Market Signal Briefing

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global plaintiffs' rights firm Hagens Berman reminds investors that the Lead Plaintiff Deadline in the securities class action lawsuit against MoonLake Immunotherapeutics (NASDAQ: MLTX) is rapidly approaching: December 15, 2025.

The lawsuit alleges that MoonLake and certain executives made materially false and misleading statements regarding the clinical prospects of the company’s lead and sole drug candidate, sonelokimab (SLK), causing the stock to crash nearly 90% on the revelation of disappointing Phase 3 trial results. Hagens Berman urges investors with significant losses to submit their losses now.

The Lawsuit’s Core Allegation: The Nanobody Deception

The lawsuit focuses on the company’s repeated claims that SLK’s distinctive Nanobody structure would translate into superior clinical efficacy (like higher HiSCR75 responses) compared to conventional monoclonal antibody treatments, specifically the FDA-approved competitor BIMZELX.

“We are focusing on the repeated assurances MoonLake gave investors about the supposed 'superiority' of their Nanobody technology. When the VELA-2 results came out, those promises evaporated, and investors lost nearly everything overnight,” said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the litigation. “As the December 15 deadline approaches, we encourage investors who suffered heavy losses to contact the firm to discuss their rights.”

Timeline and Key Details:

IssuerMoonLake Immunotherapeutics (MLTX)Class PeriodMarch 10, 2024 – September 29, 2025Lead Plaintiff DeadlineDecember 15, 2025Stock Drop EventStock fell from $61.99 to $6.24 (a 90% loss) on September 29, 2025, after VELA-2 trial failed its primary endpoint and efficacy was shown to be inferior to a competitor. Next Steps for MoonLake (MLTX) Investors:

Investors who purchased MoonLake stock (MLTX) between March 10, 2024, and September 29, 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 MOONLAKE (MLTX) STOCK LOSSES AND DISCUSS THE NANOBODY EFFICACY ALLEGATIONS, PLEASE USE THE SECURE FORM BELOW:

Submit your MoonLake (MLTX) losses nowVisit MLTX Case Page: www.hbsslaw.com/cases/mltxVideo: https://youtu.be/CzhNiTLjAxI
Contact Partner Reed Kathrein:

Email [email protected]: 844-916-0895 Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding MoonLake 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. 

Contact:
Reed Kathrein, 844-916-0895

The doughnut chain has been in business for a long time. The question now is how its financial situation will fare moving forward.

Doughnuts. We all love them. Despite this, they're not always the dream investment. Some operations do well, while others are struggling right now. Krispy Kreme (DNUT 0.79%) makes its money from the sale of its famous doughnuts, as well as coffee and other drinks. The chain has been around for a long time, but has struggled somewhat to find its footing in recent years in terms of profitability.

This is not a stock that has been outperforming. The shares are down more than 77% over the last five years, versus an S&P 500 return of over 85% in gains. Things have been a bit different over the last six months, as the big pullbacks in Krispy Kreme's stock have seemingly led to investors getting reinvigorated in owning shares, despite the fact that the company has some weakening financials. In all, shares are up 46.8% over the last six months.

Through the last five years, the company has been largely unprofitable. The doughnut/coffee chain had losses in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. Things changed in 2024, but it was a small $3.1 million in net income, off of $1.67 billion in net revenue.

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In 2025, the first three quarters have been a little rough. Net revenues declined by 10.39% through the first three quarters of the year to $1.13 billion. Income took a major hit and fell to a net loss attributable to Krispy Kreme of roughly $488 million, versus a profit of $25.5 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2024. In all, Krispy Kreme had losses of $2.86 per diluted share through the first nine months of 2025.

Image source: Getty Images.

Because of these shifts, the balance sheet is taking some tough hits. While total cash increased slightly year over year in the third quarter to $30.7 million, total equity took a big hit. Shareholders' equity declined 41% year over year to $693.8 million.

The company is undertaking a number of initiatives to attempt to make a turnaround in the business. These include refranchising, which the company claims will improve financial flexibility. A part of this plan is to improve Krispy Kreme's return on invested capital through the aforementioned refranchising and taking advantage of existing assets. The company also says it wants to expand margins through moves such as outsourcing U.S. logistics.

The fourth and final piece of the listed turnaround plan was to "drive sustainable, profitable growth." This one seemed a bit generic, as every company is meant to drive sustainable and profitable growth.

Before buying Krispy Kreme, you need to decide if you're willing to trust that these turnaround measures will have the desired effect. They seem a little vague as to the actual implementation.

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

Block (NYSE: XYZ) has delivered strong momentum in 2025, with shares climbing steadily as the company demonstrates improving profitability and operational leverage. The fintech platform operator behind Square and Cash App has transformed from losses just two years ago to consistent quarterly profits, with Q3 2025 earnings surging 64% year over year. With Wall Street’s consensus target at $84, investors are asking whether Block can push to $100 in 2026.

Wall Street Expects Continued Upside
Analysts are optimistic about Block’s trajectory. The consensus 12-month price target of $84 implies 30% upside from current levels around $64, with 31 of 33 analysts rating the stock a Buy or Strong Buy. That’s a 94% positive rating.

The bullish view stems from Block’s accelerating profitability. The company’s trailing P/E ratio of just 13 looks attractive for a fintech platform growing earnings at this pace. The S&P 500 trades at roughly 21x forward earnings, meaning Block trades at a significant discount despite delivering 64% earnings growth in Q3.

Yet, it is worth noting that much of Block’s profitability comes from income tax gains rather than operating income. Still, the company’s operating income was negative in 2023 and has steadily rebounded to where it’s reached nearly $1.4 billion in the past 12 months. 

Gross profit grew 18% last quarter, driven by Cash App’s 24% expansion and Square’s 9% increase. Both support the thesis that Block is capturing market share in both consumer and merchant payments. Management raised full-year guidance to $10.24B in gross profit.

The Math Behind $100 Per Share
Reaching $100 would require Block to gain 55% from current levels. At today’s price, Block trades at 13x trailing earnings. If shares hit $100, they would trade at roughly 20x trailing earnings based on current profitability. That’s still below the S&P 500’s average multiple and reasonable for a company demonstrating this growth rate.

(However, as we noted earlier, much of this profit comes from income tax benefits, which helps explain why Block is trading for such a relatively ‘cheap’ P/E ratio.) 

 

This infographic details the bullish case for XYZ stock, projecting a potential price of $100 by 2026, supported by strong growth, profitability, and key catalysts.

What could push Block to $100? Several catalysts stand out. First, the company’s PEG ratio of 1.27 suggests the stock isn’t overvalued relative to growth. Second, Block has a history of dramatically exceeding estimates when execution clicks. In Q2 2021, the company delivered a 113% earnings surprise. In Q1 2021, it beat by 156%. Recent quarters have seen misses, creating lowered expectations heading into 2026 and setting up potential for positive surprises.

Third, retail investor enthusiasm is building. A $1 million bet on Block garnered 338 upvotes and 232 comments on r/wallstreetbets in early December, with sentiment scores reaching 90 (Very Bullish). Peak activity of 69 upvotes per hour demonstrates significant retail interest.

Fourth, Block’s AI tools for sellers and expanding bitcoin payment capabilities through Square position the company to capture emerging trends. CEO Jack Dorsey’s bullish commentary about “delivering for customers” reinforces management confidence.

Block Has Delivered Returns Like This Before
A 55% gain sounds ambitious, but Block has a track record of explosive returns. The stock’s beta of 2.66 indicates high volatility. The company’s transformation from a $541M loss in 2022 to $2.9B in net income in 2024 demonstrates operational leverage that could drive multiple expansion.

In 2017, shares gained 154% 
In 2018, they followed up on that performance with 62% gains 
In 2020, shares hit 248% returns

While recent years have been hard on Block investors (shares are down more than 20% in 2025 after falling 61% in 2022 and 26% in 2021), the company’s shares could boom if digital assets like bitcoin have a strong year or if sentiment in the digital wallet space improves. 

The Bottom Line on $100
Hitting $100 would require Block to gain 55% in 2026. Wall Street is already forecasting 30% upside, and the stock trades at just 13x earnings despite 64% earnings growth. If Block continues expanding margins, beats lowered expectations, and benefits from a favorable market environment for growth stocks, $100 is achievable. For a company with Block’s profitability trajectory and retail enthusiasm, we’ve outlined the blueprint for how it could happen.

