Market Signal Briefing

The DeFi Education Fund had sought to submit an amicus brief, but the US government has opposed the request. The move comes as the court reviews a potential retrial for two brothers accused of exploiting the Ethereum blockchain to obtain $25 million.

In a filing dated Tuesday, December 30, in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York, interim US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton wrote to Jessica Clarke, a United States district judge in New York requesting her to decline the DeFi Education Fund’s (DEF) brief while the court evaluates a motion to withdraw the allegations raised against Anton and James Peraire-Bueno. 

US Attorney Clayton raised concerns about DEF’s amicus brief
In a statement, US Attorney Clayton argued that DEF’s amicus brief, which is disconnected from the trial record, restates some legal claims that the court has already rejected.

He further explained, “Since the Court has already made decisions on the legal matters discussed in the amicus brief and DEF does not provide any new information relevant to the current motion, their submission is unlikely to help the Court in considering these specific issues [related to a motion for acquittal].” 

Considering the intense nature of the situation, reports dated November noted that Judge Clarke declared a mistrial just after jurors found it difficult to decide whether the two brothers should be pronounced guilty or not guilty. 

Regarding the case raised against the brothers, sources close to the situation claimed that they were accused of inappropriately utilizing automated maximal extractable value (MEV) bots for their own benefit. Later in the week, the US government requested that the court consider setting a retrial date for either late February or early March 2026. 

At this point, a draft representing the DEF brief, issued on December 19, illustrated that the organization supported the motion to clear or withdraw the claims against the two brothers. According to them, the case presented significant consequences for the industry.

DEF further commented on the matter, stating that, “[P]rosecutions like this one create confusion and fear among software developers, discouraging involvement in DeFi and pushing participants to other countries”. They added, “The DOJ should not rush into indictments based on misinterpretations of current laws, as this will hinder growth by creating uncertainty about the rules.” 

Uncertainties surrounding the two brothers’ fate raise controversy in the ecosystem 
The announcement regarding the US government’s opposition to the Defi Education Fund’s brief prompted several reporters to reach out to the organization for comment on the situation. However, it declined to respond.

Even with this decline, analysts noted that several individuals in the crypto industry are still paying close attention to the possibility of how this case could impact MEV-related activities. The individual adopted this move at a time when uncertainties surrounding the fate of the Peraire-Bueno brothers grew intense.

Meanwhile, reports unveiled that Coin Center, a leading non-profit research and advocacy center focused on crypto-related matters, issued an amicus brief during the criminal trial. Sources claimed that this brief opposed the US government’s outlook. As a result, prosecutors requested the court to discard the brief.

On the other hand, another reliable source disclosed that the two brothers initially encountered allegations including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering activities, and conspiracy to acquire stolen property. With these claims in place, they noted that if, by any chance, the brothers undergo a retrial on these similar allegations and are found guilty, they could be subjected to a prison sentence of up to 20 years for each count.

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Bitcoin continues to trade below the $90,000 level, struggling to regain bullish momentum as market sentiment deteriorates. A growing number of analysts are now openly calling for a broader bear market, pointing to persistent weakness, failed breakouts, and declining risk appetite across crypto. Despite this gloomy backdrop, not all market participants are convinced that Bitcoin’s next major move will be lower.

Some investors remain focused on 2026, arguing that structural conditions could begin to shift in the coming months. One of the key debates centers on long-term holders (LTHs). While social media narratives increasingly claim that LTHs are distributing Bitcoin at record levels, on-chain data suggests a more nuanced reality.

According to a report by analyst Darkfost, much of the perceived LTH selling has been distorted by large, isolated movements—particularly nearly 800,000 BTC transferred from Coinbase—which skewed traditional LTH metrics.

LTH Supply Change 30d sum (Coinbase) | Source: CryptoQuant
After adjusting the data to exclude this anomaly, a clear change in supply dynamics emerges. Rather than accelerating distribution, the adjusted chart shows signs that long-term holder supply is stabilizing, and in some cases beginning to recover. This challenges the dominant bearish narrative and suggests that selling pressure from seasoned holders may be fading.

As Bitcoin consolidates below key resistance, the divergence between price weakness and shifting on-chain behavior sets the stage for a critical inflection point ahead.

Long-Term Holders Reduce Selling Pressure
Darkfost adds important context to the evolving Bitcoin narrative by focusing on long-term holder (LTH) supply dynamics. According to his analysis, the monthly LTH supply change—measured as a 30-day rolling sum—had remained firmly locked in a distribution phase since July 16.

For several months, this metric consistently showed negative readings, confirming that long-term holders were gradually reducing their exposure and releasing supply into the market.

That trend has now shifted. The latest data shows the metric moving back into positive territory, with approximately 10,700 BTC transitioning into long-term held coins. While this figure is still relatively small in absolute terms, it marks a clear inflection from sustained distribution to early re-accumulation.

In practical terms, it suggests that LTHs have slowed their selling activity to the point where their aggregate supply is beginning to grow again.

This shift is particularly notable because it is occurring while short-term holders (STHs) continue to hold their positions rather than aggressively selling. The combination points to a cooling of sell-side pressure from both cohorts, even as price remains under pressure.

Historically, similar transitions in LTH supply behavior have often preceded periods of sideways consolidation or, in more constructive cases, the early stages of bullish recoveries.

While this signal alone does not guarantee an upside move, it does suggest that the market may be moving away from forced distribution and toward a more balanced phase, depending on how broader macro and price trends develop.

Bitcoin Consolidates Above Long-Term Support
Bitcoin’s price action continues to reflect a market caught between structural support and lingering downside pressure. After failing to hold above the $100K–$105K region earlier in the quarter, BTC entered a sharp corrective phase that accelerated into November. That move pushed price decisively below the 50-day and 100-day moving averages, confirming a short-term trend shift from expansion to contraction.

BTC price testing critical level | Source: BTCUSDT chart on TradingView
At present, Bitcoin is consolidating around the $88K zone, hovering just above the rising 200-day moving average, which sits slightly lower and continues to act as a critical long-term support.

This area has become a key battleground: repeated downside wicks suggest buyers are defending the level, but upside follow-through remains limited. The declining slope of the shorter moving averages reinforces the idea that bullish momentum has not yet returned.

Volume dynamics also support a consolidation narrative rather than active accumulation. Selling pressure has eased compared to the November breakdown, but demand has not expanded meaningfully enough to reclaim prior resistance. Structurally, the market appears to be transitioning from a high-volatility selloff into a compression phase.

