hodler

19 Jan 2026, 06:14

Wall Street Whale Sets Timeline for XRP to Hit $12.50

Crypto analyst Xaif Crypto outlined a bullish projection for XRP attributed to Standard Chartered analyst Geoffrey Kendrick. According to the post, Kendrick expects XRP to reach a price of $12.50 by 2028, positioning the asset for substantial long-term appreciation. The projection is presented as an institutional outlook rather than informal market commentary, highlighting how some traditional financial analysts are assessing XRP’s future valuation. Xaif Crypto described the call as notable due to its association with a major global bank and its multi-year time horizon. The post suggests that the price target reflects expectations tied to market access, capital inflows, and evolving investor participation rather than short-term price volatility. BREAKING WALL STREET WHALE CALLS $XRP TO $12.50 Standard Chartered analyst Geoffrey Kendrick, $XRP is projected to reach $12.50 by 2028 Why XRP specifically? • Spot XRP ETFs gaining approval • 6 live ETF funds expected • $4 to $8 BILLION inflows in the first… pic.twitter.com/R0whZjzPk3 — Xaif Crypto | (@Xaif_Crypto) January 17, 2026 ETF Approvals and Expected Capital Inflows Central to Kendrick’s projection is the expectation that spot XRP exchange-traded funds will receive regulatory approval. The post states that as many as six XRP ETF products are expected to become active, providing new channels for institutional and retail exposure. Alongside these approvals, Kendrick reportedly estimates that XRP-related ETFs could attract between $4 billion and $8 billion in inflows during their first year of operation. These inflows are presented as a supporting factor for higher long-term valuations , based on the assumption that ETFs increase accessibility and legitimacy within traditional markets. Xaif Crypto emphasized that the projection extends several years into the future, implying that the anticipated impact of ETFs is expected to build over time rather than produce immediate price effects. Market Capitalization Outlook and Ethereum Comparison The post also highlighted Kendrick’s view that XRP could challenge, and potentially surpass, Ethereum’s market capitalization during the 2026 crypto bull market. This aspect of the outlook positions XRP as a candidate for a higher ranking among major digital assets, contingent on sustained market interest and institutional participation. Not all responses to the post were supportive. An X user known as Quantum_XRP cautioned that ETF approvals and inflow figures should not be treated as a direct price formula. The comment explained that ETF capital often moves through authorized participants, creation and redemption processes, hedging activity, and secondary markets. As a result, a significant portion of inflows may be internally offset and may not translate into consistent spot market buying pressure. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 Quantum_XRP also challenged the market capitalization comparison, stating that overtaking Ethereum would require persistent demand, increased settlement volume, and expanded liquidity usage. The comment argued that without a clear mechanism linking usage, capital flows, and supply absorption, such projections resemble promotional narratives rather than detailed market analysis of activity on the XRPL. In contrast, another X user, XRP HERALD, agreed with the projection, stating that the $12.50 target reflects a combination of ETF adoption , liquidity conditions, and timing. The comment suggested that if XRP begins to capture market share relative to Ethereum during the next cycle, the signals outlined in Kendrick’s outlook may appear clearer in hindsight. The exchange reflects differing interpretations of how institutional forecasts, ETF structures, and market dynamics could influence XRP’s long-term price trajectory. 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 Wall Street Whale Sets Timeline for XRP to Hit $12.50 appeared first on Times Tabloid .

19 Jan 2026, 06:10

BTC Perpetual Futures Reveal Cautious Sentiment as Long/Short Ratio Tilts Toward Short Positions

