Market Signal Briefing

Ripple News

$224M XRP Transfer Sparks Speculation of Whale Activity

TL;DR A major transaction of 110,193,345 XRP worth $224 million has intensified speculation about large-scale accumulation. The transfer surfaced with no advance trading signals and

flash news

XRP Ledger Chaos: Exchange Wallet Runs Dry, Flooding Network With Failed Payments

BitGo, a leading crypto custodian, confirmed a temporary network disruption after one of its XRP wallets ran out of balance, triggering thousands of failed transactions

CryptoCurrency News

Custody Firm BitGo Expands Crypto Offering in Europe

TL;DR BitGo Europe received approval from German financial regulator BaFin to offer regulated crypto trading alongside its existing custody and staking services. The new license

Companies

Cosmos Health Goes All In on Ethereum With Massive $300M Treasury Plan

TL;DR Cosmos Health has secured a $300 million financing facility to establish an Ethereum treasury reserve, marking one of the most significant moves by a

Companies

BitGo Confidentially Files S-1 for U.S. IPO Amid Growing Crypto Listings

TL;DR BitGo confidentially filed a draft registration for its initial public offering (IPO) with the SEC, signaling its intention to go public. The company holds

IOTA News

IOTA Skyrockets 62% After Rebased Governance Vote Started

TL;DR IOTA has launched a crucial vote to decide on the implementation of the Rebased protocol, aimed at improving the network’s scalability, decentralization, and efficiency.

Bitcoin

Inflation

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Anas Hassan

Crypto Journalist

Anas Hassan

About Author

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

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Last updated: 

December 5, 2025

The Bureau of Economic Analysis released long-delayed September PCE inflation data showing headline PCE at 2.8% year-over-year, matching expectations and ticking up from 2.7% in August. Core PCE—the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge—improved to 2.8% from 2.9%, beating the 2.9% forecast.

Bitcoin held steady around $92,000 on the release, with the in-line data keeping December rate cut odds anchored at 86% for the Fed’s December 9-10 FOMC meeting.

The core PCE decline is encouraging for dovish policymakers, though the headline increase shows inflation remains above the Fed’s 2% target.

Coming on the heels of today’s shockingly strong jobless claims (191K vs 219K expected), the Fed faces conflicting signals—inflation cooling gradually but employment showing unexpected resilience.

Alternative data provider Truflation noted the disconnect between the delayed September official data and current conditions, reporting their real-time PCE at just 2.13% and core PCE at 2.6% using “millions of price data points from real purchases, as opposed to surveyed prices.”

BEA just released their September (!) PCE data.

September PCE: 2.8% (previous 2.7%, expected 2.8%)
September Core PCE: 2.8% (previous 2.9%, expected 2.9%)

Meanwhile, Truflation has been reporting daily PCE data using independent data sources:

🇺🇸 Truflation PCE today: 2.13%
🇺🇸… pic.twitter.com/aGGWfitx6i

— Truflation (@truflation) December 5, 2025
The gap highlights the challenge facing Fed Chair Powell—September’s data is already two months old, collected before the government shutdown, and may not reflect current economic conditions.

Markets are now weighing whether improving core inflation (2.8% vs 2.9%) combined with QT that ended December 1 justifies a rate cut, or whether today’s robust labor market data (191K jobless claims, lowest since 2022) argues for patience.

Bitcoin’s muted reaction suggests crypto traders are taking a wait-and-see approach into next week’s blackout period before the December 9-10 Fed meeting.

The technical setup shows resistance at $93,000 and the descending trendline that’s capped rallies since November 11, with support holding at $92,000.

The total crypto market cap sits at $3.1 trillion as traders weigh whether the combination of cooling core inflation and strong employment creates the “goldilocks” scenario for risk assets, or whether the Fed interprets resilient labor markets as justification to pause easing.

With core PCE moving in the right direction but still 80 basis points above target, the December rate cut remains probable but not guaranteed—especially if policymakers view today’s 191K jobless claims as evidence the economy doesn’t need additional stimulus.

PCE Inflation Meets Expectations: Fed Gets Mixed Signals

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approximately 300,648 Bitcoins were purchased between the price range of $84,375 and $84,635, marking a potential new support level for the cryptocurrency. This substantial buying activity, recorded on December 3, 2025, as per data provided by Glassnode and shared by analyst Ali Martinez, underscores this price zone as crucial for traders and long-term holders alike.

Bitcoin’s price dipped below the $84,000 mark earlier in the week, triggering concerns among investors. However, it swiftly rebounded and is now trading at approximately $91,300, reflecting a 2% drop over the past 24 hours but a slight uptick over the week. The accumulation at the $84,000 price point is particularly noteworthy as it indicates a zone of interest for long-term investors who might see it as a foundational level of support.

Notably, the Long-Term Holder Spent Output Profit Ratio (SOPR), averaged over 30 days, currently sits at 1.40. This metric is critical for understanding market sentiment, as a SOPR above 1 indicates that long-term holders are selling their assets at a profit. During accumulation phases, SOPR tends to fall below 1 and can even approach 0.50 during significant market lows. Analyst Ali Martinez has suggested that dollar-cost averaging is a wise strategy when SOPR falls below 1, reflecting potential buying opportunities in a declining market.

Despite the recent purchase activity, some analysts warn that the market may still be in a profit-taking phase, rather than one of strong accumulation. This raises questions about whether Bitcoin has indeed found a new stable floor or if further volatility is on the horizon.

Adding to the complexity, Bitcoin’s price has recently experienced its most significant pullback of the year, a drop of over 36%, primarily due to rejection from a long-standing trendline. Analyst Rekt Capital has highlighted that similar trendline rejections in the past have led to significant corrections, including 32% and 14% downturns, underscoring the trendline’s formidable resistance. The current support level around $80,000 has withstood several tests, previously prompting rebounds of 31% and 48%. Yet, the current recovery post-pullback is only 15%, leading some to speculate that the $80,000 support may be weakening.

The chart analysis from Titan of Crypto presents another layer of challenge for Bitcoin. The cryptocurrency is now facing a “double barrier,” consisting of a 3-year ascending trendline and a weekly bearish Fair Value Gap (FVG), both acting as significant resistance points. For Bitcoin to regain its upward momentum, bulls will need to overcome these barriers. Titan of Crypto emphasizes the need for the bulls to show substantial strength to breach this resistance and close the FVG, a sentiment echoed by traders who are keeping a close watch on these technical indicators.

Recent market dynamics and signals point to Bitcoin potentially nearing the lower range of its current cycle. A crucial resistance level at $93,500 has been repeatedly tested in recent trading sessions, positioning it as a pivotal area for either a breakout or reversal. This level’s repeated tests highlight its importance in the current market scenario and could dictate Bitcoin’s near-term trajectory.

Amidst these technical considerations, it’s important to reflect on the broader context of Bitcoin’s role in the global financial ecosystem. Since its inception in 2009, Bitcoin has transformed from a niche digital currency to a mainstream asset, attracting interest from institutional investors and retail traders alike. However, its volatile nature continues to pose risks, and regulatory scrutiny remains a constant concern, particularly as governments worldwide grapple with the implications of digital currencies on traditional financial systems.

One counterpoint to the optimistic view of Bitcoin’s current market position is the potential for regulatory interventions that could dampen investor enthusiasm. As governments increasingly focus on the regulation of cryptocurrencies, any significant policy changes could impact market stability and alter investor perceptions.

