Strategy Inc. <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="MSTR" data-exchange="NASDAQ" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MSTR" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MSTR">MSTR</a>)</a> Executive Chair Michael Saylor highlighted on Sunday that the company has surpassed Wall Street giants since adopting the Bitcoin <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="BTC" data-exchange="CRYPTO" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BTC-USD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</a>-focused approach, trailing only Nvidia Corp.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/NVDA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a><a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="NVDA" data-exchange="NASDAQ" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/NVDA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/NVDA">NVDA</a>)</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">&#8216;Best-Performing Assets&#8217; Of The Decade</h2>



Saylor posted a chart on X comparing annualized returns for various assets during the &#8220;Bitcoin Standard Era,&#8221; referring to the period since Aug. 10, 2020, when the company adopted Bitcoin as its primary treasury reserve asset.&nbsp;



During this period, Nvidia surged by 1,557%, with a compound annual growth rate of 68%. Strategy stood second in the list, gaining 1,173% with annualized returns of 60%. 



Bitcoin, the asset around which Strategy has built its operations, has risen 674% since Aug. 10, 2020, equating to an annualized gain of 45%.



Saylor named Nvidia &#8220;Digital Intelligence,&#8221; MSTR stock &#8220;Digital Credit,&#8221; and Bitcoin &#8220;Digital Capital&#8221; as the decade&#8217;s &#8220;best-performing assets.&#8221;



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">The best-performing assets of this decade are Digital Intelligence <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24NVDA&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$NVDA</a>, Digital Credit <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24MSTR&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$MSTR</a>, and Digital Capital <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24BTC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$BTC</a>. <a href="https://t.co/R3f1Nja41Z">pic.twitter.com/R3f1Nja41Z</a>&mdash; Michael Saylor (@saylor) <a href="https://twitter.com/saylor/status/2010460948063289637?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2026</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Strategy&#8217;s Decline In 2025</h2>



While Strategy has indeed outperformed the &#8220;Mag 7&#8221; giants over a broader timeframe, its performance lately has lagged significantly. 



Over the last year, it has lost 52% of its value, while Nvidia, Tesla Inc. <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="TSLA" data-exchange="NASDAQ" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/TSLA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/TSLA">TSLA</a>)</a>, Microsoft Corp. <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="MSFT" data-exchange="NASDAQ" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MSFT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MSFT">MSFT</a>)</a> and Alphabet Inc. <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="GOOG" data-exchange="NASDAQ" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/GOOG" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/GOOG">GOOG</a>)</a> have all generated returns for their shareholders.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Assets</th><th>Gains Since Aug. 10, 2020 +/-</th><th>1-Year Gains +/-</th><th>10-Year Gains +/-</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Strategy</td><td>+1,173%</td><td>-52.09%</td><td>+923.08%</td></tr><tr><td>Nvidia&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>+1,557%</td><td>+38.73%</td><td>+24,376.66%</td></tr><tr><td>Tesla</td><td>+371%</td><td>+10.34%</td><td>+3.054.61%</td></tr><tr><td>Alphabet</td><td>+342%</td><td>+71.17%</td><td>+818.60%</td></tr><tr><td>Microsoft</td><td>+137%</td><td>+14.88%</td><td>+808.42%</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Will MSTR Bounce Back Strongly?</h2>



The MSTR stock is often seen as a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/Opinion/25/12/49132735/microstrategys-structural-reset-why-markets-are-repricing-mstr-beyond-bitcoin?utm_campaign=partner_feed&amp;utm_source=yahooFinance&amp;utm_medium=partner_feed&amp;utm_content=real_estate&amp;nid=49175798" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">leveraged Bitcoin proxy</a>&nbsp;due to its recursive strategy of issuing equity and debt to acquire more BTC as its price rises. However, this connection also causes it to suffer when the price of BTC drops, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/12/49152441/michael-saylors-bitcoin-leveraged-strategy-could-lead-to-disaster-for-his-company-says-ross-gerber-are-they-fit-enough-to-survive">which is what happened last year</a>.



The company announced a $1.44 billion reserve last year, aimed at&nbsp;funding dividends and interest without relying on Bitcoin sales during downturns.



Strategy's market valuation stands at $49.21 billion, while its Bitcoin holdings are valued at a little over $62 billion. This means that the stock is trading at a discount to its net asset value, or NAV.



Price Action: At the time of writing, BTC was exchanging hands at $92,034.52, up 1.56% in the last 24 hours, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard?_gl=1&#x2A;380nj0&#x2A;_ga&#x2A;MTEyOTAyOTcxMy4xNzEzMzY0NTYy&#x2A;_ga_V7ZK73W7N0&#x2A;MTcxNDk4MzIzMi42LjEuMTcxNDk4OTE0Ni4wLjAuMA..">data from Benzinga Pro</a>.



Strategy shares closed 5.77% lower at $157.33&nbsp;during Friday&#8217;s regular trading session. 



The stock maintains a weaker price trend over the short, medium and long terms. How does it compare with Nvidia? Visit <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">Benzinga Edge Stock Rankings</a> to find out.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="963" height="190" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/11234228/image-144.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1253315" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/11234228/image-144.png 963w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/11234228/image-144-300x59.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/11234228/image-144-768x152.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 963px) 100vw, 963px" /></a></figure>



Photo Courtesy: yanadhorn on Shutterstock.com

Crypto Billionaire Michael Saylor Names Nvidia, Bitcoin Among 'Best Performing Assets' Of The Decade: Here's How They've Performed

A social post shared by Binance <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="BNB" data-exchange="CRYPTO" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BNB-USD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/bnb/usd">BNB</a>)</a> co-founder Changpeng &#8220;CZ&#8221; Zhao was flagged on Sunday for misrepresenting an old announcement from X about introducing in-app trading.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">X Community Fact Checks CZ&#8217;s Claim</h2>



CZ made a &#8220;clapping hands&#8221; emoji in response to a post by The Bitcoin Historian about Elon Musk&#8217;s social media company launching in-app Bitcoin <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="BTC" data-exchange="CRYPTO" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BTC-USD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</a> and cryptocurrency trading.



