Market Signal Briefing

Nexo has secured a multi-year partnership with Tennis Australia, becoming the Official Crypto Partner of the Australian Open and the broader Summer of Tennis. The deal marks a first for a digital asset platform at a Grand Slam event and signals crypto's growing presence in elite global sports.

Bitcoin price has been moving sideways around $86K, keeping the crypto market nervous. However, bullish hope has returned as Bitcoin formed a fresh Golden Cross, a signal that often comes before major price rallies.”

According to popular trader Merlijn The Trader, this setup could fuel a 45%–50% move, potentially pushing Bitcoin toward $130K in the coming months. 

According to charts shared by crypto trader Merlijn The Trader, Bitcoin has formed its fifth Golden Cross since 2020. In past cycles, this signal appeared early, when confidence was low, and many investors were unsure about the market’s next move.

This is why the signal matters. History shows that Bitcoin often moves higher after similar Golden Cross patterns. In earlier cycles, Bitcoin rose by:

87% in early 2020
47% in the next phase
78% during the 2021 rally
33% in a later cycleThese gains did not happen right away. Bitcoin usually stayed flat for weeks or even months before starting its move. This suggests the Golden Cross often marks the start of a build-up phase, not the top.

How High Can Bitcoin Price Go This Time?The same situation is visible now. Bitcoin is struggling to move above $90,000, and the overall market mood remains cautious. Merlijn points out that Golden Cross signals usually show up when sentiment is weak, not when excitement is high.

At present, Bitcoin is trading near $86,600. Even the smallest gain of 33% would push the price close to $115,000. 

If momentum improves and Bitcoin sees a mid-range rally of around 45%, the price could move toward $130,000. Meanwhile, a similar move this time could lift prices into the $145,000 to $155,000 range.

Bitcoin Price Struggles Short TermDespite the bullish setup, Bitcoin is still facing short-term pressure. Data from Glassnode shows nearly 6.7 million BTC are currently held at a loss, creating strong selling pressure near the $90,000–$95,000 zone.

At the same time, holiday trading has reduced liquidity, which often leads to sharp but temporary price swings. Recent buying activity has also come mostly from derivatives traders, not long-term spot buyers.

Never Miss a Beat in the Crypto World!Stay ahead with breaking news, expert analysis, and real-time updates on the latest trends in Bitcoin, altcoins, DeFi, NFTs, and more.

FAQsWhat is a Bitcoin Golden Cross and why is it bullish?

A Golden Cross happens when a short-term moving average crosses above a long-term one, often signaling growing momentum and potential price rallies.

When will Bitcoin price recover from this downtrend?

Bitcoin often recovers weeks or months after a Golden Cross, once selling pressure fades and spot buying returns, signaling stronger market confidence.

How low can Bitcoin price go during this downtrend?

Bitcoin could retest nearby support zones if selling continues, but strong long-term demand and historical patterns suggest deep drops are less likely.

Trust with CoinPedia:CoinPedia has been delivering accurate and timely cryptocurrency and blockchain updates since 2017. All content is created by our expert panel of analysts and journalists, following strict Editorial Guidelines based on E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness). Every article is fact-checked against reputable sources to ensure accuracy, transparency, and reliability. Our review policy guarantees unbiased evaluations when recommending exchanges, platforms, or tools. We strive to provide timely updates about everything crypto & blockchain, right from startups to industry majors.

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8h05 ▪
3
min read ▪ by
Luc Jose A.

Summarize this article with:

For the first time in six weeks, institutional bitcoin purchases have exceeded the supply from mining. This subtle reversal, revealed by CryptoQuant data, occurs in a market in consolidation phase, marked by the retreat of retail investors.

In brief

For the first time in six weeks, institutional bitcoin purchases have exceeded the supply generated by mining.
This reversal was confirmed by CryptoQuant via the “adjusted netflow” indicator, signaling a resumption of institutional accumulation.
The daily BTC supply, estimated at around 900 units, has been fully absorbed by purchases from major financial players.
If this trend is confirmed, it could mark a turning point in the balance between bitcoin supply, demand, and price.

An institutional accumulation dynamic that reverses the trend
The market experienced a notable inflection this week in bitcoin flows: institutions bought more BTC than was produced by mining companies.

This phenomenon was observed for the first time in six weeks, as stated by Ki Young Ju, CEO of the on-chain analysis platform CryptoQuant. In a message shared on social media, he specified that the “adjusted netflow for entities” indicator clearly showed a reversal of trend: “institutional accumulation is again higher than daily mining supply.”

On-chain data published by CryptoQuant confirm that buying pressure from institutional players has momentarily exceeded the natural network supply. This shift is based on several factual elements :

The daily issuance of bitcoin remains stable at around 900 BTC per day, according to the protocol ;

Institutional purchases have passed this threshold, signaling a net liquidity absorption on spot markets ;

The phenomenon had not been observed for six weeks, marking a break from a previous trend of under-absorption.

This type of signal is usually closely monitored by analysts, as it can precede a supply compression phase if demand remains supported. For now, these flows mainly concern OTC channels and institutional products, far from the speculative stir of leveraged markets.

An isolated signal or the prelude to a sustainable bitcoin accumulation phase ?
Beyond a simple reading of flows, this renewed accumulation fits into a global context. CryptoQuant data indicate it is the entities classified as “institutional” that are behind this bullish imbalance between demand and supply.

According to Ki Young Ju, these movements correlate with a “long-term stealth accumulation strategy,” without frenzied activity on derivatives markets, but with significant volumes on spot markets. This observation contrasts with the usual volatility of bull market phases fueled by retail investors.

If this dynamic were to repeat in the coming weeks, it could reinforce the relative scarcity of bitcoin in liquid markets. As it stands, this signal does not predict an immediate rise, but constitutes a marker of growing interest for bitcoin exposure in the medium/long term.

If demand continues to exceed supply, the market could enter a new accumulation phase. Meanwhile, shares of Bitcoin mining companies decline, reflecting a loss of investor confidence due to the sector’s declining profitability.

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Luc Jose A.

Diplômé de Sciences Po Toulouse et titulaire d'une certification consultant blockchain délivrée par Alyra, j'ai rejoint l'aventure Cointribune en 2019.
Convaincu du potentiel de la blockchain pour transformer de nombreux secteurs de l'économie, j'ai pris l'engagement de sensibiliser et d'informer le grand public sur cet écosystème en constante évolution. Mon objectif est de permettre à chacun de mieux comprendre la blockchain et de saisir les opportunités qu'elle offre. Je m'efforce chaque jour de fournir une analyse objective de l'actualité, de décrypter les tendances du marché, de relayer les dernières innovations technologiques et de mettre en perspective les enjeux économiques et sociétaux de cette révolution en marche.

DISCLAIMER

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

Is XRP crashing? The sustained break below $2 signals troubleXRP's price chart paints a bearish picture, but a softer-than-expected U.S. inflation could spark a rebound. Dec 18, 2025, 7:10 a.m.

This is a technical analysis post by CoinDesk analyst and Chartered Market Technician Omkar Godbole.

Have you ever seen a dam release its water? All that pent-up water crashes down in a unstoppable flood.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW

That's what typically happens in markets when a long-held price support finally gives way, unleashing disgruntled holders who flood the market with supply, overwhelming buyers and driving prices sharply lower.

