Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) is the largest corporate holder of Bitcoin, owning 671,268 BTC, which represents over 3.2% of all Bitcoin in circulation. That makes the company a high-risk keystone in the Bitcoin ecosystem.
If it falls apart, the impact could be larger than the 2022 FTX collapse. Here’s why that threat is real, what could trigger it, and how bad the fallout could be.
MicroStrategy Is a Leveraged Bitcoin Bet
MicroStrategy’s entire identity is now tied to Bitcoin. The company spent over $50 billion buying BTC, mostly using debt and stock sales. Its software business brings in just $460 million a year, which is a fraction of its exposure.
As of December 2025, its stock trades well below the value of its Bitcoin holdings. The market value is approximately $45 billion, but its BTC is worth around $59–60 billion.
MicroStrategy’s Share Prices Over the Second Half of 2025. Source: Google Finance
Investors are discounting its assets because of concerns about dilution, debt, and sustainability.
Its average BTC cost basis is around $74,972, and most of its recent buys were near Bitcoin’s peak in Q4 2025.
More than 95% of its valuation hinges on the price of Bitcoin.
If BTC drops sharply, the company could be trapped — holding billions in debt and preferred equity with no way out.
MSTR Stock Performance Comparison with NASDAQ-100 and S&P 500 in 2025. Source: Saylor Tracker
What Makes This a Black Swan Risk?
MicroStrategy used aggressive tactics to fund Bitcoin buys. It sold common stock and issued new types of preferred shares.
It now owes over $8.2 billion in convertible debt and has more than $7.5 billion in preferred stock. These financial tools require large cash outflows: $779 million annually in interest and dividends.
At the current levels, if Bitcoin crashes below $13,000, MicroStrategy could become insolvent. That’s not likely in the near term, but BTC’s history shows that 70–80% drawdowns are common.
A large crash, especially if paired with a liquidity crunch or ETF-driven volatility, could push the company into distress.
Unlike FTX, MicroStrategy is not an exchange. But the effect of its failure could be deeper. It owns more Bitcoin than any entity except a few ETFs and governments.
Forced liquidation or panic over MicroStrategy’s collapse could drive BTC’s price down sharply — creating a feedback loop across crypto markets.
As of late 2025, it holds $2.2 billion in reserves. This is enough to cover two years of payouts. But that buffer could vanish if BTC falls and capital markets close.
How Likely Is a Collapse for Michael Saylor’s Strategy?
Probability isn’t binary. But the risk is rising.
MicroStrategy’s current position is fragile. Its stock has fallen 50% this year. Its mNAV is below 0.8×. Institutional investors are shifting to Bitcoin ETFs, which are cheaper and less complex.
Index funds may drop MSTR due to its structure, triggering billions in passive outflows.
MicroStrategy mNAV. Source: Saylor Tracker
If Bitcoin falls below $50,000 and stays there, the company’s market cap could fall below its debt load. At that point, its ability to raise capital could dry up — forcing painful decisions, including asset sales or restructuring.
The odds of a total collapse in 2026 are low, but not remote. A rough estimate might place the probability between 10–20%, based on current balance sheet risk, market behavior, and Bitcoin volatility.
But if it does happen, the damage could exceed FTX’s collapse. FTX was a centralized exchange. MicroStrategy is a key holder of Bitcoin’s supply.
If its holdings flood the market, Bitcoin’s price and confidence could be hit hard. This would potentially trigger a broader selloff across crypto.
Few topics divide the crypto industry more than politics. Donald Trump is often referred to as “America’s first crypto president,” while the Biden administration earned a reputation for being hostile toward the sector.
But when rhetoric is stripped away and replaced with market data, the picture becomes more nuanced. The key question is not which administration spoke more favorably about crypto, but under whose leadership Bitcoin ultimately performed better.
Bitcoin Performance: The Numbers Tell a Clear Story
In the 2024 United States presidential election, Trump positioned himself as a pro-crypto candidate, vowing to make the US the “crypto capital of the world.” He promised to halt anti-crypto actions, rein in SEC crackdowns, and, in his own words:
“End Joe Biden’s war on crypto and we will ensure that the future of crypto and the future of Bitcoin will be made in America.”
This fueled optimism in the market and ignited hopes for a bull run. Fast forward to near the end of 2025, and Bitcoin is down nearly 5%.
By comparison, during Biden’s first year as president, the world’s largest cryptocurrency gained roughly 65%. Performance weakened in 2022, but momentum returned in the following years.
Bitcoin rebounded strongly, rising approximately 155% in 2023 and a further 120.7% in 2024.
Year
Bitcoin return (%)
2021
65%
2022
64.2%
2023
155%
2024
120.7%
2025 (As of December 26)
-5%
When examining Trump’s first term as president, an analyst noted that it was “the greatest crypto bull run” in history, during which the total cryptocurrency market capitalization increased by roughly 115 times from the beginning of his term to its end.
“Biden’s term returned 4.5x from beginning to end, and even at the worst moment, it never went below the annual open for his term. Trump’s 2nd term so far is below annual open, but 3 more years to go,” the pseudonymous analyst wrote.
Bitcoin Under Trump
So what actually happened this year? The pullback is not something that can be understood by looking at headline 2025 returns alone.
In January, momentum was broadly on Bitcoin’s side. Ahead of Trump’s inauguration, BTC rallied above $109,000, marking a new all-time high at the time. There were also developments on the regulatory side, with the SEC creating a task force to offer a transparent regulatory framework for digital assets.
Nonetheless, Trump’s next moves erased all these gains. After he announced tariffs on the EU and later expanded on them at Liberation Day, cryptocurrency markets declined alongside equities.
Notably, the announcement of a pause led to a modest recovery. This highlighted the market’s sensitivity to broader macroeconomic developments and pointed to increased volatility.
Meanwhile, adoption continued to rise as state-level Bitcoin reserve initiatives and institutional involvement increased. Bitcoin’s price continued to trend higher, posting positive returns for four consecutive months from April through July.
A key trend during this period was the emergence of digital asset treasuries (DATs). Public companies increasingly began adopting Bitcoin as a reserve asset, following the playbook popularized by Micro (Strategy).
Bitcoin benefited from this shift, as many experts argued institutional involvement could help reduce volatility and signal the asset’s maturation within traditional finance.
As confidence grew, so did the risk appetite and the use of leverage. High-risk, highly leveraged traders drew widespread attention. On the macroeconomic front, the Fed slashed interest rates in September. This was again bullish for risk assets.
Bitcoin went on to reach a new all-time high in October, peaking at $125,761 on October 6. Many projected further upside, with targets ranging from $185,000 to $200,000 by year-end.
This optimism was supported by favorable macroeconomic catalysts and Bitcoin’s historically strong performance during the fourth quarter.
BeInCrypto reported that on October 11, Trump’s announcement of 100% tariffs on China pulled the market lower. Over $19 billion in leveraged positions were wiped out, resulting in significant losses for many traders.
🚨 BIGGEST WIPEOUT SINCE LUNA, COVID & FTX.
Heading into Trump’s 100% China tariff announcement, markets got the pullback they were waiting for.
Nearly $20 BILLION in crypto liquidations in just 24 hours, a record wipeout. 😱
“It also appears to be a structural and mechanical downturn. It all began with institutional outflows in mid-to-late October. In the first week of November, crypto funds saw -$1.2 billion of outflows. The problem becomes excessive levels of leverage AMID these outflows…Excessive levels of leverage have resulted in a seemingly hypersensitive market,” The Kobeissi Letter posted in November.
