Welcome to the US Crypto News Morning Briefing—your essential rundown of the most important developments in crypto for the day ahead.

Grab a coffee because today’s Morning Briefing isn’t just about interest rates. It’s about leverage, funding, and which side of the Pacific really sets the rhythm for risk assets when the policy paths split. As one central bank eases (the US), the other tightens (Japan). The tension between the two is beginning to reshape global liquidity in ways that don’t show up in a single chart or price candle.

Crypto News of the Day: Japan Raises Interest Rates, But the Fed Cuts, Which Side Has A Stronger Impact?

Global markets are at an impasse, amid a rare and consequential policy divergence. On the one hand, the US Federal Reserve has begun cutting interest rates to support slowing growth. In contrast, the Bank of Japan (BOJ) is moving in the opposite direction, raising rates to levels not seen in three decades.

The question facing investors is no longer whether these moves matter, but which one ultimately carries more weight for global liquidity, currencies, and crypto markets.

On December 19, the BOJ raised its policy rate by 25 basis points to 0.75%, the highest level since 1995. This marks another step away from decades of ultra-loose monetary policy. Macro analysts see the move as more than a routine adjustment.

🚨 BREAKING: 🇯🇵 BOJ DELIVERS THE HIKE

Rates raised 25 bps to 0.75%, marking a 30-year high.

Japan’s era of ultra-easy money keeps fading.

This is a major global LIQUIDITY shift… watch yen and risk assets closely. 👀 pic.twitter.com/vfciRH84WJ

— Wise Advice (@wiseadvicesumit) December 19, 2025

Unlike the Federal Reserve’s rate cuts, which are cyclical and designed to smooth economic slowdowns, Japan’s tightening is structural. For nearly 30 years, near-zero Japanese rates anchored one of the world’s most important sources of cheap leverage.

Even modest increases now carry outsized consequences because they disrupt funding strategies deeply embedded across global markets.

The immediate impact was most visible in currency markets. Despite the historic hike, the yen initially weakened as Governor Kazuo Ueda offered limited clarity on the pace of future tightening.

Reuters noted that the currency slipped as the BOJ “stays vague on tightening path.” This highlights how forward guidance, not just the hike itself, remains critical.

Still, analysts argue the real transmission channel lies elsewhere: the yen carry trade, as reported in a recent US Crypto News publication.

As Japanese yields rise and the US–Japan rate gap narrows, borrowing yen to fund higher-yielding positions becomes increasingly expensive.

Fed cut rates, but the message mattered more than the cut. Their dot plot now shows fewer cuts ahead. That flipped expectations from “easy money coming” to “higher for longer.” At the same time, BOJ hike expectations strengthened the yen → yen carry trades started unwinding →… pic.twitter.com/eSaJLWQajg

— Dmytro V7 🇺🇦 (@V7Dmytro) December 16, 2025

This is where the divergence between Tokyo and Washington becomes critical:

• Fed cuts tend to support markets gradually by easing credit conditions.
• BOJ tightening, by contrast, forces immediate repositioning as leverage costs rise.

Crypto markets have historically experienced this impact more quickly than traditional assets. Previous BOJ tightening cycles coincided with sharp Bitcoin drawdowns of 20–30% as liquidity tightened and carry trades unwound.

THE BANK OF JAPAN MIGHT BE BITCOIN’S BIGGEST ENEMY

Japan holds the most US debt.
Every time they hike, Bitcoin bleeds:

March 2024: -23%
July 2024: -30%
Jan 2025: -31%

Next hike: Dec 19
Next move: loading…

If the pattern repeats, $70K is in play. pic.twitter.com/R5916R702I

— Merlijn The Trader (@MerlijnTrader) December 14, 2025

That pattern has made Bitcoin’s recent stability stand out. As of this writing, BTC was trading for $88,035, up by almost 1% in the last 24 hours.

“History shows every prior tightening triggered 20–30% Bitcoin drops as yen carry trades unwound and liquidity tightened. Yet with the hike fully priced in and BTC holding around $85k–$87k, this could be the dip buyers have been waiting for,” wrote analyst Blueblock.

However, resilience at the top of the crypto market does not eliminate risk elsewhere. Altcoins, which are far more sensitive to liquidity conditions, remain exposed if Japanese tightening continues.

Indeed, BOJ officials have openly signaled willingness to keep tightening if wage growth and inflation remain durable. Analysts at ING and Bloomberg have warned that while further hikes may not be imminent, the direction of travel is clear.

The implication for global markets is stark. Fed cuts may provide broad support over time, but Japan’s retreat from ultra-easy policy strikes directly at the foundation of global leverage.If the BOJ continues down this path, its influence on liquidity, currencies, and crypto could outweigh US easing, at least in the near term.

Chart of the Day

Byte-Sized Alpha

Here’s a summary of more US crypto news to follow today:

• What does a 100% accurate historical indicator signal for Bitcoin in December?
• ADA is down 70% in 2025 —But two new sources of demand are emerging for Cardano.
• Is Toncoin undervalued? December data signals potential rebound.
• XRP selling pressure collapses 39%, but this price level still controls the outcome.
• Bitcoin whales moved — But not in the way markets assumed.

Crypto Equities Pre-Market Overview

Company	At the Close of December 18	Pre-Market Overview
Strategy (MSTR)	$158.24	$163.97 (+3.62%)
Coinbase (COIN)	$239.20	$246.00 (+2.84%)
Galaxy Digital Holdings (GLXY)	$22.51	$22.95 (+1.95%)
MARA Holdings (MARA)	$9.69	$9.87 (+1.86%)
Riot Platforms (RIOT)	$13.38	$13.73 (+2.62%)
Core Scientific (CORZ)	$14.56	$15.04 (+3.30%)

The post Japan Tightens, America Eases: Which Central Bank Really Moves Markets Now? | US Crypto News appeared first on BeInCrypto.

Ownership coins are set to transform decentralized governance in 2026, with analysts forecasting that at least one project will surpass a $1 billion market cap.

Unlike current governance tokens, ownership coins combine economic, legal, and governance rights in one asset. This development could solve longstanding issues that have challenged decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) for years.

How Ownership Coins Differ From Traditional Governance Tokens

Traditional DAO governance tokens generally offer only voting rights, lacking real economic power or legal accountability within decentralized organizations. This limitation introduces investment risks and weakens the goal of truly decentralized governance.

Ownership coins offer a major shift in design. According to research from Galaxy Digital, these tokens unite economic, legal, and governance rights within a legally enforceable digital asset. This integrated approach aims to fix accountability issues that have affected DAOs since their start.

Galaxy Digital describes this model as creating “digital companies” in which onchain governance holds legal weight rather than relying only on social consensus.

Token holders thus gain meaningful and enforceable control over digital organizations with tangible assets. This innovation creates a path toward legally recognized, self-governed on-chain entities.

MetaDAO was among the first to use this framework, applying futarchy principles, a governance system using prediction markets instead of direct votes.

The project launched on Solana in November 2023, guiding decisions with trading in prediction markets rather than traditional voting methods.

Messari Report Identifies AVICI as Top Performer

The Messari Theses report positions ownership coins as a major investment opportunity for 2026. It spotlights AVICI as the biggest winner over the past year, highlighting the sector’s growth prospects.

We are so back!

The Messari Theses for 2026 is live and available for free.

Jump into the full report now ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/HA3za2QktZ

— Messari (@MessariCrypto) December 18, 2025

AVICI has shown strong holder retention and broad distribution, despite price volatility. As of mid-December 2025, the token counted 12,752 holders and maintained a low concentration among large holders.

Analyst crypto_iso shared that AVICI began with 4,000 holders and reached 13,300 within 45 days.

During a steep 65% price decline, AVICI lost only 600 holders, just 21% of its initial growth rate. On average, the coin added 200 holders per day at its peak and lost about 43 per day during the downturn. These numbers signal community resilience despite market fluctuation.

Yes for sure.

Here is an interesting datapoint on the holder front.$Avici is still sitting at 12.7k holders which is pretty impressive because if you think about the net number given a drawdown of 65% it's strong. I think it started with around 4k holders or so day 1 and in 45… pic.twitter.com/pTnn9pItjf

— CryptoISO (@crypto_iso) December 18, 2025

Sector Remains Early-Stage, Offering Potential for Growth

The ownership coin market is viewed as a new frontier with substantial upside, as no project yet has exceeded a $1 billion fully diluted valuation. Many investors see this as untapped potential for significant gains.

“My biggest bet for 2026 are ownership coins. They are in early stage right now, not a single coin above 1B mcap. Opportunity right in front of you,” wrote analyst Anglio.

Much of the discourse on social media calls 2026 the “year of the ownership coin.” The blend of authentic innovation and early entry point is attracting interest from retail and institutional investors alike.

Ownership coins may solve barriers that have limited DAO growth and investment. Their legally binding onchain governance systems can let blockchain-native organizations function as true business entities.

This step could impact capital formation, investor protection, and the development of decentralized governance.

Nevertheless, this market is still in its infancy. Most ownership coin projects remain under development, and legal clarity for these hybrid entities varies across regions. Whether this innovation can fulfill the aspiration of self-governing onchain organizations will depend on successful implementation in 2026.

The post $1 Billion by 2026? Analysts Eye Ownership Coins as Crypto’s Next Governance Game-Changer appeared first on BeInCrypto.

Bitcoin may be approaching one of its most pivotal turning points in years. A leading valuation metric, the BTC Yardstick, currently reads -1.6 standard deviations below its long-term mean, signaling the pioneer crypto’s deepest undervaluation since the 2022 bear market low.

Historically, this level has coincided with major cycle bottoms, including 2011, 2017, 2020, and 2022.

BTC Yardstick Shows Strongest Undervaluation in Years

The Yardstick measures Bitcoin’s market price against the cost and power required to secure its network. This includes mining infrastructure and operational expenditures.

“BTC Yardstick at –1.6σ = Bitcoin is insanely undervalued. Other occurrences: 2022 bear market low, 2020 COVID crash bottom, 2017 pre-blow-off base, 2011 bear market bottom…All occurrences coincided with strong accumulation…Bottom was in as well!” wrote analyst Gert van Lagen in a post.

Whale Accumulation Hits Highest Levels in Over a Decade

Meanwhile, the undervaluation signal coincides with unprecedented accumulation activity. Over the past 30 days, BTC whales and large holders purchased 269,822 BTC, worth approximately $23.3 billion. According to Glassnode data, this is the largest monthly accumulation since 2011.

BITCOIN'S BIGGEST MONTHLY ACCUMULATION IN 13 YEARS

Whales purchased 269,822 BTC, worth approximately $23.3 billion, in just 30 days.

– Glassnode Data pic.twitter.com/6FPfhFhfh4

— Kashif Raza (@simplykashif) December 18, 2025

“Largest accumulation in 13 years. The 4-year cycle is dead; the Supercycle is here,” wrote crypto analyst Kyle Chasse.  

The bulk of this buying occurred in wallets holding between 100 and 1,000 BTC. This suggests that both high-net-worth individuals and smaller institutions are positioning for a potential market rebound.

