Market Signal Briefing

Institutional ownership of ETHA rose through 2025 even as Ethereum’s price stayed choppy, based on Fintel.io data shared on X. Meanwhile, ETH entered 2026 near $3,000 as the daily chart tightened into a triangle that signals a nearing break.

ETHA institutional ownership rises as Ethereum price stays choppyInstitutional ownership of ETHA, the iShares Ethereum Trust ETF, climbed through 2025 even as Ethereum’s price moved sideways, according to a chart shared on X by account BMNR Bullz, citing Fintel.io as the source.

ETHA iShares Ethereum Trust iShares Ethereum Trust ETF. Source: Fintelio

The graphic shows the green ownership bars increasing across the year and then jumping sharply in the final months, while the black line tracking ETHA’s closing price swings without a sustained trend. The data runs from late 2024 through December 2025.

In the post, BMNR Bullz said institutions appear to be adding exposure during a period of uneven price action. The account framed the move as longer-term positioning rather than short-term momentum trading.

ETH starts 2026 in a tightening triangle near $3,000Meanwhile , Ethereum entered 2026 trading just under $3,000 as price action compressed into a narrowing triangle on the daily ETHUSD chart. A TradingView snapshot created on Jan. 1, 2026 at 09:03 UTC showed ETH around $2,977, with the range tightening into the chart’s apex.

Ethereum U.S. Dollar 1D Bitstamp. Source: TradingView / X

The chart draws a falling upper trendline from the November peak and a rising lower trendline from the late November low. Together, those lines form a symmetrical triangle, which signals consolidation as buyers and sellers accept smaller ranges. As a result, candles cluster near the middle of the pattern, and the market shows less follow through after swings.

Kamran Asghar, who posted the chart on X, called $3,000 the key psychological level as Ethereum “runs out of room” after months of consolidation. On the visual, $3,000 sits near the triangle’s mid zone, where price repeatedly failed to sustain moves in either direction.

If ETH pushes above the descending trendline, the chart would show a break from the compression range. If ETH slips under the rising trendline, the chart would show a breakdown from support. Until either side gives way, the chart continues to show contraction rather than direction.

Cardano price continues to weaken as bearish market structure remains intact, with failed resistance retests and weak demand raising the risk of a deeper correction.

Summary

Bearish market structure with consecutive lower highs intact.
Loss of the Point of Control shifts the price to a lower value.
Weak demand raises downside risk toward $0.27.

Cardano price (ADA) price action continues to reflect persistent bearish pressure, with market structure firmly tilted to the downside. Despite brief consolidation attempts, each rally has been capped by lower highs, reinforcing the broader downtrend.

Recent price behavior suggests that sellers remain in control, and without a meaningful shift in demand, Cardano risks extending its decline toward lower high-time-frame support levels.

Cardano price key technical points

Lower highs continue to define Cardano’s downtrend
Loss of the Point of Control shifts focus to lower value
Weak reaction at the Value Area Low raises downside risk toward $0.27

ADAUSDT (1D) Chart, Source: TradingView
From a market-structure perspective, Cardano remains in a clear bearish trend, characterized by consecutive lower highs and lower lows. Each attempt to reclaim higher levels has failed, reinforcing the idea that upside moves are corrective rather than impulsive. This behavior is typical of markets where sellers maintain control and buyers lack conviction.

One of the most notable developments was Cardano’s rejection from the $0.48 high-time-frame resistance. After breaking below this level, price attempted a back-test, a common technical behavior that often determines whether a breakdown will hold. In this case, the back-test failed, and price was rejected, confirming $0.48 as a strong supply zone and validating the continuation of the downtrend.

Following this rejection, Cardano consolidated briefly around the Point of Control (POC). The POC represents the area of highest traded volume within the recent range and often acts as a pivot between bullish and bearish control. However, price has since lost acceptance above this level, signaling a transition away from balance and into lower value.

With the POC now acting as resistance, price has rotated toward the Value Area Low (VAL) of the broader trading range. This area typically attracts responsive buying, but the current reaction has been notably weak. The lack of strong bullish follow-through suggests that demand is limited, increasing the probability that support will fail rather than hold.

Weak reactions at the Value Area Low are often a warning sign. In stronger markets, price typically produces impulsive bounces from this region, supported by rising volume. In Cardano’s case, the absence of such behavior implies that buyers are either unwilling or unable to absorb selling pressure, leaving the door open for further downside.

From a price-action perspective, candles continue to reflect seller dominance, with upside attempts quickly sold into and downside momentum remaining intact. As long as Cardano continues to form lower highs beneath former support levels, the bearish structure remains valid.

Liquidity dynamics also favor continuation lower. Below the current price, there is relatively limited structural support until the swing low near $0.27, which represents the lower boundary of the larger trading range. Markets often gravitate toward such levels to clear resting liquidity, particularly when intermediate support zones fail to attract strong demand.

Importantly, a move toward $0.27 would not be unusual within the context of Cardano’s broader structure. Rather, it would represent a continuation of the prevailing trend, allowing the market to test deeper demand before any potential rebalancing occurs.

What to expect in the coming price action
As long as Cardano remains below the Point of Control and continues to print lower highs, downside risk remains elevated. A failure to produce a strong, high-volume bounce from the Value Area Low increases the likelihood of a rotation toward the $0.27 swing low.

Any bullish invalidation would require Cardano to reclaim the lost resistance levels and establish acceptance above the POC, a signal that has not yet appeared. Until then, the path of least resistance remains lower, with further downside likely in the immediate short term.

Cardano is slipping toward long‑term support around $0.30 and putting its long‑standing top‑10 status at risk.

Disclosure: The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to the author and do not represent the views and opinions of crypto.news’ editorial.

Institutional Bitcoin (BTC) holders started 2025 with Bitcoin trading around $94,000. By October, they watched it surge to an all-time high of $126,200, a move that validated the macro thesis for digital scarcity and institutional adoption. Corporate treasuries that held through the volatility, miners that resisted selling, and funds that stayed allocated all captured that appreciation on paper.

Summary

Bitcoin’s 2025 round-trip exposed a hidden tax on institutions: Prices ended flat-to-down, but custody fees quietly turned conviction into negative returns.
Idle BTC is now a strategic failure, not a neutral choice: Bitcoin-native yield infrastructure matured in 2025, offering 2–7% APY without wrapping, selling, or adding centralized risk.
The next phase is balance-sheet optimization: Institutions and miners that pair BTC exposure with native yield can offset custody drag and generate returns — regardless of price direction.

Then they gave it all back. Bitcoin currently trades near $85,000, below where it started the year. Institutions that rode the wave up and down are now sitting on year-to-date returns below zero. But while the price went nowhere, the costs kept accumulating. Qualified custody fees ran between 10 and 50 basis points all year. Yield opportunities sat untapped. The round-trip cost real money.

At the scale of the largest corporate holders (600,000+ BTC), the opportunity cost of leaving that capital idle is massive. Across the industry’s ~2 million institutional BTC (held by corporate treasuries, private companies, and governments), aggregate custody costs often ranged from more than $100 million to close to $1 billion. For positions that ended the year flat, those fees represent a pure loss. Had these positions utilized Bitcoin-native yield infrastructure, they could have offset custody costs and generated positive returns.

The question facing treasuries now isn’t whether Bitcoin works as a store of value. The question is whether flat performance minus custody fees represents an acceptable outcome when infrastructure exists to change the equation.

What custody actually costs
Qualified custody requirements for institutional Bitcoin holders mandate fees running 10-50 basis points annually. These are rarely negotiable costs for regulated entities. Auditors and regulators require qualified custody for any institution holding Bitcoin on its balance sheet.

For a standard $100 million position, that translates to $100,000-$500,000 per year in maintenance costs. Across the broader market’s BTC in institutional hands, the drain on capital is significant. 

When those gains evaporate, and positions return to breakeven, the fees represent the entire year’s performance drag. The math produces a negative return before any operational or strategic value is factored in.

Meanwhile, Bitcoin-native yield infrastructure that could offset or eliminate these costs while generating additional returns has remained largely untapped by institutional holders, despite reaching maturity over the last 12 months.

Bitcoin-native yield infrastructure matured in 2025
Bitcoin-native DeFi, commonly called BTCFi, refers to yield infrastructure built directly on Bitcoin or Bitcoin-secured sidechains rather than through wrapped tokens or centralized lending platforms. Over the course of 2025, this infrastructure reached institutional viability.

BTCFi now represents approximately $8.6 billion in total value locked, according to data from December 2025. Major institutional custody providers have integrated with Bitcoin Layer 2 infrastructure. GAAP and IFRS accounting treatment for Bitcoin-denominated positions has been established through multiple audit cycles. Leading protocols have operated for multiple years with security models anchored to Bitcoin’s proof-of-work.

These systems generate yield without wrapping Bitcoin into ERC-20 tokens, selling underlying positions, or introducing the centralized custodial risk that dismantled firms like Genesis and BlockFi in 2022. The strategies available cover different risk profiles. Conservative approaches include lending and stablecoin collateralization in the 2-5% APY range. Moderate strategies involving structured vaults and liquidity provision generate 5-7% APY.

All maintain identical Bitcoin exposure. What changes is whether the asset generates income or sits idle while incurring costs.

Consider an institutional Bitcoin position that started in 2025 at $94 million (1,000 BTC at $94,000). Under the traditional custody model at 30 basis points annually, the position paid $282,000 in custody fees throughout the year while generating 0% yield.

