To put an end to rumours in the community, the decentralised perpetual futures exchange Hyperliquid has made it clear that the wallet address identified for shorting its native HYPE currency is managed by a former employee who was fired in early 2024. On December 22, co-founder Iliensinc made the news on the project's Discord channel, responding to weeks of scrutiny from traders and community members on the blockchain. People said that the wallet in question, 0x7ae4…1028, sold a lot of HYPE, including over 4,000 tokens worth about $134,000 in a single day in November. Iliensinc said in a Discord message, "This person is no longer with Hyperliquid Labs, and their actions do not reflect our team's standards or values." Community Flags Activity That Seems Fishy The argument started in late November when on-chain trackers and community members, such as user cobe.hype, brought attention to the wallet's behaviour. People who watched HYPE perpetuals saw significant sales and short positions, raising concerns about possible insider trading just after the token's big debut and airdrop. Hyperliquid's HYPE token, which powers a high-performance Layer-1 blockchain that focuses on derivatives trading, has been one of the best performers in the decentralised finance space. HYPE started in late 2024 with a massive airdrop and quickly rose to around $60 before the market began to put pressure on it. The flagged transactions occurred at the same time as broader discussions about how token supply works, including unlocks and the mechanics of the assistance fund. This made many even more worried about probable internal selling pressure. Strong Rules and No Tolerance Stressed Hyperliquid leadership also made their internal governance standards much stricter in the same Discord message. Iliensinc said, "All people who work for or with Hyperliquid Labs, including employees and contractors, must follow strict ethical rules when it comes to the HYPE token." The site makes it clear that current team members are not allowed to trade HYPE derivatives, whether they are long or short. Violations carry severe penalties, including immediate termination and even legal action. This shows that insider trading is not tolerated. The message went on to say, "Integrity is non-negotiable at Hyperliquid Labs," to convince the community that no current employees are involved in the disputed activities. People in the industry have applauded Hyperliquid for being open about the problem and dealing with it directly. They say the project's small staff and on-chain activities that can be verified make it stand out in the crowded perpetual DEX space. A Wider View in the Face of Market Problems The shorting claims came out at a time when HYPE was more volatile than usual. Since its October highs, HYPE has fallen by more than 58% amid corrections across the crypto market and ongoing discussions about unlocking tokens. Hyperliquid still has the most volume in decentralised perpetuals, handling billions of trades, with new features such as its HyperBFT consensus and fee buyback systems. Prominent people, like Arthur Hayes, who co-founded BitMEX, have called it one of the strongest stories of the cycle. The platform is addressing these community issues, and the quick response is meant to maintain trust among its growing user base and validators, who are also voting on ideas for token supply and burns. Hyperliquid's answer tries to make it apparent that the current team members are not connected to the wallet in any way. This separates the project from the former employee's activities.

The Stellar network and the broader cryptocurrency market experienced significant momentum on December 21, 2025, as digital assets rallied following major real-world adoption milestones and institutional breakthroughs. The cryptocurrency market saw a notable shift in sentiment as the total market cap climbed, with Stellar (XLM) emerging as a standout performer. XLM rose 3.96% in 24 hours to $0.223, outperforming the broader crypto market’s 1.89% gain. This surge marks a critical turning point for the payments-focused blockchain, driven by the launch of a government-led Universal Basic Income (UBI) program and massive real estate tokenization initiatives. Why Is Stellar Price Surging? Sovereign Adoption Triggers Market Response The primary catalyst for the recent rally is the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) beginning its distribution of Universal Basic Income via Stellar’s blockchain on December 21, 2025. Using a specialized digital asset called USDM1, the RMI is targeting its 40,000 citizens to bypass failing traditional banking infrastructure. Paul Wong, director of special projects at the Stellar Development Fund (SDF), highlighted the unique nature of this asset: "Unlike a stablecoin, where the issuer is actually earning yield, in this case, the asset holder is earning yield," describing USDM1 effectively as a sovereign money market fund. This initiative is particularly vital because the Marshall Islands has been increasingly reliant on physical cash arriving via shipping containers after several banks withdrew from the region following the 2008 financial crisis. Rodri Fernandez Touza, co-founder of Crossmint (the platform powering the digital wallet), noted the necessity of the move: "Even if you want to make it work with cash, there are many times where constraints in the economy prevent people from having access to money". ?? JUST IN: The Marshall Islands has launched the first on-chain universal basic income. The initiative is powered by the Stellar blockchain. pic.twitter.com/8WGjr7lPWs — CoinDesk (@CoinDesk) December 16, 2025 Strategic Partnerships & Institutional Momentum Beyond government adoption, Stellar’s role in institutional finance was solidified this week through two major developments: RedSwan Tokenization: RedSwan tokenized $100 million in commercial real estate on Stellar, including multifamily and hospitality properties. Visa Integration: Ongoing collaboration with Visa for stablecoin settlements gained further traction, reinforcing Stellar’s position as a low-cost, regulatory-friendly alternative to Ethereum. Tokenization is transforming the way people invest across sectors, and the real estate industry is no exception. At Stellar House Miami, @RedSwanDigital's @apartmentpro delivered a fireside chat on how tokenizing real estate. Learn more ? https://t.co/9DmEV4kgjh — Stellar (@StellarOrg) December 19, 2025 Technical Analysis: Stellar Price Prediction Reveals Recovery Potential The technical analysis indicates that the Marshall Islands news has acted as a "rebound trigger" for XLM after a prolonged period of bearish pressure. The latest Stellar Price Prediction models suggest a cautiously optimistic outlook as the token attempts to break out of its consolidation phase. Indicators and Key Levels XLM recently reclaimed its 7-day SMA ($0.215), and the RSI (currently 37.33 to 40.26) has exited deeply oversold territory. However, the asset remains below its 30-day SMA ($0.239) and 200-day SMA ($0.328), signaling that while the short-term trend is turning bullish, long-term hurdles remain. Bullish Scenario: If the $0.22 support level holds, the current Stellar Price Prediction points toward a rally to the $0.26–$0.31 range by January 2026, representing a potential 41% upside. Resistance Zones: Traders should monitor the $0.26–$0.31 zone. A clean break above this resistance would confirm a trend reversal. Bearish Risk: A decisive drop below $0.22 could see XLM test strong support at $0.20, potentially sliding toward new 52-week lows of $0.18. Technical Summary: The current move is categorized by some analysts as a "B-wave bounce"—a temporary relief rally. To prove this is a lasting reversal, XLM must sustain volume and close above the 20-period SMA ($0.23). [caption id="attachment_179302" align="aligncenter" width="1821"] Source – TradingView.com[/caption] Social Sentiment and On-Chain Activity The real-world utility of the UBI program has sparked a significant shift in on-chain metrics. Data from December 2025 shows a spike in Stellar wallet activations and a 20% increase in positive social media mentions following the Marshall Islands announcement. Prominent analysts and the Stellar community have been vocal about this shift. Here is the verbatim text and commentary on recent insights: Source: @MoreCryptoonl (More Crypto Online) "Stellar (XLM) The XLM chart may be approaching the end of a correction that began in 2018. At the moment, there are two primary scenarios that we are tracking.." Source - (4) More Crypto Online on X: "$XLM The XLM chart may be approaching the end of a correction that began in 2018. At the moment, there are two primary scenarios that we are tracking. In the first scenario, the entire move since the 2018 high can be interpreted as a triangle, labeled A B C D E. In this case, https://t.co/8kWwoBwM3w" / X Commentary: This highlights the "decision point" XLM is currently facing. While the fundamental news is overwhelmingly positive, the technical "C-wave" drop remains a statistical possibility unless the $0.24 resistance is flipped into support. Source: REX Shares Announcement (Contextual Reference) "The first U.S.-listed ETFs offering spot exposure to $XRP and $DOGE go live tomorrow... offering investors a way to access these digital assets through an ETF structure." Commentary: While this specific tweet refers to XRP, the broader trend of institutional "payment-focused" ETFs is providing a "halo effect" for Stellar. As XLM shares a similar cross-border payment narrative, institutional flows are increasingly looking at Stellar-based projects. Broader Market Performance: Bitcoin and Altcoins Stabilize The global crypto market rose to $4.2 trillion this week, with Bitcoin climbing toward $118,000. Stellar’s ability to outperform these gains suggests that investors are rotating capital into "Utility-First" assets that can demonstrate tangible government and enterprise use cases. The success of the Marshall Islands program could catalyze further adoptions. The SDF is reportedly already working with the German government for Middle East payroll services and the United Nations for aid distribution in Ukraine. Stellar Price Prediction FAQ Is the Marshall Islands government using XLM? The government uses the Stellar network to distribute USDM1, a digital sovereign bond. While they do not necessarily use the XLM token as a currency, every transaction on the network requires a small amount of XLM as a "reserve" and for transaction fees, which are currently under $0.01 per transfer. Will Stellar reach $0.50 in 2026? While current Stellar Price Prediction targets focus on the $0.30–$0.31 range for January 2026, reaching $0.50 would require a sustained breakout above multi-year resistance levels and broader market cooperation. Is Stellar a good buy right now? According to recent technical analysis, a measured accumulation approach is prudent. The primary entry zone is identified between $0.20 and $0.215 (near strong support). However, investors should be aware of the 5% risk below entry points due to inherent market volatility.