As long as BTC holds above the 200-day moving average, the broader bullish structure from earlier in the cycle remains technically intact. However, a failure to defend this level would expose the $80K–$75K region as the next major support.

Featured image from ChatGPT, chart from TradingView.com 

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Leading cryptocurrencies rose on Tuesday, while the stock market slipped as the Federal Reserve released minutes from its December meeting.

CryptocurrencyGains +/-Price (Recorded at 8:35 p.m. ET)Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC)+1.78%$88,600.81Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH)
               +1.88%$2,978.98XRP (CRYPTO: XRP)                         +1.78%$1.88Solana (CRYPTO: SOL)                         +2.39%$125.71Dogecoin (CRYPTO: DOGE)                         +0.76%$0.1235Bitcoin, Ethereum On Track For Worst Q4 Since 2018Bitcoin rose but failed to break past the $89,000 barrier, while trading volume for the apex cryptocurrency plummeted 24% in the last 24 hours. Ethereum again stalled at $3,000 amid a 27% dip in trading volume.

The two heavyweights are poised for their weakest fourth quarter performances since 2018, with Bitcoin down 22.37% and Ethereum losing 28%.

Meanwhile, shares of cryptocurrency-linked stocks Bitmine Immersion Technologies Inc. (NYSE:BMNR) and Coinbase Global Inc. (NASDAQ:COIN) closed down 2.87% and 0.93%, respectively, during the regular trading session.

Benzinga Edge delivers real-time stock alerts, trade ideas, and professional investing tools to help you navigate the market. Learn more about BMNR and COIN and start your investment journey today.

Nearly $180 million was liquidated from the cryptocurrency market in the last 24 hours, according to Coinglass, with roughly equal amounts of longs and shorts erased.

Bitcoin's open interest fell 2.28% in the last 24 hours. A drop in open interest, coinciding with a rise in spot price, could indicate short covering, meaning bearish traders are closing their short positions.

Top Gainers (24 Hours) 

Cryptocurrency (Market Cap>$100 M)Gains +/-Price (Recorded at 8:35 p.m. ET)Canton (CC )   +17.48%    $0.1479Four (FORM )                 +15.81%      $0.3699UnDeads Games (UDS )          +12.20%      $2.77The global cryptocurrency market capitalization stood at $2.99 trillion, following an increase of 1.26% in the last 24 hours.

Stocks Lose Further GroundStocks dived further on Tuesday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 94.87 points, or 0.20%, to end at 48,367.06. The S&P 500 shed 94.87 points to settle at 6,896.24, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite closed down 0.24% at 23,474.35.

The Federal Reserve’s December 2025  meeting minutes revealed divisions among officials, with some pushing for a 50 basis point rate cut, though the committee opted for a 25 basis point reduction.

"Most participants judged that further downward adjustments to the target range for the federal funds rate would likely be appropriate if inflation declined over time as expected," the minutes read.

Traders are pricing in a 85% chance that the current rate, 3.50% to 3.75%, will remain unchanged at the January meeting, according to the CME FedWatch tool.

Will The New Year Bring A Nice Surprise?Michaël van de Poppe, a widely followed cryptocurrency analyst and trader, examined Bitcoin’s ongoing battle at the 21-day simple moving average around $89,000.

"That’s [21-day MA] been the crucial trigger prior to previous rallies and that will be the crucial one again," Van De Poppe said.

"Let’s see whether the markets are going to give a nice little surprise on New Years Day with a breakout of Bitcoin above the 21-Day MA," the analyst speculated.

Killa, another trader with a sizable following on X, analyzed a historical pattern where Bitcoin typically drops 5-8% in the week following Consumer Price Index releases.

The analyst forecasts a dip toward lows ahead of the upcoming CPI report on Jan. 13, triggering a selloff that day, followed by a strong bullish rally.

Read Next:    

Bitcoin’s ‘Apollo 13 Moment’ Sets Up A 2026 Surge, Says Mike Novogratz
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In the latest close session, Halliburton (HAL - Free Report) was up +1.21% at $28.49. The stock's performance was ahead of the S&P 500's daily loss of 0.14%. Meanwhile, the Dow experienced a drop of 0.2%, and the technology-dominated Nasdaq saw a decrease of 0.24%.

Prior to today's trading, shares of the provider of drilling services to oil and gas operators had gained 5.71% outpaced the Oils-Energy sector's loss of 1.02% and the S&P 500's gain of 0.94%.

Market participants will be closely following the financial results of Halliburton in its upcoming release. The company plans to announce its earnings on January 21, 2026. In that report, analysts expect Halliburton to post earnings of $0.54 per share. This would mark a year-over-year decline of 22.86%. Meanwhile, the latest consensus estimate predicts the revenue to be $5.39 billion, indicating a 3.87% decrease compared to the same quarter of the previous year.

For the full year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates are projecting earnings of $2.26 per share and revenue of $21.89 billion, which would represent changes of -24.41% and -4.58%, respectively, from the prior year.

Investors should also take note of any recent adjustments to analyst estimates for Halliburton. These revisions typically reflect the latest short-term business trends, which can change frequently. Consequently, upward revisions in estimates express analysts' positivity towards the business operations and its ability to generate profits.

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

The Zacks Rank system, which ranges from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), has an impressive outside-audited track record of outperformance, with #1 stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Over the past month, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate remained stagnant. Halliburton presently features a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).

In the context of valuation, Halliburton is at present trading with a Forward P/E ratio of 12.47. This represents a discount compared to its industry average Forward P/E of 19.05.

The Oil and Gas - Field Services industry is part of the Oils-Energy sector. Currently, this industry holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 37, positioning it in the top 15% of all 250+ industries.

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

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

In the latest close session, Coterra Energy (CTRA - Free Report) was up +1.37% at $26.56. This change outpaced the S&P 500's 0.14% loss on the day. Meanwhile, the Dow experienced a drop of 0.2%, and the technology-dominated Nasdaq saw a decrease of 0.24%.

Heading into today, shares of the independent oil and gas company had lost 2.78% over the past month, lagging the Oils-Energy sector's loss of 1.02% and the S&P 500's gain of 0.94%.

The upcoming earnings release of Coterra Energy will be of great interest to investors. In that report, analysts expect Coterra Energy to post earnings of $0.59 per share. This would mark year-over-year growth of 20.41%. In the meantime, our current consensus estimate forecasts the revenue to be $1.88 billion, indicating a 34.74% growth compared to the corresponding quarter of the prior year.

