Market Signal Briefing

Around $27 billion worth of Bitcoin, Ethereum options expired today on Deribit, one of the world’s largest crypto options exchanges. Bitcoin is trading near $88,000, while Ethereum is hovering close to $2,950, as traders brace for possible volatility. 

With such a large amount of contracts settling at once, the expiry could have a massive impact on the crypto market

Bitcoin Faces $23.6 Billion Option ExpiryBitcoin accounts for the biggest share of today’s expiry, with over $23.6 billion in BTC options rolling off. Data from Deribit shows 268,000 option contracts settled at the same time, clearing a major amount of risk from the market in a single session.

Despite the size of the expiry, trader positioning still leans positive. The put-to-call ratio stands at 0.38, which means more traders were betting on higher prices than lower ones. 

The “max pain” level, where most option holders would see losses, was near $96,000. This level often acts like a price magnet around expiry, even if briefly.

Bitcoin Eyeing $100K levelOver the past few weeks, Bitcoin has remained stuck in a tight range, repeatedly testing both sides. Crypto analyst Michael van de Poppe noted that sellers have failed to push BTC below $86.5K, showing strong buyer support. 

However, every move above $90K has been rejected, highlighting heavy selling pressure at that level.

Analysts say $90,000 is the key barrier. A clear breakout above it, backed by strong volume, could restore bullish momentum and open the path toward the $100,000 mark.

Ethereum Traders Remain Cautious After Options ExpiryEthereum is also under the spotlight, with nearly $4 billion in ETH options expiring. Although ETH has seen small price gains, traders remain cautious rather than confident. The max pain level sits near $3,100, keeping pressure on the price.

Ethereum has once again failed to hold above the key $3,000 level, which is worrying traders. Crypto analyst Ted noted that unless ETH clearly moves back above $3,000, the risk of another drop stays high.

If the price falls below $2,800, selling pressure could increase quickly. Below that, the next strong support lies around $2,600, $2,500, where buyers stepped in during earlier sell-offs.

XRP and Solana Show Mixed SignalsXRP options show continued pressure, with traders closely watching the $1.80 support level. A break below this could lead to further downside.

Solana shows a more balanced picture. Options data remains neutral, and SOL has already seen a small recovery around $123. 

As 2026 approaches, this option’s expiry could act as an important turning point for the token.

Trust with CoinPedia:CoinPedia has been delivering accurate and timely cryptocurrency and blockchain updates since 2017. All content is created by our expert panel of analysts and journalists, following strict Editorial Guidelines based on E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness). Every article is fact-checked against reputable sources to ensure accuracy, transparency, and reliability. Our review policy guarantees unbiased evaluations when recommending exchanges, platforms, or tools. We strive to provide timely updates about everything crypto & blockchain, right from startups to industry majors.

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Published
2 minutes ago on
December 26, 2025

The $BTC price has all but arrived at the convergence point of a rising major trendline and the downtrend line. On Friday morning the price has broken through the downtrend, potentially putting the bulls back in the driving seat. Can the bulls sustain the breakout, or is this going to be a fakeout?

Will this breakout be legitimate?

Source: TradingView

It’s happening - or at least it looks like it is. The $BTC price is finally breaking above the downtrend line with a candle body. That said, it’s still early days and until this breakout confirms, a fakeout is always a possibility. 

As can be seen in the 4-hour chart above, the $BTC price had almost arrived at the very end of a triangle formed by the convergence of the downtrend and the major uptrend. Had the price continued traversing along, Saturday would have been the last possible day for the breakout. As it stands, that breakout may have now arrived. 

If the bulls are to take the lead now, they will need to confirm at least one candle body above the downtrend line, with probably two or three daily candle bodies holding above the trendline in order to be more convinced that this breakout can be legitimate. After this, the $90,000 horizontal resistance needs to be broken.

Breakout or fakeout?

Source: TradingView

The daily time frame shows that there is still much work to be done by the bulls today and throughout this weekend. As long as the $BTC price holds around the current level through Friday, the breakout will have begun. It then remains for the bulls to break through the horizontal resistances drawn on the chart above (in blue).

However, if the bears are able to invalidate the breakout, and the price sinks back below both trendlines, we could be in for a more tortuous path before a breakout, or we could even see a complete breakdown with the price heading down to the major horizontal supports.

Is everything about to change for Bitcoin?

Source: TradingView

The weekly chart for $BTC illustrates that a breakout here could take the price back to the all-time high and another test of the 8-year trendline. This would potentially result in a price of $130,000, although if the price were to break through the 8-year trendline, this could give rise to far higher prices.

We now wait to see whether this breakout is successful. A reliable indicator to watch here is the weekly Stochastic RSI. At present, the indicators are posturing a downward move, but this can quickly change if the breakout gets some volume behind it.

Gold, silver, and stocks, have all continued to climb while Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies have taken a pretty decent haircut. This is all about to change. Bitcoin is at its absolute low against most other assets, and when you get to a bottom there is only one direction to go, and that is upwards. Expect Bitcoin to start redressing the balance as we go into the end of the year, and then through Q1 and probably Q2 as well.

Disclaimer: 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.

Cover image via www.youtube.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.

Dec. 26 is the kind of Friday where the crypto market pretends it is back to business, but the holiday aftertaste is still in the order books and in the timelines. A thin session can make one screenshot look like a disaster, one quote sound like an industry verdict and one meme campaign feel like a policy announcement, even when the bigger market is just trying to close the week without drama.

TL;DRHoskinson swats Canton, name-drops XRP and Midnight, and says you cannot manufacture a real network.Brandt calls the $24,111 BTC/USD1 wick a Binance classic, CZ pins it on thin liquidity and fast arbitrage.Dogecoin rolls out a "naughty list" to pressure merchants while price is still down 60% in 2025."You can't fake Cardano or XRP": Hoskinson calls out new crypto projectCharles Hoskinson went straight at the Canton (CC) narrative and did it like a business rival, not like a neutral commentator. 

For him, legacy finance is teaming up with Canton to build what "XRP and Midnight are already doing," claiming those ecosystems operate at a scale "100x beyond their ambitions," and framing the whole effort as people repeating the same mistake because they do not get what makes Web3 work.

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His message had one practical core. The prize is the RWA arena, a $10 trillion market and as Hoskinson argues, you do not reach that with partial technology and polite partnerships. In his words, there are no half measures — you need an end-to-end strategy, real partners and communities that can carry adoption when the narrative gets ugly. Then he landed the closer that will keep getting quoted: "You can't fake Cardano or XRP Nation."

I love it when I see legacy finance come together with Canton and try to build what XRP and Midnight are already doing at a scale 100x beyond their ambitions.

These guys never learn and don't understand what makes Web3 unique and meaningful.

— Charles Hoskinson (@IOHK_Charles) December 26, 2025 Canton is being dragged into the spotlight because it is not small. In the conversation around it, people point to a funding haul in the hundreds of millions, big-name funds and the predictable label, "XRP killer."

That label is mostly shorthand for one thing: any chain that pitches institution-friendly RWAs is going to be compared to XRP’s long-running positioning, and any founder who wants the comparison has to speak up when the market starts repeating it.

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$24,111 Bitcoin on Binance: Peter Brandt not surprisedThis was yesterday’s headline, but it keeps circulating because Peter Brandt turned it into an exchange reputation story. A TradingView chart for BTC/USD1 on Binance showed Bitcoin at a 24-hour low printed at $24,111.22. The wider market never behaved like BTC collapsed, but the chart is brutal.

Brandt’s opinion is without masks — it has happened before, and "only on Binance does such robbery occur." That framing is why the wick matters. It is not only a weird print, it is a reputational scar that market participants remember when they choose venues and pairs.

CZ answered with the mechanics. The claim was that USD1 is a new, low-liquidity pair, and one large market order can sweep the book and force an extreme last price, arbitrageurs correct it quickly, but no liquidations occurred because this pair is not included in any index.

That has happened before. Only on Binance does such robbery occur.

— Peter Brandt (@PeterLBrandt) December 25, 2025 USD1 is described as a dollar-pegged asset meant to track the U.S. dollar 1:1, launched in April 2025 under World Liberty Financial, with BitGo Trust Company legally managing issuance as a regulated trust entity in South Dakota. That “dollar-like” framing is exactly why the print looked so violent to casual readers.

The business takeaway into the Friday close: in thin conditions, execution quality can matter more than direction. The wrong pair can turn a normal market into a nightmare fill.

Dogecoin (DOGE) to drop "naughty list"Dogecoin picked a simple year-end hook — shame the nonbelievers. The project teased a “naughty list” for businesses that do not accept DOGE, with the idea that next year’s “good list” will reward the ones that do. 

Either this marketing pressure or a holiday comedy, as it is aimed at keeping DOGE in front of mainstream brands.

The names tossed around are big on purpose: McDonald’s, Apple, Ryanair, Volkswagen. The community also pulled Musk back into the frame, pointing out Tesla and SpaceX already sell merchandise for DOGE, and playing up rumors that Dogecoin payments could one day expand, including chatter about payment codes found in a newer Tesla site build.

DOGE/USD by TradingViewThe reason this campaign exists is the chart with DOGE being down about 60% since the start of 2025, and the downtrend is still the default backdrop. 

Merchant adoption is the storyline Dogecoin can push when price is not doing the job, and the darker version is also present: if 2026 turns into a tough year for risk assets, DOGE could revisit levels not seen since August 2024.

Crypto market outlookInto year-end, the real tell is whether this week’s stories fade the moment deeper liquidity returns, or whether they keep resurfacing because the market is still operating with too many soft spots. 

Canton versus the XRP narrative will keep pulling founders into public comparisons, Binance’s wick will keep reminding traders that execution lives inside specific pairs and Dogecoin will keep trying to turn branding into usage while the DOGE chart remains heavy.

