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Bitcoin may be on the verge of a prolonged bull market that could stretch into the next decade, according to Jan3 founder Samson Mow, who argues that the past year marked a stealth bear phase rather than the start of a broader downturn.

Key Takeaways:

Samson Mow and PlanC argue that 2025 marked a stealth bear market, setting the stage for a Bitcoin bull run.

Other analysts remain skeptical, warning that Bitcoin’s $125,100 peak could signal a new bear market.

Bitcoin is nearing a rare down year that some see as a historical anomaly.

In a post on X on Friday, Mow said 2025 effectively served as Bitcoin’s bear market and that the conditions are now in place for a sustained advance lasting into 2035. “2025 was the bear market,” Mow wrote, adding that Bitcoin could be entering a “decade long bull run.”

His view was echoed by analyst PlanC, who said investors who endured the year had already weathered the worst of the cycle.

Analysts Warn Bitcoin’s $125K Peak May Signal New Bear Market in 2026

The outlook contrasts sharply with other forecasts that point to October’s all-time high of $125,100 as the peak of the current cycle.

Some analysts argue that 2026 could usher in a fresh bear market as macro conditions tighten and speculative demand fades.

Bitcoin is currently trading at around $87,200, down nearly 9% since the start of the year, according to CoinMarketCap.

The asset is on pace to close the year in the red, a rarity in Bitcoin’s trading history. PlanC noted that Bitcoin has never posted two consecutive annual declines, framing the current weakness as an anomaly rather than a trend reversal.

Price performance has fallen short of bullish projections made earlier in the year.

2025 was the bear market. https://t.co/1ganX0YSbI

— Samson Mow (@Excellion) December 26, 2025

In October, BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes and BitMine chair Tom Lee suggested Bitcoin could still climb to $250,000 before year-end.

Instead, Bitcoin is down about 3% over the past 30 days, with sentiment deteriorating through December.

Market psychology reflects that pressure. The Crypto Fear & Greed Index fell to a reading of 20 out of 100 on Dec. 26, extending a stretch of “extreme fear” that began earlier in the month.

Analysts Warn Bitcoin Could Fall to $60K–$65K in 2026

Looking ahead to 2026, the industry remains divided. Fidelity’s director of global macro research, Jurrien Timmer, has suggested 2026 could be a pause year, with prices potentially sliding toward $65,000.

Others remain more optimistic. Strategy CEO Phong Le has argued that Bitcoin’s underlying fundamentals held up throughout 2025 despite weaker prices, while Bitwise chief investment officer Matt Hougan said earlier this year that he expects 2026 to be an “up year” for the asset.

According to Linh Tran, market analyst at XS.com, Bitcoin’s recent price action underscores the market’s sensitivity to monetary policy expectations rather than headline economic data.

While US inflation has eased from last year’s highs, the latest consumer price index reading of 2.7% suggests that the disinflation process remains slow and uneven, forcing “the Fed to maintain a cautious stance, making it difficult to pivot quickly toward an aggressive easing cycle,” Tran said in a note shared with Cryptonews.com.

Last week, K33 also said Bitcoin’s prolonged sell-side pressure from long-term holders may be approaching its limits after years of steady distribution.

The post Bitcoin May Enter Decade-Long Bull Run After 2025 Bear Market: Samson Mow appeared first on Cryptonews.

Ethereum’s total value locked could rise tenfold in 2026 as institutional participation deepens and new use cases gain traction, according to Joseph Chalom, co-CEO of Sharplink Gaming.

Key Takeaways:

Ethereum’s TVL could jump 10× in 2026 as institutions and tokenized assets move on-chain.

Stablecoin growth toward $500B is seen as a major driver of Ethereum activity.

Ether’s price remains weak despite improving adoption trends.

The forecast comes as major financial firms expand their presence on public blockchains and capital flows into tokenized assets accelerate.

Sharplink Gaming ranks as the second-largest public Ethereum treasury company, holding 797,704 ETH worth about $2.33 billion, based on Ethereum Treasuries data.

Ethereum TVL Poised to Rise as Stablecoin Market Targets $500B

Chalom said the next phase of Ethereum’s growth will be driven less by retail speculation and more by stablecoins, tokenized assets, and institutional infrastructure migrating on-chain.

In a post on X, Chalom predicted the stablecoin market would reach $500 billion by the end of next year, up from roughly $308 billion today, a gain of about 62%.

With more than half of all stablecoin activity currently taking place on Ethereum, he argued that sustained issuance and transaction growth could materially lift the network’s TVL.

Beyond stablecoins, Chalom pointed to tokenized real-world assets as a major catalyst. He expects the tokenized RWA market to grow to $300 billion in 2026, describing the shift as a move from isolated products to full-scale fund complexes being represented on-chain.

Over the past year, firms such as JPMorgan, Franklin Templeton and BlackRock have expanded pilots and live products tied to tokenization, signaling broader acceptance from traditional finance.

Ethereum’s TVL currently stands at around $68.2 billion, according to DeFiLlama. A sharp increase would likely reflect higher institutional engagement rather than speculative DeFi activity alone.

Rising TVL is often viewed as a measure of network utility and capital commitment, factors that can shape long-term market confidence.

3/ ETH holdings and tokenization by sovereign wealth funds will increase 5-10X.

As onchain activity booms, we’ll see ETH holdings of sovereign wealth funds increase in lock-step as they gain exposure to the “trustware” asset that secures Ethereum, where the majority of the…

— Joseph Chalom (@joechalom) December 26, 2025

Price performance, however, has lagged behind the adoption narrative. Ether is down more than 12% over the past 12 months and is trading near $2,924, according to CoinMarketCap.

Crypto analyst Benjamin Cowen recently said Ether is unlikely to reach new highs in the near term, citing broader market conditions tied to Bitcoin’s cycle.

Sovereign Wealth Funds May Boost Ethereum Exposure 5–10× in 2026: Chalom

Chalom remains focused on structural demand rather than short-term price action. He expects sovereign wealth funds to increase Ethereum holdings and tokenization exposure by five to ten times over the next year as competitive pressure among large allocators grows.

According to him, remaining sidelined was once the safest option, but that calculus is beginning to change.

He also expects on-chain AI agents and prediction markets to gain mainstream traction in 2026, adding further activity to Ethereum’s ecosystem.

Meanwhile, Peter Thiel-backed ETHZilla has begun unwinding a strategy that once placed it among the most aggressive corporate holders of Ethereum, selling $74.5 million worth of ETH and indicating a clear shift away from a pure crypto treasury model.

The post Ethereum TVL Could Surge 10× in 2026 as Institutional Adoption Grows appeared first on Cryptonews.

Bitmain is cutting prices aggressively across multiple generations of Bitcoin mining hardware as pressure builds across the mining sector, according to recent promotional campaigns and internal price lists circulated to customers.

Key Takeaways:

Bitmain is slashing prices across older and newer ASIC models to clear inventory amid weak mining economics.

Discounted deals have pushed some S19 and S21 machines to as low as $3–$4 per terahash, with deliveries scheduled into 2026.

The company is pairing hardware sales with hosting services to stimulate demand and move equipment.

The discounts span both older models and newer-generation machines, signaling a broad effort to clear inventory as mining economics remain strained, according to a report by TheMinerMag.

In late December, the world’s largest ASIC manufacturer began advertising bundled deals and factory discounts that would have stood out as distressed sales earlier in the cycle.

Bitmain Offers S19 XP+ Hydro Miners at $4/TH in Discounted Bundle Deal

One promotion dated Dec. 23 offered a package of four S19 XP+ Hydro units paired with an ANTRACK V2 container, implying an effective price of roughly $4 per terahash for the 19 J/TH machines.

Shipments for that batch are scheduled to begin in January 2026, suggesting Bitmain is willing to lock in low pricing well ahead of delivery.

The move followed a separate auction-style sale in November for the air-cooled S19k Pro, a 23 J/TH model. That sale opened with a starting bid of $5.5 per terahash and allowed buyers to submit their own pricing.

Final transaction values were determined after the bidding period closed, with deliveries slated for December 2025.

Discounting appears to extend well beyond limited promotions. Internal factory price lists shared with customers and reviewed by TheMinerMag show that as of Dec. 22, Bitmain was quoting prices as low as $3 per terahash for S19e XP Hydro and 3U S19 XP Hydro units, while S19 XP+ Hydro machines were listed around $4 per terahash.

Bitcoin network hashrate every Christmas Eve:

2009: 9 MH/s
2010: 108 GH/s
2011: 8 TH/s
2012: 22 TH/s
2013: 9 PH/s
2014: 271 PH/s
2015: 709 PH/s
2016: 2.3 EH/s
2017: 14 EH/s
2018: 39 EH/s
2019: 99 EH/s
2020: 134 EH/s
2021: 177 EH/s
2022: 240 EH/s
2023: 521 EH/s
2024: 779 EH/s… pic.twitter.com/50R2cogtGZ

— Javier Hermosa (@JavierHermosa21) December 24, 2025

Even newer hardware has not been spared. S21 Immersion miners were offered at approximately $7 per terahash, while S21+ Hydro machines were priced near $8 per terahash before the application of coupons.

