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Tron (TRX) is one of the few top 20 cryptocurrencies showing positive returns this year, currently trading around $0.25 with a 12% increase year-to-date while Bitcoin is down by about 3%. This relative strength in a weak market is attracting attention. Tron, a Layer 1 blockchain known for its stablecoin usage, is primarily utilized in emerging markets, lacking significant U.S. exposure. Some investors see this limited exposure as a potential opportunity. Tron's founder, Justin Sun, has ties that may have legitimized the coin to some investors. Despite this optimism, Tron's historical performance shows its all-time high at $0.44, creating doubt in it ever reaching $1.

Recent concerns about quantum computers potentially breaking Bitcoin's security are likely premature, according to experts like Adam Back, CEO of Blockstream. The Bitcoin price experienced a slight dip, trading around $89,608 on December 15, down 0.62% in 24 hours, with the broader crypto market losing over $130 billion in value. The concerns stem from claims that quantum computers could unlock early Bitcoin wallets, but experts argue that Bitcoin uses digital signatures to prove ownership, which is different from traditional encryption. Furthermore, many early Bitcoin wallets, including those linked to Satoshi Nakamoto, haven't moved their funds, meaning there's no public key for attackers to target. While some believe the quantum threat is real and measurable, with estimates ranging from the next decade to 20-40 years away, the consensus is that Bitcoin can adapt with quantum-resistant cryptography before any serious threat materializes. Experts feel that even a worst-case scenario would result in a long adjustment period rather than the end of Bitcoin.

The Bitcoin network's ability to process transactions, known as hashrate, decreased by 8% yesterday. This drop is due to approximately 400,000 mining computers being turned off in the Xinjiang region of China. The closure of these mining operations has temporarily reduced the overall computing power of the Bitcoin network. The reason for the shutdown of these mines in China isn't completely known, but analysts say these types of events can change how quickly new blocks are created and how hard it is to mine Bitcoin.

According to crypto analyst Ali Martinez, XRP has a potential buy signal based on the TD Sequential indicator. However, this signal is contingent on XRP maintaining a price above $1.90. If XRP holds above this level, it could potentially rise to $2.50, facing resistance at $2.10, $2.15, and $2.25. Previously, Martinez cautioned that XRP could drop to $1.20 if it falls below the $2.00 support level. Another analyst, CryptoWZRD, indicated that XRP needs to overcome the $2.10 resistance to turn bullish, otherwise, it risks another price drop. Despite recent positive developments and ETF inflows, XRP's price performance has been disappointing.

An analyst, Quantum Ascend, has observed that Cardano is currently showing a similar pattern to its price movement in 2020, just before a significant price increase. This pattern is occurring within a specific price range, despite a recent downturn in the overall cryptocurrency market. The analyst's observation suggests potential upcoming price targets for Cardano.

Binance is disputing claims that it was slow to freeze funds connected to the recent Upbit hack where $30 million was stolen. South Korean authorities alleged that Binance only froze a small portion (17%) of the stolen assets, about $75,000 out of $370,000 requested, as the hackers quickly moved the funds across multiple wallets. Binance stated that they acted immediately upon identifying the incident and have been working with law enforcement to freeze related transfers and prevent further movement of funds. Upbit, in response to the hack, is moving 99% of its customer assets to cold storage for increased security.

The article indicates that Bitcoin (BTC) faces a potential pullback towards the $80,000 level. This risk is increasing because the Nasdaq's recent recovery has lost momentum. The stalled Nasdaq rebound suggests a weakening risk appetite in broader markets, which could negatively impact Bitcoin's price.

Japan is changing how it regulates cryptocurrencies, moving towards treating them more like traditional financial investments such as stocks. The Financial Services Agency (FSA) is planning to shift oversight to the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act, which is typically used for securities. This means stricter rules, particularly for initial exchange offerings (IEOs) where exchanges sell new crypto tokens. These exchanges will need to provide detailed information about the projects they are offering, including who is behind them and how the tokens are being distributed. Independent code audits will be mandatory. The FSA also intends to curb unregistered crypto platforms, explicitly ban insider trading, and require crypto exchanges to maintain reserve funds to reimburse customers in case of hacks. The FSA also plans to reclassify 105 cryptoassets as financial products and push for a tax overhaul in fiscal year 2026 reducing the current progressive crypto tax rate of up to 55% to a flat 20% capital gains tax. The government is also considering a flat 20% tax rate on crypto trading profits. The FSA is cautioning against derivatives linked to foreign crypto ETFs.

Crypto markets are expected to be volatile this week due to the release of significant economic data. Bitcoin briefly fell below $88,000 in a Sunday slump before recovering to $89,000. The week will bring October retail sales and November jobs reports on Tuesday, followed by November's Consumer Price Index (CPI) on Thursday, and the Core PCE Price Index on Friday, which is the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation measure. These reports are expected to significantly influence market expectations and Federal Reserve policy in early 2026. Ethereum remained above $3,000, but most altcoins were down.

Bitcoin's price is predicted to potentially fall below $70,000 because the Bank of Japan (BOJ) is expected to increase interest rates on December 19th. Historically, Bitcoin's price has dropped following previous BOJ rate hikes, with declines of 23% to 31%. Experts predict a similar drop of 20-30% this time. Additionally, rising Japanese bond yields, hitting levels not seen since 1998 at 2.94%, are adding to the pressure. This rise could cause Japanese investors to move investments back to Japan, potentially pulling up to $500 billion out of global markets. Bitcoin is already struggling, trading near $90,000 after reaching a peak of $126,000, and the overall crypto market has seen a significant decrease in value from $4.1 trillion to $3.05 trillion.

Curve Finance founder Michael Egorov has proposed a grant of 17.45 million CRV tokens, worth approximately $6.6 million, to Swiss Stake AG, the core development company behind Curve. The grant is intended to fund research, software development, infrastructure, and security work related to Curve's lending protocol, Llamalend, and other initiatives outlined in Swiss Stake AG's 2026 roadmap. The proposal aims to support the 25-member team at Swiss Stake AG and ensure the continuation of their contributions to the Curve ecosystem. While Swiss Stake AG has developed some revenue streams, it remains reliant on community funding to sustain its operations. If approved, Swiss Stake AG can stake a portion of the CRV and must publish biannual reports on fund usage. Separately, Vitalik Buterin commented that DeFi is maturing and becoming a viable alternative to traditional banking, citing improvements in security and usability.

The UK plans to regulate the crypto industry through the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) by 2027. This aims to treat digital assets similarly to traditional financial products while encouraging innovation. Crypto exchanges, brokers, and wallet providers will be supervised by the FCA and will need to meet standards for transparency and consumer protection. This move is driven by growing crypto adoption (around 12% of UK adults own crypto) and rising concerns about scams. New legislation also recognizes crypto as legal property that can be owned and inherited. The FCA and Bank of England are developing rules covering crypto trading, custody, and stablecoins, aiming to finalize most rules by the end of 2026. The UK is also working with the US to align crypto regulations.

Bitcoin's price is at a critical point and is expected to be significantly influenced by upcoming US economic data releases this week, specifically between December 15 and 19, 2025. The key data points to watch are the Nonfarm Payrolls report on December 16, which will give an overview of the job market, Initial Jobless Claims on December 18, indicating the number of people filing for unemployment, and the Consumer Price Index (CPI) on December 18, measuring inflation. These reports will shape expectations about the Federal Reserve's interest rate policies. A weaker than expected jobs report or jobless claims above 230,000, along with a CPI below 2.8%, could boost Bitcoin, while stronger data or a CPI above 3.2% may cause a price decrease. Additionally, a potential interest rate hike by the Bank of Japan on December 19 adds to the uncertainty and could lead to market volatility.

