XRP Slips Amid Sell-Off; ZKP Rises on AI Data Privacy
**XRP Faces Market Pressure While ZKP Gains Attention for Privacy-Focused AI Data Sharing**
In mid-January, XRP continued to face selling pressure, dropping for the third day in a row and inching closer to the $2.00 mark. This decline comes as the overall crypto market shows signs of weakness, with both Bitcoin and Ethereum also trading cautiously. Even though XRP is seeing consistent inflows into its spot ETFs, the price hasn’t moved much—showing a clear disconnect between institutional investment and short-term market activity.
**XRP Price Drops as More Tokens Move to Exchanges**
XRP’s price decline seems to be driven by on-chain trends. More tokens are being transferred to exchanges, which often suggests that holders are preparing to sell rather than hold.
Here’s what’s happening with XRP:
– Price is hovering around $2.06, trending down toward $2.00
– Exchange reserves have risen to 2.7 billion XRP (from 2.67 billion earlier this week)
– There’s been a consistent increase in exchange-held tokens since December
When more crypto is moved to exchanges, it usually means investors are looking to cash out, not accumulate.
**ETF Inflows Are Steady, But Traders Stay Cautious**
On the positive side, institutional interest in XRP remains strong. ETFs related to XRP are still pulling in money, which shows that long-term investors haven’t lost confidence.
ETF stats include:
– Daily inflows of around $17 million into U.S.-listed spot XRP ETFs
– Total inflows have reached $1.27 billion
– Net assets now stand at $1.51 billion
However, futures trading tells a different story. Open interest in XRP futures has dropped from a January high of $4.55 billion to $3.98 billion. This shows that while institutions are holding on, short-term traders are becoming more cautious.
**ZKP Brings New Focus With Privacy-First Data Sharing**
While XRP struggles with market dynamics, Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) is gaining attention for a completely different reason—its focus on secure and private AI data exchange.
ZKP isn’t just another token reacting to price changes. Instead, it offers a decentralised data marketplace that allows users to share and monetise AI data without giving up control or privacy. It uses zero-knowledge cryptography to verify transactions without revealing the actual data behind them.
**What Makes ZKP’s Marketplace Stand Out?**
The ZKP platform is built for people who want to share valuable AI datasets or models without risking leaks or theft. Here’s how it works:
– Users can share AI data and models securely
– Transactions are powered by Substrate’s asset pallet
– Zero-knowledge proofs confirm that transactions are valid without exposing any private data
This setup helps users prove ownership and value without disclosing their sensitive information—making it ideal for AI developers and data providers.
**Why Privacy and Ownership Matter in AI Data Markets**
As AI evolves, high-quality data becomes more valuable—and protecting that data is critical. Many current platforms are centralised, meaning they control the data and often benefit more than the data contributors.
ZKP’s system aims to fix this by:
– Ensuring all data transactions are private and verifiable
– Giving users control over their data and models
– Allowing collaboration without needing to trust a middleman
– Creating fairer economics compared to centralised platforms
With ZKP, data ownership stays with the user, and transactions can happen securely—even if both parties don’t fully trust each other.
**Key Features of ZKP That Are Drawing Interest**
– Full privacy using zero-knowledge cryptography
– Monetisation of data without giving up control
– Built-in tools to support AI workflows
**Final Takeaway**
XRP is currently caught between strong institutional support and rising short-term selling pressure. The increase in tokens held on exchanges and reduced derivatives activity suggest caution among traders, even as ETF inflows stay strong.
On the other hand, ZKP is creating momentum by focusing on long-term value. Its decentralised marketplace allows private, secure, and verifiable sharing of AI data—offering a solid infrastructure play as demand for privacy and ownership in the AI space grows.
For those looking ahead in the crypto world, ZKP offers a promising use case beyond just price speculation—especially as secure data exchange becomes more important in blockchain and AI ecosystems.
**Explore Zero Knowledge Proof:**
– Website: https://zkp.com/
– Auction: http://buy.zkp.com/
– X (Twitter): https://x.com/ZKPofficial
– Telegram: https://t.me/ZKPofficial
**Disclaimer:** Crypto investments carry risk and are not regulated. Always do your own research and consult experts before investing.
