US economic data is flashing early warning signs for risk assets and crypto. The latest labor figures suggest household income growth may weaken heading into 2026.

That trend could reduce retail investment flows, especially into volatile assets like crypto. In the short term, this creates a demand problem rather than a structural crisis.

US Labor Data Signals Slower Disposable Income Growth

The latest Nonfarm Payrolls report showed modest job creation alongside a rising unemployment rate. Wage growth also slowed, pointing to weaker income momentum for households.

Nonfarm payrolls -105k in October … +64k in November pic.twitter.com/tJcn8RSu9m

— Kevin Gordon (@KevRGordon) December 16, 2025

Disposable income matters for crypto adoption. Retail investors typically allocate surplus cash, not leverage, to risk assets.

When wages stagnate and job security weakens, households cut discretionary spending first. Speculative investments often fall into that category.

Retail Investors Are Most Exposed And Altcoins Could Feel It First

Retail participation plays a larger role in altcoin markets than in Bitcoin. Smaller tokens rely heavily on discretionary retail capital chasing higher returns.

Bitcoin, by contrast, attracts institutional flows, ETFs, and long-term holders. That gives it deeper liquidity and stronger downside buffers.

If Americans have less money to invest, altcoins tend to suffer first. Liquidity dries up faster, and price declines can persist longer.

Retail investors may also be forced to exit positions to cover expenses. That selling pressure weighs more heavily on smaller-cap tokens.

Lower Income Does Not Mean Lower Prices, But It Changes The Driver

Asset prices can still rise even when incomes weaken. That typically happens when monetary policy becomes more supportive.

A cooling labor market gives the Federal Reserve room to cut rates. Lower rates can boost asset prices through liquidity rather than household demand.

For crypto, that distinction matters. Rallies driven by liquidity are more fragile and sensitive to macro shocks.

Institutions Face Their Own Headwinds From Japan

Retail weakness is only part of the picture. Institutional investors are also becoming more cautious.

The Bank of Japan’s potential rate hikes threaten global liquidity conditions. They risk unwinding the yen carry trade that has supported risk assets for years.

Bank of Japan is set to hike interest rates by 25bps on December 19

The last 3 times BoJ hiked rates, Bitcoin dumped by over 20%

March 2024 → -27%
July 2024 → -30%
January 2025 → -31%

We already saw a 7% dump last week as investors tried to front-run the dump.

However,… pic.twitter.com/ex77EzHBMh

— Lark Davis (@LarkDavis) December 15, 2025

When borrowing costs rise in Japan, institutions often reduce exposure globally. Crypto, equities, and credit all feel the impact.

The main risk is not collapse, but thin demand. Retail investors may step back due to weaker income growth. Institutions may pause as global liquidity tightens.

Altcoins remain the most vulnerable in this environment. Bitcoin is better positioned to absorb the slowdown.

For now, crypto markets appear to be transitioning. From retail-driven momentum to macro-driven caution.

That shift could define the early months of 2026.

The post Why Americans May Have Less Money For Crypto In 2026 appeared first on BeInCrypto.

A meme coin called HERO has gained traction over the past few days, created in honor of a man who helped disarm one of two attackers during a deadly assault at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, Australia, over the weekend.

The token briefly reached a market capitalization of $1.7 million. The team behind the initiative says the project will donate all creator fees to support the victims of the attack.

HERO Launched to Support Bondi Victims

A grassroots initiative has gathered momentum following the terrorist attack at Bondi Beach on Sunday, which left 15 people dead and at least 42 others injured.

An individual known as DefiANT on X launched the HERO meme coin in honor of Ahmed al-Ahmed, a 43-year-old fruit shop owner who managed to disarm one of the attackers during the incident.

the whole world is talking about the heroic act of Ahmed.

meanwhile, we have established ourselves as the only true $hero coin by donating $20k in creator rewards so far, with much more to come.

we had our first space in which people shared their experiences, expressed…

— DefiAnt™ (build/acc) (@defi_tm) December 15, 2025

According to DexScreener, HERO runs on Solana and currently has a market capitalization of $180,000. The meme coin was created via Pump.Fun and reached a peak of nearly $1.7 million in market cap. Although the meme coin was launched on the same day as the attack, the original developer rugged the project and later abandoned it.

Since then, the community has taken over stewardship of the token, with DefiANT emerging as the primary driving force. It has since evolved into a fully community-led initiative, with all proceeds dedicated to supporting the victims.

Fundraising Campaign Surpasses $2.3 Million Mark

Alongside the token, the team launched a parallel GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for those affected by the attack.

According to the fundraising page, nearly 40,000 contributors have collectively raised over $2.3 million. The campaign has set a target of $3.1 million.

