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.

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 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.

Crypto markets are approaching 2026 after a year defined by sharp volatility, fresh all-time highs, profit-taking, and a visible phase of maturation. 

Bitcoin strengthened its role as an institutional reserve asset, while Ethereum and XRP entered corrective phases following strong prior trends marked by uncertainty and rapid price swings.

On the macro side, the US Federal Reserve began its first rate cuts, labor market data showed early signs of cooling, and capital flows into digital assets became increasingly selective. 

As a result, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP now sit near technically significant levels. The central question for 2026 is whether global liquidity expands or pauses—and whether that liquidity flows decisively into cryptoassets.

Bitcoin (BTC) Price Analysis and 2026 Outlook

Bitcoin reached a new all-time high above $126,000 in 2025, driven largely by sustained institutional adoption. Corporations and sovereign entities continued to add BTC to their reserves. 

MicroStrategy accumulated roughly 660,645 BTC, while El Salvador increased its holdings to 7,502 BTC. 

Meanwhile, spot Bitcoin ETFs kept absorbing supply, reinforcing Bitcoin’s role as a long-term macro asset.

From a technical perspective, Bitcoin’s broader bullish structure remains intact despite losing the ascending channel that guided price action from March 2024 to November 2025.

Bank of Japan is about to hike rates with 0.25% on December 19

Bitcoin dumped the last 3 times the BoJ hiked interest rates:

March 2024 → -27%
July 2024 → -30%
January 2025 → -30% pic.twitter.com/GNjHyUIV3d

— Quinten | 048.eth (@QuintenFrancois) December 15, 2025

After setting its latest ATH, BTC corrected into a key demand zone near $80,000.

Resistance around $110,000 continues to cap upside attempts. Trading volume has slowed, a pattern typically associated with corrective phases rather than trend reversals.

Bullish Scenario

A strong reaction from the accumulated demand zone near $75,000 could set the stage for a renewed long-term advance toward $150,000–$170,000. 

A sustained breakout above the $100,000–$115,000 resistance cluster would confirm trend continuation, supported by renewed retail and institutional participation.

Range-Bound Scenario

If upside momentum remains limited, Bitcoin may spend much of 2026 trading between $70,000 and $110,000. 

This would represent a prolonged accumulation phase within the broader cycle, marked by choppy price action and false breakouts while the market waits for clearer monetary catalysts.

Bearish Scenario

A decisive loss of the $75,000–$80,000 demand zone would open the door to a deeper correction. 

In that case, $60,000–$40,000 could act as a rebalancing zone without invalidating Bitcoin’s long-term macro structure.

Ethereum (ETH) Price Analysis and 2026 Outlook

Ethereum experienced a pivotal year in 2025, reaching a new all-time high near $4,955. 

Network upgrades such as Pectra and Fusaka improved scalability and efficiency, while spot Ethereum ETFs began gaining traction. Staking activity and DeFi usage continued to underpin Ethereum’s fundamental value.

On the weekly chart, ETH remains within a broad long-term ascending channel. After printing new highs in August 2025, price corrected toward a relatively weak demand zone around $2,900.

While the long-term structure remains constructive, momentum has slowed compared to previous expansion phases. Short- and medium-term structures still lean bearish.

Ethereum whales on Binance are bidding the dip hard 🐋

57K ETH (~$159M) in buy orders are stacked just below the current price. pic.twitter.com/8GeVUmsskU

— Maartunn (@JA_Maartun) December 18, 2025

Bullish Scenario

A sustained recovery could allow Ethereum to target $5,700 and potentially $6,100, based on historical cycle extensions. 

A clean breakout above the channel resistance near $5,200 would reinforce Ethereum’s position as a leading asset in 2026.

Consolidation Scenario

If demand remains moderate, ETH could consolidate between $4,300 and $2,200. This range would signal equilibrium between buyers and sellers, framing 2026 as a transitional year rather than a breakout phase.

Bearish Scenario

A breakdown below the channel support would expose Ethereum to a deeper move toward $2,250–$1,600, an area that aligns with historical demand levels critical to preserving the long-term structure.