Trump Backs Crypto as Wall Street Tests Retail Investors
**Trump Backs Crypto at Davos While Wall Street Tries to Wear Out Retail Investors**
At the recent Davos World Economic Forum, former President Donald Trump made a bold statement that caught the attention of crypto investors and financial elites alike. Trump said he wants to make the U.S. the global leader in cryptocurrency, signaling strong political support for bitcoin and digital assets. This move is seen as a direct challenge to traditional financial systems and central banks.
While Trump pushes a pro-crypto message, global central bankers appeared visibly uneasy. In one key moment, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong told a French central banker that bitcoin’s fixed supply makes it more independent than any central bank. The banker didn’t look pleased, which many interpret as a sign that governments are worried people will start trusting crypto more than fiat currencies—especially in times of high debt and economic strain.
**Crypto, AI, and Stablecoins: The Next Phase of Payments**
The conversation at Davos also highlighted how crypto could power future technologies. Jeremy Allaire, CEO of Circle (the company behind USDC), explained that new blockchain networks are being designed for artificial intelligence. He described a future where billions of AI agents will perform economic transactions 24/7—and stablecoins like USDC are the best way to handle these real-time payments.
This shows a major use case for crypto beyond just trading. As AI continues to grow, stablecoins could become essential for machine-to-machine and machine-to-human payments. This ties the rise of AI directly to blockchain infrastructure.
**U.S. Global Moves & Bitcoin’s Steady Price**
On the geopolitical front, the U.S. seems to be playing its cards well. According to the analysis, America has secured military access and mineral rights in Greenland without paying directly. Meanwhile, Denmark covers massive yearly costs to support the local population, and both China and Russia are kept out of the deal.
These moves come alongside news that the European Union paused a U.S. trade agreement due to “Greenland tensions,” and that the U.S. has withdrawn from the World Health Organization. Together, these shifts suggest that the era of globalization may be ending.
Despite all this global tension, bitcoin has stayed surprisingly strong. While some analysts expected it to drop to $60K or $70K levels, BTC is still holding above key support levels—trading in an upward channel with $87K marked as a potential floor. This resilience is impressive, especially considering the uncertain economic backdrop.
**Crypto Regulation Still Delayed, But Momentum Builds**
Back in the U.S., crypto regulation is still in limbo. A key bill that would shape how digital assets are treated under U.S. law is now expected to be delayed until at least late February or March. Lawmakers are currently focused on Trump’s housing policies instead.
This delay adds more uncertainty for crypto investors, but many believe it’s only a matter of time before clear rules are set. Once regulations are clarified, it could open the door for even more mainstream adoption.
**Wall Street’s Strategy: Create “Investor Fatigue”**
The video analysis ends by looking at market behavior. One interesting point: Bitcoin has never hit a true all-time high when U.S. manufacturing activity (tracked by ISM PMI) is below 50—a sign of economic contraction. That indicator is still under 50 right now, which some see as setting the stage for a major bitcoin rally once economic data improves.
The theory is that big banks and institutional players are dragging out this flat period in bitcoin prices on purpose—to wear out retail investors and make them sell too early. Once that happens, these bigger players may push prices higher again.
For now, many long-term believers continue dollar-cost averaging into crypto, expecting the U.S. to take the lead in becoming the global crypto hub—if political promises like those made at Davos are followed up with real action.
**Crypto Trends to Watch:**
– Bitcoin holding strong above key levels despite global turmoil
– Trump pushing U.S. as a crypto capital
– Stablecoins like USDC could fuel AI-powered payments
– Global institutions show signs of discomfort with crypto’s rise
– Regulation delays continue, but momentum is building
– Wall Street might be trying to shake out retail investors before next big move
Stay tuned as the intersection of politics, tech, and finance continues to reshape the future of crypto.
