Ethereum (ETH), the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, has seen a 6.7% drop in January, underperforming compared to the broader crypto market and Bitcoin. Despite this lackluster start to the year, historical data and market analysts suggest a brighter outlook for Ethereum in February and March.
Ethereum’s January Decline
As of January 27, Ethereum’s price has fallen from a January 1 high of $3,400 to an intraday low of $3,170, according to CoinGecko. This represents a notable 6.7% decline for the month, underlining its divergence from Bitcoin and other major cryptocurrencies, which have demonstrated resilience.
Ethereum’s underperformance in January contrasts with its historical trend of stronger months to follow. Market watchers have pointed out that Ethereum has consistently performed well in February and March, providing hope for a potential recovery in the near term.
Historical Performance in February and March
Ethereum has shown a robust historical trend during February. According to data from CoinGlass, ETH has only recorded a loss in February once—in 2018—following a massive 50% gain in January of that year. Prominent futures trader “CoinMamba” noted on X (formerly Twitter) that February and March are traditionally “very good months” for Ethereum.
For six consecutive years, February has delivered gains for Ethereum. Its largest February gain occurred in 2024, with the cryptocurrency surging more than 46%, climbing from $2,280 to end the month at $3,380. February 2017 also marked a significant rally, with Ethereum gaining approximately 48%, jumping from $11 to just under $16.
March has also been favorable for Ethereum, with gains recorded in seven of the past nine years. Following this trend, April has also historically been a strong month, further bolstering optimism among investors.
Expert Opinions and Market Sentiment
Despite Ethereum’s recent price drop, market sentiment among analysts and community members remains largely bullish. “Wolf,” an experienced analyst, shared their confidence on X, stating, “With eight years of experience as an analyst, I can confidently say I’ve never seen a chart as strong as ETH. The potential here is unmatched. It’s the best asymmetrical bet you can make.”
Anthony Sassano, a prominent Ethereum educator, also commented on recent developments within the Ethereum ecosystem, particularly the leadership shakeup at the Ethereum Foundation. Sassano noted a renewed energy in the community, stating, “The last week in Ethereum has been a complete and total shift in not just vibes but in the community’s hunger to win.”
Background on Ethereum and Ether
Launched in 2015, Ethereum is a decentralized blockchain platform known for enabling smart contracts and decentralized applications (DApps). Its native cryptocurrency, Ether (ETH), serves as the primary medium of exchange and is used to pay for transaction fees and computational services on the Ethereum network.
Ethereum has played a pivotal role in the growth of the crypto space, particularly through innovations like non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and decentralized finance (DeFi). These applications have positioned Ethereum as a leader in blockchain technology, making ETH one of the most widely used cryptocurrencies.
In 2022, Ethereum transitioned to a proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus mechanism through the highly anticipated Ethereum Merge. This upgrade significantly reduced the network’s energy consumption and laid the foundation for future scalability improvements, such as sharding.
Current Price Action and Challenges
As of January 27, Ethereum is trading at $3,183, reflecting a 4.5% decline over the past 24 hours amid a broader market downturn. The cryptocurrency remains down 35% from its all-time high of $4,878, recorded in November 2021. Furthermore, it has lagged behind other high-cap assets like Bitcoin, XRP, and Solana in recent months.
Despite these challenges, Ethereum’s underlying fundamentals remain strong. The platform continues to attract developers and investors due to its vibrant ecosystem, which powers the majority of blockchain-based applications.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has officially rescinded Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) 121, a controversial rule that required financial firms holding cryptocurrency for customers to classify those assets as liabilities on their balance sheets. The move, announced in a new bulletin on Jan. 23, has been celebrated by industry leaders and lawmakers as a step toward reducing regulatory hurdles for crypto adoption.
Background on SAB 121 and Crypto Enforcement
Introduced in March 2022, SAB 121 aimed to address the risks associated with holding digital assets by mandating that financial institutions classify customer-held crypto as liabilities. The rule also required firms to disclose specific risks associated with these holdings. While the SEC justified this measure as a necessary step to ensure transparency and protect consumers, it faced significant backlash from the crypto industry and lawmakers alike.
Critics argued that SAB 121 created unnecessary administrative burdens for banks and financial institutions, deterring them from offering crypto custody services. Representative Wiley Nickel pointed out that the rule could force American banks to forgo custody of crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs) at scale, potentially concentrating risk among non-bank entities. Similarly, Senator Cynthia Lummis labeled the rule “disastrous” for the banking industry and a hindrance to American innovation in digital assets.
