Market Signal Briefing

AVENTURA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Immersion Corporation (“Immersion”, the “Company”, “we”, “us” or “our”) (Nasdaq: IMMR), a leading provider of technologies for haptics, announced that on December 23, 2025, it received a delinquency compliance alert notice (the “10-Q Nasdaq Notification Letter”) from the Listing Qualifications Department of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) notifying the Company that it did not timely file its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended Octob.

NEW YORK, Dec. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Brookfield Real Assets Income Fund Inc. (NYSE: RA) (the “Fund”) today announced that its Board of Directors (the “Board”) declared the Fund’s monthly distributions for January, February and March 2026.

Q1 2026 Distribution Schedule

MonthRecord DateEx-Dividend DatePayable DateAmount per ShareJanuary 2026January 8, 2026January 8, 2026January 22, 2026$0.1180
February 2026February 5, 2026February 5, 2026February 19, 2026$0.1180
March 2026March 12, 2026March 12, 2026March 26, 2026$0.1180

Shares purchased on or after the applicable ex-distribution dates will not receive the distributions discussed above. Distributions may include net investment income, capital gains and/or return of capital. Any portion of the Fund’s distributions that is a return of capital does not necessarily reflect the Fund’s investment performance and should not be confused with “yield” or “income.” The Fund’s Section 19a-1 Notice, if applicable, contains additional distribution composition information and may be obtained by visiting https://www.brookfieldoaktree.com/fund/brookfield-real-assets-income-fund-inc. The tax status of distributions will be determined at the end of the taxable year. Based on current estimates, it is anticipated that a portion of the distributions paid in calendar year 2026 will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a return of capital. The final determination of the tax status of those 2026 distributions will be made in early 2026 and provided to stockholders on Form 1099-DIV. Please contact your financial advisor with any questions.

Brookfield Real Assets Income Fund Inc. is managed by Brookfield Public Securities Group LLC. The Fund uses its website as a channel of distribution of material information about the Fund. Financial and other material information regarding the Fund is routinely posted on and accessible at https://www.brookfieldoaktree.com/fund/brookfield-real-assets-income-fund-inc

Media enquiries
Rachel Wood: E [email protected] | T (212) 613-3490
Investor Relations: E [email protected] | T (855) 777-8001

Investing involves risk; principal loss is possible. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
Brookfield Real Assets Income Fund Inc. is distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC.

This little altcoin could be worth accumulating over the next five years.

XRP (XRP 1.43%), which was launched in 2012, had its earliest trading price of $0.006 per token in Aug. 2013. Today, it trades at about $1.84.

That rally would have turned a $1,000 investment into nearly $307,000. Let's see why XRP generated such massive gains -- and four reasons it might be worth buying before 2030.

Image source: Getty Images.

Why did XRP's price soar?
The founders of Ripple Labs, a fintech company focused on blockchain-based payments, minted XRP's entire supply of 100 billion tokens on the XRP Ledger before its launch. Ripple originally held 80 billion of those tokens, and it gradually sold those coins to fund its own expansion. In response, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) sued Ripple, accusing it of selling its XRP tokens as unlicensed securities in 2020. Ripple subsequently lost many of its top customers, and XRP was delisted from the major cryptocurrency exchanges.

That lawsuit weighed down XRP's price for years, but it finally concluded with a lighter-than-expected fine for Ripple in August. The court also ruled that XRP wasn't an unlicensed security when sold to retail investors on public exchanges, and the top crypto exchanges finally relisted the token. The SEC even approved the first spot price exchange-traded funds (ETFs) for XRP -- including Bitwise XRP (XRP 0.34%), Canary XRP ETF (XRPC 0.13%) -- which started trading in November and December. As of this writing, those XRP ETFs have posted net inflows for the past seven consecutive weeks.

Therefore, the conclusion of the SEC lawsuit, XRP's rising profile among retail investors, and its integration into Ripple's fintech ecosystem all contributed to its price increase in 2025.

Today's Change

(

-1.43

%) $

-0.03

Current Price

$

1.85

The four reasons XRP could soar higher by 2030
Analysts, on average, expect XRP's price to nearly triple to about $5 by 2030. Four catalysts could drive XRP toward that target.

First, it must be widely adopted as a "bridge currency" for cross-border remittances on the Ripple network. In such cross-border transfers, both fiat currencies are converted to XRP and then instantly converted back to the target currencies. That process is cheaper and faster than traditional SWIFT transfers because the two fiat currencies don't need to be directly converted.

Second, Ripple submitted its application for a U.S. bank charter in July. If Ripple evolves into a full digital bank and expands RippleNet (the network of financial institutions that use its software), its users could more widely adopt XRP for mainstream payments and transactions.

Third, XRP's recent addition of Ethereum (ETH 1.14%) compatible "sidechains" to its ledger could drive more developers of decentralized apps (dApps) to support its token. In the past, XRP only natively supported lightweight "hooks" to create simpler applications.

Lastly, the Fed should continue to cut its benchmark rates over the next few years as long as inflation remains under control. Those lower rates should drive growth-oriented investors back toward smaller cryptocurrencies like XRP. The approvals of more spot price ETFs would make it even easier for retail investors to increase their exposure to the token.

Should you invest in XRP today?
XRP might be worth considering over the next five years if those catalysts materialize. However, investors shouldn't bet the farm on XRP today because it still has a lot to prove.

For now, it can't be valued by its scarcity like Bitcoin (BTC 0.96%) because it can't be actively mined. It can't be valued by the size of its developer ecosystem like Ethereum, since it only recently added support for Ethereum-compatible sidechains. It could also face competition from stablecoins -- which are mainly pinned to the U.S. dollar -- as bridge currencies.

Therefore, XRP needs to gain more momentum in remittances, be more widely used in mainstream payments, and attract more attention from retail and institutional investors to double or triple in value by the end of the decade. If it checks those boxes, it could surpass the market's average price targets by 2030 and soar significantly higher over the next few decades.

Ethereum activity across the broader ecosystem has climbed sharply, while separate charts show a potential long term reversal structure and a short term pause near key averages. Together, the visuals point to heavier network use as price trades at a decision area.

Ethereum ecosystem activity jumps on growthepie chartA post from CryptoGoos on X said “Ethereum ecosystem activity is exploding now,” alongside a growthepie.com chart that tracks transaction count from mid 2020 through mid 2025. The graphic shows activity staying low for years, then turning higher through 2023 and accelerating in 2024 and 2025.

Ethereum Ecosystem Transaction Count. Source: growthepie. com / X

One line on the chart climbs sharply after early 2024, pushing past the 240 million mark and approaching the top of the scale near 480 million by 2025. Meanwhile, several other lines also trend upward, but they rise more gradually and remain far below the top line.

The chart does not explain what drives the jump, but the shape fits a broader shift toward heavier onchain usage, especially across multiple Ethereum related networks that can process transactions outside mainnet and then settle back to Ethereum. Even so, transaction count alone does not show how many unique users participated or how much value moved, so the surge needs more context before it signals wider adoption.

Ethereum weekly chart shows inverse head and shoulders setup near necklineMeanwhile, Bitcoinsensus said Ethereum is close to completing a macro inverse head and shoulders pattern on the weekly chart. The image marks a left shoulder in late 2024, a deeper “head” low in early 2025, and a possible right shoulder that formed after the mid 2025 peak and pullback.

