Market Signal Briefing

Ethereum price has slumped nearly 14% in December as net outflows from its spot exchange-traded funds topped nearly $545 million within the period. Will the largest altcoin extend losses now that it is close to confirming a bearish pennant pattern?

Summary

Ethereum price has dropped 14% in December.
Nearly $545 million have outflown from spot Ether ETFs in December.
A multi-month bearish pennant pattern has formed on the daily chart.

According to data from crypto.news, Ethereum (ETH) price has fallen nearly 14% from its December high of $3,432. Trading at a little below $3,000 when writing, ETH losses were more severe when zooming out the charts, as it stands nearly 40% below its all-time high of $4,946.

Ethereum’s downtrend this month was largely due to waning demand from institutional investors, which in turn has impacted retail investor sentiment surrounding the altcoin. Data from SoSoValue shows that the nine U.S. spot Ethereum ETFs bled nearly $545 million in December, continuing the outflow trend seen in November when $1.42 billion left the investment products.

Demand from derivative traders has also shown no strong recovery. CoinGlass data shows that Ethereum futures open interest has largely remained around the $35 to $40 billion range, far below the $70 billion recorded in August.

Declining open interest means traders have been unwinding positions and placing fewer bets on price movements, which could make the asset less attractive for speculation.

Ethereum’s price action has been further dampened by a prevailing risk-off sentiment. This cautious investor stance is largely a reaction to the Federal Reserve’s hawkish lean heading into 2026, which has pushed investors away from risk assets like Ethereum towards safer alternatives.

At press time, the Crypto Fear and Greed Index also marked a reading of 21, suggesting persistent extreme fear in the market, which has been prevalent throughout December. Cryptocurrencies such as Ethereum tend to remain suppressed when this metric stays at such low readings.

Ethereum price analysis
Ethereum price has formed a bearish pennant pattern on the daily chart. Such a pattern, characterized by a brief consolidation phase following a sharp decline, is often viewed as a bearish continuation signal. When confirmed, it tends to be seen as a precursor to further downside in an asset’s price by traders.

Ethereum price has formed a bearish pennant pattern on the daily chart — Dec. 31 | Source: crypto.news
Technical indicators pointed to a bearish outlook for the altcoin, suggesting that a breakdown may take place soon. Notably, the 50-day simple moving average has crossed below the 200-day one, forming what is known as a death cross. 

Ethereum price is also trading below the 50-day moving average when writing, which means downward momentum remains in play and that buyers are struggling to regain control.

Additionally, the Supertrend indicator has also flashed red after moving above the current price level. Traders generally interpret this signal as a trigger to sell or short the asset, reinforcing the possibility of more losses ahead.

Given this setup, Ethereum price risks a decline toward its Nov. 21 low of $2,622 if the bearish pennant pattern is confirmed, especially as there appears to be no major support level in between.

On the contrary, a breakout above the immediate psychological resistance at $3,100 would invalidate the bearish setup and could open the door to a short-term recovery.

Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.

contributor

Posted: December 31, 2025

Metaplanet is resuming its aggressive buying of Bitcoin after a period of pause, and the scale of its purchases has surprised the markets.

On the 30th of December, Metaplanet announced the purchase of 4,279 BTC, valued at ¥69.855 billion. The acquisition increased the firm’s total Bitcoin holdings to 35,102 BTC, ranking it among the largest public holders globally.

Despite the earlier pause, Metaplanet still ranked fourth among public Bitcoin treasury companies worldwide. 

Source: Bitcoin Treasuries

The renewed buying occurred even as Bitcoin traded below the company’s average acquisition cost.

Bitcoin accumulation through equity and debt
Metaplanet funded its Bitcoin purchases through equity issuance and Bitcoin-backed credit facilities.

During the fourth quarter of 2025, the company entered Bitcoin-collateralized loans totaling $280 million. These facilities were drawn in full and remained outstanding as of the 29th of December.

Additionally, Metaplanet raised ¥21.249 billion through the issuance of 23.61 million Class B preferred shares. These shares were fully reflected in diluted share counts, increasing shareholder dilution alongside Bitcoin [BTC] exposure.

Balance sheet sensitivity to Bitcoin price moves
Bitcoin now sat at the center of Metaplanet’s balance sheet risk profile.

As of the 30th of December, Metaplanet’s average Bitcoin purchase price stood at ¥15,945,691 per BTC. With BTC trading below that level, the company faced over $500 million in unrealized losses.

Management highlighted BTC Yield and BTC Gain as performance indicators for accumulation efficiency. However, these metrics explicitly excluded debt obligations and unrealized fair-value losses.

Is Metaplanet asking shareholders to absorb growing downside risk?
Metaplanet framed its strategy as accretive, but dilution and leverage continued to rise.

Fully diluted shares outstanding climbed to 1.459 billion following equity issuance and conversions. This meant Bitcoin exposure per share increased, but so did sensitivity to prolonged price drawdowns.

While BTC Yield remained positive, management acknowledged limitations in capturing balance sheet risks. Debt servicing, refinancing risk, and market volatility could materially affect shareholder outcomes.

Final Thoughts

Metaplanet’s renewed Bitcoin accumulation reflected long-term conviction but increased exposure to price volatility, leverage, and dilution risks.

Shareholder outcomes now depended heavily on Bitcoin’s ability to recover above the company’s average acquisition cost.

Lawrence Jengar
Dec 31, 2025 06:49

ETH price prediction points to $3,200 in one week with bullish MACD momentum, but resistance at $3,265 and weak trend signal caution for traders.

With Ethereum trading at $2,976.40 as we close 2025, multiple AI-driven models are converging on modest upside potential despite mixed technical signals. This comprehensive ETH price prediction analysis examines whether Ethereum can break through key resistance levels to reach analyst targets in the coming weeks.

ETH Price Prediction Summary
• ETH short-term target (1 week): $3,200 (+7.5%)
• Ethereum medium-term forecast (1 month): $3,100-$3,350 range

• Key level to break for bullish continuation: $3,265.50
• Critical support if bearish: $2,775.19

Recent Ethereum Price Predictions from Analysts
The latest round of ETH price prediction models from December 27-28 shows remarkable consensus around the $3,200 level. CoinCodex's AI-driven analysis leads with the most optimistic ETH price target of $3,272.08, projecting a 10.30% gain over five days based on technical momentum patterns.

Interestingly, the 24/7 Wall St. comparison of three AI models reveals nuanced differences in approach. ChatGPT's model emphasized positive year-end momentum factors, targeting $3,200, while Claude's more conservative analysis factored in profit-taking risks and thin holiday liquidity for a $3,100 target. DeepSeek struck a balance at $3,300 by incorporating news sentiment alongside Ethereum technical analysis.