Users on X added a community note to the post, stating that while reports of in-app trading are accurate, no official announcement mentions Bitcoin or any other cryptocurrency.



CZ didn&#8217;t immediately return Benzinga&#8217;s request for comment on the matter.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">&#x1f44f; <a href="https://t.co/aGUfBhuPjq">https://t.co/aGUfBhuPjq</a>&mdash; CZ &#x1f536; BNB (@cz_binance) <a href="https://twitter.com/cz_binance/status/2010406903306997921?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2026</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Will Crypto Payments Debut On X?</h2>



CEO&nbsp;Linda Yaccarino said in a June interview about planning to roll out features that allow users <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/financing/25/06/46019534/elon-musks-x-plans-to-launch-in-app-stock-trading-to-challenge-robinhood-sofi-ceo-says-youll-whole-financial-life-could-be-on-the-platform">to trade and invest directly from the app</a>.



Yaccarino unveiled the company's roadmap, which includes everything from peer-to-peer payments and tipping to buying and trading stocks, and X-branded credit and debit cards. 



Interestingly, Musk touted a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/01/42806463/elon-musks-push-for-crypto-powered-everything-app-reflected-in-x-money-leak-as-bitcoin-hovers-around-100k">cryptocurrency-powered &#8220;everything app&#8221;</a> through X Money last year, but no concrete announcements have been made since.



The community has long speculated about integrating cryptocurrencies on X, fueled by Musk&#8217;s enduring interest in assets like Dogecoin <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="DOGE" data-exchange="CRYPTO" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/DOGE-USD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>)</a>.



Photo Courtesy: Mamun_Sheikh on Shutterstock.com

Elon Musk's X Launching In-App Crypto Trading? Changpeng Zhao Amplifies Claim, Gets Flagged After Sharing Old Announcement

Leading cryptocurrencies spiked on Sunday, but stock futures plunged after the Justice Department served subpoenas to the Federal Reserve.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Cryptocurrency</th><th>Gains +/-</th><th>Price (Recorded at 9:15 p.m. ET)</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Bitcoin <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BTC" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="BTC" data-exchange="CRYPTO">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</a></td><td>+0.97%</td><td>$91,445.21</td></tr><tr><td>Ethereum <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ETH" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="ETH" data-exchange="CRYPTO">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>)</a> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>+1.21%</td><td>$3,129.37</td></tr><tr><td>XRP <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/XRP" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="XRP" data-exchange="CRYPTO">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/xrp/usd">XRP</a>)</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>-0.88%</td><td>$2.07</td></tr><tr><td>Solana <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SOL" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="SOL" data-exchange="CRYPTO">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/sol/usd">SOL</a>)</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>+3.88%</td><td>$141.41</td></tr><tr><td>Dogecoin <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/DOGE" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="DOGE" data-exchange="CRYPTO">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>)</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>+0.35%</td><td>$0.1395</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Cryptos See Overnight Spike</h2>



Bitcoin rallied in the evening, breaking past $91,500 as trading volume picked up dramatically. Volumes rose nearly 75% over the 24-hour period.



Similarly, Ethereum rose to nearly $3,150 in the evening hours, with trading volume surging 84% in the last 24 hours.&nbsp;



The two assets are off to a good start in 2026, with Bitcoin up 4.42% and Ethereum up over 5.60%.



Over $140 million was liquidated from the cryptocurrency market in the last 24 hours, <a href="https://www.coinglass.com/LongShortRatio">according </a>to Coinglass, with nearly equal amounts of longs and shorts wiped out.



Bitcoin's open interest rose 0.69% in the last 24 hours, with nearly 70% of Binance traders with open BTC positions long on the apex cryptocurrency.



The &#8220;Fear sentiment continued to dominate the market, <a href="https://alternative.me/crypto/fear-and-greed-index/#google_vignette">according</a> to the Crypto Fear and Greed Index.



Top Gainers (24 Hours)&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Cryptocurrency (Market Cap&gt;$100 M)</td><td>Gains +/-</td><td>Price (Recorded at 9:15 p.m. ET)</td></tr><tr><td>Story (IP )&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>+24%</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; $2.47</td></tr><tr><td>BUILDon (B )&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>+22.52%</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; $0.2758</td></tr><tr><td>DeepBook Protocol (DEEP )&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td><td>+22.86%</td><td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; $17.47</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



The global cryptocurrency market capitalization stood at $3.1 trillion, following a modest increase of 0.45% in the last 24 hours.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Stocks Futures Plunge After Fed Subpoena</h2>



Stock market futures fell overnight on Sunday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average Futures slipped 186 points, or 0.37%, as of 8:40 p.m. EDT.&nbsp; Futures tied to the S&amp;P 500 dipped 0.47%, while Nasdaq 100 Futures lost 0.72%.



The sell-offs come after Fed Chair Jerome Powell said that the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/26/01/49833228/jerome-powell-hits-back-with-video-after-trumps-doj-threatens-federal-reserve-with-criminal-indictment">central bank was hit with subpoenas</a> threatening a criminal indictment over his testimony before the Senate Banking Committee last June.



Powell described the action as a result of not following the "preference of the President" on interest rates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Where Is ETH Headed?</h2>



Michaël van de Poppe, a widely followed cryptocurrency analyst and trader, noted that Ethereum is holding above a "crucial" resistance zone around $3,000- $3,100.



"That means that the likelihood towards new monthly highs has significantly increased. Great stuff," the analyst predicted.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">So far, <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24ETH&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$ETH</a> is holding nicely above a crucial resistance zone. That means that the likelihood towards new monthly highs has significantly increased. Great stuff. <a href="https://t.co/KnIPCNadVu">pic.twitter.com/KnIPCNadVu</a>&mdash; Michaël van de Poppe (@CryptoMichNL) <a href="https://twitter.com/CryptoMichNL/status/2010452908043542804?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2026</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



EliZ, another popular cryptocurrency commentator, said Bitcoin remains "structurally weak" with no "credible" signs of a bottom.