In conclusion, while the substantial accumulation at the $84,000 range suggests a strong support level, the market’s current state reflects a complex interplay of profit-taking sentiments, resistance challenges, and broader economic factors. As Bitcoin continues to evolve within the financial landscape, careful attention to market signals, regulatory developments, and technical analyses will be crucial for stakeholders navigating its future trajectory. Whether the recent buying spree marks a new floor for Bitcoin or merely a pause in its ongoing volatility remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly sets the stage for intriguing developments in the coming months.

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TL;DR

Buenos Aires now accepts Dogecoin for municipal tax and fee payments.
The city partners with Binance for public cryptocurrency education campaigns.
Investment firm Vanguard now permits trading of crypto-linked fund products.

A recent post from the Dogecoin (DOGE) team highlights growing real-world use of the meme cryptocurrency. Reports indicate that Buenos Aires now allows residents and businesses to pay city taxes and administrative fees with cryptocurrencies, including Dogecoin, under the “BA Cripto” policy package. The project’s official X account wrote “Doge is everywhere,” a message meant to underscore the asset’s growing presence in urban payment channels.

The city continues to broaden its crypto-related initiatives. In November, Binance announced a cooperation agreement with the local government aimed at promoting safe crypto-asset adoption.

doge is everywherehttps://t.co/KRVhwCG78l

— Dogecoin (@dogecoin) December 5, 2025

The partnership includes an educational campaign named “Live Crypto in Your City”, which provides clear guidance on how cryptocurrencies operate and how users can apply security practices in day-to-day transactions. 

Financial Institutions Reinforce the Expansion of crypto-Asset Access
Institutional interest also advances. Vanguard Group, the world’s second-largest asset manager, now allows trading of ETFs and mutual funds that hold cryptocurrencies as primary assets. The decision reverses a long-standing policy and opens new options for users operating through its platform. The shift appears during a phase in which more financial firms introduce products tied to crypto assets, expanding the channels available for investors.

Dogecoin (DOGE) Technical and Fundamental Analysis – December 5, 2025
The current price of Dogecoin (DOGE) stands at $0.1437 USD, recording a +3.63% increase in the last 24 hours. Its market capitalization is $23.19 billion, with a 24-hour trading volume of $1.21 billion, reflecting a moderate rise in market activity. With 161.57 billion DOGE in circulation, the cryptocurrency remains the ninth-largest by global market capitalization.

From a technical standpoint, Dogecoin maintains a sideways-to-bullish trend, consolidating within the $0.140 – $0.150 USD range. The Bollinger Bands show a slight contraction, indicating a period of reduced volatility before a potential directional move.

The upper band sits near $0.149 USD, while the lower band is around $0.138 USD, and the 20-day moving average (middle band) lies at $0.143 USD, acting as dynamic support. A breakout above $0.150 USD could push DOGE toward $0.157 USD, whereas a drop below $0.140 USD could lead to a retracement toward $0.134 USD.

Cover image via U.Today

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

The prices of most of the coins are falling today, according to CoinStats.

XRP chart by CoinStatsXRP/USDThe price of XRP has declined by 1.49% over the last 24 hours.

Image by TradingViewOn the hourly chart, the rate of XRP is rising after a false breakout of the local support of $2.0575. If the daily candle closes near the resistance, traders may witness a blast to the $2.15 area.

Image by TradingViewOn the longer time frame, the price of XRP is far from key levels. 

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The rate is in the middle of the wide channel, between the support of $1.8209 and the resistance of $2.3034.

Image by TradingViewFrom the midterm point of view, the picture is similar, as neither buyers nor sellers are controlling the situation on the market. In this case, one should focus on the nearest area of $2. If the weekly bar closes near that mark, there is a high chance to see a test of the $1.80 zone soon.

XRP is trading at $2.0879 at press time.

TL;DR

Spectra opened a new financial layer on Flare by separating an asset’s principal value from its future yield to enable income markets.
The protocol already supports trading with sFLR and will add stXRP.
The system splits each token into a Principal Token with fixed returns and a tradable Yield Token, giving users control between predictable income or variable exposure.

Spectra introduced a new financial layer on Flare by launching a yield-trading model that separates an asset’s principal value from its future cash flows.

Spectra already enables trading with sFLR and is preparing the arrival of stXRP, which will expand the list of income-generating assets on the network. This structure turns yield into a tradable component and creates instruments that did not previously exist natively on Flare.

How Spectra’s New System Works
The system divides each yield-bearing token into two parts. A Principal Token reflects the base value and grows to its full amount at maturity, allowing users to lock in fixed returns. A Yield Token concentrates the rights to future yield and is traded independently, giving room to hedge rate changes or take more aggressive positions. With this architecture, users decide between predictable income or exposure to rate movements.

Both tokens serve as modular components for other protocols on the network. Platforms such as Mystic or Morpho can use them for lending, collateral, or structured products, increasing the utility of tokenized yield and improving capital efficiency. Assets can move across applications and remain productive at all times.

Permissionless Model
Spectra adopted a permissionless framework. Any user can create yield-trading markets for sFLR, FAssets, or other tokens and collect swap fees in a structure similar to Uniswap. In this initial phase, the protocol operates a liquidity pool based on sFLR that supports the fixed-rate and yield-exposure markets. Liquidity providers maintain balanced exposure on both sides and receive swap fees, along with incentives such as rFLR or SPECTRA when activated by the protocol. The team’s priority is to deepen liquidity to reduce costs and provide more stable pricing for PTs and YTs.

The protocol also introduced a tool designed for users who want a straightforward entry point. The Fixed Rate module allows users to pay an initial amount and receive a higher amount at maturity, with a known rate from the start. A simple example is paying 1 to receive around 1.1, without needing to trade YTs or join liquidity pools. As users gain experience, they can move on to more advanced strategies such as yield speculation or liquidity provision.

The next expansion includes stXRP, Firelight’s liquid token. Its integration will broaden income-generation options and extend the reach of the tokenized-yield model within Flare

During the Binance Blockchain Week in Dubai, renowned market analyst Tom Lee offered a bold forecast for Ethereum, predicting that its price could exceed $20,000 by 2026. This prediction comes amid a broader discussion about shifts in the cryptocurrency landscape, particularly focusing on the rising influence of tokenization in traditional financial systems. Ethereum, currently at the forefront of this trend, stands to benefit significantly as Wall Street increasingly embraces the tokenization of securities.

Tom Lee, known for his optimistic views on cryptocurrency, projected that Bitcoin could reach $300,000 by early 2026, paralleling the performance of the S&P 500. In the same breath, he suggested that Ethereum’s market dynamics could lead to an even more spectacular rise. According to Lee, Ethereum has been building a robust foundation, and this could lead to a breakout reminiscent of its previous leap from $90 to $4,866. If historical patterns repeat, investors might witness a more dramatic surge than anticipated.

A key factor in Lee’s forecast is the tokenization of real-world assets, a trend that has seen significant adoption on the Ethereum network. Tokenization involves converting physical and intangible assets into digital tokens on a blockchain, facilitating easier trading and ownership transfer. Ethereum currently commands over 70% of the market share in this area, largely due to its compatibility with various layer-2 solutions and Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) platforms, according to data from RWA.xyz.

Lee’s confidence in Ethereum is shared by BitMine, a company that has heavily invested in the cryptocurrency. Throughout the week, BitMine reportedly acquired approximately $350 million worth of Ether in a series of purchases, underscoring their belief in Ethereum’s potential. This investment strategy aligns with the company’s transformation into an ETH treasury company, a move reflecting its long-term faith in Ethereum’s role as a financial backbone of the future.