The pricing update emphasized availability heading into year-end, pointing to a coordinated effort to stimulate demand.

Alongside hardware discounts, Bitmain has been pushing hosting services as part of a bundled sales strategy.

Hosting rates shared with customers indicate power costs generally ranging from 5.5 to 7 cents per kilowatt-hour across jurisdictions including the United States, Kazakhstan, Brazil, Paraguay and Ethiopia, plus an additional management fee.

The approach suggests Bitmain is leaning more heavily on integrated sales to move equipment.

Record Hashrate, Low Hashprice Squeeze Bitcoin Miners

The price cuts come as Bitcoin’s network hashrate hovers near record highs while the asset’s price has pulled back, keeping hashprice close to multi-year lows.

That combination has squeezed margins for miners and dampened appetite for new machines, particularly less efficient models, while intensifying competition among manufacturers and secondary-market sellers.

Meanwhile, Bitcoin’s network hashrate fell 4% in the month through Dec. 15, a development that could set the stage for stronger price performance in the months ahead, according to analysts at VanEck.

“When hash rate compression persists over longer periods, positive forward returns tend to occur more often and with greater magnitude,” the analysts wrote.

The post Bitmain Slashes ASIC Prices Amid Mining Industry Downturn appeared first on Cryptonews.

Michael Novogratz, founder of Galaxy Digital, recently applauded the Cardano and Ripple communities for staying strong through tough market conditions and legal challenges.

His comments come just as many investors are beginning to turn away from top altcoins, yet some are showing unexpected resilience.

In a recent podcast, Novogratz highlighted how tokens with deeply committed communities tend to survive even the worst market phases.

This could be a key factor to watch for the next XRP price prediction.

JUST IN: Mike Novogratz says "#Cardano $ADA and $XRP have strong communities." pic.twitter.com/lzFUNBXYZL

— Angry Crypto Show (@angrycryptoshow) December 25, 2025

Although Novogratz once dismissed the XRP community as mostly retail traders unaware of the token’s flawed economics, his view has shifted.

He now credits the so-called “XRP Army” with playing a key role in keeping the token afloat through years of volatility, showing just how powerful a loyal holder base can be.

XRP Price Prediction: XRP Needs to Bounce From $1.80 to Target $3

XRP has shed 10% of its value this year, which makes it the 4th worst-performing token in the top 5.

However, in the past 7 days, the token has recovered slightly, posting gains of 0.5% during this period. Meanwhile, trading volumes have increased by 30% in the past 24 hours, and currently account for less than 2% of the asset’s circulating market cap.

Source: TradingView

Once again, XRP has found strong support at $1.80. This price zone has acted as a strong bouncing pad four times already in the past.

Meanwhile, a descending triangle has formed as a result of the latest price action. This is a price compression pattern that tends to precede a big breakout.

If the price rises above $2.20, this would invalidate the token’s bearish price structure, and a bullish breakout of the triangle pattern would be confirmed.

XRP might be eyeing $3 in the near term, especially with big names like Michael Novogratz giving credibility to its long-term vision. But if you’re looking for the next breakout opportunity, a new project is quietly turning heads.

Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) is building something game-changing by bringing Solana-level speed and fees to Bitcoin’s blockchain.

The ongoing presale has raised close to $30 million as investors rally behind its mission.

Can Bitcoin’s Biggest Bottleneck Finally Be Solved? This New Project Thinks So

The Bitcoin OG blockchain has struggled with scalability issues since its launch, and this has prevented its ecosystem from further growing and reaching its full potential.

Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) changes this by introducing a Solana-powered layer-2 chain that will process transactions fast and at a low cost to allow the community to launch new DeFi apps, payment platforms, meme coins, and more.

The Hyper Bridge lets Bitcoin holders move their BTC into the Bitcoin Hyper network quickly and safely.

By sending BTC to a secure wallet, users receive the same amount on Hyper’s Layer 2, where they can use it in fast, low-cost apps, including trading, payments, and even meme coin creation.

As major wallets and exchanges begin to support the system, demand for $HYPER could surge, positioning it as one of the most exciting tokens in the market right now.

To buy $HYPER at its discounted presale price, simply head to the official Bitcoin Hyper website and link up a compatible wallet (e.g. Best Wallet).

You can swap existing crypto or use a bank card to complete the transaction in seconds.

Visit the Official Bitcoin Hyper Website Here

The post XRP Price Prediction: Billionaire Who Once Mocked XRP Now Praises It – Big Announcement Coming? appeared first on Cryptonews.

Dogecoin has experienced a months-long downtrend as bearish chart signals reveal price has surrendered crucial $0.15-$0.20 support levels, resulting in DOGE declining over 60% year-to-date.

However, newly emerging on-chain activity suggests the Dogecoin price prediction is split between bullish reversal and bearish continuation scenarios.

$Doge/daily#Dogecoin has reached the previous symmetrical triangle breakdown target. It's now forming a new chart pattern and searching for a new trend. pic.twitter.com/uWq2WW90yi

— Trader Tardigrade (@TATrader_Alan) December 26, 2025

Long-Term Holders Accumulate as Speculative Supply Contracts

According to Glassnode data, Dogecoin speculative supply is contracting while longer-term holders display early accumulation signals.

The 1-year to 2-year holder cohort has expanded its share of Dogecoin supply from approximately 21.84% to 22.34%. While the increase appears modest, the signal carries significance.

Source: Glassnode

These holders typically accumulate only when they believe downside risk is beginning to diminish.

Network coin activity, measured via the spent coins metric, reinforces this perspective.

The on-chain amount spent on coins has plummeted sharply.

The spent coins age band metric dropped from roughly 251.97 million DOGE to about 94.34 million DOGE, representing a decline exceeding 60% in coin movement.

Reduced coin activity potentially indicates fewer holders are rushing to transfer or liquidate tokens.

Historically, similar activity declines have preceded short-term relief rallies in Dogecoin.

Earlier in December, a comparable slowdown preceded a rally from near $0.132 to $0.151, a nearly 15% move within three days.

Dogecoin Price Prediction: 4-Hour Chart Shows Defined Downtrend Structure

The chart shows Dogecoin trading in a well-defined downtrend on the 4-hour timeframe, with price currently hovering around the $0.125 region.

Market structure remains bearish, characterized by lower highs and lower lows, and price continues to trade below all highlighted resistance zones. The most immediate level to watch is the $0.12 area, which has been marked as a critical support.

Source: TradingView

This level is acting as a demand floor for now, but repeated tests weaken its strength, increasing the risk of a breakdown if sellers remain dominant.

On the upside, the $0.14 zone stands out as an important resistance, aligning with prior consolidation and multiple rejection points.

As long as Dogecoin remains below this level, upside attempts are likely to be corrective rather than trend-reversing. A more meaningful bullish confirmation would only emerge if price reclaims and holds above the broader $0.16 resistance band.

Such a move would signal a shift in momentum and could open the door for a recovery toward $0.18 first and potentially $0.20–$0.21, which aligns with the higher target levels marked on the chart.

Until then, rallies into resistance are likely to attract selling pressure.

Momentum indicators reinforce the cautious outlook.

The RSI is sitting near the low-40s, below the neutral 50 level, indicating weak momentum and a market that still favors sellers.

While RSI is not deeply oversold, suggesting room for short-term bounces, it does not yet show the strength typically associated with trend reversals.

Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) Presale Brings Solana’s Speed to Bitcoin for the First Time

As Dogecoin eyes a breakout, its chances improve if Bitcoin starts climbing toward $100,000 again, especially with gold and stocks hitting new highs.

In moments like this, early presales often see the biggest gains, and Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) is quickly becoming one to watch.

Already nearing $30 million raised, the project is building the first true Layer 2 for Bitcoin powered by Solana tech, combining lightning-fast speed and low fees with Bitcoin’s unmatched security.

It’s a bold move that could reshape how apps and users interact with the Bitcoin network.

As more crypto wallets and exchanges begin adopting this technology, demand for $HYPER tokens is expected to increase substantially.

To purchase $HYPER at the discounted price before it lists on exchanges, visit the official Bitcoin Hyper website and connect a compatible wallet like Best Wallet.

You can use existing crypto or use a bank card to complete the transaction in seconds.

Visit the Official Bitcoin Hyper Website Here

The post Dogecoin Price Prediction: Bearish Chart Meets Bullish On-Chain Moves – Which Side Wins Next? appeared first on Cryptonews.

The long-running feud between Solana and Cardano might be coming to an unexpected end, and the timing could be critical for bullish Solana price predictions.

Founders from both chains are reportedly teaming up to launch a new bridge that connects their ecosystems, a move that could redirect major trading volume toward Solana.

For years, Solana and Cardano have battled for dominance as “Ethereum killers,” each taking a different approach.

Solana is known for its blazing speed and low fees, while Cardano has focused on security and a careful, research-driven development process.

Now, instead of competing for attention, the two may be aligning, and that shift toward collaboration could reshape the entire Layer 1 landscape.

