On January 18, 2026, data indicated that China's primary aluminum output in January–November 2025 reached about 41.17 million tonnes, up roughly 2.5% year on year, with November alone at 3.79 million tonnes. In contrast, crude steel production for 2025 is estimated at around 968 million tonnes, slipping below 1 billion tonnes and declining about 4% from 2024 amid capacity controls and weaker demand.

After a calm weekend, liquidity stayed thin and volatility subdued across majors. XRP's trading participation fell toward zero while price drifted under the 100/200 EMA. SHIB compressed near short‑term support with few obstacles overhead. Bitcoin's attempts higher lacked volume, facing repeated rejection near key daily moving averages.

According to the report, Bitcoin fell about 3% to around $92,000 during Monday's Asian session after President Donald Trump warned of new import levies on eight European countries. He outlined a 10% tariff from Feb. 1, with a potential increase to 25% on June 1 if no deal is reached, prompting risk-off moves across futures and Asian stocks.

According to an Artemis report, Visa accounts for more than 90% of the cryptocurrency card segment, which now handles $18 billion in annual transactions. Stablecoin-linked payments, including Visa's reported $3.5 billion volume by the end of 2025, are supporting this expansion, while analysts expect traditional card networks to remain dominant in the near term.

At 01:45 market open, Bitcoin dropped nearly $4,000 in one hour to $92,000 amid a $500 million liquidation of leveraged longs. Gold surged to a record $4,660 per ounce and silver reached $94 as traders sought havens. A 10% tariff on eight EU countries begins February 1 and rises to 25% in June.

The European Council will hold an emergency meeting to coordinate a response to President Donald Trump's 10% tariffs on eight EU countries. Leaders aim to finalize a unified stance before the levies take effect on February 1, considering a €93 billion retaliation plan and potential use of the EU's anti-coercion instrument.

Ripple received preliminary approval for an EMI license in Luxembourg after a recent UK authorization. SHIB formed a short-term bullish crossover with a potential 22% path to $0.00001054. XRP saw $45.8 million weekly inflows, up 428%, while Strategy bought 13,627 BTC for about $1.25 billion.

On January 18, 2026, Kevin Hassett said on Fox News' The Sunday Briefing that he is comfortable remaining in the White House, effectively taking himself out of consideration to lead the Federal Reserve. Trump had publicly told him last week he preferred he stay in the West Wing, while the shortlist now centers on Christopher Waller, Kevin Warsh, and Rick Rieder.