Bitcoin dropped 17.67% in November and has since lost an additional 1.7% of its value this month, according to Coinglass data.
From Bitcoin ETFs to Altcoins: Regulatory Changes and Market Response
The Trump and Biden administrations differed on several key issues, one of which was crypto ETFs. Under the Biden administration, the SEC initially took a far more cautious approach to the crypto sector. This stance extended to crypto ETFs.
However, the regulatory position shifted following a ruling by the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit, which ordered the SEC to reconsider Grayscale Investments’ application to convert its flagship GBTC fund into a spot Bitcoin ETF.
Notably, after Gary Gensler’s departure from the SEC, asset managers were quick to file multiple applications for altcoin ETFs. Firms including Bitwise, 21 Capital, and Canary Capital, among others, submitted filings to launch a range of crypto-based investment products.
In September, the SEC approved generic listing standards, eliminating the need for case-by-case approvals. Following this shift, ETFs linked to assets such as SOL, HBAR, XRP, LTC, LINK, and DOGE entered the market.
In November, Canary Capital’s XRP ETF saw $58.6 million in trading volume on its first day, ranking as the strongest debut among more than 900 ETFs launched in 2025. Bitwise’s Solana ETF also attracted significant interest, generating $56 million in first-day volume, while other products recorded comparatively lower activity.
From a regulatory standpoint, the ETFs have increased market access, and the ruling reduced barriers for issuers. However, early performance data suggest that the introduction of additional crypto ETFs has not yet translated into a proportional increase in aggregate market inflows.
In 2024, spot Bitcoin ETFs attracted approximately $35.2 billion in net inflows. In 2025, inflows into Bitcoin ETFs slowed to $22.16 billion according to SoSoValue data. This divergence suggests that the growth in ETF offerings may have coincided with a redistribution of capital across products rather than an expansion of total crypto exposure.
Bitcoin ETF Flows. Source: Data Curated by BeInCrypto
Inside the Trump Family’s Crypto Empire
Although Donald Trump’s influence on the market is clear, he has also become directly involved in the crypto space. In January, the president introduced a meme coin, soon followed by a closely resembling token launched by Melania Trump.
In March, US President Donald Trump’s sons, Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., partnered with Hut 8 to launch American Bitcoin Corp.
These ventures have generated significant wealth for the US president and his family. According to a Reuters analysis, they earned more than $800 million from crypto asset sales in the first half of 2025 alone,
One could argue that these moves helped legitimize the sector and accelerate adoption. Still, Trump’s direct and indirect involvement in crypto-related ventures raises concerns around optics, governance, and market integrity. While meme coins are not new to the crypto space, their association with a sitting US president is unprecedented.
Taken together, the data suggest that the answer to who helped crypto the most depends on how “help” is defined. Under Trump, crypto has benefited from a friendlier regulatory tone, reduced enforcement pressure, and faster approval of new investment products.
These changes lowered barriers for issuers and expanded market access.
However, market performance tells a different story. Bitcoin’s strongest gains occurred earlier, during Joe Biden’s presidency.
Meanwhile, Trump’s first year back in office has been marked by heightened volatility.
Vitalik Buterin has warned that the European Union’s regulatory approach under the Digital Services Act risks undermining pluralism by trying to leave “no space” for controversial speech or products online.
In a detailed post on X, the Ethereum co-founder argued that a free society should not aim to eliminate ideas it considers harmful. Instead, he said regulators should focus on stopping such content from being algorithmically amplified and dominating public discourse.
What the EU’s “No-Space” Approach Means
The Digital Services Act applies to the entire online ecosystem. Any service reaching EU users falls under the law, regardless of size or location. Obligations scale with reach and risk, but no platform sits outside the regulatory framework.
Critics describe this as a “no-space” approach, meaning there should be no unregulated digital gaps where harmful content can escape accountability.
This is what I worry Europe will get negatively polarized into: an ideology taking pride in a neat, sanitized online environment free of evil corporate and fascist pathogens.
I hope European govs do not go this way, and instead take a Pirate Party approach of user empowerment.… https://t.co/oH7Yfdg9pa
The goal is not blanket censorship. Instead, the DSA focuses on risk assessments, transparency, and platform design choices that influence how content spreads.
Buterin said the real failure of modern social platforms is not that fringe views exist, but that algorithms often push them at scale.
He warned that zero-tolerance thinking can lead to overreach, conflict, and growing reliance on technocratic enforcement.
should be solved at as local a level as possible, ideally the operator of whatever institution is using the room and organizing toddlers to come there, otherwise the municipality
Buterin warned that treating disliked ideas as pathogens to be erased reflects an anti-pluralistic instinct. He argued that disagreement is inevitable in open societies and that trying to fully remove controversial views often expands surveillance and enforcement powers.
He advocated for user empowerment, transparency, and competition. In his view, platforms should reduce incentives that reward harmful content, rather than attempting to eliminate it entirely.
As regulators push platforms to monitor behavior and retain more data, users may grow more aware that increased oversight often leads to greater data exposure.
Top Privacy Coins by Market Cap. Source: CoinGecko
However, the impact is uneven. While philosophical support for privacy coins may grow, access in regulated EU markets remains constrained. Exchanges continue to limit or delist them due to compliance risk.
In short, Europe’s approach reinforces why privacy matters, even as it complicates where privacy-focused tools can operate.
The crypto market is heading into the final weekend of 2025, and before the new year begins, there might be some room for altcoins to record growth still.
Led by Pippin (PIPPIN), these three altcoins are must-watch in the coming 48 hours as we near the year-end.
UNUS SED LEO (LEO)
LEO price surged 25% over the past week, trading near $8.45 at the time of writing. The technical structure shows strong support, with the Parabolic SAR confirming an active uptrend. This setup suggests buyers remain in control as momentum builds despite broader market uncertainty.
If bullish conditions persist, LEO could rebound toward $9.10, recovering losses recorded earlier this month. Sustained buying pressure may extend gains toward the $9.80 target. Achieving this level would reflect renewed confidence and reinforce the prevailing upward trend in the short term.
Want more token insights like this? Sign up for Editor Harsh Notariya’s Daily Crypto Newsletter here.
Downside risks remain if investors move to lock in profits early. Selling pressure could push LEO below the $7.82 support. A further decline toward $7.32 would weaken technical structure, invalidate the bullish thesis, and signal a potential shift back to short-term bearish momentum.
Pippin (PIPPIN)
PIPPIN has emerged as one of the strongest-performing altcoins this week, gaining 34% over the past seven days. The token continues to post fresh all-time highs on a weekly basis. Persistent buying interest and strong momentum have supported its sustained upward trajectory.
The latest all-time high stands at $0.720, with PIPPIN requiring a 45.6% move to revisit that level. Achieving this depends on flipping $0.600 into firm support. A successful hold above that zone would confirm strength and increase the probability of continued price discovery.
Downside risk remains if broader market sentiment turns bearish. Weakening risk appetite could push PIPPIN below the $0.434 support. A breakdown there may extend losses toward $0.366, erasing recent gains and invalidating the prevailing bullish outlook.
MYX Finance (MYX)
MYX price traded near $3.35 at the time of writing after rising 15.2% over the past seven days. The altcoin continues to hold above the $3.26 support. The current structure suggests buyers are targeting the $3.62 resistance as momentum gradually builds.
Technical indicators reinforce the bullish bias. The Relative Strength Index remains above the neutral 50.0 level, signaling sustained buying pressure. This strength could support further recovery. A confirmed breakout above $3.62 may open the path toward $3.80 in the short term.
