Listen to today’s podcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-nqwUyvLDEvs7bV985k-gQ
Bitcoin/Crypto Daily Podcast 01/18/2026
Welcome back! Today’s podcast episode was created from the following stories:
Spot Bitcoin ETFs attract $1.42B in strongest week since early October
Spot Bitcoin ETFs posted $1.42 billion in net inflows, the strongest weekly haul since early October, led by midweek surges that offset a Friday outflow. Analysts note reduced whale selling and steady ETF demand are tightening effective supply, though multiple strong weeks may be needed to change the broader trend. Ether ETFs also saw approximately $479 million in net inflows, front-loaded earlier in the week.
User loses $282M in one of the largest social engineering crypto heists
An attacker tricked a victim into revealing a hardware wallet seed phrase, draining 2.05 million LTC and 1,459 BTC (about $282 million) and routing funds via instant exchanges, THORChain, and into Monero to obfuscate the trail. Investigators say roughly $700,000 was frozen quickly, and there’s no indication of a state actor. The incident is a stark reminder: never share seed phrases and beware of support impersonators.
Three reasons why Bitcoin’s ‘real breakout’ toward $107K has begun
Bitcoin broke out of an ascending triangle and retested support, with a potential 20/50-day EMA bull cross pointing to a measured move toward roughly $107,000. On-chain data show long-term holder selling is fading alongside the largest exchange outflows since late 2024. A negative correlation with gold and improving global liquidity add to the bullish backdrop.
US Housing Lender Will Accept Bitcoin and Ethereum for Mortgage Qualification
A U.S. housing lender will accept Bitcoin and Ethereum for mortgage qualification, signaling crypto’s expanding role in traditional finance. Details in the provided excerpt are limited, but the move suggests lenders are beginning to account for digital asset balances in underwriting. Expect scrutiny around volatility, documentation, and risk controls.
DOJ didn’t sell Bitcoin forfeited from Samourai case: White House advisor
The White House’s crypto advisor says DOJ confirmed it did not and will not liquidate Bitcoin forfeited in the Samourai case, consistent with Executive Order 14233. The BTC remains in the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, part of the U.S. government’s holdings now above 328,000 BTC. Officials added that building the reserve remains a priority, with proposals to accumulate up to 1 million BTC over five years.
White House threatens to pull support for crypto bill after Coinbase standoff: Report
After Coinbase withdrew support for the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, the White House is reportedly considering pulling its backing as well. Coinbase says the draft would restrict DeFi, ban tokenized equities, and curb stablecoin rewards while boosting the SEC’s power; the administration is pushing for compromises that address banking concerns. The rift underscores deep industry divisions over stablecoin yields and DeFi oversight.
Crypto bank Anchorage Digital eyes $400M raise with IPO in sight: Report
Anchorage Digital is reportedly seeking $200–$400 million in new funding with an IPO targeted next year. The federally chartered crypto bank is leaning into stablecoin issuance and institutional services after the GENIUS Act, adding partnerships (including with Tether) and expanding wealth offerings. Rivals like BitGo and Kraken pursuing listings highlight a maturing institutional crypto landscape.
As Bitcoin Retakes $95,000, Should You Buy, Sell, or Hold MicroStrategy Stock?
With Bitcoin back near $95K–$97K, MicroStrategy (now operating as Strategy, ticker MSTR) remains a leveraged play on BTC. Despite sharp drawdowns in 2025, Q3 results benefited from large unrealized gains on digital assets, and most analysts keep a Strong Buy stance with sizable upside targets. The key risk remains Bitcoin’s volatility, which can swing results and valuation.
Stablecoins will shake up the $900 billion remittance market—setting up a fight between crypto firms and legacy brands like Western Union
Stablecoins are poised to challenge a $900 billion remittance market where average fees exceed 6%, offering faster, cheaper cross-border payments. Incumbents like Western Union bring regulatory footprints and customer trust, while crypto-native firms and fintechs move faster on technology and user experience. With the GENIUS Act and clearer consumer protections, adoption could accelerate in 2026.
2025 Crypto Boom Backed By $50 Billion In Treasury Firm Purchases
Corporate treasuries reportedly deployed nearly $50 billion into crypto in 2025, lifting holdings to about $134 billion by Jan. 1, 2026 and pushing ownership above 5% of BTC and ETH supply. As markets sold off late in the year, many firms paused token buys to support share prices via buybacks, slowing net accumulation. Concentrated treasury holdings can reduce tradable float in calm periods but amplify moves when forced selling or buying resumes.