When Bitcoin hit $126,000 in October, the position was worth $126 million, a substantial unrealized gain. As Bitcoin fell back to $93,000 by mid-November, that position was worth $93 million. That’s a $1 million realized loss from the starting point, plus $282,000 in custody fees. Total impact: negative $1.282 million.

Under a Bitcoin-native yield model, the same institution could have eliminated custody drag through integrated infrastructure while generating 6% APY through conservative structured lending strategies. That would have produced roughly 60 BTC in yield. Even at the lower price of $93,000, the total position would be valued at $98.5 million.

The difference between these two approaches for a single $94 million starting position is roughly $5.5 million. At the largest corporate treasury scales, the potential difference is hundreds of millions for the year. Across the institutional market, the gap between what happened and what was possible is measured in the billions.

Why miners are moving first
Bitcoin miners face the most acute version of this problem. They need working capital for operations, but selling BTC to obtain it means forfeiting any future appreciation. The traditional alternatives have been limited to selling at the cost of upside potential or holding idle reserves while borrowing capital at premium rates.

Post-halving economics have made the decision urgent. When mining rewards dropped by half in April 2024, operational margins compressed. Miners that rode Bitcoin from $94k to $126k and back without generating any yield on their treasury positions now face the 2026 budget cycle, having paid a full year of custody fees with nothing to show for it.

What 2025 actually demonstrated
Institutional Bitcoin strategies performed as designed through October. Bitcoin appreciated 34% from January levels, and holders captured that move. The infrastructure worked. Qualified custody scaled, ETFs absorbed tens of billions in inflows, and corporate treasuries continued adding to positions.

But 2025 also demonstrated what happens when volatility cuts both ways. Positions that ended the year flat or negative still incurred guaranteed costs. Performance was measured not against the October peak but against the full-year reality.

The infrastructure to combine price exposure with yield generation while eliminating custody drag now exists. It has operated through multiple market cycles with billions in total value locked. GAAP and IFRS compliance frameworks have been established through repeated audit cycles. Bitcoin-native infrastructure has survived multiple bear markets and avoided the structural failures that plagued centralized lenders.

As institutions assess 2025 performance and plan 2026 treasury strategies, the question is whether flat-to-negative returns minus custody fees represent an acceptable outcome when alternatives preserve identical Bitcoin exposure while generating income. Conviction drove Bitcoin adoption. Strategic management can make those positions work harder.

Bitcoin delivered volatility in 2025. With yield infrastructure now operational and integrated with qualified custody providers, 2026 offers institutions the chance to capture returns whether Bitcoin moves up, down, or sideways.

Richard Green

Richard Green is Director of Institutional & Ecosystem at RootstockLabs, a key contributor to Rootstock, Bitcoin’s longest-running sidechain. He previously held senior roles at Circle and Bloomberg, with a background spanning fintech, stablecoins, and financial markets.

Altcoins

ChatGPT

Pepe

Shiba inu

XRP

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Author

Ahmed Balaha

Author

Ahmed Balaha

Part of the Team Since

Aug 2025

About Author

Ahmed Balaha is a journalist and copywriter based in Georgia with a growing focus on blockchain technology, DeFi, AI, privacy, digital assets, and fintech innovation.

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Last updated: 

January 1, 2026

ChatGPT is a powerful AI that can give you recipes, teach you tricks, and yes, even spit out price predictions. So we asked the new GPT 5.2 to forecast prices for XRP, PEPE, and Shiba Inu in 2026, and the results were pretty interesting.

Below is ChatGPT’s dual-scenario outlook, breaking down both the upside potential and the downside risks for each asset as January unfolds and 2026 gets underway.

Ripple (XRP): ChatGPT Predicts a Potential Rally Up to $8 ChatGPT predicts going into 2026 for the bull case. It makes it clear that the outlook is driven by post-lawsuit regulatory clarity, accelerating institutional interest, and expanding real-world payment adoption.

Analysts expect this strong XRP performance to continue, aligning with ChatGPT AI predictions of a revisit to the $3 to $5 range heading into 2026.

Source: ChatGPTThere are three key levels to watch on the XRP chart right now. To keep the bullish structure intact, XRP needs to stay above $1.80 as we move into Q1.

If that level holds, a move back toward the $2.00 psychological resistance is likely. With the RSI sitting around 48, there is still room for a short-term push toward $2.20.

A clean break below $1.80 would weaken the setup, and then $1.60 becomes the main support level to keep an eye on.

Source: XRPUSD / TradingViewStrong Altcoins Market Could Rotate To Memecoins Like Pepe And Shiba InuChatGPT predicts the memecoin sector could finally revive if crypto enters a proper altcoin season. That would push investors back into risk-on assets and inject fresh liquidity into the sector.

For PEPE, ChatGPT predicts a rally of over 200% from current levels.

This is mainly driven by a community that has survived two cycles, along with rising trading volume and increased social engagement.

Source: PEPEUSD / TradingViewThis PEPE weekly chart shows price bleeding all the way back into the range lows after months of lower highs, which is usually where either a bounce starts, or the structure fully breaks.

The range low zone has been tested multiple times now, so it is weak, but buyers are still defending it for the moment.

As long as PEPE holds this base, the upside path is clear, first reclaiming the mid-range, then pushing into the range highs where heavy resistance sits.

For Shiba, it is a different story. ChatGPT says it has one of the largest ecosystems and growing burn mechanics.

That could help support the price going into 2026. On top of that, the long-awaited privacy upgrade could also drive new demand to the chain.

Price-wise, ChatGPT predicts a potential rally of over 500% on the bullish side, while the bearish scenario points to a possible 70% drop if momentum stays weak.

Source: SHIBUSD / TradingViewSHIB is still trending down, but the price is sitting on a demand zone that is holding for now. The bounce looks like relief rather than a trend flip, but sellers failed to make a new low.

RSI near 46 shows neutral momentum, while MACD is flat, suggesting selling pressure is fading. Holding this level and reclaiming $0.00000754 opens a move toward $0.00000801, but losing support keeps the bearish structure intact.

Maxi Doge Is Built For One Thing: Maximum Meme ExposureIf 2026 really brings a fresh altcoin and memecoin rotation, then pure memes will outperform narratives, roadmaps, and promises. That is exactly where Maxi Doge comes in.

Maxi Doge does not pretend to be an infrastructure or a utility play. It is a high-conviction memecoin designed for momentum, liquidity waves, and retail-driven upside when risk appetite flips back on.

While large-cap memes like DOGE, PEPE, and SHIB grind through heavy resistance and legacy supply, Maxi Doge is positioned as a cleaner, earlier-stage play that can move faster when capital rotates down the curve.

No complex tokenomics. No forced utility. Just a meme built for volatility, attention, and social-driven demand.

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.

If memecoins do revive the way ChatGPT expects in a true altcoin season, Maxi Doge is the kind of asset that benefits most from that environment.

High risk. High volatility. Pure meme energy.

Visit the Official Maxi Doge Website Here

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Journalist

Posted: January 2, 2026

The perpetual DEX (decentralized exchange) space is set to enter a new dynamic shift after Lighter launched its token LIT. 

The privacy-focused, Ethereum-based perp DEX has been punching above its weight in terms of perp volumes lately, a move that experts attributed to aidrop farmers. 

With farming almost over and after $625 million LIT has been shared with early users, analysts projected that these traders will move to another platform, especially Hyperliquid [HYPE]. 

According to the analytics firm Bubblemaps, the projection may have been validated amid massive withdrawals from the DEX post-TGE (token generation event).

The firm noted that $250M was withdrawn from the DEX a day after TGE. Amid the capital flight, Bubblemaps wondered, 

“Are all the farmers leaving?”

Factoring in the deposits, the overall net outflow from DEX amounted to approximately $101 million. 

Source: Artemis

In response, one user clapped back at Bubblemaps, calling the withdrawals “normal.” 

“That’s kind of normal. Seeing the $650M airdrop distribution, $250m ain’t huge.”

Another analyst countered that the withdrawals weren’t from traders but from liquidity providers. 

Lighter perp volumes slow
That said, Lighter’s perp volumes have fallen off the cliff since late November. The weekly volume has declined from $66 billion to $31 billion in late December – A 50% drop in traction. 

Source: Artemis

Worth pointing out, however, that Hyperliquid’s perp volumes also dropped by half from $41 billion to $26 billion over the same period. In short, it was still too early to conclude that Lighter users have effectively switched to Hyperliquid. 

LIT price post mixed results
Still, the $625 million aidrop exerted significant selling pressure on the token. After its debut, LIT fell 32% from $ 3.30 to $ 2.20. At the time of writing, the altcoin had recovered 18% to $2.6.  

In fact, another analyst projected that LIT could rally higher, citing the past performance of rivals such as HYPE and ASTER after their respective launches. 

Source: LIT/USDT, TradingView

Meanwhile, there were slightly more people shorting the altcoin than buying it on the derivatives market. According to Coinglass, 54% of Binance top accounts were betting against LIT compared to only 45% eyeing a recovery at press time. This underscored short-term bearish pressure. 

Source: CoinGlass

Final Thoughts 

Lighter recorded significant capital outflows just after its LIT token launch. 
Short-term positioning was slightly tilted towards bears as short bets overwhelmed longs.

These stocks could soar in 2026 and have excellent long-term opportunities.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has driven the market to the tune of an 81% gain over the past three years. The eight most highly valued companies in the world are all AI companies, and it looks like many of them are just getting started.

Will 2026 be another winning year for AI, or is the bubble about to burst?