The optimistic sentiment surrounding Ethereum is not isolated to Tom Lee and BitMine. Other analysts, such as the crypto analyst known as ‘Sykodelic,’ have also noted the technical indicators suggesting a bullish trend for Ether. According to Sykodelic, the asset’s previous patterns show that whenever the daily relative strength index (RSI) transitions from oversold to breaking the trend, Ethereum experiences a substantial price increase, often at least 45%. This analysis points to a potential rise to $4,300 in the near term, with Ether trading around $3,170 during the latest Asian market session.

Despite these positive outlooks, some risks could temper Ethereum’s rise. The volatility inherent in cryptocurrency markets can lead to sudden and significant price swings. Additionally, regulatory changes can impact the speed and extent of asset tokenization, potentially affecting Ethereum’s market share. Moreover, as competitors continue to develop their blockchain solutions, Ethereum’s dominance may face challenges from emerging technologies offering faster or more efficient transaction processes.

The current price increase of Ethereum is reflective of a 13% gain over the past two weeks, recovering from dips below the $3,000 mark and forming a potential W-shaped base. Such patterns often precede upward trends, adding weight to the bullish predictions. However, the cryptocurrency market is notorious for its unpredictability, requiring investors to remain vigilant and informed about broader economic factors and technological advances.

Historically, Ethereum’s growth has been tied to the development of its ecosystem, including decentralized finance (DeFi) applications, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and smart contracts, which have all contributed to its value proposition. The network’s ability to innovate and adapt plays a crucial role in attracting investment and maintaining its position as a leader in the blockchain space.

In the broader context, tokenization is not just a fad but a transformative trend that could redefine the financial landscape. By offering a more efficient, transparent, and accessible way to handle assets, tokenization promises to revolutionize markets. As institutions continue to navigate this shift, Ethereum’s established infrastructure provides a reliable platform for implementing these technologies.

In conclusion, while Tom Lee’s prediction of Ethereum reaching $20,000 by 2026 may seem ambitious, it is grounded in tangible trends influencing the financial and technological sectors. The combination of Ethereum’s current market position, ongoing investments, and the broader tokenization movement supports a compelling case for its potential growth. Nevertheless, investors must weigh these opportunities against the inherent risks and remain adaptable to the dynamic nature of the cryptocurrency market.

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TL;DR

An unconfirmed report suggests the National Bank of Canada purchased 1.47M shares of MicroStrategy.
The alleged acquisition, valued at $273 million, would use MSTR as a proxy for Bitcoin exposure.
Experts express skepticism due to the absence of official documents from the company or the bank.

The crypto market was rocked by an unconfirmed report, highlighting the strategy of traditional banks for entering the crypto space. According to reports from BlockBeats News, the National Bank of Canada allegedly purchased 1.47 million shares of MicroStrategy Inc., valued at approximately $273 million.

While the purchase remains unconfirmed, the mere possibility demonstrates the tendency of financial institutions to use MicroStrategy as an indirect conduit to gain exposure to the pioneering digital asset. However, market analysts urge caution.

The company in question is known as a Bitcoin proxy, given its mass accumulation strategy—a role that constantly attracts institutional interest. The purported, unconfirmed investment by a bank of the caliber of the National Bank of Canada could be interpreted as a bullish signal of confidence.

However, in a market that values confirmation, the lack of official information from MicroStrategy or the Canadian bank itself generates considerable skepticism among experts, who doubt the authenticity and scale of the reported acquisition.

The Importance of Verification in Crypto Strategy
Some analysts, such as those at Coincu, emphasize the importance of basing investment strategies on verifiable data. Using vehicles like MicroStrategy for BTC exposure has the potential to affect market dynamics and regulatory perception.

An acquisition of a stake without proper confirmation can mislead market participants. Speculation surrounding this investment occurs while BTC is trading at $90,513.07, maintaining a market capitalization of $1.81 trillion and a dominance of 58.52%.

The potential participation of a major Canadian financial institution in MSTR could, if confirmed, generate a significant impact on Bitcoin’s price and institutional demand. Although the news remains under intense scrutiny, it makes it clear that the interconnection between traditional finance and the crypto sector continues to deepen.

In summary, market observers are awaiting any official statement that can confirm or deny this report and clarify whether this investment will be the next major catalyst for market dynamics.

TLDR:

Strive calls MSCI Bitcoin exclusion plan harmful to passive investors and market innovation
Bitcoin miners now provide AI infrastructure to Google, Microsoft in multibillion dollar deals
International accounting rules may let foreign Bitcoin firms avoid MSCI’s 50 percent threshold
Asset manager proposes custom index variants instead of excluding all Bitcoin treasury companies

Nasdaq-listed asset manager Strive has pushed back against MSCI’s proposal to remove companies holding significant Bitcoin from its global equity indices. The firm sent a formal letter to MSCI Chairman Henry Fernandez outlining concerns about the plan. 

Strive argues the move would harm passive investors and create market distortions. The company holds Bitcoin reserves and operates structured finance products tied to the digital asset.

The 50% MSCI Threshold Faces Criticism
The proposal targets companies where digital assets comprise more than 50 percent of total assets. 

MSCI released a preliminary exclusion list that includes major Bitcoin mining firms and treasury companies. Strategy and Metaplanet appear near the top of the list despite operating structured finance businesses. 

Strive argues these firms produce real goods and services beyond simply holding Bitcoin.

Bitcoin miners like MARA Holdings and Riot Platforms have expanded into AI infrastructure. These companies leverage existing power contracts and data centers to serve tech giants. 

Recent deals with Google, Microsoft and Amazon total nearly $10 billion according to market data. Google has taken equity stakes in some mining partners as part of these agreements.

The exclusion would cut passive investors off from participating in these growth trends. 

Strive notes that traditional financial institutions like JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs now issue Bitcoin-linked structured products. These banks face no index penalties for offering the same instruments that Bitcoin treasury companies provide. 

The uneven treatment creates competitive disadvantages for newer entrants in the space.

Accounting Rules Create Loopholes
Strive identified a major flaw in MSCI’s approach tied to accounting standards. US GAAP requires fair value reporting for digital assets while IFRS allows cost-basis accounting. 

International companies can keep Bitcoin holdings below the 50 percent threshold on paper even as values rise. The rule could inadvertently increase Bitcoin exposure in MSCI’s international indices.

Trump Media avoided the preliminary exclusion list despite substantial digital asset positions. The company holds Bitcoin through derivatives and ETFs rather than spot positions. 

Adding those instruments would push total exposure above 60 percent based on regulatory filings. Strive warns that measuring true digital asset exposure across various instruments will prove difficult.

The asset manager recommends MSCI create custom index variants instead of blanket exclusions. Clients concerned about Bitcoin exposure could opt into benchmarks like MSCI USA ex Digital Asset Treasuries. 

