Market Signal Briefing

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Ethereum was one of the best-performing cryptocurrencies in the market over the past week, with its price jumping mid-week to as high as $3,400. Interestingly, the “king of altcoins” is now barely hanging on to the psychological $3,000 price level.

On Friday, December 12, the crypto market felt a wave of bearish pressure, with most large-cap assets witnessing significant price corrections on the day. According to the latest on-chain data, the Ethereum market appears to be experiencing heavy selling pressure.

Ethereum Taker Volume Sees Notable Spike
In a new post on the X platform, crypto analyst Maartunn revealed that the Ethereum price has been a victim of heavy selling pressure in the past day. This observation was based on the Taker Sell Volume metric, which saw a significant increase on Friday.

This on-chain metric estimates the total volume of sell orders filled by takers in perpetual swaps of a particular cryptocurrency (Ethereum, in this case). In crypto trading, a taker refers to a market participant who fills an existing order in an exchange’s order book.

Source: @JA_Maartun on X
Maartunn highlighted that the Taker Sell Volume across all centralized exchanges saw a notable uptick on Friday. Data from CryptoQuant shows that the metric rose to as high as 124.2 million ETH on the day.

According to Maartunn, this significant spike in the Ethereum Taker Sell Volume is a clear sign of aggressive selling in the market. This level of selling activity put bearish pressure on the Ethereum price, explaining the latest correction to $3,000.

60,000 ETH Flows Into Centralized Exchanges
Another on-chain signal that supports the theory of increased selling in the Ethereum market is the exchange inflow metric. According to data shared by Ali Martinez, significant amounts of ETH tokens have found their way onto centralized exchanges in the past day.

Santiment data shows that 60,000 ETH tokens, worth approximately $200 million, flowed onto exchanges on Friday. As expected, this inflow activity led to a spike in the Ethereum supply on exchanges and the open market.

With no adequate demand to mop up this increasing supply, this rising exchange inflow only puts downward pressure on the Ethereum price. As of this writing, ETH is valued at around $3,080, reflecting an over 4% decline in the past 24 hours.

The price of ETH on the daily timeframe | Source: ETHUSDT chart on TradingView
Featured image from iStock, chart from TradingView

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Opeyemi Sule is a passionate crypto enthusiast, a proficient content writer, and a journalist at Bitcoinist. Opeyemi creates unique pieces unraveling the complexities of blockchain technology and sharing insights on the latest trends in the world of cryptocurrencies. Opeyemi enjoys reading poetry, chatting about politics, and listening to music, in addition to his strong interest in cryptocurrency.

Rodney Burton used to promote crypto alongside Jamie Foxx and Rick Ross; now, he faces decades in prison on wire fraud and money laundering charges.

2 hours ago

Despite traditional ETF investors willing to pay premiums to go long, Bitcoin natives selling covered calls have put a damper on a price rally.

Long-term Bitcoin (BTC) whales selling covered calls, a strategy of selling call options that give the buyer the right but not an obligation to purchase an asset in the future at a predetermined price in exchange for the seller collecting a premium, is suppressing spot BTC prices, according to market analyst Jeff Park.

Large, long-term BTC holders, also known as “whales” or “OGs,” introduce a disproportionate amount of sell-side pressure through this covered call strategy, partly because market makers are on the other side, buying the covered calls, Park said.

This means that the market makers must hedge their exposure to buy the calls by selling spot BTC, forcing market prices down, despite strong demand from traditional exchange-traded fund (ETF) investors.

The volatility skews of BlackRock’s IBIT ETF versus native Bitcoin options, like those found on crypto derivatives exchange Deribit. Source: Jeff ParkBecause the BTC used to underwrite the options has been held for a long time and does not represent new demand or fresh liquidity, the calls act as a net downward pressure on prices. Park said:

“When you already have the Bitcoin inventory that you’ve had for 10-plus years that you sell calls against it, it is only the call selling that is adding fresh delta to the market — and that direction is negative — you are a net seller of delta when you sell calls.” The analysis concluded that Bitcoin’s price is being steered by the options market and that price action will remain choppy as long as whales continue to extract short-term profits from their Bitcoin stash by selling covered calls.

Bitcoin decouples from stocks as analysts attempt to gauge where BTC’s price goes nextBitcoin, which some analysts say is correlated with tech stocks, decoupled from the stock market in the latter half of 2025, as stocks continued to print fresh highs while Bitcoin fell back down to about the $90,000 level.

The price of Bitcoin hovers above the $90,000 level. Source: CoinMarketCapSeveral analysts forecast that BTC will resume its price rally when the United States Federal Reserve continues the rate-cutting cycle and injects liquidity into the financial system, which is a positive price catalyst for risk-on assets.

24.4% of traders expect another interest rate cut at the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting in January, according to financial derivatives company CME Group’s FedWatch data tool.

However, other analysts project a potential drop to $76,000 and say that Bitcoin’s bull run is already over.  

Magazine: Quantum attacking Bitcoin would be a waste of time: Kevin O’Leary

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Stablecoin operator Tether has submitted a market bid to acquire a controlling stake in Italian football club Juventus FC. This development follows initial minor investments, as the USDT issuing company looks to deepen its involvement with the footballing institution.

Tether Promises 1 Billion Euros For Sport Development If Bid Succeeds
In Feb 2025, Tether announced a minority stake purchase of 8.2% in Juventus FC. The stablecoin issuer described this acquisition as a strategic move to integrate stablecoins and digital assets into everyday life. Two months later, Tether would boost its holdings to 10%, as the company’s CEO and lifetime Juventus supporter, Paolo Ardoino, explained the move as a commitment to long-term innovation. 

Taking this step further, the USDT operator has submitted an audacious bid to acquire the entire 65.4% controlling stake of the football club from Exor, the listed holding company of the billionaire Italian Agnelli Family. For context, Juventus FC ranks as the third-largest Italian club with a market valuation of $1.87 billion. However, the Old Lady, as it is popularly called, is the most decorated in the land, boasting 71 major honors, which include 36 Serie A championships. 

While Juventus’ momentum has slowed down in recent years, with its last league-winning campaign coming in 2020, the Italian giant has remained relevant by securing three domestic cup trophies since then. Paolo Ardoino explains that Tether’s objective is to contribute to Juventus’ growth and drive exceptional performance.

The Tether CEO said: 

Tether is in a position of strong financial health and intends to support Juventus with stable capital and a long horizon. Our goal is to make a positive contribution to the club’s future, support its sporting performance at the highest level, and help Juventus continue to grow sustainably in a rapidly evolving global sports and media landscape.

To this end, Tether has promised to invest 1 billion Euros in the club if the transaction receives approval from relevant regulatory bodies. However, footballing media The Athletic has reported that sources close to Exor state the Agnelli Family has no intent to divest their stake in Juventus, with the message being “the club is not for sale.”

Notably, Juventus represents one of Tether’s investments, which also includes the Italian media company Be Water and the Canadian video platform Rumble.

USDT Market Overview
At the time of writing, USDT’s total market cap is valued at $186.24 billion, ranking as the largest stablecoin and third-largest cryptocurrency in the world.

USDT market cap valued at $186.23 billion on the daily chart | Source: USDT chart on Tradingview.com
Featured image from Gazzetta, chart from Tradingview

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Semilore Faleti works as a crypto-journalist at Bitconist, providing the latest updates on blockchain developments, crypto regulations, and the DeFi ecosystem. He is a strong crypto enthusiast passionate about covering the growing footprint of blockchain technology in the financial world.

Which Crypto Could Turn Early Believers Into Millionaires? Remember the moment Solana appeared on the radar, when skeptics called it too risky and too early to trust? Only the bold few saw its potential to explode from a tiny trading range into a market powerhouse. Just like Solana back then, Apeing is now emerging as the next 1000x crypto, igniting dreams of life-changing gains for those willing to leap. Many dismissed it, but the real treasure awaits those ready to act.

Today, a similar emotional surge rises as Apeing APEING enters conversations with a fire that shakes sleepers awake, while Apeing surges as the subsequent 1000x crypto repeats across excited circles. Those who passed on Solana’s earliest days now feel an echo pressing them toward the Apeing Whitelist before it moves beyond easy reach. The same missed-rocket feeling returns, and the pressure mounts around the APEING Whitelist as the chance remains open for now.

Apeing Upcoming Crypto Presale: Exclusive Whitelist Access for Ambitious Early Investors
APEING is capturing the spotlight as the next 1000x crypto, with the APEING Whitelist generating unprecedented excitement. This rare gateway is now open to early investors, offering stage 1 presale tokens at a starting price of $0.0001, with a projected listing price of $0.001. With only a limited allocation available for stage 1, urgency is mounting, as participants could see potential returns exceeding 10,000% ROI. 

As APEING gains momentum, the Apeing Whitelist emerges as the premier early-entry opportunity for anyone seeking explosive growth. This growing wave of interest connects exclusivity with massive potential, driving rapid action as investors rush to secure their spot before the window closes, making Apeing the center of attention for early crypto gains.

Solana’s Silent Rise: Lessons From Investors Who Saw Potential First
Solana began its journey with a quiet presence and a trading price that barely moved charts or conversations. It lived in the shadow of louder projects while only a few believers understood the architecture that promised speed, scalability, and low fees. Those early supporters held their ground when most traders missed the signals glowing before them. 