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Flare Network has rolled out a new yield-focused product in collaboration with Upshift and Clearstar that offers XRP holders a way to earn returns without selling their XRP holdings.

XRP’s price action has been bearish in recent weeks, and that calm has carried into the past trading sessions. The cryptocurrency is trading around $1.87, after staying confined between roughly $1.83 on the downside and $1.88 on the upside in the latest session. 

This subdued price behavior has preoccupied recent discussions, but development around its ecosystem has continued quietly in the background. 

Flare Launches New XRP Product
Flare Network has officially introduced a new product designed to expand what XRP holders can do with their cryptocurrencies besides holding or trading. The product, which is called earnXRP, is positioned as the first on-chain yield solution that is fully denominated in XRP, and at the same time, addresses a long-standing gap in the ecosystem where earning yield typically required moving into stablecoins or other assets.

The launch is built around Flare’s FAssets system, which allows XRP to be represented on the network as FXRP on a one-to-one basis. To participate in earnXRP, holders deposit FXRP (XRP represented 1:1 on Flare) directly into an on-chain vault, where those assets are deployed across yield-generating strategies. 

In return, users receive a receipt token that tracks their deposited FXRP along with any yield accrued over time, with earnings remaining fully denominated in XRP. Users receive earnXRP, which represents the user’s deposited FXRP plus any yield generated over time.

This structure removes much of the complexity typically associated with DeFi participation. Strategy execution, rebalancing, and compounding are handled within the vault. Users can also request withdrawals at any time, a process where their earnXRP tokens are burned, and FXRP is returned to their wallet.

Muted Price Reaction For The Altcoin
Flare’s earnXRP is one of the few avenues XRP holders can participate in DeFi. FXRP is a 1:1 ERC-20 representation of XRP that unlocks DeFi utility not possible on the XRP Ledger alone. 

“Only 0.1% of XRP supply is utilized in DeFi, despite it being the 5th largest cryptocurrency by market cap. Users have not had an easy way to capture sustainably high returns. We’re excited to work with Flare and Clearstar to unlock XRP yield using the new Flare XRP Yield vault,” said Ethan, Growth Lead at Upshift.

Despite the significance of the launch from a utility standpoint, the immediate market response has been limited. XRP is still trading within its recent range, with the price still below $1.9 and showing little reaction to the announcement. 

This response shows that the altcoin is currently heavily influenced by broader market conditions and macro sentiment, which have weighed on price action across the entire sector.

XRP trading at $1.86 on the 1D chart | Source: XRPUSDT on Tradingview.com
Featured image from Pngtree, chart from Tradingview.com

Charles Hoskinson’s latest update on Midnight suggests something bigger is taking shape behind the scenes.

In a tweet posted today, the Cardano founder said he is currently “writing between 80–100 pages a day of technical documents for Midnight” as the team prepares for internal workshops scheduled for January. He described the work pace as intense and made it clear this isn’t a casual effort.

“Midnight is going to be the Manhattan Project of PET, Chain Abstraction, and Smart Compliance,” Hoskinson wrote, adding, “2026’s body is not ready!”

Why Hoskinson Is Raising the Stakes on MidnightMidnight has often been described as Cardano’s privacy-focused extension, but Hoskinson’s wording signals a shift in how the project is being positioned.

Instead of marketing privacy as a rebellious feature, Midnight is being framed around privacy-enhancing technology (PET) that works alongside smart compliance and chain abstraction. That’s a notable distinction in a sector where many privacy projects struggle with regulatory acceptance.

The reference to January workshops suggests the project is moving into a more structured phase, where internal alignment and technical direction take priority.

“Nobody Sleeping”: Community Reaction Sets the ToneThe replies to Hoskinson’s tweet added another layer to the update. When one community member urged him to rest, Hoskinson responded plainly: “Nobody sleeping. We working. We are going to win.”

In another reply, he confirmed he is also working on a non-technical book titled “The Land of PET: A non-technical guide to privacy enhancing technology,” aimed at Midnight Ambassadors and the broader community.

Community members reacted with optimism, with one noting that “2026 really isn’t ready for this level of revolution.”

Midnight and ADA: Clearing the AirMidnight’s rapid rise has sparked questions within the Cardano community, especially as the NIGHT token has seen strong activity. Hoskinson has already addressed these concerns, stating that Midnight is not an ADA replacement, but a privacy extension designed to strengthen Cardano’s ecosystem.

🚨HOSKINSON: NIGHT WILL NOT REPLACE ADA

Charles Hoskinson says the idea of selling ADA for NIGHT misses the point. NIGHT powers Cardano’s Midnight privacy network, but it’s designed to extend ADA’s ecosystem, not replace it. pic.twitter.com/LMT8Jlqgll

— Coin Bureau (@coinbureau) December 24, 2025 For now, the message is clear. Midnight is past the idea stage. The documentation is underway, January is the next milestone, and Cardano’s privacy push is entering a more serious chapter.

Trust with CoinPedia:CoinPedia has been delivering accurate and timely cryptocurrency and blockchain updates since 2017. All content is created by our expert panel of analysts and journalists, following strict Editorial Guidelines based on E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness). Every article is fact-checked against reputable sources to ensure accuracy, transparency, and reliability. Our review policy guarantees unbiased evaluations when recommending exchanges, platforms, or tools. We strive to provide timely updates about everything crypto & blockchain, right from startups to industry majors.

Investment Disclaimer:All opinions and insights shared represent the author's own views on current market conditions. Please do your own research before making investment decisions. Neither the writer nor the publication assumes responsibility for your financial choices.

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SXP slides 13% while TWT rebounds 10%, as API3, ACA, BIFI, and LAYER all fade from highs in a thin, sniper‑style Binance spot session.

Summary

SXP dropped 13.02% in 24 hours on Binance spot, with a thin order book amplifying the move.​
TWT rebounded 10.5% from its daily low, with spot buyers defending wallet‑linked exposure.​
API3, ACA, BIFI, and LAYER all spiked then sold off, posting 10–20% losses in a shallow, exit‑liquidity market.

When a mid‑cap payments token dumps 13% in a day while a wallet token rips 10% off the mat, something has broken in the usual altcoin rotation rhythm. According to Binance spot market data, Solar’s SXP fell 13.02% over 24 hours, while Trust Wallet Token (TWT) gained 10.5% after staging a clean rebound from its intraday low. Under the surface, the tape looked even stranger: API3, ACA, BIFI, and LAYER all printed the same “high then low” intraday profile, with 24‑hour losses ranging from 10.53% to more than 20%.

​API3, ACA, BIFI, and LAYER all printed “wick up then fade” intraday structures, ending 10–20% off their highs, which is typical exit-liquidity behavior in a market rotating back to majors.

Binance spot shows a 24h high around 0.0666 USDT and a low near 0.0608 USDT, so roughly a 9–10% intraday range, which is elevated but not extreme for a small-cap.​
Directionally, SXP is down a few percent over the last 24 hours on major trackers, aligning with a grinding sell‑off rather than a sharp liquidation move.​
The current spot price hovering near 0.064–0.065 USDT places it in the lower half of the day’s range, which signals sellers in control but no capitulation wick yet.​

SXP is selling off in USD terms after a 13% daily dump in thin Binance spot books, which usually translates into underperformance versus a strong BTC backdrop.

TWT starts tending on the 24h
TWT is getting hit by a security scare plus profit-taking: short term sentiment is bearish after a Chrome extension exploit, despite decent fundamentals and new utility plans.

Spot is trading around the 0.78–0.80 dollar area on some trackers, down roughly 6% on the day and about 27% over the last month.

Over 3 months it is down more than 36%, and about 36% year-on-year, which is a clear bearish medium-term structure.

TWT just bounced over 10% intraday in USD, but remains down sharply on 1‑ and 3‑month horizons, so the spike looks more like a short-covering/mean-reversion move than structural strength.

Outlook into New Year’s Eve (relative to BTC)

Base case: BTC dominance either holds or grinds higher into New Year’s as macro flows stay focused on Bitcoin ETFs and year-end positioning, keeping SXP, TWT, and the rest of this basket underperforming on BTC pairs.​
Tactical exception: TWT can squeeze higher short term on the back of forecasted 10–15% USD upside into Dec. 31, but unless BTC stalls or corrects, even that move likely only stabilizes, not reverses, its BTC underperformance.

​

Ripple Chief Technology Officer (CTO) David Schwartz recently commented on a critical security update directed at crypto wallet manufacturers. Schwartz believes updates should prioritize better UX security and protect against urgency.

XRP continues to be deep in the red yearly.

With 2025 almost in the history books, it’s time to reflect on certain market behavior, and Ripple’s XRP is quite a curious case.

The company behind it is about to notch its perhaps best year to date. It concluded the lawsuit against the US SEC, which had lasted since the end of 2020, announced numerous partnerships with some big names, and completed several significant acquisitions, including the prime broker Hidden Road for well over $1 billion.

Its native token also had a highly impressive year, until July, that is. It surged to a new all-time high of $3.65 in the middle of that month, but it has been mostly downhill since then. XRP currently trades below $1.90, which represents a nearly 50% decline in less than half a year. Even the recently launched spot XRP ETFs couldn’t help its case as it dumped more than 20% since mid-November when the first one saw the light of day.

So, what more does XRP have to do to enjoy a happier Christmas next year?

Christmas 2026: XRP Edition
With the 2025 Christmas (almost) over, it’s safe to say that it wasn’t a particularly happy one. The 2024 Christmas saw XRP trading at around $2.30, but in this year’s edition, the asset lost the $2.00 and $1.90 support levels amid calls for a more profound price correction.

