Bitcoin (BTC) has slipped below the $66,000 mark as global markets react to escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The rising conflict between Iran, the US, and Israel has prompted a wave of uncertainty that is affecting risk assets, including cryptocurrencies.

Bitcoin, in particular, is showing sharp intraday swings in response to news developments.

Early trading saw BTC fall as low as $63,000 before it recovered to above $65,000.

This volatility reflects a mix of geopolitical fear and active liquidations in the derivatives market, with more than $130 million in long positions being forced to close and amplifying the downward pressure on the cryptocurrency.

The US, Israel, Iran war has sent shockwaves across markets

The current situation in the Middle East has made investors jittery.

Traditionally, Bitcoin has sometimes been viewed as a hedge during global crises, but recent behaviour shows it acting more like a risk asset.

Notably, Bitcoin’s price has been moving in close correlation with equities, particularly major stock indices, rather than holding steady in turbulent times.

Gold and oil, however, have seen upward movements, with oil prices surging amid anticipation of supply disruptions.

The price of Gold has also climbed modestly, reflecting its traditional safe-haven status.

These shifts indicate that money is flowing away from riskier assets like Bitcoin and toward instruments perceived as more stable during geopolitical stress.

Long-term BTC holders, however, are showing resilience.

After the initial sell-off, many investors took the opportunity to buy at lower levels, which contributed to a partial recovery.

This has prevented Bitcoin from falling as sharply as some other risk assets, demonstrating that there is still significant support at levels around $65,000.

Institutional demand weakens

US-listed spot bitcoin and ether exchange-traded funds have recorded sustained outflows over the past four months, pointing to a sharp cooling in institutional participation in digital assets.

Investors withdrew $6.39 billion from bitcoin ETFs during the period, the longest continuous monthly decline since the products launched in January 2024, according to SoSoValue data.

Ether ETFs also saw $2.76 billion in outflows.

The retreat coincided with a steep fall in token prices, with bitcoin dropping from above $126,000 in early October, while ether has fallen more than 60% from its August highs near $4,950.

Spot ETFs had previously served as a visible channel for institutional inflows after their debut and following pro-crypto political developments in 2024.

However, demand weakened after the October market downturn, reportedly linked to pricing inefficiencies on offshore exchange Binance.

Although recent sessions have seen intermittent inflows, analysts say a consistent return of capital is required for a durable recovery.

What this means for Bitcoin going forward

Traders should expect more volatility in the short term since Bitcoin is sensitive to headlines, and any further escalation in the Middle East could trigger additional sharp movements.

Traders should keep a close eye on the technical support level near $63,000, while resistance around $68,000 to $70,000 remains a key target for recovery.

Also, besides the Middle East war, monetary policy may also play a role in the next BTC price movements.

If central banks respond to the conflict with interest rate adjustments or liquidity measures, Bitcoin could benefit indirectly.

Historical trends suggest that geopolitical crises followed by rate cuts or monetary easing often support risk assets, and cryptocurrencies could be no exception.

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Bitcoin price drops below $66k as Iran conflict escalates: Here’s what to expect

Source: https://coinjournal.net/news/bitcoin-price-drops-below-66k-as-iran-conflict-escalates-heres-what-to-expect/ ***

Starknet is gearing up for a major move in the decentralised finance (DeFi) space with the upcoming launch of strkBTC, a Bitcoin-based asset designed to bring privacy and confidentiality to transactions on its Layer-2 network.

According to a press release by Starknet, the new asset will allow users to transact Bitcoin within DeFi without exposing balances or counterparties.

It is built with shielded transfers in mind, giving users the flexibility to maintain privacy while interacting with the DeFi ecosystem.

strkBTC will be issued deterministically from verifiable Bitcoin deposits, meaning that the minting process does not rely on discretionary control.

This ensures that the token’s supply mirrors actual Bitcoin deposits on the network, creating a transparent and verifiable foundation for its use.

Users can choose between public and shielded modes, enabling confidential transactions while still preserving regulatory compliance.

This is achieved through selective disclosure mechanisms, which allow necessary audits without exposing the broader network activity.

