Market Signal Briefing

The startup's CEO and some staff are to join Nvidia as part of new nonexclusive deal, a sign of growing demand for cutting-edge AI chips.

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – December 24, 2025 – Stearman Resources Inc. ( CSE: STMN ) (“ Stearman ” or the “ Company ”) is pleased to announce that it intends to change its name to UraniumX Discovery Corp. (the “ Name Change ”), effective December 31, 2025, marking an important milestone in the Company's evolution and strategic focus.

The company just might have a winner on its hands with a pipeline heart disease treatment.

Edgewise Therapeutics (EWTX +25.50%) had some rather good news to report from the lab, and investors welcomed it on Wednesday. On that considerable tailwind, the biotech's share price surged nearly 26% higher on the last trading day before Christmas.

Heartened by the latest news
That morning, Edgewise presented interim data from its ongoing Phase 2 clinical trial of EDG-7500, an investigational drug targeting hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). This is a genetic heart condition in which the heart's muscle thickens, affecting its ability to pump blood throughout the body.

Image source: Getty Images.

Edgewise found that, in the B and C parts of the trial, evidence of clinical activity was detected across significant HCM disease markers. Additionally, the drug maintained a favorable safety profile and was generally well-tolerated.

The current part D of the trial is a 12-week study, and Edgewise said that over 40 participants are enrolled in the trial. As of Dec. 23, the healthcare company wrote, roughly 70% of those individuals had reached a dose of at least 100 milligrams.

Today's Change

(

25.50

%) $

5.54

Current Price

$

27.29

Headed in the right direction
In the EDG-7500 update, Edgewise quoted its CEO, Kevin Koch, as saying that "I'm excited about the advances we've made in Part D of the CIRRUS-HCM trial, where we've exceeded our year-end enrollment goal, highlighting continued enthusiasm for the program from patients and physicians."

Judging by the market's reaction to the news, many investors appear to share that enthusiasm. While that's understandable. I'd sound a note of caution here -- no matter how efficacious a drug might appear to be in clinical trials, if it's in Phase 2, it has some distance to go before potentially winning regulatory approval. Still, the latest results from the lab are almost unquestionably encouraging.

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

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

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

XLM & XRP’s long-running “utility” narrative is colliding with a new theme: manufactured scarcity.

Market Sentiment:

Bullish

Bearish

Neutral

Published:
December 24, 2025 │ 8:00 PM GMT

Created by Gabor Kovacs from DailyCoin

In a new video, Common Sense Crypto host “Rich” leans into a theme that’s gaining traction among XRP holders: manufactured scarcity. Pointing to Flare’s stated ambition to lock up 5% of the total XRP supply, possible future ETF demand, and long‑term treasuries and institutional custody, he argues this could be “the first time ever we see scarcity for XRP” — and that it may arrive sooner than the market expects.

The backdrop is an increasingly crowded pipeline of supposed “catalysts” for XRP. Rich is notably skeptical of one of the most hyped: a Ripple IPO in 2026. Citing an earlier DBS-linked report flagging that date, he says Ripple appears to have shifted course, with CEO Brad Garlinghouse now emphasizing acquisitions over listing. If an IPO happens at all, Rich places it later, “maybe 2027,” and treats it as far from guaranteed.

Narrative Reset: XRP vs XLM, Not XRP or XLMRich spends time dismantling a persistent retail feud: XRP versus Stellar’s XLM. Quoting Black Swan Capitalist, he frames them as complementary rails in the same system — XRP for large‑scale liquidity and interbank settlement; XLM for remittances, financial inclusion, and humanitarian flows.

Sponsored

Both, he suggests, slot into a broader “new financial system” in which no single asset “moves all the money.” Other enterprise‑focused tokens like HBAR and XDC are placed in that same basket: specialized infrastructure rather than meme-driven bets.

On-chain, he highlights Flare’s growing footprint, noting that roughly 80 million FXRP (XRP represented on Flare) has been minted “all organic, all community-led,” with expectations that institutions will follow once the rails are more mature.

Policy Tailwinds: Stablecoin Tax Relief and Market StructureOn the regulatory front, Rich flags a draft U.S. bill, the bipartisan Digital Asset Parity Act, as a potential turning point. The proposal would:

Offer safe harbor for stablecoin payments by removing capital gains events at point-of-sale
Defer taxation on staking and mining rewards until sale, not receipt
Clarify definitions of digital asset “brokers” and reporting obligations
He frames it as a direct attack on current frictions that keep crypto from behaving like money in everyday transactions. A clip he plays underscores the political calculus: Democrats, he says, may want to “get crypto off the table” as a partisan wedge by passing market‑structure rules and normalizing the sector.

Rich expects this kind of clarity to unlock tokenization efforts already underway at BlackRock, Franklin Templeton, and major banks, arguing that full regulatory green lights would rapidly mature the market and crowd out many of today’s exploitative schemes.

Real‑Time Pay & Quantum Risk In 2026Another thread is real‑time payments on the XRP Ledger. In an interview segment, XRP ecosystem voices discuss streaming wages — “you clock in and money starts streaming” — via stablecoins and XRPL payments. Rich sees this expanding beyond YouTube-style creator payouts into gig work and cross‑border contracting, driving volume for RLUSD (Ripple’s dollar stablecoin) and other assets.

He contrasts that forward‑looking infrastructure with what he portrays as Bitcoin’s slower response to quantum computing risks. While some BTC developers target 2035 as a rough horizon for serious threats, Rich believes “the threat is already here” and could accelerate within two to three years, while XRP Ledger teams are already exploring quantum‑resistant upgrades.

By 2026, he expects a confluence: clearer U.S. regulations, possible XRP‑linked ETFs, CBDC pilots (potentially on XRPL), expanded tokenization, and more XRP locked in DeFi and institutional products. Against that backdrop, he openly questions forecasts that XRP would simply peak and crash with the broader market cycle, arguing instead for a “utility run” that could decouple, at least partially, from pure speculation.

For investors, the video doesn’t offer price targets, but it does sharpen the story: XRP as infrastructure at the intersection of regulatory normalization, tokenized finance, and real‑time payments — with supply gradually migrating off the open market into long‑term rails.

Check out DailyCoin’s hottest crypto news:
Crypto Christmas Gifts: 8 Gift Ideas for the Festive Season
BlackRock: “Bitcoin Is The Biggest Investment This Year”

People Also AskDoes the analyst think Ripple will IPO in 2026?

No. He cites earlier chatter about 2026 but now sees Ripple prioritizing acquisitions and thinks 2027 or later is more plausible, if at all.

How is scarcity supposed to emerge for XRP?

Through lockups on Flare, potential ETF holdings, institutional treasuries, and retail self‑custody, rather than via protocol-level halving or burns.

What role does regulation play in his thesis?

He views bipartisan tax and market‑structure bills as the key unlock for tokenization, institutional capital, and stablecoin use, which in turn could drive sustained demand for settlement assets like XRP.

Is XRP coin pitched as replacing Bitcoin?

No. Bitcoin is discussed mainly in the context of quantum risk. XRP is framed as a payments and settlement rail within a regulated, tokenized financial system, not as “digital gold.”

