Market Signal Briefing

The debut will enable instant swaps between SGD and USD on Solana, facilitating digital forex trading. Dec 16, 2025, 6:38 a.m.

Solana users could soon swap Singapore dollars (SGD) for U.S. dollars (USD) instantly online, marking the popular high speed blockchain's first access to digital tokens tied to one of the premier Asian currencies.

That's because, crypto infrastructure firm StraitX said Tuesday, that it's planning to launch its Singapore dollar stablecoin XSGD and U.S. dollar stablecoin XUSD on the Solana public blockchain, creating an easy to way to exchange these currencies.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW

The early 2026 debut, targeted in collaboration with the Solana Foundation, will enable instant swaps between Singapore dollars (SGD) and U.S. dollars (USD) on Solana, per a press release. Think digital forex, but on blockchain.

It positions StraitX's stablecoins for widespread adoption in smart AI tools and automated online economies on Solana. Solana offers a payment standard called x402 that lets computers and AI programs automatically transact tiny amounts (like apps talking to each other). The blockchain is know to offer faster and cheaper transaction speeds than its main rivals such as Ethereum.

"Stablecoin adoption is increasingly driven by users and businesses who expect payments to be instant, low-cost, and available everywhere," Tianwei Liu, CEO and Co-Founder of StraitsX, said.

"Launching XSGD and XUSD together on Solana will be game-changing. It unites CEX support, AMM liquidity, lending pools, and everyday payments on a single high-performance chain. It also brings us closer to a world where digital money moves across networks as easily as information does today,' Liu noted.

Stablecoins are digital tokens whose value is pegged to an external reference, such as a fiat currency. These tokens help investors bypass price volatility associated with other cryptocurrencies and are increasingly being used in remittances and cross-border transactions.

At press time, StraitX's XSGD and XUSD had a market cap of $13 million and $50 million, respectively, according to Coingecko. XSGD is already live on Ethereum, Polygon, Avalanche, Arbitrum, Zilliqa, Hedera, and XRPL, while XUSD is available on Ethereum and BNB Smart Chain.

StraitX said that the two stablecoins have processed over $18 billion in on-chain transaction volume.

Solana gets first-ever SGD stablecoinFor Solana, XSGD's arrival delivers its users the first digital version of the Singapore dollar. The blockchain already hosts $15.7 billion in stablecoins tied to currencies like the U.S. and Australian dollars, but has lacked an SGD option to date, per DefiLlama data.

"Welcoming both XSGD and XUSD to Solana expands the network's role as a top global payments chain and unlocks new opportunities for builders, institutions, and users, from instant cross-border settlements to DeFi applications like lending, borrowing, and yield generation," Lu Yin, head of APAC at The Solana Foundation, said.

"The addition of native SGD and USD liquidity further strengthens Solana's role as a core infrastructure layer for AI-and machine-driven on-chain transactions," added.

AI Disclaimer: Parts of this article were generated with the assistance from AI tools and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and adherence to our standards. For more information, see CoinDesk's full AI Policy.

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Axelar token falls 15% after Circle deal takes the developer team, leaves AXL behind

6 minutes ago

What to know:

Circle is acquiring Interop Labs' team and intellectual property, excluding the AXL token and Axelar Network from the deal.Axelar's AXL token dropped 13% as the acquisition does not benefit tokenholders directly.The deal shows how crypto M&A focuses on teams and technology, not necessarily benefiting associated tokens.Read full story

Famous stock picker Jim Cramer recently took to the X social media network to opine that the price of Bitcoin is actually easy to prop up. 

He has seemingly suggested that it is being artificially inflated by manipulation, large holders, or specific entities (like Michael Saylor’s Strategy).

Amazing how easy it is to prop up Bitcoin, isn't it?

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— Jim Cramer (@jimcramer) December 15, 2025 However, this comes after Strategy injected nearly $1 billion ($980.3 million) of pure buying pressure into the market between Dec. 8 and Dec. 14.

Despite this massive influx of cash, the price fell. They bought at an average of $92,124, but the price has since plunged to $85,000.

So, the market absorbed that $1 billion and still sold off. Hence, some commentators have noted that Cramer's logic is somehow flawed (unless his post is sarcastic). 

"Inverse Cramer"The reactions of the jaded cryptocurrency community are (unsurprisingly) dominated by the "Inverse Cramer" theory. 

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This is a long-standing internet meme/theory arguing that Cramer is so consistently wrong about market predictions that investors should do the exact opposite of what he says to make money.

Many users are celebrating his negativity because, according to the meme, his bearishness signals a market bottom. 

Bitcoin is currently changing hands at $86,411 after collapsing to an intraday low of $85,427. 

Monday, 15 December 2025 – Bitcoin Hyper (HYPER) has reached $29.5 million in presale capital, driven by a strategy that addresses one of Bitcoin’s most persistent constraints without making any changes to Bitcoin itself.

With BTC dipping below $90,000, it’s becoming clearer that Bitcoin’s valuation has long been powered more by conviction than by real transactional use. That limitation is increasingly difficult to ignore. Bitcoin Hyper aims to remove that barrier by creating an environment where BTC can actually move, be used, and scale in real economic activity.

Rather than attempting to modify Bitcoin Hyper is built alongside it. Bitcoin remains unchanged as the ultimate settlement layer, while the functions it was never meant to handle are moved off-chain. Transaction execution takes place in a fast, flexible ecosystem, finally giving applications the space they need to operate efficiently.

This architecture is what’s driving investor interest in HYPER, the token positioned at the core of Bitcoin’s shift from a passive store of value into an active economic system.

That opportunity is still open for a limited time. HYPER is currently priced at $0.013425, but that price is only available for the next five hours before the following presale phase begins.

Six Figures Reveal Bitcoin’s Next Challenge
As 2025 approaches its end, the year is set to be remembered for the moment Bitcoin firmly crossed into six-figure price levels. However, the recent pullback has reignited a more uncomfortable debate: can Bitcoin’s role as a store of value alone continue to support further price growth?

That uncertainty is no longer limited to crypto circles and is beginning to appear in traditional financial markets. Strategy is facing mounting scrutiny as index providers review whether its substantial Bitcoin exposure still warrants inclusion in major benchmarks, including the MSCI indices.

Analysts at JPMorgan have cautioned that any potential removal could result in billions of dollars exiting through passive investment funds. Meanwhile, Strategy’s stock has declined significantly more than Bitcoin itself and is now trading much closer to the underlying value of its BTC holdings, rather than maintaining the premium that investors previously attributed to its treasury-focused approach.

MSCI $MSTR DE-LISTING FEAR MONGERING: THE $2.8 BILLION LIE

First: Strategy is at ZERO risk of being delisted from other indices. Second: J.P. Morgan says an MSCI delisting would trigger a $2.8 Billion forced sell off. They are banking on you not knowing the math.

I assessed… pic.twitter.com/NszHcnYt69

— Adrian (@_Adrian) November 25, 2025

Scarcity alone may no longer be sufficient to keep pushing Bitcoin’s price upward. For the market to reclaim and hold six-figure levels and eventually move beyond previous highs the network needs a new driver of demand.

Bitcoin’s base layer was deliberately engineered to be lean, cautious, and resistant to change. It functions as a neutral settlement layer, placing security and verifiability above every other consideration. That conservative design is exactly what has allowed Bitcoin to operate reliably for more than a decade.

However, this same philosophy also imposes a limitation. If Bitcoin must stay simple by design, then advanced execution and functionality must exist outside of it. There is effectively no alternative approach.

