News
29 Jan 2026, 11:00
Pundit Says XRP Price Is Not A ‘Crypto’ Question, But A Systemically Important Liquidity Asset

A crypto analyst has provided a new update on the XRP price, highlighting its role as a systemically important liquidity asset. According to the pundit, its price dynamics go beyond the typical crypto speculation, emphasizing its value as a foundational financial tool for global liquidity, settlement, and treasury management. XRP Price Signals Value Beyond Crypto Speculation On January 27, crypto analyst and investor Rob Cunningham shared a new take on the XRP price that challenges conventional crypto thinking. He emphasized that the question of XRP’s value is not primarily about crypto speculation but about balance sheets, liquidity, and risk management. He also argued that understanding the altcoin requires viewing it as a structural tool within the global financial system rather than just a market-traded asset. Related Reading: XRP’s 173-Day Theory: What Happens If This Historical Trend Plays Out Again Cunningham noted that when XRP is treated as plumbing, neutral collateral, and a source of settlement certainty, its price logic will stop looking like Bitcoin’s. He described XRP as a systemically important liquidity asset, meaning its valuation reflects systemic function rather than market hype. This framing positions XRP as an essential infrastructure for liquidity and cross-border settlement. The crypto pundit also cited a previous commentary from Ripple’s CTO Joel Katz, who reportedly argued that XRP’s price would need to be well above $200 to achieve its intended purpose. According to Katz, this price target is necessary to make the token a cost-effective neutral bridge of liquidity and settlement globally. Building on this, Cunningham concluded that regulatory clarity could come first for XRP, followed by adoption, and that price would then adjust. The analyst underscored the importance of maintaining patience, noting that the token’s future is inevitable once its functional purpose is fully recognized and integrated into global financial systems. Price When Driven By Global Liquidity And Settlement In his post, Cunningham referenced an image illustrating XRP’s potential flow, liquidity, and price relationships. The data highlighted the price levels XRP’s price could reach if driven by global liquidity and settlements. Related Reading: XRP To $11, And Then $70: The Next Impulse Wave To Watch Out For According to the image, if XRP captures just 15% of SWIFT’s annual flow, it would represent $22.5 trillion in yearly liquidity processed through the cryptocurrency. At 25% XRP settlement rate and tight liquidity corridors, the yearly XRP-settled flow would total $5.6 trillion. Notably, the liquidity required to support these flows depends on its velocity, which ranges from 1:6 to 1:12 per year. Based on an annual flow of $5.6 trillion and a buffer of 2x to 5x, Cunningham estimates the required XRP liquidity would range from $280 billion to $700 billion. This calculation reflects the treasury scale of XRP necessary to absorb and settle global flows effectively. The price scenarios in the image show a wide range, depending on settlement and treasury reserve assumptions. The base case assumes a price range of $2.50 to $7.50 for XRP, while full ripple effects could push the token to $10 to $200. If XRP were to function as a major reserve currency, the image suggests its price could reach $50 to $100 or higher. Featured image from Peakpx, chart from Tradingview.com
29 Jan 2026, 10:40
Upbit Babylon Token Circulation Update: Strategic Supply Cut Sparks Market Analysis

BitcoinWorld Upbit Babylon Token Circulation Update: Strategic Supply Cut Sparks Market Analysis In a significant move for cryptocurrency investors, South Korea’s leading digital asset exchange, Upbit, announced a pivotal update to the token circulation plan for Babylon (BABY) on March 15, 2025. This strategic adjustment, implemented at the project’s direct request, substantially reduces the planned circulating supply for the first quarter, marking a deliberate shift in tokenomics strategy that warrants close examination by the crypto community. Upbit’s Babylon Token Circulation Plan: A Detailed Breakdown Upbit’s official notification outlined precise numerical changes to the BABY token distribution schedule. The exchange reduced the Q1 2025 circulating supply target by 96,595,603 BABY tokens. Consequently, the revised figure now stands at 3,088,768,078 BABY, down from the initially planned 3,185,363,681. Following this quarterly adjustment, the circulating supply target for the second quarter of 2025 is set at 4,428,001,925 BABY. This represents a sequential increase, but the foundational Q1 base is now notably lower. Such precise, project-driven adjustments are becoming increasingly common as crypto projects mature and seek more sustainable emission models. Token circulation plans serve as critical roadmaps, detailing how and