Kategorie: Bitcoin News

Bitcoin news about the Bitcoin (BTC) blockchain and its crypto ecosystem.

Veröffentlicht am

Former NYC mayor backed token tumbles on Solana amid liquidity fears

  • Some crypto community members accused the project team of removing liquidity, sparking rug pull fears.
  • Rune flagged data suggesting $3.4 million was drained from the token’s liquidity pool.
  • Bubblemaps showed $2.5 million in USDC removed near the peak, with $900,000 not returned after partial additions.

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.

During his time in office, he was one of the most outspoken political figures in support of cryptocurrency.

His initiatives included converting his first three paychecks into Bitcoin and Ethereum, creating the Office of Digital Assets and Blockchain Technology, and launching the NYC Blockchain Plan to encourage responsible innovation and attract Web3 businesses.

The post Former NYC mayor backed token tumbles on Solana amid liquidity fears appeared first on CoinJournal.

Veröffentlicht am

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

  • VanEck noted that Bitcoin has decoupled from stock and gold markets after the October deleveraging.
  • Justin d’Anethan said Bitcoin’s rise in a low-leverage environment shows excess speculation has eased.
  • Michaël van de Poppe predicted bitcoin could hit $100,000 after a clean move above $92,000.

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

Crypto investor Will Clemente said the current mix of market and geopolitical conditions is closely aligned with what Bitcoin was built for.

He pointed to pressure on the Fed chair, rising metals as countries diversify reserves, record highs in stocks and risk assets, and increasing geopolitical risk.

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.

The post Risk-on is back, says VanEck, as Bitcoin decouples and short-term signals fade appeared first on CoinJournal.

Veröffentlicht am

H100 Group signs preliminary deal to acquire Swiss Bitcoin firm Future Holdings

  • H100 Group signs preliminary deal to acquire Future Holdings AG.
  • Bitcoin tops $92K as mining difficulty dips to 146.4 trillion.
  • Adam Back supports the expansion of corporate BTC treasury operations.

Sweden-listed H100 Group has signed a preliminary agreement to acquire Swiss Bitcoin treasury company Future Holdings AG.

The deal, backed by Bitcoin pioneer Adam Back, aims to expand H100 Group’s presence into Switzerland’s institutional crypto market.

Future Holdings AG, co-founded and funded by Adam Back, specialises in managing Bitcoin treasuries for corporate clients.

The transaction is currently a non-binding letter of intent, with formal documentation and regulatory approvals needed before closing.

H100 Group Bitcoin treasury strategy

H100 Group has been actively growing its Bitcoin holdings through convertible loan agreements and treasury acquisitions.

By acquiring Future Holdings AG, H100 Group gains access to established Swiss infrastructure for managing institutional Bitcoin assets.

The proposed purchase consideration is around CHF 600,000, which includes Future Holdings’ cash on hand and payment in newly issued H100 shares.

This acquisition aligns with H100 Group’s strategy to strengthen its position as a leading corporate Bitcoin treasury company.

Adam Back’s involvement adds credibility and highlights the growing trend of institutional Bitcoin adoption across Europe.

Future Holdings AG previously raised significant capital, roughly CHF 28 million, to develop its Bitcoin treasury solutions.

The company’s expertise in regulatory compliance and treasury management makes it a valuable partner for H100 Group.

This move reflects a broader pattern of Bitcoin treasury consolidation in public markets, with firms seeking to combine expertise and infrastructure.

Bitcoin price breaks $92 as Bitcoin mining difficulty drops

Notably, the Future Holdings AG acquisition deal comes amid notable Bitcoin market developments.

To start with, Bitcoin has surpassed $92,000.

In addition, the mining difficulty has adjusted downward to approximately 146.4 trillion, providing temporary relief for miners after months of rising difficulty.

The decline in mining difficulty signals a slight decrease in total hash power, which can affect block times and miner profitability.

For H100 Group, these market conditions highlight the growing importance of strategic BTC treasury management.

Corporate treasury companies like H100 and Future Holdings AG are positioning themselves to benefit from both price growth and institutional adoption trends.

Adam Back has been instrumental in supporting these initiatives, contributing capital and expertise to strengthen Bitcoin treasury operations.

Bitcoin price outlook

Market analysis shows that Bitcoin’s price momentum remains strong as it surpasses $92K.

However, short-term volatility is expected, with potential retracements near support levels around $88,000 to $90,000.

Bitcoin price analysis
Bitcoin price analysis | Source: TradingView

Continued institutional adoption, such as the H100–Future Holdings deal, could provide upward pressure on BTC.

Mining adjustments, macroeconomic conditions, and liquidity events may also influence price movements over the coming weeks.

Also, with H100 Group expanding its Swiss operations, the alignment of corporate treasury strategies and rising BTC prices may create further market interest.

The post H100 Group signs preliminary deal to acquire Swiss Bitcoin firm Future Holdings appeared first on CoinJournal.

Veröffentlicht am

Tether freezes $182M in USDT, highlighting centralized control in stablecoins

  • The action was detected by Whale Alert and ranks among the largest single-day USDT freezes.
  • Tether has frozen over $3 billion in assets from more than 7,000 addresses since 2023.
  • Stablecoins now account for the majority of illicit crypto activity tracked by Chainalysis.

Tether, the issuer of the world’s largest stablecoin, froze more than $180 million worth of USDT within 24 hours, underscoring the growing role of centralized control and law-enforcement coordination in the stablecoin market.

The event stands out not only for its size but also for what it reveals about issuer-level control in the crypto economy.

