Market Signal Briefing

Q4: 2025-12-03 Earnings SummaryEPS of $3.85 beats by $0.30

 |

Revenue of

$17.21B

(14.16% Y/Y)

beats by $350.92M

Royal Bank of Canada (RY:CA) Q4 2025 Earnings Call December 3, 2025 8:00 AM EST

Company Participants

Asim Imran - Senior VP & Head of Investor Relations
David McKay - President, CEO & Director
Katherine Gibson - CFO & Controller
Graeme Hepworth - Chief Risk Officer
Derek Neldner - Group Head & CEO of RBC Capital Markets
Erica Nielsen - Group Head of RBC Personal Banking

Conference Call Participants

Ebrahim Poonawala - BofA Securities, Research Division
Gabriel Dechaine - National Bank Financial, Inc., Research Division
Mario Mendonca - TD Cowen, Research Division
Sohrab Movahedi - BMO Capital Markets Equity Research
Paul Holden - CIBC Capital Markets, Research Division
Jill Glaser Shea - UBS Investment Bank, Research Division
Mehmed Rizvanovic - Scotiabank Global Banking and Markets, Research Division
Doug Young - Desjardins Securities Inc., Research Division
Matthew Lee - Canaccord Genuity Corp., Research Division

Presentation

Operator

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to RBC's 2025 Fourth Quarter Results Conference Call. Please be advised that this call is being recorded. [Operator Instructions]

I would now like to turn the meeting over to Asim Imran. Please go ahead.

Asim Imran
Senior VP & Head of Investor Relations

Thank you, and good morning, everyone. Speaking today will be Dave McKay, President and Chief Executive Officer; Katherine Gibson, Chief Financial Officer; and Graeme Hepworth, Chief Risk Officer. Also joining us today for your questions, Erica Nielsen, Group Head, Personal Banking; Sean Amato-Gauci, Group Head Commercial Banking; Neil McLaughlin, Group Head Wealth Management; Derek Neldner, Group Head Capital Markets and Jennifer Publicover, Group Head Insurance.

As noted on Slide 2 of the quarterly slides and the strategic update, our comments may contain forward-looking statements, which involve assumptions and have inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially. I would also remind listeners that the bank assesses its performance on a reported and adjusted basis, and considers both to be useful in

Recommended For You

Escalating demand for an XRP ETF is sharpening focus on 21shares as it awaits key SEC action that could set the stage for another major entrant in the fast-moving regulated crypto market.

Ethereum price started a fresh increase above $3,120. ETH is now attempting to clear the $3,250 resistance and might accelerate higher.

Ethereum started a fresh increase above the $3,000 and $3,120 levels.
The price is trading above $3,150 and the 100-hourly Simple Moving Average.
There is a bullish trend line forming with support at $3,120 on the hourly chart of ETH/USD (data feed via Kraken).
The pair could continue to move up if it settles above the $3,250 zone.

Ethereum Price Eyes More Gains
Ethereum price managed to stay above $2,880 and started a fresh increase, like Bitcoin. ETH price gained strength for a move above the $2,950 and $3,000 resistance levels.

The bulls even pumped the price above $3,120.  However, the price is now testing a key barrier at $3,250. A high was formed at $3,239 and the price is now consolidating above the 23.6% Fib retracement level of the recent move from the $2,718 swing low to the $3,239 low.

Ethereum price is now trading above $3,150 and the 100-hourly Simple Moving Average. If there is another upward move, the price could face resistance near the $3,250 level.

Source: ETHUSD on TradingView.com
The next key resistance is near the $3,265 level. The first major resistance is near the $3,320 level. A clear move above the $3,320 resistance might send the price toward the $3,450 resistance. An upside break above the $3,450 region might call for more gains in the coming days. In the stated case, Ether could rise toward the $3,500 resistance zone or even $3,540 in the near term.

Downside Correction In ETH?
If Ethereum fails to clear the $3,250 resistance, it could start a fresh decline. Initial support on the downside is near the $3,160 level. The first major support sits near the $3,120 zone and the trend line.

A clear move below the $3,120 support might push the price toward the $3,050 support. Any more losses might send the price toward the $2,980 region and the 50% Fib retracement level of the recent move from the $2,718 swing low to the $3,239 low in the near term. The next key support sits at $2,920 and $2,880.

Technical Indicators

Hourly MACD – The MACD for ETH/USD is gaining momentum in the bullish zone.

Hourly RSI – The RSI for ETH/USD is now above the 50 zone.

Major Support Level – $3,120

Major Resistance Level – $3,250

Dogecoin News

Dogecoin Rally: Weekly Chart Shows Reversal Toward $1 Resistance

TL;DR: A Dragonfly Doji on Dogecoin’s weekly chart signals a potential bullish reversal and sets a $1 target. DOGE recently stabilized around the $0.145–$0.150 range;

Cardano News

ADA Rockets Nearly 4% as Cardano aims to Hit Fresh Weekly Peak at $0.60

TL;DR ADA climbed nearly 4% to set a fresh weekly high as buyers pushed toward the $0.60 level after several days of tight consolidation. The

Solana News

Solana ETF Market Surges With $45.7M Inflows Amid Vanguard’s Crypto Pivot

TL;DR Vanguard reversed its ban on crypto assets and began listing Solana ETFs, enabling $SOL investments for around 50 million clients. SOL ETFs saw $45.7

Ethereum News

BlackRock’s 44,000 ETH Transfer to Coinbase Prime Signals Market Strategy Shift

TL;DR BlackRock moved 44,140 ETH to Coinbase Prime for about $135 million, highlighting how issuers are already fully integrated with on-chain activity. The firm’s Ethereum

CryptoNews

Ostium Raises $24 Million to Expand Onchain Perpetuals Market for Real‑World Assets

TL;DR Ostium closed a $24 million round that accelerates a plan aimed at moving retail trading toward a transparent, self-custodied execution model. The company secured

Ripple News

Market Watch: XRP Approaches Make‑Or‑Break Level Following Recovery Rally

TL;DR XRP strongly rebounded from near $1.98, reversing the fall that took it from $2.18 to below $2.00. The asset has re-entered a compression pattern,

SINGAPORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Visa, a world leader in digital payments, and Pismo today jointly announced a strategic collaboration with Circle Asia Technologies, a pioneering credit-led neobank in Southeast Asia, to unlock credit for millions in Vietnam. This will enable Circle to launch the nation's first truly AI-powered PayLater card aiming to set new standards for transparency, personalization, and user experience in the financial industry. Scheduled for a phased rollout in early 2026, the c.

Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

These components are the full sets of knockdowns for building the first batch of complete pre-production FX Super One vehicles, which once assembled, will be used for testing, marketing and other planning activities in the U.S.This milestone marks the successful end-to-end execution of FF’s Global Automotive Industry Bridge Strategy, covering the full process from supply chain sourcing, testing, transportation, and customs validation to production readiness and final assembly, underscoring its feasibility and strategic value in supporting FF and FX’s ongoing development.This new parts arrival, delivery and assembly milestone follows the recent trial production phase for Super One, which was primarily focused on planning and verifying production processes, operational workflows, quality standards, safety testing and validation of the vehicle in the U.S. LOS ANGELES, Dec. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Faraday Future Intelligent Electric Inc. (NASDAQ: FFAI) (“Faraday Future”, “FF” or the “Company”), a California-based global shared intelligent electric mobility ecosystem company, today announced that the first batch of knockdowns for FX Super One MPV have successfully arrived at the Port of Long Beach, cleared customs and have commenced delivery to the Company’s manufacturing facility in Hanford, CA. Vehicle knockdown parts are all the components needed to assemble a complete vehicle, which are shipped to a different location for final assembly. This marks a major milestone as the Super One sprints towards the first pre-production vehicle off the line in Hanford by year-end. With parts continuing to arrive, the Company is now another major step closer to Super One’s production and deliveries.

This milestone in the U.S. comes on the heels of the first International FX Super One delivery to its global first owner — soccer legend Andrés Iniesta in the UAE on Nov. 27th. This event signifies the commencement of UAE product deliveries and ushers the market into the EAI-MPV era. It also signals that the Company’s Global Automotive Bridge Strategy is moving to initial Bridge Closure in the Middle East and the Three-Pole Strategy entering into a new chapter.

“We are extremely encouraged by the milestones that we have reached recently with the FX Super One, including a successful trial production phase, the first delivery of the vehicle in the UAE, and now this pivotal moment of receiving our knockdown parts in Hanford,” said Matthias Aydt, Global Co-CEO of FF. “All of our systems are a go, from global logistics to the production and parts pipeline, to training personnel to assemble the vehicle, all in anticipation of getting the first pre-production FX Super One off the line by year end.”

The FX Super One has been in the trial production phase since earlier this year where it was primarily focused on planning and verifying production processes, operational workflows, and quality standards. In parallel, engineers and production staff at the Hanford factory are undergoing specialized training to support production readiness.

In parallel, the Company is also working on comprehensive engineering of vehicles, which includes extensive safety testing and validation. These efforts are integral to ensuring that the FX Super One meets the highest standards of quality, performance, safety, and the end user experience.

Faraday Future’s current 1.1 million-square-foot manufacturing and production facility in Hanford, California, named "FF aiFactory California," has approximately $300 million invested so far in the multi-use facility, and with additional investment and permitting, could become capable of producing more than 30,000 FX vehicles annually. The Hanford factory is preparing a flexible production line for FX units. The facility could support mixed-line manufacturing or assembly for multiple models.

The FX Super One is an affordable mass market MPV. It offers a spacious, meticulously crafted interior with high-end materials and advanced technology, the FX Super One prioritizes passenger comfort with a host of features including multiple rows, spacious seating, ambient lighting, and premium entertainment systems, to name a few. The Super One is planned to be available with AWD and two powertrain options: battery electric and, at a later date, an AI hybrid extended range (AIHER) configuration.

The Super One isn’t just about upgrading one's experience with automobiles — it’s going to redefine it entirely. It will come equipped with the groundbreaking FF Super EAI F.A.C.E. (Front AI Communication Ecosystem) System, and the FF EAI Embodied Intelligence AI Agent 6x4 Architecture. These technologies mark the start of a major tech leap and product revolution in the AIEV era.

ABOUT FARADAY FUTURE 

Faraday Future is a California-based global shared intelligent electric mobility ecosystem company. Founded in 2014, the Company’s mission is to disrupt the automotive industry by creating a user-centric, technology-first, and smart driving experience. Faraday Future’s flagship model, the FF 91, exemplifies its vision for luxury, innovation, and performance. The FX strategy aims to introduce mass production models equipped with state-of-the-art luxury technology similar to the FF 91, targeting a broader market with middle-to-low price range offerings. FF is committed to redefining mobility through AI innovation. Join us in shaping the future of intelligent transportation. For more information, please visit https://www.ff.com/

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 

This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words “plan to,” “can,” “will,” “should,” “future,” “potential,” and variations of these words or similar expressions (or the negative versions of such words or expressions) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements, which include statements regarding the FX Super One and related production and delivery timing, and the Super EAI F.A.C.E. system; involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are outside the Company’s control, which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements.  

Important factors, among others, that may affect actual results or outcomes include, among others: the ability to timely clear customs; the Company's ability to homologate FX vehicles for sale; the Company’s ability to secure the necessary agreements from OEMs to be able to engineer FX vehicles for the U.S. market; the Company’s ability to secure the necessary funding to execute on the FX strategy, which will be substantial; the Company’s ability to secure an occupancy certificate for its Hanford facility; the Company’s ability to increase production capacity at its Hanford facility, which could be substantial; the Company’s ability to develop an AIHER powertrain; the Company’s ability to obtain any necessary approvals to equip the Super One with the Super EAI F.A.C.E. system; the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern and improve its liquidity and financial position; the Company’s ability to pay its outstanding obligations; the Company's ability to remediate its material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting and the risks related to the restatement of previously issued consolidated financial statements; the Company’s limited operating history and the significant barriers to growth it faces; the Company’s history of losses and expectation of continued losses; the success of the Company’s payroll expense reduction plan; the Company’s ability to execute on its plans to develop and market its vehicles and the timing of these development programs; the Company’s estimates of the size of the markets for its vehicles and cost to bring those vehicles to market; the rate and degree of market acceptance of the Company’s vehicles; the Company’s ability to cover future warranty claims; the success of other competing manufacturers; the performance and security of the Company’s vehicles; current and potential litigation involving the Company; the Company’s ability to receive funds from, satisfy the conditions precedent of and close on the various financings described elsewhere by the Company; the result of future financing efforts, the failure of any of which could result in the Company seeking protection under the Bankruptcy Code; the Company’s indebtedness; the Company’s ability to cover future warranty claims; the Company’s ability to use its “at-the-market” program; insurance coverage; general economic and market conditions impacting demand for the Company’s products; potential negative impacts of a reverse stock split; potential cost, headcount and salary reduction actions may not be sufficient or may not achieve their expected results; circumstances outside of the Company's control, such as natural disasters, climate change, health epidemics and pandemics, terrorist attacks, and civil unrest; risks related to the Company's operations in China; the success of the Company's remedial measures taken in response to the Special Committee findings; the Company’s dependence on its suppliers and contract manufacturer; the Company's ability to develop and protect its technologies; the Company's ability to protect against cybersecurity risks; and the ability of the Company to attract and retain employees, any adverse developments in existing legal proceedings or the initiation of new legal proceedings, and volatility of the Company’s stock price. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 31, 2025, and other documents filed by the Company from time to time with the SEC. 