Mortgage Tech & Market Trends to Watch in 2026
**Mortgage Tech, Tools, and Market Updates You Should Know**
**Sagent’s Game-Changing Servicing Platform at MBA Servicing ’26**
If you’re heading to MBA Servicing ’26 in Dallas, make sure to check out Sagent at booth #606. They’re showcasing “Dara” – their cutting-edge mortgage servicing platform that’s helping lenders simplify complex processes, cut costs, and improve the experience for homeowners. Dara brings everything together into one cloud-native system: real-time data, faster decision-making, built-in compliance, and automated workflows. It’s designed to help you save time and resources while staying ahead in today’s fast-changing market. Stop by the booth to see it in action and talk with Sagent experts about how it could benefit your servicing strategy.
**2026 Housing Market Outlook: Insights from First American**
First American’s 2026 Housing Market Outlook webinar is now available on-demand. Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi breaks down what’s ahead for the housing market, covering interest rates, home prices, inventory shortages, and affordability. This session offers expert analysis and data-backed forecasts to help you understand what’s driving today’s housing trends and what to expect in the coming months. A must-watch for anyone planning ahead or trying to navigate today’s challenges.
**Wire Fraud Warning: Secure Insight Calls for Better Vetting**
Secure Insight, a top name in fraud prevention for mortgage closings, is sounding the alarm after two recent wire fraud incidents. The problem? Title companies didn’t follow proper protocols. CRO Amanda Padd stressed the importance of working only with vetted settlement professionals to avoid costly mistakes. Secure Insight’s live monitoring database helps lenders stay protected by keeping tabs on verified agents. Learn more at their website if you’re looking to tighten your fraud prevention game.
**Chrisman Marketplace: Your Go-To Hub for Mortgage Vendors**
Looking for new tools or services? The Chrisman Marketplace brings mortgage industry vendors into one easy-to-navigate platform for lenders. It’s an affordable way to explore what’s out there—from tech providers to niche service firms. New listings are added regularly, so check back often to stay updated or reach out directly to reserve your spot.
**STRATMOR Opens 2026 Digital Mortgage Survey**
STRATMOR Group has launched its annual Technology Insight® Study – Digital Innovations module. This survey helps lenders understand how their tech stack compares with others in the industry. Topics include automation, AI use, digital mortgage adoption, and the expected benefits of tech investment. Lenders who participate get a summary report in Q1 2026 with insights and benchmarking data. It’s a great way to evaluate your digital strategy against industry standards.
**Non-QM Loans, Crypto & DSCR Updates**
The Non-QM (non-qualified mortgage) space is gaining steam, offering more flexible loan options outside of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines. Here’s what’s new:
– **Radian Mortgage Capital** has expanded its offerings to include non-QM products that support self-employed borrowers, real estate investors, and those needing unique terms like interest-only payments or financing for non-warrantable condos.
– **Newrez** is making waves by accepting crypto assets as part of mortgage applications starting February. They’ve also teamed up with HomeVision to build an AI-powered underwriting system that delivers real-time loan decisions.
– **Newfi Correspondent** has rolled out easier bank statement qualifying for self-employed borrowers and expanded their DSCR loan options—including using crypto assets (like Bitcoin and Ethereum) held in accounts such as Coinbase or Fidelity as reserves without requiring liquidation.
– **American Pride Bank (APB)** has added new One-Time Close Construction Loan options through its wholesale division, tailored for entrepreneurs and self-employed clients.
– **Pennymac** released several updates affecting their Jumbo loan pricing and eligibility. Notably, they’ve lowered the minimum loan amount for ARM loans under their AUS Jumbo program.
– **LoanStream Wholesale** introduced a Foreign National DSCR program with flexible terms—loan amounts up to $2 million, LTVs up to 75%, and credit score options starting at 680 (or no FICO).
– **JMAC Lending** is offering a new Non-QM product called Newport, designed for borrowers who don’t fit traditional lending criteria.
– **United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM)** is celebrating 40 years in business with a special offer: brokers get 40 basis points on all new loans locked through February 27. This includes both conventional and government loans and can be combined with other pricing incentives.
