Which venue adjusted XTZ staking today?

Bitvavo updated its staking rewards this week and added Tezos (XTZ) to its offerings, according to a notice on January 5 (UTC) about their new Flex and Fixed staking programs Bitvavo notice.

1. Tezos (XTZ) is now available in Flex staking with an estimated 0.60% annual yield.
2. Bitvavo’s update introduces two staking options: Flex (no lock-up) and Fixed (locked for a set period).
3. Rewards are calculated daily and paid weekly in the original cryptocurrency, but rates can change over time.

Deep Dive

1. What’s New at Bitvavo?

On January 5, Bitvavo shared new staking and lending rates, including Tezos (XTZ) with a 0.60% yield in their Flex staking tier Bitvavo notice. This update covers multiple assets and reflects their new approach to staking options.
What this means: If you stake Tezos on Bitvavo, your earnings will follow this updated schedule. Make sure to check your account for the latest rates before choosing whether to lock your coins or keep them flexible.

2. Understanding Flex vs. Fixed Staking

Bitvavo offers two staking choices:

• Flex staking: No lock-up period, so you can withdraw anytime, but typically with a lower annual percentage yield (APY).
• Fixed staking: You lock your coins for a set time, usually earning a higher APY.

Rewards are calculated every day and paid out weekly. Rates can change based on market conditions and Bitvavo’s policies.
What this means: If you want easy access to your coins, Flex staking is more convenient. If you’re okay with locking your coins for a while to earn more, Fixed staking might be better. Always review the terms for each option before deciding.

3. What This Means for Tezos (XTZ) Stakers

Staking rewards for Tezos can vary depending on where you stake—whether on Bitvavo, other exchanges, or directly on the blockchain through validators. Bitvavo’s update shows they actively manage rates to stay competitive. If you stake XTZ elsewhere, compare yields and lock-up rules, and watch for announcements from your platform.
What this means: Keep an eye on updates from your staking venue to balance your earnings with how quickly you want access to your coins. Even small changes in rates can add up over time, especially if you choose fixed staking.

Conclusion

Bitvavo updated its Tezos (XTZ) staking rates on January 5 (UTC), introducing a new Flex/Fixed program with Tezos available at about 0.60% in Flex staking Bitvavo notice. For Tezos holders, the main decision remains whether to prioritize easy access to funds or higher returns. Stay informed about your platform’s updates, as staking rates and terms can change.

What is expected in the development of XTZ?

Tezos is making progress with these key developments:

1. Tezos X Scalability Phase (2026) – Adding support for popular programming languages and improving Layer 2 performance.
2. Uranium.io Expansion (Q1 2026) – Growing tokenized uranium trading through the Etherlink platform.
3. Art Ecosystem Growth (2026) – Hosting global art events and expanding NFT programs.

Deep Dive

1. Tezos X Scalability Phase (2026)

Overview:
Tezos X, introduced in 2024, focuses on making the network faster and easier to use by improving Layer 2 solutions like Etherlink and supporting widely-used programming languages such as JavaScript and Python. Co-founder Arthur Breitman emphasized this goal at the 2025 TezDev conference (The Defiant).

What this means:
This is positive for Tezos (XTZ) because making development easier could attract more decentralized finance (DeFi) projects and institutional users. However, challenges include competition from Ethereum and potential delays in delivering these upgrades.

2. Uranium.io Expansion (Q1 2026)

Overview:
Launched in 2025, uranium.io is Tezos’ platform for trading tokenized uranium, a valuable real-world commodity. Plans for early 2026 include partnering with institutions and increasing liquidity on Etherlink (CoinMarketCap).

What this means:
This development is somewhat positive, as it taps into a $45 billion uranium market by bringing it onto the blockchain. Still, regulatory challenges and uranium price swings could affect growth.

3. Art Ecosystem Growth (2026)

Overview:
Tezos continues to build its presence in the digital art world through partnerships like the Museum of Moving Image (extended through 2027) and events such as Art on Tezos Buenos Aires. In 2025, over 500,000 NFTs were created on the platform (BlockzHub).

What this means:
This is good for Tezos’ network use and reputation, as cultural collaborations boost credibility. However, the crowded NFT market might limit how much this growth impacts prices.

Conclusion

Tezos’ roadmap combines technical improvements (Tezos X), real-world asset adoption (uranium trading), and cultural engagement (art ecosystem). These efforts could broaden how the network is used, but success depends on execution in a competitive blockchain environment. Tezos’ focus on real-world assets may set it apart from other blockchains that mainly target speculative DeFi projects.

What updates are there in the XTZ code base?

Tezos (XTZ) is actively improving its technology with updates that enhance testing, staking, and network efficiency.

