Market Signal Briefing

The stock has been punished, margins are under pressure, and yet one investor just leaned in hard. Here’s what they may be seeing that the market is missing.

New York City-based Rivermont Capital Management disclosed a buy of Grocery Outlet (GO 0.10%) shares, increasing its position by nearly 1.1 million shares in an estimated $18.51 million position change, per a November 13 SEC filing.

What HappenedAccording to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission dated November 13, Rivermont Capital Management increased its holdings in Grocery Outlet (GO 0.10%) by nearly 1.1 million shares during the third quarter. The position's reported value rose to $21.67 million as of September 30, reflecting both new share purchases and changes in market price.

What Else to KnowTop holdings after the filing: 

NASDAQ:STX: $35.46 million (9.37% of AUM)NYSE:FERG: $32.29 million (8.5% of AUM)NASDAQ:WTW: $29.40 million (7.77% of AUM)NYSE:CLH: $28.48 million (7.5% of AUM)NASDAQ:WDC: $27.08 million (7.15% of AUM)As of Friday, shares of Grocery Outlet were priced at $10.27, down nearly 40% over the past year and well underperforming the S&P 500, which is instead up about 15%.

Company OverviewMetricValuePrice (as of Friday)$10.27Market Capitalization$1.01 billionRevenue (TTM)$4.57 billionNet Income (TTM)($4.44 million)Company SnapshotGrocery Outlet offers a wide range of grocery products, including dairy, deli, produce, meat, seafood, general merchandise, health and beauty care, frozen foods, and beer and wine.The company operates a network of independently operated stores.It appeals to consumers looking for value in their grocery purchases, with a presence in multiple U.S. states.Grocery Outlet operates hundreds of stores in several states by leveraging a model where independent operators run each location. The company focuses on offering name-brand products at significant discounts, appealing to consumers looking for value in their grocery purchases. Its scale and sourcing strategy provide a competitive edge in the discount grocery sector.

Foolish TakeGrocery Outlet’s stock has been cut nearly in half over the past year, but the underlying business is still growing. In the third quarter, net sales rose 5.4% to $1.17 billion, driven by new store openings and positive traffic, even as the average transaction size fell and margins compressed. Adjusted EBITDA came in at $66.7 million, down from $72.3 million last year, reflecting heavier promotions and restructuring costs tied to pruning underperforming growth initiatives.

That backdrop helps explain why the shares are cheap and why conviction matters. This fund’s move wasn’t about momentum. It was about scale and survivability. Grocery Outlet ended the quarter with 563 stores across 16 states and continues to expand selectively, while management believes store refresh initiatives can reignite same-store sales in 2026. Context matters too. The fund’s top holdings skew toward established, cash-generating businesses rather than high-growth fliers. Grocery Outlet fits that mold as a battered but durable operator with a differentiated discount model.

Glossary13F reportable assets under management (AUM): The total value of securities a fund must report quarterly to the SEC on Form 13F.
Assets under management (AUM): The total market value of investments managed by a fund or investment firm.
Stake: The ownership interest or position an investor holds in a company.
Top holdings: The largest investments in a fund's portfolio, typically ranked by market value.
Trailing twelve months (TTM): The 12-month period ending with the most recent quarterly report.
Independently operated stores: Retail locations run by independent operators rather than by the parent company itself.
Discount grocery sector: The industry segment focused on selling groceries at lower prices than traditional supermarkets.
Market price: The current price at which an asset or security can be bought or sold.

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

San Diego, California--(Newsfile Corp. - December 28, 2025) - The law firm of Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP announces that purchasers or acquirers of Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE: FCX) publicly traded securities between February 15, 2022 and September 24, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"), have until Monday, January 12, 2026 to seek appointment as lead plaintiff of the Freeport-McMoRan class action lawsuit. Captioned Reed v. Freeport-McMoRan Inc., No. 25-cv-04243 (D. Ariz.), the Freeport-McMoRan class action lawsuit charges Freeport-McMoRan as well as certain of Freeport-McMoRan's top current and former executives with violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

If you suffered substantial losses and wish to serve as lead plaintiff of the Freeport-McMoRan class action lawsuit, please provide your information here:

https://www.rgrdlaw.com/cases-freeport-mcmoran-inc-class-action-lawsuit-fcx.html

You can also contact attorneys J.C. Sanchez or Jennifer N. Caringal of Robbins Geller by calling 800/449-4900 or via e-mail at [email protected].

CASE ALLEGATIONS: Freeport-McMoRan engages in the mining of mineral properties in North America, South America, and Indonesia. Freeport-McMoRan operates the Grasberg Copper and Gold Mine in Papua, Indonesia, in which the Indonesian government holds a commercial interest, according to the complaint.

The Freeport-McMoRan class action lawsuit alleges that throughout the Class Period defendants made false and/or misleading statement and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Freeport-McMoRan did not adequately ensure safety at the Grasberg Block Cave mine in Indonesia; (ii) the lack of proper safety precautions constituted a heightened risk that could foreseeably lead to the death of Freeport-McMoRan's workers; and (iii) this constituted an undisclosed heightened risk of regulatory, litigation, and reputational risk.

The Freeport-McMoRan class action lawsuit further alleges that on September 9, 2025, Freeport-McMoRan disclosed that "a large flow of wet material from a production drawpoint occurred at one of five production blocks in the Grasberg Block Cave underground mine," which "blocked access to certain areas within the mine, restricting evacuation routes for seven team members." Freeport-McMoRan further allegedly disclosed that "[m]ining operations in the Grasberg minerals district have been temporarily suspended to prioritize the safe evacuation of the seven contractor workers." On this news, the price of Freeport-McMoRan stock fell nearly 6%, according to the complaint.

Then, on September 24, 2025, the complaint further alleges that Freeport-McMoRan revealed that "two team members . . . were regrettably fatally injured in the September 8th incident," "[e]xtensive efforts are ongoing in the search for five [PT Freeport Indonesia ("PTFI")] team members who remain missing," and "mining operations in the Grasberg minerals district have been temporarily suspended since September 8th." Freeport-McMoRan allegedly further disclosed that "PTFI production in 2026 could potentially be approximately 35% lower than pre-incident estimates." On this news, the price of Freeport-McMoRan stock fell nearly 17%, according to the complaint.

Finally, on September 25, 2025, the Freeport-McMoRan class action lawsuit alleges that Bloomberg published an article entitled "Freeport Mine Setback Risks Fraying Relations With Indonesia," which stated, in pertinent part, that "[a] halt in production at the giant Grasberg copper mine in Indonesia looks set to strain the fractious relationship between Freeport-McMoRan Inc. and its host nation, at a time when the Jakarta government was already looking to take greater control." The complaint alleges that on this news, the price of Freeport-McMoRan stock fell more than 6%.

THE LEAD PLAINTIFF PROCESS: The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 permits any investor who purchased or acquired Freeport-McMoRan publicly traded securities during the Class Period to seek appointment as lead plaintiff in the Freeport-McMoRan class action lawsuit. A lead plaintiff is generally the movant with the greatest financial interest in the relief sought by the putative class who is also typical and adequate of the putative class. A lead plaintiff acts on behalf of all other class members in directing the Freeport-McMoRan investor class action lawsuit. The lead plaintiff can select a law firm of its choice to litigate the Freeport-McMoRan shareholder class action lawsuit. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff of the Freeport-McMoRan class action lawsuit.

ABOUT ROBBINS GELLER: Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP is one of the world's leading law firms representing investors in securities fraud and shareholder litigation. Our Firm has been ranked #1 in the ISS Securities Class Action Services rankings for four out of the last five years for securing the most monetary relief for investors. In 2024, we recovered over $2.5 billion for investors in securities-related class action cases – more than the next five law firms combined, according to ISS. With 200 lawyers in 10 offices, Robbins Geller is one of the largest plaintiffs' firms in the world, and the Firm's attorneys have obtained many of the largest securities class action recoveries in history, including the largest ever – $7.2 billion – in In re Enron Corp. Sec. Litig. Please visit the following page for more information:

https://www.rgrdlaw.com/services-litigation-securities-fraud.html

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Contact:
Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP
J.C. Sanchez, Jennifer N. Caringal
655 W. Broadway, Suite 1900, San Diego, CA 92101
800-449-4900
[email protected]

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/279054

Source: Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP

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NEW YORK, Dec. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Jayud Global Logistics Ltd. (NASDAQ: JYD) between April 21, 2023 and April 30, 2025, both dates inclusive (the “Class Period”), of the important January 20, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline.