when tokens enter the open market. These schedules directly influence market dynamics, including liquidity, trading volume, and price discovery. A reduction in near-term supply, all else being equal, can decrease sell-side pressure. This often signals a project’s long-term confidence and a commitment to value preservation for early stakeholders. However, analysts consistently emphasize that supply metrics represent just one facet of a token’s fundamental health. The Mechanics of Supply Adjustments Supply adjustments typically originate from a project’s core development team or foundation. Exchanges like Upbit then act as communication channels, relaying these verified updates to their user bases. The process involves recalculating vesting schedules, re-evaluating treasury allocations, or delaying certain ecosystem grants. For the Babylon project, a reduction of this magnitude suggests a recalibration of its initial go-to-market strategy, potentially extending runway or reallocating tokens for specific future initiatives like staking rewards or partnership incentives. Contextualizing the Update: Tokenomics in Modern Crypto This announcement fits within a broader industry trend toward more conservative and calculated token distribution. Following the volatility of previous market cycles, many projects now prioritize supply discipline to build trust. A transparent and adjustable circulation plan is increasingly viewed as a hallmark of responsible project management. It demonstrates an ability to respond to market conditions and internal project milestones. Comparatively, other major projects have executed similar maneuvers. For instance, several Layer-1 and DeFi protocols have extended their token unlock schedules or implemented strategic buybacks to manage inflation. The key differentiator often lies in communication; timely, clear updates from reputable exchanges like Upbit enhance market transparency. This practice helps mitigate information asymmetry between project insiders and the public investing community. Key factors influencing such decisions include: Market Conditions: Overall sentiment and liquidity can prompt a review of emission schedules. Project Development Milestones: Delays or accelerations in roadmap execution may necessitate supply adjustments. Community Feedback: Governance proposals or stakeholder sentiment can drive changes. Regulatory Landscape: Evolving guidelines, particularly in jurisdictions like South Korea, may influence distribution strategies. Expert Perspective on Supply-Side Management Industry analysts note that while reducing immediate supply can be a positive signal, the long-term impact depends entirely on underlying utility. “A token’s value is not created by scarcity alone,” observes a blockchain economist from the Seoul Digital Finance Institute. “The critical question is whether the withheld supply is being allocated to activities that generate genuine ecosystem growth, such as developer grants, liquidity provisioning, or user incentives. Otherwise, it merely postpones potential sell pressure.” This perspective underscores the importance of examining the ‘why’ behind the numbers, not just the numbers themselves. Potential Impacts and Market Implications The immediate market reaction to such news is often measured. Traders assess whether the change was anticipated or represents new information. In this case, the update came directly via Upbit, a top-tier exchange, lending it significant credibility. For existing BABY holders, the reduction in near-term supply could be interpreted as a supportive measure, potentially reducing the dilution of their holdings in the short term. For the broader market, this event highlights the operational maturity of the South Korean crypto sector. Upbit’s role as a conduit for official project communications reinforces its position as a market infrastructure pillar. It also sets a precedent for how exchanges can facilitate transparent dialogue between projects and investors, moving beyond simple trading functionality to become information hubs. Looking forward, the adjusted Q2 supply target of approximately 4.43 billion tokens will be the next focal point. Market participants will monitor whether this increased supply enters circulation as planned and how it is absorbed. The distribution method—whether through exchanges, over-the-counter deals, or ecosystem programs—will significantly influence its market effect. Conclusion Upbit’s update regarding the Babylon (BABY) token circulation plan represents a meaningful development in the project’s economic strategy. The decision to cut the Q1 2025 circulating supply by over 96 million tokens reflects a strategic, forward-looking approach to tokenomics. While such adjustments can influence short-term market mechanics, their ultimate success hinges on the Babylon project’s ability to deploy its resources toward building sustainable utility and adoption. This event underscores the evolving sophistication