Over time, Solana rose from a simple experiment into one of the most powerful ecosystems, rewarding early participants with unimaginable gains. Many still look back at their hesitation with regret as Solana expanded beyond expectations and proved that early entry can transform everything.

From Hesitation to Fortune: Why Apeing ($APEING) Mirrors Solana’s Early Surge
Solana’s earliest investors saw opportunity where most saw doubt. While prices lingered low, the technology’s strength hinted at long-term value. As the network matured, developers and global investors flocked in, turning modest holdings into life-changing gains. Those who hesitated watched the moment pass, a lesson in timing and foresight. 

Today, the same sense of urgency is returning as traders seek the next breakout, with Apeing emerging as the next 1000x crypto. Its rising momentum mirrors Solana’s early promise, reminding investors that acting early can make the difference between fortune and misfortune. The history of Solana underscores one truth: hesitation breeds regret, while timely action can unlock extraordinary rewards.

The Final Word
A new turning point rises as Apeing surges as the next 1000x crypto, and investors feel the same emotional energy that once surrounded Solana in its earliest moments. Every signal points toward an opening that could repeat the growth pattern that rewarded early Solana supporters. The Apeing Whitelist is now active and serves as a doorway where timing matters more than conviction alone. Anyone who missed earlier moonshots knows the sting of lost chances. Early trackers on Best Crypto To Buy Now are already highlighting high-potential projects gaining momentum, making this moment even more compelling. This moment invites readers to step forward before the next wave expands beyond reach. Secure your entry into the presale today and be ready for the upcoming opportunity.

For More Information:
Website: Visit the Official Apeing Website

Telegram: Join the Apeing Telegram Channel

Twitter: Follow Apeing ON X (Formerly Twitter)

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Summary
This article compares Solana’s early rise with the emerging excitement around Apeing APEING as enthusiasm spreads through the Apeing Whitelist. Solana rewarded early believers with enormous gains, and that powerful history increases urgency around Apeing as new traders seek fresh openings. With the upcoming presale stage 1 priced at 0.0001 and listing at 0.001, early access becomes crucial. Readers who missed earlier opportunities now feel pushed to secure positions before the next surge unfolds.

This article contains information about a cryptocurrency presale. Crypto Economy is not associated with the project. As with any initiative within the crypto ecosystem, we encourage users to do their own research before participating, carefully considering both the potential and the risks involved. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. 

Bitcoin (BTC) has shown notable resilience, holding above the $90,000 level after rebounding more than 15% from its Nov. 21 low near $80,000. This recovery highlights strong underlying demand, as the price found confluence support around three critical cost basis metrics closely watched by investors and analysts: the True Market Mean, the 2024 yearly volume-weighted cost basis, and the average U.S. spot Bitcoin ETF cost basis.

These metrics are widely used to identify price zones where market participants are most likely to defend their positions during corrections. In this case, all three aligned tightly in the $80,000–$84,000 range, reinforcing it as a major support zone during the recent drawdown. This alignment suggests that multiple investor cohorts share similar average acquisition prices, increasing the likelihood of buying pressure when Bitcoin revisits these levels.

The True Market Mean, which reflects the average on-chain purchase price of actively traded Bitcoin while excluding long-dormant coins, played a particularly important role. During the pullback, this metric sat near $81,000 and acted as firm support. Bitcoin first reclaimed this level in October 2023 and has not traded below it since, underscoring its significance as a key structural threshold in the current bull market.

Meanwhile, the average U.S. spot Bitcoin ETF cost basis, calculated by Glassnode using weighted ETF inflows and market prices, stands around $83,844. Bitcoin recently bounced from this level, mirroring price behavior seen during the April tariff-driven selloff, and signaling continued confidence from institutional investors.

Additionally, the 2024 yearly volume-weighted cost basis, which tracks the average price of coins acquired this year and withdrawn from exchanges, sits near $83,000. Historically, yearly cohort cost bases have acted as strong support during bull markets, a pattern that once again held during the April correction.

Together, these indicators point to deep, layered demand in the $80,000 region, helping explain Bitcoin’s ability to stabilize and rebound, and reinforcing the strength of its broader bullish trend.

<Copyright ⓒ TokenPost, unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited>

Strategy's firm hold in the Nasdaq-100 is reinforcing confidence in corporate bitcoin treasury strategies, signaling growing institutional acceptance even as critics question crypto-linked business models within major equity benchmarks. Nasdaq-100 Retention Boosts Confidence in Strategy's Bitcoin Thesis Confidence in corporate bitcoin strategies strengthened after the Nasdaq-100 reconstitution, as Strategy's position in the benchmark held firm.

Journalist

Posted: December 14, 2025

While the price of XRP has remained stubbornly flat near the $2 mark, a quiet revolution is taking place beneath the surface of the market.

U.S.-listed XRP Spot Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) have clocked an astonishing 19 consecutive days of positive inflows, culminating in a cumulative total of $974.50 million.

This near-$1 billion milestone, boosted by the latest $20.17 million daily injection, points to a clear, persistent institutional accumulation.

XRP ETF inflow analysis
As per SoSo vale data, on the 12th of December, the bulk of the fresh capital gravitated toward a clear set of institutional favorites.

Franklin’s XRP ETF (XRPZ) emerged as the day’s dominant player, securing $8.7 million in a single session, the highest among all peers.

Bitwise’s XRP ETF was close behind, attracting $7.85 million, while Canary’s XRPC ETF also captured significant interest with $3.62 million in net inflows.

The performance of these top three suggests investors are actively choosing issuers based on trust, liquidity, or cost.

Crucially, even funds from major players like Grayscale and 21Shares, despite reporting flat flows on the day, demonstrate stickiness.

Their substantial existing cumulative assets show that early inflows are holding firm and are not rapidly rotating out, a sign of committed long-term positioning.

Other altcoin ETF analysis
This decisive capital concentration in Ripple [XRP] ETFs sharply contrasts with the mixed performances of other major regulated crypto products.

While the Solana [SOL] ETF saw modest interest with $2.5 million in inflows, the most striking comparison lies with the Ethereum [ETH] market.

As per Farside Investors, the ETH ETF recorded a significant $19.4 million in outflows on the same day.

Meanwhile, offerings tied to Dogecoin [DOGE], including those from Bitwise and Grayscale, have struggled to live up to initial investor enthusiasm.

Data from SoSoValue showed a worrying absence of new fund inflows from the 7th to the 9th of December.

Furthermore, the total trading volume for these regulated DOGE products has contracted dramatically to only $159,000, a steep decline from the over $3.2 million seen in late November.

What’s more?
That said, the launch of 21Shares Spot XRP ETF ($TOXR) further expanded the regulated gateway, yet the XRP price continued to languish near $2.03, marking an 18.66% drop over the past month.

Ultimately, the data suggest that these sustained ETF inflows are not designed to trigger an immediate, speculative price spike, but rather to establish a high structural price floor.

Final Thoughts

Nearly $1 billion in ETF inflows signals that institutions are accumulating aggressively beneath the surface.
The disconnect between rising regulated inflows and falling spot price indicates that long-term capital is entering the market, but short-term selling is delaying a visible price impact.

Ishika Kumari is a Crypto Analyst and Content Strategist at AMBCrypto, specializing in the analysis of cryptocurrency regulations, market trends, and the socio-political impact of blockchain technology.
Her expertise is grounded in her academic background as a graduate of Political Science from the renowned University of Delhi. This discipline has equipped her with a sophisticated framework for analyzing complex governance models, international regulatory landscapes, and the economic principles that underpin decentralized systems.
At AMBCrypto, Ishika applies this unique analytical lens to her work. She excels at breaking down intricate subjects—from the technicalities of new protocols to the nuances of global crypto legislation—into clear, accessible, and insightful content. Her primary mission is to bridge the gap between the complexity of the digital asset industry and the everyday reader, ensuring that AMBCrypto's audience is not just informed, but truly understands the forces shaping the future of finance.

The quantum computing pure play is building an unusual architecture compared to its peers.

Throughout the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution, investors have primarily turned to companies that develop semiconductors, data centers, and cloud computing software for growth opportunities.

But as most investors still chase GPUs and infrastructure, a new pocket of the digital realm is beginning to show its potential: quantum computing. While tech megacaps such as Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, and Nvidia are also exploring quantum computing, it's the pure-play stocks in the space that have witnessed the most action -- in particular, IonQ, Rigetti Computing, and D-Wave Quantum (QBTS 6.72%).

D-Wave's approach to building quantum computers is unusual, but it has potential. Could investors be overlooking the next big thing in the tech space? 

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What makes D-Wave Quantum different from the competition?
It's important for investors to first understand that quantum computing does not yet have meaningful commercial applications. Rather, the technology is heavily funded by research and development budgets and remains primarily an exploratory pursuit used in niche services.

Moreover, while the underlying principles that allow the tech to work are the same, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to building quantum computing architectures. For instance, IonQ uses a trapped ion qubit system, while Rigetti is using superconducting qubits.