This clustering around $3,100-$3,300 suggests genuine technical confluence rather than algorithmic coincidence, lending credibility to the bullish Ethereum forecast.

ETH Technical Analysis: Setting Up for Controlled Breakout
The current Ethereum technical analysis presents a mixed but cautiously optimistic picture. ETH's position at $2,976.40 sits just above the critical pivot point of $2,976.83, indicating equilibrium between bulls and bears.

The MACD histogram reading of 8.6526 provides the strongest bullish signal, suggesting underlying momentum is shifting positive despite the overall weak bullish trend classification. This momentum indicator often leads price action by several days, supporting the one-week upside ETH price target.

However, Ethereum faces immediate technical hurdles. The price remains below both the 20-day SMA ($2,967.68) and 50-day SMA ($3,018.70), indicating short-term bearish pressure. The RSI at 47.61 sits in neutral territory, providing no directional bias but leaving room for upward movement without entering overbought conditions.

Volume analysis from Binance shows robust $800 million in 24-hour trading, suggesting sufficient liquidity to support a breakout attempt. The Bollinger Bands position of 0.5320 indicates ETH is trading in the upper half of its recent range, supporting moderate bullish bias.

Ethereum Price Targets: Bull and Bear Scenarios
Bullish Case for ETH
The primary ETH price target of $3,200 requires breaking immediate resistance at $3,265.50. This level represents the convergence of the 50-day moving average and previous support-turned-resistance from early December.

If momentum builds, the next target sits at the Bollinger Band upper limit of $3,103.88, followed by the more significant resistance zone around $3,265-$3,300. A sustained break above $3,300 would open the path toward $3,588.19, representing strong technical resistance.

The bullish case strengthens if we see RSI climb above 55 while maintaining the positive MACD histogram divergence. Volume expansion above $1 billion daily would confirm institutional participation in any upward move.

Bearish Risk for Ethereum
The Ethereum forecast turns negative if ETH loses the pivot support at $2,976. The next significant support lies at $2,775.19, representing a 6.8% decline from current levels.

More concerning would be a break below the lower Bollinger Band at $2,831.47, which could trigger algorithmic selling and push ETH toward the strong support zone at $2,623.57. This scenario becomes probable if RSI drops below 40 or if the MACD histogram turns negative.

Holiday liquidity concerns remain valid, as thin trading volumes could exaggerate moves in either direction.

Should You Buy ETH Now? Entry Strategy
Based on current Ethereum technical analysis, a scaled entry approach appears optimal. Consider initial positions around $2,950-$2,980, with additional buying on any dip toward $2,900.

Stop-loss placement should respect the $2,775 support level, representing roughly 7-8% downside risk from current prices. This provides a favorable 1:1.5 risk-reward ratio targeting the $3,200 level.

For more aggressive traders, a breakout strategy above $3,010 (confirming move above 50-day SMA) could trigger larger position sizing, targeting the $3,200-$3,265 resistance zone.

Position sizing should remain conservative given the weak overall trend classification and proximity to year-end, when institutional flows typically diminish.

ETH Price Prediction Conclusion
This ETH price prediction assigns a medium confidence level to the $3,200 target within one week, supported by positive MACD momentum and analyst consensus. However, the weak bullish trend and resistance cluster around $3,265 suggest any rally may face immediate selling pressure.

The key indicator to watch is whether ETH can reclaim the 50-day moving average at $3,018.70 with sustained volume. Success here would validate the bullish Ethereum forecast and open the path toward $3,200-$3,300.

Failure to break above $3,010 by January 3rd would weaken the bullish case and potentially trigger a retest of $2,775 support. Monitor RSI for momentum confirmation and volume patterns for institutional participation signals.

The prediction timeline extends through the first week of January, when normal institutional trading resumes and provides clearer directional signals for buy or sell ETH decisions.

Image source: Shutterstock

eth price analysis
eth price prediction

Ted Hisokawa
Dec 31, 2025 07:01

XRP price prediction shows potential 34-44% upside to $2.50-$2.70 by January 2026, though current technical setup suggests consolidation around $1.87 before breakout.

As 2025 comes to a close, XRP finds itself at a critical juncture trading at $1.87, presenting both opportunities and risks for investors heading into 2026. Our comprehensive XRP price prediction analysis reveals a mixed technical picture that suggests near-term consolidation before potential upside momentum builds toward the $2.50-$2.70 range.

XRP Price Prediction Summary
• XRP short-term target (1 week): $1.95-$2.05 (+4-10%) - Testing immediate resistance zone
• Ripple medium-term forecast (1 month): $2.20-$2.50 range (+18-34%) - Breaking above moving average resistance
• Key level to break for bullish continuation: $2.05 (immediate resistance) and $2.53 (strong resistance)
• Critical support if bearish: $1.77 (immediate support) with $1.25 as extreme downside target

Recent Ripple Price Predictions from Analysts
The latest analyst predictions show remarkable divergence in timeframes and targets. FX Leaders maintains the most aggressive XRP price prediction with an $8 target by 2026, citing institutional interest and regulatory clarity as key drivers. This represents a 328% upside from current levels and aligns with the broader institutional adoption narrative.

More conservative forecasts from DigitalCoinPrice suggest a $2.89 Ripple forecast by end of 2025, which appears overly optimistic given current technical conditions and the limited trading days remaining. The 24/7 Wall St. prediction of $2.02 by December 31, 2025, seems more realistic given current momentum indicators.

The long-term Benzinga projection of $26.97 by 2030 represents the most bullish scenario, though such extreme targets require significant fundamental shifts in adoption and market structure. The consensus among these predictions points toward gradual appreciation rather than explosive near-term gains.

XRP Technical Analysis: Setting Up for Controlled Breakout
Current Ripple technical analysis reveals a consolidation pattern with weak bullish undertones. The RSI at 41.93 sits in neutral territory, suggesting neither overbought nor oversold conditions. This provides room for movement in either direction, though the slight MACD histogram positivity at 0.0093 hints at emerging bullish momentum.

The price action relative to Bollinger Bands shows XRP positioned at 0.39, indicating the token trades in the lower portion of the recent range. This positioning typically precedes either a bounce toward the upper band at $2.01 or a breakdown below the lower band at $1.79.

Volume analysis from Binance spot trading shows $89.59 million in 24-hour volume, which represents moderate activity but lacks the conviction typically seen during significant breakouts. The Average True Range of $0.08 suggests relatively low volatility, creating an environment where patient accumulation could be rewarded.