"Any rebound at this stage is merely a technical reaction until the structure changes," EliZ added.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Ok Im back &#x1f44b;&#x1f3fb;&#x1f1e8;&#x1f1ed;Quick update on <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24BTC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$BTC</a>: nothing has changed. In my opinion, it remains structurally weak and, to date, there are still no credible signs of a bottom. Any rebound at this stage is merely a technical reaction until the structure changes. Best strategy trade day by day… <a href="https://t.co/hdF8aPecph">https://t.co/hdF8aPecph</a> <a href="https://t.co/RcTlx3xHF3">pic.twitter.com/RcTlx3xHF3</a>&mdash; EliZ (@eliz883) <a href="https://twitter.com/eliz883/status/2010490460297375844?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2026</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Photo Courtesy: KateStock on Shutterstock.com

Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin Gain, While XRP Slips: Analyst Says BTC Remains 'Structurally Weak' With No 'Credible' Signs Of Bottom

Cryptocurrency punters are betting on an imminent U.S. military intervention in Iran amid reports of rising fatalities in the current turmoil and President Donald Trump&#8217;s repeated threats to invade.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Rising Stakes: US-Iran Conflict Now Likely?</h2>



The odds that the U.S. will strike Iran by Jan. 16 rose from 27% to&nbsp;<a href="https://polymarket.com/event/us-strikes-iran-by">32%</a>&nbsp;over the last 24 hours on&nbsp;Polymarket.



The chances that such a military action will happen by the end of this month stood at 48%, while the likelihood of a strike by March 31 was 65% at the time of writing.



Nearly $9 million has been wagered on the outcome. The market resolves to "Yes" if the U.S. initiates a drone, missile or air strike on Iranian territory, including its embassies and consulates. However, missiles or drones that are intercepted won&#8217;t count.



Meanwhile, the odds of a ground invasion by the U.S. military remained low, with only a <a href="https://polymarket.com/event/us-forces-enter-iran-by">9%</a> chance of that happening by Jan. 31.



Polymarket, based on&nbsp;Polygon&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/POL-USD" target="_blank">(CRYPTO:&nbsp;</a><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/" target="_blank">POL</a>), has faced criticism in the past for launching betting events that&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/10/41110897/ethereum-creator-vitalik-buterin-bats-for-polymarkets-model-amid-concerns-over-betting-on-" target="_blank">aim to profit from conflicts and wars</a>.



A disclaimer on the Polymarket's website reads, "After discussing with those directly affected by the attacks, who had dozens of questions, we realized that prediction markets could give them the answers they needed in ways TV news and X could not."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Will US Action Escalate Tensions?</h2>



The betting comes amid reports that the Trump administration is weighing military options in response to the ongoing anti-regime protests in the Middle Eastern nation, which have now stretched into their 15th day.



Senior officials from major national security agencies are expected to brief Trump early next week on potential responses to the protests, The Washington Post <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2026/01/11/iran-protests-death-toll/">reported</a>, citing officials familiar with the matter.



Moreover, Trump <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/115872214156165257">said </a>via his Truth Social that &#8220;Iran is looking at Freedom,&#8221; and the U.S. stands ready to help.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="760" height="247" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/11201948/image-141.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1253191" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/11201948/image-141.png 760w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/11201948/image-141-300x98.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px" /></figure>



Iranian officials warned that the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/26/01/49831772/iran-warns-of-potential-retaliation-against-us-bases-as-tensions-rise-human-rights-body-fears-massacre-in-iran">nation would retaliate</a> against any U.S. aggression by striking&nbsp;American military bases in the&nbsp;Middle East.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Unrest Turns Deadly</h2>



At least 544 people have been killed in the protests,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.en-hrana.org/detailed-report-on-the-tenth-day-of-protests-36-dead-in-285-demonstrations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according</a>&nbsp;to Human Rights Activists News Agency, a U.S.-based non-profit organization. Another 10,600 people have been detained over the fortnight of unrest, the agency said. The BBC also <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm2jek15m8no">confirmed </a>180 deaths.



Iranian state media said that more than <a href="https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2026/01/11/762207/Araghchi--Mossad-terrorists-attacking-police-officers-in-Iran">100 members</a> of its security forces have been killed during protests, which started over growing frustration with the collapsing national currency and soaring inflation.



Photo: noamgalai/Shutterstock

Will Trump Strike Iran As Death Toll Rises On The Streets? Odds Increase On Crypto Betting Market

Ethereum Co-founder Vitalik Buterin, has recently voiced his concerns regarding the structural issues present in decentralized stablecoins, indicating that the crypto sector has not yet addressed these problems.



Buterin has identified three main challenges in a post on X on Sunday. He expressed skepticism about the current design of decentralized stablecoins, questioning their long-term viability.



Buterin&#8217;s first concern is that most decentralized stablecoins continue to use the U.S. dollar as their benchmark. He proposed that future stablecoins might consider broader price indexes or purchasing power metrics, instead of relying solely on the dollar.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">We need better decentralized stablecoins. IMO three problems: 1. Ideally figure out an index to track that&#39;s better than USD price 2. Oracle design that&#39;s decentralized and is not capturable with a large pool of money 3. Solve the problem that staking yield is competition…&mdash; vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) <a href="https://twitter.com/VitalikButerin/status/2010253778365055363?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2026</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Next, he underscored the vulnerability of oracles, which are systems that provide blockchains with real-world data. If an oracle is compromised, the entire system is at risk.



Finally, Buterin addressed the issue of staking yield, characterizing it&nbsp;as a hidden source of&nbsp;conflict for decentralized stablecoins. He stressed that these were not suggestions, but illustrations&nbsp;of the limited solution space.



Buterin also cautioned that decentralized stablecoins cannot depend on fixed collateral levels and need to have the ability to dynamically rebalance to maintain solvency during periods of severe market fluctuations.



Buterin&#8217;s concerns highlight the ongoing challenges faced by the crypto industry in its efforts to establish stable and reliable decentralized financial systems. 



The issues he raised, such as the over-reliance on the U.S. dollar, the vulnerability of oracles, and the tension around staking yield, underscore the complexity of designing decentralized stablecoins that are both sustainable and resilient. 



His comments serve as a reminder that while the crypto industry has made significant strides, there are still fundamental issues that need to be addressed to ensure the long-term viability of these digital assets.