XRP Price Analysis and 2026 Outlook

Ripple ends 2025 with significantly improved regulatory clarity following a favorable resolution to its legal dispute with the SEC. 

This outcome revived institutional interest and reopened discussions around XRP ETF products, improving its standing within traditional financial markets. 

Large-scale institutional adoption could trigger a demand shock capable of pushing XRP to new highs.

Technically, XRP is in a corrective phase after a strong rally that peaked near $3.60 mid-year. Price has since pulled back into key demand zones, while multiple supply areas continue to limit short-term rebounds. 

This behavior aligns with a broader trend-regression phase.

Bullish Scenario

If 2026 proves favorable for Ripple’s institutional adoption, XRP could advance toward $3.83–$4.53. To achieve this, price must reclaim the $2.40 level and sustain buying volume, supported by positive regulatory developments.

Range-Bound Scenario

Should uncertainty persist, XRP may trade sideways between $3.00 and $1.60. While this reflects hesitation around banking adoption, it would also represent a healthy consolidation phase ahead of a future cycle.

Bearish Scenario

A breakdown below key supports could send XRP toward $1.20–$0.90. Such a move would imply the loss of critical levels, including the psychological $1.60 mark, alongside a cooling of speculative interest.

Final Take: Will 2026 Be a Lost Year or a Launchpad?

Price projections for 2026 point to a market balancing on a narrow edge. Bitcoin continues to display the strongest structural resilience, while Ethereum and XRP remain more dependent on specific catalysts. 

Upside potential exists, but it requires clear technical confirmation and fundamental follow-through.

One trend is undeniable: crypto markets are transitioning into a more mature phase. Both gains and drawdowns have become more controlled, with volatility compressing compared to earlier cycles.

A renewed bull run will depend on a more accommodative macro environment, deeper institutional adoption, and consistent regulatory clarity. 

If those forces align, 2026 may ultimately be remembered not as a stagnant year, but as the foundation for the next wave of all-time highs.

The post Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP: Which Crypto Will Shine the Most in 2026? appeared first on BeInCrypto.

US inflation delivered its biggest downside surprise in months. Yet instead of a sustained rally, both Bitcoin and US equities sold off sharply during US trading hours. 

The price action puzzled many traders, but the charts point to a familiar explanation rooted in market structure, positioning, and liquidity rather than macro fundamentals.

What Happened After the US CPI Release

Headline CPI slowed to 2.7% year over year in November, well below the 3.1% forecast. Core CPI also undershot expectations at 2.6%. 

On paper, this was one of the most risk-positive inflation prints of 2025. Markets initially reacted as expected. Bitcoin jumped toward the $89,000 area, while the S&P 500 spiked higher shortly after the data hit.

That rally did not last.

Within roughly 30 minutes of the CPI print, Bitcoin reversed sharply. After tagging intraday highs near $89,200, BTC sold off aggressively, sliding toward the $85,000 area. 

The S&P 500 followed a similar path, with sharp intraday swings that erased much of the initial CPI-driven gains before stabilizing.

This synchronized reversal across crypto and equities matters. It signals that the move was not asset-specific or sentiment-driven. It was structural.

Bitcoin Taker Sell Volume Tells the Story

The clearest clue comes from Bitcoin’s taker sell volume data.

On the intraday chart, large spikes in taker sell volume appeared precisely as Bitcoin broke lower. Taker sells reflect market orders hitting the bid — aggressive selling, not passive profit-taking. 

These spikes clustered during US market hours and coincided with the fastest part of the decline.

The weekly view reinforces this pattern. Similar sell-side bursts appeared multiple times over the past week, often during high-liquidity windows, suggesting repeated episodes of forced or systematic selling rather than isolated retail exits.

This behavior is consistent with liquidation cascades, volatility-targeting strategies, and algorithmic de-risking — all of which accelerate once price starts moving against leveraged positions.

Why ‘Good News’ Became the Trigger

The CPI report did not cause the selloff because it was bad. It caused volatility because it was good.