D-Wave, on the other hand, uses an approach called quantum annealing. As the company's website explains: "Quantum annealers are quantum computers that you initialize in a low-energy state and gradually introduce the parameters of a problem you wish to solve. The slow change makes it likely that the system ends in a low-energy state of the problem, which corresponds to an optimal solution." So it may not produce the very best answer, but it will produce one of them. 

Unlike those of its peers, D-Wave's quantum computers are less purpose-built, and should be best suited to optimization-based applications across supply chains, manufacturing, and logistics. This means that they could be useful in areas such as workforce and production scheduling, resource optimization, cargo loading, and logistics routing.

Image source: Getty Images.

What are the biggest risks to an investment in D-Wave Quantum?
One of the biggest risks surrounding an investment in D-Wave is the company's underlying approach. If quantum annealing proves less useful at scale than rival gate-based hardware designs, then D-Wave will likely achieve less commercial adoption.

However, the more obvious risk is the sustainability of its financial profile.

QBTS Revenue (TTM) data by YCharts.

While the company has found a bit of traction in terms of revenue, it's absolutely hemorrhaging cash. What some may find a bit confusing at first is that a company with only $24 million in sales and nearly $400 million in annual losses boasts nearly $1 billion in cash on its balance sheet. How is this possible?

The answer is simple: Over the last year, D-Wave has taken advantage of its outsized share price momentum and repeatedly issued new stock at premium valuations to raise cash. The company's outstanding share count has ballooned, meaningfully diluting shareholders. 

QBTS Shares Outstanding data by YCharts.

Should you invest in D-Wave Quantum stock?
D-Wave's current price-to-sales ratio of 331 is well above what investors witnessed among tech stocks even during the peak euphoria of the dot-com bubble. And as is well known, many early darlings of the internet were not able to sustain their frothy valuations when the exuberance evaporated, and their stock prices cratered. Given these dynamics and the patterns of history, I think quantum computing stocks -- including D-Wave -- are headed for an epic bubble-busting event in the near future.

Furthermore, even as the company was issuing stock at premium valuations throughout 2025, several members of D-Wave's leadership team and board of directors were cashing out and selling shares. To me, this is a potential signal that management may not be fully confident in the company's long-term trajectory.

While D-Wave's specific approach to building quantum AI applications could be underappreciated, with the stock trading at a massively speculative premium, it's hard to say that the stock has been glossed over.

D-Wave is a speculative stock that would be best avoided by the average retail investor. Leave the attempts to ride its share price momentum to risk-seeking day traders.

Adam Spatacco has positions in Alphabet, Amazon, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, Amazon, IonQ, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool recommends the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Wells Fargo is finally free from numerous regulatory mandates and can go on the offensive.

Just seven years ago, Wells Fargo (WFC +0.18%) was embroiled in one of the largest banking controversies in history, still reeling from its phony-accounts scandal and facing an asset cap imposed by the Federal Reserve at the start of 2018. In 2020, the stock price dropped into the low $20s, and the bank also had to cut its dividend by 80%, due to rules imposed by the Fed at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today, the stock trades at an all-time high, just below $90 per share. The asset cap has been removed, and banking regulators have terminated numerous other consent orders imposed on the bank following its scandal.

CEO Charlie Scharf, who came aboard in 2019, has cleaned up the bank's many regulatory issues and installed a new regulatory infrastructure. He also sold off non-core businesses, significantly cut expenses, and ramped up capital-light businesses, such as investment banking and credit card lending.

Now, the bank is at long last on offense. Here are two tailwinds behind the banking giant.

Image source: Getty Images.

Higher returns and excess capital
Wells Fargo's hard work has paid off, and the bank recently achieved management's return target, having generated a 15% return on tangible common equity (ROTCE) year to date. Now, Scharf is ready to take it to the next level, suggesting the bank could achieve a 17% to 18% ROTCE in the medium term. That would make returns comparable to the industry's elites, such as JPMorgan Chase.

In a slide presentation, management said it plans to achieve these new return targets by capitalizing on revenue growth opportunities, continuing to focus on efficiency, simplifying its home lending business, and optimizing capital.

This brings me to Wells Fargo's second big tailwind: Much lower regulatory capital requirements. Regulators require all large banks to maintain certain regulatory thresholds as a safety buffer in case of unexpected losses. One of these ratios is the common equity tier 1 (CET1) capital ratio, which examines a bank's core capital in relation to its risk-weighted assets, such as loans.

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In 2024, Wells Fargo's CET1 requirement was 9.7%. This year, that requirement decreased to 8.5%. It may not sound like a lot, but when you are talking about banks with trillions in assets, this reduction can lead to billions or even tens of billions in excess capital.

At the end of the third quarter, Wells Fargo had a CET1 ratio of 11%. Management plans to work this down into the 10% to 10.5% range, which likely means a higher dividend and more share repurchases. Banks use excess capital above their CET1 targets and requirements to make capital distributions to shareholders. Additionally, banks can make capital distributions from the earnings they generate each quarter.

While large bank valuations aren't necessarily cheap, at least looking back historically, the group is well-positioned heading into 2026, due to factors like excess capital and a much friendlier regulatory regime under the Trump administration.

The streaming wars have escalated as tensions rise in the industry.

Netflix (NFLX +1.17%) pioneered the media industry when it launched its streaming service in 2007. Suddenly, video and DVD rentals were a thing of the past.

Fast forward to today, and Netflix is a leading global streaming service, though there's competition around seemingly every corner. Netflix has now begun to reinvent itself again. However, this time, the streaming giant wants to expand its content empire in a blockbuster acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.

But nothing is simple. One of Netflix's archrivals is attempting to beat the streaming giant to the punch with a hostile takeover. Netflix stock has declined since the company initially announced the deal had been agreed to.

Is Netflix's ambitious deal good for investors, and will the stock head higher? Here is what you need to know.

Image source: Netflix.

The latest drama surrounding Netflix's big move
The company recently announced a deal to acquire strategic assets from Warner Bros. Discovery, including its film and television studios, as well as HBO and the HBO Max streaming service. It's a substantial deal, with an enterprise value of approximately $82.7 billion.

Netflix had been in a bidding war with Paramount Skydance over Warner Bros. Discovery. Following Netflix's announcement of its acquisition agreement, Paramount Skydance announced their plans to attempt a hostile takeover by presenting an all-cash offer directly to Warner Bros. Discovery's shareholders worth $30 per share, valuing the proposal at an enterprise value of $108.4 billion.

There are numerous moving parts here.

First, Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery have agreed to a deal. There are fees if the merger doesn't go through. Additionally, the deal is highly public and has already sparked regulatory scrutiny among politicians, who have called it anticompetitive.

Potential outcomes and their possible consequences
Only time will tell what ultimately happens here, but it's helpful to evaluate the two most likely outcomes. Warner Bros. Discovery wants to sell, so it seems that a deal will eventually proceed with one suitor or another.

If Netflix does close the acquisition, it would gain a vast array of intellectual property, including Game of Thrones, the Harry Potter franchise, and numerous other movies and shows. Netflix announced its plans to keep HBO Max separate from Netflix's core streaming services, but it could grow HBO Max by promoting it to its existing 300 million-plus subscribers.

If Paramount Skydance wins out, it puts the company on a more level playing field with Netflix and the industry's other power players, including Walt Disney, which owns multiple services, as well as Alphabet, which owns YouTube and YouTube TV.

Netflix's ultimate goal is to further entrench its competitive moat. Brands and franchises take time to develop. Netflix has steadily invested in successful assets, such as Stranger Things, but would benefit tremendously by inserting Harry Potter and other well-known content directly into its portfolio.

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Could Netflix head higher from here?
Despite the strategic benefits, Netflix's stock has declined since the deal. Why?

That is most likely due to the massive price Netflix is paying. Netflix's balance sheet would have as much as $75 billion in debt following the acquisition, nearly 3 times its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) over the past four quarters. That means Netflix would spend years devoting a sizable portion of its cash flow to paying down that debt.

While that could weigh on the company's short-term financial performance, it would give Netflix a stronger foundation in a consolidating streaming industry. Netflix has steadily become more profitable as it grows larger, which means the company might print even more profits once it digests all that debt.

Netflix now trades 30% off its all-time high. At a price-to-earnings ratio of 38, Netflix, a company that analysts (pre-acquisition) estimate will grow earnings at an annualized rate of 23% over the long term, looks like a strong buy for long-term investors.

Yes, Netflix will likely head higher from here, even if it takes some time as all of this acquisition drama plays out.

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These three dividend stocks offer investors a blend of growth and income.

Investing in the stock market is a great way to build lasting wealth. It can also be an excellent way to let your money work for you by investing in dividend stocks. These are stocks in companies that pay shareholders, usually on a quarterly basis, a share of their profits.

In its study, "The Power of Dividends: Past, Present, and Future," Hartford Funds demonstrates the pivotal role that dividends have played in the stock market's overall returns. Since 1960, 95% of the S&P 500's cumulative total return has come from compounding and reinvested dividends.

Not only do you benefit from passive income from dividend stocks, but these companies also tend to be some of the best stocks to invest in. Companies that increase their dividend payments over time outperformed, with annual returns of 10.2% and lower volatility. Meanwhile, non-dividend-paying stocks delivered meager returns of 4.3%.

