Category

Editor’s Pick

Category

The post U.S. Government Shutdown Risk Falls Sharply After Trump–Schumer Funding Talks appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Concerns about an imminent U.S. government shutdown have eased significantly after fresh signs of progress in budget talks. Market sentiment improved following renewed negotiations between President Donald Trump and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, as lawmakers race to meet the Friday midnight funding deadline.

Earlier this week, fears of a shutdown briefly surged. Now, confidence is returning as both sides appear closer to a deal.

Government Shutdown Risk Drops Sharply

Prediction market data from Polymarket shows a major shift in expectations. The odds of a shutdown dropped by nearly 33 percentage points, falling from around 80% as optimism around a funding agreement grew.

This sharp move suggests traders believe Congress can finalize a deal that keeps the government running through the rest of the fiscal year.

Budget Talks Focus on Breaking the Funding Deadlock

To move negotiations forward, Senate leaders are reportedly considering a restructured funding plan. The new approach would separate Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding from six other spending bills that support health programs and federal agencies.

By splitting DHS funding, lawmakers hope to avoid delays tied to disagreements over immigration policy, allowing the remaining bills to pass quickly before the deadline.

Immigration Funding Remains the Key Dispute

The shutdown risk increased earlier after Senate Democrats said they would not support the funding bill without changes to immigration enforcement policies. Chuck Schumer had pushed for limits on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), calling for tighter oversight.

However, recent discussions suggest Democrats may now accept temporary solutions, reducing the risk of a prolonged political standoff.

.article-inside-link {
margin-left: 0 !important;
border: 1px solid #0052CC4D;
border-left: 0;
border-right: 0;
padding: 10px 0;
text-align: left;
}

.entry ul.article-inside-link li {
font-size: 14px;
line-height: 21px;
font-weight: 600;
list-style-type: none;
margin-bottom: 0;
display: inline-block;
}

.entry ul.article-inside-link li:last-child {
display: none;
}

  • Also Read :
  •   White House Kickstarts Campaign to Pass Clarity Act In Senate: Is a Crypto Rebound At Play?
  •   ,

Why Avoiding a U.S. Government Shutdown Matters

A government shutdown would have real consequences beyond politics. Key legislation, including the CLARITY Act, could face further delays if government operations stop.

Regulatory agencies would also be affected. During the previous shutdown, the SEC halted reviews of crypto-related applications, slowing approvals for digital asset funds. A similar pause could hurt progress as regulators work on new rules for tokenized assets and digital markets.

The CFTC’s efforts to improve crypto oversight could also be disrupted if agencies are forced to close.

Final Outlook: Cautious Optimism Ahead of Deadline

While shutdown risks have dropped sharply, the outcome still depends on lawmakers finalizing and passing the revised funding plan in time. For now, markets and policymakers remain cautiously optimistic that a last-minute agreement will prevent another disruptive government shutdown.

Never Miss a Beat in the Crypto World!

Stay ahead with breaking news, expert analysis, and real-time updates on the latest trends in Bitcoin, altcoins, DeFi, NFTs, and more.

FAQs

What happens if the U.S. government shuts down?

A shutdown suspends many federal services, delays key legislation, and can halt regulatory agency work, affecting sectors like finance and crypto approvals.

How does a government shutdown affect cryptocurrency markets?

During a shutdown, regulators like the SEC pause operations, delaying approvals for crypto ETFs and new digital asset rules, creating market uncertainty.

Have lawmakers reached a deal to avoid a shutdown?

While not final, optimism is high. A restructured funding plan has sharply reduced shutdown odds, making a last-minute agreement likely before the deadline.

The post Charles Hoskinson Hints at “Crazy” February, Major Cardano Announcement Expected Soon appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson has stirred fresh speculation across the crypto market after hinting that February could bring major developments for the blockchain network. 

In a recent statement, Hoskinson said, “February is going to be a very crazy month,” adding that while details cannot be shared yet, upcoming events would be “fun.”

The remarks quickly caught the attention of the Cardano community, triggering discussions around potential partnerships, ecosystem upgrades, or progress on governance and real-world use cases. However, Hoskinson did not provide any official confirmation, leaving investors waiting for concrete announcements.

Cardano Network Expansion and Ecosystem Growth 

Hoskinson’s comments come at a time when Cardano continues to push for wider adoption. The network has been focusing on strengthening its governance framework, expanding decentralized applications, and improving real-world utility. These efforts have kept Cardano in the spotlight despite broader weakness across the crypto market.