XRP's support breakdownThe above description fits perfectly with payments-focused cryptocurrency XRP, whose prices have finally established a foothold below the long-held $2.00 support.

Since January this year, prices dipped below that level several times but never stayed there for more than two daily candles, quickly rebounding in a V-shaped recovery as shown in the chart below.

But now it appears to have found solid footing: prices fell below $2.00 on Sunday and have stayed there since, marking a true technical breakdown of this key level. XRP is used by fintech company Ripple to facilitate cross-border transactions.

Bearish signals pile upOther indicators back the bearish outlook. For instance, the widely tracked 50-, 100-, and 200-day simple moving averages (SMAs) are all trending lower, showing bearish momentum in both short- and long-term trends.

The MACD histogram, an indicator used to gauge momentum and trend changes, keeps printing deeper bars below the zero line, signaling strengthening downside pressure.

XRP's price has established a foothold below the $2 support. (TradingView)

The support break, coupled with bearish moving averages, points to potential for a further decline toward $1.63, the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement of XRP's bull market rally from the 2024 low of 43 cents to the 2025 record high of $3.66.

The 61.8% ratio has its origins in the Fibonacci sequence and is known as the Golden Ratio, frequently appearing in natural and human-made structures, defining balance and proportion. In markets, the ratio is closely watched as a significant area of support.

While the technical picture looks bearish for XRP, investors might want to keep an eye on Thursday's U.S. inflation data. Softer-than-expected numbers could spark "risk-on" mood across markets, boosting XRP and crypto higher

When bullish revival?XRP has been in a steady downtrend since July, with each price bounce weaker than the one before.

The bulls need to break this pattern to regain a positive outlook. That means prices must rise above the $2.27 high from the last weak bounce in late November.

AI 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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December 18, 2025

Bitcoin’s price swings are becoming more restrained, with the cryptocurrency now showing lower volatility than Nvidia shares in 2025, a shift Bitwise says reflects a maturing and more diversified investor base.

Key Takeaways:

Bitcoin’s volatility has fallen below Nvidia’s as institutional products broaden its investor base, Bitwise says.
The growth of spot ETFs and traditional market access is reshaping how Bitcoin trades and reducing sharp price swings.
Bitwise views the calmer price action as a structural shift and expects further institutional entry in 2026.

In a report released Wednesday, Bitwise said Bitcoin is likely to remain less volatile than Nvidia (NVDA) through 2026, pointing to a long-term decline in Bitcoin’s price fluctuations over the past decade.

Bitwise Says Institutional Adoption Is Derisking BitcoinThe asset manager argued that Bitcoin’s growing presence in traditional financial markets is changing how it trades.

“Bitcoin’s volatility has steadily declined over the past ten years,” Bitwise said, adding that the trend signals a broader “derisking” of the asset as institutional investors gain exposure through regulated products such as spot exchange-traded funds.

According to Bitwise, the rise of ETFs and other traditional vehicles has expanded Bitcoin’s investor base beyond retail traders and crypto-native funds.

That diversification, the firm said, has helped dampen sharp price moves that once defined the asset.

The data highlights a notable contrast between Bitcoin and Nvidia this year. Bitcoin has moved 68% between its 2025 low of around $75,000 in April and its all-time high of $126,000 reached in early October.

Nvidia, by comparison, has recorded a much wider 120% swing, rising from a low near $94 in early April to a peak of $207 later in the year.

In 2026…

… $BTC, $ETH, and $SOL will set new all-time highs, bets on @Polymarket will grow significantly, crypto equities will outperform tech stocks, and 7 other crypto predictions for 2026 by the @BitwiseInvest Research Team.

Please note: As with all predictions, these are…

— Bitwise (@BitwiseInvest) December 17, 2025
Despite Nvidia’s higher volatility, the chipmaker’s shares have delivered stronger returns.

Nvidia is up roughly 27% year-to-date, while Bitcoin has slipped about 8% since the start of the year as crypto markets have increasingly decoupled from equities.

Bitwise sees the calmer price action as a structural shift rather than a temporary phase. The firm said traditional market forces that once drove extreme crypto cycles, such as leverage-fueled speculation and sharp reactions to halving events, are losing influence.

Looking ahead, Bitwise struck an optimistic tone on Bitcoin’s broader outlook. The firm expects Bitcoin to set a new all-time high and break away from the historical four-year cycle that has shaped previous bull and bear markets.

It also predicts deeper institutional involvement in 2026, naming banks such as Citigroup, Morgan Stanley, Wells Fargo and Merrill Lynch as potential entrants.

Bitcoin’s Long-Term Holder Selling May Be Nearing Its End: K33Bitcoin has seen sustained sell-side pressure from long-term holders since 2024, but that trend may be nearing exhaustion, according to a new report from research and brokerage firm K33.

The firm estimates that around 1.6 million BTC, worth roughly $138 billion, has re-entered circulation over the past two years as early investors took profits.

K33 head of research Vetle Lunde said the scale of these movements points to deliberate selling rather than technical factors like wallet consolidation or ETF-related transfers.

The report notes that 2024 and 2025 rank among the largest years on record for long-term supply reactivation, driven not by speculation, but by direct selling into deeper institutional liquidity.

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The World Liberty Financial team has proposed using 5% of the project’s treasury to expand adoption of its USD1 stablecoin through strategic partnerships and ecosystem incentives.

Summary

World Liberty Financial has proposed unlocking 5% of its WLFI token treasury to support USD1 growth.
USD1 currently ranks as the seventh-largest USD-pegged stablecoin.

According to the proposal posted on the World Liberty Financial governance forum, the Trump family-backed project wants to increase the supply of USD1, which it believes would directly enable “demand for WLFI-governed services, integrations, liquidity incentives, and ecosystem programs.”

“The success of USD1 directly strengthens WLFI because USD1 adoption expands the overall footprint, utility, and economic activity of the entire WLFI ecosystem,” the team wrote.

As per the proposal, the additional supply would be used to support “high-profile CeFi and DeFi partnerships” that can accelerate adoption and also help USD1 keep pace in an “increasingly competitive stablecoin landscape.”

“Increased USD1 adoption creates more opportunities for value capture across the WLFI ecosystem, which accrues to the benefit of WLFI-governed initiatives and long-term token utility,” it said.

WLFI holders are expected to directly benefit as they “gain governance power over a larger, more valuable network,” giving them greater influence over the direction of the platform.

If the proposal is approved by governance participants, World Liberty plans to use 5% of its treasury funds. Per WLFI’s tokenomics, 19.96 billion of the total WLFI supply was allocated to the treasury, which would translate to roughly $120 million based on current prices.

WLFI stakeholders can now vote either for, against, or abstain from the proposal.

World Liberty Financial pushes for USD1 adoption
With a market cap of $2.74 billion, USD1 currently stands as the seventh-largest USD-pegged stablecoin competing against already established leaders like USDT and USDC.

The WLFI team has undertaken various initiatives to boost USD1’s use across retail and institutional markets, and plans to introduce new products like a crypto-linked debit card that connects with Apple Pay.

USD1 has also expanded across multiple blockchain networks since its debut, initially launching on Ethereum and BNB Chain before later integrating with Solana, TRON, Aptos, and AB Chain over the past months.