Softer inflation briefly increased liquidity and tightened spreads. That environment allows large players to execute size efficiently. 

Bitcoin’s initial spike likely ran into a dense zone of resting orders, stop losses, and short-term leverage. Once upside momentum stalled, price reversed, triggering long liquidations and stop-outs.

As liquidations hit, forced market selling amplified the move. This is why the decline accelerated rather than unfolded gradually.

The S&P 500’s intraday whipsaw shows a similar dynamic. Rapid downside and recovery patterns during macro releases often reflect dealer hedging, options gamma effects, and systematic flows adjusting risk in real time.

🚨 This is insane level of manipulation.

8:30 a.m.

CPI came in lower than expected.

– On the bullish CPI news, Bitcoin pumped $2217, from $87,260 to $89,477 in just 60 minutes.
– $70B added to the crypto market.
– $94 million worth of shorts liquidated.

10:00 a.m.

The… pic.twitter.com/FmJqLDKbBw

— Bull Theory (@BullTheoryio) December 18, 2025

Does This Look Like Manipulation?

The charts do not prove manipulation. But they show patterns commonly associated with stop-runs and liquidity extraction:

• Fast moves into obvious technical levels
  
• Reversals immediately after liquidity improves
  
• Large bursts of aggressive selling during breakdowns
  
• Tight alignment with US trading hours

These behaviors are typical in highly leveraged markets. The most likely drivers are not individuals, but large funds, market makers, and systematic strategies operating across futures, options, and spot markets. Their goal is not narrative control, but execution efficiency and risk management.

In crypto, where leverage remains high and liquidity thins quickly outside key windows, these flows can look extreme.

🚨 THEY ARE MANIPULATING BITCOIN AGAIN AND I HAVE EVIDENCE!!!

Bitcoin dumped $4000 in minutes…

and almost no one actually understands what just took place.

It’s the same group of players manipulating the price… AGAIN.

Stop looking at charts, YOU NEED TO CHECK THE OUTFLOWS.… pic.twitter.com/ymU4kXdWvb

— NoLimit (@NoLimitGains) December 18, 2025

What This Means Going Forward

The selloff does not invalidate the CPI signal. Inflation genuinely cooled, and that remains supportive for risk assets over time. What the market experienced was a short-term positioning reset, not a macro reversal.

In the near term, traders will watch whether Bitcoin can stabilize above recent support and whether sell-side pressure fades as liquidations clear. 

If taker sell volume subsides and price holds, the CPI data may still assert itself over the coming sessions.

The post US Inflation Cooled, So Why Did Bitcoin and Stocks Sell Off? 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.

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.

Bitcoin is now, almost paradoxically to its original ethos, being adopted by Wall Street. Bittensor is a new finger to “the man” of centralization. It’s a sizzling hot narrative. With the rise of AI, concerns have arisen about the tech’s concentration and centralization. 

Bittensor, and its cryptocurrency, TAO, aims to decentralize AI services.  Despite losing nearly 53% in 2025, some believe Bittensor is a next-generation Bitcoin for the AI age. But how realistic is this optimism?

The Premise and Promise of Bittensor

The network just completed a reward halving on December 15, reducing its supply of minted coins. The problem is, many have heard this narrative before. 

With the first Bittensor halving complete, I can’t help but recall Bitcoin’s first halving, which I was fortunate enough to witness.  History doesn’t repeat, but the rhymes are unmistakable; both the parallels and differences between the two are striking:

Same: A Decentralized…

— Greg Schvey (@GSchvey) December 15, 2025

Plenty of cryptocurrencies have claimed to be “the next Bitcoin” – because there’s money to be made with that story. 

However, there could be some real value for Bittensor over the long run – though it has hurdles to overcome, as any sort of ambitious crypto project like this would.

The tale of Bittensor is not unlike Bitcoin: There are powerful incumbents, and a new network can take on and even upend this world order.

For years, influencers rehashed an often similar, anthemic phrase of “long Bitcoin, short the banks”. Notwithstanding that now Bitcoin is embedded in Wall Street banks and publicly traded DAT stocks, this narrative worked well. 

