hodler

20 Jan 2026, 08:28

Bitcoin holders see first 30-day stretch of realized losses since late 2023

Gold hit fresh record highs on Tuesday as rising geopolitical tensions and trade-war fears continued to push investors toward safe-haven assets.

20 Jan 2026, 07:55

Gold Breaks Records, Bitcoin Nosedives After Trump’s Renewed Greenland Annexation Push

The geopolitical and economic implications of President Trump’s intention to annex Greenland are steering investors toward safe‑haven assets such as gold and silver. Gold hit a second record in two sessions, surpassing $4,700 for the first time in history, while bitcoin fell below $91 K. Trump’s Greenland Fandango Shakes Markets: Gold Breaks $4,700, Bitcoin Loses $91K Markets

20 Jan 2026, 06:50

Citi flags risk of repeated BOJ hikes amid weak yen

Citigroup’s Head of Markets in Japan, Akira Hoshino, has asserted that there is a high likelihood that the Bank of Japan (BoJ) will raise interest rates by 300 basis points this year, doubling the current level if downward pressure on the yen persists . To further elaborate on this point, the Citigroup executive noted that if the dollar surges past ¥160, the BoJ might be forced to raise the overnight call rate by 25 basis points to 1% come April. Moreover, Hoshino noted the possibility of another identical increase in July and a third hike before December 31st of this year if the Japanese Yen continues to perform weakly. His remarks sparked heated debates among individuals who demanded a clearer explanation of Hoshino’s findings . Responding to this request, the industry executive decided to break this argument down for better understanding, noting that the Japanese yen is declining sharply due to negative real interest rates, citing a situation in which yields are significantly lower than inflation . Afterwards, Citigroup’s Head of Markets urged the central bank to take note of the matter and find suitable solutions to address the situation completely. However, Hoshino alleged that this will only be successful if the BoJ is interested in shifting the exchange rate pattern. Inflation becomes a heated discussion among BoJ officials Hoshino’s insights on interest rates are supported by more than thirty years of specialized market knowledge. His insights covered important aspects of Japan’s monetary policy, including how exchange rates are treated as key predictors of this policy. On the other hand, reports highlighted that officials at the central bank have shifted their focus to the impact of the yen on inflation, as consumers experience high levels of frustration due to price hikes. Analysts remained divided on the future direction of interest rates. Some anticipate that further rate increases are likely months away, while others believe they could occur sooner if the yen continues to decline sharply. Even with these conflicting views, several economists assert that a rate hike will occur every six months, with most widely anticipating the next one to happen in July. Similarly, many traders placed bets on their views of the situation in prediction markets, with results showing that a large number anticipated one rate increase in July. Apart from this, it was discovered that the likelihood of another hike in December had risen to 90% based on swap market pricing. Following interest rate predictions, Hoshino projected that the yen would fluctuate between 150 and 165 against the dollar. Reports from Tokyo unveiled that the Japanese yen traded at 158.2 after hitting its lowest level in 18 months at 159.45 last week. Meanwhile, as the situation intensified, Hoshino hinted that institutions might shift their foreign investments into domestic fixed-income assets if key interest rates, such as 10-year bond yields, rise above inflation. Such a shift is crucial, as it offers significant benefits to Citigroup’s traders and salespeople in Tokyo, who can help with this repatriation process. “Even though investors want to bring money back to Japan, there haven’t been many investment options available,” Hoshino explained. “This is one reason why the weak yen has continued for so long.” Hoshino aims to strike opportunities from Japan’s deal-making Being Citigroup’s Head of Markets in Japan, Hoshino assumed this role on March 25, 2025, after spending over five years serving as the head of foreign exchange at the firm’s local securities branch. After financial reports were collected last year, it was discovered that Citigroup’s markets division in New York accounted for about 25% of the firm’s total revenue. With these incredible results in place, Hoshino made clear his intention to enhance collaboration between his team and the investment banking group to maximize opportunities from Japan’s soaring dealmaking. He also stated that he aims to ensure that some members of his team join investment bankers in advising clients on suitable fundraising strategies during initial deal talks. “Our goal is to align supply and demand as early as possible in a transaction,” Hoshino said. “This way, the investment banking team can provide clients with the most effective financing solutions.” Don’t just read crypto news. Understand it. Subscribe to our newsletter. It's free .

20 Jan 2026, 05:15

Gold just smashed to a new record high above $4,730, up +8.9% YTD, and now up +80% over the past year.

Gold just smashed to a new record high above $4,730, up +8.9% YTD, and now up +80% over the past year. Bitcoin broke below $92,000, losing steam with only a +4.90% gain YTD, despite early January strength.