of crypto asset management, where transparent communication and adaptive supply schedules are becoming standard practice for credible projects and the exchanges that list them. FAQs Q1: What exactly did Upbit announce about the Babylon (BABY) token? Upbit announced an update to the Babylon token’s circulation plan, reducing the circulating supply target for Q1 2025 by 96,595,603 BABY tokens, from roughly 3.185 billion to 3.089 billion. Q2: Why would a project reduce its token supply? Projects may reduce near-term supply to manage inflation, extend project runway, reallocate tokens for specific future uses (like staking), or respond to current market conditions to support token value. Q3: Does a supply reduction guarantee the token price will increase? No, it does not guarantee a price increase. While it may reduce immediate sell pressure, the token’s long-term price depends on broader market sentiment, overall demand, and the fundamental utility and adoption of the project itself. Q4: How does this affect current BABY token holders? For existing holders, a reduced near-term supply could mean less immediate dilution of their holdings. However, the overall impact depends on how the project utilizes the withheld tokens in the future. Q5: What is the new circulating supply target for Q2 2025? Following the Q1 adjustment, the circulating supply target for the second quarter of 2025 is set at 4,428,001,925 BABY tokens. This post Upbit Babylon Token Circulation Update: Strategic Supply Cut Sparks Market Analysis first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
29 Jan 2026, 10:35
Optimism DAO Passes OP Buyback Proposal With 84% Approval – What’s Next?

The Optimism Collective approved a proposal directing 50% of Superchain revenue toward monthly OP token buybacks with 84.4% support. The 12-month program starting in February transforms OP from a pure governance token into one directly tied to sequencer revenue generated across Base , Unichain , Ink, World Chain, Soneium, and OP Mainnet. Based on the 5,868 ETH collected over the past twelve months, the initiative would deploy approximately 2.7k ETH, or roughly $8 million at current prices, into open-market purchases executed through an OTC provider. Purchased tokens flow back to the collective treasury, where they may eventually be burned, distributed as staking rewards, or deployed for ecosystem expansion as the platform evolves. Source: Optimism Revenue Mechanism Ties Token Demand to L2 Growth The Foundation will partner with an OTC provider to execute monthly ETH-to-OP conversions within predetermined windows, regardless of price, beginning with January’s revenue in February. According to the proposal , conversions pause if monthly revenue falls below $200,000 or if the OTC provider cannot execute under maximum allowable fee spreads, with any paused allocation rolling over to the following month. All trades will be reported publicly through Optimism’s stats dashboard or the governance forum for transparency, with the Foundation publishing an execution dashboard tracking fills, pacing, pricing, and balances. The remaining 50% of ETH revenue stays flexible for development, ecosystem growth, and shared infrastructure across the Superchain’s 30+ partners, reducing governance overhead that historically limited active treasury management. While the program starts small, it scales with Superchain expansion, where every transaction across participating chains expands the buyback base and creates structural demand for OP tokens. The mechanism operates on collected sequencer revenue from chains that contributed the full 5,868 ETH to a treasury managed by Optimism governance over the past year. Happy new year everyone! In November last year, I wrote about the changes we were making to refocus the team on what comes next for crypto. Today, the @Optimism Foundation is proposing a token buyback. The goal is to unify the broader ecosystem outside of just our internal… — Optimist Prime (@jinglejamOP) January 8, 2026 Foundation Sees Buybacks as First Step in Token Evolution Optimism Foundation Executive Director Bobby Dresser framed the approval as a turning point for the token’s economic role. “ Governance approval of the buyback proposal marks an exciting first step in expanding the role of the OP token, ” Dresser said. “ Optimism’s OP Stack is becoming the settlement layer for the next generation of financial systems, and this program will help align the OP token’s value with the success of the Superchain ecosystem. “ Speaking with Cryptonews, Dresser explained the strategic rationale behind the shift. “ The goal of this proposal is to align the OP token directly with the success of the Superchain, ” he said. “ Optimism earns real, growing revenue from Superchain usage, but historically, the OP token has only been used for governance. Buybacks create a direct link between Superchain demand and OP, making OP the shared instrument of the ecosystem. “ When asked