hodler

21 Jan 2026, 05:46

Ripple President Makes Major Stablecoin Prediction

Monica Long argues the industry is entering its "production era," predicting that half of the Fortune 500 will hold crypto or tokenized assets by the end of 2026.

21 Jan 2026, 05:45

Lutnick says high interest rates slow the growth of the U.S. economy.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the national economy remains strong, possibly expanding at a pace exceeding earlier projections by early 2026. Yet one concern that persists is whether the European Union counters American tariff threats involving Greenland; if so, friction might return unexpectedly. That outcome could disturb the current economic stability despite its present strength. Speaking at the annual gathering of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, the Commerce Secretary shared observations amid discussions among international figures on issues related to financial expansion, borrowing costs, and uncertainties in global exchange markets. Lutnick says high interest rates slow the growth of the U.S. economy. Lutnick noted the U.S. economy could grow by more than 5% near the start of 2026. With an overall value close to $30 trillion , movement at this scale looks good. In his view, such speed points toward endurance. Later, Lutclock identified rising borrowing expenses as central to slow growth. With rates climbing, business outlays face resistance as consumer budgets tighten. When credit becomes more expensive, enterprises postpone expansions while families avoid new liabilities. Capital flows slow as financial strain increases. What lies behind this shift is neither lack of interest nor fading confidence. Rather, stricter lending conditions raise operational costs. A fall in interest rates may spark growth, according to his observation. When policy choices, not changes in consumer appetite, guide decisions, economic growth often loses speed. Still, higher spending can appear if those conditions hold. Employment levels could respond afterward, while investment rises. Progress in production might accelerate once the right factors are in place. Should rates decrease, U.S. growth may exceed 6%, hinting at steady demand in the future. Even so, the Commerce chief emphasized that the prediction was based on personal belief, not official direction, while running the office responsible for America’s GDP figures. This line between roles highlights not just the view shared but confidence in how the economy is moving now, particularly because the comments drew attention abroad by sounding more upbeat than what others usually say. Now looking at numbers again, the U.S. economy might grow between 4% and 5% , says Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent; better than past guesses but below what Lutnick thought. Before this, the IMF saw only a 2.4% climb by 2026, driven by deeper investments in artificial intelligence and smoother global trade. Lutnick warns EU action could restart tariff fights over Greenland. Lutnick suggested that the European Union should exercise restraint should the United States move forward with proposed tariffs tied to Greenland. Were such measures imposed, retaliation might accelerate the deterioration of ties. One misstep could push economic disagreements into broader conflict, he noted. This warning clearly connects to Donald Trump’s approach to Greenland, especially because he threatened to impose taxes on nations blocking U.S. interests there. If the European Union responds to that move with matching penalties, a broader trade clash becomes more likely, Lutnick points out. When pushback meets harsh responses, tension builds more quickly. “If the EU retaliates, this could start a ‘tit-for-tat’ situation, where both sides keep coming up with new tariffs,” hE said. “Once that starts, it’s very difficult to get out because everything that happens afterwards creates an additional reaction, and that adds to costs and builds more mistrust,” he said. This would result in increased and more complex costs for businesses that rely on constant international transactions. Lutnick brought up the clash in 2018: U.S. tariffs hit European products, while officials in Brussels fired back with threats. Heated words flew, yet discussions led to an agreement meant to calm things down. When fights grow sharper, results often turn bitter; even so, the first red flags don’t guarantee that harm will follow. High nerves were present, but instead of collapse, there came a resolution. The Commerce Secretary thinks things will stay steady even if tension pops up now and then. When arguments flare, talks tend to smooth them out over time. Lutnick trusts these back-and-forth discussions can shield U.S.-EU commerce from serious harm. If you're reading this, you’re already ahead. Stay there with our newsletter .