Market Sentiment After Bitcoin’s Minor Correction As Frustration Breeds Opportunity

Despite the record accumulation and undervaluation, Bitcoin’s price has faced downward pressure this year. According to Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas, recent losses are modest relative to prior gains.

I get that this year is a drag but consider Bitcoin was up 468%(!!) in the two years prior to this year. That's 138% ann, 8x US stocks. That is sooo much excess return beyond normalcy (even for btc, thank you ETFs!). All that happened this year is you gave back a tiny bit of the… https://t.co/oQ4EuUt64A

— Eric Balchunas (@EricBalchunas) December 18, 2025

The launch of spot Bitcoin ETFs in early 2024 contributed to previous surges, driving the asset to its then-record highs near $69,000 in March 2024.

Overall, Bitcoin returned 155.42% in 2023 and 121.05% in 2024 before experiencing an 7% decline year-to-date. This suggests the current dip may be a natural correction after exceptional gains.

Analysts note that market rallies often begin not when hope is high, but when investors are weary.

“We are not scared anymore, we are tired. Tired of waiting. Tired of believing. But listen, market rallies don’t start when hope is high; it’s when people are tired, frustrated, and ready to give up,” wrote analyst Ash Crypto.

The convergence of historically low valuation, record whale accumulation, and declining leverage suggests that Bitcoin may be nearing another cyclical inflection point.

While timing remains uncertain, these indicators highlight a unique window of potential opportunity for long-term investors.

The post What Does a 100% Accurate Historical Indicator Signal for Bitcoin in December? appeared first on BeInCrypto.

The administrator overseeing the wind-down of Terraform Labs has filed a $4 billion lawsuit against high-frequency trading firm Jump Trading. They accuse the market maker of secretly manipulating prices and contributing to the collapse of Do Kwon’s once-dominant crypto ecosystem.

It comes barely a week after the judge issued Do Kwon his sentence, a 15-year term in federal prison for orchestrating a $40 billion crypto fraud.

Terraform Labs Estate Seeks $4 Billion From Jump Trading

The complaint names Jump Trading, co-founder William DiSomma, and former head of its crypto division, Kanav Kariya. It alleges unlawful profiteering tied to the failure of TerraUSD (UST).

Citing court filings, The Wall Street Journal reports that the Terraform Labs estate claims Jump conducted undisclosed, large-scale trading interventions to prop up UST during multiple de-pegging episodes in 2021 and 2022.

Rather than stabilizing the system, the administrator argues these actions created a false sense of market confidence. In turn, this masked structural weaknesses that ultimately made Terra’s collapse more severe.

At the center of the lawsuit is the claim that Jump aggressively purchased UST whenever the algorithmic stablecoin fell below its $1 peg. These purchases allegedly inflated demand artificially, misleading market participants into believing the peg mechanism was functioning as designed.

The estate argues that Jump was not acting as a neutral liquidity provider. Instead, it exploited its market position and inside knowledge to extract profits from the volatility it helped manage.

The filing alleges that Jump earned roughly $1 billion through these strategies, benefiting from preferential token arrangements and trading advantages. Meanwhile, retail investors remained unaware of the behind-the-scenes support.

When Terra ultimately unraveled in May 2022, triggering an estimated $40 billion wipeout across UST and LUNA, the lawsuit claims the earlier illusion of stability magnified the damage.

It is worth mentioning that this is not the first time Jump Trading is linked to manipulation allegations. In October 2024, game developer FractureLabs filed a lawsuit against Jump Trading over crypto manipulation claims

“Jump then systematically liquidated its DIO holdings, generating millions of dollars in revenue for itself,” Bloomberg reported, citing an excerpt in the lawsuit.

Do Kwon’s Sentencing Puts Fresh Spotlight on Jump Trading’s Market Power

The legal action arrives amid renewed headlines of Terra’s collapse. It follows Do Kwon’s recent sentencing to 15 years in prison over fraud charges related to the project.

In the days following that ruling, some market observers publicly speculated that additional institutional players could face legal exposure, with Whale Calls citing Jump Trading.

When jump trading ? https://t.co/yowAZA1DAw

— WhaleCalls (@whalecalls) December 11, 2025

Beyond the immediate allegations, the case highlights Jump Trading’s formidable technological capabilities.

Jump Trading’s Technological Edge and Its Role in the Lawsuit

Jump is widely regarded as one of the most sophisticated high-frequency trading firms globally. Industry reporting has highlighted its willingness to spend vast sums to gain marginal speed advantages, including the acquisition of a microwave tower previously used by NATO to shave milliseconds off transatlantic trade transmission times.

In 2018, Jump also partnered with firms such as Citadel to build the “Go West” undersea fiber-optic cable, connecting Chicago and Tokyo and enabling faster access to global futures markets.

According to commentary from Colin Wu, Jump’s quote data processing capabilities are considered to be on a vastly different scale from those of many competitors. This reflects the asymmetric power that large trading firms can wield in both traditional and crypto markets.

That technological edge now forms part of the broader context of the lawsuit. While the complaint does not allege the use of illegal infrastructure, it argues that Jump’s scale and sophistication amplified the market impact of its UST trades. This raises questions about fairness, disclosure, and market integrity.

If successful, the case could have far-reaching implications. A ruling in favor of the Terraform Labs estate may establish a clearer legal boundary between legitimate market making and manipulation in crypto markets, potentially reshaping how large trading firms operate.

It could also lead to substantial financial penalties, with any recovered funds likely directed toward compensating creditors and victims of the Terra collapse.

Jump Trading has not publicly commented on the lawsuit as of the time of publication, but is expected to mount a vigorous defense.

As discovery continues, the case may offer rare insight into the opaque mechanics of crypto market making. Beyond that, it could mark a watershed moment in the industry’s ongoing reckoning with accountability.

The post $4 Billion Lawsuit Claims Jump Trading Helped Engineer Terraform’s Collapse appeared first on BeInCrypto.

The Bank of Japan (BOJ) raised its policy interest rate by 25 basis points to 0.75% on December 19. It marks its highest level in nearly 30 years, reinforcing the country’s gradual exit from ultra-easy monetary policy.

Yet despite the historic shift and warnings of a global liquidity squeeze, Bitcoin showed little reaction, rising just under 1% and holding in the $87,000 range.

BOJ Just Raised Interest Rates Another 25 Basis Points – Why Did Bitcoin Hold Steady?

The muted response stands in contrast to history. Previous BOJ tightening cycles have often coincided with sharp sell-offs in crypto markets, particularly as yen carry trades unwind and global liquidity tightens.

THE BANK OF JAPAN MIGHT BE BITCOIN’S BIGGEST ENEMY

Japan holds the most US debt.
Every time they hike, Bitcoin bleeds:

March 2024: -23%
July 2024: -30%
Jan 2025: -31%

Next hike: Dec 19
Next move: loading…

If the pattern repeats, $70K is in play. pic.twitter.com/R5916R702I

— Merlijn The Trader (@MerlijnTrader) December 14, 2025

This time, however, traders appeared unfazed, suggesting the move had been fully priced in well ahead of the announcement. Market participants had largely anticipated the decision.

Japan’s rate increase represents a symbolic break from decades of near-zero interest rates that made the yen a cornerstone of global funding markets. Cheap yen borrowing fueled leverage across equities, bonds, and cryptocurrencies.

As Japanese yieds rise and narrow the gap with global rates, those trades become less attractive, potentially forcing investors to unwind risk positions. Still, Bitcoin’s calm reaction suggests markets were prepared.

According to analysts, however, the focus was never the hike itself, but what comes next.

“Markets are pricing in a near-certain 25 basis point hike, marking the highest Japanese policy rate in about 30 years. While the hike itself is largely anticipated, the real focus is on Governor Ueda’s forward guidance during the press conference—signals of future hikes could amplify effects,” wrote analyst Marty Party.

That forward guidance may prove crucial. The BOJ has signaled it remains prepared to raise rates further, potentially to 1% or higher by late 2026, depending on wage growth and sustained inflation.

That outlook keeps pressure on risk assets, even if the initial move failed to trigger volatility.

Bitcoin Holds Firm as Altcoins Face a Prolonged Liquidity Squeeze

Analysts argue that Bitcoin’s resilience could be a bullish sign. Blueblock pointed to historical patterns, noting the divergence from past reactions.

“The BOJ just hiked rates to 0.75%, ending decades of ultra-loose policy and narrowing the gap with global yields. History shows that every prior tightening has triggered 20–30% Bitcoin drops as yen carry trades unwind and liquidity tightens. Yet with the hike fully priced in and BTC holding around $85k–$87k, this could be the dip buyers have been waiting for,” the analyst wrote.

However, not all corners of the crypto market are expected to fare as well. Altcoins, which are typically more sensitive to shifts in liquidity, remain vulnerable if Japanese tightening accelerates.

The prospect of higher rates through 2026 suggests a prolonged headwind rather than a one-off shock.

“BOJ signals it is ready to hike further, potentially 1% or higher by late 2026, depending on wage growth and sustained inflation. NO MERCY FOR ALTCOINS,” commented Money Ape.

Bitcoin’s stability reflects a market that had ample time to prepare for the BOJ’s decision. Whether that resilience holds will depend less on the December hike itself and more on how aggressively Japan continues its path of tightening. It will also hinge on how global liquidity adapts to the end of one of its longest-running monetary backstops.

The post BOJ Raises Interest Rates to 0.75%, But Bitcoin Stands Unshaken—Is the Crypto Calm a Warning or Opportunity? appeared first on BeInCrypto.

Over $3.16 billion worth of Bitcoin and Ethereum options are set to expire on Friday at 08:00 UTC on Deribit, marking the final major derivatives settlement before Christmas.

With liquidity thinning out as the holiday period approaches and positioning tightly clustered around key price levels, traders appear cautious, waiting for a clearer catalyst before committing to a direction.

What to Expect as Nearly $3 Billion Bitcoin Options Expire

Bitcoin accounts for the bulk of the expiry, with roughly $2.69 billion in notional value rolling off. At the time of writing, BTC was trading at $87,194, representing a 0.54% increase over the past 24 hours.

The max pain level for today’s expiring Bitcoin options sits at $88,000, placing the spot price just below the strike. This is where the greatest number of options expire worthless.

Meanwhile, open interest data suggests a relatively balanced but slightly defensive stance. Bitcoin call open interest stands at 17,506 contracts, compared with 13,309 puts, resulting in a total open interest of 30,815 contracts and a put-to-call ratio of 0.76.

While calls still dominate numerically, the concentration of positioning near $88,000 points to limited upside momentum unless the spot decisively breaks higher. Deribit analysts highlighted this dynamic in a market update.

“BTC open interest is concentrated around 88K, with slightly heavier put positioning, pointing to a relatively contained expiry unless spot breaks range,” they wrote.  

The commentary reinforces the view that Bitcoin could remain range-bound through settlement, especially amid pre-holiday caution.