what success looks like at the program’s conclusion, Dresser emphasized long-term infrastructure over short-term price action. “ Success to us means building an ecosystem that will last, which means putting the right infrastructure in place to create a new paradigm for Optimism and the OP token, ” he said. “ Ultimately, the governance community will decide if this should become a long-term mechanism. “ Implementation Begins Despite Governance Concerns The proposal faced initial scrutiny from delegates concerned about bundling buyback authorization with expanded Foundation treasury discretion into a single vote. GFXlabs urged splitting the two policy decisions, arguing that combining them prevented proper evaluation of each component and created risks that delegates might approve treasury management authority primarily because of expected price appreciation from buybacks. Delegates also raised concerns about the OTC execution strategy, with critics arguing that off-chain purchases lack transparency, create corruption risks, and signal that Optimism cannot support basic trading activity on its own DeFi infrastructure. Source: Optimism Governance Platform Some community members proposed that on-chain execution would better align with the network’s decentralized ethos and provide necessary transparency to prevent potential conflicts of interest. Despite these concerns, the proposal passed Special Voting Cycle #47 under Joint House approval at the required 60% threshold, clearing the way for immediate implementation. Initial operations will be executed by the Foundation under predetermined parameters, eliminating discretion, with the mechanism potentially moving increasingly on-chain through Protocol Upgrade 18, which ensures all sequencer revenue from OP Chains gets collected without Foundation involvement. Notably, the program comes as buyback mechanisms proliferate across crypto, though with mixed results. Jupiter recently questioned whether to continue its $70 million buyback program after JUP fell nearly 90% from early-2024 highs, while Helium halted HNT buybacks despite generating $3.4 million in monthly revenue, with both projects finding that supply dynamics consistently overwhelmed demand. The post Optimism DAO Passes OP Buyback Proposal With 84% Approval – What’s Next? appeared first on Cryptonews .
29 Jan 2026, 09:40
Bitcoin’s Surprising Reality: JPMorgan Reveals Most Investors Reject Dollar Hedge Narrative

BitcoinWorld Bitcoin’s Surprising Reality: JPMorgan Reveals Most Investors Reject Dollar Hedge Narrative NEW YORK, March 2025 – A comprehensive JPMorgan analysis delivers a sobering assessment of Bitcoin’s role in global markets, revealing that most participants reject the cryptocurrency’s long-touted status as a dollar hedge. The bank’s research demonstrates an unexpected correlation pattern between Bitcoin and the U.S. Dollar Index that challenges fundamental investment theses. This finding emerges during a period of significant monetary policy transition, forcing institutional and retail investors alike to reconsider their allocation strategies. Bitcoin’s Dollar Hedge Narrative Faces Empirical Scrutiny JPMorgan’s Asia macro strategy team, led by Yuxuan Tang, recently published a detailed examination of cryptocurrency market dynamics. Their analysis focuses specifically on the relationship between Bitcoin and the U.S. Dollar Index over the past twelve months. The team discovered a concurrent decline in both assets, with Bitcoin falling approximately 13% while the DXY dropped 10% during the same period. This parallel movement contradicts traditional expectations for a dollar hedge asset. Typically, financial theory suggests that a weaker dollar should benefit alternative stores of value. Gold, for instance, has historically demonstrated strong inverse correlation with dollar strength. However, Bitcoin’s recent performance deviates from this established pattern. The JPMorgan report concludes that market participants primarily view Bitcoin as a liquidity-sensitive asset rather than a reliable hedge against dollar depreciation. The Liquidity Sensitivity Paradigm in Cryptocurrency Markets Financial analysts increasingly recognize that cryptocurrency markets respond more directly to liquidity conditions than to currency valuation shifts. Central bank policies, interest rate expectations, and quantitative easing measures exert substantial influence on digital asset prices. This sensitivity explains why Bitcoin sometimes moves in tandem with traditional risk assets rather than following safe-haven patterns. Several factors contribute to Bitcoin’s liquidity-driven behavior: Institutional Participation: Large financial institutions now treat Bitcoin as part of broader portfolio allocations Derivatives Markets: Futures and options trading creates complex price dynamics disconnected from dollar movements Regulatory Developments: Policy changes affect market access and capital flows more than currency valuations