To find the answer to the question above, we decided to ask ChatGPT, and its first answer was not really groundbreaking. It said that “XRP needs to break out of its long-term downtrend” to have a happier 2026 Christmas. The first step would be to reclaim the $2.20 resistance convincingly and then break and hold above $2.50.

If successful, the bulls’ next target will be a retest of the $3.00-$3.20 level, but with strong volume – something that has been missing for the past several months.

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Ripple (XRP) ETFs Continue to Outperform BTC, ETH Funds Despite Cooling Inflows

Second, the AI solution said, “Translate ETF inflows into real market impact.” As repeatedly reported in the past month, the spot XRP ETFs have enjoyed investors’ attention, registering only green days since inception. However, the underlying asset has slumped by double digits within this timeframe.

To improve its position by next Christmas, XRP would need:

Larger and more consistent ETF inflows
Broader institutional participation
More behemoths to join the ETF race, such as BlackRock and Fidelity

Narratives Matter
OpenAI’s solution noted that narratives matter significantly in finance and especially in crypto. While BTC continues to be the market-leader and the ‘digital gold,’ XRP needs to find its own to stage a more profound rally. According to ChatGPT, this could be a “renewed narrative around payments, a clear role in real-world tokenization, or stronger storytelling around enterprise adoption and ETF growth.”

Lastly, the AI platform noted that XRP would benefit from improvements to its on-chain utility. It admitted that “Ripple’s payment technology is solid,” but it added that the market “wants scale.” To fuel more long-term sustainable growth in value, the ecosystem would require higher on-chain settlement volume, more financial institutions using XRP liquidity in production, and expansion of ODL corridors and enterprise integrations.

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Layer 1 and Layer 2 tokens sank in 2025 as users and capital rotated to Bitcoin, Ethereum, BNB Chain and revenue-generating protocols despite strong developer activity.

Summary

Layer 1 tokens saw steep price and user losses in 2025, while Bitcoin held relative strength and BNB Chain nearly tripled users as others bled activity.​
Overleveraged tokenomics, weak value capture, and institutional preference for BTC and ETH drove sustained sell pressure on alternative L1 and L2 tokens.​
Stablecoin issuers and derivatives platforms dominated revenue, while generic infrastructure tokens faced consolidation risk and a trend toward irrelevance.​

Layer 1 blockchain tokens experienced significant depreciation in 2025, with major assets losing substantial value despite sustained developer activity, according to an end-of-year report from OAK Research released this week.

Altcoins head into new year with hope
While Bitcoin maintained relative strength throughout the year, alternative Layer 1 tokens experienced sell-offs that exposed structural weaknesses in tokenomics and market positioning, the report stated. The findings reveal a shift from speculation to fundamental value creation, with the market responding negatively to protocols unable to demonstrate economic activity.

Total Monthly Active Users declined 25.15% across major chains, according to the report’s blockchain metrics analysis. Solana recorded the steepest decline, losing nearly 94 million users, representing a drop of more than 60%, while BNB Chain nearly tripled its user base by capturing participants from other platforms.

Layer 2 networks experienced similar divergence. Base demonstrated the strongest growth in Total Value Locked (TVL), solidifying its position through Coinbase’s distribution advantage, according to the report. Optimism saw TVL contract significantly as capital rotated toward competitors.

The majority of major Layer 1 tokens finished the year with losses, while some newer entrants saw extreme declines, the report stated. Layer 2 tokens experienced similar performance despite technical progress. Optimism and zkSync Era posted severe declines, while Polygon and Arbitrum also fell substantially. Only Mantle (MNT) managed a modest gain, attributed to concentrated supply control rather than fundamental strength, according to the analysis.

The report identified three primary forces behind the decline: overleveraged tokenomics with continuous unlock schedules; lack of credible value-capture mechanisms linking network usage to token demand; and institutional preference for Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum over smaller-cap alternatives.

Despite price declines, developer activity remained robust across select ecosystems, according to data from Electric Capital cited in the report. The EVM stack maintained the largest developer base, with thousands of contributors including many full-time developers. Bitcoin posted the strongest two-year growth in full-time developers among major ecosystems. Solana and the broader SVM stack also grew substantially over two years, demonstrating sustained technical development despite token performance.

The disconnect between developer activity and token prices revealed market maturation, the report stated. Teams continued building through down cycles, but speculative capital no longer rewarded infrastructure without clear paths to revenue generation.

Stablecoin issuers dominated revenue generation, accounting for the vast majority of income among top protocols, according to the report. Tether and Circle combined generated significant annual revenue, while derivatives platforms added meaningful fee-based income through sustainable models. Generic Layer 1s and Layer 2s lacking differentiation could not compete, the report stated, noting that networks required improvements in speed, cost, or security to justify independent existence.

Infrastructure tokens face continued headwinds despite regulatory clarity in key markets, according to the report’s outlook for 2026. The combination of high inflation schedules, insufficient demand for governance rights, and concentration of value capture in base layers suggests further consolidation ahead.

Protocols that generate meaningful revenue may stabilize, but remain subject to broader market volatility and persistent unlock pressure from early investors, the report concluded. The analysis stated that survival for existing Layer 1 tokens depends on leadership from major platforms and renewed institutional adoption, warning that generic infrastructure tokens will continue to trend toward irrelevance as capital concentrates in protocols demonstrating economic value rather than technological novelty alone.

A review of five years’ worth of data from the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) reveals insights into bitcoin’s price support levels, particularly noting the absence of robust support within the $70,000 to $80,000 range. This analysis, conducted using historical futures data, is significant as it provides traders and investors with a clearer understanding of potential vulnerabilities in the cryptocurrency’s price stability during periods of heightened market activity.

The CME, which began offering bitcoin futures in December 2017, provides a regulated platform for trading bitcoin futures contracts, thus offering insights into institutional investment trends and price support levels. According to available data, although bitcoin has experienced numerous price fluctuations, certain thresholds have not established strong historical support or resistance. Particularly, the $70,000 to $80,000 price range is identified as an area of concern due to the lack of sustained trading volume and investor interest at these levels.

From an investment perspective, understanding where bitcoin lacks historical support is crucial for traders who rely on technical analysis and trend forecasting. The absence of support in this range implies that future attempts to stabilize or advance within these price points could face challenges, potentially leading to increased volatility. Market analysts suggest that this gap could result in rapid price movements when bitcoin approaches these thresholds, as there is a lack of previous buying interest to provide a safety net.

The gap in price support might be attributed to several factors, including market speculation, regulatory developments, and macroeconomic influences that often drive bitcoin’s price dynamics. The cryptocurrency market is notoriously volatile, influenced by both internal and external factors such as regulatory announcements, technological developments, and shifts in investor sentiment. The absence of historical support at significant price levels further underscores the importance of understanding the broader market context when strategizing investments in cryptocurrencies.

Moreover, the regulatory landscape has been a pivotal factor affecting bitcoin’s market behavior. In recent years, governments and financial authorities worldwide have intensified their scrutiny of digital currencies, seeking to implement frameworks that ensure market stability and protect investors. Such regulatory moves have at times contributed to bitcoin’s price fluctuations, as traders react to perceived risks and opportunities arising from new legislation.

In the United States, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) have played key roles in shaping the regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies, influencing investor confidence and market dynamics. While regulations aim to provide clarity and establish safeguards, they can also deter speculative trading, which has historically contributed to bitcoin’s price volatility.

In the absence of strong historical support at certain price levels, traders may find it beneficial to closely monitor regulatory developments, macroeconomic indicators, and shifts in market sentiment. These factors can significantly impact bitcoin’s price trajectory, particularly in the absence of established support levels. As such, strategies that account for potential volatility and leverage technical analysis to identify alternative support and resistance zones may prove advantageous.

Looking ahead, the market for bitcoin futures and other cryptocurrency derivatives is expected to evolve as more institutional investors enter the space, seeking to capitalize on emerging opportunities while managing risk. The introduction of additional financial products and services could contribute to more stable trading environments, potentially addressing some of the issues related to gaps in historical price support.

In conclusion, the review of five years of CME futures data highlights a notable absence of historical support for bitcoin within the $70,000 to $80,000 range. This finding emphasizes the need for traders and investors to remain vigilant regarding potential volatility and to consider a broad array of factors, including regulatory developments and market sentiment, when making investment decisions. As the cryptocurrency market continues to mature, participants will need to adapt their strategies to navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving financial landscape.

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Summarize this article with:

Bitcoin did not offer a gift this year. On December 25, in full “holiday” liquidity (that is to say almost empty), the price slipped below $87,000 before bouncing back timidly. And the market’s psychological gauge hardened: fear shifted into extreme mode.

In brief

Bitcoin fell below $87,000 at Christmas, pushed down by low liquidity and ETF outflows.
Sentiment has deteriorated to extreme fear, making the market particularly unstable.
Despite everything, the on-chain data shows seller fatigue, with a risk of a rebound that could be as rapid as it is violent.

A market that is emptying… and it shows on the chart
When order books thin out, Bitcoin becomes nervous. Not necessarily because everyone is selling. But because a few orders are enough to create a wick, trigger a cascade of stops, then erase the movement as if nothing happened. This is the signature of periods of low liquidity, typical of holidays.

Regarding levels, the scenario feels like déjà vu: recovery attempts run into a zone of resistance $88,000–89,000. XWIN Finance talks about a “heavy” ceiling, reinforced by options positioning, and a market in “mild downtrend” with a score of 34/100 on its Trend Index.

Result: volatility that seems “calm” on the surface but can bite very quickly. In this type of configuration, Bitcoin does not warn: it hesitates for a long time, then cuts sharply, often when everyone thinks “nothing is happening.”

Bitcoin ETFs set the tone, and it remains gray
The real heavyweight at the moment is ETF flows. In the last session mentioned, about 2,900 BTC (around $251M) are said to have exited spot products, extending a withdrawal sequence weighing on price and sentiment.