Vitalik Buterin Flags Major Risks in Decentralized Stablecoins, Here's What It Means for You

Last week Wells Fargo begun to amass Bitcoin <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="BTC" data-exchange="CRYPTO" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BTC-USD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</a> in substantial amounts. This development has elicited reactions from the cryptocurrency community, including a response from Changpeng Zhao, the founder of Binance.



Wells Fargo&#8217;s decision to purchase large quantities of Bitcoin comes at a time of increasing uncertainty in the wider cryptocurrency market. 



In response to this move, Changpeng Zhao, Binance&#8217;s founder, has called on traders to remain resilient.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">While you were panic selling, U.S. Banks were loading up on bitcoin. &#x1f937;&#x200d;&#x2642;&#xfe0f; <a href="https://t.co/8Xufs40ZJ8">https://t.co/8Xufs40ZJ8</a>&mdash; CZ &#x1f536; BNB (@cz_binance) <a href="https://twitter.com/cz_binance/status/2009920986561556984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2026</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



Zhao pointed out that while many are panic selling, US banks like Wells Fargo are stocking up on Bitcoin. Such significant Bitcoin acquisitions by traditional banks are seldom accidental, suggesting a long-term strategy and anticipation of future Bitcoin growth.



Despite the current volatility in Bitcoin&#8217;s price, Wells Fargo&#8217;s large-scale purchase indicates a surge in investor confidence, even amidst&nbsp;the growing fear and uncertainty&nbsp;pervading the market.



While traders are increasingly divesting their Bitcoin holdings due to market uncertainty, on-chain data shows&nbsp;that 655,498 BTC is currently&nbsp;held on Binance as traders return&nbsp;more tokens to the exchange.



Why It Matters: Wells Fargo&#8217;s move to accumulate Bitcoin in large quantities is a significant development in the cryptocurrency market. This indicates a shift in attitude by traditional financial institutions towards digital currencies, suggesting they see potential for future growth in Bitcoin. 



Furthermore, the call for resilience by Binance&#8217;s founder underscores the importance of maintaining a long-term perspective in the face of market volatility.

Binance Founder CZ Encourages Crypto Holders While Wells Fargo Buys Bitcoin

An elderly couple was swindled out of their $1.3 million retirement fund by scammers pretending to be representatives&nbsp;from the Federal Trade Commission&nbsp;(FTC). The elaborate scam involved Bitcoin ATMs and gold bullion transactions.



Barbara and Larry Cook were approached by fraudsters in September 2023, who impersonated security representatives of Amazon and TD Bank. The scammers convinced the Cooks that their identity had been misused for illegal purchases on the dark web.



The Cooks were ensnared in a convoluted scam that had them depositing large amounts of money into Bitcoin ATMs and surrendering gold bullion in Maine and Florida. They were made to believe they were aiding the FTC in apprehending cybercriminals.



As per the report by <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/senior-couple-ftc-scam-retirement-fund-bitcoin-gold-2026-1">Insider</a>, the scam continued for over half a year before the Cooks realized they had been tricked. By this time, they had lost their entire savings of $1.3 million, earmarked for their retirement, charity, and family inheritance.



The couple was assigned a fictitious &#8220;FTC agent&#8221; named &#8220;Ryan Terry,&#8221; who walked them through the process of setting up a Bitcoin wallet and conducting transactions. The Cooks were convinced their actions were part of a legitimate investigation and that they were acting patriotically.



The scam was finally unmasked in April 2024 when Larry Cook attempted to contact &#8220;Terry&#8221; and found his WhatsApp was no longer operational. The FTC confirmed there was no such agent, and an investigation was initiated.



Despite the ongoing investigation, the authorities have suggested that the Cooks are unlikely to recover their lost savings. The couple is now sharing their story to alert others and provide solace to&nbsp;those who have been similarly&nbsp;scammed.



This incident underscores the growing threat of cybercrime and the sophistication of scams targeting vulnerable individuals. It serves as a stark reminder for individuals to exercise caution when dealing with unsolicited communications, especially those involving financial transactions. 



It also highlights the need for financial institutions and tech companies to bolster their security measures and educate their customers about potential scams.



Image: Shutterstock/Igor Faun

Elderly Couple Duped Into 'Helping' Investigation in $1.3 Million Bitcoin ATM Scam

Following Nicolás Maduro&#8217;s ouster, attention has turned to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado&#8217;s potential return, and with her, the prospects for Bitcoin <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="BTC" data-exchange="CRYPTO" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BTC-USD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</a> in the oil-rich nation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Machado Called Bitcoin &#8216;Lifeline&#8217; For Venezuelans</h2>



Machado, who won the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to advance democracy in Venezuela, is a known Bitcoin advocate.



In a 2024 interview, she described the apex cryptocurrency as a "lifeline" for Venezuelans during periods of hyperinflation.



Machado envisioned Bitcoin as part of national reserves in a &#8220;new&#8221; Venezuela.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Venezuela Opposition Leader Marina Machado: National Bitcoin Reserve Proposal" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5DNrpZVWxEU?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>







<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Venezuela&#8217;s Crypto Adoption</h2>



Venezuela has a<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/04/38378731/venezuela-turns-to-crypto-as-us-sanctions-return-on-oil-exports"> long history of cryptocurrency usage</a> amid hyperinflation, both by citizens seeking monetary stability and the government relying on Tether <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="USDT" data-exchange="CRYPTO" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/USDT-USD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">USDT</a>)</a> and Bitcoin to bypass sanctions.



The country recorded nearly $45 billion in cryptocurrency transaction volumes for the period between July 2024 and June 2025, <a href="https://www.chainalysis.com/blog/2025-global-crypto-adoption-index/">according </a>to blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis. It also stood above countries such as Japan and Argentina in Chainalysis&#8217; 2025 Global Crypto Adoption Index.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Venezuela&#8217;s Unconfirmed Bitcoin Cache</h2>



Some reports suggest that Venezuela may already be sitting on a huge Bitcoin pile. 