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

Market Sentiment

100% Bullish

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

As the Bitcoin (BTC) price settles below the critical $90,000 support level, discussions about the potential onset of a new bear market are growing among experts and market analysts. 

The market’s leading cryptocurrency, currently trading at approximately $87,370, has experienced a decline of over 30% from its all-time high of more than $126,000, drawing comparisons to past market behaviors, particularly those witnessed in December 2021.

Fractal Patterns Resurface
Notably, on December 24, 2021, Bitcoin was valued at around $51,700, marking a local peak before it plummeted to $34,000 by January 24, 2022. This decline represented a significant 34% drop within just one month. 

An expert analyzing the current market dynamics has applied a fractal model derived from that previous sell-off to Bitcoin’s present price. According to this analysis, there is a potential trajectory that could see the cryptocurrency move toward the $70,000 mark in the coming days. 

BTC’s fractal points to a potential drop toward $70,000. Source: Wealth Manager on X
The expert argues that given the current price action and current market conditions, this scenario is plausible and suggests an additional decline of about 20% for the Bitcoin price if a similar pattern unfolds.

However, without clear direction, the question remains whether this situation will unfold into a recovery above key price levels or into an extended bear market heading into the first quarter of 2026. As such, perspectives among analysts vary widely. 

Expert Predicts ‘Bitcoin Supercycle’ Ahead
CryptoKaleo, another figure on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), posits that the current market mirrors conditions seen in the fall of 2020. 

Both scenarios involved Bitcoin losing a critical support level that had been established in the wake of significant market corrections, leading to a “mini-bart” scenario where the price retraced nearly all of its previous gains, eventually finding a new base.

During the recovery phase after the COVID-19 crash in 2020, traditional stocks, particularly in the tech sector, significantly outperformed Bitcoin, leading many to claim that the leading cryptocurrency was fading into irrelevance. 

Today, as equities frequently reach new all-time highs, a similar narrative is emerging, with some asserting that Bitcoin has become stagnant and altcoins are lacking momentum.

Despite this, CryptoKaleo remains optimistic, suggesting that the present situation does not conform to the typical four-year market cycle for the cryptocurrency. 

Instead of a prolonged bearish phase, he predicts that when Bitcoin reaches new all-time highs in 2026, it will usher in an exciting “supercycle,” characterized by prolonged upward trends, robust altcoin seasons, and a resurgence of retail interest in mainstream cryptocurrencies.

The daily chart shows BTC consolidating below $90,000 for the past few days. Source: BTCUSDT on TradingView.com
Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com 

Jim Cramer’s latest Bitcoin stance has flipped to 100% bearish, according to sentiment-tracking data from Unbias. 

The shift immediately caught the attention of crypto traders, not because Cramer commands Bitcoin’s direction, but because his calls have become an informal sentiment indicator inside the market.

Sponsored

Inverse Cramer Narrative In Full Flow?Data shows that Cramer’s last three Bitcoin predictions were all bearish, pushing his near-term outlook into what Unbias categorizes as “perma-bear” territory. 

Jim Cramer Bitcoin Prediction. Source: UnbiasHistorically, such moments tend to spark discussion across crypto social channels, where Cramer’s commentary often triggers the well-known “Inverse Cramer” narrative.

This latest turn comes as Bitcoin trades in the mid-$80,000 range.

Since the October 10 crash, price action has remained choppy and defensive. 

Sponsored

Analysts broadly describe the market as range-bound, with resistance near $90,000–$93,000 and structural support closer to $81,000–$85,000. 

The failure to reclaim higher levels before year-end has weighed on short-term sentiment.

All Signs Point to a Bitcoin Bear Market?Market indicators reinforce that cautious tone. The Crypto Fear & Greed Index recently slipped into “Extreme Fear”, reflecting risk aversion rather than panic buying. 

Sponsored

At the same time, spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded consecutive daily outflows into the Christmas week, signaling reduced institutional appetite as investors lock in profits and rebalance portfolios ahead of year-end.

US Bitcoin ETFs Continue to Bleed. Source: SoSoValueAgainst that backdrop, Cramer’s bearish shift fits the prevailing mood — but it also explains why his views remain so visible in Bitcoin circles. 

As the long-time host of Mad Money, Jim Cramer has become a cultural reference point for crypto traders. 

Sponsored

His emphatic, short-term calls often clash with Bitcoin’s cycle-driven nature, turning his commentary into a meme-driven contrarian signal rather than conventional analysis.

That dynamic has persisted through multiple market cycles. When Cramer grows confident in one direction, crypto traders often treat it as a sentiment extreme rather than a forecast.

Looking ahead to the New Year’s week, analysts expect thin liquidity and heightened volatility. Bitcoin’s direction may hinge on whether ETF flows stabilize and whether price can reclaim the $90,000 level after options-related positioning clears. 

Until then, Cramer’s 100% bearish read may say less about Bitcoin’s fundamentals — and more about how cautious the market feels heading into 2026.

As 2025 comes to an end, the crypto market looks very different from last year.

In late 2024, Bitcoin and altcoins were rallying strongly, thanks to President Donald Trump and expectations of easier regulations. This year, however, the mood is much calmer. Bitcoin is trading below its all-time high, and many altcoins, including XRP, have struggled to move higher.

Despite strong progress on the ETF front, XRP price remains stuck below $2.

World’s Highest IQ Holder Predicts XRP at $10+YoungHoon Kim, who holds the world’s highest IQ at 276, recently said that XRP could reach $10 in 2026. His comment quickly spread across social media, especially among XRP supporters.

While this is not financial advice, it has brought back an old debate in the crypto world: Can XRP really go past $10?

Why Some Say XRP Can’t Reach $10Critics often point to XRP’s large supply. Their argument is simple: If XRP’s price rises too high, its total market value would become unrealistically large.

They usually compare XRP to Bitcoin and say that if XRP hit $10, its market cap would be too big to make sense.

XRP Price Currently Under PressureAfter touching $1.77, XRP moved slightly higher and is now trying to hold above the $1.85 area, which has become a short-term support level. As long as XRP stays above this zone, the chances of a further bounce remain open.

However, the recovery so far has been weak. For XRP to show real strength, buyers need to push the price higher from this support area. A move toward $2.10 would be an important sign that momentum is improving.

Market activity is expected to remain slow in the final days of the year. While a bounce may be starting, large price moves are unlikely in the short term.

The truth lies somewhere in between.

Supporters believe XRP’s utility in global finance could eventually justify much higher prices. Skeptics argue that markets care more about results than ideas, and so far, XRP’s price has lagged.

Whether XRP reaches $10 will not be decided by predictions or opinions. It will depend on actual adoption by banks, institutions, and global payment systems.

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.

Sponsored and Advertisements:Sponsored content and affiliate links may appear on our site. Advertisements are marked clearly, and our editorial content remains entirely independent from our ad partners.

SBI Ripple Asia has signed an agreement with Doppler Finance to explore new financial products built on the XRP Ledger. The two companies will look into XRP-based yield options and the tokenization of real-world assets such as traditional financial products.