Image source: Getty Images.

The reason for this outperformance is that companies that consistently pay dividends tend to have sound business models, steady cash flow, and prudent risk management. So if you're searching for passive income, or just looking for stocks to diversify your portfolio and have $2,000 to put to work, here are three excellent dividend stocks to scoop up today.

Collect dividends every month with this real estate stock
Realty Income (O +0.87%) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns and leases over 15,000 commercial properties under long-term, triple-net leases.

With triple-net leases, tenants cover most operating costs, including taxes, maintenance, and insurance. As a result, the trust's expenses tend to be fixed and predictable, resulting in stable, highly predictable cash flows. Additionally, leases typically last 10 to 20 years and include built-in rent escalations, providing reliable long-term cash flow.

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One factor that makes Realty Income attractive to investors is that it pays monthly dividends, rather than quarterly, as most dividend payers do. For example, investors will receive a dividend of approximately $0.27 on Dec. 15, giving investors an annual dividend yield of 5.6%.

Additionally, Realty Income has a long history of raising its dividend. Over the past three decades, Realty Income has increased its monthly dividend 133 times, making it a solid choice for those searching for reliable income.

The world's largest asset manager offers income and growth
BlackRock (BLK 1.16%) plays a pivotal role in financial markets, offering a diverse range of investment options, including an extensive list of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) through its iShares brand.

The company has benefited from growing trends in passive investing thanks to its low-cost and diverse ETF options. Today it operates as the world's largest asset manager with over $13.5 trillion in assets under management (AUM). Its ETFs also provide exposure to a range of themes across industries, sectors, and other factors, enabling customers to build portfolios tailored to their risk profiles. This is why its iShares products account for about one-third of the global ETF market.

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The asset manager collects a small fee on its ETFs and other offerings. Because its investment platform is so large, it generates substantial recurring revenue for the company. On top of that, its business doesn't require extensive infrastructure or capital equipment, resulting in a capital-light model that delivers strong margins.

BlackRock has raised its dividend payout for 16 consecutive years and offers a yield of around 1.8%. Meanwhile, the stock has returned over 14.8% annually over the past decade, including reinvested dividends, making it a solid stock for investors seeking a blend of income and growth.

Earn a dividend yield of over 9% with this company
For investors seeking higher income and willing to take on a little more risk, Ares Capital Corporation (ARCC 0.10%) offers a high dividend yield of over 9%. Its high yield is due to its tax structure as a business development corporation (BDC). That's because BDCs are required to distribute 90% of their taxable income to shareholders, making them a pass-through entity.

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Over the past several decades, BDCs have filled the lending gap for smaller, middle-market companies, which are often overlooked by the traditional banking sector. That's because stringent capital and risk requirements have led banks to shift their focus to larger businesses, which have more liquid debt and lower risk.

Lending to middle-market companies carries risk, including the potential for defaults in a weakening economy. The recent failures of First Brands and Tricolor, two large borrowers in the private credit ecosystem, have put BDCs like Ares Capital under the microscope and put the stock under pressure.

That said, Ares has more than 20 years of experience lending to these companies and has delivered solid performance, including during the Great Recession. For investors willing to tolerate some risk, Ares Capital is an attractive high-yield dividend stock to scoop up today.

, /PRNewswire/ -- On December 12, 2025, investors in Fermi Inc. (NASDAQ: FRMI) saw the price of their shares crater about 33% after the company revealed that a prospective anchor tenant ("First Tenant") for Fermi's Project Matador (the company's Advanced Energy and Intelligence Campus at Texas Tech University) terminated an agreement that would have advanced $150 million to help fund construction.

The company has billed Matador as a multi-gigawatt energy and data center development campus designed to support the accelerating needs of to-be-built AI infrastructure and "a first-of-its-kind energy campus to be built to power the AI revolution."

Fermi's announcement comes after it raised nearly $784 million in gross proceeds through the issuance of over 37 million shares at $21/share on October 2, 2025.

The First Tenant cancelation news and severe market reaction have prompted national shareholders rights firm Hagens Berman to open an investigation into whether Fermi may have previously misled investors about the strength of the First Tenant agreement.

The firm urges investors in Fermi who suffered significant losses to submit your losses now. The firm also encourages persons with knowledge who may be able to assist in the investigation to contact its attorneys.

Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/frmi
Contact the Firm Now: [email protected]
                                        844-916-0895

Fermi Inc. (FRMI) Investigation:

As recently as mid-November, Fermi assured investors that "[i]n November, we took a major step forward with Project Matador by executing a $150 million Advanced in Aid of Construction Agreement ("AICA") with our first prospective tenant."

The company emphasized "Tenant number 1 is a very creditworthy counterparty[,]" said "[t]his agreement establishes a framework for cost reimbursement and prepayment, allowing the tenant to fund a portion of shared infrastructure and utility systems ahead of occupancy[,]" and touted "we definitely already have the construction contract."

Investor disappointment set in on December 12, 2025. That day, Fermi abruptly announced that "[o]n December 11, 2025, the First Tenant notified the Company that it is terminating the AICA[.]" The company did not explain the reasons for First Tenant's exit.   

The markets swiftly reacted, sending the price of Fermi shares crashing 33% lower that day. The December 12 closing price of $10.09 was nearly 52% below Fermi's October IPO price.

"We're focused on whether the company has been sufficiently transparent about the strength and terms the agreements with Tenant 1," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation.

If you invested in Fermi and have substantial losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firm's investigation, submit your losses now »

If you'd like more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the Fermi investigation, read more »

Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Fermi should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email [email protected].

About Hagens Berman
Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation firm focusing on corporate accountability. The firm is home to a robust practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and other wrongdoings. Hagens Berman's team has secured more than $2.9 billion in this area of law. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com. Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw. 

SOURCE Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP

Also from this source

, /PRNewswire/ -- Global plaintiffs' rights firm Hagens Berman reminds investors that the Lead Plaintiff Deadline in the securities class action lawsuit against James Hardie Industries plc (NYSE: JHX) is rapidly approaching: December 23, 2025.

The lawsuit alleges that James Hardie and certain executives made materially false and misleading statements about the health of its crucial North America Fiber Cement segment. The stock subsequently crashed over 34% when the company was allegedly forced to disclose a sharp decline in sales due to the very customer weakness it had allegedly concealed. Hagens Berman urges investors with substantial losses to submit their information now.

The Lawsuit's Core Allegation: Concealed Inventory Destocking

The lawsuit centers on the claim that James Hardie executives made assurances that the North America segment remained strong and that distributor inventory levels were normal. The complaint alleges that management knew by April and early May 2025 that distributors were aggressively destocking (reducing) inventory, yet continued to mislead investors by touting sales that were allegedly inflated by inventory loading rather than genuine demand.

"The complaint alleges that James Hardie repeatedly used terms like robust and normal to describe demand and inventory, while allegedly knowing the channel was overloaded and struggling," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the James Hardie litigation. "Our investigation is sharply focused on management's knowledge and decision-making during that critical period. With the December 23 deadline only two weeks away, we urge investors with significant losses to contact the firm now to discuss the investigation and their rights."

Timeline and Key Details:

Issuer

James Hardie Industries plc (JHX)

Class Period

May 20, 2025 – August 18, 2025

Lead Plaintiff Deadline

December 23, 2025

Stock Drop Event

Stock fell over 34% on August 20, 2025, after the company disclosed a 12% decline in North America sales due to customer destocking.

Next Steps for James Hardie (JHX) Investors:

Investors who purchased James Hardie stock (JHX) between May 20, 2025, and August 18, 2025, and suffered substantial losses, are encouraged to contact Hagens Berman immediately to discuss their legal options and potential appointment as Lead Plaintiff.

TO SUBMIT YOUR JAMES HARDIE (JHX) LOSSES NOW, PLEASE USE THE SECURE FORM BELOW:

Submit your JHX losses now
Contact: Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email [email protected] 
Video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hXU4zX9asY

To read more about the issue facing JHX investors, Alleged Inventory Deception: Investors Claim James Hardie Concealed Weak Demand, or visit, https://www.hbsslaw.com/cases/james-hardie-industries-plc-jhx-securities-class-action

Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding James Hardie should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email [email protected].

About Hagens Berman
Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation firm focusing on corporate accountability. The firm is home to a robust practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and other wrongdoings. Hagens Berman's team has secured more than $2.9 billion in this area of law. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com. Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw. 

SOURCE Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP

One EV stock stands out as a potential winner in 2026.

The top electric vehicle (EV) maker in the world remains Tesla (TSLA +2.70%), but competition has been increasing from upstarts like Rivian (RIVN +12.11%). Both stocks experienced a lot of ups and downs in 2025, but it is Rivian will be the best-performing stock this year, with its share price up more than 23% year to date as of this writing, compared to about a 10% increase for Tesla.

But that's past performance. Let's examine which stock looks poised to outperform in 2026.

Image source: Getty Images.

The case for Tesla
2025 was a rough year for Tesla operationally -- its revenue dropped both in Q1 and Q2, as its automotive deliveries fell. It did see a bounce-back in revenue and auto deliveries in Q3 ahead of the end of the federal tax credit for EVs, although its adjusted earnings per share (EPS) plunged 31% and it felt gross margin pressure, as the sale of 100% margin regulatory credits dried up.