However, the stablecoin has also come under scrutiny for its association with President Donald Trump and his family. Concerns have centered on the fact that most of the stablecoin’s supply is held offshore, and the project has not released a reserve report since July.

The Ethereum supply on exchanges has dropped to historic lows since 2016, as institutional and corporate demand for accumulation has expanded. The supply ratio shift indicates a change in holder behavior toward long-term retention, as opposed to retail short-term selling pressure. 

According to on-chain data provided by CryptoQuant analytics, the Exchange Supply Ratio (ESR), which measures the portion of all ETH held by exchange platforms, has decreased to approximately 0.137 across all exchanges. The drop marks the lowest since 2016 during the early development of the Ethereum blockchain. Across Binance, the largest crypto exchange platform by trading volume and with the highest ETH supply, the ESR has decreased to approximately 0.0325. 

ETH supply shift indicates diminished intent for immediate liquidation
According to the ESR figures provided by CryptoQuant analyst Arab Chain, there is a persistent net outflow of Ethereum tokens from exchanges to external or private wallets. The analysis by Arab Chain on CryptoQuant noted that such patterns often align with accumulation phases after a period of volatility, as markets absorb more liquidity with low selling pressure. 

Ethereum Exchange Supply Falls to Its Lowest Levels Since 2016

“This dynamic reflects increased trader caution and a decline in short-term selling pressure.” – By @ArabxChain pic.twitter.com/QdqLdtzYIo

— CryptoQuant.com (@cryptoquant_com) December 17, 2025

Across all exchanges, the charts tracking the ESR metric show a persistent decline from mid-2024 to late 2025, fluctuating from approximately 0.165 steadily downwards to the current level of around 0.137. Meanwhile, the ETH price has also been fluctuating between $4,500 and its all-time high of $4,953.73 on August 24, 2025, to the current price of $2,830 based on CoinMarketCap data. 

Binance, the largest exchange by trading volume, has recorded a similar pattern, starting from 0.038 in mid-2024, to the current range of 0.032-0.0325. The Ethereum token price tends to follow a similar pattern, exhibiting a positive correlation between the ETH price and ESR.

Source: CryptoQuant; Binance exchange ETH supply ratio trend from mid 2024 to late 2025.
The Ethereum blockchain’s transition to a Proof-of-Stake consensus mechanism has incentivized staking, allowing users to lock tokens and earn rewards. The consensus mechanism has attracted almost 36 million ETH currently staked and requiring transfer off exchanges towards dedicated wallets or protocols. The transition in consensus mechanisms has contributed to the acceleration of the decline in supply across all exchanges. 

Layer 2 ecosystems, such as Base, amplify the supply shift to DEXs
Risks associated with exchange failures, such as the 2022 FTX exchange collapse, have prompted the adoption of self-custody for enhanced security and control. Additionally, Layer 2 ecosystems, including Base, Arbitrum, and Optimism, have also attracted liquidity, further reducing the exchange-held supply. Layer 2 ecosystems on Ethereum offer scaling solutions that facilitate cheaper and faster transactions, pulling ETH supply from centralized exchanges (CEX) to decentralized exchanges (DEX). DEXs, such as PancakeSwap and Uniswap, have all been built on these protocols to facilitate direct P2P crypto trading. 

According to on-chain data, approximately 67 public companies, government entities, and institutions that hold ETH as part of a reserve strategy now hold roughly 6.71 million ETH, valued at around $19.02 billion. Additionally, Ethereum-focused ETFs hold approximately 6.22 million ETH, valued at $17.63 billion. These values represent 5.55% and 5.14%, respectively, of the total ETH supply.

Source: Strategic Reserve; ETH supply across public treasuries and Ethereum ETFs.
The reduction in ETH supply across exchanges and rising institutional demand have created a low-liquidity, high-demand environment, leading to a supply squeeze. According to the Arab Chain analysis on CryptoQuant, increased selling pressure may have contributed to the ETH price drop; however, continued buying pressure, particularly from institutional investors, could drive the ETH price upward in the long term. 

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, /PRNewswire/ -- Vision Marine Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: VMAR) ("Vision Marine" or the "Company"), a leader in high-voltage electric marine propulsion systems with a multi-brand boat retail and service platform, today announced the pricing of a best-efforts public offering of 32,000,000 units. Each unit consists of one common share (or pre-funded warrant ("Pre-Funded Warrant") in lieu thereof) and one-half of one warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each unit is being sold to the public at a price of $0.30 per unit (inclusive of the Pre-Funded Warrant exercise price), for gross proceeds of $9,600,000 before deducting placement agent fees and offering expenses. Each whole Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one common share at an exercise price of $0.375 per share and will expire five years from the date of issuance. The offering is expected to close on December 19, 2025, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions. The common shares (or Pre-Funded Warrants) and Warrants can only be purchased together in the offering but will be issued separately. Because the Company will issue only whole Warrants, investors must purchase an even number of units.

The Company intends primarily to use the proceeds for general corporate purposes and working capital, including for inventory management, and servicing its floorplan lines of credit, general and administrative expenses and prosecuting patent applications relating to its E-Motion™ electric powertrain technology.

ThinkEquity is acting as the sole placement agent for the offering.

A registration statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-291955) relating to the securities was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and became effective on December 17, 2025. This offering is being made only by means of a prospectus. Copies of the final prospectus, when available, may be obtained from ThinkEquity, 17 State Street, 41st Floor, New York, New York 10004. The final prospectus will be filed with the SEC and will be available on the SEC's website located at http://www.sec.gov.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

About Vision Marine Technologies, Inc. 
Vision Marine Technologies (NASDAQ: VMAR) is a marine technology and retail group delivering premium boating experiences across internal combustion and electric segments. Through its E-Motion™ high-voltage propulsion platform and its Nautical Ventures retail network, Vision Marine offers an integrated ecosystem spanning propulsion, retail, service, and on-water consumer engagement.

Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include predictions, expectations, estimates, and other information that might be considered future events or trends, not relating to historical matters. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Vision Marine's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended August 31, 2025, and its periodic filings with the SEC provide a detailed discussion of these risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that Vision Marine will be able to complete the offering on the anticipated terms, or at all. Vision Marine does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

SOURCE Vision Marine Technologies, Inc

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Published: Dec 18, 2025, 04:30 GMT+00:00

Oil prices plunged to their lowest levels since early 2021 as oversupply fears, weak demand signals, and bearish technical patterns across crude, natural gas, and the U.S. Dollar Index reinforced a broader global risk reset.

Oil prices dropped to their lowest levels since early 2021 as oversupply fears dominated market sentiment. Brent crude oil (BCO) fell below $60 per barrel, while WTI crude oil (CL) dropped toward the mid-$50s. This decline reflects growing concerns that additional Russian barrels could return to the market if a Russia–Ukraine peace deal moves forward. The easing of expectations for sanctions added pressure, reinforcing a bearish outlook for crude prices.

On the other hand, the market structure confirms the weakness. The six-month Brent spread flipped into contango for the first time since October, indicating an excess of supply and weak near-term demand. A sizable surplus is already priced into the market, limiting the near-term upside potential. As a result, average prices may recover only modestly next year unless a major geopolitical or policy shift alters supply dynamics.