BitcoinWorld BTC Perpetual Futures Reveal Cautious Sentiment as Long/Short Ratio Tilts Toward Short Positions Market participants exhibited cautious positioning in Bitcoin derivatives markets on March 15, 2025, as the BTC perpetual futures long/short ratio across three major exchanges revealed a subtle but meaningful tilt toward short positions during the previous 24-hour period. This data point provides crucial insight into trader sentiment and potential price direction for the world’s leading cryptocurrency. BTC Perpetual Futures Show Measured Short Bias The aggregate long/short ratio for BTC perpetual futures settled at 49.13% long positions versus 50.87% short positions across Binance, OKX, and Bybit. These three platforms collectively represent the majority of open interest in Bitcoin derivatives trading globally. Consequently, their positioning data offers a reliable snapshot of institutional and retail trader sentiment. The slight majority of short positions suggests traders anticipate potential downward pressure or seek protection against volatility. Exchange-specific data reveals nuanced variations in trader behavior. Binance, the largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, recorded a ratio of 49.31% long to 50.69% short. Meanwhile, OKX showed the most pronounced short bias at 48.38% long versus 51.62% short. Bybit displayed the most balanced ratio among the three at 49.55% long to 50.45% short. These variations may reflect different user demographics, regional trading patterns, or platform-specific trading incentives. Understanding Perpetual Futures Mechanics Perpetual futures represent a cornerstone product in cryptocurrency derivatives markets. Unlike traditional futures with set expiration dates, perpetual contracts continue indefinitely. They utilize a funding rate mechanism to maintain price alignment with the underlying spot market. This structure allows traders to maintain positions without rolling contracts while providing continuous market exposure. Several key factors influence long/short ratios in perpetual futures markets: Market sentiment indicators: Ratios reflect collective trader expectations Hedging activity: Institutions may short futures to protect spot holdings Leverage preferences: Different exchanges offer varying leverage options Arbitrage opportunities: Traders exploit price discrepancies across platforms The funding rate mechanism plays a crucial role in perpetual futures markets. When long positions dominate, funding rates typically turn positive, requiring longs to pay shorts. Conversely, when short positions prevail, funding rates often turn negative, with shorts paying longs. This system creates economic incentives that help balance market positioning over time. Historical Context and Market Implications Historical analysis reveals that extreme long/short ratios often precede significant market movements. During the 2021 bull market peak, long ratios frequently exceeded 70% across major exchanges. Similarly, during the 2022 bear market trough, short ratios sometimes surpassed 65%. The current modest 1.74 percentage point difference suggests neither extreme bullish nor bearish conviction dominates the market. Market analysts typically interpret long/short ratios through several lenses: Ratio Range Typical Interpretation Historical Precedent Above 60% Long Overly bullish sentiment Often precedes corrections 55-60% Long Bullish bias Common during uptrends 45-55% Either Neutral/balanced Consolidation periods 55-60% Short Bearish bias Common during downtrends Above 60% Short Overly bearish sentiment Often precedes rallies The current positioning falls within the neutral range, suggesting traders lack strong directional conviction. This balanced sentiment often accompanies consolidation periods where markets digest previous moves and establish new support and resistance levels. Additionally, the data indicates sophisticated risk management practices among market participants. Exchange-Specific Dynamics and Trading Patterns Different exchanges attract distinct trader profiles that influence their long/short ratios. Binance’s massive user base includes both retail traders and institutional clients, creating a diverse trading environment. The platform’s 49.31% long ratio suggests slightly more cautious sentiment among its global user base. OKX’s stronger short bias at 51.62% may reflect regional trading patterns or specific market events affecting Asian traders who dominate that platform. Bybit’s nearly balanced ratio at 49.55% long indicates particularly neutral sentiment among its user base. This exchange has cultivated a reputation for sophisticated derivatives products and attracts experienced traders. The minimal difference between long and short positions on Bybit suggests professional traders see limited directional opportunities in current market conditions. Several factors contribute to exchange-specific variations: Geographic concentration: Different regions exhibit varying risk appetites Product offerings: Varying leverage options influence positioning User demographics: Retail versus institutional composition differs Trading interfaces: Platform design affects trading behavior Impact on Bitcoin Price Discovery Perpetual futures markets significantly influence Bitcoin price discovery through several mechanisms. First, large positions can create cascading liquidations during volatile periods. Second, funding rate dynamics affect trader profitability and position sizing. Third, derivatives activity provides liquidity that benefits spot markets. The current balanced long/short ratio suggests stable conditions for price discovery without excessive leverage-induced volatility. Market structure analysis reveals that moderate short positioning can actually support price stability. When shorts dominate moderately, they provide buying pressure during market dips as traders cover positions. This dynamic creates natural support levels. Conversely, excessive short positioning creates potential for short squeezes, where rapid covering drives prices higher unexpectedly. The relationship between futures positioning and spot prices operates through several channels: Liquidation cascades: Concentrated positions trigger automated selling Arbitrage flows: Price differences between markets create capital movements Sentiment transmission: Derivatives positioning influences spot trader psychology Institutional hedging: Large players use derivatives to manage spot exposure Risk Management Considerations for Traders Current long/short ratios suggest several risk management implications. The balanced positioning indicates neither extreme greed nor fear dominates the market. Consequently, traders should prepare for potential range-bound conditions rather than strong directional moves. Additionally, the modest short bias suggests slightly more downside protection in trader positioning. Sophisticated traders monitor long/short ratios alongside other metrics including: Open interest: Total outstanding contracts indicate market participation Funding rates: Cost of maintaining positions affects profitability Liquidations: Potential forced position closures create volatility Volume patterns: Trading activity confirms price movements The current environment favors disciplined position sizing and careful leverage management. With sentiment balanced, unexpected news or macroeconomic developments could trigger rapid position adjustments. Traders maintaining appropriate risk parameters can navigate potential volatility more effectively than those employing excessive leverage. Conclusion The BTC perpetual futures long/short ratio reveals balanced but slightly short-biased sentiment across major cryptocurrency exchanges. This positioning suggests cautious optimism among derivatives traders, with neither strong bullish nor bearish conviction dominating the market. The modest differences between exchanges reflect varying user demographics and regional trading patterns. Market participants should interpret this data as indicating potential consolidation rather than strong directional bias. Monitoring these ratios provides valuable insight into market psychology and potential price direction for Bitcoin and broader cryptocurrency markets. FAQs Q1: What does the BTC perpetual futures long/short ratio measure? The ratio measures the percentage of long versus short positions in Bitcoin perpetual futures contracts. It indicates whether traders are predominantly betting on price increases (long) or decreases (short), providing insight into market sentiment. Q2: Why do long/short ratios differ between exchanges? Ratios vary due to different user demographics, regional trading patterns, available leverage options, and platform-specific features. Each exchange attracts distinct trader profiles with varying risk appetites and trading strategies. Q3: How reliable are long/short ratios for predicting price movements? While not perfect predictors, extreme ratios often precede market reversals. Moderately balanced ratios like the current one typically indicate consolidation periods rather than strong directional moves. Q4: What is the significance of perpetual futures versus regular futures? Perpetual futures have no expiration date and use funding rates to track spot prices. This structure allows continuous position maintenance and provides different trading dynamics compared to dated futures contracts. Q5: How should traders use long/short ratio data in their strategies? Traders should consider ratios alongside other metrics like open interest, funding rates, and volume. Balanced ratios suggest careful position sizing, while extreme ratios may indicate potential reversal opportunities or increased volatility risk. This post BTC Perpetual Futures Reveal Cautious Sentiment as Long/Short Ratio Tilts Toward Short Positions first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