Since there's no way to know, you can feel comfortable buying great AI stocks to gain exposure to the massive potential, but make sure your portfolio is well-diversified with other stocks, too. If you're looking for a top AI stock, here are five great recommendations.

Image source: Getty Images.

1. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM +1.44%) is a foundry, which means the company produces the semiconductors that its clients design. It's not developing the AI of the future but plays a key role in making it happen. On top of that, TSMC produces chips for all kinds of companies and technology, and that diversification gives it multiple growth drivers.

Even though TSMC is a well-established industry giant, it's still reporting high growth. In the 2025 third quarter, sales were up 41% year over year, driven by smartphones and autonomous vehicles. The company is also highly profitable, with a gross margin of 59.5% in the third quarter, up from 57.8% last year, and an operating margin of 50.6%, up from 47.5% last year.

Trading at a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 31, TSMC stock looks very attractive today, and AI tailwinds should push it even higher in 2026.

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2. Alphabet
Alphabet (GOOG 0.12%) (GOOGL 0.16%) is mostly known for its Google internet search engine, which has around 90% of global market share. That's an incredible moat, and it's a self-reinforcing moat. More searches give it more data, which the company uses to provide improved products and a better search experience.

Meanwhile, Alphabet is monetizing its user base with a robust advertising business. It uses AI in multiple ways to both increase user engagement with its ecosystem -- making it more attractive to advertisers -- and refine algorithms to get ads in front of the right people. It also offers its Gemini large-language models (LLM) for personal and business use.

However, Alphabet is a lot more than Google these days, with many segments, including YouTube and Android, that diversify its business and make it an excellent stock to own for the long term. It also trades at 31 times trailing-12-month earnings, which is a great entry point.

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3. Amazon
Amazon (AMZN 0.70%) is the largest cloud services provider in the world, with almost a third of the global market. That gives it an edge in the space, and it's working hard to keep its dominant position.

CEO Andy Jassy is always talking about the shift from on-premises spend to the cloud and sees a huge change happening over the next 10 to 20 years. That's a long growth runway for Amazon.

The company plans to spend more than $125 billion on AI development in 2026, more than any other rival hyperscaler. Amazon Web Services (AWS) growth accelerated in the third quarter to more than 20% year over year, and at its size, that's an impressive feat.

AI is a huge growth driver for Amazon today but the company has a varied business that makes it a strong bet for long-term growth. Amazon stock trades at an attractive P/E ratio of 33, giving it extra room to expand in 2026.

4. Nvidia
Nvidia's (NVDA 0.46%) growth may be slowing, and as more companies enter the AI development race, it's facing stiffer competition. But there's no question that it has built up a formidable AI platform, with a large array of vertically integrated products its clients are invested in, giving it a leg up on newer options. The company is not letting up on innovation and keeps launching new products with even better technology to protect its moat and industry dominance.

Right now, Nvidia stock is expensive, trading at 47 times trailing-12-month earnings, which is why the stock will fall if growth begins to decelerate. However, the company is a profit machine, and analysts expect earnings per share (EPS) to more than triple through 2028. Nvidia tends to beat on the bottom line, and if it can continue to demonstrate high growth and soaring profits, it should keep beating the market in 2026.

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5. Lemonade
Lemonade (LMND 0.72%) is a different type of AI company. It's an insurance company first but has used AI and machine learning from the ground up to create a better system for pricing and handling insurance claims. It has attracted young customers from inception who appreciate its digital technology, and as it becomes more well-known, it's onboarding millions of new customers for all kinds of policies.

The company has reported strong sales growth from the beginning, and growth has been accelerating. In-force premium, its top-line metric, was up 30% year over year in the third quarter. As its algorithms improve and it scales, Lemonade is also heading toward profitability, and management is expecting to hit adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) breakeven this year. If it does, expect the stock to soar much higher.

CrowdStrike, Zscaler, and Palo Alto Networks are all resilient investments.

With the S&P 500 trading at a historically high 31 times earnings, investors may be considering a shift from higher-growth stocks to more conservative investments. That might be the prudent move, but investors who don't plan to sell their stocks for at least a few more years should still accumulate promising growth plays in evergreen sectors.

One of those sectors is the cybersecurity market, as most companies won't compromise their digital defenses to save a few dollars. That's why Fortune Business Insights expects the global cybersecurity market to still expand at a steady CAGR of 13.8% from 2026 to 2034. To capitalize on that trend, consider investing in these three stalwarts of the sector: CrowdStrike (CRWD 1.44%), Zscaler (ZS 1.04%), and Palo Alto Networks (PANW 1.42%).

Image source: Getty Images.

CrowdStrike
Many cybersecurity companies install their software through on-site appliances; however, this approach requires a significant amount of space, consumes a substantial amount of power, and necessitates constant maintenance. To address these issues, CrowdStrike bundles its endpoint security services into Falcon, a cloud-native platform that doesn't require any on-site appliances. Falcon is easier to scale, can be updated remotely, and locks its customers into sticky recurring subscriptions.

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CrowdStrike now serves over 30,000 subscription customers, including 70 of the Fortune 100 companies. Each of those customers starts with a set of four cloud modules, but 49% of its customers had adopted at least six of its modules in its latest quarter. That expansion indicates it's successfully cross-selling additional modules to boost its revenue per customer. It's also upgrading its platform with Charlotte, its new generative AI tool, which streamlines the threat detection process. Additionally, new AI modules are being introduced for Falcon and Falcon Flex -- its more flexible subscription plan, which allows customers to add and remove modules as needed.

From fiscal 2025 (which ended in January 2025) to fiscal 2028, analysts expect its revenue and adjusted earnings per share (EPS) to grow at a CAGR of 22% and 17%, respectively. Its stock might seem pricey at over 100 times next year's earnings. Still, its early mover's advantage in the cloud native space, scale, and robust growth rates arguably justify that premium valuation.

Zscaler
Zscaler is another cloud-native cybersecurity company that doesn't install any appliances. It specializes in "zero trust" services, which treat everyone -- including a company's CEO -- as a potential threat unless they verify their credentials. It serves more than 7,700 customers and secures over 500 billion transactions daily.

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Zscaler plans to ramp up its enterprise and public sector deployments, expand its AI-powered ZDX Copilot platform, and deepen its integrations with CrowdStrike and other cybersecurity leaders to reach a broader range of customers. It also acquired Red Canary last August to expand its ecosystem with more managed threat detection tools.

From fiscal 2025 (which ended in July 2025) to fiscal 2028, analysts expect Zscaler's revenue and adjusted EPS to grow at a CAGR of 21% and 18%, respectively. Its stock might not seem like a bargain at 62 times this year's earnings, but it could have plenty of room to grow as it dominates its niche of cloud-based zero trust services while expanding into adjacent markets.

Palo Alto Networks
Palo Alto Networks is one of the world's largest cybersecurity companies. It serves more than 70,000 enterprise customers globally, including nine of the Fortune 10 companies. It splits its ecosystem into three main platforms: Strata, which houses its older network security services; Prisma, which handles its cloud-based security tools; and Cortex, which develops AI-powered threat detection services. Prisma and Cortex, collectively referred to as its "next-gen security" (NGS) services, have driven most of its growth over the past few years.

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Palo Alto continues to expand its ecosystem with significant investments and acquisitions. It's in the process of acquiring CyberArk (CYBR 1.13%), a leading provider of privileged access management (PAM) services, in a $25 billion deal slated to close in fiscal 2026 (which started last August). It also recently agreed to acquire Chronosphere, a provider of data observability services, for $3.35 billion to strengthen its AI analysis and cloud monitoring capabilities.

From fiscal 2025 to fiscal 2028, analysts expect Palo Alto's revenue and adjusted EPS to grow at a CAGR of 14% and 13%, respectively. However, those estimates could be too conservative because they don't fully account for its planned acquisitions. Its stock isn't cheap, at nearly 50 times its forward-adjusted earnings, but it's still one of the most balanced plays on the growth of the cybersecurity market.

The economic landscape as we close out 2025 presents a harsh reality for the American consumer, but golden opportunities could lie ahead for investors. While inflation has cooled in some areas, the cost of vehicle ownership remains near historic highs.

After a year when regional banks have split sharply between winners and laggards, this portfolio reshuffle highlights which balance sheets investors still trust with real money.

On November 13, Florida-based HoldCo Asset Management disclosed a new position in Comerica (CMA 0.62%), adding 2.29 million shares for an estimated $156.94 million.

What HappenedAccording to a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing published November 13, HoldCo Asset Management established a new stake in Comerica (CMA 0.62%), acquiring 2.29 million shares. The position was valued at $156.94 million as of September 30, making Comerica the largest holding in the fund’s 13F-reported portfolio.

What Else to KnowThe new position accounts for 16.56% of 13F assets under management.

Top holdings after the filing: 

NYSE: CMA: $156.94 million (16.6% of AUM)NASDAQ: COLB: $147.30 million (15.6% of AUM)NASDAQ: FIBK: $125.89 million (13.3% of AUM)NASDAQ: EBC: $116.32 million (12.3% of AUM)NYSE: CFG: $110.91 million (11.7% of AUM)As of Thursday, CMA shares were priced at $86.93, up 41% over the past year and well outperforming the S&P 500, which is instead up about 16% in the same period.