While excitement has grown, market participants remain cautious, noting that speculation alone is not enough to shift long-term sentiment without clear updates from the Cardano team.

Whales Accumulate ADA Despite Retail Selling Pressure

On-chain data shows a clear divergence between large holders and retail investors. According to Santiment, wallets holding between 100,000 and 100 million ADA have accumulated approximately 454.7 million ADA over the past two months, from late November 2025 to January.

.article-inside-link {
margin-left: 0 !important;
border: 1px solid #0052CC4D;
border-left: 0;
border-right: 0;
padding: 10px 0;
text-align: left;
}

.entry ul.article-inside-link li {
font-size: 14px;
line-height: 21px;
font-weight: 600;
list-style-type: none;
margin-bottom: 0;
display: inline-block;
}

.entry ul.article-inside-link li:last-child {
display: none;
}

  • Also Read :
  •   Why Is Bitcoin Price Not Moving? Raoul Pal Explains ‘Largest Liquidation Event in History’
  •   ,

These purchases, valued at roughly $161 million, increased whale holdings from about 66.3% to 67.53% of the circulating supply, bringing their total to nearly 24.33 billion ADA.

In contrast, retail wallets holding 100 ADA or less have reduced exposure. Over the past three weeks, these smaller holders sold around 22,000 ADA, lowering their share of supply slightly from 0.122% to 0.121%.

This trend suggests that larger investors may be positioning early, even as price weakness pushes smaller traders to step back.

ADA Price Faces Pressure as Bears Remain in Control

According to Finora AI Analysis, Cardano’s price has struggled in recent weeks, falling from above $0.40 earlier this month to around $0.35 at press time. The broader price structure remains bearish unless ADA can reclaim and hold above the $0.3584–$0.3620 range.

If ADA dips below the recent support zone near $0.3473, but quickly recovers with strong buying interest, a short-term move toward $0.3546 and potentially $0.3584 could follow. However, failure to hold these levels may open the door for further downside toward $0.3412.

A clear bullish shift would only be confirmed if ADA manages to close firmly above $0.3620 and sustain strength above that level.

Never Miss a Beat in the Crypto World!

Stay ahead with breaking news, expert analysis, and real-time updates on the latest trends in Bitcoin, altcoins, DeFi, NFTs, and more.

FAQs

How could Cardano’s February developments impact the crypto market?

If Cardano announces significant updates, it could influence investor sentiment across the crypto sector, attracting institutional interest and potentially boosting liquidity in ADA and related projects. Market volatility may increase as traders react to news.

What are the potential risks for ADA investors if whales dominate accumulation?

Heavy accumulation by large holders can concentrate market control, which may amplify price swings. Smaller investors could face increased exposure to sudden market moves if whales decide to sell or redistribute holdings.

Who is most likely affected by the current bearish trend in ADA?

Retail traders and short-term speculators are most exposed to the ongoing price decline, while long-term holders may view dips as accumulation opportunities. Service providers building on Cardano could see slower adoption until market confidence stabilizes.

The post Why Is Bitcoin Price Not Moving? Raoul Pal Explains ‘Largest Liquidation Event in History’ appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Real Vision founder Raoul Pal said the crypto market’s weakness isn’t a sign the bull run is over. It just hasn’t started yet. The macro investor gave a specific timeline: crypto prices should start moving by end of February 2026.

But first, he explained what’s been holding the market back in a recent video on Savvy Finance.

What Really Happened on October 10th

Pal called the October 10th crash the largest crypto liquidation event in history. It started on Binance and spread across Asian exchanges.

“October the 10th was a crypto-specific event where everything broke basically on Binance and a few of the Asian exchanges and everybody got liquidated. The largest liquidation event in history and the market has not recovered from that yet,” he said.

Market maker APIs broke during the sell-off. Automated liquidations kept firing with no buyers on the other side. Pal believes exchanges absorbed billions in positions to stop a full collapse. They’re now slowly selling that inventory, which explains the constant downward pressure.

