Market Signal Briefing

Despite disappointing performance throughout most of 2025, shares of Rivian Automotive NASDAQ: RIVN are finishing the year strong. Through the Nov. 4 close, the automaker was down 6% in 2025.

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Bitcoin’s late-year slump has revived a familiar online refrain that the market is “controlled” and price is being suppressed but Strategy CFO Andrew Kang said the manipulation thesis doesn’t square with Bitcoin’s scale, and that even large, highly liquid public vehicles struggle to move the needle.

Speaking on Natalie Brunell’s Coin Stories in an interview dated Dec. 30, Kang framed recent bearish sentiment as less about Bitcoin-specific weakness and more about how the asset still trades within a broader risk regime shaped by macro uncertainty, rate expectations, and tech volatility.

Brunell asked Kang to address speculation that Bitcoin has been manipulated “over the last quarter or so,” a narrative some commentators tie to the Oct. 10 liquidation event and the timing of an MSCI memo about potential index methodology changes for digital-asset-treasury companies.

Kang didn’t rule out that some actors may want to influence markets, but he dismissed the idea of a coordinated, systemic suppression plan as implausible at Bitcoin’s current market size.

“I honestly, you know, I think a lot of that comes from things that are fun to talk about,” Kang said. “Could there be minds that think like that? Most likely. But I think for the scale in which we operate, the magnitude of what Bitcoin is today in this market, it’s hard for any one actor to really manipulate the market. And for there to be a systemic sort of plan to do that feels a little far-reaching to me.”

He added that conspiracy narratives often get stapled to Strategy itself including claims that its equity issuance or weekly buying is “why this happened” but argued that the asset has grown beyond any single corporate treasury’s ability to steer price action meaningfully.

“The fact is Bitcoin is such a big asset class now,” Kang said. “Even Strategy has a hard time doing something that impacts it.”

Don’t miss my first sit-down with Strategy CFO Andrew Kang!

We discuss Strategy’s plan to keep accumulating Bitcoin, the asset’s underperformance in 2025, MSCI inclusion, whether there is “market manipulation” and much more. pic.twitter.com/yqGhQHadcW

— Natalie Brunell ⚡️ (@natbrunell) December 30, 2025

The Real Reasons For BTC’s Price Action
Kang repeatedly returned to the idea that Bitcoin remains an “emerging asset,” and that volatility is a feature of its current stage of adoption rather than evidence of hidden hands. He pointed to his own entry point in 2022, a year he recalled as a harsh lesson in downside moves, and argued that today’s sentiment doesn’t look uniquely Bitcoin-driven.

“To me [the sentiment] isn’t Bitcoin specific,” Kang said, describing Bitcoin as still “viewed as a risk asset within a broader macro environment.” He cited uncertainty around Federal Reserve policy and rate expectations next year, while emphasizing that the long-term “intrinsic values” Bitcoiners cite, like finite supply and store-of-value framing, “still persist.”

In one of his most emphatic passages, Kang laid out a sweeping view of Bitcoin’s long-run trajectory as Strategy’s rationale for continuing to raise capital and add to its balance sheet.

“There’s still more upside to Bitcoin. We know it’s going to go from where it is today to, you know, back to $125K, up to $200K, up to a million, up to 21 million one day,” Kang said. “That all still is going to happen. It just is going to happen over a period of time. And there’s going to be volatility associated with it.”

At press time, BTC traded at $88,730.

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

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Standard Chartered is forecasting a major XRP breakout as institutional interest drives over one billion dollars into new spot ETFs. CoinDesk's Jennifer Sanasie unpacks how XRP could achieve a 2026 rally in today's "Chart of the Day," presented by Crypto.com.

Stablecoins ended 2025 on a high note, with peak address activity. Ethereum-based stablecoins showed activity signaling a cycle peak, far surpassing previous activity spikes. 

Stablecoins on Ethereum reached peak activity at the end of 2025. Activity levels at the end of the year were not an anomaly; instead, they extended a trend of steep growth over the past few months. 

Active addresses moved to new record levels on several occasions in 2025. In the past days of 2025, around 593K daily active users moved stablecoins. 

The year saw stablecoins behave in ways not seen during previous market cycles, both in terms of total supply and the scale of usage. Over $314B in stablecoins was in circulation in 2025, with much more diverse destinations compared to previous market cycles. 

During the early 2022 market peak, active stablecoin addresses reached 285K per day, the highest for the entire expansion cycle. 

Stablecoins remained active even below market price records
Crypto valuations at the end of 2025 have deflated below their peak levels, while stablecoin users retained the high activity levels. Ethereum activity shows a structural shift in digital asset activity, independent of the BTC and ETH price cycle.  

Stablecoins have multiple use cases, including arbitrage, P2P movements, lending, and settlements between whales or even institutions. During previous cycles, spikes in stablecoin activity were short-lived, while the activity in 2025 remained at a high baseline, with sustained growth. 

Stablecoin transfers became one of the key avenues for positioning capital. The high activity may also signal repositioning, seeking out the best venues of liquidity. Stablecoins were used as lending collateral, DEX trading pairs, and other active allocations, instead of being used to park value. The availability of yield also greatly expanded stablecoin turnover. 

During past crypto cycles, high stablecoin activity signaled accumulation rather than distribution. Despite the slide of BTC from its highs, stablecoin activity showed the market was still searching for opportunities.

Ethereum becomes a high-value stablecoin hub
Ethereum became a hub for high-value transfers, with USDT and USDC among the top 5 smart contracts on the network. Stablecoins were also among the chief reasons for Ethereum’s recent transaction record, as Cryptopolitan reported. The top three stablecoins on Ethereum remain USDT, USDC, and DAI, the legacy stablecoin of the Sky ecosystem. 

In the past year, USDC expanded its influence on value transfers, carrying the bulk of value on Ethereum, despite having a lower transaction count. | Source: Dune Analytics
USDT has a 54.77% dominance, with around 37% for USDC based on transaction levels. Both tokens expanded their transaction activity at a near-exponential rate in the last months of 2025. 

However, USDC is becoming the value leader, carrying higher volumes despite having lower activity. 

The prevalence of USDC transfers for high-value activities shows another shift in 2025. Over the past 12 months, USDC activity increased, as traders shifted to the fully regulated and accepted token. USDC can be used with no restrictions by US and European traders, while USDT retains its international role outside those markets.

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TLDR:

Bitcoin futures daily volumes have collapsed from $123 billion to $63 billion since November 22, 2024.
Futures markets still generate 20 times more volume than spot Bitcoin ETFs and 10 times spot trading activity.
Net taker volume improved from negative $489 million to negative $93 million, showing reduced selling pressure.
Weak liquidity and limited ETF volumes prevent Bitcoin from breaking out of its month-long consolidation range.

Bitcoin futures trading volumes have experienced a sharp decline since late November, falling from $123 billion to $63 billion in daily activity. 

This reduction partly explains the low volatility observed in recent weeks. Despite the drop, futures markets continue to dominate trading activity, maintaining volumes approximately 20 times larger than spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds and 10 times greater than spot markets. 

Analysis of net taker volume reveals persistent selling pressure, though recent data shows some improvement in market conditions.

Futures Markets Maintain Dominance Despite Volume Collapse
Bitcoin futures trading has witnessed daily volumes cut in half since November 22, according to market analyst Darkfost. 

The decline from $123 billion to $63 billion represents a substantial shift in market activity. However, futures trading still commands overwhelming influence over price action compared to other market segments.

🚨 Futures volumes are collapsing on BTC while sellers remain in control

Bitcoin futures trading continues to drive the market, even though daily volume has been cut in half since November 22.

➡️ Volumes have fallen from $123B to $63B, which partly explains the low volatility… pic.twitter.com/Ddw4SJG31V

— Darkfost (@Darkfost_Coc) December 31, 2025

Current futures volumes of $63 billion dwarf the $3.4 billion in daily spot ETF activity. The comparison becomes even more stark when measured against spot market volumes of approximately $6 billion. 

