Given the importance of the $0.05 resistance, investors and traders need not be too worried about the short-term bearish divergence.
Monero (XMR) has witnessed a sharp rally to a new record during the last few days, but social media suggests FOMO could be brewing in the market. Monero Has Shot Up To A New All-Time High Bitcoin and most other cryptocurrencies have been locked in consolidation recently, but Monero has been an outlier, with its price breaking away with a strong surge. Related Reading: Bitcoin Decouples From Global Liquidity: Analyst Says Quantum Threat Behind It Below is a chart that showcases how the asset’s recent performance has looked. The sharp rally has led to new all-time highs (ATHs) for the privacy-focused token, with the latest one coming earlier in the past day around $695. XMR has retraced a bit since this new high, but it’s still in a weekly profit of 51%, which is significantly higher than the returns of other top assets. For perspective, Bitcoin and Ethereum have seen returns of +1% and -2% in this period, respectively. Fellow privacy coin Zcash (ZEC) was flying earlier, but the asset has faced a steep 23% drop during the same window. Generally, rallies of the order that Monero has seen attract attention from traders, and data would confirm that the same has been true for the latest one as well. XMR Has Seen A Peak In Social Dominance Recently According to data from analytics firm Santiment, the Monero Social Dominance witnessed a spike recently. This indicator keeps track of the percentage of the Social Volume associated with the top 100 tokens that a given cryptocurrency is responsible for. The Social Volume here refers to a measure of the total number of posts/comments/threads on the major social media platforms that contain mentions of a given asset. In other words, it tells us about the amount of discussion that a particular coin is receiving from social media users. As such, the Social Dominance contains information about how the degree of talk surrounding a cryptocurrency compares against that of the top 100 coins combined. Here is a chart that shows the trend in this metric for Monero since the start of 2026: As displayed in the above graph, the Monero Social Dominance saw a huge spike on Sunday as the asset’s rally took off, suggesting social media interest in the asset shot up. Historically, a rapid surge in the Social Dominance has often corresponded to Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO) developing among traders, which is something that tends to not end well for rallies. Related Reading: Bitcoin HODLer Selloff Ending? LTH Outflows Decline Despite the crowd excitement, however, XMR has only continued to go up since the spike, setting new ATHs. Given the past pattern with digital asset markets, though, it only remains to be seen how long the coin can sustain its move. Featured image from Dall-E, chart from TradingView.com
This content is provided by a sponsor. PRESS RELEASE. Tokyo, Japan — As Japan enters 2026, the country’s Web3 industry is entering a renewed acceleration phase. Traditional financial institutions—including banks, securities firms, and trust companies—are increasing their commitments across areas such as RWA (real-world assets), security tokens, and 24/7 tokenized trading platforms, signaling that institutional
BitcoinWorld MEVerse Maintenance: Critical 5-Hour Fix for Alarming Mainnet Network Error In a crucial move for blockchain reliability, the MEVerse Foundation announced a scheduled five-hour maintenance window today to address a significant mainnet network error, highlighting the ongoing challenges in maintaining decentralized network integrity. This proactive maintenance, while disruptive, demonstrates the project’s commitment to operational stability and user security in the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency landscape. Network errors of this nature require immediate attention to prevent potential chain halts or security vulnerabilities, making this maintenance period essential for the ecosystem’s long-term health. MEVerse Maintenance Addresses Critical Mainnet Network Error The MEVerse development team identified a network synchronization error within its mainnet architecture, prompting the scheduled maintenance. Consequently, the team will implement necessary protocol adjustments and validation rule updates. This process typically involves halting block production temporarily to apply patches or consensus rule changes. Furthermore, such maintenance windows allow developers to deploy hotfixes for discovered bugs that could affect transaction finality or node communication. The five-hour duration suggests a comprehensive update rather than a simple restart, potentially including: Consensus mechanism adjustments to improve validator coordination