The agreement, signed as a memorandum of understanding, is the first time SBI Ripple Asia has partnered with a project that is built directly on the XRP Ledger. The move shows growing interest from large financial firms in using XRPL for regulated and transparent financial activity.

As part of the plan, SBI Digital Markets, a digital asset company regulated in Singapore, will act as the institutional custodian. This means client assets will be stored separately and securely, reducing risks linked to exchanges.

For Doppler Finance, the partnership helps expand its reach in Japan, one of Asia’s key financial markets. SBI Ripple Asia is a joint venture between Ripple and Japan’s SBI Holdings, a major financial group.

Doppler Finance focuses on providing yield infrastructure for institutions using blockchain technology. Its platform is already used by some institutional players and supported by exchanges and digital wallets.

Both companies said they want to support secure and compliant financial products on the XRP Ledger. They will study how XRP can be used not just for payments, but also for generating yield and supporting real-world asset tokenization.

No new products have been launched yet, but the agreement sets the stage for future developments as traditional finance and blockchain technology continue to move closer together.

“By collaborating with Doppler Finance, we aim to accelerate the development of secure and transparent yield infrastructure on the XRP Ledger,” SBI Ripple Asia spokesperson said.

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.

Sponsored and Advertisements:Sponsored content and affiliate links may appear on our site. Advertisements are marked clearly, and our editorial content remains entirely independent from our ad partners.

Dogecoin price has remained under pressure. The token is down around 2% over the past 24 hours and more than 12% over the past month. Price action has weakened, but the decline is slowing.

While the chart structure still leans bearish, on-chain behavior suggests the breakdown may not be a done deal yet. The next few sessions will decide whether DOGE slips into a deeper decline or stabilizes near current levels.

Sponsored

Dogecoin Price Pressure Builds as Short-Term Supply ExitsDogecoin is trading near the lower boundary of a declining price structure, with a bear flag forming. That keeps downside risk active, especially if support near $0.124-$0.120 fails. However, what stands out is how speculative supply has behaved as price drifted lower.

Want more token insights like this? Sign up for Editor Harsh Notariya’s Daily Crypto Newsletter here.

Bear Flag Forming: TradingViewThe 1-week-to-1-month-hold cohort, typically the most aggressive swing-trading group, has sharply reduced exposure, per the HODL Waves metric. This metric classifies hodlers by time.

On November 29, this cohort controlled roughly 7.73% of Dogecoin’s supply. As of December 23, that share has dropped to about 2.76%. That is a steep reduction in speculative positioning over a short period.

Speculative Holders Dumping DOGE: GlassnodeSponsored

This matters because these holders tend to amplify downside when they panic sell. Their exit often reduces forced selling pressure near support.

Long-Term Holders Quietly Add as Coin Activity DropsAt the same time speculative supply is shrinking, longer-term holders are showing early signs of accumulation. The 1-year to 2-year holder cohort has increased its share of Dogecoin supply from around 21.84% to 22.34%. The increase is small, but the signal matters.

These holders typically add only when they believe downside risk is starting to fade.

Sponsored

Long-Term Holders Buying: GlassnodeCoin activity across the network, measured via the spent coins metric, supports that view. Spent coins activity has fallen sharply. The spent coins age band metric dropped from roughly 251.97 million DOGE to about 94.34 million DOGE. That represents a decline of more than 60% in coin movement.

Coin Activity Drops: SantimentLower coin activity possibly means fewer holders are rushing to move or sell tokens. Historically, similar drops in activity have preceded short-term relief rallies in Dogecoin. Earlier in December, a similar slowdown preceded a rally from near $0.132 to $0.151, a near 15% move, within three days.

This does not guarantee a rally, but it shows selling aggression is cooling rather than accelerating.

Sponsored

Key Dogecoin Price Levels That Decide Breakdown or RecoveryThe technical picture now hinges on a narrow price range. The $0.120 level remains the most important near-term support. A decisive daily close below it would expose the Dogecoin price to deeper downside toward the $0.112 zone and potentially lower if momentum builds.

On the upside, the recovery case depends on reclaiming nearby resistance. A move back above $0.133 would signal that selling pressure is easing. A stronger reclaim of $0.138 would confirm that buyers are regaining control and that the recent decline was corrective rather than the start of a larger breakdown.

Dogecoin Price Analysis: TradingViewIn simple terms, Dogecoin is at a crossroads. Price structure still carries risk, but on-chain data shows speculative supply leaving, long-term holders slowly stepping in, and overall coin activity drying up. If support holds, those factors can help stabilize the price. If it fails, the breakdown remains valid.

Ethereum is facing renewed selling pressure as market uncertainty deepens and confidence continues to erode across the broader crypto landscape. After weeks of fragile price action and failed recovery attempts, ETH has struggled to attract sustained demand, pushing an increasing number of analysts to warn that the market may be entering the early stages of a bear cycle.

Volatility remains elevated, sentiment is weak, and traders appear hesitant to commit capital as downside risks grow more pronounced.

Recent on-chain and technical analysis from CryptoQuant highlights why concerns are mounting. Ethereum’s price structure has tightened into a descending triangle formation, a pattern that often emerges during periods of distribution rather than accumulation.

Price remains capped below a well-defined downtrend line, while key moving averages continue to act as overhead resistance, limiting upside momentum. This compression reflects a market where sellers maintain control, even as prices attempt to stabilize.

Historically, this type of technical setup increases the probability of a downside resolution. In Ethereum’s case, the $2,800 level has become a critical support zone. A sustained break below it would likely confirm a broader bearish continuation, potentially accelerating losses as stop orders are triggered.

On-Chain Supply Tightening Challenges Ethereum’s Bearish Technical Outlook
While Ethereum’s price structure continues to reflect stress, on-chain data is telling a more nuanced story. Analysis shared by CryptoOnchain highlights a sharp contraction in the amount of ETH available for immediate sale on major exchanges, particularly Binance. The Ethereum Exchange Supply Ratio on Binance has fallen to 0.032, its lowest reading since September 2024, pointing to a meaningful reduction in liquid supply despite ongoing price weakness.

Ethereum Exchange Supply Ratio | Source: CryptoQuant
This drop suggests that market participants are moving ETH off exchanges and into self-custody, a behavior typically associated with longer-term positioning rather than imminent selling. In practical terms, fewer coins sitting on exchanges reduces the immediate sell-side pressure that often exacerbates downtrends. The timing is notable, as this supply contraction is unfolding while Ethereum remains locked in a bearish technical formation.

The contrast between the chart and the on-chain data is becoming increasingly relevant. From a purely technical perspective, the descending triangle and persistent resistance argue for caution. However, shrinking exchange supply introduces the risk of a supply-driven move if demand stabilizes. Should buyers successfully defend the $2,800 support zone, even modest inflows could have an outsized impact on price due to reduced available liquidity.

For now, the market sits at an inflection point. A decisive break above the downtrend line would strengthen the case that accumulation is taking precedence over distribution, potentially shifting the balance away from the prevailing bearish narrative.