19 Jan 2026, 05:54

Bitcoin trades higher in Korea as kimchi premium rises above 2%, flipping bullish

South Korea’s won is crashing harder than any other currency in Asia this year. It’s down 2.5% against the dollar, making it the region’s worst performer. The USD/KRW pair sits at 1,472.8 at press time, slightly lower on the day, but still staying dangerously close to local highs. Meanwhile, the Singapore dollar is at 1.285, Chinese yuan at 6.963, and Indian rupee near 90.819. Australia’s dollar gained a tiny bit, now at 0.67. Even the Thai baht strengthened up a bit, though the USD/THB pair has dropped to 31.25, per data from CNBC. Bitcoin trades higher in Korea as kimchi premium rises above 2%, flipping bullish While the won is getting weaker, Bitcoin is getting pricier in Korea. The kimchi premium, which tracks the difference between BTC prices on Korean exchanges like Bithumb and global ones like Binance, is now at +2.49%. Of course this means Koreans are paying more for BTC than everyone else. Just last year, the premium hit a local high of 6.07%, which almost always means aggressive Korean traders are jumping in. Source: TradingView Observe the chart above and pay attention to all lines when the premium passes 1.5%, because it tells us that the premium steadily matches perfectly with Bitcoin’s green trendline breakout even it times when Bitcoin wasn’t exactly rallying. Still though, that breakout level is right around $25,200, and guess what? That’s also where the highest buy volume spike showed up, right when Korea’s premium rallied. Resistance is sitting around $28,754.40, while strong support is at $25,200, followed by zones down at $18,060.58 and $16,540.00. Bitcoin has been stuck under that red descending trendline from 2021, and current prices are just under that key resistance. Right now, the premium isn’t too hot or too cold. At 2.49%, it’s in the middle of its historical range. Not enough to call it overheated, but still strong enough to keep this bullish setup alive. If it goes back above 4% or 6%, expect another price push. But if it crashes under 1%, that’s your sign Korean demand is falling off, and price might revisit the $18,000s. The smartest crypto minds already read our newsletter. Want in? Join them .

19 Jan 2026, 05:40

Bitcoin Hashrate Plummets Below 1000 EH/s as Miners Chase Lucrative AI Opportunities