This approach would preserve neutral flagship indices while addressing specific investor preferences. ESG overlays and other screening tools already exist for handling controversial sectors.

flash news

CEA Industries Sticks With BNB as Sole Crypto Reserve

CEA Industries confirmed in an official statement that it will continue to hold BNB as its only digital asset reserve, following internal reviews and recent

flash news

JPMorgan Highlights Strategy as Key Driver in Bitcoin Forecast Despite Miner Selling

JPMorgan stated that Strategy’s strong balance sheet outweighs miner selling pressure and supports Bitcoin’s stability. The firm noted that high-cost miners have sold BTC following

Stablecoins

Stablecoin Adoption, Tokenized Settlement Dominate Binance Blockchain Week

TL;DR: Stablecoins are gaining traction as low‑cost, rapid alternatives for global payments and remittances. Tokenized settlement enables 24/7, transparent on‑chain transfers and asset representations, challenging

Companies

Strategy Transfers $1B in Bitcoin to Fidelity as Mizuho Reaffirms $484 Price Target

TL;DR Strategy transferred an additional 11,642 BTC to Fidelity’s custody, valued at approximately $1 billion, reinforcing its role as a listed Bitcoin proxy. The operation

CryptoCurrency News

Binance Halts THORChain Transfers Ahead of Network Upgrade

TL;DR Binance will temporarily suspend deposits and withdrawals of RUNE and other THORChain-based tokens starting December 5 to align with the blockchain’s scheduled upgrade. Trading

flash news

BNB Bulls Push Toward $1,200 as Price Hits 7-Year Ceiling

BNB is trading at $910 after rising 1.6% in the past 24 hours, once again approaching the long-standing resistance level that has defined its trend

flash news

RockawayX to Be Bought by Solmate in $2B Institutional Solana Merger

A crypto market merger amounting to $2 billion in assets and third-party stake. Solmate will buy RockawayX to create an infrastructure giant on the Solana

flash news

Solana’s SVM Introduced to Ethereum to Enable Parallel L2 Execution

New research revealed on December 2, 2025, that Solana’s Virtual Machine (SVM) is being applied to Ethereum Layer 2s to overcome the limits of single-threaded

flash news

Bounty Offer Rejected: Shibarium Bridge Hacker Raises New Questions After Exploit

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flash news

Upbit Confirms December 1 Service Restart After $37M Solana Network Exploit

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November DeFi Hacks Surge Past $127M With Balancer Hit Hardest at $113M

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TLDR:

Table of Contents

TLDR:How the XRP ETF Model Differs From Traditional Crypto FundsIndustry Context Around Tokenized Treasuries and Liquidity FlowsGet 3 Free Stock Ebooks

XRP ETF model centers on settlement and liquidity functions rather than speculative trading exposure.
Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs remain tied to price-driven inflows and derivatives-based execution frameworks.
Tokenized Treasuries could increase demand for assets functioning as settlement rails across institutional markets.
Commentary suggests XRP ETF growth may follow usage metrics instead of traditional buy-and-sell cycles.

XRP’s role in the ETF landscape is drawing interest after new insights described its potential to act as financial plumbing rather than a speculative vehicle. The discussion surfaced after commentary shared by Pumpius on social media compared the structure of an XRP ETF with existing Bitcoin and Ethereum products. 

The analysis pointed out that BTC and ETH funds mainly serve traders seeking price exposure and collateral use. The XRP model, however, was described as tied to balance-sheet functionality and9=opoiu settlement activity.

How the XRP ETF Model Differs From Traditional Crypto Funds
According to the post from Pumpius, Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs operate as speculative access points with price-driven inflows. The post described them as tools for exposure, derivatives execution, and collateralized positioning within trading environments. 

These funds offer access and liquidity but remain separated from native settlement layers. The commentary argued that this structure limits their role to market participation rather than infrastructure.

The XRP ETF, in contrast, was framed as closer to money-market utilities due to XRP’s settlement capabilities. The post indicated that XRP can function within repo markets, short-term liquidity operations, and settlement of tokenized Treasuries.

This positioning extends its potential reach into bond-market workflows and cross-border payment systems. Pumpius stated that this creates a distinct growth model tied to institutional usage rather than market speculation.

The thread noted that XRP’s interoperability with FX rails could extend its application in multi-asset transactions. 

This stands apart from the price-led reflexivity seen in Bitcoin ETF flows. The structure outlined suggests that an XRP ETF could gain assets as institutions use it for operational throughput. This approach frames the product as infrastructure rather than a trading-focused instrument.

A colleague in BlackRock’s digital markets team mentioned this to me privately and most people still don’t understand how fundamentally different an XRP ETF is from BTC/ETH ETFs.

BTC/ETH ETFs = Speculative Exposure
• Price appreciation
• Collateral for borrowing/lending
•…

— Pumpius (@pumpius) December 5, 2025

Industry Context Around Tokenized Treasuries and Liquidity Flows
The commentary also connected XRP’s potential role to the expanding field of tokenized sovereign debt. 

Pumpius referenced the International Monetary Fund’s acknowledgment of Treasury tokenization as a developing path. If adoption accelerates, assets capable of settling tokenized instruments could gain operational demand. 

The post suggested that an ETF built around settlement utility could outperform funds designed primarily for exposure.

This model contrasts the growth cycles of current ETF products, which rise and fall with retail and institutional buying. The described XRP framework would instead scale with transaction velocity and institutional liquidity needs. 

That distinction positions the product closer to existing money-market instruments than speculative crypto derivatives. The thread concluded that Wall Street may not yet be pricing this potential difference

In brief
The DOJ wants Do Kwon to receive the full 12-year prison sentence allowed under the plea deal he signed in August.
Prosecutors say a lighter sentence would be unfair compared to Sam Bankman-Fried’s 25-year prison sentence.
Kwon will be sentenced December 11 for two crimes: conspiracy to defraud and wire fraud.
The Department of Justice is asking a federal judge to sentence Do Kwon to 12 years in prison—the maximum sentence prosecutors reserved the right to pursue after the Terra founder pleaded guilty this summer. 

Though Kwon is technically eligible to serve 25 years in federal prison, the DOJ promised in August that it would only seek up to 12 years as part of a deal reached to encourage Kwon to forgo a jury trial and admit to two crimes: conspiracy to defraud, and wire fraud.

Now, federal prosecutors are advocating that the disgraced crypto founder receive the maximum sentence under that deal. In a legal filing submitted late Thursday, DOJ lawyers argued that Kwon needs a stiff sentence to avoid “unwarranted sentencing disparities” with other, similar cases—namely, that of FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried.

In a 2023 jury trial, Bankman-Fried was found guilty of seven fraud and conspiracy charges for his role in his $32 billion crypto exchange’s implosion. A judge later sentenced him to 25 years in prison. 

“Judge Kaplan imposed a sentence of 25 years on Bankman-Fried who, like Kwon, perpetrated a fraud of staggering proportions in his twenties and then attributed his brazen criminal conduct in part to youth and inexperience,” the prosecutors wrote.

Kwon, a 34-year old Korean national, found himself at the center of a global financial meltdown in 2022 when two cryptocurrencies he created, UST and LUNA, rapidly became worthless, wiping out over $40 billion in value and triggering a cascading crisis in the crypto market. The resulting “contagion” impacted FTX and several other notable firms.

In Thursday’s filing, prosecutors noted that Kwon’s attorneys failed to mention Bankman-Fried’s case in their request that the entrepreneur receive a five-year prison sentence.

“True, Bankman-Fried exercised his right to a trial,” the DOJ said. “But that scarcely justifies a 20-year delta between Bankman-Fried’s sentence and that requested by Kwon.”

The DOJ also took aim at Kwon’s attorneys for arguing the Terra founder should receive a “far shorter sentence” than Celsius founder Alex Mashinsky, who was handed 12 years earlier in 2025 for misappropriating his customers’ crypto and manipulating the price of his firm’s token.

“While Mashinsky was not detained pending trial and contested core aspects of his conduct, neither did he obtain a fake passport and try to live on the lam in a foreign country,” prosecutors said. “In any event, the magnitude of Mashinsky’s crime pales in comparison to Kwon’s: $5 billion versus $40 billion in investor losses.”

