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NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

TORONTO, Dec. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Copper Road Resources Inc. (TSX-V: CRD) ("Copper Road Resources" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed the first tranche (the “First Tranche”) of its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the “Offering”) consisting of the sale of 9,952,447 flow-through units ( the “FT Units”) at a price of $0.045 per FT Unit and 2,435,000 hard-dollar units (the “Units”) at a price of $0.04 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $545,260.

Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company and one common share purchase warrant (each, a “Warrant”). Each FT Unit consists of one common share and one Warrant of the Company each to be issued as a “flow-through share” within the meaning of subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada). Each Warrant shall entitle the holder to purchase one common share of the Company at a price of $0.05 at any time on or before that date which is 18 months after the date of issuance.

The gross proceeds from the sale of the FT Units will be used to incur eligible “Canadian exploration expenses” that qualify as “flow-through critical mineral mining expenditures” as both terms are defined in Income Tax Act (Canada)(“Qualifying Expenditures”). All Qualifying Expenditures will be renounced in favour of the subscribers of the FT Units effective December 31, 2025. It is anticipated that the proceeds from the sale of FT Units will be used for exploration of the Ben Nevis Project or on the Company’s other Ontario properties.

A certain officer of the Company subscribed for an aggregate of 222,222 FT Units under the Offering which participation constitutes a “related party transaction” within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is relying on an exemption from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to section 5.5(a) and section 5.7(1)(a), as the fair market value of the participation is not more than 25% of the Company's market capitalization.

Completion of the Offering is subject to receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. In connection with the First Tranche, the Company has agreed to pay a cash commission in the aggregate of $40,120 to eligible finders and to issue 762,862 finder warrants each exercisable for a common share of the Company at a price of $0.05 for a period of 18 months. The securities issued pursuant to the Offering will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance in accordance with applicable securities laws.

The securities have not been, and will not be, registered under the Unites States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”), or any U.S. state security laws, and may not be offered or sold in the Unites States without registration under the U.S. Securities Act and all applicable state securities laws or compliance with requirements of an applicable exemption therefrom. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the Unites States, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

The second tranche of the Offering is expected to close on or about December 30, 2025.

For further information, please contact:
Brian Howlett, CPA
President and CEO
Copper Road Resources Inc.
[email protected]
www.copperroadresources.ca
1-647-227-3035

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) have reviewed or accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking information that involves substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, most of which are beyond the control of Copper Road Resources. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe Copper Road Resource’s future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that Copper Road Resources or its management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "estimates", "may", "could", "would", "will", or "plan". Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to Copper Road Resources, the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, the Company’s objectives, goals or future plans, statements regarding the Offering, completion and timing of closing of the second tranche of the Offering, regulatory approvals, intended use of proceeds of the Offering and tax treatment of the Offering. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, failure or inability to complete the Offering on disclosed terms or at all, regulatory approval processes, failure to identify mineral resources, delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required governmental, regulatory, environmental or other project approvals, political risks, inability to fulfill the duty to accommodate First Nations and other indigenous peoples, uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, changes in equity markets, inflation, changes in exchange rates, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in the development of projects, capital and operating costs varying significantly from estimates and the other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, and those risks set out in the Company’s public documents filed on SEDAR. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Copper Road Resources disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.

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Home Altcoins News Arthur Hayes Reduces Ethereum Holdings, Boosts Stablecoin Portfolio

Arthur Hayes Reduces Ethereum Holdings, Boosts Stablecoin Portfolio

Jean-Luc Maracon

December 24, 2025

Arthur Hayes, a co-founder of the cryptocurrency exchange BitMEX, has been actively offloading Ethereum (ETH) holdings throughout December, channeling funds towards stablecoins. This shift in his investment strategy has drawn attention from market observers, as it marks a significant reallocation within his portfolio. According to data from Lookonchain, a platform that monitors blockchain transactions, Hayes recently sold around 682 ETH on Binance, valued at approximately $2 million, opting instead to invest in decentralized finance (DeFi) tokens. This activity aligns with a broader pattern seen in Hayes’s transactions, suggesting a strategic pivot in his asset holdings, which may impact market dynamics by reflecting reduced confidence in ETH or an opportunistic move towards undervalued assets.

In the past week, reports indicate Hayes has disposed of approximately 1,871 ETH, amounting to about $5.53 million. This capital was redirected into purchasing DeFi tokens such as ENA, PENDLE, and ETHFI. Lookonchain’s analysis detailed these transactions, highlighting Hayes’s focus on acquiring these specific assets despite their significant price declines of 80-90% this year. His strategy appears to be predicated on the belief that these tokens, which are currently low-priced, could yield substantial returns if market conditions improve.

Hayes’s investment decisions have been publicly shared on his social media platforms, where he has articulated a strategy of rotating out of Ethereum in favor of what he describes as “high-quality” DeFi projects. This strategic transition is supported by data from Arkham, which reveals a considerable reduction in his ETH holdings. Hayes’s Ethereum reserves have diminished significantly, from 16,000 ETH in 2022 to just 3,160 ETH as of now, indicating sales exceeding 3,440 ETH since November.

In conjunction with this reduction in Ethereum, there has been a marked increase in Hayes’s stablecoin reserves. His current portfolio heavily leans towards USDC, constituting over 60% of its total value. The Arkham data suggests that Hayes’s USDC holdings surged from $1 million to nearly $48 million since mid-November. This substantial acquisition of stablecoins occurred during a period when market sentiment fluctuated between fear and extreme fear, potentially signaling Hayes’s readiness to capitalize on future market downturns or a shift towards a more conservative stance amid market volatility.

Hayes’s previous forecasts included a bold prediction of Ethereum reaching $20,000, asserting that owning 50 ETH could result in millionaire status by the next U.S. presidential election. These statements reflect his historically bullish stance on Ethereum, yet current actions demonstrate a recalibration of his investment approach.

The re-allocation of Hayes’s portfolio underscores the fluid nature of cryptocurrency markets and investor sentiment. As a prominent figure with substantial holdings, his decisions could influence market perceptions and investor behavior. With stablecoins now dominating his assets, Hayes’s portfolio adjustments might also reflect a strategic positioning ahead of anticipated market shifts.

Going forward, market participants will likely scrutinize Hayes’s moves for further indications of broader trends or shifts in market sentiment. The emphasis on stablecoins could suggest confidence in their ability to provide liquidity in uncertain times, or it might be a preparatory measure for future investments. Observers will continue to watch for any further changes or announcements from Hayes that might provide additional insights into his long-term market outlook.

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Jean-Luc Maracon

Jean-Luc Maracon is a French-Swiss expert in decentralized finance, known for his sharp analysis of Bitcoin, European Web3 projects, and crypto regulatory challenges. Splitting his time between Geneva and Paris, he brings a unique perspective blending traditional finance with blockchain innovation. He regularly collaborates with crypto platforms across Europe to help make digital investing more accessible.
Specialties: Bitcoin, staking, European regulation, crypto security, Web3.

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Wed, 24/12/2025 - 15:31

Shiba Inu (SHIB) bulls finally obtained rare hope on Christmas Eve, with $0 long liquidations in the past hour, while shorts were the only ones who paid.

Cover image via U.Today

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by our writers are their own and do not represent the views of U.Today. The financial and market information provided on U.Today is intended for informational purposes only. U.Today is not liable for any financial losses incurred while trading cryptocurrencies. Conduct your own research by contacting financial experts before making any investment decisions. We believe that all content is accurate as of the date of publication, but certain offers mentioned may no longer be available.

