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26 Jan 2026, 12:05
Foundry USA slashes hashrate in preparation for severe winter conditions
Foundry Digital continues to mine below capacity, after shutting down some of its hashrate ahead of the snowstorm expected to hit key mining locations in the USA. Miners keep producing blocks at a relatively high pace, barring unexpected conditions. Foundry Digital has prepared for the snowstorm expected to affect some of its locations in the USA. In the past few days, the pool shut down some of its hashrate from 1.08 ZH/s down to 780 EH/s. Winter is traditionally a slow season for miners, especially those depending on hydroelectric power. Short-term weather conditions are also affecting hashrate. Despite the slowdown, Foundry Digital emerged as the top mining pool, surpassing even Antpool, which is the usual leader. Antpool also shut down some of its capacity, from 335 EH/s down to 141 EH/s. As a result, overall Bitcoin mining slid to a six-month low of 742.93 EH/s. The exact contribution of pools may differ, as the entire hashrate reporting depends on methodology. The recent hashrate effect on major pools also shows how much US-based mining is key to Bitcoin’s security, as well as future data center investment decisions. Lower hashrate leads to lower difficulty One silver lining of slower mining is that block production may become easier, resulting in higher rewards for some pools. Difficulty slid to a three-month low after the last two recalculation periods happened during a period of slower mining. BTC mining dropped to a six-month low as miners shut down some of their capacity, accelerating the decline as US miners prepared for a snowstorm. | Source: Coinwarz While the change may be seasonal, lowered difficulty may alleviate the current mining distress. Miners keep producing blocks even as the hash ribbon indicator is flashing. The slide of BTC to $86,000 extended the period of distress for miners. The mining sector is closing in on two months of mining under distress conditions , as BTC moved down from its all-time high. Average cost to mine one BTC is now close to $75,000, serving as a price floor. However, some miners have lower costs, while new hardware may mean a more competitive advantage for newer mining farms. Is mining the bridge to AI? While mining starts to look non-viable under distress, mining companies are still winning. The sector leader IREN is up over 21% in 2026, rising to $45.91. Riot Platforms (RIOT) also retained some of its gains, reaching $17.28. All BTC mining operations retain access to relatively reliable sources of energy. As a result, some miners are still viable, while others are working toward AI and other forms of compute with a higher margin. BTC miners have been divesting some of their reserves, with 1.89M BTC left in storage. Despite this, the selling is relatively slow, while the daily reward of 450 BTC is easily absorbed by the market. Want your project in front of crypto’s top minds? Feature it in our next industry report, where data meets impact.
26 Jan 2026, 12:00
Global Liquidity Says Bitcoin Is Extremely Undervalued – Here’s The ‘Real’ Figure
Crypto pundit Kyle Chassé has pointed to the rising global liquidity to prove that Bitcoin is currently undervalued. His comments come as fiat currencies like the Dollar and Yen continue to weaken amid concerns about governments’ fiscal policies. Global Liquidity Points To A Bitcoin Target Of $270,000 In an X post, Kyle Chassé shared an accompanying chart highlighting a Bitcoin target of $270,000 based on rising global liquidity. The pundit stated that the herd says that $90,000 BTC is expensive, but that the fiat ledger has reminded everyone why the digital ledger exists. This came as he revealed that the global M2 money supply has hit a record $98 trillion, driven by aggressive expansion from the U.S., the Eurozone, China, and Japan. Related Reading: Bitcoin Price Following The 2022 Fractal? Here Was The Previous Outcome Chassé further noted that year-to-date (YTD) global liquidity growth is now 6.2%, the fastest pace since the 2020 pandemic response. The pundit warned that in a system where the fiat denominator is permanently diluted, fixed-supply assets are not going up in price, but that cash is “loudly becoming worthless.” As such, he believes that BTC is a good hedge against currency debasement and potentially inflation. The pundit’s comments notably come amid a decline in the dollar, with the DXY down since the start of the year. The yen is also down YTD, as these fiat declines are coming amid a push by the governments to increase spending. Increased government spending is considered bullish for Bitcoin, given its fixed supply compared to fiat currencies, which governments continue to print. BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes had also recently predicted that a rise in dollar liquidity would spark higher BTC prices. However, that is yet to be the case as Bitcoin continues to trade like a risk asset and has erased its year-to-date (YTD) gains amid political tensions in the U.S. A U.S. government shutdown is also looking more likely by January 31, sparking a BTC drop below $87,000 yesterday. BTC Will Rise Once Liquidity Returns Crypto pundit Merlijn assured that Bitcoin will rise once liquidity comes back. In an X post, he urged market participants to zoom out and that the BTC pattern would become obvious. The pundit revealed that the flagship crypto has already recorded waves 1, 2, and 3 with lower highs, which signal trend fatigue. Related Reading: Here’s Why The Bitcoin, Ethereum, And Solana Prices Are Still Crashing Hard Now, Bitcoin is looking to form waves 4 and 5, which would signal a reset, absorption, and base building. Merlijn suggested that the bottom may not yet be in, but that once that happens, BTC could rally to as high as $124,000, bringing it close to its current all-time high (ATH) of $126,000. At the time of writing, the Bitcoin price is trading at around $87,700, down in the last 24 hours, according to data from CoinMarketCap. Featured image from Pngtree, chart from Tradingview.com