Downside risks persist if broader market conditions weaken. Increased selling pressure could push MYX below the $3.26 support. A breakdown there would expose the $2.88 level, invalidating the bullish outlook and signaling a shift back toward short-term bearish momentum.
The fallout from Trust Wallet’s Chrome extension incident intensified on December 26 after Changpeng Zhao (CZ), weighed in publicly, suggesting the breach may have involved an insider.
The comment came as Trust Wallet confirmed that roughly $7 million in user funds have been affected so far.
Insider Access as Key Line of Investigation
CZ said Trust Wallet will fully reimburse impacted users and stressed that customer funds remain safe.
However, he added that investigators are still examining how a compromised browser extension update was able to pass through distribution controls, calling an insider role “most likely.”
The statement amplified concerns around internal access and update governance, rather than an external exploit alone.
Trust Wallet later confirmed that the incident affected Browser Extension version 2.68 only, reiterating that mobile users and other versions were not impacted.
The company said it is finalizing reimbursement procedures and will issue clear instructions to affected users.
Meanwhile, users should remain cautious against phishing attempts posing as official support.
Update on the Trust Wallet Browser Extension (v2.68) incident:
We’ve confirmed that approximately $7M has been impacted and we will ensure all affected users are refunded.
Supporting affected users is our top priority, and we are actively finalizing the process to refund the… https://t.co/2XRx8GvZ75
The insider angle has drawn particular attention within the crypto security community. Browser extensions require signing keys, developer credentials, and approval workflows to publish updates.
For a malicious or compromised build to be distributed through the official Chrome Web Store, investigators typically look at either credential compromise or direct internal access.
Both scenarios point to weaknesses in operational security rather than a traditional software vulnerability.
Such risks are not theoretical. Over the past year, several high-profile browser extension incidents have stemmed from hijacked developer accounts or compromised release pipelines.
TWT Token Briefly Dips Before Rebounding
Market reaction reflected the uncertainty. Trust Wallet’s native token, TWT, saw a sharp sell-off following the initial reports on December 25.
However, prices stabilized and rebounded on December 26 after confirmation that losses were limited and refunds would be issued.
While Trust Wallet has moved quickly to contain the incident, the episode reflects a broader industry challenge.
As crypto wallets increasingly rely on browser extensions, update security and insider risk management are emerging as critical attack surfaces, not secondary concerns.
As another year comes to an end, the hope of a bullish next year is likely proliferating among the investors. While the leash generally sits with Bitcoin to lead the altcoins upwards, some tokens have carved out their path owing to independent factors.
BeInCrypto has analysed three such altcoins that could witness growth and also form new all-time highs in January 2026.
Monero (XMR)
Monero price remains among the closest to its all-time high, trading just 17.5% below $519. A breakout above this level would establish a new record. Relative strength reflects sustained demand as XMR continues to outperform many large-cap cryptocurrencies during the current market cycle.
Monero benefits from growing attention toward privacy-focused cryptocurrencies. This narrative has strengthened amid regulatory debates and user demand for financial confidentiality. Chaikin Money Flow indicates strong capital inflows. These factors could drive XMR above $450 and toward the $500 psychological level, a key step toward $519.
Want more token insights like this? Sign up for Editor Harsh Notariya’s Daily Crypto Newsletter here.
Downside risk remains if profit-taking intensifies before a breakout occurs. Selling pressure could push XMR below the $417 support zone. A confirmed breakdown may extend losses toward $387, erasing recent gains and invalidating the bullish outlook in the short term.
Midnight (NIGHT)
NIGHT has attracted strong investor interest due to its foundation and leadership. Developed by Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson, the project benefits from credibility and long-term vision. This association has strengthened market confidence, positioning NIGHT for potential price appreciation as adoption builds in early trading phases.
As a newly launched token, NIGHT is expected to see steady growth in users and demand. A successful bounce from the $0.075 support could lift the price toward $0.100. A breakout above that level may drive NIGHT to $0.120, marking a 54.1% gain and a potential new all-time high.
Downside risk depends heavily on broader market conditions at the start of the year. A positive 2025 open could sustain momentum. However, deteriorating sentiment may push NIGHT below $0.075. A drop toward $0.060 would invalidate the bullish outlook and signal increased selling pressure.
Ethereum (ETH)
Ethereum remains roughly 66.7% below its $4,956 all-time high, highlighting the scale of recovery still required. A rapid, miracle-style rally appears unlikely under current conditions. Recent price action suggests ETH needs sustained demand and broader market alignment before attempting a meaningful upside move.
In August, Ethereum briefly surged to set a new peak, but replicating that move soon appears improbable. Any recovery may take weeks and requires consistent investor support. A decisive break above the $3,000 psychological level is critical. Success there could lift ETH toward $3,287, narrowing the gap to its record high.
Furthermore, the strong correlation that Ethereum shares with Bitcoin will be a major factor. If BTC manages to post a bullish momentum, ETH can benefit from it and rise as well.
However, risk remains if bullish momentum fails to develop and BTC ends up falling on the charts. Ethereum could continue consolidating near $3,000 or face a mild correction. Prolonged weakness at this level would undermine recovery efforts. Such price action would invalidate the bullish thesis and delay any realistic path toward higher resistance zones.
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 and watch closely: while gold surges to new highs, signaling capital rotation toward safety, Bitcoin remains trapped below $90,000. A $300 million options structure suppressed volatility, but after the major expiry, this calm could quickly give way to dramatic price action.
Crypto News of the Day: Bitcoin’s Gamma Cage In Focus After Today’s Options Expiry
Gold has surged to fresh highs, breaking above a multi-year ceiling and reinforcing its reputation as the market’s early warning signal when capital rotates toward safety.
Bitcoin, however, has failed to respond in kind. Instead, the world’s largest cryptocurrency remains pinned below $90,000.
New insights suggest it may not be due to fading demand, but rather to a massive derivatives structure that mechanically suppresses price movement.
“Gold made the first move. Bitcoin is still loading,” said analyst Crypto Tice.
The analyst explained that gold’s breakout often marks the point where liquidity begins to reposition, while Bitcoin typically reacts later, once risk appetite returns.
“Gold tends to move first when liquidity seeks safety. Bitcoin follows when risk appetite turns back on,” CryptoTice said, adding that such compressed phases “don’t fade out slowly” but instead resolve with expansion that can reset an entire market cycle.
In Bitcoin’s case, that compression is being driven by what derivatives analysts have dubbed a $300 million “gamma trap.”
According to David, a market structure analyst, Bitcoin is currently “mechanically trapped in a tight range” defined by heavy options positioning.
The downside is anchored by an $85,000 put wall holding nearly $98.8 million in put gamma, while the upside is capped by a $90,000 call wall containing about $36.2 million in call gamma. This positioning has created a negative gamma feedback loop.
The analyst notes that when Bitcoin rises toward the upper range, dealers who are long calls are compelled to sell spot Bitcoin to hedge their exposure. When the price falls toward the lower range, those same dealers must buy to hedge puts.
“The result: Price is effectively locked in a cage,” he said, emphasizing that the market is not being driven by sentiment or headlines, but by “the mathematical necessity of dealer hedging.”
Could Today’s Gamma Expiry Trigger Bitcoin’s Next Big Move?
This stability is temporary. Roughly $300 million worth of gamma, about 58% of the total gamma complex, expired in a single options event earlier today. David described this as a “pin release,” warning that once the expiry hits, the incentives that have kept Bitcoin locked between $85,000 and $90,000 vanish almost instantly.
