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- Crypto Saving Expert Newsletter - Issue 131
Crypto Saving Expert Newsletter - Issue 131
Good morning! Trouble in the traditional finance (TradFi) markets shook things up to start the week, sending Bitcoin back below $100,000 as it eyes a monthly close within its starting range. The spotlight was on NVIDIA, the hardest-hit of the "Magnificent Seven," opening Monday’s session down a staggering -12.39% from Friday’s close. By the end of the day, it tumbled nearly 17%. However, there’s a silver lining—Tuesday could bring a recovery, with a massive gap to the upside waiting to be filled. Let’s take a deep dive into what’s happening behind the scenes with bitcoin and the broader Web3 market. 👇
This week's issue will feature technical analysis of bitcoin, S&P 500, NVIDIA and Solana, as well as important dates and key news stories.
Table of Contents
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Bitcoin Rocky As TradFi Wobbles
Trouble in TradFi markets sent bitcoin back below $100,000 on Monday as the price looks to close out the month within the same range in which it began.
Bitcoin
Bitcoin took an aggressive dive to the downside on Monday, following havoc in TradFi markets following the release of DeepSeek out of China.
However, bitcoin held in-range support and has reversed most of the losses.
From here, bitcoin must conquer the $106,000 region for a daily close to open the door for expansion.
S&P 500
The S&P 500 tumbled on Monday, taking the magnificent seven and the crypto market with it.
The sell-off was strong and spiked panic pre-market. Alongside the S&P, the Nasdaq was also down roughly 5% pre-market.
Still, once the US market opened, a recovery occurred, easing initial fears.
NVIDIA
NVIDIA was hit the hardest out of the magnificent seven on Monday, opening the session at a whopping -12.39% down from Friday’s close.
The stock ended the day almost 17% down but could bounce back on Tuesday, with a massive gap waiting to be filled to the upside.
Solana
Solana came and retested a key S/R level amongst the chaos and bounced strongly.
Structurally, SOL remains strong but must hold the $222 level.
From here, if SOL can reclaim the $246 level, it could run towards its all-time high.
Fear & Greed Index
The Fear and Greed Index is edging downwards, remaining at 72 within the Greed section but steadily making its way towards Neutral.
Sentiment has dropped among investors due to bitcoin’s consolidation and failure to make efforts in January.
Important Dates
Wednesday 29 January, 19:00 UTC - Fed Interest Rate Decision
The Federal Open Markets Committee meeting occurs eight times a year. The Fed meets to discuss recent economic data and the strength of the US economy before deciding whether it should increase, decrease, or leave rates unchanged.
The Federal Reserve is composed of a Board of Governors that assists its Chair, Jerome Powell, in making interest rate decisions and steering the US economy.
At 18:00 UTC, the Fed will announce its interest rate decision. Afterwards, a press conference will begin at 18:30, where Powell will conduct a 30-minute speech before taking questions from the press.
Thursday 30 January, 13:30 UTC - Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
The GDP demonstrates the monetary value of all US goods, services, and structures. The GDP is a critical measurement of the economy's strength as it demonstrates economic growth or slowdown.
The GDP is forecasted at 2.8%, with the previous data at 3.2%.
Friday 31 January, 13:30 UTC - Core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE)
The US Bureau of Economic Analysis releases the core PCE data, which measures the average amount of money consumers spend monthly in the economy.
PCE is released in two formats: month-over-month and year-on-year. The data also removes volatile products, such as energy and food.
The year-on-year data is forecast to come in at 2.8%, with the previous data the same.
Gainers
Losers
Why 2025 Could Be a Turning Point for Ripple and XRP
Ripple secures key licenses in Texas and New York, signalling strong growth potential in 2025 despite ongoing legal challenges with the SEC. Learn how these developments could shape the future of Ripple and blockchain payments.
Blockchain payments firm Ripple Labs has taken a significant step forward in its expansion strategy, securing money transmitter licenses in the critical U.S. states of Texas and New York. Announced on 27 January, these licenses are a testament to Ripple's commitment to compliance and its ability to meet stringent regulatory standards in jurisdictions known for their rigorous oversight.
With this latest achievement, Ripple now boasts over 50 licenses across various jurisdictions, reinforcing its position as a leading blockchain payment player. The licenses will enable Ripple to provide cross-border payment solutions in the U.S., unlocking new opportunities for businesses and consumers alike.
Why Texas and New York Matter for Ripple
Ripple highlighted the significance of obtaining licenses in these two states, both of which play pivotal roles in the U.S. crypto ecosystem. Texas, home to many cryptocurrency mining companies, and New York, a hub for digital asset businesses, offer Ripple access to key markets that could fuel its growth in 2025 and beyond.