Ethereum Consolidates as Bearish Structure Remains Intact
Ethereum is trading around the $2,930 level on the daily chart, continuing to consolidate after an extended decline from its late-summer highs. The broader structure remains technically weak, with price still forming a sequence of lower highs and lower lows since failing to hold above the $4,500–$4,800 zone earlier in the cycle. This rejection marked a clear trend shift, transitioning ETH from expansion into a corrective and potentially distributive phase.

ETH consolidates around key level | Source: ETHUSDT chart on TradingView
From a trend perspective, Ethereum remains capped below its key daily moving averages. The faster moving average has rolled over sharply and continues to act as immediate resistance, while the 111-day and 200-day simple moving averages sit higher, converging in the $3,400–$3,600 range. This layered resistance suggests that any upside attempts are likely to face strong selling pressure unless momentum improves meaningfully.

Price action over recent weeks reflects indecision rather than recovery. ETH has been oscillating in a tight range between roughly $2,850 and $3,050. Indicating short-term stabilization but not a confirmed reversal. Volume supports this view, as selling spikes dominated the initial breakdown, while subsequent rebounds have lacked strong participation from buyers.

Technically, the $2,800–$2,900 zone remains critical. Holding this area preserves the possibility of base-building, but a decisive breakdown would open the door to a deeper retracement. For structure to improve, Ethereum would need to reclaim the $3,200–$3,300 region and regain acceptance above its declining daily averages.

Featured image from ChatGPT, chart from TradingView.com

TLDR:

Whale inflows to Binance dropped from $7.88B to $3.86B in December, reducing market pressure.
Fewer BTC deposits from whales indicate less immediate selling on Binance exchanges.
Isolated large inflows of $466M still show whales can trigger short-term volatility.
Binance remains the primary hub for whale activity, influencing Bitcoin’s short-term market balance.

Whale activity on Binance during December indicates a slowdown in Bitcoin deposits from major holders. 

Data shows monthly inflows from whales fell from around $7.88 billion to $3.86 billion, effectively halving over the month. This trend points to reduced immediate selling pressure from large Bitcoin holders. 

Although occasional large transfers still occur, the overall decrease suggests a more balanced environment for short-term market activity.

Slowdown in Whale Deposits
Recent analysis reveals that the largest Bitcoin holders have reduced their activity on Binance. Darkfost reported that whale inflows declined sharply in December. 

🐳 During December, whale inflows on Binance were cut in half !

The latest data shows a clear decline in Bitcoin inflows to Binance coming from whales over the month of December.

💥 Specifically, monthly whale inflows dropped from around $7.88 billion to $3.86 billion,… pic.twitter.com/Z2GP3M02bk

— Darkfost (@Darkfost_Coc) December 24, 2025

The reduction from $7.88 billion to $3.86 billion indicates fewer BTC deposits from influential participants.The decrease in deposits is relevant because whales have historically influenced market trends. 

Fewer inflows to the exchange mean that less Bitcoin is immediately available for sale. This naturally reduces short-term selling pressure.

Despite the broader slowdown, isolated large inflows were observed. A notable movement of $466 million occurred across accounts holding 100 BTC to 10,000 BTC. 

These isolated events show whales still have the ability to influence market volatility at any time.

Influence on Market Balance
Additional data shows over $435 million in inflows came from wallets holding between 1,000 and 10,000 BTC. These transfers demonstrate that while overall deposit activity is declining, whales can still move large amounts in a single transaction. Such movements can create temporary price fluctuations.

The decline in whale activity points to a more stable short-term market. With fewer large deposits to Binance, immediate selling pressure is reduced, helping maintain exchange balance. This trend is constructive for observing Bitcoin’s market behavior.

Binance continues to handle the majority of exchange-related Bitcoin flows. Monitoring whale behavior on this platform provides insight into potential market adjustments. 

Even with reduced activity, sudden large deposits can still trigger temporary volatility.

A heated row has sparked conversations about a potential collaboration between Solana and Cardano, two blockchains with a long history of feuds. Both founders, Charles Hoskinson and Anatoly Yakovenko, gave the green light to develop a cross-chain bridge between the two networks.

A Cross-Chain Bridge For Cardano and Solana
Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson and Solana co-founder Anatoly Yakovenko have confirmed plans for a cross-chain bridge designed to bring ADA liquidity to the Solana.

Hoskinson and Yakovenko revealed their intention on X (formerly Twitter), marking a major milestone for interoperability between both rival blockchain ecosystems. Yakovenko waded into a heated argument between Hoskinson and Helius Labs CEO Mert Mumtaz, dousing tensions over Solana’s decentralization and Cardano’s utility.

“Fighting with Cardano or XRP is incredibly bearish,” said Yakovenko in response to a back-and-forth between Hoskinson and Mumtaz.

Hoskinson responded to Yakovenko’s comment by signaling an intention to build on Solana and XRP. Both founders confirmed the intention to explore a cross-chain bridge with Yakovenko directing a Solana developer to get the project underway.

“Get ADA bridged to Solana and set up some liquid markets,” wrote Yakovenko.

As cheer erupted in both ecosystems, one community member argued in favor of bridging SOL back to Cardano, citing Solana’s waning DEX volume. The claim sparked a back-and-forth between Solana and Cardano proponents over trading volume supremacy and DeFi activity. However, both founders’ responses indicated a commitment to interoperability.

Advertisement
 

Valiant Attempts at Pursuing Interoperability
In mid-December, Solana opened its doors to XRP, allowing support for the Ripple token on its network. Before XRP, several tokens, including ETH, USDC, BTC, and DAI, have been bridged to Solana via Wormhole and other bridges.

Meanwhile, Cardano’s Midnight has indicated a strong support for interoperability, distributing its historic airdrop across seven major blockchains. The second phase of the Midnight Glacier Drop also underscored multi-chain eligibility with Hoskinson describing it as a proof of interoperability intent.

Furthermore, Cardano has taken early steps to allow Bitcoin holders to use their assets in Cardano’s decentralized finance ecosystem without leaving the original chain.

According to Polymarket bettors, gold currently has a 74% chance of winning the race to $5,000. 

Gold is currently trading at around $4,480, meaning that it is just 10% away from the target. Meanwhile, ETH is changing hands below $3,000.

Gold's incredible year Gold has had one of its best years in modern history, rising roughly 60-65% in 2025 alone. This "historic upswing" is driven by a perfect storm of four main factors.

HOT Stories

Investors are increasingly worried about rising U.S. government debt and fiscal sustainability. They are buying gold as insurance against the "debasement".

You Might Also Like

Central banks, particularly in China and emerging markets, are buying gold at a record pace to diversify their reserves away from the U.S. dollar.

Gold's status as a "safe haven" asset has attracted massive capital due to trade tensions as well as conflicts. 

BitMine-driven hype fizzles out Earlier this year, BitMine aggressively pivoted to become an Ethereum Treasury company. Backed by Fundstrat’s Tom Lee, BitMine accumulated over 4 million ETH (roughly 3.3% of the total supply) by late 2025.

In Q3 2025, BitMine’s aggressive buying spree drove Ethereum prices higher. Investors bought BitMine stock (BMNR) as a leveraged bet on ETH.