Company OverviewMetricValuePrice (as of Thursday)$86.93Market Capitalization$11.11 billionRevenue (TTM)$3.34 billionNet Income (TTM)$717.00 millionCompany SnapshotComerica provides a broad suite of financial products and services, including commercial loans, deposit accounts, cash management, wealth management, and consumer lending.Main customers include small and middle-market businesses, multinational corporations, government entities, and individual consumers.It operates across Texas, California, Michigan, Arizona, Florida, Canada, and Mexico, serving a diverse client base in key U.S. markets.Comerica is a leading regional financial institution with a diversified business model spanning commercial banking, retail banking, and wealth management. The company leverages its strong presence in major markets to serve a wide range of clients, from businesses to individuals. Its focus on relationship-driven banking and comprehensive financial solutions supports its competitive position in the regional banking sector.

Foolish TakeA $156.94 million position does not become a portfolio’s largest holding by accident, especially when it represents roughly 17% of reported assets. This is a bet on durability in a sector that has had a tumultuous few years. The S&P Regional Banks Select Industry Index is up about 9% over the past year and still 18% below 2022 highs, so Comerica’s outperformance is certainly notable.

The bank’s latest quarter helps explain why. The bank posted $176 million in third-quarter net income, or $1.35 per share, down from $184 million one year ago but supported by stable net interest income of $574 million and average deposits rising to $62.7 billion. Capital remains a clear strength. The common equity tier 1 ratio stood near 11.9%, well above management’s long-term target, while $150 million in share repurchases during the quarter reinforced balance sheet confidence even as noninterest income softened.

More broadly, this fund’s top holdings cluster tightly around regional banks including Columbia Banking System, First Interstate, Eastern Bankshares, and Citizens Financial, making Comerica a deliberate overweight rather than a one-off trade. The stock’s 41% gain over the past year suggests much of the easy rebound is gone, but the appeal here is likely operational steadiness, not a rerating miracle.

Glossary13F assets under management: The total value of securities a fund reports in its quarterly SEC Form 13F filing.

Position: The amount of a particular security or asset held by an investor or fund.

Stake: The ownership interest or share held in a company by an investor or fund.

Dividend yield: Annual dividends per share divided by the share price, expressed as a percentage.

Trailing twelve months (TTM): The 12-month period ending with the most recent quarterly report.

Regional banking sector: Banks that primarily serve customers within specific geographic areas, rather than nationwide or globally.

Portfolio: The collection of investments held by an individual or institution.

Assets under management (AUM): The total market value of investments managed by a fund or financial institution.

Outperforming: Achieving a higher return than a benchmark or comparable investment.

New position: The initial purchase of a security or asset not previously held in a portfolio.

Holding: A security or asset currently owned within a portfolio.

Commercial loans: Loans provided by banks to businesses for various purposes, such as expansion or working capital.

QUALCOMM Today

$171.05 -2.60 (-1.50%)

As of 12/31/2025 04:00 PM Eastern

52-Week Range$120.80▼

$205.95Dividend Yield2.08%

P/E Ratio34.98

Price Target$192.94

After showing many promising signs over the past quarter, shares of Qualcomm Inc. NASDAQ: QCOM are flashing a sudden warning signal as the new year begins. Just before Christmas, the stock’s Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) chart logged a bearish crossover, confirming a momentum shift that has continued into this week. The mega-cap tech stock closed just below $174 on Dec. 30, still up roughly 40% since April, but also down about 15% from the late-October surge that briefly reignited bullish enthusiasm.

Since then, however, Qualcomm has been narrowing into a tight range, and while its long-term fundamentals remain supportive, its short-term technicals are flashing caution. What makes it all the more noteworthy is that the last time this exact setup appeared, the outcome was not kind to the bulls. Could history be about to repeat itself? Let’s jump in and take a closer look. 

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What Qualcomm’s Bearish MACD Crossover Signals Now
The MACD is a momentum indicator that tracks the relationship between two moving averages. When the shorter-term average crosses below the longer-term one, it’s regarded as a reliable signal that upside momentum is fading and that sellers are beginning to gain the upper hand. Importantly, this is not just an intraday wobble. The crossover that appeared just before Christmas has now continued and picked up pace into this week.

That matters because MACD signals tend to be more reliable when they appear after extended rallies. Qualcomm’s run since April has been one of its most sustained in years, and so this sudden divergence could be an early warning that buyers are starting to step back, rather than to continue building positions.  

Now, it doesn’t mean a breakdown from here is inevitable. But it does suggest that the stock is vulnerable if bulls fail to step in soon, especially given how the stock behaved the last time this happened.

The Last Time QCOM Flashed This Signal, Shares Dropped 10%
The most recent comparison point came less than two months ago in early November. At the time, Qualcomm had also printed a bearish MACD crossover after a strong move to multi-year highs. In a move that surprised us all, what followed was a swift decline of more than 10% over the following two weeks.

The setup then shares several similarities with today. The stock had been moving higher into the middle of December since bottoming out from November’s correction, but in the face of increased selling pressure over the past fortnight, the bulls have been nowhere to be seen. 

History might not repeat perfectly when it comes to stocks, but it often rhymes. The point isn’t so much that Qualcomm is definitely going to fall another 10% from here; it’s that, at the very least, the stock is flashing a warning signal that is worth noting. 

Why This Qualcomm Setup Could Play Out Differently
There are also reasons not to be overly negative. Unlike early November, Qualcomm hasn’t just retreated from a multi-year high, and is actually starting to trade within a tightening range. With the longer-term uptrend still intact, it could be said to have been coiling into a pre-breakout setup over the past week, more so than starting to break down. 

Its fundamentals also look as strong as they have all year, with expectations building for Qualcomm to once again top the consensus in their first earnings report of 2026, due in early February. As we’ve highlighted in recent weeks, too, investor perception has been improving as the company’s diversification efforts continue to build momentum. 

Especially when the broader equity market is in risk-on mode, this underlying narrative supports higher prices over time, even if the near-term path is choppy. That longer-term view is supported by TradeSmith’s Health Indicator, a volatility-based metric that has consistently ranked Qualcomm in the green zone for six consecutive months.

What Bulls Must Do for Qualcomm to Start 2026 Strong
QUALCOMM Stock Forecast Today12-Month Stock Price Forecast:
$192.94
12.80% Upside

Moderate Buy
Based on 21 Analyst Ratings

Current Price$171.05High Forecast$225.00Average Forecast$192.94Low Forecast$155.00QUALCOMM Stock Forecast Details

Still, for Qualcomm to start 2026 on the right foot, the bulls need to reassert control soon. If the stock continues to drift lower below $172, it would significantly increase the odds of another leg down similar to November’s move.

Conversely, if buyers step in and momentum begins to turn back up, this crossover could prove to be a false alarm within a broader uptrend. Having worked hard to shake off its reputation for exasperating investors with multiple false promises, Qualcomm has earned some benefit of the doubt after its strong performance since April, but that goodwill is not unlimited.

The next week or two will tell a lot. A stock can coil only for so long before it has to choose a direction, one way or the other. With its fundamentals pointing higher and technicals pulling in the opposite direction, Qualcomm is approaching a moment of decision.

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Many cannabis stocks have experienced significant growth over the past six months. For instance, shares of Tilray Brands (TLRY +0.11%) have increased by 125% over this period, while those of Curaleaf Holdings (CURLF 1.94%) have risen by 212%.

The main reason for this rally is that the market was becoming increasingly optimistic about potential movement in the U.S. cannabis industry's regulatory landscape. These hopes proved correct: President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order reclassifying the substance into a Schedule 3 drug. This moves the needle for pot growers, but can the recent momentum last?

Image source: Getty Images.

Why the rally might last a little longer
Reclassifying cannabis doesn't make it legal at the federal level. That means interstate commerce remains forbidden. However, it will make research into medical uses of pot easier. It will also grant cannabis companies more access to banking services and allow them to deduct normal business expenses, just like most other businesses do. This latest change could be particularly significant, as it would result in a substantially lower effective tax rate and higher bottom-line numbers for multistate operators (MSOs) like Curaleaf Holdings.

Tilray Brands does not generate revenue from cannabis operations in the U.S., but given recent changes, the company could quickly enter the market through its hemp business in the country. Once the financial effect of President Trump's executive order on MSOs like Curaleaf becomes clearer, and other companies, such as Tilray, make their moves, their shares could jump even higher. So, 2026 could be a (rare) good year for the cannabis industry.

Today's Change

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9.03

The long-term view
That said, there are several key points to consider, lessons we learned from the Canadian experience. Our neighbors to the north legalized pot in 2018, but that did not lead to strong financial results or performances for the leaders in the country, including Tilray. Even with friendlier laws, stringent regulations still remain, which will make things complicated. The inability to cross state borders with cannabis almost forces MSOs to handle their entire supply chain, from cultivation to distribution, in every single state where they do business -- since each state is, essentially, its own isolated market. That's far more expensive than it would be otherwise.

Today's Change

(

-1.94

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-0.05

Current Price

$

2.52

Furthermore, the new developments in the industry may attract far more competition. Tilray and other companies that dominate the Canadian market may try to carve out a niche in the U.S., given the loosening restrictions on pot. This may lead to a problem of oversupply, which will lower prices and make it more challenging for corporations to generate steady profits. Lastly, illegal channels to purchase weed in the U.S. are still alive and well, and it is unclear whether current changes will significantly alter that.

Given all these factors, investors shouldn't expect a sustained run for pot companies for the next few years. My view is that the rally will extend into next year, but then fizzle out after that.

