Market Signal Briefing

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Bitcoin closed 2025 with a modest annual loss, breaking the familiar pattern of strong year-end performance and reinforcing growing concerns that the market may be transitioning into a more challenging phase in 2026.

As macro uncertainty, fading liquidity, and weak risk appetite weigh on sentiment, an increasing number of analysts are openly discussing the possibility of a prolonged bear market. Still, price action tells a more nuanced story. Bitcoin remains locked in consolidation, and the absence of aggressive downside continuation has opened the door to a potential relief rally in the near term.

On-chain data from CryptoQuant adds important context to this setup. Recent metrics show that short-term holders—investors who typically drive momentum during trend expansions—have slipped back into net losses. Aggregate realized profit and loss for this group has turned negative again, with margins hovering near -12%.

Bitcoin Short-Term Holder Realized Profit and Loss | Source: CryptoQuant
This deterioration is notable because it is occurring while Bitcoin’s price remains relatively elevated compared to previous cycle drawdowns, suggesting that stress is building beneath the surface rather than after a full capitulation.

Historically, periods where short-term holders operate at a loss often coincide with late-stage corrections or consolidation phases within broader market transitions. While this does not confirm a market bottom, it highlights fragility in near-term demand and reinforces the idea that Bitcoin is at a critical inflection point as 2026 approaches.

Short-Term Holder Stress Signals a Market at a Crossroads
Recent on-chain observations suggest Bitcoin is entering a delicate phase where short-term holders are increasingly under strain. When newer market participants slip into losses, it often signals that price has moved faster than incoming demand can comfortably absorb. In past cycles, this condition has typically appeared near the later stages of corrections or during extended sideways phases, rather than at the start of deep bear markets.

What makes the current setup notable is Bitcoin’s proximity to the average acquisition price of short-term holders. This zone has historically acted as a psychological and behavioral battleground. When price hovers near this level, market reactions tend to intensify, as traders decide whether to cut losses or hold through uncertainty. The outcome often defines whether consolidation continues or volatility expands.

Importantly, the scale of losses remains moderate compared to historical capitulation events. Previous market resets, such as those seen in 2018 or mid-2022, were characterized by far deeper and more prolonged stress among short-term holders. The absence of similar extremes today suggests that, while sentiment is weak, the broader market structure has not yet broken down.

That said, persistent pressure on short-term holders reflects fragile near-term demand. If losses begin to narrow, it could signal stabilization and set the stage for a relief move. If they widen instead, downside moves are more likely to accelerate.

Bitcoin Consolidates Below $90K
Bitcoin price action on the 3-day chart shows a clear transition from trend expansion to consolidation following the sharp correction from the $120K–$125K region. After losing the 50-day and 100-day moving averages during the November breakdown, BTC accelerated lower before finding demand in the mid-$80K zone. Since then, price has stabilized and is now compressing just below $90K, suggesting that downside momentum has slowed materially.

BTC consolidates around 200-3d MA | Source: BTCUSDT chart on TradingView
The current structure reflects a market in equilibrium rather than capitulation. Bitcoin is trading above the 200-day moving average, which continues to slope upward, preserving the broader bullish structure from a higher-timeframe perspective. However, the declining 50-day and 100-day averages overhead are acting as dynamic resistance, capping upside attempts and preventing a clean trend reversal for now.

Selling pressure peaked during the November decline, but recent candles show reduced volume, consistent with seller exhaustion rather than aggressive accumulation. This often precedes a range-bound phase where the market digests prior gains.

From a technical standpoint, holding the $85K–$88K region is critical. A sustained defense of this area keeps the consolidation intact and opens the door for a relief rally toward the $95K–$100K zone.

Conversely, a decisive loss of this support would expose Bitcoin to a deeper retracement toward the 200-day average, shifting the short-term bias back to the downside.

Featured image from ChatGPT, chart from TradingView.com 

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Posted: January 3, 2026

Once Bitcoin showed minor weakness, leverage and premium trades unraveled, pushing Strategy (Formerly known as MicroStrategy) sharply away from Bitcoin’s underlying performance.

Strategy ($MSTR) has declined by roughly 66% over the past six months, erasing close to $90 billion in market capitalization by 26 December 2025. The decline occurred even as Bitcoin remained relatively resilient, highlighting a widening disconnect between the asset and its corporate proxy.

Source: Ted Pillows on X

The sell-off coincided with the collapse of Strategy’s long-standing NAV premium, aggressive share issuance, and growing concerns around leverage, index eligibility, and balance-sheet complexity. As these risks accumulated, investors appeared increasingly unwilling to pay for narrative-driven leverage.

So, what exactly was the market repricing here?

Trade gets repriced as investors reassess leveraged Bitcoin exposure
Markets increasingly treated Strategy as a leveraged financial structure rather than a straightforward Bitcoin proxy.

Strategy holds approximately $60 billion worth of Bitcoin [BTC] and yet, its equity has been trading at a 20–25% discount to that underlying value. This reversal is evidence of a clear shift in how investors have priced leverage, optionality, and risk concentration.

Talking about leverage, once the NAV premium disappeared, downside exposure accelerated. What once amplified returns instead magnified losses, reinforcing investor caution during periods of stress.

When the NAV premium collapses, leverage stops working
Premium-driven trades often unwind rapidly once confidence and liquidity conditions deteriorate.

Historically, Strategy traded above the value of its Bitcoin holdings, reflecting leverage and perceived strategic advantage. By late December, that premium not only vanished but inverted, signaling structural repricing rather than short-term volatility.

At the same time, sustained dilution raised concerns around long-term equity value capture. Additional issuance weakened investor appetite as balance-sheet risks became increasingly visible.

Leverage turns against shareholders
Leverage stopped enhancing returns once market conditions shifted against premium-based positioning and elevated balance-sheet risk.

As volatility increased, leverage amplified downside exposure, prompting investors to demand higher compensation or exit positions.

Talking about balance sheets, markets have historically favored simplicity during stress. This has left Strategy’s complex structure misaligned with investor preferences.

STRC as a defensive signal amid mounting balance-sheet pressure
Income-focused messaging replaced growth narratives as pressure intensified across the equity.

Michael Saylor promoted STRC, a cash-dividend vehicle paying 11% annually, distributed monthly. While framed as an income solution, markets largely interpreted the move as defensive, rather than expansionary.

Source: X

Higher yield signaled capital preservation, rather than confidence. The shift suggested management responded to market pressure, instead of leading with growth expectations.

What is the problem? The asset or the wrapper?
Finally, the divergence highlighted a growing distinction between Bitcoin ownership and leveraged corporate exposure.

Bitcoin itself avoided a comparable collapse, while Strategy absorbed most of the downside. The separation underscored how investors increasingly differentiated the asset from the wrapper.

Final Thoughts

Strategy’s collapse reflected a repricing of leverage, dilution, and balance-sheet complexity, not a failure of Bitcoin’s underlying fundamentals.
As NAV premiums disappeared, investors shifted away from leveraged proxies, favoring simpler exposure and cleaner balance sheets.

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Bitcoin closed the year slightly in the red, marking a rare break in the long-observed four-year cycle pattern of one red year followed by three green years. The annual decline was modest—around 6%—and negligible compared to historical drawdowns seen in prior bearish years. Yet despite its limited magnitude, the red close carries symbolic weight, suggesting a shift in market behavior rather than outright weakness.

Recent on-chain analysis from Axel Adler adds important context to this change. Data tracking cumulative Net Taker Flow shows that aggressive buying peaked around the New Year before fading. Since then, the balance of market aggression has tilted toward sellers, though not in an extreme way.

The indicator currently sits in a moderate negative range, signaling that sell-side pressure has increased but remains far from capitulation levels.

Historically, similar conditions have tended to coincide with heightened downside sensitivity rather than immediate trend reversals. In practical terms, this suggests that Bitcoin is vulnerable to further weakness if demand fails to recover, but it is not yet displaying the stress typically associated with deeper bear phases.

The key takeaway is nuance. Bitcoin is not collapsing, but it is no longer behaving like an asset in a clean, momentum-driven expansion. The shift toward moderate sell pressure, combined with a rare red yearly close, points to a market transitioning into a more complex and selective phase rather than following its familiar cycle script.