**Capital Markets Update: Rates, Bonds, and Economic Trends**
President Trump’s softer tone on tariffs helped ease some market tension recently, but investors remain cautious due to ongoing uncertainty in U.S.-Europe trade relations. On the economic front:
– Jobless claims remain steady at 200,000.
– GDP was revised up slightly to 4.4%.
– Inflation (PCE) held steady at 2.8% for November.
These indicators suggest a stable labor market with moderate inflation—not enough yet to trigger interest rate cuts. Meanwhile, Fed Governor Lisa Cook appears likely to remain in place following Supreme Court commentary, which supports Federal Reserve continuity.
The Biden administration’s plan to buy $200 billion in mortgage-backed securities is unlikely to significantly reduce housing costs. Experts agree that boosting housing supply—not financing—is the key to affordability. Current bond-buying efforts may help narrow spreads temporarily but won’t solve the core issue.
Mortgage rates are creeping up again. According to Freddie Mac:
– 30-year fixed rates rose to 6.09%
– 15-year fixed rates increased to 5.44%
Despite this week’s uptick, rates are still lower than they were a year ago by about 80 basis points.
Looking ahead, market watchers are keeping an eye on S&P Global PMIs and consumer sentiment data due today. The Bank of Japan kept its policy rate steady at 0.75% while raising inflation and growth forecasts. As of this morning, bond yields are holding steady: the 10-year Treasury sits at 4.23%, just below yesterday’s close.
Stay tuned for more updates as the lending landscape continues to shift with tech innovations, economic policies, and evolving borrower needs.
Top Cryptos to Buy Now: DSNT, Solana, and Canton
**What’s the Best Crypto to Buy Right Now? It Depends on Your Goals**
With the crypto market heating up again, many investors are asking: “What’s the best crypto to buy right now?” But the smarter question is—what kind of crypto portfolio should you build based on your goals?
Instead of chasing one “perfect” coin, it’s better to mix top-performing cryptocurrencies with strong growth potential. Right now, some of the most talked-about names include Solana (SOL), Canton (CC), and the fast-rising DeepSnitch AI (DSNT). Let’s break down why these coins are getting so much attention—and which one could bring you the biggest gains.
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**DeepSnitch AI (DSNT): A High-Growth Crypto with Massive Potential**
If you’re looking to grow your wallet fast, DeepSnitch AI stands out as the top pick. This upcoming AI-powered crypto project has been making waves and is currently in its final presale phase.
DeepSnitch AI uses intelligent software agents to provide real-time market analysis. These tools help users understand risk and predict future price movements using advanced AI systems like AuditSnitch and SnitchGPT. This technology is designed to make crypto investing smarter and more reliable for everyone.
The project has already raised over $1.3 million in its presale and is still priced low at $0.03609 per token. What’s more, it offers bonus tokens for larger purchases—up to 300% extra for those who invest $30,000 or more. With these incentives and strong tech behind it, DeepSnitch AI is being called a likely candidate to deliver 100x returns.
But time is running out—the presale ends on January 31. If you’re aiming for explosive growth, now is the moment to get in.
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**Solana (SOL): A Strong Foundation for Any Crypto Portfolio**
Solana continues to be one of the most reliable altcoins in the market. Known for its fast and cheap transactions, it’s often seen as a strong alternative to Ethereum for smart contract development.
SOL has shown solid performance lately, holding steady above $130. The recent bounce in price came after geopolitical tensions eased, with markets responding positively to news involving U.S. President Donald Trump backing off from Greenland-related threats. This helped major cryptos—including Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and Solana—rebound.
Solana is a great choice for those who want a stable, top-tier coin in their portfolio while still enjoying good upside potential.
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**Canton (CC): Gaining Momentum with Rapid Price Growth**
Canton is another altcoin that’s been gaining attention recently. Between January 19 and 22, its price jumped from $0.10 to $0.15—a 50% surge in just three days.
Since early December, Canton has been on a steady upward trend, making it attractive to growth-focused investors. Although its all-time high is $0.1761 (reached on January 1), many analysts believe it could break that record again soon—possibly even before the end of this month.
