Market Signal Briefing

Ripple sees accelerating institutional crypto adoption fueled by regulatory clarity, tokenization growth, and surging demand for stablecoins, ETFs, and XRP-linked products, driving momentum heading into the new year.

Journalist

Posted: January 1, 2026

Chiliz [CHZ] has made strong gains recently.

CoinMarketCap data showed that the sports chain’s native token was up 16.7% in 24 hours and 25.6% in a week. The strong bullish momentum saw surging Open Interest.

Speculative traders sought to profit from the momentum, and the OI climbed 66% in just the past 24 hours. Coinalyze data showed that the Open Interest has nearly tripled from $12 million to $33 million since the 19th of December.

In a post on X, popular trader Johnny Woo showed that Chiliz exhibited a buy signal on the 3-day timeframe. Will the FIFA World Cup be a catalyst strong enough to defy a multi-month resistance zone overhead?

CHZ bulls attempt to crack open $0.05 resistance

Source: CHZ/USDT on TradingView

The 1-day timeframe showed a bullish structure for CHZ. The shift occurred on the 9th of December, and another structure break occurred on the 19th of the month, which flipped the $0.34 local resistance to support.

Since testing the swing low at $0.28, Chiliz has rallied a remarkable 56% in 13 days. The OBV was climbing higher over the past month as well, reflecting increased buying pressure.

The bullish crossover on the moving averages also indicated a trend shift. It remains to be seen if the momentum and demand can sustain a bullish charge above $0.05.

Should traders prepare to buy the breakout?
From a technical analysis perspective, yes, it does seem they should. The rising volume and the structure breaks were convincing, and the momentum was on the side of CHZ bulls.

The wider market context made this rally worrisome. Bitcoin [BTC] was stuck below the $90k resistance, and fear permeated the crypto markets. CHZ bulls have been down this road multiple times in 2025.

Each time, the road ended with rejection at the $0.05 supply zone and a gradual reversal of the gains made.

Traders’ call to action- Expect more of the same
Until a bullish breakout past the $0.050-$0.051 area is seen, remain bearish. A weekly close above $0.051 would do much to quell these bearish doubts, but it is better to be safe than to chase a rally that turns into a reversal.

Traders can look for bearish reversal signals as Chiliz token prices approach the $0.05 level. It might be risky to go short, as consolidation underneath the resistance is a possibility.

Final Thoughts

The Chiliz rally was approaching a key resistance zone that traders already in long positions can look to book profits at.
Bulls looking to buy CHZ could wait for a weekly close above $0.051 for confirmation before entering.

Disclaimer: The information presented does not constitute financial, investment, trading, or other types of advice and is solely the writer’s opinion

Akashnath S is a Senior Journalist and Technical Analysis expert at AMBCrypto. He specializes in dissecting price action, identifying key market trends through advanced chart patterns, and forecasting both short-term and long-term asset trajectories.
His distinct analytical method is grounded in his academic training as a Chemical Engineer. This background provides him with a systematic, process-oriented approach to market data, enabling him to analyze the complex dynamics of financial markets with precision and objectivity.
Having actively covered the cryptocurrency space since the landmark 2017 market cycle, Akashnath possesses years of experience navigating both bull and bear markets. This seasoned perspective is critical to his insightful reporting on market volatility and evolution.
As an active market participant, Akashnath enhances his analysis with crucial, hands-on experience. This practical application of his technical skills ensures his insights are not merely theoretical, but are also relevant and actionable for an audience looking to understand and navigate trading opportunities. He is dedicated to educating readers on the nuances of technical analysis, empowering them with the knowledge to make more informed financial decisions.

Camtek (CAMT - Free Report) closed at $106.35 in the latest trading session, marking a -2.08% move from the prior day. The stock trailed the S&P 500, which registered a daily loss of 0.74%. Meanwhile, the Dow experienced a drop of 0.63%, and the technology-dominated Nasdaq saw a decrease of 0.76%.

Coming into today, shares of the maker of automatic optical inspection and process enhancement systems had lost 2.07% in the past month. In that same time, the Computer and Technology sector gained 0.14%, while the S&P 500 gained 0.79%.

The investment community will be paying close attention to the earnings performance of Camtek in its upcoming release. In that report, analysts expect Camtek to post earnings of $0.83 per share. This would mark year-over-year growth of 7.79%. Meanwhile, our latest consensus estimate is calling for revenue of $127.21 million, up 8.46% from the prior-year quarter.

For the full year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates project earnings of $3.21 per share and a revenue of $495.14 million, demonstrating changes of +13.43% and +15.36%, respectively, from the preceding year.

It's also important for investors to be aware of any recent modifications to analyst estimates for Camtek. Recent revisions tend to reflect the latest near-term business trends. As such, positive estimate revisions reflect analyst optimism about the business and profitability.

Research indicates that these estimate revisions are directly correlated with near-term share price momentum. To capitalize on this, we've crafted the Zacks Rank, a unique model that incorporates these estimate changes and offers a practical rating system.

Ranging from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), the Zacks Rank system has a proven, outside-audited track record of outperformance, with #1 stocks returning an average of +25% annually since 1988. Over the past month, there's been a 0.14% rise in the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate. Camtek currently has a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).

Looking at valuation, Camtek is presently trading at a Forward P/E ratio of 33.86. This signifies a discount in comparison to the average Forward P/E of 44.66 for its industry.

Also, we should mention that CAMT has a PEG ratio of 2.17. The PEG ratio is akin to the commonly utilized P/E ratio, but this measure also incorporates the company's anticipated earnings growth rate. Electronics - Measuring Instruments stocks are, on average, holding a PEG ratio of 2.06 based on yesterday's closing prices.

The Electronics - Measuring Instruments industry is part of the Computer and Technology sector. This industry currently has a Zacks Industry Rank of 108, which puts it in the top 44% of all 250+ industries.

The Zacks Industry Rank gauges the strength of our individual industry groups by measuring the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.

Remember to apply Zacks.com to follow these and more stock-moving metrics during the upcoming trading sessions.

Amkor Technology (AMKR - Free Report) closed at $39.48 in the latest trading session, marking a -2.28% move from the prior day. This change lagged the S&P 500's daily loss of 0.74%. Elsewhere, the Dow saw a downswing of 0.63%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq depreciated by 0.76%.

Heading into today, shares of the chip packaging and test services provider had lost 0.62% over the past month, lagging the Computer and Technology sector's gain of 0.14% and the S&P 500's gain of 0.79%.

The investment community will be paying close attention to the earnings performance of Amkor Technology in its upcoming release. The company is forecasted to report an EPS of $0.42, showcasing a 2.33% downward movement from the corresponding quarter of the prior year. In the meantime, our current consensus estimate forecasts the revenue to be $1.83 billion, indicating a 12.14% growth compared to the corresponding quarter of the prior year.

For the annual period, the Zacks Consensus Estimates anticipate earnings of $1.25 per share and a revenue of $6.65 billion, signifying shifts of -12.59% and +5.21%, respectively, from the last year.

Investors should also take note of any recent adjustments to analyst estimates for Amkor Technology. These revisions typically reflect the latest short-term business trends, which can change frequently. As a result, we can interpret positive estimate revisions as a good sign for the business outlook.

Our research reveals that these estimate alterations are directly linked with the stock price performance in the near future. To utilize this, we have created the Zacks Rank, a proprietary model that integrates these estimate changes and provides a functional rating system.

Ranging from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), the Zacks Rank system has a proven, outside-audited track record of outperformance, with #1 stocks returning an average of +25% annually since 1988. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has witnessed an unchanged state. Amkor Technology is holding a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold) right now.

Looking at its valuation, Amkor Technology is holding a Forward P/E ratio of 32.38. This valuation marks a discount compared to its industry average Forward P/E of 35.99.

The Electronics - Semiconductors industry is part of the Computer and Technology sector. At present, this industry carries a Zacks Industry Rank of 96, placing it within the top 39% of over 250 industries.

The Zacks Industry Rank evaluates the power of our distinct industry groups by determining the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks forming the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.

Keep in mind to rely on Zacks.com to watch all these stock-impacting metrics, and more, in the succeeding trading sessions.

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

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

Quanta Services (PWR - Free Report) closed the most recent trading day at $422.06, moving -1.57% from the previous trading session. The stock's change was less than the S&P 500's daily loss of 0.74%. At the same time, the Dow lost 0.63%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq lost 0.76%.

The stock of specialty contractor for utility and energy companies has fallen by 5.7% in the past month, lagging the Construction sector's loss of 2.42% and the S&P 500's gain of 0.79%.

Investors will be eagerly watching for the performance of Quanta Services in its upcoming earnings disclosure. The company is forecasted to report an EPS of $3, showcasing a 2.04% upward movement from the corresponding quarter of the prior year. In the meantime, our current consensus estimate forecasts the revenue to be $7.31 billion, indicating a 11.57% growth compared to the corresponding quarter of the prior year.

