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Jake Claver, CEO of Digital Ascension Group, says ultra-wealthy families are rapidly accumulating XRP, and he believes most XRP holders still don’t realize how rare their position is. In a video posted on X, Claver revealed that his firm has been in recent conversations with large family offices that are now making significant allocations into XRP.  His comments arrive at a moment when XRP’s long-term narrative is witnessing increased interest due to ETFs, and they highlight a shift happening among investors who have always avoided cryptocurrencies altogether. Related Reading: Bitcoin Adoption Is Just Getting Started — 200x Growth Possible, Tom Lee Says Wealthy Families Quietly Accumulating XRP Claver explained that XRP ownership is currently extremely limited relative to the global population, noting that only around 8 million wallets exist on the XRPL. Half of those wallets contain fewer than 100 XRP, which makes existing holders far more uncommon than they may think. He contrasted this with Bitcoin’s widespread ownership, arguing that XRP is still early in its adoption curve. He said the wealthy families showing interest are not looking for quick profits. According to him, they have already built their fortunes and instead see XRP as a form of insurance. According to his post, these families are buying crypto, not to get richer, but to protect the wealth they already have.  He described their interest in cryptocurrencies as a hedge. These investors want something uncorrelated in their portfolios ahead of any potential shock in traditional markets. Claver’s $10K Price Target And The Conditions He Outlined When asked where he sees the price of XRP going, Claver stated that he believes the cryptocurrency could be trading at $10,000 by late 2026 or early 2027. He tied this prediction to how much ecosystem infrastructure becomes active on the XRPL over the next two years.  He said the network would need substantial institutional-grade utilities, including XRP treasury systems, Evernorth’s launch, on-chain borrowing mechanisms, and new amendments to the XRP Ledger that will bring in additional compliance layers and smart-contract features. His projection assumes that rising network volume will require higher liquidity levels and that price stability at four- and five-figure ranges will only be achievable if the ledger is handling large-scale financial flows. He also pointed to ETFs as a major factor in shaping supply and demand, noting that as ETF adoption grows, more XRP will be locked away in long-term institutional products.  Speaking of ETFs, Spot XRP ETFs are now approaching $1 billion in total net assets and could cross that threshold within the next few days. Since their debut, these funds have taken in about $897.35 million worth of XRP from exchanges and OTC desks, and they have yet to record a single day of outflows.  Related Reading: A New Era Begins: CFTC Approves Spot Bitcoin On Regulated US Markets This growing demand ties directly into a quiet change happening among institutions, a trend Ripple’s CEO Brad Garlinghouse recently highlighted. He explained that Ripple is seeing notable activity through Ripple Prime, where long-watching institutions that once stayed out due to regulatory uncertainty or simple risk aversion are finally beginning to step in.  Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView

A crypto analyst has made an unexpected declaration, predicting that XRP investors could become extremely rich in just a few months. This bold claim comes with a new technical analysis, suggesting that XRP is now entering a pivotal price area that previously triggered explosive rallies. Despite the cryptocurrency’s low price and recent downtrend, the analyst remains confident that XRP could mirror past trends and skyrocket to new highs. Related Reading: Bitcoin Adoption Is Just Getting Started — 200x Growth Possible, Tom Lee Says XRP To Make Holders Wealthy In 3 Months? In a recent X post, popular market analyst ‘Steph Is Crypto’ issued a dramatic warning to XRP holders, announcing that investors will become extremely rich within the next three months. The analyst’s bold prediction elicited mixed reactions from the XRP community, with some expressing optimism and others skepticism.  Steph Is Crypto shared a price chart with colored bands to support his ambitious claims, tracking XRP’s performance through multiple past bull cycles. The chart highlights a recurring pattern in which XRP enters a higher-colored zone during periods often associated with altcoin strength. In previous cycles, those moments were followed by unexpected, explosive upward price moves.  During the bull cycle in 2018, XRP skyrocketed by 100x, pushing its price up towards its current all-time high of $3.84. A similar uptrend occurred again during the 2020 to 2022 cycle, with XRP entering a prolonged bull phase that saw its price rally by 20x. According to Steph Is Crypto, the current chart setup appears similar to these past bullish phases.  His chart analysis suggests that XRP is once again approaching the same colored region that previously marked the start of strong price rallies. While the scale of the projected acceleration this time may differ from the peaks seen in the last two cycles, Steph Is Crypto remains confident that it will still be substantial enough to make holders significantly wealthy by March 2026. XRP Maintains Bullish Monthly SuperTrend Crypto market analyst ChartNerd has released a fresh technical analysis of XRP, suggesting that the cryptocurrency continues to show strong positive signals. According to him, XRP’s monthly SuperTrend remains firmly bullish. He emphasized that maintaining a price above the green SuperTrend line near $1.30 signals a long-term upward trajectory, with no red trends currently indicating the onset of a bear market.  ChartNerd shared a chart with a SuperTrend overlay where green lines represent bullish conditions and red lines highlight previous bear markets. The current monthly candles for XRP remain well above the green zone, reinforcing the belief that broader market conditions favor an upside. The analyst interprets this as confirmation that XRP’s long-term price trend is still predominantly bullish.  Related Reading: A New Era Begins: CFTC Approves Spot Bitcoin On Regulated US Markets Historical data on the chart also indicate that past declines in XRP coincided with prolonged red SuperTrend phases. This happened before the big 2017 and 2020 breakout, with each recovery triggered once the price moved back above the green SuperTrend line.  Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView

Many in the crypto space have echoed a familiar sentiment over recent months: “The four-year crypto market cycle is dead.” Experts from the Bull Theory assert that while the four-year cycle may have come to an end, the Bitcoin bull run itself is merely delayed and could stretch until 2027. Why The Four-Year Cycle May Be Ending In a recent post on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, the Bull Theory analysts noted that the concept of Bitcoin adhering to a neat four-year cycle is weakening.  They highlighted that significant price movements over the last decade weren’t solely driven by Halving events; rather, they were influenced by shifts in global liquidity.  The analysts pointed to the current landscape of stablecoin liquidity, which remains high despite recent downturns, indicating that larger investors are still engaged in the market, poised to invest when appropriate macroeconomic conditions arise. Related Reading: XRP Price Predictions: AI Forecasts $4.40 By March 2026, Analysts Target Up To $6 In the US, Treasury policies are emerging as pivotal catalysts. The recent buybacks are notable, but the analysts emphasize that the larger narrative lies in the Treasury General Account (TGA) balance, which is currently around $940 billion—almost $90 billion above its normal range.  This surplus cash is likely to flow back into the financial system, enhancing financing conditions and adding liquidity that typically gravitates toward risk assets. Globally, the trends appear even more promising. China has been injecting liquidity for several months, while Japan recently announced a stimulus package worth approximately $135 billion, alongside efforts to simplify cryptocurrency regulations.  Canada is also moving toward easing its monetary policy, and the US Federal Reserve (Fed) has officially halted its quantitative tightening (QT) measures—a historical precursor to some form of liquidity expansion. Political And Monetary Factors Align To Create Bullish Condition The analysts explained that when major economies adopt expansive monetary policies simultaneously, risk assets like Bitcoin tend to respond more rapidly than traditional stocks or broader markets.  Additionally, potential policy tools, such as the Supplementary Leverage Ratio (SLR) exemption—implemented in 2020 to allow banks more flexibility in expanding their balance sheets—could return, resulting in increased credit creation and overall market liquidity. There is also a political dimension to consider. President Trump has discussed potential tax reforms, including abolishing income tax and distributing $2,000 tariff dividends.  Furthermore, the likelihood of a new Federal Reserve chair who supports liquidity assistance and is constructive toward cryptocurrency could bolster conditions for economic growth. Extended Bitcoin Uptrend Historically, whenever the Institute for Supply Management’s Purchasing Managers’ Index (ISM PMI) surpasses 55, it has been followed by periods of altcoin season. The probability of this occurring in 2026 appears high, according to the Bull Theory. Related Reading: Trend Reversal Puts Dogecoin On A Path To $0.188 The convergence of rising stablecoin liquidity, the Treasury’s injection of cash back into markets, global quantitative easing, the cessation of QT in the US, potential bank-lending relief, pro-market policy shifts in 2026, and major players entering the crypto sector suggests a very different scenario than the old four-year halving model.  The analysts concluded that if liquidity expands concurrently across the US, Japan, China, Canada, and other significant economies, Bitcoin is unlikely to move counter to that trend. Therefore, rather than experiencing a sharp rally followed by a prolonged bear market, the current environment indicates a more extended and broader uptrend that could span through 2026 and into 2027. Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com