CONTACTS: 
Investor Relations (English): [email protected]        
Investors (Chinese): [email protected]  
Media: [email protected] 

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d053a436-3d64-4d95-aff4-f75b0661b12f
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/23765d3d-2c42-4029-bc12-0dbd6d10c02f

December 03, 2025 10:16 PM EST | Source: The Rosen Law Firm PA
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - December 3, 2025) - WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of CarMax, Inc. (NYSE: KMX) between June 20, 2025 and November 5, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period") of the important January 2, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline in the securities class action first filed by the Firm.

SO WHAT: If you purchased CarMax 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 CarMax class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=47077 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than January 2, 2026. 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 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 90Laurence 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, defendants throughout the Class Period made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) defendants recklessly overstated CarMax's growth prospects when, in reality, its earlier growth in the 2026 fiscal year was a temporary benefit from customers buying cars due to speculation regarding tariffs; and (2) as a result, defendants' statements about CarMax's business, operations and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the CarMax class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=47077 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 or 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.

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

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/276817

Uber Technologies is a Buy, given its strong user growth, cross-platform engagement, and robust financial performance. UBER's strategic partnerships in the AVs and eVTOL spaces should help to expand its TAM and enhance its competitive positioning. Q3 results highlight 21% YoY gross bookings growth, 20% revenue growth, and $2.3 billion in adjusted EBITDA, with significant free cash flow generation.

Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of EPD either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

Franklin Templeton expanded its crypto ETF beyond bitcoin and ether by adding XRP and solana alongside other major tokens, signaling a shift toward broader market exposure and rising demand for assets tied to real-world utility and diversified blockchain use cases. Franklin Crypto Index ETF Expands Asset Mix Franklin Templeton announced on Dec.

This year’s second major upgrade of Ethereum, Fusaka, has gone live, bringing forward supercharged data capacity, reduced transaction costs, and enhanced usability.  

The upgrade went live on the Ethereum mainnet at 9:49 p.m. UTC on Wednesday, during Epoch 411392, featuring peer data availability sampling (PeerDAS) as its main highlight, which greatly enhances scaling for Ethereum and Layer 2 networks.

Earlier this week, the Ethereum Foundation detailed Fusaka’s impact on users, developers, node operators, Layer 2s, rollups, and enterprises via a thread on the Ethereum X account.

PeerDAS boosts layer-2s with faster processing and lower fees
According to the Foundation, Fusaka moves Ethereum closer to “near-instant transactions”, improving speed for a smoother user experience. It says, “Fusaka lays the groundwork for ‘instant-feel’ user experiences. Based on preconfirmations, transaction latency is reduced from minutes to milliseconds. Combined with lower fees, this opens the door to a new tier of usability.”

For Layer-2s and rollups, PeerDAS unlocks up to 8 times the data throughput, offering a far more efficient way to process network information. In simple terms, PeerDAS breaks rollup data into smaller fragments, reducing the amount of data nodes must download and upload. This enables faster processing and more efficient interaction with the Ethereum mainnet.

The Foundation noted that for rollups, this means lower blob fees, more space to grow, and lower fees for users—all while maintaining the network’s decentralization.

Analysts eye Fusaka as catalyst for Ethereum price revival
Analysts had also speculated that Fusaka could spark a revival in ETH’s price. MerlijnTrader highlighted on X how Ethereum’s previous upgrade, Pectra, positively impacted ETH’s market performance, suggesting Fusaka could drive even greater gains this time.

Pectra sparked a 58% surge, and Fusaka is designed to hit even harder. The price hasn’t yet caught up to the fundamentals. On Nov. 29, Bitcoin veteran @LLuciano_BTC shared similar thoughts with his 2 million X followers, stating that Fusaka feels like a major catalyst for upside and that Ethereum is finally demonstrating how far scaling can go while staying true to its core design.

Ethereum’s price increased by more than 13% since December 1, driven by a wider recovery and rising excitement ahead of its first major upgrade today, the Fusaka one that aims to make the network’s transaction processing smoother.

While ETH is still up by over 17% for the entire month, the recent bounce and many technical indicators appear similar to those observed just before the Pectra upgrade in May 2023, when Ethereum rallied 56% in seven days.

During the Pectra phase (May 6–13), Ethereum spiked 56% after flashing standard bullish divergence. This pattern occurs when the price makes a lower low, but the RSI (Relative Strength Index, a momentum indicator that ranges from 0 to 100) makes a higher low. It often signals that sellers are losing control even as the chart still looks weak—more of a trend reversal.

Between November 4 and December 1, ETH made a lower low, but RSI formed a higher low. That mirrors the exact structure that appeared before the Pectra move.

Big holders also see early accumulation. The number of Ethereum addresses holding at least $1 million has increased from 13,322 to 13,945, representing a 4.68% rise. As each wallet has a minimum of $1 million in holdings, this represents at least $623 million of extra capital among the network’s top-tier holders. Historically, big buyers stepping in ahead of a major technical upgrade is a good sign.

If you're reading this, you’re already ahead. Stay there with our newsletter.

Ethereum has successfully activated the Fusaka upgrade on mainnet, marking its second major network enhancement in 2025.

With PeerDAS now live, ETH has surged past the critical $3,200 resistance zone, and traders are watching whether the rally can sustain and even extend further.

Sponsored

Sponsored

Fusaka Goes LiveEthereum confirmed the Fusaka mainnet activation on December 3 at 22:04 UTC. The upgrade introduces PeerDAS technology, which unlocks up to 8x data throughput for rollups, raises the gas limit from 45 million to 60 million units, and adds R1 curve support for improved user experience. Currently, Ethereum processes between 1.3 and 1.8 million transactions daily and holds over $73 billion in value locked in DeFi.

For L2 and Layer 2 rollups, Fusaka is even more relevant. PeerDAS increases the available space for blobs and prepares gradual capacity increases in future forks focused solely on data. The goal is clear: to maintain very low fees on networks like Arbitrum, Base, or Optimism, even if demand continues to grow.

Community members will monitor the network for issues over the next 24 hours.

Fusaka is live on Ethereum mainnet!

– PeerDAS now unlocks 8x data throughput for rollups
– UX improvements via the R1 curve & pre-confirmatons
– Prep for scaling the L1 with gas limit increase & more

Community members will continue to monitor for issues over the next 24 hrs.

— Ethereum (@ethereum) December 3, 2025
ETH Breaks $3,200 ResistanceETH is trading at $3,231, up 7.38% over the last 24 hours. The price has cleared the $3,154-$3,200 supply cluster that marked strong resistance, a move that traders see as a bullish signal.

