crypto_fahad125

A viral claim that Bitcoin crashed to $24,000 on Christmas sparked panic across social media, but experts say the drop was never a real market crash. Instead, it was a brief “liquidity wick” that occurred only on one low-liquidity trading pair—BTC/USD1—on Binance.

The sudden price dip happened within seconds and was limited to that single order book. Bitcoin’s main trading pair, BTC/USDT, remained stable above $86,000 during the same moment. Shortly after, Bitcoin continued recovering and moved back toward $89,000.

Market analyst Shanaka Anslem Perera explained that the incident was caused by a lack of liquidity following a Binance promotion offering 20% APY on USD1 stablecoin deposits. Traders rushed to convert funds to USD1 to earn yield, draining liquidity from the BTC/USD1 pair. When a large sell order hit the thin order book, the price briefly plunged before arbitrage bots quickly corrected it.

Perera noted that a similar event occurred earlier in December on the same pair and warned that promotional stablecoin pairs can be risky due to sudden liquidity shifts. While alarming screenshots spread quickly online, the broader Bitcoin market was never affected.

In short, Bitcoin did not crash. The event highlights how low-liquidity trading pairs and promotional incentives can create misleading price spikes—and why isolated charts don’t always reflect real market conditions.

As 2025 comes to a close, XRP is trading around $1.87—far below its earlier highs—and market sentiment remains mixed. Many traders have already shifted their attention to 2026 after a disappointing year marked by failed rallies and declining confidence.

Crypto commentator Jake Claver stirred debate by claiming he is “99.99999% confident” XRP will make a major move before the year ends. His bold prediction drew attention largely because XRP has fallen sharply from its mid-year peak near $3.66, frustrating long-term holders.

Despite weak price action, institutional interest appears strong. XRP-related exchange-traded products recorded $1.14 billion in net inflows over the past month, pushing total assets to about $1.25 billion. This suggests that large investors are still positioning for long-term potential, even as prices struggle.

Claver believes factors such as global liquidity changes, regulatory developments in the U.S., Japan’s financial reforms, and possible ETF expansion could eventually benefit XRP. He has even suggested XRP could reach triple-digit prices under the right conditions, though this view has faced criticism due to its speculative nature and past missed targets.

Heading into 2026, XRP remains stuck between growing institutional interest and stagnant price performance. Whether a late-2025 surge happens or not, most investors appear focused on the longer-term outlook, making XRP a test of patience more than hype.
#etf #xrp

XRP Price at Risk as Momentum Weakens Near $1.80

XRP is showing increasing downside risk as bullish momentum fades near the key $1.80 support level. Despite several short-term bounce attempts, the overall market structure remains bearish, with XRP continuing to form lower highs.

Buying pressure is weak, and bullish volume has failed to increase during recent rallies, allowing sellers to regain control each time. This lack of conviction from buyers raises concerns that support may not hold.

The $1.80 level is critical. If XRP closes below it, analysts warn of a potential capitulation move toward $1.37, where the next major liquidity zone sits. Below $1.80, structural support is limited, increasing the risk of a faster decline.

While a strong defense of $1.80 combined with rising volume could still trigger a recovery, no such confirmation has appeared yet. Until momentum and volume improve, downside risk remains elevated.

Key Takeaway:
XRP remains vulnerable near $1.80. Holding this level is crucial for bulls, but a breakdown could open the door to a deeper pullback toward $1.37.

Bitcoin Faces a Real-World Test in Lugano 🇨🇭

The Swiss city of Lugano is pushing Bitcoin beyond speculation by integrating it into everyday payments. Under its Plan ₿ initiative, residents can now pay taxes, fines, tuition, and city invoices using Bitcoin (BTC), Lightning Network, or USDT, with payments instantly converted into Swiss francs.

Over 350 local merchants already accept Bitcoin payments, benefiting from fees below 1%, compared to traditional card fees of up to 3.4%. To strengthen adoption, the MyLugano app offers shoppers up to 10% cashback in LVGA tokens, which can be reused for public services—creating a functioning crypto circular economy.