This is precisely the space Bitcoin Hyper is designed to occupy. Execution is handled in a separate ecosystem, while Bitcoin continues to serve as the ultimate source of settlement and truth.

Bitcoin’s Design Prioritized Simplicity by Choice
Bitcoin was built as a form of money that cannot be altered, diluted, or controlled by any government, corporation, or small group of actors. Achieving that goal required a system engineered to be resilient above all else, even if it meant giving up speed and adaptability.

This is why Bitcoin depends on the stark simplicity of SHA-256. It is a one-way cryptographic function that avoids complexity and specialization, yet performs its role with unmatched reliability. Verification is fast and straightforward, while reversal is effectively impossible and this imbalance is what underpins Bitcoin’s security model.

FUN FACT: Bitcoin runs on SHA256—a one-way cryptographic function.

It’s what secures your sats with trillions of hashes per second.

Want to see how unbreakable that really is?
Watch this 👇 pic.twitter.com/SQ6iPGu918

— Simply Bitcoin (@SimplyBitcoin) April 24, 2025

Think of Bitcoin as the foundation. You don’t drill into bedrock every time you want to expand a structure you build on top of it, because the strength underneath is what supports everything above.

From the beginning, Bitcoin’s base layer was deliberately kept simple and conservative. By minimizing moving parts, it reduced attack vectors, limited governance risk, and ensured the system could be verified by anyone without relying on complicated logic. That discipline is a key reason Bitcoin remains the most secure and decentralized network in the crypto space.

Still, bedrock isn’t meant to be lived in it’s meant to support what’s built above it. Advanced features were never intended to operate on Bitcoin’s base layer, and forcing them there would erode the very attributes that give Bitcoin its value.

This is exactly why Bitcoin Hyper exists. It adds a layer above Bitcoin where advanced functionality can operate without modifying the underlying chain.

That execution layer is powered by the Solana Virtual Machine (SVM), pulling execution away from Bitcoin’s slower base layer and placing it into an environment optimized for speed and scalability. Transactions become fast and inexpensive, and complexity is no longer a limiting factor.

The result is more than simple “hybrid applications” it represents a deeper structural change. Bitcoin is no longer static. BTC moves through DeFi, gaming, and real economic use cases at Solana-level speeds, while final settlement still resolves back on Bitcoin. Fast at the top, immutable at the core.

The Infrastructure Play Powering Bitcoin’s Next Phase: HYPER
The Bitcoin Hyper framework is built around a single objective that Bitcoin itself has never achieved at scale: enabling BTC to function in everyday economic use. Within the Bitcoin Hyper environment, applications are designed to use Bitcoin directly as the means of exchange. Participation requires BTC, not a substitute or wrapper.

That is where the dynamic begins to change. When applications depend on BTC to operate, demand shifts away from pure speculation or macro-driven narratives and becomes embedded in actual usage. Bitcoin starts to resemble an active currency circulating through an ecosystem, rather than idle collateral sitting on the sidelines.

However, Bitcoin Hyper is doing more than expanding BTC’s utility. It also introduces an economic layer reminiscent of the early opportunities that first-generation Bitcoin supporters experienced. This execution layer requires energy to operate, and that role is fulfilled by HYPER.

The seat is optional.

Hyper carries the whole ecosystem anyway. ⚡️🔥https://t.co/VNG0P4GuDo pic.twitter.com/lNbiunomew

— Bitcoin Hyper (@BTC_Hyper2) December 10, 2025

HYPER functions as the network’s gas token, enabling transactions across the system, while also serving as the staking asset that contributes to network security and the governance token that guides its long-term direction. It is the mechanism through which growth at the execution layer is captured.

This is why the presale has already attracted more than $29.5 million, with investors positioning themselves early around the infrastructure they believe Bitcoin will need to sustain its next phase of growth.

At the current presale price of $0.013425, many see HYPER as reflecting early-stage development risk rather than the valuation of a fully operational ecosystem.

How to Purchase HYPER
To acquire HYPER, visit the official Bitcoin Hyper website and complete your purchase using SOL, ETH, USDT, USDC, BNB, or a credit card.

Bitcoin Hyper also recommends using Best Wallet, a widely used crypto and Bitcoin wallet. HYPER is already listed in Best Wallet’s Upcoming Tokens section, allowing users to buy, monitor, and later claim their tokens once the launch goes live.

You can also join the wider Bitcoin Hyper community by following the project on Telegram and X.

Dec 16, 2025, 7:28 a.m.

Axelar’s AXL token fell as much as 13% on Tuesday, according to CoinDesk market data, after stablecoin giant Circle said it had signed an agreement to acquire the team and proprietary intellectual property of Interop Labs, the initial and core developer behind the Axelar Network.

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STORY CONTINUES BELOW

The deal explicitly excludes the AXL token and the network itself from the acquisition.

Interop Labs’ engineers and IP will instead join Circle, while Common Prefix, another long-time contributor, is set to assume a larger role in maintaining and developing the Axelar ecosystem.

Axelar is a crypto network designed to help different blockchains communicate and transfer assets with each other.

Markets reacted swiftly as traders sold AXL after it became clear that the acquisition does not create direct value accrual for tokenholders, despite validating the underlying interoperability technology.

The move suggests potential buyers may be interested in teams, intellectual property, and enterprise-facing infrastructure — but not the tokens associated with open networks.

In Axelar’s case, Circle gains engineering talent and interoperability expertise that can support its broader stablecoin and payments ambitions, while AXL holders are left with no formal link to the transaction’s economics.

The token does not receive any buy pressure, revenue sharing, or governance influence over the acquired assets.

Such a deal challenges the assumption that protocol success automatically benefits token prices, and the takeaway is increasingly clear: M&A activity in crypto may strengthen infrastructure and teams, but unless a token is structurally tied into the deal, it can just as easily become collateral damage.

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StraitX to debut Singapore and U.S. dollar stablecoins on Solana for quick currency exchange

56 minutes ago

The debut will enable instant swaps between SGD and USD on Solana, facilitating digital forex trading.

What to know:

StraitX is looking to debut its XSGD and XUSD stablecoins on Solana in early 2026.The debut will enable instant swaps between SGD and USD on Solana, facilitating digital forex trading.Read full story

As artificial intelligence investment surpasses half a trillion dollars, crypto miners are increasingly repurposing their infrastructure to operate AI data centers, especially in North America and Western Europe. Web3 veteran and investor Rick Rose argues that developing markets—often overlooked due to perceived regulatory risk—offer a major advantage.

Costco and Dollar Tree are performing well in a challenging economy, but one has a stronger track record of success.

Consumers are looking for bargains today. That fact is highlighted by Dollar Tree (DLTR +1.00%), which is seeing more and more shoppers from higher income brackets. However, Costco (COST 2.70%) is also a leader in providing products at attractive prices. Which one is the better investment right now?

Very different business models
Costco is a club store, so consumers pay a yearly membership fee for the privilege of shopping in the retailer's warehouses. That fee makes up roughly half of the company's operating income. There is very little cost associated with memberships, so that income flows right into gross profit and earnings. However, this annuity-like income source also empowers the company to accept lower margins on the goods it sells. That allows Costco to offer prices so low that customers want to keep coming back, and paying their membership fees.

Image source: Getty Images.

Dollar Tree is really just a traditional retailer. It sells products at a low price point, which is the main draw for consumers. However, it has to lure customers into its stores based on its product offerings and price points. While Costco and Dollar Tree could both fall out of favor with consumers, Dollar Tree is more exposed to the risk of customers choosing to shop at a different store concept.