Ethereum Inverse Head and Shoulders Pattern. Source: TradingView / X

The chart also draws a rising neckline labeled as resistance, with price action repeatedly stalling near that zone before the larger move higher. If ETH holds the higher low structure on the right side and then pushes through the neckline, the pattern’s textbook signal would be a breakout that confirms the reversal from the earlier downtrend.

Still, the right shoulder label includes a question mark, so the setup depends on follow through. If ETH fails to stay above the shoulder area and drops back toward the head region, the pattern loses structure and traders usually treat the neckline as unbroken resistance rather than a trigger.

Ethereum trades near key moving averages as RSI steadiesEthereum price action shows a mixed technical setup, with the asset moving close to its 50 day and 200 day simple moving averages. The chart places ETH below the shorter term average while it hovers near the longer term trend line, signaling a pause after the recent decline from earlier highs.

Ethereum 50 Day SMA, 200 Day SMA, and 14 Day RSI. Source: CoinCodex

The 50 day SMA has turned lower and now slopes toward the 200 day SMA, reflecting weaker momentum over recent weeks. At the same time, price has stabilized near the mid range, suggesting selling pressure has slowed rather than accelerated.

Meanwhile, the 14 day RSI remains near neutral levels. The indicator has recovered from earlier lows but has not reached overbought territory, which points to balanced conditions. Together, the signals show Ethereum consolidating as traders wait for a clearer directional move.

Solana is the leading chain for yearly revenues, as the chain carried several of the most prominent trends for the year. Hyperliqid’s native chain came second, with $816M in revenues. 

For 2025, Solana locked in $1.3B in generated revenues, becoming the leader in the most active on-chain economies. Solana went through several leading trends over the past 12 months, including a highly active meme season, AI agent creation, as well as DeFi in the latter part of the year. 

For more than seven months, Solana also led other chains in terms of app revenues, reflecting real-world usage. The exact numbers on Solana revenues differ, but the chain is among the top revenue producers from app usage. 

Over some months in 2025, Solana passed Ethereum’s economic activity, with more users, transactions, and apps. However, Ethereum still holds more value and settles larger sums based on its DeFi liquidity.

Solana becomes the leading all-purpose chain
Solana even passed Base, which was always pushing for more low-cost apps and seamless on-chain activity. Base is ranked seventh, with $76.4M in annual revenues. The latest Cryptorank data show a shift in chain rankings, as legacy networks were almost forgotten. Apps switched to a new set of chains. 

Even the most active Ethereum and BNB Chain fell to positions 4 and 5. Ethereum achieved $524M in yearly revenues, while BNB Chain locked in $257M. The year 2025 marked a watershed for crypto platforms, where usage shifted from novelty and hype to established products. 

This also led to more predictable revenues from apps, with clear leaders emerging on the most active chains. The leading chains for 2025 also relied on app adoption, instead of only airdrop farming or incentives. Apps on Solana became key infrastructure and went beyond just novelty or point-farming hubs.

Previous leaders from the past years, including Avalanche, Filecoin, and TON, did not re-enter the top 10 of the best revenue producers. The rankings showed a shift of apps to a new selection of L1 chains and L2, for both general and specialized usage. The EdgeX chain became a part of the top 10 based on its native DEX performance. Axelar, Bittensor, and Optimism joined the top 10 based on one or two outperforming leading apps. 

Hyperliquid ends its most active year
Hyperliquid ended its most active year, when it emerged as a first mover, and as a leader after the creation of several competing perpetual futures DEXs. 

Hyperliquid had its first full year as a prominent perpetual futures DEX, also becoming the second-best chain in terms of app revenues. | Source: Hyperscreener
The DEX drew in a total of $3.87B in deposits, with over 609K new users joining the platform. Based on the DEX self-reported results, the native HyperCore chain achieved over $908M in annual revenues.

Over $848M came from the main activity in trading perpetual futures. The top 100 whales spent $5.7M on gas fees going to the protocol’s reserves. Hyperliquid became one of the platforms with predictable revenues as a result of maturing crypto markets. 

Builders on the Hyperliquid ecosystem shared the revenues, with over $46M received for the past year. The platform also raised additional revenues from ticker auctions, with nearly $1M in fees for the GOD ticker.

Want your project in front of crypto’s top minds? Feature it in our next industry report, where data meets impact.

TL;DR

Cardano founder predicts Bitcoin could reach $250,000 by 2026, driven by supply scarcity and institutional demand.
He cites growing access via ETFs and wealth managers, alongside Bitcoin’s nascent integration with DeFi.
Risks include high correlation with tech stocks and potential regulatory uncertainty.

Charles Hoskinson, founder of Cardano, believes Bitcoin could reach $250,000 by 2026, supported by economic fundamentals rather than speculation. His view rests on a basic principle: limited supply meets growing demand. With Bitcoin’s total issuance capped at 21 million coins, and large investors steadily increasing their exposure, Hoskinson argues that the price structure naturally favors upward pressure.

He explained that institutional and governmental adoption continues to expand, while traditional finance is simplifying access for retail investors. Morgan Stanley, for instance, now permits its private wealth advisers to recommend Bitcoin to their clients. Hoskinson emphasized that even small portfolio allocations from funds and wealth managers can heavily influence price, given Bitcoin’s constrained supply.

Institutional capital sustains long-term demand
Hoskinson stated that the same macro forces that once drove Bitcoin to six-figure territory remain intact. Institutional investors, unlike short-term traders, maintain a steady accumulation strategy, creating consistent buying pressure. The ongoing development of financial products tied to Bitcoin — such as ETFs and custodial solutions — continues to expand access, further amplifying market depth.

He also highlighted a new dimension of Bitcoin’s evolution: its gradual integration into decentralized finance (DeFi). Emerging systems now allow holders to earn yield without relinquishing custody of their coins. Should these tools succeed, a substantial portion of Bitcoin’s idle value could circulate into broader crypto markets, supporting liquidity and innovation across sectors.

Hoskinson pointed out that the intersection of traditional finance and DeFi infrastructure may define the next growth phase. “Institutional buyers tend to act with patience and scale,” he noted. “They’re not chasing momentum; they’re repositioning global portfolios.”

Altcoin and macroeconomic risks
While Hoskinson acknowledged that capital could flow from Bitcoin into altcoins, he cautioned that the pattern may differ from 2021. During that cycle, Bitcoin’s $68,000 peak coincided with Ethereum’s record highs and Cardano’s $3 valuation. This time, the global backdrop is more uncertain.

He referenced regulatory ambiguity in the United States, ongoing scrutiny of crypto exchanges, and a potential overvaluation within artificial intelligence (AI) equities, particularly in companies like Nvidia, which recently achieved record market capitalization.

Hoskinson warned that if the tech sector corrects, digital assets could face parallel declines, as crypto remains correlated with technology stocks. However, he reiterated that Bitcoin’s monetary properties — fixed supply, growing institutional presence, and increasing financial integration — distinguish it from speculative assets.

“Bitcoin isn’t driven by excitement anymore; it’s driven by structure, scarcity, and macroeconomic need,” he said.

For Hoskinson, 2026 could represent a maturation phase rather than a speculative boom. If institutional inflows continue and on-chain finance matures, Bitcoin’s trajectory could reflect a shift toward utility-based valuation, placing it at the core of both digital and traditional financial systems.

// Price

Reading time: 2 min

Published: Dec 26, 2025 at 19:26

Cardano's (ADA) price is declining and approaching the bottom of the chart.