The launch of strkBTC is part of Starknet’s strategy to increase Bitcoin adoption in DeFi while addressing concerns that have historically held back institutional participation.

By combining privacy, composability, and auditability, Starknet aims to attract both retail and institutional users to its ecosystem.

Starknet (STRK) market reaction

Starknet’s native token, STRK, has been under significant pressure in recent months.

The token has dropped roughly 70% over the past 90 days, reflecting a broader trend in cryptocurrency markets.

Its current price sits near $0.042, with a 24-hour decline of over 8%.

However, market activity remains moderate, with a 24-hour trading volume of around $52 million and a total value locked (TVL) on the network of roughly $446 million.

The upcoming strkBTC launch may provide a catalyst for renewed interest.

The introduction of a privacy-focused Bitcoin asset could enhance the utility of the Starknet network and increase demand for STRK as a governance and utility token.

In addition, STRK’s performance is closely tied to Bitcoin’s price movements, and the stabilisation of BTC above $66,000 could help STRK consolidate in the range of $0.04 to $0.045.

On the other hand, a sustained move below $0.04 may see the STRK token test the $0.035 support zone.

Investors should also keep an eye on broader market sentiment indicators, such as the Fear & Greed Index.

Historically, movements out of extreme fear have preceded market rebounds, suggesting that even in a downtrend, relief rallies are possible.

STRK price forecast

Starknet (STRK) remains in a cautious position, with short-term consolidation possible, although long-term direction is dependent on broader crypto market recovery and the success of strkBTC’s adoption within Starknet’s DeFi ecosystem.

The launch of strkBTC adds an important layer of fundamental support for STRK, as the token’s utility within the network is set to increase.

For short-term traders, the key levels to watch include the immediate support at $0.04 and the resistance at $0.045.

A break above $0.045 could signal the start of a more sustained recovery, especially if Bitcoin shows strength simultaneously.

Conversely, a drop below $0.04 would likely signal further downside toward $0.035, continuing the current bearish trend.

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STRK price outlook as Starknet prepares to launch strkBTC, a shielded Bitcoin for private transactions

Source: https://coinjournal.net/news/strk-price-outlook-as-starknet-prepares-to-launch-strkbtc-a-shielded-bitcoin-for-private-transactions/ ***

Bitcoin’s recent recovery attempt has stalled just below $70,000, with the cryptocurrency slipping back to around $67,250 at press time.

The drop comes as the broader crypto market struggles to maintain upward momentum following a few months of volatility.

After reaching an all-time high of $126,080 in October 2025, Bitcoin (BTC) has now retraced nearly half of its value.

All eyes are now on the cryptocurrency as it appears to consolidate around $67,000 after the steep drawdown.

Analyst Willy Woo warns of further downside

Renowned on-chain analyst Willy Woo has predicted a significant price correction following the recent bounce.

He estimates that the bear market bottom could be around $45,000, with more extreme scenarios potentially testing $30,000 or even lower.

Woo’s caution stems from declining liquidity across spot and derivatives markets, which historically reduces the strength of rallies.

He suggests that Bitcoin may briefly climb to the mid-$70,000 range before facing renewed downward pressure.

On-chain signals hint at market fatigue

On-chain metrics suggest that Bitcoin may be entering the later stages of a bear market cycle rather than the early phase.

Roughly half of all circulating BTC, nearly 9.2 million coins, are currently held at a loss, according to the latest weekly report by on-chain analytics firm Glassnode.

Historically, such levels indicate significant selling pressure and potential capitulation, yet the pace of accumulation by long-term holders hints at a market beginning to stabilise.

Some analysts view these patterns as signs that bitcoin’s price may be closer to a bottom than the start of a prolonged decline.

The balance between holders in profit and those in loss is an important measure of market sentiment, and it shows that while short-term volatility remains high, there is underlying support at current levels.

Bitcoin ETF inflows show cautious optimism

Institutional investors have recently stepped back into the market, with Bitcoin ETFs recording over $1 billion in net inflows over a few days.

This trend follows a period of withdrawals totalling nearly $3 billion, signalling that some investors see the current price as a buying opportunity.