The premium on DAT stocks evaporated. BitMine and others began trading at a discount to their Net Asset Value (NAV). Once the stock traded lower than the ETH it held.

During this exact window (July 2025), spot Ethereum ETFs saw a massive 13-day streak of inflows. These products secured $4 billion in new capital in virtually no time. Institutional investors used the ETFs to "front-run" BitMine's buying pressure.

This uber-bullish combination allowed Ethereum to appear within striking distance of the $5,000 psychological barrier.

However, this momentum quickly stalled, and Ethereum bulls have lost their momentum. 

Journalist

Posted: December 25, 2025

Bitcoin’s recent price action is revealing a growing regional divergence. The Asian trading hours showed relative resilience while Western markets continue to apply downside pressure.

Data tracking BTC’s cumulative returns by session indicates that APAC trading hours have delivered modest but consistent gains, even as U.S. and European sessions trend lower over the same period. 

The contrast suggests that recent dips are being absorbed more effectively during Asian hours, helping limit downside follow-through.

However, on-chain data shows that this stability should not be mistaken for a renewed accumulation phase.

Bitcoin APAC resilience contrasts with U.S. and EU drawdowns
The session-based return data shows a clear split in market behaviour. While U.S. and European sessions have experienced sharper volatility and net negative returns, APAC sessions have trended higher with comparatively lower drawdowns.

This pattern implies that Asian market participants are less reactive to short-term price weakness, contributing to steadier price action during regional trading hours. 

Source: Velo

In contrast, Western sessions appear to be driving most of the downside moves, reflecting more cautious positioning as broader market uncertainty persists.

Still, the gains recorded during APAC hours remain incremental rather than impulsive, pointing to stabilisation rather than aggressive dip-buying.

Bitcoin accumulation data signals caution, not conviction
Glassnode’s Bitcoin Accumulation Trend Score adds important context to this regional divergence. 

While earlier phases of the year showed clear accumulation during periods of consolidation, recent readings have shifted toward neutral and mild distribution.

This suggests that, at a network level, both large and small holders are not meaningfully increasing their exposure at current prices. 

Source: Glassnode

Instead, the market appears to be in a holding pattern, with participants waiting for clearer directional signals before committing capital.

The absence of strong accumulation reinforces the idea that current price support is coming from selective dip absorption, not renewed long-term conviction.

A market being stabilised, not rebuilt
Taken together, the data paints a nuanced picture. Asia’s relative strength is helping prevent sharper breakdowns, but it is not yet driving a sustained recovery. 

Meanwhile, Western markets continue to reduce risk exposure, contributing to choppy price action and capped upside.

Until accumulation trends improve and participation broadens, Bitcoin’s near-term structure is likely to remain range-bound, with regional flows acting as stabilisers rather than trend drivers.

Final Thoughts

APAC sessions are absorbing dips more effectively, but accumulation remains subdued.
Without renewed conviction on-chain, regional resilience alone is unlikely to spark a sustained rally.

The broad crypto market is down, but the Shiba Inu derivatives market has shown strength, flipping all leading cryptocurrencies, which have continued to see weak futures activity over the last day.

Despite the negative market trend, Shiba Inu has seen its open interest surge notably by 3.42% over the last day, with traders committing a massive 11.03 trillion SHIB to its futures market, according to data from the futures market.

After multiple days of trading negatively, the impressive open interest volume marks a major shift in investor sentiment, as the token has restored hopes with its strong futures activity.

HOT Stories

Shiba Inu flips Bitcoin and XRP in futures activity While leading cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and XRP have seen their open interest each plummet by about 2%, Shiba Inu has flipped the leading crypto assets in the key metric, as over $80 million worth of the tokens have been committed in active contracts.

While the SHIB price movement has continued to trend negatively amid the broad crypto market bloodbath, the increase in its open interest volume has flashed a bullish signal, restoring hopes for a potential bullish trajectory.

The positive trend in the Shiba Inu derivatives market also extended to its spot market, as the asset’s trading price reflected a decent increase over the last day.

You Might Also Like

While the increase in SHIB open interest volume reflects the heavy bets placed by bullish investors on the Shiba Inu futures market over the last day, it appears that demand for the asset has also surged, causing its price to break the negative market trend.

According to data from TradingView, Shiba Inu has surged by 0.59% over the last 24 hours, trading at $0.000007174 as of writing time.

Source: TradingViewHowever, other top crypto assets have remained in the red territory, showing notable daily declines during the same trading session, suggesting increased interest in the dog-themed meme asset compared to other cryptocurrencies.

Gate.io leads Shiba Inu futures  The data further shows that Gate.io accounts for the highest share of Shiba Inu’s total open interest among all supported exchanges.

Notably, the largest portion of Shiba Inu’s open interest capital, worth about $107.17 million, was contributed by traders on Gate.io, accounting for 38.8% of the total open interest. Traders on Blank and OKX followed closely, accounting for 13.41% and 11.52%, respectively.

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

Strategy, the business intelligence company founded by Michael Saylor, has added hundreds of millions of dollars to its balance sheet after completing a sizable stock sale, while staying on the sidelines in the Bitcoin (BTC) market. The latest disclosure shows the firm prioritizing cash generation over Bitcoin accumulation as it evaluates its next steps. This change in capital allocation comes as rumors spread that Strategy could sell a significant portion of its Bitcoin holdings. 

Strategy Prioritizes Cash Reserve Over Bitcoin Buys
Strategy has released a new financial update showing a clear shift toward US dollar accumulation, stepping back from its previous pattern of aggressive Bitcoin buys. Saylor shared the report on X this Monday, outlining the company’s most recent capital activity. The filing focuses on equity sales, Strategy’s bitcoin holdings and activity, and its cash reserves. 

During the week of December 15 to December 21, Strategy raised significant funds through its ATM equity program. The business intelligence firm did not sell any of its preferred stock offerings within this period, leaving billions of dollars in remaining issuance capacity. Notably, the filing shows that the STRK preferred stock program still holds more than $20 billion in available capacity.

Source: Chart from Strategy
 Instead of preferred shares, Strategy had tapped its common stock program. The company sold 4.5 million shares of Class A common stock, generating roughly $747.8 million in net proceeds after fees. Even after this raise, Strategy still has approximately $11.8 billion of common stock available for future issuance. 

While the business intelligence firm has increased its cash position, it paused Bitcoin purchases for the week. The filing reported that no new Bitcoin purchases were made during the week of December 15 to December 21, keeping its total holdings unchanged at 671,268 BTC. Those holdings carry an aggregate purchase cost of about $50.33 billion, with an average price near $74,972 per coin. 

Update On Strategy’s US Dollar Reserve
Strategy’s latest addition to its cash reserve this past week builds a larger cushion to cover the company’s financial obligations. The firm started the month with a reserve of $1.14 billion and increased it to approximately $2.19 billion by December 21. This growth suggests a deliberate move to secure liquidity amid ongoing market activity. 

The boost in cash comes after rumors circulated that Strategy could face pressure to meet dividend obligations on its preferred shares. Additionally, there has been speculation that the business intelligence firm may sell its over $50 billion Bitcoin holdings if the market continues to trend downward for a prolonged period. 

