Trading Desk Insights
Risk sentiment softened sharply Monday after news broke that the Department of Justice has opened a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, part of a broader political tug-of-war around rate policy and central bank independence. Powell pushed back hard in a rare public statement, framing the subpoenas as politically motivated attempts to influence monetary policy, and markets responded accordingly. U.S. stocks and futures pulled back, the dollar weakened, and safe havens rallied as traders priced in rising uncertainty around policy credibility.
Gold futures jumped more than 2.5% to new all-time highs above $4,600 as buyers leaned into the hedge play amid diminished confidence in central bank autonomy and fresh geopolitical flashpoints involving Iran and Venezuela. Onchain in crypto, Monero reclaimed prominence driven by renewed interest in privacy and upcoming protocol upgrades, breaking a long-term ascending triangle that had been in place for years, that technical breakout puts the next meaningful upside target around $800. Price moves in privacy coins like XMR often reflect positioning ahead of fundamental upgrades and structural narrative flows.
Corporate treasury activity continues to shape sentiment. BitMine (Tom Lee’s vehicle) has been aggressively accumulating Ethereum, adding tens of thousands of ETH to its treasury, while Michael Saylor’s Strategy continues sizable BTC accumulation, underscoring ongoing institutional balance sheet buying.
On macro data, U.S. labor markets ended 2025 on a soft note with December payrolls below expectations and annual average gains far softer than the prior year, a backdrop that keeps traders focused on the Fed’s next moves even as political noise ramps up. With earnings season kicking off and key tariff rulings pending from the Supreme Court, markets are bracing for fresh catalysts that could swing risk appetite later this week.
Crypto Charts
ETF Flow
Disclaimer
This research is for informational use only. This is not investment advice. Other than disclosures relating to Secure Digital Markets this research is based on current public information that we consider reliable, but we do not represent it is accurate or complete, and it should not be relied on as such. The information, opinions, estimates, and forecasts contained herein are as of the date hereof and are subject to change without prior notification. We seek to update our research as appropriate.
Any forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be relied upon as advice or interpreted as a recommendation. The price of crypto assets may rise or fall because of changes in the broad market or changes in a company's financial condition, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably. Past performance is not a guide to future performance, future returns are not guaranteed, and a loss of original capital may occur. Fluctuations in exchange rates could have adverse effects on the value or price of, or income derived from, certain investments. We and our affiliates, officers, directors, and employees, excluding equity and credit analysts, will from time to time have long or short positions in, act as principal in, and buy or sell, the securities or derivatives, if any, referred to in this research.
The information on which the analysis is based has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable such as, for example, the company’s financial statements filed with a regulator, company website, company white paper, pitchbook and any other sources. While Secure Digital Markets has obtained data, statistics, and information from sources it believes to be reliable, it does not perform an audit or seek independent verification of any of the data, statistics, and information it receives.
Unless otherwise provided in a separate agreement, Secure Digital Markets does not represent that the report contents meet all of the presentation and/or disclosure standards applicable in the jurisdiction the recipient is located. Secure Digital Markets and their officers, directors and employees shall not be responsible or liable for any trading decisions, damages or other losses resulting from, or related to, the information, data, analyses, or opinions within the report.
Crypto and/or digital currencies involve substantial risk, are speculative in nature and may not perform as expected. Many digital currency platforms are not subject to regulatory supervision, unlike regulated exchanges. Some platforms may commingle customer assets in shared accounts and provide inadequate custody, which may affect whether or how investors can withdraw their currency and/or subject them to money laundering. Digital currencies may be vulnerable to hacks and cyber fraud as well as significant volatility and price swings.
Contact Us
Sign up to receive more exclusive market coverage:
Start trading with Secure Digital Markets today by e-mailing:
trading@securedigitalmarkets.com