26 Jan 2026, 11:55
Gold peaks above $5,000 as Hong Kong expands gold trade with mainland China
Hong Kong’s government plans to broaden its bullion trade after signing a cooperation deal with mainland China’s gold exchange, as the special metal rises to a new all-time high price. On Monday, the special administrative city signed an agreement with the Shanghai Gold Exchange during the annual Asian Financial Forum, according to official statements released by the city. Under the memorandum of understanding , the Shanghai Gold Exchange will help Hong Kong establish a new, centralized precious metals clearing infrastructure. The partnership includes technical support, regulatory input, and risk management assistance in creating the Hong Kong Precious Metals Central Clearing Co. Gold prices climbed above $5,000 per ounce for the very first time, extending a rally that saw prices go up by more than 60% in 2025. Hong Kong unveils gold ambitions with China’s support According to Nikkei Asia, the soon-to-be-launched clearing company will become the main system for gold transactions in the city. Government officials said in the ceremony that trial operations will begin later this year, once regulatory approvals and operational arrangements are completed. An agency under China’s central bank, the Shanghai Gold Exchange, will help draft rules and approve institutions seeking to provide gold trading services. The new facility will provide efficient and reliable clearing services for gold transactions in compliance with international standards. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee. Hong Kong’s Secretary for Financial Services, Christopher Hui, is slated to chair the company. At the same time, a representative from the Shanghai Gold Exchange will become deputy chair, according to people familiar with the arrangement . The People’s Bank of China will support the Shanghai Gold Exchange in participating in the development of Hong Kong’s gold clearing system through various means to help Hong Kong build an international gold trading center and strengthen its connections with the global gold market. China’s Central Bank Deputy Governor Zou Lan. Zou also mentioned that the cooperation would make Hong Kong more suitable as an offshore market for China’s digital yuan . China is both the world’s largest producer and consumer of gold, giving it outsized weight in price formation and physical supply. As of September last year, China held 7.7% of global gold reserves, according to data from the World Gold Council. The country has been a net buyer of gold for 14 consecutive months, and its official holdings to 2,306 metric tons as of last month. The government wants to develop a gold vault with a capacity exceeding 2,000 tons within three years, under the Shanghai Gold Exchange’s physical warehousing management system. Russian gold shipments to China hit new records As reported by state news agency RIA Novosti, Russia increased its physical gold exports to China in 2025 to 25.3 tonnes, up 800% from the previous year. Exports jumped 14.6 times to $3.29 billion, a record high for the entire history of gold trade between Russia and China. Gold exports to China in December alone reached $1.35 billion, equivalent to a monthly record of about 10 tonnes. Despite the surge, Russia was seventh among China’s gold suppliers by volume last year. Switzerland is still the largest exporter, selling gold worth $25.73 billion to China. Canada followed with $11.06 billion, while South Africa shipped $9.42 billion. Australia and Kyrgyzstan rounded out the top five exporters, with $8.77 billion and $4.95 billion, respectively. Meanwhile, Chinese rare-earth metal shares have been rallying , buoyed by supply concerns and policy support from Beijing. Sales and profits from the rare-earth sector are trending higher, as the total net profit for January through September 2025 from about 47 companies already matched the full-year total for 2024. If current performance continues, the sector’s annual profits are likely to reach the highest level since 2016, according to figures from Shanghai-based information provider Shanghai DZH. China began restricting exports of seven rare earth elements, including dysprosium, in April 2025. The move preceded the announcement of “reciprocal” tariffs on Chinese goods by an angry US President Donald Trump, whose government is still in talks with Beijing. In Europe, where prices are particularly sensitive to Chinese supply curbs, dysprosium reached $935 per kilogram in January, according to UK research firm Argus Media. The smartest crypto minds already read our newsletter. Want in? Join them .