Multimedia publication Project Brazen <a href="https://whalehunting.projectbrazen.com/the-60-billion-question-is-venezuela-secretly-a-bitcoin-superpower/">stated </a>that the country could hold as much as $60 billion in BTC, citing sources familiar with the matter. 



A conservative estimate by <a href="http://bitcointreasuries.net/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bitcointreasuries.net</a>, a widely used source for data on Bitcoin treasury firms, pegs Venezuela&#8217;s holdings at 240 BTC, worth $22 million, as of this writing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why Does That Matter?</h2>



Interestingly, CNBC <a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/iHPNeI49F6Y">speculated </a>that the U.S. potentially seizing Venezuela&#8217;s BTC reserves and adding it to its own Strategic Bitcoin Reserve could act as a &#8220;bull case&#8221; for the market. The legality of such a move, however, is debatable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Odds Not In Machado&#8217;s Favor</h2>



The other aspect to ponder is whether Machado can assume power anytime soon, given that Venezuela is still led by Maduro&#8217;s deputy, Delcy Eloína Rodríguez.



Bettors on Polymarket <a href="https://polymarket.com/event/us-recognizes-machado-as-leader-of-venezuela-by-january-31">barely </a>see any chance of the U.S. recognizing Machado as the leader of Venezuela. She, however, vowed to <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/world/nobel-peace-prize-recipient-machado-pledges-return-venezuela-sees-alarming-internal-crackdown">return </a>to her country in a recent interview with Fox News.



Price Action: At the time of writing, BTC was exchanging hands at $90,974.85, up 0.22% in the last 24 hours, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard?_gl=1&#x2A;380nj0&#x2A;_ga&#x2A;MTEyOTAyOTcxMy4xNzEzMzY0NTYy&#x2A;_ga_V7ZK73W7N0&#x2A;MTcxNDk4MzIzMi42LjEuMTcxNDk4OTE0Ni4wLjAuMA..">data from Benzinga Pro</a>.



Photo Courtesy: Jonathan Mishkin on Shutterstock.com

Nobel Laureate Maria Machado Envisioned A Bitcoin National Reserve For 'New' Venezuela - But Bettors Doubt She'd Be Taking Over Caracas Anytime Soon

Global asset manager VanEck has projected a potential surge in the price of Bitcoin <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="BTC" data-exchange="CRYPTO" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BTC-USD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</a>, which could reach as high as $53.4 million by 2050.



VanEck&#8217;s optimistic forecast predicts&nbsp;a compound annual growth rate&nbsp;(CAGR) of 29% for Bitcoin&nbsp;over the next quarter-century. This &#8220;hyper-Bitcoinization&#8221; scenario suggests Bitcoin gaining a significant share of both domestic and international trades.



The <a href="https://www.vaneck.com/us/en/blogs/digital-assets/matthew-sigel-vaneck-bitcoin-long-term-capital-market-assumptions/">report </a>states, &#8220;In a &#8216;hyper-Bitcoinization&#8217;&nbsp;scenario where Bitcoin captures 20%&nbsp;of international trade and 10%&nbsp;of domestic GDP, the implied&nbsp;value per coin could reach&nbsp;$53.4 million.&#8221;



For this to occur, Bitcoin would need to match or even exceed&nbsp;gold as a primary global&nbsp;reserve asset, making up&nbsp;nearly 30% of world financial&nbsp;assets.



Even in VanEck&#8217;s base case, Bitcoin is projected to experience a substantial price increase, with a 15% CAGR&nbsp;leading to a price of&nbsp;$2.9 million per BTC by&nbsp;2050. In this scenario, BTC would represent 5-10% of global trade&nbsp;and 5% of domestic swaps.



As of last Friday, Bitcoin was trading at $90,319, nearly 3,100% off VanEck&#8217;s&nbsp;2050 base case. To reach&nbsp;the firm&#8217;s bull case, Bitcoin would need to surge by more than 59,000%.



VanEck&#8217;s 2050 valuations have seen a slight increase since they were first released&nbsp;in 2024. At that time,&nbsp;the firm&nbsp;provided a bull case of&nbsp;$52.3 million per BTC, while&nbsp;its base and bear cases&nbsp;remained relatively unchanged.



VanEck&#8217;s forecast is a testament to the growing acceptance of Bitcoin as a legitimate asset class. The prediction of Bitcoin&#8217;s potential to match&nbsp;or surpass gold as a&nbsp;global reserve asset underscores the cryptocurrency&#8217;s increasing credibility in the financial world. 



This projection also highlights the potential for Bitcoin to play a significant role in both domestic and international trades, further solidifying its position in the global economy.

Bitcoin Could Hit $53.4 Million by 2050 as Adoption Grows, VanEck Says

This week was a rollercoaster ride in the world of cryptocurrency. Bitcoin is showing signs of a potential rally in 2026, while Ethereum has surged above $3,100. Let&#8217;s dive into the details.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bitcoin&#8217;s Potential Rally In 2026</h2>



Bitcoin is setting up well for a rally in 2026. Glassnode data shows that profit-taking pressure has largely subsided, allowing Bitcoin to rebound from around $87,000 into the mid-$90,000 range. This move reflects exhaustion on the sell side and signals a stabilization phase.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/26/01/49821089/bitcoin-is-set-for-a-rally-in-2026-if-these-levels-break-report">Read the full article here.</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">VanEck&#8217;s Bitcoin Projection</h2>



VanEck has released long-term capital market assumptions projecting Bitcoin could reach $2.9 million by 2050. This projection represents a structural shift from speculative asset to institutional monetary instrument.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/26/01/49809271/forget-150000-bitcoins-real-target-is-2-9-million-vaneck">Read the full article here.</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ethereum&#8217;s Surge Above $3,100</h2>



Ethereum has reclaimed the $3,000 level on broader market strength. However, signals remain mixed on whether the move can extend into a sustained breakout.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/26/01/49791775/ethereum-surges-above-3100-but-bearish-alarm-bells-ring">Read the full article here.</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Novogratz&#8217;s Concerns About Crypto Treasury Companies</h2>



Galaxy Digital Inc. CEO Mike Novogratz has expressed concern about the current state of cryptocurrency treasury companies. He emphasized the importance of creating shareholder value beyond just owning the underlying asset.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/26/01/49806511/mike-novogratz-tells-scaramucci-crypto-treasuries-will-trade-below-nav-without-real-strategy-not-going-to-get-shareholder-value-just-by">Read the full article here.</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Trump&#8217;s Stance On Crypto Fraud</h2>



President Donald Trump has dismissed the idea of pardoning jailed cryptocurrency fraudster Sam Bankman-Fried. Bankman-Fried, who once promised to &#8220;build the future of finance,&#8221; is serving a 25-year sentence.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/26/01/49804509/trump-isnt-giving-sam-bankman-fried-a-get-out-of-jail-card-reiterates-resolve-to-make-us-global-crypto-leader">Read the full article here.</a>



Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.