NEW YORK, Dec. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of DexCom, Inc. (NASDAQ: DXCM) between July 26, 2024 and September 17, 2025, both dates inclusive (the “Class Period”) of the important December 29, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline.

SO WHAT: If you purchased DexCom securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the DexCom class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=28133 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than December 29, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs’ Bar. Many of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, throughout the Class Period, defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) DexCom had made material design changes to the G6 and G7 continuous glucose monitoring (“CGM”) systems that were unauthorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”); (2) the foregoing design changes rendered the G6 and G7 less reliable than their prior iterations, presenting a material health risk to users relying on those devices for accurate glucose readings; (3) accordingly, defendants’ purported enhancements to the G7, as well as the device’s reliability, accuracy, and functionality, were overstated; (4) Defendants downplayed the true scope and severity of the issues and health risks posed by adulterated G7 devices; (5) all the foregoing subjected DexCom to an increased risk of heightened regulatory scrutiny and enforcement action, as well as significant legal, reputational, and financial harm; and (6) as a result, defendants’ public statements were materially false and/or misleading at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the DexCom class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=28133 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor’s ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

-------------------------------

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.
Phillip Kim, Esq.
The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-1060
Toll Free: (866) 767-3653
Fax: (212) 202-3827
[email protected]
www.rosenlegal.com

The future of flight may be electric air taxis.

Efficiencies in battery technology are enabling massive transportation innovations, and not just with electric vehicles. Start-ups such as Archer Aviation (ACHR 3.04%) have developed electric air taxis, otherwise known as electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (eVTOLs).

With taxis under testing and the promise to bring a new form of urban transportation to market, Archer's stock has soared, up close to 300% in the last three years alone. Today, the stock has fallen 38% from all-time highs, likely due to simple market volatility for high-growth stocks.

Does this stock price pullback make Archer Aviation a once-in-a-decade buying opportunity in 2026? The answer may surprise you.

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Building the future of flight
Everyone can agree that electric air taxis like Archer Aviation's Midnight are an innovative new mode of transportation. The Midnight can fit four passengers and is targeting 50-mile or less rides that usually take a driver an hour or more in traffic. Electric air taxis can transport customers over cities to these point-to-point helipads in less than 10 minutes.

With 4.7 billion hours spent in traffic in the United States every year, there is a huge market opportunity for electric air taxis, especially for wealthier individuals willing to pay up for tickets. Even if just a small percentage of cars get pulled off the roads, it could help alleviate traffic pains for all travelers.

The problem is, Archer Aviation's Midnight vehicle has not been fully authorized by the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) yet to operate commercial flights in the United States. Until this happens, all the company can do is build aircraft, test its vehicles, and set up its point-to-point airports for its air taxi network.

Image source: Getty Images.

Heavy upfront costs, large cash burn
Simultaneously building out aviation infrastructure, air taxis, and going through the FAA approval process is expensive, requiring Archer Aviation to spend a lot of money up front in order to execute its business plan. The company has raised billions of dollars through common stock offerings, which have been highly dilutive to shareholders. It currently has over $1 billion in cash on the balance sheet.

Hopefully, commercial viability is near, although FAA timelines are always uncertain. Archer just bought a stake in the Hawthorne airport in Los Angeles as a hub for its taxi network, working with airline partners, the Los Angeles Rams, and other key commercial partners in the city. Plans call for networks in New York City as well as internationally in the Middle East, Japan, and South Korea.

There is a lot of potential for these taxi networks to generate revenue, which will be required to make up for all this upfront spending. Right now, Archer Aviation is losing $487 million annually in free cash flow. It is going to have to generate at least that much, or more, in order to get to profitability.

ACHR Free Cash Flow data by YCharts

Is Archer Aviation stock a buy?
With a rising share price and dilutive stock offerings, Archer Aviation now has a market cap of $5.5 billion. The company has zero revenue today, making it tough to value, although I think it is prudent for investors to always be skeptical of investing in a company that has never generated a sale, let alone proven it can generate a profit for you.

But even if Archer scales up its taxi network and starts generating $1 billion in revenue each year, its expenses are still going to be significant. It has to pay for maintenance on these air taxis, pay the pilots, and pay the electricity costs. There are also going to be maintenance costs for running the airport hubs. What this means is that at $1 billion in revenue, Archer Aviation may only make a slim profit versus its $5.5 billion market value.

Today, it generates none. For this reason, investors should avoid Archer Aviation stock in 2026. It does not look like a can't-miss stock opportunity right now.

This AI stock is poised for a monster rally.

After falling significantly from its highs over the past few years, UiPath (PATH 3.41%) shares have climbed 55% in the last three months. The robotic process automation software developer could be positioned for a breakout year, as interest in agentic artificial intelligence (AI) continues to grow.

In the recent earnings report, management gave positive guidance on the company's path to profitability, which serves as a significant catalyst for the stock next year.

Image source: Getty Images.

Why UiPath stock could soar next year
UiPath is delivering solid growth, with revenue up 16% year-over-year last quarter. The company credited the growth to customers increasing their use of agentic automation across their operations.

However, the real catalyst for the stock in the near term will be the company's improvement in profitability. The point at which an unprofitable company becomes profitable can significantly impact its stock price. On that note, UiPath just reported its first profitable third quarter.

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Furthermore, management stated that it is on track to turn a profit for the whole year in 2026, marking a notable increase in operating efficiency. With the stock trading at a significant discount to its previous peak, this AI stock is poised to rebound in 2026 and potentially outperform the broader market. In the longer term, investors are looking at 400% upside if the stock eventually returns to its all-time high of $90 per share.

John Ballard has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends UiPath. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Spreading your money across different stocks is an essential element of a successful investment approach. Amazon has tailwinds as companies shift their spend to the cloud.

This $3 billion exchange-traded fund is one of the oldest in its category, and it could be a long-term winner as the humanoid robotics market expands.

In the past decade, robotics has been a great example of thematic investing, but for as rapidly as it burst onto the scene, it sure felt like it was quickly surpassed by artificial intelligence (AI).

That doesn't mean the robotics investment thesis has fizzled out or lacks relevance. It's actually as relevant as ever and, like AI, it's growing by leaps and bounds. Consider the following: As of the end of last year, the size of the global robotics technology market was estimated to be $94.5 billion, but that figure is forecast to surge to $372.6 billion by 2034. That's nearly a quadrupling.

If that growth forecast is met or exceeded, the Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF (BOTZ 1.49%) could deliver outsize gains for patient investors. The $3.04 billion fund debuted in September 2016, making it one of the oldest products in the robotics category -- nice superficial stats, but there are deeper reasons why this exchange-traded fund (ETF) could excel in the years ahead.

With the humanoid robotics market set to grow in exponential fashion, this ETF could be a leader. Image source: Getty Images.

Humanoid robots could drive this ETF
The $94.5 billion to $372.6 billion robotics growth forecast mentioned above, assuming it proves accurate, is obviously compelling and sets the foundation for investing in this theme. However, the Global X ETF could be a multibagger in the making for a simple reason: That estimate could prove to be far too conservative. The evolution of the humanoid robotics market explains why.

Humanoid robots -- you guessed it -- do human tasks, including tasks in factories and the healthcare and logistics industries. Combine the utility of these robots with expectations that prices will decline as adoption increases, and we're talking about a massive total addressable market -- one that could pave the way for big gains for this ETF. One estimate indicates the total addressable market for industrial humanoids could swell to $1.75 trillion by 2035. That's trillion with a "t."

And that's just industrial humanoids, or one subset of the humanoid space. Sure, it may feel like an episode of The Jetsons come to life, but household humanoids are real and, as average selling prices (ASPs) decline, that market could expand to an estimated $2.8 trillion.

Said another way, this ETF could get a lift from the broader adoption of robots that do things like cleaning sinks and washing dishes -- chores we real humans don't enjoy.

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This ETF has some unique traits
Typically, thematic funds are concentrated in some way. In the case of this robotics ETF, like many of its peers, it's heavily concentrated in technology and industrial stocks, with those sectors commanding 83.2% of the roster as I write this.

