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27 Jan 2026, 09:16
ETH Intraday Analysis: January 27, 2026 Short-Term Strategy
ETH at 2917$ with bearish bias, critical 2915$ support and 2923$ resistance being monitored. BTC downtrend is pressuring ETH, breakouts in 24-48 hours will be decisive.
27 Jan 2026, 09:15
Base Won’t ‘Pump’ Tokens: Jesse Pollak Slams Market Manipulation as ‘Illegal’
Tensions around market manipulation, meme tokens, and perceived favoritism have resurfaced on Coinbase-backed Layer 2 network Base, prompting its creator, Jesse Pollak, to publicly reject calls for the team to intervene in token prices. In a post on X, Pollak said the Base core team would not “support the chart behind the scenes,” directly addressing community members who have urged the network to use internal capital to push specific tokens higher. just to say it out loud: the @base core team will not "support the chart behind the scenes" — if what you mean is privately / behind the scenes coordinating and deploying capital to actively drive the price of an asset up in an attempt to get to a specific outcome. this would: -… — jesse.base.eth (@jessepollak) January 27, 2026 Pollak said privately coordinating or deploying funds to drive the price of an asset toward a desired outcome would disadvantage other tokens, undermine trust in the ecosystem, violate Base’s commitment to free and open markets, and likely break the law. He added that while the team would continue to improve how it drives visibility and distribution for applications and assets built on Base, price discovery must remain organic and transparent. Traders Question Base’s Missing “Flagship” Token The comments came amid growing frustration among some traders who argue that Base lacks a breakout token capable of attracting sustained speculative interest. A host of a popular Base-focused livestream said the network did not have “what it takes” to push a project into the hundreds of millions in market capitalization and suggested shifting attention to the chains. No, this is a Base problem. The Base trenches are starving for a real runner, yet the people at the top don’t seem to care. And the fix isn’t even hard. Pick a community. Support the chart behind the scenes. Give the chain something to rally around. Watch sentiment flip and… https://t.co/93HP9nIXM4 — Bill- Late Night on Base (@latenightonbase) January 26, 2026 Other users pushed back, saying the issue was not unique to Base but shows a broader problem across crypto, where meme-driven speculation has become a zero-sum game dominated by short-lived pumps. This isn’t a base problem. This is a Memecoin casino problem, across all of crypto. More than pvp ponzis we need newer positive sum games. — Etheraider (@etheraider) January 26, 2026 Pollak’s response drew support from parts of the community, while others showed their disagreements over how networks should compete for attention. Other users complained that Base had the option to rally around some of their tokens and failed to do so, citing examples of projects they thought could have been used as flagship assets. Pollak recognized the frustrations but felt that in the long term it only results in recurring losses by manipulating prices, whereas fair markets enable the participants to learn, to adapt, and ultimately to prosper. In his comments, he noted that Base remains to serve creators, builders, applications, and meme culture on the network, and the Base app is moving towards a more trading-oriented experience to highlight activity throughout the ecosystem. At the same time, he drew a clear line between promotion and manipulation, saying that secret coordination to inflate prices is incompatible with Base’s role as open infrastructure and with Coinbase’s obligations as a U.S.-regulated public company. Earlier Meme Token Controversy Still Haunts Base The debate also revived scrutiny of earlier incidents that shaped perceptions of Base’s role in meme markets. In 2025, Base faced backlash after its official X account posted “Base is for everyone,” followed by a tokenized version of the post minted on Zora. @coinbase ’s @base sparks controversy as a meme coin linked to its tweet surged to $17.1M before crashing 90%, raising questions about influencer responsibility. #Memecoin #BaseNetwork https://t.co/LsdudfhlIz — Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) April 17, 2025 Although Base said the token was a creative experiment and not an official product, the episode fueled accusations of implicit endorsement and intensified calls for regulatory scrutiny. More broadly, pump-and-dump activity has been a persistent issue on Base, where low transaction costs and fast execution have made it easier for bad actors to deploy, hype, and exit tokens within hours. Research during peak meme periods suggested that a significant share of newly launched Base tokens had severe security flaws or malicious features, including honeypot contracts and unlocked liquidity. These dynamics have contributed to large losses for retail traders and reinforced demands for clearer standards. Pollak’s statements appear aimed at distancing Base from those practices while leaving room for structured, transparent incentives. I love and support every meme on base I love and support every builder on base I love and support every creator on base I love and support every app on base the @baseapp can and will continue to iterate and it's shifting to be more trading focused, so it can drive value to all… — jesse.base.eth (@jessepollak) January 27, 2026 In replies to users, he said open systems such as competitions or clearly defined liquidity programs could be explored if they are implemented publicly and fairly. The post Base Won’t ‘Pump’ Tokens: Jesse Pollak Slams Market Manipulation as ‘Illegal’ appeared first on Cryptonews .