A premise is that AI companies such as OpenAI, Anthropic, and Deepseek have become too big and frightening, and people need to be concerned about their rise.

Decentralizing artificial intelligence workloads and replacing proof-of-work puzzles with actual real-use AI is Bittensor’s basic gist. 

“Bitcoin proved that cryptographic incentives could coordinate a global network of hardware to secure a ledger,” Evan Malanga, an executive at Yuma, one of the largest backers of the Bittensor platform, told BeInCrypto. “Bittensor takes that same mechanism and redirects the compute power toward something that has direct benefits in today’s world: Training and running AI models, applications, and infrastructure.”

Another Bitcoin? Really?

It’s important to note that Yuma is a subsidiary of Digital Currency Group (DCG), whose firm was one of the earliest backers of various cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Zcash, and Decentraland. 

It was also an early investor in Coinbase, Circle, and Chainalysis. DCG’s CEO, Barry Silbert, is clearly on board with Bittensor – which for some could be considered a positive signal. 

Bittensor does have some Bitcoin-like characteristics. There are only 21 million units of TAO, clearly a nod to BTC. Bittensor also has halvings, which in December reduced its rewards from 7,200 TAO to 3,600 per day. 

Instead of the energy-intensive proof-of-work riddles Bitcoin uses, Bittensor uses something called proof-of-intelligence, where nodes must perform tasks to prove their capability in handling AI workloads. The better a node’s task output quality, the higher the chance it can receive rewards in TAO. 

Nodes that are allowed on the Bittensor network are then assigned a subnet, of which there are currently 128. These subnets have different AI-related specialties. 

“Each subnet is like a specialized marketplace for a specific type of AI service – some focus on image generation, others on language models,” said Arrash Yasavolian, the cofounder of Taoshi, which runs a financial intelligence subnet. 

Centralization Versus Decentralization

Concerns about AI often center on a few companies having concentrated power. Concentration in any industry typically means higher prices and poorer services for customers – sometimes both at the same time. 

Bittensor aims to make AI more of a global good with its decentralization characteristics, like having independent node operators power the subnets for its artificial intelligence capabilities. 

“AI is redefining every industry,” said Ken Jon Miyachi, CEO of BitMind, which runs a subnet focused on deepfake detections on Bittensor. ”Bitcoin revolutionized the store of value, but Bittensor is revolutionizing entire economic systems by making intelligence a global commodity.”

But how decentralized is this network? On July 10, 2024, the Bittensor network was halted amidst an $8 million hack that drained wallets. The chain was put into a “safe mode” that produced blocks without any transaction capabilities. 

“There are legitimate centralization concerns today,” noted Taoshi’s Yasavolian. “The OpenTensor foundation is the sole party responsible for validating blocks. The top 10 largest subnet validators comprise about 67% of total network stake weight.”

Some might argue that Bittensor’s security risks and ability to shut down the network are antithetical to decentralization. Proponents of the network say that full decentralization will come later, becoming “credibly neutral” the same way Bitcoin is supposed to be for store-of-value purposes. 

“Bittensor’s long-term strategic goal is to become a credibly neutral AI development tool. It’s progressive decentralization, similar to how Ethereum evolved,” Yasavolian added. 

The AI Alarm

One way to increase the decentralization of Bittensor and to hear more voices of dissent is via subnet operators. These groups are spending time and money to invest in the network, and they, like Yasavolian, voice their opinions. 

And subnet growth has been strong. Since the start of 2025, the number of subnets has increased 97%, from 65 to 128. 

Sergey Khusnetdinov, Director of AI at Gain Ventures, sees the subnet community as critically important to Bittensor’s success. 

“The result is a meritocratic, self-improving ecosystem where useful intelligence doesn’t come from one lab or one corporation but emerges organically from a worldwide, permissionless community.”

Centralized AI companies are valued quite ridiculously these days – OpenAI has a $500 billion valuation, Anthropic is at $350 billion. China-based Deepseek is rumored to have a $150 billion. With that in mind, what would be the value of a powerful AI network like Bittensor? 