Many market observers have focused attention on ETF outflows in recent weeks. While these outflows contribute to selling pressure, futures markets clearly remain the primary driver of overall trading volumes.

The dominance of derivatives trading continues to shape price movements. Futures activity generates liquidity levels that spot markets cannot match at present. 

This dynamic ensures that derivatives traders maintain outsized influence over short-term price action.

Selling Pressure Eases But Liquidity Concerns Persist
Net taker volume analysis provides insight into buying and selling activity across derivatives platforms. 

The data reveals a clear pattern between negative net taker volume and corrective price phases. When selling volume dominates, Bitcoin typically enters periods of downward pressure or consolidation.

Since July, net taker volume has remained predominantly negative territory. A brief slowdown occurred in early October, enabling Bitcoin to reach a new all-time high. 

However, selling pressure quickly reasserted control. Darkfost notes that selling volumes have kept Bitcoin range-bound for roughly one month.

Recent developments offer modest encouragement for market participants. Selling pressure from futures has declined considerably since early November. Net taker volume has improved from approximately negative $489 million to negative $93 million. 

While this reduction in futures-driven selling represents progress, it has not yet proven sufficient to break the consolidation pattern. 

Liquidity remains constrained, and both ETF and spot market volumes lack the strength needed to drive a sustained breakout. Market conditions require continued monitoring as these dynamics evolve.

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Riot Platforms opened a new $500 million at-the-market equity offering this week as the bitcoin miner reported lower November production and continued to sell a large portion of its monthly output to fund operations and expansion.

In a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission yesterday, Riot said it entered into a definitive sales agreement allowing it to issue and sell up to $500 million of common stock at prevailing market prices through the Nasdaq Capital Market. 

The facility replaces a prior at-the-market program established in August 2024, which Riot terminated effective Tuesday.

Under the new agreement, Riot retains discretion over the timing and volume of any share sales. The company said proceeds will be used to fund capital expenditures, potential strategic acquisitions, investments in existing and future data centers and bitcoin mining projects, as well as general corporate purposes. 

The company also noted that stock buybacks could be funded with the proceeds, alongside working capital needs.

Riot’s bitcoin production Riot sold roughly $600.5 million worth of stock under the 2024 agreement before terminating it, leaving about $149.5 million of unused capacity. The new program resets the company’s fundraising flexibility as it continues to scale infrastructure in Texas. Shares were down nearly 1% in trading Wednesday. 

The capital raise comes alongside a mixed monthly operating update. The company said it produced 428 bitcoins in November, a 14% decline from the same month a year earlier. 

The company attributed the year-on-year drop to higher network difficulty and planned curtailments tied to power strategy. Total bitcoin holdings stood at 19,368 at the end of November, up 70% from a year earlier, but only four bitcoins higher than in October.

Riot sold 383 bitcoins during the month, generating $37 million in net proceeds. That compares with October, when the company sold 400 bitcoins for $46 million. The average realized sale price fell sharply to $96,560 in November from $114,970 a month earlier, reflecting the pullback in bitcoin prices during late autumn trading.

At the time of writing, bitcoin was trading around $88,000, up just over 1% on the day, with retail sentiment also leaning bearish. 

Riot stock remains up 24% year-to-date and 21% over the past 12 months, despite recent volatility.

Institutional analysts continue to see longer-term upside tied to Riot’s infrastructure footprint. J.P. Morgan recently forecast 45% upside for the shares through 2026, citing expectations that the company could secure a 600-megawatt colocation deal at its Corsicana site by the end of next year. 

The company currently owns roughly 1.7 gigawatts of power capacity across two large-scale Texas facilities, which analysts describe as rare tier-one assets in the bitcoin mining sector.

Micah Zimmerman

Micah first discovered Bitcoin in 2018 but remained a skeptic on the sidelines for too long. Since 2021, he has covered crypto and business and now works as a news reporter for Bitcoin Magazine, based in North Carolina.

The Ethereum blockchain recorded its strongest operational year in history in 2025, processing record transaction volumes and securing the vast majority of the DeFi market.

However, the crypto asset that powers the network failed to mirror that growth, posting double-digit losses for the year.

According to CryptoSlate's data, ETH is trading down 10% year-to-date at under $3000. Its performance against Bitcoin, the flagship digital asset, has also lagged, with the ETH/BTC ratio falling 6% since the start of the year.

This divergence highlights a fundamental shift in the economics of the world’s most widely used commercial blockchain.

Ethereum Daily Transactions (Source: YChart)While network utility has soared, technical upgrades designed to lower costs for users have significantly reduced the revenue flowing to the core network, decoupling the price of Ether from the activity on its rails.

One of the most significant factor in Ethereum’s financial profile this year was the collapse of “rent” paid by Layer-2 networks.

These networks, which bundle transactions together to save costs before settling them on the main Ethereum blockchain, previously served as a major source of fee revenue.

In 2024, Layer-2 networks generated $277 million in total revenue. Of that amount, they paid approximately $113 million—or 41%—to the Ethereum mainnet to process data and secure the network.

In 2025, that revenue model inverted. According to Growthepie data, the total revenue for Layer-2 networks fell 53% to $129.17 million as fees were lowered for end users.

However, the cost paid to the Ethereum mainnet plummeted even further. Layer-2 networks paid around $10 million to Ethereum for security in 2025, representing less than 10% of their total revenue.

The remaining $119 million was retained as profit by the Layer-2 operators.

Ethereum Layer 2 Networks Revenue (Source: Grow The Pie)Effectively, this meant Ethereum sacrificed more than $100 million in guaranteed fee revenue this year to secure its long-term survival.

This decline stems from the “Dencun” upgrade implemented last year. The update successfully lowered transaction fees, effectively subsidizing the ecosystem’s growth by reducing the income Ethereum collects from the “Layer-2” networks built on top of it.

This allowed the network to process higher volumes of traffic without clogging the main blockchain or spiking fees.

While the technical implementation succeeded in making Ethereum cheaper and faster, it removed a key driver of demand for the ETH token.

In previous years, high network usage resulted in high fees, a portion of which were “burned” thereby reducing supply and supporting the price.

With fees hitting record lows in 2025, the deflationary pressure on the token supply has weakened significantly. As a result, Ethereum's inflation rate has increased by 0.204% since the merge event in September 2022.

Coinbase network dominates profit shareThe rearrangement of Ethereum’s economics has created a consolidated market for scaling solutions, with one dominant player capturing the majority of the sector’s earnings.

Base, the Layer-2 network developed by the publicly traded US exchange Coinbase, generated more than $75 million in revenue in 2025. This figure represents nearly 60% of the entire Layer-2 sector’s revenue for the year.

Base’s financial performance far outpaced its decentralized rivals. Arbitrum, which held a significant market lead in prior years, generated approximately $25 million in revenue, taking second place.

Other competitors saw lower values. The Polygon network generated $5 million in revenue, while Consensys-backed Linea brought in $3.94 million. Optimism, another early leader in the scaling sector, earned approximately $3.83 million.

This concentration of revenue marks a departure from 2024, when the market was more evenly distributed. In the previous year, Arbitrum generated $42 million, Linea generated $36.6 million, and Scroll generated $35 million.

The rise of Base suggests that distribution channels and user experience have become the deciding factors in the scaling wars.

By integrating the network directly into its exchange products, Coinbase has successfully funneled retail activity onto its own rails.

Consequently, a significant portion of the value generated by the Ethereum ecosystem now accrues to the balance sheet of a distinct corporate entity rather than the broader network participants.

Market share hits multi-year highDespite ETH's price performance, institutional adoption of the Ethereum network continues to be accelerating.

Available data indicates that investors are not leaving the ecosystem for faster or cheaper alternative blockchains, a trend that defined the 2022 bear market.