Despite the Bitcoin price recovery above the crucial $90,000 threshold—a level that has historically served as a supportive floor for the cryptocurrency—the market is exhibiting signs that a further correction may be imminent.  Bitcoin Price Recovery At Risk? Market expert Rekt Fencer recently shared insights on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, suggesting that the Bitcoin price might be forming what he calls a “massive bull trap.”  This term refers to a deceptive bullish signal in which the price briefly surpasses a resistance level, in this case, the $90,000 mark, only to reverse into a decline. Such movements can entrap investors who bought in during the peak, leading to significant losses. Related Reading: XRP Price Predictions: AI Forecasts $4.40 By March 2026, Analysts Target Up To $6 Fencer pointed out a troubling pattern reminiscent of early 2022 when Bitcoin reclaimed its 50-week moving average (MA)—currently positioned above $102,300—before experiencing a severe decline of roughly 60%, plummeting below $20,000 by June of that year.  He indicated that the recent price recovery following major drops to $84,000 should not be interpreted as a signal of near-term success, especially since the Bitcoin price is currently trading under the 50-week MA. If historical trends repeat, this could mean that Bitcoin might see a significant drop, potentially reaching around $36,200, which could potentially represent the low point of the bearish cycle for the cryptocurrency. On the other hand, there are analysts who retain a bullish outlook.  BTC Bottom In Sight?  Market researcher and analyst Miles Deutscher expressed a confident sentiment, stating he believes there is a 91.5% likelihood that the Bitcoin price has hit its bottom, based on his analysis of key developments.  He noted that recent weeks have been dominated by negative news stories, including concerns surrounding Tether (USDT) and the implications of China’s actions on crypto, which he asserts often mark local price bottoms. Moreover, Deutscher pointed out a shift in market flows from predominantly bearish to bullish. He explained that the trading environment has recently seen a resurgence in buying momentum, with large investors, or “OG whales,” ceasing their selling. This change has been reflected in the order books, indicating a possible stabilization in market sentiment. Related Reading: Ethereum Fusaka Upgrade Goes Live Today: Experts Predict Potential Supply Crunch Ahead Additionally, the liquidity landscape appears to be shifting, with market conditions tightening in recent months. The potential appointment of a new Federal Reserve chair known for dovish policies, coupled with the official end of quantitative tightening (QT), could further influence market dynamics in favor of buyers. Deutscher concluded by emphasizing that given the extreme levels of fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD) in the market, combined with improvements in trading flows, he believes that the odds favor the notion that the Bitcoin price has indeed reached its bottom. Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com 

Recent bullish predictions for the XRP price have emerged, hinting at a potential for new all-time highs (ATHs) by March 2026 for one of the market’s leading altcoins. XRP Price Projected To Reach New ATH By Q1 2026 According to projections from ChatGPT, XRP could reach approximately $4.40 by the first quarter of 2026, a notable increase of 120% from current levels around $2. In contrast to the AI forecast, some analysts believe that the XRP price has the potential for a stronger rally. They suggest that structural changes could allow XRP to exceed $5 and potentially approach $6 by 2026.  Several factors support their optimistic view. For instance, key aspects of the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) case against Ripple were resolved earlier this year, which they believe could encourage banks and payment providers to adopt XRP for cross-border transactions, fostering greater confidence in its utility. Related Reading: Bitcoin Reclaims $93,000: Could Altcoins Rebound Amid Predictions Of An Upcoming Bear Market? Additionally, Ripple’s ecosystem is expanding well beyond XRP. In December 2024, the company launched a dollar-pegged stablecoin known as RLUSD, which has already achieved a market cap exceeding $1 billion.  While RLUSD itself may not directly boost XRP’s price, it has the potential to attract more participants to Ripple’s network, thereby creating secondary demand for XRP as a bridging asset.  Analysts posit that a steady pipeline of RLUSD adoption could enhance Ripple’s revenue growth, consequently driving the XRP price higher. $2.60 Key For Momentum Shift Moreover, analysts point to the upcoming Bitcoin (BTC) Halving, expected in 2028, as a potential catalyst for a broad crypto market rally. The analysts assert that the XRP price has historically benefited from such cycles. From a technical standpoint, chart analysts see XRP setting up for a potential breakout. Price action has formed a base around the low $2 range, which could lay the groundwork for further recovery.  Related Reading: Ethereum Fusaka Upgrade Goes Live Today: Experts Predict Potential Supply Crunch Ahead According to the analysts, if bullish momentum can push the token above significant resistance levels around $2.60, it could change momentum indicators to a positive stance. Moreover, a sustained rally into the mid-$3 territory might then pave the way for XRP to reach the $4 to $5 range. When writing, the XRP price stands at $2.14, recording a 1.6% drop in the past 24 hours.  Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com 

While BTC has rebounded above $87,000 after a harsh selloff, analysts say liquidity has returned without momentum.

Kazakhstan’s central bank has signaled plans to place up to $300 million into crypto and crypto-linked assets, a move that would mark one of the clearest examples yet of a sovereign institution putting reserve money into this market. Based on reports, the funds would come from the country’s gold and foreign-exchange reserves rather than its social or oil wealth funds. Related Reading: Bitcoin Miners Face A Harsh December: Rising BTC Difficulty, Falling Hashprice Central Bank Moves Cautiously According to central bank briefings and market reporting, the investment will not be made all at once. Initial tranches could be modest — figures discussed publicly include amounts like $50 million and $100 million as possible early steps, with larger allocations of $250 million also on the table if conditions allow. The plan appears to be phased, with the bank watching price swings and market signals before committing major sums. The assets under consideration may include direct holdings of crypto tokens or instruments linked to the crypto sector, such as exchange-traded products and equity stakes in companies that serve the industry. Based on reports, the central bank’s alternative investments arm, which already holds high-tech and financial assets, would manage the placement. Investment Targets And Broader Plans Reports have disclosed that this move sits alongside a wider push to create a national digital-asset reserve fund. Officials and informed sources have mentioned target sizes in the range of $500 million to $1 billion for that reserve. That proposed fund would focus more on ETFs and corporate equity than on simply holding tokens in wallets. An existing state initiative, the Alem Crypto Fund, has already taken public steps into the market. In September 2025 the fund made an investment in the cryptocurrency BNB, signaling that parts of the state apparatus are experimenting with exposure to digital assets. That action is being watched closely by both domestic policymakers and foreign observers. Related Reading: Bitcoin Sentiment Sparks CZ Comment: Sell Greed, Buy Fear Risks And Safeguards The central bank has stressed caution. Large price swings in major tokens have been noted as a reason to phase investments slowly. The proposed $300 million allocation, according to briefings, would be drawn from non-essential reserves — explicitly kept separate from Kazakhstan’s National Fund that pays for public programs — which is meant to protect social spending from market losses. Some of the purchases, reports suggest, could be executed through regulated financial products rather than raw token buys, lowering custody and liquidity risks. The decision to structure the program in stages is intended to reduce the chance of a sudden, large loss if markets move against the holdings. Featured image from kursiv.media, chart from TradingView

The monthly XRP chart has entered one of its most decisive phases in years, and one of the asset’s most vocal analysts is laying out a blunt roadmap. Egrag Crypto, known for his long-standing bullish stance on XRP, released a new technical update that breaks down the future outlook for the cryptocurrency into three straightforward outcomes.  The chart accompanying his analysis shows XRP trading around the $2.20 region, sitting just above an important Fib support level but still wrestling with momentum, with the monthly candle about to close. Related Reading: 320 Ether On The Move: Bhutan Ramps Up Its Staking Game XRP Must Close Above $2.60 To Keep Bullish Momentum Intact Egrag’s first decisive level is at $2.60, which matches with the 0.5 Fibonacci retracement level on the monthly chart. The analyst described a close above this region as bullish but the asset would not yet be fully clear of danger. The chart shows XRP repeatedly testing this price level in the first half of the year before breaking above it in July. However, the most recent breakdown in Q2 2025 has now put the price level in focus again. The analysis becomes more aggressive once price action breaks above $3.40. EGRAG identified this as the 0.888 Fibonacci level, one of the final retracement zones. According to him, a close above this level confirms a super-bullish macro breakout, which he summarized with the phrase “we are so back.” The chart reinforces this idea by showing a tight compression beneath this upper 0.888 Fib cluster, and that a decisive breakout could lead to a rapid move into new all-time high prices if there’s enough buying pressure. XRP Price Chart. Source: @egragcrypto On X  A Close Below 21 EMA Would Break Bullish Structure The downside scenario in Egrag’s breakdown is equally straightforward. He warned that a close below the 21-month EMA would mean a severe failure of the bullish trend structure. His wording was intentionally harsh, noting that such a breakdown would mean “we are f**ked, no sugar-coating it.” The chart shows the 21 EMA currently sitting around the $1.83-$1.90 price zone, forming the final major support on the monthly timeframe. Losing this level would drag XRP back into a deeper corrective zone and finally undo most of the price advancement made this year. A significant development showed up towards the end of the week that aligns with the bullish continuation Egrag outlined. 21Shares confirmed that its US Spot XRP ETF, which is listed under the ticker TOXR, has received SEC approval and will officially launch on Monday. Related Reading: Bitcoin’s November Slump Could Trigger A 2026 Revival, Analysts Say The upcoming launch adds a perspective that institutional participation in XRP is only beginning. If inflows follow the early strength seen from other issuers, the ETFs could reinforce the bullish case Egrag mapped on the chart, especially if the XRP price is able to cross above $2.60 in December. Featured image from Pixabay, chart from TradingView