Network layer optimizations for enhanced peer-to-peer communication State database verification to ensure chain integrity Security patch implementation addressing identified vulnerabilities Mainnet maintenance represents standard protocol for blockchain projects encountering technical issues. However, the transparency and defined timeline help maintain community trust during necessary service interruptions. Understanding Blockchain Network Errors and Maintenance Protocols Network errors in blockchain systems can originate from multiple sources, including consensus failures, peer discovery issues, or memory pool inconsistencies. These errors often manifest as stalled block production or validator desynchronization. Therefore, scheduled maintenance provides a controlled environment for resolution. The MEVerse approach mirrors industry best practices established by major networks like Ethereum and Solana during their own upgrade processes. For instance, Ethereum’s mainnet merges and hard forks similarly required coordinated downtime for validators. Comparatively, MEVerse’s five-hour window appears efficient for the required technical work. Recent Blockchain Maintenance Events (2023-2024) Blockchain Maintenance Reason Duration Year Polygon Consensus Upgrade 4 hours 2023 Avalanche Network Optimization 3 hours 2024 BNB Chain Security Patch 6 hours 2023 MEVerse Network Error Fix 5 hours 2025 This table illustrates how planned maintenance remains common across leading blockchain platforms. Each event aims to enhance network performance, security, or scalability without compromising decentralized principles. Expert Analysis on Mainnet Stability and User Impact Blockchain infrastructure experts emphasize that regular maintenance signifies project maturity rather than failure. Dr. Elena Rodriguez, a distributed systems researcher at Stanford University, notes, “Well-managed blockchain networks proactively schedule maintenance when detecting anomalies. This prevents cascading failures that could lead to extended downtime or security incidents.” Her research indicates networks with regular, transparent maintenance schedules experience 40% fewer unplanned outages annually. For MEVerse users, the maintenance means temporary suspension of: Transaction processing and confirmations Smart contract executions and deployments Decentralized application interactions Token transfers between wallets However, user funds remain secure in their wallets during maintenance, as blockchain states persist unchanged. The team likely recommends users avoid initiating transactions near the maintenance window to prevent failed operations. Technical Implications and Future Prevention Strategies The specific network error prompting this maintenance could relate to MEVerse’s hybrid consensus mechanism combining Proof-of-Stake and sharding technologies. These complex systems sometimes experience edge-case synchronization issues between validator committees. Accordingly, the development team probably conducted extensive testing on a testnet replica before deploying fixes to the mainnet. Future prevention strategies may include enhanced monitoring systems and more frequent protocol audits. Additionally, the team might implement: Automated anomaly detection using machine learning algorithms Improved validator communication protocols to reduce synchronization lag Gradual rollout mechanisms for future updates to minimize disruption Blockchain networks continuously evolve their resilience measures. Each maintenance event provides valuable data for strengthening infrastructure against similar issues. Conclusion The MEVerse maintenance addressing the mainnet network error represents a responsible approach to blockchain stewardship. This five-hour scheduled downtime allows developers to implement crucial fixes ensuring network stability, security, and performance. While temporarily disruptive, such maintenance ultimately benefits all ecosystem participants by preventing more severe issues. The transparent communication and defined timeline demonstrate the project’s commitment to operational excellence. As blockchain technology matures, controlled maintenance windows will remain essential for sustainable network evolution and user protection. FAQs Q1: What should MEVerse users do during the maintenance? Users should avoid initiating transactions, smart contract interactions, or token transfers during the five-hour window. Wallet balances remain secure, and normal operations will resume post-maintenance. Q2: How common is mainnet maintenance in blockchain projects? Regular maintenance is standard industry practice. Major networks like Ethereum, Cardano, and Solana all schedule periodic upgrades requiring temporary network pauses for implementation. Q3: Could the network error have affected