Moreover, the demand concerns intensified the selloff. Soft Chinese economic data raised doubts about global consumption at a time when supply continues to grow. Although U.S. action against a Venezuelan oil tanker offered limited support, ample floating storage and pre-emptive Chinese buying helped mitigate its impact. As a result, downside risks remain dominant for oil prices in the near term.

WTI Crude Oil Technical Analysis
The daily chart for WTI crude oil indicates that prices are fluctuating within the long-term support zone, ranging from $55 to $60. A decisive break below $55 would likely trigger a sharp decline in the price. Despite short-term fluctuations, the broader trend remains bearish, with prices continuing to trade under sustained downward pressure. A break above the $65 level would signal a potential reversal in the current trend.

The bearish pressure in the oil market is also evident on the 4-hour chart, which shows that prices are trading within a clear downward trend. This structure suggests the potential for further downside.

A break above $62 would indicate a short-term rebound toward the $65.50 level. However, a move above $70 would invalidate the current bearish structure and signal a possible trend reversal.

Natural Gas Technical Analysis
The daily chart for natural gas (NG) shows that prices have corrected sharply toward the key support level at $3.82 before rebounding higher. Despite this correction, the price remains above the 200-day SMA, which signals continued positive momentum.

A recovery above the $4.70 level would confirm that the correction is likely complete, and that the uptrend may resume. The emergence of an Adam and Eve bottom pattern above the $2.60 level also suggests a potential long-term bottom structure.

However, a decisive break below $2.60 would invalidate this bullish setup and indicate the possibility of a deeper correction in natural gas prices.

The 4-hour chart for natural gas shows that the price corrected from the long-term resistance level near $4.70 and found strong support around $3.82. The overall price structure remains firmly bullish as long as prices stay above the key support zone near $2.60.

A breakout above the $5.50 level would likely trigger a strong rally, potentially driving natural gas prices to significantly higher levels.

US Dollar Index Technical Analysis
The daily chart for the U.S. Dollar Index indicates that the index remains under bearish pressure but held above the key support level at 98.

The price is currently rebounding from this support, facing immediate resistance around the 99.20 area. A confirmed break below 98 would open the door for a decline toward the 96.50 level.

However, a breakout above 100.50 would confirm a bottom formation and could trigger a rally toward the 102 regions.

The 4-hour chart for the U.S. Dollar Index shows continued bearish momentum after forming a double top and breaking below the 99 level. The index tested the 98 support level, rebounded slightly, and is now consolidating near that zone.

A confirmed break below 98 would likely trigger a sharp decline toward lower levels. Conversely, a breakout above the 100.50 level would invalidate the bearish structure and signal the start of a strong rally.

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Muhammad Umair is a finance MBA and engineering PhD. As a seasoned financial analyst specializing in currencies and precious metals, he combines his multidisciplinary academic background to deliver a data-driven, contrarian perspective. As founder of Gold Predictors, he leads a team providing advanced market analytics, quantitative research, and refined precious metals trading strategies.

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Eli Lilly is slashing the prices of its popular diabetes and weight-loss drugs Mounjaro and Zepbound by 20% or more in Canada, the Globe and Mail reported on Wednesday, citing a note to pharmacies issued by the U.S.-based drugmaker.

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

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

Shares of Broadcom have soared by more than 1,200% since 2019.

It was a year ago that tech company Broadcom (AVGO 4.48%) joined the trillion-dollar club. And what's remarkable is that even as it crossed that valuation, it has continued to soar this year. As of Dec. 15, it has rallied 47% since January, which is far higher than the S&P 500's gains of just under 16%.

Broadcom has routinely outperformed the index, and it's on track to do so for a sixth consecutive year in 2025. The last time it fell short of the S&P 500's returns was in 2019, when the index gained 29% but Broadcom's stock rose by just 24%. It was a close one, but by and large, investors have done exceptionally well with this tech company.

Is Broadcom likely to extend its market-beating streak to seven years in 2026?

Image source: Getty Images.

Why Broadcom could beat the market again in 2026
Broadcom's business has benefited from robust demand from hyperscalers for its custom chips. On Dec. 11, the company released its year-end results for fiscal 2025 (it ended on Nov. 2), with sales totaling $63.9 billion, representing a year-over-year increase of 24%. What was far more impressive was its bottom line, which totaled $23.1 billion and nearly quadrupled the $5.9 billion that it reported a year ago.

The big catalyst was, unsurprisingly, artificial intelligence (AI). The company says that during its most recent quarter, AI semiconductor revenue grew by 74%. And CEO Hock Tan says that the momentum remains strong in the first quarter, with AI semiconductor revenue on track to double on a year-over-year basis.

If this proves to be a sign of things to come for Broadcom, it won't be hard to envision a scenario where the stock outperforms the S&P 500 yet again. The company is involved with the leading tech and AI companies in the world, and as long as demand is strong, the stock could be poised for more significant gains in 2026.

Why Broadcom's stock might struggle
The bearish case for Broadcom centers around its valuation and the possibility of a slowdown in AI spending. There are no indications that will happen, but it's something that investors are growing cognizant of, especially given how high stock prices have risen.

Broadcom's stock currently trades at a price-to-earnings multiple of 75, which is close to three times the 26 times earnings the average stock on the S&P 500 trades at. A premium may be justifiable given the strong AI growth, but Broadcom's overall growth rate is still less than 30%; it may be hard to justify such an astronomical valuation for that level of growth.

Ultimately, Broadcom's stock performance next year will likely come down to two factors: the appetite from retail investors to continue paying high premiums for AI stocks, and whether AI spending will remain strong. If both conditions are favorable for Broadcom, I'd expect it to outperform the index; otherwise, a sell-off could be coming.

Today's Change

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Is Broadcom a good AI stock to buy right now?
It may be tempting to assume that since Broadcom has done well for six straight years that it's likely going to continue that pattern in 2026. But the past doesn't predict the future, and the danger for investors is in assuming that the stock will rise again simply because it has done so in previous years.

And there are signs that investor sentiment is souring on AI stocks. On Monday, Broadcom's stock fell to below $340 -- down from over $406, which is where it was before it released earnings last week. In a matter of days, it has lost over 16% in value. It's an alarming sign that investors may not be as excited with the stock as they have been in the past, even though the company beat expectations on both the top and bottom lines in its most recent quarter.

As hot as Broadcom's stock has been, I think more of a cooldown is coming. It looks overdue for a decline, and 2026 could very well be the year when the S&P 500 generates better returns again.

A 40% slide in shares of Pop Mart from a peak in August shows growing worries that Labubu mania may be fading. Lackluster US Black Friday sales and cooling resale demand are also reviving comparisons to the 1990s Beanie Babies bust.

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

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

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / December 18, 2025 / 1933 Industries Inc. (the "Company" or "1933 Industries") (CSE:TGIF)(OTCID:TGIFF), a Nevada-focused cannabis cultivator and producer, announces that its unsecured convertible debentures issued in 2024 (the "2024 Debentures"), with an aggregate principal amount of approximately $2,598,000 in principal value, will mature on December 31, 2025.

Following a careful review of the Company's financial position, operating performance, and near-term working capital requirements, the Company advises that it does not currently have sufficient cash resources to repay the outstanding principal of the 2024 Debentures in cash upon maturity without materially impairing its ability to continue operating. The Company's available liquidity is required to support ongoing operations, maintain business continuity, and preserve the value created over the past year.