Time to get cooking https://t.co/jqMPw7R4Gl pic.twitter.com/jsjw4Tinfr

— Charles Hoskinson (@IOHK_Charles) December 23, 2025

In a series of X posts, both Charles Hoskinson (Cardano’s founder) and Anatoly Yakovenko (Solana) agreed to start working on a bridge.

This is a sign that the crypto space is maturing. Founders are recognizing that the next era of growth will come from building alliances through interoperability.

This bridge could tap into the strengths of each network, allowing $SOL holders and users to take advantage of its privacy and security features.

Meanwhile, Cardano’s users would benefit from getting access to a thriving DeFi market.

Solana Price Prediction: SOL Needs to Move Above $125 to Reverse Its Downtrend

Solana has broken below its long-held support at $127 and is now fighting to stay above $120, with trading activity and transaction volumes declining steadily over recent months.

This bearish breakdown leaves SOL vulnerable to a deeper correction toward the $100 mark, a sharp contrast to just a few months ago when it was trading near $230.

A move back above $125 would be a critical shift, potentially invalidating the current downtrend and opening the door to a short-term recovery.

Source: TradingView

The Relative Strength Index (RSI) suggests that SOL is consolidating.

Interestingly, RSI has formed a mild bullish divergence, failing to make a lower low even as the price continued to fall, which could hint at a momentum shift.

While Solana meme coins have been quiet this cycle, a new Ethereum-based project is starting to make noise.

Maxi Doge ($MAXI) has already raised over $4 million, bringing meme energy and community-driven trading culture back to the forefront with a fresh approach built around staking, challenges, and shared alpha.

Maxi Doge ($MAXI) Is the Early Meme Coin Traders Are Piling Into Right Now

Maxi Doge ($MAXI) revives the same explosive energy that made Dogecoin a 1000x legend, but this time it’s tailored for traders chasing high-risk, high-reward setups.

Built on Ethereum, $MAXI is creating a real community of degens who share trading ideas, drop early setups, and hunt for the next big play together.

On top of this, competitions like Maxi Ripped and Maxi Gains will reward top ROI producers, giving traders a shot at real prizes and the bragging rights to match.

With meme season heating up and $MAXI still in its early presale phase, this could be one of the best entry points before the crowd catches on.

To join the action, head to the official Maxi Doge website and connect a wallet like Best Wallet.

You can buy with USDT, ETH, or a simple bank card, all in just a few clicks.

Visit the Official Maxi Doge Website Here

The post Solana Price Prediction: Cardano + Solana Collaboration Announced – Will This Unlock Billions in Cross-Chain Value? appeared first on Cryptonews.

As the holiday spirit settles in and many traders take time off from their investment portfolios, a rare opportunity has emerged on Christmas Eve, December 26, 2025.

A new hope is building that it will be the bullish year the market has been waiting for.

XRP, Solana, and Cardano are all sitting on clean pullbacks and have been consolidating within steady price ranges for some time. Their next move higher may be approaching for the following reasons.

Ripple (XRP): The OG Crypto That Could Still Be the Best Crypto Pick

XRP ETFs have been pulling in serious money even while the price action looks completely dead. As of December 23, spot XRP ETFs logged about $1.13B in net inflows, with steady buying pressure holding up for the past 33 days.

That performance actually puts them ahead of both Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, which have struggled to keep momentum during the same choppy market conditions.

When you stack that ETF demand on top of ongoing ecosystem upgrades, major milestones, and a technically solid chart, 2026 is starting to look like it could be a really interesting year for XRP.

Source: TradingView

To fully reverse its downtrend, XRP needs to climb above the $2.2 level. This would break the token’s bearish price structure. This could set the stage for a strong recovery to $3 at least.

Solana (SOL): The Coin of the Cycle Could Run It Back in 2026

Solana had an insane run starting in December 2024, topping out near $294 in January. Since then, it has been cut down hard and is now more than 50% off that peak.

That kind of move is not new for SOL. Historically, it tends to overcorrect on the way down and then massively outperform once risk appetite comes back.

Just look at the post-FTX collapse. SOL went from around $250 all the way down to about $8. A lot of people wrote it off for good, but it ended up ripping more than 30× after that.

Source: TradingView

As long as Solana stays above $120, the bullish setup is still intact. The big thing missing right now is volume. Buying pressure is pretty light, which shows bulls are hesitant and not fully stepping in yet.

Without a real volume spike, any move above resistance risks turning into just another fake breakout. What would actually flip the script is a clean break above $144 with strong volume behind it. That kind of move would act like a trigger and could kick off the next leg higher.

Cardano (ADA): $1 Back in Play After a Brutal Correction

Cardano has taken a pretty hard hit lately, but it might be setting up for a bounce. Price is now drifting back toward an area where buyers have stepped in aggressively before, which could act as a base for a rebound.

For ADA to really flip bullish, it needs to push above $0.36 and stay there. If that happens, the next hurdle is $0.38, a level it has already been rejected from twice in the past week.

If ADA cannot break through, a dip back toward the $0.30 area is still on the table. The RSI is sitting around 40 and is not oversold yet, which means there is still room for downside in the short term.

That said, as long as ADA holds above the previous low near $0.27, the bigger bullish setup stays intact going into the new year.

Bitcoin Hyper Could Be the Real Christmas Eve Sleeper

While most traders are checked out for the holidays and majors like XRP, SOL, and ADA grind through slow consolidations, Bitcoin Hyper is quietly doing the opposite and that is usually how early winners start.

Bitcoin Hyper is built around one clear idea: giving Bitcoin real speed and utility without sacrificing security. It runs as a Bitcoin Layer 2 powered by the Solana Virtual Machine. This means fast transactions, low fees, and full settlement back to Bitcoin. In a market where people are tired of bloated Layer 1 narratives, that combo is starting to stand out.

The numbers back it up. Bitcoin Hyper has already raised over $29M, even with sentiment still shaky and volumes thin across the market. That kind of capital does not show up by accident, especially during the holidays when most investors are sitting on their hands.

On top of that, staking rewards are sitting around 39% APY, which gives holders a reason to stay locked in rather than flip for short term noise. That is exactly how supply pressure quietly builds before bigger moves.

When the market finally wakes up in the new year and risk appetite rotates back in, the projects that were accumulated during boring, low-volume phases tend to move first. While everyone waits for XRP to break $2.20, SOL to reclaim $144, or ADA to flip $0.36, Bitcoin Hyper is already positioning itself ahead of that rotation.

Sometimes the best Christmas opportunity is the one no one is paying attention to yet.

Visit the Official Bitcoin Hyper Website Here

The post Best Crypto to Buy Now 26 December – XRP, Solana, Cardano appeared first on Cryptonews.

Key Takeaways:

Large Bitcoin transactions above $20 million increasingly moved to exchange hot wallets between October and mid-December.

Around 65% of BTC across whales and institutional-linked flows was sent to exchanges, often seen as a preparatory step rather than immediate selling.

November marked the peak in outflows across whales, BlackRock-linked wallets, and Wintermute, coinciding with Bitcoin price weakness below $85,000.

The timing of these peaks suggests a broad liquidity redistribution during the correction, not targeted pressure from a single market participant.

Table of Contents

In This Article

Hot Wallets Are the Main Destination for Large BTC Transfers

November Marked the Peak in Large Outflows During Bitcoin Price Weakness

Why Are They Doing This?

Conclusion

In This Article

Hot Wallets Are the Main Destination for Large BTC Transfers

November Marked the Peak in Large Outflows During Bitcoin Price Weakness

Why Are They Doing This?

Show Full Guide

Conclusion

Bitcoin (BTC) prices continue to trend lower. The market currently looks like a ping-pong match between buyers and sellers. Prices fall, but without a sharp collapse. This is followed by a rebound, but without strong upside momentum. Against this backdrop, speculation is growing that large players may be putting pressure on the market and could be interested in pushing prices lower. But does the data support this idea?

In this research, Cryptonews analyzed large Bitcoin transactions worth more than $20 million per transfer between Oct. 10 and Dec. 15. This timeframe allows us to observe market behavior after the October sell-off. Transactions linked to BlackRock and Wintermute were also reviewed, as both are among the most visible institutional participants.

Hot Wallets Are the Main Destination for Large BTC Transfers

The analysis shows that around 65% of BTC across these groups was transferred to hot wallets, primarily exchanges. This was the most common destination.

Such transfers are usually seen as a preparatory step before selling. However, they do not imply immediate liquidation. Sales may happen later or may not happen at all. Even so, this type of activity often increases caution in the market and influences expectations.

The second most common category was internal transfers. These include Bitcoin moved from one cold wallet to another or to unlabelled addresses. The purpose of these transactions is harder to interpret. In some cases, they may reflect rebalancing, changes in custody structure, or preparation for over-the-counter deals. In current market conditions, these movements can also amplify uncertainty, especially when large BTC volumes regularly move between addresses without a clear explanation.

November Marked the Peak in Large Outflows During Bitcoin Price Weakness

Across all three groups, Bitcoin whales as well as flows linked to BlackRock and Wintermute, activity peaked in November. This occurred after the October 10 sell-off and coincided with Bitcoin trading below $85,000, a period marked by elevated uncertainty.