Still, it has some diversity as 10 countries are represented in the portfolio, with domestic stocks accounting for less than half the fund's weight.

Plus, this ETF lives up to its "and AI" billing. An 11% weight to Nvidia confirms as much while highlighting some level of thematic diversification, which could be advantageous relative to a dedicated robotics bet.

Norfolk, Va., Dec. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On December 13, nearly 1,600 students crossed the stage as newly minted Old Dominion University alumni in two ceremonies during the University’s 143rd Commencement Exercises.  

The first ceremony, held at 9 a.m. in Chartway Arena, celebrated graduates from the Batten College of Engineering and Technology, College of Arts and Letters, College of Sciences, School of Cybersecurity, School of Data Science and the School of Supply Chain, Logistics and Maritime Operations. 

The 12:30 p.m. ceremony recognized graduates from the Darden College of Education and Professional Studies, Ellmer College of Health Sciences, Ellmer School of Nursing, EVMS School of Health Professions, Strome College of Business and the Joint School of Public Health, in partnership with Norfolk State University.  

The day also celebrated two historic milestones: the Joint School of Public Health, in partnership with Norfolk State University and the School of Supply Chain, Logistics and Maritime Operations conferred degrees to their first students since becoming official schools.  

Old Dominion University President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D., told graduates, “Please know that, like everyone here today, I am immensely proud of each of you! As your membership in the Monarch Nation evolves with today’s transition from students to alumni, that pride will continue to grow in the years to come.” 

Commencement also featured a keynote address from R. Bruce Bradley (MBA ’78, H.D. ’10), former Rector of the Old Dominion University Board of Visitors and current member of the Board of Directors for Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University. A Navy veteran and public servant, he has served as board chair for influential organizations including the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, the YMCA of South Hampton Roads, the Elizabeth River Project, the United Way of South Hampton Roads and the ACCESS College Foundation. During his professional career in the newspaper industry, Bradley served as president of Landmark Publishing Group and as executive vice president of Landmark Media Enterprises, LLC where he held several leadership positions across the company. 

At the 9 a.m. ceremony, Bradley added another distinction: the Old Dominion University Presidential Medallion for Public Service, an honor bestowed on only two other individuals — a trailblazer and celebrated community leader and a faculty legend who served nearly 60 years at the institution. President Hemphill and Board of Visitors Rector P. Murray Pitts (’80) presented Bradley with the Presidential Medallion for Public Service noting the profound and enduring impact he has made on Old Dominion University and the region.    

During his keynote address, Bradley told graduates that they have been part of “a great renaissance at Old Dominion University.”  

Bradley chronicled victories the University, and its students, have realized in just a few years, citing the University’s Carnegie R1 designation; the integration of  Eastern Virginia Medical School into Old Dominion University, forming the largest and most comprehensive academic health sciences center in the commonwealth; and most recently, the country’s first-of-its-kind AI incubator for higher education, part of a landmark partnership between the University and Google.  

“You should be proud of your degree from Old Dominion University,” Bradley said.  

As Bradley reflected on his 34-year career at Landmark Communications — which owned companies like The Virginian-Pilot, The Weather Channel and Dominion Enterprises — he shared a list of traits expected from staff: ethical behavior, get results and develops people. 

When discussing “ethical behavior,” Bradley asked graduates, “Is doing the right thing situational?” He urged them to calibrate their moral compasses and consider how they would respond if faced with an ethical dilemma. He encouraged graduates to seek employers whose core values include ethical conduct.  

The second trait Bradley spoke about was “getting results,” saying he hopes the graduates will be known as people who get things done. “You want people in leadership of your organization to say: ‘If you want something done, give it to Tonya or give it to James. You,” he said.  

Lastly, Bradley spoke about the characteristic “develops people.”   

“Effective leaders treat others with respect,” he said. “Seek to become a work horse and not a show horse. People working for you will appreciate it. It’s your job to provide effective coaching, training and development opportunities for the people who work for you.”  

“Congratulations to each of you,” Bradley concluded. “Go Monarchs.”  

President Hemphill closed commencement with a final salute to graduates.  

“I wish each and every one of you best wishes for a prosperous and successful life,” President Hemphill said. “You are now graduates of one of the finest universities in the country.”  
  

### 

About Old Dominion University 
Old Dominion University (ODU), located in Norfolk, is Virginia's forward-focused public doctoral research university with more than 24,000 students. A top R1 research institution offering rigorous academics, Old Dominion University is recognized nationally for academic excellence, social mobility and access. Military friendly and home to an energetic residential community and robust initiatives that currently contribute $3.8 billion annually to Virginia's economy, Old Dominion University is a leader in the commonwealth. Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University, founded July 1, 2024, represents the most comprehensive health sciences center in the Commonwealth of Virginia. At the forefront of digital innovation, Old Dominion University partnered with Google in October 2025 to launch MonarchSphere powered by Google Cloud, a first-of-its-kind AI incubator for higher education.  

Old Dominion University 143rd Commencement

Old Dominion University 143rd Commencement
Old Dominion University 143rd Commencement

There's very little to be excited about with this AI stock.

Artificial intelligence companies are the must-have stocks for many investors right now, and BigBear.ai (BBAI 5.49%) has been no exception. The AI data analytics company has seen its share price rise by more than 600% over the past three years, leading many to wonder if this AI stock is worth buying right now.

Unfortunately, I think investors have been caught up in a bit of a flurry of excitement for BigBear.ai that's not necessarily warranted, given the company's falling sales and tumbling margins. Here's why it's best to avoid BigBear.ai stock right now.

Image source: Getty Images.

BigBear.ai is a growth company, minus the growth
One of the most glaring issues with BigBear.ai is that the company's sales are declining. The company recently reported its third-quarter results, showing revenue falling by 20% to $33.1 million.

That's a significant decline and continues a pattern of the company failing to grow its sales. Here's a quick look at BigBear.ai's revenue trajectory over the past year:

BigBear.ai Revenue (Quarterly) data by YCharts.

Growth stocks are supposed to be, well, growing. With sales sliding and no end in sight to the decline, I think some investors may be overlooking this problem and are instead too focused on the idea that BigBear.ai is an AI company. Unfortunately, offering artificial intelligence services -- and even having the letters in the company name -- aren't enough. BigBear.ai needs to right this revenue decline ASAP before any investors should consider buying the stock.

Don't let the company's temporary positive earnings fool you
Some investors may have been optimistic about BigBear.ai reporting GAAP earnings per share of $0.01 in the third quarter, up from a loss of $0.06 in the year-ago quarter. But that positive news wasn't because of underlying financial improvements at the company. It was instead the result of a non-cash change in derivative liabilities of about $26 million, which accounted for temporary changes in net income.

BigBear.ai doesn't generate any consistent positive operating income from its core AI analytics business. The company's gross margins are actually declining, falling to 22.4% in the third quarter, compared to 25.9% in the year-ago quarter.

What's more, the company had negative free cash flow of $9.8 million in Q3, meaning it's burning cash from operations rather than generating it.

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BigBear.ai's stock is too expensive
Finally, as if all of the above weren't enough to make you want to avoid BigBear.ai stock right now, its shares are overpriced. The stock currently has a price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of approximately 14, which is higher than the tech sector's average P/S ratio of 9.

This is made even worse by the fact that, as I mentioned earlier, the company's sales are falling. If sales were skyrocketing and BigBear.ai was generating lots of revenue that it could reinvest into the company, then a higher valuation would be more justified. However, with them falling, BigBear.ai's overpriced shares appear even more expensive.

Let BigBear.ai be a warning about some AI stocks
Not only does BigBear.ai appear to be a good stock to avoid right now, but I also think it's a good example of how some investors are getting too caught up in the artificial intelligence boom. There are numerous companies generating substantial revenue and earnings from AI. By all means, buy some of those AI stocks and hold for the long term.

However, be cautious of investing in AI companies that sound promising but lack the financial fundamentals to support their rapidly rising share prices.

John Ameriks does not believe in Bitcoin. The Vanguard executive even compares it to those Labubu plush toys that went viral.

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has outlined what he considers one of the clearest signs that institutional capital is finally entering the crypto market, despite recent volatility.