How the stock performs in 2026 will likely come down to the progress it makes in its robotaxi business. Tesla is currently testing its cybercab business in Austin, Texas, although the pilot is currently limited to a geofenced portion of the city and requires a safety driver to be in the vehicle. CEO Elon Musk has said that Tesla's robotaxis will be fully autonomous in Austin by year-end, and he recently reiterated that stance with the end of the year about three weeks away.

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Musk has also recently said he is looking to double the size of Tesla's Austin robotaxi fleet this month. That would bring the total to about 60 vehicles. However, that is well below the 500 cybercabs that Musk earlier projected to be operating in Austin this year. He also predicted that Tesla would have about 1,000 robotaxis operating in the San Francisco Bay area by the end of 2025, but it has not been given a license to operate in the state of California yet. If Tesla can start delivering on these promises, though, even if a bit delayed, the stock should have nice upside from here.

The case for Rivian
Rivian made big strides in 2025. It turned in two straight quarters of positive gross margins in Q1, unlocking a $1 billion equity investment from Volkswagen, and then was able to shake off tariff and supply chain pressures to also turn a gross profit in Q3.

The company has done a great job of lowering the cost to make its vehicles by revamping its SUV's internal design and improving its manufacturing process. The biggest key was switching to a zonal architecture system, which greatly reduced the number of electronic control units and wiring in its vehicles. This technology also helped spur its investment and joint venture with Volkswagen.

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The key for Rivian in 2026, though, will be the launch of its new, smaller R2 SUV. The vehicle will be priced significantly lower than its R1 SUV, opening it up to a much broader customer base. The vehicle is also poised to carry much higher gross margins, and it has already locked in its input costs with suppliers. However, the biggest reason why it will be more profitable is that the R2 will be produced at much higher volumes, and fixed costs will be spread across a much larger unit base.

The verdict
Tesla has a history of overpromising and underdelivering, which makes it difficult, in my opinion, to bet on the stock and its robotaxi promises heading into 2026. Rivian, meanwhile, has a much clearer roadmap, and the launch of the R2 should help propel sales and gross profits.

As a company currently with slim gross margins and free cash outflows, Rivian is a more speculative stock, but the setup looks good heading into 2026. As such, I think it can once again outperform Tesla next year.

Sat, 13/12/2025 - 17:22

XRP, a Ripple-linked cryptocurrency, might soon be seamlessly bridged to Solana (SOL), the fastest-growing smart contracts platform right now.

Cover image via u.today

A total of $122 billion of liquidity in XRP, a Ripple-linked cryptocurrency and the fifth largest digital asset, might soon be able to seamlessly migrate to Solana (SOL). As announced by Solana Foundation's representative, a bridge between Solana (SOL) and XRP Ledger is on the way.

XRP liquidity to flow into Solana: AnnouncementSolana Foundation is building a permissionless bridge to XRP Ledger to integrate Solana into the XRPFi ecosystem. The announcement was made by the Foundation's Vibhu Norby amid Solana Breakpoint 2025, the biggest Solana community conference.

In November, I unexpectedly became enemy #1 of the XRP Army.

Through the resulting public learning process, I had a chance to meet many OG devs, core community members, memelords, and the team at Ripple itself, and I came to an understanding of the uniqueness of XRP as an asset,… https://t.co/BnfRhFQV6E

HOT Stories

— vibhu (@vibhu) December 12, 2025 As explained by Vibhu in his X post, with this bridge, XRP will be available in Solana (SOL) dApps like a regular Solana-based asset. It means that XRP liquidity will be able to debut in every DeFi protocol on Solana (SOL).

Namely, XRP holders will be able to earn yield by lending their coins, act as liquidity providers with XRP-SOL and other pairs, buy tokenized stocks and RWAs, participate in prediction markets and much more.

The bridge will be launched using LayerZero and HexTrust tech developments with non-custodial design from day one:

And like any good bridge, your XRP on Solana is always redeemable 1:1 for XRP on the ledger itself. It is self-custodial from end to end.

As a result, the XRP community will be able to benefit from their holdings with no need for routing on centralized exchanges, Vibhu concluded.

Community shows moderate optimismThe announcement was met with general optimism by both the XRP army and the Solana community. Enthusiasts from both camps believe that XRP integration with Solana (SOL) will bring more users and liquidity to Solana DeFi.

As covered by U.Today previously, this September, XRP Ledger received one more mechanism of integration with Ethereum Virtual Machine blockchains.

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The first ever stablecoin that can be minted with XRP as a collateral went live on EVM L1 Flare. Thanks to Flare's DeFi Enosys, XRP-backed assets can be used in DeFi on EVM.

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TLDR:

NEAR price remains under pressure, but sentiment mirrors late-cycle skepticism seen in earlier market phases.
The 1.80–1.95 resistance zone remains decisive for shifting momentum and restoring directional strength.
On-chain data shows steady growth in transactions, developers, and active wallets despite volatility.
Accumulation by large holders and NEAR Intents growth support expectations of a longer-term recovery.

NEAR is increasingly being discussed as a potential quiet setup rather than an immediate breakout story.

Market observers are weighing subdued price action against improving ecosystem data as 2026 enters longer-term forecasts. The debate centers on whether current conditions reflect structural weakness or delayed price discovery.

Recent commentary suggests sentiment around NEAR resembles late-cycle skepticism seen in previous market phases.

 While price trades near multi-month lows, some analysts argue that pessimism may be overstated relative to on-chain trends. This divergence frames current coverage around patience rather than momentum.

Technical Structure Suggests Compression Rather Than Resolution
Market analyst Michaël van de Poppe, known as CryptoMichNL, shared views questioning prevailing bearish sentiment. 

In a recent post, he described NEAR as undervalued, comparing current attitudes to the end of 2019. He pushed back against claims that tokens lack functional relevance.

$NEAR is an undervalued asset in the current markets.

The current market sentiment equals the same period as the end of 2019.

'Tokens don't have any impact, there's no purpose for them.'

I disagree, and I think that the growth of the $NEAR ecosystem shows this.

NEAR Intents… pic.twitter.com/RO0R1wdLYS

— Michaël van de Poppe (@CryptoMichNL) December 13, 2025

From a technical standpoint, NEAR remains in a fragile position. Price is trading near its lowest valuation since October and November lows. 

The short-term moving average continues sloping downward, reinforcing that sellers still dominate short-term control.

Price action shows consolidation above the 1.65 to 1.70 demand area. Repeated long lower wicks signal responsive buying interest. 

However, follow-through remains limited, leaving support exposed if broader market pressure resumes.

Resistance between 1.80 and 1.95 remains decisive. This zone marks a prior breakdown and liquidity shelf. 

Van de Poppe stated that reclaiming this range could restore bullish momentum. Failure to do so keeps rallies corrective.

Ecosystem Growth Fuels Breakout Discussion Toward 2026
Alongside technical compression, on-chain indicators continue shaping expectations. 

SeniorDeFi noted that NEAR stands out among Layer 1 networks for consistent activity growth. Developer engagement and daily transactions continue trending upward despite market volatility.

NEAR Shows Quiet Strength as On-Chain Activity Climbs$NEAR has been one of the few L1s showing consistent on-chain growth despite market volatility.

Developer activity, daily transactions, and active wallets continue trending upward, signaling expanding real usage rather than… pic.twitter.com/5pqIlKNEmR

— Senior 🛡🦇🔊 (@SeniorDeFi) December 13, 2025

Active wallet expansion suggests increasing real usage rather than speculative bursts. This pattern supports the view that network participation is broadening steadily. 

Observers emphasize that such trends often precede, rather than follow, price recovery.

Large holders have also accumulated NEAR during pullbacks, according to SeniorDeFi’s analysis. 

Similar accumulation behavior has historically aligned with early stages of longer momentum cycles. Still, accumulation alone has not yet altered near-term price structure.

Attention has also turned to NEAR Intents, which several commentators credit for accelerating network activity. 

CryptoMichNL referenced exponential growth over recent months. While price remains subdued, these developments are fueling discussion about a delayed breakout into 2026 rather than an immediate move.

20h29 ▪
5
min read ▪ by
Evans S.

Summarize this article with:

There are companies that enter an index like entering a club. And others that enter like triggering an awkward conversation at the table. Strategy clearly belongs to the second category: a listed company, ex-MicroStrategy, becoming primarily a bitcoin accumulation machine. However, during the annual Nasdaq 100 rebalancing announced on December 13, 2025, it did not drop out. The first real test passed since its arrival last December.

In brief

Strategy stays in the Nasdaq 100 despite its Bitcoin-heavy model
The market remains skeptical as the stock keeps falling
MSCI may exclude it from major indices in January 2026.

An index that cuts, Strategy that stays
Trading volumes drop while the market stalls. In this context, the Nasdaq 100 moved, and not timidly: six exits (Biogen, CDW, GlobalFoundries, Lululemon, ON Semiconductor, Trade Desk) and six entries (Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Ferrovial, Insmed, Monolithic Power Systems, Seagate, Western Digital), with changes effective on December 22, 2025.