SO WHAT: If you purchased Jayud securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Jayud class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=48196 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than January 20, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs’ Bar. Many of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit throughout the Class Period, defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Jayud was the subject of a fraudulent stock promotion scheme involving social media-based misinformation and impersonated financial professionals; (2) insiders and/or affiliates used offshore or nominee accounts to facilitate the coordinated dumping of shares during a price inflation campaign; (3) Jayud’s public statements and risk disclosures omitted any mention of the false rumors and artificial trading activity driving the stock price; and (4) as a result of the foregoing, defendants’ positive statements about Jayud’s business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.

To join the Jayud class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=48196 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor’s ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

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Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.
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Oklo stock has soared triple digits on the year. Here's why investors should stay clear of this red-hot nuclear stock.

Oklo (OKLO 5.51%) has been 2025's most exciting nuclear stocks, with a more than 275% gain on the year. The Sam Altman-backed company has been positioned as the poster child for "data center nuclear," a next-gen reactor designer whose "Aurora powerhouse" could power AI infrastructure.

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That, at least, is the dream.

Today, Oklo is pre-revenue, and it's in the very early stages of development. How early? Well, for one, it doesn't have the NRC's blessing to build powerhouses commercially. The company isn't expected to generate revenue until 2027, and even then, it's projected to generate about $16 million.

These are all real reasons to be cautious on Oklo right now. But they're not the reason why I wouldn't touch it with a 10-foot pole.

Image source: Getty Images.

Oklo is priced like it's ready to deploy, not just demonstrate, a reactor
Oklo got a huge valuation boost this year, fueled in large part by the AI data center narrative. At today's price (about $82 a share), Oklo is valued at about $12 billion (in large-cap territory), and is valued at about 750 times projected 2027 sales.

To put that in perspective, nuclear company NuScale Power (SMR 7.65%), which already has an NRC-approved small modular reactor design, has a roughly $5 billion market cap and is trading at about 16 times its projected 2027 revenue.

SMR Revenue Estimates for Current Fiscal Year data by YCharts

In other words, Oklo is valued more richly than a company that appears further along the commercialization path. To put it differently: Oklo is being treated as if it were ready to start deploying its reactors, while NuScale is valued more like what it is: a developer trying to prove that microreactors have a place in today's energy landscape.

Oklo may have an exciting future, but it's not without a rocky road
A rich valuation is one reason to avoid Oklo, but it's not the only one.

In April 2025, the Department of Energy (DOE) published an article on its website, "Advantages and Challenges of Nuclear-Powered Data Centers." The advantages listed were all the ones that have made Oklo stand out: 24/7 power, compact design, grid-free capacity, and flexibility.

However, investors also need to consider the challenges to nuclear-powered data centers.

As the DOE notes, the U.S. is still building out its domestic supply of uranium fuel -- especially high-assay, low-enriched uranium (HALEU), which many advanced reactors will need. Capital costs for building new reactor technology could be substantial, and the timeline for licensing and deployment remains long and uncertain. Indeed, the DOE doesn't expect widespread commercial reactors to arrive until the 2030s.

To be sure, Oklo's reactor design has promise, but its valuation leaves very little room for disappointment. I'd keep it on your watchlist, or open a small position if you can afford to part with the money.

These stocks could be wealth builders for long-term investors.

For long-term investors, focusing on quality stocks is a smart cornerstone strategy for building sustainable wealth. Combining this approach with a disciplined, long-term mindset can allow investors to press on through market volatility, avoid the emotional pitfalls of investing, and harness the full power of compounding returns through the years.

There are plenty of stocks that the market has hit hard recently thanks to investor ire that still look like tempting buys for the long-term. Here are three such names to consider for your portfolio right now.

Image source: Getty Images.

1. Toast
Toast (TOST 0.06%) shares are down about 16% over the last six months due to a combination of factors. There's the general concern that investors are feeling about the restaurant space, which is very vulnerable to shifts in consumer spending.

A few months back, an analyst's report highlighted significant price reductions on Toast's software packages for smaller restaurants, which led investors to fear a lack of pricing power or increased competitive pressure. Toast clarified these changes were due to a website glitch and quickly reverted the prices, but the initial news caused the stock to slide.

There are plenty of reasons to like Toast stock though, and consider buying the business on the dip. The company offers an all-in-one, cloud-based technology platform that acts as an operating system for restaurants to handle everything from point-of-sale and payments to payroll, inventory, and marketing.

This integrated system creates significant switching costs for customers that makes them very likely to stick with Toast's services, which also provides the company an economic moat against competitors.

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Toast has a substantial runway for growth and only controls a 15% market share in the U.S. restaurant market, but there is a potential for it to expand to millions of locations globally. The company is consistently adding thousands of new locations each quarter and expanding into new areas including enterprise clients, international markets, and adjacent verticals such as grocery stores.

In Q3 2025, Toast reported revenue of $1.63 billion, a 30% year-over-year increase in annual recurring revenue to over $2.0 billion, and a 24% rise in gross payment volume. The company has successfully shifted toward profitability and generated GAAP earnings of $105 million in the quarter. Toast looks like an intriguing buy right now.

2. Chipotle
Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG 0.26%) shares are down about 40% over the trailing 12 months. A slowdown in customer traffic amid a challenging macro environment and multiple subsequent reductions to its sales forecasts haven't rested well with shareholders.

The most significant factor is a broad pullback in frequency of visits among key consumer groups, especially those with household incomes under $100,000 and the 25-to-35 age demographic. These consumers are facing economic pressures like inflation, the resumption of student loan payments, and slower wage growth that's leading them to eat at home more often.

Chipotle has cut its same-store sales growth forecast for three consecutive quarters in 2025. The company initially projected low-to-mid single-digit growth but now expects a decline in the low single-digit range for the full year. 

The fast-casual restaurant chain also faces rising costs for ingredients like beef, but has opted not to fully offset these with aggressive price increases to defend its value proposition against competitors. Unsurprisingly, that strategy has compressed restaurant-level operating margins.

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All of these factors are relatively short-term in the context of a multi-year investment in this leading quick service restaurant stock. Chipotle maintains best-in-class unit economics and a strong balance sheet with minimal debt. Digital sales represent a significant portion of revenue (over 36%) and are supported by a large and engaged loyalty program of 40 million members.

For the first nine months of 2025, Chipotle's total revenue totaled $8.94 billion, and net income came to $1.2 billion. Chipotle could be a smart buy on the dip.

3. Lululemon
Lululemon Athletica (LULU 0.68%) is down about 45% from where it was trading one year ago. The biggest concern investors likely have about Lululemon is softening demand in the U.S., the company's largest market. It's also the case that cautious consumer spending and new tariffs are significantly impacting gross margins and profits. While the athleisure space in its core markets is more competitive than it was a decade ago, the macro environment and tariffs impacts have broad industrywide implications.

On the plus side, newer international markets, particularly mainland China, are proving to be key growth engines for Lululemon's business. In Q3 2025, international revenue surged 33%, with China growing 46% year-over-year. The company is expanding into new markets like Greece, Austria, Poland, Hungary, Romania, and India in 2026, which offers significant untapped potential outside its core North American base.

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Lululemon has a highly loyal customer base and a premium brand image that allows it to maintain high gross margins (around 55-58%) despite competitive pressures. The company is leveraging its Science of Feel technology to innovate and diversify its product lines, and management's goal is to increase new product styles to 35% by spring 2026. Expansion into categories like men's apparel and footwear continues to gain traction as well.

The secular trend of consumers prioritizing health and wellness provides a long-term tailwind that aligns perfectly with Lululemon's lifestyle-oriented products and brand values. The company also remains highly profitable, having raked in $885 million in free cash flow and $1.7 billion in net income over the trailing 12 months alone. The stock's current depressed valuation could prove an attractive entry point for certain long-term investors.

In the same quarter as a brutal earnings-driven selloff, one fund quietly bought up shares of Core & Main.

New York City-based Tribune Investment Group established a new position in Core & Main (CNM 0.35%), adding 335,000 shares valued at approximately $18.03 million during the third quarter, according to a November 13 SEC filing.

What HappenedAccording to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission dated November 13, Tribune Investment Group LP initiated a new holding in Core & Main (CNM 0.35%) during the third quarter. The fund reported ownership of 335,000 shares with a market value of $18.03 million as of September 30. This move brought the total number of Tribune's disclosed positions to 21 for the period.

