Listen to today’s podcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-nqwUyvLDEvs7bV985k-gQ
Bitcoin/Crypto Daily Podcast 01/04/2026
Welcome back to the show. Today’s podcast episode was created from the following stories:
US Crypto ETFs Draw $670 Million in Inflows on First Trading Day of 2026
By Oluwapelumi Adejumo — Jan 3, 2026
Source: BeInCrypto
U.S. spot crypto ETFs took in nearly $670 million to kick off 2026, led by $471 million into Bitcoin products as BlackRock’s IBIT dominated new capital. Ethereum funds added $174 million while XRP, Solana, and Dogecoin ETFs also saw net inflows, suggesting broad-based risk appetite. The surge points to institutional reallocation after year-end tax-loss selling and hints at a potential trend shift to start the new fiscal year.
Bitcoin dips, but quickly recovers as U.S. captures Venezuela’s Maduro
By Stephen Alpher — Jan 3, 2026
Source: CoinDesk
Reports of a U.S. military operation capturing Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro briefly knocked bitcoin down about 0.5% to $89,300 before prices rebounded toward $90,000. U.S. officials announced indictments tied to drug trafficking and weapons charges, with a press conference scheduled later in the day. The quick crypto recovery underscores resilient risk sentiment despite geopolitical shocks.
Bitcoin price $90K breakout hangs in balance as US storms Venezuela
By William Suberg — Jan 3, 2026
Source: Cointelegraph
BTC slipped below $90,000 on geopolitical headlines, but traders remain constructive if key levels hold, including the 21-day moving average near $87,850. Some analysts are eyeing a potential CME futures gap and targets in the $96,000–$100,000 range if volatility subsides. There’s also chatter about rotation from gold to bitcoin after gold’s late-December peak.
XRP jumps 8% above $2 as traders bet on a friendlier SEC
By Shaurya Malwa — Jan 3, 2026
Source: CoinDesk
XRP climbed above $2 for the first time since mid-December, buoyed by steady ETF inflows and speculation that SEC leadership changes could soften the policy stance. Traders also pointed to potential momentum from a coming Market Structure Bill markup. The move outpaced bitcoin and ether, suggesting token-specific catalysts are in play.
Dogecoin, PEPE rocket as much as 25% as 2026 starts with a bang for memecoins
By Shaurya Malwa — Jan 3, 2026
Source: CoinDesk
Memecoins surged as DOGE, PEPE, and a broader “dog-themed” basket rallied, with strong turnover signaling it’s not just a single-token move. Traders cite range-bound bitcoin, post-holiday liquidity, and high-beta momentum as drivers. The backdrop remains fragile, though—crowded positioning and any BTC slip could unwind gains fast.
Bitcoin miner Bitfarms exits Latin America with $30m sale to focus on AI
By Mathew Di Salvo — Jan 3, 2026
Source: DL News
Bitfarms is selling its 70 MW Paraguay site for up to $30 million, completing its exit from Latin America and pivoting toward North American infrastructure for high-performance computing and AI. The deal includes $9 million upfront with additional milestone payments and sent BITF shares higher. It underscores a broader miner shift toward AI compute amid tighter bitcoin mining economics, though experts warn the transition demands specialized capabilities.
Large Bitcoin ‘Whale Accumulation’ Was Exchange Housekeeping, Data Shows
By Oluwapelumi Adejumo — Jan 3, 2026
Source: BeInCrypto
CryptoQuant’s analysis suggests recent on-chain signals flagged as “whale buying” were primarily exchange consolidation moves. After filtering out internal transfers, large holders and mid-sized wallets were net sellers in December as realized losses climbed and monthly netflows turned negative. The data points to investor fatigue following a volatile month for BTC.
BitMine stakes $259M more ETH, pushing validator entry queue near 1M Ether
By Amin Haqshanas — Jan 3, 2026
Source: Cointelegraph
BitMine Immersion Technologies added 82,560 ETH to staking, bringing its total to ~544,000 ETH and helping push the validator entry queue toward 1 million ETH with a ~17-day wait. Roughly 29% of ETH supply is now staked, with yields near 2.54%. The firm’s aggressive program and share-authorization plans highlight rising institutional demand for ETH staking yield—and confidence in long-term network value.
Crypto social chatter has ‘very positive’ start to 2026: Santiment
By Ciaran Lyons — Jan 3, 2026
Source: Cointelegraph
Santiment sees very positive social sentiment to start the year, but warns that a quick push toward $92,000 BTC could ignite FOMO. Despite a “Fear” reading on broader sentiment gauges, January has historically been a supportive month for BTC and ETH. The key, analysts say, is keeping retail expectations grounded to sustain the uptrend.
Bitcoin price back at $90K: Is the bear market behind us?
By Marcel Pechman — Jan 3, 2026
Source: Cointelegraph
BTC reclaimed $90,000, but derivatives and ETF flow data show investors still hedging downside and avoiding heavy leverage. Spot BTC ETFs have seen over $900 million in net outflows since mid-December while gold ETFs posted steady inflows, reflecting macro caution. Traders expect confidence to rebuild gradually after a month-long consolidation.