Looking at the full year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates suggest analysts are expecting earnings of $2.24 per share and revenue of $7.51 billion. These totals would mark changes of +33.33% and +37.59%, respectively, from last year.

Investors should also take note of any recent adjustments to analyst estimates for Coterra Energy. These revisions help to show the ever-changing nature of near-term business trends. Hence, positive alterations in estimates signify analyst optimism regarding the business and profitability.

Empirical research indicates that these revisions in estimates have a direct correlation with impending stock price performance. To exploit this, we've formed the Zacks Rank, a quantitative model that includes these estimate changes and presents a viable rating system.

The Zacks Rank system, which ranges from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), has an impressive outside-audited track record of outperformance, with #1 stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has witnessed a 0.06% decrease. Coterra Energy currently has a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).

Valuation is also important, so investors should note that Coterra Energy has a Forward P/E ratio of 11.68 right now. This represents a premium compared to its industry average Forward P/E of 10.31.

Also, we should mention that CTRA has a PEG ratio of 0.42. This popular metric is similar to the widely-known P/E ratio, with the difference being that the PEG ratio also takes into account the company's expected earnings growth rate. Oil and Gas - Exploration and Production - United States stocks are, on average, holding a PEG ratio of 2.74 based on yesterday's closing prices.

The Oil and Gas - Exploration and Production - United States industry is part of the Oils-Energy sector. With its current Zacks Industry Rank of 181, this industry ranks in the bottom 27% of all industries, numbering over 250.

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

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

In the latest close session, Dropbox (DBX - Free Report) was down 1.07% at $27.66. The stock's performance was behind the S&P 500's daily loss of 0.14%. Elsewhere, the Dow lost 0.2%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq lost 0.24%.

Shares of the online file-sharing company have depreciated by 4.64% over the course of the past month, underperforming the Computer and Technology sector's gain of 0.2%, and the S&P 500's gain of 0.94%.

The investment community will be paying close attention to the earnings performance of Dropbox in its upcoming release. It is anticipated that the company will report an EPS of $0.66, marking a 9.59% fall compared to the same quarter of the previous year. In the meantime, our current consensus estimate forecasts the revenue to be $627.51 million, indicating a 2.5% decline compared to the corresponding quarter of the prior year.

For the entire fiscal year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates are projecting earnings of $2.82 per share and a revenue of $2.51 billion, representing changes of +13.25% and -1.41%, respectively, from the prior year.

Investors might also notice recent changes to analyst estimates for Dropbox. Recent revisions tend to reflect the latest near-term business trends. Therefore, positive revisions in estimates convey analysts' confidence in the business performance and profit potential.

Our research suggests that these changes in estimates have a direct relationship with upcoming stock price performance. To utilize this, we have created the Zacks Rank, a proprietary model that integrates these estimate changes and provides a functional rating system.

The Zacks Rank system, which varies between #1 (Strong Buy) and #5 (Strong Sell), carries an impressive track record of exceeding expectations, confirmed by external audits, with stocks at #1 delivering an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Over the past month, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has remained steady. Dropbox is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).

Investors should also note Dropbox's current valuation metrics, including its Forward P/E ratio of 9.9. This signifies a discount in comparison to the average Forward P/E of 19.48 for its industry.

We can also see that DBX currently has a PEG ratio of 1.61. The PEG ratio is similar to the widely-used P/E ratio, but this metric also takes the company's expected earnings growth rate into account. DBX's industry had an average PEG ratio of 1.81 as of yesterday's close.

The Internet - Services industry is part of the Computer and Technology sector. With its current Zacks Industry Rank of 87, this industry ranks in the top 36% of all industries, numbering over 250.

The Zacks Industry Rank is ordered from best to worst in terms of the average Zacks Rank of the individual companies within each of these sectors. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.

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

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 30, 2025) - Atomic Minerals Corporation (TSXV: ATOM) ("Atomic Minerals" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed its non-brokered private placement under the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions (the "Listed Issuer Financing Exemption") of 1,028,234 flow-through common shares in the capital of the Company ("FT Shares") at a price of $0.125 per FT Share, for gross proceeds of $128,529 (the "LIFE Offering"). The Company also announces that it has closed its concurrent non-brokered private placement of 2,171,766 FT Shares at a price of $0.125 per FT Share, for gross proceeds of $271,471 (the "Concurrent Private Placement"). Each FT Share qualifies as a "flow-through share" as defined in s.66(15) of the Income Tax Act.

The securities offered under the LIFE Offering are not subject to a hold period in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws. The securities offered under the Concurrent Private Placement are subject to a statutory hold period in Canada ending on the date that is four months plus one day following the closing date of the Concurrent Private Placement.

In connection with the LIFE Offering and the Concurrent Private Placement, the Company paid finder's fees in the total amount of $10,600 and issued 84,800 non-transferable warrants (the "Finder Warrants") in accordance with applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"). Each Finder Warrant is exercisable to acquire one common share in the capital of the Company at a price of $0.125 for a period of one year from the date of issue.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the LIFE Offering and the Concurrent Private Placement to fund Canadian exploration expenses that qualify as "flow-through mining expenditures", as defined in subsection 127(9) of the Income Tax Act at its uranium project located in Saskatchewan. The LIFE Offering and the Concurrent Private Placement closing remains subject to certain closing conditions, including, without limitation, approval of the TSXV.

The securities offered have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to or for the account or benefit of U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered or exempt from registration. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States.

About Atomic Minerals Corporation.

Atomic Minerals Corporation is a publicly listed exploration company on the TSXV, trading under the symbol ATOM, led by a highly skilled management and technical team with a proven track record in the junior mining sector. Atomic Minerals' objective is to identify exploration opportunities in regions that have been previously overlooked but are geologically similar to those with previous uranium discoveries. These underexplored areas hold immense potential and are in stable geopolitical and economic environments.

Atomic Minerals' property portfolio contains uranium projects in three locations within North America, all of which have significant technical merit and or are known for hosting uranium production in the past. Four of the properties are located on the Colorado Plateau, an area which has previously produced 597 million pounds of U3O8; the Mozzie Lake project is located in the prolific Athabasca Basin region in Northern Saskatchewan and the Mont-Laurier project is located in Quebec.