Lugano is not holding Bitcoin as a treasury asset; instead, it treats crypto as payment infrastructure, not a speculative bet. The city’s approach has drawn global attention, with the Plan ₿ Forum now attracting over 4,000 attendees from 64 countries, positioning Lugano as a practical Bitcoin hub rather than a marketing experiment.

While this initiative may not immediately move Bitcoin’s price, it reinforces Bitcoin’s real-world utility and challenges the idea that BTC is purely speculative. For Lugano, the focus is simple: lower fees, faster payments, and practical adoption—less hype, more results.

### **Breaking Crypto News 🚨**

Binance founder **Changpeng Zhao (CZ)** has confirmed a **security breach involving Trust Wallet**, resulting in the theft of approximately **$7 million**.

Despite the incident, **Trust Wallet has committed to fully reimbursing all affected users**, covering the entire loss. This swift response highlights accountability and user protection in an industry often criticized for weak consumer safeguards.

While security breaches remain a concern in crypto, Trust Wallet’s decision to make users whole demonstrates leadership and may help set a higher standard for how platforms handle such incidents.

**Reminder for users:** Stay vigilant, follow strong security practices, and protect your wallets as the crypto space continues to evolve.

#CZ

HBAR Price Forecast (2025–2028)

If you invested $1,000 in Hedera (HBAR) today and held it until March 11, 2026, projections suggest a potential return of $1,315.95, representing an estimated 131.59% ROI over a short-term period.

2025 Outlook

Minimum price: $0.109

Maximum price: $0.218

Average price: $0.194

2026 Outlook

Minimum price: $0.210

Maximum price: $0.348

Average price: $0.281

2027 Outlook

Minimum price: $0.291

Maximum price: $0.559

Average price: $0.459

2028 Outlook

Minimum price: $0.491

Maximum price: $1.76

Average price: $1.32

Summary:
Analysts predict steady growth for HBAR through 2028, with increasing average prices each year and the potential to reach over $1.70 by 2028, based on historical trends and technical analysis.

#USCryptoStakingTaxReview

just got my reward from binance academy by doing course.

$POND
Thanks Binance.
#POND #Merlinchain

Will Bitcoin Hit $100K Before 2026?

Bitcoin is currently trading around $87,200, and while it previously hit an all-time high of $126,219 in October, the chances of reaching $100,000 again before the end of 2025 are now very slim.

Market Expectations

Prediction markets place only about a 5% chance of Bitcoin hitting $100K by December 31.

Confidence has shifted to early 2026, with roughly a 65% probability of BTC being above $100K by March.

Technical & Trading Factors

Bitcoin is stuck between $86K–$90K, facing strong resistance near $93,600.

A large options expiry is “pinning” the price, reducing the chance of a sudden breakout.

Macro & Institutional Pressures

The Fed’s recent rate cut failed to spark a lasting rally, as inflation concerns remain.

U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs have seen notable outflows, with institutions locking in profits before year-end.

Many large investors are expected to return in January, following typical seasonal patterns.

What Would Be Needed for a Surprise Rally

A major short squeeze

A sharp drop in the U.S. dollar

A strong holiday-driven retail rally

Conclusion
While a rapid jump to $100K is still possible, current data suggests it’s unlikely before 2026. The broader view has shifted: 2025 validated Bitcoin’s institutional role, while 2026 is shaping up to be the year $100K becomes the new baseline rather than a milestone.

* 🇻🇳 **Vietnam tightens crypto regulation**: Authorities propose higher penalties for trading on unlicensed foreign exchanges to protect investors, strengthen oversight, and promote licensed domestic platforms.
* 🧾 **Crypto tax confirmed**: A **0.1% tax on all crypto transfers** ($BTC , $ETH , altcoins) takes effect **July 1, 2026**, marking official legal recognition of digital assets.
* 🏦 **Goldman Sachs forecast**: Gold could approach **$5,000/oz by 2026**, driven by rate cuts, central bank buying, geopolitical risk, and rising global debt.
* ⚡ **Silver outperforms quietly**: Industrial demand (EVs, solar, chips) plus limited supply keeps silver undervalued and in structural shortage.
* ⚠️ **Crypto wealth security risk**: A deadly kidnapping case in Vienna highlights the danger of publicly discussing crypto holdings.
* 🎥 **YouTube adopts stablecoins**: Creators can receive instant, low-fee global payments, accelerating mainstream crypto adoption.
* 🏢 **Businesses eye digital assets**: Vietnamese firms see tokenized assets as future fundraising and finance tools but await clearer regulations.