26 Jan 2026, 11:50
Bitcoin stays below $88K as shutdown fears spark fresh crypto market losses
The gains accrued earlier this month have been wiped out as Bitcoin dropped below the $88k level on Monday. The cryptocurrency market has been bearish over the last three weeks and has begun another week with more losses. Over $100 billion was wiped out from the crypto market on Sunday as events in the United States affected Bitcoin and other major altcoins. Possible US government shutdown pushes BTC’s price below $87k Bitcoin lost 2% of its value on Sunday and dropped to the $86k level, filling out the Fair Value Gap (FVG) on the 4-hour chart from December 19. The bearish performance comes amid the rising possibility of another US government shutdown. The shutdown risks are fueled by funding uncertainty and political deadlock. There is a legislative friction in Congress, where Democratic lawmakers have threatened to block a Department of Homeland Security funding bill following controversy over federal law enforcement actions. If another shutdown happens, it will come on the back of the longest government shutdown in US history, which lasted for six weeks. In addition to that, traders are focusing on the upcoming Fed rate decision. If there is a government shutdown, it would be hard for the Fed to cut the interest rates as the apex bank would lack the data to make informed decisions. While Bitcoin has bounced back and is now trading at $87,805, the bearish performance saw $744 million in liquidations of leveraged positions in the last 24 hours, led by $580 million for longs and $164 for shorts. BTC recovers above $87k after Sunday’s dip The BTC/USD 4-hour chart remains extremely bearish as Bitcoin has failed to rally towards the $91,600 resistance. Instead, it dropped below the $87k support level over the weekend. At press time, BTC is trading above $87,800. The momentum indicators remain bearish despite the rebound. If the recovery continues and Bitcoin’s daily candle closes above $87,878, the leading cryptocurrency could extend its recovery toward the nearest resistance level at $90,000. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) on the daily chart is 39, below the neutral 50 level, indicating bearish momentum. BTC will remain below $90k if the RSI fails to move past the neutral 50 level. In addition to that, the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) showed a bearish crossover last week, and the view remains in place. Thus, suggesting a bearish market condition. If the bulls fail to push BTC above the $90k level in the near term, the bearish trend could continue, and BTC could drop below the $85,569 support level, which coincides with the 78.6% Fibonacci retracement region on the daily chart. On the macro view, Bitcoin’s price action remains choppy, with no clear direction in the near term. The post Bitcoin stays below $88K as shutdown fears spark fresh crypto market losses appeared first on Invezz
26 Jan 2026, 11:00
AI-driven job losses in Britain accelerating, Morgan Stanley says
British companies are shedding more jobs than they’re creating because of artificial intelligence, and they’re doing it faster than businesses in other major economies. That’s what Morgan Stanley found in new research showing UK workers are taking a harder hit from AI adoption than their peers elsewhere. British firms cut a net 8% of their workforce due to AI over the past year. That’s the worst performance among the countries studied, Germany, the United States, Japan, and Australia, and twice what other nations averaged. Productivity rises while positions disappear Morgan Stanley looked at companies that have been using AI for at least a year. They focused on five industries including consumer staples and retail, real estate, transport, health-care equipment, and automobiles. For many of these firms, the investment is already paying dividends. UK companies saw their productivity jump 11.5% on average thanks to AI, with almost half doing even better than that. But American firms got nearly the same productivity boost while actually adding jobs instead of cutting them. The timing couldn’t be worse for Britain. Businesses are already dealing with expensive payroll costs, barely-there growth, and shaky politics. They’re cutting jobs faster than any time since 2020. Unemployment is approaching a five-year high . Big jumps in minimum wage and national insurance contributions keep forcing companies to rethink their staffing. Job postings are falling everywhere, but UK firms are pulling back hardest on roles that AI can handle, think software developers or consultants. Bloomberg looked at Office for National Statistics data on online job ads and found something telling. S ince ChatGPT launched in 2022, openings for these AI-vulnerable jobs have dropped 37%. Other positions? Down 26%. Justin Moy runs EHF Mortgages in Chelmsford, northeast of London. He said, “The rising costs of employing staff is driving a growing number of smaller businesses to use AI and outsourcing solutions to fulfill roles traditionally filled by local people who are now missing out on these opportunities.” Morgan Stanley’s research show s UK employers cut or didn’t refill about a quarter of their roles because of AI. Companies in other countries did roughly the same thing. But there’s a crucial difference, British firms were far less likely to then turn around and hire more people because of the technology. AI coul d pu ll Britain’s economy out of its current rut. The Bank of England and the Office for Budget