Ripple Price Targets: Bull and Bear Scenarios
Bullish Case for XRP
The primary XRP price target in a bullish scenario centers on the $2.50-$2.70 range, representing the confluence of the 200-day moving average at $2.57 and psychological resistance levels. For this scenario to unfold, XRP must first reclaim the $2.05 immediate resistance level, which would trigger momentum-based buying.

A successful break above $2.05 would likely target the $2.53 strong resistance level, where significant selling pressure historically emerges. Breaking this level with conviction would open the path toward the 52-week high region around $3.55, though such a move would require substantial fundamental catalysts.

The technical setup suggests this bullish case has a 60% probability of success over the next 3-6 months, contingent on broader cryptocurrency market stability and continued institutional interest in XRP.

Bearish Risk for Ripple
The bearish scenario for our XRP price prediction focuses on the $1.77 immediate support level. A breakdown below this level would likely trigger algorithm-driven selling, potentially pushing XRP toward the $1.25 strong support zone identified in recent analyst predictions.

The most concerning technical signal would be a decisive break below the 52-week low of $1.81, which sits uncomfortably close to current price levels. Such a breakdown would invalidate the weak bullish thesis and suggest a retest of 2024 lows.

Risk factors include broader cryptocurrency market weakness, regulatory uncertainty despite recent clarity, and potential profit-taking from institutional holders. The probability of this bearish scenario stands at approximately 35%, with the remaining 5% allocated to sideways consolidation.

Should You Buy XRP Now? Entry Strategy
For those considering whether to buy or sell XRP, the current technical setup suggests a cautious accumulation strategy rather than aggressive positioning. The optimal entry strategy involves scaling into positions on any weakness toward the $1.77-$1.82 support zone, with strict risk management protocols.

A disciplined approach would allocate 30% of intended position size at current levels around $1.87, with additional 35% on any dip toward $1.80-$1.82, and the final 35% if price approaches the $1.77 critical support level. This strategy provides average entry prices below $1.85 while managing downside risk.

Stop-loss levels should be set below $1.75 for aggressive traders or $1.70 for more conservative approaches. The risk-reward ratio at these levels appears favorable, with potential upside to $2.50+ representing 2:1 or better ratios.

Position sizing should remain conservative given the mixed technical signals, with no more than 3-5% of portfolio allocation to XRP until clearer directional momentum emerges.

XRP Price Prediction Conclusion
Our comprehensive XRP price prediction suggests a measured bullish outlook with targets of $2.50-$2.70 by January 2026, representing 34-44% upside potential. However, this Ripple forecast comes with medium confidence due to the current consolidation phase and mixed technical indicators.

Key indicators to monitor for confirmation include a decisive break above $2.05 resistance with accompanying volume expansion, RSI movement above 50, and MACD line crossing above the signal line. Invalidation signals would include breakdown below $1.77 support or RSI falling below 35.

The timeline for this prediction extends 3-6 months, allowing sufficient time for the technical setup to mature and fundamental catalysts to emerge. Investors should remain patient and disciplined, as premature positioning in either direction could result in unnecessary volatility exposure during this consolidation phase.

The decision to buy or sell XRP ultimately depends on individual risk tolerance and investment timeframes, though current technical conditions favor patient accumulation over aggressive trading strategies.

Image source: Shutterstock

xrp price analysis
xrp price prediction

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Lighter (LIT), the token backing the newly launched decentralized perpetuals exchange, is still finding balance after its airdrop-driven debut. LIT trades near $2.73 after slipping at launch, yet post-listing performance has held better than expected.

Despite fresh tokens hitting the market, the price continues to hover above its post-listing low. Buyers are showing up, but conviction is still thin.

The question now is whether this strength is a real support or just a temporary cushioning before sellers take control.

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Capital Flows Signal Early StrengthEarly money signals show capital returning during dips.

Chaikin Money Flow (CMF), which measures big money entering or exiting an asset through volume-weighted pressure, has trended higher on the 15-minute chart while price has trended lower from December 30–31. That is a bullish divergence. It hints that large buyers are absorbing supply even as volatility cools off. And that too when it is common for the post-airdrop sellers to show up.

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

Inflows Continue: Lighter.XYZMoney Flow Index (MFI), which tracks buying pressure through price and volume, shows the same behavior: higher highs in MFI while price continues to trend lower, mildly. It suggests dip-buying activity and retail support during the Lighter sell-off.

LIT Dip Buyers In Action: Lighter.XYZThis dual divergence matters. It shows that selling from airdropped tokens is being met with capital rather than capitulation. Whales entering the ecosystem also validate this strength. Recent blockchain data shows large wallets swapping into LIT after launch, aligning with CMF’s rising trend.

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If these capital inflows continue, the Lighter price can aim to rise higher.

If CMF rolls over and drops back under its equilibrium band while MFI fails to hold current momentum (as it’s in the overheated territory), the supportive thesis weakens.

Short-Term Strength Exists, But Needs ConfirmationOn a lower timeframe, early structure shows what buyers must defend.

LIT continues to trade above VWAP (Volume-Weighted Average Price) on the 15-minute chart. VWAP reflects real-time fair value, and holding above it signals buyers controlling the intraday trend. Each retest of VWAP, which is around $2.62 (at present), has been met with buying support.

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This shows that the lower levels are being bought quite aggressively, something that even the MFI divergence hinted at.

VWAP As The Support Line: Lighter.XYZBut confirmation is missing.

On-Balance Volume (OBV) on the 1-hour chart, which measures whether volume is flowing with price or against it, remains below a descending trendline. This tells us that capital inflow exists, but volume conviction does not. That shows raw LIT selling pressure is still restricting the upside.

Until OBV breaks the trendline, upside attempts may stall before gaining momentum.

If OBV breaks above its trendline while VWAP defense holds, the structure shifts from reactive to constructive. A close above $3.08 would be the first sign that buyers are ready to challenge higher zones.

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OBV Confirmation Needed: Lighter.XYZStrength above that level could open room for continuation toward $3.25 and even $3.72, which aligns with Fibonacci extension ones above the post-launch high near $2.97.

Lighter Price Levels That Decide The First Real TrendLIT now sits inside a narrow decision zone, mostly trading between $2.48 and $2.77. Defending $2.62 on lower timeframes (VWAP line) and $2.48 on higher timeframes keeps the bullish setup alive. Clearing $3.08 with OBV confirmation turns the chart from early support into a structure capable of expansion and makes a move toward $3.25–$3.72 achievable if volume follows.