Strong Operating Momentum and Improved Financial Performance

For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2025, 1933 Industries delivered significant financial improvements, including:

Revenue of $17.4 million

Record gross profit of $5.4 million, representing a 26% gross margin

Net income before taxes of $0.03 million and comprehensive income of $0.2 million, compared to a net loss before taxes of $2.25 million and a comprehensive loss of $1.07 million in fiscal 2024

These results reflect more than a 100% improvement in earnings year-over-year and demonstrate the Company's progress toward sustainable profitability. The Company has operated on a profitable basis in recent quarters and continues to be a going concern. Management and the Board believe the business has meaningful long-term value and a strong foundation for continued growth.

Encouragement to Convert Debentures into Equity

In light of the above, the Company strongly encourages holders of the 2024 Debentures to convert their debentures into equity in accordance with the existing terms of the debentures. Conversion provides debenture holders with the opportunity to participate directly in the Company's future growth while strengthening the Company's balance sheet and liquidity position.

Under the terms of the 2024 Debentures, holders may convert their principal at a price of $0.05 per unit. Each unit consists of:

One common share of the Company; and

One common share purchase warrant, exercisable at $0.05 per share until December 31, 2028, subject to certain accelerated expiry provisions. If the closing price of the Company's common shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange exceeds $0.10 for 20 consecutive trading days, the Company may accelerate the warrant expiry to a date that is 30 days following notice to holders.

In accordance with the debenture terms, all accrued and unpaid interest will become due on the maturity date and will be settled through the issuance of common shares.

Action Required by Debenture Holders

Debenture holders wishing to convert should contact their brokers promptly to initiate the conversion process. Debenture holders have the right to convert prior to the close of business on December 22, 2025 (which is the fifth business day preceding the maturity date or December 31, 2025). At this time, the Company does not intend to seek an extension of the maturity date or amend the terms of the debentures.

The Board believes that conversion represents the most constructive outcome for all stakeholders, aligning debenture holders with equity holders, reducing financial risk, and supporting the Company's ability to meet its ongoing obligations as they become due.

The Company appreciates the continued support of its investors and debenture holders and remains focused on executing its strategy, strengthening its balance sheet, and building long-term shareholder value.

About 1933 Industries Inc.

1933 Industries is a Nevada-based licensed producer, focused on the cultivation and extraction of a large portfolio of cannabis consumer products in a variety of formats under its flagship brand, Alternative Medicine Association (AMA). Its product offerings are cultivated at the Company's 68,000 sq. ft. indoor facility and marketed directly to retail dispensaries. AMA branded flower, infused pre-rolls, and in-house boutique concentrates consistently rank as the top products sold in Nevada. For more information, please visit www.1933industries.com.

For further information please contact:
Alexia Helgason, VP, Investor Relations
604-728-4407
[email protected]

Brian Farrell, Chairman and CEO
[email protected]

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

Notice regarding Forward Looking Statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements. The use of any of the words "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "should", "believe" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding: the Company's ability (or inability) to repay the 2024 Debentures at maturity; the Company's current intentions regarding the 2024 Debentures and their terms; the Company's exploration of strategic alternatives; and the potential for cross-defaults and other insolvency measures. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release. The Company provides no assurance that it will successfully navigate its current liquidity challenges or that any financing or strategic transaction will be available on acceptable terms or at all to assist the Company with its obligations. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks including liquidity risks as the Company lacks the cash resources to pay the 2024 Debentures, refinancing risks, cross-default risks resulting from a default under the 2024 Debentures, litigation risks should holders seek to enforce their rights pursuant to the 2024 Debentures and various risk factors discussed in the Company's disclosure documents, which can be found under the Company's profile on www.sedar.com. 1933 Industries undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

SOURCE: 1933 Industries Inc.

Explore how differences in holdings, sector focus, and fund structure can shape your approach to value investing.

The iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF (IWN 0.41%) encompasses a significantly broader small-cap universe and has outperformed over the past year, whereas the iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF (IJJ 0.11%) offers lower costs, a higher yield, and a mid-cap focus.

Both the iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF (IWN) and the iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF (IJJ) are designed for investors seeking exposure to U.S. value stocks, but they target different market segments. IWN tracks small-cap value companies, while IJJ focuses on mid-cap value names. This comparison highlights cost, returns, risk, sector tilts, and portfolio construction to help you determine which option may better align with your investment goals.

Snapshot (cost & size)MetricIJJIWNIssuerISharesISharesExpense ratio0.18%0.24%1-yr return (as of Dec. 17, 2025)3.8%8.1%Dividend yield1.7%1.6%AUM$8.0 billion$11.8 billionThe one-year return represents total return over the trailing 12 months.

IJJ is more affordable with a 0.18% annual expense ratio, while IWN charges 0.24%. However, IJJ has lagged IWN's total returns over the last year.

Performance & risk comparisonMetricIJJIWNMax drawdown (5 y)(22.7%)(26.7%)Growth of $1,000 over 5 years$1,695$1,549What's insideIWN tracks over 1,400 small-cap U.S. value stocks, making it one of the broadest value ETFs available. Financial services account for 27% of assets, followed by industrials at 13% and healthcare at 10%. Top holdings, such as EchoStar at 1.00%, Hecla Mining at 0.62%, and Commercial Metals at 0.57%, each represent less than 1% of total assets. With a 25-year history, IWN offers deep liquidity and time-tested management. However, investors should note that small-cap value stocks can be more volatile and less liquid than those of larger companies.

IJJ, in contrast, holds about 295 mid-cap value stocks, with financial services (21%), industrials (17%), and consumer cyclical (11%) as its largest sectors. Top positions include Flex at 1.60%, Talen Energy at 1.13%, and U.S. Foods at 1.13%, each with a slightly higher portfolio weight than IWN’s top holdings. IJJ’s narrower focus means more concentrated bets in the mid-cap space, which may appeal to those preferring companies that are larger and generally more established than IWN’s small-cap roster.

For more guidance on ETF investing, check out the full guide at this link.

What this means for investorsWhile IJJ has underperformed versus IWN over the last year, the ETF has easily won the battle over the last five, ten, and 25 years. Since 2000, IJJ has posted total returns of around 1,060% compared to IWN's mark of 777%. Both funds have lagged behind the returns of the S&P 500, but they offer drastically different holdings compared to the broader index.

Both ETFs serve as excellent options to diversify away from the Magnificent Seven and mega-cap tech stocks, particularly for investors who already believe they have sufficient exposure to these behemoths. Between the two, I would lean toward IJJ thanks to its stronger historical returns, lower expense ratio, lower beta, slightly higher dividend yield, and faster growth rate over the last decade.

Furthermore, I prefer that IJJ has slightly fewer financial services holdings and more industrials and consumer cyclical exposure. Ultimately, both ETFs are good alternatives to the more popular, top-heavy indexes, especially with IJJ and IWN trading at 18 and 15 times earnings, making them intriguing, discounted investment options.