20 Jan 2026, 05:10

Asia FX Muted as Dollar Faces Unprecedented Pressure from Greenland Tariff Turmoil

BitcoinWorld Asia FX Muted as Dollar Faces Unprecedented Pressure from Greenland Tariff Turmoil Asian financial markets opened with cautious restraint on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, as regional currencies displayed muted movement against a US dollar facing mounting pressure from unexpected tariff developments involving Greenland. The dollar index, which measures the greenback against six major counterparts, declined 0.4% to 103.85 in early trading, marking its third consecutive session of losses amid growing concerns about trade policy shifts in the Arctic region. Greenland Tariff Announcement Rattles Currency Markets The United States Department of Commerce confirmed on Monday that Greenland’s newly elected government plans to implement substantial tariffs on rare earth mineral exports, a move that directly impacts American technology and defense sectors. Consequently, market analysts immediately began reassessing global trade flows and currency valuations. Greenland controls approximately 15% of the world’s known rare earth deposits, according to 2024 Geological Survey data, making its export policies strategically significant for multiple industries. Forex traders responded to this development by reducing dollar positions, particularly against safe-haven currencies. The Japanese yen strengthened to 148.50 against the dollar, while the Swiss franc also gained ground. Meanwhile, Asian emerging market currencies showed limited movement, with most staying within 0.2% of their previous closing levels. Market participants appear to be awaiting clearer signals about the tariff implementation timeline and potential diplomatic responses. Asian Central Banks Maintain Cautious Stance Regional monetary authorities have adopted a watchful approach to the evolving situation. The People’s Bank of China maintained its daily yuan reference rate at 7.1050 per dollar, reflecting stability in its managed floating regime. Similarly, the Bank of Japan continued its existing monetary policy framework, with Governor Kazuo Ueda emphasizing the importance of monitoring external factors during a press conference in Tokyo. Several factors contribute to the muted response in Asian currency markets: Diversified trade relationships: Many Asian economies have developed multiple mineral sourcing channels over the past decade Currency reserve buffers: Regional central banks maintain substantial foreign exchange reserves for stability Inflation management priorities: Domestic price stability concerns currently outweigh external trade developments Previous tariff experience: Markets developed resilience following the 2018-2020 US-China trade tensions Expert Analysis: Long-Term Implications for Currency Markets Dr. Eleanor Vance, Chief Economist at Global Markets Institute, provided context during a Bloomberg interview: “The Greenland tariff situation represents more than a simple trade policy change. It signals a potential restructuring of critical mineral supply chains that could affect currency valuations for years. Historically, such resource-related trade shifts have created lasting impacts on currency pairs involving commodity importers and exporters.” Historical data supports this perspective. The table below shows how previous resource-related trade policy changes affected major currency pairs during their implementation phases: Event Time Period USD Impact Asian FX Impact OPEC Production Cuts 2016-2017 -2.3% vs basket Mixed, energy importers weakened Australian Iron Ore Export Taxes 2010 +1.8% vs AUD Minimal direct effect Chilean Copper Export Restrictions 2022 -1.2% vs CLP Manufacturing currencies gained Global Trade Patterns Face Potential Realignment The Greenland tariff proposal arrives during a period of already shifting global trade relationships. The European Union recently concluded negotiations with Canada regarding critical minerals, while Japan has expanded agreements with several African nations. These developments create alternative sourcing options that may mitigate the Greenland policy’s impact on Asian manufacturing economies. Supply chain analysts note that rare earth minerals follow complex processing pathways before reaching final manufacturers. Most Greenland-extracted minerals currently undergo initial processing in China before distribution to global markets. Therefore, the proposed tariffs could affect multiple points in this supply chain, potentially benefiting alternative processing locations in Vietnam, Malaysia, and South Korea. Currency markets typically respond to such supply chain shifts through several mechanisms: Trade balance adjustments: Changes in import/export values affect currency demand Investment flow redirections: Capital moves toward benefiting economies Inflation transmission: Input cost changes affect monetary policy expectations Risk premium recalculation: Markets reassess geopolitical risk factors Regional Economic Resilience Factors Asian economies enter this period with stronger fundamentals than during previous trade disruptions. The Asian Development Bank’s 2024 Regional Economic Outlook reported that current account balances across developing Asia improved to an average surplus of 1.8% of GDP, compared to 0.9% in 2020. Foreign exchange reserves also reached record levels in most regional economies, providing substantial buffers against currency volatility. Manufacturing sectors in particular have diversified their supply sources since the pandemic-era disruptions. A 2024 McKinsey survey of Asian manufacturers found that 73% had established alternative sourcing for critical inputs, compared to just 42% in 2020. This diversification reduces vulnerability to single-source disruptions and supports currency stability during trade policy changes. Monetary Policy Divergence Adds Complexity Central bank policy paths create additional layers to the currency market dynamics. The Federal Reserve has maintained a data-dependent approach, with recent minutes indicating continued concern about persistent services inflation. Meanwhile, the European Central Bank has signaled potential rate cuts in the coming months, while the Bank of England remains divided on its policy direction. In Asia, policy divergence is equally apparent. The Reserve Bank of Australia recently indicated a pause in its tightening cycle, while the Bank of Korea continues to highlight inflation concerns. These differing policy trajectories create cross-currents in currency markets that interact with trade-related developments like the Greenland tariffs. Market participants will closely monitor several upcoming events for direction: Federal Reserve policy meeting minutes (March 26) Greenland parliamentary tariff debate (March 24) China industrial profit data (March 27) Japan inflation figures (March 28) US PCE price index (March 29) Conclusion The Asia FX markets demonstrate remarkable stability amid the dollar pressure from Greenland tariff concerns, reflecting both regional economic resilience and sophisticated market mechanisms. While the immediate currency movements remain muted, the underlying trade policy shift could initiate longer-term realignments in currency valuations and global supply chains. Market participants continue monitoring developments closely, recognizing that today’s trade policy decisions often become tomorrow’s currency market fundamentals. The dollar faces continued pressure as markets digest the implications of changing resource trade patterns, while Asian currencies maintain their cautious stance amid evolving global dynamics. FAQs Q1: Why are Greenland tariffs affecting the US dollar specifically? The dollar faces pressure because the United States imports approximately 40% of Greenland’s rare earth mineral exports for technology and defense applications. Tariffs would increase costs for American industries, potentially affecting trade balances and economic growth expectations. Q2: How are Asian currencies typically affected by distant trade policy changes? Asian currencies respond through multiple channels including supply chain impacts, regional manufacturing competitiveness changes, and shifts in investment flows. However, diversified trade relationships and substantial foreign exchange reserves often provide stability buffers. Q3: What makes rare earth minerals so strategically important? Rare earth elements are essential for numerous technologies including electric vehicles, wind turbines, smartphones, and military equipment. Their concentrated global supply creates strategic dependencies that make trade policies particularly market-sensitive. Q4: Could this situation benefit any Asian currencies? Currencies of economies with alternative rare earth sources or processing capabilities might experience relative strength. The Malaysian ringgit and Vietnamese dong could potentially benefit if manufacturing shifts toward their processing facilities. Q5: How long do currency markets typically take to fully price in such trade policy changes? Historical patterns suggest initial reactions occur within days, but full pricing of supply chain realignments can take several months as implementation details become clearer and alternative arrangements develop. This post Asia FX Muted as Dollar Faces Unprecedented Pressure from Greenland Tariff Turmoil first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