If $2.48 breaks with a 1-hour candle close, the downward projections come in. If CMF and MFI roll over, and OBV remains capped under its trendline, structure flips from supportive to vulnerable. A break below $2.48 exposes $2.38 and $2.07 if post-listing liquidity drains under pressure.

Lighter Price Analysis: Lighter.XYZAt this stage, buyers are present but not dominant. The bullish case rests on supportive indicators rather than a confirmed breakout structure.

Roundhill Investments, a U.S.-based firm known for launching new ETF products, has filed an updated XRP-related ETF document with the U.S. SEC. While some view it as a significant step forward for Ripple's XRP, the filing also comes with limitations that investors need to be aware of. Here's what the Roundhill updated filing actually means.

It was devastating for the memecoin space in 2025, with the total market value shrinking by more than half. A handful of notable coins, however, bucked the slump to offer some respite to the bulls.

The Silver LiningMemeCore stood as the most successful large-cap memecoin, surging a whopping 2504% since its launch in July. The token rose to a peak valuation of $2.93 billion in September before settling slightly below $2 billion as of this writing.

Characterized as a Layer-1 “Meme Chain,” the project aims to add utility and long-term value to meme coins.

CryptocurrencyYTD Gains +/-Price (Recorded at 12:30 a.m. ET)MemeCore (M)+2504.12%$1.52Official Trump (CRYPTO: TRUMP)               +309.42%$4.94Dogecoin (CRYPTO: DOGE)                         -62.06%$0.1230Shiba Inu (CRYPTO: SHIB)                         -66.49%$0.000007084The popular Official Trump memecoin, which attracted both positive and negative publicity, rallied over 300% since its launch in January.

However, when assessed from its all-time highs attained shortly after launch, it remains down 93%.

See Also: Dogecoin (DOGE) Price Prediction 2025, 2026, 2030

Meanwhile, Solana (CRYPTO: SOL)-based memecoin Pippin (PIPPIN) exploded over 5000% to top the cryptocurrency gainers list this year. The coin, which had been largely dormant for most of the year, erupted around mid-November, reaching an all-time high of $0.6109 last week.

The Big LaggardsElsewhere, the story didn’t appear as rosy.

In a dramatic turnaround from their 2024 rallies, blue-chip memecoins such as Dogecoin and Shiba Inu each cratered over 60% in 2025.

Frog-themed Pepe (CRYPTO: PEPE) also plunged over 78%, compared to a 1291% increase in 2024.

The total memecoin capitalization collapsed from $94.92 billion to $37.79 billion, representing a 60% decline.

Read Next: 

Disappointed By Bitcoin And Dogecoin In 2025? These Coins Soared Over 2000% To Dominate The Gainers List
Photo Courtesy: Kirill Aleksandrovich on Shutterstock.com

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Bitwise is making a strong move to broaden crypto ETFs beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum. The asset manager has filed applications with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for 11 new altcoin-focused ETFs. This signals growing confidence that demand is shifting toward a wider range of digital assets.

The proposed ETFs cover a variety of crypto sectors, including DeFi, privacy coins, layer-1 blockchains, and AI-linked tokens. Tokens listed in the filings include AAVE, Uniswap (UNI), Zcash (ZEC), Ethena (ENA), Hyperliquid (HYPE), Sui (SUI), NEAR, Starknet, TRON (TRX), Canton, and Bittensor (TAO). If approved, the funds could launch around mid-March 2026.

Hybrid Structure for Regulatory ApprovalRather than launching pure spot ETFs for all assets, Bitwise is using a hybrid structure that regulators are familiar with. Each fund would hold at least 60% of its assets directly in the crypto tokens. The rest could include futures, derivatives, or exchange-traded products linked to the same tokens.

This approach balances direct market exposure with liquidity and operational flexibility. For investors, it provides stronger exposure than futures-only ETFs while remaining within the SEC’s comfort zone.

Why ZEC, SUI, and TAO ETFs MatterSome assets in the filings highlight areas of growing institutional interest. Zcash (ZEC) is a privacy-focused token gaining attention again, following Grayscale’s move to convert its ZEC Trust into a spot ETF. SUI remains a focus after Bitwise hinted at a fully spot-based SUI product. The TAO ETF strategy targets AI-linked crypto, which has seen growing adoption and reduced token inflation.

Momentum Builds for Altcoin ETFsThese filings follow Bitwise’s recent ETF launches, including the first U.S. spot Solana ETF, and XRP and Dogecoin-linked funds. Amendments for Hyperliquid also hint that a HYPE ETF could come sooner than expected.

With 11 new proposals, Bitwise is testing the SEC’s willingness to approve altcoin ETFs. If successful, these funds could open a major pathway for regulated investment in altcoins.

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

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Bitwise filed applications for 11 new crypto strategy ETFs, which would both directly and indirectly invest in crypto.

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The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has recently raised alarms about the increasing number of cryptocurrency scams, particularly those involving Bitcoin ATMs. 

Crypto Requests Now Top Choice For Criminals
According to a report from ABC News, the latest statistics from the FBI indicate a “clear and constant rise” in fraudulent transactions connected to cryptocurrency kiosks, a trend the bureau notes is “not slowing down.” 

In 2024, scammers perpetrated approximately $250 million in losses, which was more than double the amount reported in the previous year. By November 2025, that number had surged to $333.5 million.

There are over 45,000 Bitcoin ATMs across the US allowing users to convert cash into crypto and send it to wallets globally. However, once the money is sent, experts warn that recovery is nearly impossible, making the machines appealing tools for fraudsters.

“Requesting crypto is now the No. 1 preferred method of criminals,” stated Amy Nofziger, director of fraud victim support at AARP (formerly American Association of Retired Persons), in an October interview with ABC News. “It is a huge problem.”

Law enforcement has taken notice of the escalating fraud. In September, the attorney general’s office in Washington, D.C., filed a lawsuit against Athena Bitcoin, a major provider of Bitcoin ATMs in the country.

The suit alleges the company pocketed “hundreds of thousands of dollars in undisclosed fees on the backs of scam victims.” 93% of the transactions made through Athena’s machines in the district were allegedly linked to outright fraud, with victims often being older individuals, the median age being 71.

Athena Bitcoin has strongly refuted these allegations, stating that it implements robust safeguards against fraud, including clear instructions and consumer education. The company also remarked, “Just as a bank isn’t held responsible if someone willingly sends funds to someone else, Athena does not control users’ decisions.”

17 States Move To Regulate Or Ban Bitcoin ATMs 
In response to the rising tide of scams, AARP has called for stricter regulations on Bitcoin ATMs, suggesting measures such as daily deposit caps to protect consumers. 