The official HERO website states that donations will be distributed to victims in multiple tranches. DefiANT also confirmed on social media that 47,000 Australian dollars have already been donated to individuals impacted by the attack. 

The post Aussie Hero Meme Coin Rallies Community Support After Sydney Terrorist Attack appeared first on BeInCrypto.

Bitcoin traders often focus on the US Federal Reserve. However, the Bank of Japan (BoJ) can be just as important for crypto markets.

That’s because Japan plays a unique role in global liquidity. When that liquidity tightens, Bitcoin often drops hard.

The ‘Cheap Yen’ is Bitcoin’s Hidden Liquidity Engine

For decades, Japan maintained near-zero or negative interest rates. That made the yen one of the cheapest currencies in the world to borrow.

This gave rise to the yen carry trade.

The 🇯🇵 Bank of Japan is about to do a rate hike on Friday the 19th, creating massive fear surrounding the Yen carry trade.

Bitcoin dumped hard the last time they hiked rates:

But why is this exactly? Let’s break it down 👇

What is the Yen Carry Trade?

For decades, the Yen has… pic.twitter.com/YjxzOctjnx

— Mister Crypto (@misterrcrypto) December 14, 2025

Large institutions — including hedge funds, banks, asset managers, and proprietary trading desks — borrow yen through Japanese banks, FX swap markets, and short-term funding channels.

They then convert that yen into dollars or euros. The capital flows into higher-yielding assets.

Those assets include equities, credit, emerging markets, and increasingly, crypto. Bitcoin benefits when this funding stays cheap and abundant.

Bitcoin is especially attractive because it trades 24/7 and offers high volatility. For leveraged funds, it becomes a liquid way to express risk-on positioning.

A BoJ rate hike disrupts that system.

🚨 JAPAN WILL CRASH BITCOIN IN 5 DAYS!!!

People are seriously underestimating what Japan is about to do to Bitcoin.

The Bank of Japan is expected to raise rates again on Dec 19.

That might not sound like a big deal… until you remember one thing:

Japan is the largest holder… pic.twitter.com/0a9Aimfn88

— NoLimit (@NoLimitGains) December 14, 2025

Why a Small BoJ Rate Hike Can Have an Outsized Impact

On paper, the expected BoJ move looks modest.

Markets are pricing a hike of roughly 25 basis points, taking Japan’s policy rate toward 0.75%. That is still far below US or European rates.

But the size of the hike is not the real issue.

Japan spent decades anchored near zero. Even a small increase represents a structural shift in funding conditions.

More importantly, it changes expectations.

If markets believe Japan is entering a multi-step tightening cycle, traders do not wait. They cut exposure early.

That anticipation alone can trigger selling across global risk assets. Bitcoin feels the impact quickly because it trades continuously and reacts faster than stocks or bonds.

How the BoJ Tightening Can Trigger Bitcoin Liquidations

Bitcoin’s sharpest drops rarely come from spot selling alone. They come from leverage.

A hawkish BoJ move can strengthen the yen and lift global yields. That pressures risk assets simultaneously.

Bitcoin then falls through key technical levels. That matters because crypto markets rely heavily on perpetual futures and margin.

As price drops, leveraged long positions hit liquidation thresholds. Exchanges automatically sell collateral to cover losses.

Bank of Japan is set to hike interest rates by 25bps on December 19

The last 3 times BoJ hiked rates, Bitcoin dumped by over 20%

March 2024 → -27%
July 2024 → -30%
January 2025 → -31%

We already saw a 7% dump last week as investors tried to front-run the dump.

However,… pic.twitter.com/ex77EzHBMh

— Lark Davis (@LarkDavis) December 15, 2025

That forced selling pushes Bitcoin lower again. It triggers more liquidations in a cascading loop.

This is why macro events can look like crypto-specific crashes. The initial shock comes from rates and FX.

The second wave comes from crypto’s leverage structure.

What Traders Watch Around BoJ Decisions

BoJ risk builds before the announcement. Traders watch for early warning signs:

• Yen strength, which signals carry trades are unwinding
  
• Rising bond yields, which tighten financial conditions
  
• Falling funding rates or open interest, which show leverage exiting
  
• Key Bitcoin support breaks, which can trigger liquidations
  

The tone of BoJ guidance also matters. A hike with dovish messaging can calm markets.

A hawkish signal can extend selling pressure.

In short, the Bank of Japan matters because it controls a major source of global liquidity. When that liquidity tightens, Bitcoin often pays the price first.

The post Why the Bank of Japan Is So Critical for Bitcoin appeared first on BeInCrypto.

MicroStrategy’s latest Bitcoin buy has quickly come under scrutiny. Just one day after the firm disclosed a major purchase, Bitcoin fell sharply.

On December 14, MicroStrategy announced it had acquired 10,645 BTC for roughly $980.3 million, paying an average price of $92,098 per coin. At the time, Bitcoin was trading near local highs.