Speaking at Binance Blockchain Week alongside Solana Foundation President Lily Liu and Binance CEO Richard Teng, Garlinghouse said XRP ETFs have already raised over $700 million in just a few weeks.

According to Ripple’s CEO, that surge reflects pent-up demand from institutions that previously avoided the asset due to a lack of U.S. regulatory clarity.

Garlinghouse emphasized that the shift in U.S. policy has been dramatically under-priced. With the world’s largest economy representing 22% of global GDP, the removal of long-standing regulatory hostility marks a critical turning point.

Major financial firms, including Franklin Templeton, BlackRock, and even Vanguard, which once refused to touch crypto, are now entering the space. That situation fuels Garlinghouse’s strongest optimism for 2026.

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That said, Brad Garlinghouse noted that crypto still represents just 1–2% of the global ETF market. He dismissed concerns about short-term ETF outflows and declared there is “no chance” the asset class remains this small by 2026.

For Ripple’s institutional brokerage arm, the trend is already visible: firms that stayed sidelined due to risk aversion or regulatory uncertainty are now beginning to “crawl, then walk, then run.”

Moving on, Garlinghouse said the recent market turbulence has not scared institutions. “Definitely not,” he told the panel, arguing that volatility is pulling more interest in rather than pushing capital out.

On the payments front, the Ripple CEO highlighted the company’s growing stablecoin business, which recently surpassed a $1 billion market cap and has secured approvals in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and the DIFC.

The company is seeing accelerating demand for stablecoin-based treasury flows, boosted further by upcoming U.S. legislation such as the GENIUS Act. Moreso, Ripple’s acquisition of GTreasury is reinforcing that momentum.

Looking ahead, Garlinghouse expects meaningful U.S. regulatory legislation to pass in the first half of 2026, setting up what he believes could be a transformational year for XRP and the broader market.

Bitcoin’s bearish momentum has since reached a cool-off state, as price maintains above the last swing low established late November. However, although there has been a steady uptrend, signs of a bullish reversal remain weak. Interestingly, a recent evaluation has been published, which delves into the factors that may affect Bitcoin’s next major move.

Analyst Points To Key Support, Resistance Zones Using MVRV Metric
In an X post released on December 12, market analyst Ali Martinez shares that Bitcoin’s next significant move depends on how the price acts around a set of identified critical levels using data from the MVRV Extreme Deviation Pricing Bands. For context, this metric is used to identify when Bitcoin is undervalued or overvalued, with past activity around certain levels being a defining factor. It serves this function by comparing Bitcoin’s market price to its Realized Price and plotting extreme levels of likely deviation, such as ±0.5 and ±1.0, around the realized price.

From the chart below, $99,000 stands in correspondence to the +0.5 standard deviation band. This price level has historically functioned as a local top, especially in resistance against short-term bullish momentum. This happens because there is an increase in profit-taking among sellers, as they are prone to exiting in the presence of any real opposition.  Interestingly, a significant break above this $99,000 resistance level could be a sign of awakening bullish interest, potentially causing the inflow of bullish momentum upon its retest.

Source: @alicharts on X
On the flipside, the most immediate support zone is seen to lie around the $76,000 price. Notably, this region corresponds to the –0.5 deviation band, suggesting that it is a price level where Bitcoin would become undervalued if reached.

Past market cycles also reveal that pullbacks into this price region have often preceded increased upward momentum, owing to the ‘buy-the-dip’ mentality that must have prevailed. Expectedly, a slip beneath this key support zone would be a result of intensified sell pressure within the market. When this development occurs, the Bitcoin price could see an even deeper correction towards the south side of the price.

Metric Suggests $122,000 And $53,000 Are Next Crucial Zones To Watch
Notably, Bitcoin is expected to face another battle in the scenario where it breaks above the $99,000 resistance. Readings from the metric reveal that the +1 standard deviation band stands roughly at $122,000. Bullish rallies have often reached this price region, with significant resistance met to send prices sharply downwards. A break above the +1.0 deviation could therefore precede the formation of a new all-time-high price.

Also, the –1.0 deviation stands at the $53,000 price level. If the –0.5 deviation were to fail, the Bitcoin price could begin a bearish cycle towards $53,000, as it stands as the next significant support. This is so because it has historically functioned as a strong accumulation zone, where a bit of sideways movement was seen before major price expansions followed. At press time, Bitcoin stands at approximately $90,400, with a loss of %1.24 recorded since the last day, per CoinMarketCap data.

BTC trading at $90,446 on the daily chart | Source: BTCUSDT chart on Tradingview.com
Featured image from Pexels, chart from Tradingview

Iris Coleman
Dec 13, 2025 16:54

ALGO price prediction suggests potential 33-58% upside to $0.16-0.19 range despite current bearish momentum, with critical support at $0.12 determining direction.

Algorand (ALGO) finds itself at a critical juncture as December 2025 unfolds, with the cryptocurrency trading near its 52-week low of $0.12. Despite overwhelming bearish sentiment from technical indicators, our ALGO price prediction analysis reveals compelling signals that suggest a potential recovery could be on the horizon.

ALGO Price Prediction Summary
• ALGO short-term target (1 week): $0.134-0.140 (+12-17%)
• Algorand medium-term forecast (1 month): $0.16-0.19 range (+33-58%)
• Key level to break for bullish continuation: $0.15 (Upper Bollinger Band)
• Critical support if bearish: $0.1271 and $0.12235

Recent Algorand Price Predictions from Analysts
The cryptocurrency analyst community shows stark division in their Algorand forecast, creating an intriguing setup for potential opportunities. DigitalCoinPrice stands as the most optimistic voice, projecting an ambitious ALGO price target of $0.27, representing a massive 114% increase by December's end. This bullish outlook contrasts sharply with more conservative predictions from CoinCodex and Traders Union, who see ALGO struggling between $0.1271-0.1400.

Blockchain.News provides perhaps the most balanced perspective with their $0.16-0.19 medium-term range, citing oversold RSI conditions and emerging bullish MACD divergence. This prediction aligns closely with key resistance levels identified in our Algorand technical analysis, lending credibility to the forecast. The consensus suggests that while immediate downside risk exists, the cryptocurrency's oversold condition could trigger a relief rally.

ALGO Technical Analysis: Setting Up for Potential Reversal
Current technical indicators paint a complex picture for ALGO's near-term direction. The RSI reading of 32.50 places Algorand in neutral territory, significantly removed from oversold extremes below 30. This positioning suggests limited downside momentum while providing room for upward movement without immediately entering overbought conditions.

The MACD histogram reading of -0.0001 indicates weakening bearish momentum, though the indicator remains in negative territory. More encouraging is ALGO's position relative to Bollinger Bands, with the %B reading of -0.0128 showing the cryptocurrency trading just below the lower band at $0.12. This technical setup often precedes mean reversion moves toward the middle band at $0.14.

Volume analysis from Binance spot trading shows $3.55 million in 24-hour volume, which while modest, has remained consistent during this consolidation phase. The Average True Range (ATR) of $0.01 indicates relatively low volatility, suggesting that any breakout could generate significant percentage moves given ALGO's compressed trading range.

Algorand Price Targets: Bull and Bear Scenarios
Bullish Case for ALGO
The primary bullish scenario for our ALGO price prediction centers on a break above the immediate resistance at $0.15. This level coincides with the upper Bollinger Band and represents a critical technical threshold. Successfully clearing this barrier could trigger momentum buying toward the $0.16-0.19 range identified by multiple analysts.

Technical confluence supports this upside ALGO price target. The SMA 20 at $0.14 provides initial resistance, but once cleared, opens the path to test the SMA 7 at $0.13 as potential support on any pullbacks. The RSI's position in neutral territory allows significant room for improvement before reaching overbought conditions above 70.

Key catalysts for the bullish case include increased institutional adoption of Algorand's blockchain technology and any positive developments in the broader cryptocurrency market sentiment. The network's energy-efficient consensus mechanism positions it favorably as environmental concerns continue influencing crypto investments.

Bearish Risk for Algorand
The bearish scenario remains a significant concern in our Algorand forecast, particularly given the proximity to critical support levels. A decisive break below $0.12 could trigger a cascade toward the $0.1271 level identified by Traders Union, representing approximately 6% downside from current levels.