user funds or data? Blockchain design typically isolates consensus errors from wallet security. User funds and transaction history remain intact on the immutable ledger during network maintenance. Q4: What causes mainnet network errors in blockchain systems? Common causes include validator synchronization issues, consensus rule ambiguities, peer discovery failures, memory pool inconsistencies, or edge-case transaction processing bugs. Q5: Will decentralized applications on MEVerse be affected? Yes, dApps will experience service interruption during maintenance as they cannot read from or write to the blockchain. Services should resume normal operation after maintenance completion. This post MEVerse Maintenance: Critical 5-Hour Fix for Alarming Mainnet Network Error first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
While a senator presses the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) against Bitcoin (BTC) and other cryptocurrencies in 401(k) plans, Bitwise’s CEO has defended the Trump administration’s push to allow digital assets’ inclusion in retirement funds. Hougan Slams Bitcoin Restrictions In 401(k)s On Monday, Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan discussed whether 2026 will be the year investors can own Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in 401(k) plans, as the inclusion of digital assets is becoming more common in individual retirement accounts (IRAs). In an interview, the executive argued that providers are “slow to move,” but noted that the Trump administration’s pro-crypto shift , which removed “what was effectively a ban on Bitcoin from 401(k)s,” has opened the doors. Hougan pointed out that large firms like Vanguard had strong restrictions but have recently relaxed their stance on Bitcoin investments. He argued that these bans are “ridiculous,” calling BTC “just another asset” that is no more volatile than stocks, such as those of Nvidia. Does it go up and down? Absolutely. Is there risk in it? Absolutely. But it’s actually less volatile over the last year than Nvidia stock. And you don’t see any rules about banning 401k providers from offering Nvidia stock. That’s not that would seem ridiculous. Recent K33 Research data showed that Bitcoin recorded the least volatile year in the asset’s history in 2025. Notably, BTC registered its lowest volatility level last year, with just 2.24%. “So, I don’t know if the 401(k) providers will get all the way to the point of actually putting it in this year. These are very slow moving institutions, but we’re moving in that direction and eventually it’ll be normalized like other assets, which is how it should be treated,” he concluded. Senator Warren Issues New Warning Bitwise CEO’s remarks came as Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren reached out directly to SEC chairman Paul Atkins to question how the Commission intends to protect investors from potential financial risks now that crypto investments are allowed in retirement plans. As reported by Bitcoinist, the Department of Labor (DOL) rescinded in May a 2022 guidance that discouraged fiduciaries from including cryptocurrency investments in 401(k) retirement plans. Months later, US President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order (EO) that aimed to allow more private equity, real estate, cryptocurrency, and other alternative assets in 401(k) retirement accounts. The EO, signed on August 7, 2025, directed the DOL and the SEC to reduce regulatory barriers that prohibited investments in alternative assets in their defined contribution retirement plans. In a new letter, the anti-crypto senator shared her concerns, cautioning that allowing Bitcoin and other crypto assets into these accounts could enable significant risks. She listed the “volatility associated with cryptocurrencies, the lack of market transparency, and potential conflicts of interest” as reasons to be cautious about introducing these assets into retirement plans. She also emphasized that 401(k) plans are a vital source of retirement security for most Americans. Therefore, they should not be treated as a “playground for financial risk” that could put investors in vulnerable positions. Despite Warren’s warnings, multiple US lawmakers have supported the Trump Administration’s efforts. In September, nine House members asked Atkins to provide “swift assistance” in implementing the president’s executive order and work with the DOL to protect workers. Later, House of Representatives member Troy Downing proposed a bill to codify Trump’s directive, giving “the force and effect of law” and making it easier for investors to access Bitcoin and other alternative assets in their 401(k) retirement plans.
While XRP's recent rally stands out in a mixed crypto market, it remains below longer-term resistance levels.