The Decision to Rescind SAB 121
The SEC’s new bulletin overturning SAB 121 represents a significant policy shift under the leadership of SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce, a known advocate for crypto innovation. Peirce, who leads the agency’s crypto task force, expressed relief at the rule’s rescission, stating in a Jan. 23 X post, “Bye, bye SAB 121! It’s not been fun.”
This decision marks a notable departure from the more stringent regulatory approach championed by SEC Chair Gary Gensler, whose tenure has been characterized by heightened enforcement actions against the crypto industry. Gensler’s stance has drawn criticism for what many perceive as regulatory overreach, with some stakeholders arguing that such measures stifle growth in the nascent digital asset space.
Bipartisan Pushback Against SAB 121
The repeal of SAB 121 follows bipartisan efforts in Congress to overturn the rule. House Financial Services Committee Chair French Hill applauded the SEC’s decision, emphasizing that the rule was “misguided” and inconsistent with standard financial practices. “Holding reserves against the assets held in custody is NOT standard financial services practice,” Hill remarked.
Senator Lummis echoed this sentiment, celebrating the rule’s repeal as a victory for the banking and crypto industries. “I am THRILLED to see it repealed and get the SEC back on track to fulfilling its intended mission,” she stated.
Despite these efforts, a bill to repeal SAB 121 initially faced challenges. While it garnered bipartisan support in both the House and Senate, it was ultimately vetoed by former President Joe Biden in June 2023. The House’s subsequent attempt to override the veto fell 60 votes short.
Implications for the Crypto Industry
The cancellation of SAB 121 is expected to ease operational and regulatory challenges for financial firms looking to provide crypto custody services. By removing the requirement to classify customer-held crypto as liabilities, the decision could pave the way for broader institutional adoption of digital assets.
Chris J. Terry, chief architect at Bitseeker Consulting, highlighted the significance of this development: “This change will encourage more banks and financial institutions to enter the crypto space, enhancing competition and reducing concentration risks.”
The move also aligns with broader efforts to create a more favorable regulatory environment for digital assets in the United States. Industry leaders have long argued that clear and balanced regulations are critical to fostering innovation and maintaining the country’s competitive edge in the global crypto market.
Looking Ahead
As the SEC takes steps to recalibrate its approach to crypto regulation, the focus now shifts to the broader implications of this policy shift. The rescission of SAB 121 may signal a willingness to engage more constructively with the crypto industry, potentially paving the way for further regulatory reforms.
For now, stakeholders remain cautiously optimistic. While challenges persist, the repeal of SAB 121 marks a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to integrate digital assets into the traditional financial ecosystem. With regulators, lawmakers, and industry leaders working toward a common goal, the future of crypto in the United States looks increasingly promising.
Nexo has unveiled a $5,000 minimum balance requirement as part of its transition into a more sophisticated digital asset wealth platform. The change, set to take effect on February 22, 2025, for existing users, aligns with Nexo’s commitment to serving affluent investors. With over $11 billion in assets under management, Nexo continues to expand its reach globally, leveraging its Growth Plan and rebranding efforts to better meet the needs of a maturing crypto market. Drawing inspiration from private banking, the company aims to provide exclusive, industry-leading services for sophisticated clientele.
The $5,000 minimum unlocks benefits such as priority client care, personalized account managers, tax-efficient crypto credit lines, the Dual Mode Nexo Mastercard, and tailored accounts in USD, EUR, and GBP. These enhancements reflect Nexo’s dedication to helping forward-thinking investors grow and preserve their wealth.
“Since 2018, Nexo has consistently introduced industry-first, innovative, and tax-efficient products that drive meaningful value,” said Kosta Kantchev, Nexo Co-founder and Executive Chairman. “Today, our long-term vision to cultivate an exclusive ecosystem for growth-focused investors is a reality.”
Clients maintaining balances above $5,000 gain access to the full suite of Nexo’s premium offerings, including higher loyalty program rewards and bespoke solutions. Those with smaller balances will still benefit from core services like the Nexo Credit Lines, Wallet, Exchange, and Card.
Additionally, Nexo is rolling out a streamlined Savings Hub, ensuring clients with qualifying balances continue earning passive income through Flexible and Fixed-term savings.