For additional information about the Company and its projects, please visit our website at www.atomicminerals.ca

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

"Clive H. Massey"
Clive H. Massey
President & Chief Executive Officer

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements made and information contained herein may constitute "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. These statements and information are based on facts currently available to the Company and there is no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Forward-looking statements and information may be identified by such terms as "anticipates", "believes", "targets", "estimates", "plans", "expects", "may", "will", "speculates", "could" or "would". These forward-looking statements or information relate to, among other things: the intended use of proceeds from the LIFE Offering and the Concurrent Private Placement; and the receipt of all necessary approvals for the completion of the LIFE Offering and the Concurrent Private Placement, including the approval of the TSXV

Such forward-looking information and statements are based on numerous assumptions, including among others, that the Company will receive all necessary approvals for the completion of the LIFE Offering and the Concurrent Private Placement, including the approval of the TSXV. Although the assumptions made by the Company in providing forward-looking information or making forward-looking statements are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.

All of the forward-looking statements made in this document are qualified by these cautionary statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's plans or expectations include risks relating to market conditions, metal prices, and risks relating to the Company not receiving all necessary approvals for the completion of the LIFE Offering and the Concurrent Private Placement, including the approval of the TSXV. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, forecast or intended and readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions which may have been used. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking information. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate and forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance. Readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained herein speaks only as of the date of this document. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise forward-looking information or to explain any material difference between such and subsequent actual events, except as required by applicable law.

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

Not for Distribution to US Newswire Services or Dissemination in the United States of America

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/279260

Source: Atomic Minerals Corp.

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 30, 2025) - LaFleur Minerals Inc. (CSE: LFLR) (FSE: 3WK0) ("LaFleur Minerals" or the "Company" or "Issuer") is pleased to announce that, further to its news releases dated December 15, 2025, and December 16, 2025, the Company has completed its previously announced non-brokered private placement of units of the Company (the "LIFE Units") at a price of $0.50 per Unit under the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption (as defined herein) for an upsized amount and gross proceeds of $4,695,000 (the "LIFE Offering"). The Company also announces that it has closed its previously announced Flow-Through Offering (the "FT Units") at a price of $0.60 per flow-through unit for an oversubscribed amount and gross proceeds of $2,205,421.

With both these financings closed, upsized due to demand and oversubscribed, LaFleur is now funded for the restart of its Beacon Gold Mill, intending to source mineralized material from its nearby Swanson Gold Project, and starting with an estimated 10,000-20,000 metric tons (mt) of mineralized stockpiles remaining on the site of its wholly-owned Beacon Gold Mill.

FMI Securities Inc. acted as a special advisor and selling group member on the closed LIFE and FT Offerings, along with participation from other key investment banks and advisory firms such as Red Cloud Securities Inc., Ventum Financial Corp., Canaccord Genuity Group Inc., Research Capital Corp., Raymond James Ltd. and Stonegate Securities Ltd.

Beacon Gold Mill: A Strategic, High-Value Infrastructure Asset

The Company is uniquely positioned as one of the few junior gold companies in Canada that owns a fully permitted, existing gold mill, providing a clear pathway to cash flow without the long timelines, dilution, and capital intensity typically associated with mill construction. The completion of these financings materially de-risks LaFleur's business model, enabling the Company to advance directly into gold production at its Beacon Gold Mill while simultaneously unlocking value from its nearby Swanson Gold Project. This vertically integrated strategy allows LaFleur to control the full value chain, from mineralized material to doré, creating the potential for early revenue generation, margin capture, and shareholder value accretion.

LaFleur's wholly-owned Beacon Gold Mill represents a rare and highly strategic asset within the Abitibi Gold Belt. The 750 tpd mill is fully constructed, in good condition, permitted, historically proven, and ready for restart of operations, significantly reducing execution risk and capital requirements compared to greenfield development scenarios. With funding now secured, the Company intends to restart mill operations and advance toward gold production, with impending Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") results expected mid-January, positioning LaFleur as the newest producer in one of the world's most prolific gold districts. Led by Environmental Resources Management (ERM), a global mining, sustainability, and environmental consulting firm with extensive technical mining expertise, the PEA is conducted for the purpose of evaluating the restart of gold production at LaFleur's wholly-owned and recently refurbished Beacon Gold Mill using mineralized material from its nearby Swanson Gold Deposit, both located in the recognized mining camp of Val-d'Or, Québec. Ownership of the Beacon Gold Mill provides LaFleur with operational flexibility and optionality, including the ability to process mineralized material from its own project and potentially third-party feed from regional deposits, creating additional revenue opportunities beyond its core assets.

Swanson Gold Project: High-Grade Feed Potential Close to the Mill

The Swanson Gold Project, located in close proximity to the Beacon Gold Mill, is a cornerstone of LaFleur's production strategy. The project hosts various showings of high-grade gold mineralization within the Abitibi Greenstone Belt, positioned in an area renowned for producing over 200 million ounces of gold historically. The Company plans to advance Swanson as a primary source of mill feed, leveraging short haul distances to reduce operating costs and enhance project economics. With funding in place, LaFleur can aggressively advance exploration and development activities at Swanson, targeting the definition of near-surface, high-grade zones that could be rapidly transitioned into production. This approach supports a low-capex, staged production model designed to generate cash flow while continuing to grow the resource base.

Beacon-Swanson Synergy: A Clear Path to Value Creation

The combination of a wholly-owned, restart-ready gold mill and a nearby, district-scale gold project with high-grade potential, positions LaFleur Minerals as a differentiated junior gold company with a clear and executable growth strategy. Being funded enables the Company to move decisively toward production, reduce financing risk, and focus on operational execution. Management believes this milestone places LaFleur in a strong position to deliver near-term production, establish cash flow, and build a scalable gold platform in Québec, creating long-term value for shareholders as the Company advances toward becoming a sustainable gold producer.

Financing Details

Each Unit of the LIFE Offering consists of one common share in the capital of the Company (a "LIFE Share") and one transferrable common share purchase warrant (a "LIFE Warrant"). Each Warrant entitled the holder to purchase one additional common share at a price of $0.75 for a period of 36 months from the date of issuance. Subject to compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and in accordance with National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions ("NI 45-106"), the LIFE Offering was made to purchasers' resident in all provinces of Canada, except Quebec, pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of NI 45-106 (the "Listed Issuer Financing Exemption"). The securities offered under the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption are not subject to a hold period in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws.