In terms of the entire fiscal year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates predict earnings of $10.59 per share and a revenue of $27.95 billion, indicating changes of +18.06% and +18.07%, respectively, from the former year.

It is also important to note the recent changes to analyst estimates for Quanta Services. Recent revisions tend to reflect the latest near-term business trends. As a result, we can interpret positive estimate revisions as a good sign for the business outlook.

Based on our research, we believe these estimate revisions are directly related to near-term stock moves. To capitalize on this, we've crafted the Zacks Rank, a unique model that incorporates these estimate changes and offers a practical rating system.

The Zacks Rank system ranges from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell). It has a remarkable, outside-audited track record of success, with #1 stocks delivering an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Over the past month, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has moved 0.01% lower. Quanta Services is holding a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold) right now.

In terms of valuation, Quanta Services is currently trading at a Forward P/E ratio of 40.5. This indicates a premium in contrast to its industry's Forward P/E of 22.58.

We can also see that PWR currently has a PEG ratio of 2.23. This metric is used similarly to the famous P/E ratio, but the PEG ratio also takes into account the stock's expected earnings growth rate. As the market closed yesterday, the Engineering - R and D Services industry was having an average PEG ratio of 1.74.

The Engineering - R and D Services industry is part of the Construction sector. This industry, currently bearing a Zacks Industry Rank of 92, finds itself in the top 38% echelons of all 250+ industries.

The Zacks Industry Rank gauges the strength of our individual industry groups by measuring the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.

To follow PWR in the coming trading sessions, be sure to utilize Zacks.com.

In the latest close session, Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings, Inc. (DNA - Free Report) was up +1.96% at $8.31. The stock's change was more than the S&P 500's daily loss of 0.74%. On the other hand, the Dow registered a loss of 0.63%, and the technology-centric Nasdaq decreased by 0.76%.

Heading into today, shares of the company had lost 5.12% over the past month, lagging the Medical sector's loss of 0.8% and the S&P 500's gain of 0.79%.

The upcoming earnings release of Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings, Inc. will be of great interest to investors. The company is forecasted to report an EPS of -$1.8, showcasing a 1.1% upward movement from the corresponding quarter of the prior year. Alongside, our most recent consensus estimate is anticipating revenue of $37 million, indicating a 15.62% downward movement from the same quarter last year.

In terms of the entire fiscal year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates predict earnings of -$5.94 per share and a revenue of $173 million, indicating changes of +42.66% and -23.8%, respectively, from the former year.

Investors should also pay attention to any latest changes in analyst estimates for Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings, Inc. Such recent modifications usually signify the changing landscape of near-term business trends. Therefore, positive revisions in estimates convey analysts' confidence in the business performance and profit potential.

Research indicates that these estimate revisions are directly correlated with near-term share price momentum. To take advantage of this, we've established the Zacks Rank, an exclusive model that considers these estimated changes and delivers an operational rating system.

The Zacks Rank system, ranging from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), possesses a remarkable history of outdoing, externally audited, with #1 stocks returning an average annual gain of +25% since 1988. Over the past month, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate remained stagnant. At present, Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings, Inc. boasts a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).

The Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry is part of the Medical sector. This industry currently has a Zacks Industry Rank of 92, which puts it in the top 38% of all 250+ industries.

The Zacks Industry Rank assesses the vigor of our specific industry groups by computing the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks incorporated in the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.

Ensure to harness Zacks.com to stay updated with all these stock-shifting metrics, among others, in the next trading sessions.

Medpace (MEDP - Free Report) closed at $561.65 in the latest trading session, marking a -1.27% move from the prior day. This change lagged the S&P 500's daily loss of 0.74%. On the other hand, the Dow registered a loss of 0.63%, and the technology-centric Nasdaq decreased by 0.76%.

Prior to today's trading, shares of the provider of outsourced clinical development services had lost 2.54% lagged the Medical sector's loss of 0.8% and the S&P 500's gain of 0.79%.

Analysts and investors alike will be keeping a close eye on the performance of Medpace in its upcoming earnings disclosure. The company is forecasted to report an EPS of $4.18, showcasing a 13.9% upward movement from the corresponding quarter of the prior year. In the meantime, our current consensus estimate forecasts the revenue to be $681.17 million, indicating a 26.94% growth compared to the corresponding quarter of the prior year.

Looking at the full year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates suggest analysts are expecting earnings of $14.8 per share and revenue of $2.5 billion. These totals would mark changes of +17.18% and +18.68%, respectively, from last year.

Any recent changes to analyst estimates for Medpace should also be noted by investors. Such recent modifications usually signify the changing landscape of near-term business trends. With this in mind, we can consider positive estimate revisions a sign of optimism about the business outlook.

Our research shows that these estimate changes are directly correlated with near-term stock prices. We developed the Zacks Rank to capitalize on this phenomenon. Our system takes these estimate changes into account and delivers a clear, actionable rating model.

Ranging from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), the Zacks Rank system has a proven, outside-audited track record of outperformance, with #1 stocks returning an average of +25% annually since 1988. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has witnessed a 0.05% increase. Right now, Medpace possesses a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).

Investors should also note Medpace's current valuation metrics, including its Forward P/E ratio of 38.45. This denotes a premium relative to the industry average Forward P/E of 15.5.

We can additionally observe that MEDP currently boasts a PEG ratio of 2.15. The PEG ratio is similar to the widely-used P/E ratio, but this metric also takes the company's expected earnings growth rate into account. The Medical Services was holding an average PEG ratio of 1.72 at yesterday's closing price.

The Medical Services industry is part of the Medical sector. At present, this industry carries a Zacks Industry Rank of 165, placing it within the bottom 34% of over 250 industries.

The Zacks Industry Rank gauges the strength of our individual industry groups by measuring the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.

To follow MEDP in the coming trading sessions, be sure to utilize Zacks.com.

Rithm (RITM - Free Report) ended the recent trading session at $10.90, demonstrating a -1.54% change from the preceding day's closing price. This change lagged the S&P 500's daily loss of 0.74%. At the same time, the Dow lost 0.63%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq lost 0.76%.

Prior to today's trading, shares of the real estate investment trust had lost 2.29% lagged the Finance sector's gain of 2.1% and the S&P 500's gain of 0.79%.

The investment community will be paying close attention to the earnings performance of Rithm in its upcoming release. The company is expected to report EPS of $0.54, down 10% from the prior-year quarter. Meanwhile, our latest consensus estimate is calling for revenue of $1.37 billion, down 34.89% from the prior-year quarter.

Looking at the full year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates suggest analysts are expecting earnings of $2.14 per share and revenue of $4.46 billion. These totals would mark changes of +1.9% and -14.84%, respectively, from last year.

Additionally, investors should keep an eye on any recent revisions to analyst forecasts for Rithm. Such recent modifications usually signify the changing landscape of near-term business trends. With this in mind, we can consider positive estimate revisions a sign of optimism about the business outlook.

Our research suggests that these changes in estimates have a direct relationship with upcoming stock price performance. To exploit this, we've formed the Zacks Rank, a quantitative model that includes these estimate changes and presents a viable rating system.

The Zacks Rank system, which ranges from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), has an impressive outside-audited track record of outperformance, with #1 stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Within the past 30 days, our consensus EPS projection has moved 1.61% lower. Rithm currently has a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).

Digging into valuation, Rithm currently has a Forward P/E ratio of 5.18. This expresses a discount compared to the average Forward P/E of 12.09 of its industry.

The Financial - Miscellaneous Services industry is part of the Finance sector. This industry currently has a Zacks Industry Rank of 96, which puts it in the top 39% of all 250+ industries.

The Zacks Industry Rank gauges the strength of our industry groups by measuring the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.

Remember to apply Zacks.com to follow these and more stock-moving metrics during the upcoming trading sessions.

Dynatrace (DT - Free Report) closed the most recent trading day at $43.34, moving -1.72% from the previous trading session. The stock fell short of the S&P 500, which registered a loss of 0.74% for the day. Meanwhile, the Dow experienced a drop of 0.63%, and the technology-dominated Nasdaq saw a decrease of 0.76%.

The stock of software intellegence company has fallen by 1.78% in the past month, lagging the Computer and Technology sector's gain of 0.14% and the S&P 500's gain of 0.79%.

The investment community will be paying close attention to the earnings performance of Dynatrace in its upcoming release. The company's upcoming EPS is projected at $0.41, signifying a 10.81% increase compared to the same quarter of the previous year. Our most recent consensus estimate is calling for quarterly revenue of $505.77 million, up 15.96% from the year-ago period.

For the entire fiscal year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates are projecting earnings of $1.63 per share and a revenue of $1.99 billion, representing changes of +17.27% and +17.21%, respectively, from the prior year.

Investors should also pay attention to any latest changes in analyst estimates for Dynatrace. These revisions typically reflect the latest short-term business trends, which can change frequently. Therefore, positive revisions in estimates convey analysts' confidence in the business performance and profit potential.