With over $320 billion in processed transactions and $1 billion in interest paid, Nexo’s robust track record underscores its position as a trusted platform for both retail and institutional investors. Its mission remains focused on delivering sustainable, tailored wealth solutions for generations to come.
Following the initial surge from the “Trump pump” trade, Bitcoin’s price has stabilized between $100,000 and $110,000 since the inauguration of the newly elected U.S. president.
On Jan. 21, the crypto asset saw a 3.78% jump, but its price movement has since consolidated within this range over the last 24 hours.
With no clear directional momentum on the lower time frame (LTF), one analyst predicts that this sideways trend could persist for the rest of the month.
Will quantitative easing spark Bitcoin’s next rally?
Krillin, a professional crypto trader, suggested that Bitcoin might continue its consolidation until after the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting on Jan. 28–29.
He stated, “Assuming no BoJ scam, we likely chop between 100k and 110k till FOMC end of month.”
The analyst also hinted at a potential dip, given that interest rate cuts are not expected during the meeting.
According to the CME FedWatch tool, there is a 99.5% likelihood that interest rates will remain unchanged at 4.25%–4.5%.
However, dovish comments or hints at quantitative easing (QE) could drive risk assets higher.
As of Jan. 22, U.S. national debt reached $36.21 trillion, surpassing the $36.1 trillion ceiling.
Congress may raise the debt limit again, as it has done 78 times since 1960.
If QE becomes a reality, the Federal Reserve may inject liquidity into the market through large-scale asset purchases, a scenario that would likely benefit Bitcoin.
Tracking a reversal in the Fed’s balance sheet, which has declined from $9 trillion in April 2022 to $6.8 trillion as of Jan. 15, could provide further insight.
Bitcoin’s capital inflows have slowed
While the market anticipated aggressive bullish momentum after Bitcoin surpassed $100,000, data from Glassnode shows a decline in capital inflows.
BTC’s realized cap net position change fell from 12.5% to under 5% since November 2024.
Glassnode reported, “Net realized profit-taking peaked at $4.5B in Dec 2024, and is now down to $316.7M (-93%). This reduction in sell-side pressure suggests the market is resetting to a state of supply-demand balance.”
Three celebrated events on snooker’s global tour, renowned for their elite fields , will welcome Sportsbet.io as their new title partner for the next two years. The Sportsbet.io Players Championship will run from March 17-23, 2025, at Telford International Centre, followed by the Sportsbet.io Tour Championship from March 31 to April 6 at Manchester Central and then the Sportsbet.io Champion of Champions from November 10-16 in Bolton.
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Sportsbet.io, a leading crypto sportsbook and casino, Official Regional Partner of LALIGA, Official Betting Partner of English football team, Hull City and a Club Partner of Premier League team Newcastle United, now joins forces with WST and Matchroom for the first time. Sportsbet.io is part of Yolo Group, known for bringing next-level innovation to the worlds of gaming, fintech and blockchain.
The Sportsbet.io Players Championship is the second event in the 2025 Players Series. Only the top 16 on this season’s one-year ranking list will earn a place in the field in Telford. Mark Allen won the trophy last season, and as it stands he could be defending the title in a field including the likes of world number one Judd Trump, World Champion Kyren Wilson, Ding Junhui, Mark Selby, Neil Robertson, Shaun Murphy, Mark Williams, John Higgins and many more top stars.
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The Sportsbet.io Champion of Champions, ever present on the calendar since 2013, brings together 16 winners of tournaments over the previous 12 months. Mark Williams took the title in 2024, coming through a superb field which included the likes of Judd Trump, Kyren Wilson and Ronnie O’Sullivan.
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About Sportsbet.io
Founded in 2016 as part of Yolo Group, Sportsbet.io is the leading crypto sportsbook. Sportsbet.io has redefined the online betting space by combining cutting-edge technology, with cryptocurrency expertise and a passion for offering its players with the ultimate fun, fast and fair gaming experience.
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Unusual trading patterns have surfaced around US President-elect Donald Trump’s Solana-based Official Trump (TRUMP) memecoin, which has seen its market cap soar to $42 billion, sparking a frenzy among retail investors.
On Jan. 18, onchain analytics firm Bubblemaps investigated a crypto wallet that received $1 million just hours before TRUMP’s launch.