.article-inside-link {
margin-left: 0 !important;
border: 1px solid #0052CC4D;
border-left: 0;
border-right: 0;
padding: 10px 0;
text-align: left;
}

.entry ul.article-inside-link li {
font-size: 14px;
line-height: 21px;
font-weight: 600;
list-style-type: none;
margin-bottom: 0;
display: inline-block;
}

.entry ul.article-inside-link li:last-child {
display: none;
}

  • Also Read :
  •   Was Binance Behind the $19B October Crypto Crash or the Target of It?
  •   ,

Gold Is Telling the Story

Pal pointed out that gold reacts to financial conditions immediately. Crypto takes about 180 days to catch up.

Right now, gold is at all-time highs. So are silver, copper, and the S&P 500. The US dollar has dropped around 13% in the past year.

Crypto was the worst-performing major asset class during all of this. Pal said the gap isn’t about macro weakness, but about the October damage that still hasn’t healed.

Elections Will Force Action

Midterm elections hit in November 2026. The administration needs the economy to feel stronger before voters head to the polls.

Pal expects aggressive moves: tax breaks, fiscal stimulus, and new rules letting banks use more leverage. On the regulatory side, the Stability Act is moving fast, and a crypto market structure bill is working through the Senate.

What Could Go Wrong

Pal didn’t promise anything. Another government shutdown or tariff issues could delay things.

“Nothing is a certainty. Everything is a probability,” he said.

Never Miss a Beat in the Crypto World!

Stay ahead with breaking news, expert analysis, and real-time updates on the latest trends in Bitcoin, altcoins, DeFi, NFTs, and more.

FAQs

What are the biggest risks to Bitcoin’s price in 2026?

Major risks include global recessions, tighter crypto regulations, declining liquidity, or a sustained breakdown below key support levels.

How much will BTC be worth in 2030?

Bitcoin price forecasts for 2030 range from $380K to $900K, driven by scarcity, long-term adoption, and expanding institutional participation.

What will be the price of Bitcoin in 2050?

While uncertain, many long-term projections suggest Bitcoin could exceed $1 million by 2050 if it becomes a global store of value.

Is Bitcoin still a good hedge against inflation in the long term?

Bitcoin’s fixed supply makes it attractive as an inflation hedge, especially during currency debasement and long-term economic uncertainty.

The post Why Crypto Market Is Down Today: Bitcoin, Altcoins Slide After Fed Update appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Bitcoin and altcoins are falling today, extended selloff after the Federal Reserve delivered its latest policy decision, keeping interest rates unchanged. While the move itself was widely expected, markets reacted to the absence of fresh dovish signals, prompting traders to reduce risk across speculative assets.

Bitcoin slipped as selling pressure resurfaced near key resistance, dragging major altcoins lower. The price action suggests caution rather than fear, a market adjusting to tighter liquidity conditions and fading demand rather than reacting to a single negative headline.

Liquidation Data Confirms Leverage Reset, Not Panic

Liquidation data shows that derivatives markets have amplified the move though forced leveraging. In the past 24 hours, BTC liquidations exceeded $134 million and ETH liquidations surpassed $50 million. The concentration of liquidations in BTC and ETH shows that leveraged long positions have flushed, while smaller altcoins saw comparatively lighter forced exits. 

This profile is typical of a controlled leverage reset, not a market-wide capitulation. Notably, liquidation levels remain below historical extremes, suggesting selling pressure is mechanical rather than emotional.

Macro and News Factors Add to Risk-Off Tone

The Fed’s decision to hold rates steady removed a potential catalyst for risk assets. With no clear signal of imminent rate cuts, traders have shifted into a more defensive posture. Meanwhile, capital continues to rotate toward U.S. equities and gold, both of which are outperforming crypto. This divergence has historically coincided with consolidation or corrective phases for Bitcoin, especially when internal liquidity conditions are weak.

Without supportive macro tailwinds, crypto markets remain vulnerable to downside probes.

On-Chain Liquidity Signals Point to Liquidity Exit

On-chain data shows the sell-off is being driven by liquidity leaving the system, not fear-driven dumping.

The Coinbase Premium Index remains deeply negative near -0.16%. This indicates that Bitcoin is consistently trading at a discount on Coinbase relative to offshore exchanges, a sign of institutional selling during U.S. hours. 

At the same time, stablecoin market capitalization is shrinking, with more than $2.2 billion recently exiting circulation and a broader decline exceeding $5.5 billion from peak levels. Instead of rotating into stablecoins to buy dips, capital is moving back into fiat and other asset classes.

This combination, negative Coinbase premium and shrinking stablecoin supply, historically suppresses recovery attempts and limits upside follow-through. The current data shows buyer participation without conviction, a market state where rallies lack follow-through and are vulnerable to renewed selling pressure.