ADA rice long-term forecast: bearish

The cryptocurrency has already broken the November 21 price threshold of $0.38. The price retested the $0.38 barrier before falling to a low of $0.35. On the downside, if bearish momentum continues, the altcoin will reach its bottom price of $0.30.

However, although the ADA price has fallen, it is currently consolidating above the $0.35 support. On the upside, the altcoin will resume its bullish trend if buyers keep the price above the moving average lines. Meanwhile, the formation of Doji candlesticks has delayed price movement. Cardano is currently trading at $0.358.

Technical Indicators

Key Resistance Zones: $1.20, $1.30, and $1.40

Key Support Zones: $0.90, $0.80, and $0.70

ADA price indicator analysis

The price bars have dropped back below the 21-day SMA after briefly rising above it. Price bars below the moving average lines indicate a decline in the cryptocurrency.

On the 4-hour chart, the price bars have remained below the downward-sloping moving average lines. The altcoin is now trading at the bottom of the chart.

What is the next move for ADA?

Cardano is returning to the bottom of the chart. Since December 18, the altcoin has traded above the $0.35 support and below the $0.38 high.

Today, the ADA price remains above the $0.35 support level as it approaches the moving average lines. However, selling pressure will resume if the altcoin moves away from the moving average lines and falls below $0.35. support level.

Disclaimer. This analysis and forecast are the personal opinions of the author. The data provided is collected by the author and is not sponsored by any company or token developer. This is not a recommendation to buy or sell cryptocurrency and should not be viewed as an endorsement by Coinidol.com. Readers should do their research before investing in funds.

The OG altcoin’s price gradually unwinds following a leverage crunch on the globe’s largest crypto exchange.

Market Sentiment:

Bullish

Bearish

Neutral

Published:
December 26, 2025 │ 7:26 PM GMT

Binance’s leverage ratio on Ripple (XRP) coin has just tumbled to a two-year low, raising eyebrows among the XRP community. The globe’s leading crypto exchange saw a stupendous drop in Open Interest (OI), which basically is the amount of unsettled plays on XRP’s price with leverage.

Binance’s XRP Leverage Dwindles To $453M
The sudden shift could have multiple implications on XRP’s future price. Firstly, this signifies rebalancing, latest research from Crypto Quant notes. The $453 million figure on the Open Interest (OI) ratio could also hint at XRP’s price stabilizing as all the excessive leverage got shaken out.

Previously, Ripple coin’s (XRP) leverage count hit yearly peaks twice – at the beginning of 2025 when the SEC concluded its 6-year legal battle against Ripple Labs for the alleged sales of unregistered securities. Then, another sharp OI spike happened in mid 2025, when Ripple’s (XRP) price hit $3.65.

Healthy Shake-Out Doesn’t Stop XRP Sell-Offs
The all-time high was later overshadowed by the price volatility of the broader crypto markets. As Bitcoin (BTC) is still battling the $85K support floor for a bigger rebound, XRP’s next key target is to restore $2 – a crucial psychological level that’s been proven to serve a boost in rallies if held during the storms. For this, whale sentiment has to flip back to buying mode, which is not the case now, judging from the negative CMF index.

On one hand, the massive downswings in leveraged XRP positions on Derivatives markets portray a story of mitigating abnormal pressures when it comes to excessive leverage. Surely, the healthy structural development could put XRP coin among the top long-term investment vehicles without the need to speculate on its price.

Dig into DailyCoin’s juiciest crypto scoops today:
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People Also Ask:
What does CryptoQuant say about XRP open interest on Binance?

Open interest has dropped to ~$453 million. This is the lowest since late 2024. It signals major derivatives re-balancing and less leverage.

How does it compare to 2025 levels?

OI topped $1 billion multiple times early and mid-2025 on speculative surges. Now it’s declined gradually, then sharply, as traders exit.

What does this mean for XRP price?

Lower leverage weakens momentum. Price faces volatility without breakouts. It now depends more on spot demand than derivatives hype.

Why is XRP coin leverage unwinding?

Speculators are fleeing. Holiday thin liquidity and year-end derisking drive it. This cuts risky positions that risk liquidations.

What’s next for XRP coin trading?

Expect a calmer phase. Lower liquidation risks. Prices may stabilize. But real demand is needed for any recovery.

DailyCoin's Vibe Check: Which way are you leaning towards after reading this article?

Market Sentiment

100% Bearish

This article is for information purposes only and should not be considered trading or investment advice. Nothing herein shall be construed as financial, legal, or tax advice. Trading forex, cryptocurrencies, and CFDs pose a considerable risk of loss.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) CEO Jamie Dimon in 2025 maintained his skeptical stance towards Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC), even as JPMorgan launched a $100 million Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH) fund.

The Verbal Offensive ContinuesDimon’s public statements in 2025 maintained his reputation as a prominent crypto skeptic. 

Earlier in January, during a CBS “60 Minutes” interview, he asserted Bitcoin has no intrinsic value and linked it to sex trafficking, money laundering, and ransomware. 

By July, he compared Bitcoin ownership to smoking, saying JPMorgan clients can buy digital assets, but the bank won’t provide custody.

Meanwhile, JPMorgan Built Crypto InfrastructureBehind the harsh words, JPMorgan executed one of the most aggressive blockchain expansion strategies of any major U.S. financial institution.

In mid-December, JPMorgan Asset Management launched the My OnChain Net Yield Fund (MONY)—the bank’s first tokenized money-market fund built on the Ethereum blockchain.

The bank seeded the fund with $100 million before opening it to qualified investors on December 16.

Days later, JPMorgan reportedly considered offering cryptocurrency trading to institutional clients, including spot and derivatives. 

This marks a dramatic shift from Dimon’s 2017 threat to fire any employee caught trading Bitcoin.

The 2025 Crypto BuildoutThe institutional buildout accelerated throughout the year. 

In October, JPMorgan announced plans to allow institutional clients to use Bitcoin and Ethereum as collateral for secured loans. 

A month later in November, the bank officially launched JPM Coin for institutional clients, enabling instant money transfers on Coinbase‘s Base blockchain.

The competitive landscape drove urgency. 

BlackRock‘ BUIDL fund leads the tokenized money-market space with approximately $1.8 billion in assets. 

Meanwhile, the total tokenized treasury market reached approximately $7.3 billion in 2025, representing a 256% year-over-year increase.

The Softening: “Blockchain Is Real”Despite maintaining his Bitcoin criticism, Dimon’s tone toward blockchain technology evolved noticeably. 

At the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit in October, he made a significant concession: blockchain technology is legitimate and will be widely adopted.

Later that month at Saudi Arabia’s Future Investment Initiative, he went further, acknowledging that crypto technologies including blockchains, stablecoins, and smart contracts are genuine innovations. 

The nuance became clearer: Dimon distinguishes between Bitcoin, which he views as speculative and fraudulent, and blockchain infrastructure, which he sees as transformative for institutional finance.

Read Next:

XRP Crashes 48% From July High: Did Ripple Spend $2.7B In Vain In 2025?
Image: Shutterstock

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The privacy limitations of blockchains have been apparent since Satoshi Nakamoto wrote the white paper, when the first cryptocurrency’s creator noted that, although pseudonymous, Bitcoin addresses can be linked back to real-world identities.

Ever since, this type of crypto pseudonymity has largely continued to be treated as “good enough,” with most blockchain privacy projects being put in the backseat. 

This year, however, saw renewed interest in blockchain privacy, with Zcash becoming one of the year’s best-performing assets, and the Ethereum Foundation launching several end-to-end encryption initiatives.