1. Tezt Testing Framework Update (Nov 2025) – Added tools to better measure memory use and fixed scheduler crashes.
2. Rio Protocol Upgrade (May 2025) – Shortened staking cycles to 1 day and added support for Layer 2 scaling.
3. Seoul Protocol Upgrade (Sep 2025) – Introduced built-in multisignature wallets and made the network 63 times more efficient.

Deep Dive

1. Tezt Testing Framework Update (Nov 2025)

What happened: Tezos updated its internal testing system, called Tezt, to version 4.3.0. This fixed compatibility problems between automated testing pipelines and developers’ setups. The update also added tools to track memory usage and fixed rare crashes in the job scheduler.

Why it matters: Reliable testing tools help developers find and fix bugs faster. This means Tezos can improve its core protocol more quickly and with less risk of errors.
(Source)

2. Rio Protocol Upgrade (May 2025)

What happened: Through on-chain governance, Tezos shortened staking cycles from about 3 days to just 1 day. It also encouraged bakers (validators) to support Layer 2 nodes, which help scale the network.

Why it matters: Shorter staking cycles give users more flexibility to unstake their tokens faster. Supporting Layer 2 solutions can attract more decentralized apps (dApps) to Tezos, helping the ecosystem grow.
(Source)

3. Seoul Protocol Upgrade (Sep 2025)

What happened: This upgrade added native multisignature (multisig) wallets, allowing multiple parties to approve transactions without extra software. It also made the network much more efficient, reducing the data validators need to process daily from 900MB to just 14MB.

Why it matters: Multisig wallets improve security, especially for businesses and institutions managing large amounts of XTZ or tokenized assets. The efficiency gains lower the cost and resources needed to run network nodes, making Tezos more scalable and attractive.
(Source)

Conclusion

Tezos is focusing on making development smoother and preparing for more institutional use. Updates to testing tools reduce bugs, while protocol upgrades improve staking flexibility and network efficiency. The addition of multisig wallets positions Tezos well for real-world asset tokenization. Looking ahead, these improvements could help Tezos compete with Ethereum Layer 2 solutions in decentralized finance (DeFi) growth during 2026.

What is the latest news about XTZ?

Tezos is combining important technical improvements with growing interest in the art world, as its token XTZ approaches key price levels.

1. Etherlink Upgrade Drives 5566% Growth in Total Value Locked (TVL) (December 22, 2025) – Layer-2 capacity doubles, boosting DeFi and gaming use.
2. Art Ecosystem Reaches 500,000 NFTs and Museum Partnerships (December 19, 2025) – Increased involvement from museums and educational programs.
3. XTZ Approaches 21-Day Moving Average Amid Altcoin Market Fluctuations (January 2, 2026) – Price patterns suggest potential for a 25% increase.

Deep Dive

1. Etherlink Upgrade Drives 5566% Growth in Total Value Locked (TVL) (December 22, 2025)

Overview:
Tezos’ Layer-2 network, Etherlink, which is compatible with Ethereum’s technology, completed its sixth upgrade called Farfadet. This upgrade doubled its transaction speed to over 1,000 transactions per second while keeping fees very low—under one cent. In 2025, the total value locked (TVL) on Etherlink soared from $1.46 million to $82.73 million, a 5566% increase. This growth was fueled by decentralized finance (DeFi) projects like Curve and Superlend, as well as Midas’ platform for tokenized uranium.

What this means:
This is a positive sign for XTZ’s usefulness. Etherlink’s rapid growth shows that Tezos is becoming a strong alternative to Ethereum for serious DeFi projects. The timing of this upgrade, just days after Ethereum’s own major update, highlights Tezos’ ability to adapt quickly through its governance system. (CoinMarketCap)

2. Art Ecosystem Reaches 500,000 NFTs and Museum Partnerships (December 19, 2025)

Overview:
Tezos’ art community sold over 500,000 NFTs in 2025. This success was supported by partnerships with institutions like New York City’s Museum of the Moving Image (MoMI) and a Berlin art festival featuring more than 700 artists. Educational initiatives such as the FA2 Fellowship are helping artists learn how to use blockchain technology.

What this means:
This development is somewhat positive. While the increase in NFT sales hasn’t directly boosted XTZ’s price, partnerships with respected museums and large visitor numbers (over 243,000 at MoMI) add credibility and could support long-term growth. (CoinMarketCap)

3. XTZ Approaches 21-Day Moving Average Amid Altcoin Market Fluctuations (January 2, 2026)

Overview:
XTZ’s price is hovering near its 21-day moving average of $0.61. In the past, reaching this level was followed by price increases of about 25% in November and December. Experts suggest that altcoins like XTZ, which have strong technical foundations such as governance features and Ethereum compatibility, may lead the next wave of market gains.