Technological Factors: Network upgrades and protocol changes create internal market dynamics Expert Analysis from Financial Institutions Yuxuan Tang’s report represents a growing consensus among traditional financial analysts. Major investment banks have consistently questioned Bitcoin’s hedging properties during periods of market stress. The 2022-2024 period provided particularly compelling evidence, as both Bitcoin and the dollar experienced volatility amid changing Federal Reserve policies. Goldman Sachs published similar findings in late 2024, noting that Bitcoin’s correlation with tech stocks exceeded its correlation with gold. Meanwhile, Bank of America research highlighted how cryptocurrency markets increasingly reflect global liquidity conditions rather than currency-specific dynamics. These institutional perspectives challenge retail investor assumptions about Bitcoin’s fundamental characteristics. Traditional Safe Havens Maintain Their Appeal JPMorgan’s analysis reveals that investors seeking dollar diversification continue preferring established assets. Gold remains the primary beneficiary of dollar weakness, attracting both institutional and retail capital during currency depreciation periods. The precious metal’s millennia-long history as a store of value provides psychological comfort that newer assets cannot match. Emerging market equities represent another popular alternative. Countries with strong economic fundamentals and commodity resources often see currency appreciation against the dollar during depreciation cycles. Investors can capture both equity returns and currency gains through carefully selected emerging market exposures. Asset Performance During Dollar Weakness (2023-2024) Asset Class Performance Correlation to DXY Gold +18% -0.72 Emerging Market Stocks +12% -0.58 Bitcoin -13% +0.31 U.S. Technology Stocks -8% +0.42 Monetary Policy’s Critical Role in Future Bitcoin Performance The JPMorgan report emphasizes that monetary policy developments will determine Bitcoin’s medium-term trajectory. Without clear shifts in central bank approaches, the cryptocurrency may struggle to match rallies in traditional safe-haven assets. Federal Reserve decisions regarding interest rates and balance sheet management particularly influence cryptocurrency valuations through liquidity channels. Several policy scenarios could affect Bitcoin’s relationship with the dollar: Accelerated Tightening: Rapid interest rate increases typically pressure both Bitcoin and risk assets Prolonged High Rates: Extended restrictive policy reduces market liquidity across all asset classes Unexpected Easing: Premature rate cuts could boost Bitcoin alongside other risk-sensitive investments Balance Sheet Reduction: Quantitative tightening directly removes liquidity from financial markets The Historical Context of Currency Hedging Currency hedging strategies have evolved significantly over decades. The Bretton Woods system established the dollar’s dominance following World War II. Subsequent systems created various approaches to currency risk management. Bitcoin emerged during an unusual period of monetary experimentation following the 2008 financial crisis. This historical context helps explain why traditional assets maintain their hedging appeal. Institutional investors with multi-decade horizons prefer assets with proven long-term characteristics. Bitcoin’s relatively brief history, despite its impressive growth, cannot yet provide the statistical confidence required for core hedging positions in large portfolios. Conclusion JPMorgan’s analysis delivers crucial insights about Bitcoin’s evolving role in global finance. The cryptocurrency’s failure to perform as a dollar hedge during recent market conditions challenges popular narratives. Most market participants now recognize Bitcoin’s sensitivity to liquidity conditions rather than its utility as a currency hedge. This understanding will shape investment strategies as monetary policy continues evolving through 2025 and beyond. The Bitcoin dollar hedge narrative requires substantial evidence before gaining widespread acceptance among institutional investors. FAQs Q1: What evidence does JPMorgan cite for Bitcoin not being a dollar hedge? JPMorgan analysts point to the concurrent decline of Bitcoin and the U.S. Dollar Index over the past year. Bitcoin fell 13% while the DXY dropped 10%, demonstrating positive rather than inverse correlation. Q2: What assets do investors prefer for dollar hedging according to the report? The analysis indicates investors seeking dollar diversification typically choose gold or emerging market stocks rather than Bitcoin. These traditional assets have established hedging characteristics and longer performance histories. Q3: How does monetary policy affect Bitcoin’s performance? Bitcoin responds primarily to liquidity conditions influenced by central bank policies. Interest rate decisions and quantitative measures affect market liquidity, which