A Poorly Timed Buy, At Least in the Short Term

The timing was unfortunate. Only a day after Strategy’s reported purchase, Bitcoin had dropped toward the $85,000 range, briefly trading even lower. At the time of writing BTC remains below $80,000.

Strategy has acquired 10,645 BTC for ~$980.3 million at ~$92,098 per bitcoin and has achieved BTC Yield of 24.9% YTD 2025. As of 12/14/2025, we hodl 671,268 $BTC acquired for ~$50.33 billion at ~$74,972 per bitcoin. $MSTR $STRC $STRK $STRF $STRD $STRE https://t.co/VdAz7pqce1

— Michael Saylor (@saylor) December 15, 2025

Bitcoin’s decline came amid a broader macro-driven sell-off, fueled by Bank of Japan rate-hike fears, leverage liquidations, and market-maker de-risking. MicroStrategy’s purchase landed just ahead of that cascade.

Bitcoin’s Price Drop Was Driven by Liquidations — Not Spot Selling

“In this context, the current move should be viewed less as a collapse in fundamental demand and more as a structural deleveraging event.” – By @xwinfinance pic.twitter.com/i1DSrt2Ttw

— CryptoQuant.com (@cryptoquant_com) December 16, 2025

As Bitcoin slid, MicroStrategy shares fell sharply. Over the past five trading days, the stock dropped more than 25%, significantly underperforming Bitcoin itself.

While shares saw a modest rebound today, they remain far below levels seen before the purchase announcement.

The Numbers Behind the Concern

As of now, MicroStrategy holds 671,268 BTC, acquired for approximately $50.33 billion at an average price of $74,972 per coin.

On a long-term basis, the firm remains deeply in profit.

However, short-term optics matter. With Bitcoin near $85,000, the latest tranche is already underwater on paper.

MicroStrategy’s mNAV currently sits around 1.11, meaning the stock trades only about 11% above the value of its Bitcoin holdings. That premium has compressed rapidly as Bitcoin fell and equity investors reassessed risk.

Why the Market Reacted So Harshly

Investors are not questioning MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin thesis. They are questioning timing and risk management.

The macro risks that triggered Bitcoin’s drop were well telegraphed. Markets had been warning about the Bank of Japan’s potential rate hike and the threat to the yen carry trade for weeks.

Bitcoin has historically sold off aggressively around BOJ tightening cycles. This time was no different.

Critics argue MicroStrategy failed to wait for macro clarity. The firm appeared to buy aggressively near resistance, just as global liquidity conditions tightened.

🚨 JAPAN WILL CRASH BITCOIN IN 5 DAYS!!!

People are seriously underestimating what Japan is about to do to Bitcoin.

The Bank of Japan is expected to raise rates again on Dec 19.

That might not sound like a big deal… until you remember one thing:

Japan is the largest holder… pic.twitter.com/0a9Aimfn88

— NoLimit (@NoLimitGains) December 14, 2025

Was It Actually a Mistake?

That depends on the timeframe.

From a trading perspective, the purchase looks poorly timed. Bitcoin fell immediately, and the stock suffered amplified losses due to leverage, sentiment, and shrinking NAV premium.

From a strategy perspective, MicroStrategy has never aimed to time bottoms. The company continues to frame its purchases around long-term accumulation, not short-term price optimization.

CEO Michael Saylor has repeatedly argued that owning more Bitcoin matters more than entry precision.

The real risk is not the purchase itself. It is what happens next.

If Bitcoin stabilizes and macro pressure eases, MicroStrategy’s latest buy will fade into its long-term cost basis. If Bitcoin drops further, however, the decision will remain a focal point for critics.

MicroStrategy may not have made the worst Bitcoin purchase of 2025. But it may have made the most uncomfortable one.

The post Did MicroStrategy Make Its Worst Bitcoin Purchase of 2025? appeared first on BeInCrypto.

The US Securities and Exchange Commission has closed its investigation into the Aave Protocol without recommending enforcement action, according to a notice dated December 16.

The decision ends a multi-year probe into one of the largest decentralized finance (DeFi) lending platforms and removes a major regulatory overhang for the sector.

Investigation Closed Without Enforcement

In its notice, the SEC said it had concluded its investigation into the Aave Protocol and does not intend to recommend enforcement action at this time.

However, the agency emphasized that the closure does not constitute an exoneration and does not prevent future action should circumstances change. The notice follows standard SEC practice under Securities Act Release No. 5310.

After four years, we are finally ready to share that the SEC has concluded its investigation into the Aave Protocol.

This process demanded significant effort and resources from our team, and from me personally as the founder, to protect Aave, its ecosystem, and DeFi more… pic.twitter.com/aZeLrZz5ZQ

— Stani.eth (@StaniKulechov) December 16, 2025

The investigation began around 2021–2022, during a period when the SEC intensified scrutiny of crypto lending, staking, and governance tokens.