What this means:
The outlook is neutral for now. Although the price pattern looks similar to previous breakouts, XTZ’s trading volume over the past 24 hours ($31.5 million) is still 60% below its highest point in 2025. A clear move above $0.63 would signal stronger upward momentum. (CryptoNewsLand)

Conclusion

Tezos is making progress by improving its technology (Etherlink), gaining cultural relevance through NFTs, and showing technical strength. However, for XTZ to truly benefit, it needs to break above the $0.63 price level decisively. The big question remains: will the success of Layer-2 solutions like Etherlink lead to lasting price gains, or will the overall weakness in altcoins hold XTZ back?

What could affect the price of XTZ?

Tezos shows a mixed outlook with strong growth in its ecosystem but some signs of short-term technical strain.

1. Etherlink Expansion – Growing use of Layer-2 solutions and tokenizing real-world assets (RWA) could increase demand for Tezos.
2. Technical Overbought – The price may face a short-term pullback because of high momentum indicators.
3. Art & Governance – Partnerships in the art world and smooth protocol upgrades support Tezos’ long-term value.

Deep Dive

1. Etherlink Growth & Upgrades (Positive Signs)

Overview: Tezos’ Layer-2 solution called Etherlink, which is compatible with Ethereum’s technology, has seen its total value locked (TVL) jump from $1.46 million to $82.73 million by November 2025. This growth followed the Farfadet upgrade, which doubled transaction speed and allowed instant confirmations. Etherlink now integrates with platforms like Curve Finance, Oku (similar to Uniswap v3), and Uranium.io, which tokenizes physical uranium, attracting institutional investors. Additionally, a $3 million incentive program called Apple Farm is boosting decentralized finance (DeFi) activity.
What this means: Increasing TVL and the tokenization of real-world assets directly raise the usefulness of Tezos (XTZ) and the demand for network fees. Similar growth patterns in Ethereum’s Layer-2 solutions suggest this kind of ecosystem expansion often leads to price gains, though ongoing user adoption after incentives end is key.

2. Real-World Asset (RWA) Adoption vs. Competition (Mixed Outlook)

Overview: Tezos is making strides in tokenizing real-world assets like uranium through Uranium.io and government-backed bills via Midas’ mTBILL, which holds $11 million in TVL. This places Tezos in a fast-growing sector. However, major competitors like Ethereum and Solana still dominate decentralized finance liquidity, and Tezos’ overall market share among alternative cryptocurrencies remains moderate despite recent improvements.
What this means: While tokenizing real-world assets could attract specialized institutional investors, Tezos needs to gain market share from established blockchains. If Etherlink’s DeFi ecosystem doesn’t scale as planned or if Tezos X’s promised high transaction speeds (over 1,000 transactions per second) aren’t delivered, growth potential may be limited.

3. Art Ecosystem & Governance (Positive Signs)

Overview: Tezos’ presence in the digital art space is strong, with over 500,000 NFTs sold in 2025 and partnerships with institutions like the Museum of Moving Image. Its on-chain governance system allowed six smooth protocol upgrades in 2025, including efficiency improvements from the Rio upgrade. Staking rewards are around 5.7% annually, encouraging users to hold XTZ.
What this means: Tezos’ cultural influence and stable governance add to its appeal as a “store of value” in the crypto world. Unlike tokens driven mainly by hype, these fundamentals can help protect against price drops during market downturns, although NFT sales tend to fluctuate over time.

Conclusion

Tezos’ price will depend on whether Etherlink can turn technical improvements into lasting user growth and if tokenizing real-world assets can help overcome competition. Keep an eye on Etherlink’s TVL and the 7-day Relative Strength Index (RSI), which is currently high at 79.33, indicating possible short-term price corrections.
How Uranium.io’s success with institutional investors will affect Tezos’ value in early 2026 remains an important question.

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What are people saying about XTZ?

Interest in Tezos (XTZ) is growing, fueled by excitement around AI and potential price gains. Here’s what’s trending:

1. AI optimism – The community is excited about Tezos’ role in AI development
2. Technical breakout watch – Analysts are watching a key chart pattern that could signal a price jump
3. Ecosystem growth – Recent platform upgrades and increased activity are driving positive sentiment
4. Short-term caution – Some mixed signals suggest possible price pullbacks

In-Depth Look

1. @TezosTexas: AI Growth Sparks Optimism

"Tezos $XTZ = AI Growth" Crypto 🔥
– @TezosTexas (9.6K followers · 6.4K impressions · 2026-01-02 20:49 UTC)
View original post
What this means: This is positive for XTZ because it highlights Tezos’ connection to AI development. This could attract traders interested in the intersection of blockchain and AI technologies.