Spot ETFs, in particular, are attracting attention from long-term investors looking for regulated exposure to Bitcoin.

The renewed interest demonstrates that, despite the pullback from all-time highs, there is confidence in the asset’s long-term prospects.

However, inflows are not a guarantee of sustained upward momentum.

Short-term technical indicators suggest that Bitcoin is trading near the top of a tight consolidation range between $67,000 and $68,000, and a breakout above this zone could spark a rally, although rejection may force the price back toward $63,000 or lower.

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Bitcoin price recovery falters, drops to $67k as popular analyst predicts major crash

Source: https://coinjournal.net/news/bitcoin-price-recovery-falters-drops-to-67k-as-popular-analyst-predicts-major-crash/ ***

Cryptocurrency markets saw a sharp risk-off move on Thursday, with Bitcoin sliding to a low of $84,250.

The sell-off swept through major tokens, sending shockwaves across the crypto derivatives market.

Long positions bore the brunt of the move, as the drop pushed total liquidations over the past 24 hours above $800 million.

The downturn coincided with an abrupt reversal in gold prices, with the metal retreating from recent highs above $5,500.

Analysts cited mounting macroeconomic and geopolitical tensions as key drivers of the sudden shift in sentiment.

Bitcoin tanks as gold sheds gains

Bitcoin has struggled to reclaim the $90,000 support level, with a brief move toward that mark fading as gold surged.

During Asian and early European trading on January 29, the cryptocurrency began a steady decline, slipping below $88,000.

Selling accelerated as the US session opened, with Bitcoin sliding on above-average trading volumes.

The sell-off pushed the benchmark asset to an intraday low near $84,000, its weakest level since December 2025.

The same area had seen a bearish retest in November, a move that may have prompted at least one large holder to sell roughly 200 BTC.

Over the past 24 hours, Bitcoin was down about 5%.

The broader market sell-off dragged Ethereum to around $2,800, XRP to $1.79, and Solana below $120.

Crypto investor Ted wrote on X that the latest drop has left Bitcoin trading near a critical technical level.

$BTC is now back into its strong support zone.

Nearly $140,000,000 in spot bids have been placed between the $80,000-$84,000 level.

If this zone is lost, Bitcoin will go straight to April 2025 lows. pic.twitter.com/QBbW294Rc0

— Ted (@TedPillows) January 29, 2026

The Bitcoin sell-off unfolded amid a broader shift to risk aversion across global markets.

Equities moved lower, led by a sharp decline in Microsoft shares, while investors also reacted to a sudden reversal in precious metals.

Gold, which had climbed to a record high above $5,500 an ounce earlier on Thursday, reversed course and fell toward $5,300. Silver also retreated sharply from recent highs.

Analysts said the move reflects a mix of macroeconomic pressures and heightened geopolitical risks, including rising tensions between the United States and Iran.

The Federal Reserve’s decision to hold interest rates on Wednesday, alongside guidance suggesting rate cuts may be delayed until late 2026, further weighed on risk assets, prompting investors to favour short-term cash positions over digital assets or traditional safe havens.

Over $800 million was wiped out amid a surge in derivatives liquidations

Bitcoin’s sharp decline was mirrored in the derivatives market, where leveraged positions were unwound aggressively.

Data from crypto analytics platform Coinglass show that more than $800 million in positions across spot and futures markets were liquidated over the past 24 hours, with the bulk of losses borne by long traders.

Bitcoin alone accounted for $332 million in liquidations during the period, of which more than $318 million were long positions, according to the data.

While the scale of the sell-off and liquidations was smaller than the market dislocation seen on October 10, 2025, analysts say the episode underscores ongoing fragility in market positioning.

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Bitcoin crashes to $84K, triggering $800M in crypto liquidations

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American Bitcoin (ABTC), the publicly traded Bitcoin treasury and mining company backed by Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., has reached a major milestone in its cryptocurrency holdings.

The company recently announced that its total Bitcoin reserve has increased to approximately 5,843 BTC.

This accumulation represents a significant achievement since its Nasdaq debut on September 3, 2025.