Miyachi, the BitMind CEO who runs a deepfake detection subnet, bullishly believes the Bittensor network could someday excel over that of Bitcoin. 

“Value produced by the Bittensor ecosystem could surpass Bitcoin’s in the long run,” he told BeInCrypto. 

This could ultimately depend on how people perceive centralized AI systems over time, or whether anyone is concerned. But Bitcoin’s had huge runs as people reacted to economic instability and centralization failures such as a global pandemic, bank runs, and fiat currency debasement.  

Maybe soon, influencers might be saying, “long Bittensor, short centralized AI.” But who knows? Sometimes the future can be even stranger than AI could predict. 

The post Could Bittensor Ever Be as Successful as Bitcoin? appeared first on BeInCrypto.

Bitcoin experienced an extreme bout of volatility on December 17, surging more than $3,000 in under an hour before reversing sharply and falling back toward $86,000.

The violent swing did not follow any major news. Instead, market data shows the move was driven by leverage, positioning, and fragile liquidity conditions.

A Short Squeeze Pushed Bitcoin Higher

The initial rally began as Bitcoin pushed toward the $90,000 level, a major psychological and technical resistance zone.

Liquidation data shows a dense cluster of leveraged short positions positioned above that level. When price moved higher, those shorts were forced to close. That process requires buying Bitcoin, which pushed prices up even faster.

Roughly $120 million in short positions were liquidated during the spike. This created a classic short squeeze, where forced buying accelerates the move beyond what normal spot demand would justify.

At this stage, the move looked strong. But the structure underneath it was weak.

The Rally Flipped Into A Long Liquidation Cascade

As Bitcoin briefly reclaimed $90,000, new traders entered the market chasing momentum.

Many of those traders opened leveraged long positions, betting the breakout would hold. However, the rally lacked sustained spot buying and quickly stalled.

When the price began to fall, those long positions became vulnerable. Once key support levels broke, exchanges automatically liquidated those positions. More than $200 million in long liquidations followed, overwhelming the market.

Whoever is left

We need to know what happened on October 10

It's VERY apparent that the market broke that day and nothing has been the same since

We haven't seen Bitcoin or Alts trade like this since 2018

We need answers pic.twitter.com/jXe7jwd7RA

— EllioTrades (@elliotrades) December 17, 2025

This second wave explains why the drop was faster and deeper than the initial rise. 

Within hours, Bitcoin had fallen back toward $86,000, erasing most of the gains.

Positioning Data Shows A Fragile Market Setup

Trader positioning data from Binance and OKX helps explain why the move was so violent.

On Binance, the number of top trader accounts leaning long rose sharply ahead of the spike. However, position-size data showed less conviction, suggesting many traders were long but not heavily sized.

On OKX, position-based ratios shifted aggressively after the volatility. That suggests larger traders repositioned quickly, either buying the dip or adjusting hedges as liquidations played out.

This combination — crowded positioning, mixed conviction, and heavy leverage — creates a market that can move violently in both directions with little warning.

Did Market Makers Or Whales Manipulate The Move?

On-chain data showed market makers such as Wintermute moving Bitcoin between exchanges during the volatility. Those transfers coincided with the price swings but do not prove manipulation.

Market makers routinely rebalance inventory during periods of stress. Deposits to exchanges can indicate hedging, margin management, or liquidity provision, not necessarily selling to crash prices.

Importantly, the entire move can be explained by known market mechanics: liquidation clusters, leverage, and thin order books. There is no clear evidence of coordinated manipulation.

What This Means For Bitcoin Going Forward

This episode highlights a key risk in today’s Bitcoin market.

Leverage remains elevated. Liquidity thins quickly during fast moves. When price approaches key levels, forced liquidations can dominate price action.

Bitcoin’s fundamentals did not change during those hours. The swing reflected market structure fragility, not a shift in long-term value.

🚨 BITCOIN IS BEING MANIPULATED, AND I HAVE SOLID PROOF!!!

Everyone’s talking about how Bitcoin went up $3,000 and then down $4,000 in minutes.

