Bitcoin Faces Supply Shock as ETF Buying Quietly Builds Pressure, Bitwise CIO Warns

Bitwise Chief Investment Officer Matt Hougan has argued that Bitcoin may be nearing a powerful price breakout. This could be driven by sustained demand from exchange-traded funds (ETFs). In a detailed post shared on X this week, Hougan reportedly said that Bitcoin’s price has stayed relatively restrained, but ongoing ETF purchases are steadily absorbing the available supply.

He explained that this pattern closely mirrors gold’s delayed but sharp rally in recent years. This suggests that Bitcoin could be entering a similar phase of structural tightening. A major price reaction could follow.

Lessons From Gold’s Delayed Price Surge

Hougan has reportedly explained that both gold and Bitcoin are priced primarily by supply and demand dynamics. As it stands, the CIO has noted that the common explanation for gold’s 65% rise in 2025 was as a result of aggressive central bank buying due to rising geopolitical risks and financial uncertainty. However, he argued that the real story began much earlier.

Bitcoin Faces Supply Shock as ETF Buying Quietly Builds Pressure, Bitwise CIO Warns

He stated that despite this strong demand, gold prices did not immediately respond because the market initially had enough willing sellers to absorb the buying pressure. Data shared by Hougan showed that annual central bank gold purchases averaged between 400 and 600 tonnes from 2014 to 2019, fell sharply in 2020, and then rebounded in 2021.

To this end, it was revealed by him that buying later surged beyond 1,000 tonnes in both 2022 and 2023, remaining high in 2024, stating that once excess supply was gradually absorbed, prices finally reacted sharply.

Bitcoin ETFs Absorbing New Supply

Hougan reportedly said that a similar process is now unfolding in the Bitcoin market. Since the launch of spot Bitcoin ETFs in January 2024, he noted that these funds have consistently purchased more Bitcoin than is newly mined. Despite this, Bitcoin’s price has not entered a parabolic phase because long-term holders have been willing to sell into the demand.

Bitcoin Faces Supply Shock as ETF Buying Quietly Builds Pressure, Bitwise CIO Warns

He explained that if ETF inflows continue at current levels, those sellers may eventually be exhausted. When that happens, Hougan suggested that Bitcoin’s limited supply could trigger a rapid price adjustment.

Finally, Bitwise’s CIO concluded that Bitcoin is currently experiencing a long absorption phase, a process that should not be mistaken for repricing, with institutional demand steadily tightening market conditions.

 

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Axie Infinity (AXS/USD) Gains Further Upward Traction

As volatility returns to the Axie Infinity market, price action is gaining renewed upward momentum. Optimistic traders have grown increasingly confident, driving the market higher after opening today at $1.328, the same level at which it closed in the previous session.

During today’s trading session, Axie Infinity surged to an intraday high of $2.24 and is currently consolidating just above the $2.00 mark. This behavior suggests that bulls are attempting to defend and stabilize the market above the psychologically important $2.00 price level.

Axie Infinity (AXS/USD) Market Data

  • AXS/USD Price Now: $2.08
  • AXS/USD Market Capitalization: $343 million
  • AXS/USD Circulating Supply: 168 million AXS
  • AXS/USD Total Supply: 270 million AXS
  • AXS/USD CoinMarketCap Ranking: #129

Axie Infinity Price Prediction: Bullish Recovery, but with Caution

Axie Infinity is currently trading within the $1.20–$1.25 range. What stands out at this stage is the return of volatility to the market. Rather than focusing solely on the appearance of strong bullish candles, traders should recognize that renewed volatility often signals a return of investor interest.

This resurgence in price movement may be a positive sign, suggesting that the prolonged period of stability and sideways trading could be giving way to a more active market environment. However, while the market’s reawakening may be encouraging, such moves can quickly lose momentum if the current price action fails to attract sustained buying interest.