Bitcoin Price Action: Key Levels To Watch

Bitcoin price action showcases weakness and may see further decline in the coming sessions. Based on the chart structure, BTC price may retest the demand zone of $86,000 and grab liquidity from there. Afterward, an upswing toward $88,000 followed by $90,000 could be anticipated ahead.

In the near term, BTC price may continue to underperform and may influence other altcoins to face selling pressure. As long as BTC price remains below $90k, upside moves are likely to be corrective.

What Comes Next for Bitcoin and Altcoins

The near-term outlook hinges on liquidity and demand returning. If the market sentiment remains positive and stablecoin supply expands alongside the positive coinbase premium, a significant bullish market could be seen. Until these signals align, rallies are likely to face resistance. For now, the market remains defensive. The next direction will depend less on headlines and more on whether capital returns.

FAQs

Why did Bitcoin and altcoins fall after the Federal Reserve decision?

Bitcoin and altcoins fell because the Fed held rates steady without signaling cuts, reducing risk appetite and pushing traders away from speculative assets.

Is the current crypto selloff a sign of panic or a normal correction?

This move reflects a leverage reset, not panic. Liquidations remain moderate, showing mechanical selling rather than fear-driven capitulation.

How does shrinking stablecoin supply affect the crypto market?

Declining stablecoin supply signals capital leaving crypto, reducing liquidity and making rallies weaker and more vulnerable to pullbacks.

The post Metaplanet to Raise $137M to Increase Bitcoin Holdings appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Tokyo-listed Metaplanet has launched a $137 million stock offering to fund further Bitcoin purchases, reinforcing its aggressive strategy to build one of the largest corporate Bitcoin treasuries. The company plans to issue new shares and stock acquisition rights to raise about ¥20.7 billion, with most proceeds earmarked for buying more Bitcoin and supporting its Bitcoin income business. Metaplanet, already among the top global corporate holders of Bitcoin, aims to deepen its exposure as institutional interest in digital assets grows.

The post Metaplanet Raises $137 Million to Buy Bitcoin Despite 18.6% Loss appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Metaplanet, a Tokyo-listed investment firm, is doubling down on its Bitcoin strategy even as prices stay below $88,000. 

The company has announced a $137 million capital raise through a third-party allotment to buy more Bitcoin, showing strong long-term confidence in the digital asset.

Metaplanet Raises $137M to Buy More Bitcoin

According to a company filing, Metaplanet revealed plans to raise 21 billion yen (around $137 million) through a third-party allotment. The company will issue 24.52 million new common shares at an issue price of 499 yen ($3.35) per share, aiming to raise about 12.24 billion yen ($82 million) from the share sale alone.

Alongside this, Metaplanet will issue 159,440 stock acquisition rights, with each right allowing investors to buy 100 ordinary shares. Meanwhile, the allotment and payment date for both the shares and stock rights is scheduled for February 13, 2026.

The company stated that most of the funds raised will be used to buy more Bitcoin, continuing its Bitcoin-focused treasury strategy launched in 2024.

Bitcoin-First Strategy Continues Despite 18.6% Loss

Metaplanet has been one of Japan’s most aggressive corporate Bitcoin buyers, closely following the footsteps of Michael Saylors’ Strategy. In late 2025, the firm purchased 4,279 BTC for $451 million. 

As of now, its total Bitcoin holdings stand at 35,102 BTC, valued at around $3.08 billion.

However, with Bitcoin currently trading below $88,000, Metaplanet is facing an unrealized loss of roughly 18.6%, based on an average purchase price of $107,716 per BTC. 

Despite this, company leadership remains committed to its long-term Bitcoin accumulation plan and has set a bold target of 210,000 BTC by 2027.

Metaplanet’s Stock Price Plunge 

Following this announcement, Metaplanet’s share price has seen a drop of 4%, trading at 456 yen, reflecting short-term concerns about share dilution.

At the same time, Bitcoin price also slipped by more than 2% in the last 24 hours, trading near $87,716, though trading volume rose by 8%, signaling active market participation.

The post Why Bitcoin and Ethereum Face Volatility With Friday’s $9B Options Expiry appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Bitcoin and Ethereum are approaching a critical inflection point as one of the largest options expiries of the month collides with fragile on-chain market structure. More than $8.3 billion in Bitcoin options and $1.2 billion in Ethereum options are set to expire on January 30, placing unusual pressure on price behavior at a time when leverage is elevated and spot momentum is fading. With monetary policy uncertainty still fresh in markets and liquidity thinning, this expiry could act as a volatility trigger rather than a trend signal.