Historically, such releases have often led to sharp and sudden volatility as the market seeks a new equilibrium.
One level has become especially important. The so-called gamma flip sits at $88,925. This is slightly above $88,724, Bitcoin’s price as of this writing.
A sustained move above that threshold could flip dealer flows from dampening price action to amplifying it. Such a move could force dealers to buy into strength rather than sell rallies.
Systemic Stress Builds as Bitcoin Lags Behind Precious Metals
The divergence between gold and Bitcoin is also happening against a tense macroeconomic backdrop. Economist Mohamed El-Erian recently highlighted that gold has risen by more than 40% this year, its strongest performance since 1979. Manwhile, Bitcoin is down roughly 20% year-to-date after peaking earlier in the cycle.
At the same time, multiple analysts have warned that a synchronized rally across gold, silver, copper, and energy markets historically signals rising systemic stress. It aligns with a recent report suggesting the metals rally may signal stress.
Still, many crypto observers see Bitcoin’s stagnation as structural rather than bearish.
SP500 – All-Time High! Nasdaq- All-Time High! Gold – All-Time High! Silver – Ripping, All-Time High Platinum- All-Time High! Palladium All-Time High! Other world markets – All-Time High!
I don’t see a world where Bitcoin doesn’t catch up!
With the gamma trap nearing expiration and gold already signaling stress in the system, Bitcoin’s prolonged compression may be setting the stage for its next major move.
Chart of the Day
Gold (XAU) and Bitcoin (BTC) Price Performances. Source: TradingView
Byte-Sized Alpha
Here’s a summary of more US crypto news to follow today:
Global cryptocurrency trading platform Zoomex today announced the official early registration for its latest payment product, the Zoomex Card.
Designed to bridge the gap between crypto assets and real-world payment scenarios, the Zoomex Card aims to provide users with a Global Multicurrency bank account that’s connected to tradfi payment rails and crypto ramps, enabling seamless on / off ramps to fiat for cross border transactions.
The Zoomex Card is jointly launched by Zoomex and fully regulated and licensed financial platform UR, with a focus on usability, security, and regulatory compliance. UR provides banking infrastructure that is fully composable, allowing Zoomex to provide a fully functional crypto-financial gateway for everyday spending, cross-border payments and subscription services to its users.
Historically, crypto assets have largely remained confined to trading and holding, making their integration into real-world payment systems cumbersome. The introduction of the Zoomex Card addresses this gap.
Through the Zoomex Card, users can deposit USDC into their multi-currency fiat accounts and use it for daily spending and global transactions across multiple countries and regions, achieving a seamless connection from on-chain assets to real-world payments.
Jerry, CEO of Zoomex, stated:
“We want our users to avoid constantly switching between the crypto world and traditional finance, and instead enjoy a truly integrated asset account.”
UR’s Chief Product Officer, Ng Yingzhong, commented:
“As a fully licensed and regulated financial platform, UR has long been focused on delivering secure, compliant, and scalable financial infrastructure for users worldwide. Our partnership with Zoomex marks an important step forward in crypto-enabled payments. Through Zoomex Card, we aim to bring digital assets into everyday spending and cross-border use, while maintaining strict compliance and bank-grade security.”
Global Multi-Currency Account Experience
The Zoomex Card provides users with one-stop access to UR’s multi-fiat accounts, currently supporting major currencies including USD, EUR, CHF, JPY, SGD, and HKD, addressing cross-regional fund management and payment needs.
Seamless Crypto ↔ Fiat Conversion
Users can directly deposit USDC into UR accounts for spending, transfers, or subscription payments, while also supporting transfers back to the Zoomex platform for continued crypto trading.
Instant Global Payment Capability
The Zoomex Card supports mainstream payment methods including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay, making it usable across various online and offline payment scenarios.
Bank-Grade Security and Compliance
All assets are custodied by UR, which is a registered trademark under Swiss financial institution SR Saphirstein AG, adhering to strict compliance and risk management standards to ensure financial-grade protection for cross-border payments and asset security.
Early Registration Benefits Now Open
To reward early supporters, Zoomex has launched early registration for the Zoomex Card. Upon official launch, eligible users will enjoy exclusive benefits, including:
Limited-time Pro account free upgrade
1% cashback on spending
New user reward: Spend $5, get $10 back
No card issuance fee
Custom Zoomex card design
Early registration will remain open until the official launch phase of Zoomex Card is completed. The product is expected to officially roll out in early 2026, with specific timelines subject to Zoomex’s official announcements.
About ZOOMEX
Founded in 2021, Zoomex is a global cryptocurrency trading platform with over 3 million users across more than 35 countries and regions, offering 700+ trading pairs. Guided by its core values of “Simple × User-Friendly × Fast,” Zoomex is also committed to the principles of fairness, integrity, and transparency, delivering a high-performance, low-barrier, and trustworthy trading experience.
Powered by a high-performance matching engine and transparent asset and order displays, Zoomex ensures consistent trade execution and fully traceable results. This approach reduces information asymmetry and allows users to clearly understand their asset status and every trading outcome. While prioritizing speed and efficiency, the platform continues to optimize product structure and overall user experience with robust risk management in place.
As an official partner of the Haas F1 Team, Zoomex brings the same focus on speed, precision, and reliable rule execution from the racetrack to trading. In addition, Zoomex has established a global exclusive brand ambassador partnership with world-class goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez. His professionalism, discipline, and consistency further reinforce Zoomex’s commitment to fair trading and long-term user trust.
In terms of security and compliance, Zoomex holds regulatory licenses including Canada MSB, U.S. MSB, U.S. NFA, and Australia AUSTRAC, and has successfully passed security audits conducted by blockchain security firm Hacken. Operating within a compliant framework while offering flexible identity verification options and an open trading system, Zoomex is building a trading environment that is simpler, more transparent, more secure, and more accessible for users worldwide.
UR is the world’s first global onchain stablecoin banking infrastructure that is compliant, fully licensed and covers over 50 countries with 7 multicurrency fiat access for each user and business — all under the supervision of SR Sapherstein AG. UR simplifies the way people and businesses move between digital assets and fiat currencies. Self-custodial, fast, and intuitive, UR turns complex crypto workflows into a seamless everyday experience.
XRP price has struggled to regain traction over recent weeks, with multiple failed recovery attempts deepening bearish pressure. The token remains locked in a downtrend, reflecting hesitation across the broader crypto market.
Despite this weakness, XRP ETFs continue to attract capital, signaling that institutional demand remains resilient.
XRP ETF Demand Remains Strong
Losses among XRP holders have steadily increased, adding pressure to near-term price action. Net Unrealized Profit and Loss data shows unrealized profits have dropped to a yearly low. Investors who purchased XRP above $1.86 are now holding losses, while only those who entered below this level remain in profit.
This shift raises concerns around long-term holder behavior. Addresses holding XRP for more than a year may consider selling to lock in remaining gains. If profit-taking accelerates among these holders, selling pressure could intensify and further weigh on XRP price stability.
XRP ETFs remain the asset’s strongest macro support. Since launching six weeks ago, the funds have not recorded a single day of net outflows. This consistency stands out amid broader market uncertainty and declining activity in the spot crypto market.
Momentum has continued into week seven. On the trading day before Christmas, XRP ETFs recorded $11.93 million in inflows. This data suggests institutional investors maintain confidence in XRP’s longer-term outlook, even as retail sentiment weakens and price action remains constrained.