Over $470 Million Ethereum Options Expire Today: What Investors Should Know

Ethereum presents a different setup. Approximately $473 million in ETH options are expiring, with the asset trading at $2,928, representing a 3.37% increase in the last 24 hours. ETH’s max pain level is higher, at $3,100, leaving spot price meaningfully below the key strike.

Ethereum’s open interest profile is more evenly split, with 78,524 call contracts versus 83,547 puts. This results in a put-to-call ratio of 1.06 and a total open interest of 162,071 contracts.

Unlike Bitcoin, ETH positioning is spread across a wider range of strikes, indicating greater uncertainty about the near-term direction.

“ETH positioning is more distributed across strikes, with notable upside interest above 3.4K, keeping larger moves in play if volatility reaccelerates,” Deribit analysts indicated.

The analysts added that positioning suggests patience into settlement, which happens at 08:00 UTC today, with traders waiting for a clearer catalyst rather than forcing direction.

Beyond today’s options expiry, attention is already shifting to December 26 and early 2026 positioning.

“December 26 85k Put OI now ~15k ($1.25bn notional) on Deribit, and bears+FUD currently in control with ATM 86k,” Deribit Insights noted.

At the same time, upside bets appear less aggressive in the near term, with analysts observing that “the Dec26 100k+ $1.75bn Call condor feels a distant punt now.”

However, longer-dated flows tell a more constructive story, with recent flows continuing to show upside bias into 2026. According to the analysts, this suggests that while short-term sentiment remains cautious, longer-horizon traders are still positioning for a renewed bullish phase.

As the final options expiry before Christmas approaches, both Bitcoin and Ethereum appear caught between near-term restraint and longer-term optimism, leaving their next decisive move unresolved.

Traders and investors may experience some volatility, which the BOJ’s interest rate decision could exacerbate. However, markets tend to stabilize as traders adjust to new market conditions.

The post $3.16 Billion Crypto Options Expiry Puts Bitcoin and Ethereum’s Next Move in Question appeared first on BeInCrypto.

Welcome to the US Crypto News Morning Briefing—your essential rundown of the most important developments in crypto for the day ahead.

Grab a coffee as BitMine’s bold Ethereum strategy is back in focus with market pressure building and investor nerves fraying. Losses are mounting, the stock is sliding, and yet influential buyers are quietly stepping in, setting up a familiar crypto standoff between conviction and caution.

Crypto News of the Day: Losses Mount at BitMine, Yet Tom Lee and Ark Double Down on Ethereum

BitMine’s aggressive Ethereum treasury strategy is coming under renewed scrutiny as prolonged unrealized losses weigh on investor sentiment and its stock continues to slide.

Shares of BitMine (BMNR), widely described as the world’s largest Ethereum treasury company, have fallen sharply in recent sessions. The stock closed Wednesday at $29.32, down 6.59% on the day and roughly 24% over the past five days,

The reflects market unease around both broader market weakness and BitMine’s mounting unrealized losses on ETH holdings.

Yet even as concerns grow around downside exposure, some of crypto’s most influential bulls are doubling down. This highlights a widening divide over Ethereum’s role in institutional treasury strategies.

Despite the drawdown, BitMine Chairman Tom Lee appears unfazed. On-chain data flagged by Arkham Intelligence indicates that Lee has continued to accumulate Ethereum at scale.

“Tom Lee just bought another $140 million ETH. Two fresh wallets just received $140.58 million ETH from FalconX. Their acquisition behavior matches BitMine’s prior purchase patterns. Tom Lee continues to buy the dip,” wrote Arkham.

The activity reinforces BitMine’s long-standing thesis that Ethereum remains structurally undervalued and is positioned to benefit from regulatory clarity, institutional adoption, and the expansion of on-chain use cases. This holds despite near-term price action telling a different story.

Cathie Wood’s Ark Invest is also signaling conviction. According to trade filings, Ark purchased $10.56 million worth of BitMine shares on Wednesday across three of its exchange-traded funds.

🚨ARK BUYS MORE CRYPTO STOCKS!

Ark Invest bought $10.56M of BitMine, $5.9M of Coinbase, and $8.85M of Bullish on Wednesday.

Cathie Wood says a “real break” in inflation is coming in 2026. pic.twitter.com/lW8AWfuISC

— Coin Bureau (@coinbureau) December 18, 2025

The buy followed an additional $17 million purchase earlier in the week, bringing Ark’s recent accumulation to nearly $28 million.

Ark Expands Crypto Equity Exposure as Treasury Strategies Split

Ark’s buying spree extended beyond BitMine. The firm also added $5.9 million in Coinbase shares and $8.85 million worth of Bullish, leaning into crypto equities that have broadly been trending lower. Coinbase fell 3.33% on Wednesday to $244.19, while Bullish slipped 1.89% to $42.15.

The moves reflect Wood’s broader macro-outlook. The Ark Invest CEO, Cathie Wood, has repeatedly argued that easing inflation and improving liquidity conditions could set the stage for a renewed crypto rally.

BitMine’s leadership mirrors that optimism. The company has continued purchasing ether weekly during the downturn, with Lee previously stating that regulatory and legislative shifts in Washington, combined with rising institutional engagement, mean “the best days for crypto” are still ahead.

Nonetheless, not everyone shares that view. Analyst Samson Mow has taken the opposite approach, opting for a clean break from Ethereum exposure.

“I’ve decided to liquidate all BitMine Ethereum holdings and pivot to a Bitcoin-only treasury strategy,” wrote Mow.

Mow’s decision highlights a growing philosophical split within crypto treasuries: whether diversification into Ethereum represents strategic foresight or unnecessary risk.

For BitMine, that debate is no longer theoretical, and as unrealized losses persist, Lee and Ark’s conviction may not be rewarded soon, unless tides turn. In the same way, Ethereum’s volatility continues to test the limits of institutional patience.

Chart of the Day

Byte-Sized Alpha

Here’s a summary of more US crypto news to follow today:

• Bitfinex Bitcoin whale long positions surge 36%: What does it mean?
• Bitcoin’s 5% whiplash was no accident — Charts reveal the full story.
• Peter Brandt turns bearish on XRP price despite Ripple’s push for multichain expansion.
• The 11th crypto prediction from Bitwise may not survive—James Seyffart warns.  
• Japan’s Bond yields hit 1.98%: BOJ rate shift impacts gold, silver, and Bitcoin.

Crypto Equities Pre-Market Overview

Company	At the Close of December 17	Pre-Market Overview
Strategy (MSTR)	$160.38	$162.80 (+1.51%)
Coinbase (COIN)	$244.19	$250.37 (+2.53%)
Galaxy Digital Holdings (GLXY)	$22.81	$23.11 (+1.31%)
MARA Holdings (MARA)	$9.93	$10.03 (+1.01%)
Riot Platforms (RIOT)	$12.96	$13.07 (+0.85%)
Core Scientific (CORZ)	$13.57	$14.00 (+3.17%)

The post Ethereum Dip Pressures BitMine, but Tom Lee and Ark Keep Buying | US Crypto News appeared first on BeInCrypto.

Japan’s 10-year government bond yields surged to 1.98% in December 2025, the highest level since the 1990s. It comes as markets braced for the Bank of Japan’s (BOJ) policy meeting on December 19.

The move has triggered a global rally in precious metals, with gold and silver surging 135% and 175%, respectively, since early 2023. Meanwhile, Bitcoin is under pressure as forced selling intensifies across Asian exchanges, highlighting a divergence in market reactions to Japan’s rate shift.

Japan’s Bond Yields Hit 1.98%

For decades, Japan maintained near-zero interest rates, anchoring global liquidity through the yen carry trade.

Investors borrowed yen at a low rate to fund higher-yielding assets worldwide, effectively exporting ultra-low interest rates.

An expected 25-basis-point hike, raising the rate to 0.75%, may appear modest in absolute terms, but the pace of change matters more than the level.

“Carry trade at risk: Nobody knows when the real consequences will materialize, but this continued shift will likely drain liquidity from markets, potentially causing a ripple effect through margin calls and other forced deleveraging,” warned Guilherme Tavares, CEO at i3 Invest.

Analysts see the BOJ move as more than a domestic adjustment.

“When Japan’s yields move, global capital pays attention. Gold and silver aren’t reacting to inflation headlines. They’re pricing sovereign balance sheet risk. Japan isn’t a sideshow anymore. It’s the fulcrum,” noted Simon Hou-Vangsaae Reseke.

Gold and Silver Prices Surge Amid Rising Sovereign Risk

Precious metals have been closely tracking Japanese yields. According to Global Market Investor, gold and silver are moving almost perfectly in line with Japanese government bond yields. This suggests that precious metals are being used as a primary hedge against the rising cost of government debt.

“It’s not the yield itself, it’s what the move represents — rising sovereign risk, tighter global liquidity, and uncertainty about currency credibility. Gold responds as protection, and silver follows with more volatility,” commented analyst EndGame Macro.

The silver market is showing signs of speculative mania. The China Silver Futures Fund recently traded 12% above the physical metal it tracks, indicating that demand for leveraged exposure is outpacing the underlying asset.

⚠️ Silver market mania is an UNDERSTATEMENT:

The China Silver Futures Fund was trading +12% above the actual value of the silver it is supposed to track

Investors are buying the fund much faster than the silver behind is rising, a sign of SPECULATION. 👇https://t.co/8kAngXV9CH

— Global Markets Investor (@GlobalMktObserv) December 17, 2025

Investors are increasingly treating gold and silver as hedges against broader macro risks, rather than just inflation.

Bitcoin Faces Pressure as Carry Trades Unwind

Meanwhile, the Bitcoin price is feeling the strain of tightening yen liquidity.

“Asia-based exchanges have seen persistent spot selling. Miner reserves are falling — forced selling, not choice…Long-term Asian holders appear to be distributing…Price stays heavy until forced supply is cleared,” wrote CryptoRus, citing XWIN Research Japan.

US institutions continue buying, with the Coinbase Premium positive, but forced liquidations in Asia and an 8% drop in Bitcoin hashrate have added downward pressure.

Past BOJ rate shifts have coincided with significant BTC declines, and traders are watching closely for further downside toward $70,000.

THE BANK OF JAPAN MIGHT BE BITCOIN’S BIGGEST ENEMY

Japan holds the most US debt.
Every time they hike, Bitcoin bleeds:

March 2024: -23%
July 2024: -30%
Jan 2025: -31%

Next hike: Dec 19
Next move: loading…

If the pattern repeats, $70K is in play. pic.twitter.com/R5916R702I

— Merlijn The Trader (@MerlijnTrader) December 14, 2025

The contrasting reactions of precious metals and Bitcoin highlight differences in risk positioning. Gold and silver are attracting safe-haven flows amid growing sovereign risk, while Bitcoin faces liquidation-driven price pressure.

Analysts note that future Fed rate cuts may offset the BOJ’s impacts, but the speed of the policy change is crucial.

The post Japan’s Bond Yields Hit 1.98%: BOJ Rate Shift Impacts Gold, Silver, and Bitcoin appeared first on BeInCrypto.