What Is Coinbase Buying—and Why Now? Coinbase has entered a definitive agreement to acquire The Clearing Company, an on-chain prediction markets startup that lets users trade on outcomes tied to digital assets, politics, sports, and culture. The deal is expected to close in January. The purchase comes less than a week after Coinbase said it would enter prediction markets through a partnership with Kalshi and alongside a separate move into stock trading. Taken together, the steps show how quickly event-based markets have moved from the edges of crypto into the center of regulated financial products. “The Everything Exchange is a unified platform to trade crypto, equities, and everything else people want to trade,” Max Branzburg, Coinbase’s vice president of product management, told crypto outlet Cointelegraph. “Prediction markets are an important part of that platform.” The Clearing Company is a young firm—founded earlier this year—but it has deep roots in the space. Its founder, Toni Gemayel, previously worked with Polymarket and Kalshi, while team members bring experience from Polymarket, 0x, Dune, and Coinbase itself. The company raised $15 million earlier this year with backing from Coinbase Ventures, Union Square Ventures, Haun Ventures, and several angel investors. Investor Takeaway Coinbase is not testing prediction markets at the margins. Acquiring a dedicated on-chain platform places event-based trading alongside crypto and stocks inside the same product stack. How Do Prediction Markets Fit the “Everything Exchange” Plan? Coinbase’s strategy has shifted toward building a single venue for multiple asset types rather than relying only on spot crypto trading. Prediction markets fit neatly into that plan because they sit at the intersection of derivatives, data, and real-world events. Contracts tied to elections, economic releases, or cultural outcomes already attract substantial trading volumes, particularly during periods of political uncertainty. The Clearing Company’s technology offers Coinbase a native on-chain framework rather than a bolt-on product. That matters as event-based markets increasingly blur with traditional derivatives, especially when settlement depends on objective outcomes rather than discretionary judgments. A Coinbase spokesperson described markets tied to real-world outcomes as “a natural extension of modern financial infrastructure.” The company’s timing also aligns with regulatory developments. Last month, The Clearing Company applied to the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission to become a Derivatives Clearing Organization, a step that could place prediction markets closer to established clearing and settlement frameworks. Why Is Coinbase Betting on Prediction Markets as a Growth Area? In its latest market outlook, Coinbase singled out prediction markets as one of the most important categories to watch through 2026. The company pointed to rising engagement, clearer regulatory treatment, and expanding use cases beyond elections or sports. Tax policy also plays a role. Coinbase highlighted a provision in President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” that would reduce the deductibility of gambling losses against winnings from 100% to 90%. Under that structure, some gamblers could owe taxes on so-called phantom income even when overall results are flat or negative. Prediction markets rely on contracts that resemble derivatives more than wagers, and Coinbase argued this structure could make them more tax-efficient than traditional sportsbooks if treated differently under the tax code. That framing positions event-based markets not as entertainment products, but as financial instruments tied to information and probability. Investor Takeaway Coinbase sees prediction markets less as betting and more as data-driven financial contracts. If regulators follow that logic, the addressable market expands well beyond sports or politics. How Crowded Is the Prediction Markets Landscape? While still early, prediction markets are already dominated by a small group of platforms. Polymarket, built on Polygon, leads the decentralized segment and has seen sharp volume increases since the 2024 US presidential election. Kalshi operates under US oversight and has become the main regulated venue for event-based contracts. Traditional players are also moving in. DraftKings has outlined plans to offer prediction-style markets and eventually crypto-linked contracts. Bitnomial Clearinghouse and Gemini have both signaled interest in the sector, suggesting that event-based trading is no longer confined to crypto-native platforms. By acquiring The Clearing Company, Coinbase gains in-house expertise at a moment when infrastructure, regulation, and user demand are converging. The challenge now will be integration—folding on-chain prediction markets into a platform that also handles equities and crypto without creating regulatory or operational friction. The deal highlights a broader pattern: markets tied to real-world outcomes are moving closer to the financial mainstream, and crypto infrastructure is increasingly the foundation they are built on.

Gold soars on geopolitical instability and falling US rates, boosted by weaker dollar, though overbought signals warn of near-term pullback. Global Instability and the "Safe-Haven" Rush The primary engine behind Gold’s historic ascent is a intensifying climate of global instability that has reignited the metal's status as the ultimate safety net for investors. We are currently navigating a "perfect storm" of regional conflicts, most notably the high-stakes friction in the Middle East where reports of potential Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites have kept markets on edge. This is compounded by a hardening US foreign policy, exemplified by President Trump’s recent blockade of Venezuelan oil tankers and the continued diplomatic stalemate in the Russia-Ukraine war. As traditional investments face the threat of cross-border escalation, money is flowing aggressively into gold to protect wealth against a world that feels increasingly unpredictable. Interest Rates and the Weakening Dollar Beyond the headlines of war, a fundamental shift in the American economy is providing the structural support for this rally. Recent data—specifically a softening jobs market and cooling inflation—has stripped the US Dollar of its momentum. With the Federal Reserve signaling a path toward lower interest rates through 2026, the "opportunity cost" of holding gold has plummeted. Since gold doesn't pay interest, it becomes much more attractive when bank rates and bond yields are falling. This shift, combined with a struggling greenback, has created the perfect environment for gold to thrive, pushing it into uncharted territory above the $4,420 mark. Market Momentum vs. the Need for a Break While the outlook remains incredibly positive, the sheer speed of Gold’s 67% climb this year has reached a point where the market might be "overstretched." From an editorial perspective, gold is currently defying financial gravity. Technical tools like the Relative Strength Index (RSI) are flashing "overbought" signals, which basically means the price has moved too far, too fast. While the long-term trend is still pointing up, the market is likely due for a brief "reset" or a modest dip back toward the $4,350 level. This would allow the market to catch its breath before attempting its next record-breaking run. Top upcoming economic events:   12/23/2025: RBA Meeting Minutes (AUD) The Reserve Bank of Australia releases detailed records of its most recent interest rate meeting. These minutes are critical for investors seeking "hawkish" or "dovish" signals. If the text suggests that persistent inflation might require another rate hike in early 2026, the Australian Dollar typically strengthens. 12/23/2025: Gross Domestic Product Annualized (USD) This is the "headline" economic growth figure for the United States. As a high-impact event, it provides the most definitive measure of economic health. Stronger-than-expected growth often boosts the US Dollar and stock markets, as it indicates robust consumer spending and business investment. 12/23/2025: Gross Domestic Product (MoM) (CAD) This monthly report tracks the health of the Canadian economy. Because Canada’s economy is heavily tied to energy and trade with the US, any significant deviation from expected growth can cause immediate volatility in the CAD, especially if it influences the Bank of Canada’s future rate path. 12/23/2025: Durable Goods Orders (USD) This data measures the cost of orders received by manufacturers for "hard goods" intended to last three years or more (like machinery or airplanes). It is a leading indicator of industrial activity; high numbers suggest that businesses are confident and expanding their capacity. 12/23/2025: Consumer Confidence (USD) This index gauges how optimistic consumers feel about their financial security and the overall economy. Since US economic growth is driven largely by household spending, high confidence levels usually precede increased retail sales and stronger economic performance. 12/23/2025: BoC Summary of Deliberations (CAD) Similar to the RBA minutes, this document provides the "why" behind the Bank of Canada’s recent policy decisions. With trade tensions often in the headlines, traders look for clues on how the central bank plans to balance economic resilience against global trade uncertainty. 12/23/2025: BoJ Monetary Policy Meeting Minutes (JPY) These minutes provide insight into the Bank of Japan's internal debate regarding interest rate hikes. As Japan moves away from its long-standing near-zero rate policy, any indication of a consensus toward further tightening can significantly strengthen the Yen. 12/24/2025: Initial Jobless Claims (USD) Released a day early due to the holiday, this is a weekly heartbeat of the US labor market. It tracks how many people filed for unemployment benefits for the first time. A low number indicates a tight labor market, which usually supports the US Dollar by keeping pressure on the Fed to maintain higher rates. 12/25/2025: BoJ Governor Ueda Speech (JPY) Governor Kazuo Ueda's speeches are high-impact events because they offer the most direct signal of future policy shifts. Coming on Christmas Day, his comments could trigger significant moves in the Yen during a period of otherwise thin market liquidity. 12/25/2025: Tokyo Consumer Price Index (YoY) (JPY) Tokyo's inflation data is a "leading indicator" for the entire country of Japan. Because it is released weeks before the national data, a high reading here is a strong signal that national inflation is rising, which would put further pressure on the BoJ to raise interest rates.     The subject matter and the content of this article are solely the views of the author. FinanceFeeds does not bear any legal responsibility for the content of this article and they do not reflect the viewpoint of FinanceFeeds or its editorial staff. The information does not constitute advice or a recommendation on any course of action and does not take into account your personal circumstances, financial situation, or individual needs. We strongly recommend you seek independent professional advice or conduct your own independent research before acting upon any information contained in this article.