The trend was most pronounced among Bitcoin whales. In November, their transaction volumes reached the highest levels both in the number of transfers and total BTC moved. Around 11.4 million BTC in outgoing transfers were recorded during the month. At prevailing prices, this represented more than $1 trillion in value. These figures were well above October levels and higher than activity seen in early December, when volumes began to decline.

Institutional flows showed a similar pattern. Bitcoin outflows linked to BlackRock also peaked in November. Estimates suggest around $1.3 billion worth of BTC was moved during the month, making it the most active period for this group in the analyzed timeframe.

Wintermute, one of the largest crypto market makers, also recorded its highest monthly volume of outgoing transfers during November. Given Wintermute’s role in providing liquidity, this increase likely reflects intensified trading activity and fund reallocation amid heightened volatility.

The fact that all three groups peaked at roughly the same time points to a broader redistribution of liquidity during a price correction rather than coordinated action by a single market participant.

Why Are They Doing This?

The rising share of BTC transfers to exchange wallets naturally raises questions. While these moves are often interpreted as preparation for selling, they do not automatically mean large players are ready to exit their positions.

During the correction, some market participants have suggested that falling prices could be used to test the resilience of major Bitcoin holders or even to trigger redistribution between them.

When Bitcoin price comes under prolonged pressure, large and highly visible corporate holders like Strategy inevitably draw closer scrutiny. The company is among the largest corporate Bitcoin holders and is closely associated with a strong long-term BTC thesis. This raises a logical question: could price pressure be a way to test how resilient such positions really are, and what would happen if one of the largest public holders changed its stance?

According to experts, drawing direct conclusions is premature. David Dobrovitsky, CEO of Wowduck, says Cryptonews that it would be an oversimplification to single out one company as a key driver of Bitcoin price movements:

It’s hard to single out a private entity as a reason why BTC is going up or down. BlackRock, for example, holds more Bitcoin than Strategy, not to mention various governments. Strategy is a very visible holder, but overall BTC ownership remains sufficiently distributed, meaning one private company should not be able to move the market on its own.

Even so, the idea of a “stress test” for corporate holders is increasingly discussed in the context of current market dynamics.

Dobrovitsky argues the market is not there yet:

Not yet. There is still enough distribution in Bitcoin holdings for price moves to be fully indicative of pressure on a specific corporate holder. What we are seeing instead is a broader downturn across tech markets. Jobs are scarcer, venture capital funding has declined, and there are fewer sectors delivering outsized returns, both for retail and institutional investors.

From this perspective, Bitcoin price decline appears more like part of a wider cooling in risk assets than targeted pressure on specific players.

That said, Michael Saylor’s role remains an important part of the market narrative, even if it is not decisive. “Positive sentiment around Saylor and Strategy certainly helps Bitcoin,” Dobrovitsky adds. “But it shouldn’t be viewed as the be-all and end-all when it comes to BTC price dynamics.”

Conclusion

Depending on interpretation, this activity can be explained in different ways. On one hand, the rise in BTC transfers to exchanges and the increase in internal movements may reflect a broader market cooldown and standard risk reallocation during a price correction and weaker macro conditions. On the other hand, some participants believe falling prices may act as a stress test for the largest Bitcoin holders, including corporate players like Strategy, whose commitment to BTC has become part of the market narrative.

At the same time, on-chain data does not point to targeted pressure on any single participant. Both explanations remain within the realm of market expectations rather than confirmed scenarios.

​​Disclaimer: Crypto is a high-risk asset class. This article is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute investment advice. You could lose all of your capital.

The post Is Bitcoin Price at Risk of a Deeper Reset? Whales Signal Caution | Research appeared first on Cryptonews.

As the final regulatory roundup of 2025 this week’s developments captured a inflection point for US crypto policy showing a shift away from ad-hoc enforcement and toward more structural debates around taxation, banking access and investor protection.

From renewed pressure on the IRS over staking taxes to the Federal Reserve exploring new account models for payment firms, regulators are confronting how digital assets can be integrated into financial frameworks designed for a very different era.

Lawmakers Renew Push on Staking Tax Treatment

A bipartisan group of 18 US House lawmakers has urged the Internal Revenue Service to revisit how crypto staking rewards are taxed, arguing that current interpretations amount to double taxation and discourage participation in blockchain networks.

A bipartisan group of 18 US House lawmakers is calling on the Internal Revenue Service to revisit how crypto staking rewards are taxed.#Crypto #Taxhttps://t.co/wJTvU94x7r

— Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) December 22, 2025

In a letter sent to acting IRS commissioner Scott Bessent, the group—led by Representative Mike Carey—called existing guidance “burdensome” and asked for a review before 2026.

Under prevailing interpretations, staking rewards are treated as taxable income when received, based on their market value at that time, and are then taxed again if sold at a gain.

Lawmakers argue this approach fails to reflect actual economic profit, particularly in volatile markets where token prices can fluctuate sharply between receipt and sale. “This letter is simply requesting fair tax treatment for digital assets,” Carey said, adding that taxing rewards only when sold would be a meaningful step toward clarity.

The renewed pressure highlights a broader debate over whether staking should be treated like earned income or more akin to unrealised asset appreciation—an issue that remains unresolved as staking becomes more central to proof-of-stake networks.

Fed Explores New Access to Payment Rails

Separately, the Federal Reserve opened a consultation that could reshape how crypto and payment-focused firms interact with the US banking system.

The Fed is seeking public comment on a proposed “payment account,” a limited-use central bank account designed to sit alongside—but remain distinct from—the traditional master account used by banks.

@federalreserve seeks public feedback on a new “payment account” that could give crypto firms limited access to U.S. payment rails without full master accounts#FederalReserve #CryptoBankshttps://t.co/GBjwtkWS2n

— Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) December 22, 2025

The proposal shows growing strain on the Fed’s existing framework as fintechs and crypto firms seek direct access to payment rails without engaging in lending or deposit-taking.

By creating a tailored account model, the Fed appears to be weighing how to accommodate new business models while preserving safeguards tied to full-service banking.

The 45-day comment period, following publication in the Federal Register, suggests regulators are still in an exploratory phase. But even considering such accounts signals a recognition that denying access altogether may no longer be sustainable as digital payments and tokenised settlement systems expand.

SEC Targets Fraud Masquerading as Innovation

While tax and banking debates focused on structural reform, enforcement remained firmly in play. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission charged a network of alleged fake crypto trading platforms and so-called AI investment clubs, accusing them of orchestrating a $14 million retail fraud.

The SEC charged fake crypto platforms and AI-branded investment clubs over a $14 million retail investor scam.#SEC #Cryptohttps://t.co/ssD0ROvZ2e

— Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) December 23, 2025

According to the SEC, entities including Morocoin Tech Corp., Berge Blockchain Technology Co. Ltd., and several AI-branded investment clubs used social media advertising, messaging apps, and fabricated products to lure investors into what regulators described as an “investment confidence scam.”

The case shows persistent regulatory concern: while legitimate crypto firms push for clearer rules, bad actors continue to exploit hype around AI and digital assets to target retail investors. For regulators, enforcement actions like this remain a key justification for maintaining a hard line on consumer protection.

Arizona Tests the Limits of State-Level Crypto Tax Policy

At the state level, Arizona lawmakers introduced a fresh attempt to carve out a more permissive tax environment for digital assets. Proposals backed by State Senator Wendy Rogers would exempt virtual currency from certain taxes and bar local governments from imposing fees on blockchain node operators.

Arizona lawmakers introduce new bills to exempt cryptocurrency from taxes and block cities and counties from imposing local crypto or blockchain fees.#Arizona #CryptoTaxes https://t.co/uSfYHHZHWo

— Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) December 23, 2025

One bill would remove virtual currency from state taxation, while another would prevent cities and counties from taxing node operations. A separate constitutional amendment would explicitly exclude crypto from property tax—but would require voter approval in November 2026.

The effort highlights the tension between state-level experimentation and broader fiscal realities. Arizona currently levies a flat 2.5% income tax and a transaction privilege tax that averages above 8.5% once local rates are included, making a fully “tax-free” status politically and fiscally complex.

A Regulatory Picture Still in Motion

This week’s developments illustrate a regulatory landscape in transition. Policymakers are increasingly focused on aligning crypto with existing financial principles—fair taxation, controlled access to payment systems, and investor protection—while still wrestling with how far existing rules can stretch.

As staking, tokenised payments, and crypto-native infrastructure mature, the pressure on regulators to move from interim fixes to durable frameworks is only set to grow.

The post Weekly Crypto Regulation Roundup: Staking Taxes Under Fire as Fed Hints at New Crypto Banking Model appeared first on Cryptonews.

The digital asset market recorded an exceptional performance in 2025, broadly validating forecasts made the previous year, according to CoinShares.

Bitcoin reached new all-time highs while crypto returned to daily institutional and media discourse—this time in a far more constructive light than during the downturn of 2022–2023.