The US crypto ETF (exchange-traded fund) market is approaching a tipping point. Bitwise Asset Management’s 2026 forecast anticipates the launch of more than 100 new crypto-linked ETFs, driven by the SEC’s streamlined listing standards effective from October 2025.

While the outlook projects new all-time highs for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, Bloomberg ETF analyst James Seyffart warns that a significant shakeout may be inevitable as the sector becomes overcrowded.

Bitwise Shares 11 Crypto Predictions for 2026

Bitwise has made 10 projects for 2026, spanning crypto and ETF markets that investors will track closely. According to the crypto index fund manager:

• Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana will set new all-time highs
• Bitcoin will break the four-year cycle and set new all-time highs
• Bitcoin will be less volatile than Nvidia.
• ETFs will purchase more than 100% of the new supply of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana as institutional demand accelerates.
• Crypto equities will outperform tech equities.
• Polymarket open interest will set a new all-time high, surpassing 2024 election levels.
• Stablecoins will be blamed for destabilizing an emerging market currency.
• Onchain vaults will double in AUM.
• Ethereum and Solana will set new all-time highs (if the CLARITY Act passes).
• Half of Ivy League endowments will invest in crypto.
• More than 100 crypto-linked ETFs will launch in the US.
• Bitcoin’s correlation to stocks will fall.

A Wave of ETF Liquidations Could Occur in 2026, James Seyffart

The eleventh prediction turned heads, becoming of particular concern for analysts. The surge of anticipated crypto-linked ETF launches follows a major regulatory shift.

In September 2025, the SEC introduced generic listing standards for commodity-based trust shares, including crypto assets.

“[Several leading exchanges] filed with the SEC proposed rule changes to adopt generic listing standards for Commodity-Based Trust Shares. Each of the foregoing proposed rule changes… was subject to notice and comment. This order approves the Proposals on an accelerated basis,” the SEC’s filing claimed.

This change allows ETFs to list without individualized review, reducing delays and uncertainty.

Bitwise expects this regulatory clarity to drive institutional adoption and fresh inflows into crypto ETFs in 2026.

2026 PREDICTION: More than 100 crypto-linked ETFs will launch in the U.S.⁰⁰In October 2025, the SEC published generic listing standards, allowing ETF issuers to launch crypto ETFs under a general set of rules. A clearer regulatory roadmap in 2026 is why we see the stage being… pic.twitter.com/rQbcWe6JE4

— Bitwise (@BitwiseInvest) December 17, 2025

“I’m in 100% agreement with Bitwise here,” Seyffart indicated. “I also think we’re going to see a lot of liquidations in crypto ETP products. Might happen at the tail end of 2026, but likely by the end of 2027. Issuers are throwing A LOT of products at the wall.”

Bitcoin ETF Dominance and Altcoin Saturation

Bloomberg data shows 90 existing crypto ETPs managing $153 billion, with 125 filings pending. Bitcoin leads with $125 billion across 60 products, while Ethereum follows at $22 billion in 25 ETFs.

Altcoins like XRP and Solana remain niche, with 11–13 products each and $1.5–$1.6 billion in assets, signaling rising saturation risks.

With the market poised to be flooded, analysts anticipate direct competition for investor capital. However, historical trends suggest caution, with roughly 40% of ETFs launched since 2010 eventually closing, often due to insufficient assets or trading volume.

The Coming Crypto ETF Shakeout: Winners, Losers, and the Rise of ‘Zombie’ Assets

Seyffart’s warning reflects a broader concern that fast expansion often precedes consolidation. Crypto ETFs that fail to attract sufficient AUM, differentiate their strategies, or establish strong distribution networks may face early closure.

Products offering specialized exposure strategies, income features, or tailored risk profiles could establish lasting positions.

Chris Matta, CEO of Liquid Collective, echoes this concern in the context of “zombie” projects, describing crypto assets with market caps of $1 billion or more but minimal development.

“Maybe the failure to sustain an ETF in trad markets will be a stronger signal and will result in larger performance dispersion between active and dead crypto assets,” Matta said.

Therefore, investors entering the ETF space will need to be highly selective. Trading liquidity, tracking accuracy, fee structures, and issuer credibility will be crucial in distinguishing sustainable products from those that are likely to fail.

Meanwhile, Bitwise’s bullish predictions suggest that leading ETFs tied to major assets may continue to benefit from sustained institutional inflows.

The expected wave of liquidations by late 2027 will likely reshape the sector, consolidating capital among the strongest products.

While disruptive, the process may ultimately strengthen the US crypto ETF market by:

• Removing weak offerings,
• Clarifying choices for investors, and
• Highlighting differentiated strategies.

The question remains: in a crowded ETF sector, which products will survive and which will join the growing ranks of crypto’s forgotten “zombie” assets?

The post The 11th Crypto Prediction from Bitwise May Not Survive—James Seyffart Warns appeared first on BeInCrypto.

Veteran trader Peter Brandt has struck a bearish tone on XRP price, warning that the token may be forming a classic double-top pattern. His stance comes despite Ripple accelerating ecosystem growth through multichain stablecoin expansion and new institutional tools for XRP holders.

Brandt’s caution comes at a moment when XRP’s fundamentals and infrastructure narrative appear to be strengthening, creating a growing disconnect between technical signals and long-term adoption developments.

Brandt Flags Potential Double-Top Risk for XRP Price

The veteran chartist highlighted what he views as a potentially bearish setup on the XRP price chart. According to Peter Brandt, XRP may be forming a double-top, an often-cited reversal pattern that emerges when an asset fails to break above resistance after two attempts.

Double-top patterns in technical analysis typically signal waning bullish momentum and can precede deeper pullbacks if confirmation follows.

“I know in advance that all you Riplosts XRP will forever remind me of this post — ask me if I care. This is a potential double top,” Brandt wrote.

The XRP price has been consolidating after its late-2024 rally, placing greater focus on whether support levels can hold.

However, Brandt also acknowledged that the pattern could fail, leaving room for alternative interpretations.

“Sure, it may fail, and I will deal with this if it does. But for now, this has bearish implications. Love it or not — you need to deal with it,” he added.

Analysts Highlight Bullish Historical Context

Other market analysts see the current setup very differently. Analyst Steph is Crypto pointed to XRP’s recurring behavior around its 50-week simple moving average (SMA), arguing that prior cycles suggest downside exhaustion rather than the start of a larger decline.

“Every cycle, when XRP breaks below the 50-week SMA and stays there for roughly 50–84 days, a strong rally has followed,” the analyst noted.

Historical examples include a 211% rally after 70 days below the SMA in 2017, a 70% move following 49 days in 2021, and an 850% surge after 84 days in 2024.

The XRP price has now spent roughly 70 days below its 50-week SMA, placing it squarely within the same historical window..

The analysis suggests that what appears bearish in isolation could align with past cycle bottoms, mirroring the current split in technical interpretation.

Ripple Expands RLUSD Across Layer 2 Networks As Institutional Access Continues to Grow

While technical debate intensifies, Ripple continues to expand its ecosystem. On December 16, the company announced that its US dollar stablecoin, Ripple USD (RLUSD), will expand to Optimism, Base, Ink, and Unichain.

It leverages Wormhole’s Native Token Transfers (NTT) standard for multichain interoperability.

RLUSD was initially issued on the XRP Ledger and Ethereum. The Layer 2 rollout is designed to improve scalability, liquidity movement, and real-world utility across DeFi and institutional platforms.

Ripple emphasized that RLUSD is issued under a trust charter granted by the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS). This positions it as one of the most tightly regulated stablecoins entering Layer 2 ecosystems.

The company has also applied for a US OCC charter and recently gained regulatory recognition in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Wormhole added that XRP holders will be able to use XRP alongside RLUSD as a “premier trading and liquidity pair” across supported chains, supported by wrapped XRP (wXRP) issuance for cross-chain use.

Enhanced utility is coming for $XRP

XRP holders can use XRP alongside $RLUSD as a premier trading and liquidity pair on supported chains, allowing businesses to facilitate payments and checkout options that let users buy, sell, or send digital assets. pic.twitter.com/DMcSWyQ2XV

— Wormhole (@wormhole) December 17, 2025

Institutional tooling for XRP is also expanding. Digital Wealth Partners recently launched an algorithmic XRP trading strategy for qualified retirement accounts, offering insured custody through Anchorage Digital.

The service gives high-net-worth investors access to systematic XRP trading within regulated, tax-advantaged accounts. This reflects broader efforts to integrate crypto into traditional wealth management structures.

Digital Wealth Partners Launches Algorithmic XRP Trading Strategy Powered by @tryarchpublic for Qualified Retirement Accountshttps://t.co/ro7ipgP48D

— Digital Wealth Partners (@DWP_advisors) December 16, 2025

As XRP faces conflicting technical signals, its trajectory may hinge on whether bearish chart patterns dominate or whether historical cycles and expanding utility ultimately reassert control.

The post Peter Brandt Turns Bearish on XRP Price Despite Ripple’s Push for Multichain Expansion appeared first on BeInCrypto.

Large Bitcoin investors on Bitfinex are once again commanding market attention. Analysts tracking leveraged positioning data show that margined Bitcoin long positions held by “whales” have surged sharply, approaching levels last seen in March 2024.

The renewed build-up is occurring even as broader market participation cools, raising questions about what these well-capitalized traders are signaling.

What Does the Record High in Whale Long Positions on Bitfinex Signify?

According to on-chain analyst James Van Straten, Bitfinex whales have continued to add aggressively to their positions.

“Bitfinex whale continues to add to its margin long bitcoin position, approaching March 2024 highs. 36% higher in the past 3 months,” he wrote on X (Twitter).

The data highlights a steady accumulation trend since September, with long exposure expanding during periods of price weakness rather than rallies.

Bitfinex itself appeared to acknowledge the activity, highlighting that large, experienced traders may be positioning with conviction, while smaller participants are reducing risk.

Whale moves 🐳https://t.co/1Zgcof54xV

— Bitfinex (@bitfinex) December 8, 2025

This divergence in behavior is notable. While Bitcoin’s price action has remained choppy in recent weeks, whale accumulation has intensified.

Historically, these Bitfinex long positions have been associated with traders who use leverage tactically. They often scale into positions during drawdowns rather than chasing upside momentum.

According to crypto executive Samson Mow, the current dynamic is a transfer of coins from impatient sellers to long-term holders.

“Bitfinex whales out in force buying from paper hands,” he said, pointing to the contrast between selling pressure from weaker hands and sustained buying by large accounts.

A Contrarian Signal, But Not a Timing Tool

The Bitfinex whale long metric has long been watched as a potential leading indicator in technical analysis. However, its interpretation requires nuance.

These traders have a documented pattern of increasing long exposure during declines and trimming positions into strength. As a result, elevated long positions are often followed, not preceded, by price rallies.

Van Straten cautioned that the signal’s real value lies in watching for reversals rather than absolute levels.

“Short term, once the trend reverses,” he noted, implying that the eventual reduction of these longs may be more informative than their current size.

Not everyone agrees on the reliability of the indicator. Analyst Parabear Nick challenges overly confident interpretations of whale data, dismissing some bullish narratives entirely, amid claims that whale accumulation alone guarantees higher prices.