Jakarta, Indonesia: The Financial Services Authority of Indonesia (OJK) has announced a whitelist of 29 licensed digital asset and crypto trading platforms. This is a big step towards regulating the rapidly growing cryptocurrency industry.  This news comes just a few weeks after stronger restrictions were put in place to better safeguard investors and bring the country into line with international norms. The official list is meant to help users ensure they deal only with authorised suppliers. The OJK has also warned against doing business on platforms that aren't on the list, which are considered unlicensed. Upbit, South Korea's largest exchange, is one of the approved platforms. This shows that overseas operators are becoming part of the local ecosystem. This whitelist is meant to make trading safer in a country where cryptocurrency use has grown significantly over the past few years. Global Exchanges Focus on the Indonesian Market As Indonesia strengthens its rules and regulations, more and more foreign bitcoin companies see the country as a great place to grow. Earlier this month, Robinhood, based in the U.S., said it had reached deals to acquire the Indonesian brokerage Buana Capital and the licensed digital asset dealer PT Pedagang Aset Kripto. This wise decision gives Robinhood access to a lively market with more than 19 million capital-market investors and about 17 million crypto traders. Also, Hong Kong's OSL Group bought the local exchange Koinsayang in September and received government approval to offer spot and futures trading. These purchases show how attractive Indonesia's fast-changing crypto scene is, with big companies seeking a foothold amid growing demand for digital assets. Experts in the field say that when major exchanges enter the industry, it might accelerate innovation and liquidity, which could be suitable for retail investors because it would give them greater access to a broader range of trading options. Stricter Rules To Protect Investors The distribution of the list of permitted platforms follows the passage of OJK Regulation No. 23/2025, which makes it harder to manage digital financial assets such as cryptocurrencies and their derivatives. Exchanges can't help people trade in assets that aren't registered or allowed under the new standards. Also, platforms must obtain permission from the OJK before they may provide digital asset derivatives and establish margin procedures utilising separate funds or assets. The rule requires users to pass a knowledge test before they can use derivative items, to protect customers better. OJK officials noted that these steps are meant to align Indonesian regulations with those of other countries and ensure investor safety in a digital asset field that is becoming increasingly complex. Indonesia is also looking into new technologies, such as a digital rupiah Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), which may soon be joined by a stablecoin backed by government bonds. Indonesia Rises in The Global Crypto Scene Indonesia's crypto industry is growing rapidly, making the country one of the best places in Southeast Asia to buy and sell digital assets. The 2025 Global Crypto Adoption Index from Chainalysis ranks Indonesia among the top 10 countries worldwide for cryptocurrency adoption. It is also called one of the most dynamic marketplaces in the world.  Data sources and companies like Robinhood have said the same thing, calling Indonesia a rapidly rising economy with tens of millions of investors in both traditional and digital assets. A recent survey found that 6 out of 10 wealthy people in Asia plan to invest more in cryptocurrencies, and this makes them even more hopeful about the region's future.  As more exchanges worldwide seek to enter the market, Indonesia's approved platforms could attract more international users, leading to greater adoption and economic integration. With these changes, Indonesia is not only regulating its crypto sector but also encouraging controlled innovation. This will help the market flourish while managing risk.

The digitalisation of payments and financial services is reshaping the foundations of money, and central banks can no longer afford to be passive observers. According to ECB Executive Board member Piero Cipollone, if central bank money does not evolve alongside technology, it risks losing its role as the anchor of stability in the financial system. In a digital economy dominated by platforms, tokens and instant payments, trust in money depends on its continued usability, safety and public backing. For the euro area, the stakes are particularly high. A single currency and a single monetary policy require the singleness of money to be preserved across borders and technologies. One euro must always equal one euro, regardless of whether it is cash, a bank deposit or a digital instrument. Cipollone argues that maintaining this principle demands proactive modernisation of central bank money, rather than reliance on fragmented private solutions. The ECB sees inaction as the greatest risk. Without public money remaining relevant in a digital environment, Europe could face weaker financial resilience, diminished monetary sovereignty and growing dependence on non-European payment providers and infrastructures. The transformation of money, therefore, is not optional but integral to the ECB’s mandate. Public and Private Money as Complementary Pillars A core theme of the ECB’s strategy is the complementarity between public and private money. Central bank money provides the ultimate risk-free settlement asset, while private institutions build innovative services on top of that foundation. The convertibility of private money into central bank money ensures trust and uniform value across the system, allowing innovation to scale without undermining stability. This public-private partnership already underpins wholesale payments in the euro area through infrastructures such as TARGET services and instant payments via TIPS. The ECB’s ambition is to extend this model into new technological domains, including distributed ledger technology (DLT) and tokenised assets, without favouring specific technologies or business models. Cipollone stresses that collaboration with the market is essential. Rather than imposing top-down solutions, the ECB has tested DLT settlement models with private participants and is preparing pilot environments for future initiatives. Technology neutrality remains a guiding principle: the central bank sets safe and interoperable conditions, while the market determines which innovations succeed. Takeaway: The ECB’s strategy positions central bank money as the trusted anchor of a digital financial system, while leaving room for private innovation to scale safely on common European rails. Digital Euro, Tokenisation and Cross-Border Payments At the retail level, the potential digital euro is designed as a digital equivalent of cash, ensuring that citizens retain access to public money as everyday payments move online. If approved by European lawmakers, pilot activity could begin in 2027, with issuance readiness targeted for 2029. The digital euro would be legal tender, usable across the euro area, and available both online and offline, reinforcing choice, privacy and resilience. In wholesale markets, the ECB aims to support tokenised securities and DLT-based trading by enabling settlement in central bank money. Through initiatives such as Project Pontes and Project Appia, the Eurosystem is exploring ways to connect DLT platforms to existing TARGET services or develop interoperable European digital asset infrastructures. The objective is to prevent liquidity fragmentation and ensure that Europe’s digital capital markets develop on euro-denominated, EU-based foundations. For cross-border payments, the ECB is pursuing openness without dependency. By interlinking fast payment systems like TIPS with those of other countries, starting with key partners such as India, the Eurosystem aims to make international payments faster, cheaper and more transparent. Over time, the digital euro could also support cross-currency transactions, reinforcing Europe’s role in shaping global payment standards while safeguarding monetary sovereignty.

 Given the strength of the aforementioned support area and the bullish crude oil sentiment seen today across the commodity markets, WTI crude oil can be expected to rise further to the next round resistance level 60.00 (top of the previous correction ii).   WTI crude oil reversed from strong support area Likely to rise to resistance level 60.00 WTI crude oil recently reversed up with the daily Bullish Engulfing from the strong support area between the strong long-term support level 55.20 (which has been reversing the price from April, as can be seen from the daily WTI crude oil chart below), the support level 55.20 (which stopped wave 1 in the middle of October) and the lower daily Bollinger Band. The upward reversal from this support area stopped the previous short-term upward impulse wave (i) from the start of December. Given the strength of the aforementioned support area and the bullish crude oil sentiment seen today across the commodity markets, WTI crude oil can be expected to rise further to the next round resistance level 60.00 (top of the previous correction ii). [caption id="attachment_179246" align="alignnone" width="800"] WTI Technical Analysis Report[/caption] The subject matter and the content of this article are solely the views of the author. FinanceFeeds does not bear any legal responsibility for the content of this article and they do not reflect the viewpoint of FinanceFeeds or its editorial staff. The information does not constitute advice or a recommendation on any course of action and does not take into account your personal circumstances, financial situation, or individual needs. We strongly recommend you seek independent professional advice or conduct your own independent research before acting upon any information contained in this article.    

Metaplanet has taken a bold step to attract global institutional capital by announcing plans to issue dividend-paying preferred shares. The move is designed to provide traditional investors, particularly large asset managers, pension funds, and family offices, with an equity vehicle that combines exposure to Bitcoin’s upside with income features typically expected in traditional financial instruments. After years of positioning itself at the intersection of digital assets and institutional finance, Metaplanet’s latest strategic initiative reflects a maturing story that crypto-oriented firms can no longer rely solely on token exposure or passive holdings for survival. Metaplanet’s New Equity Framework Designed for Institutional Appeal Metaplanet’s announcement centers on the planned issuance of preferred stock, a class of shares that typically grants holders priority over common shareholders in dividend distribution and liquidation events. Preferred stock is especially attractive to institutions that value predictable cash flows, stable governance rights, and clarity of claim in capital structure hierarchies. These are qualities that many traditional investors view as preconditions for allocating significant capital. By embedding dividend features into its equity base, Metaplanet is signaling that it intends to offer investors something closer to a yield-oriented financial product than a pure Bitcoin investment vehicle.  However, the exact dividend policy, including payout ratios, frequency, and yield thresholds, has not been finalized, but public statements suggest that the company is targeting a model that would be sustainable across Bitcoin price cycles rather than tied to short-term price action. Metaplanet Shows That Dividend Equity and Bitcoin Are Becoming Fashionable Metaplanet’s initiative arrives at a time when the broader investment space is struggling with low yields, macro uncertainty, and structural shifts in inflation expectations. Bonds have offered historically compressed yields, equities have traded at elevated valuations, and alternative asset allocations have expanded to include private credit, infrastructure, and real assets. In this context, Bitcoin’s potential to return significant gains has tempted institutional investors, but its volatility has often kept retail investors away. Dividend paying preferred shares may help overcome this hesitation by combining potential upside with income discipline. Institutions hesitant to hold raw Bitcoin due to custody concerns, risk limits, or regulatory constraints might find an equity instrument with dividend features by proxy more acceptable. Furthermore, by structuring returns around equity dividends rather than direct token payouts, Metaplanet may be aiming to sidestep certain regulatory ambiguities that have dogged crypto products. Equity dividends are a well-established construct in global capital markets, offering clear disclosure and reporting frameworks that institutions and auditors already understand. This contrasts with yield-bearing crypto products that may trigger scrutiny under different securities, commodities, or banking statutes. However, dividend commitments hinge on consistent earnings or yield streams, which is historically rare in Bitcoin-focused companies. Metaplanet will need to demonstrate structural plans and sustainable economics under different market conditions for it to successfully reshape how yield and equity interplay.