Kwon was arrested in Montenegro in 2023 and convicted of traveling with forged passports months after warrants were issued for his arrest in both the United States and South Korea. 

After an extremely protracted jurisdictional battle, the crypto entrepreneur was extradited to New York earlier this year.

Kwon will be sentenced in Manhattan on December 11 by U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer.

Daily Debrief NewsletterStart every day with the top news stories right now, plus original features, a podcast, videos and more.

Bitcoin News

Michael Saylor Calls Binance a ‘Great Bitcoin Exchange’ After First Meeting With CZ

TL;DR Michael Saylor met Changpeng Zhao at a blockchain event in Dubai. Saylor publicly called Binance a “Great Bitcoin Exchange” on social media. Saylor represents

Stablecoins

Stablecoin Adoption, Tokenized Settlement Dominate Binance Blockchain Week

TL;DR: Stablecoins are gaining traction as low‑cost, rapid alternatives for global payments and remittances. Tokenized settlement enables 24/7, transparent on‑chain transfers and asset representations, challenging

CryptoCurrency News

Binance Halts THORChain Transfers Ahead of Network Upgrade

TL;DR Binance will temporarily suspend deposits and withdrawals of RUNE and other THORChain-based tokens starting December 5 to align with the blockchain’s scheduled upgrade. Trading

flash news

BNB Bulls Push Toward $1,200 as Price Hits 7-Year Ceiling

BNB is trading at $910 after rising 1.6% in the past 24 hours, once again approaching the long-standing resistance level that has defined its trend

BNB News

Binance Faces Renewed Legal Battle as Florida Court Reopens $80M Bitcoin Lawsuit

TL;DR An Appeals Court ruled that the lower court erred in dismissing the case for lack of jurisdiction. The plaintiff seeks to recover 1,000 BTC,

flash news

Ripple CEO Says Bitcoin Will Hit $180K—Binance and Solana Don’t Agree

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse said during a panel at Binance Blockchain Week Dubai that Bitcoin could reach $180,000 by late 2026, citing strengthening institutional adoption.

The recommendations of Wall Street analysts are often relied on by investors when deciding whether to buy, sell, or hold a stock. Media reports about these brokerage-firm-employed (or sell-side) analysts changing their ratings often affect a stock's price. Do they really matter, though?

Let's take a look at what these Wall Street heavyweights have to say about StoneCo Ltd. (STNE - Free Report) before we discuss the reliability of brokerage recommendations and how to use them to your advantage.

StoneCo currently has an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 1.57, on a scale of 1 to 5 (Strong Buy to Strong Sell), calculated based on the actual recommendations (Buy, Hold, Sell, etc.) made by seven brokerage firms. An ABR of 1.57 approximates between Strong Buy and Buy.

Of the seven recommendations that derive the current ABR, six are Strong Buy, representing 85.7% of all recommendations.

Brokerage Recommendation Trends for STNE

Check price target & stock forecast for StoneCo here>>>

While the ABR calls for buying StoneCo, it may not be wise to make an investment decision solely based on this information. Several studies have shown limited to no success of brokerage recommendations in guiding investors to pick stocks with the best price increase potential.

Do you wonder why? As a result of the vested interest of brokerage firms in a stock they cover, their analysts tend to rate it with a strong positive bias. According to our research, brokerage firms assign five "Strong Buy" recommendations for every "Strong Sell" recommendation.

This means that the interests of these institutions are not always aligned with those of retail investors, giving little insight into the direction of a stock's future price movement. It would therefore be best to use this information to validate your own analysis or a tool that has proven to be highly effective at predicting stock price movements.

With an impressive externally audited track record, our proprietary stock rating tool, the Zacks Rank, which classifies stocks into five groups, ranging from Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) to Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), is a reliable indicator of a stock's near-term price performance. So, validating the Zacks Rank with ABR could go a long way in making a profitable investment decision.

Zacks Rank Should Not Be Confused With ABRAlthough both Zacks Rank and ABR are displayed in a range of 1--5, they are different measures altogether.

The ABR is calculated solely based on brokerage recommendations and is typically displayed with decimals (example: 1.28). In contrast, the Zacks Rank is a quantitative model allowing investors to harness the power of earnings estimate revisions. It is displayed in whole numbers -- 1 to 5.

Analysts employed by brokerage firms have been and continue to be overly optimistic with their recommendations. Since the ratings issued by these analysts are more favorable than their research would support because of the vested interest of their employers, they mislead investors far more often than they guide.

In contrast, the Zacks Rank is driven by earnings estimate revisions. And near-term stock price movements are strongly correlated with trends in earnings estimate revisions, according to empirical research.

Furthermore, the different grades of the Zacks Rank are applied proportionately across all stocks for which brokerage analysts provide earnings estimates for the current year. In other words, at all times, this tool maintains a balance among the five ranks it assigns.

There is also a key difference between the ABR and Zacks Rank when it comes to freshness. When you look at the ABR, it may not be up-to-date. Nonetheless, since brokerage analysts constantly revise their earnings estimates to reflect changing business trends, and their actions get reflected in the Zacks Rank quickly enough, it is always timely in predicting future stock prices.

Is STNE a Good Investment?Looking at the earnings estimate revisions for StoneCo, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has increased 2.4% over the past month to $1.72.

Analysts' growing optimism over the company's earnings prospects, as indicated by strong agreement among them in revising EPS estimates higher, could be a legitimate reason for the stock to soar in the near term.

The size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, has resulted in a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) for StoneCo. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>>

Therefore, the Buy-equivalent ABR for StoneCo may serve as a useful guide for investors.

Investors often turn to recommendations made by Wall Street analysts before making a Buy, Sell, or Hold decision about a stock. While media reports about rating changes by these brokerage-firm employed (or sell-side) analysts often affect a stock's price, do they really matter?

Before we discuss the reliability of brokerage recommendations and how to use them to your advantage, let's see what these Wall Street heavyweights think about ASML (ASML - Free Report) .

ASML currently has an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 1.42, on a scale of 1 to 5 (Strong Buy to Strong Sell), calculated based on the actual recommendations (Buy, Hold, Sell, etc.) made by 26 brokerage firms. An ABR of 1.42 approximates between Strong Buy and Buy.

Of the 26 recommendations that derive the current ABR, 20 are Strong Buy and one is Buy. Strong Buy and Buy respectively account for 76.9% and 3.9% of all recommendations.

Brokerage Recommendation Trends for ASML

Check price target & stock forecast for ASML here>>>

The ABR suggests buying ASML, but making an investment decision solely on the basis of this information might not be a good idea. According to several studies, brokerage recommendations have little to no success guiding investors to choose stocks with the most potential for price appreciation.

Do you wonder why? As a result of the vested interest of brokerage firms in a stock they cover, their analysts tend to rate it with a strong positive bias. According to our research, brokerage firms assign five "Strong Buy" recommendations for every "Strong Sell" recommendation.

In other words, their interests aren't always aligned with retail investors, rarely indicating where the price of a stock could actually be heading. Therefore, the best use of this information could be validating your own research or an indicator that has proven to be highly successful in predicting a stock's price movement.

With an impressive externally audited track record, our proprietary stock rating tool, the Zacks Rank, which classifies stocks into five groups, ranging from Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) to Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), is a reliable indicator of a stock's near-term price performance. So, validating the Zacks Rank with ABR could go a long way in making a profitable investment decision.

Zacks Rank Should Not Be Confused With ABRIn spite of the fact that Zacks Rank and ABR both appear on a scale from 1 to 5, they are two completely different measures.