GlossarySmall-cap: Companies with relatively small total market value, typically under $2 billion.
Mid-cap: Companies with a medium market value, generally between $2 billion and $10 billion.
Value stocks: Stocks considered undervalued compared to their fundamentals, often trading at lower price ratios.
Expense ratio: Annual fund operating expenses expressed as a percentage of average assets under management.
Dividend yield: Annual dividends paid by a fund or stock, shown as a percentage of its price.
Beta: A measure of a fund's volatility compared to the overall market, often the S&P 500.
AUM (Assets Under Management): The total market value of assets a fund manages on behalf of investors.
Max drawdown: The largest percentage drop from a fund's peak value to its lowest point over a specific period.
Sector tilt: When a fund allocates more assets to certain industries or sectors than the overall market.
Portfolio construction: The process of selecting and weighting assets within a fund to achieve specific investment goals.
Liquidity: How easily assets can be bought or sold in the market without affecting their price.

Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of WLDN either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

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

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Company executing against new strategic principles, to drive sustainable and profitable growth

TEL AVIV, Israel & ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ICL (NYSE: ICL) (TASE: ICL) today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Bartek Ingredients. Bartek is the global leader in food-grade malic and fumaric acid and serves hundreds of customers and distributors in the food, beverage, confectionery, bakery and other end-markets worldwide. These functional food ingredients are used by food and beverage companies to enhance flavor profiles, extend shelf life and improve overall quality. These additives also contribute to the quality, safety and efficacy of personal care products.

Bartek distributes its products to more than 40 countries worldwide from its headquarters in Ontario, Canada, and operates the only vertically integrated maleic anhydride and food-grade malic and fumaric acid production facilities in North America. The business currently generates approximately $65 million in annual revenue and is in the process of constructing a new production facility, which is expected to be completed in 2026. Upon completion, the new facility is expected to significantly expand capacity and production volumes, supporting increased participation in the global functional food ingredients market, which is expected to exceed $45 billion in sales by 2030.

“We are excited to expand our portfolio deeper into specialty food solutions, with the acquisition of Bartek Ingredients – a global market leader in functional food ingredients. This strategic acquisition helps position us for further growth, as we leverage our existing global food presence to expand into other food ingredient segments,” said Elad Aharonson, president and CEO of ICL. “This acquisition also advances our recently refined strategy, which focuses on the significant growth engines of specialty crop nutrition and specialty food solutions – two areas where we already have deep experience and broad exposure. We will continue to seek additional non-organic growth opportunities in these markets, driven by a commitment to creating long-term value and sustainable growth for our shareholders.”

“ICL’s position as a leading global manufacturer of ingredients and solutions for the food and beverage industry is very synergistic with our extensive acidulants experience,” said Andrew Ross, CEO of Bartek Ingredients. “We expect to maximize our potential and capture an even larger share of the growing global functional food ingredients market, as we leverage ICL’s global scale, technical expertise – including R&D capabilities – and decades of experience, to provide additional value to customers.”

The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, and will be completed in two phases. The first phase, expected to close during the first quarter of 2026, involves a cash investment of approximately $90 million for the acquisition of approximately 50% of Bartek. The timing and scale of the investment in the second phase, which will result in the acquisition of the remaining shares of Bartek, are subject to certain business and integration milestones.

About ICL

ICL Group is a leading global specialty minerals company, which creates impactful solutions for humanity's sustainability challenges in the food, agriculture and industrial markets. ICL leverages its unique bromine, potash and phosphate resources, its global professional workforce, and its sustainability focused R&D and technological innovation capabilities, to drive the company's growth across its end markets. ICL shares are dual listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (NYSE and TASE: ICL). The company employs more than 12,000 people worldwide, and its 2024 revenues totaled approximately $7 billion.

For more information, visit ICL's website at icl-group.com.

To access ICL's interactive CSR report, visit icl-group-sustainability.com.

You can also learn more about ICL on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, X and Instagram.

Forward-Looking Statements

This announcement contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements, many of which can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “expect,” “should,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate” and “potential,” among others.

Forward-looking statements appear in a number of places in this press release and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company’s intent, belief or current expectations. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to management. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements due to various factors, including, but not limited to: the Company’s ability to satisfy the closing conditions for the transaction on a timely basis or at all; the anticipated effect of the transaction on the positioning of ICL in the food ingredients market, ICL's strategic focus in on the food ingredients market; ICL's expectations and assumptions concerning the time necessary to satisfy the conditions to the closing of the transaction, including the regulatory approvals in connection therewith; in addition, there is no assurance that the new production facility will be completed as planned or in time, nor that it will significantly increase the capacity and production volumes as expected; that Bartek Ingredients will maximize its potential or capture a larger market share. Although ICL believes the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because ICL can give no assurance they will prove to be correct.

The anticipated timeline for completion of the transaction may change for a number of reasons, including the inability to secure necessary regulatory approvals in the time assumed or the need for additional time to satisfy the conditions to the completion of the transaction. Other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, estimates, forecasts and statements as to management's expectations with respect to, among other things, business and financial prospects, financial multiples and accretion estimates, future trends, plans, strategies, positioning, objectives and expectations, failure to complete the transaction as contemplated and the ability to successfully integrate the new business into the existing business in an effective manner, general economic, market and business conditions, weather conditions, governmental and regulatory requirements and actions by governmental authorities, including changes in government policy, changes in environmental, tax and other laws or regulations and the interpretation thereof. As a result of the foregoing, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward‐looking statements contained in this press release concerning the timing of the transaction, or other more specific risks and uncertainties facing ICL, such as those set forth in the “Risk Factors” section of its Annual Report on Form 20-F filed on March 13, 2025 (reference no. 2025-02-016733), as such risk factors may be updated from time to time in its Current Reports on Form 6-K and other filings ICL makes with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time.

Forward-looking statements refer only to the date they are made, and the company does not undertake any obligation to update them in light of new information or future developments or to publicly release any revisions to these statements in order to reflect later events or circumstances or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

More News From ICL Group LTD

Back to Newsroom

LONG BEACH, Calif., Dec. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rocket Lab Corporation (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today successfully launched the STP-S30 mission for the U.S. Space Force's (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) – completing the launch five months ahead of schedule and playing a critical role in advancing technologies that ensure U.S. superiority in space.

Dogecoin (CRYPTO: DOGE) extended its losses on Wednesday, mirroring a broader decline across the cryptocurrency market.

DOGE Sees Massive Liquidation Of Bullish BetsThe world’s largest memecoin by market capitalization fell over 4% in the last 24 hours, worse than Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) and XRP (CRYPTO: XRP). Dogecoin’s trading volume surged 47% to $1.42 billion, suggesting high selling pressure.

Speculative activity on the coin weakened, with open interest in DOGE futures falling 4.34% in the last 24 hours, according to Coinglass. Over $5.60 million in DOGE’s long positions were wiped out in the same period.

DOGE’s Historical SupportMeanwhile, Ali Martinez, a popular cryptocurrency technical analyst and trader, highlighted some of DOGE’s key historical support levels, with the $0.074 level seeing the most action.

“$0.074 is the key support for Dogecoin. Over 28 billion tokens last changed hands there,” Martinez said.

Should DOGE revisit this level, it would represent a 41% drop from its current value. The memecoin last traded around this price in Feb. 2024.

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

Technical Indicators To Watch Out ForThe Moving Average Convergence Divergence indicator, which compares two exponential moving averages of an asset, typically the 12-period and the 26-period, flashed a "Sell" signal for DOGE, according to TradingView. 