Everyone’s posting about it…

but nobody seems to understand what actually happened.

You need to look at the flows, not the chart.… pic.twitter.com/IHCXtx3sUF

— NoLimit (@NoLimitGains) December 17, 2025

Until leverage resets and positioning becomes healthier, similar sharp moves remain possible. In this case, Bitcoin did not rally and crash because of news.

It moved because leverage turned price against itself.

The post Bitcoin Added And Lost Nearly $100 Billion In Hours, What Just Happened? appeared first on BeInCrypto.

Bitcoin mining company Hut 8 announced on Wednesday an AI data center lease valued at $7 billion with cloud infrastructure provider Fluidstack. The move reinforced a growing trend among crypto miners to pivot toward AI infrastructure.

Following the announcement, Hut 8 shares surged, snapping a prolonged period of volatile stock performance and reflecting renewed investor interest.

Inside Hut 8’s Landmark AI Lease

The agreement covers 245 megawatts of AI computing capacity at Hut 8’s River Bend campus in Louisiana under a 15-year base lease.

It includes three optional five-year extensions, which could lift the total contract value to approximately $17.7 billion over its full term. The deal also gives infrastructure provider Fluidstack priority rights to lease up to an additional 1,000 megawatts as the campus expands.

At first glance, this $HUT deal looks like one of the strongest AI/HPC colocation deals disclosed so far:

🟠 ~$28–29M contract value per MW (high end of the peer set)
🟠 ~$1.85M guided NOI per MW-yr (peers typically disclosed ARR, not NOI)
🟠 15-yr base term + guidance to ~85%… https://t.co/eMa2Qoqnn7 pic.twitter.com/TgSPIR1rJ0

— matthew sigel, recovering CFA (@matthew_sigel) December 17, 2025

Beyond the initial lease, the agreement forms part of a broader collaboration between Hut 8 and AI developer Anthropic that could eventually scale to as much as 2.3 gigawatts of capacity.

Alphabet-owned Google is providing a financial backstop for the initial lease term, highlighting major cloud providers’ urgency to secure long-term power for energy-intensive AI workloads.

Hut 8 expects the project to generate roughly $6.9 billion in net operating income over the initial lease period.

Investors responded positively, with Hut 8 shares jumping about 20% in pre-market trading following the announcement. 

The move highlights the company’s efforts to stabilize its business, reflecting a broader trend among Bitcoin miners to pivot toward AI computing as a path to long-term relevance.

Bitcoin Mining Faces a Structural Reset

Throughout the year, Bitcoin mining has become a structurally more challenging business. Rising network difficulty, periodic surges in hash rate, higher energy costs, and the post-halving environment have steadily compressed margins.

As a result, many publicly listed miners that remained pure-play Bitcoin operators have struggled to deliver consistent earnings or a clear growth narrative. In response, an increasing number have moved to diversify their operations beyond mining alone.

At the same time, the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence has driven a sharp increase in demand for computing power. Because Bitcoin miners already control large-scale power access and industrial infrastructure, shifting toward AI data centers has emerged as a practical and increasingly necessary strategy.

Hut 8 has recognized this broader backdrop, particularly as its shares have struggled to find stability in recent weeks amid heightened volatility in Bitcoin prices.

The post Will Hut 8’s AI Pivot Reverse Its Stock Slump for Good? 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.

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.

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.

Bitcoin slid to the $85,000 level on December 15, extending its recent decline as global macro risks, leverage unwinding, and thin liquidity collided. The drop erased more than $100 billion from the total crypto market cap in just days, raising questions about whether the sell-off has finished.

While no single catalyst caused the move, five overlapping forces pushed Bitcoin lower and could keep pressure on prices in the near term.

Bank of Japan Rate Hike Fears Triggered Global De-Risking

The biggest macro driver came from Japan. Markets moved ahead of a widely expected Bank of Japan rate hike later this week, which would take Japanese policy rates to levels unseen in decades. 

Even a modest hike matters because Japan has long fueled global risk markets through the yen carry trade.