Cybersecurity firm Kaspersky has uncovered a sophisticated infostealer named Stealka that poses a significant threat to cryptocurrency users. First detected in November 2025, the malware disguises itself as game modifications and pirated software, spreading through trusted platforms including GitHub, SourceForge, and Google Sites. The malware masquerades as cheats and modifications for popular games like Roblox and Grand Theft Auto V, as well as cracked versions of legitimate software such as Microsoft Visio. Attackers have created professional-looking fake websites to distribute the malware, making it difficult for users to identify the threat without robust security measures. How Stealka Operates The malware's primary focus is on browsers built using Chromium and Gecko engines, putting more than 100 different browsers at risk. This includes widely used browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Edge, Brave, and Yandex Browser. Stealka extracts autofill data including sign-in credentials, addresses, and payment card details from these browsers. This is similar to ModStealer malware discovered in September. It specifically targets settings and databases of browser extensions, focusing on crypto wallets, password managers, and two-factor authentication services. Among the 80 cryptocurrency wallets targeted are major platforms including Binance, Coinbase, MetaMask, Crypto.com, SafePal, Trust Wallet, Phantom, Ton, Nexus, and Exodus. Stealka searches for highly sensitive information including encrypted private keys, seed phrase data, wallet file paths, and encryption parameters. This stolen data could potentially allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to digital assets and drain cryptocurrency wallets. The malware also targets standalone cryptocurrency wallet applications, accessing configuration files that contain critical security information. Beyond cryptocurrency-related targets, Stealka compromises messaging applications like Discord and Telegram, email clients, gaming platforms, password management applications, and VPN services. This broad targeting approach enables cybercriminals to potentially hijack accounts and gather intelligence for further attacks. Kaspersky researcher Artem Ushkov noted that most users targeted by Stealka are based in Russia, though attacks have also been detected in Turkey, Brazil, Germany, and India. Attackers have also been found using compromised accounts on legitimate gaming mod sites to spread the malware further, creating a cycle where hijacked credentials become tools for additional infections. Protection and Impact The malware's potential for causing financial damage is considerable, however, Kaspersky reports that all detected instances were blocked by their security solutions. There is currently no confirmed evidence of significant cryptocurrency theft resulting from Stealka infections. To protect against Stealka and similar threats, Kaspersky recommends several critical measures. Users should avoid downloading pirated software, unofficial game modifications, and cheats from unverified sources, as these remain primary distribution vectors for such malware. Deploying reliable antivirus software with real-time scanning capabilities is essential. Users should minimize storing sensitive information like passwords and payment details directly in browsers, instead using dedicated password management applications. Two-factor authentication should be enabled on all accounts, with backup codes stored securely outside of browsers or plain text files. Kaspersky also advises users to exercise caution about which browser extensions they install and to download software only from official, verified sources.

The Options Clearing Corporation (OCC) has welcomed State Street as the first bank to become a clearing member, marking a significant development for central clearing in the securities lending market. Under the arrangement, OCC will provide central counterparty clearing and settlement through its Stock Loan Program for State Street’s Prime Services platform. The Prime Services offering delivers integrated, custody-based securities lending solutions to institutional investors. By joining OCC as a clearing member, State Street gains access to centrally cleared securities lending, reducing counterparty risk while improving capital efficiency for both the bank and its clients. The move reflects a broader shift within securities finance toward centrally cleared models, particularly as regulatory capital requirements and balance-sheet efficiency continue to shape how large institutions structure lending and financing services. Capital Efficiency and Risk Reduction Drive Adoption According to OCC, its qualifying central counterparty status provides clearing members with approximately 95% risk-weighted asset savings compared with uncleared securities lending activity. OCC also guarantees transactions it clears, mitigating counterparty credit risk and simplifying post-trade processes for participants. “State Street's decision to be our first bank clearing member is a significant milestone for both OCC and the marketplace,” said Oberon Knapp, Managing Director of Strategy and Head of Securities Finance at OCC. “Our qualifying central counterparty status provides our members with approximately 95% risk-weighted asset savings compared to uncleared lending activity, and our guarantee helps mitigate counterparty credit risk.” Knapp added that expanded membership remains a strategic priority for OCC, enabling a broader range of market participants to benefit from the capital efficiency, operational simplicity and risk reduction associated with central clearing. Takeaway: State Street’s admission as OCC’s first bank clearing member signals growing institutional demand for centrally cleared securities lending to enhance capital efficiency and reduce counterparty risk. Strengthening Prime Services and the Securities Finance Ecosystem State Street said the clearing membership aligns with the strategic evolution of its Prime Services business. By integrating OCC clearing into its custody-based model, the bank aims to strengthen balance-sheet efficiency while expanding access to securities lending opportunities for clients. “As a market leader with our Prime Services business, becoming an OCC clearing member was a strategic milestone reflecting the growing importance of central clearing in the securities finance landscape,” said Brendan Eccles, global head of Prime Services at State Street. “This relationship strengthens our capital efficiency within our custody-based Prime Services model while providing our clients with greater access to securities lending opportunities.” OCC currently operates two principal securities lending programs: the Stock Loan/Hedge Program, where trades are executed bilaterally, and the Market Loan Program, which supports anonymous execution through a loan market. In both models, OCC acts as principal counterparty, guaranteeing the obligations of lenders and borrowers and reinforcing its role at the centre of the global securities lending infrastructure.  

What Triggered the First Weekly Outflow in a Month? Global crypto investment products recorded $952 million in net outflows last week, ending a four-week streak of inflows and posting the largest monthly decline so far this year. The pullback followed delays surrounding the U.S. Clarity Act, a bill designed to define oversight and classification rules for digital assets, according to data from CoinShares. The setback reversed three consecutive weeks of positive flows into exchange-traded products offered by major issuers including BlackRock, Bitwise, Ark 21Shares, and Grayscale. CoinShares Head of Research James Butterfill linked the reversal to renewed regulatory uncertainty in the United States, where progress on the legislation has been pushed into early 2026. The Clarity Act had been expected to advance before year-end. Instead, U.S. crypto czar David Sacks confirmed that the bill’s markup is now scheduled for January. That delay has kept open questions around asset classification, exchange oversight, and issuer obligations—factors that appear to have weighed heavily on near-term positioning. Investor Takeaway Regulatory timing still matters for institutional crypto flows. Delays in Washington translated quickly into selling across U.S.-listed products. Why Were Outflows Concentrated Almost Entirely in the U.S.? Nearly all of last week’s selling pressure came from the United States, which accounted for $990 million of the total outflows. In contrast, Canada and Germany recorded modest inflows of $46.2 million and $15.6 million, respectively, suggesting more stable sentiment outside U.S. markets despite the global drawdown. The divergence points to a structural difference in investor behavior. U.S. exchange-traded products remain more sensitive to regulatory signals, given their reliance on domestic policy clarity and the role of U.S. institutions in driving demand. Outside the U.S., flows appeared more insulated from the legislative pause. CoinShares described the episode as an adverse reaction to stalled policy progress rather than a broad risk-off move. Prices across major assets showed limited downside during the week, indicating that the selling pressure was concentrated in investment vehicles rather than spot markets. Which Assets Saw the Largest Impact? Ethereum products absorbed the bulk of the outflows, with $555 million exiting last week—the largest decline among all tracked assets. CoinShares noted that Ethereum stands at the center of U.S. debates over asset categorization and market structure, leaving it especially exposed to regulatory ambiguity. Despite the setback, Ethereum inflows year to date remain well above last year’s levels, totaling $12.7 billion compared with $5.3 billion over the same period in 2024. That contrast suggests that longer-term demand has not reversed, even as short-term sentiment cooled. Bitcoin products also saw notable redemptions, with $460 million in outflows. While Bitcoin remains the largest recipient of institutional capital this cycle, year-to-date inflows of $27.2 billion trail the $41.6 billion recorded during the 2024 period, pointing to softer demand from the U.S. institutional cohort that powered last year’s rally. Were There Any Pockets of Strength? Not all assets saw capital exit. Solana attracted $48.5 million in inflows, while XRP drew $62.9 million, extending a recent pattern in which both tokens have picked up selective support even as flagship products faced selling pressure. The contrast highlights a more selective allocation environment, where investors appear willing to rotate into assets showing relative strength rather than reduce crypto exposure across the board. It also reflects growing dispersion within the market as regulatory uncertainty affects assets differently. Investor Takeaway Flows are no longer moving in unison. Capital is rotating within crypto rather than exiting entirely, with Solana and XRP drawing interest amid broader outflows. What Does This Mean for the Rest of the Year? CoinShares now expects 2025 inflows to fall short of last year’s record. “As a result, it now appears highly unlikely that ETPs will exceed last year’s inflows, with total assets under management standing at US$46.7bn compared with US$48.7bn in 2024,” Butterfill wrote. Market pricing has remained relatively steady despite the fund outflows. Bitcoin gained nearly 2% over the week and trades around $89,700, while Ethereum held near $3,000 with little change. That resilience suggests the pullback reflects positioning and policy risk rather than a shift in broader market conviction. For crypto investment products, attention now turns to early 2026, when U.S. lawmakers are expected to revisit the Clarity Act. Until then, flows may remain sensitive to policy headlines, with U.S.-listed products carrying the highest exposure to regulatory timing risk.