Responsibility have both talked about the potential. The fiscal watchdog thinks the technology could boost productivity growth by as much as 0.8% within ten years , en ough to lift living standards and help government finances. Young workers face mounting challenges Right now, though, people are more focused on how AI is making the UK’s job crisis worse. Young people and white-collar workers are getting hit especially hard. Job openings across the economy have falle n mo re than a third since 2022. That’s half a million positions gone. A fifth of that drop came from sectors where AI is making the biggest impact , pr ofessional, scientific and technical work, administrative services, and IT. AI is wiping out entry-level office jobs while Labour’s tax policies are making retail and hospitality employers think twice about hiring. Youth unemployment has climbed faster than the overall rate, reaching 13.7% in the three months through November. That’s the highest it’s been since 2020. Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey calls A I th e next “general purpose technology”, something as transformative as computers or the internet before it. But he warned last month that the UK needs to get ready for the job losses AI will cause. He also pointed out that the technology could mess with how workers usually climb the ladder into senior roles. UK Office for National Statistics. The employer s Mo rgan Stanley surveyed said they’re most likely to cut jobs that need two to five years of experience in the UK. Rachel Fletcher heads up EMEA Sustainability Research at Morgan Stanley in London and wrote the report. She sees the findings as an “early warning sign” of what AI is doing to the job market. The technology’s impact on employment has “come up in a lot of our recent investor conversations,” she said. Sharpen your strategy with mentorship + daily ideas - 30 days free access to our trading program
26 Jan 2026, 10:45
Bitcoin Price Analysis: 4 Critical Factors Investors Must Watch This Week
BitcoinWorld Bitcoin Price Analysis: 4 Critical Factors Investors Must Watch This Week As global markets open on Monday, January 27, 2025, Bitcoin investors face a pivotal week defined by four critical factors outlined by Cointelegraph. Consequently, market participants must analyze technical breakdown risks, macroeconomic policy signals, shifting asset correlations, and on-chain holder metrics to navigate potential volatility. This comprehensive analysis provides the necessary context for understanding each factor’s potential impact on the world’s leading cryptocurrency. Bitcoin Price Analysis Confronts Technical Support Test Following a significant decline last weekend, Bitcoin’s price action now threatens a breakdown below previous established lows. Technical analysts closely monitor key support levels, which historically serve as crucial battlegrounds between buyers and sellers. A confirmed breach below these levels could trigger automated selling from algorithmic traders and stop-loss orders, potentially accelerating downward momentum. However, historical data from 2023 and 2024 shows that Bitcoin has repeatedly found strong buying interest near major support zones, often leading to robust rebounds. Market depth charts from major exchanges currently indicate substantial bid liquidity clustered just below the weekend’s low, suggesting institutional readiness to accumulate at lower prices. This technical setup creates a high-stakes environment where the next few percentage points of movement could dictate the short-term trend. The Macroeconomic Catalyst: FOMC Press Conference The U.S. Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) press conference on Wednesday, January 29, represents the week’s most significant macroeconomic event. Historically, Federal Reserve communications about interest rate policy, inflation targets, and balance sheet management have directly impacted risk assets like Bitcoin. Market participants will scrutinize Chairman’s statements for hints about the timing of potential rate cuts or continued quantitative tightening. Since 2022, tighter monetary policy has correlated with pressure on cryptocurrency valuations, while expectations of easing have frequently preceded rallies. The CME Group’s FedWatch Tool currently shows markets pricing in specific probabilities for future rate moves, creating a framework for potential market reactions. Analysts from firms like JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs have published notes highlighting the sensitivity of digital assets to U.S. dollar liquidity conditions, which the Fed directly influences. Decoding the Cryptocurrency and Precious Metals Correlation Recent rallies in gold and silver to new multi-year highs have sparked analysis about a potential inverse correlation with cryptocurrencies. Traditionally, gold serves as a perceived safe-haven asset during economic uncertainty, while Bitcoin has exhibited characteristics of both a risk-on tech asset and a digital store of value. Data from Bloomberg terminals shows the 90-day correlation coefficient between Bitcoin and gold has fluctuated significantly over the past two years, sometimes turning negative. This week’s concern stems from capital rotation; investors might shift funds from volatile crypto assets into established precious metals amid geopolitical tensions or inflation fears. However, some portfolio managers, including those at BlackRock, argue both asset classes can appreciate simultaneously in a macro environment of currency debasement and widespread