BitcoinWorld Bitcoin Hashrate Plummets Below 1000 EH/s as Miners Chase Lucrative AI Opportunities In a significant shift for the world’s largest cryptocurrency, the Bitcoin network’s computational power has dipped below the 1,000 exahash per second threshold for the first time since late 2023. This notable decline in the Bitcoin hashrate, reported by Cointelegraph and confirmed by Hashrate Index data, signals a potential reallocation of global computing resources. The seven-day average now sits at 993 EH/s, representing a substantial 15% decrease from the record high of 1,157 EH/s observed on October 19, 2024. Industry analysts immediately pointed toward the burgeoning artificial intelligence sector as a primary catalyst for this change, suggesting miners are pursuing more profitable ventures. Bitcoin Hashrate Decline: Analyzing the Data and Timeline The Hashrate Index provides a crucial, real-time window into the Bitcoin network’s health. Its data reveals a steady downward trajectory from the October peak. Consequently, the drop below 1,000 EH/s—or 1 zettahash per second (ZH/s)—marks a psychological and technical milestone. For context, network hashrate measures the total computational power dedicated to securing the blockchain and processing transactions. Historically, this metric has shown a strong upward trend, closely correlated with Bitcoin’s price and mining profitability. However, the current reversal breaks a four-month pattern of sustained strength. This shift coincides with a period of relative price stability for BTC, further highlighting external economic pressures on mining operations. To understand the scale, consider that 1 exahash equals one quintillion hashes per second. The network’s current level still represents immense global infrastructure. Yet, the 15% contraction is meaningful. A comparative timeline illustrates the change clearly: Date Event 7-Day Avg. Hashrate Oct 19, 2024 All-Time High Recorded 1,157 EH/s Late Jan 2025 Decline Below 1,000 EH/s 993 EH/s Change — -15% This data provides a factual foundation for the ongoing narrative. Meanwhile, the mining industry faces evolving economic realities. The AI Investment Thesis: Reshaping Computational Economics The primary driver behind this hashrate migration appears to be financial. Artificial intelligence workloads, particularly for training large language models, offer potentially higher and more consistent returns than cryptocurrency mining. These AI operations require similar hardware, especially high-performance GPUs and advanced ASICs, which are now being repurposed. Mining firms, always seeking optimal capital allocation, are logically diversifying. This trend represents a maturation of the infrastructure sector built around proof-of-work consensus. Furthermore, the energy-intensive nature of both industries makes power contracts and location strategies directly comparable. Key factors making AI attractive to miners include: Predictable Revenue: AI compute contracts often provide stable, upfront pricing, unlike the volatility of block rewards and transaction fees. Regulatory Clarity: In some jurisdictions, AI development faces fewer regulatory hurdles than cryptocurrency operations. Institutional Demand: Massive investment from tech giants creates a deep, liquid market for computational power. Technological Synergy: The latest generation of mining hardware is increasingly applicable to specific AI tasks. This economic calculus is compelling. As a result, capital is flowing toward what analysts term ‘high-performance compute’ (HPC) generally, rather than exclusively toward Bitcoin. Expert Analysis on Network Security and Future Implications Industry observers are closely monitoring the security implications. Bitcoin’s security model fundamentally relies on the cost of attacking the network exceeding potential rewards. A lower hashrate could, in theory, make the network temporarily more vulnerable to a 51% attack, though the current level remains prohibitively high for any single actor. The network’s difficulty adjustment algorithm serves as a critical built-in stabilizer. This algorithm automatically recalibrates the mining difficulty approximately every two weeks based on the total hashrate. Therefore, a sustained drop will lead to a downward difficulty adjustment, making mining more profitable for remaining participants and potentially enticing some power back. Jaran Mellerud, a crypto-mining analyst, has previously noted this cross-industry competition. He states that public mining companies are under shareholder pressure to maximize returns on their massive hardware investments. The AI sector currently presents a compelling alternative. This reallocation is not necessarily permanent but reflects dynamic market forces. The long-term health of the Bitcoin network may depend on the next halving event’s impact on miner economics and the development of more energy-efficient mining technologies. Historical Context and Cyclical Nature of Mining Hashrate fluctuations are not unprecedented. The Bitcoin network has experienced significant drops before, often tied to: Major price corrections reducing miner profitability. Geopolitical events, such as China’s 2021 mining ban. Seasonal changes in energy availability and cost. The current scenario is unique because the pull factor is not negative (like a ban or crash) but positive—a more lucrative alternative. This represents a new phase of competition for global energy and silicon. Historically, the network has proven resilient, with hashrate always recovering and reaching new highs over multi-year timeframes. The current shift toward AI may accelerate the geographic redistribution of mining, pushing it further toward regions with stranded, renewable energy that is less competitive for AI data centers, which often prioritize low-latency network connections over pure cost. Conclusion The decline of the Bitcoin hashrate below 1,000 EH/s underscores a pivotal moment of industry convergence. Miners, acting as rational economic agents, are diversifying into the high-growth artificial intelligence sector. This movement highlights the evolving landscape of global computation, where blockchain security and AI development now compete directly for resources. While the short-term effect is a measurable drop in Bitcoin’s computational backing, the network’s inherent difficulty adjustment promises equilibrium. Ultimately, this event may strengthen both industries by forcing greater efficiency and innovation in how the world’s most powerful computers are deployed. The Bitcoin hashrate will remain a key metric to watch, not just for crypto enthusiasts, but for anyone tracking the flow of capital and computation in the digital age. FAQs Q1: What does Bitcoin hashrate measure? The Bitcoin hashrate measures the total combined computational power used by miners to process transactions and secure the Bitcoin network. It is expressed in hashes per second (e.g., exahashes). Q2: Why is the hashrate falling if Bitcoin’s price is stable? Stability is not enough for miners who face fixed costs. The decline is primarily attributed to miners reallocating their powerful hardware to artificial intelligence workloads, which currently offer the potential for higher and more predictable returns. Q3: Does a lower hashrate make Bitcoin less secure? In the short term, a lower hashrate can theoretically reduce the cost to attack the network. However, Bitcoin’s current hashrate remains astronomically high, making an attack impractical and expensive. The network also has a difficulty adjustment that restores equilibrium over time. Q4: What is the network’s difficulty adjustment? Approximately every two weeks, the Bitcoin protocol automatically adjusts the ‘difficulty’ of the cryptographic puzzle miners must solve. If hashrate falls, difficulty decreases, making it easier and more profitable for the remaining miners to find blocks, which should attract hashpower back. Q5: Will the hashrate ever recover? Historically, Bitcoin’s hashrate has always recovered from setbacks and gone on to set new records. Recovery could be driven by a rise in Bitcoin’s price, a drop in AI profitability, a reduction in mining costs, or the next halving event altering miner economics. This post Bitcoin Hashrate Plummets Below 1000 EH/s as Miners Chase Lucrative AI Opportunities first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

