As Donald Trump prepares to return to the Oval Office next month, the cryptocurrency market is abuzz with excitement. With Trump’s strong pro-crypto stance and potential regulatory shifts, certain cryptocurrencies are positioned for massive gains in the near future. If you’re an investor or simply someone looking to get into the crypto world, now might be the perfect time to watch some key coins that could skyrocket once Trump takes office.
Here are 4 coins to keep an eye on in the lead-up to Trump’s inauguration, and why they could lead you to financial success in 2025:
1. Bitcoin (BTC): The Market Leader Ready for Big Moves
Why Watch Bitcoin?
Bitcoin has long been the undisputed leader in the cryptocurrency space, and its price could soar even higher under Trump’s administration. As the first cryptocurrency to gain widespread adoption, Bitcoin stands to benefit from potential policies that support its growth, including institutional backing and governmental acceptance. The rise of pro-crypto policies under Trump’s leadership could provide the perfect environment for Bitcoin to reach new heights.
Current Price (January 2025): $98,795 Target Price for Q1 2025: $150,000+
With increasing institutional interest and a potentially favorable regulatory environment, Bitcoin could break new records, pushing past the $125,000 mark and perhaps even hitting $150,000 in 2025.
2. Ethereum (ETH): The Backbone of DeFi and dApps
Why Watch Ethereum?
Ethereum is the backbone of decentralized applications (dApps) and decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms. As Trump’s policies potentially encourage the growth of blockchain and cryptocurrency innovations, Ethereum could see significant adoption by developers, businesses, and financial institutions. Ethereum’s ability to power smart contracts and decentralized applications places it in an excellent position to benefit from regulatory clarity and more favorable market conditions.
Current Price (January 2025): $3,661 Target Price: $5,000+
If Ethereum benefits from increased institutional investment and policy support, its price could see a surge towards the $5,000 mark, potentially making it a prime investment choice for 2025.
3. Ripple (XRP): The Cross-Border Payment Solution
Why Watch Ripple?
Ripple has become a go-to cryptocurrency for cross-border payments and remittances, and its potential for growth is enormous. With regulatory uncertainty clouding its future, XRP could finally find clarity and support under Trump’s administration. If Trump moves forward with policies that favor blockchain adoption and facilitate better regulation of the crypto market, XRP’s growth potential could be unlocked.
Current Price (January 2025): $2.41 Target Price: $10
XRP’s role in revolutionizing cross-border payments positions it for potential explosive growth, and a rise to $10 could be within reach if the regulatory landscape becomes more favorable.
4. Polygon (MATIC): Scalable Solutions for dApp Development
Why Watch Polygon?
Polygon has been making waves with its scalable solutions for decentralized applications, offering a platform for developers to build faster and more affordable dApps. With growing interest in blockchain technology, particularly in DeFi, Polygon could see tremendous growth under Trump’s policies that support blockchain adoption. If blockchain projects experience a boom under the new administration, MATIC could see explosive growth.
Current Price (January 2025): $1.17 Target Price: $3+
Polygon’s scalability solutions and growing adoption could propel MATIC toward a price of $3 or higher in the coming months, making it a cryptocurrency to watch closely.
Bonus Coin: Fartcoin (FRT): A Meme Coin with Surprising Potential
Why Watch Fartcoin?
Meme coins often garner attention for their speculative nature, and Fartcoin (FRT) is no exception. Despite being a meme coin, Fartcoin has garnered a cult following and could see sudden, massive price swings as part of the meme coin phenomenon. While investing in meme coins comes with inherent risks, Fartcoin has shown the potential for impressive returns, with some speculators eyeing it for 100x gains.
Current Price (January 2025): $0.0001 Target Price: $0.01
While highly volatile and risky, Fartcoin is a speculative coin that could yield extraordinary returns in a short period. However, approach with caution and only invest what you’re prepared to lose.
Final Thoughts: Get Ready for the Crypto Boom!
As Trump’s inauguration approaches, the cryptocurrency market could be on the verge of a major rally. With policies that may favor digital currencies, now is the perfect time to research and position yourself for potential overnight riches. Whether you’re looking at Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Polygon, or even the speculative Fartcoin, these cryptocurrencies have the potential to see massive gains in the months to come.
Disclaimer: This is not financial advice. Always conduct your own research and consult with a professional before making any investment decisions. Cryptocurrency investments are highly speculative and come with significant risk.
By keeping a close eye on these coins and the market shifts following Trump’s return to office, you could set yourself up for success in 2025. Keep an eye on the news, track the regulatory changes, and prepare to take action when the market is ready for its next big move.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by our writers are their own and do not represent the views of U.Today. The financial and market information provided on U.Today is intended for informational purposes only. U.Today is not liable for any financial losses incurred while trading cryptocurrencies. Conduct your own research by contacting financial experts before making any investment decisions. We believe that all content is accurate as of the date of publication, but certain offers mentioned may no longer be available.
Typical of every New Year, analysts predict different assets in the cryptocurrency ecosystem. Usually, the projections rely on technical analysis, historical precedence and ongoing market dynamics. However, Ethereum (ETH) has received an unusual prediction that anticipates a bullish 2025 for the altcoin.
Pectra upgrade: Leap in functionality and efficiency
Stani Kulechov, co-founder of Aave, highlighted some key developments to watch out for in the Ethereum blockchain in a post on X. Notably, Kulechov believes the coming Pectra upgrade could enhance price action in 2025.
Ethereum will have a great start for 2025.
The Pectra upgrade will enable EOAs to function like smart contracts, making smart wallets scalable and bringing better UX and safety for users.
The introduction of blob spaces will significantly enhance scalability. These will… pic.twitter.com/x1IFUgTlzJ
— Stani (@StaniKulechov) January 1, 2025
Related
He insists that Pectra, whose implementation would commence this first quarter, could enhance the network’s scalability, user experience and security.