According to the filing, the primary purpose of the Strategy’s US dollar reserve is to cover dividend payments on preferred stock and interest payments on outstanding debt. Because the company holds a large amount of Bitcoin, selling a significant portion to fund these dividends could disrupt the market, especially during periods of volatility. This underscores the importance of maintaining a cash reserve for easy liquidity.

BTC trading at $86,803 on the 1D chart | Source: BTCUSDT on Tradingview.com
Featured image from Getty Images, chart from Tradingview.com

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

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

Scott Matherson is a leading crypto writer at Bitcoinist, who possesses a sharp analytical mind and a deep understanding of the digital currency landscape. Scott has earned a reputation for delivering thought-provoking and well-researched articles that resonate with both newcomers and seasoned crypto enthusiasts.
Outside of his writing, Scott is passionate about promoting crypto literacy and often works to educate the public on the potential of blockchain.

Everyone is still trying to short Pippin crypto, and that is the idea behind why its price keeps going up.When you look at the Pippin chart, something feels off. It does not feel organic, which is something to be suspicious about. Why? According to Bubblemaps, 93 wallets now hold 80% of the supply.

NEW YORK, Dec. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces it has filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of purchasers of securities of Coupang, Inc. (NYSE: CPNG) between August 6, 2025 and December 16, 2025, both dates inclusive (the “Class Period”). A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than February 17, 2026 in the securities class action first filed by the Firm.

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

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Coupang class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=8383 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than February 17, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

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

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Coupang had inadequate cybersecurity protocols that allowed a former employee to access sensitive customer information for nearly six months without being detected; (2) this subjected Coupang to a materially heightened risk of regulatory and legal scrutiny; (3) When defendants became aware that Coupang had been subjected to this data breach, they did not report it in a current report filing (to be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”)) in compliance with applicable reporting rules; and (4) as a result, defendants’ public statements were materially false and/or misleading at all times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the Coupang class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=8383 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

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

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

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

Contact Information:

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

Partner Reed Kathrein Investigating Alleged Fraudulent Enrollment Metrics and the Direct Causation Linking Operational Failure to Massive Investor Losses

, /PRNewswire/ -- National shareholder rights law firm Hagens Berman is issuing a reminder to investors in Stride, Inc. (NYSE: LRN) that the deadline to move the Court for appointment as lead plaintiff in the pending securities class action lawsuit is January 12, 2026. The firm urges investors who suffered substantial losses in LRN to contact Hagens Berman now to discuss their rights.

The lawsuit seeks to recover investor losses sustained after the purported disclosure of two distinct, alleged fraudulent schemes: inflated enrollment figures (using "Ghost Students") and a catastrophic technology platform failure. The cumulative impact of these disclosures caused the stock to crash 54% in a single day, leading to a sudden loss of billions in market capitalization.

The complaint details how Stride and its executives allegedly misled investors about core business metrics and operational stability. The subsequent revelation of the severity of the platform upgrade failure—which CEO James Rhyu acknowledged resulted in "poor customer experience"—is alleged to have contradicted prior assurances of strong growth.

For a detailed breakdown of the fraud allegations and operational failures, visit the dedicated Hagens Berman Stride (LRN) Case Page.

"Stride's alleged conduct in the pending suit is particularly egregious, as the complaint alleges a systematic practice of inflating enrollment figures with 'Ghost Students' and maintaining improper student-to-teacher ratios just before revealing a foreseeable technological failure," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the firm's investigation. "We are specifically focused on gathering evidence linking these alleged compliance and operational failures to the 54% crash."

The Alleged Dual Fraud: Claimed "Ghost Student" Scheme and Platform Upgrade Failure

The litigation focuses on how two distinct, undisclosed operational failures corrected the market's misperception of Stride's true financial health.

The Alleged Enrollment Fraud & Compliance Risk:The Claim:  The company allegedly utilized unlawful business practices, including retaining "Ghost Students" (students who never officially started or were absent for extended periods) to artificially inflate enrollment metrics and profit margins.

Financial Impact: The initial disclosure that partially revealed these undisclosed facts led to an 11% stock drop.
The Alleged Concealed Technology Catastrophe:The Claim: Stride allegedly failed to disclose severe, known issues with a critical platform upgrade implemented over the summer, which blocked access for an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 enrolled students, stifling growth and requiring costly remediation.

Financial Impact: The alleged revelation of this operational failure forced the company to forecast a dramatically slowed sales growth of only 5% (down from its historical 19%), and triggered the single-day 54% stock crash.
Alleged Recoverable Damages and the Defined Class:The complaint seeks to recover losses for investors who purchased LRN securities during the Class Period (October 22, 2024 – October 28, 2025), seeking to hold Stride and certain of its key executives accountable for the alleged misrepresentations regarding core business metrics and operational stability.

Next Steps: Contact Partner Reed Kathrein Today

Hagens Berman is a leading plaintiff litigation firm recognized for securing substantial recoveries for investors in complex securities fraud cases involving operational and compliance failures.

Mr. Kathrein is actively advising investors who purchased LRN securities during the Class Period and suffered significant losses due to the alleged undisclosed facts.

The Lead Plaintiff Deadline is January 12, 2026.

TO SUBMIT YOUR STRIDE (LRN) LOSSES NOW PLEASE USE THE SECURE FORM BELOW:

Submit Your Stride (LRN) Investment Losses Now
Contact: Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email [email protected]

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

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

SOURCE Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP

Key Takeaways AWR benefits from rising demand from its expanding customer base.American States Water sees 2025 EPS estimates rise to $3.32, with revenues projected to grow 5.63%.AWR plans to invest $573.1 million during 2025-2027 to strengthen infrastructure and existing operations.
American States Water (AWR - Free Report) continues to benefit from a growing water and electric utility customer base, which is driving higher demand for its services. Its diversified business model, spanning water, electricity, and long-term military contracts, supports stable and consistent financial performance.

Let us focus on the reasons that make this Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) stock a strong investment pick at the moment.

AWR’s Growth Outlook & Surprise HistoryThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings per share (EPS) has increased 1.22% to $3.32 in the past 60 days.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 revenues is pegged at $629 million, which indicates growth of 5.63% from the 2024 reported figure.

AWR’s long-term (three to five years) earnings growth rate is 5.65%.

AWR’s earnings beat estimates in three of the trailing four quarters and missed the same in one, resulting in an average surprise of 3.63%.

AWR’s Return to ShareholdersAmerican States Water has been increasing shareholder value by steadily paying dividends. Currently, the company’s quarterly dividend is 50.5 cents per share, resulting in an annualized dividend of $2.02. AWR’s current dividend yield is 2.73%, better than the Zacks S&P 500 composite's average of 1.41%.

AWR’s Investment Plans and Drop in Interest RatesAWR plans to invest $573.1 million during 2025-2027 to strengthen infrastructure and existing operations. For 2025, the company plans capital expenditure of $180-$210 million, primarily focused on upgrading water infrastructure.