Derivatives Momentum Turns Cautious as Sell-Side Pressure Aligns
Adler’s analysis highlights a growing shift in short-term market behavior through the Bitcoin Net Taker Flow momentum metric, which tracks how aggressively traders are positioning on the long or short side. Unlike cumulative flow, this indicator is designed to react quickly to sentiment changes, offering an early read on shifts in trader behavior rather than longer-term positioning.

Bitcoin Net Taker Flow 24H | Source: CryptoQuant
In recent sessions, this momentum gauge has rolled over decisively. After holding positive territory in late December, the smoothed reading has slipped into negative levels, now hovering around -0.3. While this does not yet reflect extreme stress, it places the market firmly in a moderate bearish pressure regime. The timing is notable: the momentum downturn occurred alongside a deterioration in cumulative Net Taker Flow, reinforcing the signal rather than contradicting it.

This alignment matters. When both cumulative pressure and short-term momentum weaken together, it reduces the likelihood that the move is driven by noise or isolated positioning. Instead, it points to a broader shift in trader aggression toward the sell side. Adler notes that deeper downside risk would emerge if momentum continues to weaken, particularly if readings push beyond the -0.4 threshold.

Conditions suggest controlled but persistent selling pressure. Bitcoin is not yet in capitulation territory, but the synchronized signals indicate that bearish forces currently have the upper hand, increasing sensitivity to any loss of price support.

Bitcoin Holds Key Support As Momentum Remains Fragile
Bitcoin is consolidating around the $88,000–$90,000 zone after a sharp pullback from its recent highs. Reflecting a market caught between stabilization and lingering downside risk. Price remains below the short-term and medium-term moving averages, signaling that bullish momentum has not yet been reclaimed.

The 50-period moving average has turned into dynamic resistance, while the 100-period average is flattening, reinforcing the idea of a broader compression phase rather than an immediate trend reversal.

BTC testing key level | Source: BTCUSDT chart on TradingView
Importantly, Bitcoin is still holding well above the 200-period moving average, which continues to slope upward. This suggests that, from a higher-timeframe perspective, the broader structure has not fully broken down. However, the loss of the $100,000–$105,000 region earlier marked a clear regime shift from expansion to distribution. Increasing sensitivity to sell-side pressure.

Volume has notably declined during the recent sideways movement, indicating a lack of conviction from both buyers and sellers. This supports the view that the market is digesting prior excesses rather than aggressively repricing lower. Still, repeated failures to push back above the $92,000–$95,000 range highlight weak demand at higher levels.

As Bitcoin holds the $85,000–$88,000 support band, consolidation remains the dominant scenario. A breakdown below this area would likely open the door to deeper retracements.

Featured image from ChatGPT, chart from TradingView.com

Bitcoin’s recent implosion-style correction may look alarming on the surface, but from a market structure perspective, it is serving a critical purpose. Sharp pullbacks are often necessary to reset overheated momentum, flush excess leverage, and create the foundation for a healthier, more sustainable rally. That is precisely what Bitcoin appears to be doing now, as price action stabilizes and begins to push upward again.

Following the aggressive sell-off that dragged BTC well below key short-term moving averages, the market has shifted noticeably. Bitcoin has established local support in the upper $80,000 range and is gradually reclaiming levels that previously acted as strong resistance. This behavior suggests a transition away from panic-driven selling toward a more controlled recovery phase, which is far more constructive for long-term price growth.

What matters most is not the depth of the drop, but how Bitcoin is responding afterward. The return to critical moving-average territory is a major technical development. A sustained move above short-term resistance zones, especially if Bitcoin can hold those reclaimed levels instead of immediately rejecting, significantly increases the probability of upside acceleration toward the $100,000 mark. Historically, this type of price behavior tends to precede trend continuation rather than short-lived relief rallies.

Volume dynamics further reinforce this outlook. Selling pressure has clearly subsided, while buyers are stepping in with patience rather than chasing price. This indicates growing confidence and accumulation, not desperation. The current price structure increasingly resembles a base formation instead of a topping pattern, supporting the idea that the recent correction successfully removed structural weakness from the market.

From a broader perspective, this reset was necessary. Bitcoin had become overheated, with stretched momentum that made continued upside without a correction unsustainable. The recent decline corrected that imbalance. Now, as volatility compresses and price steadily rises, Bitcoin appears positioned for a stronger and more aggressive move once resistance finally breaks, keeping the $100,000 level firmly in focus.

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BitMine has sparked a significant discussion among investors after its chairman, Tom Lee, urged shareholders to approve a proposal to dramatically increase the company’s authorized share limit from 500 million to 50 billion shares. The vote is set to close on January 14, just one day before BitMine’s annual shareholder meeting scheduled for January 15 in Las Vegas. The proposal has drawn attention not only because of its scale but also due to its close connection to BitMine’s evolving Ethereum-focused strategy.

In a New Year message to investors, Lee clarified that approving a higher authorized share count does not mean BitMine plans to immediately issue all those shares. Instead, he emphasized that the move is designed to give the company long-term flexibility. According to Lee, the expanded share authorization would allow BitMine to meet future capital needs, pursue strategic acquisitions, and execute stock splits if the share price rises substantially. Stock splits, he noted, could help keep BitMine shares accessible to retail investors as the company grows.

BitMine’s transformation over the past year provides important context for the proposal. The company pivoted away from being viewed solely as a traditional mining operation and repositioned itself as an Ethereum treasury company, with ETH becoming its primary balance sheet asset. Since making this shift, BitMine has aggressively accumulated Ethereum, including more than $1 billion worth of ETH purchased in the past month alone. As a result, the company increasingly resembles a leveraged Ethereum balance sheet rather than a miner driven by operational metrics.

Lee told shareholders that BitMine’s stock price has started to track Ethereum’s price more closely than its mining performance. From his perspective, if Ethereum continues to rise over time, issuing new shares to acquire additional ETH could still create shareholder value, even if it leads to dilution in ownership percentages. He stressed that dilution would only occur if new shares are actually issued, not simply because they are authorized.

While approving the proposal would not dilute shares immediately, it would lower the barrier for future dilution tied directly to Ethereum exposure. Investors now face a strategic decision that reflects BitMine’s bold bet on Ethereum and its long-term growth potential.

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Peter Schiff is starting 2026 with a blunt message for Bitcoin holders: in his view, the trade is crowded, the “good news” is exhausted, and the unwind is already visible in the vehicles built to maximize BTC exposure.

Schiff’s Bitcoin Prediction For 2026
In a Jan. 1 “Year-End Special” episode outlining his 2026 market forecasts, the renowned Bitcoin-critic argued that the cryptocurrency spent 2025 doing the one thing it wasn’t supposed to do in a year packed with pro-crypto narratives: fall. He framed that underperformance as the tell for what comes next.

Schiff contrasted BTC’s year against both risk assets and his preferred macro hedges. Stocks finished 2025 higher, he cited the Dow up 13%, the S&P 500 up 16.4%, and the Nasdaq up 20.4%, while gold rose 64% and silver more than doubled. Bitcoin, he said, was the outlier on the wrong side.

“Everybody on CNBC was pounding the table on when the year began was Bitcoin,” Schiff said, describing a narrative mix that included “a Bitcoin president,” “a Bitcoin strategic reserve,” heavy corporate buying, and the growth of ETFs. “Bitcoin was one of the only things that was down on the year.”

He pointed to ETF performance to ground that claim, saying he checked where Bitcoin ETFs “closed […] because they’re done for the year,” and that they were “down just over 7.5% on the year,” even as the Nasdaq and gold posted large gains.

Then he delivered the core of his setup: “If something doesn’t go up when everybody thinks it’s going to go up, that’s a pretty good indication that it’s going to go down,” he said. “If a market can’t go up on good news, that means all that good news is already priced into the market […] and that means all that it can do is go down.”

Strategy As The “Poster Boy” Stress Test
Schiff also used Strategy, the market’s most visible leveraged Bitcoin proxy, as his preferred diagnostic for sentiment and structural demand.