What Else to KnowThe new Core & Main position accounts for 8.74% of Tribune’s 13F reportable assets under management as of September 30.

Top holdings after the filing: 

NYSE:CNM: $18.03 million (8.74% of AUM)NASDAQ:CSX: $17.76 million (8.60% of AUM)NYSE:GPC: $17.33 million (8.39% of AUM)NYSE:CMI: $13.52 million (6.55% of AUM)NYSE:PNR: $13.29 million(6.44% of AUM)As of Friday, shares of Core & Main were priced at $54.00, up about 5% over the past year and well underperforming the S&P 500, which is up about 15% in the same period.

Company OverviewMetricValueRevenue (TTM)$7.76 billionNet Income (TTM)$435.00 millionPrice (as of Friday)$54.00One-Year Price Change5%Company SnapshotCore & Main distributes water, wastewater, storm drainage, and fire protection products, including pipes, valves, hydrants, fittings, storm drainage systems, fire suppression systems, smart meters, and related services.The company operates a distribution-focused business model, generating revenue primarily through the sale of infrastructure products and value-added services to the construction and maintenance sectors.It serves municipalities, private water companies, and professional contractors in the municipal, non-residential, and residential end markets across the United States.Core & Main is a leading distributor in the U.S. water and fire protection infrastructure market, leveraging a broad product portfolio and deep industry relationships. The company’s scale and specialized expertise support critical infrastructure projects and ongoing maintenance needs for diverse end markets. Its strategic focus on essential utility and construction sectors provides resilience and consistent demand in varying economic cycles.

Foolish TakeWhat matters most here isn’t the size of the position but the timing risk it embraces. Core & Main is the kind of business that tends to look most uncomfortable right before long-term investors lean in. The stock fell roughly 27% following its fiscal second-quarter earnings report, and while it’s unclear exactly when the shares were accumulated during the quarter, the position shows up alongside that volatility. That distinction matters and investors should not assume perfect timing.

Operationally, Core & Main’s most recent quarter showed a business still doing what it does best. Fiscal third-quarter sales rose 1.2% year over year to $2.06 billion, driven largely by acquisitions, while gross margin expanded to 27.2%. Meanwhile, net income climbed to $143 million, adjusted EPS rose to $0.89, and operating cash flow reached $271 million for the quarter. The company also repurchased $50 million of stock and increased its buyback authorization by another $500 million after quarter-end.

This fits neatly with a portfolio already tilted toward industrial and infrastructure-linked names like CSX, Genuine Parts, Cummins, and Pentair. Core & Main may not outperform every year, but its exposure to aging water infrastructure, disciplined capital returns, and steady cash generation explain why patient capital is willing to buy when sentiment cracks. Shares are already up about 7% since the latest earnings release, but the real thesis here is measured in years, not quarters.

Glossary13F reportable assets: Assets that institutional investment managers must disclose quarterly to the SEC in Form 13F filings.
Assets under management (AUM): The total market value of investments managed by a fund or investment firm.
Position: The amount of a particular security or asset held in an investment portfolio.
Holding: An individual security or asset owned within an investment portfolio.
Trailing twelve months (TTM): The 12-month period ending with the most recent quarterly report.
Forward price-to-earnings ratio: A valuation metric comparing a company’s current share price to its expected future earnings per share.
EV/EBITDA: Enterprise value divided by earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization; used to value companies.
Distribution-focused business model: A strategy centered on selling and delivering products rather than manufacturing them.
End markets: The final industries or customer segments that purchase and use a company’s products or services.
Market value: The current total value of a holding, calculated by multiplying the share price by the number of shares owned.
Outperforming: Achieving a higher return or growth rate compared to a benchmark or index.
Stake: The ownership interest or share an investor holds in a company or asset.

Charlie Garcia responds to readers about the opportunities and obstacles for investors in quantum computing.

For the first time, a major bank is offering cryptocurrency trading to certain clients.

In December, PNC Bank (PNC +0.19%) became the first major bank to offer Bitcoin (BTC +0.08%) services to eligible clients. The new spot Bitcoin trading facilities will initially only be available to high-net-worth clients of PNC Private Bank. They will be able to use the bank's platform to buy, sell, and hold Bitcoin.

Image source: Getty Images.

The bank says it plans to expand the service to more customers in the future. Created in partnership with Coinbase (COIN 1.18%), the deal means PNC Bank will also provide banking services to the crypto exchange.

FDIC insurance would not apply to Bitcoin purchased through a bank
If the cryptocurrency industry is to grow, adoption will be crucial. And having a major bank offer Bitcoin to its clients is another step on that path. However, while significant, these are small steps in a very long journey. The announcement didn't have a big impact on Bitcoin's price, which has been struggling to hold its head above $90,000 for much of the past month.

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The one thing investors need to know is that Bitcoin bought through a bank won't be covered by FDIC insurance. Cash held in an FDIC-insured bank is protected against bank failure for up to $250,000 per depositor per account category. That does not apply to cryptocurrency -- even if it is bought with an insured bank.

PNC Bank Bitcoin purchases are part of Coinbase's crypto-as-a-service, which means the popular crypto exchange will take care of the custody. However, customers may have to pay custody fees, which haven't been disclosed.

If those fees are comparable to the expense ratios on a crypto ETF, consider the pros and cons of both routes. No insurance will protect you against crypto's price swings. However, if you buy a spot Bitcoin ETF through your brokerage, at least SIPC insurance would kick in if the institution fails.

PNC Bank could be the first of several to offer crypto services, which could help crypto go mainstream. Just don't assume you'll get more consumer protection by buying Bitcoin through a bank rather than a crypto exchange.

Emma Newbery has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Bitcoin. The Motley Fool recommends Coinbase Global. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Energy demand is growing rapidly, making Vistra a growth-and-income-worthy investment.

Shares of Vistra (VST 0.18%), the Texas-based power company, are still up more than 17% year to date but have fallen considerably from their 52-week high of $219. Should you buy the stock while it's below $170? Let's evaluate what's happening with Vistra.

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Positioned well for the AI boom
Vistra is one of the strongest publicly traded utility companies of the past few years. It's benefited from pricing volatility, increasing demand for electricity, and its solid growth in nuclear.

Image source: Getty Images.

Much has been discussed regarding the immense energy needs of AI data centers. Vistra has nuclear assets that are well-positioned to meet this emerging demand. Vistra is focused on expanding its nuclear portfolio, as well as its clean energy subsidiary, Vistra Zero.

Vistra's financials remain strong
The company's latest third-quarter earnings report fell short of expectations, but its balance sheet is solid. Revenue was down, but the company's adjusted EBITDA grew 9.9% year over year. Much of the earnings miss can be attributed to higher operating costs resulting from macroeconomic factors, including higher fuel costs. Vistra still achieved net income of $652 million in the third quarter of 2025 alone.

Vistra's stock is priced below $170, but it's still trading at a premium with a price-to-earnings ratio of 58. That's well above the industry average. This may be attributed to hype surrounding increasing energy demands and Vistra's ability to increase prices. Unlike regulated utility companies, Vistra can fluctuate its prices as it often operates as a power wholesaler.

The future of Vistra burns cleaner and brighter
With a solid dividend and compelling growth story behind its commitment to clean energy and supplying data centers, Vistra is a rare combination for long-term investors. The need for nuclear is expected to grow by 10% in 2026. The world is hungry for energy, and Vistra is ready to capitalize.

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

Journalist

Posted: December 29, 2025

Bitcoin has faced intense selling pressure, with the asset down 32% from its high of $126,000 on the 6th of October.

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) remain a key channel for gauging Bitcoin market sentiment. This time, however, the behavior of investors behind these ETFs suggests deeper dynamics at play.

Bitcoin ETFs hit record outflows
U.S. Spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have remained on the bearish side of the market, recording significant outflows even as Bitcoin’s price attempts to stabilize.

Bitcoin [BTC] Spot ETFs are facing renewed pressure as traditional investors pull back capital while still maintaining exposure to the asset.

According to CryptoQuant, Cumulative Outflows from Bitcoin ETFs have reached $5.5 billion from their all-time high. As a result, total Assets Under Management (AUM) have dropped to $116.58 billion, down from a peak of $163.27 billion.

Source: CoinGlass

This trend confirms that traditional investors, operating through institutional ETFs, have scaled back capital inflows into the market.