More concerning would be a failure to hold the $0.1271 support, which could open the door to the $0.12235 target. Such a move would place ALGO at new 52-week lows and could trigger additional selling pressure from both retail and institutional holders.

The weekly close will be crucial for determining which scenario plays out. Failure to reclaim the $0.13 level by week's end would strengthen the bearish case and potentially validate the more pessimistic analyst predictions.

Should You Buy ALGO Now? Entry Strategy
Based on our comprehensive analysis, the current risk-reward profile presents a compelling opportunity for calculated position building. The optimal entry strategy involves scaling into positions between $0.12-0.1271, with the strongest support at the current $0.12 level.

For risk management, implementing a stop-loss below $0.1180 (approximately 2% below the 52-week low) provides reasonable downside protection while allowing for normal market volatility. Position sizing should remain conservative, with no more than 2-3% of portfolio allocation given the heightened uncertainty.

The buy or sell ALGO decision ultimately depends on risk tolerance and investment timeline. Short-term traders might wait for confirmation above $0.134 before entering, while longer-term investors could view current levels as an attractive accumulation zone given the significant discount from 52-week highs.

ALGO Price Prediction Conclusion
Our comprehensive ALGO price prediction suggests a cautiously optimistic outlook despite current technical headwinds. The convergence of oversold conditions, weakening bearish momentum, and analyst support for the $0.16-0.19 range creates a favorable risk-reward setup for patient investors.

Confidence Level: MEDIUM - Based on mixed technical signals but compelling oversold conditions and analyst consensus on medium-term recovery potential.

Key indicators to monitor include RSI movement above 40 for bullish confirmation, MACD histogram turning positive, and most critically, a weekly close above $0.134. Failure to hold $0.12 support would invalidate this prediction and suggest further downside toward $0.1271.

The timeline for this Algorand forecast spans 2-4 weeks for initial targets, with the full $0.16-0.19 range achievable within 4-6 weeks assuming favorable market conditions persist. Investors should remain flexible and adjust positions based on evolving technical developments and broader cryptocurrency market sentiment.

Image source: Shutterstock

algo price analysis
algo price prediction

Peter Zhang
Dec 13, 2025 17:18

LDO price prediction points to $0.75-$1.27 upside potential as technical indicators show bullish momentum building despite recent weakness below key moving averages.

Lido DAO (LDO) is showing early signs of a technical recovery after testing critical support levels near its 52-week low. With the token currently trading at $0.60, multiple analysts are converging on upside targets between $0.75 and $1.27, supported by improving momentum indicators and oversold conditions.

LDO Price Prediction Summary
• LDO short-term target (1 week): $0.68 (+13.3%)
• Lido DAO medium-term forecast (1 month): $0.75-$1.27 range (+25% to +112%)
• Key level to break for bullish continuation: $0.68 (immediate resistance)
• Critical support if bearish: $0.55 (Bollinger Band lower boundary)

Recent Lido DAO Price Predictions from Analysts
The latest Lido DAO forecast from multiple sources shows surprising consensus around a recovery scenario. DigitalCoinPrice leads with the most optimistic LDO price prediction of $1.27, representing a 112% upside from current levels. This target aligns with technical recovery patterns observed in similar DeFi tokens after extended consolidation periods.

More conservative analysts at CoinLore project a $0.5871 short-term target, which appears overly cautious given the current oversold conditions. MEXC News provides the most balanced perspective with multiple predictions ranging from $0.70 to $0.78, supported by MACD histogram improvements and RSI recovery potential.

The market consensus suggests LDO could realistically target the $0.75-$1.27 range, contingent on breaking above the $0.68 immediate resistance level that has capped recent rally attempts.

LDO Technical Analysis: Setting Up for Momentum Reversal
The Lido DAO technical analysis reveals a compelling setup for potential upside acceleration. The MACD histogram has turned positive at 0.0066, indicating the first signs of bullish momentum divergence after weeks of decline. This early momentum shift often precedes significant price recoveries in cryptocurrency markets.

LDO's current position at 0.33 within the Bollinger Bands suggests the token is trading in the lower third of its recent range, creating favorable risk-reward dynamics for long positions. The RSI at 42.27 remains in neutral territory, providing room for upward movement without immediately hitting overbought conditions.

Volume analysis shows $2.36 million in 24-hour trading on Binance, which while modest, has been sufficient to support the recent 1.98% daily gain. A sustained break above $0.68 on increasing volume would validate the bullish thesis underlying current LDO price prediction models.

Lido DAO Price Targets: Bull and Bear Scenarios
Bullish Case for LDO
The primary bullish scenario targets $0.75 as the initial LDO price target, representing a 25% gain from current levels. This target coincides with the gap between the current price and the 50-day SMA at $0.72, suggesting a mean reversion trade setup.

Extended upside could reach $1.27, as projected by DigitalCoinPrice, if LDO successfully reclaims key moving averages and demonstrates sustained buying interest. This would require breaking through multiple resistance layers at $0.68, $0.75, and $0.98 (strong resistance).

Technical confirmation would come from RSI moving above 50, MACD line crossing above the signal line, and daily closes above the 20-day SMA at $0.62.

Bearish Risk for Lido DAO
The bearish scenario for this Lido DAO forecast involves a breakdown below $0.55 support, which would target the 52-week low area around $0.57. Such a move would invalidate the current recovery thesis and could lead to further declines toward $0.50.

Key warning signs include MACD histogram returning negative, RSI falling below 35, and daily closes below the Bollinger Band lower boundary at $0.55. Volume expansion on any breakdown would increase the probability of extended weakness.

Should You Buy LDO Now? Entry Strategy
Based on current technical conditions, a measured approach to buy or sell LDO decisions appears warranted. Aggressive traders could consider initial positions at current levels around $0.60, with additional purchases planned on any dips toward $0.58.

Conservative entry points include waiting for a confirmed break above $0.68 with volume expansion, which would validate the bullish momentum suggested by recent analyst predictions. Stop-loss levels should be placed below $0.55 to limit downside risk.

Position sizing should remain modest given the medium confidence levels associated with current predictions and LDO's position well below key moving averages.

LDO Price Prediction Conclusion
The technical evidence supports a cautiously optimistic LDO price prediction with targets between $0.75 and $1.27 over the next 4-6 weeks. The positive MACD histogram and oversold positioning create favorable conditions for a relief rally, though sustained recovery requires breaking above $0.68 resistance.

Key indicators to monitor include MACD line behavior, RSI momentum above 45, and volume confirmation on any breakout attempts. The prediction carries medium confidence given the early stage of the technical recovery and LDO's distance from major moving averages.

Timeline expectations suggest initial movement toward $0.68-$0.75 within 1-2 weeks, with extended targets of $1.27 achievable within 4-6 weeks if technical momentum continues building.

Image source: Shutterstock

ldo price analysis
ldo price prediction

The stablecoin giant, which currently has a 10% stake in Juventus, recently offered to buy out the Agnelli family’s 65.4% stake in an all-cash deal. Dec 13, 2025, 4:40 p.m.

Stablecoin issuer Tether’s dreams of a full takeover of Italian soccer club Juventus appear to have been dashed.

Majority shareholder Exor’s board of directors has unanimously rejected Tether’s binding, all-cash bid to purchase the firm’s 65.4% stake in Juventus, stating in a Saturday press release that it has “no intention of selling any of its shares in Juventus to a third party, including but not restricted to El Salvador-based Tether.”

Tether publicly announced its bid to buy out Exor — the holding company controlled by the Italian Agnelli family, whose multi-industry business dynasty includes the Fiat motor company — yesterday, stating that the company had “deep admiration and respect” for the soccer club and planned to invest an additional $1 billion in its growth if the bid was accepted. Tether already holds a 10% stake in the club, but has long been vocal about its desire to take a more active role in the club.

A spokesperson for Tether did not immediately respond to CoinDesk’s request for comment.

Juventus has faced ongoing financial challenges, posting recurring losses and requiring repeated capital injections, which have totaled more than 1 billion euros ($1.17 billion) over the past seven years.