2. @CryptoBull_360: Potential Technical Breakout

"#XTZ consolidating in falling wedge – breakout would confirm strong bullish rally"
– @CryptoBull_360 (24.2K followers · 11K impressions · 2025-12-27 12:34 UTC)
View original post
What this means: This is a positive sign for XTZ. Technical traders watch for a “falling wedge” pattern, which often signals a price increase. A clear move above $0.62 could trigger automated buying, pushing the price higher.

3. @tezos: Ecosystem Expansion Drives Confidence

"Q3: Etherlink TVL ↑46.9%, devs ↑37.1%, transactions ↑21.5%"
– @tezos (441K followers · 4.3K impressions · 2025-11-29 11:00 UTC)
View original post
What this means: This is encouraging for XTZ. The growth in Etherlink’s total value locked (TVL), developer activity, and transactions shows that Tezos’ ecosystem is expanding, especially in decentralized finance (DeFi).

4. @FinoraAI_DE: Mixed Signals on Support Levels

"Bias remains bullish if 0.5024 holds – break risks drop to 0.4860"
– @FinoraAI_DE (680 followers · 2K impressions · 2026-01-02 07:10 UTC)
View original post
What this means: This is a cautious note for XTZ. While the overall outlook is positive, if the price falls below $0.5024, it could lead to further declines down to $0.4860. Traders are watching this level closely to avoid losses.

Conclusion

The overall outlook for Tezos is optimistic but cautious. There’s excitement about AI integration and potential price breakouts, supported by strong ecosystem growth. However, it’s important to watch the $0.50-$0.51 price range this week. Holding this level could confirm a new upward move, while falling below it might trigger sell-offs. Keep an eye on Etherlink’s TVL as a sign of growing institutional interest.

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Why did the price of XTZ go up?

Tezos (XTZ) increased by 5.83% in the last 24 hours, outperforming a mostly flat cryptocurrency market (Bitcoin dominance down 0.32%). This rise was driven by technical breakout signals, improvements in the Tezos ecosystem, and growing use of decentralized finance (DeFi) applications.

1. Technical Breakout Signals – The price moved above important moving averages, supported by positive momentum indicators like RSI and MACD.
2. Etherlink Layer 2 Upgrade – Increased DeFi activity and total value locked (TVL) after a major upgrade.
3. Altcoin Market Rotation – Investors shifting funds from Bitcoin to promising alternative coins like Tezos.

Deep Dive

1. Technical Breakout (Positive Signal)

Overview: Tezos’ price rose above its 21-day moving average at $0.526, accompanied by a bullish MACD crossover—a technical sign that momentum is shifting upward. The 7-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) reached 79.33, indicating strong buying pressure (though slightly overbought). Fibonacci retracement levels suggest the price could reach $0.60 if it stays above $0.593.

What this means: Traders are responding to the first clear breakout since December 2025, helped by lower trading volumes during the holiday season. Trading volume in the past 24 hours jumped 32.7% to $31.9 million, showing increased market participation.

Watch: A price close above $0.60 (a resistance level from January 2025) would confirm a continued upward trend.

2. Etherlink’s Farfadet Upgrade (Positive Impact)

Overview: Etherlink, Tezos’ Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-compatible Layer 2 solution, launched its Farfadet upgrade on December 22. This upgrade allows over 1,000 transactions per second (TPS) with instant confirmations. The total value locked (TVL) on Etherlink grew by 5,566% year-over-year to $82.7 million. Recent integrations include popular DeFi platforms like Curve Finance and Midas’ tokenized assets (source).

What this means: Developers are moving Ethereum-based decentralized apps (dApps) to Etherlink because of its much lower transaction fees (around $0.001 per transaction). The Apple Farm incentive program, now in its second season, has helped attract users, with over 438,500 unique gaming addresses.

Watch: If TVL surpasses $100 million in the first quarter of 2026, it could indicate strong and lasting demand.

3. Altcoin Sentiment Shift (Mixed Effects)

Overview: The CoinMarketCap Altcoin Season Index still favors Bitcoin (“Bitcoin Season”), but Tezos has gained 25% over the past 30 days (+13.88% weekly), showing selective investor interest. The Fear & Greed Index improved to Neutral (49, up from 29 last week), which reduces selling pressure.

What this means: While there isn’t a broad rally in altcoins, Tezos benefits from growing interest in real-world asset (RWA) tokenization projects like Uranium.io and its reputation for stable governance.

Risk: Bitcoin’s dominance remains high at 58.2%, which could limit altcoin gains if overall market sentiment worsens.

Conclusion

Tezos’ recent price increase is driven by a combination of technical momentum, Etherlink’s scaling improvements, and cautious investor rotation into altcoins. Although some indicators suggest the price might pull back soon, maintaining levels above $0.60 could push Tezos toward its yearly highs.

Key factors to watch: Etherlink’s TVL growth and Bitcoin’s price movements—if Bitcoin dominance falls below 58%, Tezos could see accelerated gains.

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