Doha Bank has issued a $150 million digital bond utilizing Euroclear's distributed ledger technology (DLT) platform. This marks a move by the bank into leveraging blockchain technology for bond issuances.

A New York Times report alleges that former President Donald Trump received payments as part of settlements in cryptocurrency-related legal cases. The report claims Trump was compensated to resolve these cases. Further details regarding the specific amounts, the involved cryptocurrency companies, and the nature of the legal disputes remain undisclosed in this report.

Ethereum (ETH) is still in a corrective phase and could drop below $3,000. It's currently trading around $3,100 and is struggling to break past a long-term downtrend line. Key resistance lies between $3,300 and $3,600. A break above this range is needed to signal a trend change. On the downside, support is found between $2,500 and $2,600. Analysis of leveraged positions shows a concentration of short positions above the current price, which could act as a magnet if the price gains momentum. However, there's less resistance to the downside, increasing the possibility of a price drop before any sustained increase.

Cardano (ADA) has shown a potential buy signal on its weekly chart after a period of price decline. This signal, identified by analyst Ali Martinez using the TD Sequential indicator, suggests that the selling pressure on ADA might be decreasing. However, this signal is contingent on ADA maintaining a price above $0.37. If ADA stays above this level, it could potentially move towards $0.54. Conversely, if ADA falls below $0.37, the buy signal would be invalidated, and the price could drop further to the mid-$0.30s. The broader weekly trend for Cardano remains bearish, indicating that a confirmed trend reversal has not yet occurred. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether this buy signal leads to a meaningful price recovery for ADA.

AMINA Bank, a Swiss-regulated crypto bank, has become the first European bank to utilize Ripple's payment technology. This integration enables AMINA Bank to offer its clients near-real-time cross-border transactions. The partnership aims to bridge the gap between traditional banking systems and blockchain technology, particularly for crypto-native businesses dealing with stablecoins. Ripple's payment network processes a large volume of foreign exchange transactions daily. AMINA Bank will now offer payments using Ripple USD and other stablecoins, facilitating faster payouts in multiple currencies. AMINA Bank already supports Ripple USD with custody and trading services. The bank has regulatory approvals in Switzerland, Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong, and Austria. This move positions Ripple further into regulated markets as banks seek compliant ways to integrate blockchain.

Crypto expert Neil Patel advises investors against buying Shiba Inu. He suggests it's not a good investment due to its significant price drop in recent months. Currently, Shiba Inu's value remains below $0.00001.

Japan is planning to gradually sell over $500 billion worth of ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) starting next month. This process is expected to take over a century, with sales of approximately $330 billion per year, and aims to avoid disrupting global markets. The Bank of Japan held 83 trillion yen in ETFs at market value as of September, significantly higher than their book value of 37.1 trillion yen. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank will handle the selling program. This plan coincides with broader market anxieties in Asia, influenced by AI stock selloffs and weak economic data from China. Recent economic data from Japan shows the Tankan index for big manufacturers rose to +15, but other Asia-Pacific markets experienced declines, with South Korea's Kospi falling 2.16% and China reporting weaker-than-expected retail sales growth of 1.3%.

XRP exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have exceeded $1 billion in total net assets, with inflows reaching $990.9 million. Some analysts believe that if the current rate of investment continues, XRP ETFs could see over $10 billion in inflows by 2026. Currently, five asset managers offer XRP ETFs. Despite the significant investment in XRP ETFs, the price of XRP has decreased by nearly 13% over the past month, trading around $2.00. However, some analysts suggest that the activity of large XRP holders indicates a potential upcoming price increase.

Germany's exports to China have significantly decreased, falling by 25% since 2019, while imports from China have increased, leading to a growing trade deficit estimated at 88 billion this year. This shift is prompting Germany to consider economic diversification and reduce its reliance on China. The German government is exploring measures to protect its industries, including steelmakers, and considering stricter regulations on Chinese components in critical infrastructure. Some companies are experiencing challenges as Chinese firms, supported by lower costs and subsidies, gain market share in sectors where Germany used to lead. Manufacturing output in Germany is down 14% since 2017, with job losses in industries like automotive. The government is developing a new economic-security plan to address risks associated with China, and some German leaders are advocating for fairer access to the Chinese market for European companies.

On December 15, 2025, Bitcoin's price experienced a decline during Asian trading hours due to lower trading activity typically seen at the end of the year. Despite this dip, the overall positive trend for Bitcoin is still considered to be in place. Bitcoin's price has returned to a level that has historically acted as a support point since 2023. The expectation is that as long as this level holds, the current price movement is simply a pause in momentum rather than a sign of a larger downward shift. Traders are closely monitoring this support level.

Solana (SOL) has experienced a significant downturn, becoming the worst-performing large-cap asset this quarter with a roughly 37% decrease. On-chain data indicates that both short-term and long-term holders are selling their SOL, with long-term holders showing levels of capitulation not seen since April. A major concern is the declining number of Solana validators, which have dropped approximately 68% over the past two years, leaving around 800 active nodes. This decline is attributed to the staking economics; validators now require approximately $17 million worth of SOL per block to break even, nearly triple the previous amount. This creates pressure for validators to unstake, raising concerns about the resilience of the Solana network if prices continue to decrease.

XRP is now available on multiple blockchains like Ethereum and Solana through wrapped versions, with Hex Trust launching wXRP with $100 million in initial liquidity. This move aims to increase XRP's accessibility and liquidity by integrating it with popular trading platforms and DeFi protocols. However, this expansion introduces new risks related to custodians, bridges, and smart contracts, potentially exposing users to vulnerabilities. Bridges, in particular, have been a major target for exploits, with over $1.5 billion lost in the first half of 2025. Wrapped XRP relies on custodians like Hex Trust and Coinbase to hold the underlying XRP, and failures in these systems could lead to losses. The shift from native XRP to wrapped versions involves a trade-off between increased liquidity and new layers of trust and operational complexity.

Kevin Hassett, a potential candidate for Federal Reserve chair, stated that the Fed operates independently from the White House and Donald Trump's views won't dictate interest rate policy. He emphasized that interest rate decisions are made by the FOMC based on economic data. The race for Fed chair is between Hassett and Kevin Warsh, with prediction markets showing increased uncertainty. Trump has expressed support for lower rates, but Hassett clarified that while consultation with the president can occur, the FOMC's data-driven decisions prevail. Recently, the Federal Reserve announced a 25-basis-point rate cut, which had a limited impact on markets, with equity and crypto markets remaining relatively stable. This has prompted debate about the Fed's independence, with some questioning the potential for political influence, while others defend Hassett's data-driven approach.

Copper prices rebounded by about 2% after a sharp 3% drop on Friday. The rebound is attributed to a renewed expectation of a tightening copper market in 2026. Prices on the London Metal Exchange reached $11,656.50 per ton. The prior drop was linked to a decline in tech stocks which caused concerns about future demand. The current rally is partly due to worries about potential tariffs under a future Trump administration, leading to increased copper shipments to the U.S.. This influx is draining global copper stocks, especially from the London Metal Exchange. U.S. copper inflows have jumped by roughly 650,000 tons this year. Several major mining companies have lowered their copper production targets for 2025 and 2026, further contributing to supply concerns. Deutsche Bank expects a market deficit, particularly in late 2025 and early 2026.