Blockchain data shows the wallet purchased $5.9 million worth of TRUMP tokens in the first minute of trading, later selling $20 million while retaining $96 million in tokens.
These tokens were then transferred to another wallet and distributed across 10 wallets, all now actively selling on Solana decentralized exchanges (DEXs).
The trading activity has raised concerns over potential market manipulation as the TRUMP token continues to dominate headlines.
Preetam Rao, CEO of Web3 security firm QuillAudits, highlighted issues with TRUMP’s token structure and intentions.
“Eighty percent of the supply is locked for CIC Digital, owned by the Donald Trump Revocable Trust. The same entity launched Trump NFT Trading Cards three years ago. The website says it’s ‘not an investment but a show of support,’” Rao explained.
He added that the top 10 holders control 89.06% of the supply, with no clarity on the liquidity pool’s burn status. “The token’s launch in an Asian morning time zone suggests it’s more about profit-making,” he noted.
Rao speculated, “We see insider trading involved, but if the US government is supporting innovation, maybe it’s a rug pull that also sets a foundation for innovation.”
TRUMP Memecoin Gains Mainstream Momentum
TRUMP’s popularity surged as major exchanges Coinbase and Binance listed the token.
According to CoinGecko, TRUMP trading volumes soared, with Bitget, MEXC, and KuCoin leading the activity.
At the time of writing, TRUMP is up 194% in 24 hours, trading at $54.62.
Meanwhile, Solana’s ecosystem saw record highs, with Raydium, GMGN, and Moonshot processing millions in fees and transactions, attracting over 200,000 new users onchain.
Binance has revised its cryptocurrency deposit and withdrawal procedures in Poland to adhere to the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA).
In a blog post dated Jan. 17, Binance stated, “Starting Jan. 20, users may need to provide more information when performing crypto deposits and withdrawals.”
The updated requirements apply to cryptocurrency deposits exceeding 1,000 euros ($1,030.80) and all withdrawals. For deposits, users must submit the sender’s full name, country, and the name of the crypto exchange. For withdrawals, similar details about the recipient are necessary.
Binance emphasized that these changes are limited to crypto transfers. However, the company cautioned that transactions might face delays or be returned if the required information is not provided.
Understanding MiCA and Its Implications
The MiCA framework, officially enacted on Dec. 30, 2024, establishes standardized regulations for cryptocurrencies across the EU. It aims to enhance consumer protection, address Anti-Money Laundering (AML) concerns, and regulate Crypto Asset Service Providers (CASPs).
One of its requirements mandates that crypto transfers exceeding 1,000 euros must include detailed sender and recipient information to ensure greater transparency. Stablecoin issuers must also maintain full reserves and secure operational licenses under MiCA.
Poland’s Crypto Regulatory Landscape
In Poland, cryptocurrency activities, including mining and trading, are legal. Crypto income is taxed at a flat rate of 19% for both individuals and businesses.
On Dec. 9, 2024, the Government Legislation Center introduced the fourth version of the Crypto Assets Market Act. This draft regulation requires Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) to transition to the CASP licensing system by June 30, 2025, ahead of the EU’s MiCA transition deadline in July 2026.
Meanwhile, Sławomir Mentzen, a presidential candidate, has pledged to make Poland a “cryptocurrency haven” if elected. The first round of the election is set for May 18, 2025.
Web3 travel platform Camino Network has listed its native token, CAM, on two prominent centralized exchanges, MEXC and Gate.io. As the first Layer 1 blockchain tailored for the $11 trillion travel industry, Camino Network introduces innovations like TravelFi, RWA tokenization, and NFT ticketing. The $CAM token already supports an ecosystem of over 200 brands, including major airlines, car rental companies, and tour operators.
On January 17th, CAM was listed on MEXC with a USDT trading pair, coinciding with its Gate.io listing. These tier-one exchange listings are set to enhance accessibility to CAM and Camino Network, improve liquidity, and increase awareness of Camino’s efforts to revolutionize the travel sector through Web3 technology.
The exchange debut follows successful seed and pre-sale funding rounds in Switzerland, raising $10 million for Camino’s infrastructure. With its mainnet live and more than 100 industry validators and 200 businesses active, Camino is poised for its next growth phase.
Thomas Stirnimann, Council President of the Camino Network Foundation, stated, “With validators and partners on nearly every continent before launch, Camino Network stands apart from other projects. Our next step is clear: driving continued growth to connect all travel on-chain.”