Canton is a solid pick for short-term traders or anyone looking to diversify their holdings with a coin that’s showing real momentum.
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**How to Build a Smart Crypto Portfolio Right Now**
The key to success in today’s market isn’t about picking just one winner—it’s about balancing your portfolio with coins that serve different purposes:
– **Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH)**: Blue-chip cryptos for long-term stability
– **Solana (SOL), XRP, BNB**: Top altcoins offering solid infrastructure and use cases
– **Canton (CC)**: A momentum-driven coin that could deliver quick returns
– **DeepSnitch AI (DSNT)**: A high-risk, high-reward token with 100x potential
If your goal is major growth, DeepSnitch AI offers a unique opportunity. Once it hits 1.25 million users (expected by mid-year), analysts estimate its price could soar above $3.60—which would be nearly 100x its current presale price.
But remember, this kind of return only comes if you act fast—before the presale ends on January 31.
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**FAQs**
**Why should I include Solana in my portfolio?**
Solana is a reliable, fast blockchain that supports smart contracts and decentralized apps. It’s a strong pick for any investor looking for a well-established altcoin.
**Can Canton surpass its previous high?**
Yes. Canton’s last all-time high was $0.1761 on January 1. Given its recent momentum, many believe it will break this level soon.
**How can DeepSnitch AI reach 100x returns?**
If DeepSnitch AI reaches 1.25 million users by mid-year—as expected—its price could hit over $3.60. That’s nearly 100 times its current presale price of $0.03609.
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To grab DSNT tokens before the price goes up, visit the official DeepSnitch AI site. And for updates, follow their community on X and Telegram.
Act now while bonuses are available:
– Use code **DSNTVIP30** for 30% bonus
– Use code **DSNTVIP50** for 50% bonus
– Use code **DSNTVIP150** for 150% bonus
– Use code **DSNTVIP300** for 300% bonus
Don’t miss your chance to join what could be the next big thing in crypto.
Bitcoin vs AI: Who Really Uses More Power?
**What Uses More Power: Bitcoin, AI, Streaming, or Social Media? The Real Story Behind Digital Energy Use**
As the digital world continues to grow rapidly, so does its appetite for electricity. From Bitcoin mining to AI data centers, streaming platforms, and social media apps, the energy footprint of our online lives is expanding fast—and not always in ways you might expect.
### Bitcoin Mining vs. AI Data Centers: Who’s Using More Power?
Bitcoin mining is often criticized for its energy use, but the numbers tell a more complex story. In 2025, Bitcoin mining was estimated to use around 171 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity—about 16% of total global data center energy consumption.
Meanwhile, AI-focused data centers are on a much steeper growth curve. By 2026, they’re projected to consume up to 400 TWh—more than double Bitcoin’s usage. Some estimates even suggest AI could account for 40% of all data center power usage by then.
Total global data center energy usage is expected to hit around 1,000 TWh in 2026, up from just 460 TWh in 2022. That’s more than double in four years, mainly due to AI infrastructure expansion.
### How Green Is This Power?
When it comes to renewable energy, Bitcoin actually performs better than many assume. Around 52.4% of its energy comes from sustainable sources like hydropower (23.1%), wind (14%), solar (5%), and nuclear (10%). This is higher than the average data center, which uses about 42% renewables.
Traditional data centers—including cloud services, enterprise apps, and social platforms—use a mix of energy sources but rely heavily on fossil fuels during peak demand. Natural gas has become the main fossil fuel for both sectors, as coal continues to decline.
### Bitcoin Isn’t the Villain It’s Made Out to Be
Bitcoin’s energy use per user is relatively high—around 2,768 kg of CO2 emissions per year—but this doesn’t scale with more users. Unlike streaming or social media platforms, more users don’t mean more energy use for Bitcoin.
Meanwhile, platforms like TikTok emit about 48 kg CO2 per user annually. These numbers seem small compared to Bitcoin, but when you consider their billions of users and rising energy demand, the overall impact is huge.