He said Strategy finished 2025 at a new 52-week low and was “down 47.5% on the year” and “67% below its peak 52-week high,” calling it “the poster boy” for maximum BTC leverage. Schiff’s argument was not that Strategy failed to buy BTC but that the equity market was already pricing the downsides of the model.

Schiff went further, claiming Strategy’s five-year average BTC cost basis sits around $75,000, implying only a modest gain with Bitcoin near $87,000. “That’s about a 16% gain, 3% a year over 5 years,” he said, arguing it undercut the pitch that the trade is a one-way compounding machine. He also claimed Strategy could not realistically exit at its average price without slippage, framing the “profit” as fragile in a liquidation scenario.

From there, Schiff extended the thesis into 2026 market structure: if Strategy slows or stops buying, and if ETF flows flip decisively negative, marginal demand may not be there when it’s needed. “The ETFs are selling now,” he said. “They’ve gone from big Bitcoin buyers to consistent Bitcoin sellers.”

While Schiff refrained from naming a BTC price target for 2026 in the video, the gold bug set a downside “minimum target” of about $50,000 mid-December 2025. He argued that Strategy could not fall as much as he expected without Bitcoin also taking a major leg lower.

Year-End Special: My 2026 Economic and Market Forecastshttps://t.co/pqy8bWJBjP

— Peter Schiff (@PeterSchiff) January 1, 2026

The Macro Backdrop
Schiff’s broader 2026 macro call was a mix of weaker growth, stickier inflation, and intensifying political pressure on monetary policy, conditions he expects to support precious metals and pressure Bitcoin.

He argued the Fed is already effectively back in easing mode: “it just went back to quantitative easing, even though it hasn’t officially acknowledged that that’s what it’s doing” and expects further rate cuts alongside a weakening dollar. He also tied tariffs to higher consumer prices and margin pressure, forecasting a 2026 environment where “the economy is going to be weak” while “inflation is going to be strong,” a combination he called “toxic.”

Schiff’s practical conclusion for crypto listeners was direct: he urged viewers to “get rid of your Bitcoin above $87,000,” while reiterating that he expects capital to rotate toward gold and silver as “the bloom comes off that crypto […] tulip.”

At press time, BTC traded at $89,517.

Bitcoin remains stuck between the 0.618 and 0.786 Fib, 1-week chart | Source: BTCUSDT on TradingView.com
Featured image from YouTube, chart from TradingView.com

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As 2025 came to a close, Bitcoin (BTC) ended on a negative note, trading more than 30% below its all-time highs and grappling with the formation of a death cross—a technical indicator that traditionally precedes significant price corrections. 

Currently hovering just above $89,200, Bitcoin recently saw its 10-week and 50-week simple moving averages (SMAs) cross paths on December 8, a development highlighted by market analyst Ali Martinez on social media site X (previously Twitter).

Bitcoin May Face 50%-60% Correction 
Martinez emphasized the importance of watching the behavior of these two moving averages on the weekly chart. Historically, each time Bitcoin has registered a death cross between the 10-week and 50-week SMAs, it has been followed by substantial corrections. 

As seen in the cryptocurrency’s weekly chart below, past occurrences of such crossovers have led to price declines of 67% in September 2014, 54% in June 2018, 53% in March 2020, and 64% in January 2022. 

BTC’s death cross formation and historical corrections after similar moves. Source: Ali Martinez on X
With the recent death cross-forming, Martinez suggests that if history is any guide, Bitcoin could face a correction between 50% and 60%, which would place its price anywhere between $50,000 and $38,000. 

Adding another layer of complexity to the analysis, market expert Mags has outlined two potential scenarios for Bitcoin’s near future. 

Two Scenarios For BTC’s Future
Following Bitcoin’s downturn since its October highs above $126,000, it has been trading around the $85,000 mark for several weeks. Coinciding with this, Tether’s USDT dominance has broken out of its previous range, currently maintaining levels above the breakout zone.

Since Bitcoin and USDT dominance exhibit an inverse correlation, Mags has identified two main scenarios moving forward. The first, a bullish scenario, hinges on the idea that if USDT dominance begins to decline, the current breakout could turn out to be a fakeout. 

Mags asserts that such a move could potentially ignite another expansion in Bitcoin’s price, possibly even leading to a new all-time high before any significant distribution occurs.

Conversely, Mags outlined a second scenario indicating early signs of a bearish structure. If the broader market trend weakens, Bitcoin might experience a temporary bounce, while USDT dominance forms a higher low near its mid-range before trending back upwards. 

In this case, BTC would exhibit a slow distribution pattern, marking neither a crash nor a rapid decline, but rather a gradual, choppy downward movement characteristic of initial bearish market behavior.

The next move in USDT dominance is poised to play a crucial role in determining whether the current market represents a mere pause before further price continuation or the onset of an extended distribution phase leading up to a new all-time high.

The 1-D chart shows BTC’s inability to surpass the key $90,000 resistance wall for the past few weeks. Source: BTCUSDT on TradingView.com
Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com

TLDR:

Bitcoin begins 2026 near $90,000 after a volatile 2025 that reached all-time highs of $126,199.
Critical support lies at the 20-month moving average ($88,049); losing this level could sink the price to $50,000.
Analysts debate whether institutional demand and ETFs have rendered the cryptocurrency’s traditional four-year cycle obsolete.

The year begins with a tense calm in the cryptocurrency market. Following a 2025 marked by extreme fluctuations—with lows of $74,500 in April to historic records of $126,199 in October—the Bitcoin price forecast for 2026 stands at a technical crossroads. As December closed, the asset was trading near $87,000, leaving traders divided between the expectation of a new bear market or an unprecedented bullish continuation.

Currently, the monthly chart shows a structure of higher lows, which technically maintains the uptrend. However, the key lies in the 20-month exponential moving average (EMA), situated at $88,049. If BTC fails to stay above this level and breaks the $74,508 support, the Bitcoin price forecast would turn grim, with potential downside targets toward $50,000 due to the formation of a bearish “head and shoulders” pattern.

Bullish Scenarios: The Path to $178,000
On the other hand, optimists suggest that market maturity, driven by ETFs and more favorable regulation, has invalidated the four-year cycle. If buyers manage to defend current levels and reclaim the psychological $100,000 barrier, the Bitcoin price forecast points to a retest of the all-time high. A definitive breakout above $126,199 would open the doors to new technical projections at $141,188 and, in a scenario of prolonged euphoria, up to $178,621.

In the short term, weekly charts show signs of caution, with moving averages on the verge of a bearish crossover not seen since early 2022. For investors, the Bitcoin price forecast will depend on whether $74,508 acts as a solid floor or if current rallies are simply “bull traps” before a deeper correction. Monitoring these levels will be essential for defining trading strategies in this first quarter.

Buffett may still be chairman, but Berkshire's next big deal (or big buyback) will likely have Greg Abel's fingerprints on it.

Famed investor Warren Buffett spent six decades turning Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B 1.15%)(BRK.A 1.42%) into something rare: a collection of durable businesses tied together by one central job -- capital allocation.

Now that Buffett is no longer CEO, that job is moving into Greg Abel's hands. And Abel will undoubtedly be under the microscope, because Berkshire's next decade of returns will likely depend less on operational execution and more on how its cash gets deployed. After all, the conglomerate has a lot of cash (we're talking hundreds of billions of dollars).

But who will be making the biggest capital allocation decisions at Berkshire? Will it be Abel or someone else?

Image source: Getty Images.

Capital allocation is central to Berkshire's culture
Berkshire is decentralized on purpose. For the most part, the conglomerate's operating companies run themselves. But the excess capital they throw off ultimately gets funneled back to Omaha, where it can be redeployed through acquisitions, share repurchases, or stock positions.

This capital allocation work from Berkshire's headquarters is what Buffett built his reputation on, and it will likely be what makes or breaks Abel's reputation going forward.

While Abel hasn't spoken in detail about where the bulk of the responsibility for capital allocation will lie at Berkshire, it will be in his hands if Buffett gets his wish.

At Berkshire's 2024 annual meeting, Buffett said, "I would leave the capital allocation to Greg. He understands businesses extremely well, and if you understand businesses, you understand common stocks."

The size of Berkshire's cash pile is what makes this transition so consequential. Berkshire boasts well over $350 billion in cash, cash equivalents, and U.S. Treasury bills. When the cash position is that large, a handful of decisions can drive shareholder outcomes.