In its press release, Exor called Tether’s bid “unsolicited” and reiterated the Agnelli family’s continued commitment to the team’s success.

“Juventus is a storied and successful club, of which Exor and the Agnelli family are the stable and proud shareholders for over a century, and they remain fully committed to the Club, supporting its new management team in the execution of a clear strategy to deliver strong results both on and off the field,” the press release stated.

Neither Juventus nor Exor immediately responded to CoinDesk's request for comment.

The price of a token linked to the football club, JUV$0.7712, surged more than 32% in the last 24-hour period after the stablecoin giant revealed it was prepared to acquire the club. At the time of writing it doesn’t appear to have yet reacted to Exor’s announcement.

The stablecoin issuer is currently Juventus’ second-largest shareholder with an 11.53% stake in the club, behind Exor. Juventus shares traded down 0.9% in Friday’s trading session to 2.194 euros ($2.58). The club’s total market capitalization is hovering around $988 million.

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In the last 24 hours, Shiba Inu has seen more outflows than inflows into spot markets, a positivity for the dog coin even as the broader crypto market faces selling pressure.

The crypto market extended its drop early Saturday with over $307 million in leveraged positions liquidated.

While major cryptocurrencies, especially in the top 100, saw losses in the range of 2% and 8%, Shiba Inu saw lesser losses, down 0.51% in the last 24 hours to $0.000008355 and down 1.7% weekly.

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According to CoinGlass data, Shiba Inu outflows from spot markets in the last 24 hours came in at $5.48 million or 656,287,425,149 SHIB, surpassing inflows at $4.98 million and yielding a negative inflow of $792,600.

Why is it significant?This remains significant as inflows might suggest deposits to exchanges with the intent of selling. Outflows are bullish for the price as it might suggest withdrawals with an intent to buy. Outflows might also hint at holders' intention to send the coins to cold wallets with the aim of keeping them for a longer time rather than immediately selling.

Outflows superseding inflows might suggest a slight advantage of buyers over sellers, but this has yet to translate to positive price action for Shiba Inu.

Shiba Inu's trading volume has dropped 6% in the last 24 hours to $105 million, according to CoinMarketCap data, indicating traders sitting on the fence, awaiting a decisive move in the market.

Shibarium gets prepped up for next upgradeOn Dec. 3, Ethereum underwent its second major hard fork in 2025, the Fusaka upgrade, which activated PeerDAS and slashed data costs. On Dec. 9, Polygon activated the Madhugiri hard fork, which slashed block times to one second while increasing throughput.

The two events remain significant for Shibarium, being an Ethereum sidechain, and it was designed after Polygon.

While Shibarium blocks once landed every two to five seconds, Polygon, its older sibling, has achieved one-second block time.

The Shiba Inu team targets by the end of Q2, 2026, full on-chain privacy and confidential smart contracts to arrive on Shibarium and Bone thanks to Zama’s fully homomorphic encryption technology.

Fully homomorphic encryption could make Shibarium the first major EVM chain to run smart contracts that remain encrypted end-to-end, turning transparent ledgers into private vaults.

Trusted Editorial content, reviewed by leading industry experts and seasoned editors. Ad Disclosure

Vanguard, the world’s second-largest asset manager, enabled the trading of Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and other crypto-related products on its platform at the start of December. However, it appears that the firm’s overall view of crypto and the digital asset industry has not changed very much over time.

Hence, the reversal of its longstanding position on Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies seems to be a purely business decision rather than a change in belief. This revelation came from one of the trillion-dollar company’s top executives at a Bloomberg conference on Thursday, December 11.

No Evidence BTC’s Technology Offers Economic Value: Vanguard’s Quant Head
According to a Bloomberg report, John Ameriks, Vanguard’s global head of quantitative equity, revealed that the asset management firm’s view of crypto remains unchanged despite recently offering its investors access to Bitcoin ETFs. The senior investment executive likened BTC to a speculative “digital Labubu”—a popular plush toy collectible.

Ameriks posited that Bitcoin could be seen as a speculative collectible rather than as a productive asset, as it lacks the income, compounding, and cash-flow properties Vanguard typically checks for in long-term investments. The global head of quant said there is no clear evidence that Bitcoin’s underlying technology delivers durable economic value.

It is for this not-so-optimistic view of cryptocurrencies that Vanguard has refrained from issuing its own crypto-linked exchange-traded funds. However, the asset management firm welcomed select crypto funds to its platform earlier this month after seeing the successful record of the US-based Bitcoin ETFs since their launch.

Ameriks said in a separate interview at the Bloomberg conference:

We allow people to hold and buy these ETFs on our platform if they wish to do so, but they do so with discretion. We’re going to not give them advice as to whether to buy or sell or which crypto tokens they ought to hold. That’s just not something we’re going to do at this point.

Nevertheless, the Vanguard global head of quantitative equity did admit that he sees Bitcoin potentially offering non-speculative value in certain contexts. The top executive listed high-inflation environments and periods of political instability as some of such scenarios.

Ameriks concluded:

If you can see reliable movement in the price in those circumstances, we can talk more sensibly about what the investment thesis might be and what role it could play in a portfolio. But you just don’t have that yet – you’ve still got too short of a history.

Bitcoin Price At A Glance
The price of BTC has been in a sustained downtrend over the past few months, sitting nearly 30% away from its all-time high of $126,080. As of this writing, the premier cryptocurrency is valued at around $90,380, reflecting an over 2% decline in the past day.

The price of BTC on the daily timeframe | Source: BTCUSDT chart on TradingView
Featured image from Vanguard, 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.

Bitcoin’s options market is large, liquid, and (at the moment) unusually concentrated. Total open interest stands near $55.76 billion, with Deribit carrying $46.24 billion of that stack, far ahead of CME at $4.50 billion, OKX at $3.17 billion, Bybit at $1.29 billion, and Binance at $558.42 million, while spot trades in the $92,479.90 area.

The curve tilts toward a single settlement date, Dec. 26, 2025, and the strikes with the heaviest traffic form a shelf around $100,000, with call exposure stepping higher in neat increments above that round number.

Max-pain readings sit in the low-$90,000 zone for near-dated maturities and drift toward $100,000 into the year-end cluster.

Chart showing the open interest for Bitcoin options on Deribit by strike price on Dec. 12, 2025 (Source: CoinGlass)The Greeks panel adds one more data point: gamma is concentrated between roughly $86,000 and $110,000, with the flattest plateau around the mid-$90,000 to $100,000. Put together, the market has drawn a thick line around six figures and penciled the final week of December as the main event.

Why this options map mattersWhy should a long-only investor care about any of this? Because these positioning maps tell you where hedging is heaviest, where intraday liquidity thickens, and where moves can either stall or accelerate.

They're the places where dealers adjust risk the most, the dates when a large share of contracts disappears at once, and the round numbers that draw the most traffic from discretionary traders and programs alike.

When you know which strikes are crowded and which expiries carry the most notional, you can anticipate where rallies may meet supply, where dips may find passive bids, and where the tape can move faster once the market exits those corridors.

At the end of December, that corridor sits around $100,000 with the largest reset scheduled for Dec. 26, which is why the path into and out of that date deserves attention.

Chart showing open interest for Bitcoin options on Deribit by expiry on Dec. 12, 2025 (Source: CoinGlass)This setup matters because options do two jobs at once: they transfer directional risk from buyers to sellers, and they force dealers who take the other side to hedge that risk in the spot and futures markets.

A call is the right to buy at a fixed strike, a put is the right to sell, and the price of that right (i.e. the premium) absorbs volatility, time, and moneyness.

Open interest is simply how many of those rights exist. When a single expiry towers over the rest, hedging and unwinds tend to bunch around that date, and when one strike has the tallest skyline, that level becomes a staging ground for flows as price wanders near it. Options don’t dictate where Bitcoin must trade, but they shape the path by changing who needs to buy or sell as we approach those landmarks.

The strike map is a clean read on positioning and mood.

The tallest bars are calls parked at $100,000 with follow-on stacks at $110,000, $120,000, $130,000, and beyond, while puts are thicker down the ladder in the $70,000-$90,000 area. That pattern says traders have paid to own upside through six figures and purchased protection further below, a classic mix for a market that has already run and now leans on optionality to manage the next leg.