After days of relentless liquidations, Shiba Inu bulls finally got a figure they could live with: according to CoinGlass's liquidation data for SHIB, there have been no long liquidations over the last hour, while shorts took the entire hit at $699.13. For a meme coin that punishes late entries, this matters. 

It means that the latest price increase was not funded by overleveraged buyers who were wiped out on the next candle. The bulls stayed in and the market stopped taking their money.

On the SHIB/USDT Binance chart, there was a fast dip and rebound, with the price snapping back toward $0.00000715 after reaching the $0.00000706 area. The five-minute chart then flipped from red to green with a series of higher closes, and the latest reading was near $0.00000715, up 0.14% on the candle.

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Source: CoinGlassNonetheless, over the last four hours, liquidations totaled $9,350, with $8,560 on longs and $783.89 on shorts. Over the last 12 hours, this figure grew to $57,100, with long liquidations dominating at $56,310. Over the full 24 hours, total liquidations amounted to $104,620, with longs accounting for $103,730 and shorts just $895.54.

In other words, most of the pain has already occurred, and it was mostly on the buy side. 

Why "$0" hour stands out for SHIBThis suggests that leverage on longs has already been eliminated, or that traders are simply using less borrowed capital as participation decreases during the holiday session.

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Either way, it removes one of the easiest ways for SHIB to lose ground: forced long exits feeding the drop. If the price of the Shiba Inu coin can hold above $0.0000071, the next challenge will be to see if buyers can reach $0.00000716 without triggering liquidations again.

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Technical factors dominated as FIL maintained a tight correlation with broader crypto sentiment while establishing support above $1.27.Updated Dec 24, 2025, 4:16 p.m. Published Dec 24, 2025, 3:36 p.m.

Filecoin FIL$1.2711 slipped 2% to $1.28 on Wednesday, tracking broader crypto market flows rather than responding to token-specific catalysts.

The token's price action remains closely tied to the crypto market sentiment, according to CoinDesk Research's technical analysis model. This tight correlation indicates large order flows are driving the price moves rather than fundamentals for Filecoin, according to the model.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW

The broader crypto market gauge, the CoinDesk 20 index, was 0.6% lower at the time of publication.

Trading volumes for Filecoin reinforce the consolidation theme, with 24-hour activity 7.3% above weekly averages signaling measured participation, the model said.

The model also showed that volume patterns support range-bound trading as participation falls short of breakout thresholds. The measured uptick suggests accumulation rather than aggressive positioning that typically precedes major directional moves.

Technical Analysis:Primary support holds at $1.27, while resistance stays firm at $1.35 from volume-driven peaks.24-hour activity 7% above the weekly average shows steady participation by large holders, with an 85% volume surge during $1.35 test, confirming key resistance.The formation of higher lows, from $1.266 to $1.276, within a $0.087 range, indicates an accumulation phase.The immediate upside target sits in the $1.285-$1.290 zone, based on range extension, with broader resistance at $1.35 requiring a volume surge to be breached.Disclaimer: Parts of this article were generated with the assistance from AI tools and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and adherence to our standards. For more information, see CoinDesk's full AI Policy.

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WhiteFiber NC-1 deal is promising, says B. Riley, seeing 127% upside after stock price plunge

1 hour ago

The analyst team said the first long-term co-location agreement at NC-1 validates WhiteFiber’s retrofit model.

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B. Riley said WhiteFiber’s NC-1 Nscale deal backs the company's timeline and execution.Lender talks for a construction facility are advanced, with potential credit enhancements.The bank's analysts reiterated their buy rating on the stock while trimming their price target to $40 from $44 following the stock's more than 50% decline from record highs.Read full story

Ethereum faced three parallel storylines this week, from a proposal backed by Vitalik Buterin to remove the smart contract size cap, to fresh signs that Layer 2 activity is clustering around a few major rollups. At the same time, charts showed ETH failing again near $3,000, with traders watching the $2,800 area as the next key zone.

Ethereum EIP 7864 Targets Contract Size LimitEthereum co founder Vitalik Buterin backed a proposal that would remove the network’s long standing smart contract size limit, according to reporting published late Dec. 23.

The proposal, known as EIP 7864, would scrap the current cap by changing how Ethereum stores and accesses contract code. That shift would let developers deploy larger and more complex contracts without splitting code across multiple contracts.

Supporters say the change aims to expand design options while still protecting the network from denial of service risks that the existing limit helps reduce.

Layer 2 Activity Concentrates Around Major RollupsMeanwhile, Ethereum’s Layer 2 usage in 2025 kept clustering around a small group of rollups, as recent dashboards and research tracked daily activity across the scaling sector.

Base ranked among the leaders on several activity metrics, including transactions and user engagement, based on live tracking that compares rollups side by side. The same data shows a wide gap between the most used networks and the long tail of smaller rollups.

At the same time, multiple reports said many newer Layer 2 networks struggled to hold users once short term incentive programs faded. Research groups described “mercenary” activity rotating between chains, while value and usage stayed concentrated around a few established ecosystems, including Base and Arbitrum.

Ethereum Rejects $3,000 Again, Analyst Warns of $2,800 TestEthereum stayed capped below the $3,000 level again, as a TradingView ETH USDT daily chart from Binance showed price around $2,931 at the time of the snapshot. The session print showed ETH opening near $2,965, topping around $2,978, and dipping near $2,917 before closing lower on the day.

Ethereum USDT Daily Chart. Source: X

On X, market commentator Ted, who posts as @TedPillows, said ETH “keeps on getting rejected” from $3,000. He added that if ETH does not reclaim that level soon, he expects a move below the $2,800 zone.

The chart marked several overhead supply areas, including bands near $3,200 to $3,360 and a higher zone near $3,900. It also highlighted support regions around $2,800 and a lower band near $2,550, mapping the key levels traders have watched during the late 2025 consolidation.

Cover image via www.freepik.com

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by our writers are their own and do not represent the views of U.Today. The financial and market information provided on U.Today is intended for informational purposes only. U.Today is not liable for any financial losses incurred while trading cryptocurrencies. Conduct your own research by contacting financial experts before making any investment decisions. We believe that all content is accurate as of the date of publication, but certain offers mentioned may no longer be available.

Solana (SOL), the seventh-ranked cryptocurrency asset by market capitalization, has recorded a massive liquidation imbalance in the last 12 hours. Solana’s inability to shake off bears and further price slips cost bullish traders great loss om the market.

Solana’s oversold signals fail to prevent sharp dropAs per CoinGlass data, long position traders saw $4.94 million wiped out within the period, leading to an 8,392% liquidation imbalance.

Notably, Solana had shown signs of breaching its death cross range between $124.11 and $125.42, as it changed hands at $125.28. This likely sparked hopes of a further increase among bulls who bet on the coin’s uptick.

Additionally, with Solana’s Relative Strength Index (RSI) oscillating between 37 and 39, SOL is signaling mildly oversold conditions. Unfortunately, the coin lacked momentum to push for higher price levels despite its volume spike at the time.

However, market volatility plunged SOL further down to a low of $120.78, triggering severe liquidation across the chain. Market analysis indicates that Solana responded to broader market risk aversion as the exchange-traded fund (ETF) outflow of both Bitcoin and Ethereum impacted it.

This affected other altcoins such as Cardano and XRP, as they generally underperformed within the last 24 hours.

As of press time, Solana changed hands at $121.43, which represents a 0.8% decline within this time frame. The trading volume, which suggested a possible recovery, has also suffered a decline of 14.93% to $2.74 billion.

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It is worth mentioning that short-position traders did not escape losses. They recorded a mild liquidation of $58,170 as prices initially breached the $125 mark.