Image via Shutterstock

Weekend Round-Up: Bitcoin's Potential Rally, Ethereum's Surge And Trump's Stance On Crypto Fraud

Members of Congress have <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/12/49613154/senator-bought-up-to-1-6-million-in-bitcoin-etf-shares-in-2025-heres-the-potential-conflict-of-interest">been actively buying up</a> Bitcoin <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="BTC" data-exchange="CRYPTO" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BTC-USD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</a> and Bitcoin ETFs over the last 12 months. Many of the purchasers are allies of President Donald Trump and serve on financial committees, which could be a conflict of interest.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Congressman Buys Bitcoin</h2>



Congressman Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) recently disclosed buying $50,000 to $100,000 in Bitcoin, as reported by the<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government-trades/members/byron-donalds"> Benzinga Government Trades page.</a>



The <a href="https://disclosures-clerk.house.gov/public_disc/ptr-pdfs/2026/20033747.pdf">purchase </a>came alongside Donald disclosing the sale of shares of Abbott Laboratories <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="ABT" data-exchange="NYSE" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ABT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ABT">ABT</a>)</a> and the purchase of shares of Comfort Systems <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="FIX" data-exchange="NYSE" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/FIX" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/FIX">FIX</a>)</a>.



This marks the first purchase of Bitcoin by Donalds. Bitcoin traded between $84,436.31 to $89,412.66 on Dec. 18 and currently trades at $90,268.43, marking a gain for Donalds in the short time since he made the trade.



Donalds is a close ally of Trump. The president has signaled support for cryptocurrency and made several executive orders related to cryptocurrency since taking office.



The congressman is <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2025/11/30/trumps-pick-to-replace-desantis-faces-a-republican-pile-on-in-florida-00670305">running </a>to be the next governor of Florida in the 2026 election and has the support of Trump in the race.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Committee Assignments Spark Conflict</h2>



Donalds currently serves on the Committee on Financial Services and on the Digital Assets, Financial Technology and Artificial Intelligence subcommittee.



Other members of these committees have purchased Bitcoin or Bitcoin ETFs over the past year, which has sparked concerns of potential conflicts of interest.



There are several pending pieces of legislation for Congress related to cryptocurrency. As a member of certain committees, members could have first-hand knowledge of the progress of legislation and timeline of any potential approvals or delays.



As a close ally of Trump and a member of the Digital Assets committee, the purchase of Bitcoin by Donalds could spark concerns from investors and/or mark a potential good entry point that deserves monitoring.



Bitcoin soared to new all-time highs of $126,198.07 in October 2025, but have fallen since then. Bitcoin is down 16.8% in the last six months and down 4.5% over the last year.



Image: Shutterstock

Trump's Pick For Next Governor Of Florida Buys Bitcoin: Is Congressional Committee A Conflict?

Bitcoin is holding above $90,000 amid a solid U.S. jobs data release on Friday.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Cryptocurrency</td><td>Ticker</td><td>Price</td></tr><tr><td>Bitcoin</td><td><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BTC" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="BTC" data-exchange="CRYPTO">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</a></td><td>$90,526.47</td></tr><tr><td>Ethereum</td><td><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ETH" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="ETH" data-exchange="CRYPTO">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>)</a></td><td>$3,084.76</td></tr><tr><td>Solana</td><td><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SOL" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="SOL" data-exchange="CRYPTO">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/sol/usd">SOL</a>)</a></td><td>$136.55</td></tr><tr><td>XRP</td><td><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/XRP" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="XRP" data-exchange="CRYPTO">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/xrp/usd">XRP</a>)</a></td><td>$2.09</td></tr><tr><td>Dogecoin</td><td><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/DOGE" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="DOGE" data-exchange="CRYPTO">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>)</a></td><td>$0.1402</td></tr><tr><td>Shiba Inu</td><td><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SHIB" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="SHIB" data-exchange="CRYPTO">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/shib/usd">SHIB</a>)</a></td><td>$0.058633</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



Notable Statistics:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Coinglass data shows 80,473 traders were liquidated in the past 24 hours for $202.65 million.       </li>



<li>In the past 24 hours, top gainers include Polygon, Pump.fun and Stacks.</li>
</ul>



Notable Developments:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/26/01/49820086/3-reasons-why-bitcoin-eth-xrp-sentiment-is-turning-bullish-in-2026">3 Reasons Why Bitcoin, ETH, XRP Sentiment Is Turning Bullish In 2026</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/26/01/49809271/forget-150000-bitcoins-real-target-is-2-9-million-vaneck">Forget $150,000, Bitcoin&#8217;s Real Target Is $2.9 Million: VanEck</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings/analyst-color/26/01/49812096/coinbase-global-analyst-turns-bullish-on-product-velocity-tam-expansion">Coinbase Global Analyst Turns Bullish On Product Velocity, TAM Expansion</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/26/01/49807173/2026-trailblazers-these-cryptos-might-be-worth-your-attention">2026 Trailblazers: These Cryptos Might Be Worth Your Attention</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/26/01/49806511/mike-novogratz-tells-scaramucci-crypto-treasuries-will-trade-below-nav-without-real-strategy-not-going-to-get-shareholder-value-just-by">Mike Novogratz Tells Scaramucci Crypto Treasuries Will Trade Below NAV Without Real Strategy: &#8216;Not Going To Get Shareholder Value Just By&#8230;&#8217;</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/26/01/49814694/trump-pardoned-ross-ulbricht-and-changpeng-zhao-but-wont-touch-sbf-heres-why">Trump Pardoned Ross Ulbricht And Changpeng Zhao, But Won&#8217;t Touch SBF — Here&#8217;s Why</a></li>
</ul>



Trader Notes: Altcoin Sherpa <a href="https://x.com/AltcoinSherpa/status/2009679034142077077">said</a> the current environment favors either short-term scalp trades or staying on the sidelines until Bitcoin delivers a strong, sustained breakout above $94,000. 



