Bitcoin is losing momentum as it trades below the $76,500 level. This slowdown has caused many investors to rethink their next move, especially as short-term gains in BTC become harder to come by. When Bitcoin cools, attention often turns to smaller, cheaper cryptocurrencies. These assets can offer higher upside potential, especially when they are still trading under $1 and remain under the radar.
As the market turns away from Bitcoin, investors are now targeting a cheap cryptocurrency that some analysts say is positioned for stronger growth as the next phase of the crypto market develops.
Bitcoin (BTC)
Bitcoin is currently struggling to maintain its position as it trades around $76,400 per BTC. The market capitalization remains huge, at over $1.7 trillion, making it a heavy asset to move. For a simple doubling in price, Bitcoin would need billions of dollars of new capital to flow into the system.
This massive size has created a scenario in which significant gains become much more difficult to achieve for latecomers. Technical charts show that Bitcoin encountered intense resistance zones at $94,000 and $101,000 during its previous rally attempts. This six-figure psychological barrier has proven to be a major obstacle for the bulls.
Many analysts now view the crypto king as a maturing asset that acts more like digital gold than a high-growth tech play. Some recent predictions even suggest that if Bitcoin fails to hold its current support, it could fall back towards $73,000 or lower in the coming months. This lack of aggressive bullish momentum has investors looking for cheap cryptocurrencies under $1 with more room to grow.
Mutuum Finance (MUTM)
Mutual Finance aims to solve the problem left by slow-moving crypto assets by creating a modern lending ecosystem. The protocol is based on a Peer-to-Contract model, in which users deposit funds into shared liquidity pools. When someone deposits an asset such as USDT, they receive mtTokens in return. These mtTokens act like a digital receipt and automatically increase in value over time.
The return comes from borrowers repaying interest to the pool. This interest is directly reflected in the mtToken balance. For example, depositing 1,000 USDT generates mtUSDT which earns APY without the user needing to manage the position. This makes passive income simple and hands-off for lenders.
Beyond bulk lending, the protocol is also designed to support a Peer-to-Peer lending model for custom agreements. This setup allows lenders and borrowers to set their own terms, interest rates, and loan structures. It is particularly useful for assets that are more volatile or unsuitable for standard pools.
Risk is managed through clear loan-to-value ratios. Stable assets allow borrowing up to 80% of the value of the collateral. To protect lenders, the system relies on automated liquidation mechanisms. If collateral falls below safe levels, positions are liquidated to maintain the protocol’s solvency and ensure repayments.
Milestones and Safety
Mutuum Finance funding has reached incredible heights with over $20.2 million raised since its launch in early 2025. This massive support is backed by a community of over 19,000 individual holders who have joined the ecosystem. A key part of this trust comes from the project’s focus on transparency and high-level security.
Mutuum Finance succeeded carried out a complete security audit with Halborn Security. This company is known for reviewing some of the biggest projects in the blockchain space. The audit verified that lending, borrowing and liquidation smart contracts are robust and ready for public use.
The project also maintains a high score of 90/100 from CertiK, which adds another level of confidence for new participants. To keep the community active, the protocol offers a 24-hour ranking system. This competition rewards the best daily contributor with a bonus of $500 in tokens.
This daily incentive helped maintain a consistent flow of activity throughout the year. The entry process has been made very simple as users can secure their tokens via multiple payment methods. This includes major cryptocurrencies and even a direct card payment option that removes barriers for those new to the digital asset space.
V1 success and road ahead
THE the biggest news because the protocol is the official launch of the Protocol V1 on the Sepolia testnet. This milestone occurred on January 27, 2026 and marks the transition from a concept to a working technology. Users are now actively testing core functionality such as creating mtTokens and borrowing testnet assets.
This live status moved the pre-sale stages even faster than before. Phase 6 sold out in record time, pushing the project into its current Phase 7. During this stage, the price of one MUTM token is only $0.04. This is a limited window as the official launch price is confirmed at $0.06.
Looking ahead, the team has already outlined plans for an over-collateralized stablecoin. This asset will be backed by the interest-bearing collateral held under the protocol, providing even more utility to borrowers.
Analysts believe this technical expansion could be a major catalyst for token appreciation as the ecosystem matures. Based on current growth trends and the successful launch of the V1 protocol testnet, experts have released a multi-year price prediction for MUTM. Many investors believe that when these lending markets and stable features fully take off, the token could reach a short-term target between $0.25 and $0.45.
As Bitcoin continues to struggle with its high valuation, the momentum behind Mutuum Finance is reaching its peak. The combination of a working protocol, verified audits, and a clear path to mainnet makes it a prime target for those looking for growth potential in 2026.
For more information on Mutuum Finance (MUTM), visit the links below:
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