Bitcoin Options Expiry Keeps BTC Anchored Near $90K

Bitcoin is moving into the January 30 expiry with more than $8.3 billion in notional options open interest, and the way that exposure is distributed explains why price has been pinned just below $90,000 despite repeated attempts to break higher. Deribit’s option chain shows a heavy concentration of contracts clustered between $85,000 and $95,000, with $90,000 clearly standing out as the max pain level, the strike where the largest portion of options would expire worthless. The put-to-call ratio near 0.54, which signals that positioning remains net bullish, yet increasingly hedged. 

At the same time, Deribit data shows that futures open interest has remained steady, confirming this is not a broad deleveraging event. Instead, exposure has shifted toward options-based positioning, where traders are expressing views through structured trades rather than outright leveraged futures. When exposure becomes this concentrated around nearby strikes, price becomes more sensitive to hedging flows rather than organic spot demand.

As BTC trades near $90K, market makers are forced to dynamically hedge both sides of the book, absorbing momentum on rallies and cushioning dips. That hedging activity can suppress follow-through in either direction until the expiry clears or price decisively escapes the high-OI zone.

On-chain data reinforces this picture of balance rather than strength. Binance’s 7-day net taker flow remains only marginally positive, showing that buyers are present but not aggressive. In prior bullish expansions, sustained upside only emerged when taker buy volume expanded decisively and consistently absorbed sell pressure.

Once the options roll off, this equilibrium is likely to break. If BTC holds above $90K post-expiry, suppressed upside flows could unwind quickly as hedges are lifted. Conversely, a clean rejection below that level risks triggering short-term downside as protective puts move into the money and hedging pressure flips direction.

Ethereum Options and On-Chain Leverage Signal Higher Volatility Risk

Ethereum is entering the same expiry window with approximately $1.27 billion in notional options open interest, and while smaller than Bitcoin’s, the risk profile appears more fragile. Deribit data shows ETH’s put-to-call ratio around 0.74, indicating a higher demand for downside protection relative to Bitcoin. The max pain level sits near $3,100, while price continues to consolidate well below its prior highs.

The option chain reveals a wider dispersion of strikes, but with notable put interest building below current levels. This suggests traders are less confident in ETH’s ability to hold support cleanly and are actively hedging against sharper downside moves. Unlike Bitcoin, where positioning remains compressed and controlled, Ethereum’s structure allows for more asymmetric price reactions once hedging flows intensify.

On-chain leverage data adds another layer of concern. CryptoQuant shows Ethereum’s estimated leverage ratio on Binance at record highs, signaling a heavy concentration of leveraged positions still embedded in the system. Elevated leverage alone is not bearish, but when combined with unstable taker behavior, it increases the probability of abrupt price dislocations. Currently, ETH price sits around $2920 and faces bearish pressure. For Ethereum, the crucial zone is to sustain above $3,080 for a major short covering move. 

The post Gold Price Leads While Bitcoin Underperforms in Risk-Off Markets – Here’s Why appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Gold has once again become investors’ first choice during uncertain times. Rising inflation, slowing global growth, and ongoing geopolitical tensions have pushed money into traditional safe-haven assets.

In 2026, gold prices crossed $5,500 per ounce, marking an 18% gain this year and more than 60% growth since 2025. Central banks continue to buy gold aggressively, especially countries looking to reduce their dependence on the U.S. dollar. This steady demand has strengthened gold’s role as a trusted store of value when confidence in paper currencies weakens.

Bitcoin Price Lags as Investors Turn Cautious

Bitcoin has remained stable compared to risk assets, but it has not matched gold’s strong rally. BTC has slipped below $90,000, wiping out its gains for the year.

During recent global tensions, investors moved money quickly into physical gold. In fact, gold added value in a single day nearly equal to Bitcoin’s entire market cap, showing where capital flows during moments of fear.

Economist Explains Gold vs Bitcoin During Market Stress

Economist Dr. Bob Murphy, speaking on a podcast with Anthony Pompliano, explained why gold is currently leading Bitcoin.