Broker recommendations are the sole basis for calculating the ABR, which is typically displayed in decimals (such as 1.28). The Zacks Rank, on the other hand, is a quantitative model designed to harness the power of earnings estimate revisions. It is displayed in whole numbers -- 1 to 5.

Analysts employed by brokerage firms have been and continue to be overly optimistic with their recommendations. Since the ratings issued by these analysts are more favorable than their research would support because of the vested interest of their employers, they mislead investors far more often than they guide.

In contrast, the Zacks Rank is driven by earnings estimate revisions. And near-term stock price movements are strongly correlated with trends in earnings estimate revisions, according to empirical research.

Furthermore, the different grades of the Zacks Rank are applied proportionately across all stocks for which brokerage analysts provide earnings estimates for the current year. In other words, at all times, this tool maintains a balance among the five ranks it assigns.

Another key difference between the ABR and Zacks Rank is freshness. The ABR is not necessarily up-to-date when you look at it. But, since brokerage analysts keep revising their earnings estimates to account for a company's changing business trends, and their actions get reflected in the Zacks Rank quickly enough, it is always timely in indicating future price movements.

Is ASML Worth Investing In?Looking at the earnings estimate revisions for ASML, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has increased 0.2% over the past month to $29.01.

Analysts' growing optimism over the company's earnings prospects, as indicated by strong agreement among them in revising EPS estimates higher, could be a legitimate reason for the stock to soar in the near term.

The size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, has resulted in a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) for ASML. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>>

Therefore, the Buy-equivalent ABR for ASML may serve as a useful guide for investors.

Investors often turn to recommendations made by Wall Street analysts before making a Buy, Sell, or Hold decision about a stock. While media reports about rating changes by these brokerage-firm employed (or sell-side) analysts often affect a stock's price, do they really matter?

Let's take a look at what these Wall Street heavyweights have to say about Wells Fargo (WFC - Free Report) before we discuss the reliability of brokerage recommendations and how to use them to your advantage.

Wells Fargo currently has an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 1.89, on a scale of 1 to 5 (Strong Buy to Strong Sell), calculated based on the actual recommendations (Buy, Hold, Sell, etc.) made by 27 brokerage firms. An ABR of 1.89 approximates between Strong Buy and Buy.

Of the 27 recommendations that derive the current ABR, 13 are Strong Buy and four are Buy. Strong Buy and Buy respectively account for 48.2% and 14.8% of all recommendations.

Brokerage Recommendation Trends for WFC

Check price target & stock forecast for Wells Fargo here>>>

The ABR suggests buying Wells Fargo, but making an investment decision solely on the basis of this information might not be a good idea. According to several studies, brokerage recommendations have little to no success guiding investors to choose stocks with the most potential for price appreciation.

Do you wonder why? As a result of the vested interest of brokerage firms in a stock they cover, their analysts tend to rate it with a strong positive bias. According to our research, brokerage firms assign five "Strong Buy" recommendations for every "Strong Sell" recommendation.

This means that the interests of these institutions are not always aligned with those of retail investors, giving little insight into the direction of a stock's future price movement. It would therefore be best to use this information to validate your own analysis or a tool that has proven to be highly effective at predicting stock price movements.

With an impressive externally audited track record, our proprietary stock rating tool, the Zacks Rank, which classifies stocks into five groups, ranging from Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) to Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), is a reliable indicator of a stock's near-term price performance. So, validating the Zacks Rank with ABR could go a long way in making a profitable investment decision.

Zacks Rank Should Not Be Confused With ABRAlthough both Zacks Rank and ABR are displayed in a range of 1--5, they are different measures altogether.

Broker recommendations are the sole basis for calculating the ABR, which is typically displayed in decimals (such as 1.28). The Zacks Rank, on the other hand, is a quantitative model designed to harness the power of earnings estimate revisions. It is displayed in whole numbers -- 1 to 5.

Analysts employed by brokerage firms have been and continue to be overly optimistic with their recommendations. Since the ratings issued by these analysts are more favorable than their research would support because of the vested interest of their employers, they mislead investors far more often than they guide.

In contrast, the Zacks Rank is driven by earnings estimate revisions. And near-term stock price movements are strongly correlated with trends in earnings estimate revisions, according to empirical research.

Furthermore, the different grades of the Zacks Rank are applied proportionately across all stocks for which brokerage analysts provide earnings estimates for the current year. In other words, at all times, this tool maintains a balance among the five ranks it assigns.

Another key difference between the ABR and Zacks Rank is freshness. The ABR is not necessarily up-to-date when you look at it. But, since brokerage analysts keep revising their earnings estimates to account for a company's changing business trends, and their actions get reflected in the Zacks Rank quickly enough, it is always timely in indicating future price movements.

Is WFC Worth Investing In?In terms of earnings estimate revisions for Wells Fargo, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has remained unchanged over the past month at $6.28.

Analysts' steady views regarding the company's earnings prospects, as indicated by an unchanged consensus estimate, could be a legitimate reason for the stock to perform in line with the broader market in the near term.

The size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, has resulted in a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for Wells Fargo. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>>

It may therefore be prudent to be a little cautious with the Buy-equivalent ABR for Wells Fargo.

When deciding whether to buy, sell, or hold a stock, investors often rely on analyst recommendations. Media reports about rating changes by these brokerage-firm-employed (or sell-side) analysts often influence a stock's price, but are they really important?

Let's take a look at what these Wall Street heavyweights have to say about Trip.com (TCOM - Free Report) before we discuss the reliability of brokerage recommendations and how to use them to your advantage.

Trip.com currently has an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 1.25, on a scale of 1 to 5 (Strong Buy to Strong Sell), calculated based on the actual recommendations (Buy, Hold, Sell, etc.) made by 20 brokerage firms. An ABR of 1.25 approximates between Strong Buy and Buy.

Of the 20 recommendations that derive the current ABR, 17 are Strong Buy and one is Buy. Strong Buy and Buy respectively account for 85% and 5% of all recommendations.

Brokerage Recommendation Trends for TCOM

Check price target & stock forecast for Trip.com here>>>

The ABR suggests buying Trip.com, but making an investment decision solely on the basis of this information might not be a good idea. According to several studies, brokerage recommendations have little to no success guiding investors to choose stocks with the most potential for price appreciation.

Do you wonder why? As a result of the vested interest of brokerage firms in a stock they cover, their analysts tend to rate it with a strong positive bias. According to our research, brokerage firms assign five "Strong Buy" recommendations for every "Strong Sell" recommendation.

In other words, their interests aren't always aligned with retail investors, rarely indicating where the price of a stock could actually be heading. Therefore, the best use of this information could be validating your own research or an indicator that has proven to be highly successful in predicting a stock's price movement.

Zacks Rank, our proprietary stock rating tool with an impressive externally audited track record, categorizes stocks into five groups, ranging from Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) to Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), and is an effective indicator of a stock's price performance in the near future. Therefore, using the ABR to validate the Zacks Rank could be an efficient way of making a profitable investment decision.

Zacks Rank Should Not Be Confused With ABRAlthough both Zacks Rank and ABR are displayed in a range of 1--5, they are different measures altogether.

Broker recommendations are the sole basis for calculating the ABR, which is typically displayed in decimals (such as 1.28). The Zacks Rank, on the other hand, is a quantitative model designed to harness the power of earnings estimate revisions. It is displayed in whole numbers -- 1 to 5.