Such outflows are expected during periods of weak market sentiment, especially as Bitcoin continues to range between $85,000 and $90,000.

BlackRock investors hold their ground
Despite broader ETF outflows, traditional investors with exposure to BlackRock’s U.S. spot Bitcoin ETF continue to dominate market activity.

Over the past twelve days, these investors have purchased more BTC than any other institutional group in the market.

Data showed that within this period, the group recorded six separate BTC ETF inflows, with total net inflows amounting to 1.32 million Bitcoin, valued at approximately $1.16 billion.

This trend remains a key indicator, particularly as BlackRock controls the largest share of BTC among institutional investors.

Source: CryptoQuant

As of press time, this group held $67.56 billion worth of Bitcoin, reinforcing a bullish undercurrent that continues to influence other ETF participants in the market.

Notably, retail investors trading Bitcoin directly through centralized exchanges are also showing signs of renewed confidence.

Since the start of December, this group has consistently accumulated BTC week after week. Last week alone, purchases totaled approximately $891.61 billion, according to Glassnode.

While this reflects broader global retail investor behavior, it confirms sustained confidence in the asset class, marked by four consecutive weeks of consistent supply absorption.

Outlook remains uncertain
BlackRock may still expand its involvement with Bitcoin, as CEO Larry Fink has publicly shifted his stance on the cryptocurrency.

Fink, who previously described Bitcoin as an “index for money laundering” and a tool for “thieves,” had a change in perspective during a recent interview at the DealBook Summit 2025.

He noted that BTC now presents a “huge future use case,” signaling growing institutional openness. While the scope of these use cases remains unclear, the shift highlights a potential long-term opportunity for current investors.

Final Thoughts

Bitcoin’s ETF flows now reflect fragmentation rather than consensus. 
Traditional investors retreat from Bitcoin ETFs, though accumulation persists beneath the surface.

TLDR:

Delays in The Merge combined with SNARK advances prompted Ethereum to reconsider its eWASM strategy.

RISC-V architecture offers superior SNARK-friendliness compared to WebAssembly-based alternatives.

Multiple zkEVM implementations adopted RISC-V as standard, influencing Ethereum’s decision to pivot.

eWASM was originally planned to replace the flawed EVM before priorities shifted toward scalability.

Vitalik Buterin revealed the reasoning behind Ethereum’s abandonment of eWASM during a fireside chat at Pragma Taipei in April 2025. The Ethereum co-founder outlined how delays in The Merge combined with advances in SNARK technology necessitated the architectural shift. 

RISC-V emerged as the superior choice for ensuring SNARK-friendliness across the network. The transition marks a significant departure from the originally planned eWASM upgrade to replace the existing Ethereum Virtual Machine.

Technical Rationale Behind the Architecture Change
Buterin explained that eWASM was initially designed to address fundamental flaws in the current EVM. 

However, postponements in completing The Merge created an extended timeline that changed development priorities. During this period, zero-knowledge proof technology advanced rapidly across the ecosystem.

The rise of SNARKs introduced new requirements for virtual machine architecture. RISC-V demonstrated superior compatibility with zero-knowledge proof systems compared to WebAssembly-based alternatives. 

Multiple zkEVM implementations adopted RISC-V as their foundation, establishing it as an industry standard.

Buterin emphasized that SNARK-friendliness became the decisive factor in the architectural decision. The need for efficient zero-knowledge verification outweighed previous commitments to the WebAssembly ecosystem. 

RISC-V offers better performance characteristics for cryptographic operations essential to Ethereum’s scaling roadmap.

Broader Implications for Ethereum Development
The conversation with Partic at Pragma Taipei extended beyond virtual machine architecture to encompass developer tooling improvements. 

Standardization around libraries like uVM and Foundry has accelerated development cycles for new projects. Nevertheless, educational resources for Solidity remain incomplete and frequently outdated.

Buterin discussed potential enhancements to the EVM that complement the RISC-V transition. Modernizing the standard library could improve developer productivity across the ecosystem. 

Native integration of account abstraction would simplify wallet interactions and user onboarding processes.

Additionally, the discussion covered making oracles more native to the virtual machine architecture. 

Simplified access to Web2 APIs could bridge traditional and decentralized applications more effectively. These upgrades align with the RISC-V adoption by creating a more cohesive development environment.

The Ethereum Foundation’s role in guiding these technical transitions received attention during the conversation. 

Balancing infrastructure maintenance against building user-facing products requires strategic prioritization. Buterin acknowledged the challenges of accelerating protocol upgrades while incorporating community feedback effectively.

Cross-layer interoperability and light client servers represent additional areas requiring coordination alongside the virtual machine changes. 

The shift to RISC-V influences how these components interact within Ethereum’s expanding tech stack. Buterin concluded by noting that addressing market failures remains central to the foundation’s mission going forward.

Ethereum keeps grinding sideways, with weekly support holding but no clear breakout yet. Analysts say the next move likely depends on how ETH reacts at the major zones into 2026.

Ethereum Weekly Chart Flags 2026 Decision Zone After Support HoldsEthereum traded near $2,947 on the weekly ETHUSD chart as a market update from More Crypto Online said price still sits close to a larger structural support zone. The analyst said an upside response remains possible from this area, while warning that the market could still print one more low early next year before choosing a clearer direction.

Ethereum Weekly Elliott Wave Zones. Source: TradingView, More Crypto Online

The chart highlights a support band around $2,618, $2,252, and $1,818, levels shown as key Fibonacci references on the weekly structure. In the same view, Ethereum also sits below a nearby resistance cluster marked around $3,348 to $4,619, which frames the first major area price would need to reclaim to shift the broader setup.

Looking into 2026, the More Crypto Online post said the most important reference remains the resistance zone above, because the market’s reaction there would decide which larger scenario takes control. The analyst said both primary scenarios remain structurally valid for now, and the chart does not yet confirm that Ethereum has made its final decision.

The update added that probabilities will shift only when price action confirms behavior at the major zones. Instead of calling a direction today, the analyst said the current structure mainly defines conditions that could guide the next move as the market approaches 2026. Source: More Crypto Online on X, TradingView chart screenshot.

Ethereum Holds Range as 2026 Nears, Ted Pillows SaysEthereum stayed range bound on the daily ETH/USDT chart after failing to reclaim higher resistance bands marked on the setup shared by Ted Pillows. The post said ETH “has gone almost nowhere since yesterday,” while price hovered around the $2,940 area on Binance.

Ethereum Range Zones on ETH USDT Daily Chart. Source: Ted Pillows

The chart shows multiple overhead supply zones, with the nearest resistance bands drawn around the low $3,000s and another higher band near the mid $3,000s. At the same time, the lower green support zone sits below current price, stretching toward the high $2,000s and lower, which frames the downside area traders often watch if the range breaks.

Ted Pillows said Ethereum remains “stuck in a range” and suggested major volatility may not arrive until 2026 begins. The same chart maps several potential paths, including a push into resistance, a pullback to support, or continued sideways movement, while price remains trapped between the marked zones.

TLDR:

Midnight outpaces Bitcoin and Ethereum in weekly trending rankings.

NIGHT forms higher lows, showing post-breakout consolidation and strong support.

Search interest peaks as traders explore privacy-first DeFi infrastructure.

Integration with XRP, Bitcoin, and Cardano expands scalability and market visibility.

Midnight is trending above Bitcoin and Ethereum, attracting strong market attention. NIGHT shows steady consolidation and rising demand, reflecting growing interest in privacy-focused DeFi. 

Technical stability and search dominance indicate potential continued momentum for this emerging token.

Midnight Crypto Surpasses Giants to Capture Market Spotlight
Midnight  has surged to the top of trending rankings, surpassing Bitcoin and Ethereum for the week of December 20–26. The token, known as NIGHT, demonstrates how market interest is shifting toward privacy-first solutions.

Charles Hoskinson tweeted, “Just getting started. First CNA to trend above Bitcoin and Ethereum. Midnight makes what it touches better.” This signals that the market recognizes its potential impact across multiple chains.

Just getting started. First CNA to trend above Bitcoin and Ethereum. Midnight makes what it touches better. Adding Midnight to XRP DeFi is going to blow the legacy banks out of the water. Adding Midnight to Bitcoin gives the world Satoshi imagined possible. Adding Midnight to… https://t.co/TKO7scSNlM

— Charles Hoskinson (@IOHK_Charles) December 26, 2025

The token’s trending position indicates heightened visibility. Bitcoin and Ethereum have traditionally dominated attention, making NIGHT’s ranking notable. Market participants are increasingly seeking the next-generation infrastructure supporting confidential computation and private DeFi.