The CAM token, with a fixed supply of 1 billion, serves as a utility token within Camino’s ecosystem. It facilitates transactions, supports decentralized booking through Camino Messenger, and powers on-chain travel operations. Validators earn CAM rewards, while travelers benefit from exclusive offers and discounts by holding the token.
Camino Network addresses critical industry challenges such as high fees, slow settlements, and complex reconciliations. It simplifies connectivity by replacing thousands of APIs with a unified model, creating seamless travel experiences.
Matt Law of Outlier Ventures remarked, “Camino Network’s innovative approach is transformative, enhancing efficiency, security, and transparency in travel transactions. We are proud to have them in our portfolio and look forward to their continued impact on the industry.”
With major brands like Lufthansa Group and TUI already on board, Camino Network is reshaping the future of travel with Web3 technology.
As Donald Trump prepares to take office as the 47th president of the United States, speculation is growing about the inclusion of US-based cryptocurrencies in a potential strategic reserve.
The New York Post reported on Jan. 16 that Trump is “receptive” to the idea of forming a strategic reserve emphasizing cryptocurrencies like USD Coin (USDC), Solana (SOL), and XRP, rather than Bitcoin (BTC). The report cited unidentified sources who claimed the proposal could sideline Bitcoin, the largest cryptocurrency by market cap.
Rumors intensified after Trump recently dined with Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse and chief legal officer Stuart Alderoty. Garlinghouse shared a photo from the meeting, describing it as a “strong start to 2025.”
Trump’s Bitcoin Reserve Pledge
The idea of a national Bitcoin reserve gained momentum in July 2024, when Trump vowed during the Bitcoin 2024 conference in Nashville that his administration would maintain government-held Bitcoin holdings. He announced plans to create “a strategic national Bitcoin reserve” in his speech.
Following this, Senator Cynthia Lummis introduced the Bitcoin Act on July 31, outlining a strategy for the US Treasury to purchase up to 200,000 BTC annually, with the goal of building a 1 million BTC reserve over 20 years.
Trump’s pro-crypto stance has also been evident through his nomination of Paul Atkins as the new SEC chair, a move seen as signaling more lenient cryptocurrency regulations.
Community Reactions
The crypto community has reacted strongly to rumors that altcoins may take precedence over Bitcoin.
Almeida, co-founder of Orquestra, criticized the potential move, stating, “It’s very disappointing if true. Credibility goes to -1.”
Meanwhile, David Bailey, CEO of BTC Inc, dismissed the idea as “fake news,” sarcastically referring to Ripple as “Kamala coin.”
Cryptocurrency-based exchange-traded products (ETPs) could attract substantial new investments if approved, according to a report by JPMorgan.
Investors are increasingly optimistic about the approval of the first spot Solana (SOL) and spot XRP ETPs, especially with expectations of a more favorable regulatory environment under President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office on Jan. 20.
In a Jan. 13 report shared with Cointelegraph, JPMorgan estimated that SOL and XRP ETPs could surpass the performance of spot Ether (ETH) ETFs within their first six months of trading.
“When applying these so-called ‘adoption rates’ to SOL and XRP, we see SOL attracting roughly $3 billion–$6 billion of net assets and XRP gathering $4 billion–$8 billion in net new assets,” the report stated.
The forecast comes after the first anniversary of U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs, which reached nearly $110 billion in cumulative holdings on Jan. 2. Bitcoin ETFs accounted for around 75% of new investments when Bitcoin reclaimed $50,000 in February, just a month after their debut.
However, altcoin ETP adoption remains uncertain due to fluctuating investor demand. While Bitcoin ETFs saw a 6% adoption rate and Ether ETFs achieved 3% in their first six months, interest in altcoins like SOL and XRP is less predictable.
“Outside of a few primary tokens (BTC, ETH, SOL), the episodic nature of the crypto market is driven by varying investor sentiment and trendy new coins that may capture incremental attention for a limited time,” JPMorgan’s report explained.
Several asset managers, including VanEck, Grayscale, and 21Shares, have submitted applications for Solana ETFs. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is expected to make preliminary decisions by late January, with Grayscale’s deadline set for Jan. 23 and others by Jan. 25.
Alejo Pinto, founder of Solana Layer-2 network Lumio, commented, “An ETF approval in the U.S. would have a positive price impact on Solana since the probability is low and therefore not yet priced in.”