XRP traded near $1.86 at the time of writing, holding just above the $1.85 support level. Price remains capped beneath a downtrend line that has persisted for over six weeks. Repeated failures to break this structure have reinforced bearish sentiment among short-term traders.
A breakout appears unlikely under current conditions. Market direction remains unclear, and rising losses increase the risk of additional selling. ETF inflows may help stabilize price, potentially keeping XRP above the $1.79 support. A breakdown below that level could extend the downtrend toward $1.70.
However, a shift in broader market conditions could alter the outlook. Improved risk sentiment may allow XRP to bounce from $1.85. A decisive move above the downtrend line would target $1.94. Clearing that level could open a path toward $2.00, invalidating the bearish thesis.
Crypto markets struggled throughout December, but a small group of institutional investors managed to close the year in the black.
New on-chain data from analytics platform Nansen shows that while prices remained under pressure, several major crypto funds generated millions in realized gains, only to pivot toward aggressive selling as the month progressed.
Elite Funds Secure Top Gains Amid Market Downturn
According to Nansen, market maker Wintermute emerged as the most profitable fund in December, recording approximately $3.17 million in realized profit.
Dragonfly Capital followed closely, with profits spread across multiple wallets totaling $1.9 million, $1.0 million, and $990,000.
IOSG and Longling Capital also ranked among the top performers. Together, these trends suggest that profits were concentrated among a repeat group of highly active institutional traders rather than isolated, one-off wallets.
“Profits are concentrated among a small group of repeat funds, not one-off wallets,” Nansen noted, highlighting how consistent execution and active trade management separated institutional winners from the broader market downturn.
Arrington, Pantera, and Polychain also featured in Nansen’s 30-day dataset from five blockchain networks, each with varied profitability.
December 2025 profit rankings show Wintermute leading with $3.17M, followed by multiple Dragonfly Capital wallets. Nansen
Despite this backdrop, Wintermute and Dragonfly Capital capitalized on short-term dislocations and liquidity-driven opportunities.
Their performance highlights the advantage of scale, sophisticated trading infrastructure, and multi-chain monitoring during periods of market stress.
Dragonfly’s strategy stood out for its diversification across wallets, allowing the fund to spread risk while capturing upside across different positions.
IOSG and Longling Capital also posted notable gains, placing them among the month’s most profitable funds. Together, the data paints a picture of institutional resilience at a time when retail traders largely struggled to stay afloat.
Active Profit-Taking Shapes On-Chain Behavior
However, Nansen’s on-chain tracking shows that these same profitable funds are now leaning toward selling rather than accumulation.
On December 26, QCP Capital deposited 199.99 ETH, worth roughly $595,929, into the Binance exchange, a move typically associated with preparing assets for sale.
QCP Capital transferred 199.99 ETH worth $595,929 to Binance on December 26, 2025. Nansen
Wintermute has also been active on the sell side. While social media commentary has accused the firm of aggressively dumping Bitcoin and Ethereum during December volatility, on-chain data confirms that Wintermute reduced exposure after building positions earlier in the month.
🚨 BREAKING:
WINTERMUTE ACCUMULATED MILLIONS WORTH OF $BTC AND $ETH RIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS DUMP
THEY DUMPED $125M+ OF $BTC IN A MINUTE, DROPPING IT TO $24K
The activity aligns with profit-taking and risk management rather than passive holding.
Dragonfly Capital similarly reduced its positions in Mantle (MNT). Over seven days in December, the fund deposited 6 million MNT tokens, worth approximately $6.95 million, to Bybit.
Despite these sales, Dragonfly still holds 9.15 million MNT tokens, valued at around $10.76 million, suggesting a partial rather than complete exit.
The contrast between strong December profits and rising sell pressure illustrates a dual institutional strategy:
Exploit volatility when opportunities arise,
De-risk quickly as conditions shift.
For professional funds, year-end selling may also reflect portfolio rebalancing, capital preservation, or preparation for new allocations in the early part of 2026.
While continued selling from top-performing funds could weigh on short-term prices, it may also signal discipline rather than bearish conviction.
Although the altcoin market cap has not recovered and market sentiment remains in a prolonged state of fear, several low-cap altcoins with market caps under $100 million have shown signs of on-chain accumulation.
This may reflect whales building positions and betting on price increases next month.
However, by December, the downtrend shifted to a sideways range around $0.30. The token has also shown signs of accumulation.
Accumulated Balance of AVNT Whales. Source: Nansen
Nansen data shows that AVNT whale wallets accumulated 11 million AVNT in December. The total balance of the top 100 wallets increased by 1.88%, while exchange reserves decreased by 4.9%.
Rising whale balances and declining exchange reserves typically indicate that investors are buying and moving tokens to private wallets, driven by long-term expectations.
Holderscan data also shows that the number of AVNT holders increased from 105,800 to 109,800 over the past 30 days.
From a technical analysis perspective, analysts believe AVNT may be in the final stage of a falling-wedge formation. This pattern typically predicts a reversal from bearish to bullish.
2. Succinct (PROVE)
Succinct (PROVE) is a decentralized network designed to facilitate the creation of zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) easily and securely.
Privacy on blockchain has gained attention thanks to Zcash (ZEC) and the broader use of ZKP technology. This trend has also drawn attention to Succinct.
The market cap of PROVE currently stands at $75.6 million. The price has dropped more than 77% after listings on Binance and Coinbase.
Accumulated Balance of PROVE Whales. Source: Nansen
In recent months, Nansen data shows that top whale wallets accumulated an additional 5.34%. Exchange reserves dropped 1.24%. At the same time, the price decline of PROVE has slowed.
A slower price decline, combined with whale accumulation, has increased investor expectations of a potential rebound.
3. Plume Network (PLUME)
Plume Network (PLUME) is an Ethereum layer-2 blockchain designed specifically for Real-World Assets (RWA).
The market cap of PLUME is currently $60 million, following an 85% decline in the token price during the final quarter of the year.
However, Nansen data shows a notable shift. PLUME whales have accumulated nearly 7 billion PLUME. The price has also recovered 35%, rising from $0.014 to $0.019.
Accumulated Balance of PLUME Whales. Source: Nansen
This accumulation has halted the three-month downtrend.
Another reason investors remain optimistic about RWA altcoins is the strong growth outlook for the sector in 2026.
A recent BeInCrypto report states that the total RWA market value hit a new all-time high in December, despite widespread market fear.
When discussing expectations for RWA in 2026, Plume CEO Chris Yin projected 10–20x growth in both value and users.
“Seeing 10–20x growth in value and users next year as well is the low end of what we should expect,” Chris Yin told BeInCrypto.
If this projection becomes reality, low-cap tokens such as PLUME may benefit significantly.
These three low-cap altcoins represent three different themes: DEX, Privacy, and RWA. All three themes hold strong expectations from analysts for the year ahead.
Zcash price has moved steadily higher in recent sessions as it attempts to break out of a well-defined bullish pattern. The privacy-focused cryptocurrency is approaching a critical inflection point that could unlock further upside.
Investor confidence and supportive broader market conditions are reinforcing expectations of a near-term breakout.
Zcash Holders Show Strength
Large Zcash holders are showing growing optimism as the price approaches key resistance. Data indicates that the top 100 ZEC holders increased their combined balances by 1.11% over the last 24 hours. While modest, this accumulation signals confidence in continued recovery rather than short-term profit-taking.
This behavior suggests conviction among Zcash holders. Whales typically accumulate during consolidation phases when they anticipate expansion. Their continued support implies expectations of higher prices and reduced downside risk, reinforcing bullish sentiment.