21 Jan 2026, 05:40

Galaxy Digital Crypto Hedge Fund: A Groundbreaking Bridge Between Digital and Traditional Finance

BitcoinWorld Galaxy Digital Crypto Hedge Fund: A Groundbreaking Bridge Between Digital and Traditional Finance NEW YORK, January 2025 – Galaxy Digital, the prominent cryptocurrency financial services firm founded by billionaire Mike Novogratz, plans to launch a pioneering crypto hedge fund in the first quarter. This strategic move creates a significant bridge between volatile digital assets and established financial markets. The firm has already secured $100 million in commitments, signaling robust institutional interest for the new year. Galaxy Digital Crypto Hedge Fund Structure and Strategy The Financial Times first reported Galaxy Digital’s ambitious plan. The fund intends to allocate up to 30% of its assets directly to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Consequently, the remaining 70% will target financial sector stocks. These stocks are companies potentially affected by crypto technology and regulation. This hybrid model represents a calculated risk-management approach. It balances high-growth potential with relative stability. The fund’s strategy specifically targets several key areas: Traditional Finance Exposure: Investments in banks, payment processors, and asset managers. Fintech Innovators: Companies developing blockchain infrastructure or custody solutions. Regulation-Responsive Stocks: Firms whose valuations may shift with new crypto laws. This structure aims to capture upside from crypto adoption while hedging against its notorious volatility. Galaxy Digital’s deep industry expertise informs this balanced portfolio construction. The Evolving Landscape of Institutional Crypto Investment Galaxy Digital’s announcement arrives during a pivotal period for digital asset integration. Major financial institutions have gradually increased their crypto exposure since 2020. For instance, BlackRock and Fidelity launched spot Bitcoin ETFs in 2024. Similarly, Goldman Sachs has expanded its crypto derivatives desk. The table below illustrates the progression of institutional crypto products: Year Milestone Key Player 2020-2021 Corporate Treasury Adoption MicroStrategy, Tesla 2021-2022 Futures-Based ETFs Launch ProShares, Valkyrie 2023-2024 Spot Bitcoin ETF Approvals BlackRock, Fidelity 2025 Hybrid Hedge Fund Models Galaxy Digital This timeline shows a clear trend toward sophisticated, regulated investment vehicles. Galaxy Digital’s fund is the latest evolution. It directly responds to investor demand for managed exposure. The $100 million in early commitments from family offices and institutions validates this demand. Expert Analysis on Market Impact and Regulatory Context Financial analysts view this launch as a maturation signal for the crypto sector. “Galaxy is leveraging its dual identity,” notes a report from Bernstein Research. “It operates as both a crypto-native firm and a registered investment advisor. This unique position allows it to structure products that appeal to cautious institutional capital.” Furthermore, the regulatory environment in 2025 provides clearer guidelines. The SEC’s updated custody rules and the EU’s MiCA framework have reduced legal uncertainty. These developments enable traditional asset managers to participate more confidently. Galaxy’s fund structure proactively addresses remaining regulatory concerns by limiting direct crypto exposure. The fund also reflects a strategic shift in crypto investment thesis. Early funds focused purely on asset appreciation. Now, the focus includes equity in companies building the financial infrastructure of Web3. This approach diversifies risk and taps into broader economic trends. Investor Profile and Fundraising Potential Initial investment commitments reveal a specific investor appetite. Family offices and high-net-worth individuals provided the first $100 million. These investors typically seek alternative assets for portfolio diversification. They also possess higher risk tolerance than pension funds or endowments. However, Galaxy Digital anticipates further fundraising. The firm may target larger institutional investors in subsequent rounds. Success depends on the fund’s early performance and ongoing regulatory developments. A strong track record could attract billions in assets under management within a few years. This capital influx would significantly impact both crypto and traditional finance markets. It could increase liquidity for mid-cap financial stocks. Simultaneously, it would provide steady institutional buying pressure on major cryptocurrencies. The fund’s rebalancing actions will therefore become a market signal for other traders. Conclusion The Galaxy Digital crypto hedge fund launch marks a definitive step toward mainstream financial integration. By blending direct cryptocurrency holdings with related equity investments, Galaxy offers a novel risk-adjusted vehicle. This fund caters to investors seeking crypto exposure without full asset volatility. The $100 million in early commitments demonstrates strong market confidence. As the first quarter of 2025 unfolds, this pioneering Galaxy Digital crypto hedge fund will likely become a benchmark for hybrid digital asset strategies. FAQs Q1: What percentage of the Galaxy Digital crypto hedge fund will be invested in cryptocurrencies? The fund plans to allocate up to 30% of its assets directly to cryptocurrencies. The remaining 70% will target financial stocks influenced by crypto technology and regulation. Q2: Who are the initial investors in this new fund? Galaxy Digital secured $100 million in commitments from family offices, high-net-worth individuals, and some institutional investors. The firm reports potential for further fundraising. Q3: How does this fund differ from a pure cryptocurrency investment fund? Unlike pure-play crypto funds, this hybrid model invests most assets in traditional financial stocks. This strategy aims to reduce volatility while maintaining exposure to the crypto ecosystem’s growth. Q4: Why is Galaxy Digital launching this fund now in 2025? The launch coincides with clearer cryptocurrency regulations and growing institutional acceptance. The post-ETF investment landscape has created demand for more sophisticated, managed products. Q5: What is the significance of the fund’s focus on financial stocks? Investing in companies affected by crypto trends allows the fund to benefit from broader adoption. This includes banks, fintech firms, and payment processors integrating blockchain technology. This post Galaxy Digital Crypto Hedge Fund: A Groundbreaking Bridge Between Digital and Traditional Finance first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