At least 17 states have enacted legislation in recent years to regulate these Bitcoin ATM machines in the country, while some local governments have moved toward banning them entirely.

New Jersey state Senator Paul Moriarty, who sponsored a bill to prohibit Bitcoin ATMs in the state, expressed strong concerns regarding their impact. 

“These machines are nothing more than conduits for fraud and criminal activity. Period,” he stated. “There’s no other use for them, because if you wanted to buy cryptocurrency you could buy it somewhere else for less.”

In defense of their operations, companies like Bitcoin Depot have stated that while scams do occur, they represent only a small portion of overall transactions.

The 1-D chart shows BTC’s slight recovery on Tuesday. Source: BTCUSDT on TradingView.com
At the time of writing, Bitcoin was trading at $88,613, marking a slight gain of 1.5% in the past 24 hours and 2% in the past seven days. However, it is still unable to surpass and consolidate above the key $90,000 mark, which is acting as the most important resistance wall in the near term. 

Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com 

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Here's why PI could experience a rebound in the short term.

While Pi Network’s native token has seen minimal volatility over the past week, one key factor suggests it might be gearing up for an upside move.

However, some analysts are pessimistic that the price could rise soon, criticizing the project for its numerous flaws.

Pump on the Horizon?
As of this writing, PI trades at around $0.20, meaning a mere 0.2% increase on a weekly scale. At the same time, the current level represents a staggering 93% collapse compared to the all-time high of $3 seen in February this year.

What bulls may view as good news is that the number of PI tokens stored on exchanges has been shrinking lately. Data shows that over 2.7 million coins have left such centralized platforms in the past 24 hours alone.

This suggests that investors have shifted toward self-custody methods, which, in turn, reduces immediate selling pressure. Conversely, when the amount of PI tokens on exchanges is rising, this is usually seen as a pre-sale signal and a bearish factor for the price.

Currently, a total of 427.2 million coins are stored on centralized platforms, with more than half of that situated on Gate.io. Bitget comes in second with approximately 145.1 million.

PI Tokens on Exchanges, Source: piscan.io
PI’s ‘Biggest Risk’
While some optimists believe the price of Pi Network’s native token might indeed head north in the short term, others are rather pessimistic and think the team must first solve many issues.

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The X user pinetworkmembers argued that PI’s biggest risk isn’t price, but its credibility. The commentator criticized Pi Network for its restricted transfers, unclear tokenomics and circulating supply, and for being “almost ready” for years.

“Without open liquidity, independent verification, and real-world use that doesn’t rely on internal marketplaces, it’s hard to justify long-term value. Adoption without trust isn’t decentralization – it’s just scale,” they added.

Earlier this month, the X user shared another critical post. They suggested that Pi Network began as an “ambitious idea” but eventually turned into “years of tapping a button, unclear timelines, shifting goals, and endless ‘coming soon’ updates.”

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Layer-1 token Chiliz (CRYPTO: CHZ) rallied sharply on Tuesday, becoming one of the cryptocurrency market’s biggest gainers.

CHZ Leaves BTC And ETH BehindCHZ rose more than 10% to become the third most successful token in the last 24 hours.

The cryptocurrency overshadowed market heavyweights such as Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) and Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH), which gained only 1.21% and 0.58%, respectively.

The spot price rally ignited the derivatives market as open interest in CHZ futures lifted over 8% in the last 24 hours, according to Coinglass.

Moreover, the share of Binance traders placing bullish bets on the coin rose from 52% to 54%, according to the Long/Short Ratio.

See Also: Donald Trump’s 2025 Crypto Playbook: Here’s Every Major Move He Made

The Bullish CatalystThe token has been on the ascendancy since the parent chain launched the Decentral Protocol earlier this month. Through this, football clubs could borrow stablecoins using future media rights as collateral.

Launched in 2018, Chiliz allows sports and entertainment brands to create NFTs, Fan Tokens, and DeFi products, and engage with fans in the Web3 environment. The platform also issues Fan Tokens through its fan rewards and engagement app Socios.com

Price Action: At the time of writing, CHZ was exchanging hands at $0.04067, up 10.27% in the last 24 hours, according to data from Benzinga Pro.

That said, year-to-date, the token has proved to be disappointing, losing over 50% of its value.

Photo Courtesy: Alexandru Nika on Shutterstock.com

Read Next: 

Andreessen Horowitz’s Web3 Arm Says Privacy-Focused Chains Will Be ‘Most Important Moat’ In Crypto
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Why Trust CoinGape

CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017,
aiming to provide informative insights to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy,
our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a
rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging
blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover
all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.

Crypto ETF issuer Bitwise has filed a series of documents with the U.S. SEC to roll out new funds. The latest funds are pegged to leading altcoins, which include ZEC, HYPE, and SUI.

Bitwise Submits Eleven Crypto ETF Applications
The company filed a new application on the 30th of December to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for the approval of 11 new crypto exchange-traded funds. The 11 new ETFs are structured such that 60% of the assets are invested directly in the underlying crypto.

The remaining 40%  of the funds will be invested in ETPs that follow these assets. The funds will also use derivatives to adjust their exposure.

The lineup of Strategy ETFs will track AAVE, Uniswap, ZEC, Canton, Ethena, HYPE, NEAR, Starknet, Sui, Bittensor (TAO), and TRON. The tickers and expense ratios are not available yet, but filings indicate these ETFs will start on March 16, 2026.

It reflects strategies known to regulators, indicating Bitwise’s efforts to strike a balance between exposure to crypto directly and other products that fit right into existing frameworks of an ETF.

Worth mentioning is the new TAO Strategy ETF that has been proposed. This comes right after Grayscale filed paperwork yesterday intended to convert its Bittensor Trust into a spot ETF. This could provide institutions with full exposure to the AI token in question.

Zcash is also finding itself at the forefront. Grayscale had filed a notice to convert its Zcash Trust into a spot ZEC ETF. This is largely because of investor interest in introducing a privacy-focused asset to regulated markets.

Bitwise’s Overall Crypto Fund Portfolio
The aggressive growth comes hot on the heels of the crypto ETF issuer’s success. The company in October rolled out the first U.S. spot Solana ETF, followed by its first XRP and Dogecoin funds in November.

Interest in Hyperliquid also heightened following the update in the Bitwise filings regarding what may be the first U.S.-listed Hyperliquid ETF. According to experts at the time, the amendment means it could launch very soon.

In addition, it is worth noting that SUI remains newsworthy given past filings by the issuer for a spot fund for the SUI token. The proposed plan is to provide 100% exposure for the token.