Both are doing well right now
Costco just reported strong fiscal second-quarter 2026 earnings. Same-store sales rose 6.4%, with traffic up 3.1%. Dollar Tree's comparable quarter, which was the third quarter of 2025, saw same store sales jump 4.2%. During the earnings call, management highlighted that it was seeing an increasing number of higher-income shoppers.

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That's an important distinction between Costco and Dollar Tree. Dollar Tree benefits from consumers who trade down. In the quarter, the company estimated that three million new households shopped at a Dollar Tree, 60% of which earned more than $100,000. Those customers are likely coming from retailers like Target, which offers a more premium shopping experience. Target's same-store sales fell 2.7% in the third quarter of 2025.

The big takeaway here is that trade-down customers can, and likely will, trade back up to a more premium shopping experience when they are less worried about the economy. By contrast, shopping at Costco is a long-term commitment. Although the selection at Costco is highly curated, the products are generally of high quality. Dollar Tree's stores are filled with lower-quality products that are inexpensive to purchase, although the company is working to upgrade its product assortment. However, higher-quality products also come with higher price tags, which shifts the low-price proposition to which consumers have long been attracted.

If the economy strengthens, it seems more likely that Costco's business will continue to thrive. Dollar Tree, however, could find that it loses the wealthier customers who are currently benefiting its business.

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The valuation is high in both cases
In general, Costco's club store model appears to be better positioned for long-term success. Investors are well aware of this fact, bidding the stock up to the point where it has a price-to-earnings ratio of 47 times. Dollar Tree's P/E ratio is a far lower 24.5 times. However, Costco's five-year average P/E is roughly 44 times, and Dollar Tree's five-year average P/E is about 21 times. Both stocks look expensive relative to their own histories.

If you are a value-focused investor, you likely won't want to invest in either of these retailers. Target would likely be a better choice, with its P/E of roughly 12 times below its five-year average of around 16 times. Growth investors, meanwhile, should probably tread with caution when considering Dollar Tree given its business model. And only aggressive growth investors will likely want to risk the lofty valuation being afforded to Costco, even though its business model and financial results are quite attractive.

Put Costco on the wish list, tread carefully with Dollar Tree
There's one more wrinkle when comparing Costco and Dollar Tree. Costco's business approach has remained consistent for decades: offering good products at low prices and opening new stores. Dollar Tree's most recent move, to expand its product assortment to include higher-priced items, comes after the disastrous acquisition of Family Dollar. That effort at growth came to an end in 2025 as Dollar Tree sold the store concept for billions less than it paid.

With a business model that has a proven track record, Costco will likely appeal to more investors. That said, most investors should probably put it on the wish list given its lofty valuation. If you do buy it right now, be prepared to hold for the long term. Paying a premium and holding has worked out well for Costco shareholders so far, but the current 15% drawdown could have further to run based on the stock's trading history.

1 hour ago

Users can now buy, swap, send, and receive Bitcoin directly within the popular Ethereum-focused wallet, expanding its multichain reach.

Crypto wallet giant MetaMask has announced it has added support for Bitcoin, hinting that more blockchain integrations will be rolled out next year. 

MetaMask announced the rollout to social media on Monday, ten months after it first teased it in February, revealing that Bitcoin (BTC) has now joined the ranks of supported assets from the Ethereum, Solana, Monad and Sei blockchains. 

“Any Bitcoin transactions you make will appear in your asset list once confirmed. Remember: Bitcoin transactions are typically slower than those on EVM or Solana networks,” MetaMask said. 

The move enables users to buy BTC, swap to BTC, send and receive BTC, with users being incentivized to use the asset, with any swaps into BTC earning people MetaMask reward points.  

Source: MetaMask Prior to this, MetaMask users could only gain exposure to BTC via wrapped versions of the asset.  

The BTC integration was first discussed back in February, with MetaMask’s Dan Finlay suggesting it would go live in the third quarter of 2025.

MetaMask goes from just Ethereum to multichainInitially developed to support the Ethereum ecosystem and EVM-compatible networks, MetaMask has been gradually expanding beyond this in 2025.  

MetaMask kicked things off with the Solana integration in May and followed that up with Sei in August and Monad in November. The firm has kept its cards close to its chest, but has indicated that more networks will be added next year. 

“Bitcoin support marks the latest step in our multichain expansion, following the launch of Monad and Sei earlier this year, with more networks to come in 2026,” MetaMask said. 

Magazine: Big questions: Would Bitcoin survive a 10-year power outage?

End of Fed tightening, possible rate cuts, and rising liquidity could favor risk assets like Bitcoin in 2026.

Bitcoin (BTC) is hovering near $90,000, with traders weighing near-term macro pressure against growing conviction that early 2026 could mark a defining phase for the crypto market.

The focus is shifting from short-term volatility to whether easing U.S. monetary policy and political tailwinds could set the stage for an aggressive upside move that some analysts place as high as $600,000.

Macro Forces and Market Structure Come into Focus
In a post shared on X earlier today, pseudonymous analyst Wise Crypto told their over 380,000 followers that an end to the Federal Reserve’s quantitative tightening, possible rate cuts, improving short-term liquidity through Treasury bill support, and the U.S. midterm election cycle could all lean in favor of risk assets.

The trader added that softer labor data may further tilt the Fed toward a more accommodative stance, a backdrop that some forecasters believe could push Bitcoin anywhere between $300,000 and $600,000 if conditions align.

That longer-term optimism contrasts with the current market happenings, which saw BTC slip below $88,000 during a familiar late-Sunday sell-off before rebounding to around $90,000 during Asia trading.

The move came ahead of a heavy U.S. data calendar, including CPI and Core PCE inflation prints, which analysts say will shape expectations for Fed policy heading into 2026.

Price action remains choppy rather than directional, with CoinGecko data showing Bitcoin down by about 0.4% in the last 24 hours and close to 2% during the week. The 30-day view shows a pullback of nearly 7%, but despite the weakness, the flagship cryptocurrency still commands close to 57% of total crypto market value.

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Sentiment, Technical Levels, and the 2026 Outlook
The discussion of a 2026 boom is occurring alongside a broader narrative of industry maturation. In commentary over the weekend, Binance co-CEO Richard Teng predicted the crypto industry will move “beyond hype and speculation” toward deeper integration into global finance by next year.

He pointed to the steady growth of Bitcoin held by public companies and ETFs, coupled with a drop in exchange balances, as signs of a shift toward long-term holding that could reduce volatility. Teng also expects corporate treasuries to diversify into major altcoins and anticipates more active engagement from governments on regulatory frameworks.

In the immediate term, traders are watching key technical levels, with analyst Michaël van de Poppe noting today that BTC is facing a crucial resistance zone near $90,000. According to him, a break above this area could open a path toward $92,000 to $94,000 and increase the chances of a move to $100,000. However, if resistance holds, a deeper correction is possible.

Community sentiment reflects that uncertainty. A poll posted by Titan of Crypto showed nearly 57% of respondents doubting that Bitcoin will reach $100,000 before 2026, while about 43% remain confident it will.

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Journalist

Posted: December 16, 2025

Quantum computing has made some progress, but not to the extent that it could pose a threat to the Bitcoin network and related wallets.

According to Adam Back, CEO of Blockstream and a cypherpunk who was once mistaken for Satoshi, quantum computers right now can’t crash BTC. 