Sponsored

Sponsored

The pattern echoes the pre-Pectra phase in May 2025, when Ethereum surged 56% in just seven days following that upgrade. Technical charts show a classic bullish divergence: while price marked a lower low between November 4 and December 1, RSI printed a higher low—a setup that often signals weakening selling pressure.

On-chain data supports the bullish case. Addresses holding at least $1 million in ETH have increased from 13,322 to 13,945, representing roughly $623 million in additional accumulation by large holders.

Key Levels to WatchWith the $3,200 zone now cleared, the next target sits at $3,653. If the rally extends 56% from Pectra, a move toward $4,262 comes into view.

On the downside, $3,200 now serves as the first support to hold. A break below $2,996 would weaken the bullish structure, exposing $2,873 and potentially $2,618.

For now, sustaining above $3,200 will determine whether Fusaka marks the beginning of a new bullish phase.

XRPUSD – Hourly Chart – 041225
Easing fears of US stagflation, rising bets on a December Fed rate cut, and robust demand for XRP-spot ETFs support a more bullish short- to medium-term outlook.

Below, I will explore the key drivers behind the breakout, the medium-term (4-8 week) outlook, and the key technical levels traders should watch.

XRP-Spot ETFs Extend Inflow Streak with More Launches Imminent
On Tuesday, December 2, XRP-spot ETFs reported $67.74 million in net inflows, down from $89.65 million the previous session. Nevertheless, the XRP-spot ETF market extended its inflow streak to 12 consecutive sessions, underscoring robust institutional demand.

Grayscale XRP ETF (GXRP) led the way on December 2, with net inflows of $21.17 million. Meanwhile, Canary XRP ETF (XRPC) led the inflow table since launch, with net inflows of $355.21 million, benefiting from a first-to-market advantage. There is a delay in the release of spot ETF flow data, with numbers for Wednesday, December 3, expected later today.

Crucially, the resilient demand for spot ETFs tilts the supply-demand balance in XRP’s favor, supporting a bullish short- to medium-term price outlook.

SoSoValue – XRP Price and ETF Flow Trends
For context, Bitcoin (BTC) soared 169% to an October 6, 2025, all-time high of $125,761, driven by net inflows of $63.7 billion into BTC-spot ETFs from launch through October 6. Since October 7, 2025, ETF issuers reported net outflows of $3.5 billion, leaving BTC down 26% from its all-time high. BTC-spot ETF market flow trends underscored the significance of institutional demand on price action.

Spot ETF inflows and social media indicators align with the bullish short- to medium-term price outlook.

Market Intelligence platform Santiment gave insights into current investor sentiment on crypto across social media platforms overnight, stating:

“According to social media data across X, Reddit, Telegram, 4Chan, BitcoinTalk, & Farcaster, the enormous swings from greed to fear have perfectly told the story for Bitcoin’s price.”

Santiment shared a chart showing BTC price trends on positive and negative sentiment ratios on social media, explaining that:

“Red circles indicate days where there are abnormally higher BULLISH comments compared to BEARISH comments, about $BTC (Greed Zone). Green circles indicate days where there are abnormally higher BEARISH comments compared to BULLISH comments, about $BTC (Fear Zone).”

Social media sentiment has proven a leading BTC price indicator, crucial for the broader market, given performance correlations with Bitcoin. Santiment described the inverse relationship between sentiment ratios and BTC price action, stating:

“Since we know markets move the opposite direction of the crowd’s predictions, the days where comments dip into the Fear Zone have perfectly predicted upcoming bounces. And alternatively, the days where comments dip into the Greed Zone have perfectly predicted upcoming dips. This latest rise has made retail greedy once again, but it may calm down quickly if the rally comes to a quick halt.”

BTC Fear & Greed Index – 041225
Bullish Medium-Term Outlook Intact
XRP consolidated its December 2 rally on December 3, reinforcing the bullish medium-term price outlook. Several key price catalysts are likely to boost demand for XRP, including:

Broader investor access to spot ETFs.
The progress of the Market Structure Bill on Capitol Hill.
Expectations of a multiple Fed rate cuts.

According to the CME FedWatch Tool, the chances of a December Fed rate cut rose from 88.0% on December 2 to 89.0% on December 3. Meanwhile, the probability of a March 2026 Fed rate cut stands at 52.9%, up from 45.6% on December 2.

In my opinion, these price catalysts support a near-term (1-4 weeks) move to $2.35 and a medium-term (4-8 weeks) climb to $3.

Downside Risks to Bullish Outlook
Despite the positive outlook, several potential events could derail a Santa Rally. These include:

Market disruption from Bank of Japan and Fed monetary policy decisions and forward guidance.
If MSCI delists digital asset treasury companies (DATs), it would likely reduce blue-chip companies’ demand for XRP as a treasury reserve asset.
The Market Structure Bill hits a US Senate roadblock.
OCC rejects Bitcoin’s application for a US-chartered banking license.
XRP-spot ETF outflows.

These events could push XRP below $2 and expose the November low of $1.82 before a sustained move toward $3.

In summary, the short-term outlook is cautiously bullish, while the medium- to longer-term outlook is constructive.

Financial Analysis
Technical Outlook: EMAs Signal Caution
XRP gained 2.03% on Wednesday, December 3, following the previous day’s 6.04% rally, closing at $2.1973. The token underperformed the broader market, which advanced 2.92%.

Despite Wednesday’s gains, XRP continued to trade below the 50-day and 200-day Exponential Moving Averages (EMAs), reaffirming a bearish bias. However, fundamentals have shifted from the technical trend, supporting a bullish outlook.

Key technical levels to watch include:

Support levels: $2.2, $2, $1.9112, and $1.8239
50-day EMA resistance: $2.3191.
200-day EMA resistance: $2.4971.
Resistance levels: $2.35, $2.5, $2.62, $2.8, $3.0, and $3.66.

Holding above the $2.2 support level would open the door to testing the 50-day EMA. A sustained move through the 50-day EMA would bring the $2.35 resistance level into play. Crucially, a breakout from the 50-day EMA would signal a near-term bullish trend reversal, supporting a move to $2.35.

Aster strengthens as whale demand, liquidations, and funding shifts boost bullish momentum.

TL;DR:

A Dragonfly Doji on Dogecoin’s weekly chart signals a potential bullish reversal and sets a $1 target.
DOGE recently stabilized around the $0.145–$0.150 range; overcoming resistance near $0.160–$0.170 is key.
Neutral RSI and flattening MACD point to fading bearish pressure — bulls may be gearing up.

The latest technical reading on Dogecoin suggests a growing likelihood that the token may be gearing up for a major rebound. A Dragonfly Doji has appeared on the weekly chart, a candlestick pattern often associated with bullish reversals, leading analysts to cast a spotlight on a possible push toward the $1 mark. At present, DOGE trades around $0.1500, having regained strength from a recent dip near $0.1368.