“Financial systems don’t change because prices move. They change because products become useful at scale.” @jmmognetti

In his latest letter, Jean-Marie Mognetti reflects on a defining year for digital assets, from @Bitcoin’s new highs to the shift away from speculation toward… pic.twitter.com/EojHyNxT1Q

— CoinShares (@CoinSharesCo) December 26, 2025

The year was not without turbulence. Periods of volatility and liquidation events served as reminders that crypto remains a young asset class.

CoinShares argues that focusing exclusively on price action risks overlooking the industry’s deeper progress. After years of sustained building the foundations supporting digital assets have strengthened materially.

Digital Assets Move Inside the Traditional Economy

CoinShares notes that digital assets are no longer operating outside the traditional financial system. Instead, they are increasingly embedded within it, augmenting core financial infrastructure rather than attempting to replace it outright.

Progress in 2025 was decisive across both technology and adoption. The industry has matured beyond its most speculative instincts, with attention shifting toward protocols and applications delivering measurable real-world utility.

Projects gaining traction today are those solving tangible economic problems, rather than chasing short-term narrative momentum.

Utility Over Narrative Signals Market Maturity

From CoinShares’ perspective, the most meaningful indicators of crypto’s direction are practical integrations rather than speculative cycles. Chainlink’s growing role in connecting blockchain networks with established benchmark providers offers a clearer signal of market evolution than any meme-driven rally.

At the consumer level, the emergence of prediction markets such as Polymarket and Kalshi demonstrates that crypto-enabled applications are reaching product-market fit. These platforms are no longer experimental; they are operational, regulated in parts, and increasingly used.

Meanwhile in the United States, spot Bitcoin ETFs have begun achieving mainstream adoption, gradually reshaping perceptions through familiarity rather than hype.

2026: Adoption Matters More Than Macro Catalysts

Looking ahead, CoinShares acknowledges that many market participants expect a fresh macro catalyst in 2026, potentially through renewed liquidity from the Federal Reserve. While such developments may influence markets, CoinShares argues that adoption will be the more consequential force.

In 2026 CoinShares says app-based retail savings products may begin competing directly with bank deposits while payment companies fintechs and banks expand stablecoin settlement, custody, and trading services. Though gradual, these changes are structural and difficult to reverse once embedded.

Economic Purpose Will Define the Winners

In this environment, CoinShares believes winners will be defined by economic function rather than narrative appeal. Bitcoin continues to solidify its role as a global, non-sovereign asset.

Stablecoins are evolving into settlement rails for a more digital and international economy. Tokenised financial products are beginning to transition from pilot programmes to real issuance.

As these rails mature, decentralised finance increasingly resembles finance itself—delivered through different technology rather than positioned as a parallel system.

Regulation Enables Scale, Not Suppression

CoinShares highlights meaningful regulatory progress, particularly in the United States, where recent legislative developments have clarified frameworks for stablecoins, tokenised assets and market infrastructure.

For Europe, the firm argues the opportunity lies in consistent, pragmatic implementation of regulation that attracts long-term institutional capital.

The objective should not be to constrain innovation through uncertainty, but to make innovation safe enough to scale.

From Graceful Return to Real-Economy Consolidation

CoinShares also cautions that future cycles will still produce micro-bubbles. Some themes will attract excessive capital, and some projects will fail. This, it says, is inevitable in a rapidly evolving frontier market.

The firm believes the direction of travel is increasingly clear. The market is turning toward utility, cash flow and integration. If 2025 represented crypto’s graceful return, CoinShares concludes that 2026 is shaping up to be the year digital assets consolidate into the real economy.

The post Crypto’s Next Phase Is Utility Not Price Action: CoinShares appeared first on Cryptonews.

Bitcoin’s price is hovering near $88,898, up 1.43% in the past 24 hours, with a market cap of $1.77 trillion. But behind the price action, something bigger is brewing: a record surge in institutional interest. In 2025, mentions of blockchain in SEC filings skyrocketed, hitting around 8,000 by August and staying elevated through November.

Bitcoin dominated these filings, thanks to the rollout of spot Bitcoin ETFs and amendments from major asset managers expanding their crypto offerings.

Unlike past cycles where ICOs and altcoins grabbed headlines, this time the focus is squarely on Bitcoin. It’s become the go-to entry point for traditional finance, signaling a shift in how institutions view digital assets.

New Laws Bring Regulatory Clarity

This filing frenzy didn’t happen in a vacuum. It coincided with major legislative wins in the U.S. The GENIUS Act, passed in early 2025, laid out strict rules for stablecoins: 100% reserve backing, monthly disclosures, and AML compliance. It also created dual pathways, federal oversight for large issuers and state-level options for smaller ones.

Then in July, the House passed the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, building on the FIT21 framework. Together, these laws gave firms a clearer roadmap for compliance, encouraging more formal participation in crypto markets.

Bitcoin (BTC/USD) Technical Breakout Signals Momentum

Bitcoin price prediction seems slightly bullish as on the 4-hour chart shows, BTC shows a breakout above a descending channel, with price reclaiming the 50 EMA ($88,061) and hovering above the 100 EMA ($88,570). RSI is climbing at 57.54, and candlestick patterns suggest accumulation.

Bitcoin Price Chart – Source: Tradingview

The breakout resembles a flag continuation pattern. If BTC holds above $88,319, resistance at $90,500 and $92,650 could be next. A clean move through those levels may push price toward $94,675.

Trade setup: Enter above $88,900, stop below $88,061, target $92,650–$94,675.

2026 Outlook: Supercycle or Setup?

With macro sentiment stabilizing and crypto options expiry injecting fresh liquidity, Bitcoin’s technical and regulatory posture is aligning for a potential supercycle. For presale participants and long-term holders, this could be the start of something much bigger.

Maxi Doge: The Meme Coin Built for Maximum Hype

Maxi Doge is exploding in popularity as traders rush toward its high-energy meme identity and fast-growing presale. With over $4.36 million raised, it’s quickly becoming one of the standout meme tokens of the year.

The project mixes bold branding with real engagement features, from ROI contests to nonstop community events, giving it more personality and momentum than typical dog coins. Its shredded, leverage-obsessed mascot has already turned Maxi Doge into a recognizable culture coin.

Holders can also stake $MAXI for daily smart-contract rewards and unlock access to exclusive competitions and partner events. The staking utility adds a passive-earning layer that keeps users active and invested in the ecosystem.

With $MAXI priced at $0.000275 and the next increase approaching, the presale continues to gain speed. If you’re looking for a meme coin built on hype, personality, and real community energy, Maxi Doge is shaping up to be one worth watching.

Click Here to Participate in the Presale

The post Bitcoin Price Prediction: Record SEC Filings Signal Flood of Wall Street Money – Supercycle Starting in 2026? appeared first on Cryptonews.

Japan’s ruling coalition has released its 2026 tax reform blueprint outlining a potential shift in how cryptocurrencies are treated under the country’s tax system, according to a CoinPost report.

仮想通貨の税制改正大綱、押さえておくべき重要ポイントを専門家が徹底解説｜Gtax寄稿https://t.co/Pd9hoQmm1B

— CoinPost（仮想通貨メディア） (@coin_post) December 26, 2025

Published on December 19 by the Liberal Democratic Party and the Japan Innovation Party, the reform plan is a move away from viewing crypto assets purely as speculative instruments and toward positioning them as financial products that can contribute to long-term wealth building.

According to CoinPost the blueprint explores classifying crypto assets alongside traditional financial products such as stocks and investment funds.

As part of this approach, policymakers are also considering the introduction of separate taxation for certain types of crypto-related income, aligning the sector more closely with Japan’s established capital markets framework.

Separate Taxation Under Consideration — Not for All Crypto Income

A key focus of the reform is the possible application of separate taxation to gains from spot crypto trading, derivatives transactions, and crypto-related exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

If implemented, this would mark a major departure from Japan’s current system where most crypto income is treated as miscellaneous income and subject to progressive tax rates.

The blueprint stops short of applying separate taxation across the board. CoinPost notes that staking and lending rewards which generate income through holding crypto rather than price appreciation are not explicitly covered in the proposal.

These forms of income may continue to fall under general taxation rules, depending on how future legislation defines income categories.

Loss Carryforward and Limits to Offsetting

Another notable factor is the proposal is to allow loss carryforwards for up to three years on qualifying crypto transactions. This would bring crypto taxation closer to the treatment of stocks and FX trading in Japan where investors can offset future gains with past losses.

The reform does not suggest broad cross-asset loss offsetting. Even if crypto gains become subject to separate taxation, losses from crypto trading are unlikely to be offset against profits from equities or other asset classes. Income categories are expected to remain strictly separated.

NFTs and Scope of Eligible Assets Remain Unclear

The blueprint does not explicitly address non-fungible tokens (NFTs), indicating that NFT-related income may continue to be taxed under the general system.

The reform refers to transactions involving “specified crypto assets,” implying that only assets handled by registered operators under Japan’s financial regulatory framework may qualify for the new tax treatment.

The post Japan’s 2026 Tax Reform Blueprint Maps Out New Framework for Crypto Assets: Report  appeared first on Cryptonews.

The crypto market is up today, extending gains for a second consecutive session. Total cryptocurrency market capitalization has increased by around 1%, now standing at approximately $3.07 trillion, while 24-hour trading volume sits at $91.4 billion, according to market data.