Abel may share some capital allocation responsibilities
Berkshire Hathaway has long disclosed that Todd Combs and Ted Weschler managed portions of its public-stock portfolio, with Buffett managing the majority. But Berkshire announced in December that Combs would conclude his tenure at the company. This leaves investors with some questions, including whether Weschler will take over Combs' portion of the portfolio or if it will go to Abel. In addition, it's possible that Abel relies even more on Weschler than Buffett did, allocating an even larger portion of the portfolio to the investment lieutenant's management. After all, Weschler has an incredible track record when it comes to stock picking.

While it's possible that Weschler takes on even more responsibility at Berkshire, I suspect that Abel will follow Buffett's advice and become Berkshire's primary capital allocator, leaving a smaller portion to Weschler.

Beyond his 2024 comments, Buffett recently reinforced his confidence in Abel in a recent CNBC interview, saying he'd rather have Abel handling his money than any of the top investment advisors or CEOs in the United States.

Coming from the Oracle of Omaha, that says a lot.

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Berkshire stock: What investors should watch next
So where does that leave investors?

Here's what I'd watch next: Berkshire's first truly large capital move under Abel. A modest equity trim or a bolt-on deal will not tell you much. But a decision that commits tens of billions of dollars will. When that first big move happens, investors may get an early glimpse of Abel's capital allocation approach.

Additionally, I'll be watching for any share repurchases. Since the second quarter of 2024, Berkshire has refrained from repurchasing its shares. If Berkshire resumes repurchases in the first quarter of 2025, it may suggest that Abel believes the stock is undervalued.

But investors shouldn't get their hopes up for any significant moves to occur immediately. The company was built around discipline and patience. As Buffett's hand-picked successor, Abel will likely honor those values. Abel, therefore, probably won't make a big move unless it's truly attractive -- and a great opportunity may not surface right away.

Less than an ounce of silver can buy a barrel of oil, the first time that has happened since the Hunt brothers tried to corner silver in 1980. That's not normal.

Nvidia's $20 billion strategic licensing deal with Groq represents one of the first clear moves in a four-front fight over the future AI stack. 2026 is when that fight becomes obvious to enterprise builders.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kirby McInerney LLP reminds investors who purchased Jayud Global Logistics Limited (“Jayud” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ:JYD) securities to contact Lauren Molinaro of Kirby McInerney LLP by email at [email protected], or fill out the contact form below, to discuss your rights or interests in the securities fraud class action lawsuit at no cost.

If you suffered a loss on your Jayud investments, you have until January 20, 2026 to request lead plaintiff appointment. Follow the link below for more information:

[CONTACT THE FIRM IF YOU SUFFERED A LOSS]

What Is The Lawsuit About?

The lawsuit has been filed on behalf of investors who purchased securities during the period of April 21, 2023 through April 30, 2025, inclusive (“the Class Period”). The lawsuit alleges Jayud failed to disclose to investors: (1) that Jayud was the subject of a fraudulent stock promotion scheme involving social media-based misinformation and impersonated financial professionals; (2) that insiders and/or affiliates used offshore or nominee accounts to facilitate the coordinated dumping of shares during a price inflation campaign; and (3) that Jayud’s public statements and risk disclosures omitted any mention of the false rumors and artificial trading activity driving the stock price.

In April 2023, Jayud went public via initial public offering (“IPO”). The IPO was low-float, offering just 1.25 million shares to the public, less than 5% of total outstanding equity, while maintaining overwhelming insider control through Class B super voting shares and offshore holding entities.

Jayud stock then surged from roughly $1.00 to an all-time high of $7.97 per share on April 1, 2025, reaching a market capitalization of roughly $720 million on that date, despite no fundamental news from the Company.

On April 1, 2025, after market hours, Jayud’s stock price abruptly fell 95.6%, or $7.62 per share, to close at $0.35 per share on April 2, 2025.

Investigations and public reports have since revealed that Jayud was used a primary vehicle for an illicit “pump-and-dump” promotion scheme. The structure of Jayud’s public listing and float allegedly made the scam possible.

[CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CLASS ACTION]

What Should I Do?

If you purchased or otherwise acquired Jayud securities, have information, or would like to learn more about this investigation, please contact Lauren Molinaro of Kirby McInerney LLP by email at [email protected], or fill out the contact form below, to discuss your rights or interests with respect to these matters at no cost.

[HOW CAN I PROTECT MY RIGHTS?]

Kirby McInerney LLP is a New York-based plaintiffs’ law firm concentrating in securities, antitrust, whistleblower, and consumer litigation. The firm’s efforts on behalf of shareholders in securities litigation have resulted in recoveries totaling billions of dollars. Additional information about the firm can be found at Kirby McInerney LLP’s website.

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

News Release Highlights:

Battery X Metals has advanced the development of its next-generation, patent-pending lithium-ion battery rebalancing platform by completing a high-resolution 3D scan of a Tesla Model 3 battery pack, representing an initial step toward expanding compatibility with the #1 selling electric vehicle brand in the United States.

The completed high-resolution 3D scan provides the foundational digital reference required to design custom adaptor and connector solutions for the Company's next-generation rebalancing machine, supporting a compatibility strategy across high-volume electric vehicle platforms as millions of EVs approach out-of-warranty status over the coming decade.

The advancement supports Battery X Metals' long-term commercialization strategy focused on extending EV battery remaining lifespan, reducing total cost of ownership, and addressing the global market for battery diagnostics, rebalancing, and lifecycle-extension technologies as electric vehicle adoption continues to accelerate.

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / January 2, 2026 / Battery X Metals Inc. (CSE:BATX)(OTCQB:BATXF)(FSE:5YW0, WKN:A41RJF) ("Battery X Metals" or the "Company") an energy transition resource exploration and technology company, announces a meaningful advancement in the development of its next-generation, patent-pending lithium-ion battery rebalancing technology. Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Battery X Rebalancing Technologies Inc. ("Battery X Rebalancing Technologies"), the Company has completed an important preliminary step toward expanding platform compatibility with one of the most widely adopted electric vehicle platforms in the world.

As part of its ongoing research and development program, the Company has completed a high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) scan of a Tesla Model 3 battery pack (the "Tesla Battery Pack"), a vehicle platform associated with the top-selling electric vehicle brand in the United States. Tesla accounted for approximately 45% of U.S. EV sales in 2024.¹ The Tesla Battery Pack was obtained at no cost from an arm's-length automotive service-center collaboration partner and scanned using a portable 3D scanning system to support battery-interface analysis and adaptor development. The resulting scan captures precise geometric and structural data required to digitally model the battery interface and informs the design of custom connector and adaptor solutions for the Company's rebalancing platform.

This technical advancement underscores the Company's methodical adaptor compatibility development strategy, supported by an expanding library of real-world battery-pack data used to enable physical interfacing, diagnostics, and rebalancing workflows. The completed scan of the Tesla Model 3 battery pack provides the foundational digital reference required to begin adaptor and connector engineering work intended to allow the Rebalancing Machine to physically interface with this specific battery architecture.

Following completion of the scan, the Company plans to provide the digital dataset to its development partner, Beijing Pengneng Science & Technology Ltd., for further engineering work focused on adaptor and connector design. This step is expected to support continued development of the Company's second-generation rebalancing system and inform broader compatibility strategies across additional high-volume electric vehicle platforms over time. While no assurance can be given that compatibility will ultimately be achieved or commercialized, the Company believes this advancement represents a necessary and deliberate step in its long-term product development roadmap.