Our research shows that these estimate changes are directly correlated with near-term stock prices. To capitalize on this, we've crafted the Zacks Rank, a unique model that incorporates these estimate changes and offers a practical rating system.

The Zacks Rank system, spanning from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), boasts an impressive track record of outperformance, audited externally, with #1 ranked stocks yielding an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Over the past month, there's been no change in the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate. Dynatrace is holding a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold) right now.

In the context of valuation, Dynatrace is at present trading with a Forward P/E ratio of 27.02. This signifies a premium in comparison to the average Forward P/E of 17.48 for its industry.

It is also worth noting that DT currently has a PEG ratio of 1.9. Comparable to the widely accepted P/E ratio, the PEG ratio also accounts for the company's projected earnings growth. Computers - IT Services stocks are, on average, holding a PEG ratio of 1.82 based on yesterday's closing prices.

The Computers - IT Services industry is part of the Computer and Technology sector. This group has a Zacks Industry Rank of 78, putting it in the top 32% of all 250+ industries.

The strength of our individual industry groups is measured by the Zacks Industry Rank, which is calculated based on the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within these groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.

To follow DT in the coming trading sessions, be sure to utilize Zacks.com.

Itron (ITRI - Free Report) closed at $92.86 in the latest trading session, marking a -1.45% move from the prior day. The stock fell short of the S&P 500, which registered a loss of 0.74% for the day. Meanwhile, the Dow experienced a drop of 0.63%, and the technology-dominated Nasdaq saw a decrease of 0.76%.

Shares of the energy and water meter company witnessed a loss of 2.5% over the previous month, trailing the performance of the Computer and Technology sector with its gain of 0.14%, and the S&P 500's gain of 0.79%.

Investors will be eagerly watching for the performance of Itron in its upcoming earnings disclosure. In that report, analysts expect Itron to post earnings of $2.19 per share. This would mark year-over-year growth of 62.22%. Meanwhile, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenue is projecting net sales of $561.79 million, down 8.33% from the year-ago period.

For the entire fiscal year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates are projecting earnings of $6.87 per share and a revenue of $2.36 billion, representing changes of +22.24% and -3.42%, respectively, from the prior year.

Investors should also take note of any recent adjustments to analyst estimates for Itron. Recent revisions tend to reflect the latest near-term business trends. As such, positive estimate revisions reflect analyst optimism about the business and profitability.

Empirical research indicates that these revisions in estimates have a direct correlation with impending stock price performance. To utilize this, we have created the Zacks Rank, a proprietary model that integrates these estimate changes and provides a functional rating system.

The Zacks Rank system, which ranges from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), has an impressive outside-audited track record of outperformance, with #1 stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has witnessed an unchanged state. At present, Itron boasts a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).

In terms of valuation, Itron is presently being traded at a Forward P/E ratio of 13.73. This denotes a discount relative to the industry average Forward P/E of 24.67.

Investors should also note that ITRI has a PEG ratio of 0.46 right now. The PEG ratio is similar to the widely-used P/E ratio, but this metric also takes the company's expected earnings growth rate into account. As the market closed yesterday, the Electronics - Testing Equipment industry was having an average PEG ratio of 2.95.

The Electronics - Testing Equipment industry is part of the Computer and Technology sector. With its current Zacks Industry Rank of 19, this industry ranks in the top 8% of all industries, numbering over 250.

The strength of our individual industry groups is measured by the Zacks Industry Rank, which is calculated based on the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within these groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.

Keep in mind to rely on Zacks.com to watch all these stock-impacting metrics, and more, in the succeeding trading sessions.

AppFolio (APPF - Free Report) closed at $232.65 in the latest trading session, marking a -1.26% move from the prior day. The stock fell short of the S&P 500, which registered a loss of 0.74% for the day. Meanwhile, the Dow lost 0.63%, and the Nasdaq, a tech-heavy index, lost 0.76%.

Prior to today's trading, shares of the property management software maker had gained 1.86% outpaced the Computer and Technology sector's gain of 0.14% and the S&P 500's gain of 0.79%.

The investment community will be paying close attention to the earnings performance of AppFolio in its upcoming release. The company's earnings per share (EPS) are projected to be $1.22, reflecting a 32.61% increase from the same quarter last year. Meanwhile, our latest consensus estimate is calling for revenue of $246.09 million, up 20.83% from the prior-year quarter.

For the annual period, the Zacks Consensus Estimates anticipate earnings of $5.12 per share and a revenue of $948.7 million, signifying shifts of +17.16% and +19.45%, respectively, from the last year.

Investors should also take note of any recent adjustments to analyst estimates for AppFolio. These recent revisions tend to reflect the evolving nature of short-term business trends. As such, positive estimate revisions reflect analyst optimism about the business and profitability.

Research indicates that these estimate revisions are directly correlated with near-term share price momentum. To capitalize on this, we've crafted the Zacks Rank, a unique model that incorporates these estimate changes and offers a practical rating system.

The Zacks Rank system, stretching from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), has a noteworthy track record of outperforming, validated by third-party audits, with stocks rated #1 producing an average annual return of +25% since the year 1988. Over the past month, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has remained steady. As of now, AppFolio holds a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).

In terms of valuation, AppFolio is currently trading at a Forward P/E ratio of 46.06. For comparison, its industry has an average Forward P/E of 28.86, which means AppFolio is trading at a premium to the group.

The Internet - Software industry is part of the Computer and Technology sector. This industry currently has a Zacks Industry Rank of 51, which puts it in the top 21% of all 250+ industries.

The Zacks Industry Rank assesses the strength of our separate industry groups by calculating the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks contained within the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.

Ensure to harness Zacks.com to stay updated with all these stock-shifting metrics, among others, in the next trading sessions.

Sirius XM (SIRI - Free Report) ended the recent trading session at $20.00, demonstrating a -1.11% change from the preceding day's closing price. This move lagged the S&P 500's daily loss of 0.74%. Elsewhere, the Dow saw a downswing of 0.63%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq depreciated by 0.76%.

The stock of satellite radio company has fallen by 2.98% in the past month, lagging the Consumer Discretionary sector's gain of 0.56% and the S&P 500's gain of 0.79%.

Analysts and investors alike will be keeping a close eye on the performance of Sirius XM in its upcoming earnings disclosure. The company is forecasted to report an EPS of $0.77, showcasing a 7.23% downward movement from the corresponding quarter of the prior year. At the same time, our most recent consensus estimate is projecting a revenue of $2.18 billion, reflecting a 0.58% fall from the equivalent quarter last year.

In terms of the entire fiscal year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates predict earnings of $2.77 per share and a revenue of $8.54 billion, indicating changes of +55.62% and -1.83%, respectively, from the former year.

It is also important to note the recent changes to analyst estimates for Sirius XM. These latest adjustments often mirror the shifting dynamics of short-term business patterns. As a result, we can interpret positive estimate revisions as a good sign for the business outlook.

Our research demonstrates that these adjustments in estimates directly associate with imminent stock price performance. To benefit from this, we have developed the Zacks Rank, a proprietary model which takes these estimate changes into account and provides an actionable rating system.

Ranging from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), the Zacks Rank system has a proven, outside-audited track record of outperformance, with #1 stocks returning an average of +25% annually since 1988. Over the past month, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate remained stagnant. As of now, Sirius XM holds a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).

In the context of valuation, Sirius XM is at present trading with a Forward P/E ratio of 7.29. This signifies a discount in comparison to the average Forward P/E of 14.82 for its industry.

One should further note that SIRI currently holds a PEG ratio of 0.3. The PEG ratio bears resemblance to the frequently used P/E ratio, but this parameter also includes the company's expected earnings growth trajectory. The average PEG ratio for the Broadcast Radio and Television industry stood at 1.35 at the close of the market yesterday.

The Broadcast Radio and Television industry is part of the Consumer Discretionary sector. With its current Zacks Industry Rank of 182, this industry ranks in the bottom 27% of all industries, numbering over 250.

The Zacks Industry Rank assesses the vigor of our specific industry groups by computing the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks incorporated in the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.

To follow SIRI in the coming trading sessions, be sure to utilize Zacks.com.

Archer Daniels Midland (ADM - Free Report) closed the most recent trading day at $57.49, moving -1.17% from the previous trading session. This change lagged the S&P 500's daily loss of 0.74%. Meanwhile, the Dow lost 0.63%, and the Nasdaq, a tech-heavy index, lost 0.76%.

Prior to today's trading, shares of the agribusiness giant had lost 3.55% lagged the Consumer Staples sector's loss of 1% and the S&P 500's gain of 0.79%.

Investors will be eagerly watching for the performance of Archer Daniels Midland in its upcoming earnings disclosure. On that day, Archer Daniels Midland is projected to report earnings of $0.84 per share, which would represent a year-over-year decline of 26.32%. Simultaneously, our latest consensus estimate expects the revenue to be $22.14 billion, showing a 2.98% escalation compared to the year-ago quarter.