Kulechov emphasizes that Pectra will allow externally owned accounts (EOAs) to function like smart contracts. EOAs, like regular wallets, have limited functions when sending and receiving funds. They are unable to execute complex logic or interact like smart contracts.
However, the Pectra upgrade would help the protocol overcome these hurdles. This will improve interaction with decentralized apps (dApps), provide stronger security and improve user experience.
Additionally, Ethereum’s introduction of “blob spaces” will shift the dynamics regarding limits on the Consensus Layer, allowing for efficient data storage. This will benefit not only the Ethereum mainnet but all Layer 2. It will enhance a more efficient network capable of handling more transactions at lower cost.
Vision for broader Ethereum adoption
These points highlighted by Kulechov will position Ethereum for broader adoption and performance in 2025 and beyond. More adoption could ignite a price rally for the altcoin, which is already gaining traction among institutional investors.
Related
Kulechov’s prediction, however, was silent on possible price projections for ETH.
As of this writing, ETH trades at $3,334.55, a 2.55% decline in the past 24 hours. While many are indecisive about how Ethereum’s price could turn out, Mike Novogratz’s Galaxy Research predicts the coin could soar to $6,000 this year.
Costco opened its first location in Seattle in 1983, building off Price Club’s warehouse format.
Today’s company is the product of a 1993 merger between Costco and Price Club, which opened in 1976.
Costco provided Business Insider with historical photos of the chain’s inaugural warehouse.
Costco is a staple of the big-box-store landscape. Since its beginning in 1983, it has attracted a devoted flock of members thanks to its low prices and bulk sizes.
But the wholesale retailer’s origin story is a bit complicated.
The Costco of today is in fact the result of a 1993 merger between Costco and its predecessor, Price Club, which was founded in 1976 by legendary entrepreneur Sol Price.
Costco provided Business Insider with a number of photos of the company’s first warehouse from 1983.
These images provide a glimpse into what making a Costco run would’ve looked like back when Ronald Reagan was in the White House.
The Undertaker dominated the WWE for 30 years. His feuds against the likes of Kane, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Triple H, Shawn Michaels, and more placed him in the upper echelons of this industry. There’s no denying that the tales involving ‘Taker are the stuff of legend.
Speaking during a recent episode of What Were They Thinking? on Backstage Pass, JBL recalled an unbelievable story about The Undertaker in Iraq. The Hall of Famer said they had their pictures taken inside Saddam Hussain’s palace during their tour of Baghdad, Iraq:
“I mean, we, we stayed in Saddam Hussein’s palace. There’s a famous picture of me and Undertaker on Saddam Hussein’s throne. There it is, Palace.” [09:33 onwards]
Elsewhere on the podcast, JBL revealed he and The Undertaker were asked to play golf by US soldiers on Saddam Hussein’s porch during WWE’s visit to Iraq in the 2000s:
“We’re in Saddam Hussein’s palace and Iraq. We rarely, we rarely ever stayed in the Green Zone. We always stayed in the forward operating bases. And so I got Undertaker and I say, you want to be part of this? I think, and I don’t know what’s going on, but something’s happening. And the soldier had gotten a bunch of golf balls from the USO and got us out on Hussein’s porch and said, would you guys hit some golf balls with us? And I say, you Dang right, I will. As one of the best days of my life, we sat out there and hit golf balls on Saddam Hussein’s porch into his lake.” [From 25:45 onwards]
While JBL didn’t reveal who won the game of golf, the former WWE Champion seemingly had a great time.
Subscribe to Backstage Pass for more shows and exclusive content like the What Were They Thinking? podcast.
Qtum is a scalable Proof-of-Stake blockchain platform that merges the best features of Bitcoin and Ethereum, providing a decentralized and energy-efficient solution with capabilities for high transaction speeds. The platform offers unique decentralized governance with adjustable parameters, supporting industry standards like ERC20 tokens and NFTs without imposing significant gas fees. Additionally, with Janus, developers can effortlessly transition their solidity-based applications to Qtum.
In this post, we will learn more about the Qtum blockchain and Qtum price prediction from 2025 to 2030.
We shall also look into Qtum’s journey, exploring its price history from 2017 to 2023, assessing its past performance, and examining its potential as an investment. We’ll also consider its compatibility with emerging technologies, its role in decentralized finance (DeFi), and its contributions to the Internet of Things (IoT) and supply chain management.
By the end of this journey, you’ll be equipped with a comprehensive understanding of Qtum and its potential as a cryptocurrency investment. So, let’s begin by unraveling the intricate story of Qtum’s price history and predictions.
About QTUM
Name
Qtum
Token
QTUM
Price (as of 01st January 2025)
$2.99
Circulating Supply
105,463,034 QTUM
Total Supply
107,822,406 QTUM
Maximum Supply
107,822,406 QTUM
Circulating market cap
$315,570,851
Fully diluted market cap
$322,630,660
Website
Click here
ATH
$106.88
ATL
$0.77
What is Qtum?
Qtum is a blockchain platform that seeks to combine the best of both Bitcoin and Ethereum. It was designed to address the limitations of these two popular blockchain technologies. Qtum leverages a unique blend of proof-of-stake and proof-of-work consensus mechanisms to provide a secure and efficient ecosystem for decentralized applications (DApps).
One of Qtum’s key features is its compatibility with Ethereum’s smart contracts, allowing developers to create and deploy DApps using popular programming languages like Solidity. However, Qtum enhances Ethereum’s capabilities by incorporating the UTXO (Unspent Transaction Output) model from Bitcoin, which helps increase security and allows for compatibility with Bitcoin-based applications. The Qtum blockchain is open-source, making it accessible to developers who want to build on its platform. It also offers an easy-to-use development environment with various tools and resources.
