Most investors have their eyes set on President Trump`s inauguration on Jan. 20, which has the potential to be a key catalyst for bitcoin (BTC) and cryptocurrency prices. However, a few days later, there is a potential rate hike on the cards from the Bank of Japan (BoJ). According to a Bloomberg chart shared by analyst Michael Kramer on X , the market is currently factoring in a 90% chance of a rate hike on Jan. 24. Previously, the BoJ rate hike caused havoc on both the traditional and digital assets market . This was a key catalyst for the Yen carry trade unwind at the start of August, which sent bitcoin tumbling to $49,000. Traders are likely bracing for another selloff this time around. Since 2016, the BoJ has maintained negative interest rates; however, in 2024, they increased interest rates twice, from -0.1% to 0.25%. The implied rate going into the meeting is 0.45%; however, this could drastically change as Japan has an inflation report just the day before, on Jan. 23. Headline inflation year-over-year is at 2.9%, the highest since August. A hotter-than-expected inflation print could create fears within the market, and another iteration of the Yen carry trade unwind could be on course. Even with the remarkable strength of the DXY index, which is currently above 109, the highest level since November 2022, it has jumped from 100 from the September low. The DXY index is following a similar trajectory to Donald Trump’s first presidential term, which saw a rally in the DXY leading into his inauguration and then fell considerably, giving risk assets a much-needed boost. The DXY index measures the value of the U.S. dollar against a basket of major foreign currencies. The Japanese Yen is at its strongest level against the dollar since Dec. 16, at 156.Read more: Bank of Japan Governor Hints at More Rate Hikes; BTC Drops 0.4%
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Spicy Projects #7: Cookie DAO
What is Cookie DAO? Cookie DAO’s mission is simple yet bold: provide the ultimate data layer for an AI-driven future. Picture hundreds of AI “agents” (automated programs that make their own decisions) operating across different crypto networks. These agents need clear, up-to-date information to function effectively. That’s where Cookie DAO steps in. The team launched cookie.fun , the first and largest index of AI agents. Think of it as the “CoinPaprika for AI agents,” tracking over 900 agents with a token and an X (Twitter) account. If you’re looking to invest in promising AI agents, cookie.fun helps you make data-driven decisions by providing real-time insights on social and on-chain performance. Thanks to the $COOKIE token, the platform already sees more than 50,000 unique users every day, reaching over 300,000 unique users each month! Cookie.fun and Cookie Data Swarm Cookie.fun offers a top-level overview of the AI agent market—perfect for traders who want to spot the next big thing without diving into every project blindly. Free features let you check an agent’s social media buzz and on-chain performance over 3-day and 7-day periods. Serious about trading? Lock 10,000 $COOKIE (on BNB or Base) to unlock premium tools with more detailed intervals. On the backend, Cookie DAO powers this data through its Cookie Data Swarm , a network of 18 specialized AI agents working together to gather, label, and map a huge amount of data—over 7TB worth! Anyone can tap into this data through APIs , paying a monthly subscription of $5,000 in $COOKIE (half of which is instantly burned, and half goes to the DAO). Why Cookie DAO Matters AI models are only as good as the data they’re given, and Cookie DAO stands right at the center of this new “agentic” economy. Their platform and APIs have become vital to big players in the space, including frameworks like Virtuals, VVAIFU, and Top Hat. Over 1,000 agents are already listed on cookie.fun, with more joining every day across major chains like Solana, Ethereum, Base, and many others. Cookie DAO’s numbers speak for themselves: 300K+ monthly visitors on cookie.fun 1,000+ premium users 12.5M $COOKIE locked by premium users APIs used by major projects like Virtuals and Zerebro What’s next? Cookie DAO is leading the way for a new wave they call DeFAI (Decentralized Finance + AI). As AI-powered agents grow smarter, Cookie DAO’s modular DataSwarm APIs will give them all the information they need to make better decisions. Whether you’re a trader, a developer, or an investor, Cookie DAO aims to be the backbone of AI in Web3—allowing you to feed accurate, live data into your own projects and ideas. Fun Fact Cookie.fun was built in just two weeks! Since then, three more versions have rolled out (with a fourth on the way), each packed with new features and a premium, token-gated service. From quick beginnings to a comprehensive AI data solution, Cookie DAO is one spicy project that shows no sign of cooling down. Keep an eye on cookie.fun and watch as AI takes center stage in Web3—powered by the data layer that Cookie DAO provides. Stay tuned for more Spicy Projects, where we highlight the hottest ideas in Web3! CoinDesk