The idea of “pragmatic privacy,” which balances personal privacy with compliance considerations, has also taken root. 

New privacy chains 
2025 saw the launch of several new privacy-focused blockchains in various stages of development. 

Perhaps the most notable was the mainnet launch of the Aztec Network’s Ignition Chain in November, which was significant not only for its many consensus-level and ZK-tech innovations as the "first fully decentralized L2 on Ethereum," but also for overcoming previous hurdles since the project kicked off in 2017.  

Ignition also raised 19,476 ETH (~$61 million) from 16,741 participants using a novel Continuous Clearing Auction mechanism developed jointly with Uniswap Labs earlier this month. 

Nillion is another blockchain project to mainnet in 2025. The so-called “blind computer,” designed to perform calculations on encrypted data, is integrated with several networks like the Layer 1 Near and Layer 2 Arbitrum to boost dapp-level privacy. 

Cosmos-based Namad also rolled out its mainnet Layer 1 in June, focusing on “composable privacy” to support several blockchain ecosystems, like the Bitcoin L2s Lombard and Babylon, as well as Ethereum and Solana, through cross-chain bridges.

Under development since at least 2022, Miden is gearing up for a mainnet launch next year. That said, the project took a massive step towards independence this year by spinning out of Polygon and raising $25 million to build Edge, a privacy-focused blockchain.

Likewise, Umbra, a privacy protocol powered by Arcium, has raised $154.9 million in an initial coin offering on MetaDAO in October. Umbra plans to launch alongside Arcium's Mainnet Alpha, becoming one of the first privacy protocols on Solana to use its infrastructure.

Horizen, one of the oldest crypto privacy projects, also completed a major transition this year after sunsetting its dedicated Layer 1 and L2 incubator in lieu of relaunching as a Layer 3 privacy solution on the Coinbase-incubated Base network. 

Grayscale, which manages a ZEN token fund, also filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission to convert its Grayscale Zcash Trust into the first ZEC ETF. Zcash, which rolled out its Zebra 3.1 upgrade, has been a top-performing token in the latter half of the year.

Corporate privacy initiatives
Coinbase has signaled several times this year that privacy isn’t just an afterthought for Base. Earlier this year, the company announced it had hired the development team at Iron Fish, an old proof-of-work privacy initiative, to provide "privacy-preserving primitives" for Base.

The largest U.S.-based stablecoin issuer, Circle, also made waves when it announced it is testing a privacy-preserving wrapped version of USDC, called USDCx, using the Aleo testnet. USDCx appears to be focused on “configurable compliance” for supporting corporate use cases like payroll management and e-commerce.

Meanwhile, networks like the Goldman Sachs and BNY Mellon-backed Canton Network and EY-incubated Nightfall Ethereum Layer 2 are focused on enterprise blockchain solutions, which require a high degree of confidentiality. Nightfall has already announced support for two blockchains, the Plume RWA network and CELO.

The Ethereum Foundation has launched several privacy initiatives this year, signaling that the topic has emerged as a niche research area to become a primary focus for Ethereum developers. In October, the foundation formed the so-called “Privacy Cluster,” a dedicated team of dozens of engineers, to consolidate its privacy efforts, including a roadmap to achieve end-to-end native encryption. The foundation launched the Institutional Privacy Task Force to onboard institutions and enterprises onto Ethereum.

Vitalik Buterin also debuted Kohaku, an open-source privacy-centric wallet framework that aims to foster "default but compliant" privacy features. 

Pragmatic privacy
The idea of pragmatic privacy has perhaps been taken furthest at the app-level. This year, 0xbow launched Privacy Pools, a tool for everyday blockchain users to wipe their blockchain transaction history without running into legal issues. 

Privacy Pools is based on research published by Buterin and several other high-level cryptographers on “association lists,” which are designed to prevent bad actors from benefiting from crypto mixers. The 0xbow team recently raised a $3.5 million seed round, extended support for Sky’s USDS stablecoin, and rolled out a way for Tornado Cash users to maintain anonymity without “helping the hackers.” It is also part of the Ethereum Foundation’s Kahaku software package. 

Likewise, Railgun is also listed on Kahaku’s GitHub repo to be used as a way to shield funds. Railgun enables blockchain privacy through a “proof of innocence” system where users generate ZK proofs showing their funds/transactions are not part of a pre-set list of flagged/bad addresses. 

Finally, it's worth noting that Zcash, perhaps the flagbearer for crypto privacy, has seen its shielded supply grow to nearly 25%, marking a steady progression in network privacy adoption. Zcash provides users with functional privacy, with the ability to achieve compliance by selectively revealing information. 

Disclaimer: The Block is an independent media outlet that delivers news, research, and data. As of November 2023, Foresight Ventures is a majority investor of The Block. Foresight Ventures invests in other companies in the crypto space. Crypto exchange Bitget is an anchor LP for Foresight Ventures. The Block continues to operate independently to deliver objective, impactful, and timely information about the crypto industry. Here are our current financial disclosures.

© 2025 The Block. All Rights Reserved. This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

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.

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK / ACCESS Newswire / December 26, 2025 / Public markets tend to anchor valuation debates to price history. A stock moves quickly, financing follows, and the terms of that financing are often treated as an implied ceiling rather than a tool. That shortcut can work when companies are dependent on frequent raises just to stay operational. It fails once capital access becomes durable and strategic rather than reactive.

That transition is now underway for SMX (NASDAQ:SMX). With shares currently trading near $125 and the outstanding share count still close to 1.05 million, the conversation has moved beyond whether the stock has run too far. The more relevant question is whether SMX's capital framework supports valuation at scale, especially as comparable sectors, including thermal and industrial energy storage, have begun to command materially higher enterprise values once financing risk is removed.

At roughly $131 million in implied market capitalization on Friday, SMX sits at an inflection point. On one hand, it no longer trades like a neglected microcap. On the other hand, it is still being evaluated as if its operating future depends on uncertain market access. That mismatch between perception and structure is where the valuation discussion now resides.

Why Financing Visibility Rewrites Valuation Math

Valuation compression in small-cap stocks is rarely driven by business fundamentals alone. More often, it reflects uncertainty around funding continuity. Markets discount companies not because they lack technology or relevance, but because the timing and cost of capital remain unclear.

SMX's recently disclosed capital framework materially alters that equation. The company has established access to more than $111 million through a combination of institutional non-toxic convertible notes and a discretionary equity facility. This is not a one-off raise. It is a standing framework designed to support execution over time.

Once financing visibility is established, valuation math changes. Discount rates fall. Operating timelines extend. Market participants begin modeling outcomes over multiple years rather than multiple quarters. That shift alone can support higher valuation ranges even before revenue acceleration becomes visible.

Importantly, the presence of capital does not require immediate deployment. Optionality itself carries value. A company that can choose when and how to raise capital is evaluated differently from one that must raise capital when market conditions allow. That distinction separates speculative valuations from infrastructure-style valuations.

SMX Financing Structure Matters

Critical in SMX's respect is that not all capital facilities behave the same way in public markets. Nor should they. Structures that embed rolling discounts, warrants, or automatic issuance mechanisms tend to exert persistent pressure on share prices. In those cases, valuation becomes tethered to capital mechanics rather than business progress.

SMX's framework is designed differently. The facility it has provides capacity without mandating issuance and does not rely on incentive structures that require continuous selling to function. That reduces the likelihood that capital access itself becomes a dominant driver of trading behavior.