21 Jan 2026, 05:37

Grayscale Files S-1 With SEC to Convert Near Trust Into ETF

NEAR price correction is poised for 13% drop before retesting the bottom trendline of a falling channel pattern.…

21 Jan 2026, 05:33

Bitcoin slides below $90,000 as liquidations mount and liquidity fears grow

Bitcoin extended its selloff this week, sliding below the closely watched $90,000 level as global market turbulence triggered heavy liquidations and renewed concerns over tightening liquidity. The world’s largest cryptocurrency has now erased all of its gains for the year, with technical indicators pointing to further downside risk if key support levels fail to hold. Bitcoin breaks key support levels Bitcoin started a fresh decline after failing to maintain support above $92,500. The price dropped sharply through $91,000 and $90,500 before bears pushed it decisively below $90,000. A low was formed at $87,784, and the asset is currently consolidating losses. The price is trading below $90,000 and the 100 hourly Simple Moving Average, with a minor rebound above $88,500 failing to regain key retracement levels. A bearish trend line is also forming, with resistance near $94,200 on the hourly BTC/USD chart. If Bitcoin stabilizes above $88,000, it could attempt a recovery, with immediate resistance around $89,600 and a more significant hurdle near $90,000. Further upside would require a close above $91,650, the 50% Fibonacci retracement of the decline from the $95,475 swing high to the $87,784 low. A move above that level could open the door to $92,000 and potentially $94,000. On the downside, immediate support sits at $88,800, followed by $88,000. A break below $87,500 could expose the $86,200 level, with the main support seen at $85,000, below which losses could accelerate. Liquidations surge as markets sell off A sharp rise in liquidations has accompanied the latest leg of the decline. Over the past 48 hours, more than $1.8 billion has been liquidated across crypto markets, with roughly 93% of those positions being longs, according to Coinglass. The broader crypto market has shed around $225 billion in capitalization, marking its largest decline since mid-November and bringing total market value down to $3.08 trillion. Bitcoin has also slipped below its 50-day exponential moving average, which had previously acted as support during the recent rally, underscoring the shift in near-term momentum. Global liquidity fears and the Japan factor While renewed tariff threats from US President Donald Trump have contributed to market volatility, analysts point to deeper structural forces at work. Reuters reported a revival of the so-called “Sell America” trade following Trump’s latest comments, but turbulence in Japanese bond markets has emerged as a key catalyst. Founder and CEO of 50T Funds, Dan Tapiero, said the “wipeout” was caused by “complete annihilation in Japanese bond markets infecting all markets right now.” He added that gold could continue to rise, with Bitcoin eventually following. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent echoed that view, saying: “I believe markets are going down because the Japanese [10-year] bond market had a six-standard-deviation move over the past two days.” He added that the move had “nothing to do with Greenland.” Japanese 10-year government bond yields jumped nearly 19 basis points in two days, while 30-year yields saw their biggest daily increase since 2003, as investors priced in higher government spending and tighter liquidity. Jeff Ko, chief analyst at CoinEx Research, said the bond market turmoil threatens to unwind carry trades and drain global liquidity. “This threatens to accelerate the carry trade unwind, further tightening a critical source of global liquidity,” he said. “Beyond the trade war, a capital war appears to be emerging.” For now, Bitcoin remains caught between its appeal as a hard asset and its sensitivity to global liquidity conditions. The post Bitcoin slides below $90,000 as liquidations mount and liquidity fears grow appeared first on Invezz

21 Jan 2026, 05:30

Bitcoin search, social chatter slumped in 2025 despite record prices

Bitcoiner Jameson Lopp shared data on Tuesday showing that the number of X posts containing the word “Bitcoin” fell by around a third in 2025 compared to 2024.