Aave, a non-custodial DeFi protocol, allows users to lend and borrow digital assets through automated smart contracts. The protocol operates without intermediaries and is governed by holders of the AAVE token.

Aave Revenue and Governance Under the Spotlight

The SEC decision comes as Aave faces separate internal scrutiny over revenue and governance.

Earlier this week, DAO members raised concerns that a front-end infrastructure change may have redirected swap fee revenue away from the Aave DAO treasury. The issue followed a shift from ParaSwap to CoW Swap on Aave’s official interface.

Extremely concerning.

The stealth privatization of approximately 10% of Aave DAO's potential revenue, leveraging brand and IPs paid for by the DAO, represents a clear attack on the best interests of the $AAVE Token holders.

We will prepare an official response with @AaveChan. https://t.co/opoG3I7x7s

— Marc ”七十 Billy” Zeller (@Marczeller) December 12, 2025

Governance delegates said the change could reduce DAO revenue by up to $10 million annually, depending on trading volumes. 

Aave Labs responded that the front-end is a separate product and that prior revenue sharing was voluntary.

For now, Aave emerges from regulatory scrutiny without penalties, which has been a common pattern as the SEC backtracks from crypto enforcement under Paul Atkins.

Still, the protocol faces ongoing questions around governance, decentralization, and value capture as DeFi matures.

The post SEC Drops Long-Running Investigation Into Aave Protocol appeared first on BeInCrypto.

As Bitcoin’s price continues to trend lower, China’s renewed crackdown on domestic mining activity may help explain the sudden downturn.

In Xinjiang province, an estimated 400,000 miners were forced to shut down operations and go offline. The abrupt disruption cut off revenue streams, pushing some operators to sell Bitcoin holdings to cover operating costs or finance relocation efforts.

Mining Disruptions Add Pressure to Bitcoin’s Decline

In a recent social media post, former Canaan chairman Jack Kong said that China’s computing power fell by roughly 100 exahashes per second (EH/s) within 24 hours. He noted that the decline, estimated at around 8%, followed the shutdown of hundreds of thousands of mining machines.

Bitcoin Hash Rate Falls by Most Since 2024 Halving

Ex-Chairman of $CAN says 400k BTC mining machines shut off in China https://t.co/4RQ0O2esh3 pic.twitter.com/q5OopJq10M

— matthew sigel, recovering CFA (@matthew_sigel) December 15, 2025

The news emerged shortly before Bitcoin slid to $86,000 on Tuesday, breaking below the $90,000 level it had managed to hold over the past week.

Some analysts view the timing as more than coincidental, pointing to a correlation between the mining shutdowns and the price decline. 

They note that abrupt and stringent measures often force miners to take immediate actions, which can amplify short-term market pressure.

Miner Shutdowns Trigger Liquidity Stress And Selling

According to Bitcoin analyst NoLimit, when miners are forced offline, a chain reaction typically follows. 

This includes an immediate loss of revenue, an urgent need for liquidity to cover operating expenses or relocation costs, and, in some cases, the forced sale of Bitcoin holdings.

These dynamics can spill directly into the broader crypto market. When roughly 8% of Bitcoin’s computing power is suddenly taken offline, uncertainty rises, adding short-term stress to Bitcoin’s price.

🚨 BITCOIN IS CRASHING AND THIS IS THE REASON WHY!!!

Bitcoin is down today for a very simple reason, and almost nobody is explaining it properly.

It’s coming straight from China, and the timing matters.

That’s right, china’s crashing bitcoin, AGAIN.

Here’s what’s happening:… pic.twitter.com/RV3k9JzA0T

— NoLimit (@NoLimitGains) December 15, 2025

“That creates real sell pressure, not the other way around,” NoLimit explained. 

Timing magnified the impact. China’s mining sector had only recently re-established itself as a major contributor to global hashrate.

A Mining Comeback Meets Abrupt Regulatory Pressure

Less than a month ago, China regained its position as the world’s third-largest Bitcoin mining hub. According to the Hashrate Index, the country accounted for roughly 14% of global hashrate by October.

Despite the formal mining ban imposed in 2021, underground activity has continued to expand across the country.

Analysts point to access to low-cost power and surplus electricity in certain regions as key drivers behind the resurgence.

Against this backdrop, this week’s crackdown caught miners off guard. With regulations suddenly tightened and Bitcoin’s hashrate falling, miner revenues quickly became a central concern.

These pressures were compounded by Bitcoin’s roughly 30% decline from its October peak and persistently low transaction fees, pushing miner revenues to recent lows.