Indeed, historical data support a more balanced view. Whale long positions have reached extremes at different points in past cycles, sometimes remaining elevated for months before any decisive move in price.

This suggests that while the metric can provide insight into positioning and sentiment, it should be evaluated in conjunction with other indicators, such as open interest, funding rates, and macro liquidity conditions.

The current accumulation comes as open interest across derivatives markets trends lower, signaling reduced participation from retail and short-term traders.

In that context, the concentration of leverage among whales becomes more significant. With fewer speculative participants, large players exert greater influence over marginal price movements.

What remains unclear is timing. Elevated whale longs suggest expectations of higher prices, but not necessarily an imminent breakout.

The key inflection point will come if and when these positions begin to unwind. Historically, such shifts have preceded changes in market regimes.

The post Bitfinex Bitcoin Whale Long Positions Surge 36%: What Does it Mean? appeared first on BeInCrypto.

Welcome to the US Crypto News Morning Briefing—your essential rundown of the most important developments in crypto for the day ahead.

Grab a coffee as USDT stablecoin issuer, Tether, pushes to change the way we protect our digital lives. A new approach promises to put control back in your hands, bypassing the cloud and leaving traditional password methods looking increasingly outdated.

Crypto News of the Day: Tether Just Unleashed A Secret Weapon Against Cloud Breaches

Tether has taken a bold step into cybersecurity with the launch of PearPass, a first-of-its-kind peer-to-peer password manager designed to eliminate reliance on cloud storage. The app:

• Keeps all credentials on users’ devices
• Removes centralized servers and intermediaries from the equation
• Gives users full control over their digital security.

The launch comes at a time when billions of login credentials have been leaked in high-profile breaches, exposing users to identity theft, financial loss, and other cyber risks.

Traditional cloud-based password managers, while convenient, have become attractive targets for hackers due to their centralized storage models.

PearPass addresses these vulnerabilities by storing all data locally on users’ devices and enabling encrypted, peer-to-peer synchronization across devices chosen by the user.

“Every major breach proves the same point: if your secrets live in the cloud, they’re not really yours…PearPass removes the single point of failure. No servers, no intermediaries, no back doors. Recovery and synchronization across devices happen peer-to-peer, under your control. This is security that can’t be switched off, seized, or compromised, because it was never in someone else’s hands to begin with,” read an excerpt in Tether’s announcement, citing CEO Paolo Ardoino.

PearPass combines ease of use with advanced security features. It includes a built-in password generator, end-to-end encryption powered by open-source cryptography, and a peer-to-peer architecture that ensures credentials are never exposed to third parties.

Recovery is entirely user-controlled through private keys, eliminating dependency on external systems.

PearPass Sets a New Standard for Decentralized, Open-Source Security

Additionally, PearPass is fully open-source and community-audited, enabling security experts and users to inspect, verify, and contribute to the software.

The platform has also reportedly undergone an independent security audit by Secfault Security, a firm specializing in offensive security and cryptographic analysis. This reinforces its resilience against real-world cyber threats.

Introducing🍐🔒 PearPass — the password manager that keeps your data on your devices.

No servers to hack. No cloud to leak.

Just pure local security.

Follow @Pears_p2p & Download the App https://t.co/gP9FIPn2dW pic.twitter.com/ObIuyfToMo

— Tether (@Tether_to) December 17, 2025

This release reflects Tether’s broader strategy to develop technologies resilient against the pressures of centralization. As governments, corporations, and intermediaries increasingly seek access to private data, PearPass offers a model for systems that remain private, independent, and functional, even under high-threat scenarios.

However, while peer-to-peer avoids cloud risks:

• It can be less convenient for users who frequently switch devices.

Recovery relies entirely on users managing their own keys, which could be risky for non-technical users.

• Experts may question whether the average consumer will adopt a decentralized password manager.

This is at a time when mainstream cloud-based options are more user-friendly and integrated into browsers and mobile platforms.

• Users still need strong device-level security.

While PearPass helps prevent cloud breaches, it cannot protect against local device hacking, malware, or physical theft.

Encrypted peer-to-peer synchronization is promising, but peer networks can introduce latency, synchronization errors, or potential attack vectors if not properly secured.

In as much as PearPass relies on open-source audits and Secfault Security, no system is entirely risk-free. Skeptics may point out that first-of-its-kind peer-to-peer solutions carry unknown risks until widely tested in real-world environments.

Byte-Sized Alpha

Here’s a summary of more US crypto news to follow today:

• Bitcoin trades at the ‘price of belief’: Why $81,500 matters now.
• Solana begins quantum-resistant upgrade as blockchain industry accelerates safety measures.
• Cantor Fitzgerald’s $200 billion Hyperliquid call just reframed the HYPE trade.
• Six weeks of spot ETF inflows couldn’t lift XRP price — On-chain data explains.
• Top 3 price prediction Bitcoin, gold, silver: Could the metals rally signal stress? 
• Binance puts $5 million bounty on fake listing agents as scrutiny intensifies.
• How the UK could make stablecoins a core part of payments in 2026.
• Ethereum price drops below $3,000 amid declining holder conviction.  

Crypto Equities Pre-Market Overview

Company	At the Close of December 16	Pre-Market Overview
Strategy (MSTR)	$167.50	$167.40 (-0.060%)
Coinbase (COIN)	$252.61	$254.00 (+0.51%)
Galaxy Digital Holdings (GLXY)	$24.31	$24.51 (+0.82%)
MARA Holdings (MARA)	$10.69	$10.75 (+0.56%)
Riot Platforms (RIOT)	$13.47	$13.65 (+1.34%)
Core Scientific (CORZ)	$14.73	$15.11 (+2.58%)

The post Tether’s New Move Could Make Cloud Passwords Obsolete | US Crypto News appeared first on BeInCrypto.

Binance has launched a whistleblower reward of up to $5 million as part of a sweeping crackdown on fraudulent third-party “listing agents.”

The exchange warns crypto projects that any individual claiming to influence listings on the exchange is operating illegally.

Binance Offers $5 Million Whistleblower Reward as It Cracks Down on Fake Listing Agents

The announcement, published Wednesday in a transparency update, comes at a sensitive moment for the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange.

Binance faces heightened scrutiny over its listing practices following alleged insider trading incidents linked to leaked token information.

$year of yellow fruit
0x2fe3731d8b61515aad65757c7cab8042c43a4444
Trades and Price Chart:https://t.co/MOHKDeoL43
"year of yellow fruit" comes from a Binance Futures tweet:
“The year of the yellow fruit and harvest! Plant wisely. Harvest abundantly.”Before this tweet was posted,… pic.twitter.com/1aHMu7TWkw

— Nineteen (@nineteenthvibe) December 7, 2025

In its notice, Binance reiterated that all token listing applications must be submitted exclusively through its official channels, covering Binance Alpha, Futures, and Spot markets.

The exchange stressed that it does not authorize external brokers, consultants, or intermediaries to negotiate, facilitate, or guarantee listings.

“Any party claiming to represent Binance or offering listing-related services in exchange for payment is engaging in fraudulent behavior,” the company said.

Blacklist and Internal Audit Findings

The exchange revealed that an internal audit uncovered repeated cases of individuals and firms misrepresenting themselves as Binance-connected facilitators while soliciting fees from project founders.

As a result, the exchange has blacklisted seven entities and individuals, including:

• BitABC
• Central Research
• May/Dannie
• Andrew Lee
• Suki Yang
• Fiona Lee, and
• Kenny Z

According to Binance, these parties were identified for falsely implying relationships with the exchange or offering paid listing services. The company said legal action would be pursued “where appropriate.”

Blockchain data provider RootData shows that one of the blacklisted groups, Central Research, has previously backed several crypto projects, including Fireverse, Nebula Revelation, AKI Network, Fusionist, and Artyfact.

Of those, only Fusionist (ACE) currently trades on Binance. The exchange did not draw any connection between the blacklist findings and prior listing decisions.

To encourage reporting, Binance said whistleblowers who provide verifiable evidence of fraudulent activity could receive rewards of up to $5 million, depending on the quality and impact of the information submitted.

Binance Tightens Listing Rules Amid Insider Trading Fallout

As part of the update, Binance published a detailed breakdown of how projects progress through its listing ecosystem, from early-stage exposure on Binance Alpha to Futures and eventual Spot listings.

The exchange emphasized that it does not charge fees for listing applications and that all communications must come directly from a project’s core team.

Projects found to have used intermediaries or middlemen will be immediately disqualified from current and future listing reviews, Binance warned. However, teams that proactively report fraudulent agents may receive priority consideration.

The announcement follows Binance’s confirmation earlier this month that an employee leaked confidential listing information related to the “year of the yellow fruit” meme coin. The exchange’s co-CEO, Yi He, had addressed the incident.  

“Currently, the community is engaging in community behavior unrelated to Binance by issuing coins based on Binance’s official Twitter, my statements, or words excerpted from posts. But we cannot stop posting just because someone might come looking for angles,” she said.

Binance also disclosed that it distributed $100,000 in rewards to five whistleblowers who helped expose the misconduct.

Taken together, the blacklist, bounty program, and stricter enforcement signal a broader effort by Binance to rebuild trust around its listing process.

This is at a time when exchanges face increasing pressure to demonstrate transparency, internal controls, and fair market practices.

The post Binance Puts $5 Million Bounty on Fake Listing Agents as Scrutiny Intensifies appeared first on BeInCrypto.

Welcome to the US Crypto News Morning Briefing—your essential rundown of the most important developments in crypto for the day ahead.

Grab a coffee as the latest US labor data delivers mixed signals on jobs, wages, and unemployment. Traders are weighing what it all means for risk assets, from equities to Bitcoin, as volatility sets the tone.

Crypto News of the Day: October Jobs Collapse and November Modest Gain Signal Uneven Market

The US Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) report for October and November 2025 delivered a shock to markets, as it is one of the crucial economic data points this week. It revealed a cooling labor market that could reverberate through both equities and crypto.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS),October saw a sharp decline of 105,000 jobs, far below the estimated -25,000. This marks a pronounced slowdown in labor market momentum.

Analysts are labeling it an outlier, reflecting disruptions from delayed government data collection and seasonal adjustments.

*US OCT. NONFARM PAYROLLS FALL 105K M/M; EST. -25K

this is all govt and an outlier

— zerohedge (@zerohedge) December 16, 2025

November posted a 64,000 gain, slightly above the 50,000 consensus, but with the unemployment rate climbing to 4.6% from 4.4% in October, higher than the expected 4.5%.

🚨 Just In: November Nonfarm Payrolls rise 64,000, above expectations for 40,000.

The U.S. Unemployment Rate rose from 4.4% to 4.6%, worse than estimates for 4.5%.

What will Jerome Powell do now? pic.twitter.com/kFozsmOsgh

— Jesse Cohen (@JesseCohenInv) December 16, 2025

While November’s rise offers some relief, it highlights the uneven nature of recent US labor market activity.