Qtum’s native cryptocurrency, QTUM, is used for network transactions, smart contract execution, and staking within the ecosystem. It plays a vital role in securing the network and incentivizing participants. Qtum aims to facilitate the adoption of blockchain technology by providing a versatile and user-friendly platform suitable for various applications, from finance to the Internet of Things.
What is QTUM Token?
The Qtum token, often denoted as QTUM, is the native cryptocurrency of the Qtum blockchain platform. It serves as a fundamental component of the Qtum ecosystem, with various crucial roles within the network.
QTUM tokens are used to pay transaction fees on the Qtum blockchain, similar to how Ether (ETH) functions on the Ethereum network. This means that users must spend QTUM to execute smart contracts, transfer assets, and perform other operations on the platform.
Additionally, QTUM tokens are vital for staking within the Qtum network. Staking is a process where token holders lock up a certain amount of their QTUM tokens as collateral to help secure the blockchain and maintain the network’s integrity. In return, participants receive rewards, further incentivizing the active participation of token holders in the network.
Staking QTUM tokens also play a role in the platform’s consensus mechanism, which combines proof-of-stake and proof-of-work. This hybrid approach ensures security and decentralization, and QTUM holders can participate in network governance decisions through voting mechanisms.
In summary, the Qtum token, QTUM, is a multifunctional digital asset that is integral to the Qtum blockchain. It serves as a means of transaction payment, a tool for network security, and a governance mechanism, all contributing to the platform’s overall functionality and utility.
Use Cases and Applications of Qtum
Blockchain technology, through platforms like Qtum, is revolutionizing various industries by providing secure, efficient, and transparent solutions. Here, we delve into Qtum’s significant impact across several key sectors:
DeFi and Financial Innovation: Qtum has become a driving force in the world of decentralized finance (DeFi). Its compatibility with Ethereum’s smart contracts has enabled the creation of lending, borrowing, and exchange platforms. This innovation has brought financial services closer to users, fostering financial inclusion and disrupting traditional financial systems.
IoT and Blockchain Integration: Qtum’s secure and efficient blockchain has found applications in the Internet of Things (IoT) sector. By providing a reliable platform for managing IoT devices and data, Qtum enhances the security and transparency of IoT networks, opening doors for safer and more efficient IoT deployments.
Supply Chain Transparency: Transparency and traceability are critical in supply chain management, and Qtum’s blockchain technology is enhancing these aspects. The platform enables the recording and verification of product provenance, reducing fraud and instilling trust in supply chain processes.
NFTs and Gaming: Qtum is making waves in the gaming industry by supporting the creation of blockchain-based games and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Gamers now enjoy secure in-game assets, while artists can tokenize their work on the Qtum blockchain, revolutionizing digital art ownership.
Government Services and Social Impact: Qtum’s versatility extends to government services and social impact projects. Transparent voting systems, secure land registries, and efficient humanitarian aid distribution are now possible with Qtum. This has the potential to improve government transparency and drive positive social change.
Benefits of Trading in QTUM
Trading in QTUM, a unique blockchain platform, offers several advantages for traders and investors. Below are some key benefits, organized into subheadings:
Diverse Investment Opportunities: Qtum provides a range of investment opportunities by offering a versatile ecosystem for various blockchain applications. Traders can explore diverse sectors, including decentralized finance (DeFi), Internet of Things (IoT), supply chain management, and more, diversifying their investment portfolio.
Strong Development Ecosystem: Qtum boasts an active and growing development community that continually enhances the platform. Traders benefit from ongoing innovation, as developers create new applications and improve existing ones, potentially increasing the value of QTUM tokens.
Compatibility with Ethereum: Qtum’s compatibility with Ethereum smart contracts allows traders to access a broader range of decentralized applications. This interoperability with Ethereum brings in more users and developers, fostering a thriving ecosystem.
Hybrid Consensus Mechanism: Qtum’s hybrid consensus mechanism combines proof-of-stake and proof-of-work, promoting network security and scalability. Traders can rely on a robust and secure blockchain while enjoying relatively fast transaction confirmations.
Staking Rewards: Traders can earn passive income by participating in Qtum’s staking mechanism. By staking QTUM tokens, traders receive rewards and contribute to network security, all while holding their investment.
Governance Participation: Qtum token holders can participate in network governance decisions by voting on proposals and upgrades. This empowers traders to have a say in the platform’s direction and development.
Liquidity and Exchange Availability: QTUM tokens are actively traded on various cryptocurrency exchanges, providing ample liquidity for traders. Easy access to trading pairs makes it convenient for traders to buy, sell, or exchange QTUM.
Where to Purchase QTUM?
If you’re looking to purchase Qtum (QTUM), you’re in luck as it is a freely tradable token available on various cryptocurrency exchanges. These exchanges offer a variety of trading pairs, including altcoins, Bitcoin, stablecoins, and even fiat currencies, making it accessible to a wide range of traders and investors.
The top exchanges for trading Qtum, where you’ll find high liquidity and a user-friendly trading experience, include OKEx, Binance, HBTC, Huobi Global, and Hydax Exchange. These platforms have a strong reputation in the cryptocurrency market and provide a secure environment for buying and selling QTUM.
Qtum Price History (2017-2023)
In the span of 2017-2023, Qtum (QTUM) has experienced significant price fluctuations, with both remarkable surges and corrections.
Initial Growth and the 2017 ICO Boom
In 2017, Qtum launched its Initial Coin Offering (ICO), starting at approximately $0.30.
During the ICO boom, Qtum’s price surged, reaching an all-time high of approximately $106.88 in January 2018.
This represented an astounding price increase of around 35,500% from its ICO price.
2018 – 2019: Corrections and Consolidation
After the ICO frenzy, Qtum’s price gradually corrected and consolidated.
It ranged from $6.12 to $42.10 throughout 2018 and 2019.
Despite the corrections, it still held a significantly higher value compared to its ICO price.
2020: Volatility Amidst Market Uncertainty
In early 2020, Qtum’s price was around $2.04.