This detail matters: Bitcoin ETFs have become a thermometer for “institutional” demand in the short term. When outflows occur, the spot market alone bears the burden. And during the holidays, it doesn’t always have the strength. Several media outlets also highlighted outflows from ether ETFs, which maintains an atmosphere of seasonal disengagement rather than pure panic.

But not everything is uniformly negative. “Diversification” flows are appearing elsewhere (products linked to Solana, and some vehicles around XRP). In other words: money doesn’t necessarily leave crypto, it moves. And this movement sometimes makes Bitcoin temporarily less desired.

Beneath fear, signs of seller fatigue
Extreme fear is real: the “Fear & Greed” index hit 24 around Christmas, and some readings show it stayed in the extreme zone on December 26 (around 20).

Yet, beneath the surface, the picture is less hysterical. XWIN highlights on-chain signals that look more like seller fatigue than capitulation: low whale inflows to exchanges, network activity still sluggish. Translation: big holders don’t seem to be frantically pressing “sell,” but demand hasn’t really come back either.

And there is an almost ironic detail: while the market trembles, “dollars on-chain” accumulate. Stablecoin capitalization rose to a record close to $310 billion. It’s fuel on the sidelines. Not a promise of immediate takeoff, but a power reserve making the market susceptible… to a surprise, in either direction.

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Evans S.

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

DISCLAIMER

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

As December draws to a close, Ethereum (ETH) holders are facing increasingly challenging market conditions. On-chain data shows that more than 40% of Ethereum’s supply is currently held at a loss.

Notably, ETH holders are responding to mounting losses in sharply different ways, with some capitulating and others continuing to accumulate despite deep unrealized drawdowns.

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Ethereum Holders’ Positions Sink Underwater as ETH SlidesEthereum has closed the past three consecutive months in the red, with November alone posting a steep 22.2% decline. In December, the asset has continued to face volatility.

Despite briefly reclaiming the $3,000 level, ETH failed to hold above it and has since slipped back below the key threshold.

At the time of writing, Ethereum was trading at $2,973.78, up 1.10% over the past 24 hours, in line with the broader cryptocurrency market.

Ethereum (ETH) Price Performance. Source: BeInCrypto MarketsHowever, the recent price weakness has significantly impacted holder profitability. Glassnode data shows that earlier this month, more than 75% of Ethereum’s circulating supply was held at a profit. That share has now fallen to 59%, reflecting the growing number of underwater positions.

Ethereum Supply in Profit. Source: GlassnodeSponsored

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Ethereum Whales React Differently as Losses DeepenAgainst this backdrop, several prominent holders have begun repositioning. Lookonchain reported that Erik Voorhees, founder of Venice AI, deposited 1,635 ETH, worth approximately $4.81 million, into THORChain to swap for Bitcoin Cash (BCH).

The move follows a similar transaction earlier this month, when Voorhees swapped ETH for BCH from a wallet that had remained inactive for nearly nine years, signaling a notable portfolio shift.

Meanwhile, Arthur Hayes has also been transferring ETH to exchanges. Commenting on the strategy, Hayes said he is “rotating out of ETH and into high-quality DeFi names,” citing expectations that select tokens could outperform Ethereum as fiat liquidity conditions improve.

In another on-chain move, Winslow Strong, a partner at Cluster Capital, transferred 1,900 ETH along with 307 cbBTC to Coinbase, bringing the total value of the transfer to approximately $32.62 million. Such transfers do not automatically confirm selling activity.

However, movements to centralized exchanges are commonly viewed as potential sell-side signals, particularly during periods of heightened market uncertainty.

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“The ETH was withdrawn one month ago at an average price of $3,402.25, while the cbBTC was accumulated between August 2025 and December 2025 at an average price of $97,936.68. If sold, the total loss would amount to approximately $3.907 million,” an on-chain analyst stated.

Persistent Buying Among Major HoldersNot all whales are exiting the market. Whale address 0x46DB has maintained aggressive buying throughout December. The investor has accumulated 41,767 ETH since December 3 at an average price of $3,130.

The current position shows an unrealized loss of over $8.3 million. BitMine, with an unrealized loss of approximately $3.5 billion, has also made notable purchases this week.

This divergence highlights a clear split in market outlook. While BitMine believes ETH could be positioned for potential upside over the coming months, the ongoing selling activity suggests that other large players remain less confident about ETH’s prospects.

BeInCrypto’s analysis has also identified four key warning signals indicating that Ethereum could face further downside pressure. These include rising exchange reserves, an elevated Estimated Leverage Ratio, and continued ETF outflows. At the same time, the Coinbase Premium Index has fallen to -0.08, its lowest level in a month.

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This combination of losses, high leverage, and outflows presents a challenging outlook for Ethereum as 2025 draws to a close. Contrarian buying among big holders reveals some bullish sentiment, but selling pressure has so far overwhelmed these isolated efforts. Whether the sentiment could ultimately shift in 2026 remains to be seen.

After maintaining a choppy trade for a few days, the Bitcoin price rose slightly but failed to sustain above $89,000. Meanwhile, due to the pullback, the volatility seems to have risen as the token is heading into the weekend at a sensitive point. Besides, it has moved past the current options expiry after days of consolidation, which is a structural event that quietly changes the price behaviour. With the liquidity thinning over the weekend, it would be interesting to watch how the BTC price rally could unfold ahead of the year-end trade. 

Bitcoin Compressing Near Key Levels Bitcoin’s tight consolidation is largely gamma-driven, not a lack of interest. Nearly $415M of total gamma exposure (about 67%) sits in near-dated expiries, with December 26 alone accounting for roughly $287M. This concentration has kept BTC mechanically pinned, muting follow-through on both breakouts and pullbacks.

As price moves within this window, dealer hedging absorbs momentum, reinforcing range-bound trade. That explains why recent attempts to break key levels have stalled quickly. Once the December 26 expiry passes, this gamma concentration falls sharply, with exposure rolling into much smaller January and March buckets. This unwind does not create selling pressure. Instead, it removes the structural force suppressing volatility.

Post-expiry, Bitcoin shifts from a gamma-pinned environment to a flow-driven one. Range breaks are more likely to extend, but direction will depend on spot demand, volume, and acceptance, not options mechanics.

Bitcoin Price Prediction for Weekend: Can it Reach $90,000?Bitcoin is entering a decisive phase after a sharp sell-off earlier this month, followed by stabilisation near the $88,000–$90,000 zone. The daily chart shows BTC attempting to base after losing the $100,000 psychological level, with price now moving inside a clearly defined ascending channel. With the December 26 options expiry behind us and weekend liquidity thinning, traders are closely watching whether this consolidation turns into a sustained recovery or another volatility-driven move.

Technically, BTC is trading within an ascending channel, suggesting short-term structural recovery rather than trend reversal. The mid-channel region near $88,500 is acting as a pivot. DMI shows a weakening trend strength, with +DI and -DI converging, pointing to consolidation. Meanwhile, CMF has slipped below zero, indicating cautious capital flows. A daily close above channel resistance could open upside toward $94,000, while a breakdown below channel support risks a drop toward $85,000.

What to Expect From Bitcoin Price Action This WeekendWith Bitcoin trading inside a narrow range and options-related constraints now fading, the weekend is likely to act as a volatility test rather than a trend-defining move. If the BTC price holds above the $88,000–$89,000 support zone and attracts fresh spot volume, the structure favors a gradual push toward $92,000, surpassing $90,000. 

However, failure to defend this area could trigger a quick downside sweep, amplified by thin weekend liquidity.  With this, the Bitcoin price may remain consolidated within the pattern below the average range of the channel. 

Trust with CoinPedia:CoinPedia has been delivering accurate and timely cryptocurrency and blockchain updates since 2017. All content is created by our expert panel of analysts and journalists, following strict Editorial Guidelines based on E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness). Every article is fact-checked against reputable sources to ensure accuracy, transparency, and reliability. Our review policy guarantees unbiased evaluations when recommending exchanges, platforms, or tools. We strive to provide timely updates about everything crypto & blockchain, right from startups to industry majors.

Investment Disclaimer:All opinions and insights shared represent the author's own views on current market conditions. Please do your own research before making investment decisions. Neither the writer nor the publication assumes responsibility for your financial choices.

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Bitcoin’s largest holders ramped up accumulation in late 2025, even as gold and silver outperformed Bitcoin over the past six months. Meanwhile, BTC stayed stuck in a narrow $85,000 to $92,000 band after a sharp drop from above $110,000.

On chain data shows large Bitcoin holders boosted balances in late 2025On-chain data from Glassnode showed a sharp jump in net buying by entities holding 100 BTC to 1,000 BTC, a cohort often tracked as “sharks.” The move came as Bitcoin’s price stayed near cycle highs, while the group’s total supply line climbed to a new peak on the chart.

A post from “That Martini Guy” claimed “whales” accumulated about $23.5 billion worth of Bitcoin over recent weeks and called it the fastest pace since 2012. The Glassnode chart does show one of the strongest positive spikes in the cohort’s net position change in years, alongside a steep rise in the amount of BTC held by these addresses.

Still, the chart tracks a specific bracket, not every whale sized wallet, and the dollar figure depends on the price used for the estimate. In addition, on-chain cohorts can shift when exchanges reshuffle wallets, when custody providers consolidate addresses, or when entities get re labeled over time. Even so, the late 2025 surge signals renewed demand from larger holders, and it points to aggressive accumulation rather than steady distribution in that period.

Meanwhile, Gold and Silver posted strong gains over the past six months, while Bitcoin moved in the opposite direction, according to the price comparison data. Gold rose about 38 percent over the period, and silver more than doubled, climbing roughly 107 percent. By contrast, Bitcoin fell about 17 percent, despite holding a market capitalization near $1.8 trillion.