27 Jan 2026, 09:02
Why $42 XRP Isn’t Hopium? Pundit Says Banks Already Did the Math
Crypto analyst Ripple Bull Winkle has released a new video outlining why a $42 price level for XRP should not be dismissed as speculation. In a recent post, the analyst stated that banks have already completed their internal calculations and are positioning accordingly, adding that the numbers behind the thesis are significant. The accompanying video expands on this claim by linking liquidity conditions, regulation, custody structures, and institutional investment mechanisms to a long-term valuation case for XRP . Just dropped: Why $42 $XRP isn't hopium Banks already did the math. The numbers are wild. Full breakdown https://t.co/skh60s1FWA pic.twitter.com/qBRLDHid4q — Ripple Bull Winkle | Crypto Researcher (@RipBullWinkle) January 24, 2026 Liquidity Conditions and Central Bank Signals In the video, Ripple Bull Winkle points to recent remarks from U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell as a key signal for future liquidity conditions. Powell noted that while the Federal Reserve’s balance sheet size is currently frozen, reserves will be added back at a certain point to keep pace with the growth of the banking system and the broader economy. According to the analyst, this language indicates an eventual balance sheet expansion, which historically increases leverage capacity and risk tolerance across financial institutions. Ripple Bull Winkle argues that markets tend to anticipate these shifts rather than wait for explicit policy announcements. He states that previous periods of expansion in the digital asset market have coincided with excess liquidity. However, he emphasizes that the next phase may differ in terms of which assets benefit. In his view, capital is more likely to flow through regulated and institutionally approved channels rather than speculative segments of the market. Regulation and Institutional Compatibility A central part of the analyst’s argument focuses on regulatory alignment, particularly developments in Japan. Ripple Bull Winkle notes that Japan is moving toward classifying XRP as a financial product under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act, with a target timeline around the second quarter of 2026. He explains that such a classification would allow institutions to hold, structure, and distribute XRP in ways that are not permitted for unclassified crypto assets, shifting it from speculative exposure to balance-sheet-compatible holdings. He further highlights wallet concentration data, stating that the largest XRP wallets are primarily associated with exchanges and institutional custody providers rather than anonymous holders. According to the analyst, this concentration supports a market structure where liquidity is managed professionally, with price movements occurring when sustained demand exceeds available supply rather than through short-term volatility. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 ETFs, Market Structure, and Price Projections Ripple Bull Winkle also addresses technical structure and passive investment flows. Referencing chart analysis from EGRAG Crypto, he notes that prior macro formations in XRP’s price history have respected measured moves, with a projected range between $40 and $42 cited as structurally justified rather than guaranteed. He stresses that structure alone is insufficient without consistent demand, which he believes is increasingly coming from exchange-traded funds. The analyst points to existing and upcoming crypto ETFs, including index products with XRP allocations , arguing that regular rebalancing gradually removes supply from the market. He contrasts this with sudden price spikes driven by single large buyers, stating that steady institutional accumulation can lead to significant repricing over time. In his conclusion, Ripple Bull Winkle maintains that the $42 target is rooted in liquidity trends, regulatory progress, custody infrastructure, and passive demand mechanisms, rather than short-term optimism. 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 Why $42 XRP Isn’t Hopium? Pundit Says Banks Already Did the Math appeared first on Times Tabloid .