Chart Patterns and Technical Signals Underpin Bullish Outlook
The Dragonfly Doji form at a long‑standing trendline support suggests buyers are re‑entering. This kind of candlestick — where price opens, falls sharply, but then recovers to finish near its opening point — is traditionally interpreted as a sign of market indecision resolving in favor of bulls. In Dogecoin’s case, the Doji showed up right at a level that has previously acted as a reliable springboard for large rallies. This historical context gives this reversal much more weight.

Recent price behavior reinforces the bullish setup. After surging past $0.145, Dogecoin settled into a narrow range between $0.145 and $0.149. That consolidation phase, rather than a clear downtrend, suggests the recent slump may have been a “cooling‑off” — not collapse. On the shorter time frame, the price appears to be forming a base between $0.1450 and $0.1500, the area that must hold for buyers to build momentum. Meanwhile, resistance clusters emerge around $0.1600 and $0.1700, which DOGE must clear to confirm a move upward.

Broader technical indicators point to fading bearish pressure. On the daily chart, the relative strength indicator (RSI) sits near 44 — a neutral reading signaling that the asset is neither oversold nor overbought. The MACD remains shy of a bullish crossover, but both its lines are flattening, hinting at waning bearish momentum. If this stabilization holds, it could pave the way for renewed upward movement.

If the bullish signal holds, potential upside is significant. Based on historical precedents after similar chart setups, some analysts now view a run toward $1 as plausible. That would imply a gain of more than 600% from current levels — a considerable rally, though one that would likely require sequential breaks above resistance zones and sustained buying pressure.

Ultimately, while the charts offer promise, the path to $1 is not simple. Dogecoin must first prove that its base is stable and break decisively above the immediate resistance zones. But for now, the technical groundwork — from a Dragonfly Doji to stabilizing momentum indicators — suggests a potentially bullish turn.

Chainlink’s native token LINK surged over 7% in the past 24 hours, outperforming the broader crypto market as investor enthusiasm grew following the debut of the first U.S.-listed spot Chainlink ETF. The newly launched Grayscale Chainlink Trust ETF (GLNK), converted from a closed-end fund and now trading on NYSE Arca, recorded an impressive $37 million in net inflows on its opening day, according to SoSoValue data. This development marks a significant step forward for institutional adoption, offering traditional investors streamlined access to LINK through familiar brokerage channels.

Market activity around LINK accelerated sharply, with trading volume soaring 183% above its typical 24-hour average. At its peak, 6.71 million tokens changed hands at 14:00 UTC as LINK briefly climbed to $14.63 before encountering resistance. Despite the pullback, market data from CoinDesk Research highlighted a bullish structure, with LINK consistently forming higher lows and maintaining an upward trend from its $13.35 base.

LINK’s strong momentum allowed it to outperform most major cryptocurrencies, boosted by both the ETF catalyst and a wider market rotation into tokens backed by clear real-world utility. While the CoinDesk 5 Index saw a solid 3.3% increase, LINK exceeded the benchmark by more than four percentage points, underscoring heightened interest in the asset.

Technical indicators show strong support around $14.28, reinforced by psychological demand at $14.40. Resistance remains at the session high of $14.63. Analysts note that recent consolidation between $14.395 and $14.445 may serve as a launchpad for another breakout if buying pressure holds. A retest of $14.63 appears likely in the near term, with broader upside potential if bulls maintain control above key support levels.

With institutional inflows rising and technical signals aligning, LINK continues to position itself as one of the standout performers in the current crypto landscape.

<Copyright ⓒ TokenPost, unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited>

Ethereum activated its highly anticipated Fusaka upgrade on Wednesday, marking the blockchain’s second major improvement of 2025 and a significant milestone for scaling the network. The enhancement, triggered at 21:49 UTC and finalized within 15 minutes, rolled out smoothly as core developers gathered on the EthStaker livestream to celebrate.

Fusaka—named by blending Fulu and Osaka—combines synchronized upgrades to Ethereum’s execution and consensus layers. While the execution layer handles transactions and smart contracts, the consensus layer verifies and secures them. At the center of this upgrade is PeerDAS, an important step toward improving how Ethereum processes increasingly large transaction batches coming from layer-2 (L2) networks.

Currently, L2s publish transaction data to Ethereum as large “blobs” that validators must download and verify in full, adding computational stress and increasing gas fees. PeerDAS changes the process by allowing validators to check only small portions of these blobs instead of the entire data set. This reduces congestion, lowers costs for L2s, and makes it easier for smaller or newer validator operators to participate with fewer resource demands. Larger staking operators, however, may see limited benefit due to their already optimized infrastructure.

Developers expect the full impact of PeerDAS to unfold gradually as Ethereum slowly increases the number of blobs to ensure safe scaling. The upgrade reflects Ethereum’s renewed urgency to ship improvements more quickly while preparing for larger roadmap milestones.

Beyond PeerDAS, Fusaka includes 12 additional Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs) targeting protocol cleanup, improved predictability, more efficient computation, updated gas limits, better fee alignment, and enhanced cryptographic support. These upgrades strengthen network stability and streamline future adjustments, especially related to blob data.

Fidelity Digital Assets recently noted that Fusaka marks an important step toward aligning Ethereum’s long-term economic and technical roadmap. Meanwhile, developers are already laying early groundwork for the network’s next upgrade, Glamsterdam, though details and timing remain open.

The Fusaka hard fork reinforces Ethereum’s commitment to faster, cheaper, and more scalable blockchain infrastructure—an essential move as demand from layer-2 networks and institutional users continues to grow.

<Copyright ⓒ TokenPost, unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited>

Kevin O’Leary pushed back on what many traders are betting on, saying he does not expect the US Federal Reserve to cut rates in December and that such a move would not rock Bitcoin’s price.

The well-known investor/entrepreneur said he is not investing as if the Fed will ease policy, and he thinks Bitcoin will likely drift within 5% of its current level.

Fed Cut Odds Skyrocketing
According to the CME FedWatch Tool, markets are now pricing in an 89% chance of a December rate cut, a big swing from just weeks earlier when odds were far lower. This shift in expectations has been a main driver of recent moves in risk assets, including crypto.

LATEST 🚨

Kevin O’Leary just said a December Fed rate cut is unlikely because inflation is still too high!

He also said “It’s not going to make a difference to Bitcoin.”

Do you agree? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/lJBrW4Z2kA

— That Martini Guy ₿ (@MartiniGuyYT) December 3, 2025

Bitcoin Reacts To Shift In Sentiment
Based on reports from market trackers, Bitcoin climbed after a recent dip, recovering from a low near $83,000 to trade around $93,700 in early trading sessions. Coingecko listed the price roughly in the $92,700–$92,800 band during morning trade.

Traders point to support at $90,000 and resistance near $92,500, and some desk notes say a clean break above that could open a run toward $94K–$95K.

