Friday Forecasts: 02/01/2026
January 2, 2026
Your weekly pulse on markets, narratives, protocols, and policy.
Market Pulse
Solana DEXs Overtake Top Exchanges With $1.6 Trillion Volume Despite SOL Price Stagnation
Solana has attempted a modest recovery after extended weakness, supported by rising on-chain activity. Increased network usage has translated into stronger performance metrics, helping stabilize price action.
While SOL remains under pressure, expanding transaction volume could position the altcoin for a short-term rally if demand sustains.
Bitcoin consolidates while Ethereum builds for the next cycle
Crypto markets are transitioning from a fast-moving rally into a more thoughtful phase. Bitcoin is consolidating after a strong year, acting as a stability anchor, while Ethereum continues to build quietly through fundamentals rather than price momentum. The next major move will likely depend on liquidity returning in early 2026, clarity on global monetary policy, and whether investors are ready to shift from defense back to growth.
Narratives to Watch
How Strategy used half its stock price to buy 225,000 Bitcoin in 2025
In 2025, Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) executed a capital markets feat that effectively cornered the supply of new Bitcoin, purchasing more coins than the global mining network produced for the entire year.
Throughout the year, Strategy added approximately 225,027 BTC to its corporate treasury, bringing its total holdings to roughly 672,497 BTC. This purchasing campaign exceeded the estimated post-halving issuance of 164,000 coins, creating a mathematical supply shock.
KuCoin Highlights Crypto-Integrated Consumer Products and Web3 Loyalty Trends in New KuTalks Episode
The company announced the release of Episode 6 of its KuTalks podcast series, featuring Ovie Faruq, CEO and Co-founder of Rekt Brands Inc. The discussion centers on the rapid growth of crypto-integrated consumer products, the use of brand-specific coins to enhance customer loyalty, the transition from direct-to-consumer models to global retail distribution, and strategies for connecting crypto technologies with mainstream audiences amid health-focused product trends and broader Web3 innovations.
Protocol Watch
Cardano Midnight Network Launches New Hardfork
Cardano Midnight token has released a new hardfork as part of its move toward full mainnet. The upgrade adds a built-in upgrade system, allowing future changes without major disruption.
Notably, the update comes as privacy is gaining attention across the crypto industry.
Ethereum Deploys Record 8.7 Million Smart Contracts In Q4 2025, Breaking 2021 High
Ethereum ETH deployed 8.7 million smart contracts in a single quarter, marking an all-time record despite price stagnation. The figure breaks the previous quarterly high of 6 million contracts set in Q2 2021, according to data from Token Terminal shared by analyst Joseph Young.
Regulatory Radar
Coinbase exec warns Senate stablecoin misstep could hand China global edge
A Coinbase executive said changes to the GENIUS Act could weaken US dollar stablecoins as China moves to boost the digital yuan by allowing interest-bearing wallets. A senior executive at Coinbase warned that changes to the US stablecoin framework could weaken Washington’s position in the global race for digital payments, just as China moves to make its central bank digital currency (CBDC) more competitive.
Russia targets unregistered crypto miners with new criminal penalties
Russia’s Justice Ministry proposed fines and prison for illegal crypto mining, as officials say most miners still haven’t joined the tax register. Russia has proposed a new draft bill seeking to crack down on unregistered cryptocurrency miners in the country, following concerns from the finance minister about illegal mining activity.
Moonrig Perspective
Markets are maturing — and so are narratives.
Real opportunity now lies in utility-backed protocols, tokenomics with intent, and cross-chain infrastructure.
This is where Moonrig gives you the edge:
Smarter research via Moonbase
Strategic portfolio design via BUIDL
360-degrees view of your Crypto holdings via HODL
Turn intelligence into strategy. Stay ahead with Moonrig.
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