For context, Ethereum’s dominance of the DeFi sector expanded throughout 2024 and 2025. The blockchain network's mainnet now secures approximately 64% of the total value locked (TVL) in DeFi applications, up from a cycle low of roughly 45% in 2022.

Leon Waidmann, the head of research at Onchain HQ, posited that the Ethereum ecosystem’s market share rises above 70% when assets held on Layer-2 networks like Base, Arbitrum, and Optimism, are included.

Etherem DeFi Dominance (Source: DeFiLlama)This consolidation suggests a “flight to quality” among large capital allocators.

As the industry matures, institutions are prioritizing Ethereum’s security and legal clarity over the speculative upside of newer, more volatile blockchains.

The network has effectively become the settlement layer for the industry, even as the specific mechanism for capturing value from that activity remains under pressure.

At the same time, analysts note that the ecosystem's stability stands in contrast to previous market cycles.

Transaction volumes are accelerating into the year-end without the “blow-off top” speculation typically seen during peaks, suggesting the growth is driven by fundamental usage rather than short-term trading frenzies.

Investors weigh utility against valueNonetheless, the widening gap between Ethereum’s operational success and its market valuation presents a complex outlook for investors heading into 2026.

The 10% year-to-date decline in ETH's price reflects uncertainty regarding the token’s role in this new low-fee environment.

With the mainnet effectively subsidizing the Layer-2 networks, the direct correlation between increased transaction volume and increased token price has been disrupted.

Market observers point out that while the ecosystem is healthier than ever, the financial benefits are currently siloed in the application and scaling layers.

However, the network supporters argue that this is a necessary transition phase. They argue that Ethereum has secured its position as the global standard for blockchain settlement by reducing costs and increasing capacity.

According to them, this moat that will eventually drive long-term value to the token with BitMine Chair Tom Lee believing the asset could rise above $5000 next year.

Mentioned in this article

U.S. crypto ETFs pulled in $443 million on Dec. 30 as Bitwise and Grayscale filed for Bittensor (CRYPTO: TAO) ETFs targeting AI and DeFi for 2026.

Bitcoin Snaps Seven-Day Bleed With $355M InflowBitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) ETFs reversed a seven-day outflow streak with $355 million in net inflows, according to SoSoValue data.

BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (NASDAQ:IBIT) led with $143.8 million, followed by ARK 21Shares' ARKB with $109.6 million and Fidelity’s FBTC with $78.6 million.

The turnaround comes after Bitcoin ETFs bled approximately $497 million the previous week as investors engaged in year-end tax-loss harvesting and portfolio rebalancing.

Bryan Courchesne, CEO of DAIM, said the net inflows signal a positive rebound from recent de-risking pressures, highlighting resilient institutional demand.

Ethereum And Altcoins Join The RallyMeanwhile, Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH) spot ETFs recorded their first positive flows in over a week, attracting $67.84 million in net inflows after suffering more than $102 million in weekly outflows through late December.

Additionally, XRP (CRYPTO: XRP) ETFs added $15.55 million, extending their streak to 29 consecutive days without a single day of outflows since launching in November. 

The products have now surpassed $1 billion in cumulative net inflows.

Solana (CRYPTO: SOL) ETFs contributed $5.21 million, maintaining their position as a consistent draw for growth-oriented institutional investors.

Bitwise Files For 11 New Crypto ETFs—AI And DeFi FocusBeyond the inflow surge, Bitwise filed applications for 11 new cryptocurrency ETFs with the SEC, targeting tokens across AI and DeFi sectors.

The filings include strategy ETFs tracking Aave (CRYPTO: AAVE), Ethena (CRYPTO: ENA), Hyperliquid (CRYPTO: HYPE), Bittensor (CRYPTO: TAO), Tron (CRYPTO: TRX), Uniswap (CRYPTO: UNI).

Additional filings cover NEAR (CRYPTO: NEAR), Starknet (CRYPTO: STRK), Sui (CRYPTO: SUI), Canton (CRYPTO: CC), and Zcash (CRYPTO: ZEC).

Each fund will invest up to 60% of its assets directly in a token, with the remainder in exchange-traded products or derivatives like futures and swaps.

Notably, Bitwise became the first issuer to launch a spot Solana ETF in the U.S. in October, followed by XRP and Dogecoin (CRYPTO: DOGE) ETFs in November.

Grayscale Goes After Bittensor With Spot ETF FilingSimilarly, Grayscale filed a registration statement to convert its Bittensor Trust into an ETF, marking the first attempt to launch a U.S. spot ETF offering direct exposure to Bittensor.

The Grayscale Bittensor ETF will trade on NYSE Arca under ticker symbol GTAO, with Coinbase Custody Trust Company and BitGo Trust Company as custodians.

What Happens NextBitwise Chief Investment Officer Matt Hougan predicts Bitcoin will defy its historical four-year cycle and hit new all-time highs in 2026, driven by falling interest rates and accelerating institutional adoption.

The ETF filings for AI and DeFi tokens signal institutional investors are expanding beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum into higher-growth sectors as regulatory clarity improves under the Trump administration.

Read Next:

Crypto Momentum Stalled In Q4, But The Next Quarter Will Be Better: Grayscale
Image: Shutterstock

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The crypto market this year experienced a notable divergence in terms of volatility across different asset classes. For instance, trading XRP and SOL has been twice as volatile as trading BTC over the past 12 months, indicating a lack of maturity in those altcoins and reinforcing the perceived dominance of BTC across the cryptocurrency landscape. 

Data tracked on-chain revealed today that XRP and SOL experienced volatility of 80% and 87%, respectively, compared to 43% for BTC. Other altcoins, including Ether and BNB, recorded increases of 76% and 51%, respectively. This trend quashed the hopes that altcoins could surpass BTC’s dominance in 2025 and extend its perceived lead across the crypto landscape. 

Altcoins need deeper liquidity to achieve stability
So far, billions have been pumped into SOL and XRP ETFs and CME futures, from which these major cryptocurrencies benefit in terms of liquidity. Except for BNB, other major altcoins, including XRP, SOL, and ETH, have established ETFs with billions in net assets.

For instance, the XRP ETF has received a net inflow of approximately $1.16 billion since its launch, while the SOL ETF has attracted roughly $763 million, based on data provided by SoSoValue.

If demand remains strong across altcoins in 2026, XRP, SOL, and ETH, alongside other altcoins, could help mitigate current price volatility and achieve the stability exhibited by BTC.

The current volatility exhibited by altcoins suggests a persistent difficulty for these tokens in achieving stability. The trend in BTC volatility, especially after the launch of U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs in 2024, has been declining, underscoring the need for deeper liquidity in altcoins too. These suggest that alternative investment vehicles tied to XRP, SOL, and other altcoins may provide deeper liquidity, enabling the stability achieved in Bitcoin.

Bitcoin ETFs were introduced in January 2024, attracting multiple ETPs, including IBIT, which has attracted the majority of investor money, amassing $62.19 billion since its launch. GBTC, on the other hand, has recorded a negative flow, seeing approximately $25 billion withdrawn since its launch.

BTC ETFs so far have a cumulative total net inflow of $56.96 billion, according to SoSoValue. The surge in inflows has prompted several products, including covered calls on those ETFs. The strong demand has led to a steady decline in volatility in BTC this year.

Meanwhile, Ethereum ETFs, which launched in mid-2024, have exhibited a similar trend, attracting approximately $12.4 billion of investor capital since their launch. BlackRock’s ETHA has attracted roughly $12.59 billion of investor money, while Grayscale’s ETHE has recorded the worst performance, losing approximately $5.05 billion to withdrawals since its launch. We could say the same for ETH ETFs as BTC, which has seen a decline in volatility to the current 76%.

L1 tokens end the year with a negative or negligible return
L1 tokens recorded the worst performance this year, resulting in zero or negative returns despite several key advancements across the networks. For instance, the Total Value Locked value for BTC has grown to $6.7 billion as of today, compared to an average of $760 million prior to October 2024.