ABTC also reported a Bitcoin yield of around 116% over the period from its listing through January 25, 2026.

American Bitcoin has increased its total Bitcoin reserve to ~5,843 BTC and achieved a BTC Yield of ~116% from its Nasdaq debut on September 3, 2025 through January 25, 2026. pic.twitter.com/xt095jZUNC

— American Bitcoin (@ABTC) January 27, 2026

Strategic accumulation and mining

American Bitcoin’s strategy combines direct market purchases with large-scale mining operations.

The company operates Bitcoin mining facilities in North America, including a notable data centre in Vega, Texas.

This dual approach allows ABTC to grow its reserves steadily while continuing mining operations.

Early January saw the company adding 329 BTC, reflecting a consistent accumulation trend.

The Trump-backed firm positions itself as a major participant in industrial Bitcoin mining, aiming to strengthen US leadership in the sector.

Its public messaging emphasises the strategic importance of domestic Bitcoin production and energy use.

By focusing on mining and treasury accumulation, ABTC mirrors the strategy of other top corporate holders like MicroStrategy.

These companies treat Bitcoin as a long-term strategic asset rather than a short-term speculative holding.

Trump family’s role in American Bitcoin

American Bitcoin is part of a broader Trump family push into the cryptocurrency space.

Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. have positioned the venture as a key component of the family’s crypto ecosystem.

This includes investments in crypto apps, NFTs, and other digital assets.

According to reports, the Trump family’s crypto ventures collectively generated over $1 billion in pretax earnings within roughly a year.

The family also ties its crypto activities to a larger narrative of US innovation and market leadership.

While the firm’s stock has experienced volatility since its Nasdaq debut, insiders remain bullish, viewing price swings as opportunities for growth.

According to recent reports, American Bitcoin now ranks among the top 20 public companies in terms of Bitcoin reserves worldwide.

Its holdings are valued at more than $500 million at current Bitcoin prices, underscoring the scale of its treasury.

The company’s 116% BTC yield reflects strong performance relative to its initial listing price.

American Bitcoin continues to expand its footprint in the crypto industry while maintaining public transparency regarding its holdings. Its growth demonstrates how family-backed ventures can combine mining operations with strategic treasury management.

The company’s success may influence other institutional and corporate players considering Bitcoin accumulation.

As American Bitcoin continues its trajectory, the Trump family’s influence in the cryptocurrency sector is likely to grow further.

With strong reserves, consistent yield, and ambitious plans, American Bitcoin exemplifies the intersection of corporate strategy, crypto investment, and high-profile leadership.

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Trump family-backed American Bitcoin achieves 116% BTC yield

Source: https://coinjournal.net/news/trump-family-backed-american-bitcoin-achieves-116-btc-yield/ ***

Metaplanet, a Tokyo-listed Bitcoin treasury company, has raised its revenue and operating income forecasts for 2025 and issued much higher guidance for 2026, even as it flagged a large non-cash Bitcoin write-down that is set to dominate its annual results.

In a notice released on Monday, the company said its Bitcoin income generation business is expected to deliver stronger-than-expected performance, particularly in the final quarter of the year.

However, Metaplanet also projected a steep ordinary loss and net loss for 2025, driven largely by accounting adjustments tied to Bitcoin’s valuation at year-end.

The company is scheduled to file its full-year results on Feb. 16.

Revenue upgrade driven by Bitcoin income generation

Metaplanet said it now expects 2025 revenue of 8.905 billion Japanese yen, or around $58 million, based on its updated guidance.

The company also raised its operating income forecast to $40 million, signalling improved performance at the operating level despite broader market volatility affecting its holdings.

Management said Q4 2025 revenue from its Bitcoin income generation business “is expected to significantly exceed initial projections,” which led it to lift full-year revenue guidance for that segment to about $55 million.

That compares with around $40 million previously announced, showing a sharp upgrade in the contribution from its Bitcoin-linked revenue stream.

Large impairment set to drive headline loss

Even with the stronger operating forecasts, Metaplanet expects to report a deep annual loss for 2025.