The UK government plans to regulate cryptocurrencies through the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) by 2027. New laws are being developed to treat digital assets similarly to traditional financial products. The government aims to establish clear rules for the crypto industry, eliminate harmful participants, and increase trust in the market. The framework will also prioritize consumer protection to create a safer environment for crypto users.

Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), and Cardano (ADA) experienced price decreases as Bitcoin faced profit-taking at the end of the year. The article indicates a broad market reaction with investors selling off some of their crypto holdings, particularly Bitcoin, potentially to secure profits before the year concludes, which in turn affected other major cryptocurrencies.

Metaplanet's CEO has announced that a critical decision regarding Bitcoin purchases will be made at an upcoming Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM). The company's stock price is currently experiencing volatility in anticipation of this decision. The EGM will be the venue where the company determines its next steps in acquiring Bitcoin.

Chinese President Xi Jinping criticized the use of fake economic data and superficial projects aimed at boosting appearances rather than fostering genuine growth. He emphasized the need for future plans to be based on real data and hold individuals accountable for prioritizing hype over actual progress. Xi Jinping stressed the importance of high-quality development that focuses on people's well-being and long-term stability, rather than short-term GDP gains. Investment in China has declined for three consecutive months, with fixed asset investment dropping 2.6% from January to November compared to the previous year. Retail sales growth has also weakened to its lowest level in three years. A major Chinese AI chipmaker, Moore Threads Technology Co., plans to deposit a large portion of its IPO proceeds into safe banking products, signaling caution in the market.

Spanish police have arrested five people and charged four others in Denmark in connection with the kidnapping and murder of a man in Spain, who was targeted for his cryptocurrency. The victim and his partner were abducted by masked gunmen who attempted to steal their cryptocurrency holdings. The woman was released, but the man was killed. Police raids in Spain and Denmark led to the seizure of weapons, electronics, and evidence. This incident highlights a growing trend of violent attacks, sometimes called "wrench attacks", against cryptocurrency holders to steal their digital assets. A report indicates that these attacks are increasing, with 35 recorded worldwide so far this year, and crypto-related crime is shifting from online exploits to real-world violence. Over $2.17 billion has been stolen from crypto services this year, with personal wallet attacks accounting for nearly a quarter of the losses. The Asia-Pacific region is particularly affected, with increased incidents reported in Japan, Indonesia, South Korea, and the Philippines.

Dogecoin's price decreased along with Bitcoin and other meme-based cryptocurrencies as traders reduced their investments in riskier assets. This suggests a general move away from higher-risk cryptocurrency investments by investors.

Bitcoin's price is hovering near $90,000, showing little movement as the year ends. It's down about 1.2% in the last 24 hours. Trading activity has slowed down because big investors are taking a break for the holidays, leading to less money flowing through the market. This follows a price drop from highs in October when Bitcoin traded above $113,000. Experts say there's less participation from both big institutions and regular individual investors. Because of this slowdown and the lack of activity, Bitcoin's price is expected to stay within a limited range until after the New Year when more investors return to the market.

Dogecoin's price has fallen below $0.14 against the US Dollar and is currently trading below $0.1380. It faces resistance around $0.1375 and $0.1400. Failure to overcome the $0.1400 resistance could lead to further declines, with potential support levels at $0.1340 and $0.1300. A break below $0.1300 could push the price down to $0.1250 or $0.1240. Conversely, if Dogecoin breaks above $0.1425, it could rise towards $0.1450 or even $0.1500.

Kevin Hassett, a potential candidate for a position at the Federal Reserve, stated that the voice of Donald Trump would not influence the Fed's decisions on interest rates. This suggests that even with political pressure, the Fed's monetary policy decisions would remain independent and based on economic data rather than political considerations.

HashKey, the largest licensed crypto exchange in Hong Kong, is pricing its initial public offering (IPO) near the top of its projected range, at HK$6.68 per share. This will raise approximately HK$1.6 billion (around $206 million). The IPO consists of 240.6 million shares. Investor demand was strong, with the top 20 institutional investors securing about 80% of the available institutional shares, and overall demand exceeding the number of shares offered. HashKey aims to be the first crypto exchange to go public in Hong Kong. The IPO's proceeds will be used to enhance HashKey's technology, infrastructure, staffing, and risk management. HashKey's stock is scheduled to begin trading in Hong Kong on Wednesday. JPMorgan Chase and Guotai Junan are the joint sponsors of the IPO.

The cryptocurrency market is anticipating a potential price increase as traders are closely watching upcoming economic data releases from the United States and Japan. Specifically, traders are awaiting the U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) data, which measures inflation, and jobless claims figures, which indicate the number of people filing for unemployment benefits. Additionally, the market is paying attention to the Bank of Japan's (BOJ) upcoming interest rate decision, which could influence global financial conditions and, indirectly, the crypto market.

XRP spot Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) have experienced 30 consecutive days of inflows. This positive trend contrasts with Bitcoin and Ether, which have not seen similar consistent inflows during the same period. The continuous inflow into XRP ETFs indicates sustained investor interest in this particular cryptocurrency asset.

Bitcoin's price has shown increased volatility in December, with the recurrence of a pattern called the "Bart Simpson pattern." This pattern, named for its resemblance to Bart Simpson's hair, involves a sharp price movement followed by a period of sideways trading, and then a quick return to the original price level. Traders have observed multiple instances of this pattern in recent weeks. Analysts suggest these patterns often occur when there isn't much liquidity in the market, potentially driven by large traders. These patterns can trap short-term traders but have limited impact on the overall long-term trend of Bitcoin.

A recent report by Bybit indicates that Ukraine, Nigeria, and Vietnam are leading the world in cryptocurrency adoption, largely due to the shortcomings of traditional financial systems in those countries. The study measured crypto use based on user numbers, transaction activity, institutional involvement, and cultural integration. While Singapore and the United States rank high overall, the most significant growth is happening in countries where crypto offers stability and access that conventional finance doesn't. In Vietnam, nearly 20% of the population uses digital assets for things like sending money, protecting against inflation, and saving. Ukraine sees crypto as a lifeline, with over $6.9 billion in stablecoins flowing through its economy, assisting with cross-border payments and value preservation during the war. Nigeria's high rate of crypto use is driven by inflation, currency devaluation, and capital controls, pushing people towards stablecoins and digital savings. Stablecoins have become the most popular crypto product globally, used for daily payments, financial stability, and as a gateway to crypto investments. Regulators in the US, Hong Kong, and the EU are developing similar rules for stablecoins, and financial institutions are starting to incorporate them into payment systems, with growing interest in stablecoins tied to local currencies.

The UK will regulate cryptocurrency markets like mainstream financial products starting in 2027, with oversight by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The new rules aim to enhance transparency, protect consumers, and enable regulators to combat wrongdoing. Legislation extending existing financial services regulations to crypto firms will be presented to Parliament soon to provide legal clarity and investor protection. Firms offering crypto services will need to register with the FCA under UK AML regulations. UK ministers also plan to ban cryptocurrency political donations due to concerns about traceability and election integrity, but this may not be included in the upcoming elections bill.

XRP's price has failed to break through the $2.00 mark for the third time, indicating a crucial moment for its near-term price direction. This repeated failure suggests that the cryptocurrency's price could either reverse its current trend or finally overcome this resistance level in the near future.