Until that happens, choppy price action is expected, making capital preservation the priority.



Crypto trader Jelle <a href="https://x.com/CryptoJelleNL/status/2009637094000361791">noted</a> that weeks after the sell-off, Bitcoin appears to have found a bottom following a dip to RSI 37. 



While the precise catalyst is unclear, he highlighted that this RSI level has historically acted as a meaningful inflection zone for BTC.



Michael van de Poppe <a href="https://x.com/CryptoMichNL/status/2009686612897345696">described</a> the current move as a key bounce, pointing out that Bitcoin is holding its crucial 21-day moving average and beginning to grind higher. 



He said the price action shows clear buying interest at these levels.



If this strength persists through the weekend, the probability of a push toward $94,000 rises significantly, which could reignite momentum across the broader altcoin market.



 Image: Shutterstock

Bitcoin Holds $90,000 As Ethereum, XRP, Dogecoin Slide Over 1%

Bitcoin <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="BTC" data-exchange="CRYPTO" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BTC-USD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</a> may play an underrated role in the recent protests in Iran, with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard reportedly moving $1 billion through crypto exchanges to evade sanctions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Currency Collapse Drives Mass Bitcoin Adoption</h3>



The Iranian rial crashed to a record 1.42 million per U.S. dollar in late December, having lost over 40% of its value since June 2025.



While ordinary citizens flee economic <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2026/01/09/iran-irgc-revolutionary-guard-cryptocurrency/">collapse</a>, Iran&#8217;s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has been using cryptocurrency for a different purpose: evading international sanctions.



TRM Labs identified Zedcex and Zedxion, two UK-registered exchanges, as key facilitators of IRGC transactions. IRGC-linked activity accounted for 56% of total volume on these platforms between 2023 and 2025. 



The vast majority of transactions used Tether&#8217;s USDT stablecoin on the Tron <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/TRX-USD" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="TRX" data-exchange="CRYPTO" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/trx/usd">TRX</a>)</a> blockchain.



IRGC crypto transactions surged dramatically: from $24 million in 2023 to $619 million in 2024, and $410 million through early 2025. TRM Labs traced funds through 187 sanctioned wallet addresses.



In one notable case, investigators identified a $10 million payment from an IRGC wallet to accounts funding Yemen&#8217;s Houthi rebels. 



Between Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis, these organizations are now using cryptocurrency at previously unseen scales, with total identified volumes exceeding $2 billion.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Iran Offers Crypto Payments For Weapons Sales</h3>



Adding another dimension to Iran&#8217;s crypto strategy, the country is now openly advertising weapons sales with cryptocurrency payment options. 



According to promotional materials from the Ministry of Defence Export Center (Mindex), Iran is offering ballistic missiles, drones, and warships with crypto payment capabilities.



Mindex claims relationships with 35 countries, though their identities remain undisclosed. 



Security analysts note it&#8217;s extraordinarily rare for a country to openly advertise cryptocurrency payments for strategic military equipment.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Why This Matters For Bitcoin And Crypto Markets</h3>



The Iranian crisis validates Bitcoin&#8217;s value proposition as censorship-resistant money during currency collapse.&nbsp;



However, the internet shutdown exposes a critical vulnerability: Bitcoin requires infrastructure that authoritarian regimes can shut down.



The $1 billion IRGC operation demonstrates cryptocurrency&#8217;s evolution from fringe asset to tool of statecraft.&nbsp;



Between Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis, these organizations are using cryptocurrency at scales previously unseen, with total identified volumes currently standing at over $2 billion.



For Ethereum, the IRGC&#8217;s choice of USDT on Tron rather than Ethereum highlights competition: lower fees and faster settlement make alternative chains more attractive for moving large sums under sanctions.&nbsp;



This fragments the crypto ecosystem and challenges Ethereum&#8217;s DeFi dominance.



The situation positions XRP as potentially favored by regulators because its compliance-focused design makes it less attractive to sanctioned actors, while still offering speed and low costs for legitimate cross-border commerce.



Polymarket traders assign about a 17% chance that Khamenei will be removed from power by the end of January, with trading volume spiking to $4.7 million in four days.



Image source: Shutterstock

Bitcoin's Overlooked Role In The Protests In Iran

Wall Street found firm footing to close the week as solid but unspectacular jobs data eased fears of a sharp labor market slowdown while keeping Federal Reserve <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/federal-reserve">rate-cut expectations intact.</a>



 • Vistra shares are powering higher. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/VST" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Why is VST stock surging?</a>



Both the S&amp;P 500 and the Russell 2000 climbed to fresh record highs, signaling a rally that has broadened across both large-cap and small-cap stocks. By midday trading in New York, the index of the 500 largest U.S. corporations broke above 6,970 points, up 0.7%. The Russell 2000 jumped up to 1.2% to 2,635, setting another all-time high and marking its fifth gain in the past six sessions.



Blue-chip stocks also hovered near record levels, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average trading around 49,555. The tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 advanced 1% but remained roughly two percentage points below its late-October peak.



December nonfarm payrolls rose by 50,000, slightly below expectations of 60,000, confirming a continued cooling in employment growth. The brighter signal came from the unemployment rate, which unexpectedly declined to 4.4% from 4.5%, suggesting the labor market may be stabilizing after <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/economic-data/26/01/49811034/us-economy-adds-50000-jobs-in-december-unemployment-rate-drops-to-4-4">months of gradual deterioration.</a>



On the consumer side, the University of Michigan reported stronger-than-expected sentiment at the start of the year. The index climbed to 54, its highest level since September.



