Short-term charts point to weakness and fading momentum, even as long-term forecasts split sharply between institutional-driven upside and warnings of a deep mean reversion. source: https://www.blockhead.co/2025/12/30/bitcoin-flashes-technical-sell-signals-as-bulls-bears-clash/

Market is mobilizing all resources it has left for a final push in 2025, but it might not succeed. source: https://u.today/crypto-market-prediction-shiba-inus-shib-first-big-test-in-2026-bitcoin-btc-enters-year-end-rally

According to Onchain Lens monitoring, a major whale (0x94d...3814) has added to its 10x leveraged short position in BTC and opened new 10x leveraged short positions in ETH and 20x leveraged short positions in SOL. Its total positions are currently valued at $169 million, comprising 36,281 ETH (worth $106.5 million), 552.25 BTC (worth $48.16 million), and 114,700 SOL (worth $14.13 million).

Fartcoin whale accumulates 8. 58 million, valued at $2. 66 million source: https://ambcrypto.com/fartcoin-sees-2-66mln-whale-buying-is-0-36-back-on-table/

As Bitcoin (BTC) maintains a consolidated trading range between $86,000 and $90,000 after experiencing a 30% correction from its all-time high in October, market expectations for the cryptocurrency’s future remain optimistic. Market analyst Dominic Basulto from The Motley Fool believes that despite the persistent challenges seen in the fourth quarter of the year, Bitcoin could soar to $150,000 by 2026, fueled by the newly established US Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. Is $150,000 Possible For Bitcoin? Historical context supports Basulto’s prediction; Bitcoin’s performance over the years has shown significant recovery potential, with 2015 marking its worst bull market year at just a 36% gain. Significantly, in seven of its years, Bitcoin has achieved triple-digit percentage returns source: https://www.newsbtc.com/bitcoin-news/us-strategic-bitcoin-reserve-key-catalyst-for-potential-surge-toward-150000-next-year/

null source: https://x.com/angrycryptoshow/status/2005790553309597888

The South Korean government's draft "Digital Asset Basic Law" (the second phase of legislation for crypto assets) proposes several investor protection measures, including introducing no-fault liability for digital asset service providers and establishing a bankruptcy risk isolation mechanism for stablecoin issuers. However, due to significant disagreements surrounding core issues such as the issuers of stablecoins, the government's submission of the draft is expected to be delayed until next year. Reports indicate that the draft law, currently under review by the Financial Services Commission, may require stablecoin issuers to allocate their assets to low-risk assets such as deposits and government bonds, and to deposit or entrust at least 100% of the outstanding balance to banks or other management institutions to prevent the risk of issuer bankruptcy from being passed on to investors. Simultaneously, the information disclosure obligations, terms, and advertising regulations for digital asset operators will be closer to those of traditional financial institutions. In the event of hacking attacks or system failures, no-fault liability may be applied in accordance with the "Electronic Financial Transactions Act." Furthermore, the draft law may allow the sale of digital assets within South Korea, provided that information disclosure is strengthened, to correct the previous practice of "overseas issuance, domestic circulation" established due to administrative restrictions on ICOs. Although a preliminary legislative framework has been established, disagreements remain between the Financial Services Commission (FSC) and the Bank of Korea, among other institutions, on key issues such as the eligibility of stablecoin issuers, approval mechanisms, minimum capital requirements, and whether exchanges can simultaneously perform issuance and circulation functions. The FSC stated that relevant departments are continuously working to narrow the gap in their positions and have not yet reached a final decision on the plan. (Yonhap News Agency)

On December 30th, US President Trump commented on the Federal Reserve, stating: "I'm considering suing Fed Chairman Powell. Powell should resign. I'd love to fire him, but his term is almost over. Maybe I will eventually fire him." The nominee for Fed Chairman is expected to be announced in January. (Jinshi)

Bitcoin’s latest pullback is being led by the United States, and the Coinbase Premium Index is making that increasingly clear. Coinbase Premium Signals Sustained US Selling The chart shows the Coinbase Premium dropping to its lowest level since November, firmly in negative territory. source: https://www.ethnews.com/us-investors-drive-bitcoin-sell-off-as-coinbase-premium-hits-monthly-low/

Trump criticizes Fed Chair Powell, considers firing as cryptocurrency markets react positively. source: https://coincu.com/news/trump-considers-firing-powell-2/

Japan is moving forward with a major overhaul of its crypto taxation framework, proposing a flat 20% tax on profits from digital assets under its 2026 tax reform plan. While this marks a significant reduction from the current 55% rate, the new policy currently applies only to a limited set of “specified” crypto assets, leaving many to wonder what that means.

OpenAI is facing lawsuits after a 16-year-old died by suicide, with claims that ChatGPT repeatedly discussed hanging and may have worsened his distress. The company is now introducing stronger teen protections, including safety alerts, age-specific guidance, and parental controls, to prevent harm and ensure younger users have safer, age-appropriate interactions.

The Stellar Development Foundation (SDF) has partnered with LayerZero, a leading interoperability protocol, to enable native connectivity between Stellar and more than 150 blockchain networks. The integration allows assets—most notably USDC and other stablecoins—to move seamlessly across chains without relying on centralized bridges or intermediaries.

Hackers took control of Rainbow Six Siege, giving players billions of in-game credits and rare items, forcing Ubisoft to shut down the servers. The company is rolling back the affected accounts while allowing players to keep any items they used, and is gradually reopening the game.

Bitmine has made one of the most aggressive treasury moves in recent crypto history, committing hundreds of millions of dollars to Ethereum while simultaneously embracing staking as a long-term income strategy.

Mirae Asset Group is in talks to buy South Korea’s fourth-largest crypto exchange, Korbit, in a deal worth about 100 to 140 billion won ($70–$100 million).

Over $35 million in cryptocurrency stolen from LastPass users since 2022 has been traced to Russian cybercriminals using weak master passwords and laundering funds through mixers and Russian exchanges. TRM Labs found the thefts continued for years, showing that even encrypted vaults can be compromised if security practices are weak.

Coinbase has finally made its first arrest of one of the masterminds behind the exchange's customer data breach that exposed nearly 70,000 user accounts.

Global online interest in cryptocurrencies has fallen to its lowest levels as we approach the new year, with Google search data signaling a sharp pullback in retail attention as the market heads into 2026.

The Atlas memecoin, themed around US Vice President JD Vance’s pet dog, has nearly half of its supply controlled by 68 wallets showing signs of coordinated buying and potential insider activity. The token was heavily promoted by the influencer Whale Insider, raising concerns that retail investors could be at risk from price manipulation.