As regulators scrutinise digital dollars more closely, the mechanics behind this freeze offer insight into how compliance now shapes on-chain liquidity.

Large-scale freeze on Tron

On Jan. 11, Tether froze roughly $182 million worth of USDT held across five Tron-based wallets in a single day.

The action was flagged by on-chain tracker Whale Alert, which showed individual wallet balances ranging from about $12 million to nearly $50 million.

The timing and concentration of the freezes marked it as one of the largest single-day USDT enforcement events recorded on the Tron network.

The wallets were not drained or moved.

Instead, the tokens were locked at the contract level, making them unusable while remaining visible on-chain.

This approach is consistent with how fiat-backed stablecoins are restricted when issuers respond to external requests.

Enforcement-linked coordination

While Tether did not publish a detailed explanation, the freezes appear linked to cooperation with US authorities, including the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Historically, similar actions have followed investigations tied to scams, hacking incidents, sanctions breaches, or other forms of illegal crypto usage.

Tether maintains administrative control through special keys embedded in the USDT smart contracts it issues.

These keys allow the company to halt or freeze tokens at the issuer level.

Such functionality is central to how stablecoin operators comply with anti-money-laundering rules and legal enforcement demands, particularly when funds are suspected of being linked to criminal activity.

Scale of past USDT freezes

Data from analytics firm AMLBot places the Jan. 11 action in a broader context.

Between 2023 and 2025, Tether froze more than $3 billion in assets spread across over 7,000 addresses.

That cumulative figure far exceeds comparable actions by other stablecoin issuers, underlining USDT’s dominant role in enforcement-led interventions.

Tron has become one of the largest settlement layers for USDT, with more than $80 billion in circulation on the network.

Its low fees and fast settlement times have driven adoption, particularly in emerging markets and high-frequency trading environments.

At the same time, this scale makes Tron-based USDT a focal point for monitoring illicit flows.

Centralisation and market implications

The episode has renewed debate around centralised control in stablecoins.

Unlike decentralised assets such as Bitcoin, USDT can be paused or frozen by its issuer when legal pressure is applied.

This structural difference has practical consequences for users who rely on stablecoins as cash equivalents.

According to Chainalysis, stablecoins accounted for around 84 % of illicit crypto activity by the end of 2025.

The data reflects how dollar-pegged tokens have become a primary medium in fraud cases and sanctions-related transfers.

As enforcement actions grow in size and frequency, issuer-controlled stablecoins continue to sit at the intersection of regulatory compliance and decentralised finance.

The post Tether freezes $182M in USDT, highlighting centralized control in stablecoins appeared first on CoinJournal.

Veröffentlicht am

Bitcoin extends consolidation amid ETF outflows, echoing pre‑2025 surge patterns

  • Bitcoin currently trades in a tight range near $90K amid a 3-day streak of ETF outflows.
  • The current market consolidation mirrors pre‑2025 surge patterns with low volatility.
  • The key levels to watch include the support at $90K, the immediate resistance at $95K, and $100k in case of a breakout.

Bitcoin (BTC) price has remained stuck in a narrow trading range around $90,000.

The cryptocurrency is showing signs of consolidation after a volatile start to 2026.

Bitcoin ETF flows and macroeconomic uncertainties are playing a key role in the price movement.

Bitcoin ETF outflows weigh on BTC price

In early January, Bitcoin spot ETFs initially attracted strong inflows, signalling renewed institutional interest.

However, a three-day streak of outflows totalling over $1 billion has nearly erased those gains.

This shift indicates waning conviction among institutional investors.

The outflows have contributed to Bitcoin’s inability to break above $95,000.

Traders are cautious as geopolitical tensions between the USA, Latin American countries and Iran, and broader risk-off sentiment, weigh on the market.

ETF redemption patterns are currently a major driver of near-term price behaviour.

These flows may represent tactical rotation rather than long-term liquidation.

Investors could be reallocating capital to other assets while maintaining exposure to Bitcoin.

Nonetheless, the short-term pressure has kept BTC trading in a tight range between roughly $88,000 and $95,000.

Echoes of pre‑2025 rally patterns

Bitcoin’s current sideways trading resembles the consolidation phase before its 2025 rally.

In the months leading up to the surge, BTC spent nearly 50 days in a narrow range, a phenomenon called time-based capitulation.

This period allowed weak hands to exit and set the stage for a powerful upward move.

The current market consolidation mirrors that pattern, suggesting the market may be quietly building momentum.

Bitcoin price analysis
Current consolidation mirrors pre-2025 rally consolidation | Source: TradingView

Unlike traditional capitulation, this phase does not involve panic selling or sharp drops.

Instead, low volatility and a steady range characterise this pre-rally accumulation period.

Some analysts see this as a signal that Bitcoin could be preparing for a significant breakout.

The ETF outflows and geopolitical pressures may simply be temporary obstacles.

If history repeats, a sustained push above resistance could trigger renewed bullish momentum.

The key Bitcoin price levels to watch

One of the key price levels to watch out for is the key support that remains near $90,000.

A break below this support could open the door to further declines toward $86,000–$88,000.

However, a sustained move above $95,000 would signal renewed institutional buying and potential acceleration.

If Bitcoin overcomes $100,000, the market could revisit mid‑2025 highs and even target $110,000 in the medium term.

Moving forward, traders and investors should monitor both technical levels and macro catalysts to gauge the timing and scale of the next potential surge.

The post Bitcoin extends consolidation amid ETF outflows, echoing pre‑2025 surge patterns appeared first on CoinJournal.