🚨 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

For years, investors borrowed cheap yen to buy higher-risk assets such as equities and crypto. As Japanese rates rise, that trade unwinds. Investors sell risk assets to repay yen liabilities.

Bitcoin has reacted sharply to previous BOJ hikes. In the last three instances, BTC fell between 20% and 30% in the weeks that followed. Traders began pricing in that historical pattern before the decision, pushing Bitcoin lower in advance.

Bank of Japan is about to hike rates with 0.25% on December 19

Bitcoin dumped the last 3 times the BoJ hiked interest rates:

March 2024 → -27%
July 2024 → -30%
January 2025 → -30% pic.twitter.com/GNjHyUIV3d

— Quinten | 048.eth (@QuintenFrancois) December 15, 2025

US Economic Data Reintroduces Policy Uncertainty

At the same time, traders pulled back risk ahead of a dense slate of US macro data, including inflation and labor market figures.

The Federal Reserve recently cut rates, but officials signaled caution about the pace of future easing. That uncertainty matters for Bitcoin, which has increasingly traded as a liquidity-sensitive macro asset rather than a standalone hedge.

With inflation still above target and jobs data expected to weaken, markets struggled to price the Fed’s next move. That hesitation reduced speculative demand and encouraged short-term traders to step aside.

As a result, Bitcoin lost momentum just as it approached key technical levels.

MACRO DATA TOMORROW 👇

– 🇪🇺 GDP (Q2)
– 🇺🇸 Nonfarm Payrolls (Aug)
– 🇺🇸 Unemployment Rate (Aug)

MORE VOLATILITY INCOMING! pic.twitter.com/eiVJI7Bmxx

— Mister Crypto (@misterrcrypto) September 4, 2025

Heavy Leverage Liquidations Accelerated the Decline

Once Bitcoin broke below $90,000, forced selling took over.

More than $200 million in leveraged long positions were liquidated within hours, according to derivatives data. Long traders had crowded into bullish bets after the Fed’s rate cut earlier this month.

When prices slipped, liquidation engines sold Bitcoin automatically to cover losses. That selling pushed prices lower, triggering further liquidations in a feedback loop.

This mechanical effect explains why the move was fast and sharp rather than gradual.

Thin Weekend Liquidity Magnified Price Swings

The timing of the sell-off made it worse.

Bitcoin broke down during thin weekend trading, when liquidity is typically lower and order books are shallow. In those conditions, relatively small sell orders can move prices aggressively.

Large holders and derivatives desks reduced exposure into low liquidity, amplifying volatility. That dynamic helped pull Bitcoin from the low-$90,000 range toward $85,000 in a short window.

Weekend breakdowns often look dramatic even when broader fundamentals remain unchanged.

Wintermute’s Bitcoin Sales Added Spot-Market Pressure

Market structure stress was compounded by significant selling from Wintermute, one of the crypto industry’s largest market makers.

During the sell-off, on-chain and market data showed Wintermute offloading a large amount of Bitcoin — estimated at over $1.5 billion worth — across centralized exchanges. The firm reportedly sold BTC to rebalance risk and cover exposure following recent volatility and losses in derivatives markets.

Because Wintermute provides liquidity across both spot and derivatives venues, its selling carried outsized impact. 

The timing of the sales also mattered. Wintermute’s activity occurred during low-liquidity conditions, amplifying downside moves and accelerating Bitcoin’s slide toward $85,000.

What Happens Next?

Whether Bitcoin drops further now depends on macro follow-through, not crypto-specific news.

If the Bank of Japan confirms a rate hike and global yields rise, Bitcoin could remain under pressure as carry trades unwind further. A strong yen would add to that stress.

However, if markets fully price in the move and US data softens enough to revive rate-cut expectations, Bitcoin could stabilize after the liquidation phase ends.

For now, the December 15 sell-off reflects a macro-driven reset, not a structural failure of the crypto market — but volatility is unlikely to fade quickly.

The post 5 Reasons Bitcoin Fell to $85,000 and Why More Downside Is Possible 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.