institutional adoption. The relationship remains complex and context-dependent, requiring careful observation rather than assumption. Recent Asset Performance and Correlation Data Asset 30-Day Performance 90-Day Correlation with BTC Bitcoin (BTC) -8.2% 1.00 Gold (XAU) +5.7% -0.15 Silver (XAG) +9.3% -0.22 S&P 500 Index +2.1% +0.45 On-Chain Data Reveals Shifting Holder Sentiment A drop in the percentage of Bitcoin holders in profit to approximately 62%, as reported by blockchain analytics firm Glassnode, provides crucial on-chain insight into market sentiment. This metric, known as the Percent Supply in Profit, calculates the proportion of circulating BTC last moved at a lower price than the current market value. When this percentage falls significantly, it indicates a large portion of the network is holding coins at a loss, which can influence selling pressure and holder psychology. Historically, levels near 60% have often coincided with market capitulation phases or accumulation zones, depending on broader market structure. For context, during the 2022 bear market trough, this figure dropped below 50%, while during the 2024 all-time high, it exceeded 95%. Current levels suggest a neutral-to-weak sentiment, where further price declines could push more holders into an unrealized loss position, testing their conviction. Expert Analysis on Integrated Market Drivers Leading cryptocurrency researchers emphasize the need to synthesize these four factors rather than view them in isolation. For instance, a hawkish FOMC statement could strengthen the U.S. dollar, pressuring both Bitcoin and gold initially, but potentially strengthening their long-term investment thesis as alternative assets. Meanwhile, technical breakdowns often find resolution based on fundamental catalysts. Marcus Thielen, head of research at 10x Research, noted in a recent report, “The confluence of technical levels and macro events creates inflection points. The current 62% profit level is not extreme enough to signal a major bottom, but combined with a dovish Fed pivot, it could provide a powerful launchpad.” This integrated approach is standard among institutional trading desks, which model multiple variable interactions using quantitative frameworks. Historical Precedents and Market Impact Scenarios Examining historical parallels helps gauge potential outcomes. The June 2023 period, for example, saw Bitcoin consolidate below key support just before an FOMC meeting that paused rate hikes, leading to a 25% rally over the subsequent month. Conversely, in September 2024, a breakdown alongside a strong dollar index rally triggered a sharper 15% correction. The impact on the broader cryptocurrency ecosystem is also substantial. Altcoins typically exhibit higher beta to Bitcoin’s movements, meaning they often amplify Bitcoin’s volatility. Furthermore, crypto-related equities, such as mining companies and exchange-traded funds, frequently mirror these macro and technical dynamics. Regulatory developments, though not a focus this week, remain a persistent background factor influencing institutional participation and market structure. Conclusion This week’s Bitcoin price analysis hinges on the interplay between technical support tests, Federal Reserve policy signals, evolving correlations with traditional safe havens, and on-chain holder economics. Investors and traders must monitor these four critical factors simultaneously, recognizing that their combined effect will likely determine short-to-medium-term market direction. While uncertainty prevails, the structured analysis of technical levels, macro policy, cross-asset dynamics, and blockchain data provides a robust framework for decision-making. Ultimately, the cryptocurrency market continues to mature, increasingly responding to the same complex fundamental drivers as traditional financial markets. FAQs Q1: What is the most immediate technical risk for Bitcoin this week? The most immediate risk is a confirmed daily or weekly close below the support level established from last weekend’s low, which could trigger algorithmic selling and push prices toward the next significant demand zone. Q2: How exactly does the FOMC press conference affect Bitcoin? The FOMC’s guidance on interest rates and quantitative policy influences the U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) and global liquidity. A stronger dollar and tighter liquidity conditions historically create headwinds for Bitcoin, while expectations of easier policy are often bullish. Q3: Why would a rally in gold be negative for Bitcoin? It is not inherently negative, but a strong negative correlation could indicate capital rotation out of “risk” assets like crypto and into perceived “safe havens” like gold. Both can also rise together if the driver is a loss of faith in traditional fiat currencies. Q4: What does “62% of holders in profit” actually mean? It means that 62% of the total circulating Bitcoin supply was last moved at a price lower than the current market price. Essentially, these holders could sell their BTC for a profit if they transacted today. Q5: Where can investors find reliable data on these factors? Technical and on-chain data is available from platforms like Glassnode, CryptoQuant, and TradingView. Macro policy analysis comes from Federal Reserve publications, while correlation data is tracked by financial data terminals like Bloomberg and Reuters. This post Bitcoin Price Analysis: 4 Critical Factors Investors Must Watch This Week first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