Key Levels to Monitor

  • Resistance: $2.100, $2.50, $3.00
  • Support: $1.20, $1.00, $0.09

Axie Infinity (AXIE/USD) Gains Further Upward Traction

Axie Infinity Market Analysis: Technical Viewpoint

During today’s trading session, the Axie Infinity market witnessed a strong bullish price surge. However, despite this impressive move, the rally is still best viewed as a bullish recovery when placed in the context of the prolonged bearish trend that has persisted for over a year.

Axie Infinity Pumping Hard

Technical Viewpoint (Continued)

Today’s session was largely dominated by buyers, as the price opened at the same level where it closed in the previous daily session and advanced steadily throughout the day. The crypto signal peaked near the $2.24 level, where the long upper shadow on the bullish candlestick suggests the emergence of profit-taking activity. Nevertheless, the price is currently attempting to stabilize above the $2.00 level, indicating that traders are trying to defend and salvage the market around this key psychological zone.

Axie Infinity (AXIE/USD) Gains Further Upward Traction

AXS/USD 4-Hour Chart Outlook

From the 4-hour chart perspective, the indicators point to a mixed market sentiment. While the Bollinger Bands and the Relative Strength Index suggest that the market is in overbought territory and may be due for further correction, the price action tells a slightly different story.

Buyers continue to reject bearish pressure around the $2.00 level, indicating that bulls may still have some upward momentum left to offer.

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POL (Prev. MATIC) Price Prediction: POL/USDT Sees a Negative Correction

Date: January 17, 2026

Over the previous weeks, the POL (Prev. MATIC) market recorded notable upside movement. However, bullish momentum cooled just below the $0.2000 price level, and since then, the market has been trending downward.

POL/USDT Long-Term Trend — Bearish (Daily Chart)

Key Price Levels

Resistance: $0.1500, $0.1600, $0.1750

Support: $0.1400, $0.1300, $0.1200

POL (Prev. MATIC) Price Prediction: POL/USDT Sees a Negative Correction

POL (Prev. MATIC) has been sliding downward since the start of the week. The ongoing session has appeared as a green but heavily compressed price candle, which places the coin trading below the 9-day EMA curve. Meanwhile, the Stochastic Relative Strength Index (SRSI) indicator lines are diving rapidly toward the oversold region.

POL/USDT Price Prediction: POL (Prev. MATIC) Bulls Under Pressure (Daily Chart)

While bullish forces previously pushed the POL (Prev. MATIC) market to notable highs, bearish pressure now appears ready to reclaim ground. The most recent price candle is green but formed below the 9-day EMA curve.

Its compressed structure suggests that bearish forces are gaining dominance. At the same time, the SRSI indicator lines are falling sharply toward the oversold region, with the lead line already below the 20 level. Consequently, the market maintains a bearish trajectory on the daily chart.

POL/USDT Price Prediction: POL (Prev. MATIC) Bulls Hit a Wall at the 9-day EMA (4-Hour Chart)

On the 4-hour chart, price action remains closely aligned below the 9-day EMA curve. The last two price candles are green but heavily compressed just beneath the EMA, signaling a consolidation phase.

POL (Prev. MATIC) Price Prediction: POL/USDT Sees a Negative Correction

However, the SRSI lines continue to rise, with the lead line holding near the 50 level and pointing upward. Despite this, the 9-day EMA remains a strong resistance barrier.

A decisive break above this level would be required to trigger a stronger upward correction. Therefore, traders may watch for a clear EMA breakout before targeting the $0.1550 level.

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Bitcoin (BTCUSD) Consolidates Below Breakout Zone as Momentum Cools Near Highs

Bitcoin Price Prediction — January 16, 2026

Bitcoin (BTCUSD) is trading around the $97,850 region after a strong bullish push that stalled just below the next major resistance. Following the recent rally, price action has shifted into a controlled consolidation phase, with volatility compressing as the market digests gains. Current behavior suggests Bitcoin is pausing within a bullish structure rather than showing signs of distribution, as buyers continue to defend key levels.