Fed and Market Implications For Bitcoin and Risk Assets

The data is likely to reinforce dovish narratives for the Federal Reserve. Powell previously cited a weakening labor market as justification for rate cuts, and today’s figures suggest the economy is far from overheated.

Traders may interpret the report as a signal that further easing in 2026 is plausible, which could support risk assets, including Bitcoin, if liquidity expectations remain intact. Bitcoin has been trapped near $90,000, and today’s data could trigger short-term volatility.

A weak October print followed by a modest November recovery may fuel a relief rally toward $95,000 as markets price in potential Fed accommodation.

Conversely, the unexpectedly high unemployment rate could reignite recession fears, creating whipsaw moves in crypto, equities, and FX.

“While markets typically cheer the resolution of uncertainty, this specific data dump is unique. The cooling trend might spark an initial crypto rally on renewed hopes for aggressive Fed cuts in 2026. But if the numbers are too weak, the narrative could quickly pivot from liquidity hopes to recession fears, historically dampening risk appetite across the board,” Jimmy Xue, COO and Co-founder at Axis, told BeInCrypto.

Market participants remain wary. With October’s data representing an outlier and November’s figures collected late, statistical distortions and revisions are possible.

Algorithm-driven trading and lean liquidity could amplify volatility in the near term, making measured positioning critical.

Amid mixed signals, traditional safe havens like gold may continue to attract flows, as the US dollar faces pressure and risk sentiment remains fragile in tech-heavy sectors.

Chart of the Day

Byte-Sized Alpha

Here’s a summary of more US crypto news to follow today:

• Why Scott Bessent is cracking down on Congress’s stock trading.
• The final trade of 2025: What Wall Street’s rotation means for crypto.
• Grayscale predicts 10 key crypto investment themes for 2026 as institutional era begins.
• Trump hints at Samourai Wallet pardon — Another after CZ, Ulbricht
• XRP ETFs log one month of inflows as BTC, ETH funds bleed $4.6 billion.
• Gold nears ATH again as Bitcoin hits historic low—Rotation ahead?
• Markets rethink rate bets as Miran challenges inflation narrative before November CPI release.
•  JPMorgan’s Ethereum push meets a critical chart test — Rebound or breakdown?

Crypto Equities Pre-Market Overview

Company	At the Close of December 15	Pre-Market Overview
Strategy (MSTR)	$162.08	$165.23 (+1.94%)
Coinbase (COIN)	$250.42	$253.61 (+1.27%)
Galaxy Digital Holdings (GLXY)	$24.54	$24.59 (+0.20%)
MARA Holdings (MARA)	$10.70	$10.82 (+1.12%)
Riot Platforms (RIOT)	$13.71	$13.81 (+0.73%)
Core Scientific (CORZ)	$15.28	$15.27 (-0.065%)

The post The Nonfarm Payrolls Surprise That Could Rattle Bitcoin Before Christmas | US Crypto News appeared first on BeInCrypto.

Welcome to the US Crypto News Morning Briefing—your essential rundown of the most important developments in crypto for the day ahead.

Grab a coffee, because Wall Street has just sent another signal that crypto’s future is becoming increasingly institutional. As JPMorgan moves a core financial product on-chain, market watchers are wondering whether this is merely experimentation or a deeper shift toward Ethereum as an economic infrastructure.

Crypto News of the Day: JPMorgan Takes Money Markets On-Chain with Ethereum-Powered Fund

JPMorgan Chase has taken another decisive step into blockchain-based finance, launching its first tokenized money market fund on the Ethereum network.

According to reporting by WSJ, the banking giant’s $4 trillion asset-management arm has rolled out the My OnChain Net Yield Fund, or MONY. It is a private money market fund deployed on Ethereum and supported by JPMorgan’s tokenization platform, Kinexys Digital Assets.

The bank will seed the fund with $100 million of its own capital before opening it to outside investors, signaling strong internal conviction in tokenized financial products.

JPMORGAN STEPS FURTHER INTO CRYPTO WITH TOKENIZED MONEY FUND

The banking giant’s $4 trillion asset-management arm is rolling out its first tokenized money-market fund on the Ethereum blockchain. JPMorgan will seed the fund with $100 million of its own capital, and then open it… pic.twitter.com/TTlS5E1MyV

— Evan (@StockMKTNewz) December 15, 2025

MONY is structured for institutional and high-net-worth participation only. It is open to qualified investors, including individuals with at least $5 million in investable assets and institutions with a minimum of $25 million, as well as a $1 million investment minimum.

Investors receive digital tokens representing their fund interests, bringing traditional money-market exposure onto blockchain rails while preserving familiar yield dynamics.

According to the report, JPMorgan executives attribute client demand as the driving force behind the launch.

“There is a massive amount of interest from clients around tokenization,” read an excerpt in the report, citing John Donohue, head of global liquidity at JPMorgan Asset Management.

He added that the firm expects to be a leader in the space by offering blockchain-based equivalents to traditional money-market products.

The launch comes amid accelerating momentum for tokenized assets on Wall Street, following the passage of the GENIUS Act earlier this year.

The legislation established a US regulatory framework for stablecoins and is widely viewed as a catalyst for broader tokenization efforts across funds, bonds, and real-world assets.

Since then, major financial institutions have moved quickly to explore blockchain as core market infrastructure rather than a peripheral experiment.

For Ethereum, JPMorgan’s decision to deploy MONY on its network is being read as a meaningful institutional endorsement. Fundstrat co-founder Tom Lee reacted to the news by calling it “bullish for ETH.”

This is bullish for $ETH https://t.co/LdGMHYKM9P

— Thomas (Tom) Lee (not drummer) FSInsight.com (@fundstrat) December 15, 2025

This comment highlights how products like MONY expand Ethereum’s real-world utility through transaction activity, smart contract execution, and deeper integration into global finance.

Crypto commentators echoed the sentiment, with some arguing that Ethereum’s role as the settlement layer for regulated financial products is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

JPMorgan vs. BlackRock: Tokenized Money Market Funds Signal a New Era in Finance

JPMorgan’s move also invites comparisons with BlackRock’s tokenized money market fund, BUIDL, which has grown to roughly $1.83 billion in assets under management, according to public blockchain data.

Like MONY, BUIDL invests in short-term US Treasuries, repurchase agreements, and cash equivalents. However, it follows a multi-chain strategy and is administered through a different tokenization partner.

Together, the two funds highlight a broader trend that traditional finance (TradFi) firms are converging on blockchain to modernize low-risk, yield-bearing products.

More broadly, analysts view tokenization as a means for traditional money market funds to remain competitive with stablecoins, while unlocking new use cases such as on-chain settlement, programmability, and enhanced transferability.

JPMorgan has already experimented with tokenized deposits, private equity funds, and institutional payment tokens, suggesting that MONY is part of a longer-term strategy rather than a standalone pilot.

As regulatory clarity improves and institutional participation deepens, JPMorgan’s Ethereum-based fund reinforces the narrative that blockchain, once seen as niche, is steadily becoming an integral part of the operating system of modern finance.

For Ethereum, that shift may prove to be one of the most consequential signals yet.

Chart of the Day

Byte-Sized Alpha

Here’s a summary of more US crypto news to follow today:

• Russell 2000 sets new highs, rekindling a familiar Bitcoin pattern.
• One critical XRP price level surfaces — Holding it could trigger a 9% bounce.
• Top 3 price predictions: Bitcoin, gold, and silver signal a high-stakes turning point.
• What does the stock–crypto investor divide signal for the future?
• Base creator Jesse Pollak sparks backlash by endorsing Soulja Boy–linked meme token.
• Bitcoin loses whale support? Yet history shows the price can still rise.
• Yuan at 14-month high as Fed-BOJ-PBOC split — crypto impact.
• Coinbase CLO Paul Grewal: NYT’s SEC crypto story admits no impropriety—So why the headline?

Crypto Equities Pre-Market Overview

Company	At the Close of December 12	Pre-Market Overview
Strategy (MSTR)	$176.45	$176.75 (+0.17%)
Coinbase (COIN)	$267.46	$268.40 (+0.35%)
Galaxy Digital Holdings (GLXY)	$26.75	$26.75 (0.00%)
MARA Holdings (MARA)	$11.52	$11.56 (+0.35%)
Riot Platforms (RIOT)	$15.30	$15.31 (+0.065%)
Core Scientific (CORZ)	$16.53	$16.65 (+0.73%)

The post Tom Lee Spots a Big Ethereum Signal in JPMorgan’s Tokenization Push| US Crypto News appeared first on BeInCrypto.

In response to the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s recent investor bulletin on crypto custody, BitGo CEO Mike Belshe has positioned his firm as the only provider offering all the custody options described by the SEC.

It comes only days after BitGo secured regulatory approval to operate as a bank, effectively expanding its institutional services.

BitGo Claims It Can Do What No Other Crypto Custodian Can

In a post on X (Twitter), Belshe emphasized that the BitGo exchange enables institutions to combine self-custody and third-party custody into a single hybrid strategy, creating custom risk profiles that no other provider can replicate.

“BitGo stands alone as the only provider delivering an institutional-grade platform for every option described by the SEC,” Belshe wrote. “Our clients no longer have to choose between security and control—they can have both.”

The SEC bulletin, released on December 12, 2025, outlined the basics of crypto custody for retail investors, defining two primary models:

• Self-custody, where investors hold their private keys, and
• Third-party custody, where a qualified custodian manages assets.

While most providers require clients to pick one model, BitGo allows institutions to utilize both simultaneously.

Under BitGo’s framework, 90% of client assets can be stored in BitGo Trust cold storage, meeting standards of regulatory compliance, insurance, and security.

The remaining 10% can reside in self-custody hot wallets, enabling real-time transactions and operational flexibility.

This hybrid approach mitigates single points of failure. If self-custody keys are lost, assets in the trust remain safe, while traditional exchanges would risk freezing all funds in the event of insolvency.

BitGo Bank & Trust, NA, a federally chartered national bank, underpins the platform’s third-party custody solution. Subject to regular SOC 1 Type 2 and SOC 2 Type 2 audits, the bank supports more than 1,400 coins and tokens under segregated accounts, backed by a $250 million insurance policy from Lloyd’s of London syndicates.

Curious about crypto wallets and how to store and access crypto assets? Check out our Crypto Asset Custody Basics Investor Bulletin.https://t.co/x4HMYMHLAe pic.twitter.com/bSbP25nzOc

— U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (@SECGov) December 13, 2025

According to Belshe, BitGo does not rehypothecate, lend, or commingle client assets, maintaining strict 1:1 custody standards.

For self-custody, BitGo provides wallets with 2-of-3 Multi-Sig or MPC threshold security. Clients retain two keys while BitGo holds one for co-signing, enabling policy controls without compromising autonomy.

Together with the third-party trust, these options are consolidated on a single dashboard, providing clients with full transparency, flexibility, and control across various custody models.

BitGo Aligns with SEC Questions While Offering Full Custody Flexibility

BitGo also addresses the seven questions the SEC recommends investors ask when selecting a custodian. These include:

• Background verification
• Asset coverage
• Storage protocols
• Use of assets
• Privacy protections, and
• Fee structures.