The company projected an ordinary loss of $632 million and a net loss of $491 million. These figures are largely attributed to a Bitcoin impairment loss estimated at roughly $680 million to $700 million, which is expected to be recognised in its year-end reporting.

Metaplanet explained that the impairment is a “non-cash accounting adjustment reflecting period-end price fluctuations” and said it has no direct impact on its cash flows or day-to-day operations.

The notice linked the impairment to quarter-end mark-to-market accounting treatment and referenced Bitcoin holdings valued at year-end prices, with Bitcoin shown at $87,876 in the disclosure.

BTC holdings and treasury metrics expand sharply

Metaplanet also reported rapid growth in its Bitcoin treasury business during 2025, underlining how the company has built up its exposure to Bitcoin while developing income generation activities around its holdings.

BTC holdings rose from 1,762 BTC at the end of 2024 to 35,102 BTC at the end of 2025, showing a significant increase in the company’s balance sheet allocation.

It also reported BTC yield per diluted share of 568% for the year. The company uses this metric to measure how much Bitcoin backing each diluted share has increased, offering a per-share view of its Bitcoin accumulation.

While the impairment is expected to weigh heavily on reported net results, Metaplanet’s updated figures suggest it is still expanding its treasury position and Bitcoin-linked operations at a pace.

2026 guidance rises but earnings remain uncertain

For 2026, Metaplanet forecast revenue of around $103 million and operating income of $73 million, representing a sharp step up from its 2025 targets.

The company said almost all of its 2026 revenue is expected to come from the Bitcoin income generation business, reinforcing the segment’s central role in its business model.

Metaplanet also projected selling, general and administrative expenses of about $29 million for 2026 as it ramps up operations.

However, it said it will not provide guidance for ordinary income or net income for 2026 due to the difficulty of forecasting Bitcoin prices, signalling that future reported earnings could remain volatile even if operating performance strengthens.

The company added that it publishes daily data on its BTC holdings, unrealised gains and losses, and related metrics, offering investors regular visibility into how price swings affect its treasury position.

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Metaplanet boosts forecasts despite Bitcoin write-down clouding annual results

Source: https://coinjournal.net/news/metaplanet-boosts-forecasts-despite-bitcoin-write-down-clouding-annual-results/ ***

Bitcoin dipped to around $87,800 on Tuesday, breaking lower as risk assets struggled.

However, amid waning investor confidence in the bellwether digital asset, gold has surged to new record highs.

Industry heavyweight Mike Novogratz says the flagship digital asset needs to reclaim the $100,000 mark to resume its uptrend.

Bitcoin price bounces off $87,800 low

Broader market uncertainty, including geopolitical tensions, has kept Bitcoin below the psychologically important $100,000 level.

In the latest session, the cryptocurrency slipped under $90,000, with data from CoinMarketCap showing intraday lows of $87,814 on major exchanges.

Bitcoin’s rally earlier this year was driven by strong institutional demand, but that momentum has eased in recent weeks.

In contrast, gold has climbed to fresh record highs above $4,870, reinforcing its role as a safe-haven asset amid heightened geopolitical risks and ongoing macroeconomic pressures.

Mike Novogratz, the outspoken CEO of Galaxy Digital Holdings, weighed in on Bitcoin’s current woes via a post on X.

Novogratz, a veteran Wall Street trader turned crypto evangelist,  notes that Bitcoin could regain its upward momentum if bulls reclaim the $100,000-$103,000 level.

“The gold price is telling us we are losing reserve currency status at an accelerating rate.   The long bond selling off is not a good sign either,” he posted on X. “BTC is disappointing as it is still being met with selling.  I will reiterate it has to take out 100-103k to regain its upward trend. I think it will, in time.”

Bitcoin price technical outlook

From a technical perspective, the declines have pushed prices beneath the critical 61.8% Fibonacci retracement level calculated from its April low of $74,400 to October’s record peak of $126,198.

Bears have also breached the key support zone at the 50-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) at $92,066 and a prior upper consolidation boundary near $90,000.

Other technical signals reinforcing the pessimistic outlook include the Relative Strength Index (RSI), which currently stands at 42.