For the entire fiscal year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates are projecting earnings of $3.4 per share and a revenue of $83.85 billion, representing changes of -28.27% and -1.96%, respectively, from the prior year.

It's also important for investors to be aware of any recent modifications to analyst estimates for Archer Daniels Midland. These latest adjustments often mirror the shifting dynamics of short-term business patterns. Hence, positive alterations in estimates signify analyst optimism regarding the business and profitability.

Our research demonstrates that these adjustments in estimates directly associate with imminent stock price performance. To benefit from this, we have developed the Zacks Rank, a proprietary model which takes these estimate changes into account and provides an actionable rating system.

The Zacks Rank system ranges from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell). It has a remarkable, outside-audited track record of success, with #1 stocks delivering an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Over the past month, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has shifted 0.29% downward. Archer Daniels Midland is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #5 (Strong Sell).

From a valuation perspective, Archer Daniels Midland is currently exchanging hands at a Forward P/E ratio of 17.13. Its industry sports an average Forward P/E of 16.34, so one might conclude that Archer Daniels Midland is trading at a premium comparatively.

Also, we should mention that ADM has a PEG ratio of 4.95. The PEG ratio bears resemblance to the frequently used P/E ratio, but this parameter also includes the company's expected earnings growth trajectory. As of the close of trade yesterday, the Agriculture - Operations industry held an average PEG ratio of 2.18.

The Agriculture - Operations industry is part of the Consumer Staples sector. This industry, currently bearing a Zacks Industry Rank of 220, finds itself in the bottom 11% echelons of all 250+ industries.

The Zacks Industry Rank gauges the strength of our industry groups by measuring the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.

Don't forget to use Zacks.com to keep track of all these stock-moving metrics, and others, in the upcoming trading sessions.

In the latest close session, Prologis (PLD - Free Report) was down 1.05% at $127.66. This change lagged the S&P 500's daily loss of 0.74%. Elsewhere, the Dow saw a downswing of 0.63%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq depreciated by 0.76%.

Shares of the industrial real estate developer have appreciated by 0.06% over the course of the past month, underperforming the Finance sector's gain of 2.1%, and the S&P 500's gain of 0.79%.

The investment community will be paying close attention to the earnings performance of Prologis in its upcoming release. The company is slated to reveal its earnings on January 21, 2026. On that day, Prologis is projected to report earnings of $1.44 per share, which would represent a year-over-year decline of 4%. At the same time, our most recent consensus estimate is projecting a revenue of $2.1 billion, reflecting a 8.56% rise from the equivalent quarter last year.

For the full year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates are projecting earnings of $5.8 per share and revenue of $8.17 billion, which would represent changes of +4.32% and +8.72%, respectively, from the prior year.

Investors should also pay attention to any latest changes in analyst estimates for Prologis. These latest adjustments often mirror the shifting dynamics of short-term business patterns. Consequently, upward revisions in estimates express analysts' positivity towards the business operations and its ability to generate profits.

Empirical research indicates that these revisions in estimates have a direct correlation with impending stock price performance. To take advantage of this, we've established the Zacks Rank, an exclusive model that considers these estimated changes and delivers an operational rating system.

Ranging from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), the Zacks Rank system has a proven, outside-audited track record of outperformance, with #1 stocks returning an average of +25% annually since 1988. Over the past month, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has shifted 0.02% upward. Prologis is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).

Digging into valuation, Prologis currently has a Forward P/E ratio of 22.23. This valuation marks a premium compared to its industry average Forward P/E of 11.07.

We can also see that PLD currently has a PEG ratio of 3.96. This metric is used similarly to the famous P/E ratio, but the PEG ratio also takes into account the stock's expected earnings growth rate. As the market closed yesterday, the REIT and Equity Trust - Other industry was having an average PEG ratio of 2.56.

The REIT and Equity Trust - Other industry is part of the Finance sector. This industry, currently bearing a Zacks Industry Rank of 78, finds itself in the top 32% echelons of all 250+ industries.

The Zacks Industry Rank assesses the vigor of our specific industry groups by computing the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks incorporated in the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.

Make sure to utilize Zacks.com to follow all of these stock-moving metrics, and more, in the coming trading sessions.

This top-10 cryptocurrency by market capitalization is the biggest decliner among this group on the last trading day of the year.

As of 4:30 p.m. ET, Cardano (ADA 4.90%) is the biggest decliner among the top-10 cryptocurrencies in the market. Down 5% over the past 24 hours, Cardano is set to end the year more than 60% below where it started. That's a significant move for investors who have remained loyal to an otherwise world-class technological network.

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Let's dive into what's driving today's move in Cardano.

Why Cardano is sputtering into year-end

Source: Getty Images.

On the last trading day of the year, many investors embark on a journey to refine their portfolios and reallocate funds toward asset classes they perceive as too volatile or not aligning with their risk tolerance. As such, it appears that many top tokens are experiencing selling pressure amid this ongoing rotation.

That said, Cardano was one token I thought would perform better than it has this year. There were some bright spots, with this token experiencing several surges following news that its network would undertake its most considerable infrastructure upgrade in history, as well as the launch of its privacy-focused side chain, Midnight.

However, traders continue to acknowledge that Cardano's technicals remain weak, and the project's fundamentals, as well as its active user base and wallet count, haven't grown to the degree many expected. The reality is that crypto networks like Cardano need to see consistent growth for token holders to receive a material benefit. Thus, we'll have to see what changes come in 2026, and if Cardano will become the leading layer-1 network many investors have been hoping to see.

I'm of the view that Cardano's behind-the-scenes catalysts remain strong, and this is one project I'd expect to see bounce in 2026, if this risk-on rally can continue. That's a big if, but for those looking to capture outsize upside with a small potential bet, this may be a token to consider at a 60% discount to last year's prices.

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

Luisa Crawford
Dec 31, 2025 23:14

Stellar (XLM) Development Foundation (SDF) outlines significant upgrades in scalability and privacy for 2025, aiming to enhance network performance and adoption.

Stellar (XLM)'s Strategic Developments in 2025
The Stellar Development Foundation (SDF) has marked 2025 as a pivotal year with significant advancements in scalability and privacy. According to the Stellar blog, these efforts are part of a broader strategy to enhance the Stellar network's performance and adoption.

Technical Upgrades to Boost Performance
Throughout the year, Stellar protocol upgrades focused on scalability, leading to increased network speed and capacity. These enhancements resulted in a 95% climb in Total Value Locked (TVL), reaching over $179 million. Key upgrades included the introduction of parallelism in core processes, aggressive caching of ledger states, and a significant boost in transaction throughput to over 2000 transactions per second (TPS). The ultimate goal remains achieving 5000 TPS.

Whisk Protocol and Developer Benefits
The Whisk upgrade, or Protocol 23, stands out as the most significant protocol enhancement since the introduction of smart contracts. It includes eight transformative Core Advancement Proposals (CAPs) designed to streamline the development process on Stellar. These CAPs focus on reducing transaction costs, increasing throughput, and simplifying the building experience for developers. The upgrade paves the way for future developments anticipated in 2026 and beyond.

Privacy Innovations and Partnerships
In line with its commitment to privacy, SDF unveiled its privacy strategy at the Meridian 2025 conference. The foundation is focusing on creating a configurable and compliance-forward privacy infrastructure. This initiative includes partnerships with Nethermind for bridging Stellar and Wormhole, and integrating RISC Zero verifier support into Stellar smart contracts. These efforts aim to equip developers with the tools necessary to build privacy-enabled applications.

Next Steps: X-Ray Protocol and Privacy Solutions
The upcoming X-Ray Protocol (Protocol 25), scheduled for release on January 22, 2026, will introduce native support for zero-knowledge primitives such as BN254 and Poseidon. This upgrade aims to facilitate the development of configurable privacy applications. SDF's commitment to privacy is further evidenced by its involvement with the Confidential Token Association, working alongside projects such as OpenZeppelin and Inco to establish industry standards for confidential tokens.

Future Outlook
With these advancements, Stellar is poised to enhance its DeFi ecosystem, providing a clear path for scaling privacy-focused applications. The emphasis on privacy does not compromise the network's operational stability or compliance considerations, ensuring that both existing and future enterprises on Stellar can leverage these new features effectively.

Image source: Shutterstock

stellar
blockchain
privacy
protocol upgrade

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Ethereum continues to struggle to regain bullish momentum as apathy and persistent selling pressure dominate the broader crypto market. Price action remains subdued, with ETH failing to sustain moves above key resistance levels, reinforcing the perception that investors are still cautious.

Many analysts argue that the market has yet to fully reset, pointing to weak risk appetite, declining liquidity, and a lack of strong spot demand. As a result, Ethereum, like most major assets, remains trapped in a consolidation phase marked by hesitation rather than conviction.

Despite this gloomy backdrop, a growing group of optimists believes Ethereum could be approaching a cyclical bottom. Their view is based less on short-term price action and more on structural and behavioral signals that tend to emerge during late-stage bearish phases. One of the most notable developments comes from on-chain data.