Conversations around XRP have grown louder in recent weeks as the cryptocurrency continues to trade around the $2.2 region while new Spot XRP ETFs continue to attract inflows across multiple issuers.  One voice in the community has attempted to explain why the market is unusually calm despite rising institutional demand. An XRP enthusiast known as Pumpius shared a detailed thread on X that breaks down the mechanics behind the new ETFs and why the real impact may still be ahead. His argument is that the current XRP price action does not yet reflect what is going on behind the scenes. Related Reading: Bitcoin Maxi Says ATH Back On The Table After 40x Derivatives Surge Why ETF Rules Create A Special Market Dynamic Pumpius explained that the foundation of the entire setup is in one legal detail with fund managers. ETF fund managers are restricted from purchasing XRP directly from Ripple or from the escrow accounts that hold large reserves of the token. Every ETF must source XRP through open-market purchases, without private deals or wholesale arrangements. The absence of direct acquisition forces institutional buyers into the same liquidity pool as retail and whales. With the new launch of XRP ETFs, and as demand continues to rise, the circulating supply is now the battleground, and this mechanical pressure is already visible in recent weeks as XRP trading volumes climbed while exchange supply began trending downward.  According to market trackers, XRP supply on major exchanges has declined steadily since the approval of the first Spot XRP ETFs, showing that the stress on available liquidity is not theoretical but active. Particularly, data from CryptoQuant shows that Binance’s XRP reserves are now at their lowest point in months, having dropped to 2.7 billion tokens this week. Incoming Supply Squeeze For XRP Another part of the explanation focuses on Ripple’s behavior regarding escrow releases. Although one billion XRP is unlocked each month, Ripple has repeatedly returned about 700 million to 800 million of these unlocked  tokens back into escrow.  Ripple releases only what it considers necessary to maintain healthy liquidity in the ecosystem, and the company has avoided significant selling pressure since the ETF approvals. According to Pumpius, this means the ecosystem is operating in a controlled balance where ETF issuers are absorbing a growing share of the circulating float, while Ripple keeps escrow output extremely conservative.  The result is a slow tightening of supply that’s happening behind the scenes and may not yet be visible in price action but can eventually cause what he called a structural supply shock. When this happens, XRP will not move slowly, but it will break price levels with impact. Related Reading: Crypto Wins Big: Thailand Moves To A 0% Tax On Local Exchange Gains Still speaking of what is happening behind the scenes, Ripple has been advancing several developments that could strengthen XRP’s long-term position. A recent example is Abu Dhabi’s financial regulator formally recognizing RLUSD as a fiat-referenced token. Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView

South Korea’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, Upbit, is currently under scrutiny by regulators following a significant hack that led to the unauthorized withdrawal of approximately $36.9 million in assets on the Solana (SOL) network. The breach impacted over 20 different tokens and has prompted Upbit to freeze assets on its platform while an investigation unfolds. Lazarus Group Tied To Upbit Hack Authorities are now investigating the possibility of North Korean involvement in the cyber attack. Reports suggest that a group affiliated with North Korea’s intelligence agency, the notorious Lazarus Group, may have orchestrated the hack, which Upbit has described as an “abnormal withdrawal.”  This group has been consistently linked to several high-profile crypto heists in recent years, and the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has identified North Korean cyber operations as one of the most sophisticated and persistent threats. Related Reading: Hyperliquid (HYPE) Ready For A Significant Surge To $50: Key Levels Identified The recent attack coincidentally occurred just days before the sixth anniversary of a previous major breach, in which Upbit lost 342,000 Ethereum (ETH) to North Korean hackers.  According to an unnamed government official, this latest hack bears similarities to a 2019 incident in which approximately 58 billion won in cryptocurrencies was stolen, also attributed to the Lazarus Group. In response to the attack, the South Korean National Police Agency has launched an investigation into the matter, although officials have not provided further comments on the case. Upbit’s operator, Dunamu, confirmed that an in-depth investigation into the cause and extent of the asset outflow is currently underway. Crypto Exchange Moves Funds To Cold Storage The cryptocurrency exchange’s CEO Oh Kyung-seok stated that as soon as abnormal withdrawal activity was detected, Upbit promptly suspended all deposit and withdrawal services.  “We are conducting a comprehensive inspection, prioritizing the protection of member assets,” he said in a notice to users. Following the discovery of the unauthorized transactions, Upbit has taken steps to freeze the affected funds wherever possible. To prevent any further unauthorized transfers, the exchange has shifted all remaining assets to cold storage, ensuring “a secure environment for funds.”  Related Reading: Bitcoin Price To Recover $100,000: BTIG Cites Key Reasons For Optimism Upbit is also said to be working with relevant project teams to freeze assets on-chain, having already blocked a portion of the stolen funds related to the cryptocurrency Solayer (LAYER). The exchange has indicated that deposits and withdrawals will only resume once full security checks are completed. Dunamu has vowed to reimburse customers for any losses with business funds as part of its commitment to its users. It remains to be seen what additional information the country’s authorities will release in the coming days, as well as potential refund deadlines for affected individuals.   Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com 

The Bitcoin price has recently stabilized above the $90,000 mark, sparking renewed optimism among bullish investors. Analysts at BTIG have suggested that this rebound could propel Bitcoin towards its ambitious target of $100,000.  Bitcoin Price Positioned For ‘Reflex Rally’ Jonathan Krinsky, an analyst at BTIG, expressed confidence that the Bitcoin price is positioned for a continued “reflex rally,” potentially reaching $100,000 in the short-term.  Historical data indicates that Bitcoin typically reaches a bottom around November 26, gaining momentum as the year comes to a close. This seasonal pattern further bolsters the prospects for the cryptocurrency in the coming weeks. Related Reading: Hyperliquid (HYPE) Ready For A Significant Surge To $50: Key Levels Identified Another focal point for BTIG is Strategy (previously MicroStrategy), which the analyst views as a candidate for a mean reversion trade. The firm maintains a buy rating on MicroStrategy with a price target set at $630. The analyst also highlighted that the week of Thanksgiving often aligns with momentum resets for digital assets, reinforcing expectations for a tactical upward movement into December. Reversion Ahead To $50,000 Adding to the optimistic outlook, market analyst Rekt Capital recently mentioned that if the Bitcoin price can reclaim its position above the $94,180 mark, it would flip the 2025 yearly candle into a green one, substantiating theories of a potential rally for the leading cryptocurrency in the waning days of the year.  However, Bitcoin must navigate certain hurdles to sustain this momentum. Rekt noted that for Bitcoin to build on its current prospects and approach the Macro downtrend line, it would require a weekly close above approximately $93,500, turning that level into support, similar to patterns observed in previous green cycles. Related Reading: Bitcoin Price Future: The Polarized Predictions Between Bulls And Bears—Who Will Prevail? At the same time, Mike McGlone, an analyst at Bloomberg, has voiced concerns on social media regarding the Bitcoin price trajectory for the coming days.  He suggested that a typical reversion to around $50,000 might be in the books now, emphasizing Bitcoin’s close correlation with the S&P 500. McGlone pointed out that the S&P 500’s 120-day volatility was at its lowest year-end level since 2017, indicating potential headwinds for Bitcoin. Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com 

As the Bitcoin price exhibits signs of recovery, climbing back above $90,000, the cryptocurrency community finds itself sharply divided. Some analysts believe this movement is merely a relief rally preceding another downturn, while others maintain that a bull market is still in play despite a recent 30% correction. Current Data Suggests No Cycle Top Market analyst OxChain went on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), focusing on on-chain data to shed light on the current market dynamics and what investors might expect in the near future. He argues that the recent downturn does not exhibit characteristics typical of a cycle top.  In October, Bitcoin reached the mid-$120,000 range before experiencing a subsequent decline of approximately 35%. Notably, this drop transpired without the hype, fervor, or speculation that usually accompany a market peak. Related Reading: Bitcoin Price Climbs Back To $91,000: Is The Decline Over? Key Levels To Watch The loss of nearly $1 trillion in market value underscores the underlying challenges. As Ethereum (ETH) and mid-cap cryptocurrencies simultaneously declined, there wasn’t an evident frenzy of speculation driving the downturn. Instead, OxChain attributes the decline primarily to a drop in demand.  A slowdown in stablecoin creation and diminished inflows from exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have led to reduced buying activity. Derivatives traders have also stepped back, with funding conditions softening and open interest unwinding. With market expectations recently leaning toward a potential interest rate cut in December, many buyers have opted to remain on the sidelines, preferring not to chase riskier assets. This hesitancy has led to a “fragile liquidity environment,” the analyst asserted.  OxChain notes that even medium-sized orders can cause price changes of several percentage points due to the scarcity of resting bids. An examination of order book snapshots reveals that market depth has been waning during active trading periods, leading to a scenario where the market appears to be “running on fumes.” Bitcoin Market Struggles Without Conviction The situation in the derivatives market further supports this cautious outlook. Volatility has risen, with traders now leaning toward protective measures rather than building long positions.  Interestingly, interest in futures contracts has decreased even amid small relief rallies, indicating that many traders are hesitant to take on larger positions. OxChain highlights a crucial trend: without leveraged conviction, market trends often struggle to gain momentum. On-chain data shows a more cautious sentiment among investors rather than outright fear.  While the coin days destroyed (CDD) metric has risen due to older coins moving, much of the long-held Bitcoin remains with patient holders who are not in a rush to sell. Related Reading: Metaplanet In Jeopardy: Bitcoin Needs To Surpass $108,000 By December 18 To Prevent New Crisis Furthermore, the adjusted spent output profit ratio (aSOPR), hovering near 1, signals that there is neither extensive profit-taking nor widespread panic selling taking place.  The analyst identified that the majority of selling activity has come from mid-term holders, contributing to a muted and indecisive market flow.  Additionally, institutional investors remained relatively inactive throughout November. Significant outflows were reported in both Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, which further contributed to the current state of the market. OxChain concluded his analysis by saying: The broader bullish narrative isn’t gone, but the near-term setup is fragile. Until a strong catalyst appears, expect a wandering market that drifts, chops, and tests lower levels. When writing, the leading cryptocurrency was trading just above the $91,550 level, recording a 4% price recovery in the 24-hour time frame.  Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com 