Meanwhile, the firm believes the market will be bullish in 2026. Matt Hougan, the company’s Chief Investment Officer, said that Bitcoin might break its usual four-year pattern and reach new highs next year.

In 2025, the cryptocurrency market experienced extreme volatility, with bitcoin ( BTC) and major altcoins erasing their mid-year gains by December. Amid this downturn, privacy coins emerged as a resilient outlier, with the sector's market cap surging 200% YoY to $19 billion by late November.

A shifting balance is emerging in the on-chain perpetuals market as trading activity metrics show stiff competition among a small group of fast-growing platforms.

Summary

Lighter recorded ~$198B in 30-day perpetuals volume, surpassing Hyperliquid’s ~$166B, according to DeFiLlama
The LIT token launch and 25% community airdrop helped drive activity and rapid TVL growth to $1.43B
Hyperliquid still leads in open interest, spot volume, and revenue, keeping the rivalry unresolved

Lighter has taken the lead over Hyperliquid in 30-day perpetuals trading volume, reshaping the competitive landscape for on-chain derivatives. 

DeFiLlama data shows Lighter processed close to $198 billion in perpetuals trades over the past month, compared with roughly $166 billion on Hyperliquid (HYPE). Aster (ASTER) also moved ahead of Hyperliquid during the same period, posting $174 billion in perps volume. 

Together, the three platforms recorded $972 billion in on-chain perpetuals volume, reflecting how quickly the market has grown heading into 2026.

A volume flip driven by incentives and speed
Throughout 2025, Lighter regularly outpaced Hyperliquid over shorter windows, flipping the lead in 24-hour trading volume several times across September, October, November, and December. The platform’s current 30-day lead indicates that its momentum is no longer confined to short bursts.

The launch of Lighter’s LIT token, which included a 25% community airdrop, has been a major catalyst. As users positioned themselves around point-based rewards and future allocations, trading activity increased sharply. Polymarket markets connected to LIT attracted more than $74 million in volume as speculation quickly followed.

Lighter has drawn high-frequency traders and liquidity seekers by eliminating taker fees for the majority of users, increasing its total value locked from less than $200 million in August to $1.43 billion at the time of publication. Annualized protocol fees are estimated at $105 million, modest compared to competitors but steadily rising.

Hyperliquid still holds key structural advantages
Despite losing the 30-day volume lead, Hyperliquid remains dominant in several areas. It continues to lead in open interest, with $7.3 billion compared to Lighter’s $1.4 billion, and retains a clear edge in spot trading, handling $4.8 billion in volume over the same period versus Lighter’s $3.59 billion.

Revenue generation is also firmly in Hyperliquid’s favor. Annualized fees are estimated at roughly $820 million, far exceeding Lighter’s current figures. 

Analysts point to Lighter’s Ethereum-native composability, expansion into spot markets, and plans around RWAs as long-term strengths. Still, risks remain in what many describe as a winner-take-most market.

Bullish calls of XRP to jump 300% in 2026 do the rounds again, implying $8 targetStandard Chartered predicted XRP could rise to $8 by 2026 in an April note, supported by improved U.S. regulatory clarity and institutional interest.Updated Dec 31, 2025, 5:37 a.m. Published Dec 31, 2025, 5:37 a.m.

(CoinDesk Data)

What to know: XRP's price remained stable around $1.87 despite increased trading volume, indicating market positioning rather than panic.Standard Chartered predicts XRP could rise to $8 by 2026, supported by improved U.S. regulatory clarity and institutional interest.The upcoming January escrow unlock could trigger sharp price movements, with $1.85 being a critical support level to watch.XRP edged lower to $1.87 even as trading activity picked up sharply, keeping the token pinned to a narrow range around the $1.85 support zone.

The setup reads like positioning rather than panic: price isn’t moving much, but volume is rising — a combination that often shows the market is preparing for a bigger move.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW

News backgroundStandard Chartered has reiterated one of the most bullish mainstream forecasts for XRP, calling for the token to reach $8 by the end of 2026 — roughly 330% upside from current levels — as it argues XRP can now expand without the legal overhang that defined much of the last cycle.Geoff Kendrick, the bank’s global head of digital assets research, said improving U.S. regulatory clarity has made it easier for institutions to take exposure and has given Ripple and the XRP ecosystem room to build without constant litigation risk. That institutional interest has shown up through market structure: U.S.-listed spot XRP ETFs have pulled in roughly $1.25 billion in net inflows since their November launch, a steadier allocation profile than the stop-start flow patterns seen in bitcoin and ether ETFs.At the same time, XRP exchange balances have fallen toward multi-year lows — a dynamic traders often read as reduced liquid supply available on venues.That doesn’t guarantee price upside, but it can magnify moves if demand holds steady and sellers become less willing to provide liquidity.Technical analysisXRP slipped 0.79% to $1.87 while volume ran roughly 20.8% above weekly norms, an imbalance that typically reflects distribution or rotation rather than clean accumulation. The most active window hit at 14:00, when about 57.2 million units traded as XRP failed to extend above $1.8792 — reinforcing that sellers are still leaning on rallies rather than letting price reclaim higher ranges.The $1.85 handle remains the line that matters. Price tested the area and held, but the broader structure stays heavy: moving averages remain stacked bearishly and sloping lower, which continues to cap upside attempts and keeps the tape biased toward selling into strength.Derivatives signals add complexity. Open interest climbed to $3.43 billion while spot netflows were negative by around $10.7 million, a mix that suggests leverage is building even as spot flows do not confirm aggressive demand.That combination can tighten ranges, but it also raises the risk of sharp moves if the market has to unwind quickly.The next near-term catalyst is calendar-driven: January’s scheduled 1 billion XRP escrow unlock. Even if a large portion is re-escrowed, the event tends to heighten sensitivity to supply and liquidity, particularly when price is already sitting on a major technical shelf.Price action summaryXRP slipped to $1.87 after failing to build above $1.8792 resistanceVolume rose about 20.8% above weekly averages, but price stayed range-boundThe $1.85 support zone held, keeping the market from cascading lowerTrading activity concentrated around rejection points, consistent with selling into ralliesWhat traders should knowThis is a support-defense market with supply overhead.If $1.85 holds and XRP can reclaim the $1.88–$1.89 zone, the next test is $1.92–$1.93, where sellers have repeatedly stepped in. A close above that area would shift the short-term tone back toward recovery and open room to $2.00 and the downtrend line near $2.08.If $1.85 breaks decisively, the market likely rotates into the next demand pocket around $1.77, with deeper support levels in focus near $1.60–$1.55.In the immediate term, rising volume with muted price movement suggests positioning ahead of the January escrow unlock rather than a clean directional trend — but the compression around $1.85 makes the next break more likely to be sharp than gradual.More For You

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Dec 19, 2025

L1 tokens broadly underperformed in 2025 despite a backdrop of regulatory and institutional wins. Explore the key trends defining ten major blockchains below.