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Technical indicators support the constructive outlook. The MACD has maintained strong bullish signals for the past two weeks, reflecting sustained positive momentum. This consistency indicates trend strength rather than a short-lived bounce, reducing the likelihood of abrupt reversals under current conditions.
Broader macro cues further support ZEC price stability. Bitcoin remains near the $88,000 level, providing a firm anchor for altcoins. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq and S&P 500 continue to show mildly bullish signals. This alignment encourages risk appetite across digital assets, benefiting Zcash.
ZEC price traded near $444 at the time of writing, moving within an ascending triangle pattern. This formation typically precedes upward continuation. A confirmed breakout could trigger a move of nearly 49%, aligning with the pattern’s projected target.
Flipping $442 into a sustained support level remains critical. A decisive move above $500 would confirm the breakout and validate bullish positioning. Given supportive technicals and investor behavior, Zcash could realistically cross $500 before the start of the next year.
However, risks remain if momentum weakens. Failure to break resistance may keep ZEC trading sideways between $442 and $403. A breakdown below $403 would shift sentiment sharply. In that case, price could decline toward $340, invalidating the bullish thesis and increasing downside exposure.
While the crypto community remained focused on the possibility of an altcoin season and fresh Bitcoin highs, a different narrative unfolded. By late 2025, what many analysts now describe as a “metal season” has taken shape.
Precious metals and even base metals have outperformed cryptocurrencies this year. With analysts expecting this momentum to extend into next year, a key question emerges: could copper offer a more compelling bet than crypto?
The Great Rotation: Metals Dominate 2025 Returns
BeInCrypto previously reported that precious metals have continued to trend upward, attracting investors amid persistent concerns about inflation, dollar debasement, and broader macroeconomic fragility. Gold, silver, and platinum have all reached record highs.
“Gold is now up +72% YTD, adding +$13.2 TRILLION in market cap this year. Silver has become the 3rd largest asset in the world, up +155% YTD, worth $4.2 trillion. The only other year that comes close to what we are seeing now is 1979, when CPI inflation was running at 11%+. Platinum? Up +159% and set for its biggest annual percentage gain ever recorded. 2025 will be a year that is referenced for decades to come,” The Kobeissi Letter posted.
Base metals were not excluded from the rally. Earlier this week, copper prices rose above $12,000 per ton for the first time. Today, Bloomberg reported that copper reached a record high in China, while also extending gains in the US.
The metal has even outperformed Bitcoin in year-to-date gains, rising over 40%. By contrast, Bitcoin is down approximately 6%. Many analysts have labeled this trend a “metal season” and expect the momentum to continue into next year.
“The rally in commodities is likely to expand further in 2026 with Bloomberg Commodities Index in fresh uptrend. Basically Hard Assets are devaluing the currency knowing fully well the only option for high debt of western countries is to inflate it away. Expect commodities run to continue in 2026,” Zafar Shaikh, an investor and trader, stated.
Against this backdrop, copper has emerged as a standout due to a growing imbalance between supply and demand, leading many to anticipate additional upside.
Analyst Otavio Costa noted that, despite prices hovering near record levels, production has not risen. He revealed that output in the world’s largest copper-producing country is currently at its weakest level in more than ten years.
“Copper is one of the most critical macro assets for 2026 as we are likely to enter a true price discovery phase, in my view. This setup points to the potential for a highly explosive move from here,” Costa forecasted.
COPPER is set up for a parabolic run. Position accordingly and Know What You Hold!!! pic.twitter.com/d6lM2XQVkv
Meanwhile, the industry’s outlook on Bitcoin remains divided. Key indicators suggest a challenging period could lie ahead for BTC in early 2026. Adding to the uncertainty, Jim Cramer has turned bearish on Bitcoin.
Amid these mixed signals, investor preferences appear to be shifting. For example, one trader sold all his Bitcoin to buy physical nickels, reflecting metal-backed arbitrage’s new appeal.
“I sold all my Bitcoin. I am putting it all into physical nickels. A nickel is worth 5 cents forever (legal tender). But the metal inside (copper/nickel) is worth 6.2 cents right now,” BarkMeta remarked.
In October, Jesse Colombo even described copper as a potential “shot at redemption” for investors who missed the early phases of gold and silver’s bull markets. Thus, as capital continues to rotate and macro risks intensify, copper is increasingly being viewed not just as an industrial input, but as a strategic macro asset.
Whether this “metal season” ultimately eclipses crypto’s appeal remains to be seen. However, the growing interest in copper suggests that, for now, parts of the market are seeking conviction not in digital narratives, but in physical scarcity.
As global demand for tech talent rises, UNICEF’s partnership with Bitget and the global tech industry expands access to 21st-century skills for youth across eight countries
Adolescent girls in Cambodia prepare to thrive in a digital economy through an unexpected entry point: video game development. Developed by the UNICEF Office of Innovation, the Game Changers Coalition, an initiative designed with and for girls, youth across the country are gaining hands-on experience in coding, storytelling, design and financial literacy concepts — skills critical for success in Southeast Asia’s rapidly evolving tech landscape.
Despite rising demand for digital talent, girls and women remain underrepresented in technology fields. Structural barriers restrict access to gaining digital skills, professional networks, and emerging technology tools. UNICEF and partners are working to change this.
With support from Bitget, the largest Universal Exchange, alongside the Global Video Games Coalition and Micron Foundation, UNICEF is scaling inclusive, youth-centred digital learning programmes designed to build confidence, capability and long-term economic resilience.
Bitget Chief Marketing Officer Ignacio Aguirre visited Cambodia for a shared experience with teachers and students participating in the Coalition.
Bitget CMO, Ignacio Aguirre presenting awards
The visit included dedicated time with one of Cambodia’s winning teams from the first global UNICEF Game Jam — a virtual hackathon that connected young creators from the eight participating countries of the Coalition. Cambodia emerged as one of the strongest participants, securing four of the seven global award categories.
“I am inspired by the determination and talent I have seen from the young people in Cambodia. At Bitget, we believe that everyone should be equipped to take part in the digital world, from coding and design to emerging fields like blockchain. I am excited to see this generation of young digital creatives sharpening their skills to help shape an inclusive, equitable and prosperous digital future,” said Ignacio Aguirre.
Playing video games at the booth
In an intergenerational exchange of insights and experiences, participants shared their creative process, the stories steeped in culture and community that inspired their games, and the skills they are proud to be mastering.
“Aside from learning how to write code, we learned how to draw, how to develop storylines, find solutions when we encounter problems, and study to understand those problems step by step. We also learned how to work in teams and understand each other much better. Before taking part in Game Changers, I thought games were only for entertainment. Now I see they can solve real problems. I want to keep building things that make life better for my community,” said Rachna, a 16-year-old video young creator from Takeo province and a member of Green Ever, a winning team in the global UNICEF Game Jam.
During the National Game Jam in Phnom Penh, co-hosted by UNICEF and the Cambodian Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS), more than 600 students (over 65 per cent of them girls) aged 10 to 18 from 14 schools across 11 provinces showcased and pitched their original video games to a jury of experts, following a six-week tailored learning journey. Their projects drew on personal experiences and issues affecting their communities, demonstrating the role of creative tech in equipping young people to become problem-solvers and digital creators.
“Every year, millions of girls around the world miss out on opportunities in the digital economy because they lack access to the skills and networks needed to thrive. In Cambodia, innovative learning approaches like video game development are breaking barriers and driving digital inclusion and confidence in our students, regardless of their gender. Young people, including those from hard-to-reach areas, are discovering that they belong in these spaces and that their ideas matter,” said Dr. Will Parks, UNICEF Representative in Cambodia.