Notably, the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) indicator has also flashed a bearish crossover, suggesting sellers are in control.

Volume profiles indicate thinning buying interest, which could exacerbate downside risks if headwinds persist.

A sustained close below $87,700 could accelerate the downturn toward the lower channel boundary at $85,450.

The demand reload zone aligns with the 78.6% Fibonacci retracement level.

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Bitcoin touches lows of $87,800 as gold hits new record high

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The Crypto Fear and Greed Index has moved back into “greed” territory for the first time since a $19 billion liquidation event in October rattled digital asset markets, signaling an improvement in investor sentiment as Bitcoin staged a strong recovery.

In an update on Thursday, the index posted a reading of 61, reflecting growing optimism after weeks spent in “fear” and “extreme fear.”

Just a day earlier, the index stood at 48, placing it in the “neutral” zone.

The shift marks a notable change in mood following months of heightened risk aversion among crypto traders.

Sentiment rebounds after October liquidation shock

Crypto investor sentiment collapsed on Oct. 11, when $19 billion was liquidated from the market, sending traders fleeing from altcoins and driving widespread pessimism.

In the weeks that followed, the Crypto Fear and Greed Index recorded some of its lowest readings on record, falling into the low double digits multiple times in November and December.

The index is closely watched by market participants as a barometer of sentiment, helping traders assess whether conditions favor buying, selling, or remaining on the sidelines.

It compiles data from several indicators, including price volatility of major cryptocurrencies, trading volume, market momentum, Google search trends, and overall sentiment on social media platforms.

The return to “greed” suggests that the sharp caution seen late last year has begun to ease, even though markets remain well below the levels that previously triggered euphoric sentiment.

Bitcoin rally lifts overall market mood

Improving sentiment has coincided with a strong rebound in Bitcoin prices.

Over the past seven days, Bitcoin has climbed from $89,799 to reach a two-month high of $97,704 on Wednesday, according to data from CoinGecko.

The move marks the first time Bitcoin has traded above $97,000 since Nov. 14.

At the time of writing, Bitcoin was trading at $96,218, up by 1% in the last 24 hours.

At that time, however, the Fear and Greed Index was firmly in “extreme fear” territory, as Bitcoin was sliding sharply from all-time highs.

The latest rally has helped stabilize broader market confidence, even as traders remain cautious about sustainability.

While the index’s return to “greed” indicates growing optimism, it remains well below levels typically associated with excessive risk-taking.

On-chain signals show retail exiting positions

Despite the improving price action, some on-chain indicators suggest that retail participation has declined in recent days. Analysts at market intelligence platform Santiment said in an X post on Wednesday that Bitcoin holders have been reducing their exposure.

According to Santiment, over the last three days, there has been a net drop of 47,244 Bitcoin holders, indicating that “retail had been dropping out due to FUD & impatience.”

“When non-empty wallets drop, it’s a sign that the crowd is dropping out, a good sign. Similarly, less supply on exchanges decreases the risk of a selloff,” the analysts said.

They added that “This price bounce has also been supported by a 7-month low 1.18 million Bitcoin on exchanges.”

A lower amount of Bitcoin held on exchanges is generally viewed as a bullish indicator, as it suggests investors are storing assets in private wallets and are less inclined to sell quickly.

Taken together, the rebound in sentiment, rising Bitcoin prices, and declining exchange balances point to a cautiously improving outlook for the crypto market, even as investors continue to weigh lingering risks.

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Crypto Fear and Greed index returns to greed as Bitcoin rallies above $97K

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Global investment management firm VanEck believes the first three months of 2026 could favour a risk-on environment, as investors regain something markets have lacked for years: clearer direction on key policy forces.

In a Q1 2026 outlook published on Tuesday, the firm pointed to improving visibility around US fiscal conditions, monetary policy expectations, and major investment themes.

That set-up is typically supportive for riskier corners of the market, such as AI and tech stocks, as well as crypto.

However, VanEck said Bitcoin is sending a different message, with short-term signals becoming harder to trust after a break in its usual cycle behaviour.