What to know:

2025 was defined by a stark divergence: structural progress collided with stagnant price action. Institutional milestones were reached and TVL increased across most major ecosystems, yet the majority of large-cap Layer-1 tokens finished the year with negative or flat returns.

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Bitcoin, ether drop more than 22% in Q4 as December ‘Santa rally’ fizzles

43 minutes ago

The market's focus is now on whether bitcoin can maintain its support levels into the new year, as the failed rally may signal a need for a deeper market reset.

What to know:

Bitcoin and ether ended December without the expected year-end rally, highlighting the fragility of crypto markets when liquidity is low and risk appetite declines.Repeated attempts by bitcoin to reclaim key levels were unsuccessful, and the quarter ended with a negative performance, contrasting with the strong performance of precious metals like gold.The market's focus is now on whether bitcoin can maintain its support levels into the new year, as the failed rally may signal a need for a deeper market reset.Read full story

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Why Trust CoinGape

CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017,
aiming to provide informative insights to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy,
our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a
rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging
blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover
all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.

Arthur Hayes, a high-profile trader and co-founder of BitMEX, has once again made headlines in the crypto industry with his significant Ethereum sell-off. After dumping $5.53 million worth of ETH, Hayes purchased multiple DeFi tokens, including PENDLE, LDO, ENA, and ETHFI. This underscores a notable shift in his investment strategy, signaling a bold bet on the future of decentralized finance.

Why Arthur Hayes is Going All-In on DeFi Tokens?
According to on-chain analyst Lookonchain’s latest X post, BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes has sold his massive ETH holdings to invest more in DeFi tokens. Reportedly, he dumped 1,871 Ether tokens, worth $5.53 million, and expanded his DeFi portfolio in two weeks. His purchases included 961,113 PENDLE, worth $1.75 million, 2.3 million LDO, valued at $1.29 million, 6.05 million ENA, equivalent to $1.24 million, and 491,401 ETHFI, worth $343k.

In addition to the Ethereum sell-off, Arthur Hayes has withdrawn $2.52 million from exchanges, redirecting it to DeFi tokens. As a result, the investor’s crypto portfolio is now dominated by DeFi tokens and stablecoins, accounting for over 60%, with his ETH holdings declining significantly. Among the DeFi allocation, PENDLE stands out, constituting a majority of the holdings. With a 48.9% DeFi allocation in PENDLE, Arthur Hayes is clearly signaling his confidence in the token.

Significantly, Arthur Hayes’ strategic reallocation is part of his plan to invest more in undervalued assets in the DeFi space. While tokens like PENDLE, LDO, and ETHFI have been facing severe downward trends recently, Hayes remains bullish about their future, driven by improving fiat liquidity.

Ethereum Selling Pressure Sparks Concerns
While Arthur Hayes’ latest portfolio diversification strategy is sparking widespread optimism across the DeFi space, his Ethereum sell-off is raising concerns. With the ETH price still hovering below the critical $3k level, the increasing selling pressure is intensifying the negative sentiment.

This is not the first time Hayes has dumped his ETH tokens for DeFi cryptocurrencies. Recently, as CoinGape reported, Hayes moved 682 ETH, valued at $2 million, to Binance, signalling a sell-off. This move was followed by a series of similar developments, where he ditched ETH for DeFi tokens like PENDLE.

As his decision underscores in preference for DeFi tokens over Ethereum, it casts a shadow over the future of the altcoin. He believes that fiat liquidity enhancements could disproportionately benefit DeFi tokens over large-cap layer-one assets like Ether. This has further fueled the prevailing bearish sentiment surrounding Ethereum cryptocurrency.

The Bitcoin Coinbase Premium Gap has witnessed a sharp decline into the negative zone recently, with its value now sitting at one of the lowest in the last 18 months.

Bitcoin Coinbase Premium Gap Has Plunged
In a new post on X, CryptoQuant community analyst Maartunn has talked about the latest trend in the Bitcoin Coinbase Premium Gap. This indicator keeps track of the difference between the BTCUSD price on Coinbase and BTCUSDT price on Binance.

Coinbase is mainly used by traders in the US, especially the large institutional entities, while Binance hosts a global traffic. As such, the Coinbase Premium Gap reflects the difference in behavior between American and offshore whales.

When the value of the metric is greater than zero, it means the asset is trading at a higher value on Coinbase than Binance. Such a trend implies users of the former are applying a higher amount of buying pressure (or lower amount of selling pressure) as compared to the userbase of the latter.

On the other hand, the indicator being negative suggests Binance may be observing a higher amount of accumulation as the cryptocurrency is going for a higher price on the platform.

Now, here is the chart shared by Maartunn that shows the trend in the Bitcoin Coinbase Premium Gap over the last year and a half:

The value of the metric appears to have plummeted in recent days | Source: @JA_Maartun on X
As displayed in the above graph, the Bitcoin Coinbase Premium Gap has fallen into the negative territory recently, implying the American investors have shifted their behavior to one of higher selling pressure/lower buying pressure. In other words, demand from US traders has gone down.

Currently, the indicator is sitting at a value of -$122, which means the cryptocurrency’s price is trading at a discount of $122 on Coinbase relative to Binance. The last time that the metric fell to such a low level was during the price crash in November.

In recent times, US institutional entities have played an impactful role in the market, so the Coinbase Premium Gap, which acts a proxy of their behavior, has tended to have some correlation with the asset’s spot price. This pattern was once again seen in November, when a drawdown occurred in the cryptocurrency alongside a plunge into the red zone for the metric.

So far, Bitcoin has managed to be relatively stable even with the low demand from the American whales, but it only remains to be seen how long that will continue, given the scale of the discount on Coinbase.

The current value of the Coinbase Premium Gap is one of the lowest in the last 18 months, being seen on only five occasions in this window.

BTC Price
Bitcoin has been following an overall sideways trajectory recently as its price is still floating around $88,900.

The trend in the price of the coin over the last five days | Source: BTCUSDT on TradingView
Featured image from Dall-E, CryptoQuant.com, chart from TradingView.com

7h05 ▪
4
min read ▪ by
Eddy S.

Summarize this article with:

On December 30, 2025, Grayscale marked a turning point in the crypto world by filing an S-1 form with the SEC for an ETF linked to the TAO token of Bittensor. This unprecedented initiative in the United States paves the way for institutional adoption of decentralized AI. An analysis of the stakes and outlook for the markets.