Cryptocurrency markets experienced a downturn over the last 24 hours. Layer 2 tokens saw the most significant losses, with Celestia (TIA) and Mantle (MNT) declining, while Movement (MOVE) gained value. Bitcoin decreased by 1.36%, briefly falling below $88,000 before rising above $89,000. Ethereum also faced downward pressure, nearing $3,000 before recovering above $3,100. Most sectors including DeFi, Meme, and CeFi were down, although some tokens in Layer 1, PayFi, and CeFi showed resistance to the overall market decline.

XRP's price has fallen below $2.00 and is facing resistance around $2.020. A bearish trend line is forming at this resistance level. If XRP fails to break above $2.020, it could decline further, with potential support found near $1.9650 and $1.950. A break below $1.950 could lead to further drops towards $1.920 and even $1.880. Conversely, if XRP breaks above $2.020, it could rally towards $2.050, $2.080, and potentially $2.120. The MACD indicator is bearish, and the RSI is below 50, suggesting downward momentum.

Crypto analyst ElliotTrades suggests that if you're investing $10,000 in crypto with a focus on 2026, allocate $6,000 to $7,000 to Bitcoin and related assets like MicroStrategy and Coinbase stock. He views Bitcoin as a safe, blue-chip investment. He recommends putting around $2,000 into Ethereum, anticipating its growth due to the tokenization of traditional assets. For altcoins, he advises starting with a smaller investment because their prices are currently low but could increase significantly. He suggests focusing on DeFi altcoins, particularly those that generate trading fees, as they can provide regular income. He recommends monitoring the altcoin-to-Bitcoin ratio to determine when altcoins begin to rally.

The stock market is facing uncertainty as it approaches the end of 2025. There's a debate on whether the historical 'Santa Claus rally,' a period of market gains in late December and early January, will occur. Some believe it's too well-known and therefore unlikely to happen. Concerns are also rising about the AI sector, which has significantly boosted market gains. Companies are spending huge amounts on AI, with major tech companies projected to spend over $400 billion on data centers, but a survey indicates that less than half of AI projects have yielded returns exceeding their costs. Bitcoin has also declined recently, trading around $89,460 after failing to stay above $95,000. Despite the concerns, some argue that current market valuations are not as extreme as during the dot-com bubble, and historically, the end of December has been a strong period for stocks. The success of AI investments in generating actual returns will be crucial for the market's direction in 2026.

Bitcoin dipped below $90,000 as Asian markets opened with a negative outlook, influenced by concerns about technology company earnings. The decline mirrors a broader retreat in equities, spurred by a pessimistic sales forecast from Broadcom that has shaken confidence in the artificial intelligence sector. This has raised concerns that investments in AI might not produce profits as quickly as anticipated. The overall crypto market capitalization also decreased, reflecting the risk-off sentiment. While expectations of future Federal Reserve rate cuts and a weaker dollar could typically boost crypto, the current focus is on the volatility in equity markets and doubts surrounding the sustainability of the AI boom, impacting both stock indices and digital assets.

Australia's corporate regulator, ASIC, has relaxed some rules for stablecoins and wrapped tokens to encourage innovation. Intermediaries dealing with these assets won't need separate financial services licenses for certain activities. Custody providers can now hold digital assets in omnibus accounts, similar to traditional finance, but must maintain good record-keeping. These changes follow updated guidance from October and reflect ASIC's aim to reduce regulatory hurdles as Australia develops new digital asset frameworks. The decision comes after industry consultation where most participants supported the proposed relief, leading ASIC to broaden the scope of eligible stablecoins and wrapped tokens. This move aligns Australia with other countries refining their crypto regulations.

The UK Treasury plans to introduce regulations for cryptocurrency under the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) starting in October 2027. This move aims to regulate crypto similarly to other financial products, providing consumer protection and preventing illicit activity. The FCA and the Bank of England are expected to finalize their own rules regarding crypto trading, custody, and stablecoins by the end of 2026. Around 12% of UK adults hold cryptocurrency, and digital assets are now legally recognized as property in the UK. The increase in crypto scams and the potential for unverifiable political donations are also prompting regulatory action, including a possible ban on crypto donations to political parties.

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) makers are using significant price discounts, sometimes as high as 38%, to increase their market share in Thailand. This strategy, common in China's competitive EV market, is attracting Thai consumers and businesses. EV sales have increased by over 20% in both October and November, challenging the dominance of Japanese automakers in Thailand. While these discounts are boosting sales, they are also creating market instability. Some dealers are selling cars at cost or even at a loss to meet production goals tied to government subsidies. Consumers are delaying purchases, anticipating further price drops. The Thai government offers subsidies up to 150,000 baht per vehicle to encourage local EV production, requiring manufacturers to produce three cars locally for every two imported. BYD, Changan, and Chery have established Thai plants with significant production capacities. The sustainability of this growth, driven by discounts and subsidies, remains to be seen, with concerns about long-term profitability and market stability.

XRP's price is facing potential downside risk, possibly dipping to $1.98, due to a bearish EMA ribbon pattern which has historically led to significant price drops. Despite this short-term bearish signal, institutional investment through new XRP ETFs is increasing, pulling XRP out of circulation and potentially tightening supply. These ETF inflows are nearing $1 billion, indicating strong institutional interest driven partly by greater regulatory clarity and Ripple's role in cross-border payments. However, in the immediate future, XRP's price has been slipping, and a break below the $2.00 support level could lead to further declines.

Ethereum's price has recently fallen below $3,120 and is currently trying to stabilize. There's potential for it to climb back up, aiming for above $3,200, but it needs to break through resistance around $3,175. If Ethereum can't surpass the $3,200 mark, it might drop again, with key support levels around $3,080 and then $3,050. A further drop past $3,050 could push it down to $3,000 or even $2,940. On the upside, successfully moving above $3,200 could lead to gains towards $3,250, possibly reaching $3,320 or $3,400.

XRP is currently trading around $1.98, showing a slight decrease of about 1.55% over the last day and 4.66% over the last week. Trading activity has slowed down, with volume dropping to around $1.39 billion. Analysts are watching an ascending channel support level, where there are signs of buying interest, but if it fails to hold, the price could drop further. XRP is struggling to break above several exponential moving averages, which are acting as resistance. Derivatives data shows an increase in trading volume and open interest, suggesting traders are anticipating a potential surge in volatility, with a slightly cautious short bias. The market is at a point where the next move could be significant, either up or down, depending on whether the support level holds.

Bitcoin's price experienced a correction, falling below $90,000 after failing to maintain momentum above $92,000. It found support around $87,500 and is currently attempting to recover. The immediate challenge is overcoming resistance around $90,500. A successful move above $92,000 could lead to further gains toward $93,200 and potentially $94,500. However, failure to breach the $90,500 resistance could trigger another decline, with initial support near $88,550 and further support at $88,000 and $87,500. A break below $85,000 could lead to a more significant drop.

Ethereum experienced a pullback from $3,400, finding support around $3,045. There are signs of renewed buying interest, particularly from large investors who are moving funds from Bitcoin into Ethereum. One whale converted approximately $178 million worth of Bitcoin into Ethereum. Demand for Ethereum is improving, with fund market premiums turning positive and exchanges seeing more Ethereum being withdrawn than deposited. Despite this, the overall market structure remains bearish, and a drop below the $3,000 support level could lead to further declines. Overcoming the bearish trend requires sustained buying pressure, with initial targets being the 20-day EMA near $3,121 and the 50-day EMA around $3,288.