Significance of Tesla to the Electric Vehicle Revolution

The strategic relevance of this work is underscored by the scale and influence of Tesla within the global electric vehicle ecosystem. Tesla has played a central role in reshaping the automotive industry and accelerating EV adoption worldwide, and remains the largest electric vehicle brand in the United States.1

The Tesla Model 3, in particular, represents one of the largest single EV populations globally, with cumulative sales estimated at approximately 2.63 million vehicles by the end of the third quarter of 2024.2 As these vehicles continue to age, a growing proportion is expected to exit original battery warranty coverage over the coming years. By approximately 2032, a significant portion of the Tesla Model 3 fleet currently on the road is expected to be outside warranty, increasing exposure to battery degradation, reduced driving range, and costly replacement requirements.2,3

This emerging lifecycle challenge highlights a growing market need for technologies capable of extending remaining useful battery life, restoring lost performance, and reducing total cost of ownership for EV owners. With millions of vehicles approaching or entering out-of-warranty status, demand for advanced battery diagnostics, rebalancing, and second-life solutions is expected to increase materially.4 The Company is developing its patent-pending rebalancing platform with the objective of addressing this need by correcting cell-level imbalances that degrade battery performance over time, potentially extending the remaining useful life of existing battery packs.

The Company believes that advancing compatibility work with high-volume EV platforms such as the Tesla Model 3 represents a meaningful step toward positioning its patent-pending rebalancing technology within a growing addressable market. As the Company continues to refine its hardware, software, and interfacing capabilities, management remains focused on building a scalable platform designed to support the evolving needs of the global electric vehicle ecosystem.

The Problem: Rising EV Adoption Presents New Battery Lifecycle Challenges

In 2024, global EV sales reached approximately 17.1 million units, representing a 25% increase from 2023.5 With cumulative global EV sales from 2015 to 2023 totaling an estimated over 40 million units,6 a significant share of the global EV fleet is expected to exit warranty coverage over the coming years.7,8

By 2031, nearly 40 million electric, plug-in hybrid, and hybrid vehicles worldwide are anticipated to fall outside of their original warranty coverage.7,8 This projection is based on current EV adoption figures and standard industry warranty terms, and underscores a growing risk for EV owners facing battery degradation, reduced capacity, and costly replacement requirements.9 As the global EV fleet continues to expand, the demand for technologies that extend battery life, reduce long-term ownership costs, and support a sustainable transition to electric mobility is increasing.

The Solution: Pioneering Next-Generation Technologies to Support Lithium-Ion Battery Longevity

Battery X Rebalancing Technologies' proprietary software and hardware technology aims to address this challenge by extending the lifespan of EV batteries. This innovation is being developed with the aim to enhance the sustainability of electric transportation and the goal to provide EV owners with a more cost-effective, environmentally friendly ownership experience by reducing the need for costly battery replacements.

Battery X Rebalancing Technologies' rebalancing technology, validated by the National Research Council of Canada ("NRC"), focuses on battery cell rebalancing. The NRC validation demonstrated the technology's ability to effectively correct cell imbalances in lithium-ion battery packs, recovering nearly all lost capacity due to cell imbalance. The validation was conducted on battery modules composed of fifteen 72Ah LiFePO₄ cells connected in series. The cells were initially balanced to a uniform state of charge (SOC), with a measured discharge capacity of 71.10Ah. In the validation test, three of the fifteen cells were then artificially imbalanced-one cell was charged to a 20% higher SOC, and two cells were discharged to a 20% lower SOC - resulting in a reduced discharge capacity of 46.24Ah, representing a decrease of approximately 35%. Following rebalancing using Battery X Rebalancing Technologies' rebalancing technology, the battery module's discharge capacity was restored to 70.94Ah, representing the recovery of approximately 99% of the capacity lost due to cell imbalance.

These advancements establish Battery X Rebalancing Technologies as a participant in lithium-ion and EV battery solutions, aiming to tackle the critical challenges of capacity degradation of battery packs and expensive replacements. By extending the lifecycle of battery materials within the supply chain, Battery X Rebalancing Technologies aims to support the energy transition and promote a more sustainable future.

The Results disclosed herein are based on preliminary trial conditions and may not be representative of all vehicle models or usage scenarios. Results may vary depending on vehicle type, battery type and condition, driving behavior, usage, and operating environment.

1 Edmunds, 2 CleanTechnica, 3 RecurrentAuto, 4 Tesla Inc. 5 Rho Motion - Global EV Sales 2024, 6 IEA Global EV Outlook 2024, 7 IEA, 8 U.S. News, 9 Recurrent Auto

About Battery X Metals Inc.

Battery X Metals (CSE:BATX) (OTCQB:BATXF) (FSE:5YW0, WKN:A41RJF) is an energy transition resource exploration and technology company committed to advancing domestic battery and critical metal resource exploration and developing next-generation proprietary technologies. Taking a diversified, 360° approach to the battery metals industry, the Company focuses on exploration, lifespan extension, and recycling of lithium-ion batteries and battery materials. For more information, visit batteryxmetals.com.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Massimo Bellini Bressi, Director

For further information, please contact:

Massimo Bellini Bressi
Chief Executive Officer
Email: [email protected]
Tel: (604) 741-0444

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements in this release relate to, among other things: the Company's objectives and plans with respect to the development, refinement, and expansion of compatibility for its patent-pending lithium-ion battery rebalancing hardware and software platform; the anticipated benefits and strategic significance of completing a high-resolution 3D scan of a Tesla Model 3 battery pack; the intended use of scan data to support adaptor and connector design development; the ability of the Company's rebalancing machine to interface with specific electric vehicle battery architectures; the advancement of the Company's second-generation rebalancing system; the scalability of the Company's compatibility development strategy across additional high-volume electric vehicle platforms; the future size and age profile of the Tesla Model 3 vehicle population; the potential market opportunity associated with the growing population of out-of-warranty electric vehicles; the expected demand for battery diagnostics, rebalancing, and lifecycle-extension technologies; the ability of the Company's technology to extend battery lifespan, restore performance, reduce total cost of ownership, or mitigate the need for full battery replacement; and the Company's broader strategic objectives to support battery lifecycle extension and sustainable electric mobility solutions. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations, estimates, assumptions, and projections that are believed to be reasonable as of the date of this news release. However, such statements are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the ability to successfully design, engineer, and implement adaptor and connector solutions compatible with specific EV battery platforms; technical, engineering, or operational challenges encountered during further development, testing, or validation; variability in results obtained from future testing or real-world applications; limitations associated with early-stage research and development activities; the feasibility of achieving reliable, repeatable, and scalable compatibility across multiple EV platforms; the ability to advance compatibility work from preliminary development to commercial deployment; market acceptance of the Company's rebalancing technology; competitive developments; changes in vehicle manufacturer product strategies or warranty practices; changes in EV technology, battery architectures, or manufacturer specifications; regulatory developments; availability of funding; and general economic, market, and geopolitical conditions. Forward-looking statements reflect management's beliefs, assumptions, and expectations only as of the date hereof and are not guarantees of future performance. There can be no assurance that compatibility with any specific electric vehicle platform will be achieved or commercialized, that adaptor or connector designs will perform as intended in real-world applications, or that the Company's rebalancing technology will achieve widespread commercial adoption. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information to reflect new information, future events, or otherwise. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and are encouraged to consult the Company's continuous disclosure filings available under its profile at www.sedarplus.ca for additional risk factors and further information.

SOURCE: Battery X Metals

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SummaryDiversified Royalty (DIV:CA) has outperformed peers and the S&P 500, delivering a 16% total return since July 2025.The Cheba Hut acquisition, with inflation-linked royalties and a 50-year term, underpins double-digit dividend growth and robust payout coverage.Q3 FY2025 saw royalty revenue rise 13.4% YoY and distributable cash jump 18.8%, driving the payout ratio down to 89.3%.I reiterate my 'Buy' rating, citing defensive cash flows, inflation-protected contracts, and a yield well-covered by growing distributable cash. Kevin Brine/iStock Editorial via Getty Images

It’s only been six months since my initial article on Diversified Royalty (DIV:CA), but in that short span, it’s already stood out as one of the best-performing Canadian royalty fund picks I’ve

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

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

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

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

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The law firm of Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP announces that purchasers or acquirers of Firefly Aerospace Inc. (NASDAQ: FLY): (i) securities between August 7, 2025 and September 29, 2025, both dates inclusive (the “Class Period”); and/or (ii) common stock pursuant and/or traceable to Firefly Aerospace’s offering documents issued in connection with Firefly Aerospace’s August 7, 2025 initial public offering (the “IPO”), have until Monday, January 12, 2026 to seek appointment as lead plaintiff of the Firefly Aerospace class action lawsuit. Captioned Diamond v. Firefly Aerospace Inc., No. 25-cv-01812 (W.D. Tex.), the Firefly Aerospace class action lawsuit charges Firefly Aerospace as well as certain of Firefly Aerospace’s top executives and directors with violations of the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

If you suffered substantial losses and wish to serve as lead plaintiff of the Firefly Aerospace class action lawsuit, please provide your information here:

https://www.rgrdlaw.com/cases-firefly-aerospace-inc-class-action-lawsuit-fly.html

You can also contact attorneys J.C. Sanchez or Jennifer N. Caringal of Robbins Geller by calling 800/449-4900 or via e-mail at [email protected].