China closed 2025 with a $1.19 trillion trade surplus, rounded by markets to $1.2 trillion, setting a global record that no other economy has ever touched. According to data from the General Administration of Customs, China’s exports climbed 6.6% in December from a year earlier in U.S. dollar terms, well above the 3% estimate and faster than November’s 5.9% increase. Imports grew 5.7%, beating expectations of 0.9% and marking the strongest rise since September, when imports expanded 7.4%, according to LSEG data. Over the full year, exports rose 5.5%, imports stayed flat, and China ended 2025 with a surplus 20% larger than in 2024. China trade with the United States keeps shrinking China’s hipments to the U.S. dropped 30% in December from a year earlier, extending losses for a ninth straight month, while imports declined 29% during the same period, according to the customs data. For the full year of 2025, China’s exports to the U.S. slid 20%, while imports fell 14.6%. Lv Daliang, the customs authority spokesperson, addressed the drop while speaking to reporters on Wednesday. After introducing Lv Daliang, he said trade ties with the U.S. should remain mutually beneficial and called for dialogue and negotiation to deal with disputes and expand cooperation. In December, exports to the EU rose 12%, while shipments to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations increased 11%. Imports from European countries climbed 18%, but purchases from Southeast Asia dropped 5%, keeping the overall balance tilted outward for China. China surplus pressure spreads across global trade International officials warned about the size of the surplus. Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the International Monetary Fund, urged Beijing in December to rely less on exports and speed up efforts to lift domestic consumption. Chinese officials said in December they would expand imports and aim for more balanced trade. The backdrop remains difficult. The nearly $19 trillion economy stayed under deflation pressure as a deep real estate downturn hurt household spending and a weak job market weighed on confidence. Consumer prices were flat through 2025, missing the official 2% target. There were limited signs of easing tensions with Washington. In October, Xi Jinping met Donald Trump, now serving as the 47th president of the United States after winning the 2024 election. The talks led to a one-year trade truce, rolling back some export controls and higher tariffs. Beijing also pledged to buy at least 12 million tons of U.S. soybeans within two months. Official data showed soybean imports totaled 111.8 million tons last year, up 6.5% from 2024. December soybean imports rose 1.3% to 8 million tons. Exports of rare earths jumped 32% in December to 4,392 tons, and full-year shipments of the critical mineral rose 12.9%. China is set to release annual and fourth-quarter GDP data next Monday, with economists expecting 4.5% growth in the final quarter, below the 5% growth target set by president Xi Jinping. Iron ore also posted record trade figures, as Chinese imports rose 1.8% to a high of 1.26 billion tons, a third year of increases, according to the customs data. Still though, a build up of ore in port stockpiles has become more pronounced in recent months, suggesting demand from steel mills has begun to lag. Don’t just read crypto news. Understand it. Subscribe to our newsletter. It's free .
BitcoinWorld Crypto Whale’s Stunning $35M Short Bet Signals Caution for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana Markets In a dramatic move that has captured the attention of the entire cryptocurrency market, an anonymous high-volume trader, known only by the on-chain identifier ‘255 $BTC Sold,’ has executed a sophisticated dual strategy: securing a $14.5 million profit from long positions before pivoting to place a staggering $35 million short bet against Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Solana (SOL). This substantial shift, reported by the analytics platform Onchainlens on April 10, 2025, represents one of the most significant single-actor position changes in recent months, potentially signaling a change in sentiment among the market’s most influential participants. Crypto Whale Executes Profitable Exit and Bearish Pivot According to detailed on-chain transaction data, the trader’s activity unfolded in two clear phases. First, the entity closed out profitable long positions across a diversified portfolio. Subsequently, the whale deployed substantial capital to short the three major assets. The use of 20x leverage on the new short positions amplifies both potential returns and risks, indicating a high-conviction view on a near-term price decline. This type of leveraged activity by large holders, often called ‘whales,’ is closely monitored as it can provide early signals of market direction. Key actions by the whale include: Profit Taking: Closed longs on HYPE, SOL, BTC, ETH, and XRP for a total gain of $14.49 million. Bearish Positioning: Opened new short positions specifically targeting BTC, ETH, and SOL. Capital Deployment: Committed $35 million in capital to these shorts. Risk Profile: Employed 20x leverage, a high-risk, high-reward strategy common in derivatives trading. Understanding Whale Movements and Market Impact Whale transactions are a critical component of cryptocurrency market analysis. These large holders possess the capital to move markets, and their collective actions often precede broader trends. When a whale takes profits, it can indicate a local market top. Conversely, opening large short positions suggests