---

### **Bullet-Only Summary**

* Higher penalties proposed for using unlicensed crypto exchanges in Vietnam
* Goal: investor protection, AML/CTF enforcement, and domestic exchange growth
* 0.1% tax on all crypto transfers starts July 2026
* Goldman Sachs projects gold near $5,000 by 2026
* Central banks and rate cuts drive gold demand
* Silver demand outpaces supply due to industrial use
* Silver remains historically undervalued vs gold
* Public crypto wealth increases personal security risks
* YouTube integrates stablecoin payments globally
* Businesses increasingly view digital assets as capital tools
* Regulatory clarity remains the key barrier to adoption

XRP Crosses 4 Billion Transactions as Ripple CTO Emphasizes Real Adoption Over Price

Ripple CTO David Schwartz says XRP should not be judged by price movements alone. Instead, real adoption is reflected in how the network is actually used. XRP has now processed over **4 billion transactions**, settling payments in seconds with extremely low fees, highlighting its efficiency as a global payment network.

Schwartz explains that true value comes from **usage, liquidity, and institutional integration**, not short-term market hype. XRP stands out due to its deep and consistent liquidity, allowing large-scale transfers of real capital rather than speculative trading activity.

Institutional adoption further supports XRP’s role in global finance. Financial institutions are using XRP for on-chain asset issuance, cross-border payments, and liquidity management, signaling trust in the network as a reliable settlement solution.

Ripple’s leadership compares XRP’s growth to Bitcoin’s early evolution—from speculation to infrastructure-driven utility. While retail interest continues to grow, XRP’s foundation is being strengthened by enterprise use, which could eventually drive broader mainstream adoption.

**In summary**, XRP’s long-term value lies in its real-world utility. With billions of transactions, strong liquidity, and increasing institutional use, XRP is positioning itself as core financial infrastructure. Price may attract attention, but sustained usage tells the real story.

$XRP year-end closing prices show a clear cycle-driven pattern:

2020: ~$0.22

2021: ~$0.83

2022: ~$0.34

2023: ~$0.61

2024: ~$2.08

2025: ❓

This isn’t hype—it’s market cycles at work. XRP combines meme-like momentum with real-world utility, boosted by strong social media presence and retail interest.

Year-end closes matter because positioning before the final candle often defines the next move. Missed opportunities rarely come back.

#xrp #CryptoCycles #YearEndClose #CryptoUtility #HODLorFold

A massive underwater gold reserve has reportedly been discovered in China, and it could significantly impact global markets.

To understand why this matters, remember one basic rule: markets run on supply and demand. Gold is expensive not because it’s shiny or strong, but because it’s rare. Limited supply keeps demand—and prices—high.

When a large new gold reserve is discovered, scarcity decreases and supply increases. If more gold enters the market, prices can fall. Reports suggest this reserve could hold around 3,900 tons of gold—about 26% of China’s total reserves. If accurate, this would be a major development, especially since China is already the world’s largest gold producer.

Now, consider crypto. Gold and Bitcoin are often compared as stores of value. If gold becomes less scarce and demand weakens, investors may shift their money elsewhere. Bitcoin is a common alternative.

That means reduced gold demand could eventually boost Bitcoin demand. In that scenario, higher BTC price targets over the next couple of years become more plausible—not due to hype, but basic market dynamics.

#BTCVSGOLD

After the Trump administration announced a record $11.1 billion arms sale to Taiwan, China quickly retaliated by canceling an order for 132,000 tons of U.S. white wheat. The weapons package included HIMARS systems, tactical missiles, and self-propelled howitzers, which the U.S. said were meant to support Taiwan’s self-defense. China condemned the move as a violation of the One China principle and U.S.–China agreements.