It experienced fluctuations during the year, reaching a low of $0.77 in March.
By the end of the year, Qtum saw a notable recovery, closing at approximately $2.42.
2021: A Year of Renewed Growth
Qtum started 2021 at $3.27 and saw steady growth throughout the year.
It reached a high of $35.38 in May, marking a remarkable 981% increase from the year’s beginning.
2022 – 2023: Ups and Downs
In early 2022, Qtum’s price was at $3.22 and experienced a surge to over $4.25.
It dipped to $1.77 later in the year before closing 2022 at $1.83.
By December 2023, Qtum had rebounded to approximately $3.53, showcasing its resilience.
QTUM Price Prediction 2025, 2026 t0 2030
QTUM Price Prediction 2025
QTUM Price Prediction 2026
When
Maximum Price
Minimum Price
January 2026
$9.258
$7.466
February 2026
$7.845
$5.604
March 2026
$6.593
$5.317
April 2026
$5.142
$3.673
May 2026
$3.754
$3.027
June 2026
$3.575
$2.554
July 2026
$2.979
$2.403
August 2026
$2.207
$1.576
September 2026
$2.759
$2.225
October 2026
$3.448
$2.463
November 2026
$3.793
$3.059
December 2026
$4.248
$3.035
In 2026, QTUM is expected to experience varying price movements throughout the year. As we go ahead into January 2026, the maximum price of QTUM is forecasted to be $9.258, while the minimum price is projected at $7.466. Progressing to December 2026, QTUM’s highest price is anticipated to reach $4.248, with the lowest expected at $3.035.
QTUM Price Prediction 2027
When
Maximum Price
Minimum Price
January 2027
$5.523
$4.454
February 2027
$6.543
$4.734
March 2027
$6.025
$4.859
April 2027
$6.627
$4.124
May 2027
$7.290
$5.879
June 2027
$5.608
$4.006
July 2027
$4.486
$3.618
August 2027
$4.078
$2.913
September 2027
$5.098
$4.111
October 2027
$5.664
$4.046
November 2027
$6.797
$5.482
December 2027
$7.613
$5.438
QTUM Price Prediction 2028-2030
When
Maximum Price
Minimum Price
January 2028
$8.374
$6.753
February 2028
$7.537
$5.232
March 2028
$6.852
$5.526
April 2028
$7.787
$5.383
May 2028
$6.331
$5.106
June 2028
$5.755
$4.111
July 2028
$7.194
$5.802
August 2028
$9.281
$6.629
September 2028
$11.137
$8.981
October 2028
$10.124
$7.232
November 2028
$10.226
$8.246
December 2028
$11.453
$8.180
January 2029
$10.327
$8.328
February 2029
$12.149
$8.678
March 2029
$13.364
$10.777
April 2029
$15.910
$11.364
May 2029
$17.293
$13.946
June 2029
$19.022
$13.587
July 2029
$18.116
$14.610
August 2029
$15.097
$10.784
September 2029
$15.248
$12.297
October 2029
$19.060
$13.614
November 2029
$19.441
$15.678
December 2029
$19.830
$14.164
January 2030
$20.966
$16.908
February 2030
$23.063
$16.473
March 2030
$22.176
$17.884
April 2030
$18.480
$13.200
May 2030
$18.849
$15.201
June 2030
$17.136
$12.240
July 2030
$22.276
$17.965
August 2030
$22.499
$16.071
September 2030
$18.849
$15.201
October 2030
$22.619
$16.157
November 2030
$21.542
$17.373
December 2030
$19.584
$13.988
As we progress through the years, the projected prices for QTUM Token are expected to show notable fluctuations. In 2028, the maximum price is anticipated to reach $11.453, while the minimum price could be $4.111. Moving into 2029, the maximum price is forecasted at $19.830, with a minimum of $8.328. By 2030, the QTUM Token is expected to see a maximum price of $23.063, while the minimum price may settle at $12.240.
QTUM Price Prediction Summary in INR 2026-2030
When
Maximum Price
Minimum Price
2026
₹793.07
₹134.98
2027
₹652.02
₹249.48
2028
₹980.89
₹352.09
2029
₹1,698.34
₹713.25
2030
₹1,975.23
₹1,048.29
The price of QTUM Token in INR is projected to fluctuate significantly each year. In 2026, the maximum price is expected to reach ₹793.07, while the minimum may be ₹134.98. In 2027, the maximum price could be ₹652.02, with a minimum of ₹249.48. By 2028, the maximum price is anticipated to rise to ₹980.89, while the minimum may stand at ₹352.09. For 2029, the maximum price is forecasted at ₹1,698.34, with a minimum of ₹713.25. Finally, in 2030, the maximum price is expected to peak at ₹1,975.23, while the minimum could settle at ₹1,048.29.
FAQs
What is the price prediction of QTUM in 2025?
Qtum’s price in 2025 is expected to surge from $3.990 in January to $9.721 in December.
What is the price prediction of QTUM in 2030?
Throughout 2030, Qtum (QTUM) is predicted to experience price fluctuations, ranging from $12.240 in June to $23.063 in February, showing both volatility and upward momentum.
How does Qtum differ from Bitcoin and Ethereum?
Qtum distinguishes itself by combining Bitcoin’s security and simplicity with Ethereum’s EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine) for smart contract functionality. This hybrid approach aims to offer a more secure and scalable platform for DApps.
How can I store my QTUM tokens securely?
You can store your QTUM tokens in compatible wallets such as Qtum Core (the official wallet), Ledger Nano S (a hardware wallet), Trust Wallet (a mobile wallet), and other trusted cryptocurrency wallets to ensure their security.
What is Qtum staking, and how does it work?
Qtum staking involves locking up your QTUM tokens to support the network’s security and consensus. In return, you earn staking rewards. Stakers validate transactions and create new blocks, helping secure the network.
Can I build decentralized applications (DApps) on Qtum?