He discredited a post that claimed that the only thing that could crash BTC by 99% from $87k to $3 is a quantum computer capable of cracking wallets and the entire network. 

Last month, Back said that quantum computers could only become stable and pose a threat to BTC in the next 20-40 years. 

Source: X

Still, the network could be secure by the time the risk becomes real. In fact, Blockstream researchers are already developing proposals for upgrading the Bitcoin network to a quantum-secure one. 

However, not everyone believes the threat is two decades away. 

Why quantum-secure BTC is urgent
Perhaps one of the most vocal investors about the risks of quantum computing is Charles Edwards, CEO of Capriole Investments. According to him, BTC has lagged behind gold in terms of price performance this year because of the risk. 

The best solution, he added, is to reach a consensus in 2026 and make the Bitcoin network quantum-resistant. 

Source: X

For perspective, quantum computers differ from current classical computers because they utilize the so-called qubits instead of typical solid-state chips that operate on 0 and 1. However, they are currently difficult to create, scale, and shield from errors (such as overheating). 

So far, IBM has a working prototype with about 1000 qubits, while Google and Microsoft have managed 50 and 8 qubits, respectively. Alas, the error rates have been extremely high. 

To crack the current Bitcoin cryptography, a quantum computer must have at least 2,500 logical and stable qubits that can operate for days without errors. That’s why experts like Adam Back view the threat as a long-term issue, rather than an immediate or mid-term risk. 

Bitcoin holders seek relative security
In fact, most of the top firms that are pushing for quantum computers will be at risk if they develop one without proper safeguards. Based on this premise, even Strategy founder Michael Saylor has downplayed the mid-term threats posed by quantum computers to Bitcoin. 

“Google and Microsoft won’t sell you a quantum computer that cracks modern cryptography because it’ll destroy them, the US government, and the banking system.”

In the meantime, some top holders are already migrating to more resistant Bitcoin addresses (Segwit, blue) from the latest format (taproot, purple).

According to BTC analyst Willy Woo, Segwit reduces “quantum long range attacks” if the address is not reused. 

The number of Segwit addresses has been increasing since 2024. 

Source: Glassnode

Final Thoughts

Cryptography experts believe that it could take decades for quantum computers to crack the Bitcoin network. 
Some investors have already migrated to relatively secure Segwit addresses. 

Stablecoin issuer Circle has acquired Interop Labs, the initial developer of the Axelar network.

This deal excludes the Axelar Network, Foundation, and AXL token, which will continue to operate independently. Common Prefix will take over development responsibilities.

Sponsored

Circle to Bring Interop Labs Team and Technology In-HouseCircle, the company behind the second-largest stablecoin USDC, announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Interop Labs’ team and proprietary technology.

The stablecoin issuer plans to integrate this team to accelerate progress on its Arc blockchain and Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol (CCTP). Circle said it expects the acquisition to close in early 2026.

“Our goal is to make blockchain connectivity seamless, and bringing the Interop Labs team into Circle will accelerate the Arc and CCTP roadmaps toward building the hub for multichain internet finance,” Nikhil Chandhok, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Circle, stated.

Meanwhile, both Circle and Interop Labs emphasized that the deal does not include the Axelar network.

“As the Interop Labs team transitions to Circle, the Axelar Network, Foundation and the AXL token will continue to operate independently under community governance and open source intellectual property will remain open source,” Circle added.

Sponsored

Common Prefix, a long-time contributor to the Axelar Network, will now lead the network’s development. In a recent X (formerly Twitter) post, the team outlined its main priorities for 2026.

The 2026 focus areas include expanding Axelar through new protocols and asset classes, reallocating away from underperforming chains, introducing co-staking of blue-chip assets to strengthen economic security, preparing the network for institutional use through improvements in privacy and compliance, and exploring gasless bridging to enable zero-fee transfers using idle gateway capital.

“Common Prefix is a team of scientists and engineers. Our scientists are post-docs, PhDs, and professors with strong academic backgrounds from renowned universities worldwide. We are an unapologetically multichain team, with deep expertise in Ethereum, XRP Ledger, Sui, Solana, Cosmos, and Bitcoin (having co-invented BitVM). We believe in a multichain world, where different chains can be used for different purposes. Axelar’s interoperability layer is an indispensable component that enables them to communicate,” the team stated.

Market Reaction and Community ConcernsThe market reacted quickly to the acquisition news. The AXL token’s price plunged, extending its broader downtrend. At the time of writing, the altcoin traded at $0.11. This represented a decline of nearly 13% over the past day.

Sponsored

However, it’s worth noting that the decline is not isolated. Over the past day, the broader cryptocurrency market has declined by nearly 4%, with major assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum in the red.

Axelar (AXL) Price Performance. Source: TradingViewThe move has also caused concerns among some community members. Crypto commentator Nick described the deal as “very concerning” for AXL holders.

“Being an AXL holder/supporter myself, I can’t help but to feel used in a very predatory way here. It feels like they utilized AXL as a monetization tool with retail + VCs being the bread & butter to build the platform. Then at the end of the day sell the platform which is basically everything of value to Circle,” he noted.

Sponsored

Furthermore, another analyst stressed that the situation highlights what they described as the “token versus equity problem” in the crypto industry.

“You funded the project. You took the risk. You have no claim on the exit. Tokens aren’t shares. They never were. ‘Remains independent and community-governed’ = the people who built it are leaving for greener pastures,” Steady Crypto posted.

The commentator also noted that although Common Prefix has stepped in as the network’s new lead developer, there is no obligation for any team to remain indefinitely.

“Until crypto solves this, every token is a bet that the team sticks around – with zero contractual obligation that they will,” the analyst commented.

While the announcement has clearly shaken confidence among AXL holders, the project’s future now hinges on whether Common Prefix can successfully execute its roadmap and rebuild trust in Axelar’s long-term value proposition.

A crypto crash is happening today, with Bitcoin and top altcoins like Dogecoin (DOGE), Pi Network (PI), Cardano (ADA), Aster (ASTER), and Ondo (ONDO) falling by over 5%. The market cap of all tokens dropped by over 4% in the last 24 hours to $2.93 trillion. This article explores why the crypto market crash is happening today.

Crypto market cap has crashed | Source: CMCCrypto crash is happening amid risk-off sentiment 
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One main reason why the crypto market is happening is that investors have embraced a risk-off sentiment as the artificial intelligence (AI) jitters continued.

These jitters explain why top indices like the Dow Jones, S&P 500, and Nasdaq 100 continued to drop on Monday. The Dow Jones fell by 105 points, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 dropped by 40 and 20 basis points, respectively.

Top AI companies like Nvidia, Broadcom, CoreWeave, and Oracle continued their downtrend, which has now erased over $1.5 trillion in value in the past few weeks alone.

There are risks that the AI bubble is bursting, a move that would have an impact across other asset classes like cryptocurrencies and bonds because of the correlation that exists among them.

Jitters in the AI industry accelerated last week when Oracle published its results. While its revenue and RPO growth continued growing, its negative free cash flow and elevated debt levels raised concerns among investors.

Oracle’s credit profile continues to worsen. The company’s CDS spread (cost of insuring against default) has climbed to 151bps, its highest level since 2009 – a warning sign not just for Oracle but for the broader AI sector. Markets are now pricing in a probability of default of

US macro data ahead 
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The other main reason why the crypto market is crashing today is that investors are waiting for the upcoming macro data from the United States.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) will publish the October non-farm payrolls (NFP) report later on Tuesday and the latest consumer price index (CPI) report on Thursday this week.