### AI’s Energy Explosion
AI infrastructure is exploding in both investment and energy use. In 2026 alone, companies are expected to spend $400-450 billion globally on AI systems. Training models like GPT-5 may soon consume as much as 45 gigawatt-hours (GWh) daily—enough to power over 1.5 million U.S. homes each day.
Inference—the process of running trained models—is now using two-thirds of AI’s total computing power, up from just one-third in 2023. This shows we’ve moved from building models to constantly using them in real-time applications.
### Streaming and Social Media’s Hidden Energy Cost
Streaming platforms like Netflix and YouTube may not look like power hogs at first glance, but their cumulative impact is massive. Netflix alone used about 451 GWh back in 2019, and that number has only grown with more users and higher video quality.
Streaming emissions mostly come from devices (72%), while data transmission uses 23% and data centers just 5%. Still, these platforms operate nonstop and have billions of users globally.
Social media platforms also contribute significantly. ByteDance (TikTok’s parent company) emits about 50 million tons of CO2 annually. While some companies like Meta have improved efficiency and use renewable energy, the overall energy footprint continues to rise.
### Bitcoin Helps the Grid—AI and Streaming Don’t
One key difference with Bitcoin is its flexibility. Mining operations can quickly reduce their power usage during grid stress or high demand periods. This ability makes Bitcoin useful in balancing electricity grids and using surplus renewable energy that would otherwise go to waste.
AI and traditional data centers don’t have this flexibility. They require constant, reliable power to keep services online. This means they rely heavily on backup fossil fuel generation or baseload sources like nuclear.
### The Road Ahead: Energy Use Will Keep Rising
By 2030, global data center energy use could hit between 1,000 and 1,900 TWh in the U.S. alone, depending on how fast AI expands. Worldwide consumption might exceed 2,500 TWh in aggressive growth scenarios.
Bitcoin mining could range from 100 to 300 TWh by then, depending on market prices and miner competition for cheap electricity. While some scenarios predict lower consumption due to efficiency improvements, others suggest it could grow if Bitcoin prices rise enough to justify higher power costs.
### Efficiency Isn’t Enough: Jevons Paradox
Even though all sectors are becoming more efficient, total energy consumption keeps increasing. This is known as Jevons Paradox: as technology becomes more efficient and cheaper per unit of output, people use it more—wiping out the savings.
For example:
– Bitcoin miners are now twice as efficient as a few years ago.
– GPT-4o is up to ten times more efficient than earlier AI models.
– Streaming uses less energy per hour today than in 2010.
But because usage keeps growing—more mining activity, more AI queries, more video streaming—total electricity demand still rises fast.
### The Role of Renewables
Tech giants like Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, and Google are investing heavily in renewable power—contracting over 50 GW of capacity. But these projects take years to come online. Until then, natural gas will remain the main source of new power for data centers through at least 2028.
Bitcoin’s ability to absorb excess renewable energy now gives it an edge in supporting clean power projects in remote areas with limited grid access. By acting as a flexible “buyer of first resort,” Bitcoin mining can make new wind, solar, geothermal, or hydro projects financially viable.
### Why Does Bitcoin Get So Much Criticism?
Despite using less power than AI or streaming services, Bitcoin often faces the harshest criticism. Media coverage tends to focus heavily on Bitcoin’s environmental impact while ignoring larger or faster-growing sectors.
Yes, Bitcoin uses a lot of electricity—but it also offers unique benefits: a decentralized financial system secured by energy expenditure and grid-friendly load behavior that can help integrate renewables faster.
The fairest way to evaluate all digital systems—AI, streaming, social media, or crypto—is by looking at four key factors:
1. Total energy consumption
2. Energy source mix (renewable vs fossil)
3. Load flexibility (can it turn off when needed?)
4. Value delivered to society
When judged by these standards across the board—not just for headlines—Bitcoin isn’t the villain many believe it is. In fact, it’s often one of the more responsible digital energy consumers when compared fairly.
The real energy challenge? The internet’s expansion—especially AI—is pushing electricity demand through the roof. And for now, we’re filling that gap mostly with fossil fuels.