The Bitcoin price appears to be entering a new recovery phase, as the leading cryptocurrency recaptured the $91,000 level after falling by more than 30% from all-time highs last Friday, tumbling to an 8-month low of $80,000. Critical Bitcoin Price Range Technical analyst Daan Crypto Trades highlighted on social media site X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday that the critical region for investors to monitor right now is between the $89,000 and $91,000 range.  He observed that this price level acted as support in late 2024 and early 2025 before becoming a point of resistance during President Donald Trump’s recent tariff negotiations with the world’s top economies, including China.  Related Reading: Has The Bitcoin Price Hit Its Bottom? Key On-Chain Data Signals Potential Rebound Ahead After breaking out of this zone almost exactly one year ago, the Bitcoin price reached new highs of $109,000 in January, which held until a new uptrend in May of this year resulted in BTC reaching $112,000.  Daan emphasizes that a strong consolidation above these levels could pave the way for a rally toward the $106,000 to $108,000 range. Conversely, if Bitcoin falls back below these levels, it could revisit last week’s low of $80,000, which he identifies as the nearest support. Bullish Sentiments Amid Caution Another analyst, BitcoinVector, echoed Daan’s bullish sentiment but cautioned that the market remains in a high-risk environment and that the current momentum has yet to strengthen significantly.  According to BitcoinVector, steady momentum is required for Bitcoin to break out of the compression pattern that has formed since its all-time high.  He laid out the bullish path: first, the Bitcoin price must close within the $89,000 to $90,000 zone, followed by consolidation above this area, and finally, a breakout through the $93,500 to $95,000 compression band. For this recovery to gain traction, BitcoinVector stressed the importance of a “Risk-Off Signal,” indicating that buyers must begin to overpower sellers while generating momentum. Without such momentum, each upward movement would merely be a tactical reaction rather than indicative of a structural recovery. Prolonged Bear Market Ahead?  Market analyst Skew provided additional insights, noting that the four-hour chart for Bitcoin appears more constructive for bulls. He pointed to several indicators suggesting upward momentum, including the price being above the four-hour 50 EMA, the RSI remaining above 50, and the Stochastic RSI trending higher.  Skew identifies the $88,000 mark as a crucial “line in the sand,” arguing that a drop below this level would signal weakness and a failed attempt to gain momentum. Related Reading: Tether Faces Downgrade By S&P Global Amid Concerns Over Disclosure And Assets Holdings Despite the cautious optimism from some analysts, others, like Jacob King, offer a starkly different perspective. He argues that given the Bitcoin price decline from its all-time high in October, it has never experienced such a fall followed by a sustained bull market.  According to King, Bitcoin is now in a bear market that may persist for years, poised to affect the fortunes of countless investors, particularly those heavily leveraged. As of this writing, the Bitcoin price stands at $91,390, marking a 4% recovery within the last 24 hours. This places the cryptocurrency 27% below its all-time high.  Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com 

Tether, the entity behind the world’s largest stablecoin by market capitalization, USDT, has experienced a downgrade in its rating by S&P Global. This decision, made public on Wednesday, stems from what the agency describes as “persistent gaps in disclosure” and a growing allocation of “high-risk assets” within Tether’s reserves.  The assets highlighted include Bitcoin (BTC), gold, corporate bonds, secured loans, and other investments, all of which entail various risks, including credit, market, interest rate, and foreign exchange vulnerabilities. Tether CEO Responds To S&P Downgrade In a recent research note, S&P Global detailed that this upgrade came as part of a new assessment scale implemented in 2023, ranging from 1 to 5. This scale evaluates the risk associated with different stablecoins.  Following the assessment, S&P rated Tether’s USDT stablecoin as “5 (weak),” marking it as the lowest possible score and down from its previous rating of “4 (constrained).” S&P expressed concerns regarding the limited insight Tether provides into the creditworthiness of its custodians and counterparties.  Related Reading: Has The Bitcoin Price Hit Its Bottom? Key On-Chain Data Signals Potential Rebound Ahead Despite this, Tether’s CEO, Paolo Ardoino, responded in a social media post on X (formerly Twitter) stating, “We wear your loathing with pride.” He argued that traditional credit rating methods used by agencies like S&P arose from a system that has faltered, leading regulators to challenge these legacy models.  Ardoino contended that Tether stands out as a “overcapitalized” organization within the financial sector, claiming it does not harbor “toxic reserves.” He further suggested that S&P’s methods are better suited for conventional banks and insurers with opaque financial histories, rather than being applicable to digital asset issuers who operate under different reserve structures. Ardoino’s remarks indicate a belief that the agency’s downgrade indicates discomfort within traditional finance toward entities like Tether that aim to transcend a “broken financial system.” The firm’s CEO noted:  The traditional finance propaganda machine is growing worried when any company tries to defy the force of gravity of the broken financial system. No company should dare to decouple itself from it. Largest Independent Gold Holder In the aftermath of the downgrade, Tether strongly rejected S&P’s characterizations, emphasizing its resilience through various financial crises, including banking collapses, exchange failures, liquidity challenges, and extreme market fluctuations—all while maintaining full stability and the ability to redeem USDT. Tether also pointed to its issuance of approximately $184 billion worth of USDT, assuring stakeholders that it holds sufficient reserves, including US Treasuries and other assets, to satisfy redemptions.  Related Reading: Monad (MON) Price Skyrockets 80%, Emerges As Best Performer Among Top 100 Cryptos Notably, recent reports from the Financial Times reveal that Tether has emerged as the largest independent holder of gold globally, highlighting the firm’s increasing exposure to non-traditional reserve assets. According to the report, the stablecoin issuer bought more gold in the last quarter of the year than any central bank in the world. The figures show that the firm bought 26 tons of gold, adding to its substantial gold reserve of nearly 120 tons.  Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com 

The Layer 1 blockchain Monad (MON) successfully went live on Monday, igniting a significant surge in its native token. Within 24 hours of its launch, MON emerged as the best-performing asset among the top 100 cryptocurrencies by market capitalization. MON Token Hits $0.045 All-Time High  Last week, Monad’s token sale kicked off on Coinbase’s new token presale platform, gaining robust momentum by raising approximately $50 million. However, just 12 hours into the sale, that initial enthusiasm began to wane.  The fundraising effort only accumulated $95 million of the ambitious $187 million target for Circle’s USDC stablecoin. Yet, once the Monad blockchain launched, investor interest reignited, leading to an impressive over 80% rise in the MON token’s value.  Related Reading: Bitcoin Faces Less Than 50% Chance Of Hitting $100,000 By December 31, Says AI Model According to CoinGecko data, this price surge elevated the token to a diluted valuation of about $4 billion. By consolidating its gains, MON has managed to stay above the $0.040 mark, reaching a market capitalization nearing $440 million.  Notably, the token also hit an all-time high (ATH) of $0.045 earlier on Tuesday, showcasing the heightened demand for MON in the past day. This rally comes despite a broader challenging environment for the cryptocurrency market, where Bitcoin (BTC) has retraced more than 30% from its ATH of $126,000 set back in October, and Ethereum (ETH) has struggled above the critical $3,000 level.  The mainnet launch was accompanied by the listing of the MON token on several cryptocurrency exchanges, including Coinbase, Kraken, and Gemini (GEMI). Monad Trading Performance Surpasses Hyperliquid According to data from DeFillama, excitement around the MON token goes beyond its price. The Monad blockchain has already processed over three million transactions from around 140,000 addresses, with developers deploying more than 18,000 smart contracts.  Investors who participated in the token sale had the opportunity to sell their holdings immediately after the launch. However, Coinbase has issued a warning to discourage early selling, stating that those who choose to sell their tokens within the first 30 days may face reduced allocations in future token sales. This aims to prioritize genuine enthusiasts of the project over traders looking for quick profits. Related Reading: Solana Rebounds Strong as Massive ETF Inflows Reinforce $128 Support Zone Furthermore, trading volume for MON on the Solana (SOL) blockchain exceeded $87 million in just 24 hours, surpassing the trading volume on Monad itself.  This performance outstripped that of Hyperliquid (HYPE) by 149% and positioned MON ahead of platforms such as KuCoin, Gate, Kraken, and Bitget, making Solana the fifth-largest venue by total trading volume across exchanges. Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com 