Economists expect the upcoming report to show that the economy added 55k jobs in October, much lower than the 110k it created in the previous month. The labor report will likely be affected by government employees who took Donald Trump’s voluntary retirement, which kicked off on September 30.

Meanwhile, data compiled by Trading Economics is expected to show that the headline and Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose to 3% in November. 

These numbers will come a week after the Federal Reserve delivered a 0.25% rate cut and hinted that it would cut once in 2026. The pace of cuts will depend on the upcoming data. For example, the bank may deliver more cuts in 2026 if inflation shows signs of coming down.

Bank of Japan interest rate decision 
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The crypto market crash is happening as investors wait for the upcoming Bank of Japan interest rate decision on Friday this week.

Economists polled by Reuters and Polymarket data shows that the bank will hike interest rates by 0.25% to a multi-decade high of 0.75%.

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,

The bank’s goal for hiking interest rates is to combat the elevated consumer inflation, which has remained at 3% in the past few months. This inflation may continue rising in the coming months as the impact of the new stimulus package requested by Sanae Takaichi flows through the economy.

Data shows that cryptocurrencies normally drop when the BoJ hikes interest rates because of the perception that the Japanese borrowed cheaply and invested in assets. As rates rise, these investors do the opposite and sell these assets as part of their winding down of the carry trade.

Falling futures open interest 
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The crypto crash is happening as investors continue to reduce their leverage in the crypto industry, which soared during this year’s bull run.

CoinGlass data shows that the futures open interest has tumbled to $129 billion, down by 4% in the last 24 hours. It dropped from the October high of over $255 billion. A drop in open interest is risky for the crypto market as it reduces the demand.

Futures open interest | Source: CoinGlassMeanwhile, liquidations soared by 109% in the last 24 hours, with nearly 200k traders being liquidated. Ethereum, Bitcoin, Solana, and XRP positions worth over $233 million, $180 million, $37 million, and $15.6 million were liquidated in the last 24 hours.

"By Christmas, Ethereum is more likely to challenge the upside than suffer a deep collapse," ChatGPT stated.

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aiming to provide informative insights to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy,
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Bitwise Solana Staking ETF records its first outflow since its launch amid extreme fear sentiment in the broader crypto market. Daily trading volume on BSOL hits a new low as institutions panic over potential crash. SOL price tumbles more than 6% to $124 lows on Tuesday.

Bitwise Solana Staking ETF (BSOL) Breaks Inflow Streak
Bitwise Solana Staking ETF saw $4.6 million in outflow, according to Farside Investors data on December 16. This marks the first-ever outflow from the leading fund offering 100% direct exposure to SOL with built-in staking rewards.

BSOL sold almost 36.86k SOL, recording its lowest daily trading volume. It indicates negative sentiment among investors, marking a notable shift amid the latest crypto market crash.

Bitwise Solana ETF, offering 100% direct exposure to SOL with built-in staking rewards, has maintained strong institutional interest since its launch in late October despite extreme fear sentiment in the crypto market.

However, the latest outflow signals panic among institutional investors ahead of a potential rate hike by the Bank of Japan (BOJ) later this week. Also, experts believe there will be a potential decline in trading volumes in the coming days due to the holiday season.

Spot Solana ETFs Flows. Source: Farside Investors
Meanwhile, net inflows into spot Solana ETFs were $35.20 million. Fidelity Solana ETF (FSOL) saw $38.7 million in inflows on Monday. This was the largest inflow to date in the FSOL. Other SOL ETFs saw minimal inflows.

SOL Price Tanks amid Bearish Sentiment
SOL price fell by more than 6% over the past 24 hours, currently trading around $126. The 24-hour low and high are $124 and $134.72, respectively.

Furthermore, trading volume has increased by 73% over the last 24 hours. The rise comes as traders buy the dip amid news that CME’s spot-quoted Solana futures launch.

Moreover, Ondo Finance announces expansion to the Solana network in early 2026, bringing tokenized stocks, bonds, and ETFs to the blockchain.

CoinGlass data also shows massive selling in the derivatives market amid outflow from Bitwise Solana ETF. At the time of writing, the total SOL futures open interest dropped almost 2% to $7.09 billion in the last 4 hours.

Crypto analyst Ali Martinez pointed out that Solana is stuck between $145 and $124. Further pullback could trigger massive liquidations.

Solana 4-Hour Price Chart. Source: Ali Martinez
The 24-hour futures open interest dropped by more than 4%, with declines of 4% and 0.90% on CME and Binance, respectively. This signals negative sentiment among derivatives traders amid a broader pullback in the crypto market.

A well-known early Bitcoin holder is sitting on a steep paper loss as crypto prices slide and leverage begins to work in reverse.

Summary

An early Bitcoin holder is facing about $54M in unrealized losses on large BTC, ETH and SOL long positions.
The drawdown comes as crypto markets weaken, liquidations rise, and fear levels deepen.
Analysts continue to warn that high leverage remains risky during periods of macro and policy uncertainty.

The data was shared on Dec. 16 by on-chain analytics platform Onchain Lens. According to the analysis, the address, often referred to as a “Bitcoin OG,” is currently facing an unrealized loss of about $54 million across large long positions in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana.

The trader had previously been up more than $119 million, but profits have now dropped to roughly $50 million as the market weakened.

Large long positions under pressure
The wallet has long positions with a total notional value of roughly $674 million. The biggest exposure is in Ethereum, where the trader has an average entry price of about $3,167 and is long about 190,900 ETH, worth close to $563 million.

Additionally, the account has 250,000 SOL, valued at about $31.5 million, entered around $137, and 1,000 BTC, valued at about $86 million, entered near $91,500.

All positions are one-sided longs, with no hedging through shorts. Because the margin usage ratio is nearly 75%, there is minimal room for error if prices continue to drop.

Although there are currently no signs of forced liquidations, the drawdown demonstrates how quickly conditions can change when substantial leverage is involved.

Market slide fuels losses
The losses come during a sharp pullback across the broader crypto market. Bitcoin dropped toward the $85,000 area, while Ethereum fell below $3,000 and Solana slid to around $126. Total crypto market capitalization declined about 5% to near $3.05 trillion.

Liquidations increased 126% over the previous day to $649 million, according to CoinGlass derivatives data, indicating growing stress among leveraged traders. At the same time, the Crypto Fear & Greed Index fell to 11, indicating deep risk aversion.

Market uncertainty has been amplified by macro concerns, including questions around U.S. monetary leadership and growing caution around risk assets. Several analysts have warned that high leverage is dangerous in this environment, even for experienced traders.

Fundstrat chairman Tom Lee said in a recent X post that assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum remain highly sensitive to shifts in risk perception, but he views sharp pullbacks as opportunities for long-term accumulation rather than aggressive leverage. His view reflects a shift among market participants toward caution, as volatility continues to punish crowded positions.

For now, the Bitcoin OG’s positions is still open, but the episode serves as a clear reminder of the risks of high leverage.

As the week began, the XRP price experienced a 4% decline, bringing it nearly 50% below its all-time highs. However, analysts forecast significant gains for one of the market’s leading altcoins in January 2026, citing three major catalysts that could reshape its market outlook.

A Major Step Towards Broader Access
In a recent analysis, Sam Daodu, a market expert from 24/7 Wall St., emphasized the importance of Vanguard’s decision to approve trading of XRP exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

Daodu emphasized that the real significance lies in the facilitation of distribution; with Vanguard’s advisors able to allocate XRP exposure through regulated ETFs without additional cumbersome processes.