According to data from Arkham shared by Lookonchain, Bitmine acquired another 32,938 ETH worth approximately $97.6 million just a few hours ago. Bitmine is a large institutional Ethereum-focused entity known for accumulating ETH at scale and deploying it across staking and long-term strategies rather than short-term trading. With this latest purchase, Bitmine now holds roughly 3.357 million ETH, valued at around $10 billion, making it one of the largest known Ethereum holders.

Bitmine Deepens Long-Term Commitment
Ethereum’s near-term price action remains fragile, but institutional behavior continues to diverge from market sentiment. Over the past few hours, Bitmine staked an additional 118,944 ETH, worth approximately $352.16 million, according to data from Arkham reported by Lookonchain. This move follows Bitmine’s recent spot accumulation and reinforces its long-term positioning strategy rather than a short-term speculative approach.

Bitmine Ethereum Transfers | Source: Arkham
Staking at this scale effectively removes a significant amount of ETH from liquid circulation, tightening available supply on exchanges. Unlike transfers to centralized platforms, staking reflects a high-conviction view that prioritizes yield generation and long-term network participation over immediate liquidity.

For analysts tracking structural supply dynamics, this behavior contrasts sharply with the current price trend, which continues to show limited bullish follow-through.

Despite these developments, the broader market remains unconvinced. Ethereum has struggled to reclaim key resistance levels, and momentum indicators still point to weakness. As a result, analysts are increasingly divided when assessing the outlook for 2026.

Some interpret ongoing institutional accumulation and staking as early positioning ahead of a longer-term recovery cycle. Others caution that macro uncertainty, muted demand, and persistent risk aversion could keep ETH range-bound or under pressure for longer than expected.

In this context, Bitmine’s actions stand out as a signal of long-term confidence, but not necessarily an immediate catalyst. For now, Ethereum’s price remains weak, while the strategic behavior beneath the surface continues to quietly reshape the supply landscape.

Ethereum Remains Range-Bound Below Key Resistance
Ethereum continues to trade in a consolidation range after failing to reclaim higher levels, with price hovering around the $3,000 zone. The chart shows ETH capped below the declining 100-day and 200-day moving averages, which now act as dynamic resistance around the $3,400–$3,600 area. This alignment reinforces the broader bearish structure that has been in place since the November breakdown.

ETH consolidates below key level | Source: ETHUSDT chart on TradingView
After peaking near the $4,800 region earlier in the cycle, ETH entered a clear downtrend, marked by lower highs and expanding sell-side volume during corrective phases. The sharp sell-off into late November pushed the price toward the $2,800 area, where buyers stepped in to defend support. Since then, Ethereum has stabilized but failed to generate sustained upside momentum, suggesting demand remains cautious rather than aggressive.

Volume has declined noticeably during recent rebounds, indicating a lack of strong conviction from buyers. This behavior is typical of late-stage corrective phases, where price compresses while market participants wait for clearer signals. As long as ETH remains below the 200-day moving average, upside attempts are likely to face selling pressure.

On the downside, the $2,800–$2,900 zone stands out as a key support area. A clean break below this range would increase the risk of a deeper retracement. Conversely, reclaiming $3,300 with strong volume would be the first sign that Ethereum is transitioning out of its current corrective structure.

Featured image from ChatGPT, chart from TradingView.com 

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Sebastian's journey into the world of crypto began four years ago, driven by a fascination with the potential of blockchain technology to revolutionize financial systems. His initial exploration focused on understanding the intricacies of various crypto projects, particularly those focused on building innovative financial solutions. Through countless hours of research and learning, Sebastian developed a deep understanding of the underlying technologies, market dynamics, and potential applications of cryptocurrencies.
As his knowledge grew, Sebastian felt compelled to share his insights with others. He began actively contributing to online discussions on platforms like X and LinkedIn, focusing on fintech and crypto-related content. His goal was to expose valuable trends and insights to a wider audience, fostering a deeper understanding of the rapidly evolving crypto landscape. Sebastian's contributions quickly gained recognition, and he became a trusted voice in the online crypto community.
To further enhance his expertise, Sebastian pursued a UC Berkeley Fintech: Frameworks, Applications, and Strategies certification. This rigorous program equipped him with valuable skills and knowledge regarding Financial Technology, bridging the gap between traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralized finance (DeFi). The certification deepened his understanding of the broader financial landscape and its intersection with blockchain technology.
Sebastian's passion for finance and writing is evident in his work. He enjoys delving into financial research, analyzing market trends, and exploring the latest developments in the crypto space. In his spare time, Sebastian can often be found immersed in charts, studying 10-K forms, or engaging in thought-provoking discussions about the future of finance.
Sebastian's journey as a crypto analyst and investor has been marked by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a dedication to sharing his insights. His ability to navigate the complex world of crypto, combined with his passion for financial research and communication, makes him a valuable asset to the industry. As the crypto landscape continues to evolve, Sebastian remains at the forefront, providing valuable insights and contributing to the growth of this revolutionary technology.

TLDR:

XWIN Research assigns highest probability to Bitcoin trading within $80,000 to $140,000 range through 2026.

Medium-probability macro shock scenario could push Bitcoin below $80,000 toward the $50,000 range.

Multiple on-chain indicators including exchange reserves and ETF flows must align to confirm trend direction.

Bitcoin lacks clear bullish momentum at $87,598 with derivatives activity limiting sustained price moves.

Bitcoin enters 2026 trading at $87,598.49 without establishing clear bullish momentum as XWIN Research Japan identifies three distinct market scenarios amid persistent macro uncertainty and high volatility.

The research firm presents a conditional neutral to slightly bearish stance for Bitcoin’s near-term trajectory. Market structure shows neither decisive bullish nor bearish characteristics. High volatility persists as the dominant feature across trading environments.

XWIN Research assigns highest probability to Scenario A, termed “Twisted Range.” This outcome anticipates continued rate-cut expectations without meaningful economic recovery. 

Capital flows remain intermittent and driven primarily by short-term ETF activity. The projected trading range spans $80,000 to $140,000 with $90,000 to $120,000 representing the core zone.

Scenario B carries medium probability and involves potential macro shock conditions. Intensifying recession risks could trigger deleveraging and ETF outflows. 

Price action under this scenario may push Bitcoin below $80,000 toward the $50,000 range. Scenario C represents the low-probability risk-on environment where early monetary easing and stabilized ETF inflows could drive prices toward $120,000 to $170,000.

On-Chain Indicators and Range-bound Structure
The research emphasizes monitoring multiple on-chain metrics to assess which scenario develops. Key indicators include exchange reserves, net flows, and weekly ETF movement patterns.

Futures open interest, liquidation levels, and short-term versus prolong-term holder metrics vide additional structural insights. However, these indicators must move together rather than signal individually.

Bitcoin has declined 0.73% over the past 24 hours with trading volume reaching $37.63 billion. The cryptocurrency posted a modest 0.13% gain across the previous seven-day period. Price action reflects the broader range-bound structure identified by analysts.

Multiple factors continue shaping Bitcoin’s market environment beyond immediate price movements. 

ETF adoption and supply constraints provide foundational long-term support. Yet macro uncertainty and U.S. midterm election dynamics limit sustained directional momentum. 

Derivatives-driven price action adds complexity to the current structure. The research concludes that range-bound conditions represent the most plausible baseline for 2026 pending structural data evolution.

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

Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) lost their dominance and momentum in the final quarter of 2025 as investors shifted focus to less risky assets. New data shows that several privacy-focused cryptocurrencies quietly delivered significant gains in Q4, standing out during an otherwise cautious period for digital assets.

Privacy Tokens Overtake Bitcoin And Ethereum In Q4
Grayscale, the world’s largest digital asset manager, is ending the quarter with the release of a new report titled “Crypto Sectors Quarterly: A Preference for Privacy.” Published on December 29, the report highlighted investors shifting in Q4 2025, from risk-on assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum to cryptocurrencies with more specific use cases that could withstand market pressure. 

The asset management firm began by noting that Q4 2025 saw a slowdown in crypto momentum after a strong Q3. Overall market returns fell as investors reassessed expectations, but performance varied significantly across segments. While all six crypto sectors outperformed in Q3, they ultimately turned negative in Q4. 

Grayscale noted that only a small group of assets posted positive risk-adjusted returns during the quarter. This was a sharp contrast to the previous period, when large-cap cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Chainlink, BNB, and Avalanche led the market higher. 

In this challenging environment, the Currencies sector stood out, mainly driven by privacy-focused tokens that offered investors a defensive option. According to the report, privacy tokens were among the top performers and the dominant investment theme in Q4 2025. 

Assets like ZCash (ZEC), Monero (XMR), Decred (DCR), Dash (DASH), Beldex (BDX), and Basic Attention Token (BAT) frequently appeared in the top twenty rankings. Their strong performance reflected growing interest in privacy-focused blockchain solutions.