an expectation of falling prices. The combination of both actions—profit-taking followed by shorting—is particularly noteworthy. It demonstrates a strategic shift from a bullish to a bearish outlook within a single trading cycle. Market analysts use tools like Onchainlens to track these wallets. The platform aggregates data from public blockchains, providing transparency into the movements of large entities. While the identity of ‘255 $BTC Sold’ remains unknown, the wallet’s history and transaction size confirm its status as a major player. The table below contextualizes the scale of this move relative to typical market flows. Metric This Whale’s Move Typical Daily Derivative Volume* Short Position Value $35 Million $50-$80 Billion Leverage Used 20x Average 5-10x Profit Realized $14.5 Million N/A *Estimated aggregate across major exchanges for top assets. While $35 million is a small fraction of total daily volume, concentrated whale shorts can influence trader psychology and liquidity in specific perpetual swap markets. Expert Analysis on Leverage and Market Sentiment Financial analysts specializing in crypto derivatives note that a 20x leveraged short is an aggressive stance. “This isn’t a hedge; it’s a directional bet,” explains Dr. Lena Chen, a researcher at the Digital Asset Governance Institute. “The sequence is key. By banking substantial profits first, the whale has secured capital and reduced overall portfolio risk before initiating a high-leverage counter-trend position. This pattern often appears when sophisticated traders anticipate a volatility spike or a trend reversal, potentially driven by macroeconomic factors or asset-specific news.” Historically, similar large-scale short accumulations have sometimes preceded corrective phases. For instance, in early 2024, a cluster of whale short positions preceded a 15% market correction over the following two weeks. However, correlation does not equal causation. Many such bets are also liquidated if the market moves against them. The current macroeconomic backdrop, including interest rate decisions and regulatory developments, provides essential context for this whale’s bearish pivot. The Role of On-Chain Data in Modern Crypto Journalism The very reporting of this event underscores the evolution of financial journalism in the blockchain era. On-chain analytics platforms have become indispensable tools. They transform the immutable, public ledger of cryptocurrency transactions into actionable intelligence. Platforms like Onchainlens, Glassnode, and Nansen track wallet flows, exchange movements, and derivative positioning. This data-driven approach allows for factual reporting on market structure shifts, moving beyond speculation to evidence-based analysis. For retail investors, understanding these signals is part of risk management. A single whale’s action is not a guaranteed market forecast. Rather, it is a significant data point among many. Savvy investors monitor such flows alongside traditional metrics like trading volume, funding rates in perpetual swaps, and broader financial news. The transparency of blockchain data uniquely empowers all market participants to conduct a level of surveillance previously available only to institutional players. Conclusion The decisive action by the ‘255 $BTC Sold’ crypto whale—taking $14.5 million in profits and opening $35 million in leveraged short positions on Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana—stands as a major event in the current market cycle. It exemplifies the high-stakes, data-transparent nature of digital asset trading. While this move signals a bearish outlook from one influential entity, market participants should integrate this information with a holistic view of on-chain indicators, derivatives market health, and global economics. This event highlights the critical importance of on-chain analytics in understanding the complex and often sentiment-driven cryptocurrency markets. FAQs Q1: What is a ‘crypto whale’? A crypto whale is an individual or entity that holds a large enough amount of a cryptocurrency that their trading activity can potentially influence the market price of that asset. Q2: What does it mean to ‘short’ Bitcoin or Ethereum? Shorting is an investment strategy that bets on the price of an asset decreasing. In crypto, traders often short using derivatives like perpetual swaps, where they profit if the price falls below their entry point. Q3: How does 20x leverage work on a short position? Using 20x leverage means the trader controls a position worth 20 times their initial capital. It magnifies both gains and losses. A 5% price move in their favor yields a 100% return on capital, but a 5% move against them can lead to a total loss of their collateral. Q4: Why is on-chain data important for crypto news? Blockchains are public ledgers. On-chain data provides verifiable, real-time evidence of large transactions, wallet movements, and smart contract interactions, forming a factual basis for reporting beyond rumor or speculation. Q5: Should retail investors follow whale trades? While whale activity is a valuable data point, retail investors should not blindly follow it. Whales have different risk profiles and strategies. Their moves are best used as one component of a broader, personalized research and risk management strategy. This post Crypto Whale’s Stunning $35M Short Bet Signals Caution for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana Markets first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
Bitcoin ($BTC) spiked above the $95,000 level on the Bitstamp exchange today.