Source: Defillama; BTC’s Total Value Locked in DeFi
The same can be said for Ethereum, Solana, and Base networks, which have exhibited a gradual increase in growth since 2021, demonstrating structural maturity across the cryptocurrency landscape. 

Despite reaching these significant steps in terms of maturity, returns exhibited this year have been very low across different blockchains. Based on on-chain data, the Bitcoin blockchain recorded a -6.76% return, alongside -12.94% for Ethereum and -11.48% for XRP. BNB has shown a positive return rate of 20.64% over the past 365 days.

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Jessie A Ellis
Dec 31, 2025 18:05

Explore Render Network's transformative year in 2025, marked by groundbreaking initiatives in decentralized GPU computing, AI integration, and global creative collaborations.

2025 was a pivotal year for the Render Network, characterized by significant advancements and a global presence, according to Render Network. The network achieved notable growth, spearheaded enterprise-grade initiatives, and expanded its influence across various global events and conferences.

Major Initiatives and Product Updates
The year saw the inaugural RenderCon 2025, held on April 15 at Nya Studios in Hollywood. This event gathered artists, builders, and thought leaders to discuss the future of 3D art and distributed computing. It featured over 20 speakers, including notable figures like Ariel Emanuel and Beeple.

Another significant milestone was the launch of support for Blender’s Cycles renderer, allowing artists to render complex scenes on the Render Network without high-end local hardware. This development was complemented by comprehensive documentation and tutorials to aid creators.

Immersive Exhibitions and Global Presence
In September, SUBMERGE: Beyond the Render was launched, showcasing immersive digital art rendered on the Render Network. The exhibition, held at ARTECHOUSE NYC, highlighted the capabilities of decentralized GPU rendering and received extensive media coverage.

The network also played a prominent role as a headline sponsor at Solana Breakpoint 2025, showcasing its decentralized compute capabilities through large-scale displays and interactive booths.

Innovations in AI and Compute
The introduction of Dispersed, a new distributed GPU platform, marked Render Network’s expansion into AI and creative workloads. This initiative aims to address the global AI compute shortage, with partners like OTOY Studio already leveraging the platform for production workloads.

Furthermore, the passing of RNP-019 and RNP-021 proposals expanded the network's capabilities to support AI and enterprise-grade GPU workloads, positioning Render Network as a key player in the decentralized computing landscape.

Community Engagement and Creative Competitions
Render Royale, a monthly 3D art contest, was introduced to foster community engagement and spotlight creators within the Render Network ecosystem. This initiative, presented at RenderCon 2025, has become a celebrated event among artists using Octane, Redshift, and Blender Cycles.

Additionally, the network’s support for various global events, including NVIDIA GTC and ETH Denver, underscored its commitment to bridging creative and technical communities through decentralized computing.

Looking Forward
As Render Network moves into 2026, the focus will remain on expanding enterprise AI compute capabilities and enhancing global partnerships. The upcoming RenderCon 2026, scheduled for April 16-17, promises to continue the momentum established in 2025, further integrating local creativity with decentralized GPU infrastructure.

Image source: Shutterstock

render network
decentralized computing
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Bruce Buterin

December 31, 2025

Coinbase and BC Card have announced the launch of a pilot program in South Korea to test a payment solution using USD Coin (USDC) on the Coinbase-developed Base platform. This initiative, revealed on December 31, 2025, aims to connect a domestic QR payment system with the USDC stablecoin, potentially leading to a long-term partnership for establishing a compliant Korean won settlement process for merchants.

The collaboration between Coinbase, a major cryptocurrency exchange, and BC Card, a leading South Korean payment processing company, marks a significant step in integrating blockchain technology with traditional payment systems. By leveraging USDC, a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar, the pilot seeks to offer a seamless and efficient method for digital transactions in South Korea, a country known for its technological advancement and high smartphone penetration rate.

BC Card has indicated that the pilot phase will assess the operational viability and compliance aspects of linking the QR payment platform with USDC transactions. Should the testing phase prove successful, both companies intend to pursue a medium to long-term partnership to facilitate a regulated and efficient process for converting USDC to Korean won, thereby enhancing the payment infrastructure for local merchants.

Market analysts suggest that this pilot could influence the broader adoption of cryptocurrency payments in South Korea, especially given the government’s interest in digital financial innovation. The integration of a stablecoin like USDC could address volatility concerns often associated with cryptocurrencies, providing a more predictable option for businesses and consumers.

However, the initiative faces certain challenges, including regulatory scrutiny and the need for widespread adoption among consumers and merchants. The South Korean government has been cautious about cryptocurrency regulations, prioritizing consumer protection and financial stability. The outcome of this pilot could impact future regulatory decisions regarding digital currency transactions in the country.

As the pilot progresses, industry observers will monitor its development closely, particularly any hurdles encountered in technology integration and regulatory compliance. The success of this initiative could pave the way for broader implementation of blockchain-based payment solutions in South Korea and potentially beyond its borders.

Further announcements and updates are anticipated as the pilot project unfolds, with stakeholders keen to understand the implications for both the cryptocurrency and traditional financial sectors.

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Bruce Buterin

Bruce Buterin is an American crypto analyst passionate about the evolution of Web3, crypto ETFs, and Ethereum innovations. Based in Miami, he closely follows market movements and regularly publishes in-depth insights on DeFi trends, emerging altcoins, and asset tokenization. With a mix of technical expertise and accessible language, Bruce makes the blockchain ecosystem clear and engaging for both enthusiasts and investors.
Specialties: Ethereum, DeFi, NFTs, U.S. regulation, Layer 2 innovations.

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December 31, 2026

Market participants are sidelining MNT, dampening bullish Mantle price predictions with an 8% weekly drop while most coins see relief rallies following the Christmas flash crash.

Holders are hedging their bets on the altcoin as it approaches a make-or-break level, the $0.885 neckline of a bearish head-and-shoulders pattern.

MNT USDT 1-day chart, bearish head-and-shoulder pattern. Source: TradingView.Crossing below this trendline could confirm the bear-case scenario: a 30% crash back to August lows around $0.685.

The sentiment extends to the smart money, with VC firm Dragonfly Capital’s recent transfer of $6.95 million in MNT to exchanges in a potential move to make their holdings liquid.

Still, strong fundamentals lay the groundwork for further upside. Mantle has become the best-performing layer-2 through 2025, potentially credited to its push for tokenization-as-a-Service.

The bridge between TradFi and DeFi has been a major narrative this cycle, and the next leg of the bull run could see Mantle play a role in on-chain finance now that regulatory clarity is setting in.

Mantle Price Prediction: Is a Crash Avoidable?If the neckline instead proves as a launchpad, it could rule out the bearish setup, shifting focus to a bullish pennant structure.

MNT USDT 1-day chart, bullish pennant pattern. Source: TradingView.A credible scenario as momentum indicators flash reversal signs. The RSI nears the 30 oversold threshold, a level that has historically marked local bottoms and subsequent bull runs for the Mantle price.

More so, the MACD levels off below the signal line. Sell pressure has been consistent, but not escalating, placing the blame on a lack of demand.

If buyers step back in, the bull-case scenario could unfold: a 300% breakout move into new price discovery targeting $3.80.

Still, interim resistance around $1.80 and the $3 all-time high will be key proving grounds for a sustained upwards move.

PepeNode: A Way to Avoid the Pitfall of Meme Coin InvestorsLate entrants on Mantle now face a decision: sit out and miss out on the next leg up, or enter and risk exposure to potential heavy losses.

PepeNode ($PEPENODE) removes much of that pressure by offering a way to accumulate without needing perfect timing — the pitfall of most investors.

It’s a simple mine-to-earn (M2E) game. No hardware needed.

Just log in, acquire virtual nodes, stack rigs, and configure their setup to begin generating passive rewards diversified across leading meme coins.

And thanks to a built-in deflationary model, where 70% of all $PEPENODE spent on nodes and rigs is burned, scarcity supports long-term token value.