Bitcoin is trading near $69,000 as some traders are reducing their activity. Institutional investors seem to be increasing their involvement, with balance sheets playing a more significant role in the market.

China's offshore yuan bond market is experiencing a record year, with issuances totaling 870 billion yuan ($123 billion) so far, surpassing the entire amount for 2023. This growth, marking the eighth consecutive year, is driven by favorable funding conditions, a stronger yuan, and supportive policies from Beijing, attracting both international borrowers and investors. Issuers are capitalizing on low borrowing costs in China compared to other major currencies, leading to a surge in long-term bonds with maturities of 10 years or more. The yuan's appreciation against the US dollar is also prompting investors to diversify their portfolios. China's low interest rates are a primary driver of the issuance boom. As Chinese rates continue to be lower than US treasury notes, more and more companies are looking to convert existing US debt into Yuan denominated debt. Additionally, policy adjustments like the expansion of the Southbound Bond Connect program are further encouraging demand and liquidity in the market.

Despite remaining in the Nasdaq 100 index, Strategy (MSTR), a company known for holding a large amount of Bitcoin, faces a critical test in 2028. An analysis by Tiger Research highlights that Strategy's heavy reliance on debt to purchase Bitcoin, especially since 2024, has created a potential problem. In 2028, investors holding convertible bonds have the option to demand repayment of approximately $6.4 billion. Strategy has primarily used borrowed funds to buy Bitcoin instead of investing in assets that generate cash. If the company can't refinance this debt in 2028, it may need to sell a significant portion of its Bitcoin holdings, potentially causing a downward spiral in the Bitcoin market. Strategy's bankruptcy threshold, while currently at $23,000, has been rising as debt increases faster than Bitcoin accumulation. While Strategy avoided removal from the Nasdaq 100, its business model is being questioned, especially as its stock price has fallen significantly.

The Crypto Market Structure Bill, designed to establish a clear regulatory framework for digital assets in the U.S., is now expected to pass in early 2026, a slight delay from the previously anticipated end of 2025. SEC Chairman Paul Atkins has stated that the SEC and CFTC are prepared for the bill's implementation and are working to harmonize the legislation with the Clarity Act. The passage of this bill is seen as a major step towards legitimizing crypto, potentially opening the doors for increased institutional investment by providing clear guidelines and investor protection. Maturing regulation is expected to foster innovation, compliance, and tax clarity in the crypto and blockchain space, potentially allowing cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum to integrate more fully with traditional finance through real-world assets.

Cryptocurrency executives, including Michael Saylor, traveled to Abu Dhabi to seek investments from wealthy investors, including sovereign wealth funds, after a recent downturn in the crypto market. Saylor presented his strategy to investors, positioning his company Strategy as a Bitcoin-driven investment opportunity. Metaplanet, a Japanese company, also sought funding through a preferred-share project. Other potential investors included Dominari Holdings and Hanwha Group, with Hanwha aiming to establish Abu Dhabi as a key crypto hub. The crypto market has experienced recent declines, and proposed US cryptocurrency legislation faces delays, but interest in crypto in the UAE remains high.

Recent data shows that newer Bitcoin buyers have acquired Bitcoin at a lower average price than those who have held it for a medium amount of time (13-36 months). This situation, where short-term buyers have a lower cost basis than medium-term holders, is rare, having occurred only nine times in over 3,200 trading days. These periods of cost basis inversion tend to be shorter than typical market cycles, averaging around 145 days. This shift suggests a redistribution of Bitcoin, with newer buyers absorbing supply at lower prices and medium-term holders mostly keeping their original costs. This is happening during a period of volatility, but it indicates a recalibration in the market rather than a broad exit or erosion. The trend is seen as a sign of the market consolidating and new participants buying the dips with the market expected to continue to find new price levels.

A social media discussion arose concerning the potential impact of a quantum computer hacking into Satoshi Nakamoto's Bitcoin wallet, which holds an estimated 1.1 million BTC. The concern is that if this happened, and those coins were sold, it could drastically lower Bitcoin's price. Experts noted that about 4 million BTC are in older, vulnerable address types, making them susceptible to quantum attacks because they reveal the full public key. Newer Bitcoin wallet addresses have better protection, but some believe a quantum attack on older wallets is possible if powerful enough computers are developed. Adam Back believes that Bitcoin has 20-40 years to prepare and adopt quantum-resistant cryptography. Analysts suggest that Bitcoin users will likely switch to quantum-resistant addresses before a practical quantum computer is available, however the real threat is the effect of this issue on the price of BTC.

Changpeng Zhao (CZ), co-founder of Binance, has publicly denied rumors of a romantic relationship with a female crypto influencer named Tintin following an interaction at Binance Blockchain Week in Dubai. The rumors started after Tintin handed CZ a box onstage during a debate with Peter Schiff. CZ clarified that he only exchanged three messages with Tintin and met her for about 10 minutes. These rumors surfaced shortly after CZ's long-term partner, Yi He, was appointed co-CEO of Binance. Separately, CZ and Binance CEO Richard Teng visited Pakistan to meet with the Finance Minister and celebrate Binance receiving regulatory approvals, paving the way for full licensing in the country. Binance has obtained AML registration from PVARA.

The price of XRP is facing potential downside pressure according to technical analysis, despite increasing interest from institutional investors. A bearish pattern on the three-day EMA ribbon, a technical indicator, suggests that XRP could experience a significant price drop, similar to past instances when this pattern appeared. However, new spot XRP ETFs are attracting substantial inflows, nearing $1 billion, indicating growing institutional adoption and potentially reducing the available supply of XRP on exchanges. This increase in demand from ETFs could offset the bearish technical signals in the long term. In the short term, XRP's price is struggling to maintain momentum, and a drop below the $2.00 level could trigger further declines towards the $1.90-$1.82 range. Therefore, the near-term outlook for XRP price prediction remains defensive.

Ita Asset Management, the largest private bank in Brazil, is suggesting investors allocate 1% to 3% of their portfolios to Bitcoin by 2026. This recommendation is based on Bitcoin's low correlation with traditional assets and its potential to hedge against currency risks. Ita established a dedicated crypto division in September 2025 to provide clients with access to regulated crypto tools. Brazilian investors can already access Bitcoin through products linked to Ita, including the IT Now Bloomberg Galaxy Bitcoin ETF (BITI11). Ita manages roughly R$850 million in its regulated crypto suite, signaling its readiness in the crypto market. The bank manages over 1 trillion reais for clients, giving weight to its allocation guidance. The recommended Bitcoin allocation is presented as a disciplined, long-term strategy, not a short-term trade.

Ethereum and Bitcoin ETFs are buying up cryptocurrency at a rate faster than new coins are being created. In the past week, Ethereum ETFs bought over three times the amount of new ETH issued, purchasing 67,532 ETH compared to the 18,577 ETH issued by the network. Bitcoin ETFs also exceeded new supply, buying 3,170 BTC versus the 3,150 BTC issued. These ETF purchases represent $208 million in ETH and $286 million in BTC. Despite this significant buying pressure from ETFs, prices for both cryptocurrencies have not significantly increased, suggesting a redistribution of coins from some holders to others. This sustained demand exceeding new supply may create a base for future price increases after the market stabilizes.