directly impacts cryptocurrency valuations more than dollar strength alone. Q4: Could Bitcoin become a dollar hedge in the future? The report suggests Bitcoin would require a clear shift in market perception and monetary policy dynamics. As the asset matures and establishes longer correlation patterns, its hedging properties might evolve, though this remains uncertain. Q5: How should investors approach Bitcoin given this analysis? Investors should recognize Bitcoin’s liquidity-sensitive characteristics rather than assuming automatic hedging properties. Portfolio allocation decisions should consider Bitcoin’s actual market behavior rather than theoretical characteristics. This post Bitcoin’s Surprising Reality: JPMorgan Reveals Most Investors Reject Dollar Hedge Narrative first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
29 Jan 2026, 09:14
Pundit: If You Own XRP, You Need to Know These 3 Things

Crypto commentator Austin Hilton has released a message aimed at XRP holders and digital asset investors, warning that several near-term developments could influence market conditions. In a post on X, Hilton stated, “If you own XRP (or any crypto)… You need to know these 3 things that are happening this week,” directing followers to a detailed video explanation. His comments focus on current market conditions, policy decisions, and political risks that may affect prices in the days ahead. Hilton opened by noting that many investors are unable to track markets constantly and rely on summarized updates. He explained that his goal was to outline the most relevant factors likely to affect XRP and other major crypto assets during the week, particularly given the fragile state of market sentiment. If you own XRP (or any crypto)… You need to know these 3 things that are happening this week. pic.twitter.com/IeW4gX6tfl — Austin Hilton (@austinahilton) January 27, 2026 Liquidity Conditions and the Federal Reserve Hilton first addressed current market performance, pointing out that while Bitcoin and Ethereum were modestly higher at the time of recording, XRP was showing a short-term decline. He emphasized that the underlying issue remains a lack of new liquidity entering the crypto market. According to Hilton, without fresh capital, price movements are easier to influence, and downward pressure can persist even during brief periods of recovery. He then focused on the upcoming Federal Reserve interest rate decision, which he described as a key event for risk assets. Hilton noted that expectations favored a pause in rate changes, though he expressed personal concern that rates were not being reduced. He referenced market commentary indicating that continued caution from the Federal Reserve has contributed to uncertainty, which in turn weighs on crypto prices, including XRP . Market Cycle Signals and Legislative Activity Another point Hilton highlighted involved market cycle indicators tied to Bitcoin’s performance relative to gold. He referenced analysis from crypto analyst Michael van de Poppe, explaining that similar conditions in past cycles coincided with market lows in 2015, 2018, and 2022. While the data discussed was centered on Bitcoin, Hilton stated that XRP and other major assets have historically followed similar patterns due to Bitcoin’s influence on overall market direction. Based on this analysis, he suggested the market may be nearing the end of the current downturn. Hilton also discussed ongoing legislative developments in the United States, including Senate action related to the Clarity Act and proposals affecting the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. He described these steps as part of the continuing effort to establish clearer rules for digital assets. While he did not present the legislation as an immediate driver of price movement, he said it remains relevant for investors monitoring regulatory progress. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 Government Shutdown Risk and Potential Impact The most immediate concern raised by Hilton was the likelihood of a U.S. government shutdown, which he estimated at an 81 percent probability by the end of the week. He cited past shutdowns as periods that coincided with notable declines in crypto markets, including sharp drops in Bitcoin. Hilton stated that a shutdown would likely have a short-term negative effect on XRP and other digital assets. He clarified that he was not advising investors to sell their holdings, explaining that his own approach would be to hold positions and watch for possible buying opportunities if prices weaken. Hilton concluded by stressing that awareness of these developments is critical for XRP holders as the week unfolds. 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 advised to conduct thorough 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 X , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post Pundit: If You Own XRP, You Need to Know These 3 Things appeared first on Times Tabloid .