IMAGES AND BROLL MEDIA KIT

, /PRNewswire/ -- Princess Cruises rang in 2026 in full bloom with a stunning appearance at the iconic 137th Rose Parade®, unveiling its "Together in the Magic of Alaska" float. The floral masterpiece depicted Star Princess sailing through Alaska's natural breath-taking beauty, marking the highly anticipated inaugural 2026 Alaska season for the cruise line's newest ship.

Tournament of Roses Parade Star Princess Float

Dazzling millions of viewers and thousands of bystanders as Star Princess "cruised" down the 5½‑mile parade route on Colorado Blvd., the finely detailed ship shimmered with silverleaf protea, coconut, blue statice, and lunaria—florals that beautifully evoked the icy glow of Alaska's coastal waters.

Drawing inspiration from the natural beauty of Alaska, the design for Star Princess' float extended this immersive artistry by incorporating textures and tones reminiscent of rugged coastlines and breathtaking regional scenery. The float featured spectacular animation, with Alaskan wildlife coming to life through gentle movement – from whales rising from icy waters to curious sea otters, soaring eagles, a bear clutching salmon, and a wild moose standing proudly amid the landscape. Rich floral details – most notably Blue Tweedia, symbolizing the Alaska state flower, the Forget‑Me‑Not – further brought the scene to life, seamlessly connecting the float's intricate craftsmanship with the spirit and essence of Alaska.

Designed and built by Artistic Entertainment Services, the float also featured spectacular animation that brought Alaska's wildlife to life, stretching approximately 55 feet long and 21 feet high, and adorned with more than 300,000 flowers and natural materials.

"What better way to welcome the new year than on the world-famous Rose Parade stage, celebrating the breathtaking beauty of Alaska and the debut of our remarkable new ship, Star Princess," said Marie Lee, Princess Cruises Chief Marketing Officer. "Our float pays homage not only to our passionate Princess crew who bring Alaska voyages to life, but also to the local Alaskans – the storytellers, guides, artists, naturalists, and communities – who welcome our guests each season and make every journey extraordinary."

Marie Lee continued by saying "This year's 'The Magic in Teamwork' theme perfectly reflects who we are: an extraordinary team dedicated to delivering unforgettable travel experiences that inspire joy, connection, and moments worth retelling."

To honor "The Magic in Teamwork" theme, and to pay tribute to the 25,000 crew members and teammates worldwide who deliver incredible cruise vacations, four Princess teammates rode on the float, two from Princess' shoreside offices and two crew members.

Additionally, 12 performers danced their way down Colorado Blvd. to a reimagined version of "The Love Boat" theme song in a nostalgic nod to Princess' ocean-going, co-starring role on the beloved television show credited with introducing millions of viewers to the concept of a cruise vacation.

Princess Cruises "Together in the Magic of Alaska" Float Florals

Glaciers rendered in crushed white chrysanthemums, rice, and iridescent everlasting; accented with cool blue tones, Alaska was brought to life through immersive floral artistry.
Surrounded by whales, layered blues and whites - iris, hydrangea, dendrobium orchids, ocean mums, and gypsophila - created the movement and depth of Alaskan waterways. Wildlife included moose and bears crafted from natural fibers such as palm fiber, cornsilk, grasses, and seeds for realistic texture, while a majestic eagle stood as a symbolic centerpiece honoring Princess Cruises' spirit of discovery.
Towering 21-foot trees of pine and spruce formed an authentic forest backdrop, combining live greenery with structured forms. Additional ferns, grasses, and accent florals provide softness, texture, and seamless color transitions throughout the design.
The design featured authentic Alaskan florals, including blue tweedia, delphinium, larkspur, yarrow, asters, campanula, and astilbe to complete the landscape, drawing inspiration from the state's wildflower meadows, tundra, and coastal beauty for a lush and unforgettable representation of Alaska.
Princess showcased its second Sphere Class ship – a 177,800-ton vessel designed to host 4,300 guests. Highlights of the float include The Dome, a next-generation relaxation and entertainment space perched atop the ship, and the striking sphere-shaped Piazza, the architectural centerpiece featuring dramatic curves, floor-to-ceiling windows, and sweeping ocean vistas.

As the #1 cruise line in Alaska, Princess Cruises' upcoming 2026 season is its biggest ever, highlighted by the debut of Star Princess. The expanded program features eight ships, 180 departures, and 19 destinations, offering travelers an unparalleled selection of Alaska adventures by sea or by both land and sea. Star Princess sails weekly seven-day Inside Passage Alaska cruises, roundtrip from Seattle, May 3 – September 19, 2026.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237), or by visiting the company's website at princess.com.

About the Pasadena Tournament of Roses®:
The Pasadena Tournament of Roses is a volunteer organization that annually hosts the Rose Parade®, the Rose Bowl Game® and a variety of associated events. The Tournament's 935 volunteer members act as ambassadors of the organization within the community and serve on one of 31 committees that ensure the success of the parade and game. Collectively, they contribute upwards of 80,000 hours of manpower each year. The 137th Rose Parade presented by Honda and themed "The Magic in Teamwork," took place Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, followed by the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential.  For additional information on the Tournament of Roses please visit the official website at www.tournamentofroses.com.

About Princess Cruises:
Princess Cruises is The Love Boat, the world's most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year in the most sought-after destinations on the largest ships that offer elite service personalization and simplicity customary of small, yacht-class ships. Well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities blend with exclusive Princess MedallionClass service to create meaningful connections and unforgettable moments in the most incredible settings in the world - the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. Star Princess, the brand's newest and most innovative ship, launched October 2025, and sister ship to Sun Princess, named Condé Nast Traveler Mega Ship of the Year for a second consecutive year. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL;  NYSE:CUK).  

SOURCE Princess Cruises

XRP price is down about 1.1% in the last 24 hours and still carries an 8.8% loss over the past 30 days. That makes it one of the weakest performers in the top ten, with only Dogecoin posting a bigger monthly drop.

Even so, a new shift in whale behavior and a repeat bullish signal have shown up together. If both hold, this could be the first real attempt at reversing the downtrend.

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Bullish Divergence Returns; Trend Reversal Soon?XRP price action showed weakness from November 4 to December 31. XRP created lower lows during that period, but the RSI (Relative Strength Index), which measures momentum, created higher lows. This is a bullish divergence and suggests sellers are losing strength. This form of divergence often leads to downtrend reversals.

The same pattern appeared between November 4 and December 1 and triggered a 12% bounce at that time. That rally failed because the structure did not have support from whale wallets.

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

Bullish Divergence (s): TradingViewThis time, the divergence appears again, but the surrounding conditions look different.

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Whales Add $3.6 Billion In 24 Hours, Unlike Last TimeWhale cohorts played the key role when the last divergence attempt failed. During the early December bounce (between December 1 and December 3), two major groups sold into strength.

The 1 million to 10 million XRP wallets dropped their holdings from 4.35 billion to 3.97 billion XRP between November 30 and December 4. The 1 billion+ XRP wallets dropped from 25.34 billion to 25.16 billion XRP during that period. That selling pressure possibly blocked the trend.

This time, the reaction has flipped.

Over the last 24 hours, the 1 billion+ XRP wallets added aggressively from 25.47 billion to 27.47 billion XRP. That is a massive addition of around 2 billion XRP. At the current price, that equals roughly $3.6 billion in value.

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Even though the smaller whales dropped their stash even now (the 1 million to 10 million group), the mega whales still dominate by a long way.

Whales Add XRP; Unlike Last Time: SantimentThis shift is the key difference compared to the November attempt. Whales are buying, not selling, while the RSI divergence is forming. If their positioning holds, the XRP price structure finally has support from both momentum and supply.

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XRP Price Levels Decide If The Reversal HoldsXRP price still needs to confirm what the indicators are suggesting. The first sign of a successful reversal is a clear 12-hour close above $1.92.

That level acted as resistance on December 22 and has rejected every attempt since. If XRP breaks $1.92 with conviction, the next test awaits at $2.02. Reclaiming that level turns focus to $2.17 to $2.21, the zone that blocked the previous rebound at the start of December.

Losing support at $1.77 would weaken the reversal case. It would show that whales are early and the divergence is failing again. If that happens, the momentum structure would break, and the early December outcome could repeat.

XRP Price Analysis: TradingViewFor now, the divergence, the $3.6 billion whale buying, and the return of demand across the largest wallets give XRP a much stronger foundation than the last attempt. Confirmation still depends on price, and $1.92 sits as the line that decides if this time is different.

TLDR:

MACD bullish crossover on three-day chart near $2,900 mirrors setup that preceded 217% rally
Technical targets established at $4,811 for initial resistance and $8,557 as extended objective
Net Taker Volume shows persistent futures selling pressure since mid-2023 despite price stability
Spot market absorption neutralizes derivative aggression, preventing sustained bearish trend formation

Ethereum has registered a fresh MACD bullish crossover on the three-day chart near $2,900. Technical analysts compare this signal to a previous crossover at $1,550 that preceded a 217% rally.

Price targets now stand at $4,811 and $8,557, though market dynamics between spot and futures remain complex.

Technical Momentum Shifts After Extended Correction
Ethereum’s Moving Average Convergence Divergence indicator has flipped bullish on higher timeframes. The crossover emerged following a corrective phase from recent highs. 

Momentum has flattened and begun curling upward, suggesting bearish pressure may be exhausting.

The histogram transition from negative to positive territory reinforces weakening downside momentum. Price action shows consolidation patterns rather than continued decline. This behavior mirrors the setup that preceded the previous major rally.