The ongoing decline in interest rates will benefit the company. The U.S. Federal Reserve has gradually lowered the benchmark rate by 175 basis points to a range of 3.50-3.75%. The Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates further in 2026. As a result, American States Water’s cost of capital should decline, which would help boost its margins.

AWR’s Debt StructureCurrently, AWR’s total debt to capital is 47.54%, better than the Zacks Utility -Water Supply  industry’s average of 50.46%.
AWR’s times interest earned ratio (TIE) at the end of the third quarter of 2025 was 4.5. The TIE ratio, being greater than one, suggests that the company will be able to make its interest payment obligations in the near term without difficulty.

AWR Stock Price PerformanceOver the past six months, AWR’s shares have lost 5% compared to the industry’s growth of 3%.

Other Stocks to ConsiderA few other top-ranked stocks from the same industry are Ameren (AEE - Free Report) , NextEra Energy, Inc. (NEE - Free Report) and Dominion Energy, Inc. (D - Free Report) , each carrying a Zacks Rank #2 at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

AEE’s long-term earnings growth rate is 8.52%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 EPS is pegged at $5.01, which implies year-over-year growth of 8.21%.

NEE’s long-term earnings growth rate is 8.08%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 EPS is pegged at $3.69, which implies a year-over-year rise of 7.58%.

D’s long-term earnings growth rate is 10.26%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 EPS is pegged at $3.40, which suggests year-over-year growth of 22.74%.

Key Takeaways Harbour Energy agreed to acquire privately held LLOG for $3.2B, targeting a Q1 2026 close.The deal adds oil-weighted assets with 271 mmboe of 2P reserves, lifting total reserves by 22% and margins.HBRIY expects the deal to boost free cash flow per share from 2027 and support future drilling opportunities.
Harbour Energy plc (HBRIY - Free Report) , a U.K.-based oil and gas company, has inked an agreement for the acquisition of a privately held oil and gas company, LLOG Exploration Company LLC. The deal, which is expected to close by the end of the first quarter of 2026, involves a total consideration of $3.2 billion. Of this amount, $2.7 billion comprises cash, while the remaining $0.5 billion is in voting ordinary shares. After the completion of the deal, LLOC Holdings LLC will have approximately 11% of HBRIY’s listed voting ordinary shares. Harbour’s current shareholders will hold the remaining 89% of the shares.

High-Quality, Oil-Weighted Deepwater Asset BaseThe acquisition is set to build Harbour Energy’s presence in the Gulf of America, one of the most prolific offshore basins in the world. This also adds high-quality, oil-weighted offshore assets to its portfolio, supported by fully developed infrastructure in place. The key assets in the deal include the Who Dat in Mississippi Canyon, and Buckskin and Leon-Castile fields in Keathley Canyon. Furthermore, owing to LLOG’s strong presence in the prolific Lower Tertiary Wilcox play, one of the most prolific deepwater plays in the U.S. Gulf, the company expects its production to increase to approximately double its current level.

Impact on Reserves, Production and MarginsHarbour Energy stated that the acquired assets are characterized by low breakeven costs and contain proved and probable (2P) reserves with an estimated reserve life of around 22 years. The acquisition enhances HBRIY’s current portfolio and solidifies its long-term production outlook. Notably, it adds to the company’s overall production of around 500 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day (kboepd) through 2030. The assets contribute 271 million barrels of oil equivalent (mmboe) of 2P reserves, raising Harbour’s total 2P reserves by 22% while also prolonging reserves life from seven to eight years. The company noted that the acquisition also improves its margins and reduces its effective tax rate.

Long-Term Growth OpportunitiesThe acquisition also offers meaningful upside potential to Harbour Energy, mainly due to the former’s extensive drilling and lease inventory in the prolific basin, which provides future growth opportunities. Notably, the company has gained a deep inventory of high-return drilling opportunities supported by the existing infrastructure, which has enabled it to identify the potential to drill eight wells through 2026 and 2027.

The company expects the transaction to be accretive to its free cash flow per share starting in 2027. HBRIY expects the deal to generate significant free cash flows, which can support shareholder returns and contribute toward deleveraging its balance sheet. Overall, the transaction is expected to supplement free cash flow generation, extend the reserve life of its assets and enhance scale.

Harbour Energy stated that it has wanted to establish a presence in the U.S. Gulf for a long time, and this acquisition enables it to do that. LLOG Exploration’s high-quality deepwater assets and well-established infrastructure in the region should position Harbour as a leading player in the basin. Additionally, the supportive fiscal and regulatory environment is expected to aid its growth in the region. The company has mentioned that upon closing the transaction, LLOG will become the new Gulf of America business unit of Harbour Energy. HBRIY will retain the LLOG name to capitalize on its long operational history in the region. 

HBRIY’s Zacks Rank and Key PicksHBRIY currently has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).

Some top-ranked stocks from the energy sector are Oceaneering International (OII - Free Report) , Subsea7 S.A. (SUBCY - Free Report) and FuelCell Energy (FCEL - Free Report) . While Oceaneering currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), Subsea7 and FuelCell carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) each. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Oceaneering International delivers integrated technology solutions across all stages of the offshore oilfield lifecycle. The company is a leading provider of offshore equipment and technology solutions to the energy industry. OII’s proven ability to deliver innovative, integrated solutions supports ongoing client retention and new business opportunities, ensuring steady revenue growth.

Subsea7 helps build underwater oil and gas fields. It is a leading player in the global offshore energy industry, providing engineering, construction and related services at offshore oil and gas fields. The long-term outlook for energy demand remains positive, and Subsea7’s focus on cost-efficient deepwater projects strengthens the position of its subsea business.

FuelCell Energy is a clean energy company offering low-carbon energy solutions. It produces power using flexible fuel sources such as biogas, natural gas and hydrogen. The company designs fuel cells that generate electricity through an electrochemical process that combines fuel with air, reducing carbon emissions and minimizing the environmental impact of power generation. As such, FCEL is anticipated to play a crucial role in the energy transition by enabling industries and communities to shift from traditional fossil fuels to low-carbon alternatives.

, /PRNewswire/ -- The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz announces that investors with losses related to Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. ("Sprouts" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: SFM) have opportunity to lead the securities fraud class action lawsuit.

IF YOU ARE AN INVESTOR WHO SUFFERED A LOSS IN SPROUTS FARMERS MARKET, INC. (SFM), CLICK HERE BEFORE JANUARY 26, 2026 (THE LEAD PLAINTIFF DEADLINE) TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ONGOING SECURITIES FRAUD LAWSUIT.

 What Is The Lawsuit About?
The complaint filed alleges that, between June 4, 2025 and October 29, 2025, Defendants failed to disclose to investors that: (1) Sprouts' customer base was not "more resilient" to the macroeconomic environment and the Company was not positioned to "cope and deal with the changes" caused by economic uncertainty; (2) the "trade-down" dynamics—shifting consumer spending from food away from home to food at home—were either insufficient to offset a slowdown in sales or would fail to materialize as a meaningful "tailwind" for the Company;  (3) the Company's increased comparable sales guidance and reported two-year stack figures did not accurately reflect a sustainable growth trajectory, as Sprouts was actually facing a significant slowdown in sales growth due to a more cautious consumer; and (4) as a result, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times.