By answering these questions, BitGo demonstrates that institutions can manage their crypto assets securely, compliantly, and efficiently.

As regulators increasingly scrutinize crypto custody, BitGo’s model sets a new industry benchmark: one that combines compliance, operational control, and insurance coverage on a unified platform.

Belshe’s assertion highlights the growing demand from institutions seeking both the security of qualified custody and the autonomy of self-custody. Such a combination was previously unavailable in a single interface.

The assertions come only days after BitGo received a conditional approval to become a national trust bank. Others include Ripple, Fidelity Digital Assets, and Paxos.

We're pleased to announce that BitGo has met the conditions for full approval and is now a federally chartered bank for digital assets.

Hear more from BitGo CEO @mikebelshe on Bloomberg News 👇 pic.twitter.com/jf4f9MzPAK

— BitGo (@BitGo) December 12, 2025

In a sector where asset security and regulatory compliance often conflict, BitGo’s hybrid model may represent the next evolution of institutional crypto custody.

The post Mike Belshe Claims BitGo Outsmarts the SEC’s Custody Rules appeared first on BeInCrypto.

Experts are increasingly signaling a potential crypto bull run in the first quarter (Q1) of 2026, driven by a convergence of macroeconomic factors.

Analysts suggest Bitcoin could surge between $300,000 and $600,000 if these catalysts materialize.

Five Macro Trends Fueling a Potential Rally in Q1 2026

A combination of five key trends is creating what analysts describe as a “perfect storm” for digital assets.

1. Fed Balance Sheet Pause Removes Headwind

The Federal Reserve’s quantitative tightening (QT), which drained liquidity throughout 2025, ended recently.

Simply halting the liquidity drain is historically bullish for risk assets. Data from previous cycles suggest Bitcoin can rally up to 40% when central banks stop contracting their balance sheets.

Analyst Benjamin Cowen indicated that early 2026 could be the time when markets begin to feel the impact of the Fed ending its QT.

In 2019, the Fed announced QT would end on August 1st.

The balance sheet of the Fed continued dropping in August despite QT having officially ended because the last round of treasury maturities did not settle until mid August.

Just because QT ends December 1st does not mean the…

— Benjamin Cowen (@intocryptoverse) December 1, 2025

2. Rate Cuts Could Return

The Federal Reserve recently cut interest rates, with its commentary and Goldman Sachs forecasts indicating interest rate cuts could resume in 2026, potentially bringing rates down to 3–3.25%.

Goldman: "We expect another Fed cut in December, followed by two more moves in March and June 2026 that take the funds rate to 3-3.25%."

— zerohedge (@zerohedge) November 23, 2025

Lower rates typically increase liquidity and boost appetite for speculative assets such as cryptocurrencies.

3. Improved Short-End Liquidity

Increased Treasury bill purchases or other support at the short end of the yield curve could ease funding pressures and reduce short-term rates. The Fed says it will start technical buying of Treasury bills to manage market liquidity.

“[buying is] solely for the purpose of maintaining an ample supply of reserves over time, thus supporting effective control of our policy rate…these issues are separate from and have no implications for the stance of monetary policy,” said Fed Chair Jerome Powell.

The Fed periodically comes in during short-term funding markets amid instances of liquidity imbalances. These imbalances manifest in the overnight repo market, where banks borrow cash in exchange for Treasuries.

Recently, multiple indicators point to a rising short-term funding pressure, including:

• Money market funds sitting on elevated levels of cash,
• T-bill issuance tightening as the Treasury shifted its borrowing mix, and
• Increasing seasonal demand for liquidity.

The Fed initiated a controlled purchase plan of Treasury bills to prevent short-term interest rates from deviating from the target Federal Funds Rate. These are the shortest-maturity government securities, typically ranging from a few weeks to one year in duration.

While not a classic QE move, this measure could still serve as a significant liquidity tailwind for crypto markets.

For Q1 2026, the broader implications for risk assets, such as crypto and equities, are generally positive but moderate, stemming from a shift in Fed policy toward maintaining or gradually expanding liquidity.

4. Political Incentives Favor Stability

With US midterm elections scheduled for November 2026, policymakers are likely to favor market stability over disruption.

This environment reduces the risk of sudden regulatory shocks and enhances investor confidence in risk assets.

“If the stock market in the USA falters before the midterm elections, the current US administration will be held accountable – hence they will do everything they can to keep things going in equities (and crypto,” wrote macro researcher Thorsten Froehlich.

5. The Employment “Paradox”

Weakening labor market data, such as soft employment or modest layoffs, often triggers dovish Fed responses.

Softer labor conditions increase pressure on the Fed to ease policy, indirectly creating more liquidity and favorable conditions for cryptocurrencies.

Expert Outlook Suggests Bullish Sentiment Growing

Industry observers are aligning with the macro view. Alice Liu, Head of Research at CoinMarketCap, forecasts a crypto market comeback in February and March 2026, citing a combination of positive macro indicators.

“We are going to see a market comeback in Q1 of 2026. February and March will be a bull market again, based on a combination of macro indicators,” Binance reported, citing said Alice Liu, Head of Research, CoinMarketCap

Some analysts are even more optimistic. Crypto commentator Vibes predicts Bitcoin could reach $300,000 to $600,000 in Q1 2026. This reflects extreme bullish sentiment amid improving liquidity and easing macro conditions.

CRYPTO IS ABOUT TO HAVE THE BIGGEST PUMP WE'VE EVER SEEN IN OUR LIVES

I'M EXPECTING ANYWHERE BETWEEN $300K AND $600K IN Q1 2026

— Vibes (@Vibesmetax) December 14, 2025

Currently, market participation remains muted. Bitcoin open interest has declined, reflecting cautious trader sentiment.

However, if these macroeconomic tailwinds materialize, consolidation could quickly give way to a significant surge, setting the stage for a historic start to 2026 in the crypto markets.

The post 5 Reasons Q1 2026 Could Spark the Biggest Crypto Bull Run Yet appeared first on BeInCrypto.

Markets are bracing for a potentially pivotal week for Bitcoin as the Bank of Japan (BOJ) heads into its December 18–19 policy meeting. Expectations point to a near-certain rate hike.

Prediction markets and macro analysts alike are converging on the same conclusion: Japan is poised to raise rates by 25 basis points. Such a move could reverberate far beyond its domestic bond market and into global risk assets, especially Bitcoin.

Bank of Japan Rate Hike Puts Bitcoin’s Liquidity Sensitivity Back in Focus

Polymarket is currently assigning a 98% probability of a BOJ hike, with a measly 2% wagering that policymakers will hold interest rates steady.

The general sentiment among crypto analysts is that this is not good for Bitcoin, with the pioneer crypto already trading below the $90,000 psychological level.

Polymarket is pricing in a 🇯🇵 BOJ rate hike with 98% certainty right now.

This is not good… 👀 pic.twitter.com/Huace8iTBk

— Mister Crypto (@misterrcrypto) December 14, 2025

If implemented, the move would take Japan’s policy rate to 75 basis points, a level not seen in nearly two decades. While modest by global standards, the shift is significant because Japan has long been the world’s primary source of inexpensive leverage.

For decades, institutions borrowed yen at ultra-low rates and deployed that capital into global equities, bonds, and crypto, a strategy known as the yen carry trade. That trade is now under threat.

“For decades, the Yen has been the #1 currency people would borrow & convert into other currencies & assets… That carry trade is diminishing now, as Japanese bond yields are rising rapidly,” wrote analyst Mister Crypto.

If yields continue to climb, leveraged positions funded in yen may be unwound, forcing investors to sell risk assets to repay debt.

Liquidity Fears Grow Amid Bitcoin’s BOJ Track Record

The historical backdrop is fueling anxiety in crypto markets. Bitcoin is currently trading at $88,956, down 1.16% in the last 24 hours.

However, traders are focused less on the current price and more on what has happened after previous BOJ hikes.

• In March 2024, the price of Bitcoin fell by roughly 23%.
• In July 2024, it dropped around 25%.
•  Following the January 2025 hike, BTC slid more than 30%.

Against this backdrop, several traders see a troubling pattern, urging investors to brace for volatility this week.

“Every time Japan hikes rates, Bitcoin dumps 20–25%. Next week, they will hike rates to 75 bps again. If the pattern holds, BTC will dump below $70,000 on December 19. Position accordingly,” cautioned analyst 0xNobler.

This week, therefore, analysts see the Bank of Japan as the biggest threat to the Bitcoin price, with a play to $70,000 now in the cards.

THE BANK OF JAPAN MIGHT BE BITCOIN’S BIGGEST ENEMY

Japan holds the most US debt.
Every time they hike, Bitcoin bleeds:

March 2024: -23%
July 2024: -30%
Jan 2025: -31%

Next hike: Dec 19
Next move: loading…

If the pattern repeats, $70K is in play. pic.twitter.com/R5916R702I

— Merlijn The Trader (@MerlijnTrader) December 14, 2025

Similar projections have been echoed across crypto-focused accounts, with repeated references to a potential drop below $70,000 if history rhymes. Such a move would constitute a 20% drop below current levels.

Regime Shift or Liquidity Shock? Why Traders Are Split on the BOJ–Fed Policy Mix

Yet not everyone agrees that a BOJ hike spells inevitable downside. A competing macro narrative argues that Japan’s tightening, when paired with US Federal Reserve rate cuts, could ultimately be bullish for the crypto market.

Macro analyst Quantum Ascend framed the situation as a regime shift rather than a liquidity shock.

Japan raising rates has a lot of people worried about the potential impact on the market. 🚨

Couple that with the Fed cutting rates, and it's seemingly a mixed picture.

But it's NOT.

This is EXTREMELY BULLISH for crypto‼️

Here's why ⬇️

— Quantum Ascend (@quantum_ascend) December 13, 2025

According to this view, Fed cuts would inject dollar liquidity and weaken the USD, while gradual BOJ hikes would strengthen the yen without meaningfully destroying global liquidity.

The result, Quantum Ascend argues, is capital rotation into risk assets with asymmetric upside, crypto’s “sweet spot.”

Still, near-term conditions remain fragile. The Great Martis cautioned that bond markets are already forcing the BOJ’s hand.

“This could trigger the carry trade unwind and cause havoc in equities,” the analyst warned.

The analyst also pointed to broadening tops in major stock indices and globally rising yields as signs of mounting stress.

Meanwhile, Bitcoin’s price action reflects the uncertainty. The pioneer crypto’s price has been largely flat through December, marking what analysts call a very choppy period into the end of the year.

Specifically, analyst Daan Crypto Trades cites low liquidity and limited conviction ahead of year-end holidays.

With equities flashing topping signals, yields breaking higher, and Bitcoin historically sensitive to Japan-driven liquidity shifts, the BOJ’s decision is shaping up to be one of the most consequential macro catalysts of the year.

Whether it triggers another sharp drawdown or sets the stage for a post-volatility crypto rally may depend less on the hike itself and more on how global liquidity responds in the weeks that follow.