This distinction is paramount when considering post-raise share count scenarios. Even under conservative assumptions, a sizable equity raise, if tapped in 2026, would likely result in total shares outstanding in the low two-million range. In absolute terms, that remains a scarce public float.

Scarcity changes market dynamics. When dilution is finite and future financing needs are largely addressed, supply becomes more predictable. In that environment, valuation is shaped less by fear of future issuance and more by demand for exposure to the platform.

That is why institutional pricing and public-market valuation should not be conflated. Institutional terms reflect negotiated risk allocation. Public valuation reflects how risk is perceived after capital is secured. Once structural risk declines, valuation frameworks tend to rebase higher rather than gravitate toward transaction pricing. That's happening in other sectors.

Similar Valuation Models Across Sectors

Across thermal heat storage and broader industrial energy infrastructure, valuation benchmarks have expanded materially in recent years. Companies with secured funding and scalable platforms have increasingly been valued on strategic relevance rather than early revenue metrics.

In many of those cases, meaningful re-ratings occurred before commercialization reached maturity. The catalyst was not revenue inflection. It was the removal of existential risk. Once capital durability was established, markets reassessed what those platforms could become rather than what they currently produced.

SMX now sits closer to that category than to traditional early-stage microcaps. Its capital structure supports multi-year execution while preserving share scarcity. That combination aligns more closely with infrastructure-style valuation frameworks than with speculative trading models.

The implication is not that valuation should be extrapolated mechanically from peers. Rather, it suggests that the floor under valuation is increasingly supported by structure rather than sentiment. As financing uncertainty recedes, downside risk becomes less about balance-sheet fragility and more about execution quality.

That is how capital frameworks influence valuation without dictating price. They do not set ceilings. They establish support. For SMX, the transition now underway is less about what the stock has done and more about what the capital structure allows the company to do next.

About SMX

As global businesses face new and complex challenges relating to carbon neutrality and meeting new governmental and regional regulations and standards, SMX is able to offer players along the value chain access to its marking, tracking, measuring and digital platform technology to transition more successfully to a low-carbon economy.

Forward-Looking Statements

This information contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and assumptions regarding future events involving SMX (NASDAQ: SMX), its technologies, its partnership activities, and its development of molecular marking systems for recycled PET and other materials. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts. They involve risks, uncertainties, and factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied.

Forward looking statements in this editorial include, but are not limited to, its announced capital facility and its terms, expectations regarding the integration of SMX's molecular markers into U.S. recycling markets; the potential for FDA-compliant markers to enable recycled PET to enter food-grade and other regulated applications; the scalability of SMX solutions across diverse global supply chains; anticipated adoption of identity-based verification systems by manufacturers, recyclers, regulators, or brand owners; the potential economic impact of turning recycled plastics into tradeable or monetizable assets; the expected performance of SMX's Plastic Cycle Token or other digital verification instruments; and the belief that molecular-level authentication may influence pricing, compliance, sustainability reporting, or financial strategies used within the plastics sector.

These forward-looking statements are also subject to assumptions regarding regulatory developments, market demand for authenticated recycled content, the pace of corporate adoption of traceability technology, global economic conditions, supply chain constraints, evolving environmental policies, and general industry behavior relating to sustainability commitments and recycling mandates. Risks include, but are not limited to, changes in FDA or international regulatory standards; technological challenges in large-scale deployment of molecular markers; competitive innovations from other companies; operational disruptions in recycling or plastics manufacturing; fluctuations in pricing for virgin or recycled plastics; and the broader economic conditions that influence capital investment and industrial activity.

Detailed risk factors are described in SMX's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. These statements speak only as of the date of publication. SMX undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events, changes in circumstances, or new information, except as required by applicable law.

EMAIL: [email protected]

SOURCE: SMX (Security Matters) Public Limited

The Bitcoin-to-silver price ratio is emerging as a key macroeconomic signal, offering insight into shifting risk appetite as capital rotates between digital and traditional hard assets.

Summary

Falling ratio signals risk-on behavior favoring Bitcoin.
Rising ratio reflects defensive rotation into silver.
Ratio provides macro context, not direct trade signals.

As global markets navigate ongoing macro uncertainty, the relationship between Bitcoin and silver prices is drawing increased attention. The Bitcoin–silver price ratio, which measures how many ounces of silver are required to purchase one Bitcoin, provides valuable insight into investor behavior.

Rather than acting as a direct trading signal, the ratio reflects broader risk-on and risk-off dynamics, revealing how capital is positioned across asset classes.

Understanding the Bitcoin–Silver price ratio
XAGBTC Chart, Source: TradingView
As the price of silver increases, the price of Bitcoin, measured in silver, also rises. This occurs because Bitcoin is often compared to hard assets, such as silver, to assess relative value. When silver becomes more expensive, it takes more value (or purchasing power) for Bitcoin to outperform it.

In other words, even if Bitcoin’s dollar price stays the same, Bitcoin can become more expensive in silver terms when silver rises. This reflects a shift in market dynamics, in which investors are placing greater value on physical assets such as silver.

As silver strengthens, the benchmark for Bitcoin rises as well, implying that Bitcoin must gain further strength merely to maintain its relative position.

Risk-on conditions favor Bitcoin
Periods during which the Bitcoin–silver price ratio declines typically coincide with improving liquidity conditions. During these phases, investors are more willing to allocate capital toward higher-volatility assets, favoring Bitcoin over traditional hard assets.

Historically, declining ratios have coincided with Bitcoin bull phases, during which expanding liquidity and speculative demand drive strong upside momentum. In these environments, silver often underperforms as capital rotates away from defensive hedges and toward growth-oriented assets.

This dynamic reinforces Bitcoin’s role as a liquidity-sensitive asset, responding quickly to shifts in monetary expectations.

Rising ratio signals defensive rotation
Conversely, when the Bitcoin–silver price ratio rises, it indicates that silver outperforms Bitcoin. This typically reflects a risk-off environment, where investors prioritize capital preservation over growth.

Such periods often emerge during macro stress, tightening financial conditions, or heightened uncertainty around inflation and interest rates. Silver’s tangible nature and industrial utility make it more attractive in defensive phases, while Bitcoin’s volatility becomes less appealing.

Importantly, a rising ratio does not necessarily signal bearish conditions for Bitcoin outright. Instead, it often reflects temporary caution, where capital rotates defensively before risk appetite eventually returns.

Mean reversion at extremes
Extreme readings in the Bitcoin–silver price ratio have historically preceded mean reversion. When Bitcoin becomes significantly undervalued relative to silver, it can indicate exhaustion in defensive positioning, setting the stage for renewed inflows into crypto assets.

Likewise, when Bitcoin becomes excessively overextended compared to silver, consolidation or corrective phases often follow as markets rebalance. These extremes are most useful for cycle analysis rather than short-term trading.

Macro liquidity is the primary driver
The Bitcoin-macro liquidity conditions heavily influence the silver price ratio. Silver reacts to real yields, industrial demand, and inflation expectations, while Bitcoin responds more directly to monetary policy, liquidity expansion, and institutional flows.

Divergences in the ratio can therefore serve as early signals of shifts in liquidity regimes, sometimes preceding visible changes in broader risk markets. For this reason, macro-focused traders closely monitor the ratio alongside indicators such as real interest rates, the U.S. dollar index, and Bitcoin dominance.