A16z crypto anticipates significant growth in several crypto-related areas by 2026. Stablecoins are expected to become more integrated into everyday payments, potentially surpassing major payment networks by enabling instant cross-border payroll and direct merchant acceptance. There's increasing interest in bringing real-world assets on-chain, with a focus on synthetic instruments for easier implementation and liquidity. The firm predicts more on-chain origination of credit products and sees tokenized assets like stablecoins and on-chain bonds helping banks launch new products without overhauling existing systems. AI agents and intent-based systems will drive demand for faster payments, requiring programmable settlement tools. Crypto could enable broader access to wealth management tools. Cryptographically signed credentials will be needed for AI agents to transact, and crypto micropayments may be used for usage-based compensation. Furthermore, chains with built-in confidentiality may see increased adoption, while decentralized messaging networks will gain importance. The DeFi sector needs improved security measures, and prediction markets will require decentralized governance mechanisms to resolve contested event outcomes.

Bitcoin traders are nervous about a potential interest rate hike by the Bank of Japan (BOJ) expected on December 18-19. The BOJ is likely to raise rates by 25 basis points to 0.75%, the highest since 1995. Historically, Bitcoin's price has fallen significantly after previous BOJ rate hikes since 2024, with drops ranging from 23% to over 30%. Some analysts suggest Bitcoin could fall below $70,000 if this pattern repeats. Japan's influence as a major holder of US debt means that its monetary policy impacts global markets, potentially reducing capital available for riskier assets like Bitcoin. Despite these concerns, other analysts point to Bitcoin's current interaction with its monthly EMA-21, a technical indicator suggesting a potential rise to $100,000-$105,000 before a possible correction.

Pepe coin is showing signs of stability after holding above a key support level. As of December 14, 2025, it's trading around $0.000004380, following a slight rebound. The price is currently consolidating below the $0.000005 resistance level. A sustained move above $0.000005 is needed to confirm a potential bullish breakout, while failure to hold above the $0.0000043-$0.0000040 range could lead to further decline. Overall, the outlook is neutral to cautious, with traders watching for confirmation of a trend change.

Ethereum has reached a new transaction speed record of 34,468 transactions per second (TPS), the highest ever recorded on the network. This increase in speed was largely due to activity on Layer 2 networks, particularly Lighter, a perpetual exchange. The upcoming Fusaka upgrade is expected to further expand data capacity and reduce costs on the network. This upgrade includes PeerDAS, which could potentially increase data space eightfold, and a raised gas limit from 45 million to 60 million. These changes are designed to improve the efficiency and scalability of Ethereum, with the long-term goal of matching or exceeding the transaction speeds of other networks like Solana.

Gulf stock markets declined on Sunday due to a drop in oil prices and investors taking profits. Saudi Arabia's main stock index fell by 1.2% to 10,589, with losses across all sectors including Al Rajhi Bank (down 1.3%) and Saudi Basic Industries Corp (down 1.2%). Qatar's benchmark index decreased by 0.4% to 10,855, with losses in Qatar National Bank (down 0.8%) and Industries Qatar (down 0.8%). Kuwait's index rose slightly by 0.1% to 9,715, while Bahrain dipped 0.1% to 2,056. Oman increased by 0.1% to 5,956. Egypt's EGX30 index bucked the trend, rising 0.1% to 42,065, driven by gains in Raya Holding (up 15.3%) and Telecom Egypt (up 2.1%). Overall trading activity was cautious due to concerns about oversupply in the oil market and geopolitical tensions.

BitGo CEO Mike Belshe claims his company is the only crypto custodian providing all custody options outlined by the SEC, combining self-custody and third-party custody. This allows institutions to customize risk profiles using both models simultaneously. BitGo stores 90% of client assets in cold storage meeting regulatory standards, while 10% can be in self-custody for real-time transactions. BitGo's third-party custody is underpinned by BitGo Bank & Trust, NA, a federally chartered national bank, and is backed by a $250 million insurance policy. BitGo also addresses the SEC's recommended investor questions, demonstrating secure, compliant, and efficient crypto asset management. BitGo recently secured conditional approval to become a national trust bank.

Big Tech companies like Meta, Microsoft, and Apple, along with firms like Disney, are building energy trading desks to manage the increasing electricity demands of AI systems and data centers. These companies have received federal approval to buy and sell wholesale electricity. The surge in AI development is causing electricity demand to grow five to ten times faster than in the past decade, leading to higher costs and tighter access to power. By creating trading desks and hiring energy traders, these firms aim to secure affordable power and mitigate risks associated with fluctuating electricity prices. They can then sell any excess power or purchase additional supply as needed. Utilities are now requiring companies to commit to fixed quantities of electricity, prompting these firms to actively manage their energy consumption and costs. Electricity prices have been rising, with average prices up 7% year-over-year in September, and natural gas prices jumping over 60%. Companies are seeking long-term power contracts to lock in predictable rates and are hiring energy market specialists to manage their power needs. While risks exist, companies aim to gain more control over their energy expenses.

Uber is investing $2 billion in Japan over the next five years to expand its mobility, delivery, and flexible work services. In 2025 alone, Uber plans to spend over $400 million on growing local operations and marketing. A key part of Uber's strategy involves deepening partnerships with Japanese taxi operators to strengthen its mobility services. While Uber Eats has only 20% adoption in Japan, the company sees significant growth potential, particularly in urban areas. The company is also considering expanding digital income programs for drivers in Japan, offering more flexible work opportunities. Uber believes that sustained investment and local engagement are crucial to capturing the full potential of the Japanese market.

A disagreement has surfaced within the Aave community over about $10 million in annual revenue. The issue revolves around a recent change involving CoW Swap, which altered where swap fees are directed. Previously, Aave sent surplus revenue from ParaSwap to its DAO treasury, but the new CoW Swap integration now sends user fees to Aave Labs. This change, discovered by a DAO delegate, redirects about $200,000 weekly, or $10 million annually, away from token holders to Aave Labs. Aave Labs defends its position by stating that the previous arrangement was a voluntary donation and that they bear the costs of maintaining the frontend interface. Critics worry this could set a precedent for privatizing DAO revenue, while the DAO debates the relationship between the decentralized protocol and the company that builds it. The community is now discussing the situation, with potential proposals to redirect fees back to the DAO or create clearer policies for future integrations.

Kevin Hassett, a potential candidate for Federal Reserve chair, stated that the Fed would maintain its independence even under his leadership, despite President Trump's views. Hassett emphasized that while he would listen to Trump's opinions, interest rate decisions would still be made by the Federal Open Market Committee, based on data and not overridden by the president. He mentioned already discussing monetary policy with Trump daily in his current role. Hassett also addressed inflation concerns, citing item-level price changes and pointing to decreases in prescription drug costs and gasoline prices. He noted that the deficit is decreasing and the trade deficit has halved, contributing to bringing inflation closer to the Fed's 2% target. He acknowledged concerns about job growth slowing, but expressed confidence in the Fed's outlook for stronger growth. Furthermore, Hassett confirmed that he and Kevin Warsh are being considered for Fed chair, reiterating that even as chair, he would consult with Trump but the president's opinion wouldn't outweigh voting members' decisions.

Solana's network has launched Firedancer, a new validator client, to address its historical reliability issues. Solana has been known for its high transaction speeds, but it has suffered outages due to most of the network relying on a single validator client. Firedancer is designed to operate independently, reducing the risk of network-wide failures caused by bugs in the dominant client. This move aims to increase the network's resilience and attract institutional investors who prioritize uptime and stability. Currently, a large percentage of Solana's stake is still managed by the original client, so widespread adoption of Firedancer is crucial for achieving true client diversity and network stability. Ethereum, in contrast, prioritizes a diverse client base to ensure network safety.