Given that mining underpins the security and operation of the Bitcoin network, the recent price pullback appears consistent with the broader disruption, though its full impact may unfold over time.

The post Why China’s Recent Mining Crackdown Triggered Bitcoin’s Latest Sell-Off appeared first on BeInCrypto.

[Valetta, Malta, Dec. 16, 2025] OKX, a leading cryptocurrency exchange and global on-chain technology company, today announced the launch of Spot Margin trading for customers in Europe, expanding its suite of advanced trading tools across the region.

The new offering extends capabilities already available on OKX’s global platform, including up to 10× leverage for spot margin, and cross-margin mode which allows your full portfolio to be considered as collateral, while ensuring adherence to regional regulatory requirements. With this launch, OKX is making margin products accessible to European customers while emphasizing a transparent, risk-managed framework supported by the company’s established global risk controls and Proof-of-Reserves verification system.

With Spot Margin trading, European customers gain access to OKX’s familiar and battle-tested margin system equipped with comprehensive risk controls, transparent asset verification, and real-time monitoring. As part of this rollout, BTC and ETH margin trading pairs will be available against USDC with up to 10× leverage for both long and short positions, executed through an independent unified USD EEA orderbook. This structure ensures full compliance with regional requirements while maintaining the liquidity depth, speed, and overall performance customers expect from OKX.

Spot Margin on OKX Europe enables customers to:

• Access up to 10× leverage on supported trading pairs
• Deploy hedging strategies using long and short positions
• Learn and manage risk through transparent Loan-to-Value (LTV) parameters and automated liquidation education tools

“Europe is a tier-1 region for OKX, and today’s launch reflects our commitment to offering secure, transparent, and responsibly designed trading tools to European customers,” said Erald Ghoos, CEO of OKX Europe.

“By bringing Spot Margin to OKX Europe, we are giving customers access to the same high-quality infrastructure trusted globally, while meeting the expectations of both regulators and our community.”

About OKX

Trusted by more than 100 million customers around the globe, OKX is a technology company building a decentralized future that makes the world more tradable, transparent and connected. We’re known for being one of the fastest and most reliable crypto apps in the world, and have processed trillions of dollars in transactions.

We have key regional offices, including headquarters in San José, California, for the Americas and in Dubai for the Middle East. We also have offices in São Paulo, New York, Hong Kong, Singapore, the Republic of Türkiye, Australia and Europe. Over the past several years, we’ve built one of the world’s most comprehensive regulatory compliant, licensed crypto companies. We hold licenses in the United States, the UAE, EEA, Singapore and Australia, as well as in other markets.

We’re steadfastly committed to transparency and security and publish Proof of Reserves reports on a monthly basis. To learn more about OKX, download our app or visit: okx.com.

The post OKX Launches Spot Margin Trading in Europe 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.

Global cryptocurrency exchange ZOOMEX today announced the launch of its flagship year-end event, the “Fair Play Cup” Trading Competition. Featuring a total prize pool of up to $100,000, the competition serves not only as a global arena for traders to compete, but also as a concrete demonstration of ZOOMEX’s long-standing commitment to the core principles of fairness, transparency, and integrity.

According to ZOOMEX, the Fair Play Cup is designed to provide a level, transparent trading environment where all participants compete on equal footing—allowing traders to focus purely on strategy, skill, and performance.

Event Highlights and Reward Structure

The Fair Play Cup will run from December 15 to December 31, 2025 (10:00 UTC). Its reward mechanism is designed to benefit a broad range of participants:

Prize Pool Scale:

•  The competition begins with a 50,000 USDT prize pool, which will expand based on participation, with a maximum cap of $100,000.

Rankings and Coverage:

•  The champion will earn up to $12,000 in rewards. Notably, rewards extend to the Top 100 traders, with prizes starting from $250, ensuring wider recognition of strong trading performance.

Trader Subsidies and New User Incentives:

 To help traders manage risk while refining strategies, ZOOMEX offers a $300 trading subsidy for participants who reach $50,000 in trading volume and incur net losses exceeding $300.

•  In addition, newly registered users can enjoy a 100% deposit cashback of up to $1,000, lowering the entry barrier for first-time participants.

The Philosophy Behind the Event: A Long-Term Commitment to Fairness

ZOOMEX stated that the name “Fair Play Cup” reflects the platform’s fundamental belief that a truly competitive market must be built on fairness and equal opportunity. The event is rooted in a set of long-term principles and operational practices:

Profit Usability and Value Ownership:

•  ZOOMEX emphasizes that profits earned—whether during competitions or regular trading—are fully usable and freely accessible. This principle of “value ownership” is considered central to protecting user interests and strengthening confidence in capital control.

Transparency as a System, Not a Slogan:

•  Fairness and transparency at ZOOMEX are embedded into its operational framework. From reserve transparency and publicly verifiable fund data to traceable security and compliance disclosures, the platform aims to build trust through verifiable mechanisms rather than marketing claims.