What the ratio tells investors today
The Bitcoin-silver price ratio highlights the ongoing tug-of-war between digital scarcity and traditional hard assets. While it should not be used in isolation, it provides critical insight into how capital is rotating beneath the surface. The current price rally in Silver indicates a potential more extended consolidation phase in Bitcoin as it is largely seen as a risk-on asset.

In an increasingly interconnected macro environment, understanding this relationship can help investors better navigate shifting market sentiment.

USX suffered one of 2025’s sharpest stablecoin depegs, plunging to $0.10 before market makers restored liquidity.

The USX stablecoin on Solana lost its dollar peg on December 26, collapsing to just $0.10 on secondary markets.

This sudden drop, caused by a severe lack of liquidity, marks one of the most extreme depegs for a major stablecoin this year.

Market Strain and Rapid Response
According to blockchain security firm PeckShield, which raised an alert about the event, the depeg was a direct result of a liquidity drain on trading platforms.

The stablecoin’s developer, Solstice, responded quickly. In a statement posted on X, the team confirmed the issue was isolated to secondary markets, noting that the funds backing USX in its primary system were “entirely unaffected and >100% collateralized.” They emphasized that 1:1 redemptions through their primary market remained operational.

The situation stabilized after Solstice and its market makers injected fresh liquidity, pulling the price back to approximately $0.94. Despite this recovery, the brief crash established a new all-time low of $0.8285 for USX, as recorded by CoinGecko.

The stablecoin has since returned near its $1.00 target, currently trading around $0.995. While the 24-hour price change shows only a minor 0.3% decline, the dramatic intraday swing from $0.8285 to a high of $1.01 highlights the volatility triggered by the liquidity shortfall.

A Recurring Challenge for Algorithmic Stablecoins
This incident is a reminder of the persistent fragility of certain stablecoin designs when faced with secondary market pressures. It echoes other significant depegs in 2025; for example, the one in April where Synthetix’s sUSD stablecoin fell below $0.70 following protocol changes that altered its collateral mechanics. At the time, founder Kain Warwick darkly joked about the situation by renaming his social account to “kain.depeg.”

You may also like:

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Binance Hits 300M Registered Accounts 8 Years After Launch – Key Drivers Behind the Growth

More recently in November, Stream Finance’s XUSD stablecoin crashed to $0.30 after the protocol revealed a $93 million loss from an external fund manager.

The USX event differs in that its underlying collateral was not compromised, framing it purely as a secondary market liquidity failure. Meanwhile, Solstice has committed to obtaining a third-party attestation report, in what some market observers believe is an attempt to rebuild trust.

However, for investors and the wider crypto community, these repeated events serve as a stark reminder of the risks that remain even in stablecoins backed by verifiable assets, where market structure can sometimes fail before the fundamentals do.

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Arthur Hayes has forecast that Bitcoin could surge to $200,000 within the next three months, arguing that a fresh wave of disguised monetary easing is setting the stage for another powerful liquidity-driven rally.

In a recent essay, Hayes focused on what he describes as the Federal Reserve’s evolving “love language,” a euphemistic acronym used to mask large-scale money creation, with the latest example being Reserve Management Purchases (RMP).

Hayes argues that RMP is functionally equivalent to quantitative easing (QE), even though policymakers insist otherwise. While QE involved the Fed buying longer-dated bonds, RMP centers on the purchase of Treasury bills, primarily from money market funds.

According to Hayes, this distinction is mainly cosmetic. In both cases, the Fed creates money out of thin air, enabling the Treasury to issue more debt and fund spending, which ultimately fuels inflation across financial assets and the real economy.

The BitMEX co-founder notes that money market funds hold roughly 40% of outstanding T-bills, far more than banks do, and that when the Fed buys those bills under RMP, the resulting cash does not simply sit idle. It either finances new Treasury issuance or flows into the repo market, thereby indirectly supporting the purchase of longer-dated bonds.

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Hayes contends that this allows the government to keep borrowing cheaply while quietly expanding liquidity.

Drawing on historical parallels, Hayes points to the post-2009 period, when QE helped propel stocks, gold, and Bitcoin out of what he calls the deflationary river Styx.

The entrepreneur believes a similar setup is now forming. Although Bitcoin has initially lagged gold since the launch of RMP, Hayes sees this as a temporary divergence rather than a contradiction of his thesis.

In Hayes’ outlook, Bitcoin is likely to consolidate between $80,000 and $100,000 until markets fully recognize that RMP is effectively QE. Once that realization sets in, he expects Bitcoin to rapidly reclaim previous highs near $124,000 and then accelerate toward $200,000, potentially as early as March.

Hayes adds that broader global easing, as other central banks respond to a weakening dollar, could further amplify this move.

Bitcoin traded mostly flat around $87,000 heading into the final weekend of 2025 as investors remained cautious amid thin liquidity and tax-driven selling.

CryptocurrencyTickerPriceBitcoin(CRYPTO: BTC)$87,351.16Ethereum(CRYPTO: ETH)$2,923.07Solana(CRYPTO: SOL)$122.01XRP(CRYPTO: XRP)$1.84Dogecoin(CRYPTO: DOGE)$0.1221Shiba Inu(CRYPTO: SHIB)$0.057119Notable Statistics:

Coinglass data shows 93,477 traders were liquidated in the past 24 hours for $244.46 million.       
SoSoValue data shows net outflows of $175.3 million from spot Bitcoin ETFs on Wednesday. Spot Ethereum ETFs saw net outflows of $52.7 million.
Notable Developments:

Forget Bitcoin: Amplify Rolls Out ETFs Backing Crypto’s Infrastructure Play
Peter Schiff Mocks Bitcoin: ‘Santa Gave You Guys A Rally To Sell Into’
Trump Administration’s Money Printing Could Propel Bitcoin Toward $750,000 By 2026-27, Predicts Arthur Hayes
Changpeng Zhao-Owned Trust Wallet To Cover $7 Million User Losses After Security Breach
Bitcoin Failed As ‘Store Of Value’ In 2025, But These Crypto Derivatives Of Gold, Silver Delivered Sharp Returns — Check Them Out
Trader Notes: Michael van de Poppe said the key technical level to watch is Bitcoin's 20-month moving average.

A monthly close above it, particularly above $90,000, would likely confirm bullish momentum and set the stage for a stronger start to 2026, with upside targets in the $105,000–$110,000 range.

ShardiB2 attributed the stalled Santa rally to tax-loss selling and low holiday liquidity.

With Bitcoin among the few major assets down on the year, investors who booked gains elsewhere are selling BTC to offset taxes.

That dynamic has increased downside pressure, with $85,200 flagged as a critical support level. A sustained break below it could accelerate losses.

Nebraskangooner added a constructive longer-term note, pointing out that Bitcoin's monthly trend indicator has flipped bullish for the first time since March 2023, suggesting the broader trend may be improving despite near-term volatility.

Read Next:

Is The Bitcoin Bottom In? Watch These Bullish Signals, 10x Research Says
Image: Shutterstock

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Ethereum, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency by market cap, reached new heights in 2025. While the token’s price is on track to limp into the new year, its record-setting climb is unlikely to continue given the prevailing conditions for Bitcoin (BTC), according to crypto strategist Benjamin Cowen.

No New Highs For ETH Next Year?
“If Bitcoin is truly in a bear market, which is what it feels like, it would be kind of hard for Ethereum to go up there,” Cowen said on a Tuesday interview with the Bankless podcast.