The Bull Bear Power indicator, which measures the strength of buyers and sellers, flashed a "Neutral" reading, while the Relative Strength Index hovered just above oversold territory.

Price Action: At the time of writing, DOGE was exchanging hands at $0.1261, down 4.35% in the last 24 hours, according to data from Benzinga Pro.

Photo Courtesy: Akif CUBUK on Shutterstock.com

Read Next: 

Dogecoin X Handle Says Paying For ‘Hotdoge’ Was Not On 2025 Bingo Card After User Shows Memecoin Acceptance
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© 2025 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

Bitcoin's Structure Shift indicator has dropped to -0.5, and hence a firm transition begins.

Bitcoin (BTC) is showing clear signs of entering an increased risk-off phase as market structure indicators shift into bearish territory.

According to analyst Axel Adler Jr., both the Structure Shift composite indicator and the Bull-Bear Index point to growing downward pressure, particularly in the derivatives market.

Risk-Off Signals Flash Red
The Structure Shift signal, which measures overall market structure on a scale from -1 to +1, has fallen from positive territory to around -0.5. This confirms the dominance of a bearish regime.

At the same time, Bitcoin’s price has dropped toward the lower boundary of the 21-day Donchian Channel, currently hovering near the $85,000 support level. This means that the market has not only firmly established itself in a bearish structural zone, but any recovery will require the composite signal to move back above zero while holding channel support.

Derivatives are playing a key role in this transition. The Bull-Bear Index, which separates short-term and long-term market pressure, shows the fast bearish component moving into negative territory, while the bullish component has dropped to just 5%. Such a pattern suggests that selling pressure from futures markets is outweighing demand in the spot market, thereby leaving short-term momentum firmly in the bears’ favor.

Adler explained that while a negative Structure Shift signal does not predict an immediate price drop, it does show the need for defensive positioning.

Whales and Miners Defy Bitcoin Sell-Off
CryptoQuant data added further context to the current regime. While US spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded combined outflows of roughly $635 million over two days, on-chain indicators point to significant pessimism among short-term participants.

You may also like:

Liquidations Spike Again as Bitcoin Pumps and Dumps Within Minutes

Is Bitcoin Entering a Supercycle? Here’s Why This One Looks Different

Bitcoin (BTC) Collapses to $85K, Aster (ASTER) Crashes by 12%: Market Watch

The Coinbase Premium Gap has dropped to deeply negative levels, while the Fear and Greed Index shows extreme fear as it sits at 11. Additional stress indicators, including rising supply in loss, and a depressed short-term holder MVRV, indicate many recent buyers are capitulating at a loss.

However, a certain cohort of whales and miners continues to act as outliers in this environment. For instance, the Miner Position Index (MPI) at -0.81 indicates miners are sending fewer BTC to exchanges and thus reducing selling pressure. Meanwhile, wallets holding between 1,000 and 10,000 BTC have accumulated nearly 700,000 BTC over the past two months.

Tags:

XRP price failed to gain pace above $1.950 and trimmed gains. The price is now struggling and faces resistance near the $1.90 level.

XRP price started a fresh decline below the $1.90 zone.
The price is now trading below $1.880 and the 100-hourly Simple Moving Average.
There is a bearish trend line forming with resistance at $1.9350 on the hourly chart of the XRP/USD pair (data source from Kraken).
The pair could continue to move down if it settles below $1.850.

XRP Price Fails At Resistance
XRP price attempted a recovery wave above $1.920 but failed to continue higher, like Bitcoin and Ethereum. The price started a fresh decline below $1.90 and $1.880.

There was a move below the $1.8650 support level. A low was formed at $1.8473, and the price is now showing bearish signs below the 23.6% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $1.9865 swing high to the $1.8437 low.

The price is now trading below $1.90 and the 100-hourly Simple Moving Average. There is also a bearish trend line forming with resistance at $1.9350 on the hourly chart of the XRP/USD pair.

If there is a fresh upward move, the price might face resistance near the $1.880 level. The first major resistance is near the $1.9150 level or the 50% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $1.9865 swing high to the $1.8437 low. A close above $1.9150 could send the price to $1.9350 and the trend line.

Source: XRPUSD on TradingView.com
The next hurdle sits at $1.950 and the trend line. A clear move above the $1.950 resistance might send the price toward the $2.00 resistance. Any more gains might send the price toward the $2.020 resistance. The next major hurdle for the bulls might be near $2.080.

More Losses?
If XRP fails to clear the $1.9150 resistance zone, it could start a fresh decline. Initial support on the downside is near the $1.850 level. The next major support is near the $1.8320 level.

If there is a downside break and a close below the $1.8320 level, the price might continue to decline toward $1.80. The next major support sits near the $1.7650 zone, below which the price could continue lower toward $1.720.

Technical Indicators

Hourly MACD – The MACD for XRP/USD is now gaining pace in the bearish zone.

Hourly RSI (Relative Strength Index) – The RSI for XRP/USD is now below the 50 level.

Major Support Levels – $1.850 and $1.8320.

Major Resistance Levels – $1.9150 and $1.9350.

Bitcoin could drop to $10,000, one analyst says, spelling doom for ETH, ADA, XRPTraders are positioning for downside risks, with a significant build-up of put options indicating expectations of a dip below $85,000.Updated Dec 18, 2025, 5:06 a.m. Published Dec 18, 2025, 5:06 a.m.

Crypto markets remained under pressure as bitcoin hovered near $87,000, with options positioning and analyst commentary pointing to rising risks of a deeper downturn into early 2026.

The recent rebound appears to be losing momentum, with price action increasingly defined by short-lived bounces followed by renewed selling, as CoinDesk reported on Wednesday.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW

Bitcoin briefly climbed to $90,000 late on Wednesday before slipping back below $87,000, underperforming equity markets during the latest bout of macro uncertainty. Traders are increasingly positioning for further downside, particularly around the Dec. 26 options expiry.

Data from derivatives markets show a heavy build-up of put options at the $85,000 strike, suggesting expectations that bitcoin could dip below that level in the near term.

Thirty-day implied volatility has climbed toward 45%, Derive.xyz said in an email to CoinDesk, while skew remains firmly negative, reflecting demand for downside protection. Longer-dated skew is also anchored near -5%, indicating that bearish sentiment extends well into the first half of next year.

“There’s clear defensive positioning going into year-end,” Alex Kuptsikevich, chief market analyst at FxPro, said. “The uptrend that formed in late November has been broken, and the market is now trading more like it did during the October sell-off, with sharp rebounds failing to gain traction.”

Ether is showing a slightly more balanced profile. While short-dated ETH skew remains negative, longer-dated skew is closer to neutral, suggesting less conviction around a sustained downturn.

Still, traders have accumulated a sizable cluster of puts around the $2,500 level for the Dec. 26 expiry, highlighting a key area of concern.

Beyond near-term positioning, some analysts are warning that bitcoin’s long-term cycle may be turning. Bloomberg Intelligence commodities strategist Mike McGlone said the rally above $100,000 earlier this year may have planted the seeds for a much deeper retracement.

“Bitcoin’s surge toward six figures may have sparked a cycle back toward $10,000, potentially in 2026,” McGlone said, arguing that periods of extreme wealth creation are often followed by sharp reversions. He added that the next economic downturn could be led by a collapse in highly speculative digital assets with effectively unlimited supply.