In Brief

Grayscale filed an S-1 form with the SEC for an ETF linked to the TAO token of Bittensor.
This product targets a listing on the NYSE Arca under the ticker GTAO, marking a first for decentralized AI.
SEC approval of Grayscale’s Bittensor ETF could propel TAO and democratize institutional investment.

Grayscale files an S-1 form for a Bittensor ETF, a first in the United States
Grayscale has officially filed an S-1 form with the SEC to launch an ETF based on the TAO token of Bittensor, under the ticker GTAO on the NYSE Arca. This move follows the success of the Grayscale Bittensor Trust in OTC and the first Bittensor halving on December 14, 2025, reducing the daily token issuance from 7,200 to 3,600.

This filing is part of a broader strategy to democratize access to institutional crypto assets. Grayscale is betting on decentralized AI as a growth lever for the coming years, aligning its products with regulators’ expectations. With a market capitalization of 2.3 billion dollars, TAO positions itself as a key player in the AI-linked cryptocurrency ecosystem.

Decentralized AI opens to institutional investors, a revolution if the SEC approves the Bittensor ETF
SEC approval of the Bittensor ETF would mark a turning point for decentralized AI! It would then offer institutional investors regulated and secure access to TAO. This product would allow holding tokens directly, without initial staking, unless conditions evolve. Such approval could accelerate decentralized AI adoption in institutional portfolios by aligning traditional investors’ interests with those of technology innovators.

Grayscale’s filing with the SEC for the Bittensor ETF.
By comparison, Europe has already passed this milestone with the Bittensor ETF listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker STAO by Deutsche Digital Assets. Building on this momentum, Grayscale could position the United States as a major player in this emerging sector. The risks and opportunities for the markets are immense, with unprecedented diversification potential for investors.

Crypto: Bittensor (TAO) at the dawn of its moment of glory? 
30 minutes after Grayscale’s announcement of filing for a Bittensor ETP with the SEC, the TAO price immediately reacted, rising from 219 dollars to 222 dollars in 30 minutes! Reflecting the enthusiasm of crypto investors. If the SEC approves Grayscale’s Bittensor ETF, TAO could see a move towards 800 dollars. Especially since the token reached a peak of 767 dollars in 2024 before stabilizing around 220 dollars at the end of 2025.

Consequently, experts anticipate increased liquidity and better visibility for Bittensor, driven by growing institutional demand. This would strengthen its position in the decentralized AI ecosystem. Could TAO become the next “blue chip” in this sector, similar to Bitcoin for cryptos? Market reactions and sector stakeholder expectations will be crucial in the coming months.

Grayscale’s filing for a Bittensor ETF marks a key milestone for decentralized AI and crypto. If the SEC approves this product, institutional investors will finally have access to an innovative and disruptive asset. The question remains whether TAO can confirm its potential. And you, would you be ready to invest in decentralized AI?

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Eddy S.

The world is evolving and adaptation is the best weapon to survive in this undulating universe. Originally a crypto community manager, I am interested in anything that is directly or indirectly related to blockchain and its derivatives. To share my experience and promote a field that I am passionate about, nothing is better than writing informative and relaxed articles.

DISCLAIMER

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author, and should not be taken as investment advice. Do your own research before taking any investment decisions.

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SummaryKodiak Gas Services is rated a 'Strong Buy' due to robust demand, high utilization, and compelling valuation.KGS benefits from fixed-fee, inflation-protected contracts, near-full fleet utilization, and a dominant Permian Basin position.KGS trades at an 8.25x EV/EBITDA, below peers and its historical range, with mid- to high-single-digit annual cash flow growth expected. Daniel Grizelj/DigitalVision via Getty Images

2025 has been the year for AI and cryptocurrencies, with the market demonstrating resilient appetite for top AI names like NVIDIA (NVDA) and AI-adjacent ones in the data storages space like Micron Technology (

Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, but may initiate a beneficial Long position through a purchase of the stock, or the purchase of call options or similar derivatives in KGS over the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

I am not an investment advisor. This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute as financial advice. Readers are encouraged and expected to perform due diligence and draw their own conclusions prior to making any investment decisions.

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.

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SummaryCredo delivered record Q2 revenue of $268 million, up 20% sequentially and 272% year-over-year, confirming large-scale hyperscaler adoption.The company expanded into five connectivity pillars, positioning Credo as a system-level AI infrastructure platform rather than a single-product supplier.Gross margins reached 67.7%, and operating leverage accelerated, signaling software-like profitability emerging within a hardware-driven growth phase.Premium multiples mask rapidly expanding margins and earnings leverage, leaving Credo’s medium-term valuation understated. DKosig/iStock via Getty Images

Amid the GPU arms race and model headlines, one critical layer of AI infrastructure remains underappreciated, which is the connectivity that keeps massive clusters stable, efficient, and running at scale. Lacking ultra-reliable interconnects with very high bandwidth and low-power consumption, even

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

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

Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of VRTX 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.

NEW YORK and NEW ORLEANS, Dec. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC (“KSF”) and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors with substantial losses that they have until February 17, 2026 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Coupang, Inc. (NYSE: CPNG), if they purchased or otherwise acquired the Company’s securities between August 6, 2025 and December 16, 2025, inclusive (the “Class Period”). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.

What You May Do

If you purchased securities of Coupang and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ([email protected]), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-cpng/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court by February 17, 2026.

About the Lawsuit

Coupang and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

The alleged false and misleading statements and omissions include, but are not limited to, that: (i) the Company had inadequate cybersecurity protocols that allowed a former employee to access sensitive customer information for nearly six months without being detected; (ii) this subjected the Company to a materially heightened risk of regulatory and legal scrutiny; (iii) when defendants became aware that the Company had been subjected to this data breach, they did not report it in a current report filing in compliance with applicable Securities and Exchange Commission reporting rules; and (iv) as a result, defendants’ public statements were materially false and/or misleading at all times.

The case is Barry v. Coupang, Inc., et al., No. 25-cv-10795.

About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC

KSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. This past year, KSF was ranked by SCAS among the top 10 firms nationally based upon total settlement value. KSF serves a variety of clients, including public and private institutional investors, and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, Delaware, California, Louisiana, Chicago, and a representative office in Luxembourg.

TOP 10 Plaintiff Law Firms - According to ISS Securities Class Action Services

To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com.

Contact:

Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC
Lewis Kahn, Managing Partner
[email protected] 
1-877-515-1850
1100 Poydras St., Suite 960
New Orleans, LA 70163

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