NIGHT’s rise is forming higher lows while maintaining a demand zone around $0.074–$0.076. Buyers appear to defend structure rather than abandoning positions.

Current price action between $0.086 and $0.089 demonstrates compression near resistance. Volatility is contracting, while momentum is gradually rebuilding. This technical formation often precedes upward movement following healthy consolidation.

The token’s visibility on platforms like Phemex reinforces its emerging position. NIGHT’s attention metrics confirm market interest is converting into active participation and potential adoption.

Technical Strength and Market Curiosity Drive Momentum
NIGHT’s technical setup shows clear post-breakout behavior. Following initial volatility, the token has absorbed selling pressure and established a solid base for accumulation. This behavior suggests sustained interest from early buyers.

The consolidation above the $0.074–$0.076 zone represents a structural support level. Price consistently bounced from this region, signaling demand and indicating confidence among market participants. Higher lows reflect gradual accumulation.

Search interest further confirms demand. NIGHT recently claimed the #1 spot on Phemex’s Weekly Most Searched Coins list, outperforming Bitcoin, Monad, and Aave. This demonstrates that traders and investors are actively exploring privacy-focused infrastructure.

Integration across multiple chains amplifies its potential. Charles Hoskinson noted Midnight’s impact on XRP DeFi, Bitcoin, and Cardano, emphasizing private, scalable DeFi as a core focus. This strengthens NIGHT’s narrative within next-generation blockchain solutions.

Investors monitoring technical and fundamental metrics may interpret current price compression as preparation for further upward movement. Alignment of visibility, demand, and market structure indicates strong participation ahead.

Solana spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs) made a notable entrance into the financial market, rapidly garnering investor interest and capital. This quick traction highlights a burgeoning confidence in Solana-based financial products as a viable addition to the ETF landscape. As these funds gained momentum with substantial early inflows and increased liquidity, their introduction marks a significant development for investors looking towards new digital asset opportunities. The rise of Solana ETFs could alter the dynamics of cryptocurrency investment, challenging existing players and expanding choices for portfolio diversification.

The launch of Solana ETFs, despite occurring late in the year, quickly captured the attention of market participants due to the combination of strong brand recognition and the increasing popularity of blockchain technology. Solana, known for its fast transaction speeds and low-cost fees, offers an attractive alternative to Ethereum, making its ETFs a compelling option for investors seeking exposure to the cryptocurrency market. The ETFs experienced a robust inflow of capital, underscoring investor confidence in Solana’s potential to deliver promising returns. According to market analysts, this rapid uptake may signal a broader acceptance of cryptocurrency ETFs as mainstream investment vehicles.

The emergence of Solana ETFs fits into a larger trend of growing adoption of cryptocurrency-based investment products. Over the past few years, Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs have paved the way, gradually building investor trust and regulatory acceptance. Solana’s entry into the ETF market leverages the groundwork laid by its predecessors, benefiting from the increasing institutional interest in digital assets. The entry of Solana ETFs could further democratize access to cryptocurrency investments, providing a regulated and simplified method for investors to gain exposure to Solana without directly purchasing the asset.

Despite the promising start, Solana ETFs face certain challenges that could impact their long-term success. Regulatory scrutiny remains a significant concern as financial authorities continue to grapple with the implications of cryptocurrency products. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and other global regulators are likely to maintain a close watch on these funds to ensure compliance with established financial norms and investor protection standards. Any regulatory changes could alter the landscape for Solana ETFs, potentially affecting their accessibility and appeal.

Moreover, competition within the ETF market is fierce. With established ETFs backed by Bitcoin and Ethereum already securing significant market shares, Solana ETFs must differentiate themselves to attract sustained investment. The competitive pressure may drive fund managers to innovate and develop unique features or strategies to capture investor attention, such as offering lower fees or enhanced exposure mechanisms. As the ETF market evolves, Solana ETFs will need to navigate these competitive and regulatory challenges to maintain their growth trajectory.

Market participants are keenly observing the performance of Solana ETFs as they enter 2026. Analysts anticipate that their success could pave the way for more diversified cryptocurrency ETF offerings, encouraging other blockchain projects to explore similar financial products. The forthcoming months will be crucial in determining whether Solana ETFs can maintain their initial momentum and establish a lasting presence in the market.

Looking ahead, the potential expansion of Solana ETFs hinges on several key factors. Investors and fund managers will closely monitor regulatory developments and their impact on the broader cryptocurrency ETF market. Additionally, the ongoing adoption and technical advancements of the Solana blockchain itself will play a crucial role in supporting the funds’ credibility and attractiveness. As the financial landscape becomes increasingly digital, Solana ETFs represent a pivotal moment in the evolution of cryptocurrency investments, offering both opportunities and challenges as they seek to redefine traditional investing paradigms.

In summary, the late 2025 debut of Solana spot ETFs marks a significant milestone in the ongoing integration of digital assets into mainstream financial markets. With strong initial demand and the potential for broadening acceptance, these funds are positioned to influence the future of cryptocurrency investments. However, their journey is fraught with regulatory challenges and competitive pressures that will require strategic navigation by fund managers and stakeholders. As the world of finance continues to evolve, Solana ETFs will be an important development to watch, promising both innovation and complexity in the intersection of technology and investment.

Post Views: 10

The crypto market was quiet and range-bound this week.

However, legacy markets saw notable inflows into safe-haven assets, with gold, silver, and platinum rising in tandem, raising investor concerns about economic stress and keeping risk assets under pressure.

Despite this, select assets still managed to outperform the broader market.

Canton [CC] — Smart-contract platform delivering back-to-back gains
Canton [CC] topped this week’s gainers chart with a solid 20% rally, making this weekly run a strong FOMO-trigger. For context, CC has been on a roll lately with back-to-back weekly gains, averaging 20% per week.

Naturally, the question remains: Is it too much too soon? From a technical perspective, the RSI on CC’s daily chart still shows room to run, with no overextension signal yet. Supporting this is CC’s strong bullish conviction.

The week began with a 9% dip, which, following last week’s 37% rally, could have easily triggered panic selling. Yet, a 13% rebound over the next few days reinforced CC’s bid support.

Source: TradingView (CC/USDT)

Notably, this follow-through pushed CC past the $0.117 resistance zone. 

Additionally, AMBCrypto recently highlighted strong spot accumulation driving this rally. With both technical and on-chain support, Canton looks poised for another strong week, potentially targeting the $0.12 level next.

Zcash [ZEC] — Privacy token reached a key inflection point
Zcash [ZEC] was the second-biggest weekly winner with a 17% pop. Looking at the weekly chart, this move looks like a classic accumulation phase, especially after ZEC’s big November sell-off.

For context, ZEC posted a 60%+ decline, wiping out all previous month gains. Remarkably, 100% of these losses occurred in just three weekly candles, a classic HODLer sell-off.

Given this setup, ZEC’s back-to-back uptrend appears to be solid accumulation, confirming $300 as the base. If this trend holds, a breakout toward the $600 zone could be closer than expected.

DASH [DASH] — Digital coin showed much-needed bullish momentum
DASH [DASH] grabbed third place among weekly gainers with a 16% bounce, tracking close to ZEC. That said, unlike ZEC, this move doesn’t yet look like full accumulation.

Technically, DASH just printed its first green weekly close after six straight red weeks, dropping from the $150 November high to around $44. That kind of drawdown makes a confirmed bottom too early to call.

For now, $50 is the key level. A clean break and hold there keeps momentum alive. If bulls can defend higher levels over the next few weeks, DASH may start shaping a proper bottom and a potential trend reversal.

Other notable winners
Outside the majors, altcoin rockets stole the spotlight this week.

Islamic Coin [ISLM] led the charge with a 143% jump, followed by NUMINE Token [NUM] climbing 101%, and Apro [AT] rounding out the leaderboard with a 75% gain.

Weekly losers
Pippin [PIPPIN] — Digital currency ran into resistance this week
Pippin [PIPPIN] topped this week’s losers chart with a 10% dip. Notably, this marks an extremely volatile week for PIPPIN, which started bullish but ended on a bearish note.