In this little game, Strategy stands out as a UFO. Tech by origin, “bitcoin treasury” at heart since 2020, the company sometimes looks more like a market vehicle than a traditional operating firm. This is precisely what makes its retention notable: the index did not “punish” its model, at least for this rebalancing.

Yet, the market did not applaud. The stock closed the session down (-3.74% according to reported figures), and the share drags a sliding slope over the last month. Staying in the index is not enough to calm nerves when bitcoin breathes stronger than your historical business.

A bitcoin treasure that turns heads… and rules
The heart of the matter is the size of the vault. Strategy is today the largest corporate holder of bitcoin, and continues to stack. Latest example: 10,624 BTC bought for about 962.7 million dollars in early December, bringing the total to 660,624 BTC, valued around 60 billion according to market estimates.

At this level, the company almost becomes an equation: “value = bitcoin + premium (or discount) + financing structure.” This is where the question tightens: are we still talking about an operating company, or a quasi-quoted fund with a software veneer?

This is exactly the debate that arises at MSCI. The index provider is examining the possibility of excluding companies whose crypto assets exceed 50% of the total from indices, with a decision expected in January (with a date mentioned around January 15, 2026, in some coverages). If MSCI decides, the impact would not be theoretical: JPMorgan pointed to a risk of forced sales that could reach $2.8 billion via passive funds. 

The Saylor response: “we don’t stack, we finance”
Against MSCI, Strategy favors the structure argument rather than conviction. In a letter dated December 10, Michael Saylor and CEO Phong Le defend the idea of a company issuing different instruments, notably preferred shares, to finance its purchases. According to them, this is a logic of financial operation, and not a simple passive accumulation of bitcoin.

At the same time, Strategy raised about 1.44 billion dollars, precisely to cut short doubts about its ability to pay dividends and debts if the share continued to decline. The mechanism sums it up: when fear settles in, some position themselves on “short bitcoin” as a knock-on effect. 

And the communication goes beyond technical defense. In Abu Dhabi, during Bitcoin MENA, Saylor spoke of “digital capital” and “digital gold,” adding a more ambitious idea: building a form of “digital credit” above bitcoin to produce yield, while attracting sovereign funds, banks, and family offices. This is the final bet: to make it accepted that Strategy is not a market accident, but a deliberate bridge between traditional indices and treasury in BTC.

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Evans S.

Fascinated by Bitcoin since 2017, Evariste has continuously researched the subject. While his initial interest was in trading, he now actively seeks to understand all advances centered on cryptocurrencies. As an editor, he strives to consistently deliver high-quality work that reflects the state of the sector as a whole.

DISCLAIMER

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author, and should not be taken as investment advice. Do your own research before taking any investment decisions.

Bitcoin giant Strategy kept its spot in the Nasdaq 100 on Friday, holding its year-long run inside the index while debate keeps piling up over how the company operates.

The firm’s entire model sits on buying and holding Bitcoin, a move that kicked off in 2020 when the old MicroStrategy name was dropped for a full pivot into digital assets. That shift now shapes everything the company does, and it has raised fresh questions from analysts who say the structure looks a lot like an investment fund.

Those concerns keep spreading because shares of crypto treasury firms still react sharply to every move in the token’s price.

Two things happened at once. Nasdaq confirmed that Biogen, CDW Corporation, Globalfoundries, Lululemon Athletica, On Semiconductor, and Trade Desk are leaving the benchmark.

It also confirmed new additions, including Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Ferrovial, Insmed, Monolithic Power Systems, Seagate Technology, and Western Digital. The upcoming reshuffle takes effect on December 22.

The Nasdaq 100 captures the largest non-financial companies listed on the exchange, so Strategy’s position signals how large its market value has become, even with its Bitcoin-heavy balance sheet.

MSCI reviews Strategy’s future in its indexes
Global index provider MSCI is reviewing whether to remove Strategy and similar digital-asset treasury firms from its benchmarks. The group will decide in January.

Analysts say this could reshape how investors approach companies that keep most of their value in tokens. MSCI raised concerns over whether these firms still fit the structure of traditional equity indexes. Its January decision lands around the same time, Strategy fights pressure from falling Bitcoin prices and rising market doubts.

A 12-page letter sent Wednesday by Executive Chairman Michael Saylor and CEO Phong Le contested MSCI’s proposal. Saylor called the idea “misguided” and “harmful.”The letter listed objections tied to technology, accounting, and political environment.

Strategy argued that MSCI’s rule, which targets companies holding crypto worth more than half of total assets, “arbitrarily singles out digital asset businesses for uniquely unfavorable treatment.” The firm holds about $61 billion worth of Bitcoin, over 85% of its enterprise value.

The letter warned of “profoundly harmful consequences” if MSCI proceeds. The company said the rule ignores volatility and other balance-sheet factors that shape how large holdings behave.

Saylor and Le said the move clashes with the crypto-friendly approach of President Donald Trump’s administration, pointing to the executive order promoting digital financial technology. They wrote that the proposal “rests on an incorrect understanding of the business model of DATs like Strategy” and that exclusion would “undermine the federal government’s goal of promoting digital assets while stifling innovation, impeding economic development, and harming national security.”

Index pressure grows as investors watch outflows risk
The issue comes with real market weight. JPMorgan analysts wrote last month that as much as $2.8 billion could leave Strategy if MSCI removes it from indexes, with even larger outflows possible if other providers follow. The bank also said that markets already priced in the risk of exclusion, which means the January call could trigger upside if MSCI backs off. But removal would still force passive investors to exit.

Strategy’s letter also pushed back on the idea that the company acts as a wrapper for Bitcoin. It said the firm “actively uses the Bitcoin it holds to create returns for shareholders.” It said the business should not be grouped with passive vehicles because it runs technology efforts designed to generate value. The company also argued that MSCI’s plan goes against its role as a neutral standard-setter, saying it would “raise concerns about the neutrality of MSCI’s indices.”

Another crypto treasury firm, Strive Asset Management, run by CEO Matt Cole, filed its own response. Cole wrote that Strive delivers investor value by holding Bitcoin and that index providers should not take positions on whether such business strategies succeed.

Strategy, founded in 1989, helped set the template for digital-asset treasury firms.

The model became one of the biggest trends in public markets when share prices surged and big names, including Peter Thiel and members of the Trump family, joined the rush. Many of those companies have since dropped in value, leaving several worth less than the Bitcoin they own.

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Tether has announced its intent to invest 1 billion euros in Juventus, one of Italy’s most storied football clubs. This substantial offer highlights Tether’s strategy to expand its influence beyond the digital currency landscape and into mainstream sports.

Currently holding a minority stake in Juventus, Tether aims to leverage this significant financial commitment to enhance the club’s development both on and off the field. The proposed investment is poised to cover various areas, including player acquisitions, stadium renovations, and youth academy upgrades, seeking to bring Juventus back to its former glory as a dominant force in European football.

Founded in 1897, Juventus is not only celebrated for its rich history and numerous titles in Serie A, Italy’s top football league, but also known for its passionate fan base. Despite this, the club has faced challenges in recent years, including financial struggles and performance inconsistencies. This investment from Tether could provide a much-needed boost to navigate these obstacles.

Tether is renowned as a leading player in the cryptocurrency market, primarily known for its stablecoin, which is pegged to the US dollar. This venture into the sports industry represents a diversification of its business model, potentially opening new revenue streams and enhancing its brand visibility. By aligning with Juventus, Tether could strengthen its European market presence, a region increasingly receptive to digital currencies.

The sports industry, particularly football, is no stranger to crypto collaborations. Various clubs have explored partnerships with digital currency companies, launching fan tokens and exploring blockchain applications to engage supporters. These partnerships have generally aimed at enhancing fan engagement, offering unique experiences, and modernizing traditional revenue models. Tether’s proposed investment in Juventus, however, stands out due to the sheer scale of the financial commitment and its potential to significantly alter the club’s trajectory.

While the prospect of renewed financial support is promising for Juventus, there are potential risks involved with such a partnership. Cryptocurrency markets are known for their volatility, and an over-reliance on a single digital asset or entity could expose the club to financial instability. Regulatory scrutiny is another factor to consider, as governments worldwide continue to tighten controls over crypto-related activities.

For Tether, involvement with a high-profile football club like Juventus could bring its own set of challenges. The company may face increased pressure to maintain transparency and adhere to regulations, as its actions will be closely watched by both the crypto and sports communities. Successful management of this partnership could, however, set a precedent for future collaborations between sports and digital currency entities.

In parallel, Juventus sees this potential partnership as an opportunity to regain its competitive edge. Historically, the club has been home to football legends and has enjoyed a period of dominance in the Serie A. However, the modern football landscape is increasingly competitive, with clubs investing heavily in talent and infrastructure. The financial backing from Tether could aid Juventus in catching up with rivals who have benefited from wealthy owners and investors.

Tether’s move comes at a time when the intersection of sports and technology is gaining momentum. With digital transformations affecting how fans interact with their favorite teams, a partnership like this could pave the way for innovative developments in fan engagement. From virtual reality experiences to blockchain-powered ticketing systems, the possibilities are vast and could potentially revolutionize the fan experience.

