearing infrastructure, eventually attracting investors to trade within the Asian time zone.” If you're reading this, you’re already ahead. Stay there with our newsletter .