“This initiative places girls at the centre of Cambodia’s digital transformation. It empowers them to become creators, innovators, and leaders in the digital age by eliminating gender gaps in digital education and ensuring equitable access to modern learning opportunities. Through coding, problem solving, and teamwork, girls build critical thinking, leadership, and digital literacy skills that prepare them to contribute meaningfully to national development. The girls who design games today are the future software engineers, digital entrepreneurs, and technology leaders who will drive Cambodia’s social and economic progress,” said H.E. Dr. Kim Sethany, Permanent Secretary of State of the MoEYS.
Globally, the Coalition aims to reach 1.1 million people across twelve countries by 2027, contributing to UNICEF’s global ambition to expand learning and skills-building opportunities for girls. The initiative continues to grow with the support of governments, civil society and private-sector partners.
This press release was written in conjunction with UNICEF.
The UNICEF Game Changers Coalition builds on UNICEF’s existing work of providing girls with digital and 21st-century skills through its Skills4Girls initiative.
About Bitget
Founded in 2018, Bitget is the world’s largest Universal Exchange (UEX), serving over 120 million users with access to crypto, tokenized assets, and AI-powered trading tools across major blockchains. Its ecosystem includes Bitget Wallet, an everyday finance app used by over 80 million people. Bitget advances global crypto adoption through partnerships with LALIGA, MotoGP™, and UNICEF.
About UNICEF Office of Innovation
The UNICEF Office of Innovation aligns with a global network of thinkers, enablers and doers to identify and accelerate the scale of truly innovative solutions and approaches that address global challenges affecting children’s lives.
An anonymous poster on 4chan, who correctly flagged Bitcoin’s cycle top on October 6, 2025, nearly two years in advance, has returned with a far more aggressive call. The trader predicts Bitcoin to reach $250,000 in 2026.
The prediction has resurfaced across crypto circles precisely as many on-chain and technical indicators turn bearish.
A Proven Call, Not a Price Target
Back in December 2023, the anonymous poster outlined a time-based cycle model rather than a price forecast. The thesis relied on historical symmetry. Roughly 1,064 days from bear-market lows to cycle highs, followed by nearly 364 days of decline.
That structure projected the next all-time high to land on October 6, 2025, almost exactly when Bitcoin topped near its peak before crashing 4 days later.
Anon 4chan Users Bitcoin Prediction
That accuracy has given the new forecast weight, even among skeptics.
In the latest post, the anon argues that the broader structure has not broken.
Instead, the current drawdown represents a reset phase before another expansion leg, with 2026 penciled in as the next price climax.
Meanwhile, apparent demand growth, measured by net new buyer activity, has slowed sharply from early-2025 highs. Similar demand slowdowns preceded major corrections in past cycles, including 2021 and 2017.
From a traditional analytical lens, these signals point to caution.
We have been writing about Bitcoin entering into a bear market since early November.
And yes, we are in a bear market mostly amid demand exhaustion.
The anonymous forecast challenges the idea that local bearish signals define the full cycle. Previous bull markets also saw multi-month corrections and demand resets before making their final parabolic moves.
Structural tailwinds remain intact. Bitcoin supply growth continues to compress post-halving. Institutional infrastructure, from ETFs to payment rails, remains embedded, even as speculative interest cools.
Historically, the strongest upside phases have followed periods of skepticism, not optimism.
The anon’s $250,000 target for 2026 is not framed as sentiment or opinion, but as a continuation of prior cycle mechanics.
Whether the call proves right or wrong, the episode highlights a familiar pattern in Bitcoin markets. Short-term indicators often turn bearish well before long-term cycles conclude.
For now, Bitcoin price sits in an uncomfortable middle ground.
Ethereum price has struggled to regain momentum, hovering near the $3,000 level over recent sessions. This prolonged consolidation has weighed on sentiment and weakened short-term confidence among ETH holders.
Still, shifting on-chain signals and historical price behavior suggest conditions may be forming for a potential rebound.
Ethereum ETFs Continue To Lose Money
Ethereum ETFs have faced sustained pressure over the past two weeks. During this period, only one trading day recorded net inflows, largely driven by Grayscale activity. Outside that session, investors consistently pulled capital from ETH ETFs, signaling caution across traditional finance channels.
This pullback appears cyclical rather than structural. If Ethereum retests the $2,798 support level, buyers could reenter. A successful bounce and reclamation of that zone may reset market expectations and restore the upward price trajectory.
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On-chain data points to improving macro momentum beneath the surface. Ethereum’s HODler Net Position Change, which tracks long-term holder behavior, has surged sharply. The indicator now sits near its largest outflow levels seen in the past five months.
This shift suggests older holders are reducing selling pressure and regaining confidence in Ethereum’s recovery potential. If the metric crosses above the zero line, it would confirm net inflows from long-term holders. Such behavior historically supports price stabilization and trend reversals.
ETH Price Could Bounce Back
Ethereum traded near $2,978 at the time of writing, remaining capped below the psychological $3,000 barrier. This consolidation has raised concerns about whether ETH could close 2025 under that level. Persistent hesitation has kept volatility elevated and sentiment fragile.
However, ETF dynamics and long-term holder behavior point to a possible shift. A controlled pullback toward $2,798 could provide the base for a rebound. If Ethereum reclaims $3,000 as support, price action may extend toward $3,131 and beyond.
Downside risks remain if bullish momentum fails to develop. A breakdown below $2,798 would weaken the technical structure. In that case, Ethereum price could slide toward $2,681, invalidating the bullish outlook and reinforcing near-term bearish pressure.
Blockchain investigator ZachXBT reported on December 25 that multiple Trust Wallet users experienced unauthorized fund outflows within the past few hours.
Affected users say assets were drained from their wallet addresses without approval.
Major Security Warning For Trust Wallet Users?
According to ZachXBT, the exact root cause remains unconfirmed. However, the timing has raised concerns. Today’s incidents followed a recent update to Trust Wallet’s Chrome extension that was released a day earlier.
ZachXBT has begun collecting wallet addresses linked to the suspected thefts and asked affected users to come forward as the investigation continues.
ZachXBT Issues Community Alert for Trust Wallet Users on His Telegram Group
While Trust Wallet has not yet issued a detailed technical explanation, the situation has renewed scrutiny around browser-based crypto wallets.
Chrome extensions operate with elevated permissions. Security researchers have repeatedly warned that a single malicious update or compromised dependency can expose users to significant risk.
Recent months have already seen several high-profile extension-related wallet threats.
Security firms previously flagged fake wallet extensions designed to capture seed phrases, allowing attackers to fully recreate wallets and drain funds later.
Recently Reported Fake Chrome Extensions that Drain Crypto Wallets. Source: The Hacker News
In other cases, malicious trading “helper” extensions quietly modified transaction instructions, siphoning small amounts of crypto each time a user approved a swap.
More broadly, cybersecurity researchers have documented campaigns involving seemingly legitimate browser extensions that were later updated to inject scripts, reroute traffic, or harvest sensitive data.
While not always crypto-specific, such capabilities can be repurposed to target wallet sessions, sign-in flows, or transaction approvals.
Against that backdrop, the Trust Wallet reports have triggered immediate concern across the crypto community.
Users are being urged to review recent transactions, revoke unnecessary permissions, and avoid signing new transactions until more clarity emerges.