Looking at its daily chart, PIPPIN remains caught in a tight bull-versus-bear zone. The week began with a 15% dip following its breakout past the $0.50 resistance, but a 28% rebound the next day reinforced bid support.

Momentum, however, was short-lived. 

Over the next two days, PIPPIN posted another 11% rally, bringing the mid-week total gain to 20%. Yet, with the weekly close at -10%, the end of the week saw a massive sell-off, highlighting strong bearish pressure.

Source: TradingView (PIPPIN/USDT)

Looking at on-chain data, this drop wasn’t just random. 

Instead, as AMBCrypto noted, there was a huge leverage sweep, with PIPPIN’s Open Interest (OI) spiking over 90%. With the price now back at $0.40, a return of bullish activity could set up a classic reset scenario. 

Otherwise, a deeper correction back to $0.35 cannot be ruled out.

XDC Network [XDC] — Blockchain’s bullish momentum faced scrutiny
XDC Network [XDC] ended up as one of the bigger weekly losers based on daily price action. While the broader weekly trend still looks bullish, the late-week push has clearly put that momentum to the test.

XDC popped about 12% early in the week, tagging the $0.05 level. It is a zone it’s failed to clear five times since November, making it a stubborn resistance.

The rejection didn’t take long. 

A 4% drop on the 27th of December after hitting that level brought sellers back in, and a small follow-up dip kept pressure on price. If this weakness carries over, XDC could stay on the defensive heading into next week.

MYX Finance [MYX] — DeFi platform tested crucial price zones
MYX Finance [MYX] landed third among the week’s biggest losers. With the way price has been moving, the similarities to XDC are pretty clear, putting MYX firmly on the watchlist.

MYX showed some early strength, pushing back toward $3.8, but the breakout never came. Instead, price faded back to $3.5, which looks a lot like the early-December move that eventually dragged MYX down to $2.90.

That $3.8 zone continues to be the level to beat. If price gets rejected there again, longs look high-risk, and the next few weeks will likely decide whether MYX stabilizes or rolls over further.

Other notable losers
In the broader market, downside volatility hit hard.

Legacy Token [LGCT] led the losers with a steep 72% drop, followed by Infrared Finance [IR] falling 55%, and FLOW [FLOW] slipping 32% as momentum sharply cooled.

Conclusion
This week was a rollercoaster. Big pumps, sharp dips, and nonstop action. As always, stay sharp, do your own research, and trade smart.

Final Thoughts

Canton [CC], Zcash [ZEC], DASH [DASH] led the week in gains.
Pippin [PIPPIN], XDC Network [XDC], MYX Finance [MYX] saw significant declines.

Hyperliquid has marked the end of 2025 with $844 million in revenue from trading activities, alongside a total trading volume of $2.95 trillion. The decentralized exchange has also added more than 600,000 new users to its trading platform since January this year.

Hyperliquid, a decentralized crypto exchange platform that operates on its own blockchain, has concluded the year boasting 600k new users and $844 million in revenue. The exchange recorded inflows worth $3.87 billion and achieved a total trading volume of $2.95 trillion. 

The DEX averaged about $8.34 billion per day and about $347.34 million every hour. Throughout the year, spot trading volume on the exchange reached $116.80 billion, while that of HIP-3 trading activities amounted to $11.01 billion.

Hyperliquid’s perps generate $848.33m in trading fees

🚨 HYPERLIQUID ADDS 600K+ USERS IN 2025

According to ASXN Data, Hyperliquid added ~609,700 new users in 2025, hitting $2.95T in cumulative volume, $844M in revenue, $3.87B in net inflows, and $4.15B TVL. pic.twitter.com/h1UIAdacGR

— Coin Bureau (@coinbureau) December 28, 2025

Data from Hyperscreener, a Hyperliquid data dashboard and analytics platform, shows that perpetual contracts generated the most fees, amounting to $848.33 million. Spot fees totaled $40.61 million while HLP transactions yielded $19.10 million in fees for the ecosystem. Perpetual contracts still led the platform’s revenue streams, bringing $808.54 million, while Spot contracts generated $35.25 million in total revenue the entire year.

The exchange facilitated 198.9 billion transactions since January, with a daily average of 561.7 million transactions and 23.4 million transactions every hour. Perpetual contracts represented the majority of these transactions, accounting for $ 174.3 billion, while Spot contracts followed far behind with only $ 22.6 billion in transactions. HIP-3 transactions accounted for the least amount of executed orders, with only 1.9 billion transactions.

Data from the analytics platform shows that Hyperliquid’s builder ecosystem peaked at 289.8k users with $46.27 million in revenue and 187 active builders. BasedApp ranked first among the top builders on Hyperliquid, with a volume of $35.18 billion and 35.4k users, followed by Phantom and PVP.Trade with volumes of $23.05 billion and $13.27 billion, respectively. Phantom ended the year with about 81.7k users while PvP.Trade had 19.5k users. Bitget claimed the tenth position with a volume of $2.53 billion and a little over 10k users.

The data from Hyperscreener also highlighted that the DEX had introduced global equities such as Apple, Nvidia, Amazon, Google, and Tesla through its HIP-3 protocol. Nvidia was the most traded HIP-3 listing with $1.73 billion in trading volume. Tesla and Google followed with $1.15 billion and $1.04 billion, respectively. 

Bitcoin tops the list as the most-traded cryptocurrency on Hyperliquid
Bitcoin was the most-traded digital asset on the platform, with a trading volume of $1.16 trillion. Ethereum and Solana trail behind with $824.61 billion and $269.94 billion in trading volume, respectively. 

According to data from CoinMarketCap, Hyperliquid’s native cryptocurrency, HYPE, is currently trading at $25.86. The digital asset is up by 7.64% in the last seven days and ranks 14th on CoinMarketCap’s list of the largest cryptocurrencies by market cap.

The news comes after the DEX denied claims of insider trading on December 22 and urged that open short positions on HYPE originated from a former employee. The DEX also claimed that team members and current employees are banned from trading the DEX’s native token. 

Cryptopolitan reported that the alleged insider position was valued at $25,140 and involved the short sale of 1,000 HYPE shares. The report emphasized that the position was too small to have a significant impact on the market by introducing additional volatility. The report also highlighted that the insider owns 2.5 million HYPE in the spot market and has consistently held despite HYPE’s poor performance and the overall crypto meltdown.

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Michael Saylor, the executive chairman of Strategy and corporate America’s most relentless Bitcoin bull, has dropped his favorite cryptic hint: "Back to Orange."

In the lore of MicroStrategy’s treasury reserve strategy, an orange dot represents a confirmed Bitcoin purchase execution.

The visual comes from the company's public portfolio tracker, where every single tranche of Bitcoin acquired by the firm is plotted as a discrete orange point.

HOT Stories

The reveal typically happens on Monday morning before the market opens. 

MicroStrategy files a Form 8-K with the SEC or issues a press release confirming the acquisition.

The next batch of dots has been bought but not yet plotted.

Large purchase, little impact As reported by U.Today, Strategy recently skipped a Bitcoin purchase, disappointing the jaded market. 

Prior to this, however, it announced several mammoth BTC buys that still failed to lift the price. 

Even if Saylor does announce a significant Bitcoin purchase, it is unlikely to move the market.  A $1 billion buy spread over a week represents a small fraction of total turnover. It is significant, but often not enough to reverse a broader macro trend if the rest of the important players are selling.

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Large portions of these trades happen over-the-counter (OTC). This volume doesn't immediately hit the "spot" price you see on exchanges.

Giustra's anti-MSTR predictionIn a recent social media post, Canadian billionaire Frank Giustra has suggested that MicroStrategy might be forced to "unwind" its Bitcoin stack to pay back its loans.

"It may or may not happen, but if it does, it will cause a real sell-off in Bitcoin," he said.

Bitcoin (BTC) has outperformed gold and silver by several orders of magnitude since 2015, racking up a 27,701% gain, compared to silver’s 405% gain and gold’s 283% appreciation during the same period, according to author and analyst Adam Livingston. 

“Even ignoring the first six years of Bitcoin's existence, for the crybabies who whine about the timeframe comparison, gold and silver drastically underperform the apex asset,” Livingston said in an X post.

Gold advocate Peter Schiff, one of Bitcoin’s harshest critics, chimed in, telling Livingston that he should compare these assets over the last four years instead of 10. “Times have changed. Bitcoin's time has passed,” Schiff said.