According to Murphy, gold and Bitcoin are not rivals, but assets that react differently to risk. Both benefit when investors expect money printing or currency weakness. However, during extreme uncertainty, gold feels safer to many because of its thousands-year history and global acceptance.

Bitcoin, while innovative, still depends on technology, internet access, and newer infrastructure, which can make investors cautious in crises.

Murphy stressed that Bitcoin’s underperformance does not weaken its long-term outlook. Instead, it reflects how investors behave when fear rises. In stressful moments, people prefer what they know best, and gold fits that role.

Central Bank Gold Buying Signals Global Shift

Murphy also pointed to a changing global financial system. Many countries are preparing for a future where the U.S. dollar is no longer dominant.

Central banks, especially outside Western economies, are increasing their gold reserves. This trend shows growing concern about the current monetary system rather than a complete rejection of fiat currencies.

Federal Reserve Policy and Government Influence

The conversation also touched on the Federal Reserve. Murphy argued that the Fed cannot be fully independent because its decisions directly affect government debt and borrowing costs.

Interest rate policies, he said, are closely tied to fiscal needs, making political influence hard to avoid.

Despite gold’s recent strength, Murphy remains optimistic about Bitcoin. He described it as a younger and more volatile asset that is still evolving.

Over time, Bitcoin may grow alongside gold rather than replace it. Both assets, he believes, will continue to attract investors looking for protection outside traditional financial systems.

The post California’s 2026 Billionaire Tax Plan Raises Concerns, Tech Leaders Exit appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

California, which generates about $4.1 trillion and contributes over 14% of the U.S. GDP, is back in the spotlight. A new proposal called the 2026 Billionaire Tax Act aims to tax the ultra-rich with a 5% levy on net worth, sparking serious debate. 

However, the plan has raised fears of wealth leaving the state and long-term economic harm.

What the Billionaire Tax Act Proposes

As per the 2026 Billionaire Tax Act, the proposal targets around 200 California residents with net assets of $1 billion or more. Backed by the healthcare union SEIU-UHW, the plan aims to raise nearly $100 billion. 

However, the funds would support healthcare, education, and food programs as federal funding faces possible cuts.

The proposal is backed by labor groups and includes a controversial tax on unrealized wealth, meaning individuals could be taxed even if they have not sold assets.

Supporters argue that ultra-wealthy individuals should contribute more during times of economic pressure. They believe the tax could help reduce inequality and protect essential public services.

.article-inside-link {
margin-left: 0 !important;
border: 1px solid #0052CC4D;
border-left: 0;
border-right: 0;
padding: 10px 0;
text-align: left;
}

.entry ul.article-inside-link li {
font-size: 14px;
line-height: 21px;
font-weight: 600;
list-style-type: none;
margin-bottom: 0;
display: inline-block;
}

.entry ul.article-inside-link li:last-child {
display: none;
}

  • Also Read :
  •   Bitwise CIO Warns CLARITY Act Could Make or Break 2026 Crypto Rally
  •   ,

Why Tech Leaders Are Worried

The biggest concern comes from the tax structure itself. The proposal includes a tax on unrealized gains, meaning billionaires could be taxed on wealth they have not sold or turned into cash. It also includes retroactive rules, which critics say create fear and legal uncertainty.

Many founders warn that this could force them to sell company shares just to pay taxes. This could reduce their control over businesses they built and disrupt long-term innovation.

Early Signs of Wealth Leaving California

Even before the proposal reaches the June 2026 deadline, its impact is already showing. Reports suggest that major tech figures like Larry Page, Sergey Brin, and Peter Thiel have moved, or plan to move, to Florida and Texas, where taxes are lower.

Because of this, billions of dollars may already be leaving California. Many worry the state could lose tax money instead of gaining it. Critics like Naval Ravikant and Governor Gavin Newsom say the tax could push talent away and hurt the economy. 

Early polls show 53% support, but support drops to 41% once people learn it taxes unrealized wealth and voting shares.

Never Miss a Beat in the Crypto World!

Stay ahead with breaking news, expert analysis, and real-time updates on the latest trends in Bitcoin, altcoins, DeFi, NFTs, and more.

FAQs

What is the California Billionaire Tax Act 2026?

The 2026 Billionaire Tax Act proposes a 5% tax on Californians with $1 billion+ in net worth to fund healthcare, education, and food programs.

What is an unrealized wealth tax?

An unrealized wealth tax means billionaires could be taxed on assets they haven’t sold, like stocks or company shares, not just cash income.