Security and Compliance: The Foundation of a Fair Trading Environment

To support a truly fair and reliable trading ecosystem, ZOOMEX highlighted its ongoing investments in security and regulatory compliance:

Advanced Security Infrastructure:

•  User assets are protected through multi-signature authorization, hot and cold wallet segregation, least-privilege access controls, and multi-layer authentication systems.

Global Compliance Standards:

•  ZOOMEX operates in accordance with international regulatory requirements and holds multiple registrations, including AUSTRAC and MSB licenses, among others.

Independent Third-Party Audits:

•  The platform has undergone security audits conducted by leading firms such as Hacken, reinforcing the credibility and robustness of its systems.

ZOOMEX invites traders worldwide to take part in the Fair Play Cup Trading Competition, compete for top honors, and experience firsthand the secure, transparent, and fair trading environment the platform is committed to delivering.

Know more about the event

About ZOOMEX

Founded in 2021, Zoomex is a global cryptocurrency trading platform with over 3 million users across 35+ countries and regions, offering 600+ trading pairs. With the core values of “Simple × User-Friendly × Fast,” the platform is committed to delivering high-performance, low-barrier trading experiences. By optimizing the matching engine and user interaction processes, Zoomex supports millisecond-level order execution and enhances usability through a minimalist interface.

As the official partner of the Haas F1 team, Zoomex demonstrates speed, precision, and cutting-edge technology both on the track and in trading. Zoomex is also proud to announce a global exclusive brand ambassador partnership with world-class goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, further strengthening brand image and user trust through his professional spirit and global influence.

The platform also prioritizes security and compliance, holding regulatory licenses including Canada MSB, US MSB, US NFA, and Australia AUSTRAC, and has undergone audits by blockchain security firm Hacken. With flexible identity verification and a free trading system, Zoomex is building a faster, safer, and more accessible trading environment for users worldwide.

For more info: Website | X | Telegram | Discord

The post ZOOMEX Launches Year-End “Fair Play Cup” Trading Competition, Showcasing Its Commitment to Fairness, Transparency, and Integrity with a $100,000 Prize Pool appeared first on BeInCrypto.

Cardano price is trading near its weakest levels of the year. The token is down roughly 24% over the past 30 days and about 5% over the past 24 hours, hovering close to its yearly low near $0.37. What makes this move stand out is not just the size of the drop, but the structure behind it.

In the span of just two months, Cardano has completed two separate bearish continuation breakdowns, putting fresh pressure on the chart and raising the risk of a deeper move.

---

Two Bearish Breakdowns in Two Months Signal Structural Weakness

The first breakdown formed in early November. ADA built a bearish flag through late October, then broke down around November 11. That move led to a sharp decline, with the price falling roughly 38% from the flag’s high.

After a brief consolidation, Cardano repeated the pattern. A second bearish flag developed through late November and early December. On December 11, ADA broke down again, confirming a second continuation move in just two months.

Want more token insights like this? Sign up for Editor Harsh Notariya’s Daily Crypto Newsletter here.

When markets print repeated bearish continuation patterns without meaningful recovery, it signals sustained seller control rather than panic selling. If the current breakdown follows the same measured-move logic as the first, downside targets begin clustering near the $0.25 zone.

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Why This Weakness Itself Could Limit Further Damage

Despite the bearish structure, there are two factors that slightly soften the downside risk.

First, derivatives positioning is already skewed heavily bearish. Gate’s liquidation data shows long leverage is thin, with only about $27 million in long positions, while short exposure sits near $135 million, 5x more. Most long liquidation clusters end around $0.36, meaning forced selling pressure drops sharply at that level. Fewer crowded longs reduces the chance of a liquidation cascade.

Second, long-term holder behavior has stabilized. The 1-year-to-2-year cohort, often viewed as higher-conviction holders, has sharply reduced spending, as seen via the Spent Coin metric, which groups coin movements by cohorts.

Coins moved by this group fell from 666.24 million ADA to just 2.48 million ADA since December 10, a decline of almost 99.6%. That suggests selling pressure from committed holders is drying up, even as the price remains weak.

In simple terms, ADA’s weakness has scared off leverage and slowed long-term selling, which can act as a temporary brake during broader market stress.

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Key ADA Price Levels to Watch

The Cardano price chart remains fragile. $0.36 is the most important near-term support. The same level is highlighted by the liquidation map shared earlier.

A clean break below it opens the door to $0.33, and from there, the measured breakdown target near $0.25 comes into focus.

For any bullish reset, ADA would need to reclaim $0.48. Without that, rallies remain corrective, not trend-changing.

For now, Cardano sits in a dangerous spot.