dxFeed has launched a limited-time holiday promotion aimed at making premium market data more accessible to non-professional traders as the year draws to a close. Running from December 15 through January 4, the offer provides discounts of up to 25% or more on selected dxFeed market data subscriptions and bundles for the first month. The initiative is designed to lower the barrier to entry for traders seeking high-quality, low-latency market data during a period traditionally associated with higher market participation and strategy planning for the year ahead. The promotion applies to a range of dxFeed’s most widely used data products across multiple supported trading platforms. By limiting the offer to non-professional traders and the first subscription month, dxFeed positions the promotion as an introductory opportunity rather than a long-term pricing shift, allowing users to evaluate its data services before standard pricing resumes. How the Discounted Access Works Across Platforms The holiday offer is available exclusively to non-professional traders and applies only to selected subscriptions and bundles during the first month. To activate the discount, users must visit get.dxfeed.com, select their preferred trading platform, and subscribe to one of the eligible data packages. Supported platforms include ATAS, Exocharts, Medved Trader, MotiveWave, NinjaTrader, Optimus Flow, Option Trader’s Assistant, Overcharts, Quantower, Tickblaze, and Deepcharts. After the promotional month concludes, subscriptions automatically revert to standard pricing unless cancelled. dxFeed highlighted that ATAS users gain access to exclusive new offerings as part of the promotion, making it particularly attractive for order flow and market depth traders. Featured data feeds include the US Equities Ultimate Bundle, NYSE Arca Book with NBBO, Cboe EDGX Market Depth with NBBO, and Nasdaq TotalView with NBBO. Takeaway: dxFeed’s holiday promotion reflects growing demand from retail and active traders for professional-grade market data, offered through flexible, platform-integrated subscription models. Positioning Market Data for the New Trading Year The promotion also extends to Deepcharts users, who can focus on dxFeed’s US Futures and US Equities data. The company noted that the offer comes as Deepcharts enters a new phase, giving traders an opportunity to pair advanced visualisation tools with dxFeed’s established market coverage. “Whether you're refining your strategy or exploring new markets, dxFeed's reliable, low-latency data helps you trade with confidence as the year comes to a close,” the company said, framing the promotion as both a year-end incentive and a stepping stone into the new trading year. dxFeed closed the announcement by thanking its users and partners for their continued trust, adding: “May your trades be smart, your data precise, and your decisions well-informed as we head into the new year.” The campaign reinforces dxFeed’s broader strategy of expanding access to institutional-quality data while maintaining its focus on reliability, compliance, and support.  

Crypto presales used to feel messy. Big promises. Little clarity. That changed once the broader market sobered up. In 2025, Bitcoin moved back into focus as spot Bitcoin ETFs crossed $50 billion in cumulative inflows, a signal that capital is no longer chasing every headline. When money behaves this way, it looks for structure, not noise. That shift explains why attention is moving toward platforms built around AI, payments, trading tools, and Bitcoin scalability. These themes are shaping what many analysts now describe as the top trending crypto of 2025. This article looks at five projects frequently discussed among the best crypto presales including IPO Genie ($IPO); not because they’re loud, but because they reflect where crypto development is actually heading next. Quick Snapshot: 5 Presales Worth Knowing About Before diving deeper, here’s the high-level view: IPO Genie: AI-powered access to private-market style opportunities BlockchainFX: A unified trading platform vision Nexchain: An AI-native Layer-1 blockchain Remittix: A crypto-to-fiat payments ecosystem Bitcoin Hyper: A Bitcoin Layer-2 focused on speed and usability Together, these projects show why conversations around the best crypto presales have shifted away from speculation and toward functionality. Why These Presales Are Getting Attention Right Now The pattern is clear. AI is no longer a buzzword; it’s becoming infrastructure. Payments are moving from theory to everyday use. Bitcoin is expanding through Layer-2s without changing its core. Investors want access, not complexity. These forces are increasingly shaping what many see as the best crypto heading to 2026. Each project below fits directly into that transition. 5 Best Crypto Presales to Watch Right Now 1. IPO Genie ($IPO): The Private Market Elevator If traditional investing is a locked building, IPO Genie isn’t knocking on the door; it’s installing the elevator. While most presales fight for attention in public markets, IPO Genie is aiming somewhere more deliberate. The project is built around a simple belief: access matters more than speed, and opportunity matters more than noise. Instead of emphasizing rapid trading or short-term price action, IPO Genie focuses on opening up private-market style opportunities. AI is used to surface, organize, and structure deal flow so users aren’t left guessing or chasing trends. The experience is designed to feel closer to private investing than public speculation. That distinction matters. IPO Genie isn’t framed like a casino. It’s framed like an access layer. As capital becomes more selective, projects that combine AI with structured access tend to stand out. That’s why analysts looking past short-term cycles continue to include IPO Genie among the best crypto presales worth understanding early. How the $IPO Token Fits Unlocks tiered access to platform opportunities Enables governance and ecosystem participation Functions as a utility key rather than a passive asset This is a “hold to unlock” model, not “buy and hope.” IPO Genie feels less like buying a ticket and more like being handed a key. 2. BlockchainFX ($BFX): The Trading Control Panel BlockchainFX wants to be the control room, not another screen. The project is built around a reality many traders already know: the hardest part of trading often isn’t strategy; it’s setup. Too many platforms. Too many logins. Too much friction. BlockchainFX envisions a single environment where users can interact with crypto and traditional assets without constantly switching tools. It’s not trying to reinvent trading. It’s trying to simplify it. That focus on consolidation is exactly why it’s being watched. Why BlockchainFX Is Being Watched Appeals to traders who value efficiency Reduces friction without adding complexity Built around a long-term platform vision Token Utility Staking and participation incentives Supports activity within the platform ecosystem Nexchain ($NEX): The Digital Bedrock Nexchain aims to be the foundation, not the storefront. Positioned as an AI-native Layer-1 blockchain, Nexchain is built with AI in mind from the start rather than added later. The emphasis isn’t on flashy applications. It’s on the groundwork that allows ecosystems to scale. Performance, developer tooling, and long-term usability sit at the center of the design. This is infrastructure thinking, not trend chasing. Why Nexchain Matters Targets builders and long-term ecosystems Aligns with the AI-blockchain convergence Focuses on scalability and automation Token Utility Network gas Staking and ecosystem incentives Remittix ($RTX): The Financial Bridge Remittix focuses on payments. The goal is straightforward: make moving money across borders easier using crypto while still delivering real-world results. The emphasis is on usability, not charts or speculation. It’s designed to reduce friction in everyday financial movement, not to gamify it. Why Remittix Is On Watchlists Targets practical payment challenges Focuses on global use cases Fits cleanly into the PayFi narrative Token Utility Powers participation and incentives Supports the payment ecosystem Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER): The Fast Lane for Bitcoin Bitcoin Hyper builds on top of Bitcoin while leaving Bitcoin itself unchanged. As a Layer-2 solution, the project focuses on making BTC faster, cheaper, and more flexible without altering the base layer. New activity happens where speed and usability matter, while Bitcoin remains the foundation. This approach appeals to long-term Bitcoin participants who want expansion without compromise. Why Bitcoin Hyper Is Gaining Interest Bitcoin Layer-2s are becoming a core narrative Improves usability without weakening Bitcoin’s core Aligns with long-term BTC adoption Token Utility Staking and governance Gas and network activity Comparison Table: How These Presales Differ Project Core Focus Primary Use Case Token Role IPO Genie AI + Private Access Deal discovery & access Access tiers, governance BlockchainFX Trading Platform Unified trading Staking, incentives Nexchain AI Layer-1 Blockchain infrastructure Gas, staking Remittix Payments Crypto-to-fiat transfers Network utility Bitcoin Hyper Bitcoin L2 BTC scalability Gas, governance Wrap Up Each project represents a different direction in crypto’s evolution. BlockchainFX focuses on simplifying trading. Nexchain builds foundational infrastructure. Remittix addresses real-world payments.  Bitcoin Hyper expands Bitcoin’s usability through Layer-2 design. IPO Genie stands slightly apart by focusing on access itself, which is why it continues to draw attention in discussions around the best crypto presales heading into the next cycle. Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Cryptocurrency investments involve risk, and readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.

Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, has been alleged to have supported the flow of hundreds of millions of dollars in suspicious transactions that continued flowing through its platform even after a $4.3 billion U.S. criminal settlement in late 2023. According to an investigation by the Financial Times, the report, which is based on leaked internal files and transaction histories, raises fresh questions about Binance’s compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and sanctions obligations despite its high-profile plea deal and ongoing oversight commitments. The files examined by the FT detail a network of accounts flagged for malicious behaviors, including links to terror financing, implausible login patterns, and repeated identity verification failures, that continued to trade significant volumes on Binance long after the exchange agreed to strengthen its compliance framework. Binance has denied knowingly facilitating illicit conduct, but the findings add to ongoing scrutiny of its risk controls and the broader challenge regulators face in policing global digital finance. Investor Takeaway Despite its $4.3 billion U.S. settlement, the exchange’s operations may still face regulatory hurdles, signaling caution for stakeholders in Binance-linked assets. Leaked Binance Data Suggest Continued Red Flag Activity Despite Plea Commitments The Financial Times report shows internal Binance data covering thousands of transactions tied to at least 13 suspicious accounts, collectively moving approximately $1.7 billion from 2021 through parts of 2025. Roughly $144 million in activity occurred after the exchange’s November 2023 plea agreement.  These accounts exhibited multiple classic compliance red flags, such as improbable login patterns from geographically distant locations within hours of each other, failed or insufficient identity verification, and large passthrough movements of crypto into and out of the accounts.  One such account, linked to a resident of a Venezuelan hillside community, reportedly received over $177 million in crypto over two years, changing associated bank payment details hundreds of times in a relatively short span. Experts called many of the account behaviors the kind of patterns that would typically trigger action at regulated banks or financial institutions, including freezes, deeper investigations, or alerts. However, these accounts continued to operate for extended periods on Binance.  The Binance plea agreement with U.S. authorities in November 2023 was one of the largest penalties ever imposed in financial regulation, and it required the exchange to improve AML controls, transaction monitoring, sanctions enforcement, and customer due diligence. It also included provisions for independent compliance monitors to assess progress. But the FT’s examination suggests that those enhancements may not have fully prevented suspicious flows from persisting.  Investor Takeaway Even with strengthened AML and monitoring measures, Binance’s data suggests enforcement gaps may remain, warranting careful scrutiny. Binance’s Denial Raises Questions About Compliance Enforcement Binance has responded to the reports by restating that it has “strict compliance controls” and a “zero-tolerance approach to illicit activity” and that it maintains systems designed to flag and investigate suspicious transactions in line with regulatory requirements.  Still, critics argue that allowing such accounts to continue trading after their plea deal undermines confidence in the exchange’s reforms and raises questions about how effective the settlement’s compliance upgrades have been in practice.

What Is the Whale Doing in Bitcoin and Ethereum? A major crypto investor has increased bearish exposure across Bitcoin and Ethereum, adding to signs that confidence in the recent market rebound remains thin. On-chain data shows a whale wallet, identified as 0x94d3, sharply reduced spot Bitcoin exposure before rotating into large leveraged short positions. According to data tracked by Lookonchain, the wallet sold 255 BTC last Friday for roughly $21.77 million, at an average price near $85,378 per coin. The move was followed almost immediately by the opening of leveraged downside positions, suggesting the trader expected prices to stall or reverse rather than extend higher. The shift highlights how some large players continue to treat recent price strength as tactical rather than the start of a sustained trend. Instead of trimming risk after entering shorts, the wallet added to them as prices moved sideways. Investor Takeaway Large wallets increasing leverage on the short side often reflect conviction rather than hedging. That does not guarantee direction, but it raises the stakes around key support levels. How Large Are These Short Positions? On Friday, the wallet opened 10× leveraged short positions in both Bitcoin and Ethereum. The initial Bitcoin short totaled 876.27 BTC, carrying a notional value of roughly $76.3 million at the time. In parallel, the trader shorted 372.78 ETH, worth about $1.1 million. Rather than reducing exposure as the market stabilized, the whale added again on Monday. An additional 486.49 BTC and 343.01 ETH were placed on the short side, bringing total exposure to 1,362.76 BTC and 715.79 ETH. At current prices, the combined Bitcoin short is valued near $120.4 million, while the Ethereum short totals about $2.15 million. The scale makes this one of the larger visible directional bets currently tracked on-chain. What Do the Position Metrics Reveal? Entry and liquidation levels show the positions are already under some pressure. The Bitcoin short carries an average entry around $87,324, with liquidation estimated close to $101,910. With Bitcoin trading near $88,361, the position is sitting on an unrealized loss of about $1.4 million. Ethereum tells a similar story. The ETH short was entered near $2,920, while liquidation sits far higher. At a market price close to $3,001, the unrealized loss stands near $58,000. While modest relative to the notional size, it shows the trader has tolerated early drawdowns rather than closing out. That willingness to absorb losses suggests the positions are intended as directional bets rather than short-term scalps. The risk profile also leaves room for volatility, especially if prices move quickly toward recent highs. Is the Broader Market Showing Weakness? The timing of the whale’s activity coincides with a market that has struggled to regain momentum following a steep October downturn. Prices have recovered from recent lows, but the rebound has lacked strong follow-through. Technical traders point to Bitcoin hovering near its point of control, a level where most recent trading volume has clustered. Failure to push decisively above prior highs has kept downside scenarios in play, particularly if broader risk sentiment weakens. Momentum indicators have also raised caution. Bearish divergences on commonly watched oscillators suggest upside strength may be fading, increasing the chance of renewed tests of lower support zones. Investor Takeaway When large traders lean bearish while prices stall near high-volume levels, volatility often follows. Direction tends to resolve once key support or resistance breaks. How Does This Compare With Broader Forecasts? The cautious stance aligns with a wider range of institutional outlooks. Recent research from Citigroup outlined a broad distribution of potential outcomes for Bitcoin over the coming year, reflecting how uncertain the current setup remains. In a downside case, the bank sees room for Bitcoin to fall toward the high-$70,000 area. At the other end of the range, a bullish scenario points to prices well above current levels. The spread between those outcomes underlines how sensitive the market remains to liquidity conditions, macro signals, and investor positioning. For now, the whale’s growing short exposure adds another data point to a market caught between recovery hopes and lingering downside risk. Whether the bet pays off will likely depend on how Bitcoin and Ethereum behave around key support levels in the days ahead.

Introduction: a year defined by volatility and transition The global financial landscape of 2025 was shaped by extreme volatility, geopolitical tension, and deep structural uncertainty. While a full-scale crisis was narrowly avoided, the year was marked by profound capital reallocation and shifting investor behaviour, forcing markets to adapt under sustained pressure. Equity markets told a paradoxical story. Major global indices pushed to fresh all-time highs, driven largely by continued enthusiasm around artificial intelligence and mega-cap technology leaders. NVIDIA and its peers reached valuations exceeding the combined GDP of entire continents. Yet beneath these record highs, investor anxiety remained elevated. Concerns surrounding sovereign debt sustainability in the United States, United Kingdom, France and Japan intensified, alongside fears of asset valuation bubbles, sticky inflation, and rising political polarisation. In response, capital flowed simultaneously into risk assets and traditional safe havens—an unusual combination that defined the year’s underlying tension. The key takeaways from 2025 Best-performing major currency: Swiss franc (CHF) Best-performing currency (top 20): Russian rouble Best-performing commodity: Silver Worst-performing major currency: U.S. dollar (USD) Worst-performing currency (top 20): Turkish lira Worst-performing commodity: Sugar Worst-performing top-5 cryptocurrency: Dogecoin The three defining market stories of 2025 1. The U.S. dollar loses its safe-haven crown Historically, global uncertainty has driven investors toward the U.S. dollar. In 2025, however, the United States itself became a primary source of instability. Aggressive trade protectionism under the Trump administration reignited global trade tensions, while fiscal uncertainty escalated following the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which added trillions to the national debt. Structural deficits became entrenched, raising doubts about long-term fiscal sustainability. As confidence eroded, foreign investors aggressively hedged dollar exposure through FX swaps, options, and forwards. At its weakest point, the dollar fell more than 10% during the year and is on track to finish 2025 as the worst-performing major currency. In contrast, the Swiss franc surged over 14% against the dollar, benefiting from Switzerland’s neutrality, disciplined fiscal framework, and reputation as a financial safe haven. [caption id="attachment_179215" align="aligncenter" width="961"] Top 20 currencies performance in 2025 (y-t-d, as of Dec. 21, 2025)[/caption] 2. Precious metals dominate amid de-dollarisation Geopolitical instability extended far beyond U.S. policy. Prolonged conflicts in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, rising tensions in Southeast Asia and South America, and the growing risk of sovereign asset confiscation eroded trust in fiat-centric financial systems. In response, capital migrated aggressively into hard assets. Gold, silver and platinum emerged as the year’s standout performers, cementing 2025 as the year of precious metals. Central banks played a pivotal role. According to the World Gold Council, central banks purchased 634 tonnes of gold in the first three quarters of the year alone, with full-year purchases projected to approach 1,000 tonnes. This relentless accumulation established a durable price floor and reinforced gold’s role as a sanction-resistant reserve asset. Silver outperformed even gold, gaining more than 130% and reaching highs near $66 per ounce. Its rally was driven by constrained supply, surging industrial demand, and legislative developments in U.S. states such as Florida and Texas, where precious metals gained transactional recognition. [caption id="attachment_179213" align="aligncenter" width="961"] Top 20 commodities performance in 2025 (y-t-d, as of Dec. 21, 2025)[/caption] Monetary policy also contributed. As inflation moderated, major central banks—including the BoC, BoE, and ECB—initiated synchronized rate cuts, lowering the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets. The Federal Reserve followed with three 25bp cuts in the final months of the year, while the Bank of Japan stood alone in hiking rates, albeit from extremely low levels. CENTRAL  BANK RATE  (DEC., 2024) CHANGE  in RATE (bps) RATE  (DEC., 2025) Bank of Canada 3.25% -100 2.25% Bank of England 4.75% -100 3.75% European Central Bank 3.15%* -100 2.15% Federal Reserve  4.25%–4.50% -75 3.50–3.75% Reserve Bank of Australia 4.35% -75 3.60% Bank of Japan 0.25% +50 0.75% *refinancing rate 3. Crypto matures—but volatility remains Cryptocurrency markets displayed signs of maturity in 2025, balancing institutional adoption against macro uncertainty. Bitcoin surpassed $100,000 early in the year on regulatory optimism and briefly touched $123,000 before retreating in a broader risk-off correction. Despite strong ETF inflows and clearer regulatory frameworks—such as the GENIUS Act aimed at stablecoin oversight—Bitcoin ended the year down roughly 6%, lagging far behind gold’s performance. This divergence highlighted crypto’s evolving role: increasingly institutional, yet still sensitive to liquidity cycles and speculative sentiment. Concerns also emerged that the AI-driven equity boom may be approaching a corrective phase. With global AI spending exceeding $400 billion, cracks began to appear in tech-heavy indices, raising fears of spillover effects into digital asset markets. [caption id="attachment_179214" align="aligncenter" width="961"] Top 20 commodities performance in 2025 (y-t-d, as of Dec. 21, 2025)[/caption] Conclusion: a precursor to structural change Viewed in hindsight, 2025 may be remembered less for any single market shock and more as a transition year. The erosion of the U.S. dollar’s safe-haven status, the historic surge in precious metals, and the cautious maturation of crypto markets point toward deeper structural realignment. Capital flows in 2025 reflected a growing demand for non-counterparty stability at a time when traditional financial anchors appeared increasingly fragile. Whether the rush into gold and silver proves temporary or marks the early stages of a new monetary paradigm will be one of the defining questions for 2026. What is clear is that the forces shaping global markets are shifting. Investors, traders, and policymakers alike will need to navigate an environment where old assumptions no longer hold—and adaptability becomes the most valuable asset of all. Octa is an international broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 61 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools.  The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including improving educational infrastructure and funding short-notice relief projects to support local communities. Since its foundation, Octa has won more than 100 awards, including the 'Most Reliable Broker Global 2024' award from Global Forex Awards and the 'Best Mobile Trading Platform 2024' award from Global Brand Magazine. 