Analyst JavonMarks noted the historical parallel in a recent post. The analyst highlighted how the last MACD crossover near $1,550 led to a surge above $4,950. That move represented a macro trend reversal rather than temporary relief.

The MACD on $ETH's chart has recorded another bullish crossover!

The last time this happened, prices were near $1,550 and they surged approximately +217% after to $4,950+.

The crossover highlighted today happened near $2,900 and we are targeting $4,811.71 then $8,557.68…… pic.twitter.com/h8EB6JwZjs

— JAVON⚡️MARKS (@JavonTM1) January 1, 2026

The current setup appears structurally similar to the prior instance. Compression preceded the momentum flip in both cases. 

Market participants now watch for expansion that typically follows such technical configurations. Higher timeframe crossovers tend to align with sustained trend changes rather than short-term volatility.

Spot Market Absorption Counters Futures Selling Pressure
Net Taker Volume data reveals aggressive selling dominance in Ethereum futures markets. The 30-day moving average has remained negative since mid-2023. This metric indicates short positions and forced long liquidations have controlled market orders.

Despite persistent futures pressure, Ethereum’s price has maintained structural stability near $3,000. 

Source: Cryproquant

This divergence between derivatives flow and price action suggests underlying demand. The spot market appears to be absorbing aggressive selling from futures traders.

Carmelo Alemán analyzed this dynamic in a detailed market assessment. The analysis pointed out that futures dominate aggression but not final price direction. Spot demand acts as a counterbalance, preventing shorts from establishing sustained downtrends.

This pattern resembles Bitcoin’s behavior during historical accumulation phases. While buying pressure doesn’t show in Net Taker Volume, price stability proves its existence. 

Such absorption likely originates from direct spot purchases or over-the-counter flows. The mechanism effectively neutralizes the imbalance created by derivative trading activity.

Price control remains outside the derivatives market as long as spot absorption continues. Futures traders drive short-term flow, but they cannot dictate medium-term price outcomes. 

This creates an environment where derivative pressure loses effectiveness against patient demand. The $4,811 level represents the initial resistance zone if bullish momentum continues to build.

Tenderly reports that it is now an official public RPC provider for Polygon, joining the network of infrastructure partners powering one of the “most widely adopted EVM-compatible chains.” Clients may now access Tenderly’s public Polygon RPC endpoint at tenderly.rpc.polygon.community. As an “official” Polygon public RPC provider, Tenderly says that it now “delivers enterprise-grade infrastructure to the broader Polygon ecosystem.”

A Polygon RPC (Remote Procedure Call) is a gateway, or URL, that lets developers and apps “connect to the Polygon blockchain to read data, send transactions, and interact with smart contracts, acting as the communication bridge for decentralized apps (dApps) like wallets and explorers to function on the network.”

It’s described as being crucial for sending requests to Polygon nodes, “handling functions like checking balances, broadcasting transactions (MATIC transfers), or calling contract methods, with options for public, fast, or private endpoints.”

Whether clients are building DeFi protocols, NFT marketplaces, or gaming applications, they now reportedly have access to “reliable, low-latency RPC services backed by Tenderly’s proven infrastructure.”

Some of the Key benefits noted in the update from Tenderly are:

Developer tools: Tenderly provides the industry-standard set of tools to help you debug, simulate, test, and scale onchain
High availability: Tenderly’s battle-tested infrastructure ensures reliable connectivity with 99.9%+ uptime
Low latency: Multi-region support delivers fast response times across global locations
No rate limits for basic usage: Start building immediately without worrying about throttling
EVM compatibility: Seamless integration with existing Polygon dapps and tooling

Beyond public RPC access, Tenderly says that it now “provides a complete development stack” for Polygon builders:

Virtual TestNets: Fork the Polygon mainnet to create isolated testing environments synced with the live state
Transaction Simulator: Preview exact transaction outcomes before sending them on-chain
Debugger: Trace and debug transactions with human-readable execution insights
Monitoring & Alerts: Set up real-time notifications for smart contract events

Bitcoin, the world’s largest cryptocurrency, ended its Q4 2025 with a nearly 28% drop, but the bigger story goes beyond price. For the first time in 14 years, Bitcoin failed to follow its famous four-year cycle, surprising traders and long-term holders alike.

As 2026 begins, whale accumulation, tight price action, and changing market forces are shaping what comes next.

Bitcoin Breaks Its 4-Year Pattern After 14 YearsFor over a decade, Bitcoin moved in a familiar rhythm. The halving year was usually closed in the green, the year after saw even stronger gains, and then a major top was followed by a deep correction. This pattern played out clearly in the 2013, 2017, and 2021 cycles.

That rhythm changed in the latest cycle. While the 2024 halving year closed strong, 2025 ended with a red yearly candle. This marks the first time Bitcoin has fallen in the year after a halving.

This shift does not automatically signal weakness. Instead, it points to a maturing market. With institutional investors, spot ETFs, and deeper liquidity now in play, Bitcoin is moving less on halving hype and more on broader economic conditions.

Bitcoin Whales Are Buying AgainAs 2026 begins, on-chain data is sending an important signal. Large Bitcoin holders, often called whales, are slowly adding to their positions after weeks of reduced activity.

Data shared by crypto trader Crypto Rover shows wallets holding more than 1,000 BTC have started increasing their balances. The 30-day trend has turned upward, suggesting fresh accumulation at current levels.

At the same time, Bitcoin balances on exchanges continue to fall. When coins move off exchanges, it often means holders are planning to hold rather than sell, reducing available supply in the market. In past cycles, this setup has often appeared before strong rallies.

Bitcoin Stuck in a Tight RangeLooking at the chart, Bitcoin has been moving sideways for over a month. The price is trapped between a clear resistance zone near $100,000 and strong support around 84000. These two levels stand out clearly and act as decision points for the market.

The $100,000 level is especially important. It previously acted as the lower boundary of Bitcoin’s all-time high range, making it a zone where selling pressure could return. A clean breakout above it could signal renewed strength.

On the downside, $74,500 is a critical monthly support. If this level breaks, some analysts believe Bitcoin could form a deeper bottom near $40,000 sometime in 2026.

As of now, Bitcoin is trading around $88,040, reflecting a slight rise seen in the last 24 hours, with a market cap hitting $1.75 trillion.

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

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

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TLDR:

Chainlink Reserve accumulated 94,267.77 LINK tokens, bringing total holdings to 1,416,379.61 LINK (100 characters)

LINK ETF recorded $2.02 million net inflows in December 2024 with zero outflows demonstrating demand (105 characters)

Network provides macroeconomic data feeds for US Department of Commerce expanding beyond DeFi use (102 characters)

LINK maintains long-term support at $12 zone with RSI near oversold levels indicating accumulation (103 characters)

Chainlink continues to strengthen its position in the oracle infrastructure space through reserve accumulation and growing institutional adoption. The network’s reserve recently added 94,267.77 LINK tokens, bringing total holdings to 1,416,379.61 LINK. 

Meanwhile, the LINK ETF recorded $2.02 million in net inflows during December 2024 with zero outflows. These developments come as the network expands into traditional finance applications, including macroeconomic data feeds for the US Department of Commerce.

Reserve Growth Drives Network Sustainability
The Chainlink Reserve announced its latest accumulation through an official update on social media. According to the announcement, the reserve added 94,267.77 LINK tokens to its holdings. 

RESERVE UPDATE

Today, the Chainlink Reserve has accumulated 94,267.77 LINK.

The Chainlink Reserve now holds a total of 1,416,379.61 LINK.https://t.co/oxMv5N3rFC

The Chainlink Reserve is designed to support the long-term growth and sustainability of the Chainlink Network by… pic.twitter.com/7fvJNe2QpO

— Chainlink (@chainlink) January 1, 2026

The total reserve balance now stands at 1,416,379.61 LINK tokens. The reserve operates by collecting revenue from both enterprise clients and on-chain service usage.

This accumulation mechanism supports the network’s long-term operational goals. Revenue streams include payments from large enterprises adopting Chainlink technology. 

Additionally, fees generated from on-chain services contribute to reserve growth. The model creates a sustainable funding structure for network development and maintenance.

Market analyst Altcoin Buzz highlighted the institutional momentum behind LINK. The LINK ETF demonstrated consistent demand throughout December 2024.

Net inflows reached $2.02 million with no recorded outflows during the month. This pattern indicates sustained institutional interest rather than speculative trading activity.

Technical Positioning and Infrastructure Expansion
The network’s integration with traditional financial systems marks a notable development. Chainlink now provides macroeconomic data feeds for the US Department of Commerce. 

This adoption extends the network’s reach beyond decentralized finance applications. The connection to foreign exchange markets worth $120 trillion positions LINK as infrastructure rather than merely a DeFi tool.

Technical analyst Mr Bullish examined the token’s chart patterns and support levels. LINK maintains a long-term rising trendline near the $12 price zone. 

The Relative Strength Index approaches oversold territory while price action respects established support structures. These technical factors suggest potential accumulation at current levels.

$LINK is holding a strong long-term rising trendline around the $12 zone, showing clear accumulation. RSI is near oversold while price respects structure — a classic high-timeframe buy zone. This is where smart money positions before expansion. A strong bounce here can trigger a… pic.twitter.com/achma6ylY3

— 𝙈𝙧 𝘽𝙪𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙝 🚀 (@mr_bullishh) December 31, 2025

Market observers project a price target of $50 for 2026. The projection reflects anticipated growth from institutional adoption and expanded use cases. Current technical setups show the token holding critical support levels. 