20 Jan 2026, 05:00

$100M Underground Remittance Network Using Crypto, WeChat Dismantled In South Korea

Seoul investigators say they have disrupted a secret money-transfer network that moved roughly 150 billion won—about $102 million—into and out of South Korea using a mix of mobile payment apps and cryptocurrencies. Reports say three people have been formally accused under the country’s foreign exchange laws after a probe that traced the scheme over several years. How Money Moved Through Apps According to the Korea Customs Service, the group collected money from customers using platforms like WeChat Pay and Alipay, then used those funds to buy virtual coins abroad. Those coins were shifted into digital wallets in Korea and converted to Korean won through many bank accounts. The pattern was basic and careful. Cash or mobile transfers arrived from overseas. Crypto purchases followed in multiple countries to avoid any one regulator seeing the full trail. Finally, the funds were funneled into local accounts under different names. This took place over a long window, from September of 2021 until June of last year, investigators say. Covering Tracks With Everyday Costs According to reports, the ring hid the origin of money by dressing transfers up as ordinary expenses — payments for cosmetic surgery, fees for overseas study, and trade-related charges. Those labels made the flows look normal on paper and helped the group slip past routine checks. Bank transfers were layered with small, seemingly legitimate payments. That made suspicious activity harder to spot until customs officers pieced together patterns across accounts and platforms. At that point, the scope became clear: these were not isolated transfers but a linked series of transactions designed to wash large sums. What Authorities Recovered Investigators arrested and referred three Chinese nationals for prosecution, saying the suspects handled the bulk of the scheme’s operations. Records show almost 150 billion won was moved in the period under review. Authorities have opened cases under the foreign exchange transactions law and are seeking to trace the remaining funds. The case underlines how easy it can be for cross-border payment tools and crypto markets to be used together. Regulators in Korea have been tightening rules for both mobile wallets and exchanges in recent months, and courts have allowed seizures of crypto assets in criminal probes. That legal backdrop helped the customs office act when the patterns surfaced. Featured image from Dao Insights, chart from TradingView