The max-pain curve aligns with this picture: near-term maturities cluster around the low-$90,000, while the year-end read sits closer to $100,000, reflecting the larger notional parked at that round number.

Chart showing the max pain for Bitcoin options on Deribit by expiry on Dec. 12, 2025 (Source: CoinGlass)Dealer hedging turns those static pictures into action. When option sellers carry a net short-gamma exposure around a busy strike, they often buy dips and sell rallies to keep deltas aligned, creating a soft pin near the level with the highest sensitivity. When exposure flips and sellers are long gamma, hedges can chase the market move instead, adding fuel in either direction.

The gamma plateau spanning roughly $86,000–$110,000 tells you where this dance is most active, and the density near $100,000 explains why price can grind there for days and then travel quickly once it breaks free.

None of this requires a macro narrative, because it’s the plumbing of balance sheets meeting the arithmetic of option decay as time runs out.

Year-end gravity and the Dec. 26 resetThe calendar carries its own logic. Dec. 26 pulls because exchanges list popular quarterlies near the holidays, but also because funds prefer to tidy risk into year-end, manage tax footprints, and reset exposures when liquidity is thinner, and flows are more predictable.

When that much notional expires on the same day, the market often feels different immediately afterward. Gamma clears, hedges unwind, and the next set of expiries inherits the flow regime. If January rolls forward the $100,000 obsession, the pin can extend; if traders reset at lower strikes or reduce exposure, the first week of the new year can open with a looser tape.

CME’s slice of the total open interest adds another layer. Deribit dominates the crypto-native flow, but CME houses a good share of regulated fund activity and basis trades.

Those desks hedge more programmatically, often pairing futures, basis, and options across calendars. When CME basis, ETF net flows, and Deribit’s strike shelves line up, the market’s microstructure firms around those levels. When they diverge, price can slip through pockets where hedging is lighter.

Explaining options in simple terms helps frame why they are a useful sentiment gauge. Buying a put is paying for insurance against a fall; buying a call is paying for exposure to a rise without tying up full capital. The balance of who owns which rights, at what strikes, and on what dates, is a live poll of the market’s hopes and fears, but it's also a map of forced behavior.

If many traders own upside at $100,000 into the same expiry, the dealers who sold those rights must manage their books as spot approaches that level. If those same calls expire worthless, the unwind removes a layer of supply that had been sitting on every rally.

This is why max pain is a helpful compass into settlement: it identifies the price that reduces total payouts to option holders, and while it has no legal pull on spot, trader behavior often nudges in that direction as time value evaporates.

The near-term read of this data is straightforward. With spot around $92,000 and heavy gamma sensitivity between $86,000 and $110,000, rallies toward the high $90,000s intersect the busiest hedging band. If positioning leaves dealers short calls, hedges tend to add sell flow into that approach and then flip as spot pushes cleanly through six figures.

On the downside, put ladders around $80,000-$90,000 can add supply when probed, though that sensitivity decays quickly as we roll past year-end. That mix frames where flows are thickest and where moves can accelerate once the market exits the hedging corridor.

After the Dec. 26 expiry, the shape of the curve will matter as much as the level of spot. If the bulk of that $55.76 billion rolls forward, the same gravity wells may persist, just with fresh time value attached.

If exposure nets down and the strike distribution flattens, price can travel with less friction, for better or worse. Traders often talk about “air pockets” after large expiries, but that's simply the absence of hedging that had been damping moves, revealed once contracts disappear.

There are three practical takeaways from this for those who don't trade optionsFirst, treat the biggest expiries and round-number strike shelves as liquidity landmarks, because that's where hedging is thickest and where intraday behavior can look sticky.

Second, use max pain and gamma bands as context tools, not as targets, because they describe where the market’s machinery is most engaged, not where price must land. Third, connect the options map to the rest of the microstructure, including ETF flows, funding, and basis, because the strongest pins form when those pieces point to the same place.

Right now, the pieces are pointing to a familiar price and a familiar date. The shelf at $100,000 is crowded with calls, the max-pain path leans in that direction into year-end, and the gamma plateau brackets the range where dealers are most active.

What happens next will depend on whether spot drifts into that corridor and decays, or breaks out and forces a larger hedge adjustment. Either way, the options board already describes the battlefield: a dominant exchange, a dominant expiry, and a stack of strikes that turn six figures into more than a headline.

Mentioned in this article

XRP

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Crypto Journalist

Anas Hassan

Crypto Journalist

Anas Hassan

Part of the Team Since

Jun 2025

About Author

Anas is a crypto native journalist and SEO writer with over five years of writing experience covering blockchain, crypto, DeFi, and emerging tech.

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Last updated: 

December 13, 2025

YoungHoon Kim, the world’s record-holding IQ genius with a documented IQ of 276, predicts XRP will set a new all-time high heading into 2026.

He revealed he’s actively purchasing “XRP from now on,” a development analysts interpret as bullish for the XRP price prediction outlook.

Popular crypto commentator Gordon noted that when the smartest individual on the planet starts accumulating XRP, it signals that the current $2.00 price stabilization may mark the beginning of a rally toward record highs.

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse highlighted that barely four weeks after the XRP ETF debut, the regulated product has become the fastest crypto spot ETF to reach $1 billion in assets under management (since ETH) in the United States.

Data from Sosovalue shows that over $20 million in XRP inflows are recorded daily since launch, with cumulative inflows approaching $1.2 billion.

Analysts at Sistine Research suggest that if XRP continues defending the $2 range support levels and ETF inflows maintain this trajectory, seeing XRP trade around $10-$15 in 2026 wouldn’t be surprising.

XRP Price Prediction: $2.40 Pivot Holds the Key for 2026 RallyOn the 1-day chart, XRP is consolidating just above the critical $2.00 support following an extended pullback, with price repeatedly defending this zone and establishing a short-term foundation.

The $2.00-$2.05 area is functioning as a demand region, and provided it maintains, downside risk remains limited, with the next significant support positioned lower around $1.80.

On the upside, the chart clearly demonstrates that the $2.38-$2.40 region represents the crucial pivot point.

Source: TradingViewThis zone has capped multiple recovery attempts and now constitutes the level that must be reclaimed to validate a bullish continuation pattern.

Momentum indicators are beginning to stabilize, with the MACD flattening and suggesting a potential bullish crossover, indicating that selling pressure is dissipating.

If XRP can break and sustain above $2.40, the structure opens pathways for stronger movement toward $2.81 and subsequently the psychological $3.20 area highlighted on the chart.

PEPE 2.0? Pepenode’s Browser Mining Game Raises $2.3MIf XRP finally breaks through $2.40 resistance and establishes a new high above $4, meme coins like Pepenode (PEPENODE) could experience substantial price surges.

Pepenode is a new crypto project that’s already raised over $2.3 million despite challenging market conditions. It’s a game where you can “mine” coins without needing expensive computer equipment.

You play the game in your web browser, set up virtual mining nodes, and upgrade your facilities to earn more tokens.

The project is replicating PEPE’s success strategy, which surged massively during XRP’s 400% rally from $0.50 to over $3.50 during the last summer run.

Now that more people are starting to purchase Pepenode’s mining rigs, the token price is expected to rise rapidly.

To join the presale before the price increases, visit the official Pepenode website and connect a crypto wallet like Best Wallet.

You can buy tokens now for $0.001192 each and pay with crypto coins like ETH, BNB, or USDT.

You can also use a regular credit or debit card to complete your purchase in just seconds.

Visit the Official Pepenode Website Here

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XRP exchange-traded funds (ETF) are posting one of the fastest adoption rates seen in the cryptocurrency ETF market, with cumulative inflows nearing $1 billion within just three to four weeks of launch.

The pace exceeds early inflow trends recorded by Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) ETFs, signaling strong institutional appetite for XRP-linked investment products.

Flow data shows inflows have remained consistently positive, with no notable net outflows reported so far.

Meanwhile, XRP has continued to trade near the $2 level, a key psychological zone. However, the asset has been weighed down by the broader cryptocurrency market downturn.

XRP spot ETF overview. Source: XRP Insights
XRP price prediction 
With the first $1 billion effectively confirmed, attention has shifted to the next potential milestone of $10 billion. In this context, Finbold sought insights from OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which outlined several pricing scenarios.