He indicated that three interrelated factors are now at play: the influx of institutional capital through ETF investments, a reduction in supply, and the influence of Vanguard in altering the approach towards the asset.

Notably, the results of the token’s exchange-traded fund launch have already been notable, with XRP inflows hitting $1 billion within the first four weeks of trading, making it one of the fastest-growing crypto ETF launches to date. 

Additionally, XRP’s market supply has contracted significantly, dropping by 45% from approximately 3.9 billion tokens at the beginning of 2025 to about 1.6 billion by December. 

This contraction can be attributed to large holders refraining from distributing their tokens, leading to an accumulation in whale wallets and the removal of tokens from liquid markets due to ETF custody.

This decreased supply implies that smaller inflows now carry greater influence. With only 1.6 billion tokens available on exchanges, investments of $20-30 million in daily ETF purchases can have a substantive impact on market supply. 

A Key Driver For Price Appreciation 
The Vanguard XRP ETF launch is particularly significant in this context, as it locks tokens into regulated custody vehicles that are less likely to be sold frequently. 

Unlike tokens held on exchanges that can be quickly moved in and out, ETF custody tends to encourage a buy-and-hold strategy, fostering conditions for gradual price appreciation fueled by sustained institutional demand amid a diminishing available supply.

Given that the decision to provide ETF access came late in the year, year-end trading typically focuses on maintaining existing allocations rather than creating new positions. 

While the ETF adds credibility to XRP without causing immediate price pressure, its journey to a $3 valuation by January will depend on how swiftly advisory capital mobilizes, the durability of supply compression, and the overall stability of the markets.

XRP Price Path To $3
Three potential scenarios present themselves for XRP’s future. The most optimistic scenario sees advisory capital moving quicker than typical, perhaps allowing advisors to integrate small XRP allocations during January’s rebalancing. 

In this case, XRP ETF inflows could remain robust, ranging from $40-60 million daily, while the locked-up supply on exchanges supports a price increase that could see the XRP price surpass $2.25, aim for $2.60, and potentially test $3 by the end of January.

The middle-ground perspective suggests a more conventional institutional timing. In this scenario, while the XRP ETF access will gain attention in December, actual allocations might ramp up gradually, leading to a daily influx of about $20-30 million instead of the earlier expected pace. 

Here, the XRP price could establish higher lows and breach the $2.25 mark, facing resistance between $2.40 and $2.80. Price fluctuations would focus more on future adoption rather than immediate implications.

According to Daodu’s conclusions, and given these circumstances, the XRP price reaching $3 could take until the first or second quarter of 2026 rather than being an immediate milestone. 

The daily chart shows XRP trending downwards and losing the key $2 mark. Source: XRPUSDT on TradingView.com
Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com

The official X account tied to popular meme cryptocurrency Dogecoin (CRYPTO: DOGE) revisited on Monday the viral "DOGE to the moon" song from 2021.

Dogecoin described the song by social media influencer Natalie Burdick as an "earworm" that will be stuck in one's head forever. 

The song features lyrics like, “We’re gonna take Dogecoin to the moon, making this crypto mean $1 soon."

See Also: Dogecoin (DOGE) Price Prediction 2025, 2026, 2030

Dream Phase For DOGE Over?The song was first posted during the 2021 bull run when the dog-themed memecoin surged nearly 6000%. But as things turned out, it fell short of the $1 mark, peaking at $0.73.

Since then, the currency has failed to reach those levels, with last year’s $0.45 coming the closest. As of this writing, DOGE traded 82% below its all-time high.

Moreover, DOGE is down 60% year-to-date, making it one of the worst large-cap losers in 2025. Its open interest has collapsed 77% since the highs seen in mid-September, according to Coinglass.

Price Action: At the time of writing, DOGE was exchanging hands at $0.1289, down 5.06% in the last 24 hours, according to data from Benzinga Pro.

Read Next: 

Mark Cuban Called Meme Coins ‘Musical Chairs’ A Year Ago: As 2025 Ends, The Floor’s Dropped From Under Most—Including His Favorite, Dogecoin
Photo Courtesy: Akif CUBUK on Shutterstock.com

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Crypto Journalist

Amin Ayan

Crypto Journalist

Amin Ayan

Part of the Team Since

Apr 2025

About Author

Amin Ayan is a crypto journalist with over four years of experience in the industry. He has contributed to leading publications such as Cryptonews, Investing.com, 99Bitcoins, and 24/7 Wall St. He has...

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December 16, 2025

Crypto wallet provider MetaMask has expanded its multichain push by adding native support for Bitcoin, marking a notable shift for a platform long associated with Ethereum-based networks.

Key Takeaways:

MetaMask added native Bitcoin support, allowing users to buy, swap, and send BTC directly from the wallet.
The move replaces wrapped Bitcoin exposure and reflects MetaMask’s shift away from being an Ethereum-only wallet.
MetaMask says more blockchain integrations are planned as part of its broader multichain expansion.

The company announced the rollout on social media on Monday, nearly ten months after first hinting at the integration in February.

With the update, Bitcoin now joins Ethereum, Solana, Monad and Sei as supported assets within MetaMask, allowing users to hold and transact BTC directly from the wallet.

MetaMask Lets Users Buy, Swap and Send BitcoinMetaMask said users can now buy Bitcoin, swap other tokens into BTC, and send or receive the asset, with confirmed transactions appearing automatically in their asset list.

The company cautioned that Bitcoin transfers typically settle more slowly than transactions on EVM-compatible chains or Solana, reflecting the network’s design.

To encourage adoption, MetaMask is offering reward points for users who swap into Bitcoin through the wallet.

Until now, access to BTC on MetaMask was limited to wrapped versions of the asset, which rely on intermediaries and carry additional smart contract risk.

The Bitcoin integration was first discussed earlier this year, when MetaMask co-founder Dan Finlay suggested the feature could go live in the third quarter of 2025.

Its arrival underscores the company’s broader effort to reposition itself as a multichain wallet rather than an Ethereum-only tool.

MetaMask began that transition in May with support for Solana, followed by integrations with Sei in August and Monad in November. While details remain limited, the firm has signaled that further blockchain support is planned.

“Bitcoin support marks the latest step in our multichain expansion,” MetaMask said, adding that additional networks are expected to be added in 2026.

MetaMask to Integrate PolymarketAs reported, MetaMask has entered the prediction market space through a new integration with Polymarket, allowing users to trade on real-world event outcomes directly from their wallets.

The feature introduces one-tap funding, enabling deposits from any EVM-compatible chain, and rewards users with MetaMask points for each prediction placed.

The partnership creates a new on-ramp for Polymarket, which has seen rapid growth over the past year, particularly during the 2024 US election cycle.

A more favorable regulatory backdrop and renewed US market access have helped drive its expansion, with the platform now reportedly exploring a valuation of up to $15 billion following a strategic investment from Intercontinental Exchange, the parent company of the NYSE.

The wallet is also preparing for the rollout of a native MASK token, as parent company Consensys gears up for a potential IPO.

The move comes as Polymarket is recruiting staff for an internal market-making team that would trade against its own customers, mirroring a controversial feature already used by rival Kalshi that has drawn criticism and legal challenges.

The New York-based prediction market startup has reportedly approached traders, including sports bettors, to join the new unit, people familiar with the matter said, requesting anonymity because the plans remain private.