Following a significant downturn that saw Bitcoin (BTC) plunge to the $80,000 mark on November 21, the leading cryptocurrency has managed to stabilize above this critical threshold for several days.  This development has sparked speculation about whether this level represents a short-term bottom and if a new upward trend might follow. Potential Local Bottom For Bitcoin According to analysis from CryptoQuant analyst Carmelo Aleman, on-chain data indicates a market landscape characterized by institutional redistribution, structural weakness, and signs of a rebound that may hint at a local bottom. Related Reading: Bitcoin Faces Less Than 50% Chance Of Hitting $100,000 By December 31, Says AI Model One of the observations made is that large whale investors have been actively distributing their holdings. The cohorts holding more than 10,000 BTC and those with 1,000 to 10,000 BTC appear to be primarily in a selling position.  Carmelo stated that this kind of behavior reflects ongoing profit-taking by institutions looking to reduce their risk exposure, which leads to an overall offloading of supply into the market. Retail investors have also been contributing to the distribution trend. Over the past 60 days, wallets holding between 0 to 1 BTC and 1 to 10 BTC have demonstrated net selling rather than accumulation, suggesting a lack of purchasing support from the retail sector. In contrast, mid-sized BTC holders—those in the 100 to 1,000 BTC range—appear to be acquiring steadily, while the 10 to 100 BTC group is showing consistent accumulation.  Hidden Bullish Divergence After this 11-day selling spree, signs of stabilization have emerged. Bitcoin has rebounded above $89,000 on late Monday, which may suggest the formation of a local bottom, although this has yet to be conclusively confirmed.  However, while momentum is positive, Aleman warned that the possibility of a trend reversal is heavily reliant on ongoing accumulation from crucial investor cohorts, notably mid-sized investors. While there are obvious rebounds and support from particular groups, the continued distribution of the 1,000 to 10,000 BTC cohort prevents definitive confirmation of a trend reversal.  Related Reading: Latest Crypto Crash Wipes $1 Billion Off Trump Family’s Wealth Other analysts, including Ash Crypto, have noted bullish indicators that further support this outlook. He highlighted that Bitcoin is experiencing a hidden bullish divergence on the weekly timeframe, suggesting that selling pressure is easing, momentum is stabilizing, and the weekly Relative Strength Index (RSI) may soon reverse. If this hidden bullish divergence is confirmed, it typically precedes a strong continuation rally, according to the analyst, adding to the argument that BTC may be on the verge of a new upward trajectory. Bitcoin is currently trading at $87,150, 30% below its all-time high of $126,000. This momentum has caused the top cryptocurrency to erase all gains recorded in all time frames, including year-to-date, with a drop of roughly 9% during this period.  Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com 

Analysts say ETF flows, onchain stress and critical macro data keep risks elevated despite bitcoin's modest rebound.

Bitcoin (BTC) is undergoing one of the most challenging periods of the year, with prices retracting nearly 30% from its all-time high of $126,000 reached last month. This decline has raised concerns about a potential bear market, fueling fears within the cryptocurrency community and among BTC investors. Despite this, a new AI-driven simulation by Bitcoin analyst Timothy Peterson offers a more tempered outlook. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Peterson indicated that while the situation remains complicated, the simulation suggests that the bottom might have already been reached or could occur within the week.  Bitcoin Predicted To Experience Slow Recovery In his analysis, Peterson predicts a slow recovery for the Bitcoin price leading up to the year’s end, though he projects less than a 50% chance that Bitcoin will reclaim the $100,000 mark by December 31. Related Reading: CEO Reveals Ripple’s XRP Is Driving A JPMorgan Competitor, Is SWIFT Next? The model presented suggests a nuanced scenario where there is at least a 15% chance that Bitcoin could close lower at approximately $84,500 and an 85% chance of finishing higher.  However, it is crucial to note that these estimates are based on seasonal averages and do not account for anticipated changes in the broader economic situation, to which BTC has shown vulnerability throughout the year. Historically, Bitcoin has shown a pattern where significant price movements are often followed by periods of consolidation. If this trend holds, Bitcoin may stabilize within a new range between $84,000 and $90,000, with the $80,000 level serving as a crucial support point for short-term price action. Fed’s December Rate Path According to recent reports, one factor contributing to Bitcoin’s current struggles is the sentiment among investors, particularly those who purchased when prices hovered around $90,000.  Related Reading: Attack On Cardano Founder Leads To Network Halt, What Really Happened? With the cryptocurrency now trading below this threshold, approximately at $88,900 when writing, many investors may be hesitant to buy in again, especially if they are facing margin calls due to borrowed funds. The upcoming days could prove pivotal for the broader cryptocurrency market as delayed economic data is set to be released ahead of Thanksgiving.  Barron’s reports that if the data strengthens the narrative for the Federal Reserve (Fed) to reduce interest rates in December, it could provide a boost to Bitcoin and its peers. Conversely, if the Fed opts to maintain interest rates, it might trigger further sell-offs in the crypto sector. Victoria Scholar, head of investment at Interactive Investor, emphasizes the importance of the $80,000 technical support level for Bitcoin. She stated that a breach below this level could further embolden bearish sentiments, adding additional downward pressure on prices.  Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com 

The recent downturn in the crypto market, which saw total valuations plummet from an all-time high of nearly $4.3 trillion to below the $3 trillion mark, has severely impacted many investors.  Among those affected is the Trump family, whose wealth reportedly decreased by $1 billion over the past month, according to Bloomberg. Their current net worth now stands at approximately $6.7 billion, down from $7.7 billion in September. Trump Family’s Crypto Portfolio Takes Major Hits The family’s crypto portfolio has suffered significant losses as a result of recent market conditions, including President Trump’s official memecoin, TRUMP, Eric Trump’s Bitcoin (BTC) mining firm, American Bitcoin (ABTC), and Truth Social—all of which are Bitcoin-related. Related Reading: XRP Real Purpose: Documentation Shows Payment Utility Contrary To Viral Claims — Details One of the hardest-hit entities is Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG), the parent company of Truth Social. Last week, shares of the firm dropped to a record low, resulting in an estimated $800 million decline in Trump’s stake since September.  The company has invested heavily in Bitcoin, spending roughly $2 billion on digital assets. Its stockpile of approximately 11,500 BTC, purchased when Bitcoin prices hovered around $115,000, now represents a significant downturn of about 25%. In addition, World Liberty Financial (WLFI), regarded as the Trump family’s principal crypto operation, has seen its value diminish rapidly. WLFI, which was once trading at $0.26, has now fallen to around $0.15 when writing. At its peak, the token’s total valuation reached about $6 billion, but it is now worth just over $4 billion. Despite the difficulties, a spokesperson for World Liberty Financial expressed optimism, stating that “Crypto is here to stay.” The spokesperson emphasized a long-term conviction in the technologies that support digital assets, suggesting that these innovations could transform financial services. Eric Trump Remains Optimistic Following his return to office in January, President Trump’s sons, Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., also began collaborating with Hut 8 Corp, a crypto company that supplies Bitcoin mining equipment.  In exchange, they secured a controlling interest in a newly formed organization called American Bitcoin Corp. Eric Trump reportedly holds about 7.5% of this new venture.  Related Reading: Attack On Cardano Founder Leads To Network Halt, What Really Happened? However, shares of Hut 8, which are traded on Nasdaq, have been cut by nearly half, wiping out over $300 million from Eric Trump’s wealth since September, with shares previously valued at $9.31. Amidst these financial challenges, Eric Trump conveyed a sense of optimism, suggesting that the recent market declines may present “a great buying opportunity.” He emphasized that those who purchase during downturns and embrace market volatility are likely to be the long-term winners in the cryptocurrency landscape. Currently, the market’s leading cryptocurrency has seen a 1.5% recovery on Monday toward $88,430, after reaching an 8-month low of $80,000 last Friday. This positions BTC nearly 30% below all-time highs of $126,000 reached back in October.  Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com 