Why O’Leary Is Skeptical
O’Leary has flagged higher prices in the economy and sticky input costs as reasons the Fed might hold off. Reports show US consumer prices rose at a 3% annual rate in September, the fastest since January, a datapoint he cited to argue inflation still matters. The inflation numbers are being watched closely by policymakers weighing the trade-off between jobs and prices.

BTCUSD currently trading at $92,939. Chart: TradingView
Liquidity Moves Add Fuel
Reports have disclosed that the Fed quietly put more than $13 billion of liquidity into short-term funding, a move some analysts say has helped restore liquidity in money markets and supported risk assets.

That liquidity boost, together with the pause in Quantitative Tightening, has been flagged by quant desks as one reason bullish momentum returned to crypto.

Market Reaction
O’Leary’s take is at odds with the market odds and with several analysts who see easier monetary policy as a tailwind for assets like Bitcoin. He is not alone in warning against reading too much into a single Fed decision, but many traders have already positioned for easing and that positioning has moved prices.

What Traders Are Watching Now
Traders say $90,000 is the key line for buyers, while $92,500 is the line sellers must yield for a higher move. A clean climb above $92,500 could point toward $94K and $95K, according to market desk notes. Liquidity flows and official Fed signals this week will likely determine whether those levels hold.

Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView

The XRP Ledger’s sudden 1,100% surge in payment activity — the second-largest spike in a full-year window — looks dramatic at first glance, but the impact quickly fades once compared to XRP’s muted price behavior and overall market structure. While network activity briefly exploded to levels reminiscent of early-cycle enthusiasm, this has not translated into bullish momentum for XRP.

Instead, the price remains locked inside a clear descending channel, consistently rolling over near the clustered 20–50 EMAs and rejecting at midrange resistance. Momentum indicators reinforce this stagnation: RSI hovers in the mid-40s, signaling indecision, and green-volume inflows remain unimpressive. Even the recent bounce from the channel bottom appears mechanical — more a reaction to trendline support than a sign of strong buyer engagement.

The deeper question is how this activity spike fits into XRP’s broader landscape. Historically, XRP Ledger surges fall into two categories: spikes tied to genuine utility (ODL usage, settlement flows, institutional transfers) and bursts generated by noise — automated systems, cyclical transaction scripts or patterns resembling wash activity. Current data aligns more with the second category, offering little evidence that real demand is behind the surge.

Supporting metrics confirm this lack of conviction. There are no meaningful exchange outflows, no shift in liquidity toward spot markets and no accumulation trends that would suggest institutional preparation for a breakout. The market’s reaction — or lack thereof — is telling. Despite the eye-catching 1,100% jump in activity, XRP’s price structure hasn’t budged, underscoring that network spikes alone cannot drive rallies without corresponding capital flows and market sentiment.

For now, the XRP Ledger may be busy, but XRP’s price remains firmly grounded until real utility or broader market strength begins to align with on-chain activity.

<Copyright ⓒ TokenPost, unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited>

Traders pushed SOL into a breakout zone, but the $145 level still holds the key.

Altcoin

Cardano

Price Prediction

Ad Disclosure

Ad Disclosure

We believe in full transparency with our readers. Some of our content includes affiliate links, and we may earn a commission through these partnerships. However, this potential compensation never influences our analysis, opinions, or reviews. Our editorial content is created independently of our marketing partnerships, and our ratings are based solely on our established evaluation criteria. Read More

Ad Disclosure

Ad Disclosure

We believe in full transparency with our readers. Some of our content includes affiliate links, and we may earn a commission through these partnerships. However, this potential compensation never influences our analysis, opinions, or reviews. Our editorial content is created independently of our marketing partnerships, and our ratings are based solely on our established evaluation criteria. Read More

Content Writer

Harvey Hunter

Content Writer

Harvey Hunter

About Author

Harvey Hunter is a Content Writer at Cryptonews.com. With a background in Computer Science, IT, and Mathematics, he seamlessly transitioned from tech geek to crypto journalist.

Has Also Written

Ad Disclosure

Ad Disclosure

We believe in full transparency with our readers. Some of our content includes affiliate links, and we may earn a commission through these partnerships. However, this potential compensation never influences our analysis, opinions, or reviews. Our editorial content is created independently of our marketing partnerships, and our ratings are based solely on our established evaluation criteria. Read More

Last updated: 

December 3, 2025

Charles Hoskinson says short-term price swings caused by speculation are not a concern for ADA.

Instead, he believes Cardano has long-term strength and remains confident in a bullish Cardano price prediction.

He also warned that 99% of altcoins fail over time, but Cardano is part of the 1% that has survived and grown past a $10 billion market cap over the past decade.

JUST IN: #Cardano $ADA Founder Charles Hoskinson says "99.9% of cryptocurrency ventures fail. Cardano is one of only a handful, like XRP, and Ethereum, that have survived over the last 10 years, and has value greater than $10 billion." pic.twitter.com/8IBG7Smqbb

— Angry Crypto Show (@angrycryptoshow) December 1, 2025
These comments come to combat chatter that ADA has failed to impress this cycle. Even in the post-halving bullish phase in its historical four-year cycle, it still trades 85% below its 2021 all-time high of $3.10.

In a recent podcast, Hoskinson blamed this weak performance on the outsized influence of macroeconomic events on the crypto market.

A headwind that is now clearing as the U.S. Fed makes a significant policy shift, ending quantitative tightening (QT) alongside a $13.5 billion liquidity boost for banks.

With liquidity entering the market and hopes of a December interest rate ease to stimulate risk appetite, speculative assets like ADA stand to see new demand into 2026.

Cardano Price Prediction: ADA May Survive, But Can it Thrive?This week may have laid the groundwork for a breakout push, with a second bounce from $0.387 forming a double bottom reversal structure.

This could be the fuel needed for an escape from the descending channel that has kept it in controlled consolidation over the past year.

ADA / USD 1-day chart, descending channel. Source: TradingView.Momentum indicators favor a rise. The RSI has made a sharp bounce from the 30 oversold threshold, while the MACD widens its lead above the signal line. Both indicators show a new uptrend taking shape.

The double bottom stands to reverse the November breakdown with a target around $0.60, reclaiming the support that has gilded lows through the consolidation at $0.50.

With this higher and firmer support, a successful breakout could see upside extend to cycle highs and into new price discovery, targeting a 300% move to $1.80.

SUBBD: These Fundamentals Could Eye a Spot in the 1%With market conditions shaping up for a 2026 bull run, capital is rotating into the next wave of breakout projects with solid fundamentals, and increasingly, SUBBD ($SUBBD).

Positioned as an AI-powered content platform, SUBBD is redefining the $85 billion subscriber economy by giving creators true ownership and fans genuine access.

Never miss a sale again.