Although Solana’s oversold conditions could see the coin rebound at any time, volatility might continue to derail its price. A more sustainable uptick rests on Bitcoin’s stability in the broader crypto market space.

Network milestones offer long-term hope amid volatilityDespite the turbulence that SOL is facing with the price, a Solana researcher, "nxxn" on X, has decided to focus on the positive accomplishments of the blockchain. He highlighted some of those to include the approval and launch of several Solana ETs.

Other notable wins were the launch of Solana Seeker, FireDancer going live on mainnet and Coinbase exchange integrating SOL-based tokens. This has made millions of assets across Solana accessible to users on the Coinbase platform.

Meanwhile, there are positive conversations between Cardano and Solana founders to establish a cross-chain bridge across the two networks. The move is significant given the history of rivalry that previously existed between them.

After years of compression, XRP is quietly approaching a moment where the market will see a true structural break. This breakout is about a high-timeframe setup where market structure is on the verge of shifting. It is also the potential resolution of a multi-year structure that has compressed prices, absorbed supply, and conditioned participants to underestimate what comes next.

Why Volatility Has Collapsed Ahead Of Expansion
At the least expected time, XRP will print a legendary candle that will set a structural foundation and never move down. A crypto investor known as 24HRSCRYPTO noted on X that this move that is coming won’t be powered by retail hype, but by real economic activity on the XRP Ledger. When the altcoin begins to function as a settlement asset, volatility will become a liability, rather than a feature. 

Additionally, the payment rails, liquidity provisioning, and institutional settlement system will require price stability. A bridge asset referred to as a vehicle currency cannot swing 30-40% and still clear trillions in value. As volume and utility increase, XRP begins to transition from a speculative instrument into market infrastructure. 

Liquidity depth would be key to absorb shocks, while the price becomes anchored by demand. This is why the first candle isn’t a top, but the market repricing XRP’s role from a tradeable asset into a financial primitive.

With new initiatives, XRP’s adoption is set to increase. Analyst X Finance Bull has revealed that RLUSD is the first US trust-regulated stablecoin launched by Ripple, issued natively on the XRP Ledger and extending across Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) chains for broader institutional access. Any banks that would integrate with RLUSD will be automatically onboarded into the XRP rails.

This isn’t just about stable payments, but about demand generation for the altcoin as the default bridge asset. From BlackRock funds flow to global repo markets, that’s where the real volume begins to flow. This flips the game, allowing RLUSD to provide the liquidity, while XRP captures the movement.

Why XRPL Meets Institutional Due Diligence Standards
For the first time, XRP Ledger has now processed over 4 billion transactions since its launch in 2012. Co-founder of Tedlabsio, a crypto trader and investor, Niels, has pointed out that the real-world usage across the network has sustained more than 13 years of uninterrupted operation.

The XRPL consistently handles around 1.5 million transactions per day, with regular peaks exceeding 5 million, and settles in 3 to 5 seconds. All of this happens at fractions of a cent per transaction. Over time, more than 13 million XRP have been burned in transaction fees, a metric that reflects continuous demand in network activity. This is why institutions pay attention to XRPL.

XRP trading at $1.86 on the 1D chart | Source: XRPUSDT on Tradingview.com
Featured image from Pixabay, chart from Tradingview.com

17h05 ▪
4
min read ▪ by
Ifeoluwa O.

Summarize this article with:

Bitcoin and Ethereum, the two largest cryptocurrencies by market value, are recording sustained net capital outflows from their associated exchange-traded funds (ETFs). According to analytics firm Glassnode, this trend reflects a partial pullback by institutional investors, who are reducing exposure instead of adding new funds. While this does not indicate a full withdrawal from the crypto market, the ongoing outflows suggest a decline in institutional participation, which could restrict liquidity and dampen near-term price momentum.

In brief

Institutional involvement in Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs has been declining, with the 30-day moving average showing consistent net outflows.
Activity from large investors and declining ETF balances from previous peaks have slowed Bitcoin’s price recovery and limited short-term gains.
Certain funds like BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust still attract money on specific days, maintaining significant holdings despite the overall market pullback.

Institutional Outflows Persist
Glassnode highlighted that the 30-day moving average of net flows into U.S. spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs has turned negative and remained at that level. The sustained trend points to a phase of limited participation and partial disengagement by institutional investors, reinforcing an overall contraction of liquidity in the crypto sector.

ETF flows have declined since mid-October, a movement that tends to follow spot market trends. These funds often indicate institutional investor sentiment, which has played a significant role in shaping the crypto market this year. At present, sentiment appears more cautious, reflecting the broader slowdown across markets.

The Kobeissi Letter reported on Tuesday that selling pressure in crypto ETFs has returned. Last week, these funds recorded $952 million in withdrawals, marking six weeks of outflows over the past ten. Ethereum ETFs led with $555 million, followed by Bitcoin funds at $460 million, indicating ongoing capital movement from these funds.

The trend has continued into this week. Data from SoSoValue shows that institutional activity remained uneven:

Bitcoin experienced outflows of $142.19 million on Monday and $188.64 million on Tuesday.
Ethereum posted a modest inflow of $84.59 million on Monday that quickly turned into an outflow of $95.5 million on Tuesday, reflecting unstable institutional support.

Whale Activity and ETF Drawdowns Limit Bitcoin Recovery
This persistent withdrawal reflects broader selling pressure identified by CryptoQuant, which linked Bitcoin’s slow recovery to activity from large investors. ETF drawdowns from their all-time highs, along with ongoing whale selling since October, have weighed on Bitcoin’s price momentum and limited its near-term upside.

Despite overall outflows, BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) recorded modest inflows on certain days. Farside Investors reported $111.2 million on 17th December and $32.8 million on 18th December. Since its launch, the fund has amassed $62.34 billion, maintaining its status as the largest spot Bitcoin ETF and outperforming competitors in total holdings.

Eric Balchunas, Bloomberg’s senior ETF analyst, noted that IBIT is the only ETF on Bloomberg’s “2025 Flow Leaderboard” showing a negative return this year. Yet, the fund ranked sixth in inflows and attracted more investment than SPDR Gold Shares (GLD), which increased by 64% over the same period, highlighting its continued appeal despite the overall market weakness.

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Ifeoluwa specializes in Web3 writing and marketing, with over 5 years of experience creating insightful and strategic content. Beyond this, he trades crypto and is skilled at conducting technical, fundamental, and on-chain analyses.

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The entity sent 110 Bitcoin to unidentified exchanges in the past week.

Key Takeaways

Bitcoin linked to Mt. Gox hacker Aleksey Bilyuchenko continues to move through unknown exchanges.
It remains uncertain who has control over the funds.

A wallet linked to Aleksey Bilyuchenko, accused by the US Department of Justice of hacking the Mt. Gox crypto exchange, quietly offloaded around 2,300 Bitcoin in over a month, according to Arkham Intelligence analyst Emmett Gallic.

The entity related to Aleksey Bilyuchenko has deposited another 1.3K $BTC ($114M) to the unknown exchanges in the past 7 days.

They still hold 4.1K $BTC ($360M). They have sold a total of 2.3K $BTC. https://t.co/GtzPKLb5AC pic.twitter.com/asoaz1wBgL

— Emmett Gallic (@emmettgallic) December 23, 2025

In the past week, the entity behind the wallet deposited 110 Bitcoin worth approximately $114 million to unknown exchanges. They still hold 4,100 BTC, valued at $360 million.