Notably, narrative momentum played a major role in these gains. Grayscale revealed that increased activity on privacy networks such as ZCash and Dash had supported stronger price action, as users and developers turned to tools that limit public exposure of financial activity. 

Overall, the trends observed in Q4 2025 suggest that privacy tokens were the most dominant performers and could continue to play a key role in shaping the crypto landscape. As volatility rises and market downturns occur, investors may increasingly diversify into other assets to protect their holdings from sharp price swings and uncertainty. 

Why And How Privacy Tokens Outperformed In Q4
In Grayscale’s report, ZCash was highlighted as the leading example of the crypto growth trend for Q4 2025. The network offers optional shielded transactions, and the rising share of balances this year pointed to growing demand for its privacy-focused features. 

Screenshot
Monero, which is the largest privacy crypto network, also outperformed during Q4 by relying on stealth addresses and confidential transaction data. Additionally, Decred drew attention by integrating governance with enhanced privacy via its Coinshuffle++ protocol. At the same time, Dash stood out with its digital payments platform, as daily transactions more than doubled, reflecting growing adoption and demand for private, fast payments. 

Notably, the BAT token benefited from the Brave Browser ecosystem, which surpassed 100 million monthly users in Q4. Meanwhile, Beldex made gains through privacy-focused services, including encrypted messaging, private browsing, and confidential payments. 

ZEC price stays above $500 | Source: ZECUSDT on Tradingview.com
Featured image created with Dall.E, chart from Tradingview.com

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

The world's largest meme coin appears unable to break its downward trend.

In an otherwise flat market for digital assets for most of the day, cryptocurrencies have been one of the least exciting places for traders and speculators to put capital to work as the year comes to a close. That said, the world's largest meme token is ending the year with a bang, but not necessarily in a good way. As of 3:30 p.m. ET, Dogecoin (DOGE 4.48%) is down 5% over the past 24 hours, and is on pace to end the year nearly 63% lower than where it kicked off 2025.

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Let's dive into what's driving this end-of-year selling and whether we may see a reversal in the year to come.

What's driving Dogecoin lower to end the year?

Source: Getty Images.

I think most of today's price action can probably be attributed to investors rejigging their portfolios heading into the New Year. Those looking to ramp down risk-on exposure to specific assets that tend to surge during hyper-bull markets (with significant upside momentum) may be looking to offload some of their exposure to the most speculative assets such as meme coins, given the risks associated with holding such assets into a potential slowdown.

As several top crypto experts have pointed out, the overall investment thesis and broader narrative surrounding Dogecoin and its meme coin peers have deteriorated. Some of this is due to the infinite supply of Dogecoin, which can hit the market at any time. Additionally, the reality is that Dogecoin's price movements are primarily driven by hype and celebrity endorsements, and the fact that roughly 90% of the outstanding Dogecoin supply is controlled by a small number of wallets. In other words, if just a few large investors start selling their stakes en masse, we could be in for a much more brutal sell-off in the year to come.

Of course, the inverse is also true-such concentration of any asset class can mean that despite an infinite potential supply, so long as these "whales" continue to soak up new DOGE created and hold onto their existing positions. However, given the recent downward momentum in this meme token, I think retail investors considering whether Dogecoin may have a place in their portfolio may be thinking twice about making such a move.

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

Ethereum reached above 2 million daily transactions on Dec 29 & Dec 30, with average fees at $0.17
At the same time, 8.7 million smart contract deployments in the fourth quarter of 2025 highlight the strong and sustained developer engagement.

According to Etherscan, Ethereum’s daily transaction activities have fluctuated dramatically since the network’s launch in 2015. It recently achieved a new record, making about 2.2 million transactions on December 29 and 2.1 million on December 30.

With that, transaction fees also significantly dropped. While attaining this milestone, the average fees for each transacting activity were about $0.17, which is 17 cents. Since its launch, only on May 22, users have paid highly, which is around $200.06 per transaction. 

However, in January 2025, the transaction charges were around $11.76. Then, it saw a peak in October, and then in December, the fees had dropped. The current low fees and a high number of transactions show that Ethereum has become more efficient, and it can manage more transactions while charging lower costs.  

Ethereum Network Developments and Price Update
As Token Terminal data says that Ethereum contract deployment, which is the creation and publication of smart contracts, touched a peak of 8.7 million in the fourth quarter of  2025, outpacing the previous highs. This recent surge in activities shows that Ethereum remains a leading and widely used L1 blockchain.

Then, supporting this trend of high activity and low fees, where Ethereum rolled out two major upgrades this year, the first one is Pectra, which went live in May 2025, and helps in bolstering staking efficiency, usability, and Ethereum network performance.

Secondly, the major upgrade is Fusaka, which went live this month. It increases the gas limit so that a block can include more transactions, strengthening the network efficiency.  

With these, rising network usage, and declining fees over the past two days, the Ethereum price has shown noticeable movement. On December 29, the ETH price reached around $3,040 range, before pulling back. Now, while writing, ETH is trading at $2,971.41, with 18.4% down in trading volume of the day, as per CoinMarketCap data.  Thus, Ethereum’s year-end on-chain activity remains an important metric to watch in 2026.

Highlighted Crypto News Today:

‌Grayscale Files First U.S. Bittensor ETF, TAO Eyes $300

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MAY 29: Online marketplace Silk Road creator Ross Ulbricht speaks at The Bitcoin Conference at The Venetian Convention & Expo Center on May 29, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ulbricht was pardoned by US President Trump in January after a decade long stint in prison. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)

Getty Images

The landscape heading into 2026 for bitcoin conferences has moved beyond catering to a handful of technology enthusiasts. Since the first bitcoin-only conference, Hodl Hodl’s Baltic Honeybadger in Riga, Latvia, back in 2017, bitcoin conferences have become larger and more widespread, gathering hundreds to thousands per event, and serve as major gathering points for technologists, business leaders, politicians, those looking to learn about bitcoin, and numerous other stakeholders.

To make planning for the growing list of conferences easier, here is a compilation of the top 16 bitcoin conferences to mark on your 2026 calendar in chronological order.

Note: conferences with multiple editions throughout the year are listed as single entries.

Adopting Bitcoin Cape Town 2026Adopting Bitcoin Cape Town 2026

Adopting Bitcoin Cape Town

Website: za26.adoptingbitcoin.org

Location: Cape Town, South Africa

Dates: Jan 30-31, 2026

2026 will kick off with the annual Adopting Bitcoin Cape Town conference, organized by the Machankura and Bitcoin Ekasi team, which focuses on gathering developers, those involved in circular economies, and enthusiast looking to share the practical usage of bitcoin from Africa and around the world. The Adopting bitcoin conference was premiered first in El Salvador a few years ago and has been running annually to showcase bitcoin adoption with the El Salvador edition to be held in November, 2026.

Bitcoin++ 2026Bitcoin++ 2026 Conferences

Bitcoin++

Website: btcplusplus.dev

Locations, dates, and themes:

Florianopolis, Brazil | Feb 26 - 28, 2026 | Bitcoin++ gets exploited

Hoover Dam, Nevada | April 23 - 24, 2026 | Bitcoin++ stirs controversy

Vienna, Austria | May 27 - 28, 2026 | Bitcoin++ talks economically

Nairobi, Kenya | June 17-20, 2026 | Bitcoin++ works in public

Toronto, Canada | July 22 - 24, 2026 | Bitcoin++ finds consensus

Berlin, Germany | Oct 1 - 3, 2026 | Bitcoin++ gets paid

This is highly recommended for developers and those generally looking to get a pulse on what’s happening in the bitcoin development ecosystem. First started in Austin in 2022, Bitcoin++ has become a first-of-its-kind, dedicated, annual, theme-based developer conference series. In 2026, Bitcoin++ will hold conferences across four continents, with its first stop in Florianópolis, Brazil, in February, and its first African edition in Nairobi, Kenya, in June.

Bitcoin For Corporations 2026Bitcoin for Corporations Symposium

Bitcoin For corporations

Website: bitcoinforcorporations.com/events

Events, dates, and themes:

Strategy World | February 24, 2026 | Wynn Las Vegas, Nevada

BFC Symposium at Bitcoin 2026 | April 27, 2026 | Las Vegas, Nevada

BFC Symposium at Bitcoin Hong Kong | August 27, 2026 | Hong Kong

MORE FOR YOU

BFC Symposium at Bitcoin Amsterdam | November 13, 2026 Amsterdam, Netherlands

BFC Symposium at Bitcoin MENA | December 8, 2026 | Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.

2025 will go down as one of the most explosive years for bitcoin treasury companies, with a new one popping up every other week. The phenomenon is not isolated. It’s a result of the regulatory environment in many jurisdictions, Strategy’s playbook, and the growing institutional interest in bitcoin exposure. To address this growing appetite among financial institutions for playbooks and financial products to gain bitcoin exposure, BTC Inc., along with Strategy and a few others, has partnered to host a series of Bitcoin For Corporations (BFC) conferences. These events in 2026 will kick off with Strategy World in February and end with the BFC Symposium at the Bitcoin MENA conference in December.