Notably, ChatGPT’s price modeling suggests XRP could undergo a substantial repricing if cumulative ETF inflows reach $10 billion. In a base-case scenario, ChatGPT projects XRP trading between $4.50 and $6.

At that scale, ETF holdings would likely absorb an estimated 20 to 30% of XRP’s effective liquid supply, materially reducing sell-side pressure as tokens are locked into long-term custodial vehicles.

The projection draws on demand dynamics observed during the early stages of Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF adoption, where prices expanded by roughly two to three times after inflows crossed major psychological thresholds. If XRP is trading in the $2 to $2.50 range as inflows accelerate, a similar twofold to two-and-a-half-fold repricing is viewed as structurally reasonable.

ChatGPT’s more optimistic outlook places XRP in the $7 to $9 range, contingent on sustained net inflows, declining exchange balances, and a broadly risk-on crypto market. Under these conditions, XRP could enter price discovery, with ETF-driven demand amplified by momentum trading and supply-shock effects.

XRP conservative target 
A more conservative scenario still points to appreciation, with ChatGPT estimating a range of $3.20 to $3.80 if whale distribution offsets ETF accumulation or if inflows slow after the initial surge. Even in this case, ETF demand at the $10 billion level would likely support XRP above prior cycle highs.

According to ChatGPT’s analysis, ETF inflows do not linearly move prices. The most significant repricing typically occurs between $3 billion and $8 billion in cumulative inflows, when markets begin to recognize a structural shift in available supply. By the time $10 billion is reached, expectations of future inflows often become the dominant price driver.

XRP price prediction. Source: ChatGPT
Based on these factors, ChatGPT’s final projection places XRP around $5.25 if ETF inflows reach $10 billion, with volatility likely keeping prices within a broader $4.50 to $6.50 range under normal market conditions.

Featured image via Shutterstock

Bitcoin's ownership profile is changing. Corporate treasuries and governments are now holding sizable portions of the circulating supply.

In 2025, Bitcoin underwent a major transformation as institutional holders steadily absorbed the world’s largest crypto asset. In fact, new data revealed that nearly six million bitcoins are now held by large entities.

This has left smaller investors with shrinking influence over supply.

ETFs, Governments, and Corporations Tighten Their Grip
Bitcoin (BTC) holdings are becoming increasingly concentrated among large institutions and custodians, according to the latest findings by Glassnode. Publicly listed companies hold about 1.07 million BTC.

The top public BTC treasury companies are led by Strategy, which holds 660,624 BTC, far exceeding all other listed firms. Next up is MARA Holdings with 53,250 BTC. Twenty One Capital ranks third with 43,514 BTC, ahead of Japan’s Metaplanet, which holds 30,823 BTC.

Bitcoin Standard Treasury Company follows with 30,021 BTC, while Bullish holds 24,300 BTC. Riot Platforms ranks next with 19,324 BTC, followed by Coinbase Global with 14,548 BTC. Hut 8 holds 13,696 BTC, and CleanSpark rounds out the top ten with 13,011 BTC. Meanwhile, government wallets account for roughly 620,000 BTC.

Meanwhile, US-listed Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) collectively control around 1.31 million Bitcoin. Additionally, cryptocurrency exchanges remain the largest single category, as this cohort holds approximately 2.94 million bitcoin. In total, these major holder groups control an estimated 5.94 million BTC, or nearly 30% of the circulating supply.

Market Weakness Meets Institutional Conviction
On the price side of things, Bitcoin briefly slipped below the $90,000 mark this week amid broader tech sector weakness and macro concerns, which indicates that the cryptocurrency’s market behavior remains tethered to traditional risk assets even as institutional holdings grow.

You may also like:

BTC Freezes at $90K: Has Bitcoin Entered a Soft Correction or a Hidden Bear Market?

Bitcoin (BTC) Stops at $90K After the FOMC Meeting, Cardano (ADA) Plunges by 10%: Market Watch

Bitcoin Holds Steady at $90K Despite Trump’s Latest Big Statements

Despite the pullback, Cathie Wood’s Ark Invest bought 13,700 shares of its own Bitcoin ETF “ARKB.” The stash is worth around $417,000, showing continued confidence in the underlying asset. In another affirmation of institutional integration, Strategy has retained its place in the Nasdaq 100 index for a full year even as many market experts raised questions over its business model of buying and holding BTC amidst mounting concerns over the sustainability of crypto treasury companies.

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Don't be too quick to jump on this biotech bandwagon.

BioAge Labs (BIOA +1.02%) is a small drugmaker whose shares have caught fire this year. The company has made clinical progress in the hottest therapeutic area in the industry right now: Weight management. BioAge Labs' shares are up by 122% year to date.

Even after recent developments, however, BioAge Labs' shares remain unattractive for investors focused on the long term. It'd be best to stay far away from the stock. Here are two reasons why.

Image source: Getty Images.

1. Not even a mid-stage candidate
As a rule, clinical-stage biotech companies are high-risk investments. But they aren't all the same. The more positive clinical trial results they have for their candidates, the less speculative they tend to be. So, a pre-commercial biotech with one or several products in phase 3 studies that have already produced strong results across multiple clinical trials is less risky (all else being equal) than one with products that haven't even advanced to mid-stage studies yet.

Unfortunately, BioAge Labs only has a single candidate in clinical trials, and it is still in phase 1. That alone makes the stock incredibly risky, even if the candidate in question, BGE-102, has produced positive interim results.

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2. The competition will be fierce
BioAge Labs is developing BGE-102 as a potential medicine for patients with obesity and cardiovascular risk factors. Analysts have projected that the industry's weight management niche will grow rapidly in the coming years, thanks to breakthroughs in the field and soaring demand for these medicines, given the high prevalence of obesity and associated health risks.

However, BioAge Labs is stepping into a ring where many major pharmaceutical companies and some smaller ones are looking to make a dent. None of that means that BioAge Labs can't be successful. What will matter the most is whether its medicine is safe and effective. But we don't know whether it is yet. Betting on BGE-102 to pass phase 3 studies, hit the market, and carve out a niche in the anti-obesity market is little more than speculation at this point. Day traders may profit from the significant volatility the stock will experience, but for long-term investors, there is little to see here.

There are better options for investors
Even investors with an appetite for risk can do better than BioAge Labs. Consider Viking Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotech that's also developing weight loss medicines. It has completed phase 2 clinical trials for its lead candidate, VK2735, which is now in phase 3. Viking Therapeutics remains somewhat risky, but it is far less so than BioAge Labs.

True, the latter may also have more upside potential, but there is the very real possibility that those who invest in BioAge Labs today may end up with worthless shares in a few years. That's why it's best to stay away from BioAge Labs.

Revenue is booming from surging memory prices.

Micron Technology (MU 6.68%) is experiencing a significant surge in its memory business, which has driven its stock price up 85% over the last three months.

Micron is a leading supplier of memory chips, including dynamic random access memory (DRAM), that is used in computers, phones, and increasingly data centers. DRAM is basically a commodity product and is highly competitive. The company's recent growth would suggest an opportunity for investors, but it depends on whether data center demand can drive sustainable revenue growth over the long term.

Image source: Micron Technology.

Data center demand is sending memory prices soaring
Multiple companies manufacture memory chips, but Micron is benefiting from a shortage of memory chips relative to the demand from data centers. Its fiscal 2025 revenue jumped 49%. The fiscal year ended Aug. 28.

Analysts expect the good times to continue, driven by a significant increase in DRAM selling prices. Higher pricing has juiced margins, sending adjusted earnings per share to $8.29 in fiscal 2025, with analysts expecting another solid quarter of profitable growth for fiscal Q1 2026.

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The stock appears to be undervalued, trading at around 15 times fiscal 2026 earnings estimates. However, this is historically a fair valuation for Micron, considering the fluctuations in revenue due to competition and changes in DRAM prices.

The historical fluctuations in demand and supply in the memory chip market make Micron a challenging stock to analyze. Still, management expects the limited supply of DRAM to continue next year, signaling that it should deliver more growth in revenue and earnings. As long as these conditions persist, the stock remains a solid buy.

John Ballard has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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