Each Unit of the Flow-Through Offering consists of one common share in the capital of the Company, to be issued as a "flow-through share" within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and the Taxation Act (Québec) (each, a "FT Share"), and one transferrable common share purchase warrant (a "FT Warrant"). Each Warrant entitled the holder to purchase one additional common share at a price of $0.75 for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance. The Warrants are subject to an accelerated expiry upon thirty (30) business days' notice from the Company in the event the closing price of the Company's common shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") is equal to or above a price of $0.90 for fourteen (14) consecutive trading days any time after closing of the Offering.

In connection with the LIFE and FT Offerings, the Company paid an aggregate cash finder fee of $480,229.43 and issued an aggregate of 909,466 non-transferable finders' warrants (each, a "Finder's Warrant"). Each Finder's Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one common share in the capital of the Company at a price of $0.75 each for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance, all in accordance with the policies of the CSE.

The gross proceeds from the LIFE Offering will be used for the advancement of exploration initiatives at the Company's Swanson Gold Project and for operational purposes for the restart of gold production operations at the Company's wholly-owned Beacon Gold Mill, in addition to working capital and general corporate expenses.

This news release is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities in the United States or in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to qualification or registration under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. The securities referred to in this news release have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), and such securities may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent an exemption from registration under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. "United States" and "U.S. person" are as defined in Regulation S under the U.S Securities Act.

About LaFleur Minerals Inc.

LaFleur Minerals Inc. (CSE: LFLR) (FSE: 3WK0) is focused on the development of district-scale gold projects in the Abitibi Gold Belt near Val-d'Or, Québec. Our mission is to advance mining projects with a laser focus on our resource-stage Swanson Gold Deposit and the Beacon Gold Mill, which have significant potential to deliver long-term value. The Swanson Gold Project is approximately 18,304 hectares (183 km2) in size and includes several prospects rich in gold and critical metals previously held by Monarch Mining, Abcourt Mines, and Globex Mining. LaFleur has recently consolidated a large land package along a major structural break that hosts the Swanson, Bartec, and Jolin gold deposits and several other showings which make up the Swanson Gold Project. The Swanson Gold Project is easily accessible by road allowing direct access to several nearby gold mills, further enhancing its development potential. Lafleur Mineral's fully refurbished and permitted Beacon Gold Mill is capable of processing over 750 tonnes per day and is being considered for processing mineralized material at Swanson and for custom milling operations for other nearby gold projects.

ON BEHALF OF LAFLEUR MINERALS INC.

Paul Ténière, M.Sc., P.Geo.
Chief Executive Officer
E: [email protected]
LaFleur Minerals Inc.
1500-1055 West Georgia Street
Vancouver, BC V6E 4N7

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information

This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this new release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, without limitation, statements related to the anticipated use of proceeds from the LIFE Offering. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/279262

Source: LaFleur Minerals Inc.

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Microsoft is a huge investment for Coleman and Tiger Global Management.

Following billionaires and seeing what stocks they hold can be a great gut check for investors. This is made possible due to a Securities and Exchange Commission requirement that all money managers with greater than $100 million in assets report their end-of-quarter holdings. This information is then made available to the public 45 days after the quarter ends through a Form 13F. So the latest information we have on billionaire holdings is from Sept. 30, 2025.

The key is to find fund managers who aren't actively trading the market but are instead long-term investors. One of those is billionaire Chase Coleman, who runs Tiger Global Management. In Q3, he made zero trades in four of his five largest holdings, so he's clearly not trading in and out of the market. He also holds a significant chunk of his portfolio, 10.5% to be exact, in one artificial intelligence (AI) stock that has been a long-term winner: Microsoft (MSFT +0.14%).

Microsoft is a common holding among billionaires, and it's Coleman's largest investment. So is it a smart buy for you? Let's take a look.

Image source: Getty Images.

Microsoft's business model is thriving in today's AI-driven world
First, let's take a look to see if Microsoft's stock has moved significantly since Sept. 30.

MSFT data by YCharts

Microsoft's stock is actually down since we last knew Coleman owned its stock. Because Coleman is a long-term investor, it's unlikely that anything has emerged in the Microsoft investment thesis that would have changed his mind about keeping Microsoft's stock as a large chunk of his portfolio.

This can give investors confidence that Microsoft could be a great buy now.

Today's Change

(

0.14

%) $

0.69

Current Price

$

487.79

The Microsoft investment thesis pivots around its artificial intelligence (AI) strategy. Microsoft has chosen not to develop its own generative AI model. Instead, it's serving as a facilitator and enabling AI creators to use whichever model suits their needs most. Azure Foundry offers models from OpenAI, xAI, Anthropic, DeepSeek, and many others. This makes Microsoft's cloud computing platform one of the most popular to build on, which shows up in its financial results.

During Microsoft's Q1 FY 2026 (ended Sept. 30, 2025), Azure grew its revenue 40%, making it the fastest-growing cloud computing business of the major providers. If Azure continues to be the most popular option in this space, I'd expect the stock to continue to outperform.

Another growth area for Microsoft is its Copilot product. Copilot integrates generative AI into Microsoft's core Office software, and it has done a great job of upselling existing clients on these capabilities. This improvement allowed Microsoft 365 commercial and consumer segments to rise by 17% and 26%, respectively, during Q1. However, there are some questions surrounding the usefulness of these products. While some users have certainly found value, there are many who haven't. This could cause some businesses to downgrade their licenses, causing a headwind for Microsoft in the future.

Microsoft's success hinges on how well its AI products are received. Currently, there is a near-universal positive reception regarding its strategy, but if that shifts, Microsoft's stock could be in for some pain.

Microsoft's stock isn't cheap
Even though Microsoft's stock has pulled back from where it ended Q3, it still maintains an expensive premium. It trades for 30 times forward earnings, which isn't cheap.

MSFT PE Ratio (Forward) data by YCharts

It's also quite average for the big tech companies, and as long as Microsoft continues to post quarters with midteens revenue growth, I think this valuation is reasonable. However, if it slows down to a market-average pace, the stock could struggle in 2026.

Wall Street analysts project 16% revenue growth for FY 2026 (ending June 30), and 15% for FY 2027. If that pans out, I have no doubt that Microsoft will be a market-beating stock, justifying Coleman's investment. But if growth starts to slow for any reason, Microsoft's stock could lose to the market. I think Microsoft's future will look pretty similar to its past, making it a solid stock pick over the next few years. Just don't expect it to deliver jaw-dropping returns.

Bitcoin heads into 2026 with a clear macro risk: President Donald Trump’s tariff agenda. In 2025, crypto traders saw tariff headlines move prices as fast as ETF flows.