BTC/XAU/XAG Price Comparison. Source: CoinCodex

The chart shows a clear divergence that developed from late summer into year end. Gold advanced steadily, with limited pullbacks, reflecting sustained demand. Silver accelerated even faster, with sharper rallies in October and November that pushed returns well above gold. Meanwhile, Bitcoin trended lower through the same period, with several failed rebounds and deeper drawdowns into December.

This split highlights how capital rotated toward traditional safe haven assets during the period, while Bitcoin underperformed both metals. Even so, the gap between assets has widened to levels not seen earlier in the year. The data shows metals leading decisively, while Bitcoin remains compressed near the lower end of its six month range, setting a clear contrast in relative performance.

Bitcoin compresses into tight range after sharp pullbackBitcoin traded sideways in late December after a steep decline from its recent highs, according to the daily BTC USDT chart from TradingView. Price moved into a narrow consolidation band near the mid to high $80,000s, following a breakdown from a broader distribution zone that capped advances earlier in the year.

The chart shows Bitcoin falling from above $110,000 before stabilizing between roughly $85,000 and $92,000. Multiple candles printed long wicks on both sides of the range, signaling active two way trading rather than a clear trend. This structure suggests the market is absorbing prior selling pressure after the sharp drop.

Crypto Rover said a decisive move could follow once Bitcoin exits this range. The chart supports that view, as prolonged compression often precedes expansion. For now, price remains trapped between short term support and resistance, leaving direction unresolved until a clear breakout or breakdown occurs.

Short-term gains could be possible, but the bear market may last until late 2026.

Bitcoin (BTC) traded flat on Christmas amidst cautious sentiment and reduced institutional participation. Market experts predict pain ahead.

In fact, prominent crypto analyst Doctor Profit believes the asset could bottom out in September-October 2026.

Long Bear Market for Bitcoin
In a recent tweet, he explained that he has moved all remaining USDT back into the banking system and currently holds no liquid crypto assets, while citing the ongoing bear market as the reason.

Doctor Profit said that the current market conditions do not warrant staying liquid in crypto, and he believes the bear phase will continue for a long period. He also disclosed his largest positions, including a BTC short from the $115,000-$125,000 range and a medium-sized BTC holding purchased around 85,000. He intends to ride a potential short-term upswing toward $107,000 before the next downward leg in February-March.

Currently, Bitcoin is trading at $89,259 after a 2% daily gain. While the asset did show some short-term upward movement, it continues to hover below crucial resistance levels. According to CryptoQuant, $100,000 is a major short-term resistance for BTC, largely due to the concentration of cost bases among recent whale investors and Binance users.

New whales, who have held Bitcoin for less than 155 days, have an average cost basis of roughly $100,500. This makes it a critical break-even zone where profit-taking or fresh accumulation could determine the near-term price trend. On the other hand, Binance spot users average around $56,000, providing a significant support level in a potential extended bear phase.

Long-term whales with holdings over 155 days have an average cost basis of around $40,000, which means that they remain significantly profitable and are likely contributing to recent profit-taking activity.

You may also like:

How Will Markets React to Epic $27B Crypto Options Expiry Event Today?

Is Bitcoin Headed for $40,000? Technicals and On-Chain Data Turn Cautious

‘High Quality’ Alts Like XRP Offer Better Upside Than BTC, Says Analyst

$40K Drop Risk
Supporting the broader bearish narrative, analyst Ali Martinez recently highlighted Bitcoin’s behavior around the 50-week simple moving average (SMA). He explained that in past cycles, losing this level has typically led to an average decline of about 54%.

When applied to current prices, such a move would mean a potential drop toward $40,000. The analyst did not call for an immediate selloff, but did warn that failure to reclaim this level could expose the crypto asset to extended downside pressure.

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The total value of tokenized equities on the network has reached a new all time high of about 185 million dollars. This signals growing trust in blockchain based finance. For investors, it points to where institutions are choosing to build next.
Tokenized stocks are digital versions of real world shares. Each token represents exposure to a traditional stock, such as a US listed company, but trades on a blockchain instead of a stock exchange. The goal is simple. Make stocks easier to access, faster to move, and cheaper to manage.

Why Solana Is Becoming the Go to Infrastructure
Solana has emerged as the preferred base layer for several leading tokenized stock platforms, including xStocksFi, Superstate, and Remora Markets. This is not an accident. Solana offers high speed, low transaction costs, and the ability to handle large volumes without congestion. For institutions, that combination matters.

Superstate’s Opening Bell, for example, is focused on bringing regulated financial products on chain while keeping compliance front and center. That balance is critical for institutions that want blockchain benefits without legal gray areas. Solana’s stable performance makes it easier to meet those standards.

Tokenized stocks on Solana reach a new All-Time High with ~$185M in total value.

Solana stands as the institutional infrastructure of choice for leading tokenized stock platforms like

– @xStocksFi

– @SuperstateInc’s Opening Bell

– @RemoraMarkets pic.twitter.com/xr7q54sucs

— Capital Markets (@capitalmarkets) December 24, 2025

Platforms like xStocksFi aim to make this process simple. Users interact with tokens that settle almost instantly, rather than waiting days for traditional trade settlement. This is one reason tokenized stocks are often compared to digital cash for equities.

More About Tokenized Stocks
Roxom announced the launch of what it calls the first Bitcoin Treasury Stock Exchange, giving global investors access to tokenized stocks from leading Bitcoin treasury companies. In simple terms, these are digital versions of shares tied to firms that hold Bitcoin as a core part of their balance sheets, made available through blockchain technology.

The first ever Bitcoin Treasury Stock Exchange is here.

Global investors can now access tokenized stocks from leading Bitcoin Treasury Companies. Over 30+ assets available today, and many more coming. pic.twitter.com/TfPyqvclHK

— Roxom (@roxom) December 9, 2025

Roxom said more than 30 tokenized assets are already live, with additional listings planned, signaling a growing push to combine equity exposure with Bitcoin focused corporate strategies in a more accessible, on chain format.

Disclaimer
The information provided by Altcoin Buzz is not financial advice. It is intended solely for educational, entertainment, and informational purposes. Any opinions or strategies shared are those of the writer/reviewers, and their risk tolerance may differ from yours. We are not liable for any losses you may incur from investments related to the information given. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are high-risk assets; therefore, conduct thorough due diligence. Copyright Altcoin Buzz Pte Ltd.

Arthur Hayes, co-founder of cryptocurrency exchange BitMEX and Chief Investment Officer at Maelstrom Fund, predicted Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) might reach $750,000 by the end of 2027.

Is Money Printing The Key To Bitcoin’s Success?During an interview on CoinDesk aired on Tuesday, Hayes projected 2026-27 will be the “meat of the money printing,” which could potentially propel Bitcoin between $500,000 and $750,000.

“The Trump administration is going to do what they know how to do best. What every government knows how to do best: When in doubt, print the money,” Hayes argued.

Hayes has consistently stressed the importance of fiat liquidity growth, advising traders to consider the expectations and realities of money printing.

But he isn’t the only one. Popular cryptocurrency commentator and investor Anthony Pompliano also projected earlier this year that Bitcoin could soar due to massive money printing.

President Donald Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill," which critics believe could cause major fiscal expansion, has led several market analysts to point to Bitcoin as a potential long-term beneficiary.

See Also: Bitcoin (BTC) Price Predictions: 2025, 2026, 2030

Will 2026 Be The Calm Before The Storm?It’s worth reminding that Hayes set $250,000 as his year-end price target for 2025.

Meanwhile, Galaxy Research’s outlook anticipates a “boring” 2026 for Bitcoin before a surge to $250,000 in 2027. Galaxy also said that Bitcoin could mature into a macro-style asset in 2026, reducing the odds of the explosive rallies that defined earlier cycles.

Prominent cryptocurrency analyst Benjamin Cowen warned of a possible Bitcoin bear market bottom in October 2026.

Price Action: At the time of writing, BTC was exchanging hands at $88,797.03, up 1.51% in the last 24 hours, according to data from Benzinga Pro.

Read Next: 

The Real Reason Bitcoin Dropped Like A Stone From Its $126,000 All-Time High
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of Benzinga Neuro and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Photo courtesy: PV productions on Shutterstock.com

Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs

© 2025 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

TLDR: 

The Binance Bitcoin Scarcity Index has fallen to approximately -2.9, marking the lowest reading since 2021.
This extreme negative value indicates abundant supply relative to demand on Binance, despite elevated prices.
Historical patterns show similar extreme lows in 2021 preceded major structural shifts in Bitcoin distribution.
The reading suggests market activity is driven by liquidity and speculation rather than genuine supply tightness.

The Binance Bitcoin Scarcity Index has plunged to extreme lows, recording a reading of approximately -2.9 in recent trading sessions. 

This level marks the lowest point observed since 2021, signaling a notable shift in on-exchange supply dynamics. 

The extreme reading carries structural significance beyond typical market fluctuations, as similar depths were not reached even during severe corrections in previous cycles.

Extreme Negative Reading Reflects Unusual Market Conditions
The -2.9 scarcity index reading represents an unprecedented low for this market cycle. Binance data shows this extreme level surpasses the depths reached during previous aggressive sell-offs and market stress periods. 

The metric’s decline to such territory indicates a fundamental shift in how supply and demand interact on the platform.

This extreme negative value points to an abundant supply situation relative to current demand levels. Despite Bitcoin maintaining prices near recent highs, the scarcity index reveals underlying pressure from available supply.

Source: Cryptoquant

The divergence between stable pricing and extreme scarcity readings suggests liquidity factors dominate current market behavior.

Historical data confirms these extreme lows rarely appear outside of major market transitions. The current reading stands out as particularly severe when compared to measurements from 2022 and 2023. 

