Consider XRP as it shows relative strength and is reportedly moving towards a $2 price target. Investors should exercise extreme caution with Zcash (ZEC), as the resignation of its entire development team presents a significant risk to the project's future. Keep an eye on Solana (SOL) for potential volatility leading up to the January 21st airdrop of the SKR token. The broader crypto market is showing weakness, with Bitcoin (BTC) falling below $90,000. In traditional markets, the defense sector may see a tailwind from a proposed $1.5 trillion military budget.

Defense Sector Stocks

• The podcast noted that defense stocks are performing well in both the US and Europe.
• This positive performance is linked to a proposal by President Donald Trump for a $1.5 trillion military budget for the next year.
• Continued hawkish rhetoric regarding Venezuela and Greenland was also cited as a contributing factor.

Takeaways

• The proposed increase in military spending could serve as a significant tailwind for the defense industry.
• Investors may want to research major defense contractors that could be primary beneficiaries of such a large budget increase.

Bitcoin (BTC)

• The price of Bitcoin was mentioned to have fallen below $90,000.
• This is presented in the context of a broader downturn in the cryptocurrency market.

Takeaways

• The drop below a significant psychological level of $90,000 indicates short-term bearish sentiment and market weakness.
• Investors should be aware of the current volatility and potential for further price declines in the near term.

XRP (XRP)

• The price of XRP was noted as "moving towards $2".
• This occurred despite a general downturn in the crypto market.
• CNBC was mentioned as having called XRP "the new cryptocurrency darling."

Takeaways

• The positive mention from a major financial news network like CNBC could increase retail interest and buying pressure.
• The movement towards the $2 level suggests a potential price target to monitor and may indicate relative strength compared to other cryptocurrencies.

Zcash (ZEC)

• Zcash was highlighted as the worst-performing token in the top 100 cryptocurrencies at the time of the recording.
• The primary reason given for this poor performance was the resignation of the entire team at its key developer, ECC (Electric Coin Company).

Takeaways

• Risk Factor: The departure of the core development team is a major red flag that introduces significant uncertainty about the project's future development, maintenance, and viability.
• Investors should exercise extreme caution with Zcash. The project faces a critical operational crisis, and its future is unclear until a new, credible development team is established.

Solana (SOL)

• Solana's price experienced a "measured" move to the downside.
• This price decline happened despite a positive news announcement: a Solana Mobile airdrop of the SKR token is scheduled for January 21st.
  • The podcast specifies that 20% of the SKR token supply has been set aside for this airdrop.

Takeaways

• The negative market sentiment is currently outweighing positive, ecosystem-specific news for Solana.
• The upcoming airdrop on January 21st is a key event to watch. It could create demand for Solana Mobile phones or the SOL token itself leading up to the date, but investors should also be mindful of a potential "sell the news" reaction after the airdrop occurs.

JPMorgan (JPM)

• The podcast mentioned that JPMorgan is deepening its involvement in the digital assets ecosystem.
• Specifically, the bank is expanding its blockchain-based payment system, JPM Coin, from the Base network to the Canton network.

Takeaways

• This move signals JPMorgan's continued commitment to integrating blockchain technology into its core financial services.
• For investors, this reinforces JPM's position as a forward-thinking leader in traditional finance and could be viewed as a long-term positive for the company's innovation and growth strategy.