The events are a must-attend for business executives, asset managers, and investors looking to hear from leaders in the bitcoin treasury space, including those curious about its developments.

Bitcoin Conference 2026Attendees walk past a sign during The Bitcoin Conference at The Venetian Las Vegas in Las Vegas, Nevada, on May 27, 2025. (Photo by Ian Maule / AFP) (Photo by IAN MAULE/AFP via Getty Images)

AFP via Getty Images

Website: 2026.b.tc

Location: Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

Dates: April 27-29, 2026

Ran by BTC Inc., it is the largest bitcoin conference in the ecosystem. It has become the base for all stakeholders, from business leaders and developers to politicians and policy experts. Their past speakers have included US President, Donald Trump, US Vice President, JD Vance, Edward Snowden, Serena Williams, Tony Hawk, Ark Invest CEO, Cathie Wood, Block CEO and Chairman Jack Dorsey, Strike CEO Jack Mallers, and Strategy’s Executive Chairman, Michael Saylor. It serves as a touchpoint for significant announcements, networking opportunities, and a first-time conference for those looking to get a sense of the space.

Oslo Freedom Forum 2026Oslo Freedom Forum 2026

Oslo Freedom Forum

Website: oslofreedomforum.com

Location: Oslo, Norway

Dates: June 1-3, 2026

The Oslo Freedom Forum is by no means a dedicated bitcoin conference; however, over the last few years of its 18-year run, it has become a significant destination for bitcoin builders, educators, and enthusiasts. As a human rights conference, it carefully weaves bitcoin and AI into the fight for financial freedom worldwide. The conference is a good stop for those looking to learn more about how activists and technologists are using bitcoin to save lives, rebuild communities, and reintroduce hope globally.

BTCPrague 2026BTCPrague 2025 Jimmy Song Presentation

BTCPrague

Website: btcprague.com

Location: Prague, Czechia

Dates: June 11-13, 2026

BTCPrague is one of the largest bitcoin conferences, attracting thousands of attendees every year. The gathering takes place in Prague, Czechia, which is home to many bitcoin companies in the bitcoin hardware space, including Satoshi Labs, the founders of the bitcoin hardware wallet Trezor; bitcoin mining company Braiins; and General Bytes, a leading bitcoin ATM manufacturer. It is a significant gathering of major bitcoin companies and businesses in Europe. A great stop for business operators, entrepreneurs, and developers.

Mining Disrupt 2026Mining Disrupt 2025 from @MiningDisrupt on X (Formerly Twitter)

MiningDisrupt

Website: https://miningdisrupt.com/

Location: Miami, Florida

Dates: July 21-23, 2026

Touted as the largest gathering for the bitcoin mining industry, Mining Disrupt is back for another edition in 2026. The annual gathering brings together ecosystem players across the mining value chain, from ASIC manufacturers and suppliers to mining pools and bitcoin mining businesses. A good stop for those interested in the bitcoin mining ecosystem and looking to connect and network with its industry titans.

Bitcoin Asia Conference 2026HONG KONG, CHINA - AUGUST 29: Eric Trump, Executive Vice-President of the Trump Organization and son of United States President Donald Trump, speaks at the Bitcoin Asia 2025 conference, in Hong Kong, China, on August 29, 2025. The event touches on issues around Bitcoin development, geopolitics, economy, trade, innovation, tariff and other issues related to the industry, with worldwide leading companies, experts and investors attending the significant Bitcoin event to conduct exchanges, networking and socialization. (Photo by Daniel Ceng/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Anadolu via Getty Images

Website: asia.b.tc

Location: Hong Kong

Dates: Aug 27-28, 2026

Asia’s growing base of bitcoin activity is undeniable, from being the birthplace of pioneering bitcoin exchanges to becoming a hotspot for bitcoin treasury companies like Japan’s Metaplanet. BTC Inc.’s Bitcoin Asia conference is one of the largest in the region, rivaled only by its sister conference Bitcoin MENA.

Taking place in the heart of Hong Kong, this conference is good for anyone looking to tap into the Asian bitcoin ecosystem. Past speakers include China Asset Management (Hong Kong)’s Head of Digital Assets & Head of Family Office Business, Thomas Zhu; Harvest Global Investments Limited’s CEO & CIO, Han Tongli; and many others. Similar to the Bitcoin MENA conference, it is also a major touchstone for treasury companies.

Bitcoin Policy Summit 2026Bitcoin Policy Summit 2024

Bitcoin Policy Institute

Website: btcpolicysummit.org

Location: Washington DC, US

Dates: September, 2026

In the ever-evolving global bitcoin regulatory landscape, the Bitcoin Policy Institute (BPI), a leading nonpartisan nonprofit based in Washington, is hosting its 3rd annual Bitcoin Policy Summit in 2026. Past speakers include BPI fellows, Deputy Director of the CIA, Michael Ellis; Executive Director of the White House Council on Digital Assets, Bo Hines; Commissioner of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Hester Peirce; and other U.S. Congress and Senate members.

The summit is a great starting point for regulators, policy experts, and government officials looking to get a direct digest of the state of US bitcoin regulation.

BTCHel 2026BTCHel 2025 Perspectives on Bitcoin from Around the World Panel

BTCHel

Website: btchel.com

Location: Helsinki, Finland

Dates: Sept 25-26, 2026

The first and largest bitcoin conference in the Nordics is back in 2026. This gathering brings together major players across the Nordic scene, including miners, government officials, developers, and investors and those seeking to navigate the Nordic bitcoin ecosystem. Past speakers include Blockstream CEO, Adam Back, Author and Managing Partner at Ego Death Capital, Jeff Booth, and Finnish software developer and early collaborator with Satoshi Nakamoto, Martti Malmi.

Africa Bitcoin Mining Summit (ABMS) 2026Africa Bitcoin Mining Summit (ABMS) 2025 from @GAMA_alliance on X (Formerly Twitter)

GAMA_alliance

Website: africanbitcoinmining.com

Location: TBA, Africa

Dates: September, 2026

The Africa Bitcoin Mining Summit will hold its 4th edition in 2026. This conference is a highly focused event that brings together major bitcoin mining players in Africa, with the shared aim of advancing bitcoin renewable energy mining, innovative strategies, setups, and opportunities.

Bitcoin Amsterdam 2026Bitcoin Conference Amsterdam 2026 website hero

Bitcoin Conference Amsterdam 2026

Website: bitcoin.amsterdam.com

Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Dates: Autumn, 2026

Ran by BTC Inc., the Bitcoin Amsterdam conference is one of the largest European bitcoin conferences, bringing together entrepreneurs, artists, technologists, and builders to highlight and explore opportunities across the bitcoin industry. It has become a staple of the European bitcoin conference season, with numerous high-profile past speakers, including Gemini Founders, Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, Luxembourg Finance Minister, Gilles Roth, and Strike CEO, Jack Mallers. A good stop for those looking to explore the trends in bitcoin culture, privacy tech, and the broader European bitcoin ecosystem and regulatory landscape.

PlanB Lugano 2026Lugano PlanB Forum 2025 from @davidmarcus on X (Formerly Twitter)

davidmarcus

Website: planb.lugano.ch/planb-forum

Location: Lugano, Switzerland

Dates:Oct 23, 2026

The annual PlanB Forum is the last major stop of the European bitcoin conference season. Set in the picturesque city of Lugano in Switzerland, the conference brings together policy experts, government officials, titans of the European bitcoin industry, and developers. Past speakers have included Tether CTO, Paolo Ardoino, Blockstream CEO, Adam Back, Jan3 CEO, Samson Mow, and Strike CEO, Jack Mallers. The event offers a well-curated overview of the European and global bitcoin ecosystem, centered on bitcoin’s utility on the ground.

SatsConf 2026Satsconf 2025 from @satsconf_ on X (Formerly Twitter)

Satsconf

Website: satsconf.com.br

Location: São Paulo, Brazil

Dates: November, 2026

As Brazil’s largest bitcoin conference, Satsconf, returns in late 2026. As global bitcoin adoption in Brazil continues to rise, both in terms of developers through developer education programs like Vinteum and Libreria De Satoshi’s Bitcoin for Open-Source, and in bitcoin treasury companies like OranjeBTC, this conference serves as a portal into the world of bitcoin in that region. The conference is a balanced space for developers, builders, and entrepreneurs to engage, network, and pioneer the bitcoin ecosystem in this rapidly growing region.

Bitcoin MENA Conference 2026Bitcoin Conference Abu Dhabi 2025 from @bitcoinmenaconf on X (Formerly Twitter)

@bitcoinmenaconf

Website: mena.b.tc

Location: Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.

Dates: December, 2026

With the rise of bitcoin adoption in the MENA region, BTC Inc.’s Bitcoin MENA conference has become the largest aggregator of business leaders, entrepreneurs, and builders in that region, with past speakers including Strategy CEO, Michael Saylor, Binance Founder, CZ, Author and Economist, Saifedean Ammous, Dubai Blockchain Center CEO, Dr. Marwan Al Zarouni, and many others. The conference is one of the growing hubs for corporations seeking exposure to bitcoin and its financial products.