Investors are now almost fully pricing in the Federal Reserve to leave interest rates unchanged at its late-January meeting, according to the CME FedWatch tool. Expectations remain alive for two rate cuts later in the year.



Among notable movers, Vistra Corp. <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="VST" data-exchange="NYSE" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/VST" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/VST">VST</a>)</a> surged after securing a 20-year agreement with Meta Platforms Inc. <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="META" data-exchange="NASDAQ" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/META" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/META">META</a>)</a> to supply more than 2,600 megawatts of zero-carbon energy from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/26/01/49814689/nuclear-stocks-rip-higher-as-meta-goes-atomic">nuclear plants in Ohio and Pennsylvania.</a> Shares rallied more than 13%.



Intel Corp. <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="INTC" data-exchange="NASDAQ" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/INTC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/INTC">INTC</a>)</a> also<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/26/01/49809164/intel-momentum-spikes-after-trump-reveals-tens-of-billions-of-dollars-in-federal-gains"> jumped </a>10%, reaching its highest levels since March 2024, after President Donald Trump described his recent meeting with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/26/01/49808397/intels-high-stakes-revival-gets-trump-boost">CEO Lip-Bu Tan as "a great meeting."</a>



Commodities extended their advance. Silver rebounded sharply, climbing 4% to the $80-an-ounce level. Gold added 0.6% to $4,500 an ounce, while copper rose nearly 2%.



Crude oil was <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/market-summary/26/01/49818860/crude-oil-rises-sharply-us-consumer-sentiment-edges-higher-in-january">on track for a weekly gain</a>, with WTI crude eyeing back-to-back 3% advances on Thursday and Friday, despite early-week pressure tied to geopolitical developments in Venezuela.



Bitcoin <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BTC-USD" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="BTC" data-exchange="CRYPTO" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</a> traded flat near $91,000, showing little movement for the week and continuing to lag equities and precious metals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Friday&#8217;s Performance In Major U.S. Indices, ETFs</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Major Indices</th><th>Price</th><th>% Change</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Nasdaq 100</td><td>25,773.72</td><td>+1%</td></tr><tr><td>S&amp;P 500</td><td>6,973.17</td><td>+0.7%</td></tr><tr><td>Dow Jones</td><td>49,554.46</td><td>+0.6%</td></tr><tr><td>Russell 2000</td><td>2,632.10</td><td>+1.1%</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Updated by 12:50 p.m. ET</figcaption></figure>



According to <a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent010926&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1">Benzinga Pro</a> data: 



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>The Vanguard S&amp;P 500 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/VOO">VOO</a>) advanced 0.7% to $638.49. </li>



<li>The SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/DIA">DIA</a>) moved 0.5% higher to $495.06. </li>



<li>The tech-heavy Invesco QQQ Trust Series (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/QQQ">QQQ</a>) climbed 1.0% to $626.40. </li>



<li>The iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/IWM">IWM</a>) traded at $261.29, up 1.2%. </li>



<li>The Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/XLU">XLU</a>) outperformed, rising 1.6%, while the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/XLV">XLV</a>) lagged, flat on the session.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Russell 1000's Top 5 Gainers On Friday</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Stock Name</th><th>% Change</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>UWM Holdings Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/UWMC">UWMC</a>)</td><td>+12.85%</td></tr><tr><td>Vistra Corp.</td><td>+10.53%</td></tr><tr><td>Builders FirstSource, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BLDR">BLDR</a>)</td><td>+11.06%</td></tr><tr><td>AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ASTS">ASTS</a>)</td><td>+9.51%</td></tr><tr><td>SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SNDK">SNDK</a>)</td><td>+12.90%</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Russell 1000's Top 5 Losers On Friday</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Stock Name</th><th>% Change</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Under Armour, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/UAA">UAA</a>)</td><td>-6.25%</td></tr><tr><td>Reddit, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/RDDT">RDDT</a>)</td><td>-5.58%</td></tr><tr><td>Maplebear Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CART">CART</a>)</td><td>-5.25%</td></tr><tr><td>Lululemon Athletica Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/LULU">LULU</a>)</td><td>-4.34%</td></tr><tr><td>DoorDash, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/DASH">DASH</a>)</td><td>-3.55%</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

S&P 500, Russell 2000 Soar To Record Highs, Silver Jumps To $80: What's Moving Markets Friday?

Bitcoin <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="BTC" data-exchange="CRYPTO" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BTC-USD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</a> is setting up well for a rally in 2026, backed by several bullish technical indicators and receding sell pressure.



What Happened: Glassnode data <a href="https://insights.glassnode.com/the-week-onchain-week-01-2026/">shows</a> that profit-taking pressure has largely subsided, allowing Bitcoin to rebound from around $87,000 into the mid-$90,000 range. 



The move reflects exhaustion on the sell side—particularly among long-term holders—and signals a stabilization phase following the distribution seen in the fourth quarter of 2025.



However, upside momentum now faces substantial overhead supply between roughly $92,000 and $117,000, where many recent buyers are sitting near breakeven. 



Absorbing this supply is expected to take time and remains a key obstacle to a sustained bullish continuation.



A critical level to watch is the short-term holder (STH) cost basis near $99,000. 



A sustained move above this level would signal renewed confidence and trend recovery. 



Failure to reclaim it increases the risk of an extended consolidation or bearish phase, as recent buyers remain modestly underwater.



Why It Matters: Glassnode highlights several off-chain dynamics that point to improving—but still cautious—conditions:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Corporate treasury demand remains opportunistic and highly price-sensitive, providing downside support rather than acting as a primary trend driver.</li>



<li>U.S. spot Bitcoin ETF flows have turned positive again, signaling an early return of institutional spot demand.</li>



<li>Futures open interest is rebuilding gradually, suggesting rising risk appetite without signs of excessive leverage.</li>
</ul>



Derivatives markets also show signs of normalization. Implied volatility appears to have bottomed and is beginning to rise modestly, though it remains compressed. Positioning is increasingly skewed toward call options, reflecting a cautious but constructive shift in trader sentiment.



A record options expiry recently cleared roughly 45% of open interest, removing price-pinning effects and providing a cleaner signal on underlying market sentiment as Bitcoin moves further into 2026.



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