Morning Crypto Report: XRP Kicks Off 2026 With 2,198% Liquidation Imbalance, Tether (USDT) Stuns With $780 Million Bitcoin Purchase, Meme Coin on Binance Loses 88% After Hacker Attack

🔥 Key Takeaways

  • XRP experienced a staggering 2,198% liquidation imbalance on the first day of 2026, signaling extreme market volatility.
  • Tether (USDT) made headlines with a massive $780 million Bitcoin purchase, reinforcing its role in the crypto ecosystem.
  • Binance-listed meme coin BROCCOLI714 plummeted 88% overnight due to a hacker-linked market-maker incident.

XRP Kicks Off 2026 With 2,198% Liquidation Imbalance

The cryptocurrency market opened the year 2026 with a seismic event as XRP recorded a jaw-dropping 2,198% liquidation imbalance. This unprecedented figure highlights extreme volatility in the XRP futures market, with traders caught off guard by rapid price swings. Analysts speculate that this imbalance could be linked to a combination of leveraged positions and sudden shifts in market sentiment. While the exact cause remains unclear, the event underscores the risks associated with high-leverage trading in the crypto space. Investors are now closely monitoring XRP’s price action for signs of stabilization or further turbulence.

Tether (USDT) Stuns With $780 Million Bitcoin Purchase

Tether, the issuer of the world’s largest stablecoin USDT, made waves on January 1, 2026, with the announcement of a $780 million Bitcoin purchase. This move represents one of the largest single Bitcoin acquisitions by a corporate entity in recent years. Tether’s decision to allocate such a significant portion of its reserves to Bitcoin signals growing confidence in the flagship cryptocurrency’s long-term value. The purchase also aligns with Tether’s broader strategy to diversify its holdings beyond traditional fiat currencies. Market observers are now speculating whether this move could spark a broader trend among stablecoin issuers to increase their Bitcoin exposure.

Binance Meme Coin Loses 88% After Hacker Attack

The meme coin BROCCOLI714, listed on Binance, suffered a catastrophic 88% drop in value overnight following a hacker-linked market-maker incident. The attack reportedly exploited vulnerabilities in the coin’s liquidity pool, leading to a massive sell-off and erasing millions of dollars in market capitalization. Binance has since initiated an investigation and suspended trading for BROCCOLI714 to protect users. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with meme coins and the importance of robust security measures in the crypto ecosystem. Investors are advised to exercise caution when trading in highly speculative assets.