Several tariff levers now sit on the 2026 runway. Some already have dates. Others depend on diplomacy and court fights. Either way, they can flip sentiment from risk-on to risk-off in hours.

How Trump Tariffs Moved Crypto in 2025Tariff escalations in 2025 repeatedly triggered broad sell-offs across crypto. 

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When Trump announced new tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China in early February, Bitcoin slid to a three-week low near $91,400. Etherum fell about 25% over three days, and a large share of top tokens dropped more than 20% in a day as traders rushed to cut risk.

Crypto Market Cap Througout 2025. Source: CoinGeckoThen came April’s “Liberation Day” tariff shock and the US–China escalation. Bitcoin briefly fell below $82,000 during the worst of the risk-off wave, alongside a sell-off in crypto-linked stocks. 

However, once the White House signaled possible pauses, crypto rebounded. By May, after the US and China agreed to a temporary tariff truce, Bitcoin climbed back above $100,000, while ETH jumped sharply. 

Digital asset funds also saw fresh inflows during the relief phase.

The sharpest stress test arrived in October. After Trump floated a new 100% tariff on Chinese imports tied to rare-earth tensions, Bitcoin dropped over 16% in a fast move.

Liquidations surged, with reports of $19 billion wiped out in forced closes across exchanges in a single day. As of December 2025, the market still hasn’t recovered from this liquidation shock.

Biggest Crypto Liquidation Events in History. Source: CoinglassSponsored

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1. The Deferred 100% China Tariff CliffThis tariff would add a new 100% duty on all Chinese imports, unless talks produce a deal. Trump announced it in October 2025 and later pushed it out, putting late 2026 in focus.

If Trump reactivates it, markets will price weaker growth and stickier inflation. That combo can hit Bitcoin by tightening financial conditions, pushing traders out of leverage, and dragging risk assets lower in sync.

2. A Higher Global Baseline TariffThe US president previously hinted at a potential increase in the across-the-board import tariff beyond the 10% baseline imposed in 2025. Trump also campaigned on a much higher universal rate, which keeps this risk alive.

A baseline hike would not be a one-day headline. It would act as persistent pressure on risk appetite. 

For Bitcoin, that usually means choppier rallies, thinner dips getting bought, and higher sensitivity to rate expectations.

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4/ Trump’s baseline 10% tariff—and 55% for China—is forcing global companies to choose:

🇺🇸 Make it here, sell it here, create jobs here
🇨🇳 Or face steep penalties

Guess which choice companies are making? pic.twitter.com/y8AYOSvvL5

— Rod D. Martin (@RodDMartin) August 13, 2025
3. Digital Services Tax Retaliation Tariffs on EuropeThese would be new tariffs targeting countries that impose digital services taxes or similar rules on US tech firms. Trump warned in 2025 that countries keeping these taxes could face “substantial” tariffs.

If the US hits EU or UK exports, global equities can reprice lower. Crypto tends to follow that risk-off tape first. 

In 2025, that dynamic helped turn tariff headlines into fast, liquidation-driven drops.

Senior Counselor Peter Navarro explains @POTUS' memo to revive investigations aimed at imposing tariffs on countries that slap 'digital service taxes' on U.S. tech companies:

"As soon as these countries remove their DSTs on American companies, the tariffs will go away." pic.twitter.com/XHkV4TcjvS

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 25, 2025
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4. Pharmaceutical Tariffs that Could Rise Toward 200%This tariff targets imported branded or patented drugs, with penalties for firms that do not shift manufacturing to the US Trump signaled very high rates in 2025 and positioned the policy as an industrial reshoring tool.

If rates climb toward 200% in 2026, investors may treat it as an inflation impulse. Bitcoin can attract “hedge” talk during inflation scares, but trading often moves the other way first: risk assets sell as liquidity tightens.

President Donald Trump announces deals with nine pharmaceutical companies, the latest in a series of pacts designed to lower drug prices for some Americans in exchange for a three-year reprieve from threatened tariffs on their products https://t.co/Agi22RLMSG pic.twitter.com/Q1HTaekn0J

— Bloomberg TV (@BloombergTV) December 19, 2025
5. Expanded Secondary Tariffs Tied to Sanctioned TradeSecondary tariffs would punish countries for buying oil or goods from US adversaries, even if those countries are not the direct target. Trump introduced the concept in 2025 and applied it in a high-profile way.

If Trump expands this tool in 2026, it can pull more countries into tariff crossfire and raise global uncertainty. 

For Bitcoin, the biggest channel is volatility. More uncertainty usually means wider swings, more forced selling, and slower recoveries unless liquidity improves.

Stan Chartered's expert panel assures XRP has all the boxes ticked for a full-blown break-out to $8 in 2026.

Metaplanet, a prominent firm in the cryptocurrency sector, has significantly increased its bitcoin holdings by purchasing $451 million worth of the digital asset in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to CEO Alexei Gerovich. This strategic move brings the company's total bitcoin reserves to 35,102 BTC, currently estimated to be worth approximately $3.06 billion based on prevailing market values.

Metaplanet has significantly expanded its Bitcoin holdings, acquiring 4,279 BTC during the fourth quarter of 2025 for approximately $451 million, according to a statement from Chief Executive Officer Simon Gerovich.

Summary

Metaplanet’s cumulative Bitcoin acquisitions amount to roughly $3.78 billion, with an average purchase price of $107,606 per BTC.
CEO Simon Gerovich said the company achieved a Bitcoin yield of 568.2% year-to-date in 2025.
The disclosure places Metaplanet among the larger corporate Bitcoin holders globally.

The purchases were made at an average price of about $105,412 per Bitcoin, bringing the company’s total holdings to 35,102 BTC as of December 30. Metaplanet said its cumulative Bitcoin acquisitions amount to roughly $3.78 billion, with an average purchase price of $107,606 per BTC.

Gerovich said the company achieved a Bitcoin yield of 568.2% year-to-date in 2025, underscoring the aggressive pace of accumulation and the performance of its Bitcoin-focused treasury strategy.

Metaplanet has acquired 4279 BTC during Q4 2025 for $451.06 million at ~$105,412 per bitcoin and has achieved BTC Yield of 568.2% YTD 2025. As of 12/30/2025, we hold 35,102 $BTC acquired for ~$3.78 billion at ~$107,606 per bitcoin. $MTPLF $MPJPY pic.twitter.com/AFRldH4hVI

— Simon Gerovich (@gerovich) December 30, 2025

Tokyo-listed Metaplanet has positioned Bitcoin as a core balance-sheet asset, joining a growing cohort of publicly traded firms that view the cryptocurrency as a long-term store of value rather than a short-term trading position.