XRP has entered a new phase in its growth as Spot XRP ETFs begin trading across the United States. The excitement surrounding institutional access to XRP has grown quickly in recent weeks, especially as filings and inflow reports hint at rising interest from funds preparing to scale their exposure.  A market commentator known as Chad Steingraber presented a projection showing just how intense ETF accumulation could become if issuers adopt an acquisition strategy similar to what was seen in Bitcoin ETFs. The estimates outline an aggressive period of accumulation that could reduce XRP’s available supply far faster than many expect, and here are the numbers. Related Reading: Trump’s WLFI Moves To Contain Wallet Breach While Federal Inquiry Looms A Breakdown Of Steingraber’s Projection Steingraber’s first scenario examines a modest but steady accumulation model where 12 Spot XRP ETF issuers acquire an average of 3million XRP per day. His projection is based on focusing on the average rather than trying to predict which fund accumulates the most, because the combined impact is what ultimately matters for XRP’s market price.  Under this setup, daily inflows would reach up to 36 million XRP. Over a standard five-day trading week, that accumulation would climb to 160 million XRP. Over the course of a month, the amount absorbed by ETFs would increase to 720 million XRP. By the end of a full year, this single projection implies that as much as 8.64 billion XRP could be removed from public circulation and locked into ETFs.  Of course, these numbers only take into account the possibility of consecutive net inflow days and no net outflow days. Although these figures are hypothetical, the pace aligns with the early patterns seen in Bitcoin ETFs, where strong averages across issuers created a sustained demand for Bitcoin. A More Aggressive Scenario Based On Recent Activity In another post, Steingraber offered a more forceful accumulation model using the activity of Bitwise’s Spot XRP ETF as a benchmark. Data shows that the Bitwise XRP ETF received inflows of about 5.82 million XRP in its first trading day. In this second scenario, the projected daily acquisition rate is doubled to about 6 million XRP per issuer. If 12 funds follow this pattern, the combined accumulation could hit 72 million XRP every day. Extending the same five-day cycle, the weekly total would rise toward 360 million XRP, while monthly totals would reach approximately 1.44 billion XRP. Over a full year, this more aggressive model ends with 17.28 billion XRP absorbed into ETF products. “The entire XRP public supply will be gone UNLESS THE PRICE GOES ASTRONOMICALLY HIGH,” Steingraber said. Related Reading: $2 Billion Gone In Minutes: Bitcoin Slide Shakes Crypto World The projections serve as a wake-up call on how quickly XRP’s supply ecosystem might change once ETF inflows stabilize and larger issuers like Grayscale, Bitwise, Canary, CoinShares, Franklin, 21Shares and WisdomTree get in on the action.  However, BlackRock, which oversees the largest Spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, is yet to make any move on a Spot XRP ETF. The company had confirmed in August that it has no immediate plans to file for one. Featured image from Pexels, chart from TradingView

Recent commentary from the Kobeissi Letter has underscored a troubling trend in the capital markets: crypto-focused funds have encountered substantial outflows, with a notable $2 billion exiting last week alone.  This marks the most significant withdrawal since February and extends a concerning streak, bringing total outflows to $3.2 billion over the last three weeks. Bitcoin And Ethereum Face Massive Withdrawals Leading these outflows is the market’s leading crypto, Bitcoin (BTC), which experienced a massive $1.4 billion in withdrawals, while the second largest cryptocurrency, Ethereum (ETH), followed closely with $689 million.  As a result of these dynamics, the average daily outflows as a percentage of assets under management (AuM) have reached unprecedented levels. Related Reading: Bitcoin Bear Market Confirmed? Expert Predicts Price Target Of $40,000 By Late 2026 The cumulative impact of these outflows, coupled with declining prices, has led to a 27% reduction in total assets under management, now standing at $191 billion, a situation that the Kobeissi Letter has termed a “structural decline.” Market sentiment remains largely negative, particularly for Bitcoin, with expert Lark Davis examining current trends through the lens of key moving averages.  Davis pointed out that as long as Bitcoin trades below the 50-week exponential moving average (EMA), currently placed just above the $10,000 mark, it remains in a bear market.  He questioned whether the current downturn signifies a “big bear,” hinting at skepticism regarding recovery prospects, or a “mini bear,” reminiscent of April’s decline where Bitcoin, despite losing the 200-day EMA, did not breach the 50-week EMA. Davis proposed three possible scenarios for the coming weeks. The first posits a drastic descent into “goblin town” without recovery, which he considers unlikely given current oversold conditions.  The second scenario involves a short-term rally that tests the 50-week EMA, potentially luring investors back before a sharp downturn.  The third scenario, which Davis leans towards, suggests that Bitcoin could reclaim the 50-week EMA by year-end, fueled by easing macroeconomic conditions, including interest rates and market valuations. Crypto Market Turmoil Intensifies  Compounding these market concerns is the precarious situation of Strategy, formerly known as MicroStrategy, headed by Bitcoin advocate Michael Saylor.  Jacob King, CEO of SwanDesk, remarked that should Bitcoin fall a few more percentage points, specifically below Strategy’s average buy at just below $80,000, the firm would find itself in a precarious position with its Bitcoin holdings.  King fears that forced liquidations could occur again for crypto investors, which could drive Bitcoin prices down toward $10,000 or lower due to increased selling pressure. Related Reading: Saylor’s Strategy Under Threat: Index Status At Risk With $8 Billion On The Line King’s commentary reflects a broader skepticism regarding the sustainability of the crypto market’s structure. He criticized the investment strategies surrounding Bitcoin as being propped up by “unsustainable fraud and hopium.”  Highlighting past statements by Saylor, King recalled when Saylor encouraged extreme measures—such as taking out double mortgages and selling personal assets—to invest in Bitcoin, asserting that the current market turmoil should come as no surprise. At the time of writing, Bitcoin was trading at $84,700, over 30% below all-time high levels of $126,000 reached earlier in October.  Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com

In what could soon be recognized as the worst-performing week since November 2022, the market’s leading crypto, Bitcoin (BTC), experienced a significant downturn on Friday, plummeting to an eight-month low of $80,000. Market analysts suggest that this downturn began in earnest on October 10, when the market first exhibited signs of a downward trajectory. That day was marked by a brutal liquidation event, erasing nearly $21 billion within minutes and triggering a series of flash crashes that have since perpetuated fears throughout the industry. Digital Asset Treasuries At Risk?  Ran Neuner, the founder of Crypto Banter, believes he has uncovered the reasons behind the crash that commenced on October 10 and why the market has struggled to regain its footing since then. Related Reading: Saylor’s Strategy Under Threat: Index Status At Risk With $8 Billion On The Line According to Neuner, two primary players known as Digital Asset Treasuries (DATs), including firms like Strategy (MSTR) and others, have been significant buyers driving this market cycle. The objective for these firms is straightforward: to become large enough to gain entry into major indices.  Once included, passive index trackers are compelled to purchase large quantities of their stocks, thereby enabling these companies to grow even larger and secure placements in additional indices, thus perpetuating a self-reinforcing cycle. On October 10, MSCI, the world’s second-largest index company, announced a critical evaluation. They are questioning whether companies that primarily hold crypto assets should be classified as either “companies” or “funds.” If these firms are categorized as funds, they would no longer qualify for inclusion in passive indexing.  This is crucial because funds follow a cyclical pattern: they acquire assets, grow larger, and become eligible for additional indices, further boosting their asset base. A ruling on this matter is anticipated on January 15, 2026.  Should it favor the classification of these companies as funds, Neuner asserts that firms like Strategy could face automatic removal from all indices. Such a decision would compel pension funds and other passive index holders to divest from these companies, effectively diminishing one of their primary reasons for existence. The Future Of Crypto Hinges On Upcoming Ruling Given that DATs have underpinned the current market cycle through substantial purchasing pressure, investors apparently recognized the implications of the October 10 announcement right away and adjusted their positions accordingly.  This pivotal date now appears anything but coincidental; it marked a realization among informed market participants regarding significant risks to both cryptocurrencies and the existing market structure. Related Reading: Bitcoin Bear Market Confirmed? Expert Predicts Price Target Of $40,000 By Late 2026 Looking ahead, the expert predicts that the market could continue to decline until the end of December. If the forthcoming announcement from MSCI is unfavorable, Neuner believes that a substantial sell-off may ensue as investors prepare for the potential exclusion from indices. Conversely, if the ruling is positive, Neuner asserts that it could signal a renewed bull market for Bitcoin and the broader crypto market. As of this writing, Bitcoin has slightly recovered to $84,880. However, the market’s leading cryptocurrency is trading 32% below its all-time high of $126,000, which was reached at the beginning of October—just four days before the major crash.  Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com 

Analysts warn structural support is weakening as ETF outflows accelerate, pushing bitcoin to $82,000 and the total crypto market cap below $2.9 trillion.