The SEC released guidance on crypto custody for retail investors, emphasizing the importance of securing private keys and the risks associated with hot and cold wallets, as well as third-party custodians. The crypto custody market is projected to reach $3.28 billion in 2025 and $7.74 billion by 2032. Furthermore, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency approved national trust bank charters for five crypto firms: Circles First National Digital Currency Bank, Ripple National Trust Bank, Paxos, BitGo, and Fidelity Digital Assets. These charters will allow these firms to engage in fiduciary activities like custody and asset management, but not traditional banking services. The DTCC received SEC approval for a three-year pilot program to tokenize traditional securities like Russell 1000 stocks and U.S. Treasury bonds on blockchain networks, aiming to reduce settlement times and costs. Global institutions like Swift, the London Stock Exchange, Brse Stuttgart, and Amundi are also developing blockchain infrastructure for tokenized assets. The value of tokenized assets reached $36.11 billion as of November 28, 2025.

Nvidia is facing increased competition, particularly from Google's advancements in AI using its own TPUs, potentially impacting Nvidia's market position. The company's stock has surged over 1,270% in five years, raising concerns about potential market corrections. CEO Jensen Huang is shifting focus to robotics to counter these threats and pursue further market capitalization growth. Concerns exist regarding Nvidia's leadership succession, as there is no clear second-in-command or succession plan, placing significant responsibility on Jensen Huang alone. This lack of a clear succession plan could make markets nervous due to uncertainty about the company's future.

Cardano (ADA) is currently trading around $0.41, attempting a recovery after a price decline. It's holding a multi-year ascending trendline that historically acts as a pivot point. A TD Sequential indicator has flashed a buy signal, suggesting potential for a recovery towards $0.54 if the $0.37 support level holds. A falling channel breakout could lead to a move towards the $0.60-$0.68 range. Increased trading volume during consolidation suggests renewed trader interest. The crucial support range is $0.37-$0.40, with a potential recovery towards $0.50-$0.54 if it holds, but a loss of the trendline could lead to further price declines. A break above $0.45 would strengthen the bullish outlook.

Experts predict a potential crypto bull run in Q1 2026, fueled by several macroeconomic factors. The Federal Reserve's halt to quantitative tightening, which drained liquidity in 2025, is considered a positive sign, potentially leading to a Bitcoin rally. Anticipated interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve in 2026, possibly down to 3-3.25%, could further increase liquidity and interest in crypto assets. The Fed's moves to improve short-end liquidity by purchasing Treasury bills could also provide a boost. With US midterm elections in November 2026, policymakers are expected to favor market stability. A weakening labor market might prompt the Fed to ease its policies, indirectly benefiting cryptocurrencies. Some analysts forecast Bitcoin could reach between $300,000 and $600,000 in Q1 2026 if these conditions materialize.

The total market capitalization of altcoins (TOTAL3) is currently consolidating below $900 billion, indicating a possible upcoming altcoin season. If TOTAL3 breaks above $900 billion, it could rapidly move towards the $1 trillion level. Bitcoin dominance has broken below a multi-year channel, suggesting that investors are shifting their focus towards altcoins. Additionally, smaller-cap altcoins are resting on long-term support, potentially leading to a significant rise in their value. Traders are closely watching these indicators for signs of a surge in altcoin performance, particularly as December consolidation patterns could lead to a breakout in the first quarter.

Bitcoin's price has already decreased from over $94,000 to around $88,749 due to anticipation of a potential interest rate decision by the Bank of Japan (BOJ). An analyst suggests Bitcoin could further decline to $85,000, and potentially even $75,000, if it breaks below a short-term support level. Data indicates that the highest amount of short positions that could be liquidated is around $91,000, while the highest amount of long positions at risk of liquidation is concentrated near $88,340. Whales executed just over $1 billion in longs on OKX and Binance Futures this week, suggesting short-term bullish expectations. Despite the overall uncertainty and anticipation of potential BOJ action, there's still significant interest in Bitcoin derivatives, potentially leading to increased liquidations. The market sentiment leans toward greed but the BOJ decision is creating volatility.

Avalanche (AVAX) is currently trading around $14.26, showing a slight decrease of 1.98% in the last 24 hours, but is holding steady above a long-term support level. Analysts suggest that AVAX is in a consolidation phase, with a potential breakout upwards if it can surpass the $15 resistance level. Some analysts view AVAX as being in a deeply discounted territory with the potential to increase significantly if market conditions improve, with possible targets of $24 and $30. The Avalanche network has also seen a substantial increase in activity, with transactions per second (TPS) up by 1,100% over the past year. A confirmed break above a long-term downtrend resistance could lead to a longer-term target of around $55. The key level to watch is $15 for a potential bullish signal, while a failure to hold the $12 to $13 range would weaken the outlook.

Binance's XRP reserves have fallen to their lowest level since the beginning of 2024, reaching approximately 2.6 billion XRP. This decline suggests that investors are moving XRP off the exchange, potentially indicating a greater interest in holding the cryptocurrency rather than selling it. A decrease in exchange reserves can reduce the likelihood of large sell-offs. XRP is currently trading around $2.02, and analysts suggest that holding above the $2.00 level is crucial for any potential price recovery; failure to do so could lead to a price drop to as low as $1.20. The current market dynamic indicates a potential for faster price increases if buyers re-enter the market, while the reduced reserves mitigate the risk of a major sell-off in the near term.

Ethereum is currently trading around $3,101 and faces a potential drop to $3,000 if it doesn't reclaim $3,400. Trading volumes are down, suggesting uncertainty among investors. The $3,020 level is a key support area; holding above it could lead to a rise towards $3,380 if the price breaks above $3,150 with increasing volume. Some analysts believe Ethereum might be entering a new phase (Wave 3) that could lead to a significant price increase, but this depends on maintaining support above $3,020. Investor sentiment is mixed, with some seeing the current situation as a buying opportunity and others remaining cautious due to overall market conditions. Breaking above $3,150 with strong trading activity is crucial for a sustained upward trend, while falling below $3,020 could mean further price declines.

HBAR's price is currently around $0.12, very close to a level that, if broken, could cause a further drop to around $0.10, representing a potential 12-13% decrease. Large investors appear to be selling off their HBAR holdings, indicated by a negative trend in the Chaikin Money Flow (CMF) indicator. Despite this, a potential positive signal exists: the Relative Strength Index (RSI) shows a bullish divergence, suggesting that selling pressure may be weakening. For HBAR to avoid the potential price decrease, it needs to maintain its position above $0.12. To indicate a recovery, the price would need to rise above $0.13, breaking above a long-term downtrend line.

Binance Co-CEO Richard Teng predicts that the crypto market in 2026 will mature and integrate more deeply into the global financial system. He anticipates increased adoption by institutions and governments, with corporate treasuries diversifying into altcoins beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum. The market is expected to shift from speculation to more stable, strategic financial tools, potentially leading to less volatile market cycles. Institutional Bitcoin holdings have risen, while exchange holdings have decreased. Teng also expects advancements through the combination of AI and blockchain that enhance security and efficiency, moving the industry towards real-world applications.