The price performance of Bitcoin compared to gold and silver since 2015. Source: Adam LivingstonMatt Golliher, the co-founder of the Bitcoin wealth management company Orange Horizon Wealth, responded that commodity prices tend to “converge” toward production costs over the long term.

“When the price increases, production of it increases, inflating the supply faster and bringing the price back down. Unless, of course, it has a fixed supply,” Golliher said.

“There are now sources of gold and silver that were not profitable to bring to market a year ago that are now quite profitable at current prices,” he added.

The debate between precious metals advocates and Bitcoiners over which asset is a better long-term store of value continues to flare up, as precious metals experience a historic surge in prices, while BTC stalls and the US dollar declines by 10% against major fiat currencies.

The price of gold hit a new all-time high of about $4,533 per ounce in 2025, and silver, which is not shown, also hit an all-time high of nearly $80 per ounce in 2025. Source: TradingViewThe US dollar is ending 2025 on a bad note, and Fed easing policy will drive scarce assets higher The US dollar is on track for its worst year in a decade, according to media host Ethan Ralph, who cited a near 10% drop in the US Dollar Index (DXY) in 2025.

The DXY tracks the strength of the dollar relative to a basket of major fiat currencies, including the euro, Japanese yen, British pound, the Canadian dollar, Swedish krona and the Swiss franc.

The DXY dropped by nearly 10% in 2025. Source: BarchartThe declining value of the dollar and inflationary monetary policy from the United States Federal Reserve will be a positive catalyst for scarce asset prices, including gold, silver, and BTC, according to analyst Arthur Hayes.

Magazine: Get Bitcoin or die tryin’: Why hip hop stars love crypto

TLDR:

Bitcoin funding rates stay positive but well below extreme levels seen in previous market cycles
Absence of negative funding during pullbacks shows lack of panic-driven short positioning behavior
Current leverage environment appears balanced with no signs of crowded positioning among traders
Market structure suggests neutral to moderately constructive outlook with limited liquidation risk

Bitcoin funding rates currently remain positive across both short-term and long-term periods, showing that long positions dominate the derivatives market. 

However, these levels stay well below historically extreme zones. This suggests leverage remains controlled rather than excessive. The current funding rate structure points to a more balanced trading environment compared to previous market cycles. 

Market observers note the absence of aggressive positioning that typically precedes major price corrections.

Derivatives Market Shows Balanced Positioning
The derivatives market does not exhibit characteristics of overheating, according to cryptoquant analyst KriptoCenneti’s assessment. 

The current funding rate environment differs markedly from previous market cycles when elevated rates persisted for extended periods. 

During past rallies, sharply elevated funding rates often reflected aggressive long positioning among traders. These periods frequently preceded both local and macro market tops.

In contrast, the present structure reveals a more measured approach to leverage deployment. Long positions maintain dominance, yet the degree of leverage employed remains moderate.

Source: cryptoquant

This balance reduces the risk of sudden, forced liquidation events that can trigger sharp price movements.

Additionally, funding rates have not flipped deeply negative during recent price pullbacks. This behavior demonstrates a lack of panic-driven short positioning across the market. 

The absence of persistent negative funding also indicates short sellers have not gained strong control over price direction.

Neutral to Constructive Market Outlook Emerges
From a derivatives perspective, the market exhibits long bias without excessive leverage accumulation. 

Analysis shows no clear evidence of crowded positioning among traders. This reduces the immediate risk of both long and short squeeze scenarios.

The current funding rate behavior suggests price action is not driven by unstable leverage dynamics. 

This reduces the probability of a sharp, leverage-induced drawdown in the near term. Market structure appears more stable compared to periods when funding rates spike dramatically.

Furthermore, the market leans neutral to moderately constructive based solely on funding rate analysis. No strong evidence supports an imminent bearish reversal at present. 

However, a shift toward persistently elevated funding rates would be required to signal rising downside risk. 

Limited risk of immediate forced liquidation events provides some stability to current price levels.

Journalist

Posted: December 28, 2025

AI and crypto are becoming one and the same thing, thanks to the recent partnerships in the sector.

On that note, BEAT rose by 17% in the last 24 hours, though the daily trading volume slipped by 25%. The volume accounted for about $45.96 million when writing.

What’s driving the price of BEAT today?
The price rally was driven by users alongside fundamentals. As per data from Audiera Finance, the total registered wallets surpassed the 5 million mark, while weekly active wallets were at 168,490.

Additionally, the circulating supply was reduced last week by 193,590, taking the total burned tokens to 480,760. This created a buying effect on the altcoin now that it had reversed back up.

Source: Audiera Finance

Furthermore, there was an airdrop sell-off exhaustion, which reduced capital outflow. The post-airdrop stabilization reduced immediate supply.

Bulls push BEAT’s price as bears retaliate
On the charts, Audiera’s [BEAT] price was stabilizing above $1.50 after hitting a high of $4.80. The $1.50 zone has held its price since the start of December.

The Stochastic Momentum Index reading was at 51, which meant bulls were strong. That way, price was pushing toward the resistance at $2.835.

When writing, the price was consolidating around $2.235. Breaking above the $2.8 — $3 zone would mean BEAT heading toward levels above $4. Conversely, bears could force a move back to the $1.50 support.

Source: TradingView

However, the Long/Short Ratio Accounts reading was at 0.91. This indicated that bulls were likely entering the market for profit-taking, while bears may have retaliated.

Looking ahead, liquidity and token unlocks could define BEAT’s price trajectory.

Buy liquidity meets token unlocks
The Aggregated Orderbook Liquidity Delta Chart showed a spike to over $600K. This buy liquidity was a recovery from the negative reading that was seen in the past three days when the price started declining.

Buyer volume often leads to prices pushing up, while the sale results in the opposite direction.

For the Futures trading, the order book liquidity delta was negative on Binance. This sell-side liquidity contrasted the aforementioned bullishness. That meant that there was a possibility of a price drop.

Source: CoinGlass

As that was not enough, there was another looming sell pressure. Next week, about $44 million in BEAT will be unlocked, increasing the circulating supply. This elicits selling sentiment from holders.

However, the burning mechanism of the Audiera team could help keep the BEAT token from selling off.

Altogether, BEAT price seemed destined for further appreciation, though more bullish signs needed to align.

Final Thoughts

BEAT rises more than 17% in 24 hours, driven by token burns and user involvement in the web3 dance game token. 
BEAT price was stabilizing above $1.50, though the upcoming token unlocks could spark a sell-off that could lead to a breakdown. 

AMLBot data shows USDT issuer Tether's freezes were roughly 30 times larger than USDC by value and address count.

A new on-chain study published by the AMLBot team shows that Tether has frozen more than $3.29 billion in USDT across the Ethereum and Tron blockchains between 2023 and 2025, blacklisting 7,268 addresses in the process.

The findings highlighted a sharp contrast with Circle’s USDC, which froze $109 million across just 372 addresses during the same period, pointing to two very different enforcement philosophies shaping the stablecoin market.

Two Distinct Paths for Stablecoin Policing
AMLBot’s data, shared this month alongside an updated Dune dashboard, painted a clear picture of scale. USDT freezes outpaced USDC by roughly 30 times in both address count and value. Much of that difference came from Tron, where there’s $1.75 billion in USDT sitting in blacklisted wallets, reflecting the network’s heavy use in Asia, peer-to-peer markets, and cross-border settlements.

Tether’s model centers on frequent coordination with authorities. The issuer works with more than 275 law enforcement agencies across 59 jurisdictions and can restrict wallets not only after court orders, but also following notifications tied to hacks or ongoing probes.

In July 2024 alone, USDT freezes topped $130 million, including $29.6 million on Tron, linked to Cambodia’s sanctioned Huione Group. Social media reactions at the time were mixed, with some users praising faster victim recovery while others warned about the reach of centralized issuers.

A distinctive feature of USDT is its burn-and-reissue process. After an investigation, frozen tokens can be destroyed and replaced with clean ones sent back to victims or authorities. AMLBot’s report noted notable burn activity in late 2025, with single-month totals above $25 million.

Still, the same system has drawn criticism. In April 2025, a Texas-based firm sued Tether after $44.7 million was frozen at the request of Bulgarian police, arguing proper international procedures were not followed.

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Circle’s approach stands in contrast, with USDC freezes often following explicit legal or regulatory triggers such as court orders or sanctions listings. On-chain data shows fewer events that arrive in batches rather than a steady flow. Once an address is blocked, funds remain locked until legal clearance is granted, with no burn-and-reissue option.