The current controller of the funds is unknown. According to Gallic, Bilyuchenko, a former operator of the now-defunct BTC-e platform, was detained in Russia, and many of his assets were seized by Moscow courts, leaving open the possibility that another party may have executed recent transactions.

The use of unidentified exchanges and the measured pace of transfers suggest controlled, ongoing liquidation rather than a single, abrupt sale.

Disclaimer

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

Gold has reached unprecedented price levels at the end of 2025, breaking above $4,525 per ounce and setting fresh all-time highs as Bitcoin price continues to struggle. That surge has pushed gold’s total market capitalization to levels that dwarf the value of the world’s largest cryptocurrency. This difference between gold, the established safe-haven asset and Bitcoin, a growing digital store of value, invites a provocative question: if BTC’s total valuation equaled gold’s peak market cap, what price would BTC have to reach?

Gold’s Massive Surge In 2025
Gold’s rally in 2025 captured global attention as prices climbed past $4,500 per ounce for the first time, setting a new record that reflects more than just short-term speculation. Gold’s strength this year is not just about price per ounce.  In market-cap terms, gold has added about $12 trillion in value since the start of 2025 alone. That single-year increase in gold’s market capitalization is around seven times larger than the entire Bitcoin market cap.

This recent all-time high price has helped boost gold’s total market capitalization to an estimated $31.1 trillion, based on the total value of above-ground gold stocks multiplied by the elevated price per ounce. Bitcoin’s market capitalization currently stands at $1.736 trillion, based on a circulating supply of just under 20 million BTC. Unlike gold, BTC’S total valuation has not increased this year. Instead, it has shrunk by roughly $100 billion since January 1, with its price now struggling in the mid-$80,000s. 

Market Cap Of Gold And Bitcoin. Source: Companiemarketcap.com

Put simply, Bitcoin is only a small slice of gold’s valuation. At today’s levels, gold’s $31 trillion market cap means that Bitcoin fits into gold roughly 18 times over. This ratio is a good reference point for Bitcoin’s long-term growth potential, given its reputation as a digital version of gold.

If Bitcoin were to match gold’s $31 trillion market capitalization, the corresponding price per BTC would be considerably higher than current levels. Using a circulating supply of about 19.96 million BTC, BTC would need to push to approximately $1.55 million per coin to reach parity with gold’s current all-time-high market cap.

The amount of capital inflow needed for BTC to reach this price level is massive and unprecedented. Still, many Bitcoin maximalists believe this scenario is not unrealistic over an extended timeframe. 

Michael Saylor, one of Bitcoin’s most vocal advocates, has proposed that BTC will eventually surpass gold in total market value within the next 10 years. In a November interview, Saylor said he has “no doubt” that BTC will become a larger asset class than gold by 2035.

It is obvious that 2025 is about to be a red year for Bitcoin and the entire crypto market. However, 2026 could play out as a recovery and normalization year. Recovery in this context does not imply explosive upside, but a period where bearish price action is worked off and confidence in BTC is rebuilt gradually.

BTC bulls lose momentum | Source: BTCUSD on Tradingview.com
Featured image created with Dall.E, chart from Tradingview.com

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Ethereum’s price has struggled to break above the $3,000 level over the past week, weighed down by continued outflows from spot Bitcoin and Ethereum exchange-traded funds.

That pattern has persisted into this week, with both BTC and ETH funds seeing redemptions as investors adjust portfolios toward year-end.

Against this backdrop, Ethereum remains range-bound below the $3,000 mark during the holiday period.

Broader cryptocurrency markets have also underperformed relative to gold, which has surged to record highs above $4,500, highlighting a rotation toward traditional safe-haven assets.

While Ethereum has seen some support from recent purchases by BitMine, ongoing ETF outflows, and the reactivation of a long-dormant wallet holding 2,000 ETH have reinforced a cautious tone among market participants.

Ethereum price under pressure amid ETF outflows
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Ethereum’s price has, in recent weeks, been hampered by substantial outflows from major US spot Ethereum ETFs.

This downward pressure intensified ahead of the Christmas holiday, as BTC and ETH funds experienced redemptions driven by year-end portfolio rebalancing. 

According to data from SoSoValue, spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $188.6 million in net outflows on Tuesday, marking the fourth consecutive day of negative flows.

BlackRock’s IBIT saw the largest exodus, with $157.3 million withdrawn.

Other prominent funds, including Fidelity’s FBTC, Grayscale’s GBTC, and Bitwise’s BITB, also reported outflows.

Bitcoin has seen outflows in six out of the past eight trading days. Investors pulled over $3 billion in ETFs flows in November, and so far, it’s over $629 million in December.

The situation is similarly challenging for Ethereum ETFs. Data shows $95.5 million in net outflows on Tuesday, Dec. 23. No ETF witnessed inflows.

Grayscale’s ETHE led the decline, with $50.9 million exiting the fund. After a positive day of net inflows on Monday, Ethereum spot ETFs flipped red on Tuesday. That marks just two out of 10 trading days where Ethereum has recorded inflows.

The outflows, with $643 million last week, reflect waning investor confidence. As noted, broader market uncertainties, including Federal Reserve interest rate policies and reduced risk appetite, have impacted investors.

Lookonchain identified on Dec. 24 that BlackRock had just deposited 9,976 ETH worth about $29.23 million to Coinbase Prime.

Ethereum price outlook
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While ETH could reclaim the $3,000 level and post extended gains in the near term, analysts are suggesting a potential downward flip.

The $2,700 and $2,350 zones are critical support levels.

Buying by firms like BitMine has helped bolster bulls. In a comment, Fundstrat’s Tom Lee said:

“Our stepped-up buying activity reflects our confidence that ETH prices should strengthen in the months ahead, given multiple catalysts.”

Lee is the Chairman of BitMine and holds a bullish outlook for Ether as the company looks to strengthen its position as the “MicroStrategy” of Ethereum.

The Solana Foundation has introduced Kora, a new infrastructure tool aimed at simplifying how users and developers handle transaction fees and signing. The move targets one of crypto’s longest-standing usability challenges. Significantly, the foundation wants Solana applications to feel closer to traditional digital platforms while maintaining blockchain security.

Kora operates as a fee relayer and signing node. It allows applications to manage transaction costs without exposing users to complexity. 

Consequently, developers gain more control over onboarding, security, and operational flexibility. The foundation positioned Kora as a response to growing demand for seamless blockchain interactions.

Kora enables applications to sponsor transaction fees entirely. Users no longer need to hold SOL to interact with Solana-based products. Moreover, applications can cover fees using alternative tokens, including stablecoins such as USDC.

This design removes an early barrier for new users. Besides eliminating wallet friction, it allows businesses to design payment flows that mirror traditional apps. Gaming platforms, for example, can charge fees using in-game assets instead of native tokens.

Additionally, this approach aligns with a broader industry shift toward experience-first development. Research from Electric Capital shows developers increasingly prioritize usability over raw throughput. Hence, fee abstraction has become a core focus across major blockchain ecosystems.

Signing Security and Developer ControlsKora also addresses transaction signing, a sensitive security process. Instead of storing private keys locally, teams can use secure external environments. These include AWS KMS and third-party services like Turnkey.

Moreover, Kora supports multiple remote signers and provides balance monitoring tools. These features help teams avoid failed transactions caused by depleted funds. Developers can also restrict program access, validate transactions, and apply custom fee policies.

Additionally, Kora includes a standard RPC server, a command-line interface, and flexible configuration files. Runtime Verification audited and tested the system, adding an extra layer of operational confidence.