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XRP ETF Inflows Hit 30 Days Straight as Bitcoin and Ethereum Face OutflowsAs reported by leading on-chain analytics firm Coin Bureau, U.S. spot XRP ETFs have recorded 30 straight days of net inflows since launch, outperforming Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, which continue to face sustained outflows.

Source:  Coin BureauLatest data shows U.S. spot XRP ETFs have attracted approximately $990.9 million in net inflows, lifting total net assets to around $1.18 billion in just one month. 

This rapid capital accumulation highlights a decisive shift in institutional and investor sentiment, positioning XRP as one of the strongest performers in the regulated digital asset investment landscape.

Well, the persistence of these inflows is especially noteworthy. While ETF launches often spark brief surges of interest, sustaining positive flows for 30 consecutive days signals more than short-term speculation. 

It reflects durable investor conviction, driven by XRP’s expanding role in cross-border payments, improving regulatory clarity, and renewed confidence in its long-term utility.

By contrast, Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, long viewed as the anchors of institutional crypto exposure, have recently seen net outflows. These exits likely reflect profit-taking, portfolio rebalancing, or heightened caution amid broader market uncertainty. 

Against this backdrop, XRP’s persistent inflows signal a clear rotation of capital toward assets offering stronger near-term narratives and asymmetric upside potential.

XRP ETF demand is also being driven by its clearly differentiated utility. Unlike Bitcoin’s “digital gold” narrative or Ethereum’s dominance in smart contracts, XRP is directly aligned with real-world payment infrastructure. 

As financial institutions accelerate the search for faster, lower-cost cross-border settlement solutions, XRP’s role as a blockchain-based payments rail is increasingly resonating with investors seeking functional exposure rather than purely speculative bets.

The nearly $1 billion in inflows adds further significance. Achieved in a short timeframe, this milestone highlights a growing appetite for crypto ETF diversification beyond BTC and ETH. 

More importantly, it signals a shift in institutional behavior, capital is being allocated more deliberately, guided by utility, adoption potential, and strengthening regulatory clarity rather than legacy dominance alone.

For now, XRP’s 30-day inflow streak ranks among the clearest signals in the digital asset market, pointing to a quiet yet decisive shift in investor capital and conviction.

ConclusionXRP’s 30-day streak of continuous ETF inflows signals a pivotal shift in crypto investing. While Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs see outflows, XRP has drawn nearly $1 billion, highlighting rising institutional confidence in its utility-driven value. 

Sustained momentum could mark a broader capital rotation toward assets prioritizing practical adoption, regulatory clarity, and long-term growth over speculation.

JPMorgan Asset Management has launched its first tokenized money market fund on Ethereum, offering qualified investors on-chain access to U.S. dollar yields backed by Treasuries. The move signals growing institutional confidence in public blockchain infrastructure.

CAMBRIDGE, England & BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Bicycle Therapeutics plc (NASDAQ: BCYC), a pharmaceutical company pioneering a new and differentiated class of therapeutics based on its proprietary bicyclic peptide (Bicycle®) technology, today announced it has entered into a 15-year contract including an option to renew with the UK Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) for access to up to 400 tonnes of reprocessed uranium (RepU). RepU continually regenerates providing a potentially sustainable s.

Soccer fans can celebrate the FIFA World Cup 26™ while enjoying a signature luxury experience at sea

, /PRNewswire/ -- Seabourn, the leader in luxury cruising and expedition travel, announced that it has secured the rights from IMG to broadcast the FIFA World Cup 26™ live across its ocean fleet. From June 11 through July 19, 2026, guests aboard Seabourn's three ocean ships will have the opportunity to watch all 104 matches of the tournament, hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, on Sport 24 Special Event Channels.

Whether sailing through the historic ports of the Mediterranean or cruising the rugged coastlines of Alaska, guests on board can enjoy every moment of the world's most celebrated sporting event.

"Soccer is the most popular sport across the globe, and the FIFA World Cup™ is its pinnacle event," said Mark Tamis, president of Seabourn. "We know how important it is for our guests to experience these matches live while traveling to extraordinary destinations on board our ships. This is just one more way we deliver unforgettable moments at sea, where the thrill of global sport meets the elegance of luxury travel."

Kate Garden, Commercial Director, IMG, added: "The FIFA World Cup 26™ represents a truly global celebration of sport, and we are pleased to support Seabourn in delivering an unforgettable viewing experience for fans on board. Guests will be able to enjoy the atmosphere and excitement of the tournament as we bring the spirit of the stadiums to sea next summer."

Booking a 2026 voyage means guests can look forward to uninterrupted FIFA World Cup 26™ access via Sport 24 Special Event Channels, from the comfort of their suite to dynamic shipboard settings where fans come together.

Sample voyages during tournament time include:

7-Day Turkey & Greek Isle Gems – June 28 to July 4th on Seabourn Quest.
14-Day Jewels of the British Isles – June 27th to July 11th on Seabourn Ovation.
14-Day Alaska Glaciers, Fjords & Inside Passage – June 26th to July 10th on Seabourn Encore.
21-Day Midsummer Magic: Icelandic & Norwegian Fjords – June 6th to June 27th on Seabourn Ovation.

For more information or to explore the worldwide selection of Seabourn cruising options, call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391, visit www.Seabourn.com or contact a professional travel advisor.

About Seabourn:
Seabourn represents the pinnacle of ultra-luxury ocean and expedition travel and operates a suite of six modern ships. The all-inclusive, boutique ships offer all-suite accommodations with oceanfront views; award-winning dining; complimentary premium spirits and fine wines available at all times; renowned service provided by an industry-leading crew; a relaxed, sociable atmosphere that makes guests feel at home; a pedigree in expedition travel through the Ventures by Seabourn program and two new ultra-luxury purpose-built expedition ships, including Seabourn Venture that launched in 2022 and Seabourn Pursuit in 2023. Seabourn takes travelers to every continent on the globe, visiting more than 400 ports including marquee cities and lesser-known ports and hideaways. Guests of Seabourn experience extraordinary offerings and programs, including partnerships with leading entertainers, dining, personal health and wellbeing, and engaging speakers. 

Seabourn is a brand of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL andNYSE: CUK). 

About IMG
IMG is a leading global sports marketing agency, specializing in media rights management and sales, multi-channel content production and distribution, brand partnerships, strategic consulting, digital services, and events management. It powers growth of revenues, fanbases and IP for more than 250 federations, associations, events, and teams, including the National Football League, English Premier League, International Olympic Committee, National Hockey League, Major League Soccer, ATP and WTA Tours, the AELTC (Wimbledon), Euroleague Basketball, CONMEBOL, DP World Tour, and The R&A, as well as UFC, WWE, and PBR. IMG is a subsidiary of TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: TKO), a premium sports and entertainment company.

Find Seabourn on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest.

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PARSIPPANY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)---- $ZTS #animalhealth--Zoetis Inc. (NYSE: ZTS) (the “Company” or “Zoetis”) today announced that it has priced its previously announced offering of $1.75 billion aggregate principal amount of 0.25% convertible senior notes due 2029 (the “Notes”) in a private offering to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Zoetis has also granted the initial purchasers of the Notes an o.

Press Release - Kering and Ardian finalize an agreement on a NY property - 16 12 25

PRESS RELEASE December 16, 2025 KERING AND ARDIAN FINALIZE A JOINT VENTURE AGREEMENT FOR A LANDMARK NEW YORK PROPERTY

Kering and Ardian today announced the execution of a joint venture agreement effective immediately regarding the Kering property located at 715-717 Fifth Avenue in New York City. This exceptional location on one of the world’s most iconic avenues comprises multi-level luxury retail spaces totaling approximately 115,000 sq. ft (10,700 sq. m.).