Crypto critic Senator Elizabeth c has urged the OCC to pause the review of Trump-backed WLF’s bank charter application, citing a severe conflict of interest. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has until January 20 to respond to Warren’s concerns in a written commitment to uphold the law. In a January 13 letter to the Comptroller of the Currency, Jonathan Gould, Senator Warren, a Ranking Member in the Senate Committee on Banking, raised concerns about World Liberty Financial (WLF)’s submitted application to the OCC to operate a national trust bank, specifically designed for stablecoin services. She reminded Gould that WLF is a financial company co-founded by President Donald Trump and his two sons, which poses a significant conflict of interest. Sen. Warren also reminded the Comptroller of her July 2025 letter regarding this exact possibility, requesting information on the OCC’s plans to ensure the President’s interests do not influence OCC policy. She emphasized her lack of confidence in Gould’s ability to fairly review the application pursuant to the legal standard for approval based on the Comptroller’s previous dismissive response. Gould dismisses Warren’s concerns as hypothetical In his August 20, 2025, response to Sen Elizabeth Warren, the Comptroller dismissed Warren’s concerns about Trump’s influence on the OCC’s independence and decisions related to WLF or USD1 as hypothetical. Meanwhile, Gould stated that the OCC complies with Executive Order 14215, including requirements to consult with and coordinate policies and priorities with the White House National Economic Council, the directors of the Office of Management and Budget, and the White House Domestic Policy Council. However, Sen. Warren emphasized that the scenario is no longer hypothetical and called for the Senate to address these serious conflicts of interest issues as it considers legislation on the crypto market structure. In the meantime, she requested the Comptroller to delay the review of WLF’s application until the president divests from the financial company and removes all financial conflicts of interest involving himself or his family and the company. “We have never seen financial conflicts or corruption of this magnitude. The United States Congress failed to address them when it passed the GENIUS Act into law…President Trump and his family have probably earned more than one billion dollars from WLF and other cryptocurrency ventures.” – Sen. Elizabeth Warren , U.S. Senator of Massachusetts The Massachusetts Senator also pointed out that the OCC is now the primary regulator of federally licensed stablecoin issuers, responsible for approving applications, promulgating rules, supervising stablecoin issuers, and initiating enforcement actions for law violations. However, she is concerned that Gould, who openly supports Executive Order 14215 and the GENIUS Act, is set to review a bank charter application submitted by a company directly tied to the President and his family. Sen. Warren warns U.S. banking system’s integrity is at stake The Ranking Member warned that the integrity of the federal banking system is at stake, pointing out that the OCC could become the president’s pocketbook. According to Sen. Warren, the president of the United States could be in charge of his own financial company for the first time in history. Warren is concerned that if the Comptroller approves WLF’s application, the OCC will be promulgating rules that influence the profitability of the president’s company. The OCC will also be responsible for directly supervising and enforcing the law against the president’s company and its competitors, while serving at the president’s pleasure. Warren told Gould that it is his duty and responsibility to ensure businesses and households have fair access to financial services and that the U.S. banking system remains stable. She emphasized that U.S. banking regulators should not be working to enrich their boss. According to Warren, the GENIUS Act failed to prevent the President, his family, or his affiliates from financially benefiting from stablecoin activities. She noted that this glaring omission left open the possibility of the exact current situation. Get seen where it counts. Advertise in Cryptopolitan Research and reach crypto’s sharpest investors and builders.