BTCUSD Market Key Levels

Resistance levels: $102,780, $108,910
Support levels: $90,000, $84,100

Bitcoin (BTCUSD) Consolidates Below Breakout Zone as Momentum Cools Near Highs

BTCUSD Long-Term Trend — Bullish (Daily Chart)

On the daily chart, BTCUSD remains firmly within a bullish recovery and continuation structure. The rebound from the $84,100 region marked a decisive shift in sentiment, with price reclaiming the $90,000 psychological level and holding above it. Since then, Bitcoin has transitioned into a higher-range consolidation, reflecting strength rather than exhaustion.

What is the market outlook for Bitcoin?

Momentum conditions remain constructive. RSI is holding in the neutral-to-positive zone, indicating that bullish pressure has cooled without flipping into weakness. This type of behavior typically appears when the market is preparing for continuation rather than reversal.

As long as Bitcoin holds above $90,000, the broader bullish thesis remains intact. The current consolidation below $102,780 suggests the market is building acceptance rather than rejecting higher prices. A clean daily breakout and hold above $102,784 would confirm continuation and open the path toward $108,912, with higher extension potential toward the $115,860 region if momentum accelerates.

Failure to maintain structure above $97,850 could lead to a deeper rotation back toward $90,000. While such a move would represent a healthy pullback within an uptrend, a loss of that level would shift focus back to $84,107, where buyers must reassert control to avoid broader trend damage.

Bitcoin (BTCUSD) Consolidates Below Breakout Zone as Momentum Cools Near Highs

BTCUSD Short-Term Trend — Neutral (4-Hour Chart)

On the 4-hour chart, Bitcoin is trading in a tight, balanced range following the recent impulse higher. Price is rotating around the mid-zone with reduced follow-through, showing that neither buyers nor sellers currently have full control. This compression reflects short-term equilibrium after the rally.

Such structures often precede expansion. A decisive 4-hour close above the $100,000 handle would increase the probability of a push toward $102,784.

 

BTCUSD Market Statistics

Current Price: $97,850
Market Capitalization: $1,900,000,000,000
24H Trading Volume: $55,000,000,000

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Compound (COMPUSD) Struggles to Reclaim $26.60 as Momentum Weakens

COMPUSD Price Analysis – Compound Hovers Near $26.60 With Mixed Signals From Momentum Oscillators

Compound (COMPUSD) has been trading in a tight range over the past few sessions, with price action attempting to stabilize near the $26.60 mark. After a brief bounce from the $22.20 support zone, buyers have failed to generate meaningful follow-through, and the market now appears to be losing steam. Traders are watching closely as momentum indicators begin to diverge, hinting at a potential shift in sentiment.

COMPUSD Daily Key Levels:

Support Zones: $22.20, $29.70
Resistance Zones: $45.10, $55.70

Compound (COMPUSD) Struggles to Reclaim $26.60 as Momentum Weakens

COMPUSD is currently trading at $26.60, down 0.19% on the day. The MACD histogram has turned negative at -0.34, with the MACD line at 0.18 and signal line at -0.16, indicating a bearish crossover and weakening momentum.

From a structural perspective, the market remains in a corrective phase, with price unable to reclaim the $29.70 pivot. The recent candles show indecision, and unless bulls reclaim $30.00 with conviction, the path of least resistance remains to the downside. A breakdown below $25.00 could expose the $22.22 support zone once again.

Technically, the indicators are beginning to conflict. The MACD crossover leans bearish. Traders may look to reduce exposure or wait for confirmation before re-entering, especially as price compresses near a key decision point.

Compound (COMPUSD) Struggles to Reclaim $26.60 as Momentum Weakens

Market Expectation

On the 4H chart, COMPUSD is showing signs of intraday fatigue. Price is currently trading at $26.60, up 0.26%, with candles forming small bodies. The Chande Momentum Oscillator is deep in negative territory at -34.25, indicating oversold conditions and potential for a short-term bounce. However, the MACD line at -0.05 and signal line at 0.03 suggest a lack of directional conviction, with the histogram barely positive at 0.08.