The post Bank of Japan Rate Hike Could Trigger 20-30% Bitcoin Decline as Markets Price 98% Probability appeared first on BeInCrypto.

Bitcoin, gold, and silver prices continue to trade with bullish biases this week, as the pioneer crypto and the two commodity safe havens see the Fed’s interest rate decision through a rearview mirror.

After policymakers decided to cut interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point, data show that the stock market is no longer flashing fear, a major break last seen in early October.

Bitcoin, Gold, Silver: Updated Price Outlook as Stock Market Calm Returns

The US stock market hit an all-time high on Thursday, December 11, with analysts projecting further upside. It follows the Fed’s decision to cut interest rates, a move that usually lifts the stock market.

Lower borrowing costs boost corporate profits, encourage business investment, and increase the value of future earnings. Similarly, cheaper credit increases consumer spending, while investors shift from bonds to equities in search of higher returns.

Together, this improves liquidity and risk appetite, typically driving stock prices higher across most sectors. This explains why the stock market is no longer flashing fear.

JUST IN 🚨: Stock Market says Goodbye to Fear for the first time since early October 🫡🥳🫂 pic.twitter.com/vSd1qLkbkO

— Barchart (@Barchart) December 11, 2025

Meanwhile, Bitcoin, gold, and silver are evoking similar optimism, with XAU and XAG prices surging as holding costs decline and inflation expectations rise.

Bullish Reversal Builds for Bitcoin Price as Liquidity Flows Return

Bitcoin’s daily chart shows the price recovering within a well-defined ascending channel, which formed after the sharp correction from its early October highs.

Despite still trading below the major exponential moving averages (50 and 100 at $96,583 and $101,943, respectively), BTC is showing early signs of trend stabilization. This is seen with each recent low forming higher than the previous one, a classic early-stage recovery pattern.

The bullish Volume Profiles (green horizontal bars) reveal a significant high-volume node around the 78.6% Fibonacci retracement level, suggesting bulls could defend $90,358 as critical support.

This level may act as an anchoring point for price inflection, potentially serving as the jumping-off point for the next move north.

A decisive candlestick close above the $90,358 level could allow BTC to target the heavier liquidity cluster around $98,000–$103,000.

Meanwhile, the RSI (Relative Strength Index) indicator remains neutral, suggesting room for expansion in either direction.

The histograms of the AO indicators (Awesome Oscillator) are edging toward positive territory and flashing green, suggesting bullish momentum is growing.

Nonetheless, short-term bullish continuation depends on maintaining the upward channel structure. Breaking below the lower boundary of the channel, which confluences with the 78.6% Fibonacci retracement level at $90,358, would expose BTC to bearish pressure, with the ensuing seller momentum likely to send BTC to the range between $86,000 and $80,600.

The main challenge remains reclaiming the EMAs, particularly the 50-day and 100-day, which cluster around $96,583 and $101,943.

Historically, BTC tends to accelerate once it breaks above these moving averages during mid-cycle consolidations.

Overall, BTC exhibits a controlled recovery, rising volume, and a constructive channel, but major confirmation will only come if bulls reclaim the $100,000 psychological level.

Gold Price’s Breakout Momentum Strengthens Above Key Resistance

The 4-hour chart for the XAU/USD trading pair shows the gold price teasing with a clean breakout from a long, compressing symmetrical triangle. This technical formation formed after the sharp $490 retracement (-11.19%) earlier in the quarter.

Symmetrical triangles at the top of an uptrend often behave as continuation patterns, where price consolidates before resuming its prior direction. Gold’s breakout aligns with this playbook, pushing above the downtrend line with strong momentum.

The measured move of the triangle projects an upside target of roughly $4,720, up by just over 11% above the breakout point.

Meanwhile, the gold price is currently stabilizing around $4,273, where the breakout candle closed. As long as Gold holds above the triangle’s upper boundary, the bullish structure remains intact.

Traders waiting to take long positions on XAU/USD should consider waiting for a successful retest of the upper trendline.

The RSI is mid-range but leaning bullish at 65, suggesting gold is still not overbought. Its trajectory shows rising momentum, typically a healthy setup for continuation.

The MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence) lines have crossed bullishly and are widening, a sign of increasing upward force.

Support levels to monitor sit at $4,180, $4,140, $4,098, and the deeper pivot at $3,998, which marks the base of the prior correction. As long as the gold price stays above these levels, bulls maintain control.

It is also worth noting that Gold’s breakout aligns with its broader macro trend: rising geopolitical uncertainty, persistent inflation expectations, and strong demand from central banks.

Central banks are ramping up gold purchases:

Global central banks purchased +53 tonnes of gold in October, the most since November 2024.

This marks a +194% jump compared to July, and the 3rd-straight monthly acceleration.

In the first 10 months of the year, central banks have… pic.twitter.com/7pZWyEjjvf

— The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) December 4, 2025

Technically, the structure supports the possibility of revisiting, and potentially surpassing, recent highs.

Silver Price’s Long-Term Cup-and-Handle Signal Targets Major Upside

The Silver price’s multi-decade chart is displaying one of the strongest long-term bullish structures in commodities, a giant multi-cycle Cup & Handle breakout.

The cup spans from the 1980 peak to the 2011 rejection, an 871% measured move. The handle, smaller but still powerful, forms a pattern between 2011 and 2024, showing a 152% measured move. Both formations converge at the same breakout line near $36, a level Silver has struggled to clear for over 40 years.

The latest candle shows a decisive, high-volume breakout far above this resistance, suggesting a structural shift rather than a temporary spike.

When a commodity breaks a multi-decade ceiling, price discovery can accelerate quickly due to lack of historical resistance.

However, the RSI is in overbought territory (above 80), but in long-term breakouts, this often reflects momentum rather than exhaustion. The MACD has crossed strongly into bullish territory, confirming the upward trend.

If the breakout sustains, the next key psychological level is $70, with the 1980/2011 all-time high zone, now near $50, flipped into support.

Silver soars to $64 for the first time in history 🚨📈 Dear God 🤯👀 pic.twitter.com/2ffpTOUB1E

— Barchart (@Barchart) December 11, 2025

Given the prolonged consolidation and tight multi-year supply constraints in the silver market, a move beyond historical highs cannot be ruled out.

However, Silver has historically remained volatile, so a retest of the $36 zone would be normal before a sustained continuation.

The post Top 3 Price Prediction Bitcoin, Gold, Silver as Stocks Move Out of the Fear Zone appeared first on BeInCrypto.

Bitcoin, gold, and silver experienced a sudden surge in strength on Tuesday, the eve of what appears to be another Fed rate cut.

The pioneer crypto, as well as the two commodity safe havens, Gold and Silver, may face volatility around the Fed’s interest rate decision, even as XAG price breaks above $60/oz for the first time in history, now up +108% in 2025.

Top BTC, XAU, and XAG Price Targets Ahead of the Fed Cut

All eyes are on the Fed’s interest rate decision tomorrow and the subsequent Jerome Powell press conference. This is one of the most important macroeconomic events for Bitcoin and commodity safe havens this week.

Data from the CME FedWatch Tool shows that interest bettors see an 87.6% chance that the Fed will cut interest rates.

A Fed rate cut is generally a tailwind for Bitcoin as it injects liquidity into the financial markets. Gold is typically the cleanest and fastest beneficiary of rate cuts, while silver often lags gold initially, then outperforms during strong reflation moves. This is why silver tends to make violent upside moves after cuts once momentum builds.

• Gold reacts first and most predictably
• Bitcoin benefits as liquidity expands
• Silver often becomes the late-stage momentum winner

Based on current price action, however, markets are already pricing in the event, with traders already front-running a rate cut amid near-certain probabilities.

Bitcoin Races for $100,000 Ahead of Fed’s Interest Rate Decision

The Bitcoin price is trading with a bullish bias, consolidating within an ascending parallel channel since bottoming out at $80,600 on November 21. As long as the price remains confined within this technical formation, the prospects for further upside remain alive.

Based on the RSI (Relative Strength Index) indicator, momentum is rising, which could push BTC further north. Its position above the 50 threshold suggests significant buyer momentum, but a lot remains in the balance, as this midline level is also susceptible to a bearish takeover.

The Bitcoin price faces immediate resistance due to the 50-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) at $97,015, a roadblock in BTC’s path to the most critical Fibonacci retracement level, 61.8%, at $98,018.

This would be a key entry point for late bulls, such that if the Bitcoin price breaks cleanly through the level with strong volume, it would signal a strengthening trend. Such a directional bias would see the pioneer crypto extend a neck higher to $103,399, earmarked by the 50% midrange.

In a highly bullish case, BTC could reach the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement level, signaling a strong trend.  

Conversely, if the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement level holds as resistance, it would set the tone for a trend reversal.

Sellers pulling the trigger at current levels could see the 78.6% Fibonacci retracement level give way as support, a move that could cause BTC to fall out of the ascending parallel channel.

Such a directional bias could send the pioneer crypto’s price toward the $80,600 support floor. Such a move would constitute a drop of almost 15% from current levels.

Gold may be in a Stage A Classic Reload Zone

The gold price could sell off towards the lows of $4,199 and potentially violate the rising support trendline before reversing higher. Based on the RSI, momentum is fading, putting the XAU price at risk of a correction.

However, with the RSI still above the 50 threshold and strong downward support provided by the confluence of the 50- and 100-day EMAs at $4,202 and $4,203, respectively, the price could forge higher.

Critical support resides in the range between $4,178 and $4,192. If this zone holds, the bull structure would remain intact.

Meanwhile, the key resistance is at $4,241, with a clean break above this supplier congestion level likely to spark an acceleration.

In such a directional bias, targets would be $4,260, or in a highly bullish case, $4,300 before a potential recapture of the $4,381 all-time high (ATH).  

Therefore, current price levels could be a classic reload zone, with every dip providing a buying opportunity for late bulls.

Silver is up 6x as Much as the S&P 500 YTD

The silver price is experiencing one of the strongest bull runs in stock market history, up six times the S&P 500’s year-to-date (YTD) gain. The XAG/USD price is now on track for the largest 12-month gain since 1979.

After establishing a new all-time high of $60.794, silver is on price discovery levels, with potential for further upside.

On the 15-minute chart below, the XAG/USD price shows a clean bullish continuation breakout. The silver price has decisively cleared the prior range high near $58.83 and accelerated to price discovery, confirming a shift from consolidation to expansion.

All key EMAs (50/100/200) are now stacked bullishly and turning higher, signaling strong short-term trend alignment and trend strength.

Momentum supports the move, as evidenced by the RSI above 73, indicating strong buying pressure. However, this RSI position also warns of near-term overheating and the risk of a shallow pullback or consolidation before continuation.

Structurally, the former resistance at $58.80 to $59.00 now acts as first support, while the next psychological and technical target sits around $61.00–$61.50.

As long as the silver price holds above the rising 50-EMA (red), the bias remains buy-the-dip, with downside risk increasing only on a sustained breakdown back below $59.00.

The post Top 3 Price Prediction Bitcoin, Gold, Silver: Is the Fed-Driven Rally Built to Last? appeared first on BeInCrypto.