As a top creator, your audience is global. It's just not possible to cater to everyone – you can't be online 24/7 🫠

That's where your personal AI Assistant comes in, to handle requests and secure payments. Sleep peacefully knowing you're making money… pic.twitter.com/ju9VjLBmea

— SUBBD (@SUBBDofficial) March 26, 2025
By cutting out the middlemen, $SUBDD puts control back in the hands of those who create real value.

Creators can monetize directly, while fans gain access to exclusive content, early releases, and meaningful interactions through token-gated perks.

The concept is already gaining traction. $SUBBD nears $1.4 million in presale, as investors back the shift toward a decentralized creator economy.

With SUBBD, both sides of the community win — creators earn more, and fans get closer while embracing the decentralization use cases crypto was built for.

Visit the Official SUBBD Website Here

Follow us on Google News

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

A new CryptoQuant report from XWIN Research Japan reveals that the sharp +6% Bitcoin rally on December 2–3, 2025 was triggered by a seismic shift in traditional finance: Vanguard’s unexpected policy reversal.

The $11 trillion asset manager—long known for its conservative stance—opened its platform to spot ETFs for BTC, ETH, XRP, and SOL, instantly giving more than 50 million investors access to crypto products. The move marks one of the most significant steps toward mainstream adoption in the industry’s history.

The catalyst behind this reversal was the appointment of Salim Ramji, Vanguard’s new CEO and a former BlackRock executive who played a key role in launching the IBIT ETF. His leadership signaled a dramatic change in direction, and the market responded immediately.

Once US markets opened, Bitcoin surged 6% in a single move, while IBIT surpassed $1 billion in trading volume within the first 30 minutes. Massive inflows from retail and retirement accounts followed, with Bloomberg’s Eric Balchunas noting that “a large wave of Vanguard clients may have moved all at once.”

Institutional Demand Builds as Bitcoin Coinbase Premium Recovers
XWIN Research Japan notes that, despite the recent surge, the Coinbase Premium Index remains in negative territory, showing that US prices still sit slightly below global averages. Even so, the report highlights a clear improvement in US spot buying pressure, signaling that demand is slowly returning.

Bitcoin Coinbase Premium Index | Source: CryptoQuant
If the premium rises back to zero or positive territory, the market may begin to price in what XWIN calls the “next wave” — a phase that could propel Bitcoin toward the $100K range as institutional flows strengthen.

This shift is happening just as Vanguard makes its historic entrance into the crypto market. XWIN emphasizes that this is not a short-term catalyst. Vanguard manages $11 trillion, and even a tiny allocation — just 0.5% of assets flowing into crypto ETFs — would represent $55 billion in new capital. That figure alone exceeds the entire first-year inflow from the 2024 spot Bitcoin ETF cycle.

With the “final giant” of traditional finance now participating, the long-term structure of Bitcoin demand is changing. Vanguard’s move signals the beginning of a genuine institutional adoption phase, where inflows can scale far beyond anything seen in previous cycles, potentially redefining Bitcoin’s upper price boundaries.

Price Rebounds From Weekly Support but Faces Major Resistance
Bitcoin’s weekly chart shows a strong rebound from the $84,000–$86,000 support zone, an area that aligns closely with the 100-week SMA. This level acted as a critical pivot during previous corrections, and once again buyers stepped in aggressively, forming a clear bullish reaction. The long lower wick from last week’s candle confirms strong demand, with BTC now trading back above $93,000.

BTC holding key weekly support | Source: BTCUSDT chart on TradingView
However, despite the rebound, the broader structure remains cautious. Bitcoin still trades below the 50-week SMA, which has begun to flatten near the $102,000–$103,000 region. This moving average now acts as a major resistance level and the next key test for bulls. A weekly close above it would mark a meaningful shift in momentum and signal that BTC may be ready to resume its broader uptrend.

If BTC continues to hold above the 100-week SMA and pushes toward the 50-week SMA, the market could enter a consolidation phase that sets the stage for a stronger upside move. Failure to reclaim $102K, however, risks renewed selling pressure and a potential retest of the $86K region.

Featured image from ChatGPT, chart from TradingView.com

Editorial Process for bitcoinist is centered on delivering thoroughly researched, accurate, and unbiased content. We uphold strict sourcing standards, and each page undergoes diligent review by our team of top technology experts and seasoned editors. This process ensures the integrity, relevance, and value of our content for our readers.

Sign Up for Our Newsletter!
For updates and exclusive offers enter your email.

Sebastian's journey into the world of crypto began four years ago, driven by a fascination with the potential of blockchain technology to revolutionize financial systems. His initial exploration focused on understanding the intricacies of various crypto projects, particularly those focused on building innovative financial solutions. Through countless hours of research and learning, Sebastian developed a deep understanding of the underlying technologies, market dynamics, and potential applications of cryptocurrencies.
As his knowledge grew, Sebastian felt compelled to share his insights with others. He began actively contributing to online discussions on platforms like X and LinkedIn, focusing on fintech and crypto-related content. His goal was to expose valuable trends and insights to a wider audience, fostering a deeper understanding of the rapidly evolving crypto landscape. Sebastian's contributions quickly gained recognition, and he became a trusted voice in the online crypto community.
To further enhance his expertise, Sebastian pursued a UC Berkeley Fintech: Frameworks, Applications, and Strategies certification. This rigorous program equipped him with valuable skills and knowledge regarding Financial Technology, bridging the gap between traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralized finance (DeFi). The certification deepened his understanding of the broader financial landscape and its intersection with blockchain technology.
Sebastian's passion for finance and writing is evident in his work. He enjoys delving into financial research, analyzing market trends, and exploring the latest developments in the crypto space. In his spare time, Sebastian can often be found immersed in charts, studying 10-K forms, or engaging in thought-provoking discussions about the future of finance.
Sebastian's journey as a crypto analyst and investor has been marked by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a dedication to sharing his insights. His ability to navigate the complex world of crypto, combined with his passion for financial research and communication, makes him a valuable asset to the industry. As the crypto landscape continues to evolve, Sebastian remains at the forefront, providing valuable insights and contributing to the growth of this revolutionary technology.

Cover image via www.freepik.com

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by our writers are their own and do not represent the views of U.Today. The financial and market information provided on U.Today is intended for informational purposes only. U.Today is not liable for any financial losses incurred while trading cryptocurrencies. Conduct your own research by contacting financial experts before making any investment decisions. We believe that all content is accurate as of the date of publication, but certain offers mentioned may no longer be available.

The massive 1,100% surge in XRP Ledger payment activity — the second-largest spike in a 365-day window — is one of those metrics that looks explosive on paper but becomes much more nuanced when you line it up against price action and structural market conditions. Yes, the network lit up: payment volume and counts went vertical momentarily, approaching levels not seen since the euphoric early stages of the cycle. 