A bounce from the $12 zone could trigger upward movement toward previous price highs. The combination of technical positioning and fundamental developments creates multiple catalysts for potential price appreciation.

Bitwise’s Matt Hougan has blamed retail traders for Bitcoin’s lackluster performance in 2025. While prices are tipped to recover in 2026, Hougan revealed that Trump’s policies will have little to no effect on Bitcoin.

A Post-Mortem For Bitcoin’s Performance
Matt Hougan, Bitwise Chief Investment Officer, has pointed fingers at retail investors for Bitcoin’s sharp decline at the tail-end of 2025. According to Hougan, a “fast-moving retail crowd” seeking the upside of an anticipated four-year cycle triggered the decline as capital rotated out of Bitcoin.

Hougan disclosed in a recent interview that retail investors in Bitcoin took profits after a strong showing in 2025, diversifying their holdings into altcoins and other assets. For many traders, the specter of a correction after a bullish phase triggered a mass selloff, in line with Bitcoin’s historical boom-and-bust market cycles.

While previous cycles recorded declines of over 60%, Hougan noted that “persistent, slow-moving institutional buying” cushioned the effect of the drawdown. CoinMarketCap data confirmed a decline for Bitcoin from an all-time high of over $126K to under $90K within weeks.

Despite the grim end to the year, Hougan is forecasting a bullish 2026 for the largest cryptocurrency. While parabolic rallies will be rare, the Bitwise executive predicted that Bitcoin is poised for a decade-long price upswing with minimal volatility.  For several pundits, a long-term rally could signal the end of the four-year cycle for digital assets.

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“I think we’re in a 10-year grind upward of strong returns,” said Hougan. “It’s not spectacular returns but strong returns, lower volatility, some up and down.”

Trump’s Waning Power Over Bitcoin
In a CNBC interview, Hougan revealed that the chances of the Trump administration having a major impact on Bitcoin’s price are slim. He argued that the regulatory direction of the asset has become significantly clearer in 2025, with the government openly declaring support for Bitcoin.

“There’s not much more they can marginally do for Bitcoin,” said Hougan.

At the start of the year, Trump announced plans to make America “the crypto capital of the world” while establishing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. The declarations and the legal clarity triggered Bitcoin’s early rally in 2025, with later reports of the OCC allowing banks to offer cryptocurrency services failing to trigger similar price upswings.

U.S. spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds recorded $355 million in net inflows Tuesday, breaking a brutal seven-day stretch that saw investors yank $1.12 billion from the products.

The healthy inflows highlight the market’s returning optimism even as spot prices remained under pressure.

BTC ETFs Snap Out Of Outflow Funk
The major contributors to Tuesday’s rebound were BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) with $143.8 million net inflow and Ark & 21Shares’ ARKB with $109.6 million. Fidelity’s Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC) followed with $78.6 million, according to aggregated data from SoSoValue.

Bitwise’s Bitcoin ETF BITB attracted $13.87 million, while other issuers, including Grayscale and VanEck, also posted gains, though smaller.

The reprieve came after spot Bitcoin funds bled $1.12 billion during the previous seven trading days. The worst redemption happened on Friday, when the ETFs hemorrhaged $276 million. It’s worth mentioning that December has been dominated by outflows, with spot BTC ETFs losing $744 million collectively as investors moved into the Christmas break with reduced liquidity and a weaker risk appetite.

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The fresh inflows hint at renewed institutional appetite even as Bitcoin, down 29.9% from October’s $126,000 peak, trades at $88,039, a 0.6% drop in the past 24 hours, according to CoinGecko data.

Other Crypto ETFs Also Reverse Outflow Trend
Spot Ethereum ETFs followed a similar trajectory to the BTC funds, recording $12.5 million in net inflows on Tuesday after four days of exits. ETH is trading around $2,987, down 0.2% in the past 24 hours, CoinGecko data shows.

The recently launched spot XRP and Solana ETFs all reported positive flows for the day. XRP funds, specifically, extended their inflow streak to 30 straight days, pulling in another $15 million on Tuesday. These products recently exceeded the $1 billion inflows milestone in under a month, which could indicate substantial acceptance and liquidity for the Ripple-affiliated asset within traditional finance markets.

Bitcoin’s short-term price action is still without bullish momentum, and according to macroeconomist Henrik Zeberg, the longer-term outlook may be deteriorating as well. 

Henrik Zeberg shared a strongly bearish assessment of the market’s current structure in a post on the social media platform X with the conclusion that Bitcoin is no longer behaving like an asset in a healthy expansion phase. Instead, he described Bitcoin as approaching an important peak, warning that the current structure carries an elevated risk of a sharp downside move once that peak is in place.

Bitcoin’s Expanding Diagonal Points To Price Top
Zeberg’s Bitcoin outlook is based on the expanding diagonal structure on Bitcoin’s monthly candlestick timeframe chart. This long-term pattern, which has been playing out since Bitcoin’s creation, shows increasing volatility, with the Bitcoin price making higher highs and lower lows with a widening range. 

According to the chart he shared, Bitcoin appears to be completing the final stages of this structure, and this is expected to be characterized by exhaustion. Zeberg labels the current zone as a topping area, where upside progress becomes increasingly unstable even if the price continues to increase.

Source: Chart from Henrik Zeberg on X
Interestingly, the chart projected a final surge as a blow-off top that could carry Bitcoin to the mid-$150,000 range. However, in this framework, that final push is not a sign of strength but a hallmark of late-cycle overconfidence. Expanding diagonals tend to resolve violently once the structure breaks, and Zeberg views the current setup as looking like where optimism peaked just before a reversal.

From Euphoria To A Deep Crash Scenario
Zeberg’s most controversial claims are in his projected downside targets. According to him, once the final euphoric rally plays out and Bitcoin reaches above $150,000, it could enter into a collapse on a scale that most Bitcoin investors currently consider unthinkable. 

He compared the setup to the dot-com era, when the Nasdaq fell by more than 80%, and noted that Bitcoin has historically amplified both upside and downside moves. Based on that logic, he predicted a scenario where a broader AI and crypto bubble unwinds, leading to a Bitcoin price crash of about 97% or 98% from the eventual peak.

This translates into a technical minimum target between $3,000 and $4,000, with the possibility of even deeper declines. Although the final rally may be dramatic, holding through the subsequent crash could be devastating for unprepared investors.

Zeberg also highlighted momentum indicators that he believes support the bearish outlook. Bitcoin is showing what he describes as massive bearish divergence on the monthly timeframe. This is a situation where price continues to grind higher but momentum indicators such as the RSI fail to confirm those highs. 

Another indicator is the monthly MACD, which is also approaching, or already printing, a bearish crossover on the long-term chart.

BTC trading at $87,952 on the 1D chart | Source: BTCUSDT on Tradingview.com
Featured image from Pixabay, chart from Tradingview.com

CEO Paolo Ardoino confirmed the $779 million purchase by Tether.

Stablecoin issuer Tether added 8,888.8888888 BTC to its reserves in Q4 2025. The latest stash brings its total holdings to over 96,000 coins, which is worth roughly $8.46 billion.

The purchase of around $779 million was confirmed by CEO Paolo Ardoino on X and continues the company’s ongoing “8888” accumulation pattern.

Tether’s Diversification Strategy
Tether started buying Bitcoin back in September 2022. In May 2023, the company made its plan official, announcing that it would dedicate 15% of its quarterly net profits to purchasing Bitcoin. Since that announcement, the company behind the USDT stablecoin has steadily added to its holdings every quarter. It has followed a long-term strategy focused on diversifying its reserves and strengthening its financial position.

In addition to Bitcoin, Tether has been steadily building a significant gold reserve. By Q3 2025, the company held around 116 metric tons of physical gold. In September, Ardoino addressed rumors that alleged that the firm had sold Bitcoin to buy gold. The speculation began after YouTuber Clive Thompson claimed the firm quietly changed its investment approach, allegedly selling over $1 billion in BTC while acquiring $1.6 billion in gold during Q2 2025.

The BTC acquisition, however, came as the crypto asset ended the year on a weak note. Prices fell to $88,000 in late 2025, which contributed to a 23.07% negative return for the quarter, according to Coinglass. This makes the second-worst Q4 performance on record behind Q4 2018. Despite the downturn, Tether seized the opportunity to steadily increase its exposure, even as other institutional buyers pulled back.

Corporate Treasuries Struggle
Bitcoin adoption by corporations started strong in early 2025, and many companies added crypto to their balance sheets, thanks to the model popularized by Michael Saylor’s Strategy. Early price gains made the model appealing, but the October downturn eroded confidence. As a result, shares in some of the largest players are sharply down.

Companies that had been aggressive buyers now face pressure to stabilize their finances in 2026. Prenetics, which raised $48 million partly to build a Bitcoin treasury, announced it would halt additional purchases.

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Key takeaways:

Covered calls gained traction as cash-and-carry returns collapsed, but data shows they are not structurally suppressing Bitcoin’s price.

Stable put-to-call ratios and rising put demand suggest hedging and yield strategies coexist with bullish positioning.

As Bitcoin (BTC) price entered a downtrend in November, traders began forming theories about why institutional inflows and corporate accumulation failed to sustain price levels above $110,000.

One explanation frequently cited is the rising demand for Bitcoin options, particularly those linked to the BlackRock iShares spot Bitcoin (IBIT) exchange-traded fund.

IBIT options open interest. Source: OptionCharts.ioThe aggregate Bitcoin options open interest climbed to $49 billion in December 2025 from $39 billion in December 2024, putting the covered call strategy under closer scrutiny.