Those who suspect compromise are advised to move remaining funds to new wallets created from fresh seed phrases.
As of publication, Trust Wallet has not confirmed whether the Chrome extension update is directly responsible.
Silver markets sent a clear signal on Christmas Day. While Bitcoin traded quietly in thin holiday liquidity, silver prices in China surged to record local levels, driven by tight physical supply and strong industrial demand.
The divergence highlights a growing macro theme. During periods of scarcity and geopolitical stress, capital is flowing toward hard assets rather than digital alternatives.
China’s Physical Silver Tightness Drives the Move
The latest silver move originated in China, where local prices reached record levels on December 25. Evidently, China is facing a shortage of physical silver.
BREAKING: Shanghai silver prices soar to a record $80/oz, now officially up over +150% YTD.
Chinese spot and futures markets have traded at persistent premiums to London and COMEX benchmarks.
In some cases, contracts briefly moved into backwardation, a sign of immediate supply stress. China accounts for more than half of global industrial silver demand, making local shortages a global issue.
The pressure comes from several sources. Solar manufacturing remains the largest driver, while electric vehicle production continues to rise.
Each EV uses significantly more silver than a traditional car, particularly in power electronics and charging infrastructure.
At the same time, grid expansion and electronics manufacturing have kept demand elevated.
Silver Price Chart in December 2025. Source: BullionVault
Bitcoin’s Christmas Stagnation Tells a Different Story
Bitcoin, by contrast, showed little reaction on Christmas Day. Prices moved sideways amid low volume, reflecting reduced institutional participation rather than a shift in fundamentals.
In late 2025, Bitcoin has traded more like a high-beta liquidity asset than a crisis hedge. When physical scarcity and supply-chain stress dominate the narrative, investors have favored metals over digital assets.
Bitcoin Price Chart Throughout Christmas Week 2025. Source: CoinGecko
Geopolitical risks reinforce that trend. Rising defense spending linked to conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East has increased demand for silver in military electronics and munitions.
Unlike investment silver, much of this metal is permanently consumed.
The divergence between silver and Bitcoin reflects a broader macro point. Digital scarcity alone has not been enough to attract capital during supply-driven shocks.
Physical scarcity, especially when tied to energy, defense, and industrial policy, continues to matter.
As markets head into 2026, that distinction may shape asset performance more than narratives around risk appetite alone.
Hedera has faced persistent bearish pressure over the past two months, tracking weakness across the broader crypto market. HBAR price declined steadily as risk appetite faded and capital rotated into defensive positions.
Despite recent losses, market structure suggests January could mark a meaningful shift in momentum for the altcoin.
HBAR’s History Speaks For Itself
January has historically been one of the strongest months for HBAR price performance. Over seven years of price history, the token posted an average January return of 38%. The median return stands at 19.7%, highlighting consistent seasonal strength rather than isolated rallies.
Seasonality data remains relevant for long-term market participants. If historical patterns repeat, HBAR could see renewed demand early in 2026. Such behavior would align with post-year-end repositioning, when traders reassess undervalued assets following extended drawdowns.
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Derivatives data support a cautiously bearish outlook among active traders. Futures positioning shows short exposure at approximately $4.30 million, while short exposure currently sits lower, near $3.16 million. This indicates an imbalance favoring downside expectations.
This positioning reflects a lack of confidence that downside risk may be limited near current levels. HBAR traders typically expand short exposure when they anticipate further decline. While leverage increases volatility, the current structure suggests a more pessimistic approach rather than optimistic hedging.
HBAR maintains a strong correlation with Bitcoin, currently measured at 0.89. This relationship has strengthened over recent days, signaling that Hedera price movements increasingly mirror broader market direction. Such alignment reinforces Bitcoin’s role as a primary driver of short-term momentum.
Correlation presents both opportunity and risk. A Bitcoin recovery would likely lift HBAR alongside other large-cap altcoins. Conversely, renewed weakness in BTC could undermine any standalone recovery attempt by Hedera.
Macro conditions, therefore, remain critical. As long as Bitcoin holds key support levels, HBAR may benefit from positive spillover. Any sharp BTC correction would likely weigh heavily on Hedera’s price structure.
Can HBAR Price Reclaim This Critical Support?
HBAR price traded near $0.110 at the time of writing. The token remains capped below the 23.6% Fibonacci retracement drawn from the $0.155 high to the $0.102 swing low. Recovery from this zone remains possible, though momentum appears gradual rather than impulsive.
A deeper pullback may be required to rebuild strength. A move toward the $0.100 psychological level could attract stronger demand. Liquidity often concentrates near round numbers. As long as the price remains below the $0.112–$0.115 range, activity reflects distribution rather than accumulation.
If buyers regain control, the first objective would be reclaiming the 23.6% Fib level at $0.115 as support. Success there could open the path toward $0.130 during January. However, a failure to sustain bullish momentum or a downturn in Bitcoin could push HBAR below $0.100. Such a move would expose the HBAR price to $0.099 or lower, invalidating the bullish prediction.
A little-known DeFi yield token stunned markets on Christmas Day after posting a triple-digit rally while most crypto assets traded quietly. Beefy Finance’s BIFI token surged more than 200% in 24 hours, briefly touching the $400 level before cooling, according to market data.
The move placed BIFI among the top gainers across the crypto market on December 25, despite no major protocol announcement or ecosystem shock.
BIFI Tops the Charts on Christmas Day. Source: CoinGecko
Beefy operates automated “vaults” across multiple blockchains, compounding rewards from liquidity pools and staking strategies. Users retain custody of funds and can withdraw at any time.
Unlike many DeFi tokens, BIFI has a hard-capped supply of just 80,000 tokens, with no minting or burning mechanism. All tokens are already in circulation.
Interesting pump for $BIFI today, never heard of them until now. Insane tokenomics –> listed on Binance w/ only 80,000 supply? $226M in TVL? Only $23M market cap? hmm 👀👀 pic.twitter.com/vofBXxnOKa
Holders who stake BIFI receive a share of protocol revenue generated from vault fees and can participate in DAO governance. This design makes BIFI closer to a yield-linked governance asset than a pure utility token.
BIFI Token Rallies 200% on Christmas Day 2025. Source: CoinGecko
Why BIFI Exploded on Christmas Day
The rally was driven less by new fundamentals and more by market structure.
First, BIFI’s ultra-low supply created a classic supply shock. With only 80,000 tokens outstanding, even modest buying pressure can move price aggressively.
On Christmas Day, demand overwhelmed thin order books.
Second, the token broke out after a long period of sideways trading. Once BIFI cleared key resistance levels, momentum traders and algorithmic scanners piled in, accelerating the move.
At the same time, 24-hour trading volume briefly exceeded BIFI’s market capitalization, a signal of intense short-term speculation rather than organic accumulation. That imbalance amplified volatility.
BIFI Daily Trading Volume Explodes on DEXs. Source: CoinMarketCap
Finally, the rally coincided with a rotation back into DeFi yield narratives. As meme coins cooled late in December, traders sought exposure to established revenue-generating protocols.
Beefy, with its multichain footprint and years-long operating history, fits that profile.
What the Rally Does, and Doesn’t Mean
Importantly, the Christmas surge did not reflect a sudden change in Beefy’s revenues, vault performance, or governance structure.
Instead, it highlighted how scarce DeFi governance tokens can experience extreme price swings when liquidity is thin and momentum builds.
While BIFI’s structure makes it sensitive to demand spikes, the same mechanics can work in reverse. Sharp retracements remain a clear risk once speculative flows fade.
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