Goldman's interest comes as prediction markets gain visibility and debate swirls over market transparency and regulatory boundaries.

"Anything that's infringing or attacking the independence of the central bank is a mess," Goolsbee told CNBC.

U.S. stocks were mostly lower, with the Nasdaq leading declines as makers of AI infrastructure suffered steep falls, many in the double digits. Nvidia was down 16%.

Gold settled 1.4% lower, down two of the past three sessions, and silver fell 2.5%, down three of the past four sessions.

Israel allowed displaced Gazans to begin crossing a military zone that bisects the enclave after a deadlock over hostage releases was broken.

Troubles at Vanke raise questions about the continued spread of the property crisis and whether the Chinese state will step in.

The new futures contracts, available in micro and standard sizes, are set to launch on Feb. 9, pending regulatory approval.

The rise in new wallets suggests broader interest in Ethereum, driven by decentralized finance, stablecoin transfers, NFTs, and new applications.

Belgian bank KBC will launch Bitcoin and Ether trading for retail investors via its Bolero platform as Belgium’s MiCA regime comes into force.

Electronic brokerage giant Interactive Brokers says its clients can deposit USDC, which will automatically convert to US dollars to fund their accounts.

According to Wintermute’s 2025 Digital Asset OTC Markets report, altcoin rallies last year were much shorter than traders expected, averaging about 19–20 days. That is a steep drop from the roughly 60-day runs seen in 2024. Market flows tightened, and many smaller tokens saw gains vanish faster than before. The result: capital moved back into the big names — Bitcoin and Ethereum — where liquidity is deeper. Related Reading: Bitcoin’s New Power Buyers: Companies Bought 3 Times What Miners Produced Altcoin Open Interest Drops Based on reports, one key trigger was a sharp deleveraging on October 10, 2025, which pushed retail traders to reduce risk and rotate out of smaller tokens. Open interest in many altcoin futures contracts fell, with some coverage noting about a 55% decline in altcoin futures open interest since October. Trading desks said lower liquidity made it harder for rallies to keep going beyond a few weeks, turning what used to be multi-month moves into short bursts. Major Coins Reclaimed Center Stage Institutional flows and product structures played a role. Reports have disclosed that ETFs and other institutional channels helped funnel funds toward Bitcoin and Ethereum. As a result, the market’s attention narrowed. Where narratives once pushed dozens of tokens into rallies, more capital was now concentrated in the top tier. Traders say they preferred assets where orders could be filled without dramatically moving the price. Short, Intense Moves Replaced Long Trends Wintermute’s analysis points to a change in how momentum forms. Rally drivers became more tactical and less about broad, lasting narratives. In practice, that meant memecoin pumps and exchange-themed rallies burned out quickly. Some traders described these moves as hair-trigger events: quick upswings followed by equally rapid retracements. Liquidity bands tightened and stops were hit sooner than in past cycles. What Traders And Firms Are Watching Market participants say the path to a sustained altcoin season now requires a few things aligning. Reports indicate renewed retail interest, clearer institutional support for smaller tokens, and calmer macro markets could help. Otherwise, rallies are likely to remain short. Execution desks reported that when big buyers reappeared for a token, it could run fast, but keeping that momentum proved difficult without deeper market participation. Related Reading: Futures Frenzy Pushed Crypto Exchange Volume To Nearly $80 Trillion In 2025 Outlook For 2026 Based on the report and market commentary, a broader crypto rebound in 2026 depends on several moving parts: interest from institutions, shifts in macro rates, and retail returning to risk-on strategies. If those elements arrive, rallies might last longer than the 19–20 day average seen in 2025. If not, traders say the pattern of quick, sharp moves into the majors will continue. Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView

Leading derivatives exchange CME plans to add futures contracts tied to Cardano (ADA), Chainlink (LINK), and Stellar (XLM) to continue growing its roster of regulated crypto derivatives. Related Reading: Analyst Says It’s Time For Ethereum’s ‘Big Test’ – Is ETH Season Loading? CME Adds New Altcoins To Crypto Derivatives Lineup On Thursday, Chicago-based derivatives exchange CME Group announced a new expansion of its lineup of regulated crypto derivatives with the upcoming inclusion of Cardano, Chainlink, and Stellar futures. According to the announcement, the new crypto additions are expected to launch on February 9, 2026, although they are still pending regulatory review. In addition, they will offer both micro-sized and larger-sized contracts for the three cryptocurrencies. For the standard Cardano futures, the contract will cover 100,000 ADA, while the micro-sized ADA futures will consist of 10,000 tokens. In addition, the Chainlink and Stellar’s large-sized futures will be set at 5,000 LINK and 250,000 XLM, respectively, while the small-sized contracts will cover 250 LINK and 12,500 XLM. The upcoming Cardano, Chainlink, and Stellar futures contracts build on the derivatives exchange’s existing crypto suite, which includes four of the largest cryptocurrencies by market capitalization. In 2017, CME first launched Bitcoin (BTC) futures, followed by the introduction of Ethereum (ETH) futures in 2021. In the first half of 2025, the Chicago-based exchange added Solana (SOL) and XRP futures to its lineup, introducing options for both cryptocurrencies later in the year. Giovanni Vicioso, CME Group Global Head of Cryptocurrency Products, highlighted the industry’s expansion and development over the past few years, affirming that “given crypto’s record growth over the last year, clients are looking for trusted, regulated products to manage price risk as well as additional tools to gain exposure to this dynamic market.” “With these new micro- and larger-size Cardano, Chainlink and Stellar futures contracts, market participants will now have greater choice with enhanced flexibility and more capital-efficiencies,” he added. Cardano, Chainlink, Stellar Price Reaction Despite the positive development, the trajectory of ADA, LINK, and XLM remained mostly unchanged, with the three altcoins continuing their intraday correction. Chainlink and Stellar both saw 4% declines from their Thursday highs, falling to the $13.60 and $0.225 levels. LINK has momentarily lost the $13.80 level as support and is attempting to hold the current area to prevent further bleeding. Similarly, XLM was also rejected from the Wednesday highs and bounced from the $0.230 before continuing its descent toward its two-day low. Related Reading: Bitcoin Nears ‘Historic’ Technical Test As Price Eyes $93,500 Barrier – What’s Next? Meanwhile, ADA was attempting to reclaim the $0.41 area ahead of the announcement, briefly bouncing from the recent pullback. Notably, Cardano surged over 10% from the recent lows toward the crucial $0.42-$0.43 area. However, the altcoin was rejected from this zone on Wednesday, retracing nearly 9% from the local highs to retest the $0.40 level. On Thursday morning, the cryptocurrency bounced from this area, but ultimately resumed its correction as the day progressed. As a result, Cardano has retraced most of this week’s gains, currently trading around the $0.391 mark. Featured Image from Unsplash.com, Chart from TradingView.com

Bitcoin Magazine Senate Democrats, Crypto Industry to Resume Talks After Market Structure Bill Delay U.S. Senate Democrats are reportedly set to reopen talks with representatives from the cryptocurrency industry on Friday regarding the CLARITY Act. This post Senate Democrats, Crypto Industry to Resume Talks After Market Structure Bill Delay first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

Bitcoin Magazine Belgium’s KBC Becomes First Bank in the Country to Offer Bitcoin Trading to Retail Investors KBC Group is set to become the first bank in Belgium to allow retail clients to buy and sell crypto. This post Belgium’s KBC Becomes First Bank in the Country to Offer Bitcoin Trading to Retail Investors first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

Google Play will enforce new rules in South Korea requiring overseas crypto exchanges to complete FIU VASP registration by January 28.

Kaito announced it would sunset its Yaps product, which rewarded posting on X. The platform will focus on other social media and and creator content.

Bitcoin is increasingly trading on fiscal and regulatory signals as policy-driven liquidity expectations reshape market behavior in 2026.

Nexo faces fresh headwinds as California regulators take action against the digital assets platform for the second time in three years.

Galaxy CLO 2025-1 totals $75 million and brings a private credit deal onchain.

Through a partnership with Ondo Finance, Felix is set to be HyperEVM’s first liquid spot equity provider.

The partnership could enhance technological innovation, strengthen economic ties, and shift geopolitical dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region. The post Taiwan to become close AI strategic partner with US following new investment deal appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Bitcoin's unique low correlation with traditional assets may enhance portfolio resilience and optimize risk-adjusted returns in future markets. The post Cathie Wood sees Bitcoin as effective portfolio diversifier in the years ahead appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

María Corina Machado leaves White House meeting without the US president’s backing to be her country’s next leader

Warren Buffett-backed Mitsubishi Corporation is bolstering its gas portfolio as energy demand soars due to AI

Chiefs of finance groups including Zurich and BNP Paribas call for formal goal of supporting growth and competitiveness

Warren Buffett-backed Mitsubishi Corporation is bolstering its gas portfolio as energy demand soars due to AI

Plus, the central bank trilemma

First visit to Beijing by a Canadian PM in almost a decade follows deep chill in relations

Silver price (XAG/USD) extends its losses for the second successive session, trading around $91.00 during the European hours on Friday.

The Pound Sterling (GBP) trades with caution near its four-week low around 1.3360 against the US Dollar (USD) during the European trading session on Friday.