Africa Bitcoin Conference 2026Africa Bitcoin Conference 2025 Day Two

Btrust | Africa Bitcoin Conference 2025

Website: afrobitcoin.org

Location: TBA

Dates: Dec, 2026

As the longest-running bitcoin conference in Africa, the Africa Bitcoin Conference will hold its 5th edition in 2026. The conference was born out of a need for a singular, focused point of contact for African bitcoin builders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and technologists. Past speakers include Block CEO and Chairman Jack Dorsey, Strike CEO, Jack Mallers, Machankura CEO, Kgothatso Ngako, and Gridless CEO, Erik Hersman. It has now become the annual destination to get a snapshot of the African bitcoin ecosystem.

Bitcoin has managed to reclaim the $88,000 level, offering a brief sense of stability after weeks of choppy price action. However, the broader picture remains fragile. Since early December, BTC has repeatedly failed to push above the $90,000 threshold, a level that continues to cap upside attempts and reinforce market hesitation.

Adding to the cautious outlook, CryptoZeno, a CryptoQuant analyst, points to miner behavior as a growing short-term risk factor. According to his analysis, Bitcoin miner outflows are signaling rising sell-side pressure, a dynamic that has historically mattered during periods of weak momentum.

The data shows a clear relationship between miner activity and short-term price movements. Sharp increases in total miner outflows—especially when large volumes of BTC are sent to exchanges—have frequently coincided with local price pullbacks rather than sustained rallies.

Miners are often considered informed market participants, typically operating with relatively low cost bases. When their distribution activity increases, it can introduce additional supply at moments when spot demand is already struggling to absorb selling pressure. While miner outflows alone do not define a broader market top, they can amplify short-term weakness, particularly in range-bound conditions like the one Bitcoin is currently facing.

Miner Outflows Reinforce Short-Term Downside Risks
The report explains that recent spikes in Bitcoin miner outflows have repeatedly been followed by immediate or near-term price weakness, reinforcing the link between miner behavior and short-term market dynamics. These episodes suggest that miners—often considered informed participants with relatively low production cost bases—are actively distributing supply during periods of strength or heightened uncertainty.

Bitcoin Miner Outflow | Source: CryptoQuant
While a miner selling on its own does not signal a macro market top, it frequently adds incremental supply at sensitive moments, increasing short-term pressure when liquidity is thin, or spot demand is unable to absorb new inflows.

CryptoZeno adds that elevated miner outflows typically reflect a combination of factors. These include profit realization after rallies, the need to cover operational expenses, or a defensive response to weakening price structure. From an on-chain perspective, this behavior is not unusual during corrective or range-bound phases.

However, when miner transfers to exchanges cluster within a short time window, their impact becomes more pronounced. Concentrated outflows can materially increase sell-side pressure on exchanges, raising the probability of corrective price moves rather than sustained upside continuation.

At the macro level, miner distribution becomes especially influential when paired with broader headwinds. Neutral or declining risk appetite, tighter liquidity conditions, or cooling derivatives sentiment all reduce the market’s capacity to absorb additional supply. In such environments, miner-driven selling is less likely to be smoothly digested and can instead amplify downside volatility, keeping Bitcoin vulnerable in the near term.

Bitcoin Struggles Below Key Resistance
Bitcoin continues to trade in a tight consolidation range after failing to reclaim the $90,000 level, as shown on the daily chart. Following the sharp breakdown in November, price found support in the $85,000–$87,000 zone, where selling pressure began to ease and volatility compressed. Since then, BTC has been moving sideways, signaling indecision rather than a decisive trend reversal.

BTC consolidates below key MAs | Source: BTCUSDT chart on TradingView
From a technical perspective, Bitcoin remains capped below its declining short-term moving averages. The 50-day moving average continues to slope downward and acts as dynamic resistance. The 100-day and 200-day moving averages sit well above the current price, reinforcing a broader bearish structure. As long as BTC trades below these levels, upside attempts are likely to be sold into rather than sustained.

After the heavy sell-off in November, trading volume has gradually declined. This suggests that aggressive sellers have stepped back, but new demand has not yet entered with conviction. This typically characterizes a stabilization phase rather than the start of a new impulsive move.

Structurally, Bitcoin is forming a base, but confirmation remains absent. A daily close above $90,000 could signal a meaningful shift in momentum. And would open the door for a recovery toward higher resistance zones. Conversely, a loss of the $85,000 support area could expose BTC to another leg lower. For now, the chart reflects balance, hesitation, and a market waiting for a catalyst.

Featured image from ChatGPT, chart from TradingView.com 

Ether prices may have spent much of 2025 in the doldrums, but Ethereum as a protocol certainly did not.

In a year defined by reshuffled leadership, back-to-back upgrades, intensified security work, and a renewed focus on interoperability and privacy, the network used the past twelve months to realign its long-term vision and sketch the contours of what comes next.

The year opened under tension within the Ethereum Foundation, following a wave of community criticism accusing the organization of drifting and calling for what some described as a "wartime CEO." This internal debate spilled into public view as developers and stakeholders questioned the foundation's mission and pace. That pressure eventually led to a high-profile restructuring that would herald major updates throughout the rest of the year.

In February, longtime executive director Aya Miyaguchi formally "stepped up" into the role of president as Ethereum co-creator Vitalik Buterin pledged to rework leadership structures. Within days, the foundation appointed Hsiao-Wei Wang and Tomasz K. Stańczak as co-executive directors. It simultaneously created a new marketing and narrative arm, Etherealize, under former foundation researcher Danny Ryan.

The reorganization continued into spring as Buterin and the new directors laid out an updated board structure and clarified a more explicit mission anchored in cypherpunk values and long-term protocol stewardship. By mid-year, the foundation also restructured its R&D division, consolidating teams and issuing layoffs as part of a push to refocus on core protocol priorities.

Pectra
Those internal shifts coincided with one of the year's two major technical milestones. In May, developers activated Pectra — a combined Prague-Electra hard fork containing eleven network changes. The upgrade introduced account abstraction via EIP-7702, raised the maximum validator stake limit to 2,048 ETH, expanded blob throughput, and brought multiple quality-of-life improvements to validator operations and Layer 2 infrastructure. Within a week of activation, more than 11,000 EIP-7702 authorizations were created on mainnet, signaling immediate uptake from wallet providers experimenting with new smart-account flows.

The foundation followed Pectra with a sweeping security agenda branded the "Trillion Dollar Security." As The Block reported, this initiative focused on supporting Ethereum's long-term vision of powering global finance. Also in May, the foundation released the first phase outlining critical threats and attack surfaces. A subsequent report expanded on those challenges, identifying protocol-level risks and UX shortcomings tied to safety. Later in the year, a follow-up framework emphasized that improved user experience — including better defaults, clearer signing flows, and safer account recovery — was inseparable from security itself.

Treasury management also became a strategic priority. A mid-year update revealed that the foundation was reallocating portions of its ETH holdings into stablecoins and other onchain assets to ensure sustainable funding through 2025 and 2026, which it described as "pivotal" years for the ecosystem.

Fusaka
As the summer progressed, protocol attention shifted toward the next major milestone: Fusaka. Buterin argued that PeerDAS — a data-availability scheme central to the upgrade — would be key to scaling Layer 2 throughput. At the same time, the foundation unveiled a set of initiatives to shape Ethereum into a base layer for emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. A new "dAI" team began work on positioning the network as infrastructure for decentralized AI systems.

In parallel, a multi-phase interoperability effort sought to make Ethereum’s increasingly saturated Layer 2 ecosystem "feel like one chain." The foundation published early frameworks and followed with additional details on an "Interop Layer" designed to standardize cross-rollup messaging and developer experience later in the year.

Privacy research accelerated alongside these efforts. The EF released an end-to-end privacy roadmap covering private reads, writes, and proving. A dedicated Privacy Cluster team formed soon after to push the work forward. By autumn, Buterin introduced Kohaku, a proposal framing how Ethereum could support privacy-preserving applications without compromising auditability or decentralization.

As developers prepared for Fusaka's activation, Ethereum's throughput journey hit another milestone when the network raised its block gas limit to 60 million in late November. Days later, Ethereum initiated the Fusaka rollout, launching its twice-a-year hard-fork schedule and beginning a phase of more predictable upgrade cadence. Shortly after the upgrade, Buterin sparked fresh debate by pushing for a trustless gas-futures market to help users hedge fee volatility — an idea that drew both skepticism and curiosity from developers and users.

Ethereum closed the year by naming "Hegota" as the upgrade following Glamsterdam in 2026, anchoring the medium-term roadmap and signaling that the protocol's next phase will focus on consolidating the work of Pectra and Fusaka while advancing interoperability, privacy, and rollup maturity.

Price may have stayed quiet, but the Ethereum protocol did anything but.

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