Most major assets are trading in positive territory, reflecting steady risk appetite despite relatively muted volumes.

TLDR:

The crypto market extended gains for a second day, with total market capitalisation rising about 1%;

Roughly 9 of the top 10 coins traded higher;

Analysts warn Bitcoin is still struggling below $90,000, with holiday trading volumes reinforcing a choppy, high-resistance market;

10x Research says compressed volatility and options positioning point to a potential multi-week uptrend if the breakout holds;

Key BTC levels: upside above $89k–$90.5k, downside risk below $86k, with deeper support near $82k;

ETH needs a firm break above $2,980–$3,000 to unlock upside toward $3,150–$3,300;

Market sentiment remains cautious, with the Crypto Fear & Greed Index at 27 (fear);

No ETF data for Dec. 25 due to Christmas market closure;

Separately, Russia’s Sberbank is exploring crypto-backed lending.

Crypto Winners & Losers

At the time of writing, 9 of the top 10 cryptocurrencies by market capitalization have posted gains over the past 24 hours.

Bitcoin (BTC) is up 1.4%, trading at $88,681, as it continues to hold above the $88,000 level after recent consolidation.

Ethereum (ETH) has climbed 1.3% to $2,964, extending modest gains as it remains just below the $3,000 psychological level.

BNB (BNB) is slightly higher, up 0.1% at $840, while XRP (XRP) has added 0.1%, trading at $1.87. Solana (SOL) rose 0.7% to $122.80, recovering some ground despite remaining lower on the weekly timeframe.

Among the top 10, Dogecoin (DOGE) was the weakest performer, down 1.2% on the day and trading at $0.1257, extending its short-term pullback.

Looking beyond large caps, several smaller tokens posted sharp gains. Islamic Coin (ISLM) led the market with an 86.5% surge, followed by WOLF, which jumped 65.6%. zkPass also stood out, rising 46.3% and ranking among both the top gainers and trending assets.

Meanwhile, Gabriel Selby, head of research at CF Benchmarks, said Bitcoin remained pinned under a key level as markets drift into the seasonal lull.

Bitcoin hovered near $87k in thin holiday trade as Asian stocks edged higher, with analysts saying low liquidity kept prices pinned despite a steady risk mood.#AsiaMarketOpen #BitcoinPrice https://t.co/Burg9tFUDM

— Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) December 26, 2025

“Bitcoin has struggled to break above the $90k level during a busy schedule of macroeconomic data releases, and price action appears to be forming a bearish wedge with downside risk,” he said.

“As we head into the holiday period, trading volumes are following their usual seasonal lull, which typically reinforces the choppy, high-resistance environment currently observed.”

Bitcoin Near Inflection Point as Options and Volatility Signals Align — 10x Research

Bitcoin has spent weeks moving sideways, masking deeper shifts in market positioning that could set up a decisive move. According to 10x Research, a rare alignment of options positioning, compressed volatility, and technical exhaustion is forming, a combination that has historically preceded sustained trends rather than short-lived price spikes.

Bitcoin triggers a bullish breakout – if sustained, then a multi-week uptrend is in the cards.

Bitcoin has spent weeks drifting sideways, testing the patience of both bulls and bears, while the forces shaping its next move quietly evolve beneath the surface.

A rare convergence… pic.twitter.com/8t7az7HytJ

— 10x Research (@10x_Research) December 26, 2025

The firm notes that capital largely stayed sidelined after the Oct. 10 crash, with ETF outflows accelerating following the hawkish Oct. 29 FOMC meeting. While the technical sell-off appeared mostly complete by late November, Bitcoin failed to rebound as investors rotated into year-end outperformers, leaving BTC without meaningful inflows.

As year-end positioning resets and fresh risk budgets come into play, 10x Research argues that several overlooked indicators are beginning to line up. If the current breakout holds, the setup points to a potential multi-week uptrend, making the next signals on key charts critical for confirming whether a broader trend is underway.

Levels & Events to Watch Next

At the time of writing, Bitcoin is trading around $88,681, up roughly 1.7% over the past 24 hours. Price action has improved compared with recent sessions, with BTC pushing higher after defending the mid-$86,000 area earlier this week.

On a broader view, Bitcoin remains well below its October peak near $125,000, following a sharp November correction and a consolidation phase through December. Over the past week, BTC has traded within a relatively tight range, with short-term support forming around $86,000–$87,000.

A sustained move above $89,000 would likely open the door for a test of $90,500, followed by resistance near $92,000–$93,000. On the downside, a loss of $86,000 could expose BTC to further weakness toward $84,000, with deeper support closer to $82,000.

Ethereum is currently changing hands at approximately $2,967, posting a stronger daily gain of about 2.2%. ETH’s rebound has been more decisive than Bitcoin’s in the latest session, with price reclaiming ground after several failed attempts earlier in December.

Despite the bounce, Ethereum remains capped below the key $3,000 psychological level. Over the past week, ETH has traded unevenly, reflecting low conviction as volume stays moderate.

A firm break and hold above $2,980–$3,000 would likely shift near-term momentum in favor of bulls, with upside targets around $3,150 and potentially $3,300 if follow-through buying emerges. If sellers regain control, ETH could revisit support near $2,850, with a deeper pullback exposing the $2,700–$2,750 range.

Meanwhile, crypto market sentiment remains firmly in the fear zone, according to the latest CoinMarketCap data. The Crypto Fear and Greed Index stands at 27, broadly unchanged from the previous day, signaling continued caution among investors.

While sentiment has improved slightly from last month’s extreme fear reading of 15, it remains well below neutral levels.

Since US stock markets were closed for Christmas, there were no ETF flow updates for Dec. 25.

For Dec. 24, US spot Bitcoin ETFs extended their losing streak, recording $175.29 million in net outflows. Selling pressure was broad-based, led by BlackRock’s IBIT, which saw $91.37 million exit.

Grayscale’s GBTC followed with $24.62 million in outflows, while Fidelity’s FBTC lost $17.17 million. Bitwise (BITB) and ARK 21Shares (ARKB) also posted smaller redemptions.

US spot Ether ETFs also turned negative, posting $52.7 million in net outflows and snapping a short inflow streak. Grayscale’s ETHE led the declines with $33.78 million in outflows, followed by BlackRock’s ETHA at $22.25 million. Grayscale’s ETH trust (ETH) was the only product to see inflows, adding $3.33 million on the day.

Total trading volume across US ETH ETFs reached $689.44 million, while net assets stood at $17.86 billion, representing roughly 5% of Ethereum’s total market capitalization.

Meanwhile, Sberbank is exploring crypto-secured lending as Russia’s financial sector accelerates its push into digital assets ahead of the country’s mid-2026 regulatory deadline.

Russian President Putin said that the US is interested in crypto mining at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.#ZaporizhzhiaNuclearPowerPlant #CryptoMining #Ukrainehttps://t.co/jbG9w0pouG

— Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) December 26, 2025

Deputy Chairman Anatoly Popov told TASS the bank stands ready to collaborate with regulators on developing infrastructure for such services, potentially expanding Russia’s crypto ecosystem beyond trading into collateralized finance.

The post Why Is Crypto Up Today? – December 26, 2025 appeared first on Cryptonews.

Caroline Ellison, the former co-CEO of Alameda Research, is scheduled to be released from federal custody on Jan. 21, 2026, according to records from the US Federal Bureau of Prisons.

Key Takeaways:

Former Alameda co-CEO Caroline Ellison is set for release on Jan. 21, 2026, about 10 months earlier than her full sentence.

Ellison pleaded guilty over the FTX collapse and cooperated with prosecutors, helping secure Sam Bankman-Fried’s conviction.

Her early release reflects cooperation and good conduct, though she faces a 10-year ban and ongoing supervision.

Ellison, 31, has been in community confinement since October 2025 after being transferred from a federal prison in Connecticut, Business Insider reported earlier this month.

Her release date places her exit from custody roughly 10 months earlier than the full two-year sentence imposed by the court.

Ellison Pleaded Guilty in FTX Collapse That Wiped Out Billions

Ellison pleaded guilty in December 2022 to fraud and conspiracy charges connected to the collapse of FTX, the crypto exchange founded by Sam Bankman-Fried.

The failure of FTX triggered billions of dollars in customer losses and marked one of the most significant scandals in the history of the digital asset industry.

As part of her plea agreement, Ellison cooperated extensively with federal prosecutors and served as a key witness during Bankman-Fried’s criminal trial.

Her testimony detailed how Alameda and FTX commingled customer funds and concealed financial shortfalls, evidence that contributed to Bankman-Fried’s conviction on multiple counts of fraud. He was later sentenced to 25 years in prison.

US District Judge Lewis Kaplan sentenced Ellison in September 2024, ordering her to forfeit $11 billion and serve a two-year prison term beginning in November of that year.

JUST IN:

Caroline Ellison, the former CEO of Alameda Research, is scheduled to be released from federal custody on January 21, 2026 pic.twitter.com/WkStCGH8E4

— WF (@WhaleFUD) December 25, 2025

The earlier-than-expected release appears to reflect good-conduct credits and her cooperation with investigators.