SOL Price Action Remains Under PressureWhile Kora strengthens Solana’s infrastructure narrative, SOL price action remains weak. Solana traded near $121.96, reflecting short-term selling pressure. The asset has declined over the past day and week.

Source: X

According to Crypto Tony, traders continue watching the $120 support zone closely. He noted that a dip into this level could offer a bounce opportunity. Technically, SOL failed to reclaim the $128–$130 resistance area.

Recent price action shows lower highs, confirming a short-term downtrend. However, $120 acts as a structural pivot. Consequently, a controlled sweep below this level could attract buyers. A bounce may first target $124, then $127 if momentum improves.

TL;DR

Hayes shifted ETH to exchanges in December via steady on-chain transfers, rotating risk while building a sizable stablecoin buffer.
Lookonchain flagged 682 ETH to Binance ($2M) plus 508.6 ETH to Galaxy; about 1,871 ETH sold ($5.53M) and rotated into ENA, PENDLE, ETHFI.
Arkham shows ETH falling from 16,000 (2022) to ~3,160, while USDC surged from ~$1M mid-Nov to ~$48M, over 60% of a $73.9M portfolio amid fear, with redeployment optionality.

Arthur Hayes, the BitMEX co-founder, appears to be reducing his Ethereum exposure through December, fueling speculation that a high-profile macro voice is rotating risk rather than doubling down. On-chain data shows ETH leaving his wallet and heading to centralized exchanges, a pattern typically associated with an intent to sell. Hayes has not confirmed each transfer, but the cadence tracks a portfolio rebalancing playbook he has described publicly in recent months. The signal is structured rotation, not a reflexive exit, as stablecoins take a larger role, with execution suggesting patience, not urgency.

Arthur Hayes(@CryptoHayes) has just deposited another 682 $ETH($2M) into #Binance to sell and rotate into high-quality DeFi tokens.

In the past week, he has sold a total of 1,871 $ETH($5.53M), and bought 1.22M $ENA($257.5K), 137,117 $PENDLE($259K), and 132,730 $ETHFI($93K).… pic.twitter.com/2mddOY3H1t

— Lookonchain (@lookonchain) December 24, 2025

Exchange deposits, DeFi redeployments, and the numbers
Lookonchain reported that Hayes deposited another 682 ETH to Binance in the past 24 hours, valued at roughly $2 million, and the proceeds later moved into DeFi tokens. Earlier this month he sent 508.6 ETH, about $1.5 million at the time, to Galaxy Digital. Taken together, these transfers suggest he sold around 1,871 ETH over the past week for an estimated $5.53 million. On-chain records show purchases of Ethena (ENA), Pendle (PENDLE), and Ether.fi (ETHFI), reinforcing a sell-and-redeploy rhythm across venues. Rather than go to cash, the flow shows a selective pivot into higher-risk DeFi.

The redeployment is notable because the target basket is deeply underwater. Market data cited alongside the activity shows the DeFi tokens Hayes accumulated are down between 80% and 90% year to date in 2025, implying a contrarian posture rather than trend following. Hayes has framed this explicitly on X, saying he is rotating out of ETH and into what he calls “high-quality DeFi names,” arguing they can outperform once global fiat liquidity conditions begin to improve. In this setup, he is underwriting a rebound thesis with discounted DeFi exposure. He avoids calling the bottom outright.

Arkham portfolio data adds context to the shift in positioning. Hayes’ ETH holdings have declined from roughly 16,000 ETH in 2022 to about 6,500 ETH by November this year, and then to around 3,160 ETH, implying sales of more than 3,440 ETH over a short period. At the same time, a portfolio valued near $73.9 million now holds $48 million in USDC, over 60%, up from roughly $1 million in mid-November as sentiment ranged from “fear” to “extreme fear.” Stablecoins look like dry powder with optionality, even as his long-term ETH optimism remains on record.

Wed, 24/12/2025 - 14:49

XRP is ending December down hard, yet it is still sitting on the monthly Bollinger midband near $1.82 with seven days left. Hold that close, and $3.60 remains the main scenario.

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XRP is ending December with a sell-off on the monthly chart, yet the Bollinger Bands still indicate a scenario of reaching $3.60. On the monthly TradingView chart of XRP/USDT, XRP is trading at around $1.8653, with just over a week left in the month, while the mid-Bollinger band is currently stretched at $1.8193. 

After a move of -$0.2897 on the month, or about -13.44%, the important detail is that the price is above the midband basis.

The month’s path shows why. XRP opened at around $2.1549, reached a high of $2.2190, then fell to $1.7711 before moving back toward the midband area. A drawdown of that size in December usually comes with a clear loss of the basis. This has not happened. 

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XRP/USD by TradingViewAs long as the monthly close remains above the $1.82 area, the upper band will be the next clear "magnetic" price point, currently printing near $3.60.

No guarantees for XRPThis is neither a prediction nor a guarantee. It is an unbiased outlook of the XRP price chart from the Bollinger Bands' point of view that suggests the market can withstand enormous selling pressure while maintaining its higher-time frame range framework. If the midband is held into the close, the upper band becomes the obvious upside checkpoint if buyers regain control.

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The seasonality map provides context but still does not determine the trade, just as every other indicator on the crypto market. December 2025 is tracking at around -13.5%, following November's -13.8%, meaning the last two blocks are red. At the same time, 2025 has already demonstrated how quickly XRP can turn around when flows resume, with January up 46% and July up 35%.

All in all, if the monthly midband stays above $1.819, $3.60 remains the primary scenario on the Bollinger map. However, a month-end close under that line would put downside levels back in charge and make $3.60 an unreachable dream once again.

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TL;DR

Strategy (MSTR) stock fell ~65% from its peak as Bitcoin declined, raising investor concerns.
The company’s aggressive Bitcoin-backed debt strategy makes it highly sensitive to crypto market volatility.
Despite the downturn, the company raised capital to boost cash reserves instead of buying more Bitcoin.

Investor anxiety has surged around Strategy (MSTR) after the company’s stock collapsed nearly 65% since Bitcoin’s all-time high, falling from $456 to $158 per share. The decline reflects growing unease about the company’s aggressive debt structure and its exposure to Bitcoin’s volatility.

Although Strategy’s debt maturities remain long-dated, crypto traders are shifting to fear-based narratives about over-leverage and potential liquidity stress. The company’s heavy reliance on Bitcoin accumulation—financed through convertible debt and other loan instruments—has made it highly sensitive to market downturns.

According to market data, perpetual futures open interest climbed 2% to 310,000 BTC, roughly $27 billion in exposure. Analysts interpret the increase as evidence that traders are betting on price reversals while simultaneously hedging against further declines.

Saylor’s Bitcoin Advocacy Under Scrutiny
Strategy’s reputation has become deeply connected to Michael Saylor’s public stance on Bitcoin, which has transformed the firm into what many view as a proxy for BTC performance rather than a traditional software company. During bull markets, that alignment drew institutional inflows and media attention. Now, however, it amplifies downside pressure when sentiment deteriorates.

Many investors are questioning whether Strategy’s core software operations can sustain profitability if Bitcoin remains subdued. Online discussions across X and Reddit frequently speculate about worst-case scenarios—forced BTC sales or shareholder dilution—though such events have not materialized.

The company’s latest financial decision reflects a cautious tone. As reported by Cryptopolitan, Strategy raised capital this week but channeled the funds into its USD reserves rather than purchasing more Bitcoin. The move increased its cash position to $2.19 billion, suggesting management’s intent to maintain flexibility amid tightening market conditions.