Yes, Qtum supports DApp development with its Ethereum-compatible EVM. This allows developers to build and deploy DApps with ease.
Can I use Qtum for DeFi activities?
Yes, Qtum is integrated into several DeFi projects, offering lending, borrowing, and trading services. It plays a role in providing decentralized financial solutions.
Is Qtum compatible with NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens)?
Qtum supports NFT creation and trading, making it a platform for digital collectibles and art. It allows artists and creators to tokenize their unique content.
Also read:
Conclusion: Is QTUM a Good Investment?
Analyzing the future price predictions for Qtum from 2025 to 2030 reveals several key insights that can inform an investment perspective:
Qtum stands out as a promising blockchain platform that merges the best features of Bitcoin and Ethereum, offering a versatile ecosystem for decentralized applications (DApps). Its unique blend of proof-of-stake and proof-of-work consensus mechanisms ensures security, scalability, and energy efficiency, making it an attractive choice for developers and investors alike. As we’ve explored its price history from 2017 to 2023 and looked into future price predictions from 2025 to 2030, it’s evident that Qtum has shown resilience amidst market fluctuations, with potential for substantial growth in the coming years. With its compatibility with emerging technologies, contributions to decentralized finance (DeFi), and applications in various sectors like IoT and supply chain management, Qtum presents exciting opportunities for those looking to explore the world of blockchain technology and cryptocurrency investments.
Dec 31, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Devon Toews (7) bases the puck Winnipeg Jets left wing Alex Iafallo (9) in the second period at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Casey Mittelstadt scored the go-ahead goal in the third period as the Colorado Avalanche beat the Winnipeg Jets 5-2 in Denver on Tuesday night.
Artturi Lehkonen, Devon Toews, Mikko Rantanen and Ross Colton also scored, Josh Manson and Jonathan Drouin each had two assists and Mackenzie Blackwood turned away 20 shots for Colorado, which has won five in a row.
Gabriel Vilardi and Rasmus Kupari had goals and Eric Comrie made 33 saves for Winnipeg, which had its four-game winning streak snapped.
Jets defenseman Dylan DeMelo limped off the ice and into the locker room after getting hit with a shot late in the third period.
The Avalanche outshot the Jets 25-17 through the first two periods before Mittelstadt deflected Manson’s shot by Comrie at 7:22 of the third to break a 2-2 tie.
It was Mittelstadt’s first goal since Nov. 18 at Philadelphia, a span of 19 games, and just his sixth point in 13 December games.
Comrie came off for an extra skater with 2:06 remaining and Rantanen scored into the empty net at 18:31 to ice it. Nathan MacKinnon got the assist for his NHL-best 61st point.
Colton added another empty-net goal at 19:53 to cap the scoring.
Lehkonen got the Avalanche on the scoreboard at 11:51 of the first period when he deflected Manson’s shot from the point as he was being checked by Logan Stanley.
Colorado carried the play for much of the second period, but the Jets got the first goal of the frame when Morgan Barron sent a pass to the far side of the crease and Kupari tipped it over Blackwood’s left pad at 10:20.
The Avalanche got the lead back later in the second. Cale Makar, who shook off a puck hitting his skate minutes earlier, passed diagonally through the slot to Toews in the left circle. Toews whiffed on his shot, getting Comrie off-balance, and then poked the puck through his pads at 16:37.
Winnipeg again tied it before the second intermission when Vilardi roofed a loose puck in the crease over Blackwood’s left shoulder at 18:32.
If you plan to diversify your portfolio in light of recent events, investing in gold stocks could be a good choice. Gold stocks not only track the movements of gold prices that tend to rise in uncertain times, but they also generally gain value in a rising stock market.
Gold stocks could serve as a hedge to stocks you hold from other economic sectors. Gold stocks can also be traded speculatively in the current economic environment.
Keep in mind that gold stocks can vary considerably in price and investment quality, ranging from highly-rated stocks to pink-sheet penny stocks. The best gold stocks for your portfolio will depend on your risk tolerance and financial objectives.
Quick Look at the Best Gold Stocks:
Overview
Newmont Corporation (NYSE: NEM) is the world’s largest gold mining stock. The Greenwood Village, Colorado-based company was incorporated in 1921 after being founded in 1916 by William Boyce Thompson. The company employs 24,000 people worldwide.
Barrick Gold Corp. (NYSE: GOLD) is one of the largest gold mining companies in the world and is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The company was founded by Peter Munk and was listed as a publicly-traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange in 1983.
Kirkland Lake Gold (NYSE: KL) is based in Toronto and was founded by Brian Hinchcliffe and Harry Dobson in 1994. The company began operations as Brimstone Gold Corporation, growing through key acquisitions such as Foxpoint Resources in Vancouver and Kirkland Lake in Ontario.
Best Online Brokers for Gold Stocks
You can buy gold stock through virtually any broker with access to major stock exchanges. Commission-free trading is also offered at many online stock brokerages. Some of the top U.S. brokers that you might consider when trading include: E*TRADE, T.D. Ameritrade, Charles Schwab or Interactive Brokers.
Features to Look for in a Gold Stock
A strong balance sheet: As with stocks in general, a strong balance sheet with consistent earnings per share growth would qualify a stock for consideration. The balance sheet will also indicate the amount of cash on hand and the amount of debt outstanding. A miner needs cash flow to find more gold and to maintain the gold it holds in reserves, while more cash also generally indicates lower debt.
Location of mining operations: Most investment-grade mining companies operate multiple mines in their base country, as well as in other countries where the company owns an interest in mines and mining operations. Mines operated abroad could be at risk for a number of reasons, including geopolitical concerns, although most mining companies work with the governing bodies of the countries where their mines are located. Ideally, mines located abroad should be in politically stable countries in order to mitigate geopolitical risks.