In a filing submitted ahead of sentencing, John J. Ray III, the CEO overseeing the FTX bankruptcy estate, said Ellison provided “valuable assistance” that helped recover hundreds of millions of dollars in assets for creditors.

Those efforts played a role in ongoing attempts to return funds to customers affected by the collapse.

Earlier this month, Ellison also agreed to a 10-year ban on serving as an officer or director of public companies or cryptocurrency exchanges.

Following her release, she will remain under supervised release, limiting her future involvement in regulated financial businesses.

Bankman-Fried Seeks Trump Clemency, Claims FTX Case Was Politically Motivated

Meanwhile, Bankman-Fried continues to pursue post-conviction relief. He is seeking clemency from US President Donald Trump, who has previously issued high-profile crypto-related pardons, including for former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao.

Bankman-Fried has argued that his prosecution was politically motivated, a claim prosecutors have rejected.

According to Bureau of Prisons records, Bankman-Fried is currently scheduled for release in September 2044, underscoring the stark contrast in outcomes between the two former executives.

The post Former Alameda CEO Caroline Ellison Set for Release in January 2026 appeared first on Cryptonews.

Sberbank is exploring crypto-secured lending as Russia’s financial sector accelerates its push into digital assets ahead of the country’s mid-2026 regulatory deadline.

Deputy Chairman Anatoly Popov told TASS the bank stands ready to collaborate with regulators on developing infrastructure for such services, potentially expanding Russia’s crypto ecosystem beyond trading into collateralized finance.

The announcement builds on Sberbank’s broader digital asset strategy, which has already produced over 160 tokenized issues this year, spanning real estate, oil, and commodity-linked products.

“I hope we will be able to announce such deals soon,” Popov expressed optimism, though the timing depends on the regulatory framework, currently in its infancy.

Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board of Sber Anatoly Popov. | © Reuters

Exchanges Prepare Infrastructure as Regulatory Countdown Begins

Just yesterday, Moscow Exchange and St. Petersburg Exchange confirmed readiness to launch regulated crypto trading once Russia’s legislative framework takes effect by July 1, 2026.

The exchanges’ December announcements followed the Bank of Russia’s release of a regulatory concept outlining comprehensive timelines and enforcement mechanisms for crypto legislation.

Moscow Exchange stated it is “actively working on solutions to service the cryptocurrency market.”

St. Petersburg Exchange also mentioned that it has “the necessary technological infrastructure for trading and settlements.“

Russia's major stock exchanges confirm readiness for regulated crypto trading by mid-2026 as legislative framework approaches implementation deadline.#Russia #Cryptohttps://t.co/rZhcnzIhjn

— Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) December 25, 2025

The regulatory framework divides market access between qualified and non-qualified investors under sharply different conditions.

Non-qualified participants are limited to purchasing liquid cryptocurrencies from defined lists after passing mandatory knowledge tests and are subject to an annual cap of 300,000 rubles through a single intermediary.

Qualified investors face no volume restrictions but must demonstrate understanding of crypto risks through testing and remain barred from purchasing anonymous tokens that conceal transaction data.

Amid these growing regulatory and technological developments, State Duma Committee Chairman Anatoly Aksakov reiterated earlier this month that cryptocurrencies “will never become money within our country,” functioning only as investment instruments, with all domestic payments required in rubles.

Transaction Volumes Drive Policy Evolution From Resistance to Regulation

Russia recorded $376.3 billion in crypto transaction receipts between July 2024 and June 2025, surpassing the United Kingdom’s $273.2 billion and establishing Russia as Europe’s largest crypto market by transaction volume.

Large-scale transfers exceeding $10 million grew 86% during this period, nearly double the 44% growth across the rest of Europe, while DeFi activity surged eightfold in early 2025 before stabilizing at 3.5 times the mid-2023 baseline.

Much of this growth is tied to A7A5, a ruble-pegged stablecoin that has reached over $500 million in market capitalization despite Western sanctions, making it the world’s largest non-dollar stablecoin.

Looking beyond trading and investment, Senior Kremlin official Maxim Oreshkin recently argued that crypto mining should be classified as export activity in Russia, since the mined assets effectively flow abroad.

Crypto mining should be treated as a form of export in Russia’s official trade accounts, according to senior Kremlin official Maxim Oreshkin.#Bitcoin #Mininghttps://t.co/FGxF9Q3knm

— Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) December 4, 2025

According to past reports, the country produces tens of thousands of Bitcoins annually, generating approximately 1 billion rubles in daily revenue and accounting for over 16% of global hashrate during summer months.

Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina also recently acknowledged that crypto mining contributes to the ruble’s strength. However, she noted quantifying its exact impact remains difficult as much of the industry operates in gray areas.

Illegal mining costs Russia billions of dollars annually through stolen electricity and unpaid taxes, prompting the November 1, 2024, legalization requiring legal entities to register with the Federal Tax Service.

Sberbank Builds Digital Asset Platform Ahead of 2026 Deadline

Sberbank has already begun offering regulated crypto-linked investments totaling 1.5 billion rubles in structured bonds and digital financial assets tied to Bitcoin, Ethereum, and broader crypto portfolios.

The bank launched blockchain-powered tokens that track global cocoa prices in March and continues to build proprietary blockchain infrastructure supporting smart contracts and tokenization tools for corporate clients, with each token representing 1 kilogram of cocoa and available to qualified investors for up to 4 months.

Deputy Chairman Popov confirmed “active dialogue” with the Bank of Russia on integrating crypto services within regulated frameworks while the lender positions itself as a potential liquidity provider and market maker on regulated platforms.

Russia’s Central Bank (@bank_of_russia) targets 2026 for a unified crypto regulation framework, allowing controlled trading for investors while planning penalties for illegal intermediaries from 2027. #CryptoRegulation #BankOfRussia #Russiahttps://t.co/DjLAmMqsCb

— Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) December 23, 2025

The regulatory timeline calls for legislative frameworks to be completed by July 1, 2026, with liability for illegal crypto intermediary activities taking effect from July 1, 2027.

The post Russia’s Largest Bank Considers Launching Crypto-Collateral Lending appeared first on Cryptonews.

Russian President Putin said that the US and Russia are in talks over the joint management of Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, without Ukraine’s participation. He claimed that the US is interested in using the plant’s electricity for Bitcoin mining.

During a meeting with business representatives, President Putin unveiled the plan, Russian media Kommersant reported. Further, Moscow and Washington are considering the possibility of supplying electricity to Ukraine.

The United States is discussing the possibility of jointly managing the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant without Ukraine’s involvement, Putin said.

He claimed that the US is interested in using the plant for cryptocurrency mining. At the same time, Putin said that electricity… pic.twitter.com/5FwkysGQqP

— KyivPost (@KyivPost) December 25, 2025

Additionally, Putin said that Ukrainian specialists will continue to work at the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, but will hold Russian passports. The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant was captured by Russian troops in March 2022.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed a joint operation of the Plant with the US. He said the issue of Zaporizhzhia remains one of the most challenging points of the US peace plan for Ukraine.

International communities, including the IAEA, have repeatedly stressed that any decisions regarding the plant without Ukraine’s participation are illegal.

Ukraine Power Grid Crisis

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is currently not generating electricity for the grid due to its seizure by Russia in March 2022. Its six reactors are in a safety shutdown and depend solely on emergency diesel generators for essential cooling, with frequent cuts.

Besides, more Russian drones and missiles than in previous years have left energy supplies at a tipping point. Per a WSJ report, Russia launched more than 5,000 missiles and long-range drones into Ukraine, targeting energy infrastructure.

Analysts at the private intelligence agency Molfar said in a study that three active crypto mining pools with six miners in Ukraine likely consumed 33 kW per hour. The data was collected from July 2023 to June 2024 using various open sources.

Currently, the US has not released any official statement regarding the ongoing negotiations on the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, without Ukraine’s involvement.

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Keonne Rodriguez, the co-founder of Bitcoin privacy tool Samourai Wallet, spent Christmas Eve documenting his first day inside a US federal prison, offering a rare personal account from a crypto developer now beginning a five-year sentence.

Key Takeaways:

Keonne Rodriguez shared a personal account of his first days in federal prison.

His case has renewed debate over criminal liability for open-source crypto developers.

A growing clemency campaign highlights concerns over free speech and innovation.

In a letter shared by The Rage, Rodriguez described surrendering himself to a federal prison camp and navigating the intake process, which included searches, medical checks and assignment to housing.

The letter, dated Wednesday, marked his seventh day at the facility and reflected on the emotional toll of entering custody just days before Christmas.

Rodriguez Describes First Days in Prison as “Manageable”

“While not at all comfortable, it is manageable,” Rodriguez wrote. “While I rather be at home with my wife and family, there are far worse places I could have ended up.”

He added that he was thankful the other prisoners had been “respectful and downright friendly,” a detail that appeared to offer some reassurance amid an otherwise difficult transition.

Rodriguez said he was scheduled to receive his wife as his first visitor on Christmas Day.