It even drew a new $130 million loan from its Bitcoin-backed credit line, bringing Metaplanet’s total borrowings from its $500 million facility to $230 million.

The company’s continued accumulation during the fourth quarter came amid heightened volatility in crypto markets and renewed institutional interest in digital assets.

The disclosure places Metaplanet among the larger corporate Bitcoin holders globally, as firms increasingly compete to scale treasury exposure ahead of anticipated regulatory clarity and broader institutional adoption.

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

Japanese Bitcoin treasury company Metaplanet has just announced that it accumulated 4,279 BTC during the fourth quarter of 2025.

Metaplanet Spent $451 Million On Bitcoin In Q4 2025
As revealed by Metaplanet CEO Simon Gerovich in a new X post, the Bitcoin treasury company participated in some fresh accumulation over Q4 2025. In total, the firm added 4,279 BTC at an average buying price of $105,412 during this period. The latest announcement has followed three months of no new purchases from Metaplanet. The last time that the Japanese company added more BTC was in September, with two big buys involving more than 5,000 tokens each occurring in the second half of that month.

About a week or so after the second of those purchases, Bitcoin formed a high above $126,000, which has acted as the top of the bull market so far. The firm has not been making announcements since then, which may be due to the fact that the asset has witnessed a notable drawdown.

Nonetheless, the new announcement suggests that Metaplanet was silently buying tokens in the background, with the company only choosing to unveil it as 2025 approaches an end. As a result of this accumulation, Metaplanet’s holdings have grown significantly. Before the Q4 2025 buying spree, the firm held 30,823 BTC. Now, that figure has risen to 35,102 BTC.

The Q4 2025 treasury expansion cost the company a total of $451.06 million, but due to the decline in the cryptocurrency’s price recently, the value of the tokens is down to $376.26 million today.

The new accumulation isn’t the only portion of the Bitcoin treasury that has gone underwater; the firm’s entire holdings are in fact currently in a state of loss. With a cost basis of $107,606 per token, Metaplanet’s 35,102 BTC holdings cost $3.78 billion to assemble. Today, these coins are worth just $3.08 billion.

Metaplanet is currently the fourth largest corporate holder of BTC in the world, as rankings from BitcoinTreasuries.net show.

The top 10 corporate holders of BTC | Source: BitcoinTreasuries.net
Even with its Q4 2025 buying, Metaplanet is still more than 8,000 BTC behind Twenty One Capital, which holds 43,514 BTC. Thus, Simon’s company will need a couple more purchases of this size to close in the gap.

In the table, it’s apparent that Strategy, the OG treasury firm, is in a different stratosphere from the rest of the names on the list, with its total Bitcoin holdings standing at 672,497 BTC right now.

Unlike Metaplanet, the Michael Saylor-led company continued to make regular purchase announcements even as BTC went through its bearish shift. The latest of these came up this Monday, with the firm loading up on 1,229 BTC.

BTC Price
At the time of writing, Bitcoin is floating around $88,000, unchanged from one week ago.

The price of the coin has been stuck in consolidation recently | Source: BTCUSDT on TradingView
Featured image from Dall-E, BitcoinTreasuries.net, chart from TradingView.com

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

Journalist

Posted: December 31, 2025

Humanity Protocol [H] saw a 15% rally in the hours of the 29th of December. This move saw the token’s Open Interest (OI) rise from $48.5 million to $57.5 million, a sign of strong speculative interest.

Yet, H was unable to sustain its bullish momentum and retested the $0.16 support level once again. The token has traded within a range over the past week, and this range could give traders opportunities.

Assessing Humanity Protocol’s long-term trend
A recent AMBCrypto report highlighted the surge in trading volume and OI recently. While this was a classic bullish signal, it faced a threat from the upcoming token unlock.

Tokenomist data showed that a 105.35 million H unlock, worth $17.56 million, is scheduled for the 25th of January. This is part of a monthly unlock that could add to short-term selling pressure on H and impact bullish trends.

Source: H/USDT on TradingView

The 1-day structure was bullish at last, following the strong recovery the token made in December. The RSI’s reading of 60 showed momentum was strong, but not overbought yet.

The OBV was closing in on a local high to reflect increased buying pressure.

At the same time, swing traders should remember that there is a chance for a price drop to the Fibonacci retracement levels at $0.112 and $0.083.

Should H traders expect a bullish trend now?
The monthly token unlocks do not translate into heavy, immediate selling pressure. The 105 million H token unlock need not be immediately sold, but it was still a sizeable long-term obstacle to price trends. The unlock on the 25th of December was absorbed, hinting at demand for H.

CoinMarketCap data showed that only 23% of the total supply was in circulation now. Investors should expect dilution over time and prepare accordingly.

In the coming weeks, a bullish trend is possible, but it might be preceded by a retest of the Fibonacci retracement levels at $0.112 and $0.083.

Wait for a breakout from THIS range

Source: H/USDT on TradingView

H was trading within a range from $0.15-$0.18 over the past week. The range extremes could give lower timeframe traders an opportunity to enter the market. A move beyond $0.18 would offer a buying opportunity.

On the other hand, a breakdown below $0.15 would be a warning of bearish dominance.

Final Thoughts

The monthly token unlocks are expected to be an obstacle to price appreciation, but increased demand can outweigh the effects of dilution.
It is unclear if the demand for H will continue to grow. For now, traders can monitor H bulls’ attempts to overcome the $0.18 local resistance.

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

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

Ethereum is approaching one of the most important technical levels on its higher-time-frame chart, with the $3,000 price zone emerging as a decisive structural pivot. This level has repeatedly determined whether ETH enters a sustained uptrend or falls back into extended consolidation. It is far more than a psychological round number; historically, it has acted as a key validation point for bullish momentum.

Currently, ETH is trading in the mid-$2,900 range, consolidating just below $3,000 after a volatile year. Earlier in the year, Ethereum experienced a strong upward impulse, followed by a controlled cooldown rather than a sharp sell-off. This measured decline is an important signal, as it suggests healthy profit-taking instead of panic-driven capitulation. Notably, Ethereum remains above its rising 200-week moving average, reinforcing that price is still aligned with its long-term bullish trend structure.