Prior +1.1%HICP +1.2% vs +1.2% y/y prelimPrior +1.1%The changes in headline annual inflation is light with core annual inflation keeping stable at 1.7% in December. On average, Italian consumer price inflation is seen growing by 1.5% in 2025. And that's a step up from the 1.0% back in 2024. That being said, it's in a sweet spot so to speak in keeping just under the key 2% threshold.As for core inflation though, it is seen growing by 1.9% in 2025 compared to the 2.0% in 2024. So, it is in a similar spot and reaffirms a "healthier" inflation picture in Italy.If this was Germany, the ECB would be extremely happy with the numbers. But alas, that is not the case. As things stand, the biggest concern to the inflation picture in the euro area remains that of Germany's and also to some extent Spain's at the moment.The more stubborn price pressures there are not allowing for further monetary policy easing, with the situation in Germany being watched closely amid potential stagflation fears. This article was written by Justin Low at investinglive.com.

Have repeatedly said that recent forex moves are not reflecting fundamentalsJoint statement between US and Japan can be interpreted as saying intervention to counter forex moves out of line with fundamentals is allowedMonetary falls under the jurisdiction of the BOJMy dialogue with BOJ governor Ueda has been very goodHave not received inquiries from the BOJ on other central banks' joint statement in backing Fed chair PowellNot sure when yen carry trades peak out as Japan-US rate differentials are set to narrow furtherIn prior episodes, the language used in verbal intervention by Tokyo officials tend to follow a certain script. But so far, Katayama has been more bold in her warnings especially in the ones this week. That being said, I guess it is necessary as lawmakers and policymakers are facing an uphill battle in trying to quell speculators this time around.As a reminder, she had earlier this week singled out the 9 January price action in the yen currency as being not in line with the fundamentals. Now, she's saying that recent moves are also not reflecting that as well. It seems that we are reaching a bit of a desperation point in trying to get market players to stop the selling in the currency.As for the BOJ comments, I don't see anything new in that. However, the government's stance remains clear in that they do want the central bank to not push for rate hikes. But with the currency under threat now, is it going to be a case of needing to let go? We shall see.USD/JPY is down 0.3% to 158.20 on the day, still holding above the 158.00 mark so far. Despite the barrage of verbal intervention this week, the pair is down by less than 150 pips from the highs. So, it speaks to the kind of buying appetite still out there. But at least for now, the near-term bias has shifted a little today. This article was written by Justin Low at investinglive.com.

The USD/CAD price analysis remains firm above 1.3900, supported by a stronger US dollar and a softer Canadian backdrop. US PPI and retail sales data maintain an upside bias for the greenback. US unemployment claims and FedSpeak could provide fresh impetus to the markets. USD/CAD is trading firmly around 1.3900 in the early European session,... The post USD/CAD Price Analysis: Surge Amid Strong Dollar, Capped by WTI Upside appeared first on Forex Crunch.

The GBP/USD outlook remains flat near the lower end of the range despite an upbeat UK GDP data. Wednesday’s strong US data, including PPI and retail sales, are keeping the greenback supported. Technically, the GBP/USD price remains neutral within a broad uptrend. The UK economy surprised to the upside in November, but the data failed... The post GBP/USD Outlook: GBP/USD Struggles Despite Upbeat UK GDP appeared first on Forex Crunch.

Clients are asking therapists to assess their AI chats. Some therapists refuse. Others proceed ahead. Here's the best way to do so. An AI Insider scoop.

The San Francisco Giants have signed their second international shortstop prospect in two years, inking Luis Hernandez for $5M.

(RTTNews) - Asian stocks ended mixed on Friday despite Wall Street snapping a two-day losing streak overnight. Regional chip stocks ended mostly higher on revived AI-driven growth optimism after TSMC posted record quarterly profits of $16 billion.

(RTTNews) - Gimv announced that it has reached an agreement to sell its majority stake in ALT Technologies to CCL Industries. No further financial details will be disclosed.

A controversial new perk is really hitting home with Costco's highest-tier cardholders.

Despite the increasingly expensive market, many stocks are on sale.

Taiwan Semiconductor's strong earnings sparked a rally in tech stocks on Thursday, while Goldman Sachs' earnings boosted financials.

Whether you’re months away from your 65th birthday or you're planning to work past retirement age, this guide will walk you through the exact steps to secure your coverage, avoid costly mistakes and enter 2026 with total peace of mind.

ICICI Securities is bullish on HDFC Bank has recommended buy rating on the stock with a target price of Rs 1,850 in its research report dated April 21, 2024.