Despite the warning, McGlone noted that bitcoin itself has been relatively resilient, down only about 5% in 2025 through mid-December.

Still, data from CryptoQuant shows short-term holders have been sitting on losses for over a month, while Glassnode estimates long-term holders have shed roughly 500,000 BTC since July.

Meanwhile, FxPro's Kuptsikevich said the Federal Reserve’s rate cuts this year mattered less as a direct catalyst and more as a signal that tightening was over, allowing investors to hold risk exposure through drawdowns.

“That patience helped push bitcoin to new highs earlier in the year,” he said. “But leverage remains elevated, and the October liquidation wave exposed how fragile price discovery can be when positioning gets crowded.”

Looking ahead, geopolitical risks and leverage conditions will be key drivers into 2026. For now, markets appear braced for volatility, with downside risks firmly back in focus as the year draws to a close.

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Large Bitcoin investors on Bitfinex are once again commanding market attention. Analysts tracking leveraged positioning data show that margined Bitcoin long positions held by “whales” have surged sharply, approaching levels last seen in March 2024.

The renewed build-up is occurring even as broader market participation cools, raising questions about what these well-capitalized traders are signaling.

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What Does the Record High in Whale Long Positions on Bitfinex Signify?According to on-chain analyst James Van Straten, Bitfinex whales have continued to add aggressively to their positions.

“Bitfinex whale continues to add to its margin long bitcoin position, approaching March 2024 highs. 36% higher in the past 3 months,” he wrote on X (Twitter).

The data highlights a steady accumulation trend since September, with long exposure expanding during periods of price weakness rather than rallies.

Bitfinex itself appeared to acknowledge the activity, highlighting that large, experienced traders may be positioning with conviction, while smaller participants are reducing risk.

This divergence in behavior is notable. While Bitcoin’s price action has remained choppy in recent weeks, whale accumulation has intensified.

Bitfinex Bitcoin long positions approaching March 2024 highs. Source: TradingViewSponsored

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Historically, these Bitfinex long positions have been associated with traders who use leverage tactically. They often scale into positions during drawdowns rather than chasing upside momentum.

According to crypto executive Samson Mow, the current dynamic is a transfer of coins from impatient sellers to long-term holders.

“Bitfinex whales out in force buying from paper hands,” he said, pointing to the contrast between selling pressure from weaker hands and sustained buying by large accounts.

A Contrarian Signal, But Not a Timing ToolThe Bitfinex whale long metric has long been watched as a potential leading indicator in technical analysis. However, its interpretation requires nuance.

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These traders have a documented pattern of increasing long exposure during declines and trimming positions into strength. As a result, elevated long positions are often followed, not preceded, by price rallies.

Van Straten cautioned that the signal’s real value lies in watching for reversals rather than absolute levels.

“Short term, once the trend reverses,” he noted, implying that the eventual reduction of these longs may be more informative than their current size.

Not everyone agrees on the reliability of the indicator. Analyst Parabear Nick challenges overly confident interpretations of whale data, dismissing some bullish narratives entirely, amid claims that whale accumulation alone guarantees higher prices.

Indeed, historical data support a more balanced view. Whale long positions have reached extremes at different points in past cycles, sometimes remaining elevated for months before any decisive move in price.

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Multi-year comparison of whale positioning versus Bitcoin price trends. Source: Parabear Nick on XThis suggests that while the metric can provide insight into positioning and sentiment, it should be evaluated in conjunction with other indicators, such as open interest, funding rates, and macro liquidity conditions.

The current accumulation comes as open interest across derivatives markets trends lower, signaling reduced participation from retail and short-term traders.

In that context, the concentration of leverage among whales becomes more significant. With fewer speculative participants, large players exert greater influence over marginal price movements.

What remains unclear is timing. Elevated whale longs suggest expectations of higher prices, but not necessarily an imminent breakout.

The key inflection point will come if and when these positions begin to unwind. Historically, such shifts have preceded changes in market regimes.

World Liberty Financial (WLFI) has unveiled plans to allocate at least 5% of its unlocked WLFI treasury holdings to support the growth of its USD1 stablecoin. WLF seeks to enhance strategic CeFi and DeFi partnerships and boost the adoption and usage of USD1 after the token hit a TVL of $3 billion in six months.

The WLFI team said they are committed to identifying all partners where WLFI incentives are either mentioned in online communications or offered on official websites. USD1 is the company’s flagship product, but WLFI remains the ecosystem’s governance and coordination layer, supporting every current and future product launched.

Meanwhile, the team claims that the success of USD1 will directly strengthen WLFI because the adoption of USD1 will expand the overall footprint, utility, and economic activities of the World Liberty Financial ecosystem as a whole. More users, platforms, institutions, and chains will also integrate WLFI as USD1 grows. However, future use of WLFI treasury holdings directly for USD1 growth will require additional governance votes. 

More USD1 leads to more World Liberty Financial-governed services demand
The World Liberty Financial team believes that having more USD1 in circulation leads to more demand for WLFI-governed services, ecosystem programs, integrations, and liquidity incentives. In practice, this will increase the scale and influence of the network governed by WLFI holders. These holders will gain governance power over a larger network on issues related to product expansions, decisions regarding incentives, and cross-chain strategies. 

In an open poll on the company’s website, one WLFI investor supporting the use of 5% of unlocked WLFI for USD1 growth said this is a good way for the company to give back to the partners building on USD1. The investor also believes this is an excellent opportunity to incentivize the development of innovative products that will help expand the USD1 ecosystem.

The investor recommends allocating funds towards DEXs, such as Ethereum (acquire DOLO and BLOCK), Solana (acquire AOL, BURGER, US, DREAM, and VALOR), and CEXs. They also recommend investing in BONK and/or additional bonkfun USD1 paired tokens, including $1coin/SPSC. However, a significant number of poll participants were against using the 5% WLFI treasury holdings for USD1, instead recommending that at least 80% of the total WLFI supply tokens be unlocked and held in the treasury.

World Liberty Financial community votes for WLFI buyback 
Following a successful community vote, WLFI activated a portion of its treasury to support the WLFI token buyback initiative, which directly benefits its native USD1 stablecoin. The company executed a massive $10 million worth of WLFI token buyback in a strategic three-week initiative powered by their USD1 stablecoin. The protocol used USD1 to buy WLFI tokens from the open market.

Meanwhile, it also emerged that DWF Labs has been secretly supporting USD1 by purchasing hundreds of millions of dollars worth of the token through anonymous wallets that circulate it in the WLFI ecosystem. Disruption Banking found, through a combination of analysis of dozens of wallets and thousands of mapped transactions, that the crypto market maker had funneled over $300 million of engineered liquidity through WLFI’s TokenGovernor contract. 

The reconstruction of multi-chain flows also identified a three-layer liquidity structure that silently injected $84 million in the past month alone. However, while these flows and the funding pipeline have not been previously reported, DWF Labs has publicly bought $25 million worth of USD1 tokens, a large part of which ended up on Binance.

The Cantor Network also announced plans to deploy USD1 a few days ago, representing another significant milestone in WLFI’s USD1 expansion strategy. The move aims to increase USD1’s reach across institutional onchain finance and accelerate the token’s adoption among regulated market participants worldwide.  

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