Why the Divide Matters for Stablecoin Adoption
The timing of this report is notable as Circle pushes deeper into regulated markets. Earlier in the month, the firm announced a wide-ranging partnership with Bybit to make USDC a default stablecoin across the exchange’s trading, payments, and savings products. The strategy leans heavily on predictability and compliance, traits institutions often favor.

At the same time, recent incidents underscore the value of rapid intervention. After a trader lost nearly $50 million in USDT to an address-poisoning scam a few days ago, former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao renewed calls for wallet-level protections and shared blacklists. Episodes like this explain why some users view Tether’s hands-on posture as a practical defense, even as privacy concerns persist.

The data shows that stablecoin enforcement is no longer a niche topic, given that these tokens are moving further into everyday finance, meaning that the balance between user protection, legal certainty, and centralized control will remain one of the industry’s most contested questions heading into the new year.

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Jan van Eck, CEO of global investment firm VanEck, has given Ethereum (ETH) a major institutional boost, dubbing it ‘the Wall Street token’ and highlighting its central role in bridging traditional finance with blockchain innovation.

Van Eck highlighted Ethereum’s crucial role in stablecoin transactions, positioning it as essential for banks and financial firms bracing for a surge in digital payments.

Notably, he emphasized Ethereum’s unique infrastructure for this growing demand. His remarks come as the stablecoin market surpasses $280 billion in total supply.

By calling Ethereum Wall Street’s digital backbone, the CEO highlights a pivotal shift in which traditional finance now sees Ethereum not just as a speculative asset but as a programmable platform with smart contracts and a thriving developer ecosystem, tools reshaping banking and asset management.

Ethereum Eyes $2,400 as Head and Shoulders Pattern Emerges
Ethereum, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency, shows early technical signs of a potential decline, says market analyst Ali Martinez. ETH appears to be forming a classic head-and-shoulders pattern, a signal often linked to trend reversals, suggesting a possible drop toward the $2,400 level.

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Source: Ali Martinez
Well, the head-and-shoulders pattern, three peaks with a higher central ‘head’ between two lower ‘shoulders, ‘signals weakening bullish momentum and a potential bearish shift once the price breaks the ‘neckline.’

For Ethereum, Martinez notes the pattern is in its final stage, pointing to a possible decisive move soon.

He acknowledges that the $2,400 level could become a key pivot for Ethereum. With ETH hinting at a potential head-and-shoulders pattern, the coming days will be decisive for its short-term trajectory, even as the current price hovers around $2,927, per CoinGecko data.

Meanwhile, Ethereum recently rallied 8.5% in one of its strongest monthly sessions, fueled by a surge in whale accumulation and renewed institutional flows. Santiment data reveals whales added roughly 934,240 ETH, valued at $3.15 billion, over the past three weeks, signaling a decisive shift in market sentiment.

Bitcoin (BTC) has had a muted Christmas, slipping below the key psychological level of $90,000 and cooling year-end optimism across the crypto market. 

According to market analyst Ali Martinez, Bitcoin is consolidating around the mid-$88,000 range, signaling rising market indecision. This sideways price action points to a clear “wait-and-see” phase, where neither bulls nor bears have gained decisive control, leaving the next major move unresolved.

Well, the $90,000 level has long served as a key psychological threshold for Bitcoin, and slipping below it has dampened short-term sentiment, especially among retail traders who often view such levels as signals of market strength. However, consolidation beneath resistance is not inherently bearish.

Historically, Bitcoin has often paused to build liquidity and momentum after major moves, particularly during periods of macroeconomic uncertainty and shifting investor expectations. At its current price of $87,423, according to CoinGecko, this sideways action may reflect stabilization rather than weakness.

Bitcoin on Track for Weakest Q4 in 7 Years as Price Slides 22%
According to on-chain market analyst Coin Bureau, Bitcoin is on track for its weakest fourth-quarter performance in seven years, challenging the long-held belief that Q4 is typically Bitcoin’s strongest period and fueling renewed investor concern.

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Per Coinglass data, Bitcoin is down 22.54% on a monthly basis this quarter, an unusual break from its historically strong year-end performance. The last time Q4 showed similar weakness was in 2018, when Bitcoin plunged 42.16% amid the depths of the post-bull-market crash.

Notably, Coin Bureau highlights that Bitcoin’s weakness stems from macro uncertainty, reduced risk appetite, and subdued speculation, as rising global interest rates, tighter liquidity, and persistent inflation continue to pressure risk assets, including cryptocurrencies, this year.

Meanwhile, spot Bitcoin ETFs saw $188.6 million in outflows on December 23, marking a fourth consecutive day of withdrawals as institutional investors reduce exposure ahead of the Christmas holiday, according to SoSoValue.

Sun, 28/12/2025 - 15:30

Robinhood's $500,000 DOGE drop sparked an instant "now do BTC" tag at CEO Vlad Tenev, and his reply added fuel as Bitcoin trades near $88,000 into New Year's.

Cover image via youtu.be

On New Year's Eve, the major U.S. brokerage firm Robinhood pulled an attention-grabbing stunt by dropping $500,000 worth of Dogecoin. The market immediately tried to turn it into a Bitcoin story.

The announcement's effectiveness lies in its simplicity: Robinhood handed out $500,000 worth of DOGE. The community then tagged the CEO of Robinhood, Vlad Tenev, with the message "Now do BTC," turning a meme coin drop into a public dare aimed at Tenev with Bitcoin as the next move.

What made it stick this time is that Tenev acknowledged the Bitcoin framing. His reaction is laconic, but it is rare enough in this context that market enthusiasts interpret it as an acknowledgement that talk of BTC is reaching him rather than just circulating in the crypto X community. This matters in the final months of the year, when everyone is looking for signs that go beyond a single giveaway.

Bitcoin also happens to be sitting at a level where narratives catch on easily. On the daily BTCUSDT chart, the price of the cryptocurrency is holding at around $87,989, with the mid-Bollinger line at around $88,565 acting as a key resistance level.

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What's up with Bitcoin price?At the same time, the upper band is around $92,473 and the lower band is near $84,657. This defines the range, and the market is essentially waiting for a catalyst to determine its next move.

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New Year does that. The calendar change brings in new positioning and fills up the social feed with talk of big numbers. A CEO being tagged to "do $BTC" is exactly the kind of low-effort spark that can make a sleepy $88,000 market feel like a story again.

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Cover image via U.Today

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Cardano outperformed the rest of the major cryptocurrencies with a 7% surge. Altcoins posted broader gains in quiet Sunday trading as the markets considered a surge in precious metals. Bitcoin held a tight range near $88,000, with several major altcoins posting stronger gains.

At the time of writing, ADA was trading at $0.37, having reached an intraday high of $0.376 after rising for two straight days since Dec. 26. Cardano has reversed a three-day drop in the past week spanning from Dec. 23 to 25 as traders turned risk-off in quiet pre-holiday trading.

ADA/USD Daily Chart, Courtesy: TradingView Thin liquidity and position resetting into late December have amplified moves around obvious technical levels, with the crypto market now anticipating an end-of-the-year breakout.

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Despite this, broader risk appetite has largely faded with price action for major cryptocurrencies remaining choppy into year-end. Rebound attempts across the markets have not shown consistent follow-through, and that lack of momentum has kept speculative corners under pressure.

Cardano (ADA) breakout?With just three days to the close of 2025, expectations still remain for last-minute market moves.

The market is still on the lookout for a "Santa Claus" rally, which would allow prices to rise in the last five trading days of the year and the first two of the new one.

However, time seems not to be on the side of the bulls, with Cardano already down 10.97% so far in December, poised for its fourth red month since August.

Crucial resistance levels lie ahead of bulls in order to secure the much-needed breakout: $0.427, which coincides with the daily MA 50, and the daily MA 200 at $0.665. Support lies at $0.34.

According to CoinGecko, Cardano is down 57.3% on a one-year basis. 2025 may end with prices in the red, the year still pulled in real institutional adoption and set the groundwork for 2026’s next phase of real activation.

In a recent report, Galaxy revealed 26 crypto, Bitcoin, DeFi and AI predictions for 2026. Galaxy predicts more than 50 spot altcoin ETFs and another 50 crypto ETFs (excluding spot single-coin products) will launch in the U.S. Expectations are in place for a Cardano ETF in 2026, with related filings under review by the SEC.