The firm emphasised that the defined regulations and compliance standards in these states demonstrate its ability to operate at the highest level of regulatory oversight. This positioning is critical as the adoption of blockchain technology continues to grow and regulatory scrutiny intensifies.
Ripple’s Expanding Reach: RLUSD Stablecoin Approved
This regulatory win builds on a significant milestone in December 2024, when Ripple’s CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, announced that the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) had approved the company’s RLUSD stablecoin. Ripple plans to list RLUSD on crypto exchanges, potentially boosting liquidity and adoption of its payment solutions.
The approval of RLUSD could mark a turning point, making Ripple’s offerings more competitive in the growing stablecoin market. With the U.S. Federal Reserve and other global regulators exploring central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), Ripple’s innovation in stablecoin technology positions it as a leader in the digital payments industry.
Ripple’s Legal Challenges: The SEC Case
Despite these positive developments, Ripple continues to face legal hurdles. The SEC v. Ripple case, initiated in 2020, remains unresolved, with both sides appealing a ruling from August 2024. Ripple was found liable for $125m in that decision, but the company’s legal team is actively contesting the judgment in the Second Circuit appellate court.
The outcome of this case will likely influence Ripple’s future trajectory. A favourable decision could solidify Ripple’s position as a regulatory-compliant blockchain payments provider, while ongoing litigation risks investor confidence.
Political Connections: Ripple’s Close Ties to Trump
Ripple’s relationship with former President Donald Trump has also garnered attention. CEO Brad Garlinghouse and Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty have maintained a close connection with Trump, reportedly attending events at Mar-a-Lago and participating in his presidential inauguration. Ripple’s $5m XRP donation to Trump’s inaugural fund and significant fundraising efforts further highlight the firm’s deep ties to political figures.
Garlinghouse recently claimed that 75% of Ripple’s job openings are now based in the US, which is directly a result of Trump’s administration and its perceived crypto-friendly policies. This could position Ripple well in the evolving regulatory landscape as the U.S. government continues to shape cryptocurrency regulations.
Why 2025 Could Be Ripple’s Year
Several factors suggest that 2025 could be a pivotal year for Ripple:
1) Regulatory Momentum: Securing licenses in Texas and New York demonstrates Ripple’s ability to navigate complex regulatory environments, paving the way for further adoption.
2) Stablecoin Innovation: The approval of RLUSD offers Ripple a competitive edge as demand for stablecoins continues to grow.
3) Strategic Market Positioning: With deep connections to influential figures and a strong US-based workforce, Ripple is well-positioned to capitalise on regulatory and market developments.
4) Potential Legal Resolution: A favourable outcome in the SEC case could remove significant uncertainties, allowing Ripple to focus on growth and innovation.
5) Explosive Start to Year: XRP is up over 50% from the start of the year, having entered 2025 a fraction above $2. Since breaking through $3 it has only spent a matter of hours below. Could this explosive start spell further gains to come?
Conclusion: Ripple's Promising Outlook for 2025
Ripple’s recent achievements underscore its resilience and potential for growth, even in the face of regulatory challenges. The firm’s licenses in Texas and New York, coupled with its expanding stablecoin offerings, signal a strong foundation for 2025. While the outcome of the SEC case remains uncertain, Ripple’s strategic moves and market positioning could set the stage for a breakthrough year in blockchain payments.
Investors and industry watchers should monitor Ripple closely as it navigates this critical juncture. It could emerge as a leader in the evolving digital payments landscape.
Breaking Bad Star Dean Norris Hacked to Promote Fake Memecoin Scheme
Dean Norris, famed for his role in Breaking Bad, had his X account hacked to promote a fraudulent memecoin. Learn how this scam unfolded and its devastating aftermath for investors.
Dean Norris, widely recognised for playing Hank Schrader in Breaking Bad, became the target of a cryptocurrency hack that hijacked his X (formerly Twitter) account.
On 26 January, Norris addressed the situation, revealing that his account was used to promote a fraudulent memecoin called DEAN in a pump-and-dump scheme.
In a candid video posted to his restored account, Norris called out the scam, stating, “The memecoin is a complete, fake scam,” and directed his frustration toward Reddit users who blamed him for the incident. “Go f*** yourselves,” he said in response to the accusations.
The Memecoin Fraud: How It Played Out
Hackers used Norris’s X account to promote the DEAN token, including a now-deleted post featuring a doctored photo of Norris holding a sign with the token’s ticker and launch date.
Screenshots of the post and follow-up messages from the hackers have circulated widely on social media, showcasing how Norris's likeness was exploited to boost the scam’s credibility.
Adding to the confusion, the hackers shared a manipulated video that appeared to show Norris endorsing the memecoin. In the clip, Norris allegedly says, “Hey, it’s me, Dean, and on January 25th, I’m declaring it’s real,” implying his support for the token. Reddit users have speculated that the video could be an AI-generated deepfake or a paid Cameo video taken out of context.