PepeNode offers a more measured way to capture high-upside market exposure — without relying on perfect entries.

With just 1 week remaining in the presale, starting late could come at a higher cost.

Visit the Official PepeNode Website Here

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Aptos (APT) showed notable weakness against the broader cryptocurrency market, declining despite a generally positive market backdrop. At the time of publication, APT was trading near $1.69, down about 2.4% over the past 24 hours, after briefly touching levels closer to $1.73. This drop contrasts with the CoinDesk 20 Index (CD20), which was modestly higher by roughly 0.5%, highlighting APT’s relative underperformance among major digital assets.

According to CoinDesk Research’s technical analysis model, the price action reflects selective investor caution toward Aptos. Over the last day, APT moved within a volatile but clearly defined range of approximately $0.09, signaling range-bound consolidation rather than a decisive trend reversal. The decline occurred on below-average overall trading interest, reinforcing the idea that buyers lack strong conviction at current price levels.

One of the most important developments was a sharp spike in trading volume earlier in the session, when about 12.2 million APT tokens changed hands. This figure was more than double the 24-hour moving average, confirming strong selling pressure and firm resistance near the $1.75 level. The failure to break above this zone suggests that sellers remain active on rallies, limiting upside momentum.

Following the high-volume rejection, APT’s price consolidated in a narrow channel. As volume normalized, momentum slowed, indicating indecision among traders. Although 24-hour volume was still around 31% higher than the seven-day average, it failed to reach levels typically associated with strong bullish continuation.

From a technical perspective, primary support is now established around the psychologically important $1.68–$1.69 area. On the upside, immediate resistance sits near $1.70–$1.705, with the broader range high at $1.75 acting as the next major hurdle. Short-term charts show a mild recovery attempt, but technical indicators across multiple timeframes continue to flash predominantly bearish signals.

Overall, Aptos remains locked in a consolidation phase, with downside risks persisting unless buying volume increases and price can reclaim key resistance levels.

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Altcoins

DeFi

Plasma

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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: 

December 31, 2026

Plasma price has now almost doubled from its bottom, hitting $0.17 at the time of writing. After the December update from the team, the XPL coin has jumped over 15% in the last 24 hours.

The update points out some improvements in the ecosystem numbers. USDT on Plasma is now supported on 30+ exchanges, with 8 added in December alone.

Daily CEX USDT transactions have grown from around 5k post-launch to roughly 40k today. That means more and more people are trusting Plasma to transfer their money, which helps explain why it has reached a $2.1B stablecoin market cap.

The most recent addition is the Plasma Card, which has recorded 30 internal users and over $10k in daily volume. According to the team, this is their main real-world product, and they are investing heavily to fix issues and push it toward a finalized release.

Plasma Price Prediction: Further Increase Coming in 2026?Vance Spencer, the cofounder of Framework Ventures, said that “Plasma is going to make it in 2026,” pointing to a wave of new products set to be shipped.

Framework Ventures led the fundraising round for Plasma, raising $20M at a $500M valuation. This is higher than the current XPL market cap of around $300M at the time of writing.

You can sense the commitment here. The team has also said they are still fully committed to building Plasma around XPL and aligning the entire organization around it.

Source: XPLUSD / TradingViewXPL price is currently up over 60% from its bottom at $0.11 on December 20.

Plasma crypto is up about 15% in the last 24 hours alone, yet the RSI is still around 53. That suggests there is still room for further upside.

A move toward $0.20 would be the best-case scenario given current market conditions. A clean breakout above that level would likely open the door for a push back toward $0.30.

A pullback toward the $0.15 support range is still possible, but a break below it would kill the momentum and could send the price to new lows.

Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER): Where Real Utility Still WinsWhile most altcoins are still fighting market chop, Bitcoin Hyper is quietly positioning itself as one of the few projects actually solving a real problem.

Bitcoin is the most secure network in crypto, but it is painfully slow and expensive. Bitcoin Hyper fixes that by bringing a high-performance Layer 2 built with Solana-grade speed directly to Bitcoin.

Through the Hyper Bridge, BTC holders can move funds onto the Hyper L2 and receive a 1:1 representation with near-instant finality. That unlocks fast payments, DeFi, staking, meme coins, NFTs, and yield strategies, all while staying anchored to Bitcoin security.

Bitcoin Hyper has already raised nearly $30M from early backers, showing strong conviction despite weak market conditions. With a 39% APY currently available and growing ecosystem integrations, $HYPER is shaping up as one of the few narratives that does not rely purely on speculation.

If the next cycle rewards real infrastructure over hype, Bitcoin Hyper looks positioned to be one of the first beneficiaries.

Visit the Official Bitcoin Hyper Website Here

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The crypto market is showing renewed signs of strength as it heads into the final days before 2026, supported by a major liquidity injection from the U.S. Federal Reserve and a reversal in Bitcoin ETF flows. These developments have improved overall market sentiment and raised expectations for a potential year-end relief rally across digital assets.

The New York Fed conducted its largest overnight repo operations of the year, injecting approximately $74.6 billion into the financial system. This liquidity boost included $31.5 billion in U.S. Treasury bill purchases and $43.1 billion in mortgage-backed securities. The operation marked the third consecutive repo action this week, following injections of $26 billion on December 29 and $3 billion on December 30. Such aggressive liquidity support is widely viewed as bullish for risk assets, including Bitcoin and the broader crypto market.

These injections come at a time when markets have been facing seasonal liquidity pressures due to year-end holidays and tax-loss harvesting. Bitcoin has struggled to maintain upward momentum throughout December, repeatedly failing to break above the $90,000 resistance level. Despite this, analysts believe conditions are improving. Market commentator Ted Pillows noted that the total crypto market capitalization has broken out of its recent downtrend, signaling the possibility of a short-term relief rally.

Additional optimism comes from on-chain data showing that long-term Bitcoin holders have paused selling, potentially easing downside pressure. Although BTC briefly rallied toward $89,000, it retraced following the U.S. market open, likely influenced by continued tax-related selling.

A key bullish catalyst is the return of positive Bitcoin ETF flows. On December 30, spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded a net inflow of $355 million, ending a seven-day streak of outflows. Ethereum ETFs also turned positive, with Grayscale’s ETHE leading the way with $50 million in inflows. If sustained, these inflows could provide strong support for a broader crypto rally.

Finally, analysts are watching the BTC-to-gold ratio closely, as a hold at key support levels could signal capital rotation from gold into Bitcoin, further strengthening the crypto market outlook heading into the new year.

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Ethereum price rose by around 1.5% today, briefly moving above the key psychological resistance level of $3,000. Although ETH is still technically within a broader bear market structure, growing signs of accumulation and improving technical indicators have fueled optimism among analysts who believe further upside is possible in the near term.

According to popular crypto analyst Cas Abbe, Ethereum could rally toward the $4,000 level, representing a potential upside of about 35% from current prices. In a recent post on X, he highlighted the daily chart structure, noting that ETH remains above a long-standing ascending trendline connecting the major swing lows from June, November, and December. This trendline has been respected since May, suggesting that Ethereum may be preparing for another upward move rather than a deeper breakdown.

Technical indicators also support this cautiously bullish Ethereum price forecast. The chart shows a developing bullish divergence, a pattern that often appears near trend reversals. While price action made lower lows, momentum indicators such as the Relative Strength Index and the MACD have formed higher lows. The MACD is climbing and approaching the zero line, while the RSI is attempting to move above the neutral 50 level, both of which point to strengthening momentum.

Still, downside risks remain. A clear break below the ascending trendline would invalidate the bullish scenario and could trigger further selling pressure, potentially sending Ethereum price toward the next major support near $2,500.

On the fundamental side, accumulation by large holders continues to provide a strong tailwind. BitMine has reportedly added more than 384,000 ETH over the past 30 days, bringing its total holdings above 4.1 million coins, valued at over $12 billion. Long-term Ethereum holders are also increasing their exposure, with wallets holding more than 1,000 ETH now controlling roughly 70% of the total supply after accumulating around 120,000 coins since late December.