Less than 24 hours later, the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed that China had fully canceled the wheat purchase—previously the largest U.S.–China wheat deal planned for 2025. The sudden cancellation surprised U.S. officials and caused wheat futures to fall about 10%, reaching an eight-week low.

The decision appears to be a deliberate political response rather than a routine trade issue. It also undercut earlier optimism following October talks, when China had resumed buying U.S. wheat and Trump had promised farmers increased exports. The impact was felt most sharply in states like Iowa, where agricultural groups quickly met to address the fallout.
$BTC $ETH $BNB
#TrumpTariffs

Cardano (ADA) Outlook — Long-Term Bullish Setup

Cardano’s monthly chart is forming a macro double-bottom pattern, with price holding a critical long-term support zone between $0.23–$0.30. This area represents a key accumulation range ahead of the next major market cycle.

Technical View

Monthly timeframe shows a strong double-bottom reversal.

Price is sitting on a multi-year uptrend and major support.

If this support holds, a move toward the previous all-time-high zone near $3.08 is possible, implying up to 7x upside by 2027.

Fundamental Strength

Ongoing Voltaire era development focused on decentralized governance and scalability.

Network upgrades (CIPs) improving throughput.

Growing DeFi ecosystem and stablecoins like DJED.

Rising institutional and developer interest supports long-term confidence.

Strategy

Current levels suggest an accumulation phase.

The $0.23–$0.30 range is ideal for long-term holding and gradual stacking.

Conclusion
Cardano shows a strong combination of technical structure and fundamentals, making it a compelling long-term hold ahead of the next bull cycle.

Not financial advice. Do your own research.

#ADA #cordano #technicalanalyst

An analyst warns XRP may be heading toward a major fakeout move. According to XForceGlobal, XRP could break key support in a dramatic selloff (Wave C of an Expanded Flat pattern), triggering panic and convincing traders a bear market has begun—only to reverse sharply afterward. If this fakeout plays out and structure is reclaimed, XRP could enter a powerful bullish phase. Failure to recover, however, could signal a prolonged bear market.

Expert Warning to XRP Holders: One of the biggest fakeouts in XRP history may be approaching.

XRP is nearing a critical turning point after months of tight price action and rising uncertainty. Historically, these periods often end with sharp, deceptive moves designed to shake out traders before the true trend emerges.

Market analyst XForceGlobal cautions that XRP may be forming an Expanded Flat correction, a complex Elliott Wave pattern known for producing convincing breakdowns that later reverse violently.

The Fakeout Risk

At the center of this structure is Wave C—a sharp, emotional selloff that typically breaks key support levels, triggers stop losses, and creates widespread fear. This phase often convinces traders that a long-term bearish trend has begun.

According to XForceGlobal, this is where fakeouts are most effective: weak hands exit, sentiment collapses, and the market prepares for a reversal.

What Comes Next

If XRP completes Wave C and quickly reclaims lost structure, history suggests a strong, impulsive rally could follow—potentially pushing XRP toward or beyond prior all-time highs.

However, recovery is critical. If XRP fails to regain broken support after the selloff, it could confirm a deeper breakdown and increase the risk of a prolonged bear market.

Bottom Line

XRP is at a make-or-break moment. Panic may come first—but if this move is a fakeout, it could set the stage for the next major bullish expansion.

BREAKING: Samourai Wallet co-founder Keonne Rodriguez reported to federal prison today.

Rodriguez, who helped build one of Bitcoin’s most prominent privacy tools, surrendered to begin serving a 5-year sentence—the maximum allowed.

What happened:

Built Samourai Wallet in 2015 as a non-custodial Bitcoin privacy tool

DOJ alleges it facilitated $237M in criminal transactions

Arrested in April 2024 during a large FBI raid

Sentenced on November 6, 2025

Reported today to Morgantown Federal Prison

Why this is controversial:

Samourai never held user funds

FinCEN reportedly said it didn’t clearly qualify as a “money transmitter”

Prosecutors moved forward anyway

The twist:
Just days ago, Trump said he would “look at” pardoning Rodriguez and asked the Attorney General to review the case—but no pardon came in time.