CASE ALLEGATIONS: Firefly Aerospace operates as a space and defense technology company and provides mission solutions for national security, government, and commercial customers. According to the Firefly Aerospace class action lawsuit, on or about August 7, 2025, Firefly Aerospace conducted its IPO, issuing approximately 19.3 million shares of common stock to the public at the offering price of $45.00 per share.

The Firefly Aerospace class action lawsuit alleges that defendants throughout the Class Period and in the IPO’s offering documents made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Firefly Aerospace had overstated the demand and growth prospects for its Spacecraft Solutions offerings; (ii) Firefly Aerospace had overstated the operational readiness and commercial viability of its Alpha rocket program; and (iii) the foregoing, once revealed, would likely have a material negative impact on Firefly Aerospace.

The Firefly Aerospace investor class action alleges that on September 22, 2025 Firefly Aerospace reported its first earnings report as a public company and, among other items, revealed a loss of $80.3 million for the second quarter of 2025 compared to $58.7 million for the same quarter in 2024. Firefly Aerospace also reported revenue of $15.55 million, below analyst estimates of $17.25 million and down 26.2% from the same quarter in 2024, the complaint alleges. Significantly, Firefly Aerospace reported revenue of only $9.2 million in its Spacecraft Solutions business segment, representing a 49% year-over-year decrease, the Firefly Aerospace shareholder class action alleges. On this news, the price of Firefly Aerospace’s shares fell more than 15%, the lawsuit alleges.

Then, the Firefly Aerospace class action alleges that on September 29, 2025, Firefly Aerospace disclosed that “the first stage of Firefly’s Alpha Flight 7 rocket experienced an event that resulted in a loss of the stage.” On this news, the price of Firefly Aerospace’s shares fell more than 20%, the complaint alleges.

THE LEAD PLAINTIFF PROCESS: The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 permits any investor who purchased or acquired Firefly Aerospace securities during the Class Period and/or common stock pursuant and/or traceable to the IPO to seek appointment as lead plaintiff in the Firefly Aerospace class action lawsuit. A lead plaintiff is generally the movant with the greatest financial interest in the relief sought by the putative class who is also typical and adequate of the putative class. A lead plaintiff acts on behalf of all other class members in directing the Firefly Aerospace investor class action lawsuit. The lead plaintiff can select a law firm of its choice to litigate the Firefly Aerospace shareholder class action lawsuit. An investor’s ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff of the Firefly Aerospace class action lawsuit.

ABOUT ROBBINS GELLER: Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP is one of the world’s leading law firms representing investors in securities fraud and shareholder litigation. Our Firm has been ranked #1 in the ISS Securities Class Action Services rankings for four out of the last five years for securing the most monetary relief for investors. In 2024, we recovered over $2.5 billion for investors in securities-related class action cases – more than the next five law firms combined, according to ISS. With 200 lawyers in 10 offices, Robbins Geller is one of the largest plaintiffs’ firms in the world, and the Firm’s attorneys have obtained many of the largest securities class action recoveries in history, including the largest ever – $7.2 billion – in In re Enron Corp. Sec. Litig. Please visit the following page for more information:

https://www.rgrdlaw.com/services-litigation-securities-fraud.html

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices. 

Contact:
        Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP
        J.C. Sanchez, Jennifer N. Caringal
        655 W. Broadway, Suite 1900, San Diego, CA 92101
        800-449-4900
        [email protected]

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January 2, 2026

The newest version of Alibaba’s ChatGPT rival, Qwen3-MAX AI, has dropped updated crypto price outlooks for XRP, Solana, and Bitcoin as the new year kicks off. According to the model, all three could see some serious volatility in the weeks ahead, with sharp moves possible in both directions.

Below is a breakdown of Qwen3-MAX’s two-sided forecasts, covering both bullish upside targets and bearish downside risks for each asset as 2026 gets underway.

Ripple (XRP): Alibaba AI Predicts Rally Toward $5 by Year-EndUnder its bearish scenario, Alibaba’s AI projects that Ripple’s XRP ($XRP) could slide from its current price near $1.90 to roughly $1.50 and stay in that range as a worst-case outcome.

You can already hear the loudest “I would take it” from XRP holders if that is truly the worst-case scenario.

Source: Ailbaba AI PredictionOn the optimistic side, Alibaba’s model envisions a powerful breakout, with XRP potentially jumping 82% to reach $3.50 or even $5 before the end of the year, nearly two times its previous all-time high.

The launch of U.S.-listed spot XRP ETFs could act as a catalyst for fresh institutional inflows during the new year, mirroring early demand patterns seen with Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs.

Source: XRPUSD / TradingViewThere are three key levels to focus on right now on the XRP chart. To remain in a bullish structure, XRP must continue holding above $1.80 as we move into Q1.

It just broke above the first level at $1.90. If that rally continues, a retest of the $2.00 psychological resistance should be expected. The RSI is around 64, which still leaves room for a short-term push toward $2.20.

Solana (SOL): Alibaba AI Forecasts a 400% Upside MoveAlibaba AI’s bull case for Solana SOL going into 2026 is to target $300 to $400 price range. That is almost 400% from the current price.

Solana still looks like the coin of the cycle. Alibaba’s AI outlook points to Solana’s unmatched speed, booming DeFi activity, and growing institutional interest as the main drivers.

With all of that happening while price continues to hold above its 18-month support, Solana could be quietly setting up for a big move heading into 2026.

Source: SOLUSD / TradingViewFrom a technical angle, SOL has now pushed above the short-term resistance around $128. If it can hold and stay above the $127.50 to $130.50 zone, momentum could pick up quickly.

That would open the path to $133 first, followed by a retest of the channel top near $139 to $140. If it fails to hold this area, $118 comes back into focus, with $112 sitting as the next deeper support to watch.

If it fails to rally, Alibaba AI predicts the price could drop below the $100 mark in the bearish scenario.

Bitcoin (BTC): Alibaba AI Says Bitcoin Could Surge Past $150KAfter closing 2025 in the red and breaking the classic four-year cycle, Alibaba’s AI expects Bitcoin to come back swinging and push past $150K by the end of the year.

The call is driven by accelerating spot ETF inflows and macro conditions that favor hard assets. In a stronger scenario, the model even sees Bitcoin peaking around $175K.

Bitcoin is heading into 2026 at a pretty critical point. Price is getting squeezed, RSI is starting to curl up, and institutions keep stacking, even though prediction markets are not convinced a fast six-figure breakout is coming.

On Polymarket, $120,000 is still seen as the most likely outcome, while BTC continues to coil inside a tight range around $89,000. Whatever move comes next is likely going to set the mood for the rest of the year.

Source: BTCUSD / TradingViewIf Bitcoin can get a clean close above $90,500, that would break the triangle to the upside and likely send the price toward $92,800 first, then $95,000.

A break below $87,000 would hurt the setup and open the door to a move down toward $85,800. For now, though, the structure still slightly favors the upside.

Maxi Doge Is Built For Moments Like ThisWhen the market is having violent swings, uncertainty, and two-sided chaos across majors like XRP and Solana. History shows one thing clearly: memecoins thrive when conviction disappears.

This is where Maxi Doge stands out.

Maxi Doge is not trying to compete with Layer 1 narratives, ETF headlines, or institutional timelines. It exists for pure momentum, community-driven upside. It also reflexive moves when traders rotate out of crowded trades and into asymmetric bets.

Every cycle, when majors stall or chop, capital looks for something louder, faster, and unapologetically speculative. That is exactly where Doge-style assets explode, and Maxi Doge is positioned as a high-beta expression of that rotation.