Emkay Global Financial is bullish on Tejas Networks has recommended buy rating on the stock with a target price of Rs 1100 in its research report dated April 23, 2024.

YC-backed Givefront is building a fintech designed specifically for nonprofits, including food banks, churches, and homeowner associations.

Marquis said ransomware hackers stole reams of banking customer data, containing personal information and financial records, as well as Social Security numbers, belonging to hundreds of thousands of people. The number of affected people is expected to rise.

The UK's Financial Conduct Authority is inviting fintechs, banks and other stakeholders to apply for a "stablecoin sprint" to help shape policy and set standards for the future of payments.

WeLab, a pan-Asian fintech operating digital banks in the region, has raised US$220 million in a debt and equity raise joined by HSBC and Prudential.

As financial services firms push deeper into digital channels, identity verification has quietly become one of the most consequential—and most underestimated—forces shaping growth, risk and customer experience. “When ‘Good Enough’ Isn’t Enough: Digital Identity Verification in the Age of Bots and Agents,” a collaboration between PYMNTS Intelligence and Trulioo, examines how legacy approaches to know […] The post Banks Overestimate Their Identity Defenses to the Tune of $34B a Year appeared first on PYMNTS.com.

A growing share of Americans look financially stable on paper yet remain one unexpected bill away from strain, according to PYMNTS Intelligence research that reframed household savings as a fragile, unevenly distributed buffer rather than a reliable safety net. That was the central takeaway from “Why Paycheck-to-Paycheck Consumers Can’t Weather a $2,000 Shock,” the […] The post Only 24% of Americans Saved More in 2025 appeared first on PYMNTS.com.

Deepgram, the real-time API platform targeting the Voice AI economy, has raised $130 million in Series C funding at a $1.3 billion valuation. The round was led by AVP, an independent global investment platform dedicated to high-growth technology companies across Europe and North America. All... Read More

Monnai, a provider of identity and risk data infrastructure, has announced a fresh infusion of $12 million in equity funding. This round, spearheaded by Motive Partners and backed by repeat investors Commerce Ventures and 500 Global, pushes the company’s cumulative capital raised beyond $23 million.... Read More

For years, some investors have seemed to fixate on mega-cap tech stocks, viewing many of these companies as among the most compelling ways to play the market. However, the rally in precious metals, which began in the latter half of 2025, serves as a reminder that advisors and investors need to understand that the best [...] The post Gold & Silver Rally May Reignite Interest In Mining Stocks appeared first on ETF Trends.

With 2025 in the books, it will be a difficult year to top for fixed income exchange-traded funds (ETFs), but Morningstar is predicting more excitement to come. That should keep fixed income investors fixated on what new developments the space brings this year. As noted, fixed income ETFs broke records in 2025, amassing strong inflows [...] The post Morningstar Sees More Excitement For Fixed Income ETFs in 2026 appeared first on ETF Trends.

Anonymously sourced report that Jonathan Ross ‘suffered internal bleeding’ after killing Renee Good faced skepticism inside CBS newsroomSome CBS News employees expressed concern after the network cited two anonymous “US officials” on Wednesday to report that the ICE officer who fatally shot Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis “suffered internal bleeding to the torso” after the incident.CBS initially published the account about officer Jonathan Ross on X, formerly Twitter. About 30 minutes later, the network followed up with another post, containing a link to an article by two correspondents that similarly cited “two US officials briefed on his medical condition”. Continue reading...

It may well be safer, easier and cheaper for US companies to procure whatever oil the US economy needs at homeThere are a few reasons that Donald Trump – now self-anointed acting president of Venezuela, as well as the United States – might be so excited about appropriating Venezuela’s oil.Trump may be counting on some boost from cheap oil to the US economy: he is obsessed with the price of gas. As the midterm elections approach, he has become concerned about unemployment. Deeply imprinted memories of scarcity during the oil crises of the 1970s may prime his belief that cheap oil cures it all. Continue reading...

From a city tower block with its own salon to pamper your pooch to a thatched cottage with a dog flap to the garden Continue reading...

In the hope that the law might change, Ruby Bayley and her partner are considering putting off starting a familyReading Ilyas Nagdee’s article (14 January) about taking eight months of paternity leave and the profound difference it has made to his family struck a deep chord with me and my partner. The piece beautifully captures the joy, closeness and rebalancing that meaningful paternity leave can bring, and it makes a compelling case for why this time matters so deeply.But as we read it, we were also struck by what was missing. The article does not mention self-employed or freelance parents at all, and that absence reflects a wider pattern in the current conversation about paternity leave reform. For families like ours, it is impossible to read about extended paid leave without also feeling the sharp edge of exclusion. Continue reading...