Solid operating margins: In the gold mining business, the better the margins, the higher the cash flow. The margins for gold miners tend to improve as the gold price trends higher, thereby fueling further upside in the price of gold stocks.
Is Now the Time to Buy?
The gold mining sector has been one of the few segments of the overall economy that managed to gain value during the COVID-19 world health crisis. The gains in gold stocks can be attributed to the surge in the price of gold, with many companies adjusting to temporary mine closings all over the world. Remember, though, that certain stocks could suffer for reasons not related to the industry. Plus, the gold industry is not perfect, and it could run into slumps from time to time.
Buying gold stock with gold at current levels makes sense if the price of gold holds strong and may present additional opportunities if the price of gold sells off.
If you are looking for stocks by price, be sure to take a look at our other pages covering stocks by price.
If you are looking buy gold stocks check out the Benzinga online broker rankings.
Or, check out some of our other favorites:
Read also: BEST GOLD PENNY STOCKS
A
Typically, gold holds its value, so gold stocks are considered a good investment.
A
Gold is easy to invest in, so yes, investing in gold is a great investment for beginners.
A
Investing in gold is always a good investment if you are looking to balance your portfolio.
In some ways, 2024 began and ended in the exact same spot, with Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs on top of the football world. They were the road warriors in January as they muscled their way to their second straight Super Bowl championship. And as the clock ticks down on the calendar year, they sure look like good bets to win their third.
But while the Chiefs hovered over the league all year long, they didn’t always dominate the headlines across the country. The last 12 months were full of surprises (Sam Darnold can still play?), disappointments (everything about the New York Jets), and absolutely shocking developments (Bill Belichick is coaching where?).
Here’s a look at the Top 10 NFL Storylines of the Year:
1. The Chiefs’ dynasty still dominates the NFL
After the New England Patriots wrapped up their long dynasty in 2018, and Tom Brady won one more title for the road while in Tampa two years later, the rest of the NFL figured it finally had a chance to win championships of their own.
Then the Kansas City Chiefs came along.
And while their run of dominance hasn’t quite reached Patriot levels yet, it’s on its way and showed no signs of slowing down in 2024. They reached their sixth straight AFC Championship Game in January and won it for the second straight time (beating Baltimore 17-10). That sent them to their fourth Super Bowl in five years, where they beat the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 in an overtime thriller to make them the first team to win back-to-back Super Bowl championships in 19 years.
They haven’t looked quite as dominant this fall, but that hardly has mattered much. They’re 14-1, and on the verge of clinching the top seed in the AFC. And as long as quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ ankle is healthy, he and Chiefs coach Andy Reid might be well on their way to becoming the first team in Super Bowl history to three-peat.
Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs won their second straight Super Bowl in 2024.
2. The Motown Miracle: Dan Campbell turns Lions into a title contender.
When Dan Campbell was hired in Detroit and promised to build a team willing to “bite a kneecap off” to win, few around the NFL thought either the biting or winning would happen — certainly not so soon. And while its unclear if any kneecaps have actually been bitten, the winning sure did arrive in Detroit this year.
Campbell not only took them to their first playoff game in seven years back in January, but he led them to their first NFC Championship Game since 1991. They even led that game 24-7 at the half before falling to the 49ers 34-31.
This season they have looked like a Team of Destiny and arguably the most dangerous team in the NFL. They are 13-2 and battling for the NFC’s top seed. They are one of the favorites to reach their first Super Bowl ever and their first NFL championship game of any kind since they last won it all, 67 years ago.
Dan Campbell has led a Lions resurgence in Detroit.
3. A running back revival: Saquon Barkley gets Philly its money’s worth
After hearing for years about running backs being devalued around the NFL, and how general managers and coaches viewed many of them as replaceable, Saquon Barkley finally got the contract he wanted. He left the New York Giants to sign with the Philadelphia Eagles for three years and $37.75 million (with $26 million guaranteed) in March.
Then he spent the season showing everyone why he was worth every penny. Through 15 games, he has led the NFL with 1,838 rushing yards — already more than 500 past his previous career high. He’s had at least 100 rushing yards in 10 of 15 games and has 2,114 total yards. He’s been the engine of a powerful and revived Eagles offense and is threatening to become the first running back to win the NFL MVP award in 12 years.
It’s too early to tell if he’s proven to anyone that it’s wise to spend money on running backs. But he sure has proven it was wise for the Eagles to spend money on him.
Saquon Barkley has sparked the Eagles since signing as free agent.
4. Bill Belichick snubbed by the NFL, then goes back to school
There were eight head coaching jobs open in January, representing a full one-quarter of NFL teams. And standing right there in the pool of candidates, for everyone to see, was the man that many consider to be the greatest NFL coach of all time.
Yet only one franchise brought him in for an interview, and the Atlanta Falcons still passed Belichick over for Raheem Morris. The Washington Commanders gave him some thought, but didn’t bring him in for an interview. The other six stayed relatively far away.
Maybe they didn’t like that he’s 72 years old. Maybe they thought his eight Super Bowl rings were just too gaudy. Whatever it was, Belichick was left jobless. And that eventually led him to do what seemed unthinkable one year ago: He went back to college, becoming the new head coach at the University of North Carolina.
So with 333 wins (including playoffs, just 14 shy of Don Shula’s record, Belichick’s NFL days are officially over.
At least for now.
Bill Belichick decided to continue his coaching career in college instead of the NFL.
5. Jim Harbaugh finally has his successful return to the NFL
He had been the NFL’s white whale, of sorts, ever since he left the league in 2015 after a wildly successful four-year run with the San Francisco 49ers. It seemed like he was flirting with a return to the league during every one of his nine years at the University of Michigan. At the very least, he entered every offseason at the top of several NFL wish lists.
It took until this year, though, in the wake of an NCAA championship, for the Los Angeles Chargers to finally hook him and reel him back in. And Harbaugh hasn’t disappointed. He took over one of the most underachieving teams in the league and immediately had them punching above their weight class. They are 9-6 through 15 weeks and a virtual lock to make the playoffs.