27 Jan 2026, 09:02
Polymarket named exclusive prediction market partner of Major League Soccer
Polymarket has signed a multi-year agreement with Major League Soccer (MLS) to serve as the league’s exclusive prediction market partner across key events, including the MLS Cup, All-Star Game, and Leagues Cup. Announced on Jan. 26, the partnership will introduce second-screen features and real-time sentiment tracking across MLS digital platforms, designed to increase engagement during live matches. Polymarket will provide infrastructure to allow fans to interact with collective forecasts tied to pivotal in-game moments and season narratives. “As MLS continues to grow, innovation remains central to how we engage fans and evolve the league,” said Gary Stevenson, MLS Deputy Commissioner and President of Soccer United Marketing. Polymarket CEO Shayne Coplan said the collaboration would offer “a more interactive, data-driven way” for supporters to follow the sport. To safeguard match integrity, the companies will implement independent oversight to monitor trading activity linked to all relevant markets. The partnership comes as Polymarket starts offering its prediction market to US residents after a multi-year break and continues to expand in the sports scene . Alongside its recent MLS deal, it has signed prediction-related agreements with the NHL, the UFC, and the New York Rangers. Outside of sports, the platform has integrated data from firms like Yahoo Finance and Dow Jones to expand its reach into financial news and search. Data from Token Terminal shows Polymarket’s 30-day trading volume rose over 42% in January. Polymarket’s growth supported by regulatory clarity Historically, prediction markets operated in legal ambiguity, with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) using provisions under the Commodity Exchange Act to block event contracts it deemed to fall under “gaming.” That interpretation was challenged in 2024 when a federal judge ruled in favor of Kalshi, clarifying that political and sports events do not fall within the legal definition of gaming. The CFTC dropped its appeal in mid-2025, easing restrictions at the federal level. Polymarket reentered the US market shortly after, acquiring QCEX, a licensed Designated Contract Market (DCM), to resume operations under CFTC oversight. Yet even with federal clearance, prediction markets remain entangled in a patchwork of state-level resistance. States like Nevada, New Jersey, Maryland, and Tennessee have challenged the legality of sports and election-related contracts, arguing that they fall under local gambling laws and require state-issued licenses. Court decisions on this matter have been mixed . While a New Jersey court sided with Kalshi’s federal preemption claim, allowing operations to continue, states like Maryland and Nevada have won their cases, enabling them to apply state gambling restrictions to platforms already approved at the federal level. A key ruling from the Third Circuit Court of Appeals is still pending and could determine whether national-level prediction platforms will face permanent geographic fragmentation. Despite these headwinds, Polymarket has continued to grow its roster of high-profile partners. Earlier this month, Polymarket also teamed up with housing data provider Parcl to launch tradable contracts based on city-level real estate indices. The partnership allows users to take positions on whether property prices in selected US metros will rise or fall over time, adding housing to the list of emerging prediction categories. The post Polymarket named exclusive prediction market partner of Major League Soccer appeared first on Invezz
27 Jan 2026, 09:00
Bitcoin Price At Risk Of 50% Correction As BTC’s 2022 Bearish Playbook Repeats
As the crypto market recovers from the latest pullback, Bitcoin (BTC) is attempting to bounce from its one-month low. Some analysts have warned that the correction has left the cryptocurrency in a “fragile position” that resembles the start of the previous bear market. Related Reading: XRP At ‘Critical Inflection Point’: Analyst Signals Major Expansion If This Level Holds Bitcoin Risks 2022-Like Correction On Sunday, Bitcoin saw a 3.6% intraday decline, closing the day below its yearly opening for the first time. Since November, the flagship crypto has been hovering between $86,000-$93,500 in the weekly timeframe, failing to turn the range’s resistance into support despite multiple attempts. During the early January breakout, BTC climbed 11.5% from its $87,600 2026 opening price, reaching a two-month high of $97,924 nearly two weeks ago. Since then, the cryptocurrency has erased all its recent gains, diving below this key area and closing the week at the base of its range. Amid this performance, Market observer Philarekt affirmed that Bitcoin is repeating its 2022 playbook, highlighting the similarities between the leading crypto’s performance at the start of the last bear market and its current price action. As the chart shows, the cryptocurrency formed a bear flag pattern after the initial drop from its cycle top of $69,000. At the time, the cryptocurrency tested and rejected the 100-day Moving Average (MA), leading to a pullback towards the pattern’s lower boundary. This was followed by a rebound towards the formation’s upper boundary, where the 200-day MA was located, and a rejection from this area, which led to a breakdown from the pattern and 55% correction. This time, Bitcoin has rejected from the 100-day MA and is currently retesting the pattern’s support line. Based on this, he suggested that the