Vancouver, Canada, British Columbia, December 22nd, 2025, FinanceWire Seamless payment solutions that enhance the gaming experience  Payop, a global payment service provider, has introduced a renewed brand positioning and visual identity, with a strategic emphasis on the gaming ecosystem. The updated direction reflects a focus on delivering seamless and integrated payment solutions tailored to the online gaming environment. A Streamlined Approach to Payment Integration Payop introduces a player-focused product philosophy that prioritizes seamless user experiences across its suite of solutions. From real-time deposits for in-game transactions to efficient merchant payouts and uninterrupted subscription services, Payop’s infrastructure is designed to support fluid and reliable digital payment processes. Key features include: Fast checkout that integrates seamlessly into the gaming flow Player-centric services built to reduce friction, boost trust, and keep players immersed in the game Adaptive fraud filters that block suspicious activity while keeping genuine players moving smoothly Global coverage for merchants reaching gamers across borders High-converting payment solutions selection built around the preferences and behaviours of today’s gamers New visual identity The refreshed visual identity introduces a bold, joyful look that reflects the energy of gameplay. From bright gradients and dynamic 3D visuals to an interface built for clarity and speed, the new design mirrors the seamless payment experience Payop provides behind the scenes. Supporting Merchants with Optimized Payment Infrastructure Payop provides game developers, studios, and digital commerce platforms with a payment solution tailored to the dynamics of player-centric ecosystems. In addition to its technical infrastructure, Payop offers integrated risk controls and performance optimization features designed to align with the operational needs of digital merchants. Payop CEO, Anastasia Semenkova, adds: “We have developed a Pay by Bank channel powered by Open Banking technology. Our solution delivers exceptional performance and strong retention rates, and payers really appreciate it. The new brand strategy will enable us to introduce this innovative payment method to a much broader audience.” About Payop Payop provides seamless global payment solutions tailored to the gaming industry. With coverage in over 170 countries and more than 500 payment methods, Payop helps developers and platforms offer seamless, secure, and joyful transactions – so gamers can stay in the zone, and merchants can stay focused on what matters most. Contact PR Manager Anna Sternichuk Payop sales@payop.com

FXOpen offers spreads from 0.0 pips and commissions from $1.50 per lot (additional fees may apply). Enjoy trading on MT4, MT5, TickTrader or TradingView trading platforms! The FXOpen App is a dedicated mobile application designed to give traders full control of their accounts anytime, anywhere. This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.  

Finding a crypto presale that actually makes sense in 2025 feels harder than ever. New projects launch every week. CoinMarketCap data shows hundreds of new tokens entering the market each month, many labeled as “AI.” Yet most never explain what that AI actually does, or why the token needs to exist. At the same time, the broader market is becoming more selective. As of December 19, Bitcoin is holding near $87,000, even as macro uncertainty and ETF outflows dominate headlines. Analysts have noted this as a sign that capital is rotating toward utility and infrastructure, not noise. That shift is changing how people talk about best presale coins. It is no longer about who shouts the loudest. It is about who looks built to last. That is why IPO Genie ($IPO) keeps entering the conversation. Why AI Tokens Are Getting a Reality Check in 2025 A year ago, just adding “AI” to a token name was enough. Today, it is not. After a volatile market cycle, investors are more careful. According to Reuters, capital has been rotating toward projects that focus on infrastructure and risk management, not just narratives. So the question people are asking now is simple. What is the AI actually doing? That is where IPO Genie starts to separate itself in discussions around best presale coins. Its AI is not there to generate buzz. It is there to filter information. That difference matters more than it sounds. What Is IPO Genie ($IPO) Actually Selling to the Market? At its core, IPO Genie positions itself as an AI-powered platform for accessing vetted private-market opportunities. Think about how most people hear about startups. Usually, it is after they are already public. The early access is locked behind funds, connections, and long lockups. IPO Genie compares itself directly to that system. It highlights: Low minimums, sometimes as low as $10 Flexibility instead of multi-year lockups Then comes the token utility. The project states that $IPO powers the ecosystem through: Staking rewards Governance rights Tier unlocks Early deal access Lower fees It is built to be used. Not just held. That framing is why many people tracking best presale coins heading into 2026 are paying attention. Why Private Market Access Keeps Pulling Attention Back to Crypto Why does private market access keep showing up in crypto conversations? Because most of the value creation happens before companies go public. According to PwC, global investment money is expected to pass $200 trillion by 2030, with private markets taking the lead as more people gain access. Tokenization changes the shape of that problem. Not by promising profits. But by opening doors that were previously locked. IPO Genie is built around that idea. It is not creating demand for private markets. It is responding to demand that already exists. That is an important distinction when evaluating top trending crypto of 2025 narratives. AI That Filters Deals Instead of Selling Dreams If a project claims AI, there is one question that matters. AI doing what, exactly? IPO Genie describes its system, called Sentient Signal Agents, as a way to monitor: Startup traction Financial signals Market sentiment Think of it less like a crystal ball and more like a filter. Instead of asking users to trust vibes, the AI helps narrow the field. It surfaces signals. It highlights risk. It provides context. In a cautious market, that feels useful. Especially compared to AI tokens that exist mostly as branding exercises. Early Signals Analysts Watch Before Any Listings Happen Before tokens list anywhere, analysts look at behavior. Not price. Not hype. Behavior. For IPO Genie, that includes: Governance participation Staking activity Community engagement tied to utility This kind of activity has historically mattered more than follower counts. Early ecosystems like Solana and Arbitrum showed similar patterns. Not identical outcomes, but similar behavior. People were participating, not just speculating. That is why IPO Genie keeps appearing in conversations around best presale coins, even without bold predictions attached. Security, Audits, and Why Infrastructure Now Matters More Than Ever In 2025, infrastructure is part of the story. IPO Genie highlights: CertiK audits Fireblocks custody Chainlink-verified data These names do not guarantee success. But they do lower certain risks. According to Chainlink Labs, projects using verifiable data feeds tend to score higher in institutional trust assessments. That is one reason IPO Genie feels more deliberate than many early-stage presales. The Access Model Fueling IPO Genie’s Fast Rise Most presales sell a roadmap. IPO Genie sells something closer to a membership. IPO Genie is built around a tiered access model that treats token holding like membership, not speculation. The Bronze tier ($2,500) acts as the entry point, giving holders access to core deals and basic staking rewards. Silver ($12,000) increases involvement with priority allocations and enhanced staking returns.  The Gold tier ($55,000) opens early deal access, guarantees allocations, and adds voting rights, allowing holders to influence decisions rather than just participate. At the top, Platinum ($110,000) provides unrestricted access to all deals, anytime allocations, and built-in investment insurance. The structure is designed to reward commitment, where deeper participation comes from higher engagement, not short-term trading. Here is how the access tiers are framed:This structure changes how people think about the token. Instead of watching charts, holders think about access. Like a pass instead of a lottery ticket. Some presales shout for attention. Others quietly build doors and hand out keys. IPO Genie feels closer to the second. Take a closer look at how $IPO is structured and decide if it fits your approach. After the Misfits Boxing Dubai Event, the Story Shifted The Misfits Boxing Dubai event is over. The fight happened. The results are in. What matters now is what came after. IPO Genie’s role as an official sponsor placed it in a real-world setting, outside crypto-native circles. It was visible. It was accountable. It showed up. Following the conclusion of the event, that sponsorship extended IPO Genie’s presence beyond presale mechanics into a global cultural moment shaped by reactions and post-fight attention. Add that to institutional-grade security, and the positioning feels intentional. Why IPO Genie Is Being Described as Better Positioned, Not Just Louder In this market, being loud does not mean being strong. Projects that stand out now usually share a few traits: Clear utility Real-world relevance Thought-out infrastructure IPO Genie combines: AI-assisted deal screening Access-based token utility Security-first design Visible brand exposure That combination explains why it keeps coming up in discussions around best presale coins, without needing exaggerated claims. Final Take IPO Genie is not selling shortcuts. It is a selling structure. AI as a filter, not a promise. Access as a feature, not a slogan. A token that exists for a reason. Right now, IPO Genie ($IPO) is live in Stage 23, priced at $0.00010790, while presale allocations continue to move quickly.  This is the phase that rarely lasts. Once it is gone, it is gone for good. For readers tracking best presale coins and trying to avoid the familiar regret of arriving late, this feels like the narrow window before attention fully catches up. Join The IPO Genie Presale Today:   Official website Telegram Twitter (X)  Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Cryptocurrency investments involve risk, and readers should conduct their own research before investing.