But activity alone does not automatically translate into bullish price action, and XRP’s chart makes that painfully obvious. The price is stuck in a clear descending channel, rolling over each time it gets close to the 20-50 EMA cluster and failing at the midrange. Momentum is weak, the RSI is hovering in the mid-40s and volume on green candles is uninspiring.

XRP/USDT Chart by TradingViewThe recent bounce off the channel bottom appears to be nothing more than a mechanical reaction, the kind of move assets make just because they hit trendline support rather than because buyers are suddenly making a significant comeback. So, how does the activity spike fit into this?

HOT Stories

There have been two types of XRP Ledger activity spikes in the past: bursts brought on by utilities (ODL flows, settlement spikes, institutional movements) and volatility caused by noise — frequently wash-like patterns or automated systems that cycle through big volumes of transactions. This surge resembles the second category more than the first — at least so far. 

There are no signals of accumulation exchange outflows, a shift in broader market flows or an accompanying shift in liquidity into spot markets that would indicate institutions are preparing for a breakout. The price simply did not react —and that silence from the chart is telling.

Is Bitcoin ready?The current rally does not seem like another dead-cat lift inside a brutal downtrend, the slope, volume and structure look meaningfully different this time. Buyers entered the $84,000-$86,000 range with vigor, printing a series of growing green candles supported by increasing volume. More significantly, Bitcoin is now moving confidently — something it has not done since mid-October, straight into the 20-day EMA.

The acceleration is clear on the chart: shorter-term moving averages are flattening, candle bodies are widening and intraday recoveries are sticking. That is how a momentum pivot appears in its early stages.

You Might Also Like

The big question is whether this move has enough strength to reclaim the mid-$95,000s and eventually challenge the resistance zone around $100,500-$102,000, sitting right at the 50-day EMA and horizontal supply. That area is the battlefield. Break it, and the market’s bias flips from corrective to constructive. If we do not succeed there, we will return to rangebound suffering.

BTC is still structurally below all major medium-term moving averages, and the broader trend is objectively downward. This bounce does not magically erase that. But strong rallies inside downtrends matter — they tell you whether sellers are losing control.

Short-term expectations:

Momentum can carry BTC to $95,000-$97,000 relatively quickly.

A spike into $100,000-$102,000 is on the table if volume keeps expanding.

 RSI is rising but not stretched, so there is room for more upside before exhaustion kicks in.

Shiba Inu's thin recovery thresholdShiba Inu just delivered one of its cleaner intraday reversals in weeks, but calling it a recovery would be dishonest. In reality, there is a limited high-risk window in which SHIB can still achieve a significant trend shift, but the bar for that shift is becoming thinner every day. This bounce looks sharp because SHIB has been smashed for weeks, grinding lower under every major moving average while liquidity dried up. 

Any sudden rotation of buyers naturally looks aggressive on the chart. That does not make it structurally strong. The current rebound is trying to push SHIB toward the 20-day EMA, the first technical hurdle where every previous attempt this quarter failed. Until that level is reclaimed and held, the market will not treat the move as anything more than a relief bounce inside a bearish macro structure. 

You Might Also Like

The price is still well below the 50-day EMA and miles under the 200-day, which means the longer-term trend remains decisively downward. What matters here is how narrow the reversal window has become. Long-term consolidation is not possible on SHIB. Volume is picking up slightly, but not enough to confirm a sustainable accumulation phase. The market context makes this tighter. 

Bitcoin is rallying, but SHIB is barely reacting compared to stronger altcoins. That divergence is a warning: if BTC cools off again, SHIB likely loses this entire bounce and prints new local lows. Because SHIB is no longer exhibiting relative strength against anything — not Bitcoin ETH or other meme-sector tokens — the threshold is extremely thin. 

A proper recovery requires SHIB to break above the descending trendline and reclaim the short-term EMAs with convincing volume. Until that happens, this reversal is nothing more than a brief counter-move inside a larger downtrend. SHIB still has a chance, but it is a narrow one and the clock is ticking.

The crackdown on Bitcoin mining in Malaysia now starts from the air.

According to reports from Bloomberg and the Financial Times, drones sweep across rooftops, scanning for strange heat signals inside abandoned houses, vacant shops, and other dead zones. These hot spots almost always point to rigs running nonstop. On the ground, police walk with handheld sensors that pick up unusual electricity use. Citizens allegedly report birds chirping all night, but it’s just fake sounds playing on speakers to cover the roar of mining machines behind locked doors.

Miners move quickly. They set up in one place, install heat shields to hide their equipment, mount CCTV cameras, and wire their entrances with broken glass. Then they vanish before authorities arrive.

Over the last five years, officers have tracked down 14,000 illegal sites linked to power theft.That’s what the Energy Ministry said in the latest breakdown.The damage to Tenaga Nasional, Malaysia’s state-owned utility, has hit around $1.1 billion and counting.

By October, 3,000 new cases had already been logged just this year as Bitcoin’s price went up, crashed over 30 percent, and started rising again.

Taskforce forms to chase down mining operators
On November 19, Malaysia launched a new taskforce made up of the Ministry of Finance, Bank Negara Malaysia, and TNB.

Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir, who serves as deputy minister of energy transition and water transformation, is in charge of the team. “You can actually even break our facilities. It becomes a challenge to our system,” Akmal said on Wednesday.

The rigs that miners use run around the clock, blasting out trillions of guesses every second. That’s how they validate transactions and get rewarded in Bitcoin. It’s a race. The more guesses you make, the better your odds. But it also burns massive amounts of electricity.

One group turned ElementX Mall, a half-dead shopping center overlooking the Strait of Malacca, into a full-on crypto farm. The mall shut down during the pandemic and never bounced back.

Floors are still unfinished. Wires hang from the ceiling. In early 2022, Bitcoin rigs filled the space. By 2025, they were gone. A TikTok video made the whole thing public.

A report from the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance said over 75 percent of mining now happens in the United States. Malaysia used to hold 2.5 percent of global hashrate in January 2022, but Chainalysis hasn’t released a report/data on that since then.

Miners occupy failed malls, logging sites across country
Another outfit called Bityou took over a former logging yard in Sarawak. Under Malaysian law, Bitcoin mining is legal. But only if you get your power legally and pay your taxes. Akmal isn’t buying it. He’s joined raids before. He’s seen how these groups operate. When the taskforce held its first meeting on November 25, some members pushed to outlaw mining altogether.

“Even if you run it properly, the challenge is that the market itself is very volatile,” Akmal said. “I don’t see any well-run mining that can be considered as successful legally.”

He also thinks the way these operations move around shows signs of organized crime. “It’s clearly run by the syndicate, because of how mobile they are from setting up in one place to another place,” Akmal said. “It does have modus operandi.”

If you're reading this, you’re already ahead. Stay there with our newsletter.