Could the tax cause billionaires to leave California?

Yes. Experts warn the tax may push wealthy residents to lower-tax states, potentially reducing investment and economic growth in California.

How much money could California raise from this tax?

The proposal aims to raise nearly $100 billion, funding public services amid possible federal funding cuts while addressing wealth inequality.

The post XRP News Today: Ripple Reaffirms XRP’s Central Role as Institutional Demand Grows appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Ripple is moving decisively to shut down speculation that XRP is being sidelined as the company broadens its reach across custody, stablecoins, and institutional finance. Despite rapid expansion into new financial products, Ripple executives have reiterated that XRP remains fundamental to the company’s long-term vision and operational strategy.

Recent market chatter suggested that newer initiatives, particularly Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin and institutional services, could dilute XRP’s importance. Ripple leadership has pushed back firmly, stressing that these developments are designed to strengthen XRP’s utility, not replace it.

Leadership Reinforces XRP’s Importance

Ripple executive Reece Merrick recently reaffirmed that XRP will continue to sit at the heart of Ripple’s strategy. His remarks echo long-standing statements from CEO Brad Garlinghouse, who has repeatedly emphasized that XRP acts as the connective layer across Ripple’s expanding ecosystem.

According to Ripple’s leadership, the company’s evolution beyond cross-border payments is not a pivot away from XRP, but a scaling of its use cases. Whether through liquidity, settlements, or enterprise finance, XRP is positioned as a core component that ties Ripple’s products together.

More Clarity Coming for the Community

Ripple plans to further address XRP’s role during an X Spaces session scheduled for February 11, 2026. The event, featuring Ripple President Monica Long, is expected to provide a deeper look into how the company’s broader infrastructure strategy continues to revolve around XRP. Ripple has framed the session as a direct response to community questions as it transitions into a full-spectrum blockchain infrastructure provider.

.article-inside-link {
margin-left: 0 !important;
border: 1px solid #0052CC4D;
border-left: 0;
border-right: 0;
padding: 10px 0;
text-align: left;
}

.entry ul.article-inside-link li {
font-size: 14px;
line-height: 21px;
font-weight: 600;
list-style-type: none;
margin-bottom: 0;
display: inline-block;
}

.entry ul.article-inside-link li:last-child {
display: none;
}

  • Also Read :
  •   Why $42 Keeps Appearing in XRP’s Long-Term Market Structure
  •   ,

Market Signals: ETFs, Technical Levels, and Volatility

Market activity around XRP is heating up alongside these reassurances. According to Whale Factor, XRP is testing a key trendline resistance, setting the stage for heightened volatility. A breakout could push prices toward $2.10, while rejection may trigger a pullback toward the $1.80 support zone.

Institutional interest is also becoming more visible. Analyst Chad Steingraber noted that XRP ETFs recorded nearly $10 million in volume within the first hour of trading, with Grayscale taking an early lead, an indicator that institutions, not retail traders, are driving demand.

XRP Price Action Remains at a Crossroads

Despite the positive signals, XRP continues to struggle below the $2.00 mark. The price recently dipped into a short-term bearish zone, with support forming near $1.88–$1.86. Technical indicators suggest weakening momentum, but a move above $1.95 could quickly reopen a push toward $2.00 and beyond.

Overall, Ripple’s messaging and market developments suggest that XRP remains firmly embedded in the company’s future, while price action signals that a decisive move may be close.

Never Miss a Beat in the Crypto World!

Stay ahead with breaking news, expert analysis, and real-time updates on the latest trends in Bitcoin, altcoins, DeFi, NFTs, and more.

FAQs

Is XRP still important to Ripple’s long-term strategy?

Yes, XRP remains central to Ripple’s vision, acting as the connective layer across payments, custody, and institutional finance products.

How does XRP support Ripple’s expanding services?

XRP enables liquidity, cross-border settlements, and enterprise finance, serving as the core token linking Ripple’s broader infrastructure.

What does XRP’s current market activity indicate?

XRP is testing key resistance near $2.00, with institutional demand rising and potential volatility signaling a decisive price move ahead.

How are institutions investing in XRP?

Institutional demand is rising, with XRP ETFs and Grayscale leading early trading, showing professional investors are driving growth.

What should XRP holders expect in 2026?

Expect more clarity on XRP’s strategic role, market volatility, and broader adoption as Ripple expands its blockchain infrastructure.