Despite the positive outlook, skepticism remains about the integration of cryptocurrency into traditional industries. Critics argue that the speculative nature of digital currencies might not align with the stability that sports clubs require. Additionally, there are concerns about the impact of such investments on the integrity of the sport, with regulatory bodies wary of the influence of crypto companies.

In contrast, supporters of crypto integration in sports see it as a natural progression in a digital age, where technology and sports are increasingly interlinked. They believe that partnerships like Tether’s with Juventus could provide financial resilience and open new avenues for growth.

Internationally, clubs in other countries have also started embracing cryptocurrency partnerships, with varying degrees of success. In the English Premier League, for instance, several teams have partnered with crypto companies to launch fan tokens, while others have explored NFTs as a revenue source. These initiatives serve as both a blueprint and a cautionary tale for Juventus as it considers its path forward.

As discussions between Tether and Juventus progress, the outcome of this proposed investment could have far-reaching implications not only for the involved parties but also for the broader relationship between sports and crypto industries. Should Tether successfully acquire a controlling interest in Juventus, it may set a new standard for how digital currency firms engage with traditional sports entities.

In conclusion, Tether’s bold attempt to invest heavily in Juventus reflects a strategic shift and ambition to intertwine the worlds of digital finance and sports. While opportunities for growth and innovation abound, both parties must navigate potential risks and challenges carefully. The upcoming decisions will likely be watched closely by investors, fans, and industry experts, eager to see how this potential partnership reshapes the landscape of football and cryptocurrency.

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Dogecoin (DOGE) is testing the lower boundary of a long-term triangle pattern, a move that could determine its next major price direction. A new technical analysis highlights a roadmap with key recovery levels and outlines a potential timeframe when selling and profit-taking may become favorable.

Dogecoin Triangle Pattern Signals Recovery Path
In a recent X post, crypto analyst Jonathan Carter presented a new analysis of Dogecoin’s price action, predicting that a potential recovery may be imminent. Carter explained that Dogecoin is currently testing a critical support area around $0.135 within a long-standing descending triangle chart structure. The setup is unfolding over the 3-day timeframe, with price action remaining above the pattern’s lower boundary. This zone has become a key battlefield between buyers and sellers. 

Carter highlights that the ongoing support area offers a favorable risk-reward profile for market participants. Buyers stepping in at this level are attempting to prevent a breakdown that could invalidate the broader recovery outlook. This means holding above this support zone could keep Dogecoin’s bullish scenario intact.

The descending triangle visible on the analyst’s shared chart shows a series of lower highs pressing against the stable support zone at $0.135. This compression often precedes a decisive move once the price reacts strongly at the base. Dogecoin’s current structure also suggests the market is steadily approaching that inflection point.

The volume data at the bottom of the chart has yet to show strong expansion near the support area. This indicates that Dogecoin’s trading activity has been relatively muted, suggesting that the market may be waiting for confirmation before committing to a significant upward move. 

If Dogecoin successfully rebounds from the $0.135 support zone, Carter’s chart maps out several upside levels to watch. Initial recovery targets are seen around $0.155 and $0.190, where previous price reactions occurred. Clearing these levels would signal growing momentum and a possible end to DOGE’s downtrend.

DOGEUSD now trading at $0.13. Chart: TradingView
Further upside extensions projected on the chart include $0.250 and $0.310, which align with previous consolidation areas. A stronger continuation could open the path toward $0.370 and ultimately the resistance zone near $0.470.

Resistance Zone Reveals When To Sell DOGE 
Carter’s Dogecoin chart clearly shows the $0.47 resistance zone, where sellers are expected to become active again. A rally into the zone would likely face increased selling pressure based on historical price behaviour. As a result, the resistance area serves as a strategic level for profit-taking rather than for new entries in Dogecoin. 

Overall, Carter’s analysis suggests that Dogecoin’s price is sitting at a pivotal technical level that could shape its next major move. The meme coin’s price is currently down, having crashed by over 22% year-to-date, according to CoinMarketCap. Despite this slip, Carter remains optimistic about DOGE’s recovery path. The recovery timeline highlighted in the analysis suggests that by 2026, the meme coin may have emerged from its downturn. 

Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView

Itaú Unibanco Holding SA, Latin America’s largest private bank, has advised clients to allocate up to 3% of their portfolios to Bitcoin for 2026.

The bank framed the cryptocurrency not as a speculative asset, but as a hedge against the erosion of the Brazilian real.

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Why Itau Wants Clients’ Funds in BitcoinIn a strategy note, analysts at the Sao Paulo-based lender said investors face a dual challenge from global price uncertainty and domestic currency fluctuations. They argued that these conditions necessitate a new approach to portfolio construction.

The bank recommends a Bitcoin weight of 1% to 3% to capture returns uncorrelated with domestic cycles.

“Bitcoin [is] an asset distinct from fixed income, traditional stocks, or domestic markets, with its own dynamics, return potential, and — due to its global and decentralized nature — a currency hedging function,” the bank wrote.

Itau emphasized that Bitcoin should not become a core holding. Instead, the bank framed the asset as a complementary allocation calibrated to an investor’s risk profile.

The objective is to capture returns that are not closely tied to domestic economic cycles and to provide partial protection against currency depreciation. It also aims to preserve exposure to long-term appreciation.

The bank pointed to the relatively low correlation between Bitcoin and traditional asset classes. It argued that an allocation of 1% to 3% can enhance diversification without overwhelming overall portfolio risk.

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Bitcoin Performance vs Traditional Assets. Source: ItauThe approach, the note said, requires moderation, discipline, and a long-term horizon, rather than reactions to short-term price swings.

“Attempting ‘perfect timing’ in assets like Bitcoin or other international markets is risky — and often counterproductive,” the bank warned.

Itaú’s 3% ceiling places it squarely in line with the most forward-looking global guidance, narrowing the gap with US counterparts.

Notably, major US banks such as Morgan Stanley and Bank of America have recommended that their clients allocate up to 4% of their assets to the flagship digital asset.

For Brazilian investors, however, the stakes are different.

Itaú said that in a world of shortening economic cycles and more frequent external shocks, Bitcoin’s “hybrid character” sets it apart from traditional assets.

The bank described the flagship cryptocurrency as part high-risk asset and part global store of value. It argued that this combination offers a form of resilience that fixed income can no longer guarantee.

This post may contain links from our sponsors and affiliates, and Flywheel Publishing may receive compensation for actions taken through them.

MercadoLibre (NASDAQ: MELI) has had a challenging 2025 despite its dominance in Latin America’s e-commerce and fintech markets. Shares currently trade around $2,016, down from their 52-week high of $2,645. The stock’s volatility reflects both the explosive growth opportunity in underpenetrated Latin American digital markets and near-term margin pressures from aggressive investments. With CEO Marcos Galperin declaring that “investments are delivering results across the ecosystem,” investors are wondering if MELI can rebound to $3,000 per share in 2026.

Wall Street Sees Substantial Upside Ahead
Analysts remain overwhelmingly bullish on MercadoLibre’s prospects. The consensus 12-month price target sits at $2,848, implying 41% upside from current levels. Of 26 analysts covering the stock, 23 rate it Buy or Strong Buy, with zero sell ratings. Wall Street expects revenue to continue expanding rapidly as e-commerce penetration in Latin America remains significantly below developed markets. The company delivered 39.5% year-over-year revenue growth in Q3 2025, reaching $7.41 billion in quarterly revenue. Forward earnings estimates point to substantial profit acceleration, with a forward P/E ratio of 30X representing a 39% discount to the trailing multiple of 49.3X.

The Math Behind $3,000 Per Share
At today’s price of $2,016, MercadoLibre trades at roughly 30x forward earnings. If shares hit $3,000, they would trade at approximately 45x forward earnings, assuming current estimates hold. That’s a premium valuation, but not unreasonable for a company operating in high-growth markets with a 40.6% return on equity. For context, the S&P 500 trades around 22x forward earnings, but MELI’s growth profile justifies a significant premium.

 

This infographic outlines the catalysts, risks, and historical performance supporting a potential $3,000 price target for MercadoLibre (MELI) stock by 2026.

What could push MercadoLibre to $3,000?

Margin recovery: Operating margins compressed to 9.8% in Q3 2025, down from 12.9% in Q1. If management can demonstrate a credible path back toward the 14-15% operating margins achieved in 2023, the stock could re-rate higher.
Fintech momentum: Payment volume surged 41% year-over-year to $71.2 billion in Q3. Expanding credit lines and financial services adoption across Latin America represent a massive untapped opportunity.
Innovation leadership: The December 2025 partnership with Agility Robotics to deploy humanoid robots in warehouse operations signals MELI’s tech-forward approach. The stock jumped 2.7% on the announcement.
Market penetration: Latin American e-commerce remains dramatically underpenetrated versus developed markets, providing a multi-year growth runway.

History Shows $3,000 Is Within Reach
Hitting $3,000 per share by the end of 2026 would require a 49% gain in 2026. While ambitious, MELI has a history of explosive returns. The stock’s beta of 1.43 reflects its volatility, but that cuts both ways. The company has demonstrated the ability to generate returns exceeding 50% multiple times. 