19 Jan 2026, 05:38

Canaan faces Nasdaq delisting risk after shares fall below $1 threshold

Crypto mining hardware maker Canaan Inc. has received a warning from Nasdaq after its share price fell below the exchange’s minimum requirement, putting the company at risk of delisting unless it can regain its stock price within the next six months. The Nasdaq contacted Canaan on Wednesday to notify the company that it was no longer meeting listing standards, as its shares had closed below $1 for 30 consecutive business days. Canaan disclosed the notice in a statement on Friday, noting that it now has 180 days — until July 13 — to bring its closing bid price back above the threshold. To regain compliance, the company’s shares must close at or above $1 for at least 10 consecutive trading days. Canaan’s stock last closed above $1 on Nov. 28. On Friday, shares ended trading at $0.79, down 3.8% on the day and roughly 63% lower over the past 12 months. Nasdaq warning highlights prolonged share price slump The warning comes amid sustained pressure on Canaan’s stock, which has not traded above $3 since December 2024. The company, which manufactures specialized hardware used for Bitcoin mining, has faced a challenging environment as parts of the crypto mining industry adjust to changing market dynamics. Canaan said the Nasdaq warned it was not in compliance with listing rules because its shares’ closing bid price had remained below $1 for an extended period. Under Nasdaq rules, failure to meet the minimum bid price requirement can lead to delisting if corrective action is not taken within the allotted timeframe. If the company fails to regain compliance by July 13, Nasdaq staff could determine that Canaan is subject to delisting, which would typically result in the stock moving to over-the-counter markets. Such moves have historically made shares harder to trade and often led to further price declines. Potential extension and reverse stock split option Canaan said that if it does not meet the requirement by the July deadline, Nasdaq staff could still agree to grant it additional time to raise its share price. The company added that it could apply for an extension that would include agreeing to “effecting a reverse stock split if necessary.” A reverse stock split reduces the number of outstanding shares, which can mechanically lift the share price, though it does not change a company’s underlying valuation. Such measures are commonly used by companies seeking to regain compliance with exchange listing rules. The company has previously experienced short-term increases in its share price tied to business developments. In October, Canaan said that a US-based company had bought 50,000 of its latest-generation “Avalon A15 Pro” mining rigs, marking its largest order in more than three years. That announcement sent Canaan’s stock surging by 25%. Broader trend of compliance pressure on crypto-linked firms Canaan’s situation reflects a broader pattern among crypto-related and other small-cap companies facing listing challenges. In December, Bitcoin treasury company Kindly MD received a similar Nasdaq notice after its shares traded below $1 for 30 consecutive days. Nasdaq gave Kindly MD until June to regain compliance. Its shares closed at $0.46 on Friday and last traded above $1 in late October. In another case, Nasdaq delisted biotech firm Windtree Therapeutics in August after it failed to meet compliance requirements. Windtree had established a BNB treasury a month earlier, but its shares fell 77% on the day Nasdaq announced the delisting, as investors rushed to exit ahead of the move. For Canaan, the next six months will be critical as it seeks to stabilize its share price and avoid removal from the Nasdaq exchange. The post Canaan faces Nasdaq delisting risk after shares fall below $1 threshold appeared first on Invezz

19 Jan 2026, 05:30

Bitcoin Price Dump Raises Eyebrows

Bitcoin’s recent price drop grabbed attention with its sharp headline move, but beneath the surface, the market behaved in an unusual, almost orderly way..