Two breakdowns in two months define the trend. Weakness itself may slow the fall; however, unless the structure improves, the risk of a $0.25 test cannot be ignored.

The post Cardano Price Sends a Clear Warning After Back-to-Back Breakdowns— $0.25 Now in Focus appeared first on BeInCrypto.

Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, December 16, 2025 — An independent audit has formally verified the physical gold reserves backing USDKG, the gold-backed stablecoin introduced under the regulatory framework of the Kyrgyz Republic. The review confirms that the full reserve quantity, chain of custody, and valuation align with the issuance of the first 50 million USDKG tokens, reinforcing the stablecoin’s position as one of the most transparent commodity-backed digital assets in the market.

The audit was conducted by Kreston Global, a major international accounting network. Their review followed ISRS 4400, Agreed-Upon Procedures Engagements, and included physical inspection, documentation checks, valuation analysis, contractual verification, and on-chain wallet control testing. The auditors confirmed the presence of 30 gold bars, totaling approximately 376 kilograms, all sealed, stamped, and stored in a secure vault operated by a licensed private reserve manager.

According to the report, the gold reserves were valued at 50.3 million U.S. dollars based on LBMA pricing as of November 28, 2025. At the time of the audit, the value of the reserves exceeded the quantity of USDKG in circulation. This establishes a higher standard of collateralization than typically seen in asset-backed stablecoins, where real-time physical reserve audits remain rare.

The audit also tracked the complete transfer path of the gold reserves. Kreston reviewed documentation confirming movement from the Ministry of Finance to the private reserve management entity and then to the secure banking facility. Serial numbers, weight certificates, purity details, acceptance acts, and storage contracts were all examined for consistency, while the 15 sealed boxes containing the bars were checked against the official packing lists.

In addition to the physical reserve inspection, Kreston verified control of the official Ethereum and Tron smart contract wallets used for USDKG issuance. The auditors requested on-chain transactions to confirm active control, further reinforcing the project’s transparency claims and bridging the link between token supply and verified reserves.

The publication of the audit addresses several of the most common concerns surrounding gold-backed digital assets. 

Some observers view gold as outdated or disconnected from modern financial infrastructure. However, the presence of physically inspected and independently confirmed bullion provides a form of collateral that is transparent, measurable, and insulated from commercial bank exposure. This stands in contrast to weaknesses frequently highlighted in fiat-backed models, where reserve visibility can be limited.

The audit findings also help clarify the project’s strategic intent. USDKG is denominated in U.S. dollars and built for global interoperability, which positions it as a predictable and compliant asset rather than a participant in currency rivalry. While the stablecoin is supervised within the Kyrgyz Republic’s regulatory framework, its purpose is economic efficiency and transparent value transfer, not geopolitical signaling. This distinction matters as governments and institutions increasingly evaluate how asset-backed stablecoins fit into international financial systems.

The project’s operating structure further supports this positioning. USDKG is supervised by the Ministry of Finance but operated independently by a licensed private entity. This design provides state-level oversight without political influence in operational decisions and helps align the project with international best practices.

The findings arrive during a period of broader market interest in commodity-backed stablecoins. Tether recently became one of the largest private holders of gold, signaling a shifting preference among institutions and crypto market participants toward reserves backed by real, verifiable assets. USDKG joins this emerging category with a level of transparency that includes both fully public smart contracts and now a detailed third-party audit of physical holdings.

The Kyrgyz Republic has spent the past several years establishing a clear legal structure for virtual assets, including licensing for miners, exchanges, token issuers, and custodial service providers. USDKG reflects the trajectory of these policies by pairing innovation with regulatory discipline. The audit strengthens credibility with exchanges, institutional partners, and regulators evaluating gold-backed digital assets and offers a reference point for how emerging markets can build responsible, asset-backed financial instruments with documented reserves.
With the audit now published on USDKG’s official website, they are taking a significant step toward establishing trust in a category where transparency often falls short. The combination of verifiable physical collateral, visible on-chain data, and adherence to international reporting standards gives the stablecoin a framework designed for long-term reliability and global interoperability.

The post Independent Audit Verifies Gold Reserves Backing Kyrgyzstan’s USDKG Stablecoin appeared first on BeInCrypto.

[Panama City, Dec. 16, 2025] – BingX, a leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 AI company, has reached a major milestone by surpassing 40 million global users. This achievement marks an extraordinary 100% year-over-year growth, cementing BingX’s position as one of the fastest-growing platforms in the industry.

Pioneering Innovation in the Crypto Space

BingX is at the forefront of innovation in the crypto space. The exchange launched a groundbreaking $300 million commitment to AI, making a strong push into an AI-native crypto exchange. This bold move has attracted over 3 million early users who are trading with BingX AI Bingo and BingX AI Master, which provide advanced insights and enhance decision-making.