For example:

In 2023, MercadoLibre gained 85% during a year in which revenues soared 40.1% and diluted EPS grew 104%. 
Shares also saw a stellar 192% return in 2020 as the e-commerce space boomed after Covid. 

In total, MercadoLibre has returned more than 49% in four out of the past nine years, so this level of growth is definitely possible. If the company exceeds Wall Street targets, say if it grew EPS at 40% instead of the current expectations of 33%, and MercadoLibre benefits from favorable tailwinds like investors’ sentiment around e-commerce and digital wallet stocks improving, $3,000 is an ambitious yet realistic target. 

The Bottom Line on $3,000
Reaching $3,000 per share would require MercadoLibre to gain 49% in 2026. That’s achievable if the company can demonstrate margin recovery while maintaining its impressive growth trajectory. Wall Street’s $2,848 target already implies 41% upside. If operating margins rebound toward historical levels, fintech adoption accelerates, and the broader market cooperates, $3,000 is not out of reach. Returns at this level shouldn’t be expected every year, but we’ve outlined the blueprint for how MELI could see outsized gains in 2026.

3 U.S. Cannabis Stocks to Watch as Federal Changes Take Shape
The U.S. cannabis industry is approaching a potentially important inflection point before 2026. Federal policy discussions are continuing to gain momentum behind the scenes. Most notably, cannabis rescheduling remains under active federal review. A move to Schedule III could significantly reduce tax burdens for operators. As a result, profitability and free cash flow could improve quickly. This potential shift has renewed investor interest across the sector.

At the same time, recent headlines continue supporting legalization momentum nationwide. Several states expanded adult-use programs or improved medical access frameworks. Additionally, more ballot initiatives are being prepared for future elections. Meanwhile, federal banking reform discussions have resurfaced. SAFE Banking continues to gain bipartisan attention, though the timing remains uncertain. If passed, access to traditional financing could dramatically reduce capital costs. Consequently, large multi-state operators could benefit the most.

Despite improving sentiment, cannabis stocks remain volatile. Therefore, investors must rely on disciplined strategies. Technical analysis plays a critical role in timing entries and exits. Key indicators include moving averages, volume trends, and support zones. Identifying higher lows can signal improving momentum. Likewise, resistance levels help define profit targets. Technical confirmation reduces emotional decision-making during sharp price swings.

Equally important, proper risk management remains essential in this sector. Position sizes should reflect elevated volatility. Additionally, predefined stop levels help control downside exposure. Scaling into trades can reduce poor timing risk. Investors should also avoid overconcentration in any single stock. Instead, spreading exposure across leading operators can improve consistency.

Looking ahead, companies with strong balance sheets and retail scale appear best positioned. Federal reform may arrive gradually rather than suddenly. However, even incremental progress could unlock value. As a result, Trulieve, Green Thumb Industries, and Cresco Labs deserve attention. Their operational discipline and market presence stand out. Combined with technical analysis and risk management, these stocks offer compelling setups before 2026.

[Read More] 3 Top Marijuana Stocks To Invest In For 2026

Top 3 U.S. Marijuana Stocks to Watch Before 2026

Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (OTC: TCNNF)
Green Thumb Industries Inc. (OTC: GTBIF)
Cresco Labs Inc. (OTC: CRLBF)

The U.S. cannabis industry continues evolving despite ongoing regulatory uncertainty. However, large multi-state operators are still positioning for long-term growth. Before 2026, scale, efficiency, and balance-sheet strength will matter most. Trulieve, Green Thumb Industries, and Cresco Labs stand out among U.S. marijuana stocks. Each company operates across multiple states and controls strong retail networks.

Additionally, all three focus on disciplined expansion rather than aggressive dilution. As federal reform discussions slowly progress, these operators remain well-positioned. Investors watching the sector should focus on companies with durable cash flow. Operational discipline and market leadership remain key themes. The following three companies deserve close attention heading into 2026.

[Read More] Best U.S. Cannabis Stocks to Watch This Week as Legalization Momentum Builds

Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (TCNNF)
Trulieve Cannabis Corp. is one of the largest U.S. cannabis operators by retail footprint. The company built its foundation in Florida’s medical cannabis market. Over time, it expanded into several additional states. Today, Trulieve operates more than 180 dispensaries nationwide. Its largest presence remains in Florida, where it controls meaningful market share.

Additionally, the company operates in Arizona, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Georgia. Trulieve benefits from vertical integration across cultivation, processing, and retail. This structure helps control costs and protect margins. Furthermore, its product portfolio covers multiple price points and consumer preferences. Brands like Roll One attract value-focused buyers. Meanwhile, premium offerings drive higher margins. Trulieve also benefits from strong customer loyalty programs. As a result, repeat purchases remain consistent. Overall, Trulieve’s scale and retail dominance make it a key cannabis stock to watch before 2026.

From a financial perspective, Trulieve has emphasized cash flow stability. Revenue remains steady despite broader pricing pressure across the industry. Importantly, the company continues generating positive operating cash flow. Gross margins remain among the strongest of U.S. cannabis operators. Additionally, Trulieve reduced operating expenses through tighter cost controls. While net income has fluctuated, adjusted profitability has improved. The company also prioritized debt reduction and liquidity preservation. Cash on hand remains sufficient to support operations and selective expansion. Capital expenditures have been disciplined rather than aggressive. Moreover, Trulieve avoided excessive dilution compared to peers. Management continues focusing on efficiency over rapid growth. As market conditions normalize, margins could improve further. Therefore, Trulieve remains financially relevant heading into a potentially pivotal period for cannabis reform.

[Read More] These Marijuana Stocks Could Make You Money In 2026

Green Thumb Industries Inc. (GTBIF)
Green Thumb Industries stands out for consistent execution and brand strength. The company operates across several high-value cannabis markets. Its retail stores operate under the RISE Dispensaries banner. Currently, Green Thumb operates over 100 dispensaries across the United States. Its strongest presence includes Illinois, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland. Notably, Green Thumb also emphasizes branded consumer products. Popular brands include RYTHM, Dogwalkers, Incredibles, and &Shine. This consumer-packaged-goods strategy differentiates the company from competitors.

Additionally, Green Thumb maintains strong wholesale distribution relationships. The company focuses on disciplined expansion rather than aggressive store openings. As a result, execution quality remains high. Management prioritizes markets with clear regulatory visibility. This approach helps reduce operational risk. Overall, Green Thumb’s balance between retail and branding supports sustainable long-term growth before 2026.

Financially, Green Thumb remains one of the most consistent MSOs. Revenue growth has remained steady year over year. More importantly, the company has maintained positive net income. Gross margins remain healthy despite competitive pricing pressure. Adjusted EBITDA margins continue to outperform many peers. Additionally, Green Thumb generates strong operating cash flow each quarter. Its balance sheet remains conservative with ample cash reserves. Debt levels are manageable relative to earnings. The company also returns capital through share repurchases. This signals confidence in long-term value. Capital spending remains controlled and targeted. Furthermore, management avoids unnecessary dilution. Even during industry downturns, Green Thumb protects profitability. As adult-use markets mature, revenue stability should improve. Consequently, Green Thumb remains one of the strongest financial operators in the U.S. cannabis industry heading into 2026.

[Read More] 3 Canadian Marijuana Stocks To Watch In 2026 That Could See A Massive Run

Cresco Labs Inc. (CRLBF)
Cresco Labs is a vertically integrated cannabis operator with a strong wholesale focus. The company operates both retail and branded product segments. Its retail locations operate under the Sunnyside dispensary brand. Cresco maintains a meaningful presence across several large states. These include Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and additional markets. The company also operates cultivation and manufacturing facilities. This supports a wide distribution network for products. Cresco’s brand portfolio includes High Supply, Good News, and FloraCal. These brands perform well across multiple price categories.

Additionally, Cresco emphasizes wholesale leadership in key states. This strategy allows a broader market reach beyond owned stores. As markets expand, wholesale penetration remains important. Cresco also positions itself for future adult-use market conversions. Overall, Cresco’s diversified operating model offers flexibility heading into 2026.

From a financial standpoint, Cresco has focused on stabilization and efficiency. Revenue has remained steady despite market headwinds. Gross margins continue improving through cost discipline. Operating expenses have been carefully managed. While net losses have occurred, adjusted profitability remains solid. Adjusted EBITDA margins remain competitive among MSOs. Additionally, Cresco generates operating cash flow during stronger quarters. The company has also addressed near-term debt obligations. Refinancing efforts extended maturities and reduced pressure. Capital allocation remains disciplined across retail and cultivation assets. Furthermore, Cresco slowed its expansion to protect liquidity. Management emphasizes long-term balance sheet strength. As pricing pressure eases, margins could improve. Consequently, Cresco remains a relevant turnaround and growth candidate before 2026.

Final Thoughts
Heading into 2026, U.S. cannabis stocks require selectivity. Trulieve, Green Thumb, and Cresco offer scale, discipline, and strategic focus. While federal reform remains uncertain, these companies continue adapting. Strong retail networks, brand portfolios, and cash flow matter most. Investors should monitor execution and regulatory progress closely. As conditions improve, these operators could benefit disproportionately.

MAPH Enterprises, LLC | (305) 414-0128 | 1501 Venera Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33146 | [email protected]