29 Jan 2026, 08:59
Strive boosts Bitcoin holdings past 13,000 BTC after Semler acquisition

Strive has added nearly 333.9 Bitcoin to its balance sheet, pushing its total holdings to over 13,131 BTC and securing its spot as the tenth largest public company holding the bellwether cryptocurrency. The purchase comes just weeks after Strive closed its acquisition of Semler Scientific, a move that brought 5,048 Bitcoin into its treasury and marked a sharp escalation in the firm’s pivot toward becoming a full-scale Bitcoin reserve vehicle . According to the official announcement , the latest buy, executed at an average price of $89,851, brings the value of Strive’s total Bitcoin holdings to over $1.17 billion at current prices. Strive said its Bitcoin yield for the quarter so far stands at roughly 21.2%, referring to the growth in Bitcoin exposure per common share over the reporting period. Alongside the acquisition, Strive also completed an upsized offering of its Variable Rate Series A Perpetual Preferred Stock, known as SATA, which drew more than $600 million in investor interest. The offering was raised to $225 million, with the proceeds used to unwind a major chunk of the debt Strive took on when it acquired Semler Scientific earlier this month. According to the announcement, Strive has now retired $110 million of the $120 million in inherited liabilities, which includes $90 million worth of convertible notes exchanged for SATA stock and the full repayment of a $20 million Coinbase credit facility. The company said it plans to clear the remaining $10 million within four months, a move that will leave its Bitcoin holdings fully unencumbered. The company finalized the Semler deal on Jan. 13 after shareholders approved the all-stock transaction. With the merger complete, Strive absorbed the full 5,048.1 Bitcoin previously held by Semler into its consolidated treasury. It also reiterated plans to divest or reposition Semler’s legacy healthcare diagnostics business. It reaffirmed its preference for preferred equity over traditional debt as it looks to grow its Bitcoin-per-share footprint. Despite the rapid balance sheet cleanup and treasury expansion, investors appeared unmoved. ASST shares fell more than 2.2% on Wednesday, trading lower alongside several other public firms with large Bitcoin positions. Bitcoin downtrend spells trouble for treasury stocks Bitcoin is currently down around 30% from its record high of $126,080 in October, as risk appetite remains under pressure from macroeconomic headwinds. That backdrop has weighed on companies that leaned into Bitcoin during the last cycle, many of which saw their stock prices slide in late 2025, a trend that has largely extended into the early weeks of 2026. Nevertheless, the downturn has not deterred Micahel Saylor led Strategy, which stands as the largest corporate holder of Bitcoin, from buying the dip. On Jan. 26, the company announced it had acquired 2,932 Bitcoin at an average price of $90,000. As of last check, shares for the company were down over 3.5% in the past week. The post Strive boosts Bitcoin holdings past 13,000 BTC after Semler acquisition appeared first on Invezz










