Critics argue that by “renting out” their upside for a fee, large investors have unintentionally created a ceiling that prevents Bitcoin from entering its next parabolic phase. To understand this argument, it helps to view a covered call as a trade-off between price appreciation and steady income.

In a covered call strategy, an investor who already owns Bitcoin sells a call (buy) option to another party. This gives the buyer the right to purchase that Bitcoin at a fixed price, such as $100,000 by a specified date. In return, the seller receives an upfront cash payment, similar to earning interest on a bond.

This options strategy differs from fixed income products because the seller continues to hold a volatile asset, even though their potential upside is capped. If Bitcoin rallies to $120,000, the seller must sell at $100,000, effectively missing the additional gains.

Traders argue that this dynamic suppresses price action because professional dealers who purchase these options often sell Bitcoin in the spot market to hedge their exposure, creating a persistent “sell wall” around popular strike prices.

Options-based yield replaced the collapsed cash and carry tradeThis shift toward options-based yield is a direct response to the collapse of the cash and carry trade, which involves selling BTC futures while holding an equivalent position in the spot market. 

BTC 2-month futures annualized premium. Source: laevitas.chFor much of late 2024, traders captured a steady 10% to 15% premium. By February 2025, however, that premium had fallen below 10%, and by November it struggled to remain above 5%.

In search of higher returns, funds rotated into covered calls, which offered more attractive annualized yields of 12% to 18%. This transition is evident in IBIT options, where open interest jumped to $40 billion from $12 billion in late 2024. Even so, the put-to-call ratio has stayed stable below 60%.

IBIT options put-to-call ratio. Source: OptionCharts.ioIf widespread “suppressive” call selling were truly the dominant force, this ratio would likely have collapsed as the market became saturated with call sellers. Instead, the balance implies that for every yield-focused seller, there is still a buyer positioning for a breakout.

The put-to-call ratio suggests that while some participants are selling upside call options, a much larger group is purchasing put (sell) instruments as protection against a potential price decline.

The recent defensive stance is reflected in the skew metric. While IBIT put options traded at a 2% discount in late 2024, they now trade at a 5% premium. At the same time, implied volatility, the market’s measure of expected turbulence, declined to 45% or lower from May onward, down from 57% in late 2024.

BTC options implied volatility. Source: laevitas.chLower volatility reduces the premiums earned by sellers, meaning the incentive to deploy this so-called “suppressive” strategy has actually weakened, even as total open interest has increased.

Arguing that covered calls are holding prices down makes little sense when the sellers of those call options stand to benefit most if prices rise toward their target levels. Rather than acting as a constraint, the options market has become the primary venue where Bitcoin’s volatility is being monetized for yield.

This article is for general information purposes and is not intended to be and should not be taken as, legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed here are the author’s alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph. While we strive to provide accurate and timely information, Cointelegraph does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information in this article. This article may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Cointelegraph will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from your reliance on this information.

This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision. While we strive to provide accurate and timely information, Cointelegraph does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information in this article. This article may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Cointelegraph will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from your reliance on this information.

Global liquidity indicators moved higher again, but Bitcoin still failed to react in a clear way. Two charts shared on X tracked rising global M2 trends and a late 2025 jump in U.S. repo liquidity, while BTC stayed near the top of its recent range.

Together, the posts added to the liquidity narrative around Bitcoin. However, the same data also showed a gap between improving money metrics and short term BTC direction.

Global M2 Turns Higher Again as Bitcoin Tracks Liquidity ChartA chart circulating on X shows global money supply climbing and annual growth turning higher again, as Bitcoin trades near the top of its recent range. The post came from crypto commentator Crypto Rover, who wrote that “Global Liquidity is surging,” while sharing a CoinGlass graphic titled “Bitcoin Price and Global M2 Supply & Growth.”

Bitcoin Price and Global M2 Supply Growth. Source: CoinGlass / X

The chart overlays three series: Bitcoin’s price in gold, global M2 supply in a light blue line, and global M2 year over year growth as vertical bars. The M2 supply line trends upward across the full period and finishes near the upper end of the scale, while the growth bars shift from earlier negative readings to positive territory in the most recent section highlighted on the right side.

Bitcoin’s price line rises alongside prior periods of stronger M2 growth on the chart, then moves through extended swings as the growth rate cools and later recovers. In the latest portion, the gold line sits near the upper band of its recent levels, while the M2 supply line continues to edge higher and the growth bars print larger positive readings than earlier in the year.

Analysts often use global M2 as a broad proxy for liquidity conditions because it reflects the amount of money in circulation across major economies. However, the graphic does not show causation, and Bitcoin can diverge from liquidity measures for long stretches due to market structure, leverage cycles, policy expectations, and crypto specific shocks.

Even so, the shared chart frames a simple message: as global M2 supply expands and the growth rate improves, Bitcoin remains closely watched for whether it follows the same direction seen during prior liquidity upswings.

Fed Repo Operations Add Fresh Liquidity as Bitcoin Holds RangeMeanwhile, a chart shared on X by Ted Pillows shows the U.S. Federal Reserve adding sizable liquidity to the financial system through recent repo operations, even as Bitcoin price action remains largely unchanged. According to the chart, the Fed injected about $74.6 billion into the U.S. economy over the past three months, based on accepted repo amounts.

Federal Reserve Repo Liquidity Injections. Source: Federal Reserve via Ted Pillows

The graphic covers the period from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, 2025, and breaks down liquidity by security type. Treasury repos accounted for roughly $31.5 billion at the end of December, while mortgage backed securities made up about $43.1 billion. Agency securities showed no activity in the latest snapshot. The data reflects short term funding support rather than a shift in long term monetary policy.

Repo operations are typically used to stabilize funding markets and manage short term liquidity needs. As a result, these injections often fluctuate around quarter ends or periods of higher funding stress. The chart highlights several spikes in late October, early November, early December, and again near year end, with the largest bars appearing in the final days of December.

Despite the increase in liquidity shown on the chart, Bitcoin has not posted a clear directional response over the same window. Price action has stayed range bound, suggesting that short term repo injections alone may not be enough to drive immediate moves in BTC. Market participants often distinguish between temporary liquidity operations and sustained balance sheet expansion when assessing potential impacts on risk assets.

The chart reinforces the ongoing debate around how closely Bitcoin tracks liquidity conditions, especially when injections are technical and short lived rather than structural shifts in monetary stance.

These two stocks are great additions to any growth portfolio.

Investors are always on the lookout for the next big technology breakthrough. And in recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) emerged as this potential game changer. The idea is AI will make the world a more efficient place, and importantly, help companies save money and increase their ability to rapidly innovate.

Many companies in the space -- those developing or using AI -- already have seen their revenue soar, and investors have taken notice. They've piled into these stocks and often reaped the rewards as AI stocks have driven gains in the S&P 500. And, with the AI market forecast to reach into the trillions of dollars in just a few years, there may be a lot more to gain well into the future.

Of course, there are many AI stocks out there, so choosing just a few may seem overwhelming. It's important to consider each company's path so far, competition, and prospects down the road. And with all of this in mind, two in particular look like no-brainer AI stocks to buy hand over fist for 2026. Let's check them out.

Image source: Getty Images.

1. Nvidia
Nvidia (NVDA 0.46%) may be the most well-known AI stock on the planet thanks to its dominance in the AI chip market. The company makes the graphics processing units (GPUs) that fuel top AI tasks such as the training and inferencing of large language models (LLMs). The tech giant benefits from its early entrance into the AI market -- and its focus on innovation has kept it in the top spot.

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All of this has led to enormous gains in earnings, with revenue and net income climbing in the double and triple digits in recent quarters -- and revenue has reached record levels. Nvidia has powered the early phases of the AI boom, but the company also is perfectly positioned to drive the next chapters, too. This is because Nvidia has tailored its chips to serve inferencing -- seen as the next big growth area for AI -- and expanded its offerings into a variety of products and services to suit customers' AI needs.

Nvidia also has made smart strategic moves -- for example, partnering with Nokia to develop AI for telecom, and just recently, acquiring the inferencing technology of start-up Groq.

So Nvidia is very likely to continue generating significant growth as the AI story unfolds, and that makes it a no-brainer buy for the coming year.

2. Amazon
Amazon (AMZN 0.70%) is both a user and seller of AI, and that's helped it become one of the early winners of the AI race. The company applies AI to its e-commerce business, helping it design more efficient delivery routes, for example, and offer shopping assistance to customers. By making shopping easier and delivery faster for customers, they're likely to keep coming back -- and efficiency also helps Amazon lower its cost to serve.

Though you may associate Amazon mainly with e-commerce, the company's biggest profit driver actually is another business: cloud computing. And through this unit, Amazon Web Services (AWS), the company is scoring a major AI victory.

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AWS, the world's biggest cloud provider, offers customers a wide variety of AI products and services, from leading Nvidia chips and AWS' own chips targeting the cost-conscious customer to a fully managed AI service called Amazon Bedrock. And these are only a few examples. This along with AWS' full range of offerings beyond AI have helped the unit reach an annual revenue run rate of $132 billion.

Amazon is a no-brainer AI stock to own because the company has delivered growth over the years thanks to its e-commerce and cloud businesses -- so the company doesn't depend uniquely on AI for revenue. But AI offers Amazon the potential for explosive growth in the years to come, making a positive picture even brighter.

And today, trading for only 32x forward earnings estimates, it's a reasonably priced tech stock to add to any AI portfolio.