As the January 2026 FOMC meeting nears, markets assign a 5% chance of a 25 bps rate cut and a 95% likelihood of no change. U.S. inflation cooled to 2.7% at end‑2025, while January 15 initial jobless claims were 198,000 and December added 50,000 jobs. Elevated rates continue to pressure Bitcoin and other crypto.

China's State Taxation Administration has urged residents to self-assess and declare personal overseas income for 2022–2024, according to Xinhua News Agency. Authorities indicate they may recover unpaid taxes and late fees, and pursue legal action in cases of evasion. The notice does not address digital assets, leaving possible cryptocurrency impacts undetermined.

On January 17 2026, the White House was reported to be weighing the withdrawal of support for the Senate Committee's nearly 300-page Clarity Act after Coinbase abruptly pulled its backing. The administration is said to be urging Coinbase to rejoin talks and accept a stablecoin yield framework that aligns with banking interests, after CEO Brian Armstrong argued the bill would harm consumers. The clash has postponed a key Senate vote and underlined Coinbase's growing influence over US crypto legislation.

The Trump administration has intensified its confrontation with the Federal Reserve by supporting a criminal investigation into chair Jerome "Jay" Powell over a $2.5bn headquarters renovation, raising fears of political interference in U.S. monetary policy. Markets have so far remained stable as investors expect the Fed to resist demands for rapid rate cuts, while Republican lawmakers, global central bankers, and Wall Street figures rally in defence of the Fed's independence. The widening backlash is complicating Trump's plans to reshape the central bank as Powell's term as chair nears its end.

On January 17, 2026, President Donald Trump said he is considering an executive action to set a one‑year 10% ceiling on credit‑card interest, with a January 20 deadline. The plan is part of a broader affordability agenda focused on housing and 401(k) down payments, while major banks and trade groups warn the cap could tighten credit and disrupt unsecured lending.

On January 17, 2026, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong said a Senate Banking market-structure draft could block stablecoin interest and weaken the CFTC. In a Fox Business interview, he alleged major banks seek to undermine Donald Trump's crypto agenda and added Coinbase cannot support the bill after a 48-hour review.

As weekend trading approaches, Bitcoin's recent ascent has stalled beneath its 100 and 200 EMAs, suggesting a possible fakeout within a broader corrective phase. Shiba Inu is challenging its 100-day EMA for the third time after a prolonged decline, while XRP continues to form a third local wave inside a downward channel with moving averages acting as resistance.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed legislation on January 17 to place digital financial assets under banking oversight and require licensed crypto exchanges. The measure defines stablecoins, asset-backed tokens, and electronic financial instruments, aiming to strengthen investor protections and fintech growth. Prior permissions within the AIFC are broadened by these nationwide rules.