He also noted that the timing of his incarceration forced his family to celebrate the holiday early this year, underscoring the personal cost of his sentence beyond the legal consequences.

The imprisonment of Rodriguez has drawn attention within the crypto community, where it has become a flashpoint in the broader debate over the criminal liability of open-source developers.

Privacy advocates argue that his case, alongside the prosecution of Tornado Cash co-founder Roman Storm, raises unresolved questions about whether writing and maintaining code can constitute a crime when third parties use that software for illicit purposes.

American entrepreneur Keonne Rodriguez built a successful Bitcoin wallet app called @SamouraiWallet. He’s now being sent to prison for it.

In a few weeks, Keonne will begin his 5-year sentence behind bars, unless the Bitcoin community can save him by pressuring the US… pic.twitter.com/tURaJ66NPX

— Jesse Tevelow (@jtevelow) December 6, 2025

Rodriguez was sentenced on Nov. 19 on charges tied to his role in operating a crypto mixing protocol.

Supporters say the prosecution sets a dangerous precedent for developers building privacy-focused tools, while authorities have maintained that the case centers on facilitating illegal activity rather than protected speech.

A petition calling for clemency for Rodriguez has gathered more than 12,000 signatures, reflecting continued concern among developers and digital rights advocates.

The petition describes the case as “a chilling attack on free speech and innovation,” warning that it could deter open-source development in the United States.

Trump Says He Will Review Samourai Wallet Co-Founder’s Case

The possibility of executive clemency has also entered the conversation. US President Donald Trump said earlier this month that he would review Rodriguez’s case, telling reporters on Dec. 16 that he had heard about it and would “take a look,” though he acknowledged he was not familiar with the details.

The comments came after Rodriguez had begun serving his sentence.

In a subsequent social media post, Rodriguez publicly appealed to Trump for a pardon, characterizing his prosecution as an example of “lawfare” carried out under the previous administration.

He argued that his case involved no direct victims and accused regulators and judges of targeting him as part of a broader anti-innovation push.

The post Samourai Wallet Co-Founder Describes First Day Behind Bars in Letter appeared first on Cryptonews.

Crypto markets traded mostly lower over the past 24 hours, with sector-wide declines reflecting a cautious risk environment as investor sentiment remained in extreme fear. Coingecko data shows the NFT sector leading losses with a sharp 7.38% drop, erasing much of the previous session’s gains, while most other sectors also moved into the red. In contrast, the AI and SocialFi sectors showed relative resilience, posting modest gains even as the Crypto Fear & Greed Index slipped to 21, as investors observe persistent market anxiety despite Bitcoin holding above the $88,000 level.

But what else is happening in crypto news today? Follow our up-to-date live coverage below.

The post [LIVE] Crypto News Today: Latest Updates for Dec. 26, 2025 – Broad Crypto Pullback Continues as Sentiment Remains Fragile appeared first on Cryptonews.

Uniswap governance has approved the UNIfication proposal, marking a major shift in the protocol’s economic model and setting UNI on a more explicitly deflationary path.

Key Takeaways:

Uniswap approved UNIfication with near-unanimous support, putting UNI on a deflationary path.

The fee switch redirects trading fees to ongoing UNI burns tied to protocol usage.

The proposal also streamlines governance and funding to support long-term growth.

Voting concluded on Thursday with 99.9% support, according to Uniswap founder Hayden Adams.

More than 125 million UNI tokens were cast in favor of the proposal, compared with just 742 tokens voting against, underscoring broad consensus among token holders.

Uniswap Proposal Activates Long-Awaited Protocol Fee Switch

The proposal, introduced in November by Uniswap Labs and the Uniswap Foundation, activates the long-anticipated protocol fee switch.

Under the new structure, a portion of trading fees, previously distributed entirely to liquidity providers, will now be directed to the protocol itself.

Those fees will be used to burn UNI tokens on an ongoing basis, reducing total supply over time. In addition, net sequencer fees from Unichain will be routed into the same burn mechanism.

Together, the changes create a direct link between usage and supply reduction. As trading activity increases across Uniswap, more UNI will be removed from circulation, effectively tying the token’s economics to the protocol’s growth.

Beyond fee mechanics, UNIfication also streamlines Uniswap’s operational structure. The proposal transitions Uniswap Foundation teams and responsibilities into Uniswap Labs, removes fees from Labs’ interface, wallet, and API services, and establishes a recurring growth budget funded by UNI.

Voting has concluded on Unification

125,342,017 YES
742 NO

Unified, true to the name

After a ~2day vote timelock, 100m UNI will be burned, fee switches will be flipped, labs will turn off frontend fees and focus on the protocol, and more

Merry Christmas everyone https://t.co/wpsEC8udlW pic.twitter.com/P0rJmLN9Cc

— Hayden Adams (@haydenzadams) December 25, 2025

That budget is designed to support long-term development and ecosystem expansion rather than short-term incentives.

Following approval, the proposal enters a two-day timelock, after which Uniswap will execute a one-time burn of 100 million UNI.

The figure represents an estimate of how much UNI might have been burned had the fee switch been active since the token’s launch.

The governance package also introduces a Protocol Fee Discount Auctions system designed to improve returns for liquidity providers while aligning Uniswap Labs, the Uniswap Foundation, and on-chain governance under a single legal structure using Wyoming’s DUNA framework.

Several influential figures in decentralized finance backed the UNIfication proposal, including Variant founder Jesse Waldren, Synthetix and Infinex founder Kain Warwick, and former Uniswap Labs engineer Ian Lapham, all of whom hold substantial voting power.

Uniswap Cites Shift in Regulatory Climate as It Moves Toward Value Capture

The move comes after years of regulatory pressure on DeFi under former SEC Chair Gary Gensler.

In the proposal, Uniswap argued that the regulatory landscape has shifted and that decentralized finance has reached a stage of broader acceptance, making it possible to implement protocol-level value capture.

“I believe Uniswap protocol can be the primary place tokens are traded,” Adams said, adding that the proposal “sets the stage for the next decade of its growth.”

UNI was trading at $5.92 as of late Thursday, up 18.9% over the past week.

Uniswap has generated more than $1.05 billion in fees so far this year, highlighting the scale of activity now feeding into its new economic model.

The post Uniswap Governance Approves UNIfication Proposal in Near-Unanimous Vote appeared first on Cryptonews.

Multi-chain crypto wallet provider Trust Wallet has confirmed a security breach on Thursday, with estimated initial losses exceeding $6 million.

Blockchain security expert ZachXBT flagged the incident after multiple Trust Wallet users experienced unauthorized fund outflows. All victims have one thing in common – they installed the new Trust Wallet extension before the theft.

“We’ve identified a security incident affecting Trust Wallet Browser Extension version 2.68 only,” the crypto wallet wrote on X.

“Users with Browser Extension 2.68 should disable and upgrade to 2.69.”

We’ve identified a security incident affecting Trust Wallet Browser Extension version 2.68 only. Users with Browser Extension 2.68 should disable and upgrade to 2.69.

Please refer to the official Chrome Webstore link here: https://t.co/V3vMq31TKb

Please note: Mobile-only users…

— Trust Wallet (@TrustWallet) December 25, 2025

Following the initial report, ZachXBT noted that the number of victims has risen to the hundreds, with funds over $6 million siphoned in SOL, BTC and EVM tokens.

Besides, Arkham data shows that exploiters made use of several receiving addresses, moving funds across various wallets.

Source: Arkham

Trust Wallet Users Report Losing Funds

Several Trust Wallet users reported that funds were drained from their wallet addresses within a short time frame on Christmas.

One user took to X, reporting the loss of over $300,000 after coming back from Christmas. “Everything I’ve been building for. Stolen on Christmas Day.” The transactions took place within a 4-minute window, the user added.

I didn't want to post this. I've been staring at this screen for 3 hours.

I was coming back from Christmas with my family. Excited to check the markets, maybe catch some opportunities on this year-end dip.

Instead, I opened my wallet to find +$300,000 gone.

The Trust Wallet… pic.twitter.com/po2BSF96XZ

— yuna (@yunaintern) December 25, 2025

Users reported that multiple blockchains, including EVM-compatible networks, Bitcoin, and Solana, were affected.

What Happened

Trust Wallet released a new browser extension update on Wednesday, which users installed through the usual update process.

At first, the extension appeared legit, however, hackers masqueraded the code address, extracting users’ seed phrases and draining wallets.

“Reports indicate that importing a seed phrase into the extension can result in immediate wallet draining,” wrote one user.

Browser extensions operate with elevated access to web pages, cookies, storage, and browsing activity. When abused, they provide a near-perfect avenue for credential theft – without triggering traditional endpoint defences.

Recently, several reports have surfaced with high-profile extension-related wallet threats. Per HackerNews, more than 40 fake crypto wallet extensions were stealing users’ keys and IPs early this year.

Trust Wallet noted that mobile-only users and other browser extension versions were not impacted by the breach.

“We understand how concerning this is, and our team is actively working on the issue. We’ll keep sharing updates as soon as possible,” the team wrote on X.

Further, in a latest update, the wallet said that the customer support is already in touch with impacted users regarding next steps.

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