Do you back a $400M-plus crypto giant still waiting to launch, or a sub-$0.001 project aiming to open trillion-dollar markets? That single question defines how many investors are thinking about 2025. The market has matured. Bigger funding numbers no longer guarantee better outcomes. What matters now is early access, real-world utility, and timing. This crypto analysis looks at two very different paths forward. One is about scale and infrastructure (BlockDAG $BDAG). The other is about access and intelligence (IPO GENIE $IPO). Both have strong followings, but they represent opposite styles of opportunity. BlockDAG Explained Simply: Big Vision, Big Expectations BlockDAG is designed to solve a familiar blockchain challenge: speed. Instead of processing blocks one by one, it uses a Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) structure. This allows multiple blocks to be confirmed at the same time. In simple terms, the goal is faster transactions and higher throughput without sacrificing security. That vision has attracted massive attention. Public reports suggest BlockDAG’s presale has reached the $430M+ range, placing it among the largest raises in the current cycle.  What investors are choosing BDAG: A successful mainnet launch Exchange listings post-presale A growing ecosystem of apps and miners This crypto analysis shows why large raises are powerful. They fund development, partnerships, and marketing. At the same time, expectations rise with scale, making execution timing a key factor to watch. IPO Genie Explained Simply: Investing Before the IPO, Not After Imagine buying early Uber; not the stock, but access to the deal itself. That’s the simplest way to understand IPO Genie. IPO Genie is built around tokenized access to private startups and pre-IPO companies. Instead of waiting for a company to go public, users can participate earlier through blockchain-based structures. AI plays a central role. Its “Sentient Signal Agents” scan data, performance metrics, and market signals to surface promising opportunities early. The $IPO token works as an access key, unlocking participation, governance, and staking benefits. The project has raised over $3M in just this short time and is currently in Stage 23, with 1 $IPO = $0.00010790, placing it firmly in early-entry territory. Momentum has been steady, but the structure remains easy for newcomers to understand. 4. Quick Snapshot: IPO Genie vs BlockDAG (2025 Comparison) Below is a fast comparison for readers who want clarity at a glance. This snapshot helps explain why many analysts view IPO Genie as an asymmetric early-cycle opportunity. That perspective often appears in forward-looking crypto analysis pieces focused on access-based platforms. Feature IPO Genie ($IPO) BlockDAG (BDAG) Core Focus Private-market access + AI Layer-1 blockchain infrastructure Entry Price ~$0.00010790 (Stage 23) Higher late-stage presale pricing Utility Before Listings Yes (deal access, staking, governance) Limited (network not live) Market Opportunity $3T–$10T private markets Competes with other L1s AI Integration Predictive deal discovery Not core Community Role DAO-driven participation Miner + holder focused Time-to-Value Immediate Post-mainnet dependent Upside Profile Asymmetric, early-stage Moderate, expectation-driven IPO Genie is like finding the trailhead before the crowd reaches the mountain. If early access matters to you, exploring IPO Genie’s presale now can provide clarity before the path fills up. How IPO Genie Could Outshine BlockDAG in 2025 Access Beats Architecture in This Market Cycle Infrastructure projects are vital, but they take time. Networks must launch, attract developers, and grow users before value fully shows up. IPO Genie takes a different route. It delivers value immediately by opening access to private-market opportunities from the presale stage. Token holders participate early instead of waiting for an ecosystem to mature. In fast-moving markets, early access often matters more than perfect architecture. IPO Genie is built around that reality. AI That Predicts, Not Just Automates Many projects mention AI, but IPO Genie focuses on prediction rather than automation. Its Sentient Signal Agents analyze startup data, funding activity, and market signals to surface opportunities early. This approach stands out in crypto analysis because timing usually determines who benefits most. Being early to the right opportunity often matters more than building the fastest chain. Private Markets: Where Real Wealth Is Still Created Private markets remain one of the most powerful engines of value creation. According to CB Insights, a significant share of growth for leading companies happens before they ever reach public markets. Companies like Uber, Airbnb, and Stripe all experienced massive valuation expansion while still private: Uber grew from early-stage funding to a $70B valuation before IPO Airbnb reached over $30B privately Stripe remains private today at valuations exceeding $91.5B IPO Genie positions users at that earliest value layer by enabling tokenized participation in private-market opportunities. For many investors, this narrative resonates more strongly than technical benchmarks like transaction speed or block confirmation times. Timing Advantage: Why IPO Genie’s Current Stage Matters Timing plays a major role in crypto outcomes. Projects at an earlier stage often carry more uncertainty, but they also offer significantly more upside if adoption grows. IPO Genie is still in presale, currently priced at $0.00010790 per $IPO in Stage 23. At this level, most investors are discovering the project before exchange listings and mainstream exposure. That early positioning is what many look for when targeting high-growth opportunities. BlockDAG, by comparison, is already trading at a much higher presale valuation. Recent reports place BDAG’s presale price around $0.0106, reflecting its large fundraising totals and later-stage positioning. Much of its future performance now depends on successful delivery and long-term network adoption. This crypto analysis highlights a simple principle: returns are often strongest when access is early and the narrative is still forming, rather than after expectations are already priced in. Momentum Signals: Community, Demand, and Visibility Momentum isn’t just price action. It’s participation and presence. IPO Genie has emphasized DAO voting, behavior-based staking, and active community involvement, rewarding users who engage rather than simply hold. There is also a clear cultural signal forming right now. IPO Genie is an official sponsor of the Misfits Boxing Dubai event, headlined by Andrew Tate vs. Chase DeMoor, a matchup that has already generated millions of impressions across social platforms as fight night approaches. With the event just hours away, tension is high, online debate is nonstop, and attention is locked on Dubai. Misfits Boxing has turned this bout into a global moment, with fans tracking every update, clip, and appearance leading into the ring walk. Why does this matter? Misfits Boxing attracts a young, global, and highly online audience that overlaps naturally with crypto culture. The sponsorship connects finance with real-world entertainment and attention Visibility during major events often comes before wider recognition and adoption. When community engagement and cultural relevance move together, analysts take notice. That blend of momentum, participation, and visibility is exactly what tends to show up in forward-looking crypto analysis. Why IPO Genie Aligns Better With 2025’s Winning Narratives Several narratives are shaping the year ahead: AI converging with finance Tokenized real-world and private assets Demand for transparent, compliant access IPO Genie sits at the intersection of these trends. BlockDAG competes in a crowded Layer-1 landscape where differentiation is incremental. This positioning explains why IPO Genie is increasingly mentioned among the top trending crypto of 2025 in early market discussions. Final Verdict BlockDAG represents ambition, capital strength, and long-term infrastructure development. IPO Genie represents early access, AI-driven discovery, and asymmetric timing. This final crypto analysis suggests that investors prioritizing early positioning, utility, and narrative alignment may see IPO Genie as better positioned to outshine in 2025. Looking ahead, platforms opening access before public markets may also influence what becomes the best crypto of 2026 as adoption deepens. Think of IPO Genie as boarding the train while it’s still at the station, not after it’s full. For readers exploring early-stage opportunities with real-world relevance, IPO Genie is worth a closer look before the doors close. Join the IPO Genie presale today:   Official website Telegram Twitter (X)  Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Always conduct your own research and consult a qualified professional before investing.