Index Concerns and Market Perception
Investor unease has also intensified due to MSCI’s upcoming index review, with traders on Polymarket assigning a 61% probability that Strategy will be delisted from the MSCI index by March 31. The firm currently ranks second among the worst performers in the Nasdaq 100, reinforcing its vulnerability to sentiment-driven trading.

Saylor, however, continues to defend the company’s exposure, portraying Bitcoin as a “living network” capable of adapting to future technological threats such as quantum computing. He argues that Bitcoin’s developers and users would adjust its codebase to preserve security and continuity.

Still, within the broader crypto market, trust in high-profile figures has eroded during the recent two-and-a-half-month downturn. Many market participants now perceive Saylor’s influence as excessive, claiming his aggressive Bitcoin strategy has encouraged investors to take leverage they may not fully understand.

For now, Strategy’s valuation remains tethered to Bitcoin’s price trajectory, with limited insulation from its software segment. Unless BTC recovers decisively, the firm’s balance sheet and investor sentiment may remain under pressure through early 2026.

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Pippin [PIPPIN] jumped 31.78% in 24 hours to $0.4676 as trading volume rose 26.58% to $82.24 million, at press time. This signaled strong short-term participation. 

Buyers stepped in aggressively as prices pushed higher, while liquidity expanded in tandem with momentum. 

Volume confirmation suggests the move attracted broad market interest rather than thin conditions.

Pippin’s momentum keeps the bulls active
Pippin continues to respect a clearly defined ascending support structure on the 4-hour chart, currently rising from the $0.32–$0.33 zone. 

Each pullback prints higher lows above this trendline, reinforcing buyer control. This behavior keeps the bullish structure intact. 

Price is also holding above the $0.45 region, a former consolidation area that now acts as short-term support. 

Meanwhile, overhead resistance sits near $0.53, where previous upside attempts stalled. 

On momentum, MACD was strengthening after a clean reset, as of writing. The histogram was turning positive, and the signal lines were sloping upward, reflecting improving upside momentum without signs of exhaustion.

Source: TradingView

Leverage piles in as Open Interest explodes
Open Interest (OI) surged roughly 90.45% to $218.96 million, at the time of writing, far outpacing price appreciation. This imbalance reveals aggressive leverage chasing upside momentum. 

Traders added exposure rapidly rather than waiting for consolidation. 

Such behavior reflects confidence, but increases fragility. Leverage-driven rallies accelerate quickly but punish hesitation. 

Importantly, Open Interest expanded alongside the rising price. This alignment points to directional positioning instead of hedging. 

However, leverage now dominates short-term flows. Any slowdown in momentum could trigger forced unwinds. Still, leverage alone does not signal reversal. 

The market must sustain demand to absorb this exposure. Otherwise, volatility will rise sharply.

Short liquidations absorb downside pressure
Liquidation data highlights a strong imbalance favoring shorts. 

Recent spikes wiped approximately $672.87K in short positions, compared to about $64.2K in longs. This disparity shows bearish traders absorbing most downside pressure. 

Short squeezes added fuel to upside moves. Importantly, long liquidations remained limited. This pattern reduces immediate downside risk. 

Sellers struggle to regain control while shorts unwind. However, liquidation-driven rallies can lose momentum once pressure fades. 

Therefore, continuation requires organic buying interest. Still, current liquidation dynamics favor bulls. As long as shorts dominate liquidations, the price maintains an upward bias.

Cautious funding keeps leverage from overheating
At press time, OI-Weighted Funding remains slightly negative, around -0.0705%. This reading carries critical implications. 

Despite rising Open Interest, traders do not overpay to hold long exposure. Therefore, leverage builds without excessive optimism. Such conditions often support trend continuation. 

Market participants show confidence but remain cautious. This balance reduces the probability of sudden long squeezes. 

However, funding can shift quickly during acceleration phases. A sharp move into positive territory would signal overheating. For now, restrained funding complements the bullish structure. 

It allows price discovery without immediate leverage stress. Consequently, the market retains room for extension.

Can momentum persist without leverage stress?
Pippin shows a structurally strong rally supported by volume expansion, improving momentum, and favorable liquidation dynamics. 

However, leverage now plays a central role. If buyers sustain momentum with discipline, upside continuation remains viable. 

If momentum stalls, leverage could amplify volatility quickly. The next phase depends on follow-through strength, not excitement.

Final Thoughts

Pippin’s rally is backed by strong volume, rising momentum, and short liquidations favoring bullish continuation.
Sustained demand is crucial, as heavy leverage could quickly amplify volatility if momentum weakens.

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Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by our writers are their own and do not represent the views of U.Today. The financial and market information provided on U.Today is intended for informational purposes only. U.Today is not liable for any financial losses incurred while trading cryptocurrencies. Conduct your own research by contacting financial experts before making any investment decisions. We believe that all content is accurate as of the date of publication, but certain offers mentioned may no longer be available.

Dogecoin open interest has taken a hit in the last 24 hours as the markets hint at a slowdown heading into the Christmas holidays.

Open interest indicates the total number of outstanding futures or options contracts on the markets and might suggest traders' participation.

According to CoinGlass data, Dogecoin open interest in the last 24 hours came to $1.51 billion, which translates to 11,796,875,000 DOGE. Although this figure remains significant, it represents a 4.03% drop in open interest.

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This comes as the broader crypto market largely traded in red as investors hint at risk-off sentiment ahead of the holidays. Major cryptocurrencies, including Dogecoin, slipped on Wednesday as the total crypto market value fell below $3 trillion to $2.94 trillion after another failed attempt to sustain a rebound.

At press time, Dogecoin was trading down 1.22% in the last 24 hours to $0.127 and down 2.06% weekly.

Dogecoin prepares for next moveFollowing Dec. 19's sharp surge, which culminated in a high of $0.134, Dogecoin has resorted to trading in a range.

The dog coin currently trades in a range between $0.126 and $0.135. Range trading, or consolidation if sustained for a while, sets the stage for the next move, either up or down.

In the days ahead, Dogecoin's price action will be monitored to see where the current indecision between the bulls and bears leads.

On the broader markets, investors are assessing the latest Commerce Department data that showed the U.S. economy grew by 4.3% in the third quarter, which is its fastest pace in two years, with stronger-than-expected numbers potentially complicating the Federal Reserve’s path on interest rates.

The majority of investors now expect rates to remain on hold until April, at which point the Fed might resume its reductions.

Dogecoin's next resistance targets lie at $0.148 and $0.196, while support is expected in the $0.11 range. 

TL;DR

Aave founder’s $10M token purchase ahead of a key vote is called a “governance attack.”
The controversial vote concerns reclaiming control of the Aave brand’s intellectual property.
Critics highlight voting power concentration, with the top three addresses controlling over 58% of votes.

A recent $10 million purchase of AAVE tokens by Stani Kulechov, founder of the decentralized lending protocol Aave, has sparked controversy within the crypto industry. Members of the community allege that the move was intended to increase his voting power in a crucial governance proposal, reigniting debate over the concentration of influence inside decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs).

Robert Mullins, a decentralized finance strategist, claimed on X that Kulechov’s acquisition aimed to strengthen his position ahead of a vote potentially harmful to AAVE holders’ interests. “This is a clear example of tokens failing to properly disincentivize governance attacks,” Mullins wrote.

Other industry participants shared similar concerns. Prominent crypto user Sisyphus noted that Kulechov had sold millions of dollars in AAVE between 2021 and 2025, questioning the economic logic behind the recent repurchase.