Binance’s exchange-specific data provides a window into supply conditions that broader market metrics may not capture.

2021 Comparison Offers Context for Current Extremes
The last time the Binance Bitcoin Scarcity Index touched such extreme lows occurred during the 2021 market cycle. 

That period preceded significant structural changes in Bitcoin’s distribution and holder behavior. The comparison highlights how rare these extreme readings are within multi-year timeframes.

During 2021, similar extreme scarcity lows coincided with major repositioning among market participants. Large-scale supply movements occurred as the market transitioned between different phases of the cycle. 

The current extreme reading may indicate a comparable repositioning phase is underway on Binance.

Market structure in 2021 eventually shifted from extreme negative scarcity toward tighter supply conditions. Exchange outflows gradually increased as holders moved Bitcoin off platforms into long-term storage. 

The timeline for such transitions varied, but the extreme scarcity lows marked the beginning of those shifts.

The Binance platform’s role as a major trading venue makes its scarcity index particularly relevant. Extreme readings on this exchange reflect conditions affecting a substantial portion of daily trading volume. 

Therefore, monitoring how long the index remains at these extreme lows will help determine whether current conditions represent a temporary anomaly or the start of a sustained supply dynamic shift similar to patterns observed following the 2021 extreme lows.

Brookfield's stock could be a lot higher five years from now.

Shares of Brookfield Asset Management (BAM +0.83%) have spent much of the past six months above $55 a share. However, the stock has dipped below that mark in recent weeks. As a result, its dividend now yields 3.3%, which is about three times higher than the S&P 500's level of 1.1%.

Here's a look at whether you should buy shares of the leading alternative investment manager at the current price or wait to see if they keep dropping.

Image source: Getty Images.

Lots of positives
Shares of Brookfield Asset Management have fallen from their peak even though it's having a strong year. The leading global alternative asset manager has grown its fee-related earnings by 19% over the past 12 months to $1.72 per share. The company has increased its fee-bearing assets under management (AUM) by 8% to $581 billion as more investors entrust Brookfield with their capital. Brookfield closed its second global transition flagship fund strategy in the quarter, raising a record $20 billion. It also closed its largest-ever real estate strategy fund at more than $17 billion.

In addition to these organic growth drivers, Brookfield has made several strategic investments to bolster its platform. The company and its parent, Brookfield Corporation, acquired the remaining 26% interest in Oaktree that they didn't already own, with Brookfield Asset Management funding about $1.6 billion of the $3 billion deal. Brookfield Asset Management also purchased a majority interest in Angel Oak, a leading asset manager focused on specialty mortgage and consumer credit solutions. Meanwhile, the company will become the investment manager for a significant portion of Just Group's portfolio after Brookfield Wealth Solutions bought the company.

Brookfield Asset Management also announced a strategic partnership with the U.S. Government to accelerate the deployment of nuclear energy. The government has committed to investing $80 billion in new nuclear plants across the country, utilizing technology from Westinghouse (a Brookfield portfolio company), to support growing power demand driven by AI. Additionally, Brookfield launched a $100 billion AI infrastructure program through its inaugural Brookfield AI Infrastructure fund.

Ample growth ahead
Brookfield Asset Management believes its best days are yet to come. The company firmly believes that it can grow its earnings by more than 20% annually for the foreseeable future. Several catalysts drive that view.

One notable growth driver is the growing interest among individual investors in alternative investments. Currently, individual investors allocate only about 3% of their portfolios to alternatives, compared to approximately 25% for institutional investors. This market opportunity is massive, considering that individual investors hold $40 trillion in wealth, nearly double the size of the institutional market ($22 trillion). The company has launched several funds targeting the private wealth market, including an infrastructure fund. Brookfield's strategy of expanding its offerings to this market could drive significant AUM and earnings growth in the coming years.

AI is another major growth catalyst for Brookfield. The company sees a more than $7 trillion investment opportunity for AI infrastructure, including power and transmission assets, AI factories (specialized data centers purpose-built for AI), and providing credit to AI companies. It recently launched the first of what could be many AI infrastructure funds that should help boost its AUM and fee-related earnings in the future.

Private credit is another meaningful growth driver for Brookfield. In less than a decade, the company has built its credit investment platform from the ground up through acquisitions like Oaktree, Angel Oak, and Castlelake. Today, the business generates $1.5 billion of fee-related income each year. Brookfield believes it can more than double its fee-bearing AUM from credit assets from $254 billion in 2025 to $640 billion by 2030. That should drive a meaningful increase in the earnings of its credit platform.

An enticing opportunity at the currently lower price point
Brookfield Asset Management believes it can double its business over the next five years, driven by growth catalysts like individual investors, AI, and credit. That has the company on pace to potentially double its dividend payment and value of its stock during that period, with the latter assuming it maintains its currently lower valuation multiple. This upside potential makes the stock's recent dip below $55 a share look like a great buying opportunity for long-term investors.

Matt DiLallo has positions in Brookfield Asset Management and Brookfield Corporation. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Brookfield, Brookfield Asset Management, Brookfield Corporation, and Brookfield Wealth Solutions. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

For Immediate ReleasesChicago, IL – December 26, 2025 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include AbbVie Inc. (ABBV - Free Report) , The Coca-Cola Co. (KO - Free Report) , Chevron Corp. (CVX - Free Report) , ImmuCell Corp. (ICCC - Free Report) and Precipio, Inc. (PRPO - Free Report) .

Here are highlights from Friday’s Analyst Blog:Top Stock Reports for AbbVie, Coca-Cola and ChevronThe Zacks Research Daily presents the best research output of our analyst team. Today's Research Daily features new research reports on 16 major stocks, including AbbVie Inc. The Coca-Cola Co. and Chevron Corp., as well as two micro-cap stocks ImmuCell Corp. and Precipio, Inc.The Zacks microcap research is unique as our research content on these small and under-the-radar companies is the only research of its type in the country.

These research reports have been hand-picked from the roughly 70 reports published by our analyst team today.

You can see all of today’s research reports here >>>

Ahead of Wall StreetThe daily 'Ahead of Wall Street' article is a must-read for all investors who would like to be ready for that day's trading action. The article comes out before the market opens, attempting to make sense of that morning's economic releases and how they will affect that day's market action. You can read this article for free on our home page and can actually sign up there to get an email notification as this article comes out each morning.

You can read today's AWS here >>> Xmas Eve Jobless Claims: Still Accommodating

Today's Featured Research ReportsAbbVie’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Large Cap Pharmaceuticals industry over the past year (+31.6% vs. +19.5%). The company has successfully navigated Humira's loss of exclusivity (LOE) by launching two other successful new immunology medicines, Skyrizi and Rinvoq, which are performing extremely well, bolstered by approvals in new indications. These should support top-line growth in the next few years. Its oncology and neuroscience drugs are also contributing to top-line growth.

AbbVie is returning to robust revenue growth in 2025, which is just the second year following the U.S. Humira LOE. It has been on an acquisition spree in the past couple of years to bolster its early-stage pipeline that should drive long-term growth.

However, the company faces several headwinds like Humira LOE impact, increasing competitive pressure on Imbruvica and continued macro headwinds for Aesthetics.

(You can read the full research report on AbbVie here >>>)

Shares of Coca-Cola have outperformed the Zacks Beverages - Soft drinks industry over the past year (+14.5% vs. +10.5%). The company’s performance reflects the strength of its strategy and the resilience of its global portfolio. The company’s momentum has been fueled by solid organic revenue growth, effective pricing actions, and continued gains in global value share across the non-alcoholic RTD category.

KO’s ongoing focus on innovation, digital transformation, and marketing excellence further sharpens its competitive edge, with breakthrough product launches and culturally resonant campaigns elevating brand relevance. Margin expansion driven by productivity gains, easing inflation and disciplined revenue growth management reinforces its financial durability.

However, KO continues to face meaningful pressures, with soft volumes across key regions, persistent currency headwinds, and a rising tax burden weighing on profitability.

(You can read the full research report on Coca-Cola here >>>)

Chevron’s shares have gained +9.5% over the past year against the Zacks Oil and Gas - Integrated - International industry’s gain of +16%. The company’s acquisition of Hess has meaningfully reshaped its growth outlook, adding high-quality assets in Guyana, the Bakken and the Gulf of Mexico. These additions strengthen its resource base, diversify its upstream portfolio, and reinforce long-term free cash flow potential.

The Permian Basin remains the company’s crown jewel, driving consistent organic growth and industry-leading returns through its low-cost, high-margin profile. Meanwhile, new deepwater projects such as Ballymore and Whale are fueling output momentum in the Gulf.

However, lower crude realizations, regulatory headwinds in California, and higher valuation multiples temper optimism. With its strong balance sheet and disciplined capital approach, Chevron is best viewed as a Neutral for now.

(You can read the full research report on Chevron here >>>)

Shares of ImmuCell have outperformed the Zacks Medical - Products industry over the past year (+26.3% vs. +1%). This microcap company with a market capitalization of $52.65 million offers a compelling investment case, driven by product leadership, operational recovery and improving financial strength. Its First Defense franchise remains the category leader in calf scours prevention, with Tri-Shield comprising 70% of volume and a 48% calf-level market share.

New functional feed products add incremental growth optionality. Operational bottlenecks have been resolved, restoring capacity to $30 million in annual sales, with TTM revenues of $27.8 million (up 16% YoY) and the gross margin rebounding to 43%. Profitability has improved meaningfully, with $1.8 million in net income YTD versus a prior-year loss and TTM EBITDA of $5.8 million.

A strengthened balance sheet, ample liquidity and refinanced debt enhance financial flexibility. Meanwhile, Re-Tain’s disciplined regulatory path and growing international exposure provide longer-term upside without near-term capital strain.