The hype is already showing in the numbers. The $MAXI presale has raised almost $4.4 million, while early backers are earning up to 71% APY through staking rewards.

No promises of revolution. No overengineered roadmap.
Just liquidity, attention, and crowd psychology.

If 2026 starts with volatility, indecision, and sharp rotations, Maxi Doge is designed for that environment, not despite it.

Visit the Official Maxi Doge Website Here

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January 2, 2026

Whales are making big moves to start the year, snapping up over 3 billion XRP tokens in just 24 hours as crypto prices push higher.

This surge in accumulation could be a strong signal, raising the odds of a bullish XRP price prediction in the near term.

January has often been a favorable month for altcoins.

Data from CoinGlass shows that Ethereum (ETH), the top altcoin, has closed the month with gains in 5 of the past 9 years, hinting at a possible repeat performance across the market.

Deep-pocketed participants may be positioning their portfolios to benefit from this trend if history repeats.

According to data from Santiment, whales holding over 1 billion tokens added $3.6 billion worth of XRP between December 31 and January, pushing the total of XRP they own to 27.47 billion tokens.

Although smaller whales have been progressively dumping the asset, bigger ones are accumulating, signaling a strong shift in sentiment.

XRP Price Prediction: Crossing $1.90 Could Set the Stage for an Explosive Move UpwardsXRP has increased by 2.5% over the past 24 hours. Trading volumes are still relatively low, accounting for just 1.5% of the token’s circulating market cap.

Source: TradingViewThe $1.90 level is the key resistance to watch as a move above would invalidate the token’s bearish price structure.

Such a trend reversal could mark the beginning of a strong move to $3. Since seasonality favors a bullish outlook, this could be a strong month for XRP from a statistical standpoint.

Meanwhile, the Relative Strength Index has just flipped bullish by moving above its 14-day average, a signal that often marks the start of broader altcoin recoveries.

If that momentum carries through, early-stage presales like Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) could move first, especially as it brings Solana’s speed and low costs to Bitcoin’s secure network, while the window to get in early is still open.

Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) Raises $30M as Investors Bet on the Future of a Scalable BitcoinThe Bitcoin network has long struggled to grow beyond simple transactions, limited by slow speeds and high costs.

Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) is breaking that barrier, raising over $30 million to build the first true Layer 2 for Bitcoin, one that can handle thousands of transactions at lightning speed and minimal cost.

Powered by Solana’s high-performance tech, Bitcoin Hyper lets developers launch advanced dApps directly connected to Bitcoin, without forcing users to move their assets off the original chain.

It’s a massive leap for Bitcoin utility, and investors are rushing in before it goes live.

The Hyper Bridge is designed to receive BTC tokens in a designated Bitcoin wallet and mint the corresponding amount in the Hyper L2 almost instantly.

Once in there, investors can earn yield, stake, and lend their assets. They will also get access to a growing list of DeFi apps, payment platforms, and even meme coin launchpads.

The demand for $HYPER, the protocol’s native asset, should skyrocket as adoption accelerates.

To buy $HYPER and seize this opportunity, simply head to the official Bitcoin Hyper website and link up a compatible wallet (e.g. Best Wallet).

You can either swap USDT or SOL for this token or use a bank card to invest in seconds.

Visit the Official Bitcoin Hyper Website Here

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ETH wrapped up the year with an 11% loss, capping off a turbulent stretch that saw the token fall below $3,000 just weeks after hitting a new all-time high.While prices are showing signs of recovery, current Ethereum price predictions remain divided.Historically, January has been a strong month for ETH.

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Posted: January 3, 2026

As 2026 begins, Bittensor (TAO) might be poised to open the door to a massive upside rally – One driven by a bullish breakout, a shift in market sentiment, and an ongoing market recovery. That’s not all though as several crypto analysts are now making bold predictions on X, turning the crypto into a major center of attention.

On 2 January, TAO’s price climbed by 9.55% in 24 hours, with the altcoin trading near the $242-level at press time. Alongside the price surge, market participation also rose notably, with trading volume jumping by 42% to $89.87 million.

This hike in volume, alongside the price, could be indicative of growing interest from both traders and investors.

Why is Bittensor (TAO) rallying today?
Given the upside move and strong market participation, you might be wondering what is driving TAO’s rally after remaining stagnant for weeks.

The key catalyst behind TAO’s upside appears to be the broader market recovery, plus the Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) filing by Grayscale Investments on 30 December 2025.

Grayscale filed an S-1 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to convert its Bittensor Trust into an ETF (ticker: GTAO). With this filing, the asset management firm aims to launch the first U.S-listed exchange-traded product linked to TAO, similar to its earlier Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF strategies.

Another metric currently strengthening TAO’s upward momentum appears to be traders’ strong confidence in long-leveraged positions.

According to derivatives data from Coinglass, traders have been betting more heavily on long-leveraged positions than on short ones.

Data revealed that $221.7 and $250.2 are two key levels where traders are overleveraged, with $4.65 million worth of long-leveraged positions and $1.73 million worth of short-leveraged positions built at these levels. This indirectly means that short-term sentiment for TAO remains bullish.

Source: Coinglass

Bittensor (TAO) price action and technical analysis
AMBCrypto’s technical analysis of the daily chart revealed that today’s rally opened the door to a massive upside move.

Based on the price action, during the period of market uncertainty, TAO successfully retested its key support level at $207 and consolidated there for nearly two weeks. However, thanks to the aforementioned rally, the altcoin finally broke out of this consolidation zone. In doing so, it ended its prolonged barrier.

Source: TradingView

If TAO closes a daily candle above the $235-level, there is a strong possibility of another 18% upside move, potentially pushing the price towards the next resistance at $285. However, this bullish thesis would remain valid only if TAO holds above the $235-level. Otherwise, it could be invalidated.

At press time, the Average Directional Index (ADX) had a reading of 31, above the key threshold of 25. This alluded to strong upside momentum on TAO’s charts. 

Apart from the price action and derivatives data, crypto experts also appear to be making bold predictions. On X, several forecasts have surfaced, with some suggesting that TAO’s price has the potential to soar between 40% and 50%, while others predict it could surge by more than 60% in the coming days.

Final Thoughts

Bittensor (TAO) broke out of its prolonged consolidation, with another 18% rally possibly likely soon. 
TAO’s bullish thesis would remain valid only if the price holds above the $235-level.

Vivaan Acharya is a Crypto-Economist and Journalist at AMBCrypto who brings a rare depth of financial and economic expertise to the world of digital assets. He holds a Master’s in Economics from the prestigious University of Delhi and has over five years of experience analyzing technology and financial markets.
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Home Altcoins News Cardano’s ADA Sees Significant Activity Increase Amid Market Anticipation

dan saada

January 2, 2026

Cardano’s ADA has experienced a substantial increase in activity, rising by approximately 37,851% as of early January 2026. This surge is attributed to traders preparing for potential significant developments in the cryptocurrency markets. Such activity is drawing attention as market participants anticipate possible shifts that could impact valuations and trading strategies.

The dramatic increase in activity levels on Cardano’s network comes at a time when the broader cryptocurrency market is closely watched for potential trends and directions in the new year. Cardano, recognized for its smart contract capabilities and proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, has been a focus for investors seeking opportunities in blockchain innovations.

Market observers note that while Cardano’s recent activity surge is significant, the exact reasons behind this movement remain speculative. Traders may be adjusting their positions in anticipation of upcoming regulatory changes or technological updates within the blockchain sector. Additionally, increased interest in decentralized finance (DeFi) applications on platforms such as Cardano may be contributing to heightened activity.

Cardano’s blockchain technology aims to provide a scalable and sustainable infrastructure for decentralized applications, distinguishing itself from other networks with its emphasis on academic rigor and peer-reviewed development. As a result, it has garnered interest from both developers and investors looking to capitalize on its long-term potential.

Despite the surge in activity, some analysts caution that such large fluctuations can also lead to volatility in ADA’s price. They suggest that investors remain vigilant and consider the broader market conditions before making significant investment decisions. The dynamics of supply and demand, influenced by market sentiment and external factors, play a crucial role in determining price movements.