Additionally, sentiment around Ethereum ETFs is improving, as recent inflows of about $58 million signal fading outflows and renewed investor confidence. Together, these factors suggest Ethereum may have room to climb despite broader market uncertainty.

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As 2026 begins, XRP traders are bracing for another closely watched event: Ripple’s scheduled release of 1 billion XRP from escrow on January 1. While headlines highlight the sheer size of the unlock—worth roughly $1.9 billion at the current XRP price of $1.88—the real market impact is likely far more nuanced than the numbers suggest.

Ripple’s escrow system, launched in 2017, was specifically designed to avoid sudden supply shocks. Each month, 1 billion XRP is unlocked, but historically Ripple re-locks between 60% and 80% of those tokens. This means that only a fraction typically enters active circulation. In December 2025, for instance, around 70% of unlocked XRP was returned to escrow, leaving an estimated 300 to 400 million XRP potentially liquid. If January follows the same pattern, the net increase in circulating supply could be relatively modest.

Despite this shown discipline, XRP price action remains under pressure. Some analysts warn of downside risk, even pointing to the possibility of a sharp correction. However, on-chain and institutional data paint a more balanced picture. US spot XRP ETFs have recorded over 30 consecutive days of inflows, with $15.55 million added on December 30 alone, bringing total ETF assets to approximately $1.27 billion. These consistent inflows suggest growing institutional confidence in XRP’s long-term role.

Supply dynamics on exchanges further support this view. Over the past year, XRP balances held on exchanges have reportedly dropped from about 4 billion to under 1.5 billion, signaling a tightening liquid supply. Combined with ETF accumulation and controlled escrow releases, this reduction may help offset potential selling pressure.

Regulation also plays a role in shaping expectations. The upcoming Senate markup of the CLARITY Act in January 2026 could influence how aggressively Ripple chooses to re-lock XRP. Clearer rules for banks and financial institutions may encourage broader adoption, while uncertainty could lead to more conservative supply management.

Beyond short-term price speculation, XRP’s narrative has evolved. Ripple is increasingly positioned as a provider of institutional financial infrastructure, with XRPL supporting stablecoins, custody, and settlement. In this context, monthly XRP unlocks are less about market shocks and more about measured deployment. While the 1 billion XRP release will grab attention, history suggests its real impact will depend on strategy, demand, and regulation—not just the headline figure.

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 31, 2025) - Lion Copper and Gold Corp. (CSE: LEO) (OTCQB: LCGMF) ("Lion CG", or the "Company") announces that it has amended an existing advisory services agreement to permit payment of advisory fees through the issuance of common shares of the Company in lieu of cash.

The advisory agreement was originally entered into in April 2025 and provided for a monthly cash retainer of US$10,000 in exchange for advisory services, including strategic planning, corporate development, and general advisory assistance. The amendment, effective December 1, 2025, does not change the scope or nature of the advisory services.

Pursuant to the amended agreement, the monthly retainer will be paid in common shares of the Company, issued at the end of each month for services provided during that month. The number of common shares to be issued will be calculated based on the 10-day volume-weighted average price of the Company's common shares for the ten trading days immediately preceding the first day of the applicable month. All other terms of the agreement remain unchanged.

All common shares issued pursuant to the agreement will be subject to applicable securities laws and the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange. The shares will also be subject to resale restrictions under Rule 144 under US Securities laws, which impose holding periods and other conditions on resale.

The common shares have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of any offer to buy nor will there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such province, state or jurisdiction.

About Lion CG

Lion Copper and Gold Corp. is advancing its flagship copper project in Yerington, Nevada through an Option to Earn-in Agreement with Nuton LLC, a Rio Tinto Venture.

Further information can be found at www.lioncg.com

On behalf of the Board of Directors

John Banning
Chief Executive Officer

Website: www.lioncg.com

Neither Canadian Stock Exchange (CSE) nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Except for statements of historical fact, any information contained in this news release may be a forward‐looking statement that reflects the Company's current views about future events and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from the information expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that it has a reasonable basis for each forward-looking statement, we caution you that these statements are based on a combination of facts and factors currently known by us and our expectations of the future, about which we cannot be certain. The Company cannot assure that the actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward‐looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release and the Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward‐looking statements for any reason, even if new information becomes available in the future.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/279304

Source: Lion Copper and Gold Corp.

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Key Takeaways BOKF shares rose 17.9% in six months, outperforming the industry and its close peers.Earnings estimates for 2025 and 2026 have been revised upward, reflecting analyst optimism.Strong loan growth, improving asset quality and strategic expansions support BOKF's growth outlook.
Over the past six months, shares of BOK Financial Corporation (BOKF - Free Report) have rallied 17.9% compared with the industry’s growth of 3%. The stock also outperformed its peers, First Horizon Corporation (FHN - Free Report) and Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. (CFR - Free Report) . Shares of First Horizon rallied 11.3%, whereas shares of Cullen/Frost Bankers lost 3.2% in the same time frame.

Six-Month Price Performance
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Over the past 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 and 2026 earnings has been revised upward.

Estimates Revision Trend
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for BOKF’s 2025 and 2026 earnings indicates a 1.1% and 7.7% rise, respectively. This suggests that analysts are more optimistic about the company’s future earnings.

With BOK Financial outpacing the industry and a strong earnings outlook, investors may wonder whether the stock deserves a spot in their portfolio. To explore this, let us take a closer look and assess its investment appeal.

What's Aiding BOKF's Performance?Stable Organic Growth: BOK Financial has been experiencing continuous loan growth supported by a diversified business model and increased lending activity. Although loans declined in 2021, the metric recorded a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2% over the six-year period ending 2024, with the upward trend continuing through the first nine months of 2025. The bank has focused on expanding its loan portfolio across commercial real estate, energy, healthcare, and service sectors, as reflected in its loan segmentation.

Loan Segmentation
Image Source: BOK Financial Corporation

Similarly, deposits have shown consistent growth, achieving a CAGR of 7.1% over the same period, supported by a balanced mix of commercial, consumer, wealth, and small business deposits.

Deposit Mix
Image Source: BOK Financial Corporation

Looking ahead, BOK Financial is well-positioned for organic growth, driven by a strong loan pipeline and rising deposit balances. The company expects loan growth of 5–7% in 2025, compared with $24.1 billion reported at the end of 2024. The ongoing focus on diverse lending and a growing deposit base is likely to support top-line expansion and strengthen the bank’s overall financial resilience.

Fed Rate Cuts Aiding NII Growth: The Federal Reserve raised its benchmark federal funds rate in 2022 and 2023 to control inflation. Higher interest rates boosted BOKF’s net interest income (NII) by increasing yields on loans and other interest-earning assets, helping the bank achieve a four-year CAGR of 2.8% through 2024. The rising trend in NII continued in the first nine months of 2025.

However, net interest margin (NIM) declined to 2.75% in 2024 from 2.93% in 2023 and 2.98% in 2022, primarily due to deposit repricing, which increased funding costs. Despite this, NIM showed modest expansion in the first nine months of 2025, reflecting easing funding costs and improved asset yields.

The Fed cut rates by 100 basis points in 2024 and by 75 basis points through three reductions in 2025, and signaled the possibility of an additional cut in 2026. Despite these reductions, BOK Financial’s NII and NIM will likely witness growth, given lower funding costs and improved loan demand.

Improved Asset Quality: Over the past few years, the company has demonstrated strong improvement in asset quality, with credit metrics consistently surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Over the five-year period (ended 2024), non-performing assets declined sharply, posting a CAGR of 24.6%, with the downward trend continuing in the first nine months of 2025.

Similarly, net charge-offs recorded a five-year negative CAGR of 40.9% through 2024 and continued to decline in the first nine months of 2025. With a track record of outperforming during credit cycles, BOK Financial is well-positioned to navigate potential economic slowdowns while maintaining a resilient balance sheet.