I’m surprised that no one is talking about the fact that Stani bought $10M of AAVE, claimed it was bc he is aligned with the token yet in actual fact it was to increase his voting power in anticipation to vote for a proposal directly against the token holders best interests

This…

— Robert (@0xluude) December 23, 2025

The dispute comes as Aave token holders debate how voting power should be exercised within one of DeFi’s largest protocols. Critics argue that large token acquisitions can distort governance outcomes, allowing major holders to dominate decisions while diminishing smaller investors’ influence. The controversy underscores structural weaknesses in token-based governance systems, which often fail to prevent concentration of control.

Aave Brand Control Vote Triggers Backlash
According to X, tensions escalated after a proposal to reclaim ownership of Aave’s brand assets advanced to a vote despite ongoing debate. The proposal asks whether AAVE holders should regain control of domains, social media accounts, and intellectual property through a DAO-managed legal framework.

However, several stakeholders objected, arguing that the vote was rushed and lacked adequate discussion. Former Aave Labs CTO Ernesto Boado, identified as the proposal’s author, stated that the initiative was submitted without his approval and that the move damaged community trust.

The incident has amplified concerns about centralized decision-making within supposedly decentralized governance models, highlighting tensions between DAO autonomy and the power of high-value holders.

Voting Power Concentration Inside Aave DAO
Researcher Samuel McCulloch of USD.ai criticized the process, calling the vote “absurd” and pointing out that a small number of large holders control nearly half of all voting power.

Snapshot data from Aave DAO shows that the top three voters account for more than 58% of total voting weight. The largest participant, identified as 0xEA0C…6B5A, holds 27.06% of voting power (333,000 AAVE), while the second, aci.eth, controls 18.53% (228,000 AAVE).

The situation renews the question of whether token-based governance can truly uphold decentralization or if it merely replicates traditional patterns of concentrated financial control.

In a recent interview on Bitcoin Capital, Tether CEO Paulo Ardoino shared his outlook for 2026, highlighting potential risks to Bitcoin’s price amid evolving market dynamics.

Speaking with host Jesse Knutson, Head of Operations at Bitfinex Securities, Ardoino cautioned that an AI bubble burst could trigger turmoil in U.S. stock markets, given Bitcoin’s lingering correlation with traditional capital markets.

Ardoino noted that AI companies are pouring funds into infrastructure such as data centers and GPUs, and that a shift in sentiment might cascade into Bitcoin corrections. Despite this, the Tether CEO noted that institutional interest from funds, pension plans, and governments provides a stabilizing base.

That means, extreme drops, such as the 80% plunges seen in 2018 and 2022, are less likely now. The reduced block reward from the latest halving diminishes miner sell pressure, while ETF flows gain prominence.

Ardoino also referenced recent CFTC approvals for Bitcoin spot products, which could enhance liquidity and elevate Bitcoin to gold-like status in global markets.

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Meanwhile, Ardoino highlighted that Tether Gold’s (XAUT) market cap doubled recently, driven by institutional and retail demand from South America and Southeast Asia. A U.S.-listed company purchased $150 million in XAUT, positioning it as a savings tool alongside Bitcoin.

Regarding Bitcoin treasury companies like the upcoming 21, Ardoino advocated for sustainable operations over pure financial engineering, praising figures such as Michael Saylor and Jack Mallers for their innovation.

Regulatory shifts show promise in boutique nations like El Salvador and Georgia, while Europe lags with high taxes discouraging direct Bitcoin ownership.

That said, Ardoino is bullish on tokenization via Bitfinex Securities, which enables capital raises and democratic access. Sovereign adoption may be limited, but mining investments in resource-rich Middle East countries signal progress.

Wrapping up, the Tether CEO urged pragmatism, combining education with hedging strategies for a future in which Bitcoin thrives.

Wed, 24/12/2025 - 13:22

Top-tier assets are close to becoming oversold, according to both technical indicators and market metrics.

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Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by our writers are their own and do not represent the views of U.Today. The financial and market information provided on U.Today is intended for informational purposes only. U.Today is not liable for any financial losses incurred while trading cryptocurrencies. Conduct your own research by contacting financial experts before making any investment decisions. We believe that all content is accurate as of the date of publication, but certain offers mentioned may no longer be available.

Funding rates provide a clear window into the positioning of leveraged traders, and at the moment they help to explain why assets like Solana and XRP are still struggling despite sporadic attempts at recovery.

Funding rates are in place on perpetual futures markets to maintain contract prices in line with spot prices. Long traders signal bullish positioning and a willingness to hold exposure at a premium when funding is positive by paying shorts. Shorts pay longs when funding turns negative, indicating bearish dominance and a market that anticipates lower prices.

Funding rates in favor of bullsAlthough this mechanism does not directly cause price changes, it has a significant impact on how long-lasting those changes are. Funding behavior is consistent with the current price structure for both Solana and XRP. With prices trading below important moving averages and failing to recover broken support levels, both assets exhibit ongoing weakness over longer time periods.

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Source: CoinglassFunding rates typically compress or drift negative during these periods, suggesting that traders are no longer aggressively pushing the market higher. This is evident in the speed at which rallies end and are followed by fresh selling pressure. In a downtrend, negative or flat funding typically denotes controlled bearish positioning rather than panic. Longs are unwilling to pay more to remain in trades, while shorts are at ease with exposure.

XRP's growth chancesIn such an environment, the price is locked in corrective ranges and upside momentum is suppressed. This explains why, in the case of XRP, even powerful network narratives or brief inflows do not result in long-term price growth. Shallow recoveries following sell-offs and lower highs are reinforced by the same dynamic for Solana.

The reason why the decline does not happen right away is also explained by funding rates. There is no immediate need to unwind short positions when funding is not too negative. Instead of plummeting, the price drifts downward. Both sides of the market become irritated by this slow grind, which also postpones any significant trend reversal.

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The main conclusion is that the bearish bias already apparent on the charts is currently confirmed by funding rates. Rather than accumulation, they show cautious, defensive positioning. XRP and Solana are likely to continue to be under pressure until funding either turns sharply negative enough to cause short-covering or flips decisively positive alongside strong spot demand. Although the market is not broken, it is also obviously not prepared to become extremely optimistic.

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December has been a hopeful month for the crypto markets, as the trend tends to turn bullish, which further transforms into a strong ascending trend or bull run too. Unfortunately, the cycle seems to have changed this time, as Bitcoin recorded one of the worst Q4 since 2018, which is raising concern for the upcoming price action. However, the BTC price seems to be stuck within a tight range, displaying some strength, while the altcoins, like Ethereum, are stuck below $3000, XRP flashes the possibility of heading to $1.5, and Chainlink is losing support. 

With this, it becomes quite evident that the Bitcoin price is absorbing the selling pressure while the altcoins are failing to hold ground. Does this suggest traders have shifted their focus back to Bitcoin?

Bitcoin Is Absorbing Selling Pressure While Altcoins UnderperformOver the past 48 hours, Bitcoin has declined roughly 3–4%, while many large-cap altcoins have fallen 8–15% over the same period. This divergence reflects capital rotation rather than broad risk exit. Bitcoin continues to capture defensive flows due to its deeper liquidity and stronger spot participation. BTC spot volumes remain 20–25% higher than the combined volume of the top alt pairs, helping absorb derivatives-led selling.

The market cap gap between Bitcoin and the altcoins substantiates the claim, as both levels have diverged from each other in the past few days. Besides, altcoins lack this buffer. Order-book depth in major alts is down 30%+ compared to last week, meaning smaller sell orders are pushing prices lower. With many altcoins trading below key resistance and failing to reclaim structure, traders are selling rallies instead of adding exposure. This imbalance explains why Bitcoin is stabilising while altcoins continue to bleed.