And with a tough defense, Justin Herbert at quarterback, and most importantly, Harbaugh calling the shots, the Chargers are one of the teams no one in the AFC wants to face.
Jim Harbaugh has the Chargers heading in the right direction in his first year with the team.
6. Lamar Jackson wins second MVP, makes run at a third
The Baltimore Ravens quarterback began 2024 by leading his team to the AFC Championship Game, where they ran up against the Kansas City Chiefs dynasty. But at least that freed him up to accept his second NFL MVP award, which he won in a landslide a few weeks later.
He’s not the favorite to win it again this year — that honor goes to Bills quarterback Josh Allen — but maybe Lamar Jackson should be. He’s actually had an even better season in 2024 than he did in 2023. Through 15 games, he’s thrown for 3,787 yards and 37 touchdown passes, which are both career highs. And he’s only thrown four interceptions all season long. He’s also run for 765 yards.
A few more big games down the stretch and he might be a real threat to become the seventh player in NFL history to win the MVP award three times — quite a feat considering he’s still only 27 years old.
Lamar Jackson joined a select group with his second NFL MVP.
7. Jets’ Aaron Rodgers experiment implodes
The Jets put everything they had into Aaron Rodgers when they acquired him in 2023, only to watch disaster strike when he tore his Achilles just four plays into that season. But 2024 was going to be their long-awaited revenge season. Rodgers was healthy and they were ready to finally end, at the very least, their 13-year postseason drought.
Now, of course, it’s 14 years and counting after a forgettable, dysfunctional season for both the team and the quarterback. Rodgers, with the exception of a few brief flashes, has been a shell of his former self. His 41-year-old body has been beaten down by injuries and he’s looked like an old man hanging on too long. He struggled so much that the Jets fired both their coach and general manager, and surely have to think about firing Rodgers before paying him the $35 million option bonus he’s due in 2025.
Rodgers’ reputation has taken a beating along the way too, with everything from his decision to skip minicamp to his public airing of grievances to his embrace of conspiracy theories. He might want to play next season, but the Jets need a new beginning, not more of his sad end.
The Aaron Rodgers experiment in New York has not gone to plan.
8. The Rise of the Rookie QBs (especially in Washington, D.C.)
Quarterbacks were taken 1-2-3 in the NFL Draft back in April. Five went in the top-10 picks and six were taken in the first round overall. At the time, it seemed like a desperate and mad rush for teams trying to find hope at the sport’s most important position.
In hindsight, it looks like most of them were right.
Led by Jayden Daniels (the No. 2 overall pick) who has helped transform the Washington Commanders into an actual playoff contender – which he proved again with a wild, 5-touchdown performance in a win over the Philadelphia Eagles on Dec. 22 — it has been a terrific year (mostly) for the rookie quarterbacks. Drake Maye (No. 3) has finally ushered in a promising post-Tom Brady future in New England. And Bo Nix (something of a surprise pick at No. 12) has turned the surprising Broncos into a playoff team, too.
Yes, it’s been a down year in Chicago, but even there, the No. 1 overall pick (Caleb Williams) has shown glimpses of a brighter future. And with Michael Penix Jr. (No. 8) just getting started in Atlanta, with a blowout win over the New York Giants, only J.J. McCarthy (No. 10 and out with an injured knee) has been a non-factor this year.
So, for three of the franchises that took quarterbacks in April, this season has already been a turning point. At some point, it might be remembered that way for all six, too.
Jayden Daniels has taken the NFL by storm as a rookie.
9. Sam Darnold’s very unexpected resurrection
At age 27, Sam Darnold’s fate seemed to be as an NFL backup and a cautionary tale. Once the third overall pick in the draft (2018) with talent that had scouts drooling, he was ruined by a series of bad teams and bad coaching. He flamed out in New York with the Jets, was a disaster in Carolina, and his one year as a backup in San Francisco only led to a chance to back up with the Minnesota Vikings, too.
Then Vikings rookie J.J. McCarthy got hurt and look what happened next. Darnold came of age. He’s led the Vikings to a 13-2 record, while completing 67.2 percent of his passes for 3,776 yards and 32 touchdowns — all career highs — with only 11 interceptions. There was even some “MVP” talk earlier in the season, and he’ll surely get some votes. And now many legitimately wonder if the Vikings will reward him with a lucrative contract and let someone else see what McCarthy can do.
Somebody figures to take a multi-year shot at Darnold in the offseason, one year after nobody wanted to give him a starting job. He completely revived his career and reminded everyone that sometimes even the most talented players just need some good coaching and a little time.
Sam Darnold is making the most of his opportunity in Minnesota.
10. Cowboys redefine “all in” (by not going “in” at all)
The Cowboys just finished their third straight 12-5 season followed by their third consecutive flame-out in the postseason, when owner Jerry Jones seemingly had enough. He vowed that the Cowboys would be “all in” on 2024, setting the tone for a run at their first title in 29 years.
Except that apparently wasn’t really what he meant, as he showed in a remarkable offseason of inactivity. The Cowboys left their two biggest stars (Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb) unsigned until the last possible moment, essentially holding their salary cap space hostage. And what space they did have, they barely used — most notably in the deep and underpriced running back market where they could’ve found Derrick Henry or Josh Jacobs for an affordable song.
That set a bad tone for a season that then devolved under the weight of injuries, especially after they lost their depth while watching a parade of valuable players leave in free agency. The Cowboys are 7-8 and playing hard down the stretch, but they’ve been officially eliminated from the playoffs. Now they get to spend 2025 celebrating the 30th anniversary of their last championship season.
So the only thing they were really “all in” on was being all out.
The Cowboys’ lack of spending in the offseason has come back to haunt them.