Strategic Market Expansion: Over the past several years, the company has transformed from a regional bank in Oklahoma into a leading financial services provider by strategically expanding into key neighboring markets. The company strengthened its presence in the southeastern United States in July 2023 by opening an office in Memphis, TN, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, BOK Financial Securities.

Earlier in June 2023, its Bank of Texas division expanded into the San Antonio market, further strengthening BOKF’s presence in Texas. Since 2016, the company has pursued several acquisitions to grow its asset management business and overall reach, including the 2018 merger with Denver-based CoBiz Financial, which enhanced its presence in Colorado and Arizona.

Together, these strategic moves have positioned the company for long-term growth and reinforced its competitive standing across regional markets.

Impressive Capital Distribution Activities: The company follows a disciplined capital distribution strategy. In October 2024, the company raised its quarterly dividend by 3.6% to 57 cents per share, reflecting consistent annual dividend growth. The company has increased its dividend five times over the past five years, with a payout ratio of 27% and a current dividend yield of 2.11%. Comparatively, Cullen/Frost Bankers has a dividend yield of 3.12%, while First Horizon has a yield of 2.51%.

Dividend Yield
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

In addition to dividend, the company actively returns capital to shareholders through share repurchases. On July 29, 2025, the board approved a new share repurchase program authorizing up to 5 million shares, replacing the November 2022 program. As of Sept. 30, 2025, 4.6 million shares remained available under the plan. Given its earnings strength, BOK Financial’s capital distribution activities appear sustainable over the long term.

Near-Term Concerns for BOKFRising Operating Expenses: The escalating operating expenses remain a key concern for BOK Financial, putting pressure on bottom-line growth. Over the six years ended 2024, operating expenses recorded a CAGR of 3.4%, with the upward trend continuing in the first nine months of 2025. Further, the expenses are expected to stay elevated due to ongoing investments in technology and higher employee-related compensation, which are aimed at supporting long-term growth but may continue to weigh on near-term profitability.

Liquidity Pressure: The company’s liquidity position remains relatively low compared with its elevated debt levels, raising concerns about financial flexibility. As of Sept. 30, 2025, the company had total debt of $4.2 billion, including funds purchased, repurchase agreements, and other borrowings, while cash and due-from-bank balances, along with interest-bearing cash and cash equivalents, totaled $1.4 billion. Thus, the company’s relatively low liquidity, combined with significant debt obligations, could limit its ability to meet repayments if economic conditions deteriorate.

Should You Invest in BOKF Stock Now?In terms of valuation, BOKF stock appears expensive relative to the industry. The company is currently trading at a 12-month trailing price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 13.34X, which is higher than the industry’s 12.98X.

Meanwhile, Cullen/Frost Bankers holds a P/E ratio of 13.03X, while First Horizon’s P/E ratio stands at 12.02X.

Price-to-Earnings F12 M
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

While higher operating expenses, liquidity constraints, and a slightly premium valuation warrant some caution in the near term, these risks appear manageable given the company’s resilient balance sheet and earnings outlook.

The consistent loan and deposit growth, improving asset quality, and favorable earnings estimate revisions point to a bank that is executing well despite a shifting rate environment. Strategic market expansions and disciplined capital returns further strengthen BOKF’s long-term growth narrative.

Overall, BOKF stands out as a compelling choice for investors seeking exposure to a well-run, growth-oriented bank with improving fundamentals and shareholder-friendly policies.

BOKF currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Key Takeaways CPAY has gained 6% in three months and is projected to post double-digit earnings growth in 2026.CPAY's revenues are benefiting from a model combining digital platforms, direct sales and partners.CPAY is expanding via acquisitions like AvidXchange and Alpha Group, while consistently repurchasing shares.
Corpay (CPAY - Free Report) has had a decent run on the bourses over the past three months, gaining 6% against the industry’s 1.2% decline.

CPAY’s fourth-quarter 2025 earnings are expected to increase 10.6% year over year. Its 2025 and 2026 earnings are projected to rise 11.9% and 16.7%, respectively. Revenues are anticipated to grow 13.6% in 2025 and 15.6% in 2026.

Reasons Behind the UpsideCorpay’s earnings have surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the past four quarters and met the same once, delivering an average earnings surprise of 0.6%.

CPAY’s revenue growth is driven by a multi-channel approach to market and sell its commercial payment solutions, incorporating a comprehensive digital channel, direct sales forces and partner relationships. This expands the company’s online, end-to-end capabilities, enabling customers to buy, onboard and manage their accounts personally.

CPAY is consistent with its acquisitions and investments, increasing its customer base domestically and internationally. In October 2025, the company acquired AvidXchange, a provider of accounts payable automation software and payment solutions, in partnership with alternative asset management firm TPG Inc., which will improve Corpay’s performance.

Additionally, CPAY acquired European B2B cross-border FX solution firm Alpha Group International plc, which will ensure global customer reach, and closed a minority investment in Mastercard, leveraging its financial institution reach.

The company consistently rewards its shareholders through repurchases. In 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, it repurchased shares worth $849.9 million, $1.36 billion, $1.41 billion, $686.9 million and $1.3 billion, respectively. These actions create shareholder value and instill confidence in the stock.

CPAY’s current ratio (a measure of liquidity) at the end of the third quarter of 2025 was 1.13, marginally lower than the industry average of 1.14. A current ratio of more than 1 indicates that the company can easily pay off its short-term obligations in the future.

Zacks Rank & Stocks to ConsiderCPAY presently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

A couple of better-ranked stocks are Genpact (G - Free Report) and Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR - Free Report) .

Genpact currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). G has a long-term earnings growth expectation of 9.6%. The company delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 5.5% on average.

Palantir also has a Zacks Rank of 2 at present, with a long-term earnings growth expectation of 50%. PLTR beat earnings estimates in three of the last four quarters and matched once, with an average surprise of 16.3%.

Peter Boockvar, chief investment officer at OnePoint BFG Wealth Partners, joins 'Money Movers' to discuss his reflections on the 2025 markets, non-dollar assets, and more.

FRANKLIN, INDIANA / ACCESS Newswire / December 31, 2025 / IBC Advanced Alloys Corp. ("IBC" or the "Company") (TSX-V:IB)(OTCQB:IAALF) is pleased to announce that it has entered into amendments (the "Amendments") with Mr. Mark Smith (the "Lender"), Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, to extend the maturity dates of two existing credit facility agreements (the "Existing Loan Agreements") with the Lender until December 31, 2026. All other terms of the Existing Loan Agreements, including the interest rate of 10 percent per annum, remain as described in the Company's press releases dated August 19, 2022, June 19, 2023, October 3, 2023, December 31, 2024 and June 10, 2025.

As of the date hereof, there is approximately US$2.9 million in principal outstanding under the Existing Loan Agreements, as amended. The Amendments are subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSX-V").

The Amendments involve a related party (as such term is defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101")), specifically a director and senior officer of the Company, and constitute related party transactions under MI 61-101. These transactions are exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to sections 5.5(b) and 5.7(1)(f) of MI 61-101, as the Company is not listed on the markets specified by section 5.5(b) of MI 61-101, and the Amendments are on reasonable commercial terms and not convertible into or repayable in equity or voting securities of the Company.

For more information on IBC and its innovative alloy products, go here.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors:

"Mark A. Smith"

Mark A. Smith, Chairman of the Board

# # #

Contact:

Mark A. Smith, Chairman of the Board

Jim Sims, Director of Investor and Public Relations
+1 (303) 503-6203
Email: [email protected]

Website: www.ibcadvancedalloys.com

@IBCAdvanced $IB $IAALF #copper

About IBC Advanced Alloys Corp.