The prediction comes after Tom Lee’s asset management firm Fundstrat Capital projected a “meaningful drawdown” in the first half of 2026. Specifically, Fundstrat expects Bitcoin to pull back 35% to the $60,000-$65,000 zone and Ether to $1,800-$2,000.

For Cowen, Ether successfully breaking above its current $4,946 all-time high, which it registered in August 2025, could just be a classic bull trap setup, a short-lived rally that lures investors back to the market before a major downtrend that would send the asset back to $2K.

ETH is changing hands at $2,963 as of press time, according to data from CoinGecko. Reclaiming its all-time high would represent a roughly 40% growth from its current level. But analyst Cowen thinks Ether can score new ATHs in 2026, though he doesn’t expect it to spark a domino effect across the wider crypto market.

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“The only altcoin that I’m even considering this for is Ethereum. I think a lot of the other altcoins are kind of cooked at this point for the cycle,” he posited, explaining that it’s unlikely they’ll hit new record highs this cycle if they haven’t already.

Meanwhile, Tom Lee, who is the chief investment officer at asset management firm Fundstrat Capital and the executive chairman of BitMine Immersion Technologies, recently shared a conflicting Ethereum outlook. Lee suggested that ETH found its bottom after the second-largest crypto plummeted below the psychologically important $3,000 mark.

He is more excited about Ethereum’s future over the next 10-15 years, especially as Wall Street has adopted the layer-1 network and as it plays a growing role in the future of finance.

TL;DR

Solana trades at $122.01 after a 1.11% decline in the last 24 hours, while market indicators suggest selling pressure is easing.
The RSI holds near 41.82 as trading volume jumps to $4 billion, signaling active repositioning.
Strong support between $118 and $120 remains intact, keeping the $140 level relevant amid steady ecosystem growth and institutional participation.

Solana remains a key question for traders as large-cap altcoins consolidate after recent volatility. Solana (SOL) shows short-term weakness in price but stronger signals in volume and momentum indicators, suggesting that downside pressure may be moderating. As capital rotates within the crypto market, SOL continues to draw attention due to its liquidity profile and expanding role in decentralized infrastructure.

According to current market data, SOL changes hands at $122.01, down 1.11% over the past 24 hours. Despite this pullback, trading volume rose sharply to $4 billion, marking a 115% increase on the day. Elevated volume during periods of price stability often reflects accumulation and active trading interest rather than broad distribution.

Technical Market Signals
Technical indicators provide additional context. The Relative Strength Index stands at 41.82, a level that sits in neutral-bearish territory but remains well above oversold conditions. In previous market cycles, Solana has shown price stabilization when RSI levels flatten and volume expands near key demand zones.

The $118 to $120 range continues to serve as a critical support area. Buyers defended this zone during earlier corrections, and recent price action shows SOL holding above it once again. Failure to break below this level suggests sellers are encountering resistance, which often precedes short-term rebounds in trending assets.

From a structural perspective, a move toward $140 would require an advance of roughly 13% from current levels. Given Solana’s historical volatility and its previous peak near $295, such a move aligns with typical recovery patterns seen during consolidation phases.

Network Activity And Broader Crypto Conditions
Beyond price metrics, Solana’s network fundamentals remain supportive. The blockchain continues to attract decentralized finance and NFT projects due to its high throughput and low transaction costs. Ongoing development and cross-chain initiatives expand its utility across multiple ecosystems.

Broader market conditions also influence SOL’s outlook. Bitcoin posts modest gains, and major altcoins often mirror shifts in BTC liquidity. Investment products linked to Solana, including exchange-traded vehicles introduced in late October, have recorded steady adoption, reinforcing institutional interest.

About Angela Harmantas
Angela Harmantas is an Editor at Proactive. She has over 15 years of experience covering the equity markets in North America, with a particular focus on junior resource stocks. Angela has reported from numerous countries around the world, including Canada, the US, Australia, Brazil, Ghana, and South Africa for leading trade publications. Previously, she worked in investor relations and led the foreign direct investment program in Canada for the Swedish government. She earned a Bachelor of... Read more

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While the markets were quiet for the post-Christmas trading session, NVIDIA NASDAQ: NVDA made a noise that will echo for years. The company announced a definitive agreement to pay approximately $20 billion in cash to license the technology and hire the core engineering team of AI chip startup Groq.

NVIDIA Today

$191.55 +2.94 (+1.56%)

As of 03:40 PM Eastern

This is a fair market value price provided by Massive. Learn more.

52-Week Range$86.62▼

$212.19Dividend Yield0.02%

P/E Ratio47.54

Price Target$262.14

The timing of this announcement is poetic. On the very day NVIDIA is distributing its quarterly dividend of $0.01 per share to loyal shareholders, it is aggressively reinvesting its massive cash pile to secure its future dominance. The market reaction has been swift and bullish. NVIDIA shares climbed roughly 1.5% following the news, trading in the $188 to $191 range. This move pushes the company’s market capitalization firmly past the $4.6 trillion milestone.

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Wall Street’s reaction reflects a clear consensus: this is not just a purchase; it is a fortification. By securing the fastest chip technology in the market, NVIDIA is widening its competitive moat against rivals like Alphabet NASDAQ: GOOGL and AMD NASDAQ: AMD. This deal helps ensure that NVIDIA remains the only game in town for the next phase of the artificial intelligence (AI) boom.

How Groq Solves NVIDIA’s Speed Limit
To understand why NVIDIA would spend $20 billion on a startup, investors must first understand how the AI market changed in 2025. For the last three years, the industry focused on Training. This is the process of teaching an AI model, which requires massive amounts of raw computing power to crunch data. NVIDIA’s Blackwell and Hopper GPUs were perfect for this heavy lifting.

However, late in 2025, the market reached a tipping point known as the Inference Flip. Global revenue from using AI models (Inference) officially surpassed the revenue from building them (Training). While training is a one-time event, inference is a continuous, 24/7 utility, much like electricity. Every time a user asks a chatbot a question or a robot moves, that is an inference event.

The Speed Problem
As AI moves into real-time applications like voice assistants and humanoid robotics, speed becomes the critical metric. This created a vulnerability for NVIDIA because its chips were designed for size rather than speed.

The Freight Train: NVIDIA’s GPUs are like massive freight trains. They have an incredible capacity to haul data, but they take time to get up to speed. They are optimized for throughput (volume), not instant speed.
The Formula 1 Car: Groq’s technology, known as the Language Processing Unit (LPU), is built differently. It is like a Formula 1 car, lightweight and capable of instant acceleration.

The Benchmark Gap
Data shows that Groq’s LPUs can process between 300 and 500 tokens per second on standard models like Llama 2. In comparison, a standard GPU setup typically manages around 100 tokens per second. By absorbing this technology, NVIDIA ensures it owns the fastest solution for the fastest-growing segment of the market. This also addresses a total cost of ownership risk; because Groq chips are faster, they use less energy per task, which appeals to cost-conscious data centers.

The Smartest Deal in Tech: How NVIDIA Avoided the FTC
In today's strict regulatory environment, a standard merger between a $4.6 trillion giant and a rising competitor would likely be blocked by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Regulators are wary of monopolies buying up their rivals. NVIDIA’s management navigated this risk by structuring the deal as a reverse acqui-hire and a non-exclusive licensing agreement rather than a traditional corporate acquisition.

How the Deal Works:

Licensing: NVIDIA pays for the right to use Groq’s intellectual property in perpetuity, but Groq retains theoretical ownership.
Hiring: NVIDIA hires the majority of Groq’s engineering staff and leadership.
Independence: The Groq corporate entity technically remains independent, avoiding the mandatory antitrust waiting periods required by the Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Act.