Following the partnership concluded earlier this year, Kering is contributing this asset to a newly created joint venture with Ardian, which will hold a 60% stake, with Kering retaining 40%. Kering's interest in the joint venture will be accounted for under the equity method as of today.

The transaction amounted to USD900 million (EUR766 million), with net proceeds for Kering USD690 million (EUR587 million).

Jean-Marc Duplaix, Kering Chief Operating Officer, declared: “As we continue to execute our strategy regarding the management of our real estate portfolio, we are pursuing our successful partnership with leading investment firm Ardian. Like the investment agreement already signed in Paris, this transaction allows us to secure another long term highly prominent retail location for our Houses while enhancing our financial flexibility”.

Stéphanie Bensimon, Member of the Executive Committee and Head of Real Estate at Ardian, commented: "We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Kering. 715-717 Fifth Avenue offers exceptional visibility and long-term value. This marks Ardian’s first real estate investment in the United States and our strategic expansion into this highly attractive market.”

Omar Fjer, Head of Real Estate France and Managing Director at Ardian, concluded: "This transaction reflects Ardian’s expertise in structuring innovative partnerships and securing assets with exceptional fundamentals. We are truly committed to acquiring and managing ultra prime assets in the most sought-after locations, which deliver lasting value for our stakeholders.”

About Kering

Kering is a global, family-led luxury group, home to people whose passion and expertise nurture creative Houses across ready-to-wear and couture, leather goods, jewelry, eyewear and beauty: Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, McQueen, Brioni, Boucheron, Pomellato, Dodo, Qeelin, Ginori 1735, as well as Kering Eyewear and Kering Beauté. Inspired by their creative heritage, Kering’s Houses design and craft exceptional products and experiences that reflect the Group’s commitment to excellence, sustainability and culture. This vision is expressed in our signature: Creativity is our Legacy. In 2024, Kering employed 47,000 people and generated revenue of €17.2 billion.

Contacts

Press  Emilie Gargatte+33 (0)1 45 64 61 [email protected]     Caroline Bruel        +33 (0)1 45 64 62 [email protected]    Analysts/investors  Philippine de Schonen+33 (0)6 13 45 68 [email protected] Aurélie Husson-Dumoutier+33 (0)1 45 64 60 [email protected] About Ardian

In a world of constant evolution, Ardian stands out for its ability to anticipate, adapt, and turn challenges into opportunities. As a global, diversified private markets firm with 22 offices and more than 350 investment professionals worldwide, we provide investment and customized solutions that reflect new economic dynamics and help our clients remain resilient in a changing world.
We deliver multi-local expertise and long-term performance for our investors and partners as well as shared value for the broader society. Since Ardian’s inception in 1996, our pioneering approach to diversification and our ability to offer tailor-made solutions at scale have remained the heart of our strategy. Through commitment, knowledge and technology, we bring lasting value to our companies and contribute positively to the whole industry. Ardian currently manages or advises $196bn for more than 1,890 clients worldwide across Private Equity, Real Assets, and Credit.
Ardian. Mastering change for lasting value.
ardian.com

Contacts

Press Release - Kering and Ardian finalize an agreement on a NY property - 16 12 25

The sale hints at profit-taking in a stock that’s executing operationally but facing tougher questions about durability and valuation.

Aristotle Capital Boston disclosed in a November 14 SEC filing that it sold 503,122 shares of Supernus Pharmaceuticals (SUPN +0.25%), contributing to a reduction in its position by about $10.9 million.

What HappenedAccording to a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing dated November 14, Aristotle Capital Boston reduced its holdings in Supernus Pharmaceuticals (SUPN +0.25%) by 503,122 shares in the third quarter. The fund’s overall position decreased to 305,273 shares with a reported value of $14.6 million as of September 30. The estimated value of shares sold was approximately $10.9 million.

What Else to KnowSupernus represents about 0.75% of 13F AUM as of September 30.

Top holdings after the filing: 

NASDAQ:HURN: $54 million (2.8% of AUM)NASDAQ:ACIW: $44.6 million (2.3% of AUM)NYSE:DY: $44 million (2.3% of AUM)NASDAQ:HQY: $41.3 million (2.1% of AUM)NASDAQ:MTSI: $40.6 million (2.1% of AUM)As of Monday, Supernus shares were priced at $47.28, up about 31% over the past year and well outperforming the S&P 500, which is up about 13% in the same period.

Company OverviewMetricValuePrice (as of Monday)$47.28Market Capitalization$2.7 billionRevenue (TTM)$681.5 millionNet Income (TTM)($19.1 million)Company SnapshotSupernus Pharmaceuticals offers branded pharmaceuticals for central nervous system (CNS) disorders, including epilepsy, migraine, ADHD, and Parkinson's disease; key products include Trokendi XR, Oxtellar XR, Qelbree, and several Parkinson's therapies.The company generates revenue primarily through the development, commercialization, and sale of proprietary CNS therapies, distributed via pharmaceutical wholesalers, specialty pharmacies, and distributors.It targets neurologists, psychiatrists, and other healthcare professionals treating patients with CNS disorders in the United States.Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a mid-cap biopharmaceutical company specializing in therapies for central nervous system disorders. With a diversified portfolio of marketed products and a pipeline spanning late-stage to preclinical assets, the company leverages proprietary formulations and targeted commercial strategies. Its focus on specialty conditions and established distribution channels supports a defensible market position in the U.S. CNS therapeutics sector.

Foolish TakeSupernus stock has rallied sharply over the past year and outperformed the broader market, but it remains well below its historical highs. That combination often invites trimming rather than doubling down, especially when a position has become less central to a diversified portfolio.

Operationally, Supernus continues to show momentum. Third-quarter revenue rose 9% year over year to $192.1 million, driven by strong growth from its four key growth products, which collectively grew more than 50%. Qelbree and GOCOVRI continued to expand, while ONAPGO contributed its first full quarter of sales following launch. The company also raised full-year revenue guidance, reflecting confidence in near-term execution.

Still, profitability remains uneven. GAAP results swung to a net loss year over year, largely due to acquisition-related costs tied to the Sage deal, while adjusted operating earnings declined year over year. With more than $280 million in cash on hand, Supernus has flexibility, but investors must weigh growth against rising expenses and integration risk. Ultimately, the trim likely suggests a preference for reallocating capital toward higher-conviction holdings rather than a loss of faith.

Glossary13F: A quarterly SEC filing required from institutional investment managers disclosing their equity holdings.
Assets Under Management (AUM): The total market value of investments managed by a fund or investment firm.
Reportable Assets: Investments that must be disclosed in regulatory filings, such as those listed in a 13F report.
Stake: The amount of ownership or shares held in a company by an investor or fund.
Top Holdings: The largest investments in a fund’s portfolio, typically ranked by market value.
Outperforming: Achieving a higher return than a benchmark or index over a specific period.
Mid-cap: A company with a market capitalization generally between $2 billion and $10 billion.
Proprietary Formulations: Unique drug compositions owned and developed by a specific company.
Pipeline: The portfolio of drug candidates a pharmaceutical company is developing, from preclinical to late-stage trials.
Distribution Channels: The methods or intermediaries a company uses to deliver products to customers or end users.
Wholesalers: Companies that buy products in bulk from manufacturers and sell them to retailers or other distributors.
TTM: The 12-month period ending with the most recent quarterly report.

Jonathan Ponciano has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Huron Consulting Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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