flagship crypto could see one more leg up toward the 200-day MA, located around the $100,000 barrier, before “the real show” begins. BTC Price In Precarious Position Meanwhile, Rekt Capital explained that Bitcoin was in a “particularly fragile position,” as it needed to hold the previous week’s marginal close above the range high. “When Weekly Closes occur marginally beyond a key level, the subsequent retest becomes structurally precarious,” he detailed. In his analysis, the market watcher noted that Bitcoin saw a sharp rejection from the $98,000 region, where the 21-week and 50-week Bull Market Exponential Moving Averages (EMAs) are located. This coincided with the loss of a higher low structure that had been building similarly to 2021. “Losing that Higher Low is significant, as it removes a key structural buffer that could have supported continued consolidation within the Weekly Range,” he asserted. The rejection has shifted focus to the strength of the $86,000 support and the character of the upcoming rebounds from this area. He warned that shallower bounces from the range lows would suggest weakening demand, increasing the chances of a breakdown below this support. Related Reading: Crypto Traders Share Odds Of XRP Price Rising 40% This Year, Can It Still Rally? Strong rejections that lead to downside continuation historically tend to occur later in the cycle toward the end of Q1 or the start of Q2, Rekt Capital pointed out, but Bitcoin is already testing the lower boundary of its weekly range. This adds “importance to the integrity of this support, as any early breakdown would represent a shift relative to that typical timing.” At the moment, the weekly range remains pivotal, “acting as the key decision point between a prolonged relief structure and the risk of deeper downside,” the analyst concluded. Featured Image from Unsplash.com, Chart from TradingView.com
27 Jan 2026, 08:47
Bitcoin Nears a Rare 4 Month Losing Streak: Markets Haven’t Seen This Since 2018
Renewed macro uncertainty of yet another U.S. government shutdown and the resultant stalemate regarding the progress of the CLARITY Act have crippled Bitcoin and the broader crypto market. Most of the momentum we witnessed in the first two weeks of the year have now been stripped away. On top of this reset, Bitcoin is teetering on the edge of printing an unpleasant chapter in its history. For the first time since 2018, Bitcoin is close to printing a fourth straight red month. As the month draws to an end, traders are eyeing the $87.8K mark for BTC, as a close below this level would effectively confirm that outcome. A Rare Historical Pattern Emerging Bitcoin bull market corrections or drawdowns are not an uncommon phenomenon. In fact, when we look at history, the current correction of around 30% from the highs set in October last year sits well within the range of past bull-cycle corrections. We’ve actually seen steeper ones like in the 2021 bull cycle before the uptrend ultimately resumed. What stands out, however, is how rarely Bitcoin has printed four consecutive monthly red candles. Notably, the last time this happened in 2018, Bitcoin did not end its streak of red months with the fourth. Instead, Bitcoin went on to see a further ~20% decline with two more red months. A similar setup played out in 2015, where losses ultimately approached close to 60% after the four month red streak. The takeaway is not that history must repeat, but that risk asymmetry increases around these inflection points. A fourth monthly red candle followed by confirmations such as steeper downside momentum, low volume and on-chain selling pressure would ultimately question the bull thesis. How Today Differs From 2018 The reason why history need not play out identically is because context matters. The dynamic and nature of Bitcoin as an asset class is completely different from what it was in 2018 and more so compared to 2015. Apart from being a much bigger asset in sheer market capitalization, which alone requires more capital to influence price, the composition of market participants has shifted meaningfully. For over a decade, Bitcoin was primarily front run by retail participants. That dynamic has categorically shifted with the introduction of spot Bitcoin ETFs, the expansion of institutional grade derivative markets and the maturation of liquidity and custody infra. The entry of some of the largest investment firms in Blackrock, Fidelity and others has anchored BTC deeper into traditional capital markets. At the same time, Public Bitcoin treasury companies entering the fray have added a new structural layer to Bitcoin’s supply dynamics. They now collectively own 5.42% of the total supply. Taken together, rising institutional participation and the rise of regulated avenues to gain exposure have fundamentally changed how Bitcoin should be viewed. It is no longer a retail-led ecosystem and this shift alters the assumptions that once underpinned many historical price patterns. What Traders Are Watching Into Month-End As we approach month’s end, crypto sentiment has been oscillating between fear and extreme fear levels. Much of the bleak sentiment comes from the fact the macro uncertainties loom large but also by the sharp outperformance seen across other asset classes, particularly commodities. Right now, the line in the sand is the $87.8K mark. A close below here and BTC will print the fourth monthly red candle. Despite the downbeat outlook, follow through on volatility to the downside coupled with low volume will be the telltale sign of a move driven more by exhaustion than conviction.
