In early 2026, the U.S. national debt climbed to about $38.5 trillion, a level that prior projections had placed closer to 2030. Annual interest payments, which were around $345 billion in 2020, are nearing $1 trillion as borrowing grows, while initiatives such as President Donald Trump's $3.4 trillion "One Big Beautiful Bill," tariffs, and the DOGE efficiency program provide limited relief against the rising total. Despite some cost cuts and tariff revenue, debt per person remains just above $108,000, highlighting the scale of the fiscal challenge.

According to U.Today, early 2026 price action shows SHIB pressing above the $0.0000075–$0.0000077 area after months of pressure, while Bitcoin is rebuilding toward a potential $100,000 path following an abrupt sell-off. Ethereum has reclaimed the $3,000 zone with controlled volatility, signaling accumulation as higher lows form and momentum steadies.

On January 2, 2026, the Trump administration ordered Delaware-based HieFo Corp., which is controlled by a Chinese citizen, to divest semiconductor assets it acquired from Emcore in a transaction valued at about $2.92 million. Officials concluded that allowing the company to retain the US chip technology posed national security risks, as experts say the components could have military and advanced AI applications. In parallel, China has introduced a 50% domestic equipment requirement for new chip production capacity, while the US has delayed new semiconductor tariffs on Chinese imports until June 23, 2027.

On January 2, 2026, risk assets started the year higher, with stocks rising in January's first session. Last year delivered broad gains: about 18% for U.S. stocks, roughly 23% for global equities, nearly 7% for global Treasuries, and around 11% for commodities, while inflation remains the key wildcard.

BitMine chairman Tom Lee asked shareholders to approve lifting the firm's authorized shares to 50 billion from 50 million, citing potential future stock splits if ETH-driven valuations surge. He modeled scenarios where ETH hits $250,000 with BTC at $1 million, implying $5,000 per share and a 100:1 split to target $25. BitMine pivoted to an ETH treasury in 2025.

International equities delivered roughly 33% to U.S. investors in 2025 via an ETF tracking the MSCI ACWI ex U.S., while the S&P 500 rose about 18%. The dollar fell around 9%, lifting dollar-based returns, and Goldman Sachs found most major indexes beat the S&P 500 even without currency effects.

Bitcoin market dominance is approaching 59% as altcoins gain. BTC trades near $89,644, up 1.7% in 24 hours, while XRP rises 6% toward $2, DOGE jumps 10.51% to $0.139, and ETH advances 4.36% to $3,114. According to U.Today, strong moves in large-cap and memecoin names are pressuring Bitcoin’s share of total crypto value.

Tom Lee, chairman of BitMine Immersion Technologies (BMNR), asked shareholders in a Friday YouTube video to approve lifting the company's authorized shares from 500 million to 50 billion. BitMine's stock rose 14% to $30.93 at 2:48 p.m. ET that day, and the vote deadline is Jan. 14; the company holds about 3.41% of ETH's circulating supply.