(You can read the full research report on ImmuCell here >>>)

Precipio’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Medical Info Systems industry over the past year (+361.2% vs. -1.3%). This microcap company with a market capitalization of $40.80 million is moving toward self-funded growth, led by its Pathology Services division, which delivers steady organic growth, rising margins and strong operating leverage. Excess capacity and a lean cost base allow incremental volume to generate high-margin cash flow, supporting R&D and financial stability.

The Products division is scaling, with solid growth but near-term margin pressure from planned infrastructure and staffing investments that should ease as volume rises. Results show improving profitability, positive cash flow and reduced losses, supporting the dual-division strategy. Capital discipline has improved, reducing reliance on equity funding.

However, key risks include liquidity constraints, customer and receivables concentration, LDT regulatory uncertainty and distributor execution. Valuation reflects caution, with upside if cash-flow durability is proven.

(You can read the full research report on Precipio here >>>)

Note: Sheraz Mian heads the Zacks Equity Research department and is a well-regarded expert of aggregate earnings. He is frequently quoted in the print and electronic media and publishes the weekly Earnings Trends and Earnings Previewreports. If you want an email notification each time Sheraz publishes a new article, please click here>>>

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Zacks Investment Research

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Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance  for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.

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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.

For Immediate ReleasesChicago, IL – December 26, 2025 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog includeTruist Financial Corp. (TFC - Free Report) , Columbia Banking System, Inc. (COLB - Free Report) and Norwood Financial Corp. (NWFL - Free Report) .

Here are highlights from Friday’s Analyst Blog:3 Bank Stocks with High Dividend Yields to Keep an Eye OnThis year has been good for bank stocks after a hiccup in April because of Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff plans. Since then, markets have rebounded strongly and reached record highs, supported by the Federal Reserve’s interest rate cuts. The central bank has lowered rates by 75 basis points this year and is expected to deliver another cut in 2026. This is expected to support the bank’s net interest income (NII) as funding costs stabilize and loan demand improves. With lower rates, deal-making activities are also expected to accelerate further in 2026.

Banks have been focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) and technology to enhance their client experience and expand their presence online to capture a rising mobile banking population. Also, strategic buyouts and collaborative efforts to deepen global presence and diversify revenue streams will further bolster fee income. Thus, in 2026, banking firms are likely to benefit from their efforts to boost NII and fee income.

Further, stronger-than-expected GDP growth and robust consumer spending have fueled renewed investor optimism. In such a dynamic market environment, dividend stocks stand out as a compelling option for stable income and sustained growth. Hence, dividend-heavy bank stocks such as Truist Financial Corp., Columbia Banking System, Inc. and Norwood Financial Corp. should remain on investors’ radar for generating steady income.

3 Bank Stocks with High Dividend Yield to WatchTo choose these banks, we ran the Zacks Stocks Screener to identify stocks with a dividend yield above 4%. Among these three stocks, one currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), while the other two carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) each. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Over the past year, the share price has rallied more than 3% for each company.

Norwood Financial, headquartered in Honesdale, PA, NWFL is the holding company for Wayne Bank, which provides a broad range of personal and business banking services, trust and investment products, and real estate settlement services. The bank operates across Northeastern Pennsylvania and parts of New York through a growing branch network. As of Sept. 30, 2025, it had $2.4 billion in assets.

The company’s strategic growth initiatives support its long-term outlook. In December 2025, it received final regulatory approval for its acquisition of PB Bankshares, including its subsidiary Presence Bank and is scheduled to close around Jan. 5, 2026. The acquisition is expected to enhance scale, deepen Norwood Financial’s footprint across Pennsylvania and create opportunities for sustainable earnings growth as integration progresses. Further, higher asset yields and favorable interest rate conditions will aid NII and margins growth in the coming period.

The company also maintains a healthy liquidity position, which supports its capital distribution plan. As of Sept. 30, 2025, the company reported long-term debt of $72.1 million with no short-term borrowings, while cash and cash equivalents totaled $49.3 million. Its capital position also remains strong, with a CET1 ratio of 12.27%, up from 11.74% a year ago.

In December 2025, NWFL raised its quarterly dividend by 3.2% to 32 cents per share. The company currently yields 4.33%. Over the past five years, it has increased its dividend six times and has a 47% payout ratio. The stock currently sports a Zacks Rank #1.

Norwood Financial Corp. dividend-yield-ttm | Norwood Financial Corp. Quote

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the company’s earnings for 2025 and 2026 is pegged at $3.09 and $3.30, respectively.

Columbia Banking, headquartered in Tacoma, WA, provides commercial and consumer banking, treasury management, mortgage, wealth and trust services, and equipment finance through FinPac. The company operates across eight Western states with approximately 350 branches, serving both business and retail customers.

The bank’s relationship-based model and diversified deposit base continue to support stable earnings. Columbia Banking has also strengthened its Western U.S. presence through strategic acquisitions, highlighted by the completion of the Pacific Premier merger in August 2025. This transaction expanded total assets to nearly $70 billion, which bolstered its position in Southern California and improved diversification across attractive growth markets.

Operationally, COLB continues to see improving margin trends and funding efficiency. In the first nine months of 2025, NII (tax-equivalent basis) rose to approximately $1.38 billion, up 7.8% year over year, aided by higher customer-related fee income and one month of operating as a combined company. Excluding one-time items, management expects NII to remain relatively stable in the first quarter of 2026 as disciplined repricing supports margin resilience.

As of Sept. 30, 2025, the company reported short-term borrowings of $2.90 billion with no long-term debt, while cash and cash equivalents totaled $2.34 billion. During the same period, the company’s CET1 ratio increased to 11.6% from 10.3% a year earlier.

In November 2025, Columbia raised its quarterly dividend by 2.8% to 37 cents per share. Currently, the company’s dividend yield stands at 5.17%. Over the past five years, COLB has increased its dividend three times with a payout ratio of 48%. The stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3.

Columbia Banking System, Inc. dividend-yield-ttm | Columbia Banking System, Inc. Quote

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the company’s earnings for 2025 and 2026 is pegged at $3.02 and $2.97, respectively.

Truist Financial, headquartered in Charlotte, NC, operates through an extensive branch and digital network, offering a wide range of consumer, small business, wholesale and wealth management services.

Truist continues to generate stable earnings, supported by improving favorable interest rate conditions. Management anticipates NII to rise approximately 2% sequentially in the fourth quarter, driven by higher client deposits and lower deposit costs, with NIM expected to expand sequentially as well.

Alongside core banking strength, Truist is actively refining its business mix to support long-term growth. The company continues to invest in digital capabilities and high-growth markets, while divesting non-core businesses to sharpen its strategic focus. These actions are expected to enhance operating efficiency and foster sustainable revenue growth over time.

The company has a decent liquidity position. As of Sept. 30, 2025, the company had total debt of $71.1 billion, with 41.3% in short-term obligations, and cash and due from banks plus interest-bearing deposits of $36.9 billion, sufficient to cover near-term funding needs. Its CET1 capital ratio stood at 11.0%, slightly down from 11.6% a year ago.

In June 2022, the company increased its quarterly dividend by 8% to 52 cents per share. Following the 2025 stress test, Truist maintained its quarterly dividend at 52 cents per share. The stock currently yields 4.12%, with a payout ratio of 56%. Over the past five years, the company has raised its dividend twice. The stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3.

Truist Financial Corporation dividend-yield-ttm | Truist Financial Corporation Quote

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the company’s earnings for 2025 and 2026 is pegged at $3.94 and $4.47, respectively.

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Note: Sheraz Mian heads the Zacks Equity Research department and is a well-regarded expert of aggregate earnings. He is frequently quoted in the print and electronic media and publishes the weekly Earnings Trends and Earnings Previewreports. If you want an email notification each time Sheraz publishes a new article, please click here>>>

Media Contact

Zacks Investment Research

800-767-3771 ext. 9339

[email protected]                                     

https://www.zacks.com                                                 

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance  for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.

For Immediate ReleasesChicago, IL – December 26, 2025 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include Joby Aviation (JOBY - Free Report) , Uber Technologies (UBER - Free Report) , Archer Aviation (ACHR - Free Report) .

Here are highlights from Friday’s Analyst Blog:Can Joby's 25-Vertiport Deal Accelerate Air Taxi Adoption?Joby Aviation, a developer of electric air taxis for commercial passenger service, has teamed up with Metropolis Technologies, a leader in applied AI for the real world, to develop 25 vertiports across the United States for JOBY’s electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The partnership will involve Metropolis’ AI-based recognition technology and its extensive footprint across aviation and baggage services.

The deal follows Metropolis’ $1.5 billion acquisition of SP+ and a $1.6 billion Series D funding round. The companies will locate the vertiports across Metropolis’ portfolio in early electric air taxi markets, assessing new and existing facilities for integration. The association between JOBY and Metropolis aims to make use of the latter’s network of 4,200 parking locations, as well as its baggage and aviation services at over 350 sites.

Joby intends to incorporate AI-based recognition technology by Metropolis, including broader computer vision and biometrics. Metropolis will introduce its Bags VIP service, through its Bags subsidiary, to Joby’s Blade Urban Air Mobility operation, which aims to offer five-minute flights between Manhattan and Newark or JFK airports. The companies expect the baggage handling service to ease passenger concerns regarding luggage requirements.

JOBY is preparing to begin commercial operations in the near future. As part of its commercialization strategy for air taxi services, Joby recently completed its acquisition of Blade Air Mobility’s urban air mobility passenger business — a major milestone on the path to launching commercial operations.

Following the acquisition, Joby Aviation and Uber Technologies announced plans to bring Blade’s air mobility services to the latter’s app by 2026. Joby Aviation and Uber have collaborated on advancing the future of urban air mobility since 2019. In 2021, Joby Aviation acquired Uber’s Elevate division, which was instrumental in shaping the urban air mobility industry and creating key tools for market selection, demand forecasting and multi-modal operations.