Ralph Vacchiano is an NFL Reporter for FOX Sports. He spent the previous six years covering the Giants and Jets for SNY TV in New York, and before that, 16 years covering the Giants and the NFL for the New York Daily News. Follow him Twitter at @RalphVacchiano.
Get more from National Football LeagueFollow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
Although almost universally held to be a conflict between private interests and oaths of office, the practice of U.S. politicians trading stocks is quite widespread. The STOCK Act, passed back in 2012, is the chief piece of legislation regulating congressional trading. However, it is both violated on a regular basis and lacks a mechanism to introduce meaningful repercussions.
Members of the House of Representatives and the United States Senate have access to information that the public is not privy to. On top of that, they regulate the very industries in which they invest.
Unsurprisingly, these advantages manifest as above-average returns. In recent years, many traders have taken to copying the trades made by legislators in an effort to secure those outsized gains for themselves.
There is no shortage of suspicious trades — every once in a while, a company will announce a new product or some market-moving news will come to light — only for a disclosure released a couple of weeks later to reveal that a U.S. politician invested in the company just before the move to the upside.
Finbold has singled out two highly suspicious trades made by politicians in 2024 — we leave it to our readers to determine which is the most egregious.
Tina Smith and Tactile Systems (NASDAQ: TCMD)
On November 12, Tina Smith, the junior United States Senator from Minnesota, invested between $50,001 and $100,000 in Tactile Systems (NASDAQ: TCMD). At the time, TCMD stock was trading at $15.75 — by press time, the price of a Tactile Systems share had risen to $17.13.
While the 9.52% return that Smith secured from her investment in TCMD stock isn’t as notable as some of the gains her congressional colleagues have locked in, there are a few additional factors at play that make this a suspicious trade. The trade was executed by Smith’s husband, Archie — himself an investor who largely focuses on healthcare companies.
Tactile Systems, a low-profile, small-cap company with a market share of just $411 million, derives a significant portion of its revenue from government contracts — and the company happens to hail from Minnesota, the state that Tina Smith represents in Congress. In addition, the congresswoman serves on the Senate Committee on Health.
Nancy Pelosi’s Visa (NYSE: V) sale
Nancy Pelosi is one of the most renowned (or notorious) stock traders in Congress. The former speaker of the house tends to invest in tech companies — over the course of 2024, she has invested millions in Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) and Broadcom (NASDAQ: AVGO).
On the other hand, not all of the representative’s trades pan out — most notably, Pelosi sold Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) too early, locking in significant losses. However, in early July of 2024, the congresswoman sold 2,000 Visa (NYSE: V) shares, worth between $500,001 and $1,000,000.
That wouldn’t be suspicious on its own — except that just two months later, Visa faced an antitrust investigation from the Department of Justice (DOJ). While it’s impossible to know whether or not (and to what extent) Pelosi had an informational edge, the timing of her trade certainly seems impeccable.
Interestingly enough, the price of a Visa share has increased by 22.08% over the course of 2024 — while the DOJ case caused prices to dip, the pullback proved to be temporary.
Once all is said and done, it’s important to remember that even possessing insider knowledge doesn’t appear to be a guarantee of success — while it does provide a clear advantage, even lawmakers are caught off guard every once in a while. As for which trade was more suspicious — we leave that up to our readers.
FILE–This picture taken on December 16, 2024 shows people having their pictures taken with mascots of the Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China’s Northeastern Heilongjiang province. (Photo by ADEK BERRY / AFP)
MANILA – After winning three gold medals in the Paris Olympics, the Philippines is setting its sights on a first-ever medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
“We’ve already accomplished the dream in the Summer Olympics – three gold medals in consecutive games. And that dream we want to also achieve in the Winter Olympics,” said Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino in a news release on Wednesday.
Article continues after this advertisement
For starters, the Philippines will send 20 athletes to the 9th Asian Winter Games from Feb. 7 to 14 in Harbin, China.
READ; Team PH sends three bets to Winter Youth Olympics
There are no available accurate records as to how many Filipinos have competed in the first eight editions of the Asian Winter Games, but Tolentino believed the team to Harbin is the biggest.
Article continues after this advertisement
“And our athletes are competing in six of the 11 sports on the Harbin program,” he said.
Article continues after this advertisement
Marc Angelo Pfister, Enrico Gabriel Pfister, Christian Patrick Haller, Alan Beat Frei, Jessica Pfister, Benjo Delarmente, Kathleen Dubberstein, Leilani Dubberstein, Sheila Mariano and Anne Marie Bonache make up the team competing in curling, one of the most-watched winter sports discipline.
Article continues after this advertisement
READ: Philippines, 3 other Southeast Asian nations chase first Winter Olympics medal
The Curling Winter Sports of the Philippines, which was established late last year, joined Philippine Skating Union and Philippine Ski and Snowboarding Association in the POC roster.
Article continues after this advertisement
Other members of Team Philippines managed by chef de mission Richard Lim are Paolo Borromeo, Aleksandr Korovin, Cathryn Limketkai, Isabella Marie Gamez and Sofia Lexi Jacqueline Frank in figure skating; Francis Ceccarelli and Talullah Proulx in Alpine skiing; Laetaz Amihan Rabe in freestyle skiing; Peter Joseph Groseclose in short track speed skating and Adrian Tongco in snowboarding.
A total of 64 events will be contested in Harbin, which also hosted in 1996. China organized the 3rd Asian Winter Games in Changchun (2007).
Japan has dominated the Asian Winter Games followed by China and Kazakhstan. It hosted the first edition in Sapporo (1986) and the last edition in Sapporo and Obihiro (2017).
Meanwhile, Italy will host the 25th Winter Olympics in the cities of Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo from Feb. 6 to 22, 2026.
“The Winter Olympics are as extremely tough as the Summer Olympics, but we have proven that it could be done,” Tolentino said.
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.
Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo produced the country’s first gold medal in Tokyo (2020) and gymnast Carlos Yulo delivered two golds in Paris (2024).