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BCHUSD Reclaims Mid-Range Support as Price Pressures Key Resistance

Bitcoin Cash Price Prediction — January 12

Bitcoin Cash (BCHUSD) is trading around the $611.00 region after rebounding strongly from the $520.07 support zone. The recent upside move has brought price back into a critical decision area, just below the $612.92 resistance. While buyers have regained short-term control, momentum has slowed as BCH consolidates near the upper boundary of its current range. This behavior suggests the market is pausing to reassess direction rather than committing immediately to continuation.

BCHUSD Market Key Levels

Resistance levels: $612.92, $650.70
Support levels: $580.00, $520.00

BCHUSD Reclaims Mid-Range Support as Price Pressures Key Resistance

BCHUSD Long-Term Trend — Bulish (Daily Chart)

On the daily chart, BCHUSD is transitioning out of a corrective phase into a recovery structure. The sharp bounce from the $520.07 support marked a shift in sentiment, with price establishing higher lows and reclaiming key mid-range levels. This improvement suggests that selling pressure has weakened significantly compared to the prior downtrend.

What is the market outlook for BCHUSD?

Trend indicators reflect cautious strength rather than aggressive expansion. Momentum remains neutral, but the structure favors further upside as long as BCH holds above the $580.00 zone. The market is no longer in breakdown mode, yet it has not fully confirmed a trend continuation.

As long as price remains below $612.92, the daily outlook favors consolidation near resistance rather than immediate breakout. Buyers are present, but conviction is still developing. A clean daily close above $612.92 would confirm bullish continuation and open the path toward $650.72, signaling broader confidence returning to the market and strengthening crypto signals across majors.

Failure to break higher could lead to a controlled pullback toward $580.00, which would still keep the recovery structure intact as long as that level holds.

BCHUSD Reclaims Mid-Range Support as Price Pressures Key Resistance

BCHUSD Short-Term Trend — Neutral (4-Hour Chart)

On the 4-hour chart, BCHUSD is rotating tightly just below resistance. Candles are printing smaller bodies with visible hesitation near the $610–$613 area, reflecting short-term indecision. Momentum has cooled after the rebound, and price is moving sideways rather than trending.

This compression often precedes expansion, but direction remains unresolved. A decisive push above $612.92 would likely trigger a momentum-driven move toward $650.72, while rejection could invite a dip back into the mid-range.

 

BCH/USD Market Statistics

Current Price: $630.00
Market Capitalization: $11.3B
Trading Volume: $420M

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Your Choice Makes Trading Difficult or Easy

The trading profession stands out because you are the architect of how you operate as a trader. You can trade any type of market and choose any timeframe using any strategy. Ultimately, you decide whether your trading journey will be difficult or easy.

Sadly, many people choose to make things difficult. This happens in several ways: trading markets that do not suit their style, choosing timeframes that are too short, and failing to understand the importance of psychology in trading. One may ask why they do this to themselves, especially when trading really comes down to just three rules:

1. When the market is going up, buy.

2. When the market dips, sell.

3. Refrain from betting the farm.

Your Choice Makes Trading Difficult or Easy

The simple truth is this: complexity is often intentional. Many people, whether out of pride or lack of awareness, refuse to seek guidance that could simplify their path and accelerate their progress.

The ego convinces them that struggle equals mastery, and this belief turns something straightforward into something unnecessarily complicated.

Trading, in many ways, reflects who we are—our fears, doubts, and hidden insecurities. Ego-driven traders need to believe they are engaging in something extraordinarily complex, something beyond the understanding of others.

To sustain this illusion, they create systems that are confusing, opaque, and inaccessible. These systems do not clarify the market by separating meaningful signals from noise; instead, they amplify the noise. And at the core of it all is ego.

Argentina’s First Bitcoin-Collateral Visa Card Redefines Access to Credit

Lemon, Argentina’s top domestic digital asset platform, has launched a bitcoin-backed Visa card to increase credit access without requiring customers to relinquish their BTC holdings.