This structure mirrors successful strategies recently employed by Microsoft NASDAQ: MSFT and Amazon NASDAQ: AMZN. It allows NVIDIA to integrate the technology immediately without getting bogged down in 18 to 24 months of litigation. This speed of execution is a major bullish signal for the stock, as it prevents competitors from catching up while the deal is stuck in court.

A Blow to Rivals
Perhaps the most valuable asset in this deal is the human capital. NVIDIA has hired Jonathan Ross, the founder of Groq. Before starting Groq, Ross invented the Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) at Google. By bringing Ross into the fold, NVIDIA has effectively neutralized a key competitor and deprived Google, its biggest rival in custom silicon, of the talent that built its foundation.

The Buy vs. Build Calculation: Why This Deal Was Cheap
A $20 billion price tag is massive for most companies, but for NVIDIA, it represents a highly efficient use of capital. Investors should view this through the lens of buy vs. build. Could NVIDIA have built this technology itself? Likely yes. But it would have taken three to four years of research and development. In the fast-moving world of AI, three years is an eternity. By spending cash now, NVIDIA buys time.

NVIDIA Stock Forecast Today12-Month Stock Price Forecast:
$262.14
36.58% Upside

Buy
Based on 53 Analyst Ratings

Current Price$191.94High Forecast$352.00Average Forecast$262.14Low Forecast$205.00NVIDIA Stock Forecast Details

By the Numbers:

Free Cash Flow: In the third quarter alone, NVIDIA generated $22.1 billion in free cash flow. Effectively, the company paid for this entire strategic expansion with just three months of cash generation.
Shareholder Rewards: As a testament to this financial strength, NVIDIA is paying out its quarterly cash dividend of $0.01 per share today, Dec. 26. This proves that the company can fund massive growth while rewarding shareholders simultaneously.

Valuation Perspective
Despite the stock trading near all-time highs, analysts argue that the valuation is reasonable given the growth potential. The stock currently trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of approximately 23x. This is significantly lower than its trailing P/E of around 52x, suggesting that earnings are growing fast enough to justify NVIDIA’s current stock price. By securing the Groq technology, NVIDIA protects these future earnings from competitive erosion.

NVIDIA’s Evolution Into the OS of AI
This transaction serves as a powerful reminder that NVIDIA is evolving. It is no longer just a hardware vendor; it is becoming the inevitable operating system for the entire AI economy.

Looking ahead, investors can expect NVIDIA to integrate Groq’s low-latency technology into its upcoming Rubin architecture and its robotics initiative, Project GR00T. With fourth-quarter revenue guidance projected at $65 billion, the company’s fundamentals remain flawless. This deal silences the bear case that competitors would eventually catch up in speed. For investors, the thesis remains intact: NVIDIA is building the foundation for the future of artificial intelligence.

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, /PRNewswire/ -- The Law Offices of Howard G. Smith announces that investors with substantial losses have opportunity to lead the securities fraud class action lawsuit against Blue Owl Capital Inc. ("Blue Owl" or the "Company") (NYSE: OWL).

IF YOU ARE AN INVESTOR WHO SUFFERED A LOSS IN BLUE OWL CAPITAL INC. (OWL), CONTACT THE LAW OFFICES OF HOWARD G. SMITH BEFORE FEBRUARY 2, 2026 (LEAD PLAINTIFF DEADLINE) TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ONGOING SECURITIES FRAUD LAWSUIT.

Contact the Law Offices of Howard G. Smith to discuss your legal rights by email at [email protected], by telephone at (215) 638-4847 or visit our website at www.howardsmithlaw.com.

What Is The Lawsuit About?
The complaint filed alleges that, between February 6, 2025 and November 16, 2025, Defendants failed to disclose to investors: (1) that Blue Owl was experiencing a meaningful pressure on its asset base from BDC redemptions; (2) that, as a result, the Company was facing undisclosed liquidity issues; (3) that, as a result, the Company would be likely to limit or halt redemptions of certain BDCs; and (4) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.

Contact Us To Participate or Learn More:
If you wish to learn more about this class action, or if you have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to the pending class action lawsuit, please contact:
Howard G. Smith, Esq.,
Law Offices of Howard G. Smith,
3070 Bristol Pike, Suite 112,
Bensalem, Pennsylvania 19020,
Call us at: (215) 638-4847
Email us at: [email protected],
Visit our website at: www.howardsmithlaw.com.

To be a member of the class action you need not take any action at this time; you may retain counsel of your choice or take no action and remain an absent member of the class action.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.

Contact Us:
Law Offices of Howard G. Smith
Howard G. Smith, Esquire
215-638-4847
[email protected]
www.howardsmithlaw.com

SOURCE Law Offices of Howard G. Smith

, /PRNewswire/ --  The Law Offices of Howard G. Smith announces that investors with substantial losses have opportunity to lead the securities fraud class action lawsuit against Integer Holdings Corporation ("Integer" or the "Company") (NYSE: ITGR).

IF YOU ARE AN INVESTOR WHO SUFFERED A LOSS IN INTEGER HOLDINGS CORPORATION (ITGR), CONTACT THE LAW OFFICES OF HOWARD G. SMITH BEFORE FEBRUARY 9, 2026 (LEAD PLAINTIFF DEADLINE) TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ONGOING SECURITIES FRAUD LAWSUIT.

Contact the Law Offices of Howard G. Smith to discuss your legal rights by email at [email protected], by telephone at (215) 638-4847 or visit our website at www.howardsmithlaw.com.

What Is The Lawsuit About?
The complaint filed alleges that, between July 25, 2024 and October 22, 2025, Defendants failed to disclose to investors that: (1) Integer materially overstated its competitive position within the growing EP manufacturing market; (2) despite Integer's claims of strong visibility into customer demand, the Company was experiencing a sustained deterioration in sales relating to two of its EP devices; (3) in turn, Integer mischaracterized its EP devices as a long-term growth driver for the Company's C&V segment; and (4) as a result, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times.

Contact Us To Participate or Learn More:  
If you wish to learn more about this class action, or if you have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to the pending class action lawsuit, please contact:
Howard G. Smith, Esq.,
Law Offices of Howard G. Smith,
3070 Bristol Pike, Suite 112,
Bensalem, Pennsylvania 19020,
Call us at: (215) 638-4847
Email us at: [email protected],
Visit our website at: www.howardsmithlaw.com.

To be a member of the class action you need not take any action at this time; you may retain counsel of your choice or take no action and remain an absent member of the class action.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.

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Law Offices of Howard G. Smith
Howard G. Smith, Esquire
215-638-4847
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NEW YORK, Dec. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, continues to investigate potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. (NASDAQ: TNDM) resulting from allegations that Tandem Diabetes Care may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public.

SO WHAT: If you purchased Tandem Diabetes securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=19024 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

WHAT IS THIS ABOUT: On August 7, 2025, before the market opened, the company issued a press release entitled “Tandem Diabetes Care Issues Voluntary Medical Device Correction for Select t:slim X2 Insulin Pumps.” The release stated that Tandem Diabetes had “announced a voluntary medical device correction for select t:slim X2 insulin pumps to address a potential speaker-related issue that can trigger an error resulting in a discontinuation of insulin delivery.”

On this news, Tandem Diabetes’ stock fell 19.9% on August 7, 2025.

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. 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.

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/.

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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