BTC Dominance Is Quietly RisingThe Bitcoin dominance chart shows BTC dominance climbing toward 59%, marking a clear series of higher lows and higher highs over recent months. This confirms a sustained rotation into Bitcoin rather than a short-term spike. Importantly, dominance is holding above the 55% breakout zone, which previously acted as resistance and has now flipped into support.

From a technical perspective, this structure signals trend continuation. As long as BTC dominance remains above 56–57%, capital flow favors Bitcoin over altcoins. The declining share of “Others,” or altcoins, is now near 28%, which reinforces that altcoins are losing relative market share faster than Bitcoin during pullbacks.

Historically, phases where BTC dominance grinds higher like this coincide with altcoin underperformance and selective risk-taking, not broad market expansion. Until dominance shows rejection near the 60–62% zone, the path of least resistance remains skewed toward Bitcoin relative strength, keeping pressure on the altcoin complex.

What This Means for TradersRising Bitcoin dominance near 59% signals that capital is prioritising liquidity and safety over beta. In this phase, Bitcoin tends to absorb selling pressure while altcoins continue to underperform, making selective exposure more important than broad participation. Traders should expect rallies in altcoins to face supply unless BTC dominance stalls or reverses below the 56–57% zone. Until that happens, trading Bitcoin or staying defensive offers a better risk-reward than chasing oversold alt setups.

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Bitcoin is undergoing another valuation reset, which analysts view as a constructive setup for the next leg higher.

According to CryptoQuant, current market conditions suggest Bitcoin is transitioning from deep undervaluation toward equilibrium. This phase has historically coincided with accumulation and healthier price discovery.

Bitcoin’s NVT Golden Cross supports this assessment, smoothed with a 100-day moving average. NVT measures market value relative to on-chain transaction activity and is often compared to a price-to-earnings ratio for Bitcoin. When the short-term NVT falls well below its long-term trend, it signals that the price is lagging behind network utility.

In this cycle, the indicator reached a historically depressed level near -0.58, reflecting structural undervaluation that isn’t just bearish.

What stands out now is the recovery from that extreme. The NVT Golden Cross has risen from roughly minus 0.58 to around minus 0.32, suggesting the price is beginning to realign with transaction-driven fundamentals.

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Even so, the indicator is in negative territory, suggesting Bitcoin is still priced conservatively relative to the economic activity it processes.

CryptoQuant notes that this transition from undervaluation toward equilibrium has historically marked periods of selective capital rather than broad risk-off.

This technical outlook is unfolding alongside ongoing regulatory and custody challenges. Taiwan recently seized 210 Bitcoin as part of criminal investigations.

At the same time, concerns are emerging about the risks of quantum computing, with estimates suggesting that up to 6.7 million BTC could be exposed if public-key vulnerabilities are not addressed by 2028.

Analysts see a potential path to $125,000 if the $108,000 level holds, while near-term price action is focused on the $86,000-$90,000 zone.

That said, U.S. CPI data and Bitcoin ETF flows are expected to influence direction, with close attention also on an OG whale holding a $693 million long position, whose next move could signal institutional conviction.

Shiba Inu (SHIB) is currently experiencing increased volatility, with an artificial intelligence (AI) model suggesting the meme coin could see modest gains at the start of 2026.

Generally, SHIB has had a difficult year, dropping nearly 70%, with technical indicators adding to the bearish outlook. 

Notably, the token formed its first-ever weekly death cross this year, signaling potential downside risks. 

As of press time, SHIB was trading at $0.00000711, down 0.2% over the past 24 hours, while losses on the weekly timeframe exceeded 10%.

SHIB seven-day price chart. Source: Finbold
At its current valuation, Shiba Inu is trading below its 50-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) of $0.000008648, pointing to short-term bearish pressure and continued downside momentum. 

However, the token remains well above its 200-day SMA of $0.000001155, indicating that the longer-term trend remains positive when viewed against earlier low-price periods.

The 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) stands at 34.56, placing SHIB in neutral territory but with a bearish tilt. This suggests the asset is neither overbought nor oversold, though it is approaching levels that could precede either a rebound or further weakness.

SHIB price prediction
Looking ahead to the first day of 2026, the Finbold AI model projects a cautiously optimistic price path based on short-term predictive analytics and technical indicators. 

The model forecasts SHIB trading at an average price of $0.0000072933, representing a potential upside of about 2.6% from the reference price at the time of the forecast. While the projection window covers late December, it is intended as an early directional signal for SHIB’s performance heading into 2026.

It’s worth noting that the Finbold AI model aggregates forecasts from several large language models. Among these, Claude Sonnet 4 offered the most bullish outlook, projecting SHIB at $0.00000768, implying upside of just over 8%. Gemini 2.5 Flash presented a more conservative scenario, forecasting a slight dip to $0.00000705, while GPT-4o pointed to a modest increase toward $0.00000715.

SHIB AI price prediction. Source: Finbold
From a technical standpoint, the model factored in indicators such as the Moving Average Convergence Divergence and the Relative Strength Index. These signals point to subdued momentum but suggest signs of stabilization following recent weakness. 

Overall, the Finbold AI model indicates that Shiba Inu may enter 2026 with a mild upward bias rather than a strong breakout. 

However, the token’s trajectory will largely depend on broader crypto market sentiment, which remains under pressure as prices stay in the red and bullish participation remains muted.

Featured image via Shutterstock

Aave founder Stani Kulechov is facing scrutiny over his recent $10 million purchase of AAVE tokens, with some in the crypto community claiming it was used to boost his voting power in a key governance proposal.

In a Wednesday post on X, Robert Mullins, a decentralized finance (DeFi) strategist and liquidity specialist, argued that the purchase was meant to increase Kulechov’s “voting power in anticipation to vote for a proposal directly against the token holders best interests.”

He added: “This is a clear example of tokens not being equipped to adequately disincentivize governance attacks.”

Prominent crypto user Sisyphus echoed those concerns, claiming that Kulechov might have sold “millions of dollars” worth of Aave (AAVE) tokens between 2021 and 2025, questioning the economic rationale behind the move.

The controversy comes as Aave token holders debate how governance power is exercised within one of DeFi’s largest protocols, with critics arguing that large token purchases can materially influence voting outcomes on high-stakes proposals. The dispute has reignited concerns about whether token-based governance adequately protects minority holders when founders or early insiders retain significant economic leverage.

Robert Mullins questions Kulechov’s motive behind recent purchase. Source: Robert MullinsAave governance vote sparks backlash As Cointelegraph reported, Aave’s governance vote has triggered a backlash after a proposal on reclaiming control of the protocol’s brand assets was pushed to a snapshot vote despite ongoing debate.

The proposal asks whether AAVE token holders should regain ownership of domains, social accounts and intellectual property through a DAO-controlled legal structure.

Several stakeholders disputed that decision, arguing that the proposal was escalated prematurely.

Former Aave Labs CTO Ernesto Boado, listed as the proposal’s author, said the vote escalated without his consent and broke community trust.

Voting power concentration in Aave DAOSamuel McCulloch of USD.ai pointed out the concentration of voting power. In an X post, he described the Aave vote as “silly,” adding that a small group of large holders accounted for about half of the total voting weight.

Snapshot data from the Aave DAO shows that the top three voters alone control more than 58% of the entire vote. The top voter, 0xEA0C…6B5A, holds 27.06% of the voting power (333k AAVE), while the second-largest voter, aci.eth, controls 18.53% (228k AAVE).

Cointelegraph reached out to Kulechov for comment, but did not receive a response by publication.

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