Cardano (ADA) founder Charles Hoskinson previously projected that the Bitcoin price could reach an impressive price of $250,000 as early as this year. This bold forecast, made in April, came at a time when Bitcoin was trading at $77,000 after achieving a record high of $109,000 in January.  Hoskinson’s Optimistic Bitcoin Price Forecast Hoskinson’s optimism was based on his belief that international negotiations, particularly between the US and China, would favor Bitcoin’s growth.  The Cardano founder suggested that easing tariffs would lead to a positive market reaction and bolster adoption, particularly with the anticipated passage of the GENIUS Act, which was signed into law by President Trump a few months later. Related Reading: Bitcoin Dips Below $90,000—Yet Altcoins Remain Unscathed: Here’s Why However, the current market realities have raised doubts about Hoskinson’s prediction. Since then, Bitcoin has experienced significant fluctuations, briefly regaining momentum to reach $126,000 mid-October, only to see the broader crypto market subsequently shed over $1 trillion in total market cap.  This downturn has largely been attributed to persistent selling pressure by concerned investors, and substantial outflows from the Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) sector, with nearly $2 billion sold over since October. As it stands, Bitcoin is trading at approximately $89,300, marking a nearly 30% decline from its recently achieved all-time highs. In light of this, Jacob King, CEO of Swandesk, publicly dismissed Hoskinson’s $250,000 price target, characterizing it as unrealistic.  Is Bitcoin In A New Bear Market Cycle? In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), King stated that such lofty price predictions are “pulled out of thin air” and reflect a market still grappling with “delusions.” King elaborated on his viewpoint, suggesting that the industry is in the early stages of a new bear market cycle.  He is not alone in this assessment. Market expert Lark Davis recently noted that, based on the classic four-year Bitcoin price cycle, the cryptocurrency has officially entered bear market territory.  Davis commented that this scenario leaves two possibilities: either the established four-year cycle is no longer relevant, or the market has indeed shifted into a bearish phase. Given the current macroeconomic backdrop, he leans toward the latter interpretation. Related Reading: Kraken Achieves $20 Billion Valuation With $200 Million Investment From Citadel Additionally, others in the market have echoed these bearish sentiments. An analyst known as Mr. Wall Street has recently speculated that the Bitcoin price peaked at $126,000.  The analyst believes that this may mark the zenith for this cycle, predicting that the Bitcoin price could next face significant downward pressure, potentially slipping to a range between $74,000 and $82,000. He further forecasts a possible decline to levels between $54,000 and $60,000 by the fourth quarter of 2026. Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com 

The US-based cryptocurrency exchange Kraken recently secured a substantial $200 million investment from Citadel Securities, a global market maker. This investment values the exchange at an impressive $20 billion.  Kraken’s Growth Backed By Citadel Securities Citadel Securities has expressed enthusiasm about supporting Kraken’s growth, emphasizing the firm’s role in shaping the future landscape of digital innovation within markets.  Related Reading: Bitcoin Price Alert: This Indicator Signals SELL, Could History Repeat With A 67% Drop? Jim Esposito, president of Citadel Securities, highlighted their commitment to collaborating with Kraken on risk management and market structure analysis, among other strategic initiatives.  This capital infusion comes on the heels of a previous financing round back in September of this year, during which the digital asset platform successfully raised $600 million at a $15 billion valuation.  Investors in this earlier round included Wall Street entities such as Jane Street, DRW, HSG (formerly known as Sequoia Capital China), Oppenheimer, Tribe Capital, and the family office of Arjun Sethi, who serves as the exchange’s co-CEO.  IPO Plans Unhurried Despite Strong Figures Kraken’s fundraising efforts, totaling $800 million across its two recent financing rounds, have significantly strengthened the company’s financial position ahead of its planned initial public offering (IPO) in the upcoming year.  Related Reading: Crypto Market Wipes Out $1 Trillion Since October: Analyzing The Forces Behind The Crash However, last week, Bitcoinist reported that Kraken has no plans to speed up its initial public offering, backed by robust financial figures. In a Yahoo Finance interview, Sethi stated, “We have enough capital on our balance sheet as a private company. We don’t race to the door as quickly as possible.” Arjun Sethi previously emphasized the importance of maintaining a prudent approach, ensuring that the company’s financial foundation remains robust and poised for sustainable growth. In the wake of the recent funding, Sethi stated:  This investment represents long-term conviction in Kraken’s mission to build trusted, regulated infrastructure for the open financial system. Our focus has always been straightforward: to create a platform where anyone can trade any asset, anytime, anywhere. The exchange also disclosed substantial revenue growth in the third quarter of the year, reaching $648 million. Yet, its closest competitor, Coinbase—the largest exchange in the country—reported revenue growth of $1.9 billion.  Kraken’s recent acquisitions, including its $1.5 billion purchase of the futures trading platform NinjaTrader, are further examples of the exchange’s strategic expansion efforts this year. Looking ahead, the exchange revealed in a blog post: We plan to enter new markets across Latin America, Asia Pacific and EMEA, while broadening our offerings beyond crypto to include additional asset classes, advanced trading tools and staking solutions, expanded payment services and enhanced institutional capabilities. Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com 

Since October 6, the crypto market has lost over $1.1 trillion in value. Analysts from The Bull Theory examined the underlying causes of this behavior and identified significant issues causing such poor performance in what was expected to be a bullish fourth quarter for the industry. Market Liquidity Stumbles Post-October 10 Sell-Off One of the primary factors cited is the severe damage inflicted on market liquidity following the dramatic sell-off on October 10, which resulted in more than $20 billion liquidated from traders in a matter of minutes.  This particularly impacted altcoins, with many seeing losses of 70% to 80%. With liquidity diminished, the current market environment allows prices to fluctuate easily, meaning even minor sell-offs can lead to rapid price drops.  The analysts noted that the liquidity has failed to recover since this initial dump, resulting in the order books for major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) becoming increasingly sparse. Related Reading: The ‘Insanely Bullish’ Dogecoin Setup That Will Trigger A 600% Rally To $1 The consequences of this thin liquidity are stark; a small volume of selling can generate significant downward price movements. This observation matches the reality of recent market activity, where price declines appear more pronounced than the actual selling volume. Another contributing factor to the downturn, as pointed out by market analyst Tom Lee, is the behavior of major market makers. According to Lee, the ongoing correction may stem from one or two large entities facing considerable losses.  Layered upon these issues is the excessive leverage in the market. Despite the unprecedented liquidations, many traders have reportedly returned to the market with increased leverage.  The Bull Theory analysts contend that this high leverage, coupled with thin markets, enables market makers to trigger substantial liquidations with minimal price movement, making the sell-offs appear more aggressive. Crypto Fear Index Hits Lowest Level In Over 3 Years Compounding these issues, market sentiment has been plagued by fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD). Current narratives circulating, such as speculation regarding Strategy (previously MicroStrategy) facing forced liquidations if Bitcoin falls below $74,000, further exacerbate panic.  It is worth noting that during the 2020-2021 cycle, Strategy’s cost basis hovered around $30,000 to $32,000. Even when Bitcoin dipped to $16,000—almost 50% below their cost—the company did not sell any coins.  The Fear Index has also plummeted to 10, a level not seen in over three and a half years. The analysts belive that such extreme fear suggests two potential scenarios: either the market has reached its bottom, or it is approaching it.  Related Reading: Here’s Why The Ethereum Price Is Crashing Again, Can It Breach $3,000? In conjunction with these sentiment measures, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) for Bitcoin has returned to levels comparable to those of January 2023, when Bitcoin was valued around $20,000.  The analysts suggest that this signals a stretched market on the downside, particularly within altcoins, where speculative activity has diminished and retail interest is waning. Despite the current turmoil, the Bull Theory analysts find that fundamentally, little has changed within the crypto market. They highlighted that Bitcoin’s network remains robust, with increasing hashrate, ongoing institutional interest, and a supportive stance from the US government regarding regulated crypto. However, it remains to be seen what the eventual direction of the digital asset market will be, as neither negative nor bullish cycles follow straight lines. This suggests that despite the downtrend, a new recovery and future dips may occur, and vice versa.  At the time of writing, Bitcoin was leading Monday’s crypto market drop, trading at $91,940—a 3% drop within 24 hours and a 13% drop within a week.  Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com 

The Bitcoin price has seen a significant pullback, retracing nearly 26% from its all-time highs, fueling speculation about the potential onset of a new bear market.  Compounding this uncertainty, a fresh sell signal has emerged from one of the cryptocurrency’s key indicators, reminiscent of the past when similar signals led to a staggering 67% drop in value. Bitcoin Price Could Plunge To $31,000 Market expert Ali Martinez pointed out in a recent post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that the last time the SuperTrend indicator issued a sell signal for Bitcoin was in 2022. At that time, Bitcoin, which had reached an all-time high of $69,000, subsequently fell to around $17,000.  Related Reading: Can Strategy Survive A 90% Bitcoin Crash? Saylor Says Yes While the market landscape has changed significantly since then—with the introduction of exchange-traded funds (ETFs), new digital asset treasuries (DATs), and increased institutional support spurred by pro-crypto regulations—the current situation mirrors some of those past concerns. As it stands, the Bitcoin price is trading just above $94,500. If the historical trend of a 67% retracement were to repeat in the next months, the price could potentially fall to around $31,185, which could be the potential bottom of the new bear market.  Adding to the conversation, another analyst known as Mr. Wall Street suggested that the recent Bitcoin price peak might be at $126,000. He forecasted that the next major downward move could see BTC hit levels between $74,000 and $82,000, ultimately reaching a target between $54,000 and $60,000 by the fourth quarter of 2026.  This perspective contributes to the notion that Bitcoin is likely confirmed in a bear market, which could result in a year-long decline marked by price fluctuations similar to those seen in previous bear cycles. A New Death Cross Emerges Further complicating the outlook, analyst Doctor Profit pointed out a significant technical signal: the Bitcoin price experienced a death cross for the first time since April 2025.  This event, marked by the 50-day moving average (MA) crossing below the 200-day moving average, historically led to rallies of 25% to 60% in the following three months.  However, Doctor Profit emphasized a crucial difference this time around: the death cross occurred while Bitcoin was trading 6% below the 50-day exponential moving average (EMA50). In the previous instances, such crosses happened while Bitcoin was positioned above the EMA50, suggesting a different market sentiment this time. Related Reading: Here’s Why The Ethereum Price Is Crashing Again, Can It Breach $3,000? The current bearish sentiment is intensified by negative trends in ETF sales and whale net volume, adding significant pressure to the Bitcoin price.  With the average entry price for Bitcoin buyers over the past six months set at approximately $94,600, falling back toward or below this level could trigger fresh selling pressure.  Historically, short-term traders tend to exit at breakeven or even at a slight loss, raising concerns about further declines. Doctor Profit concluded his analysis stating:  This combination of ETF selling, whale selling, and a large cluster of sellers sitting at breakeven levels is a dangerous setup and adds to the bearish case.  Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com 