VanEck sees clearer policy conditions for early 2026

VanEck said markets are entering 2026 with “visibility,” framing it as a more stable phase compared to the uncertainty that dominated previous years.

The firm’s base case is that investors will face fewer shocks linked to fiscal and monetary decisions, creating a backdrop where risk assets can perform more confidently.

It added that improved clarity around policy direction is part of what makes the first quarter attractive for risk-taking.

At the same time, VanEck stressed that its views are medium-term in nature, rather than based on short-lived market events.

Bitcoin cycle break complicates the near-term picture

Despite expecting supportive conditions for risk assets, VanEck said bitcoin’s typical four-year cycle “broke in 2025,” making it difficult to rely on traditional timing signals.

The firm said this has contributed to a more cautious stance over the next three to six months.

VanEck also noted that not everyone inside the company shares the same level of caution, with some executives still taking a more constructive view on bitcoin’s immediate cycle.

The split highlights how unclear the near-term set-up has become, even as broader macro direction appears easier to read.

Bitcoin decouples after October deleveraging

VanEck also flagged that bitcoin has decoupled from stock and gold markets in recent months.

The move followed a major deleveraging event in October, which changed how bitcoin has traded relative to both equities and traditional safe-haven assets.

This matters because bitcoin’s correlation with other markets has often shaped how investors position it in a broader portfolio.

If those relationships weaken, it becomes harder to treat bitcoin as a simple extension of risk sentiment, particularly when leverage conditions shift.

Analysts debate the next move as BTC retests $92,000

Meanwhile, crypto analyst Michaël van de Poppe said he expects Bitcoin to reclaim six figures before the end of January.

He noted there has been no dip below the 21-day moving average, with buyers stepping in to accumulate around these levels.

He added that a clear move above $92,000 could push BTC to $100,000 within a maximum of 10 days.

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Risk-on is back, says VanEck, as Bitcoin decouples and short-term signals fade

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Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams has launched a Solana-based meme coin that he said is aimed at fighting antisemitism and supporting the next phase of innovation in the city.

The token, called the New York City token (NYC), was announced in a Jan. 13 post on X and quickly went live for trading on the Solana decentralised exchange Jupiter.

In the post, Adams shared a link to the token’s official website and said the project was built to fight the spread of antisemitism and anti-Americanism across the US and New York City.

The NYC token initially saw strong momentum after it began trading.

It rallied to a high of $0.58 and briefly reached a market cap of $580 million, according to DEXScreener data.

Liquidity movements trigger rug pull allegations

As the price fell, accusations surfaced online that the team behind the token may have removed liquidity, adding to fears of a potential rug pull.

Crypto analyst Rune flagged data indicating that at least $3.4 million had been drained from the token’s liquidity pool.

Separately, analytics posted by Bubblemaps suggested that a wallet linked to the token’s deployer removed $2.5 million in USDC liquidity when the token was trading near its peak.

After the price had already plunged by more than 60%, about $1.5 million in USDC was added back.

Still, roughly $900,000 was not returned, which further fuelled suspicion among some community members and investors.

The allegations have not been confirmed, but the timing and size of the liquidity movements quickly became a central focus of discussion.

Team cites TWAP strategy to manage volatility

In response to the concerns, the NYC token X account released a statement claiming the project is using Time-Weighted Average Price (TWAP) mechanisms to manage price stability.

The account said funds were being added to the liquidity pool gradually to reduce the risk of further disruption after the initial volatility seen during the launch.

Despite that explanation, the episode has kept attention on how liquidity is handled for newly launched meme coins, especially when trading activity accelerates rapidly across decentralised markets.

Website details token split and proposed use cases

While the token’s official website offers limited detail about the project’s long-term direction, Adams said in a Fox Business interview that proceeds from the NYC token would go toward nonprofits focused on raising awareness about antisemitism and anti-Americanism through educational campaigns.

Other proposed use cases include funding blockchain and crypto education, along with scholarships for students in underserved communities.

Adams officially stepped down as mayor on Jan. 1, after being replaced by Zohran Mamdani.

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Former NYC mayor backed token tumbles on Solana amid liquidity fears

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