In the context of the broader cryptocurrency landscape, regulatory scrutiny and technological advancements continue to shape the environment in which digital assets operate. Cardano, like many other cryptocurrencies, is subject to these influences, which can affect its adoption and integration into financial systems.

As 2026 unfolds, stakeholders in the cryptocurrency space will be monitoring developments closely. Any future updates or announcements from Cardano’s development team or changes in regulatory policies may further impact its market activity. For now, the focus remains on how these factors will influence the trajectory of ADA and its role within the evolving digital economy.

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dan saada

Dan hold a master of finance from the ISEG (France) , Dan is also a Fan of cryptocurrencies and mining.
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Hyperliquid’s founder is doubling down on what he says is the project’s non-negotiable premise: credibility comes from refusing the usual backroom economics. In a Jan. 1 post on X, Jeff Yan framed “integrity” and “credible neutrality” as design constraints, not marketing language.

“Integrity has always been one of Hyperliquid’s core values. The house of all finance must be credibly neutral. This means no private investors, no market maker deals, and no protocol fees to any company,” he wrote, drawing a straight line between governance legitimacy and the absence of paid counterparties.

That posture also extends to the origin story. “The initial state of any blockchain is a crucial part of its story that can never be erased. The original ethos of Bitcoin was a permissionless network accessible to all. Hyperliquid’s genesis distribution followed this spirit, going entirely to early users with core contributors excluded,” the post continued, adding that “the full distribution is verifiable onchain without obfuscation.”

The founder acknowledged that this approach is not always convenient for would-be partners or ecosystem builders accustomed to preferential terms. “This principle of fairness frustrates a few users and builders who are used to special treatment,” he said, arguing it forces the community to “do things the hard way”, including “zero tolerance” for “integrity yellow flags” among team members.

It is not the first time he has put the stance in blunt terms. In a January 2024 post, he summarized the policy as: “No investors. No paid market makers. No fees to the dev team… No insiders @HyperliquidX.”

Lighter Debut Sparks Controversy
The timing matters because the on-chain perpetuals category is now fighting not just over latency and liquidity, but over distribution optics, and Hyperliquid’s most visible new rival has become a live case study.

Lighter, an Ethereum-based perpetual futures exchange that also operates as an Ethereum layer-2, launched earlier this week and has climbed quickly in the rankings. On Dec. 30, it airdropped 250 million LIT tokens, 25% of its 1 billion total supply, to early users, with another 25% set aside for future growth programs.

The controversy is the other half. Lighter allocated 50% of supply to employees and investors, subject to a one-year lockup and three-year vesting, a structure that has triggered debate across DeFi about whether “community-first” narratives still hold when insiders retain an equal share of the cap table.

In other words, Lighter’s launch has intensified the same ideological fault line Hyperliquid is trying to own: whether the cleanest on-chain market structure is primarily about product performance or about refusing the incentives that come with investors, paid liquidity, and insider allocations.

At press time, HYPE traded at $24,51.

HYPE remains below the 0.236 Fib, 1-day chart | Source: HYPEUSDT on TradingView.com
Featured image created with DALL.E, chart from TradingView.com

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Jake Simmons has been a Bitcoin enthusiast since 2016. Ever since he heard about Bitcoin, he has been studying the topic every day and trying to share his knowledge with others. His goal is to contribute to Bitcoin's financial revolution, which will replace the fiat money system. Besides BTC and crypto, Jake studied Business Informatics at a university. After graduation in 2017, he has been working in the blockchain and crypto sector. You can follow Jake on Twitter at @realJakeSimmons.

Tether, the leading issuer of stablecoins by market capitalization, increased its bitcoin reserves during the fourth quarter of 2025 by acquiring approximately 8,889 BTC. As of the beginning of 2026, Tether’s bitcoin wallet is among the top five largest holders of the cryptocurrency, according to a disclosure by Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino on December 31, 2025. This development is significant in the context of Tether’s strategy and the broader cryptocurrency market.

The additional bitcoin acquisition underscores Tether’s ongoing interest in strengthening its financial reserves. As a dominant player in the stablecoin market, Tether traditionally pegs its coins to the US dollar, providing a stable digital currency alternative. The company’s decision to boost its bitcoin holdings may reflect a strategic diversification of its asset portfolio. Bitcoin, known for its volatility, has often been viewed as a store of value, attracting interest from various institutional investors.

Tether’s role in the cryptocurrency market is substantial, with its stablecoins widely used for trading and transactions across different platforms. The firm’s increased investment in bitcoin may influence market dynamics, considering its significant market presence. Bitcoin, the first and largest cryptocurrency, has experienced periods of high volatility, impacting its acceptance as a mainstream financial asset. Tether’s actions could signal confidence in bitcoin’s long-term value proposition.

Reactions to Tether’s bitcoin acquisition have varied. Some market analysts view it as a positive sign of institutional confidence in bitcoin, while others express concerns about the potential risks associated with increased exposure to a volatile asset. These differing opinions highlight the ongoing debate surrounding the integration of cryptocurrencies into conventional financial systems.

Tether’s operations have occasionally drawn scrutiny from regulators, particularly regarding transparency and the backing of its stablecoins. The acquisition of additional bitcoin may prompt further examination from financial authorities. Regulatory bodies worldwide are increasingly focusing on the cryptocurrency sector, aiming to establish frameworks that ensure stability and protect investors.

The broader cryptocurrency market continues to evolve, with various stakeholders advocating for clearer regulatory guidelines. As Tether expands its bitcoin holdings, it does so in a landscape where regulatory developments remain uncertain. This environment requires careful navigation by companies involved in digital assets.

The implications of Tether’s bitcoin acquisition are yet to unfold fully. The firm’s financial strategy, coupled with regulatory responses, will likely shape its future trajectory and influence broader market trends. Stakeholders will be watching closely as the situation develops, particularly in terms of Tether’s transparency and regulatory compliance.

As the cryptocurrency sector continues to mature, institutions like Tether play a crucial role in shaping its direction. The company’s actions may impact not only its own position but also the broader perception and adoption of digital currencies. The potential for regulatory changes and market responses remains a key consideration for Tether and similar entities in the industry.

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Aave is preparing for a major governance vote, as the platform will explore sharing part of its off-protocol revenue with AAVE token holders and submit a formal proposal to the community.

The update, posted on January 2, 2025, immediately lifted market sentiment. AAVE jumped more than 10% on the day as traders reacted to signs of improved alignment between the development team and the DAO.

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What the New Aave Proposal Will CoverAccording to Aave Labs founder, the upcoming proposal will explain how revenue made outside the core lending protocol could be shared with AAVE holders.

This revenue usually comes from the official Aave app, front-end swap integrations, and future consumer or institutional products built on top of Aave

It will also include safeguards to protect the Aave DAO and prevent sudden changes that could harm tokenholders.

Post from Aave Founder Stani Kulechov. Source: Aave GovernanceAnother key focus will be control of the Aave brand and user gateways. This includes websites, domains, and social media accounts that act as the public face of Aave. 

The proposal is expected to outline who owns these assets, how they can be used, and what limits exist on monetizing them without DAO approval.

Also, the proposal will shape Aave’s long-term direction. Aave Labs argues the protocol must grow beyond crypto-only lending and move toward real-world assets, consumer products, and institutional use cases. 

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These efforts would rely on future upgrades such as Aave V4 and expanded use of GHO, Aave’s stablecoin.

AAVE Price Rallies After Revenue Sharing Plan. Source: CoinGeckoWhy This Matters to the DAOThe move follows weeks of public disagreement inside the Aave ecosystem. 

Recently, some delegates accused Aave Labs of having too much control over revenue sources and communication channels. They warned that uncertainty around governance and ownership contributed to a sharp drop in AAVE’s market value in recent weeks.

In a response, DAO representatives welcomed the change in tone but stressed that clear and enforceable commitments are essential. They said vague promises are not enough and called for precise rules covering ownership, revenue sharing, and accountability.

Aave Among the Top 15 Crypto Platforms In Terms of Revenue in 2025. Source: X/PhoenixThe upcoming DAO vote will decide whether this new framework moves forward. 

If approved, it could reduce internal tension and reset how Aave balances growth with governance. If not, the debate over control and alignment is likely to continue.