A recent comment from crypto analyst CryptoTank has brought attention to a long-standing misconception about the size of the XRP community. His post focused on the widely quoted figure of seven million XRP wallets and explained why this number does not represent the number of real holders.  The clarification arrives at a time when XRP is now positioned to start to receive institutional inflows from the recently launched Canary Spot XRP ETF. Related Reading: Dogecoin Alert! Price Could Explode Over 2,800%, Analyst Says Why Wallet Count Does Not Equal Holder Count CryptoTank noted that nearly 7 million wallets holding XRP does not translate to millions of people owning the asset. He pointed out that he personally maintains roughly 30 wallets, and most committed XRP investors tend to operate between four and six on average. This means a single individual can appear multiple times in on-chain statistics, making the total wallet count an unreliable indicator of how many real participants exist. The view is simple: the actual number of distinct XRP holders is far lower than many assume, and he believes the true figure sits comfortably below 1 million worldwide. This paints a picture of a community that is still at an early stage compared to other major digital assets. If only a fraction of those seven million addresses belong to unique individuals, then the people who hold XRP today represent a much smaller, far earlier group than estimates imply. CryptoTank described this group as being “way ahead” of the world, meaning that current holders occupy a position that could become far more valuable once broader participation finally arrives.  A small holder base means that any meaningful expansion in demand, whether retail or institutional, could have an outsized effect on price because the XRP price has not yet experienced the type of mass inflow seen in previous cycles for Bitcoin and Ethereum. Institutional Expansion With Spot XRP ETF This discussion arrives at a significant moment for XRP, particularly with the introduction of the newly launched Spot XRP ETF in the United States. The product widens XRP’s reach beyond its early holder group, allowing institutions and retail traders in regulated markets to also invest in the cryptocurrency. If the true population of XRP holders is small, the arrival of ETF demand could become a major turning point.  As inflows grow, this new access point may mark the beginning of a shift from an early-holder community to a broader institutional and retail audience. Speaking of inflows, Canary’s Spot XRP ETF started its first full trading day with $243.05 million in inflows on November 14, according to data from SoSoValue.  Related Reading: XRP Earns Academic Praise: University Study Calls It ‘Gold In Your Hands’ This wasn’t reflected in the price of XRP though, as the cryptocurrency is down alongside the rest of the market. At the time of writing, XRP is trading at $2.26, down by 1.4% in the past 24 hours. Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView

Bitcoin’s latest downturn has caused considerable speculation about whether Strategy’s (formerly known as MicroStrategy) massive holdings are playing a role in the market’s weakness. The concerns escalated sharply when wallet-monitoring platforms flagged large Bitcoin transfers linked to the company, sparking widespread claims that a major sell-off had begun.  The conversation gained even more traction when a widely circulated report alleged that Strategy had slashed its Bitcoin holdings by tens of thousands of tokens. Michael Saylor moved quickly to address the rumor, but the back-and-forth between on-chain interpretations and official statements raises questions of what is really happening behind the scenes. Related Reading: XRP Earns Academic Praise: University Study Calls It ‘Gold In Your Hands’ How Wallet Movements Turned Into Full-Blown Sell-Off Rumors The controversy started when Walter Bloomberg shared a post citing Arkham Intelligence and claiming Strategy had reduced its Bitcoin stash from 484,000 BTC to roughly 437,000 BTC.  The alleged drop of about 47,000 BTC immediately led to questions as to whether the company had quietly begun liquidating. Saylor responded directly beneath the post, stating, “There is no truth to this rumor,” dismissing the claim outright. There is no truth to this rumor. — Michael Saylor (@saylor) November 14, 2025 As the situation spread across social platforms, Arkham Intelligence later clarified what actually happened. In a post on X, the firm explained that Strategy had moved 43,415 BTC since midnight UTC, worth over $4.2 billion, but also noted that the activity consisted of routine custodian rotations.  According to Arkham, the transfers were due to movement from Coinbase Custody to a new custodian, along with internal rebalancing and wallet refresh processes. None of the movements indicated sales and that Strategy frequently performs these custodial transitions. Anyone tracking these wallet clusters over the past two weeks would have seen similar flows, eventually followed by relabeling once new addresses were established. Saylor’s Public Reassurance And Continued Bitcoin Accumulation In response to the swirling speculation, Saylor took a definitive stance to calm markets. While speaking at an interview on CNBC, Saylor addressed the controversy, stating that Strategy had not sold any Bitcoin and had no plans to do so.  His remarks left no ambiguity as he said, “We are buying; we’ll report our next buys on Monday morning.” He went further to describe the company’s financial position and long-term confidence, noting that the firm has put in a very strong base around here with its Bitcoin holdings. Saylor also highlighted that Strategy’s debt structure does not impose immediate obligations, saying the debt is still “4.5 years out.” This means there is currently no financial pressure that would require liquidation of Bitcoin.  Related Reading: Crypto ‘Pig-Butchering’ Scam Escalating Into A National Security Risk— Study Shortly after the interview, he reinforced his message on X, stating plainly, “We bought bitcoin every day this week,” which directly contradicts any claims of ongoing sell pressure from Strategy. In terms of price action, Bitcoin has spent most of this week on a downtrend, which now puts its price trading below $100,000. At the time of writing, Bitcoin is trading at $96,084. Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView

Following a notable debut on the Nasdaq earlier this year, Circle (CRCL), the issuer of the USDC stablecoin, has experienced a significant decline in its stock value. After hitting a peak of $298 on June 23, just 18 days post-launch, shares have now dropped by 68%, trading around $82. Circle Faces Challenges As Lockup Period Approaches Despite benefiting from a softer regulatory stance on digital assets in the US with President Trump’s crypto policies, Circle faces challenges that history does not favor, particularly as it approaches the end of its lockup period.  Related Reading: Bitcoin Price Tumbles Toward $98,000: What’s Driving The Drop And What Lies Ahead Analysts, including Dan Dolev from Mizuho, highlighted that this lockup period prevents insiders from selling shares, typically for 180 days after an initial public offering.  Circle’s initial public offering (IPO) filing indicated that this lockup period is set to expire two days after the company unveils its third-quarter earnings, which is this Friday. Mizuho’s analysis of over 750 IPOs with market capitalizations exceeding $1 billion reveals that 58% of companies that outperform the S&P 500 prior to their lockup period tend to underperform the index in the 180 days following it. These companies see an average decline of approximately 2%.  The outlook is even bleaker for firms falling short of revenue expectations in the year after their IPOs, which tend to experience an average negative return of about 10% relative to the S&P 500. Circle may find itself in this latter category according to Mizuho. A significant portion of the company’s revenue comes from the interest on USDC reserves held in short-term US Treasuries, Treasury repurchase agreements, and cash.  Consequently, a decline in interest rates or slower-than-anticipated growth of USDC could adversely impact revenue streams. Dolev noted:  In our view, CRCL is likely to see downward revisions to consensus estimates over the coming years amid declining rates and less stellar proliferation of its USDC stablecoin, alongside growing distribution costs. Is CRCL A Buy-Low Opportunity?  Despite these potential downward adjustments, Circle recently exceeded consensus estimates for both revenue and earnings in its third-quarter report.  Related Reading: By The Numbers: First Spot XRP ETF Achieves Record Launch Amid 900 Competitors Following the announcement, JP Morgan issued a double-upgrade for the stock from Underweight to Overweight, raising its price target from $94 to $100. The bank underscored the ongoing acceptance of stablecoins within mainstream financial institutions, with USDC being a leading player in this space. However, the impending lockup expiration has already placed downward pressure on Circle’s stock, according to JP Morgan analyst Kenneth Worthington.  He views the current situation as a “buy-low opportunity” for investors, suggesting that the stock’s decline post-lockup may have brought it to levels below its December 2026 price target, indicating potential for future upside. Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com