Contact Us To Participate or Learn More:

If you wish to learn more about this action, or if you have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact us.
The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz, 
Email us at: [email protected]
Call us at: 310-914-5007
Visit our website at: www.frankcruzlaw.com
Follow us for updates on Twitter: twitter.com/FRC_LAW.

If you inquire by email, please include your mailing address, telephone number, and number of shares purchased.

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

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

SOURCE The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz, Los Angeles

, /PRNewswire/ -- The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz announces that investors with losses related to Freeport-McMoran Inc. ("Freeport" or the "Company") (NYSE: FCX) have opportunity to lead the securities fraud class action lawsuit.

IF YOU ARE AN INVESTOR WHO SUFFERED A LOSS IN FREEPORT-MCMORAN INC. (FCX), CLICK HERE BEFORE JANUARY 12, 2026 (THE LEAD PLAINTIFF DEADLINE) TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ONGOING SECURITIES FRAUD LAWSUIT.

 What Is The Lawsuit About?
The complaint filed alleges that, between February 15, 2022 and September 24, 2025, Defendants failed to disclose to investors that: (1) Freeport did not adequately ensure safety at the Grasberg Block Cave mine in Indonesia; (2) the lack of proper safety precautions constituted a heightened risk that could foreseeably lead to the death of Freeport's workers; (3) this constituted an undisclosed heightened risk of regulatory, litigation, and reputational risk; and (4) as a result, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times.

Contact Us To Participate or Learn More:

If you wish to learn more about this action, or if you have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact us.
The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz, 
Email us at: [email protected]
Call us at: 310-914-5007
Visit our website at: www.frankcruzlaw.com
Follow us for updates on Twitter: twitter.com/FRC_LAW.

If you inquire by email, please include your mailing address, telephone number, and number of shares purchased.

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

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

SOURCE The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz, Los Angeles

Key Takeaways Solventum to acquire Acera Surgical for $725M upfront and $125M tied to milestones.Acera Surgical's synthetic matrix tech fits SOLV's wound care portfolio, adding care solutions.Solventum expects slight EPS dilution in 2026, with earnings accretion from 2027.
Solventum (SOLV - Free Report) announced the acquisition of Acera Surgical, which specializes in advanced synthetic treatment options for regenerative wound care, to expand its MedSurg business into the fast-growing synthetic tissue matrices market within the acute wound care market. The transaction includes $725 million in cash upfront and an additional contingent payment of $125 million in the future if Acera Surgical meets certain performance targets.

Per management, the acquisition helped reach a milestone in SOLV’s three-phased business transformation plan as Acera Surgical’s synthetic tissue matrix technology fits well with the company’s existing wound care products and improves the range of solutions available in acute care.

As regenerative wound care is a fast-growing area of healthcare, this commercial synergy aligns closely with Solventum’s leadership in advanced wound care and accelerates the adoption of Acera Surgical’s innovative Restrata product portfolio to treat complex tissue wounds.

SOLV Stock Trend Following the NewsFollowing the announcement, shares of SOLV edged down 0.3% at yesterday’s closing. Over the past six months, shares of the company have gained 7.4% compared with the industry’s 2.3% growth and the S&P 500’s 15.7% rise.

In the long run, the acquisition strengthens SOLV’s growth profile in a $900-million U.S. synthetic tissue matrices market that is growing faster than traditional wound care categories. Solventum’s global footprint and specialized sales force are expected to enhance its ability to deliver more comprehensive wound care solutions to clinicians by combining Acera Surgical’s well-established synthetic matrices in advanced wound therapy.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

SOLV’s recent announcement of a share repurchase program highlights the company’s confidence in its cash flow generation and its commitment to deliver long-term value for patients, healthcare providers and shareholders.

SOLV currently has a market capitalization of $14.01 billion.

More on the Acera Surgical AcquisitionThe completion of the Acera Surgical acquisition provides SOLV with immediate scale in the synthetic tissue matrices segment, a key area within regenerative wound care.Acera Surgical’s proprietary electrospinning technology platform, Restrata, available in the United States, offers fully synthetic alternatives for soft tissue repair and improving clinical outcomes in acute care.

Acera Surgical is expected to generate $90 million in sales in 2025, adding a growth platform to Solventum’s MedSurg business and strengthening the company’s existing advanced wound care solutions, including negative pressure wound therapy.

Excluding the effects of share repurchases, the transaction will add a slight dilution to adjusted EPS in 2026. However, it is expected to start increasing earnings from 2027 onward. Solventum paid for the acquisition using cash on hand, without taking on any new debt, while preserving balance sheet flexibility.

The completion of the Acera Surgical acquisition marks an important step in Solventum’s transformation journey. By combining Acera Surgical’s innovative technology with Solventum’s strong clinical relationships and global commercial reach, the company is well-positioned to drive accelerated growth, expand margins and create value for patients, clinicians and shareholders over time.

Industry Prospects Favoring the Advanced Wound Care MarketGoing by data provided by Precedence Research, the advanced wound care market is valued at $16.33 billion in 2025 and is expected to witness a CAGR of 15.70% through 2034. Factors like the rising chronic and acute wound prevalence to drive demand for dressings and devices are shaping the market’s growth.

Other NewsSOLV recently announced that an international panel of wound care surgeons and experts has supported the use of closed incision negative pressure therapy with ROCF dressings to improve patient safety and surgical outcomes. The guidance highlights Solventum’s Prevena Therapy as the only ciNPT system using proprietary ROCF technology.

The company has earned the Diamond Level Resiliency Badge from the Healthcare Industry Resilience Collaborative, recognizing the company’s strong supply-chain performance. The award highlights Solventum’s ability to deliver critical MedSurg products, manage risks effectively and ensure uninterrupted patient care, even during supply disruptions.

SOLV’s Zacks Rank & Key PicksCurrently, SOLV carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Some better-ranked stocks from the broader medical space are BrightSpring Health Services, Inc. (BTSG - Free Report) , Pediatrix Medical Group, Inc. (MD - Free Report) and Biodesix (BDSX - Free Report) .

BrightSpring Health Services, sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) at present, reported third-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of 30 cents, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 11.1%. Revenues of $3.33 billion beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 5.5%. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rankstocks here.

BTSG has an estimated long-term earnings growth rate of 53.3% compared with the industry’s 15.5% rise. The company beat earnings estimates in the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 45.1%.

Pediatrix Medical Group, currently flaunting a Zacks Rank #1, reported a third-quarter 2025 adjusted EPS of 67 cents, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 45.7%. Revenues of $492.8 million beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.8%.

MD has an estimated earnings growth rate of 37.1% for 2025 compared with the industry’s 11.0% growth. The company beat earnings estimates in the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 35.4%.

Biodesix, currently carrying a Zacks Rank #2, reported a third-quarter 2025 loss per share of $1.16, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 27.5%. Revenues of $21.8 million beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.7%.

BDSX has an estimated earnings growth rate of 20.0% for 2025 compared with the industry’s 11.0% growth. The company’s earnings have missed estimates in the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 6.9%.