This Week’s Key Crypto Events for Investors to Monitor
Crypto markets are set for significant changes at the start of the year, influenced by macroeconomic factors, protocol updates, and legal issues. Key developments include:
#1 Crypto Awaits The FOMC Minutes Release (January 8)
The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) minutes from December's meeting will be released on January 8, providing insights into monetary policy and potential interest rate adjustments. The Fed recently cut US interest rates three times but reduced its forecast for further cuts from four to two, highlighting the importance of these minutes for assessing future monetary policy direction.
#2 THORChain’s Base Integration
THORChain will integrate with Base, the largest Layer 2 by volume, next week. This integration aims to enhance ETH-BTC swaps by reducing Ethereum mainnet congestion and creating new liquidity options through cbBTC, potentially increasing trading volumes.
#3 Jupiter’s Airdrop Checker
Jupiter, a Solana-based DEX aggregator, will launch an airdrop eligibility checker this week as part of "Jupuary," an initiative distributing $700 million in JUP tokens over 2025 and 2026. This airdrop aims to expand the Jupiter community and will coincide with a live burning of 30% of the token supply during a conference in late January.
#4 USUAL Fee Switch Activation (January 7)
The USUAL ecosystem will activate its fee switch on January 7, allowing stakers to receive a share of protocol revenue through transaction fees. This change aims to encourage user participation within the platform.
#5 Do Kwon’s Second US Hearing (January 8)
Terra founder Do Kwon's second hearing with US authorities is scheduled for January 8. Facing up to 130 years in prison for fraud charges, Kwon's case includes allegations of misleading investors regarding Terra's stability and manipulating associated funds.
#6 GMX Trading Fees Reduction (January 6)
GMX will reduce trading fees effective January 6, lowering open and close fees from 5 bps and 7 bps to 4 bps and 6 bps, respectively. A sliding scale will apply: traders improving balance pay the lower fee, while those worsening it incur higher costs. Liquidation fees will also be updated to 20 bps for asset-backed markets and 30 bps for synthetic markets, aimed at incentivizing balanced trading.
The total crypto market cap is currently $3.45 trillion.