As it stands, the company has disclosed that the new product enables individuals to unlock peso-denominated spending power while retaining bitcoin as a long-term savings option.

To this end, development reflects growing demand for alternative financial tools in an economy shaped by inflation, currency controls, and regulated access to conventional credit.

How Lemon’s Bitcoin-Backed Card Works

Lemon reported that the card is the first of its kind in Argentina to use bitcoin as direct collateral for consumer credit. According to the company’s statement, users can obtain spending access of up to one million Argentine pesos—roughly equivalent to 700 US dollars—by locking 0.01 BTC as security. This structure enables cardholders to make everyday payments without liquidating their crypto assets.

Argentina Launches First Bitcoin-Backed Visa Card for Peso Credit

The exchange explained that the initial rollout will be followed by a second development stage. In this phase, users are expected to gain greater flexibility by choosing how much bitcoin to pledge and setting personalized credit limits.

To this end, Lemon has indicated that this adjustment would position the card as both a payment instrument and a financial controlling mechanism. Therefore, the card will allow Bitcoin holders to balance saving and spending more effectively.

Strategic Vision and Market Importance

Lemon’s Chief Executive Officer, Marcelo Cavazzoli, was quoted as saying that the initiative was designed to simplify access to peso-based credit while removing traditional barriers such as credit history requirements. As it stands, he has reportedly emphasized that Bitcoin represents a superior long-term store of value and serves as a foundational asset for the emerging digital economy.

To support early adoption, Lemon announced that maintenance costs will be covered by Rootstock, a Bitcoin-based smart contract platform, for 90 days. After this promotional period, users will reportedly pay a flat monthly fee of five US dollars. The company added that Bitcoin was selected over other digital assets because it is the most widely used savings vehicle among its customers, exceeding even stablecoins and the local currency in popularity.

 

 

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Bitcoin Price Stable at $97K as Trump Rules Out Iran Attack

Bitcoin Price Stable at $97,000 has grabbed attention as markets respond to geopolitical developments involving former U.S. President Donald Trump and Iran. Despite potential triggers for volatility, Bitcoin has held firm, highlighting its growing resilience amid global uncertainties.

How Trump’s Comments Affected the Market

The recent stability comes after Trump reportedly clarified that the U.S. would not carry out attacks against Iran, countering earlier speculation. Reports from Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan suggest Trump requested that Tehran avoid targeting American assets, providing reassurance to investors.

Meanwhile, ongoing protests in Iran continue to make headlines. Human rights organizations indicate that the crackdown has resulted in thousands of deaths, drawing international condemnation. G7 leaders have released statements expressing serious concern over the situation. Despite these tensions, Bitcoin has remained steady, suggesting that crypto investors are reacting more strategically to news rather than panic-selling.

Bitcoin’s Track Record During Geopolitical Events

Bitcoin’s ability to remain stable is not unusual. Past events, such as the U.S. military operation in Venezuela, caused temporary price dips, with BTC dropping from $91,000 to $89,500, but it quickly rebounded. This demonstrates that Bitcoin can absorb shocks from international developments more effectively than many traditional assets.

Bitcoin holds gains and shows resilience in today’s market update, with prices remaining steady around key levels despite geopolitical and regulatory pressures.

The cryptocurrency’s performance in such situations reinforces its reputation as a hedge during times of political and economic uncertainty. Investors increasingly see Bitcoin as a store of value that can withstand short-term turbulence, unlike conventional markets that often react sharply to geopolitical events.

Broader Implications for Cryptocurrency

The situation in Iran also highlights a growing trend: citizens turning to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies during periods of economic instability. This adoption reflects the digital currency’s utility beyond speculation, offering an alternative financial system when local currencies and banking infrastructures face challenges.

Conclusion: The current Bitcoin Price Stable at $97,000 demonstrates that cryptocurrency markets are maturing, with BTC showing resilience amid global tension. Investors can view this stability as a sign of confidence, even in uncertain political and economic environments.

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