IBC is a leading advanced copper alloys manufacturer serving a variety of industries such as defense, aerospace, automotive, telecommunications, precision manufacturing, and others. At its vertically integrated production facility in Franklin, Indiana, IBC manufactures and distributes a variety of copper alloys as castings and forgings, including beryllium copper, chrome copper, and aluminum bronze. The Company's common shares are traded on the TSX-V under the symbol "IB" and the OTCQB under the symbol "IAALF".

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Statements

Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Certain information contained in this news release may be forward-looking information or forward-looking statements as defined under applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are often, but not always identified by the use of words such as "expect", "anticipate", "believe", "foresee", "could", "estimate", "goal", "intend", "plan", "seek", "will", "may" and "should" and similar expressions or words suggesting future outcomes. This news release includes forward-looking information and statements pertaining to, among other things, receipt of TSXV approval of the Amendments. Forward-looking statements involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the Company's control including: the risk that the Company may not be able to make sufficient payments to retire its debt, including the Existing Loan Agreements, the impact of general economic conditions in the areas in which the Company or its customers operate, including the semiconductor manufacturing and oil and gas industries, risks associated with manufacturing activities, changes in laws and regulations including the adoption of new environmental laws and regulations and changes in how they are interpreted and enforced, increased competition, the lack of availability of qualified personnel or management, limited availability of raw materials, fluctuations in commodity prices, foreign exchange or interest rates, stock market volatility and obtaining required approvals of regulatory authorities. As a result of these risks and uncertainties, the Company's future results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements. All statements included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on assumptions made by the Company based on its experience, perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances.

Please see "Risks Factors" in our Annual Information Form available under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca, for information on the risks and uncertainties associated with our business. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information and statements, which speak only as of the date made. The forward-looking information and statements contained in this release represent our expectations as of the date of this release. We disclaim any intention or obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking information or statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities laws.

SOURCE: IBC Advanced Alloys Corp.

MCLEAN, Va., Dec. 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Freddie Mac (OTCQB: FMCC) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®), showing the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.15%.

“After starting the year close to 7%, the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage moved to its lowest level in 2025 this week, an encouraging sign for potential homebuyers heading into the new year,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist.

News Facts

The 30-year FRM averaged 6.15% as of December 31, 2025, down from last week when it averaged 6.18%. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.91%.The 15-year FRM averaged 5.44%, down from last week when it averaged 5.50%. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 6.13%. The PMMS® is focused on conventional, conforming, fully amortizing home purchase loans for borrowers who put 20% down and have excellent credit. For more information, view our Frequently Asked Questions.

Freddie Mac’s mission is to make home possible for families across the nation. We promote liquidity, stability and affordability in the housing market throughout all economic cycles. Since 1970, we have helped tens of millions of families buy, rent or keep their home. Learn More: Website | Consumers | X | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

MEDIA CONTACT:
Mollie Laniado
(571) 382-1784
[email protected]

An infographic accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7bb94fa0-a559-4194-aec9-3d826b6ecc5e

Primary Mortgage Market Survey®
U.S. weekly average mortgage rates as of 12/31/2025

NEW YORK, Dec. 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Attorney Advertising -- Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC, a nationally recognized law firm, notifies investors that a class action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of purchasers or acquirers of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation f/k/a CopperSteel HoldCo, Inc. (NYSE: FUN) common stock pursuant or traceable to the company’s registration statement and prospectus issued in connection with the July 1, 2024 merger of legacy Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (“Legacy Six Flags”) with Cedar Fair, L.P. (“Cedar Fair”), and their subsidiaries and affiliates (the “Merger”). 

Six Flags Class Definition 
This lawsuit seeks to recover damages against Defendants for alleged violations of the federal securities laws on behalf of all persons and entities that held shares of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation f/k/a CopperSteel HoldCo, Inc. (“Six Flags” or the “Company”) common stock pursuant and/or traceable to the Company’s Registration Statement and prospectus issued in connection with the July 1, 2024 merger (the “Merger Date”) of legacy Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (“Legacy Six Flags”) with Cedar Fair, L.P. (“Cedar Fair”), and their subsidiaries and affiliates. Such investors are encouraged to join this case by visiting the firm’s site: bgandg.com/FUN. 

Six Flags Case Details 
The Complaint alleges that the Registration Statement for the Merger was negligently prepared and, as a result, contained untrue statements of material fact or omitted to state other facts necessary to make the statements made therein not misleading, and was not prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations governing its preparation. Specifically, the Registration statement failed to disclose that: 

(1) Despite executives’ claims that Legacy Six Flags had pursued transformational investment initiatives prior to the Merger, the company in fact suffered from chronic underinvestment, and its amusement parks required millions of dollars in additional capital and operational expenditures beyond historical cost trends to maintain—let alone grow—market share in a highly competitive industry; 
(2) Following defendant Selim Bassoul’s appointment as CEO in November 2021, the company implemented aggressive cost-cutting measures, including significant reductions in employee headcount, which materially degraded operational competence and guest experience;
(3) As a result, Legacy Six Flags required a substantial and undisclosed capital infusion to stabilize and revitalize its business, and these acute capital needs fundamentally undermined the rationale for the Merger as presented in the registration statement. 

What's Next for Six Flags Investors? 
A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to review a copy of the Complaint, you can visit the firm’s site: bgandg.com/FUN, or you may contact Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or his Client Relations Manager, Nathan Miller, of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC at 917-590-0911. If you purchased Six Flags, you have until January 5, 2026, to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as lead plaintiff. 

No Cost to Six Flags Investors

We, Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman LLC, represent investors in class actions on a contingency fee basis. That means we will ask the court to reimburse us for out-of-pocket expenses and attorneys’ fees, usually a percentage of the total recovery, only if we are successful.

Why Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC for Six Flags Securities Class Action?

Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a nationally recognized firm that represents investors in securities fraud class actions and shareholder derivative suits. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors nationwide. More at www.bgandg.com.

"Our practice centers on restoring investor capital and ensuring corporate accountability, which serves to uphold the essential integrity of the marketplace," said Peretz Bronstein, Founding Partner of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, or Instagram.

Contact Info

Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or Nathan Miller
Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC
917-590-0911 | [email protected]

Attorney advertising.
Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

NEW YORK, Dec. 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC, a nationally recognized investor-rights law firm, announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. (NASDAQ: SFM) and certain of its officers.

This lawsuit seeks to recover damages against Defendants for alleged violations of the federal securities laws on behalf of all persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired Sprouts securities between June 4, 2025 and October 29, 2025, both dates inclusive (the “Class Period”). Such investors are encouraged to join this case by visiting the firm’s site: bgandg.com/SFM.

Sprouts Case Details

The Complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that:

Sprouts’ growth potential for fiscal year 2025 was overstated; Defendants assured investors that the Company’s customer base would remain resilient to macroeconomic pressures and that Sprouts would benefit from perceived tailwinds from a more cautious consumer; and Defendants concealed that a more cautious consumer could, in fact, lead to a significant slowdown in sales growth and that the purported tailwinds would be insufficient to offset the slowdown or would fail to materialize entirely. What's Next for Sprouts Investors?

A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to review a copy of the Complaint, you can visit the firm’s site: bgandg.com/SFM. or you may contact Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or his Client Relations Manager, Nathan Miller, of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC at 917-590-0911. If you suffered a loss in Sprouts you have until January 26, 2026, to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as lead plaintiff.

No Cost to Sprouts Investors

We, Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman LLC, represent investors in class actions on a contingency fee basis. That means we will ask the court to reimburse us for out-of-pocket expenses and attorneys’ fees, usually a percentage of the total recovery, only if we are successful.

Why Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC for Sprouts Securities Class Action?

Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a nationally recognized firm that represents investors in securities fraud class actions and shareholder derivative suits. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors nationwide. More at www.bgandg.com

"Our practice centers on restoring investor capital and ensuring corporate accountability, which serves to uphold the essential integrity of the marketplace," said Peretz Bronstein, Founding Partner of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, or Instagram.

Contact Info

Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or Nathan Miller
Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC
917-590-0911 | [email protected]

Attorney advertising.
Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.