Analysts employed by brokerage firms have been and continue to be overly optimistic with their recommendations. Since the ratings issued by these analysts are more favorable than their research would support because of the vested interest of their employers, they mislead investors far more often than they guide.

In contrast, the Zacks Rank is driven by earnings estimate revisions. And near-term stock price movements are strongly correlated with trends in earnings estimate revisions, according to empirical research.

In addition, the different Zacks Rank grades are applied proportionately to all stocks for which brokerage analysts provide current-year earnings estimates. In other words, this tool always maintains a balance among its five ranks.

Another key difference between the ABR and Zacks Rank is freshness. The ABR is not necessarily up-to-date when you look at it. But, since brokerage analysts keep revising their earnings estimates to account for a company's changing business trends, and their actions get reflected in the Zacks Rank quickly enough, it is always timely in indicating future price movements.

Should You Invest in TCOM?In terms of earnings estimate revisions for Trip.com, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has increased 27.3% over the past month to $4.59.

Analysts' growing optimism over the company's earnings prospects, as indicated by strong agreement among them in revising EPS estimates higher, could be a legitimate reason for the stock to soar in the near term.

The size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, has resulted in a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) for Trip.com. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>>

Therefore, the Buy-equivalent ABR for Tripcom may serve as a useful guide for investors.

When deciding whether to buy, sell, or hold a stock, investors often rely on analyst recommendations. Media reports about rating changes by these brokerage-firm-employed (or sell-side) analysts often influence a stock's price, but are they really important?

Before we discuss the reliability of brokerage recommendations and how to use them to your advantage, let's see what these Wall Street heavyweights think about Humacyte, Inc. (HUMA - Free Report) .

Humacyte, Inc. currently has an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 1.50, on a scale of 1 to 5 (Strong Buy to Strong Sell), calculated based on the actual recommendations (Buy, Hold, Sell, etc.) made by eight brokerage firms. An ABR of 1.50 approximates between Strong Buy and Buy.

Of the eight recommendations that derive the current ABR, six are Strong Buy, representing 75% of all recommendations.

Brokerage Recommendation Trends for HUMA

Check price target & stock forecast for Humacyte, Inc. here>>>

While the ABR calls for buying Humacyte, Inc., it may not be wise to make an investment decision solely based on this information. Several studies have shown limited to no success of brokerage recommendations in guiding investors to pick stocks with the best price increase potential.

Are you wondering why? The vested interest of brokerage firms in a stock they cover often results in a strong positive bias of their analysts in rating it. Our research shows that for every "Strong Sell" recommendation, brokerage firms assign five "Strong Buy" recommendations.

This means that the interests of these institutions are not always aligned with those of retail investors, giving little insight into the direction of a stock's future price movement. It would therefore be best to use this information to validate your own analysis or a tool that has proven to be highly effective at predicting stock price movements.

With an impressive externally audited track record, our proprietary stock rating tool, the Zacks Rank, which classifies stocks into five groups, ranging from Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) to Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), is a reliable indicator of a stock's near-term price performance. So, validating the Zacks Rank with ABR could go a long way in making a profitable investment decision.

ABR Should Not Be Confused With Zacks RankIn spite of the fact that Zacks Rank and ABR both appear on a scale from 1 to 5, they are two completely different measures.

The ABR is calculated solely based on brokerage recommendations and is typically displayed with decimals (example: 1.28). In contrast, the Zacks Rank is a quantitative model allowing investors to harness the power of earnings estimate revisions. It is displayed in whole numbers -- 1 to 5.

It has been and continues to be the case that analysts employed by brokerage firms are overly optimistic with their recommendations. Because of their employers' vested interests, these analysts issue more favorable ratings than their research would support, misguiding investors far more often than helping them.

On the other hand, earnings estimate revisions are at the core of the Zacks Rank. And empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.

In addition, the different Zacks Rank grades are applied proportionately to all stocks for which brokerage analysts provide current-year earnings estimates. In other words, this tool always maintains a balance among its five ranks.

Another key difference between the ABR and Zacks Rank is freshness. The ABR is not necessarily up-to-date when you look at it. But, since brokerage analysts keep revising their earnings estimates to account for a company's changing business trends, and their actions get reflected in the Zacks Rank quickly enough, it is always timely in indicating future price movements.

Should You Invest in HUMA?In terms of earnings estimate revisions for Humacyte, Inc., the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has increased 11.7% over the past month to -$0.25.

Analysts' growing optimism over the company's earnings prospects, as indicated by strong agreement among them in revising EPS estimates higher, could be a legitimate reason for the stock to soar in the near term.

The size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, has resulted in a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) for Humacyte, Inc. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>>

Therefore, the Buy-equivalent ABR for Humacyte, Inc may serve as a useful guide for investors.

From a technical perspective, Synchronoss (SNCR - Free Report) is looking like an interesting pick, as it just reached a key level of support. SNCR recently overtook the 50-day moving average, and this suggests a short-term bullish trend.

One of the three major moving averages, the 50-day simple moving average is commonly used by traders and analysts to determine support or resistance levels for different types of securities. However, the 50-day is considered to be more important since it's the first marker of an up or down trend.

Over the past four weeks, SNCR has gained 74.2%. The company is currently ranked a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), another strong indication the stock could move even higher.

The bullish case only gets stronger once investors take into account SNCR's positive earnings estimate revisions. There have been 1 higher compared to none lower for the current fiscal year, and the consensus estimate has moved up as well.

Investors may want to watch SNCR for more gains in the near future given the company's key technical level and positive earnings estimate revisions.

Shares of Meta Platforms Inc. (META) rose on Thursday after Bloomberg reported the technology company was planning to cut spending across its division by 10%, with as much as 30% of the cuts affecting its virtual reality group, which includes the so-called metaverse.

For the quarter ended October 2025, Victoria's Secret (VSCO - Free Report) reported revenue of $1.47 billion, up 9.2% over the same period last year. EPS came in at -$0.27, compared to -$0.50 in the year-ago quarter.

The reported revenue represents a surprise of +4.55% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.41 billion. With the consensus EPS estimate being -$0.60, the EPS surprise was +55%.

While investors scrutinize revenue and earnings changes year-over-year and how they compare with Wall Street expectations to determine their next move, some key metrics always offer a more accurate picture of a company's financial health.

As these metrics influence top- and bottom-line performance, comparing them to the year-ago numbers and what analysts estimated helps investors project a stock's price performance more accurately.

Here is how Victoria's Secret performed in the just reported quarter in terms of the metrics most widely monitored and projected by Wall Street analysts:

Comparable Sales - Stores and Direct: 8% compared to the 3.1% average estimate based on three analysts.Total stores - Company-Operated: 792 compared to the 786 average estimate based on two analysts.Total stores - China Joint Venture: 63 versus the two-analyst average estimate of 67.Geographic Net Sales- Direct: $428.5 million compared to the $414.66 million average estimate based on two analysts. The reported number represents a change of +4.3% year over year.View all Key Company Metrics for Victoria's Secret here>>>

Shares of Victoria's Secret have returned +14.5% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +1.3% change. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), indicating that it could perform in line with the broader market in the near term.

The Zacks Toys - Games - Hobbies industry is hurt by elevated production and logistics costs, as well as shifting consumer spending. However, strong franchise and licensing partnerships, robust e-commerce and omnichannel sales, and consistent innovation in product categories bode well. The robust demand for smart toys, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) toys, sports toys, and fashion dolls and accessories bodes well. Industry participants have been focusing on the better execution of marketing and promotional initiatives to drive growth. Stocks like Hasbro, Inc. (HAS - Free Report) and Mattel, Inc. (MAT - Free Report) are likely to gain from these trends.