Norris is an active user on Cameo, a platform where celebrities create personalised video messages for fans.
The Fallout: Investors Lose Big in DEAN Token Collapse
Initially, the fraudulent DEAN token spiked in value, achieving a market capitalisation of around $8.433m on 25 January, according to blockchain tracker DexScreener. However, the scam soon unravelled, and the token's market cap plummeted to less than $60,000, with its price crashing by more than 96%.
The losses for victims of the pump-and-dump scheme were devastating, underscoring the importance of scepticism and due diligence in the volatile world of cryptocurrency.
Dean Norris Speaks Out
In a follow-up statement, Norris clarified that he rarely uses X and does not have a Telegram account, distancing himself from the fraudulent activity.
“I didn’t know I was hacked until I started getting texts from friends saying it’s out there,” he explained.
Cryptocurrency Scams: A Growing Trend in Hollywood
The exploitation of celebrities for cryptocurrency fraud has become increasingly common. The DEAN token incident follows other high-profile memecoin schemes, including a surprise memecoin launch by former U.S. President Donald Trump on 18 January. That token saw a frenzy of trading activity, briefly achieving a market capitalisation of nearly $9bn before cooling off.
Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale for Investors
Dean Norris's experience is a stark reminder of the risks associated with cryptocurrency scams. Hackers continue to exploit celebrities' accounts to lend legitimacy to fraudulent schemes, leaving investors vulnerable to significant losses.
For crypto enthusiasts, due diligence is critical. Always verify the legitimacy of tokens and endorsements, and remain cautious about projects that rely heavily on celebrity endorsements, which may not always be genuine.
Stay vigilant and informed to protect yourself from falling victim to similar scams in the ever-evolving cryptocurrency space.
Could February and March Could See a Bullish Spell for Ethereum
Ethereum (ETH) has dropped over 8% in January, but analysts predict February and March could bring bullish momentum. Learn why historical trends support optimism for ETH’s performance in the coming months.
Ethereum (ETH) has had a challenging start to the year, dropping nearly 9% in January. After beginning the year at $3,400, ETH fell to an intraday low of $3,038 on 27 January, marking an 8.7% decline. This price dip comes in contrast to the broader cryptocurrency market, where many other assets, including bitcoin, have seen positive momentum. Bitcoin is currently up over 5% since the start of the year.
While the drop in Ethereum's price may concern some investors, market analysts are optimistic. February and March have historically been strong months for the second-largest cryptocurrency.
Why February and March Are Historically Bullish for ETH
Despite the downturn in January, there’s a clear pattern of bullish momentum for Ethereum during the first quarter of the year. According to CoinGlass data and observations from traders like "CoinMamba" on X, Ethereum has shown consistent price gains during February and March over the past several years.
For example, February has been particularly favourable for ETH, with the asset only declining once in 2018, after a substantial 50% rally in January. Over the last six consecutive years, Ethereum has posted positive returns in February, with the most impressive gain coming in 2024, when ETH soared by over 46% from $2,280 to $3,380.
In February 2017, ETH also experienced a 48% increase, jumping from $11 to just under $16. This historical trend suggests that February could bring renewed bullish sentiment for Ethereum.
March and Beyond: Ethereum's Resilience
March has also been a strong month for Ethereum. Over the last nine years, ETH has posted gains in seven of those years, further indicating that this period of the year is typically favourable for the cryptocurrency.
While April hasn’t been as consistently bullish, Ethereum has posted positive returns in six of the last nine years, making the first quarter an exciting time for ETH enthusiasts.
Analyst Sentiment: Ethereum's Long-Term Potential
Despite Ethereum’s recent price decline, analysts remain bullish about its long-term prospects. One analyst praised Ethereum’s chart strength: "I’ve never seen a chart as strong as ETH.” This confidence comes from Ethereum’s fundamentals, its growing decentralised finance (DeFi) ecosystem, and ongoing upgrades to its blockchain.
Ethereum educator Anthony Sassano also highlighted the recent leadership changes at the Ethereum Foundation, noting that the community's drive and hunger for success are stronger than ever. The shift in leadership could signal increased development and innovation, potentially leading to greater adoption and price appreciation for ETH in the near future.
Conclusion: Is ETH Set for a February-March Rally?
In summary, while Ethereum's price has faced a rocky start to 2025, the historical trends for February and March suggest that a bullish reversal could be on the horizon. With strong past performance during these months, an enthusiastic community, and continued developments within the Ethereum ecosystem, ETH holders can remain optimistic about a potential recovery.
Stay tuned for updates as Ethereum moves through this critical period. Whether you're a seasoned investor or new to crypto, understanding ETH’s seasonal trends could help you make more informed decisions in the months ahead.
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