Solana (SOL) Aims for $200 Amid Rising Interest in Ripple (XRP) and a New DeFi Coin
After a recent slump, the crypto market is bouncing back. Solana (SOL) is staging a recovery, with its sights set on the $200 mark. At the same time, interest in Ripple (XRP) continues to grow, making it one of the top performers this month. Meanwhile, DTX Exchange (DTX) , a newcomer in the DeFi arena, is quickly becoming a favorite among investors. Known for its promising growth potential and innovative blend of traditional and decentralized finance, DTX is touted as one of the most promising new crypto investments. Could DTX Exchange (DTX) Be the Next Big Thing? DTX Exchange (DTX) is gaining traction with a rapidly growing community and high demand. Its presale has already surpassed $11.8 million, and unlike many utility tokens, it isn’t dominated by venture capitalists holding large shares. The launch is designed to be inclusive, allowing anyone to partake in the presale and acquire DTX tokens. With no looming threat of major holders offloading, the token is selling quickly, outpacing most new initial coin offerings. Priced at $0.14 in its seventh presale round, experts predict it could see a 50x increase following listings on major exchanges this quarter. DTX’s strong foundation as the first hybrid trading platform supports this forecast. By merging the strengths of centralized and decentralized exchanges, it bridges traditional finance with DeFi, offering a comprehensive trading experience. As the first crypto-native platform to provide stocks, ETFs, and forex, it’s set to transform the $10 billion global trading industry, potentially outperforming established coins like Solana (SOL) and Ripple (XRP). Solana (SOL) Set for a Revival Solana (SOL) is showing signs of resurgence after a significant drop earlier this week. It’s currently trading above $180 and is pushing to surpass its weekly high of $203. Breaking through this level could trigger further gains, with potential targets reaching $250 in the near future. Additionally, trading above the 200-EMA and 200-SMA indicates potential for further upward movement, making it a noteworthy altcoin. JohnnySignals, a top analyst on X, predicts SOL could reach between $300 and $400 during the bull run, while MaxBrsNFT is optimistic about a $400 target this cycle. However, given its substantial market cap, Solana’s growth potential might not match that of emerging cryptocurrencies like DTX Exchange (DTX), which is anticipated to achieve a 50x increase this year, presenting a compelling alternative. Ripple (XRP): Is $10 Too Modest a Goal? Ripple (XRP) continues to shine, defying broader market downturns. Starting the year strong, it has shown resilience even during volatile periods. While the market faced declines, XRP surged over 15% on the weekly chart, surpassing $2.6. Analysts remain bullish given its positive price movements over recent months. XBT Liquidators, a leading expert, anticipates XRP could hit $27 to $30 this cycle, highlighting its potential as a top crypto investment. Edward_farina, meanwhile, sees the $10 target as conservative. Technical indicators like the 9-HMA and MACD Level (12, 26) suggest further potential growth. However, as the second-largest altcoin, XRP’s growth may be limited, making the up-and-coming DTX Exchange a potentially more enticing option. DTX Exchange (DTX): A Rising DeFi Star to Watch Alongside Solana (SOL) and Ripple (XRP) As Solana (SOL) and Ripple (XRP) trend upwards with potential for more gains, DTX Exchange (DTX) offers promising prospects as a new, low-cap coin. Scheduled for listing in Q1 and recently pre-listed on CoinMarketCap, its expected 50x value increase could make it the top crypto investment choice this cycle. Discover more about DTX Exchange (DTX) through the links below: Buy Presale Visit DTX Website Join The DTX Community Disclaimer: This is a sponsored article and is for informational purposes only. It does not reflect the views of Bitzo, nor is it intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, or financial advice. CoinDesk