In addition, BingX has introduced a CeDeFi approach with the launch of BingX Chainspot, a centralized exchange system with decentralized transparency, marking a first in the industry. This hybrid model blends the strengths of centralized exchanges with the security and transparency of decentralized finance (DeFi), offering users enhanced flexibility and trust in their trading environment.

Early Access to the Market and Offerings

BingX has further enhanced its trading offerings with improvements across both spot and futures trading:

• Futures trading: BingX ranked among the top 5 global derivatives platforms, offering 24/7 global support and powerful trading features. Key upgrades include a Separate Isolated Margin Mode for more flexible futures trading and integration with TradingView for advanced charting and strategy execution. Additionally, BingX continues to innovate by becoming one of the first exchanges to offer WLFI pre-market futures trading and RWA Index Perpetuals.
  
• Spot trading: The platform has launched a one-stop Spot Listing hub and Listing FastTrack, a faster pathway for innovative projects to be listed. In addition, BingX introduced the Shards Program, an new rewards system that offers users access to exclusive airdrops, trading fee discounts, and VIP privileges, enhancing their engagement with the platform. With over 1,100 trading pairs and integrations with 170 public chain ecosystems, BingX is at the forefront of new token listings, including early access to Monad (MON), Pump.fun XPool, and ZORA.
  
• Copy Trading 2.0: As a pioneer in crypto copy trading, BingX’s community has grown to 400,000 traders with a cumulative trading volume of $580 million, and cumulative trading orders of 1.3 billion. The new Copy Trading 2.0 introduced a revamped interface, optimized workflows, and advanced customization features that empower traders by making trading simpler and more user-centric.

Uncompromising Commitment to Security

BingX has always prioritized user security and transparency. The platform has consistently provided publicly accessible, verifiable 100% Proof of Reserves since 2022, reinforcing its commitment to accountability. To further protect users, BingX launched a $150 million Shield Fund and has achieved ISO 27001 certification, meeting the highest security standards in the industry. In addition, BingX has attained PCI DSS v4.0.1 certification for its fiat business, ensuring robust safeguards for both user data and financial transactions.

User-centric Enhancements for the Community

BingX’s dedication to its users is exemplified through a series of new community-driven initiatives designed to enhance the trading experience.

• VIP Program: The revamped VIP program now offers zero-fee trading and exclusive concierge services, further elevating the platform’s appeal to high-volume traders.
  
• BingX Academy 2.0 Upgrades: A major overhaul of BingX Academy has brought a more intuitive interface, expanded resources, and interactive learning tools, helping users navigate the complexities of digital assets with ease.

Strategic Investments in the Future of Web3

BingX has shown continued dedication to the evolution of the Web3 space, with BingX Labs investing $16 million in promising Web3 projects. This commitment underscores BingX’s role as a driving force in the future of decentralized technologies. Additionally, BingX is nurturing the next generation of crypto leaders through its TalentX program, empowering young talent to explore career opportunities within the digital asset industry.

Beyond innovation and trading, BingX has maintained its corporate social responsibility efforts, making impactful donations globally, including a donation of $200,000 USD to the “One Light, Thousands of Hearts” initiative in Vietnam, and a donation of HKD $5 million to the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Hong Kong, following a tragic fire disaster.

“Reaching 40 million users is more than just a number,” said Vivien Lin, Chief Product Officer of BingX.

“It represents the recognition we have received from our users, partners, and the broader crypto community. Every milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to innovation, security, and putting our users first, and it motivates us to continue doing more for our users. We always take a step further, and that is the spirit we hope to demonstrate in our Beyond the Alpha campaign.”

To celebrate this significant achievement, BingX is launching its “Beyond the Alpha” campaign, a celebration of its commitment to engaging with users in innovative and meaningful ways. Running from Dec. 15 to Dec. 26, 2025, the campaign invites users to participate in a lucky draw for a chance to win guaranteed prizes, including a limited-edition BingX Field Barista Kit, trading vouchers, and more. Users can earn additional entries by completing daily tasks such as trading, depositing, and referring to new users.

BingX will also release a first-ever branded music video, showcasing the key achievements and reinforcing its dedication to delivering secure, user-friendly, and responsive products and services.

About BingX

Founded in 2018, BingX is a leading crypto exchange and Web3 AI company, serving a global community of over 40 million users. With a comprehensive suite of AI-powered products and services, including derivatives, spot trading, and copy trading, BingX caters to the evolving needs of users across all experience levels, from beginners to professionals. Committed to building a trustworthy and intelligent trading platform, BingX empowers users with innovative tools designed to enhance performance and confidence. In 2024, BingX became the official crypto exchange partner of Chelsea Football Club, marking an exciting debut in the world of sports sponsorship.

For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected] more information, please visit: https://bingx.com/

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