Rodriguez’s final message:
He called the prosecution an “anti-innovation, anti-American attack” and said he still hopes Trump will intervene.

With high-profile crypto figures like Ross Ulbricht and Changpeng Zhao already pardoned, many are asking:

Should developers be imprisoned for writing privacy code?

🚀 Market Update: Volatility Ahead

Today’s market is shaping up to be highly volatile. While Japan’s recent rate hike initially looks bearish, broader signals suggest bullish undertones remain.

Liquidity Dynamics: Similar to past Fed moves, short-term liquidity shifts can create temporary pullbacks before reversals.

CPI Surprise: Lower-than-expected CPI data is bullish and strengthens the case for potential future Fed rate cuts.

Japan’s Decision: The hike was milder than feared (0.25% vs. 0.50%), limiting downside pressure and preserving positive sentiment.

📌 Bottom line: Expect sharp moves and possible reversals, especially with Friday volatility. Stay alert and manage risk carefully.

Spot and futures opportunities may emerge as the market reacts. Stay tuned for further updates and trade setups.

Bitcoin weakened after the Bank of Japan delivered a 75 bps interest rate hike, its largest move in over 30 years—reviving fears of a macro-driven crypto pullback.

Historically, BOJ rate hikes have triggered double-digit Bitcoin drawdowns as higher borrowing costs force investors to reduce risk. This time, large players sold around 24,000 BTC (over $2 billion) ahead of the decision, adding strong short-term selling pressure. On-chain data confirms stress, with short-term holders near $101k now ~16% underwater, signaling ongoing capitulation.

Despite the bearish macro backdrop, market structure looks more resilient. Recent volatility has been driven mainly by whale-led liquidations, with long liquidations far exceeding shorts—effectively keeping BTC range-bound. Importantly, open interest remains ~30% below pre-October crash levels, showing traders are cautious, not overleveraged.

Outlook:
While BOJ tightening adds near-term pressure, a sharp breakdown below $80k appears less likely. As fear fades and positioning resets, the $85k zone may instead form a solid base for Bitcoin’s next move.

📊 **$ADA Year-End Closes: A Clear Cycle Pattern**

* **2020:** ~$0.18
* **2021:** ~$1.38
* **2022:** ~$0.25
* **2023:** ~$0.60
* **2024:** ~$1.32
* **2025:** ❓

$ADA has repeatedly moved through boom-and-bust cycles, yet each cycle establishes a higher structural base. **Year-end closing prices often define the next long-term trend.**

⏳ The real question isn’t *if* ADA moves again, but *when*.
**Early positioning beats chasing momentum.**

🚨 **Breaking Macro Update: Japan Shifts Global Liquidity**

The Bank of Japan has raised interest rates to **0.75%**, the **highest level in nearly 30 years**, marking a major shift in global monetary conditions.

For decades, Japan was a key source of **cheap global liquidity**. Investors borrowed yen at ultra-low rates and deployed that capital into higher-return assets such as stocks, bonds, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. This so-called *yen carry trade* helped fuel risk-asset rallies worldwide.

That dynamic is now reversing. Higher Japanese rates make yen borrowing more expensive, reducing new carry trades and encouraging capital to flow back into Japan. The result is **tightening global liquidity**, an environment that is typically **bearish for risk assets**.

### Impact on Crypto Markets

Crypto markets are highly liquidity-sensitive. As global liquidity contracts, digital assets face **weaker demand, increased volatility, and elevated downside risk**. In the short term, this pressure could push **Bitcoin** toward the **$70,000 support zone**.

This is **not a guaranteed crash**, but rather a realistic downside scenario. Any dip toward that level could become a **strong buying opportunity**, especially as market conditions are expected to improve toward the end of December.

### Outlook

* **Short term:** Caution and potential downside due to liquidity tightening
* **Late December:** Opportunity zone for accumulation
* **January:** Likely recovery and renewed upside momentum

📌 **Key takeaway:** Japan’s rate hike removes a major liquidity tailwind. Patience, disciplined risk management, and strategic positioning will be critical as markets transition through this phase.