From a technical analysis perspective, the $3,000 level serves a dual role as resistance and confirmation. When Ethereum trades and holds above this area, it often attracts rotational capital from Bitcoin and institutional-style flows, including ETF-related allocations, along with momentum-driven traders. Conversely, when ETH fails to reclaim $3,000, it has historically become trapped in multi-week trading ranges, limiting upside potential.

Current market behavior adds further context. Trading volume has declined during the recent pullback, indicating reduced selling pressure. The weekly RSI has cooled into neutral territory after previously reaching overheated levels, giving ETH room to move in either direction. Price action is also compressing between key moving averages, signaling a buildup of energy that could soon resolve with increased volatility.

If Ethereum decisively loses the $3,000 area and cannot quickly recover it, downside risk opens toward the low $2,700 range or deeper support zones, reinforcing range-bound conditions into the new year. However, if ETH regains and holds above $3,000, history suggests expansion may resume quickly, with volatility increasing and follow-through often occurring at an accelerated pace.

<Copyright ⓒ TokenPost, unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited>

While GPUs and data center technology continue to underpin NVIDIA's NASDAQ: NVDA results and outlook, the company made some strategic shifts in 2026 that set it up for long-term dominance in AI markets. Among them is a focus on architecting and building a global AI ecosystem, including the energy grid and software layers to power it.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The law firm of Kirby McInerney LLP reminds investors its investigation on behalf of Trex Company, Inc. (“Trex” or the “Company”) (NYSE:TREX) investors concerning the Company's and/or members of its senior management's possible violation of the federal securities laws or other unlawful business practices. [LEARN MORE ABOUT THE INVESTIGATION] What Happened? On August 2025, Trex assured investors that “our revised inventory strategy reduces the volatility typically asso.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The law firm of Kirby McInerney LLP reminds Inspire Medical Systems, Inc. (“Inspire” or the “Company”) (NYSE:INSP) investors of the January 5, 2026 deadline to seek lead plaintiff appointment in the class action filed on behalf of investors who acquired Inspire securities between August 6, 2024 through August 4, 2025 (“the Class Period”). Follow the link below for more information: [CONTACT THE FIRM IF YOU SUFFERED A LOSS] What Is The Lawsuit About? The lawsuit allege.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The law firm of Kirby McInerney LLP is investigating potential claims against Soleno Therapeutics, Inc. (“Soleno” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ:SLNO). The investigation concerns whether the Company and/or members of its senior management may have violated federal securities laws or engaged in other unlawful business practices. [LEARN MORE ABOUT THE INVESTIGATION] What Happened? On August 15, 2025, Scorpion Capital published a report that described Soleno's only product, V.

HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA / ACCESS Newswire / December 30, 2025 / MedMira Inc. (MedMira) (TSXV:MIR), reported today on its financial results for the quarter ended October 31, 2025. Corporate update In Q1 FY2026, the Company received the Health Canada approval for its Reveal® TP (Syphilis) rapid test.

Cypherpunk Technologies has expanded its Zcash (ZEC) treasury to 290,062.67 coins, nearly 2% of circulating supply, raising questions about ZEC's potential as a corporate treasury asset like Bitcoin.

Gemini has outlined early-2026 scenarios for XRP, ETH and BNB after an Oct. 10 flash crash. It has flagged $1.75, $2,800 and $800 as key supports, with resistance near $2.36 for XRP and $3,370 for ETH, while BNB has faced the $1,000 barrier in a range-bound market. It sees Q1 2026 as decision point.

TL;DR

Sui Network plans to integrate built-in private transactions for payments in 2026.
Privacy will be regulation-compliant, allowing selective transparency for authorized audits.
The goal is to provide enterprise-grade privacy without sacrificing Sui’s high throughput and low fees.

Sui Network signals a clear shift: private transactions built into the protocol. Mysten Labs cofounder and CPO Adeniyi Abiodun confirms the plan and frames the goal as regulation-compliant on-chain payments without extra user steps. 

The announcement lands amid heated debate over quantum computing and its potential impact on cryptography that safeguards keys and signatures. In parallel, Michael Saylor argues that advances in quantum tech can strengthen Bitcoin by speeding security upgrades and coordination.

Engineers target end-to-end confidentiality so only sender and receiver view amounts and details. The design preserves high throughput and low fees, hallmarks of Sui, and focuses on payments where banks and enterprises demand verifiable privacy and selective transparency under KYC/AML rules.

Private transactions on Sui 👀

2026 is going to be exciting no doubt. https://t.co/Ir7tSFkRbD

— Sui (@SuiNetwork) December 30, 2025

The architecture integrates privacy primitives refined over prior cycles and exposes them to DeFi and applications through native tooling. The objective: privacy layers without sacrificing fast finality or clean user experience.

The approach combines data minimization and policy controls
The protocol reduces public visibility while enabling permissioned audits when law requires. Builders gain SDKs and APIs for payments, invoicing, and credit flows. Enterprises can issue cryptographic receipts, schedule disbursements, and reconcile without broadcasting operational balances. Priorities include interoperability with corporate finance systems, stablecoin support, and on-chain liquidity.

Quantum risk and technical response
Researchers warn that powerful machines could break elliptic-curve schemes used for signatures and addresses. Analysts such as Charles Edwards call for early migration to post-quantum signatures. Timelines remain uncertain, yet action items look concrete: key inventories, address rotation, and adoption of quantum-resistant primitives where feasible. Industry voices echo Saylor’s view: credible risk accelerates coordination and upgrades across major networks, including Bitcoin.

Private payments with built-in compliance attract retailers, service providers, fintechs, and corporate treasuries. End users keep control over sensitive data and avoid broad exposure on public explorers. Institutions cut leakage and operational risk. For DeFi, granular privacy helps price formation by limiting order leakage and front-running. For supervisors, auditable hooks under valid process support oversight and reporting.

Roadmap and key watch-items
Abiodun points to a 2026 rollout with pilots, staged launches, and performance reviews. Stakeholders will track:

Chosen cryptography and security parameters.
Per-tx cost across privacy levels.
Wallet, bridge, and stablecoin compatibility.
Governance over legal audit exceptions.

Sui pursues privacy by default for payments plus compliance-ready tooling at the protocol layer. Quantum computing pressure pushes the wider industry toward post-quantum defenses. If execution meets targets, regulated private payments can move from pilot to daily use with low latency, contained fees, and strong guarantees suited to enterprise-grade finance.