Taking a Look at Another eVTOL PlayerJoby’s main rival in the eVTOL space is Archer Aviation. In December, Archer Aviation shared its plan to build an air taxi network in the Miami metropolitan area. This initiative is meant to help people avoid road traffic and offer a safe and efficient new way to travel across the fast-growing region.

Moreover, Archer Aviation recently entered into a partnership with Karem Aircraft. Through this collaboration, Archer Aviation will gain access to Karem’s advanced rotor and tiltrotor technologies for the next-generation autonomous, hybrid-propulsion VTOL aircraft, supporting its goal of developing a dual-use aircraft that can meet the needs of both commercial users and military operators.

Joby’s Price, Valuation & Earnings EstimatesShares of Joby have gained in double digits over the past six months, outperforming the Zacks Aerospace-Defense industry.

From a valuation perspective, Joby is trading at a premium compared with its industry. Joby carries a Value Score of F.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for JOBY’s fourth-quarter 2025, first-quarter 2026, full-year 2025 and 2026 losses have widened over the past 60 days.

JOBY’s Zacks RankJOBY currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

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Note: Sheraz Mian heads the Zacks Equity Research department and is a well-regarded expert of aggregate earnings. He is frequently quoted in the print and electronic media and publishes the weekly Earnings Trends and Earnings Previewreports. If you want an email notification each time Sheraz publishes a new article, please click here>>>

Media Contact

Zacks Investment Research

800-767-3771 ext. 9339

[email protected]                                     

https://www.zacks.com                                                 

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance  for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.

For Immediate ReleasesChicago, IL – December 26, 2025 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include Mineralys Therapeutics (MLYS - Free Report) , Lyell Immunopharma (LYEL - Free Report) , Insmed (INSM - Free Report) and Nektar Therapeutics (NKTR - Free Report) .

Here are highlights from Friday’s Analyst Blog:4 Drug Biotech Stocks Rising More than 50% with Room to GrowThe drug and biotech sector witnessed a see-saw performance in 2025. After a weak show for most of the year, the sector picked up in the past couple of months. This can be attributed to improved policies following several large drugmakers’ drug pricing agreements with the Trump administration. Also, strong merger and acquisition (M&A) activity across the industry helped revive gains. The biotech sector has rallied 26% in the past six months, outperforming the S&P 500 index.

Innovation is likely to drive growth in the industry, with key areas like obesity, gene therapy, inflammation and neuroscience drawing investor attention. Regulatory activity remained healthy, with the FDA approving 44 novel therapies as of Dec. 22, 2025. M&A activity should remain strong in 2026.

In this article, we discuss four drug/biotech stocks that have returned 50% or more in the year so far and have room for more growth in 2026 on the back of a solid portfolio and a promising pipeline. These are Mineralys Therapeutics, Lyell Immunopharma, Insmed  and Nektar Therapeutics. The stocks have substantially outperformed the industry this year.

Mineralys TherapeuticsClinical-stage biotech, Mineralys Therapeutics, is developing its product candidate, lorundrostat, an orally administered, highly selective aldosterone synthase inhibitor, for the treatment of uncontrolled hypertension (uHTN) or resistant hypertension (rHTN), as well as chronic kidney disease (CKD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in several mid-to-late-stage studies.

During the first half of 2025, the company announced that the pivotal phase III Launch-HTN study and the phase II Advance-HTN study of lorundrostat in patients with uncontrolled or resistant hypertension met their primary efficacy endpoints with statistical significance and showed favorable safety and tolerability.

The company also reported positive top-line data from the phase II Explore-CKD study, which showed that lorundrostat added to an SGLT2 inhibitor significantly improved outcomes in hypertensive patients with CKD.

Supported by these data, Mineralys is currently gearing up to submit a new drug application (NDA) for lorundrostat in early 2026. Management believes lorundrostat has the potential to provide best-in-class treatment for high-risk patients with uncontrolled or resistant hypertension.

Mineralys has also completed enrollment in the phase II Explore-OSA study on lorundrostat for the treatment of overweight or obese participants with moderate-to-severe OSA and hypertension. Top-line data from the same is expected in the first quarter of 2026.

MLYS put up a stellar performance in 2025, with shares rallying 203.4% year to date. A positive regulatory update and successful development of lorundrostat should help the stock gain further in 2026.

MLYS currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Loss per share estimates for 2026 have narrowed from $3.06 to $2.50 in the past 60 days. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Lyell ImmunopharmaClinical-stage biotech, Lyell, focuses on developing next-generation CAR T-cell therapies for patients with hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. The company is developing its lead product candidate, ronde-cel, an autologous CAR T-cell product candidate for treating large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL).

Ronde-cel is being evaluated in the pivotal PiNACLE study for patients with relapsed or refractory LBCL in the third-line or later-line setting and in a phase I/II study in the second-line setting.

A second pivotal phase III study evaluating ronde-cel in patients with LBCL in the second-line setting is expected to begin in early 2026. The FDA has already granted a Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) designation to ronde-cel for treating R/R LBCL in the 2L setting as well as in the 3L+ setting.

Lyell recently acquired global (ex-China) rights to LYL273, a novel autologous guanylyl cyclase-C (GCC)-targeted CAR T-cell product candidate from Innovative Cellular Therapeutics. The candidate is being developed in early-stage studies for treating patients with refractory metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) and other GCC-expressing cancers.

Earlier data from the phase I study on LYL273 demonstrated dose-dependent clinical activity in patients with refractory mCRC in the United States. The next data update for LYL273 is expected in the first half of 2026.

Favorable data readouts and positive clinical updates could make 2026 a transformational year for Lyell. The company also boasts a strong cash position with approximately $320 million as of Sept. 30, 2025. LYEL put up a strong performance in 2025, with shares rallying 191.6% so far this year.

LYEL currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Loss per share estimates for 2026 have substantially narrowed from $12.68 to $9.70 in the past 60 days.

InsmedInsmed currently markets Arikayce, which is approved for treating refractory mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) lung disease. Arikayce was the first marketed product in Insmed’s portfolio and has been a steady revenue driver for the company. Arikayce recorded sales worth $314.5 million in the first nine months of 2025, increasing 21% on a year-over-year basis.

Notably, Insmed received a major boost when the FDA approved its second product, Brinsupri (brensocatib) as the first treatment for non-cystic fibrosis (non-CF) bronchiectasis in August 2025. The drug was recently approved in Europe for a similar indication.

During the third quarter of 2025, Brinsupri recorded sales worth $28.1 million. The drug is witnessing an early, encouraging commercial launch in the United States and the momentum is expected to continue into 2026.

However, Insmed faced a major setback earlier this month when it announced that the phase IIb BiRCh study, which evaluated Brinsupri in chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP), failed to meet either its primary or secondary efficacy endpoints. Following this, the company decided to end the development of Brinsupri for CRSsNP.

Insmed is also evaluating Brinsupri in the phase II CEDAR study for the hidradenitis suppurativa indication, with top-line data expected in the first half of 2026. A positive update from the same should help regain investor confidence, which suffered a blow due to the BiRCh study outcome.

Positive regulatory updates and good pipeline progress should keep the stock afloat in 2026. INSM has put up a strong performance, with shares surging 156% in the year-to-date period.

Insmed currently carries a Zacks Rank #3. Loss per share estimates for 2026 have narrowed from $3.65 to $3.58 in the past 60 days.

NektarClinical stage company, Nektar, is developing its lead product candidate, rezpegaldesleukin or rezpeg, in two separate phase IIb studies — atopic dermatitis (REZOLVE-AD study) and alopecia areata (REZOLVE-AA study).

Data from the REZOLVE-AD study announced in June 2025 showed that rezpeg significantly improved EASI scores versus placebo across all dose levels at week 16. Management believes the rapid reduction in EASI scores and improvements in itch support rezpeg’s potential as a first- and best-in-class immune modulator for atopic dermatitis.

The company expects to advance rezpeg into phase III development for treating atopic dermatitis in the first half of 2026.

Earlier this month, Nektar announced that the REZOLVE-AA study of rezpeg demonstrated proof of concept in patients with severe to very severe alopecia areata. Per management, the results support the planned advancement of rezpeg into phase III development for alopecia areata.

Nektar believes that rezpeg is a potential first-in-class resolution therapy that may address the underlying immune system imbalance in autoimmune disorders and inflammatory diseases.

Studies on Nektar’s other candidate, NKTR-255, which is being developed for certain cancer indications, are also progressing well. Several data readouts on the same are expected shortly.

NKTR put up a stellar performance in 2025, with shares skyrocketing 218.8% year to date. A positive regulatory update and successful development of rezpeg should help the stock gain further in 2026.

NKTR currently carries a Zacks Rank #2. Loss per share estimates for 2026 have narrowed from $12.82 to $10.81 in the past 60 days.

Free: Instant Access to Zacks' Market-Crushing StrategiesSince 2000, our top stock-picking strategies have blown away the S&P's +7.7% average gain per year. Amazingly, they soared with average gains of +48.4%, +50.2% and +56.7% per year.

Today you can tap into those powerful strategies – and the high-potential stocks they uncover – free. No strings attached.

Get all the details here >>

Note: Sheraz Mian heads the Zacks Equity Research department and is a well-regarded expert of aggregate earnings. He is frequently quoted in the print and electronic media and publishes the weekly Earnings Trends and Earnings Previewreports. If you want an email notification each time Sheraz publishes a new article, please click here>>>

Media Contact

Zacks Investment Research

800-767-3771 ext. 9339

[email protected]                                     

https://www.zacks.com                                                 

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance  for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.