The stablecoin market reached a new high of $310.117 billion on Saturday, December 13, before settling slightly lower around $309.911 billion. Tether's USDT remains the dominant stablecoin with a market capitalization of $186.242 billion, followed by Circle's USDC at $78.315 billion. Overall, the stablecoin sector has grown significantly, increasing by 52.1% in the past year. While some stablecoins like USDT and USDC saw increases in their circulation, others like BlackRock's BUIDL and yield-bearing stablecoins such as Ethena's USDe experienced declines. Notably, YouTube is now allowing U.S.-based content creators to receive payments in PayPal USD (PYUSD), which has contributed to its growth. PayPal USD is now the sixth largest payment-focused stablecoin.

Digital asset treasury (DAT) stocks are declining as Bitcoin and Ether prices fall. Many companies that added cryptocurrency to their balance sheets, following a strategy popularized in 2020, are now facing unrealized losses. Since October 10th, MicroStrategy's stock is down about 40%, while other companies have experienced larger drops, including KindlyMD (down 39%), Eric Trump's American Bitcoin (down 60%), Anthony Pompliano's ProCap Financial (down 65%), and Bitmine Immersion Technologies (down over 33%). Investors are closely monitoring mNAV, a metric comparing a company's market cap to its crypto holdings. Companies with an mNAV below 1 may face pressure to sell crypto to cover debts. Sixty-five out of 100 bitcoin treasury firms are holding bitcoin purchased above current prices and are now underwater. Some firms sold a total of 1,883 bitcoins in the past month. The market expects companies to have real operating businesses that generate cash flow, not just hold tokens. A new company, Twenty One Capital (XXI), backed by Tether and SoftBank, dropped 19% on its first trading day.

North Korean hackers have stolen over $300 million from crypto companies using fake Zoom and Microsoft Teams meetings. The hackers take control of Telegram accounts, often of people in the crypto industry, and then use these accounts to trick victims into joining video calls. During these calls, the hackers play looped video footage of the person they are impersonating and then trick victims into downloading malicious software by claiming it will fix technical issues. This software then allows the hackers to steal cryptocurrency and sensitive data. Experts are warning people in the crypto industry to be very careful and to never download software during a video call.

Bitcoin's price is declining, moving closer to the $70,000 mark. This drop is occurring as the likelihood of an interest rate increase in Japan has risen. The market is reacting to the potential for changes in the Japanese economy, which appears to be impacting Bitcoin's value.

Cathie Wood of ARK Invest believes innovative tech companies will significantly outperform the established 'Mag 6' tech giants (Apple, Amazon, Alphabet, Meta, Microsoft, and Nvidia) in the coming years. She projects annual returns of 40-50% for disruptive innovation companies, while the Mag 6 are expected to yield 15-20%. ARK Invest has been rebalancing its portfolio, taking profits from Tesla to increase cryptocurrency holdings following the October market dip. Wood dismissed concerns that ARK's performance relies on low interest rates, citing strong results during previous rate hikes. ARK Invest predicts disruptive innovation could dominate over two-thirds of the global equity market by 2030. Recent trading activity shows ARK increased its exposure to Chinese companies Baidu and WeRide, as well as maintaining a substantial Tesla position. Wood also discussed the institutional investment hierarchy in crypto, with Bitcoin leading, followed by Ethereum, and then Solana.

Investors are becoming more skeptical about the high stock prices of companies linked to artificial intelligence due to concerns about slowing growth and high costs. Nvidia's recent stock drop and Oracle's struggles after heavy AI investments are examples of this trend. OpenAI plans to spend $1.4 trillion in the coming years but may not reach positive cash flow until 2030, raising questions about its financial sustainability and potential circular financing issues. Major tech companies like Alphabet, Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta are expected to spend over $400 billion on capital projects, mainly data centers, but AI-related revenue is not growing fast enough to justify these costs. This is leading to concerns about potential earnings slowdowns, increased depreciation, and reduced free cash flow for these companies, potentially impacting stock valuations. While valuations aren't as extreme as during the dot-com bubble, some companies have very high multiples, creating a mixed sentiment of fear and opportunity among investors.

Ethereum's price is currently stable, showing a slight increase of 2.6% over the past week, and holding above $3,100. It is forming a bull flag pattern, suggesting a potential breakout. For the bullish trend to continue, Ethereum needs to stay above $3,090, and a daily close above $3,130 would confirm the breakout. If successful, the next resistance level is around $3,390, with a potential move towards $4,000-$4,020. However, a drop below $3,090, or especially $2,910, would weaken or invalidate this bullish outlook. On-chain data indicates that selling pressure from Ethereum holders has decreased, suggesting that investors are less inclined to sell at current prices. Despite a net distribution of ETH, the reduced selling pace increases the likelihood of a breakout if buying activity increases.

Alphabet, Google's parent company, is expected to see a significant paper gain due to SpaceX's increased valuation. SpaceX recently completed a stock sale that values the company at approximately $800 billion. Alphabet owns a portion of SpaceX since 2015, with Google investing $1 billion alongside Fidelity Investments for about 10% ownership. A similar gain related to SpaceX boosted Alphabet's earnings in the first quarter of 2024. TD Cowen raised its price target for Alphabet to $350, citing the company's progress in artificial intelligence, particularly with Google Search and Gemini. The analyst anticipates growth in Google Search due to AI integration and expects a substantial increase in Gemini users.

Ripple's XRP token has been trading around $2.04 after experiencing some price fluctuations. Despite this, data indicates that large XRP holders, known as whales, are increasing their activity and accumulating tokens. This whale activity is occurring even as the token's price is near its yearly low. There's also a rise in XRP withdrawals from the South Korean exchange Upbit, suggesting a potential shift in market behavior. Analysts are watching key support and resistance levels, with potential targets of $2.75 and $2.90 if resistance is broken, but a possible drop to $1.64 if support fails. A new development, the launch of wXRP by Hex Trust, could also positively impact XRP's price by increasing its accessibility across different blockchains. This development could attract more users and investment, potentially supporting upward price movement.

Cardano has integrated Pyth Network's oracle technology, a move that allows Cardano's smart contracts to access real-time price data from various sources like trading firms and exchanges. This upgrade aims to modernize Cardano's infrastructure and attract more sophisticated decentralized finance (DeFi) applications. This integration provides access to data verified by institutions, including the U.S. Department of Commerce, potentially attracting Real World Asset issuers. Despite the upgrade, Cardano faces a challenge with limited stablecoin liquidity, currently less than $40 million, which is significantly lower than its competitors. The success of this upgrade depends on whether it can attract more capital and users to the network, addressing the existing liquidity gap. The speed of this integration through Cardano's new governance structure indicates improved efficiency in decision-making and implementation of upgrades. Cardano is preparing for future integrations, including bridges, stablecoins, and custodial partnerships, to scale its network.

A solo Bitcoin miner has successfully mined an entire block, earning a reward of $282,000. This is an unusual event as solo miners typically have a very low chance of successfully mining a block due to the immense computational power required in the Bitcoin network. The successful solo mining event highlights the unpredictable nature of Bitcoin mining rewards.

The Bank of Japan is expected to raise interest rates at its upcoming meeting, with markets pricing in a 98% probability of a 25 basis point hike. Historically, Bitcoin has experienced significant price drops following previous rate hikes by the Bank of Japan, with declines ranging from 23% to 31%. Some analysts predict a similar drop of 20-30% for Bitcoin if the pattern holds, potentially pushing the price below $70,000. The concern stems from the potential unwinding of yen carry trades, where investors borrow yen at low rates to invest in other assets, including Bitcoin. However, an alternative view suggests that the combination of Bank of Japan rate hikes and potential US Federal Reserve rate cuts could ultimately be beneficial for the crypto market by injecting dollar liquidity and weakening the USD.