Industry Description
The Zacks Toys - Games - Hobbies industry comprises companies that design, manufacture and sell various games and toys. While traditional toymakers primarily focus on marketing and selling action figures, accessories, dolls, youth electronics, and arts and crafts, other industry players develop and market content and services on video game consoles, personal computers and mobiles. Some industry participants offer video game platforms, playing cards, Karuta and other products, as well as handheld and home console hardware systems and related software. Some companies develop and operate retail and online military simulation games, and offer both multi and single-player games.

4 Trends Shaping the Future of Zacks Toys - Games - Hobbies Industry
Persistent Cost Inflation and Supply Chain Pressures: The Toys & Games industry continues to grapple with elevated production and logistics costs, which have not fully normalized even after the peak pandemic disruptions. Higher input prices for plastics, resins, paper packaging and electronics components have squeezed manufacturers’ margins. Additionally, freight rates, though lower than crisis-era highs, remain volatile, especially for companies relying heavily on Asian sourcing. Many toy makers also face unpredictable tariff environments, adding another layer of cost uncertainty.

These pressures make it harder for companies to maintain competitive pricing without sacrificing profitability, forcing some to scale back assortment breadth or delay new product launches. Retailers are also demanding tighter cost controls and faster turnaround times, amplifying the strain across the supply chain.

Shifting Consumer Spending and Weakness in Discretionary Categories: With inflation affecting household budgets, consumers are prioritizing essentials, leaving less room for discretionary purchases like toys, board games and collectibles. Middle-income families, historically the backbone of toy spending, are cutting back or delaying purchases until promotional periods. This has contributed to softer traffic and reduced full-price sell-through at major retailers.

At the same time, competition from digital entertainment, such as mobile gaming, streaming services and social platforms, continues to divert attention and wallet share away from traditional toys. The result is a more challenging demand environment where brands must work harder and spend more on marketing and innovation to capture consumer interest, often with diminishing returns.

STEM Toys Gaining Popularity: The increasing demand for educational experiences outside traditional classrooms is a significant factor driving market growth. Parents are increasingly looking for toys that promote problem-solving, creativity and critical thinking in their children. STEM toys, in particular, are gaining popularity due to their ability to spark curiosity and develop practical skills, making them a top choice for many families.

Factors such as heightened interest in coding and robotics toys have significantly shaped the market landscape. Industry players are capitalizing on new distribution methods, developing digital-play components, exploring ventures with other industries and focusing on international expansion to drive growth. The industry has enormous growth potential in China and Brazil.

Focus on Emerging Markets: Industry participants are focusing on expanding their presence in emerging markets in Eastern Europe, Asia, and Latin and South America. Emerging markets offer greater opportunities for revenue growth than developed markets.

Zacks Industry Rank Indicates Dull Prospects
The Zacks Toys – Games – Hobbies industry is grouped within the broader Zacks Consumer Discretionary Sector.

The group’s Zacks Industry Rank, which is the average of the Zacks Rank of all the member stocks, indicates dull near-term prospects.

The Zacks Toys – Games – Hobbies industry currently carries a Zacks Industry Rank #218, which places it in the bottom 10% of 243 Zacks industries. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1.

Before we present a few stocks for investors to consider, let us analyze the industry’s recent stock-market performance and valuation picture.

Industry Underperforms the S&P 500
The Zacks Toys – Games – Hobbies industry has underperformed the S&P 500 index. The industry has rallied 12% over this period compared with the S&P 500’s rise of 15.1%. In the same time frame, the sector has declined 3.3%.

1-Year Price Performance

Industry's Current Valuation
Comparing the industry with the S&P 500 index based on forward 12-month price-to-earnings, which is a commonly used multiple for valuing the industry, we see that the industry is trading at 11.22X, lower than the S&P 500’s 23.53X and the sector’s 19.89X.

Over the past five years, the industry traded as high as 25.55X and as low as 10.29X, with the median being 13.64X, as the chart shows.

 

2 Zacks Toy Stocks to Keep an Eye On
Hasbro: The company is benefiting from the entertainment pipeline, strategic partnerships and new product innovations. Also, its focus on high-margin segments such as Wizards, Licensing and Digital segments bodes well. The company remains focused on cost transformation and operational discipline.

Shares of this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company have gained 24.1% in the past year. The company’s 2026 earnings are likely to witness a year-over-year increase of 7.4%. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Price & Consensus: HAS

Mattel: The company is likely to benefit from the Optimizing for Profitable Growth program and strong demand for Hot Wheels. This and initiatives toward capturing the full value of the IPs and transforming itself into a high-performing toy company bode well.  Mattel is capitalizing on partner-driven innovation to reinforce its competitive position and unlock incremental revenue streams.

Shares of this Zacks Rank #3 company have gained 9.3% in the past year. The company’s 2026 earnings are pegged at $1.74, indicating a year-over-year gain of 10.7%.

Price & Consensus: MAT

ATLANTA, Dec. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A shareholder class action lawsuit has been filed against Bitdeer Technologies Group (“Bitdeer” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: BTDR). The lawsuit alleges that Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose material adverse information, including allegations that Defendants failed to disclose that the SEAL04 chip projected to have a chip-level energy efficiency of 5 J/TH would be ready for use in the A4 rigs with an expected mass production to begin in the second quarter 2025.

If you purchased shares of Bitdeer between June 6, 2024 and November 10, 2025, and experienced a significant loss on that investment, you are encouraged to discuss your legal rights by contacting Corey D. Holzer, Esq. at [email protected], by toll-free telephone at (888) 508-6832, or by visiting the firm’s website at www.holzerlaw.com/case/bitdeer-technologies/ for more information.

The deadline to ask the court to be appointed lead plaintiff in the case is February 2, 2026.

Holzer & Holzer, LLC, an ISS top rated securities litigation law firm for 2021, 2022, and 2023, dedicates its practice to vigorous representation of shareholders and investors in litigation nationwide, including shareholder class action and derivative litigation. Since its founding in 2000, Holzer & Holzer attorneys have played critical roles in recovering hundreds of millions of dollars for shareholders victimized by fraud and other corporate misconduct. More information about the firm is available through its website, www.holzerlaw.com, and upon request from the firm. Holzer & Holzer, LLC has paid for the dissemination of this promotional communication, and Corey Holzer is the attorney responsible for its content.  

CONTACT:
Corey Holzer, Esq.
(888) 508-6832 (toll-free)
[email protected]

After reaching an important support level, Hershey (HSY - Free Report) could be a good stock pick from a technical perspective. HSY surpassed resistance at the 20-day moving average, suggesting a short-term bullish trend.

The 20-day simple moving average is a well-liked trading tool because it provides a look back at a stock's price over a 20-day period. Additionally, short-term traders find this SMA very beneficial, as it smooths out short-term price trends and shows more trend reversal signals than longer-term moving averages.

The 20-day moving average can show signals that are similar to other SMAs as well. If a stock's price is moving above the 20-day, the trend is considered positive. When the price falls below the moving average, it can signal a downward trend.

HSY could be on the verge of another rally after moving 8.8% higher over the last four weeks. Plus, the company is currently a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock.

Once investors consider HSY's positive earnings estimate revisions, the bullish case only solidifies. No earnings estimate has been lowered in the past two months, compared to 9 raised estimates, for the current fiscal year, and the consensus estimate has increased as well.

Given this move in earnings estimate revisions and the positive technical factor, investors may want to keep their eye on HSY for more gains in the near future.